Book 'WlMl^S^ i- ;' I Xo. XVII. if PROCEEDINGS -^^OK THE . •,' MorrrstFr ^oriFl^g of jStntiqnitg, For The Year 1881. WORCESTER, MASS. : PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 1882. U. S. A. CVI. La crz-U^^'U/t* /1^/Gv.:^. ... AOtL^TZ . 0. COLLECTIONS -tQOFTHE©- OoFtFskF $mt\ of ^nliqni^g, VOLUME V, WORCESTER, MASS. : PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 1883. U. S. A. CVII. rz-f 4-''. / ,-- - -j-^^s» S ''"^ Wi ^-^ ^^^^ regular monthlj^ meeting of the T% year was held at the Hall of the Society, ¥M fS ^^^ Tuesday evening, January 4, 1881, and m ^&^,\..m ^^^ called to order by the President, Mr. Ellerv B. Crane. Present, Messrs. Clark Jillson, Shuniway, Ames, J. A. Smith, Potter, Staples, Roe, F. C. Jillson, Sea- grave, Lovell, Marsliiill, Metcalf, Tucker, Sumner, Paine, Lee, Dodge, Barton and F. P. Rice — 20. The oath of office was administered to Clerk Shum- way and Treasurer Smith by the Hon. Clark Jillson. The President in assuming the duties of his office made the following; address: — 10 Members of The Worcester Society of Antiquity : — Through the chano;e of certain events over which I had no immediate control, 3'ou have seen fit to select me as the presiding officer of this Association for the year 1881 ; an honor which was certainly not expected, and a position which 1 feel myself illy prepared to occupy ; and while with much diffidence I accept the responsi bility and return sincere thanks for this distinguished marlc of your esteem, I cannot forget the valuable services rendered this Society, by those who have so ably filled the office of President in times past, and the great difficulty under which I shall labor, with my short comings, not to make my efforts comparative failures. To me the re-election of our late President was by no means a surprise ; but his prompt and unqualified resignation of the office was a complete surprise, and it is to be regretted that we were so summarily deprived of the valuable services of one so well qualified by long experience as a presiding officer, and in the possession of such rare qualities, so essentiall}' needed in tlie chief officer of this Society. I trust, however, that although he declined to accept the office of President, we shall continue to have the aid of his good counsel and untiring zeal. In looking over my morning paper, one of the first items that Impressed me was, that an address was to be made by President Crane. This certainly was news, for that was my first intima- tion of it, but I consoled myself by thinking that it was a mis- print, the fact of the case being, that the President had sent a notice that an address would be delivered this evening, meaning of course his valedictor}', and that the adding of my name was a most serious mistake. Another thought that impressed me, was the need and existence in our midst, of so great a number of societies, I say need, for their very existence proves their necessit}'. Men are so constituted that they arc not satisfied with their own narrow limitations. Believing in progression, they are ever striving to enlarge the circle of their information and usefulness. From their varied inclinations and sensibilities spring up these varied and numerous societies of which there are about 100 in this city. Their objects are mainly to promote Charity, Sociability, Education, Temperance, Development and 11 Kcformation. Well eoiulucted tliov nro all usofiil ngcnts for iTood. There arc those who must have their Dehatino; Clubs, Social, Teuiperauce, lielbrui and CoiiimonwcaUh Clubs, Masonic Conclaves, Horticultural and Agricultural Societies, in which thej' are helped and elevated. It is vv'ith supreme satisfaction, and this is said with no spirit of boasting, that we can look back over the history- of this j'oung organization. Six years ago this present month was held the first preliminary meeting, and from that event this Society dates its existence. There was no ostentatious displa}- at its birth, and the beginning of the second year of its usefulness found ])ut twelve members upon its official register. Firm and steady has been the growth. In April, 1877, there were thirty-seven names upon the roll, while we begin this new year with a list number- ing one hundred and tiventy-six ; 88 active, 21 corresponding, 17 honorary. So well were the foundations laid for a stable structure that not a single l)ackward step has been required. The genuine interest and manly determination everywhere dis- played by the members of The Worcester Society of Antiquity has given this organization a well deserved prominence among kindred societies throughout the country, and it is fair to con- jecture that )io elTort, however arduous it may be, will be spared to retain that honoral>le position. Our first pu1)lication (No. I.) appeared in March, 1877, and since that date we have given to the public 10 numbers, each averaging al)Out 1;^8 8vo. pages, containing much valuable his- torical matter, a considerable portion of which is now to be found only in the publications of this Society. Surely we have lieen so far true to the objects of our organization. It is especially gratifying to thus contemplate the progress made in the past, and I sincerely hope tliat our growth lias not been so rapid but tliat the fntuie may give us a picture none the less pleasing to look upon. Certainly never were our prospects more promising than now. These well filled shelves and this crowded room are indeed symbols of prosperity and success. The Librarian in- forms us that already more room is needed to enable him to display to advantage our rapidly increasing collection of books and curiosities, a fact that would at once suggest the enlarge- 12 mcnt of our quarters, necessitating an increase of the annual expense. Additional room would certainlj- l)e a most welcome aquisition, and it would no doubt be greatly to our advantage to have it, but I hope that careful attention will be given to the subject before an}- action is taken that will tend to increase our running expenses. Perhaps it would be better, for this 3'car, to be considerably crowded by the voluntary contributions of friends, than to crowd our friends to assist in paying for more spacious rooms ; however, this matter is in your hands, and whichever way 3'ou may decide, will no doubt tend to promote the best interests of the Society. Our monthly meetings have always been one of the chief fea- tures of this organization. They are exceedingly social, and there is a certain amount of inspiration to be derived in coming together in this room at least once a month and enjoying a brief discourse on some subject in harmony with our personal relish or in the interest of the objects of the Society. It is hoped that every member will value these meetings, and not onh- be pres- ent, but contribute in every wa}' possible to their enjo3'nient. An earnest eifort will be made to have something in the form of an essay read before the Society at least once a month during the year, and to secure such a result I would invite every mem- ber to contribute, and would esteem it a special favor if those willing to so contribute would hand in their names and give the time when they can be called upon. A word or two on finance. It ought to be said to the credit of our Executive Committee, that should all dues to the Socictj-, including the S3 tax levied for the 3'ear 1881, be paid to the Treasurer, there would be funds sutHcient to pa^' all probable obligations for the present j'ear and leave us free of debt Jan. 1, 1882. We must not overlook the fact that our success as a Society' has been mainl}- due to the united exertions of individ- ual inembers, and that by our own hands we must stand or fall. 13 lion. Byron Weston of Dalton, Mast?., was elected an honorary member ; a-nd Tlieodore C. Bates, Ed- gar W. Warren and Reuben Colton, of Worcester, and Frank F. Starr of Middletown, Conn., were elected active members. Mr. Lovell presented resolutions complimentary to the Hon. Clark Jillson ;ind Mr. Diiniel Seagrave upon their retirement from the offices of President and Secretary in which thay had so ably served the Society. They were unanimously adopted and ordered to be printed in the Proceedings of 1880, where they will 1)0 found. Brief remarks were made by Messrs. Roe, Paine, Jillson, Seagrave, Bar- ton, Potter and others, and after some unimportant discussion upon matters pertaining to the conduct of the Society, the meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting was held Tuesday eve- ning, Feb. 4, President Crane in the chair. Twenty- two members were present. Correspondence from several societies and institutions and the following letter from the Hon. Byron Weston were read : — CommonweaWi of Massachusells, Council Chamber. Boston, Jan'y 19, ISSl. Henry L. Siiumway, Sec't'y ; My dear sir: — Please thank "The Worcester Society of Antiquity" for doing me the honor of electing me an Honorary Member. I appreciate their kindness and accept with great pleasure. I am, dear sir, Yours trulv, BYRON WESTON. 14 The Committee* appointed at the December meet- ing for procuring additional room, made a report recommending the hiring of the apartment next east of the one occupied by the Society. The report was accepted and the committee authorized to engage the room. Mr. Thomas A. Dickinson read an interesting sketch of the life of Eleazer Smith, the inventor of the Card-setting Machine, from an autobiographical manuscript in his posession. This with some modi- fications is here printed. Mr. Dickinson exhibited a portrait of Mr. Smith, and also one of the first machines made by him. STcelch of Die life of Eleazer Smith, Vie inrcnlor of Vie Card-Selling Machine, from a manuscript wriilen hy himself, aboul Vie year 1828. ]iY THOMAS A. DICKINSON. During the revolutionary war, and clirectl}' after, hand cards for carding cotton and wool were made in a few places in New England, including Boston, Framingham and Cunil)erland. The process of manufacture was almost wholly by hand. In 1785, Edmund Snow began the manufacture of hand cards in Leicester. In 1790, Pliny Earle made the first machine cards for Samuel Slater. The holes in the leather numbering 100,000 were prick- ed bj' Mr. Earle with two needles in the end of a stick. From this commencement the business of card making rapidl}' increased in this town until Leicester became the great center of the trade in this country, and before the introduction of card setting machinery, cards were made here to the value of $200,000. * Messrs. Lovell, Crane and Dodge. 15 The holes were pvickod in the leather ami the teeth eut and bent 1)}' a maehine (of wliich we have one here to-night, made by the subject of this sketch, for Pliny P^^arle & Brother, of Lei- cester) and all set in by hand, giving employment to hundreds of families in the vicinity. In Is;)! there were 17 Card Facto- ries in the town of Leicester, and from this center grew the other manufactories which were started about this time in Worcester, P^nfield, rhiladelphia and other places. The manuscript from which the following sketch is drawn, was obtained from Mr. Eli- jah Thompson, of Wal[)()le, (now deceased) who was with Mr. Smith during his last sickness, and received it as a gift from him. It is now in the possession of Thomas A. Dickinson of Worcester. It is written in Mr. Smith's own hand, plain and distinct, and is entire with the exception of the first two pages, whicn relate to his boyhood. He was born in Medfield, Mass., April 1, ITod, but in early life removed to the adjoining town of Walpole. His house and shop which stood on the highest elevation of land in the north- ern part of Walpole, and one of the fnust locations in the town, was long since demolished. Tlie cellar hole, a few old bricks and some old poplar trees only remain to mark the spot. His education was simply what the village schools of those days afforded. He was a good reader, possessed a very reten- tive memory, and had considerable knowledge of astronomy, chemistry and l)otany, and was also quite skillful in certain branches of surgery. It is said that he was frequently visited by professional gentlemen among whom was Dr. Jackson, of Boston. But it was in mechanical inventions and operations that he displayed his greatest genius. When a boy he made a wooden spring tiap lor catching rabbits, very similar to the common steel trap now in use. At the age of IT) he made a watch complete, the case being made of pewter. He says "The construction of this watch movement was so calculated that it had to beat a third quicker than common, to go fast enough, until I put in a crown wheel with a less number of teeth." The tools which he used consisted of a pocket knife, a three-square file and compasses. The watch he presented to Mr. Aaron Wight, of Medway, who was so 16 inucli i)leaso(l with, liis iiigennitv tlint lie gave him liis lioanl (01- four luoutlis, and ln'li)e(l liim make tools lor watch ami clock making. The next ^'ear he made a wooden clock, using a wine glass for the bell, the wheels being made af apple-tree wood. This attracted the attention of one Simon l\!ttee, a clock maker of Wrontham. who wish.ed to take young Smith as an apprentice, but his lather could not spare him, nor had he any faith in that kind (jf business. And here he says '•'My father found so much of my time employed in this way that he deter- mined to put a stop to it, and forbade me working at such things, saj'ing that it w'as no profit to me. 1 soon found myself embar- rassed, and to give up the taste for these things, I found impos- sible ; but not wishing to disobey m}' parents, I thought if I redeemed time and did nothing for myself when he set me about other business that it would not be criminal. Howexer, this was distasteful, so the only means was to steal time or work in secret, which I did man}- an hour by tire-light in the evening." The next thing which he speaks of is a wooden gun lock which he applied to a stock of wood, with an iron barrel in the inside. This he carried on training davs much to the anuisement of the soldiers, who tired it a great number of times. From this time to the commencement of the revolutionary war, his desire for mechanism increased, and was chiefly confined to clock work. A clock which he made about this time is now i-unning in Wal- pole, Massachusetts.* "In the summer of 177(5," he writes, "there was a requisition for men to enlist for Ticonderoga, and as the soldiers were very loth to 'list, and I conceived the cause of liberty to be good, * This clock is now in jjosscssion of ^Ir. Ijowis Eowker, of Walpolc Mass. It has been running over 100 years, keeps good time, and is probably the only one of this pattern ever made by Mr, Smith. The construction is sim- ple and curious. The workmanship would do credit to any clock makc^r of modern times. The face is of brass, about 7 inches in diameter, Avith the figures well cut, and the name Ei.f.azer Smith neatly engraved on the same. It has but three wheels, and pendidum which beats seconds. The man- ner of winding is peculiar, the key being inserted through the arbor on which the hands move, and wound once in 24 ho\u\s. 17 induced inc to try tho military life, ulthougli I had no taste, nci- tlier had I a constitution for the task. Wc set out to marcli the 2i)th of July, and reached Ticonderoga sometime in August. We were quartered in tents. The long march and exposure brought on the cami) trouble — dysentery — making me unfit for duty. While in the lio8i)ital one of the company, Kphraim Smith, had a watch which was out of order and would not go. This I repaired with my pen-knife. On the 14th of September I was arrested and put under guard for passing bad monc}', the bill being so large as 40 shillings, 'Sword in hand' 'Massachu- setts,' that I did not pass it before, and Iiad forgotten where I had taken it. While in prison the same fellow who had given me the bill was brought in for a like crime. In a moment it brought to mind the circumstance of my taking the bill of this man, who tended store for one Jones who lived below the fort. When brought before the court martial, the}' asked me if I knew it was a counterfeit bill? I told them yes, but did not know it when 1 passed it. On holding it to the light they showed me that it had })een scraped out '4 and G pence' and made into 40 shillings.' I told them of the man I had taken it of, whose name was Amos Tonsle}', then under guard- This man was brought in and denied giving me the bill, saj-ing that he could prove that I told him I could not tell where I had taken the bill, in consequence of which they would not give me my oath, but condemned me to be guiltj- of passing the currency of Massa- chusetts, knowing it to be counterfeit. I pleaded innocence of the charge and asked them to enquire of the Colonel of m^"- regiment about my character, being liorn in the same town and well acquainted with me. They asked me how I dared to call my Colonel to support my villainy, — that I was capable of doing- it by examining my hand writing, and because I could mend watches with a pen-knife. So I was sent to jail, and my doom was twice read in general orders. Our Lieutenant was sent or came to me desiring me to own it, saying I should fare better if I did. I told him mj' punishment would be just if I owned to a lie ; that I was willing to die for innocence, but did'nt thank him for his advice." 18 It soon became evident that young Smith was not a dangerous man, and he was allowed considerable liberty about the fort, and after 15 days was restored to his rank. In another adventure at Ticonderoga, he came near being shot as a deserter. He was detailed with some others to go to Crown Point for wheat and hay. They made up their load by lashing two boats together, and returned to camp quite late. The others left the boat, but he got leave to sleep on the hay until morn- ing. During the night the wind came up and drifted him out into the lake a mile or more. "The guard boat came out and hailed me. At first I did not answer. The third time the}^ fired a ball near my head w^hich waked me up. I expected they would help me off but they would not. Being near the middle of the lake, and finding it impossible to row against a head wind, and seeing no signs of relief and being hungry, I started for the opposite shore, where near the land a boat overhauled me, and we returned to camp." After this he was drafted to go on a secret expedition to Rhode Island, under Capt. Adam Peters, of Medfield. This was contrary to his ideas of liberty, and while stationed at the house of a Quaker in Little Compton, he conversed with them on the propriety- of taking arms. The Quakers must have had consider- able influence upon him, for he seemed never to have previousl}- had the desire to run awa}'. However, he says, 'T concluded to go, taking this resolution, that I never would take up arms again. I escaped safe home, and have never taken arms since. I wish to do good and not harm to m^- fellow creatures, and all mankind, and in the sequel of this narrative shall endeavor to show that I have contril>uted as much to the real advantage of the community as any person in America." After his return home, and during the war, lie seems to have been busy at work inventing machines for making cai'ds, nails, tacks, pins, needles &c., in order, he sa\-s, "to do without Eng- land." His father was something of a Torj-, and always disi)u- ted the possibilit}- of doing without England, on account of all these articles which were brought from there. One of his first machines after his return home was for ma- king solid headed pins, and also drawing the wire for the same. 19 In one day ho made I r)()0 pins, and he says most of the time was spent in i)ointing them on a grindstone. He was at work dnring this time for John Rogers, of Newton, clock maker. Jeremiali Wilkinson, of Cnmberland, card maker, employed him to con- strnet a machine for making card teeth, which he finished in one month, capable of cntting 3 sorts of wire. The value of a pair of hand cards at this time was Ki shillings. This machine, he says, answered the purpose well, and he soon had calls from three different i)arties who wished to employ him to construct like machines. ''By this time," he says, 'T found great difliculty in doing work to my mind away from home, to convince people where I worked of the necessity of having proper tools and convenien- cies, therefore I resolved to have a shop of my own. My father consented to give me a piece of wild land and help me build a house. Everything excepting timl^er and stone, in the line of building material, was scarce and high." The chimney w^as made of stone excepting 500 old brick which he obtained from Boston to furnish the fire-place and oven. "My building being enclosed and all the implements and tools I had collected being moved in, and likewise two of my sisters to keep house." Necessarily, in building his house, he had run in debt, and here the great troubles of his life commenced. His creditors pressed him continually so that he was obliged to hire out by the day, clearing woodland and doing farm work, the price of labor then being about o shillings per day. Aliout this time Jonathan Hale, card maker, of Framingham, heard of young Smitli, and l)eing pleased with his ingenuity, offered to hire him and help pay his debts. In relation to his living with Hale, he says, "I worked for Hale doing anything he could not get done l)y other men, such as fixing his bark mill, mending cart wheels, improving machines for making card {QQth and card 'pritch in (/ machines: also machines for making card tacks and hand card boards ; and a variety of other busi- ness too tedious to mention or remember. Eighteen months had now elapsed and I had not began the Gnmd 3fachine to Sticl: Cards. Having made machines for bending the teeth, and otliers for pricking the holes in the leather, for several years 20 he had maintained the idea that the two couhl l)e united and made into one machine ; and it here appears that Hale was one of tlie few men wlio at tliat time liad any faith in liis plans. While in the em[)loy of Hale he worked under lock and key, in order to keep him away from the .sheriff, I\Ir. Hale thinking tliat many of liis debts were unjust and ought not to be paid. After leaving Hale, in 17.S4, liis attention was devoted to ma- chinery for making nails from cold iron. The cutting sliears which he invented at this time, and which were made for liim by Isaac Cozzens, of Sherborn, afterwards came into general use. The nail machine he describes ver\- minutely. Tliis was made before any patent laws existed in the United States. There was an agreement between Hale and Smith relating to the card stickiiKj nuirhiin'^ and Hale becoming somewhat dis- couraged, offered to give up his right in the machine for £'.)i). As soon as Smitli had settled tliis matter he was sent for liy one Giles Richards, of Boston, wlio was then forming a company for the manufacture of cards. Tliis company consisted of (iiles Richards, Andrew an 17',).') Jncol) IVrkins, of Xcwliuryport, sent lor nw to work Tor him in his Itnid works. 1 round lie claimed tho cutting of nails fi'om cold iron upon the same princii)le 1 had made in 17.S1. I would not consent to give up my right to tho invention and so. after working (! days, returned Iiome, receiv- ing 10 dollai-s and a bogus order for K! shillings. It- was said !)y Perkins that my hi-st day's woi-k in lifting his machine, earned him 70 dollars cU-ar i)ro1it. On my return home 1 called to see AV^illiam Whittemorc in Uoston, who asked me if T thought it possible to make a machine to stick cards? 1 told him yes, and that I intended to linish mine as soon as 1 had money of my own to do it." It a|)pears from his conversation with INIr. Whittemorc at this time, and also from the fact that he was visited from time to time by members of this comi)any, that Mr. Smith mistrusted that Amos Wliittemore. who was the chief mechanic in the con- cern, was at work on the card sticking machine. INIr, Smith had. at this time, his nuichine in i)rocess of construction, which consisted of an iron l)ed-i)late about 'li inches square, with wrought iron i)Osts I'or the centers and working jiarts. The story told liy some of the old inhabitants of Walpole with whom I have conversed, is that lAIr. Smith completed his ma- chine so far as to 1)(> al)le to set the teeth straight through the leather. Amos Whittemorc at the same time was at work on a similar machine, and occasionally visiting Mr. Smith, getting all the information desired, and applying it to his machine. Mr. Smith's suspicion Iteing aroused, he questioned Mr. Whittemorc if he was not then Imildirig a Card Sticking Machine, wdiich he denit'd, and promised lie never would. However, IMr. Whitte- morc cumpletcd his machine, by pulling on the second liend, and immediately appiitMl foi- a i>atent. This was in 17'.)7. It is very eviilenl thai the idea oi'igiiiated with IMr. Smith, \\)i- 1.") yeais previous to the year 17;)7, hv had in his mind the combination of the two machines, and intended some day to complete, as he calliMl it. the r//vo(J Murlnuc to Stick ('ards. It is also evident that the card makers of that time who knew Mr. Smitli. and also liis fellow townsmen, were looking to him as the only man capable of completing the machine. 22 In relation to the machine patented by Whittemore, in 1797, Mr. William B. Earle, now living in Needham, 82 years old and blind, who was one of the first to improve the card setting ma- chine, saj^s : "It was crude, rnde and imperfect. No material improvement was made npon it, nor was the price of cards re- duced during the 2i) years in which its use was confined exclu- sively to the Whittemore family." Cards were made by hand up to the 3'ear 1828. It is evident that the treatment which Mr. Smith received from the Whittemore Compan}-, and the fact of their obtaining the patent on the machine, had a depressing efi'ect upon him for several years. Still he completed his machine, but never deri- ved any benefit from it. He originated and improved man}- other machines, especiall}^ that for cutting nails from cold iron ; and also one for making wrought nails. One of his inventions, on which he obtained a patent in 1808, was a machine for trim- ming straw braid. Others profited b}' this, chief among wlioni was Dr. Nathaniel Miller, of Franklin. The machine for prcs- sino- straw bonnets, which was used for vears in the manufaeto- ries of Medfield and vicinit}', was invented by him. It is helie- ved that none of his townsmen ever availed themselves dishonor- ably of his inventions. Mr. Smith was of an honest, frank and candid disposition, alwa^'s ready to comnuniicate his ideas and plans ; but it is said in this respect, that during the latter part of his life he became more cautious and reserved, espociall}- during his last years, when he had in mind a machine for braiding straw, which he did not live to complete. When at work upon some new machine he would often spend days and nights in his shop without allow- ing himself time to rest or eat, much to the detriment of his health. His exti'eme bashfiilness when a l)oy, he snys, worked verv much to his disadvantage in love matters, often making him a subject of ridicule, but did not discourage him or cause him to re- linquish his taste for mechanical pursuits. Like many inventors and benefactors of our race, he was poor. With a family of five or six children dependent npon him, liis life was a constant struggle, he often being obliged to hire out by the day or month doing farm work, to enable him to support them. 23 He died in Walpolc, March 9, 183(;, nged 82 years. In 1854 an ellbrt was made by tlic iSelecluien of the town, to erect a monument to his memory, but witliout success. Since tlien a plain marl)lc slab has been erected in the Walpole Rural Cem- etery, to mark the spot where lies one of the greatest geniuses America ever produced. The reading of this paper was followed by an in- formal discussion in which Mr. Samuel W. Kent, for many years a Card Machine manufacturer in Wor- cester, Messrs. Knight, Staples, Dickinson, Shumw\ay and H. M. Smith participated. The next regular meeting was held on Tuesday evening, March 1, the President in the chair; twenty- five members and visitoi's were present. Mr. Ham- mond W. Hubbard was elected an active member. Mr. Henry M. Smith then read a paper entitled "A History of , Cold Winters,'' which was full of val- uable statistical information and interesting details of severe winters in the past, carefully selected and admirably arranged. Remarks upon the same were made by the Rev. George Allen, whose memory, covering full four score years, was vivid in recollec- tions of the old-time winters. He was followed by Messrs. Tolman, Crane, Jillson and Sprague. 24 The April meeting was held on the evening of Tuesday the 5th, President Crane in the chair. Mr. William H. Bartlett gave his '■'•Personal Rec- ollections of the Louisiana CamjKiign of 1863." This paper was a well written and interesting narration of the exciting scenes witnessed by the writer as a member of the 48th Regt. It was listen- ed to with much jileasure.''' Adjourned for two weeks. A special meeting was held on Tuesda}'^ evening, April 19, in commemoration of the Battle of Lexing- ton. President Crane presided, and 40 members and visitors were present. Mr. Alfred S. Roe read a paper entitled ^^ Three April Days^' comprising his- torical sketches of April 19, 1689, April 19, 1775, and April 19, 1861. This paper, carefullj^ jorepared and eloquently delivered, was listened to with marked attention. * The Committee on Publication would gladly have printed this paper, which Avas one of the best ever presented at our meetings, had not Mr. Bartlett intended to make further use of it. THREE, APKIL DAYS BY ALFRED S. UOE. Do NOT be misled by my title into thinking that I am to discourse upon the beauties of Spring, or to enlarge upon the manifold pleasures of the vernal season ; for it is not of Nature that I would discourse to-night, but of man and his deeds. It is with reference to our own Old Bay State and her interesting, na}', thrilling history I wouhl deal ; and your attention is asked as we glance along through many years and try to find wherein Massachusetts is especially interested in Three April Days. We reckon time by years, decades, centuries, cycles, accord- ing as we speak of ourselves, the state or the earth. Massachu- setts has passed into that age when she can reckon her years in centuries ; but her interesting, recurring year is not one of the hundreds. It is less by several years, and its anniversary falls in April, on the 19th, the day whose evening finds us gathered here. Palfrey in his preface to the third volume of the History of New England says : "In the History of New England, there are chronological paralelisms, not unworth}- of remark. Some critical events in it were just a centur}- apart. In 1665, the courtiers tried her temper with Lord Clarendon's Commission ; in 176'), they tried it with Mr. George Grenville's Stamp-Act. In 1675 began the attack on her freedom, which I have record- ed in this volume ; in 1775 began the invasion which led to her independence of Great Britain. But the cycle of New England is eighty-six years. Massachusetts having been betrayed to her 26 enemies by her most eminent and trusted citizen, Joseph Dud- ley, the people, on the 19th day of April, 1689, committed their prisoner, the deputy of the Stuart King, to the fort in Boston, which he had built to overawe them. Another eighty -six 3'ears passed, and Massachusetts had been betrayed to her enemies ])y her most eminent and trusted citizen, Thomas Hutchinson, when, at Lexington and Concord, on the 19th of April, 1775, her farmers struck the first blow in the War of American Independ- ence. Another eight3'-six years ensued, and a domination of slaveholders, more odious than th/it of Stuarts or of Guelphs, had been fastened upon her, when, on the 19th of April, 18G1, the streets of Baltimore were stained b}' the blood of her soldiers on their way to uphold liberty and law by the rescue of the National Capitol." These, then, are my Three April Days, and the above thought of Palfrey mj' text. April 19th, 1689, ms, 1861. The events which these days witnessed have modeled us a people, and made us a nation. These days followed each other in logical as well as chronological order. Without the first, neither the second nor the third could have existed. Deprived of the deeds of these days, we know not what degree of abase- ment we might have suffered, and the mind shrinks from the contemplation of what might be our present condition. But Massachusetts soil is sterile. The skeleton of mother earth lies extremely near the surface. Men, here, must delve early and work late to obtain from the land a maintenance. The manual labor uecessar}' to win from the earth a living, earl}- fixed in the minds of Massachusetts people an utter abhorrence of all that would, in the least, detract from the rights of self government. The acts which had hardened the muscles of the body had made equalh' indexible the New England character. Men of more genial climes might submit to grinding despotism, but the sturdy Anglo-Saxo!i who might, himself, have been one of Cromwell's Ironsides, found tlie soil of this new home even more conducive, than that of his old, to the vigorous assertion of his rights, and we see him resisting the demands of a tyrannous and apostate King. And while James was seeking safety in the Court of the 27 Grand Monarchy his miserable minion Andros was seized nnd shut up in the very fort wliich he had built to overawe the town oflioston, — the tragedy of Ilanian repeated. But another king and another deputy sought to once more lay the hand of oppression on Massachusetts men, and agnin these men rebelled and, at Concord and Lexington, in the "8hot heard 'round the world," did service for themselves, for civiliza- tion, for humanity. And then that later da}' ! Even now our blood tingles at the thought. The events are not so far away that we cannot recall them all, and in the memor}' of the Mas- sachusetts '•'•Sixth" exult over the proud privilege of the Old Commonwealth. Thus seriatim. Now to %£! 19, 1689. A Stuart king was on the throne of England when the May- llower put out on her memorahlc voyage. That First James, who was a marvel of wisdom and of folly, and who surprised all by the abundance and variety of his knowledge, and equally disgusted all by his egotism and pedantry, fully merited his cognomen of the "wisest fool in Europe." To escape him and such as him, our Pilgrim and Puritan ancestors sought refuge in this new world. His unhappy son was sovereign when the Arbella weighed anchor and, sailing from Cowes, bore into Massachusetts Bay the germs of the colony, which, with the one at Plymouth, was to undo tyranny and to make a home for the oppressed of all nations. They sought and obtained certain priveleges in their Charter. They Avere practically self govern- ing. They constituted almost the ideal Democracy ; perfect, bar- ring some suffrage restrictions. They were guaranteed by their Poyal Chaiter, the power forever of electing their own Governor, Deputy Governor and assistants, to make laws and ordinances not repugnant to those of Elngland, for their own benefit and the goverinnent of persons inhabiting their territor}-. The peo- ple had left f^ngland when the latter was most prosperous, and their only grievance was the inability to hold the religious belief agreeable to themselves. Coming to Massachusetts, they held their lands by as good a title as that by which they had possessed their English farms. Of course, then, this Charter was, in every 28 sense, their Palladium, and to it they clung with the utmost tenacit}', but from an early date, there arose a contest, on the part of the home government to recall it, and, on that of the Colony to retain the same. The home government felt that it had accorded too much to the colonists ; the latter were deter- mined to retain all they had. In 1635, they determined to resist a Royal Governor should one be sent from P^ngland. The fort on Castle Island was ordered perfected and a tower set up on Beacon Hill that, dan- ger from an attack arising, the country' might be alarmed. Confusion ensued in the English Court. Charles soon found enough to occupy himself on his own soil, though in 1638 there came an order for the instant return of the Charter to England, on which the General Court, after some months of pondering, concluded to send a letter of excuses for not compl^'ing. AVin- throp's reply is worthy of perusal, setting forth as he does the reasons for the retention of the document. And even when England had deposed her King, and Cromwell ruled, our Colon}^ was, in no wa}', disposed to recognize the supremac}- of English authority. When, in 1651, Parliament desired the return of the old Charter and the taking of a new one and that thereafter government should be administered in its name, the wil}' colon- ists took a whole 3-ear to fashion their reph', still manifesting a commendable unwillingness to walk into the English spiders' parlor. When the "Merrv Monarch" or Charles the II. came to the throne he was pleased to renew all the power of the original Charter, though he added a dash of bitter to his sweet by enjoin- ing the Colon}- to require the oath of allegience and that thence- forward Justice should be administered in his name. Accord- ingly the Colonists published the "King's Missive" and then "did as they were a mind to." In 1665 came the fn-st Ro3-al Com- mission. Clarendon had sent this to reduce the obnoxious Puritans to a proper condition of humility, Charles had grant- ed the territorj' between the Connecticut and the Delaware to his brother, the Duke of York, and here we ma}- say tlie trouble began. We must pass over the debates between tlie Govern- ment of the Colon}' and its Royal Commission, though the latter 29 found itself beaten at all points, and finall}- retired completely discomiited. At last England despairing of the return of the Charter, instituted Chancery proceedings and in 1(584 obtained a decree vacating the Charter. Blassachusetts by no act of her own was humbled. She lapsed into her Ih-st estate. Her terri- tory now was as thoroughly that of the King of England as when discovered b}- the Cabots. In the same year, Colonel Kirke, of subsequent West of England notoriety, was appointed the first Royal Governor ; Init his Royal Masters found too much for him to do in England to spare him from home, so Massachusetts was spared the infliction of his presence. A recreant and mis- creant son of Massachusetts, Joseph Dudley, became the tool of oppression under the title of President. The year 1686 was just closing when Sir Edmund Andros landed in Boston. During two and a third years of his stay in the Colony he succeeded in making his name more hateful than that of any man who had preceded him on these shores, and moreover a synonym for tyranny through all time. James II. had made Andros Governor of New England with the expecta- tion that the recalcitrant colonists would now submit ; but the bed to which Andros had been commended was not one of roses. He early set himself about carrying into effect the same plans which had rendered his Master so distasteful to the people of old England. He claimed that everv foot of Massachusetts soil was the King's, and the latter might oust the present occupants whenever he chose. More than that, Massachusetts men were not entitled to the imuuinities of Englishmen ; that they were dependencies on the British Crown, a collection of Lazaruses, so to speak. Andros was the fit tool of a most despicable crea- ture ; by far the worst of his erring line. Tie scrupled at noth- ing that would enhance his own or James's power. His deputed power was almost absolute. Hostile to the prevailing religion of the colony, he was anxious that prelacy should be supreme. Judoe Sewall says that sixtv Red-Coats attended Andros when he landed at Long Wharf and was escorted by the citizens to the head of King, now State street. Dudley, the late President, became a ju'dge of the Superior Court. Mandates were sent to the various towns and the 30 Commissioners or Selectmen failing to complj^ with the demands were liable to punishment by fine. The Meeting-house of Bos- ton was opened for Episcopal service, when there were no Epis- copal worshippers. All public records of the "late Government" were directed to be brought to Boston. Wills had to be pro- bated and mortgages registered in Boston, where enormous fees were charged. The form of taking oaths was changed from the Puritanic uplifting of the hand to the (to them) idolatrous kiss- ing of the Bible. The imposition of taxes was wholly arbitrary, and citizens were obliged to take out new patents for lands the}' had held by purchase, in some instances, from the natives. Many of the towns refused to compl}' with the Governor's exactions and hence followed trials where juries were packed in the most flagrant manner. To Mr. Wise, on trial, Dudley said, "You must not think that the laws of England follow you to the end of the earth," and moreover that he had no other pi'ivileges left than not to be sold as a slave. Andros gave out that titles might be confirmed b}' application to Jiim and the payment of quitrents. A man venturing to disregard this edict was liable to be dispossessed at any moment, as, in fact, many were. The other New England colonies gradually fell in with the rule of Andros and endorsed the same with tolerable resia;- nation ; but at no time was the feeling towards him in Massa- chusetts other than that of abhorrence. Tradesmen were com- pelled to restrict their buying and selling to their own towns. Heavy imposts were laid for the sake of increasing liis Majesty's Revenues. Onl}- one town meeting Avould on any [)retext, bo allowed during the year. Matters went from bad to worse till finally Increase Mather was sent to England to endeavor to obtain some redress for tlie Colonj-'s many wrongs. The time of Andros was spent in mak- ing semi-royal progresses through his dominions, now extend- ing from the St. Croix to the Delaware, and in finding new measures to oppress his devoted subjects. The birth of a Prince of Wales was, by him, greeted with the utmost joy and the proclamation of a day of Thanksgiving. Mather, mean- while was laying siegfe to James's ear, but with little success, the King being willing to make a show of sympathy while in 31 reality his heart was harder than Pharoah's. But llic end was approacliiug, though more than three and a half months had passed since the night when England's King had slyly slipped out of his bed-chamber, caiTving his country's Seal which he spitefully threw into tlic Thames in his flight. James had taken up his residence at St. Germain's while the h;md of Andros was tolerated in New England. The crisis was impending, though this English P2gyptian softened not his heart, nor for a mo- ment relaxed his grasp. The train was laid and the explo- sion at hand when^ on April 4th, there came a man, named Winslow, bringing the proclamation of William of Orange on landing in Phigland. The uncertainty of affairs in the Old Coun- try' was doubtless all that had prevented this uprising months before. Two weeks elapsed after Winslow's coming and Andros had taken refuge in Fort Hill, where without any note of visible preparation, on the ISth of April, Boston, at an early hour was all astir. It was Thursday. The weekly lecture at the First Church had brought a concourse from the neighboring towns. At the north end of the town it was reported that there was an uprising at the south and vice versa. At nine o'clock the drums beat throughout the town and the ensign was set up on Beacon Hill. The old magistrates were escorted to the Council Cham- l)er, and the royal orlicers were arrested and put in gaol. At noon was proclaimed the ''Declaration" of the gentlemen, mer- chants and inhabitants of Boston, and of the territory adjacent. The declaration concludes with these words : "We do therefore seize upon the persons of those few ill men who (next to our sins) have ])een the grand authors of our miseries. * * * * We commit our enterprise unto the blessing of Him who hears the cry of the oppressed." Palfrey thinks this declaration the work of time, prepared a long while before, awaiting the proper moment for its promulgation, and that Cotton Mather was its author. At two o'clock the town was full of soldiers, the signal on Beacon Hill having done its work. Charlestown held several hundred men waiting an opportunity to cross. Andros had sent a messenger, desiring a conference with the principal citizens ; but his request was denied, while he himself was summoned to surrender all his powers on penalty of having the fort knocked 32 to pieces about his ears. The frigate Rose, lying in the harbor, made ready for a fight ; her commander declaring he would die before he would surrender ; but his boat sent to the shore to bring off Andros and his attendants was seized and its crew disarmed. Speedy work was now done. Mr. Nelson arran- ged his men on two sides of the fort and pointed his can- non at the same. The Governor was convinced that discretion was the better part of valor and so unconditionall}" surrendered ; his attendants, most of them going to gaol and he, under a strong guard to the house of Usher. So ends the 18th of April. A grand da3''s work. The frigate as good as surrendered. The castle was given up, and on the 19th of April, 1689, the willing tool of England's last Stuart king was immured in the fort. It is not unworthy of record that, like a famous man of later times, he tried to make his escape in female apparel ; but was discovered as in the more modern instance by his feet. It is a difficult thing for the Devil and his devotees to hide their hoofs. The first period of Massachusetts histor}' was ended. She was again a ruler to herself. *»■• Spfii 19, irYo. Concord and Lexington ! What a wealtli of associations clusters around these words ! To Massachusetts, to American ears they have come to be talismanic. The historian has accu- rately described and the poet has rhapsodized and ^-et the theme is ever interesting. The time had again come when something must be done to stem the tide of British arrogance and aggres- sion. The mother had again reached a point where, to her the chief use of Colonies was to pay the expenses of home govern- ment, and firm resistance was necessary. Committees of safety had decided that the stand should be made. Minute men had been drilled. Ever^'thing was in readiness for the storm when Gage arranged to send his troops to Concord to destroy the stores and to arrest, if possible, those "arch traitors," Hancock and Samuel Adams. On the eve of April 18th the lantern gleamed from the spire of the Old North Church' henceforth to be Liberty's beacon. 33 Paul Revere on the opposite side of the tide had caught its Hashes and was olT on his mission of ahirni "'rhr()Uii;h cvltv Middlesex villai^e and farm, For the country folk to Ik- up and to arm." Never man i-ode on liolier errand. His hoof-beats had not sunk into silence before the country people were making ready for the conrtict that now seemed certain. All along the route, they were grasping their weapons and bidding adieu to those who were to remain at home. To many it was the final farewell. These men had counted the cost and knew perfectly well what they were entering upon. At Lexington he aroused Hancock and Adams and left flashing lights behind him as he rode on to Concord town. It was half past four on the morning of the li)th that the Ked Coats entered Lexington, and Maj. Pitcairn commanded the militia to lay down their arms. Colonel Smith oave the command to lu'e and eight Americans sank in death — the first victims in the strife. Put the Ib-itish could not tarry long in Lexington. They were soon on their way to Concord and how strange that Concord (peace) should be the name of the first battle in tlie great struggle for freedom. All this time church bells had been ringing and signal guns firing so that the enemy knew perfectly well that it was no easy task they were essaying. Names, since become household words, were now heard for the first time, l^arson Emerson appeared accoutred for battle. Major John Puttrick was among the first „to bestir himself. Prescott, Faulkner, Parkman ! Put where all w^ere so brave, why distinguisli? It was scarcely more than l)ieakfast time when the Pritisli were discoverecl marching into the toAvn. The morning was such an one as we love to tliink of associating with the month of April; l)ut still, noted more for its exceptions than of oc- cun'ing. In fact it seems very sti:ingt' that tlie sensou should have liecn so far :idv;iiicc(l. WC ni-c told rh;il tlit- iVuit ti'ees were in lilossom and that the gi-ass aud grain were high tMiongh to \v;i\(' in the wimi. •■'riic sun shiMii- witli pcculinr splciidof. The iiioniiiig wa.N :i glorious one" It, \v;is in'turcn nine ami ten o'cliick when the liist sraii sad indeed; -Vnd long lu'r hruke.n lii'ait v\ ill bleed F(ir children true in ^^l>^d and deed She cannot meet again. 41 Whisper no word of treason when Yo boar a\vuy our bravest men From the foul traitor's hateful den, Red with our brother's blood ; A spot that must forever be, Like Sodom simk beneath the sea, It sinks in coward treaehery Unwept beneath the flood. Lift up each gallant son of Mars, And shroiid him in the flag of stars. Beneath whose folds he won the scars Through which his spirit fled From glory here, to glory where The banner blue in field of air Is bright with stars forever there, Without the stripes of red." Oh ! onr hearts go out towards this man Andrew who so thoroughlj' appreciated the needs of the soldier. Though it was not his to bear a musket nor wield a sword, 3'et he was as com- pletely a part of the grand defence of the Nation as though he wore the uniform of tlie arm\' and he fell, at last, worn out by the terrible exactions of those trying days. At Fall River, on the reception of the news, a public meeting was called and ten thousand dollars voted to lit out volunteers. The city of Phila- delphia voted $1,000,000 to equip volunteers and to support their families during their absence. Norwich, Ct., subscribed $14,000 for the same purpose. There were very few Gallaghers and Eatons there. The public pulse had become feverish ; but it soon settled into a firm, steady heart beat which throbbed on till the last vestige of treason had disappeared. The New York Independent of April -23(1 said, "Massachusetts and Rhode Is- land have won the praise and the blessing of all men. The sons of Massachusetts lay dead in the streets of Baltimore on the anniversary day of the Battle of Lexington, before a single Reg- iment from New York had crossed the border between the slave and the free states. Soldiers from Massachusetts have made their way to Havre d' Grace, seized a steamboat, reached An- napolis, and taken a position liy which they could keep open a road to Washington, before a single troop of New York soldiers 42 had found a passage into the enemy's country'. Troops from Massachusetts and Rhode Island have been sent by sea and were thrown into Fortress Munroe, commanding Norfolk, while the authorities at Albany were debating upon the proper official steps to be taken in regard to the President's Proclamation. God save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts." The Massa- chusetts Regiments : — "They were reared on the soil whence the Adamses sprung That to Hancock and Warren gave birth, Descendants of sires whose proud names have been sung In the noblest hosannas of earth. They were trained in our shops, they were trained in our schools, They have been taught on our free waves to sail ; They have learned of Progression the practice and rules, But they know not the meaning of Fail." (Transcript.) Mrs. Sigourney wrote : — "The Bay State bled at Lexington but every drop that ran, By transmutation strange and strong sprang up an armed man. Yet when the born of Lexington who keep their natal day Were writing four score years and six upon their annals gray, The Bay State bled at Baltimore wherefore I may not speak. For sad and tender memories rush from heart to moistened cheek." When visitors approach the State Flags in the rotunda of the Capitol in Boston, almost always the first question is '-where is the flag of the Sixth ?" It is not that the sixth Regiment saw so much service, for the affray in Baltimore was its onl}' encoun- ter ; but there is a strange interest in the first of every thing. Concord and Lexington were mere skirmishes, 3'et they excite emotions that even Saratoga cannot arouse. So here, standing before those war worn ensigns, the eye rests upon the standard of the Sixth and follows it from Boston to Baltimore and aijain lives over the scenes of that famous da}-. Though Massachusetts soil drank not the blood of her slaugh- tered sons, the}' fell for her and the principles to which she was ever faithful. The day is hers ; thrice bound to her by associ- ations most sacred, and looking down along tlie line of coming years is there to be another April da}' to make the fourth in this wonderful list? When, after the lapse of eighty-six vears we 43 come to r.)47 may wc oxpoct Massachusetts to again stand for the right ? Who can forecast the event and tell us what is to be the issue in those days to call u^wn sturdy manhood to assert itself? Will the demon of the Commune have made this country the place of its abode ? Will it be the Nihilists endeav- oring, by assassination, to overthrow established rule? Will io-norance and vice have so enthroned themselves that Macau- lay's prophecy concerning us will be verilied? "Either some Cifisar or Napoleon will seize the reins of government with a strong hand, or your republic will be as fearfully plundered and laid waste by barbarians in the twentieth century as the Roman Empire was in the fifth, with this ditference, that the Huns and Vandals who ravaged the Roman Empire came from without and that your Huns and Vandals will have been engendered within 3-our country by your own institutions." But let us hope that Macaulay was a false prophet and that our dismemberment and his New Zealander musing on the ruins of London Bridge were the creatures of a somewhat jaundiced imagination and, moreover, let us hope that the list of coinci- dences is ended that, in the future, unnumbered April days may pass with no need of popular uprisings to withstand the hand of rapacity or oppression. Our tale is told. Of the past we are sure. For the future we are hopeful, and, with Longfellow, let us say "Sweet April ! Many a thought Is wedded unto thee, as hearts are wed ; Nor shall they fail, till, to its autumn brought Life's golden fount is shed." 44 Interesting remarks were made by Gen. Sj)rague, Messrs. Paine, Lovell, Staples, Comins and A. P. Marble. Mr. Paine presented the Society with some manuscript souvenirs of the Battle of Lexington. The next regular meeting was held on the eve- ning of Tuesday, May 3d, the President in the chair. Twenty-six members and visitors were present. Correspondence was read from the Librarian of Harvard College and the Rev. A. P. Marvin, of Lancaster. Messrs. Frank E. Lancaster, John G. Brady and Thomas Stansfield, of Worcester, and Manning Leonard Esq., of Southbridge, were elected active members. William T. ILirlow Esq. read some extracts from, and made some remarks upon the trial of John Home for libel, reported in Vol. XX. of English State Trials. He was better known as John Home Tooke, author of the Diversions of Pur- ley. His ofience consisted in raising a subscription for the benefit of the widows and orphans of those "murdered" by the king's troops at Lexington. The following was presented by the Secretary and adopted : — Voted, Tluit the Society will publish the Worcester Town Records from 1753 to 1 *S3, edited b}' Franklin P. Rice, in three parts or volumes, to be numbered in regular order with its puli- lications. The Hon. Clark Jillson read a paper on the Death Penalty in Worcester County, with special details 45 regarding tlie execution of Hugh Henderson alias John Hamilton for burglary, Nov. 24, 1737, and of Jabez Green for murder, Oct. 21, 1742. This paper comprised much valuable historical matter the fruit of patient and extended research.* Remarks upon the subject were made hy Messrs. Harlow, Comins and Lamb. Mr. C. R. Johnson made brief allusion to the archaeological researches now in progress in the central portion of this continent followed by a genei'al commentary on this topic. Mr. Thomas E. Bnrtiett, of Cambridge, made brief remarks concern- ing the progress and success of the Society and its reputation abroad. The June meeting was held on the evening of Tuesday the 7th. Forty members and visitors were present. In the absence of Mr. Shumway, Mr. Dan- iel Seagrave was chosen Secretary pro tern. Mr. Charles F. Rugg of Worcester was elected an active member. Appropriate action was taken upon the death of the Hon. Charles Hudson, an honorary member of this Society, and Mr. Henry M. Smith read the fol- lowing Memorial and Biographical Sketch, prepared by request for the occasion. * This paper forms part of a work now in progress by Judge Jillson, upon the Death Penalty in Worcester County. Charles Hudson. BY HENRY M. SMITH. SINCE our last meeting an esteemed lionorar}' member of this Societ}' has ended his long and useful career. Hon. Charles Hudson died at his residence in Lexington, Mass., on the 4th of May, in the eight^'-sixth j-ear of his age. There are very few human lives that like his resemble some rare dnj' in summer, when the sun from rising to setting shines through every hour on usefulness and occupation. All his relations to this Societ}' we have had frequent occasions to value. The more broadly'' useful and eminent portion of his life was associated with Worces- ter County. Throughout two generations he has had identitica- tion with important facts of the history and progress of his own state of Massachusetts and of this nation. M\' associates have therefore desired to bring into suitable form for our own records some of the features of his extended usefulness and have devol- ved upon me this task, on an occasion where I would prefer to sit a listener. Every human life of four score or more years, however hum- ble, if given in faithful record, registers the essential human facts of its epoch. Too much of permanent history has been written without the light that biography supplies. When, as in the present instance, a human mind well endowed and well train- ed and helped by opportunity, which even endowment and train- ing do not alwa^'s command, leaA'es its own impress and shaping on the events of over sixty j^ears, the story of such service is part of the history of that period. 47 ClitirU's Hudson was born at Marlborough, Mass., in 171)5. Of liis birth and ancestry he says in his address at the celebra- tion of tlie "iUOth anniversary of that town, in March, 1859: "My parents and p;ran(lparcnts have been residents among yoii. My ma- ternal ancestors extend back to the tirst settlement of this township. My paternal aneestor, John Hudson, with two of his sous, took the held with other stout hearted citizens to defend the colony against the combined attack of French and Indians. And in the struggle for Independence the same ancestor with eight hardy sons showed their devotion to Liberty by arming in its defence. My parents and three sisters found a resting place beneath vour soil, while I the sole member of the family remain. Here were the sports of my childhood. In your venerable meeting-house I was offered up to Him in whose service I have attempted to labor in this community. In your schools I received my tirst lessons of instruction, and in the same little seminaries, forty years ago, I attempted to impart the rudiments of science to your children." This strongly outlines the common characteristics of New England village life and training in that earlier day. In Mr. Hudson's instance, it was the case of a boy early taught by cir- cumstances and surroundings to be earnest and self reliant, and to struggle upward and outward. So well was this life duty accomplished that Marlborough holds him as one of her most honored sons, and when her territory was divided the new town was given his name, Hudson. His first work was as a farm helper, his first step forward was towards self sustaining sturdy industry. But books were his companions and helpers, and from farm work he passed into the charge of the village school. All the testimony of those who knew him in this period of his life declares that he was a great reader and student, with a strong retentive mental grasp, good in selections of models, and close in power of analysis. He taught with acceptability and far in advance of the common modes of those times, in several Massachusetts towns. A mer- chant of Worcester whose own head is now well silvered, showed me, a few days since, a little pile of carefully treasured ''Reimrds of Merit" given to himself in his boyhood in a district school in Leominster, signed by Charles Hudson in 1819. And this early pupil remembers his school master as a man of great earnest- ness and industry, a most rare, skillful and friendly guide to his scholars. From teacher to preacher transition was easy and natural. He was ordained in 1819 and first preached to a 48 small societ}' in Danvers. So well had he wrought in the mas- tery of topics, and such were his traits of research and construc- tion that when, a few years later, he removed to Westminster in the north part of tliis count}" to take charge of the U uiversalist Churcli in that town, a position he filled more or less associated with other duties and public services for twenty years following, he became a controversiahst who left his mark broadlj* on the doctrinal discussions of that period. His "Letters to Hosea Ballon" on Future Retribution, 1827; "Reply to Balfour's es- saj^s," 1829, are printed volumes that had much circulation and can never be omitted from the stud}- of any who desire to ac- quaint themselves 'with all active agencies in the denominational religious history of that remarkable epoch of New England thought. In the same vein were his "Sacred Memoirs" pub- lished in two volumes in 1835, and his "Doubts concerning the Battle of Bunker Hill," an ingenious rejoinder to "Skepticism," published during his more engrossing public labors in 1846. He believed in the power of the printing press, and frequently sought its help, both in the newspapers of the da^', largely those of Worcester, Fitchburg and Barre, and in books and pamphlets,- the latter an especial resort of public writers in that era. I find in Sabin's collections of Americana quite a list of Mr. Hudson's pamphlets that bore their part in the memorable controversy and clash of doctrine and dogma half a century ago. It was then and always a trait of Mr. Hudson's life, thorough heedful- ness of all current topics and issues. Whatever occupied or challenged public thought he carefully studied, first for himself, and then for the enlightenment of others. Thus he came into the early period of man's estate, well trained in mental industry, careful and painstaking in all he set his brain or his hands to do. His five acre homestead on Academy Hill in Westminster, with its solid walls and smooth fields was tlie model and example for all farmers and housekeepers j-ound about. He had from early associations and robust traits that shrank from no lalior needed for honorable results, a thorough love for the farmer's calling. Some of his early addresses to Farmers' and Agricul- tural Societies, on more or less formal occasions, are excellent wisdom that helped forward the era of more intelligent husbandrj' 49 in this state. He was laitliful and zealous in all the duties that caine to hiin from parisli or townspeople, and it came to pass that the more secular public behests outgrew the former. He had been an educator, and began by educating himself, but he never for that reason believed that it was safe to leave the bo3's and girls of the Bay State to be self-taught. Some of his best efforts in early manhood were put forth in behalf of our Massa- chusetts Public School system. If Massachusetts in her Board of Education became a natural example and in such connection wrote the name of Horace Mann among her most honored sons, it was largely because he had co-workers that represented the best thought of that period. The Massachusetts Board of Ed- ucation was established in 1837, and in its earliest foundation work Mr. Hudson was associated in membership with such men as Everett, Dwiglit, Putnam, Rantoul, Robbins and Sparks, all of whom honored his genial services. After his intelligent and wide relation to local topics and in- terests in central Massachusetts had suggested the pattern ot the man, he began in 1828 what continued until the close of his more active career his broader service of public interests. I can give the chronicle to-night scarcely more expansion tjian the crisp chronology of Drake's American Biography, Lanman's Dictionary of Congress and other similar registers of the men of their time. He was a mem.ber of the Massachusetts House of Hepresenta- tives from 1828 to 1833, and again for a shorter period near the close of his life was sent to represent his town of Lexington in the same body. He was a State Senator from 1833 to 1837 ; a member of the Governor's Council from 1839 to 1841 ; a Rep- resentative in Congress four successive terms, from 1841 to 1849; one of the early members of the Massachusetts State Board of Education ; a member of the early Legislative Railroad Committees ; a State Director of the Boston and Albany, and years later State Commissioner of the Hoosick Tunnel, as an associate of the late Hon. Alvah Crocker. For eight years, at two different periods, he filled important Federal positions in Boston and vicinity. 50 But when this little chain of dates is measured upon the pub- lic records of the time how much of human progress and public vicissitude is seen to be included. As already stated it records a helpful part of our noble system of Public School education. It covers the entire railroad history of Massachusetts which laroelv enoaoed Mr. Hudson's attention and services in its formative era. He was an earnest advocate of development of transit facilities. At one time he fondly looked to see canal boats climb the levels of the Nashua, and pass down the lockage of Miller's river, on the projected water route from Boston to Albany. But he was among the first to welcome the new rail- road and its possibilites. He was among the earhest public writers, and a member of the first Legislative Committees to give direction and prepare the way for the railroad era. I am glad I had written thus far in this part of m}' theme before there came to me, as to yourselves, the testimony of Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, in his remarks before the Massachusetts Historical Society on Thursdaj' evening of the last week. On this very point Mr. Winthrop says : "My earliest association with Mr. Hudson was in the Legislature of ]\Ias- sachusetts rtiore than forty years ago, where he did more than any other member of either branch in the organization of our then infant railroad sys- tem. Our former associate, the late Nathan Hale, with whom Mr. Hudson actively co- operated could aloue, as it seems to me, be named as having rendered equal service." This is evidence that will not be questioned, fixing Mr. Hud- son's place in Massachusetts railroad annals. Most of m}- associates, certainly the elders among them, remember the familiar sign-board that so long held its place over our highways, in kindly warning of the unaccustomed perils of the public, written b}' Mr. Hudson, years before the invention of the steam whistle or the word Locomotive. '■''Railroad Crossing; look out for the Engine ivJdle the bell riiigs." But Mr. Hudson became most widely known and most broadly useful to his time in his relation to national affairs, during the eight vears of his congressional services. In 1841 he succeeded Hon. Levi Lincoln whose immediate predecessor was Hon. John Davis, as the representative of the oth Mass. District. i\Ioii of 51 our own day who have i)assefl through the era of Rebellion and Reconstruction, if they would have the full meaning of the mighty questions, whose solution has cost our time so much blood and treasure must study intelligently the immediateh' preceding epoch. Able writers have given us the history of the Anti- Slavery struggle, on pages written too near, in point of time, to the events themselves, to be free from coloring of pique and prejudice. The permanent historian will be sure to give the grand old Whig party as its standards were borne bj' Mas- sachusetts men in Congress, its share in that consolidation and sympathy of our Americanism which was needed to carr}- us as a people bej-ond the perils of foreign interference and civil com- motion, and make us strong enough to withstand and survive tlie death struggles of the infamous institution of human bond- age whose ultimate doom was indeed forecast when it was first wind-drifted a noxious weed over the walls of our Garden of Liberty. Charles Hudson will stand as a solid type of the Massachusetts Whig of his period, sturd}-, faithful and earnest in the first work that came to him, the protection of American Industry, and the first defences against slavery aggressions in the interests of slave labor. He came into congressional life, when, (inspired by sla- very co-operaling with British policy,) free trade had bequeathed to us in tlie language of that most competent writer, Henry C. Carey, "A commerce that gave an excess of specie, a people ruined, then o;overn- ments in a state of repudiation, a public treasury bankrupt and begging everywhere for loans at the highest rate of interest, a revenue collected and disbursed in irredeemable paper money, and a very large foreign debt." For years southern slavehoiding policy had dominated in the promotion of the cotton export and the free importation of all manufactured products of the forge, the loom, and the shop. The system of Compromises begun in 1833 had reduced well nigh to nothing all rates on dutiable imposts. Our national revenues had fallen to 12 millions. We need not write of these thino-s hotlv, but it would be un-American and not altogether of present unwisdom to forget that behind the imperious demand of the slave owners had stood for a quarter of a century the 52 boldly declared menace of more than one British premier that the people of the United States must and would bo "forced to give up their Tariff or their Union." It was at such a time as this that the new member from Wor- cester County entered Congress. He came full of his subject. He came from a manufacturing region of crushed manufactures. He had looked deep beneath the outer meaning of the familiar signs of the village stores of that period, '■'■English and West India Goods." He came to stand among sons of_,Massachusetts whose names will live in a shining galaxy as long as the Bay State endures ; Webster, Adams, Davis, Choate, Briggs, Lin- coln, Rantoul. It was not a company wherein a light and su- perficial man could make place or mark. But he was already trained in thought and its presentation. His first formal speech was delivered in his first term in Congress. His cherished col- league and life-long friend, George N. Briggs, of more experi- ence at the Capitol, kindly hinted to Mr. Hudson the possible peril of taking the fioor while so much a stranger to his sur- roundings, but he knew his own powers, and with modesty yet perfect self possession, delivered his speech on Discriminating Duties, Dec. 27th and 28th, 1841. It was strong, earnest, full of fact and statistics, in good temper, and yet direct and to tlie point, and stamped him as a doctrinaire of the first order. Mr. Adams in his Diary refers to it as *'an excellent speech." It was at once, and has alwa^'s been regarded as a most admirable exposition of an American doctrine, which our own recent presi- dential canvass has shown to be not 3'et extinct in value and meaning in our national atfairs. It had the merit of clear com- pact statement, and it was read more wideh' through the coun- try than any speech of its period. Of laborious habits, rugged physical strength and tliorouglily allcutivc to all the general and special calls ui)on a legishitoi'. ]\Ir. Hudson made in the course of his congressional life from twelve to fourteen speeches and several formal committee reports. He never engrossed time, or the floor unless he had something to say. His spee(;lies T have before me and they discuss the live topics of a vivid time. Discriminating Duties, (1841) The Annexation of Texns, (1845) The Tarilf, (1840) The Wheat Tra<]e of the Country, 53 (1840) Tlie Moxicun War, (1«4(;) The President's INIessnge on the War with Mexieo,(184(;) The Three MilUon Approi)riation Bill, (1.S47) The Cost of the Mexican War and the Finances of the Conntr}', (l.'-'4.s) The Constitutional power of Congress over the Territories and the Right of excluding Slaver}- therefrom, (1849i«rjirz^ ^^ EESIDENCE'DF HON. CHAIM.ES lirHSOX, LEXINGTON, MASS. oi Avill worthily stand as Mr. Hudson's latest contribution to the liistory of his own time, his manuscript ''Memoirs of the three Massachusetts Governors from Worcester," Levi Lincoln, John Davis, and Emory Washburn. "A Memoir of of George N. Briggs." ''The American Trio, or the characters of Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, and John C. Calhoun." "The lives of Edward Everett and Marcus Morton, as Governors of the State Contrasted." (Mr. Hudson was a member of Gov. Morton's Council) "A sketch of Horace Mann." These with the Me- moirs of Abraham Lincoln and the letter to Andrew Johnson, constitute a remarkable gallery of pen portraits from one to whose intimate association with his subjects, was joined rare power in preserving and analyzing their traits. Though 1 have already too greatly taxed your patient hear- ing, I should not be faithful to the generous public spirit that kept the latest years of his life employed, did I fail to indicate though briefly the connection he maintained with the affairs of his historic town, Lexington. He personally organized and man- aged the great Lexington Centennial. His pen has helped make clear the story of Lexington light ; and his labors in this direction are praised l)()th in this country and in England. He made possible for Lexington her Town and Memorial Hall. The noble town library, adorned with its superb statues of Hancock and Adams, the Minute Man and the Boy in Blue ; and the last week of his life found him busy in labeling and arranging the Cabinet of minerals he had been long collecting for the Lexing- ton Town Library and Museum. Says Rev. Mr. Westcott, his pastor, in his remarks at the funeral of Mr. Hudson : "The in- scription on Sir Christopher Wren's monument might well be placed above the mortal form of our friend as it rests in the soil of the town he loved so well and labored so earnestly to improve.." "If you would see his monument look around you." INIr. Hudson was twice married, his wives sisters, daughters of John Rider of Shrewsbury. A widow, a son and daughter survive him. In the late war of the Rebellion his second son, Lieut. Col. John W. Hudson, represented the fourth succeeding ■generation of the name to bear arms for his country. 58 No words from Mv. Hudson are iiioi'e tlivilliiig :iii(l drcplv characteristic than those in which as their rresidcnt he adihvss- ed his vencral)le associates, the \'eterans of the war oi' 1.S12. on the dishanchnent of their organization in l.sTD. '■We have reason to rejoice that our lives have been prolonged to witness the extension and t^rowth of our eountry, and the adaptation t)l' our institu- tions both to peace and to war ; and above all that we have lived to see the foul stain of human servitiule blotted (Uit from our escutcheon." Words worthy to stnnd lor his ow n lin.-il l.-n-cwcll. 59 The reading of the above M'us tbllowed by remarks by Hon. P. Emory Aldrich and others, eulogistic of Mr. Hudson. The President, Mr. E. B. Crane read a portion of his paper upon Shays' Rebellion ; the remainder, owing to the lateness of the hour, being postponed to the next meeting. Mr. Staples read a poem by St. John Honeywood, entitled "x\ Radical Song of 1786," illustrative of the spirit of the times. Mr. William S. Barton spoke brieliy of the Dorr Re- bellion in Rhode Island. On motion of Mr. Henry M. Smith, a committee of four was appointed, con- sisting of Messrs. Smith, Lovell, C. R. Johnson and Clark Jillson, to act with tlie President in perfecting arrana;ement-5 for the annual excursion of the So- cietv. The meetinn its own aceoiuit to supply their lull quota of men, and supplies to support the army. It now remained for the people to perfect the union o|' Iho states and the articles of coidV'deration that were to unite this new l!e|)ulilic. I'^or many years a lai'U'e share of the lioiie and ■^iiifu. tliH [H'odiH-l i\ (■ clciiii'iil of l!ic l;iiid. w a> fii::^;iu(r|iii Ji^lil- iiiii' llie battles for ficedoni. while the tinanrinl i-ondition of tlie country was fast growing from bad to worse, and these men in till' employ of government with families at home dependent upon their earnings for support were unable to render them the least assistance, and througlujut Ihe country considerable destitution and even sulfering prevailed. It was found necessary- to choose committees at town meetings to look after the families of soldiers in the lield, and to supply them with the necessaries of life. The repeated failures of government to meet its promises to pay, caused much dissatisfaction in the army, and the condition of the time may be illustrated by a brief notice of the action of a body of Pennsylvam'a troops who in .laiiuary, 17.S1, after asking in vain for aid forcibly left camp at Morristown, N. J., with the determination of marching to Philadelphia there to appeal personally to the national legislature for justice ; and when their action was oi)posed by theii- popular commander, (ien. Wayne, who by persuasion and threats sought to turn them back, they exhibited their tattered garments and emaciated forms, and warned him not t(j lire on them, for as much as they loved and respected him. should he do so, they would instantly take his life. They were determined to go to Philadelphia and de- mand IVom Congress redivss for theii' grievances. This exam- ple set In' the Pensylvania troops w'as followed soon after by some of those from New Jersey, and the feeling of discontent l)ecame alarming, (ien. Washington sent Gen. Robert Howe with live hundred men to restore order among the troops, and after hanging two of the i)oor unfortunates, perhaps among the most conspicuous, the remaindei- (jnietly sulnnitted to the situa- tion. 64 These men were uot traitors : they were compelled by sheer destitution to demand that which was rightfully their due. Congress saw the necessity and acted promptly, doing all in its power to relieve the army from its half-starved and half-naked condition. A committee was appointed to investigate and re- port on the condition of the army. They reported "That the army had not been paid for five months ; that its soldiers had but six days provisions in advance and on several occasions had been several successive da3's without meat ; that the medical department had neither sugar, coffee, tea, chocolate, wine or spirituous liquors of any kind ; and that every department of the arm}' was without money and had not even a shadow of credit left." Congress asked the several states each to supply annuall}' by direct taxation their proportion of the debt, but every state was groaning under its own obligations and Con- gress was too weak to enforce its demands, although the effort created great excitement in several states. Through this per- haps unavoidable failure of government to make good her re- peated promises, men women and children throughout the coun- try had been made to suffer, a fact that had been forgotten, and now that party which had broken faith with them was demand- ing through its agents, in many cases their last dollar to support, as the common people argued, a reckless and extravagant gov- ernment whose rulers and associates were clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuoush- every day, while the}- were jjut to their wits ends to provide for themselves and their families suffi- cient food and clothing and aAoid the common fate of the poor debtor, incarceration in the county jail. Thus were matters discussed at home around the quiet open fire-place, on the street corner, by the road side and at the tav- ern over the social mug of flip. Men waxed earnest and carried the discussion into the town meeting ; resolutions were passed instructing their representatives to the general court to use their influence for such modifications of the laws of the Commonwealth as to relieve the people if possible from their unhappy condition. The argument continued, interest in the subject increased, con- ventions were called where towns and counties were represented by delegates, and where the numerous grievances were thor- oughly ventilated and numerous suggestions advanced for their 65 remedy ; memorials were framed and addressed to the General Com-t praying for certain enactments that might bring relief. The common peo[)le or laboring classes were indeed sorely pressed to meet their private obligations while levy after levy of public taxes were being laid upon them by the legislature. This condition bronglit a rapid increase of civil actions, giving the legal fraternity a grand opportunity of reaping a harvest ; and so well did they perform their services, and so vastly were their numbers increased that they became an eye-sore to the pubhc. The lawyer was charged with having brought about a large share of the burdens which the people were laboring under. It was publicly demanded that this profession should be abol- ished ; that its members certainly should not be allowed to hold public ottice, and in many cases the representatives chosen for the vear 1786 were instructed by their constituents to anihilate them. It was hard indeed to see honest and industrious men, valuable helpers in society, dragged off to prison or their lands seized and sold to satisfy a debt or for the payment of overbur- densome taxes. The people were driven to desperation by such occurrences, and their attacks were first made on the lawyers who brought suits, then on the courts who passed sentence ; and is it to be wondered at that they desired to stay proceedings in the lower courts until such time as the legislature, through their representatives, might relieve them by new enactments? This was the feeling of a certain element among the insurrectionists, but there were other factions at work in and out of these con- ventions. There were those who entertained an honest differ- ence of opinion regarding the construction of the constitution, or articles of confederation. Some considered them sadly de- fective and were striving for their revision. The fiat money man was there claiming that an increase of paper dollars would re- lieve all trouble. The toiy was also at work adding fuel to the flame hoping that the fire might consume the machinery of the new government and that the people would be compelled to re- turn to the protection of Great Britain. According to the mode of taxation of those days one third part of the whole was to be paid by the ratable polls alone, which numbered at that time a little more than 90,000. In 1784, the 66 legislature voted a tax of £140,000, for the purpose of re- ducing the arm}" debt that amount. Two years later they assessed £100,000 more for a similar purpose. The inequality of taxation and valuation of property to be assessed gave rise to considerable dissatisfaction in many parts of the Common- wealth. Public taxes took precedence over private debts when the scarcity of specie was offered as an excuse for not paying both, and as a relief the Tender Act was passed July 3, 17«2, enabling individuals to pay private contracts on other property, the value of which was to be fixed by impartial men under oath. This act opened the wa}' for hostilities between debtor and creditor and undoubtedly had its influence in the general move- ment. (/ Early in the year 1784, the towns of Wrentham and Medway invited their sister towns in Sutlolk county to meet in con- vention for the purpose of consulting together to the end that some measures might be adopted to relieve the people from their many grievances. About the same time the town of Sutton is- sued a circular letter calling a convention for Worcester county. Although the meeting was convened, it adjourned without adopting an}' strenuous measures. On Tuesday- the 22d day of August, 1784, a convention was held at Hatfield, Hampshire county, at which fift\' towns in that county were represented b}' delegates. Benjamin Bonney was chosen presiding officer. They were in session three days and drew up the following list of grievances, which they termed some of the sources of that discontent so evident throughout the Commonwealtli : 1 st, the existence of the Senate ; 2d, the present mode of representation ; 3d, the officers of Government not being annually dependent on the representatives of the people, in General Court assembled, for their salaries ; 4th, all the civil officers of Government not being annually elected b\' the representatives of the people, in General Court assembled ; 5th, the existence of the courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace ; 6th, the fee table as it now stands ; 7th, the present mode of appropriating the import and excise ; 8th, the unreasonable grants made to some of the officers of Government ; 9th, the supplimentary aid ; 10th, the present mode of paying the governmental securities; 07 nth, the present mode ado[)tcd for the payment and speedy collection of the last tax ; 12th, the present mode of taxation as it operates unequally between the polls and estates, and between landed and mercantile interests ; 13tl), the present method of practice of the attornies at law; 14th, the want of sufficient medium of trade to remedy the mischiefs arising from the scar- city of money ; loth, the General Court sitting in the town of Boston ; Kith, the present embarrassments on the Press ; 17th, the neglect of the settlement of important matters depending between the Commonwealth and Congress relating to monies and averages ; 18th, voted this convention recommend to the several towns in this county, that they instruct their representa- tives to use their influence in the next General Court, to have emitted a bank of paper money subject to a depreciation, mak- ing it a tender in all payments, equal to silver and gold, to be issued in order to call in the commonwealth's securities; 19th, voted that whereas several of the above articles of grievances arise from defects in the constitution, therefore a revision of the same ought to take place ; 20th, voted that it be recommended by this convention to the several towns in this county, that they petition the Governor to call the General Couit immediately together, in order that the other grievances complained of may by the legislature be redressed ; 21st, voted that this convention recommend it to the inhabitants of this county, that they abstain from all mobs and unlawful assemblies, until a constitutional method of redress can be obtained ; 22d, voted that Mr. Caleb West be desired to transmit a copy of the proceedings of this convention to the convention of the county of Worcester ; 23d, voted that the chairman of this convention be desired to trans- mit a copy of the proceedings of this convention to the county of Berkshire ; 24th, voted that the chairman of this convention be directed to notify a county convention, upon any motion made to him for that purpose, if he judge the reasons sufficient, giying such notice together with the reasons therefor in the pub- lic papers of this county ; 25th, voted that a copy of the pro- ceedings of this convention be sent to the press in Springfield for publication. 68 These twentj'-five articles were the deliberate expression of delegates representing lift}' towns in Hampshire county, which was then the largest county in area in the Commonwealth.* Through the medium of town meetings and conventions the people throughout the state, particularly the western and mid- dle portion, had become thoroughly aroused upon the subject of their grievances and the best manner of redressing them. It was made the issue at the ballot box, and representatives were sent to the General Court to work out these much needed reforms. A bill was introduced in the legislature authorizing the issue of an adequate amount of paper money ; and to avoid the difficult}' of redeeming it. the bill provided for its depreciation at fixed rates in cei'tain giA'eu periods, until at a suitable time the whole should be extinguished. But this was too wild a scheme to succeed, and failed to receive the requisite support to become a law. The resolution passed by Congress Oct. 21, 1780, allowing officers in the arm}' half pa}' for life had, on account of the lack of funds, proved ineffective, and on the 22nd da}' of March, 1782, a resolution was passed commuting it to five years' full pay. This last act of Congress gave rise to a general expression of dissatisfaction among the officers and people not only in Massachusetts but in all the states. It seemed to olfcr a pre- cedent for partial if not complete repudiation. If Congress could by a single vote cancel an obligation to pay a debt simply for the reason that they had not the ready money with which to satisfy that obligation, wliy could not the poor people of the country be relieved from the payment of their private debts for a like reason, especially those persons who were to be defrauded by the late action of Congress ? In the month of April, 1782, the feeling of unrest and dissatis- faction was apparent in many portions of the state and one Samuel Ely was indicted at Northampton for attempting to pre- vent the sitting of the court of common pleas at that place. * Franklin and Hampden counties were set off from it by ;ict of the Leg- islature of 1811-12. 69 He pleaded guilty nnd was confmed in jail, but while the guard, who were composed of inhabitants from Springfield, were off duty, Mr. Ely's fi lends gave him his liberty, for which offence the leaders of the liberating party were contined in the same prison, and an elfort was made to release them also. At this the militia of the county, numbering about 1500 men, were called out to protect the jail. But there was no serious trouble, and in the month of November following the General Court passed a law granting the rioters complete pardon. The fire continued to smolder within the breasts of the peo- ple ready to burst out at any moment into a fearful conflagra- tion that might destroy the life of the young Republic ; and the political war-cloud that was soon to test the strength of this Commonwealth was gathering in its fierceness from day to day, while its black lines were distinctly visible from Boston rolling up its dark folds along the western horizon in a most threaten- ing attitude. For more than four years the people had been looking to the Legislature for relief, but had been disappointed. Little progress had been made ; there seemed to be too much delay. The people could wait no longer. The enthusiastic convention held at Hartford had given the people new inspira- tion and confidence, and some of them determined to take the reins in their own hands hoping to accelerate matters ; but in this they were not wholly united. While it seemed evident that a large majority of the people in the state west of the county of Middlesex were in favor of the desired reformation, and in full sympathy with the general movement, a considerable portion of them did not deem it wise to resort to violence to accomplish their purpose, and were not willing to join with their more zeal- ous and enthusiastic brothers in taking up arras against the o-overnment. and were determined to remain neutral in the fight ; but when the repeated calls on the militia, of which they were a part, were made to disperse the insurgents as they collected to prevent the sittings of the inferior courts, that arm of the gov- ernment to which they looked for strength was found to be paralyzed, and the officers of the courts were powerless and helpless in the hands of the regulators, as they styled themselves. Hostilities were carried no further than the preventing of the 70 courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace from performing legal business. The destruction of life or propertj- was not contemplated b}' the Regulators any more than it was bj' the friends of Beiyamin F. Butler when they took possession of Mechanics' Hall at a session of the Democratic convention in this cit}- a few years since. They came out to exhibit their strength in numbers and took possession of the Court Houses to show their determination that the}- meant to have reformation, not only in the laws of the Commonwealth but in the manner of their execution. It was the spontaneous uprising of an over- taxed and overburdened people. But the welfare of public peace is always more or less placed in jeopard}- where large or even small bodies of men are assembled together entertaining fixed opinions, and especially where they display a willingness to re-enforce their opinions b}- phj-sical strength ; and a portion of this impoverished people resolved, perhaps unwisel}', to trj- their success or defeat in that wa}-. Kowhere during the cam- paign was there an assault made by them the object of which was the destruction of life or property-, therefore the magnitude of this political movement cannot be measured by the loss of life or the destruction of propert}' : that was studioush' avoided by the Regulators and onh' done near the close of the contest by some of the most exasperated and reckless members of the partj-. Worcester county had witnessed her share of conventions. The town of Sutton had per liaps taken the lead in extending the invitations. The first meeting was held in March, 17-S4, Mr. Ebenezer Davis being chosen presiding officer. For two years the regulators had been gaining strength, and there seem- ed to be little disposition on the part of Gov. John Hancock to push matters to a crisis. But on the election of James Bowdoin as Governor in 17-S5, the situation on the part of government began to assume a ditl'erent aspect. In May, 1786, the town of Sutton again issued a call for a convention at Leicester, at which Mr. Willis Hall of Sutton was chosen prssident. Without adopting any definite plans for the future the convention adjourn- ed to meet at the same place, August 15th, following, at which time 37 towns in Worcester county were represented b^- dele- gates. A committee was chosen to correspond with other 71 count}' organizations and to i)rcparo on address for the people, and adjourned to Worcester where nuu)erous delegates from other counties, also many persons who were prominent and ac- tive in the movement from ditferent of the state had assembled. As a result of this conference, a petition to the General Court was prepared reiterating their many grievances, which were in substance similar to the list already quoted, and intimated their intention, unless the authorities granted the prayer of their petition, of calling a state convention. At the same time the people were counseled to abstain from taking up arms to stop tlie courts, means which had alread}' been employed in other counties. To the credit of Worcester county it can be said that her people were not in favor of appealing to arms for a settle- ment of their troubles at this time. The experience of the past ten years had taught them to dread war, and particularly to stand in fear of civil war : they preferred rather to rely on, and appeal to the good sense of the people, believing that in its own good time the right would prevail and the proper legislation would be obtained. The result shows the}' were wise in that conclusion, for the moment an armed force was arrayed against government, notwithstanding the administration had been dis- tasteful and unsatisfactory, it drew their sympath}', and the party in opposition to government lost strength materially in numbers — onU' the most desperate and reckless were left to carry on the warfare. The town of Northampton, Hampshire county, had already been the scene of conflict between the citizens and the officers of the courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions. But Thursday the 2i)th day of August, 1786, the Regulators were again determined that no business should for the present be transacted b}- that vexatious arm of the law. About 1500 men assembled with such arms as they could command, and took possession of the court house and effectually prevented the sit- ting of the official body. This bold step called forth a procla- mation from his excellency, Gov. Bowdoin, in which he appealed to the officers and citizens of the state to suppress such treason- able demonstrations. The Insurgents paid but little attention to the call of the Governor, while the citizens of the counties of 72 Hampshire, Berkshire, Worcester, Middlesex aud Bristol were in a state of intense excitement. A general outbreak seemed inevitable. The campaign was opened in good earnest ; one scene of excitement after another followed in quick succession, the first point being Worcester. Monday night, Sept. 4th, an armed body of men under command of Capt. Adam Wheeler of Hubbardston, took possession of the court house, and on Tues- day morning a considerable re-inforcement joined the guard, while numerous S3'mpathisers and curiosity seekers gathered about the premises evidentl}' enjoying the spectacle. On the arrival of the hour for convening the court, the Justices and court attendants were seen making their way to the court house, and on reaching the door and finding it guarded by armed men who opposed their entrance. Chief Justice Arternas Ward demanded why this armed force was present and who was in command. Capt. Wheeler replied they had come to relieve the country from distress by preventing the sessions of the courts until the people could obtain relief from their greivances by leg- islation. The Judge reproved the rioters, as he termed them, for the rashness of their conduct and then retired with his asso- ciates to the United States Arms Tavern, where the court was formally opened and immediately adjourned to the next da}-. Although the community had been forewarned of the intention of the Regulators, and orders had been issued calling out the local militia, the officers reported that it was not in their power to muster their companies, showing conclusively- that that aim of the government was in sympathy with the action of the peo- ple. Thus the courts were shorn of their strength, and the judges accepting the only alternative adjourned them to Tues- day, Nov. 21st. For two days Worcester had been the seat of intense excite- ment. At the first appearance of Capt. Wheeler in the town, his command numbered less than one hundred men, V)ut during Tuesday many recruits joined his company until it numbered four hundred strong, and the greater part well armed. They must have created no little amount of enthusiasm in this quiet, rural town, as they marched up and down Main street to the stirring sound of fife and drum, each man plumed with a sprig 73 of evergreen, the emblem of distress. This was the first in- stance in Worcester where a tribunal established for the admin- istration of justice had been interfered with by armed men. Can you not in imagination look back and see the hard handed son of toil, the sturdy yeoman, the legal representative and the aristocrat standing together at the street corner in heated dis- cussion concerning the vital political issues of the day ? Can you wonder that people were for the moment excited ? By Wednesday the Regulators had accomplished their work for this time and quietly dispersed to their homes. The Court of Common Pleas for Worcester county, consisted at this time of Major Gen. Artemas Ward of Shrewsbury, Chief Justice, Joseph Dorr of Ward, Moses Gill of Princeton, and Samuel Baker of Berlin, associates. The Court of General Ses- sions of the Peace for the county, was composed of all the Jus- tices in the county, i)reside(l over by one or more of the four above mentioned judges. These two courts are often referred to as one body, in fact their sessions were held together. They were required to meet in the months of February, May, Auo-ust, and November, each year. Three of the judges constituted a quorum for business as a Court of Common Pleas, while the fourth judge occupied the chair of dignity in the Court of Gen- eral Sessions of the Peace. When questions of importance were pending it was usual for all the judges to sit in the Court of General Sessions. This tribunal had jurisdiction over the mi- nor criminal oliences committed in the county. It was to "keep and cause to be kept the laws and ordinances made for the good of the peace and for the conservation of the same, and for the quiet rule and government of our people." To chastise and punish all persons offending against the form of these laws and ordinances "Imprisonments, fines, the whipping post, the stocks and the pillory" were their instruments of punishment. This court was also given the management of the financial aflairs of the county, and necessarily had much to do with the enforce- ment of the collection of the obnoxious taxes which so aunoj'ed the people. The counsellors for the Regulators had now determined on showing a bold front, and to present their claims for redress in 74 stronger terms. Their friends in Ilampsliire count}' had organ- ized themselves for the purpose of using force when necessar}-. Worcester count}' also had produced an armed body of men who had successfully overawed the exactions courts at Worcester ; the militia had thus far failed to respond to the calls made on them to sustain the courts, and to many of the Regulators the way seemed certainly open to success. The courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace were next to be held at Concord and Taunton, both on the same day, Tuesday Sept. 12th, and as it had been intimated that at attempt might be made to prevent their sitting at these places, the oflicers of government resolved to call out the militia for the counties of Middlesex and Bristol, feeling confident that the inhabitants of these districts would prove more loyal than those in the western counties had shown themselves. The call having been made, a delegation from the people of Concord and other towns in the vicinity waited on the proper authorities and asked that the order might be rescinded ; that the popular excitement would be greatly alleviated by so doing, while its enforcement would only add fuel to the flame ; and they would see to it that com- petent committees should be in readiness for the purpose of conferring with such armed men as should appear for the })ur- pose of interfering with the courts, who would advise them to desist from the use of force and adopt more moderate meas- ures. The delegates were receiAcd with favor and the order countermanded for Middlesex, but was to remain in force in Bristol count}' conditionally. These well meaning pacificators did not know their men : their good promises did not avail any- thing, for on Monday Sept. 11th, about 100 men under Job Shattuck of Groton and Capt. Nathan Smith of Shirley, entered the town of Concord and hastily constructed a rude camp with boards and posts in which several loads of liay were furnished by the quartermaster to be used for beds while several kegs of rum were on tap to give zest to the occasion. Tuesday, these men took })Ossession of the court house, and set sentinels to guard the place. About two o'clock in the afternoon, one of the Regulators acting as Sergeant, accompanied by fife and drums, went out a short distance from the court house and re- turned with about an luuulred more armed men under Wheeler of IIubl)ardston and Converse of Ilardwick. A convention of the inhabitants of Middlesex county was there in .session ; dele- gates from twenty-six or twenty-seven towns had met at Brown's tavern, but not being acommodated with sullicient room there, anjourned to the meeting house. At the same time the judges, justices and attendants of the courts were at Jones' tavern where they took clinner and were Avaiting events. The following notice was posted on the court house door : To the Hon. Jii.stices of the Court of iSe>tshns of the Peace and Court (f Common Pleas^i in the County of Middlesex. The voice of the people of this county is, that the Court of General Sessions of the Peace and Court of Common Pleas shall not enter tiiis court house until such times as the peo- ple shall have redress from the number of grievances they labor under at present, which will be set forth in a petition or remonstrance to the next General Court. Concord, September 12. 17SG. J. >'^S-STYij^dK. Later in the aftei'uoou it received the following endorsement : Since Aviitin"' the within it has been arranoed that the Court of Sessions may open and adjourn to the first Tuesday of November next, without going into the court house. As the Judges concluded it would be unwise to attempt the transaction of business, they sent word to the Regulators that neither court would l)e opened as it was impossible with the armed force before them. The Regulators now numbered about 300, some 220 armed with guns, the remainder with swords and clubs, led by Job Shat- tuck of Groton, Nathan Smith of Shirley, Adam "Wheeler of Hub- bardston, Abraham Gale of Princeton, Converse of Hardwick, and IMorris. During" the afternoon of Tuesday some of the sol- diers who had partaken too freeh' of the stimulating rations, became quite lawless, and one Nathan Smith of Shirley was so reckless that he is reported to have said, accompanying the same with oaths, that every person who did not follow his drum in two hours, whether he be court, town committee, or otherwise, 7G should be driven out of town at the point of the bayonet ; and whoever should be left would be "monuments of God's sparing mercy," to which the leader of the company from Worcester county replied, telling Smith that unless he recalled those words, he and his men would never join his company. Smith retracted, they joined forces, and the courts were compelled, at Concord, to yield to the popular demand. At Taunton the Regulators were more successful, although they did not take possession of the court house they turned out in far greater numbers than the mili- tia, and by their presence prevented the sitting of the courts.* At this time it was estimated that not more than one quarter of the people in the state could be relied upon as being firm supporters of government. This was well understood by the judges of the courts as well as the chief officer of state. But the remaining three quarters of the people while they desired reformation in the government, did not wish its annihilation, for which so many lives had been sacrificed and so much treasure expended. And now the issue came, either to support the government or take up arms to destroy it ; there could be no middle course. ]\Iany were inclined to wait for the correction of abuses in the new constitution, which at most was but an ex- periment. This kind of feeling took possession of many who had been ardent supporters and participators in the numerous conventions which had created so much enthusiasm throughout the state. * Here a greater effort was made to get out the militia, or they -were more willing to respond to the eall, and several companies (about 300 men) re- ported to Major Gen. David Cobb, who took possession of the court house. This force consisted of nine companies; two from Dalton, under Captains AValker and Talbot ; two or three from Bridgcwater, under Col. Orr ; two from llaynham, under Captains Hall and Washburn ; one from Rehoboth, under Lieutenants Peak and Carpenter ; one from Taunton, under Captain Williams, and one from South Taunton, under Captain Townshend. The Regulators were commanded by David Valentine. The courts with due deference to the majority and the wish of the people adjourned without day, although in this instance they Avere sustained and protected by the strong arm of the state. While this auitation was "-oiiio- on in Bristol and Middlesex counties, the excitement was running high in the western por- tion of the state. Between two and three thousand men assem- bled at Great Barrington, Berkshire county, to prevent the sitting of the courts in that place. A correspondent, under date of Sept. IG, 178(!, writes as follows: "'Tuesdaj- last was a melancholy da^-. From ten p. m. the preceding da}' until Tues- day eve our streets were crowded with men in arms — discon- tented people of the county, assembled to suppress the courts. The militia were ordered out but only made matters worse. Between two and three thousand men were out, four fifths at least were on the side of opposition. The court met at a pri- vate house and adjourned without da}-. The court house was strictly guarded. The Insurgents entered the house where the justices were, and at the point of the bayonet extorted such en- gagements from them as suited their capricious and absurd hu- mors.* They opened the prison and set at large those confined for debt, and threatened to demolish the court house." The Regulators now turned their attention to Springfield, where the Supreme Judicial Court was to convene. It was not because they stood in fear of indictments, for wherever the lower courts had been able to transact any business, they failed thtough their jurors of finding bills against any of the Insurgents, llie signal for an alarm in Springfield on this occasion was sounded on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 23, by Elisha Porter Esq., high sheriif of Hampshire county, who on his arrival from Had- ley informed the people of Springfield that men were assembling for the purpose of preventing the sitting of the court at that place, and informed Maj. Gen. William Shepard and also order- ed the court house guarded. That night the inhabitants of the town furnished the guard but were relieved Sunday morning by a comi)any of militia from Northampton ; and friends of govern- ment to the number of 800, armed and officered with five or six * The engagement here refered to, that was forced from the justices, was an agreement not to act under their commissions tmtil the grievances of the people were redressed, which they signed. 78 hundred spectators, all with pieces of white paper in their hats to distinguish themselves from the Regulators. The judges arrived Monday evening and Tuesday morning, and proceeded to business, but adjourned from da}' to day to Thursday the 28th, and then adjourned without day. The opposition party present on Tuesday morning the 25th was estimated at GOO, and by evening had increased to iJOO well armed men under Capt. Daniel Shays. The}' also had their quota of camp followers to the number of 500, all with green boughs in their hats. The opposing parties seemed to be very equally' matched as to numbers, but there appeared to be no desire for crossing swords. They faced each other until Wednesday the 27th, when committes were chosen b}' each of the contending parties to meet and devise some honorable means for a release from this awkward dilemma of two well armed forces confronting each other, neither wishing to strike a blow, and both ready to ofler an excuse for their presence. The conclusion of the joint committee was, that Gen. Shepard march his troops on Con- tinental Hill and there disband ; Capt. Shays to march his men to ground adjacent to the court house and disband, every man to immediately return to his liome. This Avas done, and the report goes on to say that in consequence of this disturbance, the high sheriff ordered the criminals confined in the jail in that town to be set at liljcrt}'. Quite likel}- this was a pai-t of the the programme arranged b}- the committees on Wednesday, the Regulators gaining so much by the compromise. The feeling of dissatisfaction with the management of the affairs of the state had now become trulj' alarming. The excite- ment was intense, and quite general throughout the Connnon- wealth, while tlie same sentiment had made its appearance among the people of other states — Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. In the latter state the legislature having failed to grant the prayers of certain petitions presented by dis- affected persons, those persons organized themselves into an armed force, and on the 20th daj- of Sept.. 17«(!, marched in- to Exeter and surrounded the meeting house where both houses of assembly were in session, and tried to enforce their demands with threats of death to any person wlio should attempt to '9 escape until they were granted. Their cry Avas for paper nion- e}', an equal distribution of propert}', and a release from debts. During the day the legislators were thus held in confinement without passing a single act for the relief of their their threaten- ing captors. Early on that Wednesday evening the loyal in- habitants of Exeter and vicinity rallied to the relief of their law makers, and the familiar roll of the drum calling the men to- gether, and their loud huzzas for government reached the ears of the insurrectionists, who thought discretion the better part of valor and withdrew rather than provoke an attack which they felt sui'e would come if the}' continued longer to hold the legis- lature in continement. The same evening orders were issued calling out the state militia to quell the insurrection, and on the next day the chief ofticer in the movement with about forty of his followers were arrested, but only six were detained for trial for treason. Two others were subsequently arrested and tried for the same olfence, but all were linally released. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts the courts in Middle- sex and Bristol counties were inoperative, while on account of organized armed opposition it was impossible for the courts to transact any business in the counties of Worcester, Hampshire, or Berkshire. This leit but a very small portion of the territory- of the state under the control of its governor. A proclamation had been issued calling together the members of the General Court on the 18th of October. But the decided stand taken by the opposition party and their bold actions influenced Governor Bowdoin to issue another call, fixing Wednesday the 27th day of September for their coming together ; and at the opening for business the Governor took occasion to address that honorable body un the condition of alfuirs within the commonwealth, stat- ing the danger that might come from such unjustifiable actions of the insurgents, and how he had attempted to suppress them. "If the people," he said, "would not be obedient to orders is- sued for their own safety, (referring to the failure of the militia to respond to his call) the consequences were imputable only to themselves." The speech was cordially received, but the major- ity of the General Court was not found in favor of adopting any coercive measures towards the people. 80 They felt that the first thing for them to do was to remove, so far as it was in their power, all causes for discontent, believ- ing when this was done nothing further would be heard of in- surrections. County conventions were again in order, eighteen towns in Middlesex, forty-one in Worcester, and all but one in Bristol, met in convention in their several counties, and petitions were framed and sent to the General Court. That body, however, looked with some suspicion upon the acts of these conventions, considering them as rather wanting the constitutional impress ; and that it was necessary for these petitions to be referred back to the several towns for their endorsements before they could legally come before them for their action. But the petitions, whether from the towns or counties, were so nearly alike that they decided to consider the following articles : The sitting of the General Court in Boston ; the institution and regulation of the courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace, with the mode of holding the Probate courts ; the burdens of the people arising from the scarcity of money and the difficulties thereby accruing in the payment of back taxes and private debts ; the mode of appropriating the proceeds of the import and excise duties ; the fee bill and the salaries of the officers of government. These matters were at once referred to the proper committees, and the work of reconstruction began. Although the annual salary of the Governor had been previously fixed at £1100 by a vote of the legislature under the constitution, this General Court voted that it was within the province of that body to fix this salary from year to year ; that in their opinion it v.as too high at the present time and should be considerably reduced, as well as the salaries of all other state officers, at the first session of the next legislature. In fact the entire session was passed in faith- fully trying to find and adopt some measures that would afford relief to their sufTeriug constituency. The house voted to re- move the court from Boston if it could be done with an3' advan- tage to the people ; and a committee consisting of one from each county was appointed to report at the next session upon a suit- able place. An address to the people was issued and sent to every town in the state, for the purpose of informing them of the SI exact condition of public matters, and trying to show that much of the dissatisfaction and unrest aniono- the people came largely from a lack of knowledge relating to the atfairs of state ; that false rumors Jiad been put in circulation by designing men to embitter them against an administration that was doing all in its power for the welfare and prosperity of her people. Mr. Isaiah Thomas in his Worcester Magazine, speaking of the court, says: "We must acknowledge, no General Court since the Revolution, have deserved more of their countr}', nor could any court have made greater exertions to restore the public tranquility' in times of ditliculty and danger." A general pardon was granted all persons who had taken part in the insurrection, upon their tak- ing the oath of allegiance previous to the first day of Jan., 1787. The suspension of the writ of /K(6fa.s co?7>? At this time perliaps the opposition party was not as strong numerically as it had been ; the timid and vacillating ones had withdrawn ; those remaining had been thoroughly organized and equipped for a vigorous campaign. Governor Bowdoin and his councillors saw what must coMe — a sharp, decisive blo/o from the governme7it, or they were hopelessly lost. November 25th, the Governor called upon the major generals in the state to see that their divisions were perfectly organized and equipped read}- to take the field ; and expressed a hope that the militia would not be found wanting.* Opportunities for receiving par- dons prortered by the General Court to the leaders of the insur- rection had not been improved to any extent, and government began to display her authority' by issuing warrants for the arrest of certain prominent instigators among the Regulators in the county of Middlesex. Early on the morning of November 29th, the sheriff armed with a bundle of writs, attended by a company of troopers who had volunteered for the purpose under Col. Benjamin Hichborn, proceeded from Boston to Concord. On their way they were joined by a party of loyalists from the town * Humors reached the ears of the Governor and his official staff that a combined effort on the part of the Insurgents had been set on foot to prevent the sittings of the court which were soon to convene at Concord and Cam- bridge, and Monday Nov. 21) th Major Gen. Benjamin Lincoln issued the following division orders : "The Major General directs that at the moment authentic information shall be received, which will be announced by the discharge of 8 cannon on Fort Hill, that the Insurgents are embodying thenselves at Cambridge, the Independent Cadets, Independent Light In- fantry, and the Republican Volunteers are to take post at South River Bridge. These corps are to be relieved as soon as possible by the regiments of this town. The company of artillery post with them at the bridge. The corps relieved will advance to Charlestown Neck. The horse are to be in advance, one division of them to take post on the road leading from Charles- town Neck to Cambridge, and the other is to take post on the road leading from Cambridge to Medford. The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Com- pany to take post at the fortification." On AVednesday, Nov. 2S>th, the Governor, as commander-in-chief, issued an order for the militia to be ready to march at the shortest notice. Tour regiments were put in order to protect the courts in the county of Essex ; the militia of Barnstable county were called out to silence a little unpleas- antness that was beginning to show itself in that quarter. 84 of Groton, under command of Col. Henry Wood. The posse now numbered one hundred strong, and was sufflcientl}' large to to attract public attention, so it was divided by despatching the Groton party to serve writs on on a little company of Eegulators whom they hoped to take by surprise. It seems they were in a measure successful, for they soon returned bringing with them Oliver Parker and Benjamin Page, both of Groton. But Capt. Job Shattuck, the leader most coveted, had made his escape. That night, in the face of a violent snow storm, the whole posse rode to Groton and surrounded the house where Capt. Shattuck lived only to find that he had again evaded their grasp and taken to the woods, where, after a dilligent search, he was discovered by a small party under Col. Henry Wood. Shattuck was not taken without some effort on the part of his pursuers, and was not secured until he had received several wounds, one of them quite serious. Capt. Shattuck had been a soldier in the French war and a commissioned officer in the war of the revolution, a man well qualified to be a leader or to fill an important place in this popular movement. When arrested, Thursday November 30th, he was armed with a broadsword with which he skilfully kept at bay his captors until forced to yield to superior numbers. His wounds consisted of several cuts across his face and hands ; but the one considered most serious was a division of the cap- sular lio-ament at the joint of the riffht knee. He was at once taken to a house where his wounds were dressed, after which he was placed in a sleigh and taken to Boston and confined in jail. (This was on the first day of December, the sherilf and his escort returning the same day.) He was given a comfortable room on the second floor of the building and supplied with suitable bed- ding, a competent nurse and medical aid. But his wound proved a serious matter, nearly costing him his life. So much sympathy w\t,s expressed for him by the public that a statement of his case was made through the Boston papers, Jan. 4, 1787. He was allowed to make choice of surgeons, consequently Wed- nesday December 20tli, he was placed in the hands of Mr. Kit- tredge of Tewksbury, under whose care he recovered. He was tried for high treason, convicted and sentenced to be hung, but subsequently received a i)ardon, after he had suffered by reason 85 of confinement and a dangerous wound, all hut death itself."* About the same time tliat the slieritl' with liis escort pet out from Boston for Concord, forty men, some of them said to be prominent and wealth}- citi;5ens of r>oston, under command of majors Spooner and Brimmer, left lloxbury for the purpose of taking a survey of Worcester count}' to ascertain the possible strength and situation of the Insurgents in that locality, and perchance to capture such of their leaders as might come in their way. They were, however, obliged to return to Boston with only acquired information, after having wounded one or two men in the attempt to arrest them in Shrewsbury'.! The first week in December was close at hand, and a session of the court of Common Pleas was expected at that time in Worcester. The Regulators were making preparation for de- termined resistance to any effort tliat might be made on the part of government to sustain this court. A force one thousand strong collected in and about Worcester, and for more conveni-" ent accommodation for the men they were divided into small detachments. Capt. Shays with his followers from Hampshire county marched to Rutland and took quarters in the barracks. Some were quartered at Shrewsbury, others at Grafton and * He was son of William and Margaret (Lund) Sliattuck, born in Groton February 11, 1735-6, and died there January 13, 1819. t This little raid called forth the following letter to Capt. Ilervey, a mem- ber of the General Court from Montague. Shrewsbury Dec. 2, 1776, Sir : The seeds of war are now sown. Two of our men are now bleeding that were wounded by the light-horse that came from Boston and Roxbury. I request you to let this letter be read, and for you and every man to supply men and provisions and relieve us with a re- enforcement. We are deter- mined here to carry our point. Our case is yours. Don't give yourselves rest and let us die here for we are all brethren. Four of our men are taken prisoners and carried to Boston, We must be relieved or you know the event, take my meaning for I am in haste. Sir', I remain your humble servant. THOMAS GROVER, ELISHA PONDELL. Per Order, Daniel Shays, Capt. 86 Holden. Orders were issued by Capt Shays to many towns in Hampshire county, and also in Worcester county, for the men to turn out and join hiia at Rutland. Sunday evening Dec. 3d, the Regulators who went to Grafton marched into Worcester under command of Abraham Gale of Princeton, Adam Wheeler of Hubbardston, Simeon Hazeltine of Hardwick, and John Williams, (a reputed deserter from the British army, aud who had served as Sergeant in the continental line,) aud took pos- session of the court house, their strength being materially re- enforced during the night. Again the Regulators had achieved an easy victor}' through the unwillingness of the militia to turn out against them. Gov. Bowdoin had intimated his purpose to tvphold the session of the court at this time^ and orders had been given to Major Gen. Warner to call out the militia of his division for this purpose, and five regiments were directed to be in readiness to march at a moments notice. But tlie sheriff reported that a suflicient force could not be collected, and it was exceedingly doubtful if anv considerable number of the militia could be relied on in this locality. Government then decided to raise a sufficient force of volunteers to crush out the insurrection ; and the judges were advised to adjourn the court to Tuesday the 23d day of January, 1787, to give time for the organization of such an army. But we must not overlook the fact that there were loyal men in Worcester, for on Monda}', agreeal)Ie to orders, the training band and alarm list paraded on the common. About 170 men turned out. They marched to the Hancock Arms tavern, pas- sing on their way the company of Insui'gents who stood on pa- rade while they passed. After reaching the tavern thoy return- ed to parade and were dismissed until 10 a. m. the following day. In the evening the Regulators beat to arms fearing the ap- proach of the light-horse said to be on the way from Boston ; the alarm however proved to be false, but a guard was posted in the court house, while the rest of the party were ordered to la}' on their arras during the night. About sunset a terrific snow storm set in, more severe than had been known here for years ; and news came that several companies of militia were on the way from Leominster, Brookfield and other towns. 87 Tuesday the storm continued with unabated fuiy — roads were ahnost impassible, yet a number of men from llolden and other towns came in and joined the Insurgents. 8ome of the judges were unable to reach the town, but in the afternoon court was opened at the Sun tavern and adjourned b}' proclamation to the 23d of January. AVednesda^- morning 8U men from Belchertown and other places came in and joined the Regulators. A com- mittee from Sutton and Douglas arrived in town after the court had adjourned, with a petition asking that the court adjourn until the March term : they had undoubtedl}' been dela^'ed by the condition of the roads and therefore arrived too late to be of service. The Regulators were apparrentlj' masters of the situation. The Hon. Samuel Baker of Berlin, one of the justices, was stopped by a guard as he was leaving town to go to his home, but was soon released. Tuesday evening the Insurgents placed sentries around the house of Hon. Joseph Allen, where the Hon. Chief Justice Artemas "Ward, late speaker of the house of repre- sentatives was stopping, but no personal violence was oti'ered him. About two o'clock on Wednesday afternoon Capt. Shays, mounted on a white horse, arrived with about three hundred and fifty men, and after joining the companies already in town, a grand parade was made about the streets. The men were then dismissed, and quartered on the inhabitants who freely gave them food and shelter, 'Capt. Shays being cared for at the house of Col. Samuel Fkigg. Thursday the military leaders held a consultation in regard to future movements, and while reports were rife that it was the intention of this little army to march direct!}' to Boston* for the purpose of liberating their brothers who were incarcerated there, they were engaged in drafting a petition to tlie Governor and council and addresses to the people at large, and Hampshire count}' in particular. * Governor Bowdoin was so fearful that they might come to Boston, that he issued orders to Major Gen. Brooks to hold the Middlesex militia in close proximity to the Worcester road, and to despatch persons to watch the force at Worcester. 88 As these addresses were framed in Worcester I give tbem in full, to show more plainly the popular sentiment of the day. An address to the peo])le of the several towns in the County of Hampshire noio at arms. Gentlemen : — We have thought proper to inform you of some of the principal causes of the late risings of the people, and also of their present movements, viz : 1st. The present expensive mode of collecting debts, which by reason of the great scarcity of cash, will of necessity- fill our jails with unhappy debtors, and thereb}' a reputable body of people rendered incapable of being serviceable either to themselves or the community'. 2d. The monies raised by impost and excise being appropriated to dis- charge the interest of government securities, and not the foreign debt, when these securities are not subject to taxation. 3d. A suspension of the writ of habeas corpus b}' whieli tliose per- sons who have stepped forth to assert and maintaui the rights of the people, are liable to be taken and convej'ed even to the most distant part of the Commonwealth, and thereby subjected to an unjust punishment. 4th. The unlimited power granted to justices of the peace, sheriffs, deputy sherift's and constables, by the riot act, indemnif3'ing them to the prosecution thereof, when perhaps wholly actuated from a princijile of revenge, hatred and env}-. Furthermore, be assured that this l)ody, now at arms, despise the idea of being instigated by British em- missaries, which is so strenuously propagated by the enemies of our liberties. And also wish the most proper and speedy meas- ures ma}' be taken to discharge both our foreign and domestic debt. Per order. ■ DANIEL GRAY, Chairman of the committee for the above purpose. The other address is as follows : To the j)r inter of the RepiihJirati Herald . Sir : — It has somehow or other fallen to my lot to be emplo}'- ed in a more conspicuous manner than some others of my fellow citizens, in stepping forth in defense of the rights and privileges of the people, more especially of the county of Hampshire. 80 Therefore, upon the desire of the people now iit arms, 1 take tliis method to publish to the world of mankind in general, par- ticularly the people of this commonwealth, some of the pi'incipal grievances we complain of and of which we are now seeking re- dress, and mean to contend for until a i-edress can be obtained, wliich we hope will soon take place, and if so our brethren in this comn)onwealth who do not see with us as 3'et, shall find we shall be as peaceable as they are. In the first place I must re- fer vou to a drauglit of grievances drawn up bv a committee of the peoi)le now at arms, under the signature of Daniel Gray, chairman, which is heartih' approved of, some others also are here added, viz : 1st. The General Court for obvious reasons must be removed out of the town of Boston. 2d. A revision of the constitution is absolutely necessary. 3d. All kinds of gov- ernmental securities now on interest that have been bought of the original owners for two shillings, three shillings, four shil- lings, and the highest for six shillings and eight pence on the pound, and have received more interest than the principal cost the speculator who purchased them ; that if justice was done, we verily believe, nay positively know, it would save this com- monwealth thousands of pounds. 4th. Let the lands belonging to this commonwealth at the eastward, be sold at the best ad- vantage to pay the remainder of our domestic debt. 5th. Let the monies arising from impost and excise be appropriated to discharge the foreign debt. Gth. Let that act passed by the General Court last June l\v a small majority of only seven, called the supplementary aid, for twenty-five years to come, be repealed. 7th. The total abolition of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace. 8th. Dep- uty sheriffs totally set aside as a useless set of officers in the community, and constables who are really necessary, be impow- ered to do the duty, by which means a large swarm of lawyers will be banished from their wonted haunts, who have been more damage to the people at large, especially the common farmers, than the savage beasts of prey. To this I boldly sign my prop- er name, as a hearty well wisher to the real rights of the people. THOMAS GROVER. Worcester, December 7th, 17S(i. 90 Again the Regulators were successful in Worcester, the ob- ject of their visit having been accomplished, and man}' of them returned to their homes. The exceptionall}' severe weather had given them a hard trial during the past week, but their courage and physical strength were equal to the demands of the cam- paign. Capt. Shays with a portion of his command, about 500 in number, returned on Thursda}- afternoon b}' wa}' of -Paxton to the barracks at Rutland.* One hundred men left for the north part of the town in order, they said, to quarter at Bige- low's tavern about four miles from the meeting house. Capt. Luke Da}-, who was in command of a small force stationed near Springfield, was ordered b}- Capt. Shays (Dec. 3d.) to march to Worcester at once ; but on account of the condition of the roads he made slow progress, reaching Leicester on the after- noon of Frida}', Dec. 8th, and as his services were not required in Worcester, he remained there until IMonday the 11th, and then retraced his Steps to Springfield. Saturday morning, De- cember Kth, there came another snow storm, but about noon the remaining Regulators paraded before Patch's tavern and then started for home, one company from Ward, one from Holden, others from Spencer, Rutland, Barre, Hubbardston and Peters- ham ; and by night the town was clear of them, and peace and quietness again took the place of the sound of martial music and the measured tread of men in arms. Springtield was the next objective point, as Tuesday, Decem- ber 26th, was the da}' fixed by the legislature for holding the Judicial Court at that place. Thither Shays marched his little army, and took possession of the court house, posting bis guards in true military style. He then sent a communication to the judges requesting that no business be transacted by the court, to which they readily assented. The news of tlie result here reached Boston six days after its occurrence, which shows the rapidity with which news travelled in those days ; but this delay * When Buigoyne's army was surrendered, in 1777, Rutland was selected as a place of safety for the prisoners. Here several acres were enclosed by a stockade twelve feet high, within which was constructed barracks for the accommodation of soldiers. These barracks were used bv Shavs in 178fi. 91 ma}' have been parti}' occasioned by the wi-etched condition of the roads at this season of the year. It shouh] l)e remembered that January 1st, 1787, was the limit fixed to the time for taking the oath of allegiance and re- ceiving pardon. A considerable number had availed themselves of this opportunit}-. l>ut the time had now gone by, and still men were in arms to prevent the action of the inferior courts in several counties in the state, and Gov. Bowdoin issued orders to raise 440U rank and tile, to serve for 3U days if not sooner discharged, and to march for the protection of the courts to be held at Worcester, January 23d, 1787, Seven hundred men were to be raised from the county of Suffolk, 500 from Essex, 800 from JMiddlesex, 1200 from Worcester, and 1200 from Hampshire; and Major Gen. Benjamin Lincoln was to com- mand the force. The legislature was not in session, and there was no money in the treasury- to equip and maintain such an arm}' ; but a few lo\'al gentlemen about Boston volunteered to loan the government £()000, and the work of organizing the little army went on, for it might not be safe to trust the fate of the Commonwealth to the militia at this time. Governor Bowdoin now had something to work with, and January 12th, he issued an address to the people, in which he stated that he had ordered a part of the militia to assemble in arms for the purpose of protecting the Judicial Court at Wor- cester ; of aiding the civil magistrates in executing the laws ; of repelling all insurgents against the government ; and of ap- prehending all disturbers of the public peace, etc ; and appealed to all men of principle, and friends of justice, to give their sup- port to his endeavor. He also issued an order to Gen. Benja- min Lincoln, (Jan. l!)th,) to protect the courts at Worcester; and on the 24th of January he gave him additional instructierkshire leader. Gen. Lincoln with his men arrived in Springfield on the 27th and 28th, and immediately put in motion the entire government force. A portion of the men with artillery and horse crossed the river on the ice to at- tack Luke Day, who with his command was still at West Spring- field. They however made a hasty retreat to Northampton, and the reward of that chase was only a few stragglers picked up by the light horse. In the mean time Gen. Shepard with his Hampshire County militia moved up the river bank to pre- vent the union of Day with Shays, while Gen. Lincoln pushed on after the main body of the Insurgents as rapidly as the se- verity of the season would permit, reaching the town of Amherst Just in time to find that Shays witli his main army had passed through there on their way to Pelham, and for the time being were out of his reach, so he turned aside to the town of Hadley to quarter his troops for the night. In the morning information came of the capture of a number of Shepard's men by the Insur- gents at Southampton. Col. Baldwin in command of the Brook- field volunteers. 50 men in sleighs, and Col. Ebenezer Crafts of Worcester with 100 horse, were immediately sent in pursuit to retake the prisoners. About 1 2 o'clock the same night they came up with them at Middlefield ; it was soon ascertained that there were about . He petitioned the General Court for pardon Feb. 7, 1787, and was released on bail March 23d. Col. Luke Drnry of Grafton was sent to jail in Boston January- 2G, 178(1. Caleb Curtis was arrested and confined in jail. 10!) Adam Wheeler of Iliibbardston was a constable previous to the insurrection and a prominent man of that town. He was captured in Vermont l)v a party of government men under Royal Tyler Escj., l)ut tliev were onl^- able to hold him 4 hours when he was liberated I)}' a i)art3' of 40 sympathizers from over the line in the state of New York. Daniel Baird of Worcester was sent to jail at Boston, but he was released on bail March 23, 1787. W^illiam Berais of Spencer, petitioned for pardon Oct. 28, 178G. He was Capt. in the militia and an honored citizen. Justus Wright was arrested and confined in jail. Capt. Moses Harvey of Montague, a member of the General Court, was tried at Northampton in April, 1787, and convicted for uttering seditious words. He w-as sentenced to sit on the gallows 1 hour with a rope around his neck and pay ^50 to the state and recognize to keep the peace for 5 years. On Fridaj', April 30, the legislature voted to expel him. Hezekiah Hicks was jailed at Taunton March 26th, 1787, Enoch Tyler of Egremont with two other insurgents, w'ere jailed at Albany N. Y. the latter part of JNIay, 1787. This was probably his second offence. V. NAMES OF PERSONS CONVICTED BY THE SUPKEME JUDICIAL COURT FOR BERKSHIRE COUNTY AVHICII CLOSED ITS SESSION IN APRIL, 1787. William Whiting P^sq. of Great Barrington, Chief Justipe of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Berkshire, was convicted of making seditious speeches and sentenced to six months imprisonment, fined ^{^100, and ordered to give sureties to keep the peace .'; years. Aaron Knapp of West Stoekbridge, Enoch Tyler of Egre- mont, Joseph Williams of New Marlboro, Nathaniel Austin *of Sheflield, Peter Wilcox Jr.* of Lee, and Samuel Rust of Pitts- field, were convicted of high treason and sentenced to death. * On Friday night, at Great Barrington, as the time was approaching for the execution of these two men, (Wilcox and Austin) two women armed 110 Knapp, Tyler, Williams and Rust were pardoned May 4th, Austin and Wilcox were reprieved May 24th to June 21st, and before that day arrived they were again reprieved to Thursday, Aug. 2d. John Hubbard, David Sackett, John Deming, Peleg Green, Oliver Root, Enos Haskins, and John fStrong were convicted of exciting sedition. Isaac Wood, Aaron Noble, Moses Wood, AVilliam Sheldon and Anthony Ames were convicted of inciting a riot, and Joseph Wood for setting fire to a barn. 100 more were convicted but fled be3-ond the reach of the officials. VI. Tuesday April 25th, the Supreme Judicial Court convened at Worcester and was in session two weeks. James Sullivan, Thomas Dawes and Levi Lincoln were assigned as counsel for the prisoners. Henry Gale of Princeton, was convicted of high treason and sentenced to death, Jan. 11th, 1787. The town of Princeton joined in a petition for his pardon. Thursday, June 21st he was taken to the gallows on the common and there re- prieved to Aug. 2d, and again a respite of 7 weeks was granted. Silas Livermore of Paxton, and Jacob Chamberlin of Dudley, indicted for high treason, were acquitted. It will be seen from the above proceedings that fourteen per- sons were convicted of high treason and sentenced to death. Eight of them were granted full pardon within a very short time after conviction, while the remaining six were reprieved from time to time for a few months, and then they are also jiardoned ; so that the most prominent among the insurrectionists were not punished beyond a short imprisonment, and soon after their release, were found occupying responsible positions of honor and trust in the several communities where they resided, show- ing conclusiveh" that the public sentiinent was not to brand them as traitors, but to allow respect for honest difference of opinion. with a bottle of spirits introduced themselves to the sentry Avho stood guard over the prisoners. He not being above the average of the human family in intellect, was soon brought under the control of these cunning artihcers, who succeeded in accomplisliing the object of their visit, the setting at liberty of the two condemned men. As soon as their escape was made known, the sentry with one of the women who had been arrested, were im- prisoned in the same jail. II. VII. CN'Dte to page 70.] In November, I7S6, His Excellency, Gov. Bowdoin, informed the General Court that letters had been sent to the selectmen of several towns in Hamp- shire County, asking them to call together the inhabitants of their several towns, and see that they were properly supplied with arms and amunition, and organized according to law ; and that the militia be furnished with 60 rounds of cartridges, and hold themselves ready to march at a moments warning. This communication was reported to a committee of the house who soon presented a report containing the following recommendations : 1. A suspension of the writ of Habeas Corpus. 2. A provision for try- ing traitors in any county. 3. A pardon for all persons concerned in the late insurrections, excepting the ringleaders, upon their taking the oath of allegiance and abjuration. The house at once took up the subject with the result that a general indemnity shall be granted to all the insurgents upon their taking the oath of allegiance previous to the first day of January next and not persevering in the crime after the passing of the act then under consideration ; and that the suspension of the writ of Habeas Corpus and trying persons on charge of high treason should take place under the same condition. Bills to this effect were read for the third time and passed to be engrossed ; and the bill for suspension of the writ of Habeas Corpus passed both branches of the legislature. im 112 The reading of the paper was followed by remarks from the Rev. George Allen, and Messrs. Tolman and Knight. The meeting was then adjourned. In response to an invitation extended to the Wor- cester Society of Antiquity by Mr. George Sumner, to visit his summer home ot Shrewsbury, a party of about thirty gentlemen* left the Rooms on Foster street, at half past one on the afternoon of Wednes- day, August 10th. The conveyance was a large six-horse omnibus, and the ride occupied about an hour. The company received a warm welcome from Mr. and Mrs. Sumner and their family, and an hour was spent in exploring the old mansion and viewing the antique treasures it contains. The house, which has been in the possession of the family for four gen- erations, was the home of the Rev. Joseph Sumner, D. D., Minister of the town from 17G2 to 1823. * The following gentlemen composed the party: Ellery B. Crane, Albert Tolman, Henry L. Shumway, James A. Smith, Dr. George Chandler, Clark Jillson, William A. Smith, A. B. R. Sprague, Samuel E, Staples, Franklin P. Rice. Hammond W. Hubbard, Addison Prentiss, Norton L. Cook, Aug. E. Peck Augustus Coolidge, Nelson R. Scott, Pardon A. Lee, Ephraini Tucker, Daniel'Seagravc, Thomas M. I.amb, James L. Esty, Franklin C. Jillson, and E. Francis Thompson. The above are members of the Society. Also by invitation, John G. Smith, Samuel H. Putnam, Alfred Waites. Herbert R. Cummings and Master Everett Shumway. The following gentlemen joined the party at Shrewsbury : George Sum- ner, Reuben Colton, and William L. Clark, Members ; and the Rev. George Allen, Otis A, Putnam, and William D. Clark. Messrs. Brown, Harlow, Howe, Stone, and Dr. Brigham all of Shrewsbury were also present at the Sumner House. 2 2. an a So' 5' ^ 3 B = °0 *r, p ^ bHch: _ to 3 o •o e: p S o -2_"' a) fc O 2, jOl O O - P — >3 P 3 Q * O* CO P r- -i ft! _ " c ^= n> 3 Wo a 3 3 3 2, ..^ o "^ P O Q O ^^ — :n O o V! S C S-r« P (t -->n — '.3 2. _x '^ 5 ? o <; -0 ^ "2. " -* fc 3 =, -^ fc S 2 =" s 1 :3 2. - _. ;^ P a ^ c -^ till * ^ ^ "^ w ^"^ 032 ^ rj) 1:0 P 51 O •^ ° '2! o o — 1 2"^ 00 i* •a C(R 3. 3 ° O 3=; = w SB 113 The old furniture, crockery and household imple- ments used in his family, as well as his library, fam- ily portraits, relics, etc., have been carefully pre- served by his grandson, the present proprietor, who has added from time to time, many rare and curious articles, until a collection has been formed unrival- ed in these parts in size and value. Rare old tables, sideboards, and chests of drawers in mahogany and cherry, antique chairs in angular frames or in mas- sive stuffing, beds with drapery and curtains, the old clock, large and small spinning wheels, the clock reel, the quill-wheel, the open fireplace with and- irons, presented to the eye a picture of by-gone days. In the kitchen was the dresser piled with pewter plate, while tankards, beakers, ancient knives and forks, candlesticks, tinder box, piggin, skillet, and other minor articles of culinary use made up the accompaniment. The crane in the fireplace, the bare lloor, the settle and the candle molds, were suiJ-grestive of the discomforts and inconveniences of a past generation, and in striking 'contrast with the methods and manners of the present. Upon the walls of the '^'keeping room" are the portraits, in oil, of the Rev. Dr. Sumner and members of his family, with other ancient paintings and prints of the style of the last century. The title deeds of the place dating back to 1750 were exhibited framed under glass. In the library, among other rare books, is a copy of a ^'Confession of Faith" in the Indian lan- guage, compiled by Grindal Rawson. The place 114 will well repay the visit of the antiquary, and would furnish ample material for an illustrated magazine article. From the house the party proceeded to the famous Balanced Rock, about a mile and a half from the town, on the road to Boylston. It is an immense boulder — an irregular cube of perhaps 25 by 15 feet, resting on one of its angles on the surface of a Hat ledge on the crest of a hill. It is very curious, and suggests an idea of the prodigious glacial forces which probably drifted it to its present position and dropped it gently and evenly- balanced. Beneath the boulder, upon the surface of the ledge, the strice or glacial markings can be plainly seen, the over- hanging mass having sheltered them from the action of the elements. At the request of the Rev. George A.llen, who accompanied the party thither, and whose enthusiasm equalled that of the youngest, the president measured the height and breadth of the rock. Mr. Samuel H. Putnam ascended to its sum- mit, and a sketch was made from a convenient point by Mr. Norton L. Cook.* Returning to the village, some time was spent in exploring the ancient portion of the cemetery, and deciphering the quaint inscriptions, the oldest found being of 1740. The massive tomb of Gen. Artemas Ward of Revolutionary fame was also an object of * The illustrations which accompany this account are from sketches made later, bv Mr. William A. Emerson. 115 interest.* The old church was then visited, but it has been modernized to an extent that destroys its antiquarian interest. Its pulpit was occupied by the Rev. Dr. Sumner and later by the Rev. George Allen. A number of the party ascended to the bell- deck where an extensive view was obtained, embra- cing more than a score of towns, from the heights of Dorchester to the hills of Westminster. It is a fact not generallj^ known that Shrewsbury and Princeton are on the same level above tide water, and the view from the former does not lose in com- parison with the latter. The day was an admirable one, and the party was amply repaid for the trouble of climbing the narrow stairs. * The following are the inscriptions on the Ward monument : EAST SIIJE. SARAH, wife of Gen. Artemas Ward, Dec. 13, 1788 je 63. .^laj. Gen. ARTEMAS WARD. Sou of Col. N. Ward H. U. 1748-1762, a Justice & 1776 Chief Justice of the C. C. Pleas For the Co. of Wor, 1778, a Major in the expedition against Canada 1751). appointed Col. 1766. his Commission as Col revoked for his inflexible opposition to arbitrary power, whereupon he informed the Royal Gov. that he had been twice honored — 1768 chosen one of the executive Council and by the same Royal Gov. and for the same reason negatived and deprived of a seat at that Board — 1775 appointed to the command of the army at Cambridge and by the Continen- tal Congress first Maj. Gen. of the army of the revolution. 1779 appointed a member of the Continental Congress, and under the Federal Government repeatedly elected a member. — 16 years a Representative of this town in the Legislature & in 1786, Speaker of the house of Representatives. Firmness of mind & integrity of purpose were characteristic of his whole life so that he was never swayed by the applause or censure of man but ever acted un- der a deep sense of duty to his Country & accountability to his God — long will his memory be preserved among the friends of liberty & religion. Oct. 27, 1800. X 73. 116 Returning to the Sumner Mansion, they were met by Dr. Brigham, who in honor of the guests had come in an ancient narrow gig-chaise, painted bright yellow, and unlike Dr. Holmes' "one boss shay," built to withstand the ravages of time for genera- tions yet to come. This vehicle was used by Sher- iff Thomas W. Ward,* in his official journeys. Dr. Brio-ham also brought the medicine chest of his Capt. NAHUM W' AllI) son of Gen. Ward, March 7, 1778, in the army, m 24. MAllTIIA daughter of Gen. Ward July 25 1781, je 21. SOUTH SIDE, ^VARD. Deacon AVILLIAM WARD, from England, Marlboro, Aug. 10, 1G87, M. 87. Col. NAHUM WARD, son of Capt. W. Ward, May 7, 1754, X. 70. Capt. WILLIAM WARD, son of Dea. W^ird, Marlboro, Nov. 25, 1G97, JE. 57. BENJAMIN, son of Col. Nahum & Martha Ward, April 22, 1717, JE. 12 mos. First Death in town. MARTHA, Relict of Col. Nahum Ward, July 1, 1755, je. 68, MARTHA, daughter of Col. Nahum & JMartha Ward, July 2, 1794. je, 78. ■WEST SIDE. CHARLES G, WARD, son of T. W. & II. P. W. Adj't. 24 Reg. Mass. vol. killed in Battle at Drury's Bluff, Va. May 10, 18G4, je. 34. HARRIET P. wife of Thomas W. Ward, Miir. 25, 187G, je. 75 yrs. ARTEMAS, son of Thomas W. & Harriet P. ^^■ard, Oct. 28, 1833, je. 5 vs. NOKTH SIDE, ARTEMAS WARD, son of Thomas W. & Elizabeth Ward Dec. 31. 1816, ^.26, JOSEPH WARD, son of Thomas W. & Elizabeth Ward, Oct 2, 1821, JE. 32. THOMAS WALTER WARD Esq., 18 years High Sheriff of this Co., Aug. 20, 1835. je. 77. A. H. WARD son of T. W. & E. Ward, Feb. 18, 1864, je. 79. NAHUM AVARD, son of T. W. & E. Ward April 6, 1860, JE. 74. HARRIET V^ILLIAMS, wife of A\"illiam Williams, & daughter of Thomas W. & Elizabeth Ward, Nov. 13, 1824 je. 37. JOHN TUCKER, son of A. H. & S. H. Ward, died in Boston, Nov. 2, 1840, je. 24, 5 mos. ELIZABETH, Relict of T. W. Ward Esq., Nov, 18, 184G je. 87. ELIZA MARIA ANTOINETTE. Oct. 26, 1821, je. 3 yrs 8 mos. & 8 ds. FRANCES CAROLINE AUGUSTA, 23 Oct. 1824, je, 18 mos. & 20 ds., daughters of Andrew H. & Sarah II. Ward. * Thomas Walter Ward was son of Gen. Artemas Ward. He was sheriff of Worcester Countv from 1805 to 1824. WAItl) MOIvUME.NT, SIIKEWSBUllY, MASS. 117 father who was for many years a physician in Shrewsbury. Its contents were inspected with in- terest. At the close of the afternoon a generous colhition was served, the divine blessing being invoked by the Kev. George xillen. Several citizens of Shrewsbury joined the party in the evening which was passed with music and pleasant conversation until eight o'clock, when the company returned to the city ar- riving about nine, with the memory of an agreeable and profitable experience, which will be a lasting one. The September meeting was held on the evening of Tuesday the Gth, President Crane in the chair. The following persons were present: Messrs. Crane, Roe, Paine, E. H. Marble, Tucker, F. P. Rice Stone, Clark Jillson, B. J. Dodge, Cook, Dickinson, Estey, Staples, ; and by invitation, Mr. John G. Smith, Albert H. Hoyt, Esq., of Cincinnati, and J. A. Mc- Clellen, LL. D., of Toronto, Government inpector of High and Normal Schools for the Province of Onta- rio, Canada — 16. Edward B. Glasgow was elected an active member. The President alluded to the recent visit of the Society to Shrewsbury, and the Hon. Clark Jillson ofiered the following preamble and resolution, which were unanimously adopted : 118 Whereas, On the lOth day of August, 1881, hy special invita- tion Irom George Sumner Esq., The Worcester Society of An- tiquity visited his ancient and uniquely furnished mansion in the town of Shrewsbur}-, where the members enjoyed an afternoon of rural delight, paying their respects to several points of his- toric interest as well as natural curiosit}', among which may be mentioned the burial place of Major Gen. Artemas Ward, and Equipoise Rock ; being accompanied thither by their venerable friend, the Rev. George Allen, who visited on that da}', perhaps for the last time, the scene of his earh- labors in the christian ministry nearly three score 3-ears ago, therefore, ^Resolved, That a vote of thanks be, and the same hereby are tendered Mr. and Mrs. Sumner, for their generous invitation, their liberal entertainment, and all their etlbrts to make the occasion worthy of continued remembrance. A donation of two specimens of early wood en- graving was received from C. J. Sawtell Esq., of New York city, through Mr. S. E. Staples. They were the work of Hans Leonard Sciraull'elin, a pupil of Albert Durer. A vote of thajiks was tendered for the same. A portrait in oil of Elihu Burritt, late an honor- ary member of the Society, was presented in behalf of several members, by Mr. S. E. Staples, mainly through whose eflbrts it was secured. This portrait was painted in 1841, and is considered a good like- ness, Mr. Alfred S. Roe was then called upon, and gave a very interesting and graphic account'"'' of a visit he * Since published in the Cincinnati Enquirer, and reprinted in the Bos- ton Sunday Herald. New York Sun and other papers. 119 made on the 4tli of July last, in company with Mr. Samuel H. Putnam of this cit}-, to the Wolf Den, made f\imous by the exploit of Gen. Israel Putnam. They also visited the house in which he lived and his burial place at Brooklyn. Brief remarks fol- lowed by Messrs. Tucker and E. H. Marble. Dr. McClellan of Toronto was introduced, and responded by interesting remarks in an appropriate and happy manner. The President announced in suitable and becom- ing terms, the death of Samuel Foster Haven, LL. D., forty years Librarian of the American Antiquarian Society ; and on motion of Mr. B. J. Dodge, a com- mittee of three was appointed to draft suitable reso- lutions to be reported at the next meeting. Messrs. Dodge, Clark Jillson and Roe were appointed. The meeting was then adjourned. The October meeting was held on the evening of Tuesday the 4th. The following persons were pres- ent: Messrs. Staples, Tucker, C. Jillson, Lawrence, Dodge, Hugg, Paine, Metcalf, Stone, Warren, Estey, Hubbard, H. M. Smith, Shumway, Seagrave, Lovell, C. R. Johnson, J. A. Smith, F. C. Jillson, Rice, and three visitors — 2o. Mr. B. J. Dodge from the committee appointed at the last meeting presented the following resolu- tions, which were unanimously adopted, and on mo- tion of Mr. Nathaniel Paine were ordered to be transmitted to the widow of the late Dr. Haven. 120 The committee to whom was referred the duty of framing resohitions on the death of Dr. Haven, respectfully offer the following : Resolved, That The Worcester Society of Antiquity, with a deep sense of bereavement, take formal notice of the removal by death, which occurred on the 5th of September last, at his home in this city, of Samuel Foster Haven, LL. D., at the age of seventy-five years three months and eight days. Resolved, That Dr. Haven, -through the whole of the long period of forty-three years which marked his term of service as librarian of the American Antiquarian Society, has furnished to us an example of patient study, accurate perception and ready sympathy, which gave him remarkable power to perform, and which is fully exhibited in the growth add prosperity of the Society which he served. Resolved, That we regard Dr. Haven as a conscientious and accurate historian, as witnessed by the valuable historical arti- cles which have from time to time emanated from his graceful pen. Resolved, That we shall miss his genial manners, his happy faculty of speech, and his always ready and kindly response to the demands of those of us who have enjoyed his acquaintance, and also have had occasion to consult with him upon historical or other matters, in which he was the leader of us all. Resolved, That to his more immediate personal friends, and the circle of his own family we tenderlj' express our sympathy and deep sense of their bereavement. Alfred Waites was elected an active member. A letter from Dr. George W. Brown of Rockford, 111. was read and a proper reply was ordered. A copy of his pamphlet relating to John Brown, of Kansas fame, accompanied the letter. Remarks upon the death of president Garfield were made by C. R. Johnson, H. M. Smith and J. L. Estey. 121 Mr. H. M. Smith in behalf of the Washburn and Moen Manufacturing Company, presented a set of their publications relative to the manufacture of Barb Fence, Telegraph and other wire. Mr. I. N. Metcalf presented copies of programmes of the recent Musical Festival in Worcester. The thanks of the Society were voted to Mr. S. E. Staples for his efibrts in securing the portrait of Elihu Burritt, presented to the Society at the last meeting. Mr. A. S. Roe extended to the members an invi- tation to be present on the occasion of the presen- tation of the portrait of John Adams to the High School, to take place on the 19th of October, in the hall of the high school building. Adjourned. At the regular monthly meeting held Tuesday evening, Nov. 1st, twenty persons were present, namely ; Messrs. Crane, Roe, Rice, Sumner, Harlow, C. Jillson, Manning Leonard of Southbridge, Rugg, Prentiss, J. A. Smith, Stone, Cook, Lee, Lawrence, B. J. Dodge, Waites, Staples and Knight, members ; and Mr. George Estey and Master Lawrence visitors. Mr. Staples was chosen Secretary pro tem. The following letter from Mrs. Frances W. Haven in acknowledgment of the resolutions adopted by this Society upon the death of Dr. Samuel F. Haven, was read : 122 62 Elm st., Oct. 18th, 1881. Henry L. Shumway Esq., Secretary of The Worcester Society of Antiquity, Sir, Please accept my acknowledgments for a copj' of the Resolutions adopted at a meeting of The Worcester Society of Antiquity, Oct. 4th, 1881, in relation to my lamented husband. I sincerely thank tlie members of the Society for these kind expressions of appreciation of him, and of sympathy with his bereaved family. Mr. Haven felt a cordial interest in the work of the Society of Antiquity, and wished for it abundant prosperity and useful- ness. Very respectfully yours, FRANCES W. HAVEN. A letter from W. II. Bigelow of New Haven, Ct. transmitting a biographical sketch of himself was read. Abraham K. Gould was elected an active member. The President gave an interesting account of the recent Crane family reunion in New York city, and of an excursion up the Hudson river to Alban}'. Mr. Roe presented a collection of the leading newspapers from nearly every state and territory in the union, containing notices upon the death of President Garfield, from which he read extracts interspersed with appropriate and intei'esting re- marks. Manning Leonard Esq., of Southbridge, a life member, made remarks expressing his interest in the work of the Society. It was then voted to adjourn. 123 The Annual Meeting was held on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. Gtli. The following members were present : Messrs. Crane, C. Jillson, Shumway, Estey, Sprague, Tucker, Lovell, Dodge, Potter, Tolman, Phelps, Stone, Dickinson, F. C. Jillson, Marshall, Gould, C. R. Johnson, Lawrence, Cook, J. A. Smith, W. H. Bartlett, Paine, Sumner, O'Flynn, F. P. Rice, H. M. Smith ; and by invitation Mr. Joseph Lovell. Albert Curtis Esq. was elected an honorary mem- ber; Charles H. J. Douglas of Providence, R. I., a corresponding member, and Sullivan Forehand an active member. The Treasurer presented his annual report as follows : TREASURER'S REPORT. To the Officers and Members of The Worcestei- Society of Antiquity^ Gcnllcmeii: — Agreeable to the requirements of the by-laws of this Societ}', I herewith submit this my sixth Annual Report, showing the receipts and expenditures of the Society, from Dec. 7th, 1880, to Jan. 3rd, 1882, as follows:— Cash Received. 1881. Dr. Assessments, . . . $176,00 Admissions, . . . 18,00 Donation, 3,00 Sale of Proceedings, . . 5,18 Life membership, . 50,00 Terap'y loan of Treas., 237,95 $490,13 Cash Paid. 1881. Cr. Rent, $211,25 Gas, 7,45 Stationery & Printing, 89,35 Express & Postage, . 23,32 Cleaning & rep'g rooms, 14,81 Loan of Treas., 1880, 143,95 $490,13 There are accounts to the amount of $170 due the Treasurer at this date, all of which is respectfully submitted, JAMES A. SMITH, Treasurer. -^ 124 Mr. Albert A. Lovell, the Librarian, presented his report for the year 1881, accompanied by an inter- esting sketch of Ezra Beaman. LIBRAKIAN'S REPORT. To the Officers and Memhers of The Worcester Societt/ of Aiitiqidty. Your Librarian respectfully presents the following Report for the year 1881 : SINCE the last report the Societ}- has issued the following publications: No. XI. and XII., Records of the Proprietors of Worcester, Massachusetts, Parts III. and IV. No. XIII, Proceedings of The Worcester Society of Antiquity for the year 1880. No. XIV. Worcester Town Records, 1753-1765. The following are now in press and will soon be issued : Nos. XV. and XVI., Worcester Town Records comprising the Revolu- tionary period, and No. XVII., Proceedings of The Worcester Society of AntiquitA- for the year 1881. Two sets of the Col- lections of the Society have been suitably bound for the library. In binding the several publications the first thirteen numbers form three volumes of Collections, and Nos. XIV.. XV., and XVI., are designed to form the fourth volume. It ma}- be well to suggest to members and others who have not had their publi- cations bound, that it is desirable that this order be followed so as to preserve uniformity. Within the past year our library accommodations have been improved by an additional room for our increasing collections. The Catalogue of the library beo-un some time ago will be completed before the next monthly meet- ing. There have been received during the year as contributions to the library 1G5 bound volumes, G57 pamplilets, 26 miscella- neous articles. I desire to call attention to a gift from individual members of the Society, of a framed oil portrait of Elihu Burritt. a deceased 125 honorary member; to Mass. Colon}- Records, from Geo. Sum- ner ; to the Arm}' Chest and papers of Company A, 2r)tli Regt. Mass. vols, from 8. H. Putnam ; to a set of the American Al- manac, bound, from Clarendon Harris Esq., and also, to a list of donations accomi)an3ing this report. The interest which has been developed in tliis Society b}- a recent visit to Shrewsbury, renders whatever pertains to that town, so rich in historic material, appropriate in this report. Shrewsbury, staunch and true to every cause which tends to the advancement of religion, liberty and law, is and always has been a representative New England community, solid and substantial as the hills on which she rests. While she holds in grateful remembrance the name of Ward, the first commander of our infant army in the war of the Revolution ; of Sumner, the beloved pastor who led his flock by the still waters of happiness and peace; of Cushing, the military leader in the struggle for free- dom ; she is not unmindful of the services of Ezra Beaman, the patriot and the man of enterprising public spirit, ever ready to defend the colonies from the encroachments of arbitrary- power, and to do whatever tended to the advancement, of the material prosperit}- of the community in which he lived. It seems proper that the history of this man should be presented in connection with whatever pertains to the history of Shrewsbur}-, for, al- though his abode through nearly his whole life was in one locali- t}', he lived in three separate townships, the division and re-divis- ion of the territorv which orisinallv fell to the lot of Shrewsbury rendering such the case. His v. hole life except the first ten years, was connected with this town or territory set off from the original grant. I have deemed it best at this time to present briefly some facts concerning Major Beaman, who was an active and leading man in the immediate vicinity where he resided, and who sustained and exercised an extensive and controlling influ- ence in the community at large. It is in the lives of the leading spirits of these early days that we must look to find the spring that watered and nourished feeble settlements until they had struck their roots into deeper and stronger soil, and had attain- ed such a growth, and were so firmly established in the principles 126 of self-government that the summer heat of political agitation, and the winter blast of infidelity, communism and private am- bition pass harmlessly by and leave no trace behind. It is not my intention to lay before you a full and complete survey of the life and services of P2zra Beaman, but to pass them in hasty review and make this report in some degree doc- umentary. ^MZRA. beaman was born in Bolt(m, Mass. ,October 16,1736. He was the son of Jabez Beaman, who having purchased ^i^ a large tract of land in the westerly part of the town of Shrewsbury, situated on both sides of the Nashua River, including some of the most fertile in that region, removed thence with his family in 1746. Jabez Beaman dying in 1757, the homestead came under the proprietorship of Ezra the eldest son where he resided until his death. In 1758 he married Persis, daughter of Cyprian Keyes, with whom he lived thirty years. She died November 7th, 1788, at the age of 50 years. By this marriage he had six children. He afterwards married Mar}-, daughter of Richard Boylston of Charlestown, wlio survived liim. It was a characteristic of Major Beaman that he was constitu- ted with an active and vigorous mind, combined with wonderful energy, decision, firmness and perseverance. Thus constituted he was constantly engaged in projects both of a public and pri- vate nature which accrued to his own emolument and to great and essential advantage to the whole community. His judg- ment was almost unerring, and his designs general!}- resulted in accordance with his expectations and desires. Such was the confidence reposed in him, and in such high estimation was he held by the people not only of his own town but of a large sur- rounding section, that whenever any project of a public nature bearing upon the well being of the people at large was to be considered, he was at once consulted and generally in accord- ance with his expressed opinion either for or against, was the scheme adopted or rejected. In 1704 he erected a dwelling house on the tract purcliased by his father which he occupied until liis death, and which his son bearing the same name continued to occup}' for half a cen- tury later. ■ 127 This house in the thoroughness of its construction, its size and its architectural proportions, was probably unsurpassed by anything of its kind in the county. This was known as the Beaman Tavern, and for a century was a t^-pical Way-side Inn ; and fiom it went out an influence which was felt not only in its immediate vicinity but throughout a large extent of country. The tavern of one hundred years ago, and even up to the time when the railroad superceded the stage and the team as a means of transportation for passengers and merchandise, especially when its proprietor was a person of prominence and force, was a power in the communit}-. During the da3s of the Revolution the tavern was the resort of tories or patriots according to the political proclivities of the landlord, and here were schemes de- vised, either for or against the patriot cause according to the political character which it assumed. It was at the tavern where the people most frequently assembled either in a formal or in- formal manner to discuss, debate, devise and carry forward such plans and projects as from time to time occupied the attention of the people. Its good cheer no doubt lent its aid, and who can tell what inspiration it imparted ? The influence of the Beaman Tavern was decidedly- in favor of the patriot cause and a favorite stopping place for soldiers on their way to and from the army, there to impart or receive the latest information in regard to events so rapidly transpiring. Major Beaman was a true and ardent patriot. When the first encroachments of arbitrary power were beginning to be felt he was convinced that nothing short of forcible resistance would be of any avail, and during the struggle he was an active and unflinching spirit in behalf of the liberties of the people. He was with the army near Boston in 1775, and during the whole war was actively engaged in whatever tended to the advance- ment of the cause. His time, his influence, his property, were devoted to the cause of colonial independence, making the pledge his own, of life, property' and sacred honor. The people of Shrewsbury manifested their confidence in him by repeated I3' electing him a member of the board of selectmen. 128 He was thus chosen in 1766-69-70-71-72-73-76-79-84-85. We of this day can hardly realize the importance of the office of se- lectman of a town for the years immediately preceding and during the Revolution. The position seems to have implied but little, but in reality it implied much. In towns true to the patriot cause it implied a lofty patriotism and an unyielding firmness, and was an office of the utmost importance and re- sponsibility. Not only were the selectmen called upon to take care of the ordinary interests of the town, but much additional labor was required. The procuring of soldiers to fill requisitions for men, the raising of money and supplies of provisions and clothing for the army, the care of the families of soldiers besides the carrying on of the war to a great extent on the part of the town. As was often the case the Committees of Safety and Cor- respondence were made up wholly or in part from their num- ber. In accordance with recommendations of the Provincial Congress, the town exercised largely legislative, executive and judicial functions ; its votes were laws, its judgment as to wheth- er a man was a patriot or a tory was final, and from the ver- dict of hostility there was no appeal ; and the selectmen and committees executed their decrees with spirit and firmness. By direction of the town they entered tories' houses, disarmed them, confined them to limits or in jail as the case might require. Thus the office was no sinecure, but on the contrary one of great labor, and probably at no time in the historj- of the colonies or the states, has such care been exercised in the choice of town officers as during this period of toil and strife. It is difficult at this day to realize the amount of labor and responsi- bility which devolved upon them. Major Beaman, aside from his services in the army, acted a prominent part in the revolutionary proceedings of the town. As selectman, member of the committee of inspection, commit- tee of correspondence and safety, as a prosecutor of persons inimically disposed towards the cause of the colonies, as one chosen to procure men and supplies for the continental array, he was zealous and indefatigable. 129 111 17S1 the pcoi)lc of the North Finish desiriiij^' to ohtuui an act of incoii)()ration :is a town, took steps in that direction. In the warrant for a town meeting to be held in ^lay of that year, the i")th article was as loUows: "To hear the petition of Ezra Beanian and others prating to be set off a separate town." Some opi)t)sition manifesting itself, it was not until ITSO that an act of incorporation was obtained. Of the new town which was named Boylston, Ezra lieainan was chosen chairman of the board of selectmen, wliich office he held during the ^ears 178G- .SS-89-i>0- *J1-1>2, and was a member of the board daring the 3-ears lv order of Gen' Ward J. WARD A. d. C. The Powder Horn of Lieut Beaman now in possession of The Worcester Society of Antiquity is a beautiful and interesting relic. The inscription upon it is as follows : Lieut. Ezra Bea- man, his horn, made at Fox Poynt so called, in Dorchester 134 September the 30 y* 1775, in Thomas Gage's war who came to Boston y® Americans for to enslave and take tlieir rights away. Made by Micah Briard. The engraving on this horn is most beautifully done, and was the work of Micah Briard, a Serjeant in Beaman's company. In October Beaman sent the following letter to Colonel Ward : Dorchester, October 27th, 1775. To Jonathan Ward Esq. Commander of a Regiment of Foot in the Contiyiental Army at Dorchester. S''. Being required by Gen!! Orders to make return in this way of my Design whether to Continue in said Continental Arm}- or not, and being first Lieutenant of a Company whereof Mf. Job Gushing is Cap' in your Honors Regiment & therefore of little Importance which is a Strong argument for my being excused, notwithstanding am willing but Desirous to use and exercise the utmost of Indeavor to preserve & Defend the Rights & Liberty's of my Country both Civil & Sacred, yet the many luconvenien- cies & almost Impossibilities that attend my Continuance in S** Arm}' urges in favor of my Dismission at the last of Decem'' next. Being assured that I can be ten fold more Servisable to the Arm}- being in my usual Business than present with it. Am S' Your Hon''^ most Obd' & Hum' Serv*. EZRA BEAMAN. His request for dismission was granted as the roll of the com- pany repoi'ts him in the service eight months from April 19th, 1775, At the annual town meeting in Shrewsbury, in 177G, soon after his return, he was chosen one of its Committee of Correspondence, Safety and Inspection. That he was actively engaged in preparing and forwarding men to the Continental Army is shown by the following orders. To Samuel Andrews, Corporal ^hs^ You are Required forthwith According to the Trust Re- 1^ M posed in me by Direction of the Commander of theCol- onv of the Massachusetts Bay, to Notifie & warn all tlie Soldiers under my Command Living upon the southward side of the Riv- er above the Scar Bridge So called and thence to the meeting house all to the Road leading to Worcester, But Not on S'' Road, to Appear at the Meeting house in the Second Parish in Shrews- bury on Wednesday the 5th Day of June 177G at two of the 135 Clock in the After Noon witli their Arms Conipleat for exercise, their to Attend further orders from myself or some one of their oth'cers ; hearof fail not & make Return of this warrant with your Doings thereon to myself or in my Absence to Lieut. Faw- cett at or Before the Hour mentioned. given under my Hand and Seal this 28 Daj- of May. Anno. do. 177G EZRA BEAMAN Capt. To Capt, Ezra Beaman or the Chief officer Present of said Com'pany, Shrewsbury. t You are Required forthwith to Inlist into the Colony Service or Draft everv 25*'' man in the Compan}' under your Command Both of the trainining Band and of the Alarm List and see that they Are aquipt With Arms and ammunition according to Law and Ready to march at the Shortest Notice to Dorchester Heights, according to Resolve of Council of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay at ^V^atertowu July 18"* and order also of Brigadier Warner to me Directed July 22 and make a Return of their Names so Inlisted or Drafted to me July 27 or on Mon- da}' morning Jul}- 2i)"'. Given under my hand at Grafton this 2-1* Day of July 177(j. JOHN GOULDING Col. To Capt. Ezra Bea^nan^Shreivshnry, the Chief officer of said ComjKcny, these presents (are) according (to) orders from Brig- adier {Gen W) araer to me directed. You are hereb}' required forthwith to Cause to be mustered the Company under your Command and Draft ever3- fifth man according to a resolve of the Grait & General Court of the Col- ony of the Massachusetts Ba^' which I send here enclosed and make a return to me by Tuesday night or Wednesday' morning Next. Grafton September}'^ 15 1776. JOHN GOULDING Col. To /Samuel Andrews, Corjmral ^77^ Greeting — You are Required forthwith According to the t", ""'?j Trust Reposed Tn me By Direction of the Council of the Colon,y of the INIassachusetts Ba}- to Notifie & warn all the Sol- diers under my command Belonging to the training Band & also the Alarm List to meet at the meeting house In the Second Par- rish in Shrewsbury on Tuesday the 17 Day Sep' 177G at Eight of the Clock in the morning with their Arms Compleat on Pen- alty of Paying a fine of ten Pounds for Non-appearance. 136 hereof fail Not & make Return of this warrant with your Do- ings hearon to myself or in my Absence to the Next ottieir in Rank at or Before the Hour above mentioned. given under my hand & Seal this fifteenth Day .Sep* 177G. EZRA EEAMAN Capt. N. B. the Division for you & David Andrews to Be the westerly Parts of the Parrish from the first Parrish to the Sec- ond Parrish By the Road that Leads to Sawyer's Mills, Corjjoral Caleb Kendall .^S^^, Qreellng — You are Required forthwith to Notify & i^i warn Both Training Baud & the alarm men Belonging to my Company on the East side of the Road that Leads from the first Parrish in Shrewsbury to the Second, so Leading to Saw- yers Mills, to meet at the nieeting house in S'l Parrish on Wed- nesday the twelfth Day of this Instant February at one of the clock In the afternoon with their Arms Complcat, their to At- tend further orders. Hearof Fail not & make Return of this warrant with your Doings thereon at or Before the hour al)Ove mentioned. given under mv hand ii the 17 day of February 1777. delegates to a convention proposed to be heid at the request of tlie town of Sutton at the house of Wid- ow Stearns in Worcester on the 2i\ of Feb'y, to come into some measures for the repeal of an act passed in the Great & General Court last spring called an act for the more equal Representation of the several towns in this state." "IMaj. Ezra Beanian was chosen unanimously to procure & lay before the court at a special session of the Peace, the evidence that may be had of the Inimical disposition Towards any of the united States, of any Inljabitaut of said town who sliall be charg- ed by the freeholders & other Inhabitants thereof of being a per- son whose residence in this State is dangerous to the Public Peace or Safety." October 20 1777 "chosen a member of a committee to adjust the duty done by each individual in said Town in the war since the PJtii day of April 1775." November 16 1778 "Granted to Major Beaman for the ex- pense of 17 days in attending special court & collecting evi- dence in the prosecution of inimical persons in the vear 1777 — £ll-U)s-Od and for cash paid M"' Lincoln for assisting in the prosecution of these inimical persons." August 9th 1779 chosen a member of a "committee, the town having voted to adopt the measures proposed by the convention at Concord 14th July 1779 & to regulate prices, and to see the resolves referred to are strictly and duly executed." 25th May 1780 chosen member of a "committee to frame amendments to the Bill of Rights." January 1 1781 "chosen to procure men for the Continental Armj'." February 8th 1781 "chosen one of a committee for hiring mon- ey for the payment of men for the Continental Army." March 20 1782 In a Tax of £65 for a Continental Man for the arnn' for three years, in a class of fort}' eight names Ezra Beaman's proportion was £15-8s-5(;-2g nearly one third of the whole tax. In another Tax of £72 his proportion was £17-2s The following petition to the Great and General Court is without date. CommonwealVh of MassacTiusells. To the lion, the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled: HUMBLY Shews Ezra Beaman of Shrewsbury in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aforesaid Esquire, That he was at great expense during the late war in detecting and prosecuting persons inimically disposed to the general interests of the country ; That he was at great expense «fe trouble in detecting Jotham Bush of Shrewsbury guilty of 138 uttering large sums of counterfeit money ; procuring witnesses for attending on the Courts from time to time when the said Bush was recognized for the crime of uttering & passing coun- terfeit money in the Counties of Middlesex and AVorcester ; That vour Petitioner spent considerable sums of Money and much Time in detecting Solomon Houghton of Lancaster, suspected and charged with uttering and passing large sums of counterleit money, and that he was recognized as an evidence against said Houghton on eleven ditierent indictments from Term to Term, for more than three years and expended a large sum of money in sending into the Eastern Country after the said Houghton at the express request of the Attorney General and was obliged to advance considerable sums of money to support evidence at Court from time to time on the ditferent Indictments against the said Houghton ; and that he was at great expense in sending to Bos- ton to apprehend one David Bush who was suspected of having a large sum of Counterfeit Money with him, the attendance as a prosecutor of the said Bush a number of Courts, paying and sup- porting at his own expense divers witnesses against said Bush ; That he attended a number of Terms as a witness against one John Williams charged with high Crimes and Misdemeanors against the Government, and that for more than seven years vour Petitioner was constantly recognized as a witness in the County of Worcester against i)ersons dangerously inimical to the Community and charged with counterfeiting the common currenc}' of the Country' ; That he was instrumental in detect- ing divers persons suspected of the Crimes aforesaid. For which service he has never received any recompense, neither hath he ever been refunded the mone}' expended by him in the business aforesaid ; That he has regularly with others made certificate of his travel and attendance in the cases of tiie Commonwealth against Houghton and John Bush and delivered the same to the Attorney General but without any kind of effect, Wherefore your petitioner humbly prays the Hon^'*' Court that they would take such measures as thej' in their wisdom should judge proper in order that your Petitioner ma}' have some reasonable Com- pensation for his great trouble. Time, expenses & disbursements and as in Duty bound shall ever pray. The following has an interest as connected with the incorpo- ration of the town of Boylston : At a leo;al meeting holden at the Second Precinct in Shrews- bury on Monday the Ninth day of May A, D. 1785, the warrant for said meeting contained the following article viz : "2"*"^ To hear the Petition of the Committee of the Second Precinct in S"^ 139 Shrewsbury requesting the Town would choose a Joynt Com- mittee from each Precinct to peramhukite the line and renew the Bounds between the Precincts, as also to settle uU other matters relating to a Seperation of Parishes & to act anything relative thereto the the toun may think in'oper." The town vot- ed a committe consisting of six, three m each precinct, viz ; Col" Job Cushing, L' Jonas Temple, Capt. Jonah Howe, Capt" Joseph Bigelow, Maj*^ Ezrah Beaman and Maj' Asa Rice who reported at a subsequent meeting that they had "run the bounds &c. ; that the one half of the town securities, Town Stock of Ammunition & Intrenching tools which are the Property of said Town shall belong to the first precinct, and the other half shall be the property of the second Precinct, being equally divided. The Weights & Measures to be the property of the first pre- cinct." The poor are severally assigned. Voted to sett oft". The following receipts are interesting as showing the position of the town of Boylston in Shays' Rebellion, and as giving the names of persons who served in suppressing that insurrection. Boyhton May the 4 A D. 1787 Then Received of Ezra Beaman the wages that is due to us the Subscribers as they are made up in Capt. Robert Andrews' Muster Roll, for servisses Dun in surpressing the Late Rebellion JOSEPH HERENY EHIJAH PIKE SILVANUS DINSMOOR. Boylston May 10 A. D, 1787 Then Receivd of Ezra Beaman all the wages that is Due to us the Subscribers for Serveises while we ware in Capt. Jonah How's Company in Sirpressing the Late Rebellion in the west- ward Countyis JAMES LONGLEY SAMUEL WHITCOMB ALMER GOODNUF JOHN ANDERSON STEPHEN BIGLO DAVID RICE JONAS GOODNUF JASON GLAZIER KING HOW JOTHAM GOODNUF ROBERT HUDSON JOSHUA STILES LEVI MOORE AMARIAH SAWYER JOHN WHEELER JOHN HASTINGS Jr WILLIAM SAWYER LEVI BIGLOW SAMUEL IIARTHAN JOSEPH BIGELOW Jr JONATHAN BOND Boylston May the 4th 1787 Then Received of Ezra Beaman the wages that is due to us the Subscribers as they are made up on Cap' Hollowell Taylers Muster Roll for Servisses Dun in Surpressing the Late Rebellion in the westward Counties. AMHERST MORSE JONATHAN BOND Jr JOHN ANDREWS. 140 I find a quaint order to Ezra Beaman as Precinct Treasurer. Shreivsbury Second Precinct January 3 1184 To Major Ezra Beaman Precinct Treasurer You are directed to pay ^-ourself Sixteen Pounds Six Shillings and a peniiy two farthings for Money spent in defending the Action brought by Jotham Bush against the collectors & As- sessors of said precinct and Eleven Pounds fifteen shillings «fe two pence being money laid out in Repairing the Meeting House and this order shall discharge you so much LEVI MOOR \ Committee for JONATHAN BOND / said Precinct. The documents which follow have an interest as presenting a portion of the history of the incorporation of the town of West Boylston. In 1794 a petition was presented to the town of Boylston as follows : To the Inhabitants of the Totvn of Boylston, Gentlemen — The petition of the Subscribers Humbly Shetceth That your Petitioners view the time as being near at hand when circumstances will admit of their enjoying Ecclesiastical privileges in a more conscientious, agreeable & in a Much more convenient & enlarged manner than they have hitherto done, & being sensible that Religion the basis of human happiness is a natural concomitant of these privileges, we think it our duty to request that you would fully consent to our being incorporated into a separate Town, District or Society, as you think most proper. We do not solicit this favor wliolly with a view to pro- mote our Interests, Einolunient or convenience, but ibr the good of a respectable number of our Neighbors, the welfare of our own & their Children & succeeding generations. Your compli- ance or non compliance with our request we do not consider as desisive of the cause we have undertaken ; but we view it in your prese;it power either to aid or oppose our pursuit of the object we aim at. We now declare unto you Gentlemen, that we do not wish to obtain the Prayer of our Petition to .you, or of a similar one to higher power, by any unhiwful or unfair means ; but by con- trary means. We are iuHexibl^- determined- to use our utmost efforts.. Because Ave are persuaded that our request is not only reasonable but that there is a fair prospect of our being separat- ed from you. That this is the case we think you will not deny. If so, will it not be consistent with your own & our Interest to grant us our request. We think it will. 141 Consider 3'onr Petitioners as separate from yon, and you will still be a respectable so(iety, more numerous, of greater ability than many other Towns in this State. Is a forced connection Avith us worth couU'udini>' for. Again, we ask what injury can you sustain by parting with us. To this you may reply that vour IMinisters tax will be a little augmented. This will not we think alford you a suflicient plea to withstand or even induce you to engage in an uncertain contest. These things Gentlemen we request you would wisely consider & ^our I'etitioners as in dutv bound shall ever prav. EZRA BEAMAN & 27 others. This petition the town refused to grant and the following was sent to the Great and General Court : To the Honorable, the Senate and House of RepresentaMves in General Court Assembled. HUMBLY shew the Subscribers your petitioners, agents for the second parish in Boylston Holden and Sterling in the County of Worcester that the Inhabitants of said Parish are desirous that the Territory belonging to said Parish may be constituted and incorporated into a District by some proper Name and vested with all the Powers and Privileges which by law appertain and belong to Districts. Your petitioners believe that the Happiness and Comfort of the second Parish aforesaid will be promoted h\ an incorpora- tion into a District, that their concerns will be managed with more facility, convenience & with less Difficulty than in their present situation, that no possible injury can accrue to the towns of Boylston, Holden & Sterling or anv other place, by your granting tlieir request. Confidently relying on the Justice & Wisdom of the Legislature they humbly hope that their petition will lie granted and as in Duty bound will ever pray Jan'v 1S()7 EZRA BEAIMAX "] Assents for and JONATHAN PL YM PTON I in'behalf of the PAITI. GOODALE - Parish in Boylston WILLIAM FAIRliANK Holden & Sterling 'ft* In House of Representatives July 23, 1)^07 Received & Committed to Committe on Towns. Sent up for Concurrence PEREZ MORTON Speaker. In Senate Jan'y 23 1807, Read & Concurred J. BACON President. 142 The Committee of both Houses appointed to consider the Applications for the Incorporation of Towns &c. on the Petition of Ezra Beaman and others report the following order which is submitted. SALEM TOWNE Per order. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Ordered : That the Petitioners cause an attested Copy of their Petition with this order thereon, to be served on the respective Town Clerks of the Towns of Boylston, Holden & Sterling, Forty days at least before the first Tuesday of the first session of the next General Court, that all persons may then appear, and show cause (if any they have) why the prayer of said Peti- tion should not be granted. In Senate Jan'y 24th 1807 Read and passed. Sent down for Concurrence. J. BACON President. In House of Representatives Jan'y 26th 1807 Read & Concurred PEREZ MORTON Speaker. A copy of this petition was served upon the town clerk of Boylston by Silas Beaman. A copy was served upon the town clerks of Holden and Sterling by Robert B. Thomas. This petition brought out the following remonstrance : To the HonoraUe Seriate & House of RepresentaMves in General Court Assembled. The Inhabitants of the town of Boylston in the County of Worcester being cited on the Petition of Ezra Beaman & others to shew cause why the second Precinct in the Town of Boylston, Sterling & Holden should not be Incorporated into a District : The Subscribers, agents for said Town duly authorized & ap- pointed for that purpose Respectfully submit to your considera- tion their answer to the prayer of said petition. An unfortunate division having arisen in said Town in tlie year 17'.)4 relative to tlie location of a IVIeeting house, then about to be erected, a few disattected individuals have from that pe- riod been indefatigable in their exertions to produce the dis- memberment & eventually the total ruin of the Corporation. In pursuance of this object the leading Petitioner availing him- self of the Power and Influence derived from an ample fortune, erected a Meeting house at his own Individual expense within 14 Q the limits of the present precinct, publicly [)roclaiming his inten- tion to bring a separation as the most direct and certain means of destroying the Town. A petition was accordingly presented to the Legislature for the Incorporation of a new Town to be com- posed of certain sections of the towns of Boylston, Sterling & Holden ; on this Petition the said towns were cited and their opposition having proved successful, the next effort was to ob- tain an Incorporation of the present Precinct. Not satisfied with the accomplishment of this purpose, a petition was soon after preferred for an enlargement of the precinct by lopping c»lf another section of the said Town of Boylston. The Inhabi- tants were again cited and notwithstanding their strenuous op- position the object was eli'ected. Having thus gradually severed from the original Corporation by far the most valuable and fertile portion of the Territory & more than one quarter of the whole number of ratable polls, the remaining Inhabitants had flattered themselves that the enemy would '•'■Cease from troubling" and that they should be permitted to enjov in tranquility' the privileges which had been left to them after this injurious encroachment. It being discovered however that the Town would survive the shock and that something more remained to be done before the Antient Corporation would be completelv subverted, a new Pro- ject is devised & an attempt is now made, (with a spirit of ob- stinate i)ei'severance for which our leading opponent is particu- larly distinguished) to convert the Precinct into a district more effectually to Impair our privileges and to accomplish this sys- tematic work of Destruction. Possessing advantages for an Increase of Population much superior to the first Precinct (from the better qualitv of their Land & other local causes) it is cal- culated with confidence by the Petitioners that the ratable polls within the intended district which are now nearly equal will soon exceed in number those within the Town of Boylston. By thus bringing to their aid a small portion of the Inhabitants of Ster- ling and Holden (who will compose a part of the district) it is intended b}- our enemies Inhabiting this disaffected section to deprive the Town of the important privilege of Representation. Such will l)e the Inevitable consequence of incorporating the petitioners into a district. Provided such district is attached to the Town of Boylston. Such we know to be the object of their leaders because it has been openly avowed, and although the petition is silent on the subject of annexation they have pul)licly declared their intention to be annexed to the Town of Boylston. With this impression, with an anxious desire to preserve our Corporate existence, to retain the privilege of representation 144 fully & earnestly to remonstrate against the prayer of said pe- tition, 'provided the District thus to be incorporated in to he an- nexed to the town of Boijlston of which ice are Inhabitants. At the same time we wish it to be explicitly understood that all opposition on our part is withdrawn if it be consented on the part of the petitioners or is found expedient by the Legisla- ture to annex the intended District to Sterling, Holden or any other Town in the County. For although we have most sensibly felt the injury resulting to us from the partial dismemberment of this small but once united & flourishing Corporation, yet our peace has been so incessantly disturbed by new projects of en- croachment, and we have encountered so much trouble and ex- pense in opposing these projects that we are now fully pursuad- ed we shall never be at rest ; that our existence as a Corpora- tion will be in perpetual jeopardy until this troublesome and oftending member is totally severed from the body which it thus threatens to destro}'. For the fourth time the Town of Boylston is now cited before the Legislature to answer to the petition of Ezra Beaman and others. The object of each of these petitions has been most essentially to injure if not destroy us as a Corporation. Let Ezra Beaman &. others become a Corporation totally detached from us, & whatever may be the evil we will Patiently submit. We trust with confidence in the wisdom of the Legislature to discern the object of the present petition, & we trust with equal confidence that they will be influenced l)y a desire of justice & a regard to the essential interests of a small but peaceable com- munity, to refuse an act of incorporation annexing the i>roposed District to the Town of Boylston against the earnest wishes and settled ojiposition of every'lndividual who feels a solicitude to preserve our existence as a Corporation Boylston May 26 1807 JAMES LONGLEY ") Agents for ROBERT ANDREWS \ the town of AARON WHITE J Boylston. A remonstrance against annexation signed by Jonas Temple and sixty-one others was also presented to the Legislature, the principal argument being that it would aff"ect the privilege of representation. vSometime afterwards agents of the town of Boylston and of the precinct in Boylston Holden and Sterling, met and signed articles of agreement, Article 1st of which was as follows : "It is agreed that the Precinct shall be incorporated into a town," ^'°l^^- "^^S-''' 145 DONATIONS. * ^ Ml' ^ Aldrich, p. Emory, — Autograph of Thomas Sirams, framed. AsTOR Library, New York. — 32d Annual Report. Barrows, Alonzo M. — Framed Portrait. Bartlett. Thomas E.. East Cambridge, Mass. — 2 volumes. Bates, Phineas Jr., Boston. — Boston School Documents as issued. Caldwell, Augustus. — 14 numbers Antiquarian Papers. Canadian Institute, Toronto. C, W. — Proceedings, 1881. Chamberlin, Henry H. — Manuscript of his "Trade of Worcester" read be- fore the Society. Chandler, George, M. D. — 1 volume , 8 pamphlets. Clemence, Henry M. — 3 volumes, 4 pamphlets. Cook, Norton L. — 1 paper. Crane, Ellery B. — 2 volumes, 6 pamphlets, 1 piece Colonial Currency, Ballots, his Map of Old Worcester. Davenport Academy of Natural Sciences. Davenport, Iowa. — Proceed- ings, Vol. III. No. I. Proceedings, Vol. II. Part II. Davis, Hon. Horace, San. Francisco, Cal. — His sketch of the life of Dolor Davis, Dickinson, Thomas A. — 1 volume, Anti Slavery paper found among the pa - papers of John Milton Earle, Straw Splitting Machine found in the house of Mrs. Polly Tucker in 1879. Dodge, Benjamin J. — 1 volume, 11 pamphlets, 1 broadside. 1 paper. Emerson, William A. — A copy of a specimen of Pottery found by Dr. Schlie- mann at ancient Troy. Essex Institute, Salem, Mass.— Essex Bulletin as published. EsTEY, James L. — Indian god from Alabahad, India. Fenno, Charles W., East Orange, N. J. — 7 pamphlets. Fisher, Charles H.— 2 volumes. Harris, Clarendon. — 3G volumes, bound, American Almanac ; 2 National do., 4 volumes, bound. Tribune Almanac. Harvard University. — Harvard University Bulletin as published. Henshaw, Miss Harriet E., Leicester, Mass, — 2 volumes, 2 portraits. Historical Society of Pennsylvania— Pennsylvania Magazine as published. Howard, Joseph Jackson LL. D., London, England. — Miscellania Genea- logica et Heraldica as published. JiLLsoN, Clark — 14 volumes, 24 pamphlets, 9 magazines, 2 newspapers, counterfeit money, his Annual Address as President, and Memorial Re- marks before the Society, 2 copies. Johnson, Charles R. 18 pamphlets, package of political circulars. Kingsbury, H. H., Spencer. — 1 volume. Kinney, B. H. — 1 pamphlet. 146 Lawrence, E. R.— 1 volume, 4 pamphlets. Lee Pardon A.— 2 flags from Arlington Heights, Horse Nails made by machinery, ancient Work Bag, Lamp used in Massachusetts State House 1812, 1 napkin ring. Library Company of Philadelphia.— Bulletin, new series. No. 7. Lowe, Moses H. — 5 volumes. Marble. Albert P., Ph. D.— His Address to the public school teachers of Worcester, March 30, 1881, three copies. Report of Wocester Schools, 1880 six copies. Marble, E. H.— Indian Hunting shirt from Oregon, specimen of crude sulphur. Marshall, E. H.— 5 volumes, 1 pamphlet, 1 broadside, geological specimens. Maynard, M. a.— File of Heart and Hand, Minnesota Historical Society Biennial Report, 1881. Members of the Society. — Oil portrait of Elihu Burritt, framed. New England Historic Genealogical Society. — New England Historical and Genealogical Register as published ; Vol. L Memorial Biographies, Knox manuscripts. Proceedings, 25 Oct., 1880. O'Flynn, Richard. — 1 manuscript sermon, 1 broadside. Paine, Nathaniel.— Paine Family Records, Nos. IX-X ; his Genealogical Notes of the Paine family of Worcester ; photograph of the Old U. S. Ho- tel, AVorcester ; certiticatc in manuscript dated Lexington, April 4, 1776 ; manuscript account of damages from British troops, Lexington Mass., 1775, 4 pamphlets, 1 paper. Parker, Edward O.— 2 copies Garfield Memorial. Peck. Augustus E. — 1 volume, 2 pamphlets. Peirce, Henry B., Boston.— 11 volumes Massachusetts documents. Phelps. Henry. — 25 pamphlets, 1 autograph. Plummer, Israel, Northbridge. — Old flint-lock rifle. Prouty, Augustus B.— Card tooth machine, made by Capt Joshua Lamb of Leicester, in 1828. Providence Athenaeum. — 46th Annual Report. Putnam, Samuel H. — Military chest of Company A, 2oth Regiment Mass. Vols.,' containing books, papers &c. relating to the service of the company in the Rebellion. Putnam & Davis. — Miscellaneous lot of book catalogues. Raymond, Edward T. — 1 paper. Rhode Island Historical Society.— Proceedings of the Society 1880-81, 12 volumes of R. I. State documents. Rice, Franklin P. — 14 Boston Almanacs, newspaper cuttings. Rice, Hon. W. W. — 2 volumes U. S. documents. Roe. Alfred S., A. M. — 5 volumes, package of amateur papers, 40 maga- zines, 1 sermon, newspapers from nearly every State and territory with notices of the death of President Garlield. Rogers, James S., Foster Brook, Pa. — 1 paper. RuGG, Charles F. — Piece of ramrod from ship Somerset that covered the advance of the British troops at Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. 147 Russell, John E. — 1 pamphlet. Salisbury, Stephen Je. — North American Review 1881. Seagrave, Daniel. — His Genealogy of the Seagrave family, file of Massa- chusetts Spy 1818, 1 broadside. Sheldon, Hon. George., Deerlield, Mass.^ — 1 newspaper. Shumway, Henry L. — -t volumes, 80 pamphlets, Magazine of American History, 1881, 1 paper. Smith, Henry M. — 1 volume. Smith, "William A. — Declaration of Independence electrotyped in metal, framed. 2 pamphlets. Snoav & "Woodman. — I volume. Staples, Samuel E. — 3 volumes, 39 pamphlets, 2 manuscripts, 6 almanacs, 4 broadsides, brick made from silt of Hudson River Tunnel, Stone, Augustus. — 1 volume, 32 pamphlets, 5 papers, 4 magazines. Stone, Rev. Edwin M., Providence, R. I. — 1 pamphlet. SuNNER, George. — 10 volumes, 63 pamphlets, 4 newspapers, Constitution of New York 1859 extraordinary size. Surrey Archaeological Society. London, England, — Collections of the Society, Vol. VII. Part III., Vol. VIII. Part I. Thompson, George F. — 82 volumes Mass. documents, 12 magazines. Thompson, H. H. — Rebellion envelopes. Thompson, E. F. — 6 pamphlets. Tillinghast, C. B., Boston. — Report of the Librarian of the Mass. State Library, 1881 ; sermon delivered at the Annual Election Massachusetts, January 5, 1881, by Daniel L. Furber D. D„ Suffolk county deeds Liber 1, TowNE, Enoch H, — 3 volumes. Vermont Historical Society. — 1 volume Governor and Council of Ver- mont, Vol. VIII. Washburn & Moen ISIanueacturing Company.— 2 volumes and collection of pamphlets illustrating the manufacture and use of Barb Fence and Telegraph wire. Wesby, Edward, — 35 pamphlets. Wesby, Herbert. — 4 pamphlets. Wesby, J. S. & Son.— 60 pamphlets, file of Springfield Republican. "Whiting, Charles. B. — 1 pamphlet. "Wilder, Harvey B. — 3 Old Almanacs. "Wisconsin Slate Historical Society. — Catalogue of library, Vol. V. All of which is respectfully submitted. ALBERT A. LOVELL, Librarian. m=^t 148 The President, Mr. Ellerj B. Crane, presented the report of the department of Local History and Gen- ealogy. This with the reports of the other depart- ments will be found at the end of these proceedings. The Society then proceeded to ballot for officers for 1882, previous to which action the Treasurer, Mr. James A. Smith, and the Librarian, Mr. Albert A. Lovell, declined a re-election. The following were chosen: President: Ellery B. Crane. Vice Presidents: Albert Tolman, George Sumner. Secretarj^ : Henry L. Shumway. Treasurer: Henry F. Stedman. Li- brarian: Samuel E. Staples. Standing Committee on Nominations for three years: Franklin P. Rice.* On motion of Mr. W. H. Bartlett the thanks of the Society were given to the retiring officers, Messrs. Curtis, Smith and Lovell. The meeting was then adjourned for two weeks. A special meeting of the Society was held on the evening of Thursday Dec. 15th, in Natural History Hall. Burton W. Potter Esq. read an interesting paper on "The Utilization of Sewage," preceded by an his- torical sketch relating to his subject. The address of Mr. Potter was listened to with the strictest attention. He gave a detailed account of * At the meeting in January, 1882, Mr. Rice was excused and Daniel Seagrave elected in his place. 149 various methods resorted to in Europe for the dis- posal of sewage in ancient and modern times, giving a minute description of the sewage farm at Croydon, Enghmd, a city larger than Worcester, and intima- ting that the same system might be adopted here with reasonable hope of success, in case five or six hundred acres of land, favorably located, could be put in proper condition for irrigation. This address contains a large amount of valuable information relating to sewers and sewage. When the speaker had concluded his remarks, an opportunity was given to all present for an inter- change of opinion upon the subject so ably discussed bv Mr. Potter. The different opinions expressed as to the man- ner of dealing with sewage were about equal to the number of persons who had anything to say upon the subject. Mr. J. S. Perry claimed that vegetables or grass grown on a sewage fiirni would be rank and unfit food for man or beast. He advocated the theory that all sewage should be gathered up and carried away by teams instead of wasting water to wash it into the Blackstone River. Hon. Thomas J. Hastings said that the pollution of streams, so much complained of at the present time, was largely due to the use of chemicals for cleansing and other purposes in the mills situated near the water courses, and not the result of sewage alone. 150 The discussion was continued by remarks from Messrs Dexter Rice, Clias. B. Long, Elbridge Boy- den, Wm. H. Earle, Wm. T. Harlow, A. B. Lovell, Edwin Ames and others. Some advocated the phm of Mr. Potter, others thought that agitation was the one thing needful, and that sewage might be purified by motion and contact with the atmosphere. Others advocated the plan of conveying the sewage of Worcester into and over a series of vats or basins far enough to allow the sediment to settle and the the water become purified. Hon. Clark Jillson said that each person who had spoken was the advocate of at least one theory dif- fering from all the rest, and that he did not care to add another to the list, but would only predict that "When the sewage of Worcester is properly and satisfactorily disposed of, it will be by means of me- chanical filtration." The adjourned Annual meeting was held at the rooms, Tuesday evening, December 20th. The folloAving were present : Messrs. Crane, Lee, Shumway, Lovell, Marshall, Rice, Gould, Seagrave, Tucker, James A. Smith, and Cook — 11. On motion it was voted that the Treasurer report to the Secretary the names of delinquent members for record. The annual assessment for 1882 was fixed at three dollars. Adjourned. This closes the record of the Society's work for 1881. 151 REPORT ON ARCHEOLOGY AND GENERAL HISTORY. THE past year has witnessed important developments in the field of archaeological research. Investigations have been vigorously pushed forward in various parts of the world, and in most instances these elforts have been attended with gratifying success. A few illustrations will perhaps suffice to indicate the progress that has been made. Mr. Holmuzd Rassam in excavating on the site of ancient Babylon has discovered the ruins of what was once the great commercial exchange of that opulent city. Here have been unearthed innumerable inscribed tablets, the records of the ex- change. The inscriptions relate to nearly every kind of monetary transaction, aud prove that the difficult subject of finance was understood at that early day almost as well as now. Among other curiosities are tax receipts that show how the revenue was raised, petitions against the oppression of tax collectors and deeds of mortmain. Mr. Rassam'has also brought to light some important inscriptions relating to the history of the city during the period immediately preceding its capture by Cyrus, together with a record of the achievraents of that monarch, and an ac- count of the triumphs of Alexander the Great. Exploring in like manner the ruins of some cities lying to the North of Babylon, and evidently older tlian the latter, Mr. Rassam has unearthed monuments whose inscriptions chronicle events in the earliest Chaldean history, and carry us back, in imagination, to the before the flood. Important as are these discoveries they hardly approach in interest those made last season in Egypt. In a secret subter- ranean cliamber in the Lydian mountains Herr Emil Bruysch, brother of the noted archaeologist. Dr. Henry Bruysch, has found the mummies of not less than thirty Theban mouarchs too-ether with an almost counties number of other valuable relics. Among these mummies are those of Thothmes III. who ordered the construction of the obelisk recently brought to New York, 152 Rameses II., the great Sesostris, and Queen Hatasoo. The chamber or pit where the mummies were found was excavated out of solid rock and is thirty -five feet deep. It is approached by a gallery two hundred feet long, also hewn out of the rock. It is situated about four miles from Thebes. The bodies had evidently been hurriedly brought thither from the royal tombs by the priests in view of some impending calamity, probably the invasion of Cambyses. One of the most singular and valuable discoveries was an immense leather tent bearing the seal of king Pinotim of the 21st dynasty. It was well preserved, and cover- ed with hieroglyphs embroidered in red, green and yellow leath- er, the colors being quite fresh and bright. It is to be hoped that the papyri, of which a number were found, will, when de- ciphered, throw new light upon the history of ancient Egypt, and give us a clearer view of those early races contemporary with the Egyptians, of whom we now have but a dim and shad- owy outline. In any event the importance of this discovery from an archii?ological standpoint can hardly be over estimated. The archaeologists of the western hemisphere have not been less diligent than their brethren of the eastern hemisphere, though the results of their labors mav not have been so remark- able. M. Desire Charnay has continued his researches in Cen- tral America and Mexico, and after long and patient study has reached the conclusion that the ruins found in those countries are of a far more recent origin than has geuerallv been supposed. He attributes to none of them an age of more than a thousand years, and adduces manv facts which seem to indicate that his reasonins; is correct. His studies have also led him to believe that what seems to be distinct civilizations among the ancient peoples of that region are all of common origin, or, as he puts it, all the civilizations in Mexico and Central America are Tol- tec, as all those of I^urope are Grecian. Dr. A. Le Plongeon, on the other jjand, who has devoted much time to investigation in the same localities has formed en- tirely different opinions. In a recent private letter to a friend he says that as a result of his studies he is convinced that America was the cradle of the human race, and that from thence proceeded civilization, to enlighten the Eastern world. 153 It is hardly necessary to refei- to the many other scholars who are devoting their best energies to archaeological research on this side the ocean. They are to be found delving in the mounds of the West and South, climbing to the deserted homes of the cliff-dwellers in New Mexico, threading the labyrinthine forests of Yucatan aud Central America in quest of long lost cities, or striving to rescue ancient grandeur from oblivion, on the rich table lands of Eucador and Peru. We may well expect large returns from the industry of so many laborers. The increased interest on this subject, manifested on all sides, argues well for future progress. If this interest continues un- abated rich results may be looked for in the next few years, and the solution of most of the great problems of history will not be long deferred. We shall know, for example, for what purpose the pyramids of Egypt were built; what became of the "Ten lost Tribes of Israel ;" the origin of the Mound builders, and, with the decipherment of the hieroglypic inscriptions of Yucatan and Central America, the true story of Atlantis. Let us hope that these grand results will erelong be attained, and that when attained our Society may in some degree share in the triumph. CHARLES R. JOHNSON, Chairman. REPORT ON LOCAL HISTORY AND GENEALOGY ANOTH ER revolution of time has been noted. Another cycle of events have passed into history, and the department of Local History and Genealogy is for the fourth time called upon to give some little account of its stewardship for the year that we are now just rounding out. The rapid growth of our city during the past two years tells us more truly than simple words can do, of the genuine pros- perity which the people of AVorcester have been and are now enjoying. It was claimed that more money was expended in the erection of new buildings and the remodeling of old ones during the year 1880 than had been expended in any one of the 154 seven preceding j-ears, and it seems to me that the thrift so apparent last year has not as yet in the least diminished, but that the growth of our city in 1881 will compare favorably with, if not exceed that of the previous year. This natural development which is going on necessarily cre- ates radical changes in many portions of the city : the old famil- iar haunts are fast disappearing, while massive blocks of brick and stone suddenly spring up in their places. The general appearance of Front street has been greatly improved by nu- merous alterations the most important of which was the remodel- ing of Mr. Amos B. Hall's old two story building into a fine five story block having one of the finest fronts in the city, extend- ing on Front Street from Warren Street to Vine Street (an old wooden building having been removed from the lot on the corner of Vine and Front Streets to make room for a portion of the New Block). The old wooden building which for so many years stood on the Westerly corner of Church and Front Streets known as the Abijah Bigelow Estate and which was used as our first cit}' Hospital, which was incorporated in 1871, and later for a free Medical Dispensary, has been removed, together with the other wooden buildings which stood west of it, to make room for the erection of more durable and substantial buildings by the present owner of the land, Mr. Jonas G. Clark. This geutle- man now has in progress of construction upon a lot on JMain street, west of the old common, including the spot where recent- ly stood the residence of Dr. Joseph Sargent, a building that the citizens of AVorcester may justly be proud of, and con- gratulate themselves for having among their number such an enterprising man, so willing to do and so abundantly able to carry forward an3' improvement he may see fit to undertake. But the growth oi our city is seen in other directions. The Hon. Stephen Salisbur}^, together with his son, have been con- tinuing their extensive improvements so timel,y inaugurated a few years since on Union street near Lincoln Square, where no one can fail to admire the massive and comely buildings that now adorn the land so recently the deposit for ashes and street sweepings But it is not my purpose in this report to partic- ularize, but rather to express general information. Several 155 sizable machine shops have been erected and put into use, three hundred and fifty to four hundred new dwelling houses have been constructed, showing that AVorcester is growing more rapidly perhaps than ever before. While we can say so much for the growth and development of Worcester, what shall we say of her decay in the death of her prominent citizens ? The first name we find on our list is that of Mr. Charles Hadwen, who died Tuesday night Feb. 8, 1881, at his residence on Hadwen Lane, aged 84 years. He was one of the prominent members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Had- wen was born in Newport, R. I., Jan 4, 1797. For a time he was a merchant in Providence R. I., and afterwards for several years a cotton manufacturer in the town of Scituate in that State, but came to Worcester in 1834 and purchased the farm pre- viously owned and occupied by Mr. Wing Kelley. Here Mr. Hadwen made his home, and here he remained until his death. Charit}' was one of the cardinal virtues of his life. He left three children, residents of Worcester, Mr. Obadiah B. Hadwen, Mrs. Dorcas B. Lee and Mrs. George A. Kimball. March 15th we have to record the death of Mr. Benjamin Flagg, which took place at the residence of his son, Aaron Flagg. in Springfield, Mass., where he was for the time stopping. Mr. Flaog was at the time if his death the oldest male citizen of Worcester, being in his 01st year. He was the son of Phineas Flagg, and grandson of Col. Benjamin Flagg who commanded a company of Minute Men that marched from Worcester for Lex- ington on the alarm April 19, 1775. Mr. Flagg was born June 12, 1790, at the old family homestead on Millbury avenue, being a direct descendant of Benjamin Flagg one of the early settlers of Worcester who came from Watertown, where he was born June 25, ir)(;2. The confidence and esteem in which the late Mr. Flagg was held by his fellow townsmen may be seen by the fact that he was chosen Selectman in 1831 and 1837, Repre- sentative in 1835 and 1851, and Alderman in 1849 and 1853. The funeral of Col. Isaac N. Ross was held in the town of Holden March 29th. Although Col. Ross was not a native of Worcester County, but for some years a resident in it, he took an active part in public affairs ; was member of the legislature 156 in 1871 and 1872, and for a time one of the state directors of the Boston and Albany Railroad. He was deeply interested in the completion of the Boston Barre and Gardner Railroad, and was for some time the Superintendent of that road. He was born in Hanover N. H. August 22, 1824. When a young man he resided for a time in South Boston Mass., but in 1852 went to the state of Ohio where he engaged in mercantile business. In 1861 he was elected a member of the Ohio legislature. Being a strong Union man, and anxious to participate more actively in the conflict then going on. Gov. Todd sent him a commission, and with his characteristic promptness he raised two regiments for the war within two weeks, the 114th and 90th, and as Col. of the latter went at once to the front where he rendered excel- lent service, especiall}' at the battle of Stone River, where, while leading his men in the thickest of the fight he was severely wounded.* April 4th Mr. Nathaniel Waters died in Millbur}-. He was a native of that town, having been born April 2d, 1791, on the John Wood estate in the west part of the town. He was a sol- dier in the war of 1812. June 17th, Mr. Calvin Taft died at his home on Main street in this city. Although Mr. Taft had not been a resident of Worcester but about twenty years, he was favorabl}^ known as one of our most active and energetic business men. He was the son of JMr. Adolphus Taft of Roxburv Mass., born in Jan., 1813. Mr. Taft was one of the founders of the Safe Deposit and Trust Company, and one of the Directors until incapacita- ted by failing health. Mr. Francis Harrington, a native of Worcester, died July 2d. He was son of Francis Harrington and born August 11, 1811. For more than forty years he was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Worcester ; a member of the City Council in 1855, and of the Board of Aldermen in the year 1860. * The remains of Colonel Ross were cremated at Washington, Penn., in accordance with his request. 157 A few days after the death of Mr. Harrington we have to record that of Mr. Nathaniel Curtis Moore, in his 81st year. He was son of Willard Moore a descendant of one of the early settlers of the town. Mr. Ephraim Beaman one of the oldest citizens at that time, died Saturday Aug. 18th. He was born in Princeton July 3d, 1793, and carried on farming and stock raising on the old homestead until within a few years. Monday* Sept 5th ended the career of usefulness of one of our most unassuming painstaking historical students, Samuel Foster Haven LL. D., Librarian of the American Antiquarian Society for more than 43 years. Dr. Haven was born in Dedham Mass. May 2S,.]80G, son of Judge Samuel Haven of that place. He graduated at Amherst college in 1826, and for a short time thereafter resided in Lowell ; was chosen Librarian of the American Antiquarian Society* in 1838, from which time until stricken down with his last sickness, he applied himself with iincomnion zeal and earnestness to historical research. Aided by thorough mental training and a love for his work that knew no l)ounds, he has been able to leave behind him a lasting reputation, not only for his scholarly attainments and historical learning, but for his usefulness and excellent judgment in assist- ing to build up a public institution which is not onh' an orna- ment to Worcester but to the countr}'. The 8th day of September closed the life of one of our most remarkable citizens. Stephen Symonds Foster was born in Canterbury N. H. Nov. 17, 1809, a graduate of Dartmouth College, class of 1838, began to study for the ministry, but changed his mind feeling that he could not use his voice in the interest of any institution that was willing to protect Slavery and the Slave holder. He at once espoused the cause of Free- dom, and became one of the most radical of the reformers. His boldness and courage as an antislavery agitator was not exceed- ed even by Wm. Llo^d Garrison or Wendell Phillips. At the annual meeting of the American Antislaverj- Society held in the city of New York, in 1840, Mr. Foster introduced a resolution severely criticising the American church and clergy for their wrong position on the question of human slaver3'. To one of 158 his printed publications he gave the title, "The Brotherhood of Thieves, a true picture of the American Church and Clerg3\ Mr. Foster was a man of firm convictions and never hesitated to express himself in plain, unmistakable language ; and his hearers knew just where he stood, and just what he meant. Ilis life and public career, while contending with opposition from every side, being hustled by the mob, imprisoned in Hanover jail, all together would make an exceedingly interesting sketch contrasting the public sentiment at the present time with that of forty years ago. The death of Timothy Keese Earle occurred at his home in this city Oct. 1st. He was son of Henry Earle, and born in Leicester Jan 11, 1823. Mr. Harle was one of the most ener- getic and successful business men of our city, a zealous worker in whatever cause his convictions led him, but always frank and open in his speech and action. He w'as an earnest advocate for temperance reform, taking a prominent position in the pro- hibitory party, and twice (1880 and 1881) its candidate for Lieutenant Governor. In my report for the year 1880 attention was called to the printing of the Proprietor's Records, of Worcester, announcing the fact that we had published those records from the earliest date, 1667, to May 2, 1711). I take great pleasure in now sta- ting that through the exertions of INIr. Franklin P. Rice, the work has been continued to the year 1788, with nearly 300 plans illustrating the land grants of the early settlers, and that this work can be found in Vol. III. of the Society's publications. We have in press for Vol. IV. Worcester Town Records, from the year 1753 to 1783. In addition to the very valuable productions of this Society on local history, we have received the following volumes since the last report : Suffolk Deeds, publications of the Vermont Historical Society, History of Antrim N. H., Mr. Marvin's new edition, Worcester in the Rebellion, New Guide for Worcester, History of the wire business including Fence wire, only thirty copies of which were printed. Orderly Book of Colonel William Henshaw of Leicester during the Revolution, Memorial of Hon. Charles Allen, Memorial Biographies by the New England 159 Historic Genealogical Society, Reports of the Record Commis- sion of Boston, the Okl Worcester Magazine printed in 1787-8, published by Mr. Thomas in place of his paper, for the purpose of evading the heavy dutj' laid upon newspapers of that day ; Genealogical notes by Goodwin, New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Miscellania Genealogia et Heraldica, b}' Joseph Jackson Howard, Brights of Suffolk, England. Many other books bearing on local history and genealogy have been received within the year, all of which are now arran- ged and read}' for consultation. ELLERY B, CRANE, Chairman. REPORT ON ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS, PUBLICATIONS AND ENGRAVINGS. TWO of the most important arts known to mankind, wood engraving and printing, sprung up in Europe at about the same period of time. The earliest wood engraving,, claimed as authentic on account of its date, is said to have been made in 1423 ; and the earliest print from movable type only dates back to 1454, leaving a space of time between these two great events of 31 3'ears. Unlike printing, wood engraving had an infancy, the rudeness of which may be seen in all the early illustrated prints. The first book illustrated to any considerable extent with wood cuts was printed in 1461 ; the earliest copperplate engraving was made the same 3-ear. The engraving knowm as the ^UU'hcim ^aittt ^ht'i.'&tayhfV, is supposed by some to be the oldest wood cut bearing a date ; but this date (1423) is declared to be false by at least three eminent critics, Mr. Koning, Mr. Sotzmann and Mr. Pinkerton, who claim that the true date is 1460. I have a book printed in the year 1495, which contains a num- ber of wood cuts of a similar style, but inferior as works of art, to the Saint Christopher. Both of these early prints being rude in their manner of execution and of the same general style of engraving, the question is naturally raised as to the probability of their being wrought at or near the same date. 160 Bat if 1423 is the true date of the Saint Christopher, the other was probably engraved nearly three quarters of a centur}- later, during which time it is fair to presume there ought to haA^e been some improvement or change of style, perhaps both, I also have another book printed in 15G4, sixty-nine 3'ears later, containing wood cuts far superior to those of 1495, indi- cating that the first two engravings mentioned were made at dates less than seventy years apart. Mr. H. E. Holt, in '*Notes and Queries" for 1868, makes the positive declaration that the Saint Christopher was executed b}' Albert Durer at Colmar in 1493. This would be but two years previous to the publication of the first mentioned book, which would in some measure account for the striking similarity of the two, which could not well be done if the other date (1423) is admitted to be correct. There are many facts and circum- stances to indicate that the Saint Christopher was engraved much later than 1423. In the first place the date is not au- thenticated beyond reasonable grounds Jbr suspicion, there being no other wood engraving with so early a date, but many having the appearance of being as old and even much older. It is claimed by some that this picture undoubtedly bore a date, but that it has sometime been changed from 1493 to 1423, a trick that would create no surprise in the more advanced stage of civilization, four hundred years later. It is a well established fact that cross-hatching M'as first em- ployed in 1486, on a frontispiece used in the Latin edition of Breydenbach's Travels ; but the Saint Christojiher contains that style of engraving, which shows that if 1423 is the true date more than sixty 3'ears elapsed before any more cross-hatching was done, which would seem improbable. It is also claimed that this picture was produced bj' a print- ing press with printer's ink, neither of which existed in 1423. It was printed on paper such as was used by Albert Durer be- tween 1480 and 1500, known b^' its peculiar water mark, viz, a bull's head with an upright line rising between tiie horns, sur- mounted b}' a flower or star. There is no record to show that paper thus marked was used in 1423. It is also apparent that the design and st^'le correspond with that of Durer ; and it is 16 L admitted that there was no other wood cut in existence in 1423, or for lialf a centiirj after, that would in any degree compare with the Saint Christoplier as a work of art. In fact only four wood eugravini^s are known to have been made previous to 1450, and but few up to the time when Durer began his remark- able career as a designer and engraver on wood. If it is admitted that the Saint Christopher was engraved as earh' as 1423, it must also be admitted that it was not equalled for at least seventy years, nor was its author discovered during that period. "With all these facts before us, it does not seem unreasonable to presume that Albert Durer was the designer and engraver of the Buxheim Saint Christopher, there being no other jjicture of special merit previous to his time, nor any engraver whose rep- utation has been preserved. CLARK JILLSON, Chairman. REPORT ON RELICS, COINS AND CURIOSITIES. IN the department of Relics, Coins and Curiosities, there has been some improvement during the last twelve months, as will appear evident to all who may be interested in examining the additions that have been made to our cabinet. It is believ- ed, however, that not so much attention has been given to this department of work as its object and design would seem to war- rant and demand. Possibh' as much has been accomplished by the members comprising this class as by those who are assigned to the other departments. By this classification of work, and with a determined purpose, much more probably could be done than has been thus far ; still, where so much improvement is manifest, so much information collected and put in permanent form, so manj' articles procured illustrating the usages and hab- its of past generations, it would be evidently unjust to speak of the work of these departments as a failure, or even as a useless and unnecessary classification, though all that their projectors contemplated may not have been fully realized. 162 The contributions to this department during the last year are considerable, all of which have their value, and some of them so rare that other specimens of like character are hardly to be obtained. In portraiture, we have been exceedingly fortunate in secur- ing the only known oil painting of the late Elihu Burritt. It was executed in this city in 1841, from life, by an artist then resid- ing here, named Elwell, who now resides in Springfield. This portrait is pronounced by those who knew the subject well, to be an excellent likeness of the departed scholar and reformer ; and The Worcester Society of Antiquity may be thought ex- ceedingly fortunate in possessing this rare work. It is also creditable to the city where we dwell, and where the subject of this portrait dwelt, and established his reputation as one of the greatest linguists of his time, that his portrait should be here, where future generations may behold the picture of him who was styled and recognized as the "Learned Blacksmith." In another department of art are specimens of early wood engraving, executed by Hans Leonard Schauftlin, a pupil of Albert Durer, presented to this Society by Mr. C. J. Sawtell of New York city, who received them from a friend residing in Germany. These specimens are quite rare, and are a very in- teresting study to all who are connoisseurs in art. In the Metro- politan Museum of Art, Central Park, New York city, may be seen two volumes, the illustrations of which are by this artist, and the date of their publication is there given as 1513. Hans Schaufflein was one of the best, as he was one of the earliest wood engravers, and his work was not infrequently taken for that of his instructor, Durer, whom he closely imitated, though probably not fully equalled. But his productions will go down to future generations as remarkable specimens of a beautiful art. Among our relics, and perhaps the most important of them all, is the contribution from Mr. Samuel H. Putnam, of the Com- pany chest of Company A, 25th Regiment Massachusetts Vol- unteers, containing books and pnpers relating to the service of the company in the war of the rebellion. Allied to, but preced- ing this, is a framed autograph of the fugitive slave, Thomas Simms, presented by Hon. P. I^mory Aldrich. These remind- 163 ers speak impressivnly of what was in days gone by, but fortu- nately never to return. Among the other contributions are geological specimens, from E. H. Marshall ; from Wm. A. Emerson, copy of a speci- men of pottery found by Dr. Schliemann at ancient Troy ; a piece of a ramrod from the ship Somerset, presented by Charles F. Rugg ; photograph of the old United States Hotel, presented b}^ Nathaniel Paine ; two small U. S. Flags, from Arlington Heights, a card of horse-nails, made by machinery at the Cen- tennial Exhibition at Philadelphia, Lamp used at the Massachu- setts State house, 1812, presented by Pardon A. Lee ; Flint- lock Ritle, from Israel Plummer ; two Antique Powder Horns, from Hon. Clark Jillson ; Straw Splitting Machine, from Thom- as A. Dickinson ; Colonial and Confederate currency', from E. B. Crane ; an Electrotype plate, handsomely framed, of the Declaration of American Independence, from Wm. A. Smith ; a Card tooth Machine, made by Capt. Thomas Lamb of Leices- ter, in 1828, presented by A. B. Prouty, and an Indian Hunt- ing Shirt from Oregon, by E. H. Marble. Dr. George Chand- ler presented a pair of Metalic Tractors, accompanied by the following interesting historical and biographical sketch : — "Dr. Elisha Perkins of Plainfield Conn., was the inventor of the Metalic Tractors, used by him in the cure and relief of nervous affections, rheuma- tism, sprains and other diseases. They were two small pointed instruments or pencils, one of steel and the other of brass, about three or four inches long, flat on one side and oval on the other. The operator held them be- tween his thumb and Angers and drew them backwards, lightly, over the part affected. Dr. Elisha Perkins was son of Dr. Joseph and Mary (Bushnell) Perkins, of Norwich, Conn., and Avas born Jan. 16, 1741 ; studied medicine with his father and settled in Plainfield in the practice of his profession. He soon became widely known for his invention of the Tractors, and for the intro- duction of a powerful antiseptic in his practice. He was a man of strong physical frame aud had great endurance of fatigue. It was said that he often rode daily on horseback sixty miles visiting his patients. He used no spirituous drinks, and indulged in only four or five hours of sleep nights. A grand daughter of his wrote, "Dr. Elisha Perkins was a physician of great skill and had a large practice which called him much from home, yet he founded and largely sustained an Academy in Plainfield which is still flourishing. He opened his own house for treatment of the sick, among whom was Calvin Goddard, afterwards Mayor and Judge, of Norwich, Ct., 164 who often said "When I left college I Avent to Plainfield in poor health and with all my worldly possessions in a pack on my back, and, if I have any goodness or hospitality in me I owe it to Dr. and Mrs. Perkins. In the war of the llevolution Plainfield sent many men into the field, and among them, said Miss Ellen D. Larned, the historian of Windham County, her most beloved physician. Dr. Elisha Perkins who served as surgeon in the 8th regiment under Col. Jedediah Huntington. Dr. Albigence "Waldo of Pomfret went as assistant surgeon. Dr. Perkins re-enlisted as surgeon in the campaign of 1776 under Col. John Douglas, Miss Calkins in her history of Norwich said this regiment, the 8th Connecticut, Avas the best equipped of any in the Colony, sporting for uniform a quantity of red-coats taken in a prize vessel. Dr. Perkins was expelled from the Connecticut Medical Society in 1797, on account of his invention and use. in his j)ractice, of the Metalic Tractors. To show his faith in his inventions, he went to New York city during the prevalence of yellow fever in that city, and after about four weeks of assid- uous labor among those sick with that dreadful disease, he took the fever himself and died of it on the 6th of September, 1799. Dr. Perkins married Sei^t. 23d. 1762, Sarah Douglas, of Plainfield, and by her had eight children, ancestors of a numerous race. His son, Benjamin Douglas Perkins, Avent to London, England, and established a "Perkins Institution" on the principles of tractoration, Avhich for a time was very popular, and by which he accumulated a handsome property." This clepartmeut recognizes, with gratitude to its friends, their various contributions in the past, and confidently hopes that in the future they will continue their generous aid, so that eventually the cabinet of our Society may become one of its most useful, as it will be one of the most attractive features of our organization. SAMUEL E. STAPLES, Chairman. 165 Index to Proceedings for 1881, Aldrich, P. Emory, 59. Uo. Allen, Rev. George, 23, 5'J, 112, 114, 117. Ames, Edwin, 4, i), 150. Annual Address, 10-12. Assessment for 1882, 150. B Balanced Rock, 114. Baldwin, Charles C, 4. Bartlett, Thomas E., 4, 45. Bartlett William H., 4, 24, 123, 148. Barton, William S., !), 13, 5!). Bates, Joseph N,, 4. Bates, Theodore C, 4. Beaman, Ezra, sketch of, 125-144. Bemis, Merrick, 4, Bigelow, William H., 4, 122. Blackmer, Francis T., 4. Blake, Frank E., 4, 59. Bosworth, Fisher A., 4. Boyden, Elbridge, 150. Boyden, George E., 4. Brady, John G., 4, 44, 59, Brigham, John W,, 4. Brown, Dr. George W., 120. Brown, John, Pamphlet, 120. Burritt, Elihu, Portrait, 118, 121. C Chase, Charles A., 4. Clark, Charles W., 4. Clark, William D., 112. Clark, William L., 4, 112. Cold Winters, History of, 23. Colton, Reuben, 4 13, 112. Comins, Edward I, 4, 44,, 45. Committees, 5, 59, GO, 119. Cook, Norton L., 4, 59, 112, 114, 117 121, 123, 150. Coolidge, Augustus, 4, 112. Cort, John, 4. Crane, EUery B., 4, 5. 9, 23, 59, 112, 117, 121, 123, 148, 1.50. Crane Family Reunion, 122. Cummings, Herbert R., 112. Curtis, Albert, 123. D Death Penalty in Worcester County, 44-45. Delinquent Members, 150. Department Reports, 151-184. Departments of Work, 4. Dickinson, Thomas A., 4, 14, 59, 117, 123. Dodge, Benj. J., 4, 9, 117, 119, 121. Donations, 145-147. Dorr Rebellion, 59. Douglas, C. H. J., 123. E Earle, William H., 150 Election of Members, 13, 23, 44, 45, 59, 120, 122, 123. Emerson, William A., 114. Errata, 8. Estabrook, Charles W., 4. Estey. James L., 4, 112, 117, 119,120. 123. Estey, George, 121. Excursion to Shrewsbury, 112-117. Fenno, Charles W., 4. Financial condition of Society, 59 Forehand, Sullivan, 4, 123. Funds, Committee to raise, 60. 166 G I Lovell, Albert A., 4, 9, 59, Hi), 12;^, Garfield, President, death of, 120; 124,150. Newspaper obituaries, 122. r°''^"' ''^' ^- ^^'^• Lovell, Joseph, 123. I.yford, J, Chauneej', 4. Glasgow, Edward E., 4, 117. Gould, Abram K., 4, 122,123, 1-30. H M Mann, A. (>., 4. Marble, Albert P., 4, 44. Marble, Edward H. 4, 117. IMarshall, Elijah H., 4, 9, 123, 150. Miirvin, A. P., 44. Harding, A\'ni. B., 4. Harlow, Wm. T., 4, 44, 121, 150. Hastings, Thomas J., 149. Haven, Frances W., letter, 122 Haven, S. F., Resolutions, 1 19, 120. Z7'u ^' ''•' "^^• Honeywood, St. John, 59. McLellan, J. A., 117, 119. Howe, William B., 4, 59. Hoyt, Albert H., 117. Hubbard, Hammond ^V., 23.112,119 Hud.-on, Charles. .MfiiKirial Sketch, 4(;-.-i,s. J Merriam, OHn I>. 4. Metcalt; Isaac N., 9, 119, 121. Morgan, Charles A., 4. Jordan, George A., 4, K (Jfficcr.s foi' l,s,S2. 5. t;ii /.I 1 , - G'Flyim, llichard, 4, 123. Jillson, Clark, 4, 5, 9, 13, 23, 44, 59, i 60, 112, 117, 119, 121, 123, 150.' i P Jillson, Franklin C, 49, 59, 119 119 ,-, . 123. ' " -^""^'^' ^'athaniel,4, 9, 13, 44,GO.I17, Johnson, Charles R., 4, 5, 45, 5!) ] ]9. r, , ^"?" 120, 123. ■ ' Augustus E., 4. 112. Johnson, Theodore S., 4. Personal Recollections of the Louis- iana Campaign, 24. Perry, Joseph S., 149. Phelps, Henry. 4, 12.".. x' ' ^. a , „. Pickett, Josiah, I. Aent, Samuel W., 23. u ^^ ,, King, Henrv 4. .""'"' ^^^^"'^'^ ^^ - '' ''• '- ^'^■" 1^«- Kinney, Frank J.. 4. ]"T"- ^f'""' '' '''■ ''^• Knight. CharlesB., 23,50 IJ. 19, i ;\'' l'"^^^!"" ^'-""uttoe, GO. ' -'''•'•'' ^^^' l^i' j Publications of the Society, C. L Putnam, Samuel 11., 112, 114, 119. Putnam, Otis A., 112. Lamb, Thomas Melvin, 4, 45, 112. Lancaster, Frank E., 4. 44. j R Lawrence, E. R. 4 5 5'i ni i> i- . , ' •' ^' '^' '^•'' il''' J-'l- , Radical Song of 17,S(;. 59. Lee, Pardon A., 4,9 59 11') ^■>^ ^-,l\ n 1 .• •-■*,.',>'.', 11^, 1.^1, l.K). Resolutions, 13, 1 lis 190 Leonard, Manning. 4, 44, 121, 122. Rice, Dexter 150 ' ' Lexington, Battle commemorated, 24. Rice, Franklin P., 4. 5, 9 44 59 GO Librarian's Report, 124-147 no n- ,,-. ' ^> ->, t-*, 0.1, bO, Lon<^ C B 15() 112, 11<, 119,121,123,148,150. ^''^•^•''^'- Ro'-N Alfreds., 4, .5, 9, 1.3, 117, 118, 121, 122. 167 llviji-. ("harles J., t. 4,-), 121. S Sfuvtell, C. J., 118. Scott, Nelson R., 4, 112. Scagmve, Dixniel, 4, T), i), U!, 45, 112, 11!), 150. Sewerage, utilization of, I'ai^or on, 148-149. Shays' Rebellion, 6!) ; Paper, 61-111. Shunnvay, Edward Everett, 112. Shumway, Henry L., 4, ">, !), 2;5, 112, 119, 123, 148, 150. Smith, Eleazer, Sketch of, 14-23. Smith, Henry M., 4, 5, 23, 45, 59, 119, 121, 123. Sir.itli. .Tanu's A.. 4, 9, 59. I ]•>. 1 1'.), IL'I. 11'.-!. i:.(). Siiiitli. John (i.. I 12. 117. Smith. William A.. 4, 59. (K). 112, Sprague, A. 15. 11., 4, 23, 44. (10, 112. 123. Stan.sfield, Thomas, 4,44. Staples, Samuel E.. 4, 5, 9, 23, 44, 5!), CO, 112, 117. lis, 11'.), 121, 14S. Starr, Frank F.. 1;!. Stedman, Henry F., 4, 5. Stiles. F. (;., 4. Stone, Augustus, 4, 117, 119, 121, 123. Sumner, George, 4, 5, 9, 00, 112, 118, 121, 123, 148. Thompson, Eben F., 4, 112, Thompson. Edward H„ 4. Three April Days, 25-43. Tolman, Albert, 4, 5. Tooke, John Home, 44. Town Records, vote to pxiblish, 44. Treasurer's Report, 123. Tucker, Ephraim, 4, 59, 112, 117, 119, 123, 150. Tyler, Albert, 4, 5. U T"i)]iam, Henry P., 4. W W'aites, Alfred, 4, 112, 120. Ward, Artemas, Tomb of, 115-116. Warren, Edgar W., 13, 119. Washburn, Charles F., 4. Washburn & Moen Publications, 121. Weston, Byron, 13. Wilder, Harvey B., 4. Wolf Den, visit to, 1 19. jvo. X nil. RECORDS OF THE Court of General Sessions OT^° THE PEACE ^ Fd-R THE County of Worcester, Massachuset From 1731 to ijsfi Edited by FRANKLIN P. RICE. V «► WORCESTER, MASS. : THE WORCESTER SOCIETY OF ANTIQUITV 1883. U. S. A. CVII. ll $ Mr .1 RECORDS \\\-<\ tijf ^utijocitw of tije same, That the Towns and Places hereafter named and expressed, That is to say, Worcester, Lancaster, We s thorough, Shrewsbury, South- boroiigli, Leicester, Ritthmd, and Lunenburg, all in the County of Middlesex; Mendon, Woodstock, Oxford, Sutton-, (including Nas- sananiisco) Uxbridge, and the Land lately granted to several Pe- titioners of Medfield, all in the County of Suffolk; Brookfield in the County of Hampshire, and the South Town laid out to the Nar- ragansett Soldiers ; and all other Lands lying within the. said Town- ships, with the Inhabitants thereon, shall from and after the tenth Day of yuly, which will be in the Year of our Lord One Thousand seven Hundred and thirty one, be and remain one intire and dis- tin6l County, by the Name of Worcester, of which Worcester to be th« County or Shire Town : And the Said County to have, use and enjoy all such Powers, Priviledges and Immunities, as by Law other Counties within this Province have and do enjoy. ^nti ijc It furtf)cr nxactcti tJi> t!)C Stutljon't^ afore- SaflJ, That there shall be held and kept within the said County of Worcester yearly and in every Year, at the Times and Place in this A6t hereafter expressed, a Court of General Sessions of the Peace, and an Inferiour Court of Common Pleas, to sit at Wor- cester on the second Tuesdays of May and August, and the first Tuesdays of November and February yearly and in every Year, until this Court shall otherwise order : Also, That there shall be held and kept at Worcester within the said County of Worcester yearly and in every Year until this Court shall otherwise order, a Superiour Court of Judicature Court of Assize and General Goal 1 2 Introdtcnion. Delivery, to sit on the Wednesday immediately preceeding the Time by Law appointed for the holding of the said Superior Court of Judicature Court of Assize and General Goal Delivery at Spring- field, within and for the County of Hampshire : And the Justices of the said Court of General Sessions of the Peace, Inferiour Court of Common Pleas, Superiour Court of Judicature, Court of Assize and General Goal Delivery respe6lively, who are or shall be there- unto lawfully commissioned and appointed, shall have, hold, use, exercise and enjoy all and singular the Powers which are by Law already given and granted unto them, within any other Counties of the Province, where a Court of General Sessions of the Peace, Inferiour Court of Common Pleas, Superiour Court of Judicature, Court of Assize and General Goal Delivery, are already estab- lished. Provided, That all Writs, Suits, Plaints, Process, Appeals, Re- views, Recognizances, or any other Matters or Things which now are, or at any Time before the said tenth Day of J^niy, shall be depending in the Law within any Part of the said County of Wor- cester ; and also all Matters and Things which now are, or at any Time before the said tenth of J^uiy, shall be depending before the Judges of Probate within any Part of the said County of Worces- ter, shall be heard, tried, proceeded upon and determined in the Counties of Suffolk, Middlesex and Hampshire respe6lively, where the same are or shall be returnable or depending, and have or shall have Day or Days. Provided also. That nothing in this A61 contained, shall be con- strued to disannul, defeat, or make void any Deeds or Convey- ances of Lands, lying in the said County of Worcester, where the same are, or shall be before the said tenth of yitly, recorded in the Register's office of the respe6live Counties where such Lands do now lie ; but that all such Deeds or Conveyances so recorded, shall be held good and valid as they would have been had not this A61 been made. SlnTi l)c It fttrtijcr cnactcTr li» tijc Slutljoriti) aforr= StTlU, That the Justices of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace at their first Meeting in the said County of Worcester, shall have full Power and Authority to appoint some meet Person within Introdunion. i J the said County of Worcester to be Register of Deeds and Con- veyances within the same, who shall be sworn to the faithful Dis- charge of his Trust in the said Office, and shall continue to hold and exercise the same according to the Directions of the Law, until some Person be elefted by the Freeholders of the said County of Worcester, who are hereby impowered to choose such Person on the first Thursday of September next ensuing, by the Methods in the Law already prescribed, to take upon him that Trust : And until such Register shall be so appointed by the said Justices and sworn, all Deeds and Conveyances of Lands lying within any Part of the County of Worcester, which shall be recorded in the Reg- ister's Office of the respe6live Counties where such Lands do now lie, shall be held and deemed good and valid to all Intents and Purposes as to the recording thereof. ^n^ lie It furtijrr cnactcti i)^ tijr ^iit<)oritfi afore- ScllTf, That the Methods, Dire<5lions and Proceedings by Law provided as well for the ele6ting and choosing a Register of Deeds and Conveyances as a County Treasurer, which Officers shall be appointed in the same Manner as is by Law already provided, on the first Thursday of September next, and also for the bringing for- ward and trying any A6tions, Causes, Pleas or Suits both Civil and Criminal in the several Counties of this Province and Courts of Judicature within the same, and choosing of Jurors to serve at the Courts of Justice, shall extend and be attended, observed and put in Pra6tice within the said County of Worcester, and by the Courts of Justice within the same : Any Law, Usage or Custom to the contrary notwithstanding. Provided always. That the Inhabitants of the several Towns and Places herein before enumerated and set off a distin6l County, shall pay their Proportion to any County Rates or Taxes already made and granted, in the same Manner as they would have done, had not this A61 been made. RECORDS OF THE Court of General Sessions OF THE PEACE. A Copy of the General Commission for the Peace for the County of Worcester ^ Seal \ George the Second by the Grace of God of Great Brittain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith &c' To our Trusty and well beloved John Chandler Joseph Wilder \Villiam Ward William Jennison Daniel Taft John Chandler Jun"" Benjamin Willard Samuel Wright Josiah Willard Joseph Dwight Samuel Dudley Henry Lee and Nahum Ward Esq" Greeting Know ye that we have assigned you and every of you our Justices to Keep our Peace in our County of Worcester within our Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, and to Keep and Cause to be Kept the laws and Ordinances made for the good of the Peace and for the Conservation of the Same and for the Quiet Rule and Government of our People in our Said County in all and every the articles thereof according to the force fform and effe6l of the Same and to Chastise and Punish all Persons offend- ing against the form of those laws & ordinances or any of them in the County aforesaid or according to the form of those laws and ordinances Shall be fitt to be done, and to Cause to Come before you or any of you, all those thatt Shall breake the peace or at- tempt anything against the Same, or that Shall threaten any our 1 8 Court of General Sessions. People in their person or in burning their houses to find Sufficient Security for the peace or for the good behaviour towards us and our people and if they shall refuse to find such security then to cause them to be Kept Safe in Prison untill they shall find the same and to do and perform in the County aforesaid all and what- soever according to the laws and Ordinances of our Province afore- said or any of them, Justices of the Peace may or ought to do & perform and we Command you and every of you that you Deli- gently intend the Keeping of the Peace and of the laws and Ord- inances aforesaid ; and that at such certain days and places as are or shall be by law Stated and appointed (whereof any of you The said John Chandler Joseph Wilder William Ward & William Jen- nison always to be one) enquire by the Oaths of good and Care- full men of our Said County by whom the Truth may be the better Known of all and all manner of Thefts, Trespases, Riots, Routs, and unlawfuU assemblys whatsoever, and all and singular other misdeeds and offences of which by law Justices of the peace in their Generall Sessions may or ought to Inquire, by whomsoever or howsoever done and Perpetrated, or which shall hereafter hap- pen howsoever to be done or attempted in the County aforesaid, Contrary to the form of the laws and Ordinances aforesaid, made for the Common good of our province aforesaid and the People thereof, and to Inspect alllndidments So before you taken or to be Taken, and to make and Continue the Process thereupon against all and every person or persons so Indi6led before Shall hereafter happen to be Indi6led before you untill they be appre- hended render themselves or be outlawed, and to hear and De- termine all & Singular the said Thefts, Trespasses, Riots, Routs, unlawfuU assemblys, and all and Singular Other the premises, and to do therein as to Justice appertaineth according to the laws Statutes and Ordinances aforesaid ; Saving to us the amerciaments and Other things thereof to us belonging ; and we likewise Command that at such days and places as are or shall be by law appointed for holding a Court of General Sessions of the peace as aforesaid and Such and So many good and lawful! men of the County afore- said you cause to come before you or any Three or more of you as aforesaid, by whom the Truth in the premises may be Known Worcester County, Massachusetts. 19 and Inquired of; In testimony whereof we have Caused the PubHcke Seal of our Province aforesaid to be hereunto affixed Witness Jonathan Belcher Escf our Cap' Generall and Governour in Chief in and over our Said Province at Boston the thirtyth day of June 1731 in the fifth year of our reigne J Belcher By order of the Gov"" with the advice and Consent of the Councill J. WiLLARD Secry. John Chandler John Chandler Jun"" Joseph Dwight and Sam- uel Dudley Esqrs Sworn in Councill July i^' 1731 J Willard Secy Joseph Wilder William Ward William Jennison Daniell Taft Samuel Wright Josiah Willard Henry Lee & Nahum Ward Esq's Sworn by Dedimus from his Exce'y the Gov'' before us John Chandler John Chandler Jr Joseph Dwight A true Copy from the Originall Commission attes' John Chandler Jr Cler Pac. NOTES. Of the persons named in the foregoing Commission, John Chandler, Jo- seph Wilder, William Ward and William Jennison were the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the County. John Chandler of Woodstock, (now in Connecticut but formerly included in Worcester County) was a man of considerable prominence. He was the first Judge of Probate for the County; Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and of the Court of General Sessions; Colonel of the regiment of militia; Representative, and a member of his Majesty's Council. He died in 1743. Joseph Wilder was a prominent citizen of Lancaster, and a man of influ- ence in the County. He became Chief Justice on the death of John Chand- ler in 1743. William Ward of Southborough was born in 1680 and died (probably) in 1745. He was a Colonel of the militia. William Jennison lived in Worcester, where he held various offices of trust. He died in 1741. 20 Court of General Sessions. Of the Justices of the Peace, Daniel Taft resided in Mendon ; Benjamin Willard in Hassanamisco, now Grafton; Samuel Wright in Rutland; Josiah Willard in Lunenburg; and Henry Lee in Worcester. Nahum Ward of Shrewsbury was a lawyer of some note,.and subsequently became one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas. He was father of Major General Artemas Ward of revolutionary fame. John Chandler Junior was born in Woodstock in 1693, and removed to Worcester in 1731. He was Clerk of the Courts, Register of Deeds, etc.; and succeeded to most of the offices held by his father. He died in 1763. Joseph Dwight was born in Hatfield in 17^3, and graduated at Harvard College in 1722. He Hved for some years in Brooktield, and represented that town in the Provincial Legislature. He was Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1749, and at one time a member of the Council. Dis- tinguished for his military talents he attained the rank of Brigadier General, and for his bravery at the siege of Louisburg. where he commanded a regi- ment, was publicly commended by Sir William Pepperell. Dwight was Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Worcester from 1743 to 1750, and afterwards held the same office in Berkshire County. He died at Great Barrington in 1765. Samuel Dudley was one of the largest land owners of Sutton, and a man of infiuence and prominence. He was born in Concord in 1666, and died in 1775 at the great age of 109 years. Worcester County, Massachusetts. 21 Worcester ss Memorandum Worcester Aug^* 12"' 1731 Att y^ first meeting of the Justices of tlie County aforesaid, John Chandler Jun'' Esq was appointed Register of Deeds for Said County and Sworn to the faithful! Discharge of the Said Trust be- fore all the Justices by the Hon''''' John Chandler Escjr The first Justice Attestator John Chandler J"' Cle Pac : August 13* M'' Jonathan Houghton of Lancaster was appoint- ed & Sworn County Treasurer Attest John Chandler J' Clck Same day John Chandler Jun"" Esqr Register of Deeds gave bond to the County Treas' with two Suretys in five hundred, for his a6ling faithfully as Register of Deeds This was done by order of the Justices Attes' John Chandler J' Cler Pac Worcester ss Anno Regiti Regis Georgij Secu7idi nunc Macrnice BrittanicB Francice et Hibernics Quinto ^ Att a Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace held at Worcester for and within the County of Worcester The Second Tuesday of Aug^* being the Tenth day of Said Month Annoq Dom John Chandler Joseph Wilder William Ward William Jennison . Daniel Taft John Chandler Jun Quo: JUSTICES PRESENT Samuell Wright Josiah Willard Joseph Dwight Samuel Dudley Henry Lee Nahum Ward > Estf Esq"" Coroners, M'' Joseph Wilder M"" Seth Chapin Jun"" M'' Jo- seph Wright Grand Jurors that were Returned & Served are as follows viz' Worcester M'' Gershom Rice Mendon M' James Keith Brookfield M' Joseph Banister Oxford M'' Isaac Lernard Leicester M"" Daniell Denney Shrewsbury M"' David How Uxbridge M^ Robert Taft Lancaster M'' Ebenezer Wilder Woodstock M"" Joseph Baron Westboro' M'' Thomas Rice foreman Sutton Parcivall Hall Southboro' M"" John Woods RutUand M' Joseph Stevens Lunenburg M'' Edward Hartwell Each Served Two Days 24 Court of General Sessions. \^t^^S^ Phillip Chase of Sutton in y^ County of Worcester Husbandman and Others Came into Court and Complained that Solomon John- son Resident in Said Shrewsbury Gent in the Night following the ii"* Instant was Guilty of y*^ Breach of y*^ peace by Stocking him the Said Chase on the face with his hand and of Speaking Insult- ing and threating words, The Said Solomon Johnson appeared before y*^ Court and pleaded not Guilty and in the Court behaved himself in a very Insolent Rude and unbecoming manner both to the Court & Officers thereof Capt Thomas Baker and Said Chase were Sworn as Evidences in the Case and after due Examination the Case being fully heard the Said Solomon Johnson is Judged to be Guilty of the Breach of y^ peace in Striking Said Chase and useing threatning words and thereupon order that for Said offence he pay as a fine to our Sovereign Lord the King &61 Twenty Shill- ings and for his Said Rude and Insulting Behaviour he also pay as a fine to our said Lord the King the Sum of fourty Shillings that he give bond with Two Suretys for his peacable and good be- soiomon Johnson havlour till thc ucxt Court of General Sessions of principal 5(11 ^j-^g pgacc to bc holdcn at Worcester &a the first ^jrep^^cJo'by " Tuesday of November next viz' The Said Solomon Surety 25 1 Each johusou as principall In y*^ Sum of fifty pounds & the Suretys in Twenty five pound Each and Pay Costs & Stand Committed till Sentance be Performed Costs Taxed at one pounds nine Shillings The Said Solomon Johnson appealed from this Sentance unto the Court of assize and Generall Goal Delivery to be holden at Worcester the 4* Wednesday of September next and Chase & Baker Entered iuto Recognizance with Two Suretys to S^^ppelfaVwi'™^ prossecute his appeal to Effed and to abide and perform y^ order or Sentance of Said Court thereon and to be of y^ Good behaviour in the meantime Joseph Crosby of Worcester in the County of Worcester Sadler, was bound over to this Court by M'' Justice Jenison on the Com- plaint of Isaac Miller of Shrewsbury In Said County Husbandman for abusing & Striking him & ^ JUSTICES PRESENT Samuell Wright Josiah Willard Joseph Dwight Samuel Dudley Henry Lee Daniel Tafi- | Esqrs ^ T r r Tnstires Nahum Ward John Chandler Jun' ) justices Esqr' ['Justices Names of y'' Grand Jurors who served this year M' Thomas Rice Foreman M' Eben"" Wilder M"" James Keith M"^ Isaac Learned M"" Daniell Denney M-" Daniell How M' Robert Taft W Gershom Rice M' Josiph Baron M"' Joseph Banister M' Parcivall Hall M"^ John Woods M"" Joseph Stevens M' ?"dward Hartwell Served 2 days 46 Court of General Sessions. \ tkbm, The names of the Grand Jurers who were Returned to Serve the present year vizt. Oxford Cap' Ebenezer Learned Worcester M' James Taylor foreman Lancaster M' John Bennitt Mendon M' Ebenezer Daniells Woodstock M"" Ephraim Child Brookfield M'' Samuell Barnes Westboroiigh M'' Isaac Tomlin Sutton M"" Nathanael Dyke Leicester M"" Thomas Richardson Southborough M"" Samuel Ward Rutland M'' Edward Rice Shrewsbury M'' John Crosby Uxbridge M"" Woodland Thompson Lunenburg M' Ephraim Peirce who were Sworn & the Charge being given them were Dismist Till The next Term. Each attended one day : Constables that attended were Robert Peibles 2 days James Calwell 4 days The Court proceeded To sort y^ Votes for y^ Choice of a County Treasurer, And M"" Jonathan Houghton of Lancaster was Chose by a major Vote & was Sworn accordingly The acco' of y^ Charge of y*^ Grandjurors That Served at y^ Court of Assize & Generall Goal Delivery in September last amounting unto thirteen pounds thirteen Shillings was Examined & allowed and payment ordered thereupon accordingly for 13 13 also y^ ace' of y*^ Grandjurors that Served at y^ Court from au- gust last amounting unto forty nine pounds Seventeen Shillings was accordingly allow'd & paym' ordered for 49 19 The order given accordingly Totall 63 1 2 The Towns following being presented by y*^ Grandjurors for Sundry Defeats appeared by their Respective Selecftmen, and were Excused paying C'osts viz' 1 732. 1 Worcester County, Massachusetts. 47 Southborough three presentments — Uxbridge two presentments — Brookfield one presentment — Lunenburg one presentment — Rutland one presentment — and Cost were paid accordingly The Committee appointed for building y*^ Goal &61 laid before y*= Court an acco' of their proceedings which were approved and thereupon the Court ordered that the County Treasurer pay to y^ Committee or their order the Sum of one hundred pounds by the last day of May next & the further Sum of Seventy pounds by the last day of July next To Enable them To pay the Two first pay- ments they are obliged To towards building the Said Goal &61 Upon Reading the Petition of the Reverend M' David Parsons of Leicester in behalf of himself & family Seting forth that the Pe- titioner accepted the Call of the Church and Town of Leicester, to the Gospell ministry among them Sometime in the year 1721 with an Incouragement from them of an Honourable Support of Seventy five pounds &(!:t from year to year in which Service the Petitioner has Continued ever since according To his poor Ca- pacity heartily Endeavoured to be faithfull. But the Town has been formerly very negligent in Supporting of him and his family which has necesitated him to many Long and Grevious processes at y*^ Session in Middlesex for the Same where he Recovered Judgment against them at least for a part till y"^ year i 730, which began with march Since which they have been wholly Deficient in Every part which has put him to Distressing Difficultys to Support himself & Carry on his Work &ct praying the Court would take his Case into their Serious Consideration and in their Wisdom and Justice accord- ing to the Direction of the good laws of this province take Effe61;ual Care for the Support of the Petitioner & his family by causing the Town of Leicester Imediately To pay in a Sutable Consideration for the Petitioners Service in the Ciospell ministry amongst them for y-^" year i 730 & otherwise to find Such further or other Reliefe in the premises as the Court Shall think fitt to Inable the Petitioner 48 Court of General Sessions. \ tekm, in his duty for y^ future &(ft as by the Petition on file. The Se- lectmen of Leicester being Summoned by a warrant from this Court to make answer to this Petition at the Court of Generall Sessions of the peace held at this place on the first Tuesday of February last past, appearing Desired this Case might be Continued To this time under a view that the matter might be accomodated to which m"" Parsons Consented and now the S*^ Selectmen appeared vizt Richard Southgate Daniell Denney Thomas Newhall Thomas Richardson & Samuel Green and acknowledged the Town of Leicesters Contra6l with the Rev'' m'' Parsons and that his yearly Sallary was Seventy five pounds a year and that the Town had been negligent in not Supporting Said m' Parsons. The Court having therefore Duly Considered the Case are of opinion that they are Guilty and order that the said mes" Richard Southgate Daniel Denney Thomas Newhall Thomas Richardson and Samuel Green the said Sele6lmen be fined the Sum of four pounds each accord- ing to The direction of the law in that Case made and provided for that it appears to be a Second negleCt of the maintainance of their minister, and to pay Costs of prosecution Taxed at Three pounds nine shillings & Six pence, and Samuel Wright Esq Mess" Benjamin Flagg Jun. of Worcester & m'' Jonas Houghton of Lan- caster be assessors, to assess and apportion the Sum of Seventy five pounds upon the Inhabitants of Said Town of Leicester in Such manner as is Dire6led for raising other Publick Charges and to present Such assessment unto Two Justices of the peace Quorum Unus that so a Warrant may be affixed thereto for the leveying and Colle6ling the Same according to the laws of this province and upon Such Collection to pay the Same to Henry Lee Esq of Worcester who is appointed by this Court To Receive and pay the Same to the Rev'' m"" David Parsons for his Sallary for the year 1 730, begining with march The Selectmen of Leicester appealed from the Judgment of this Court to the next Court of assize and General Goal Delivery to be holden at Worcester within and for the C'ounty of Worcester, on the Wednesday Imediately preceeding The time by law appointed for holding Said Court of assize & Generall Goal Delivery at SpringfieKi in and for the County of Hampshire in September next 1732.J Worcester Cojcniy, Massachusctfs. 49 and Entered into Recognizance pursuant to law to prosecute their appeal as aforesaid with Effe6l. Richard Southgate of Leicester In the County of Suffolk Hus- bandman as principal In the Sum of Twenty pounds & Daniell Denney and Thomas Newhall as Suretys in Ten pounds Each ac- knowledged themselves to be Indebted to m' David Parsons of Leicester Clark to be Leveyed on their Severall goods or Chattells Lands or Tenaments and in want thereof on their bodys for the use of the said David Parsons Conditioned that the said Seledmen of the Town of Leicester shall prosecute their appeal as aforesaid with Effea Attes' John Chandler J' Cler pea The Court was adjourned without day Worcester ss Anno R R Georgij Sccundi nunc MagniiB Brittanics FrancicE Et HibemiicE Sexto At a Court of Generall Sessions of the peace held at Worcester for and within the County of Wor- cester on the Second Tuesday of Aug^^ Being the Eighth day of Said Month, Anno Dom; 1732 JUSTICES PRESENT WERE John Chandler Esq^ Justices of Samuell Wright Esq \ the Peace & Quorum Joseph Wilder Esq William Ward Esq William Jenison Esq Daniel Taft Esq _ John Chandler J Esq JosiAH Willard Esq Joseph Dwight Esq Samuel Dudley Esq Henry Lee Esq Nahum Ward Esq Names of the Capt Ebenezer Learned M"" James Taylor M"" James Holden M' John Bennitt M"" Jonas Houghton M-" Nath" Dyke M'" Ephraim Childs M' Isaac Tomlin Grandjurors that attended foreman M"" Thomas Richardson M' Samuel Ward M' John Crosby IVr Woodland Thompson M' Ephraim Peirce Served 2 days each and M' John Eddy Constable of Oxford at- tended them i732.( Worcester Comity, Massachusetts. 51 A Petition or Complaint of Daniel Taft of Mendon In y^ County of Worcester Esq — Shewing that there being no Publick highway or Countey Road^Leading from Worcester To Mendon whereby persons who have (Since y« Ere6ling a County) dayly business To Transacl in the Shire Town &ct are greatly damaged &6t humbly moving to the Court that they would Conformable to Law order a Committee to view the lands in and between Said Towns &61 and make Report to this Court at their next Session, or at this present Session in Case that it Should be adjourned that the Court may a(5l thereon as by the Petition on file will appear Read and the Court appoint W" Jenison Daniell Taft & Sam" Dudley Esqrs a Committee To view The lands in & between y^ Towns of Worces- ter & Mendon and make Report as Soon as may be what may bee what may be proper for the Court To a61 concerning y'= premises A List of the Presentments made by the Grand Jurors to this Court vizt The (irandjurers for y^ body of the County of Wor- cester upon their Oaths do present Margaret Newton of South- borough in the Said County Spinstress for her being Guilty of For- nication and do Likewise present y'^ I'own of Shrewsbury for their not being provided with a writing & Reading Schoolmaster as y^ law Reciuires which things are against the good and wholesome laws of this province and y^ peace of our Sovereign Lord the King his Crown & Dignity Joseph Dwight attor pro. Rego : Billa vera Ebenezer Learned foreman A memoriall of Eleazur Fletcher of Sutton Showing that the m[em]orialist lives Six miles distance from the meeting house in Sutton tS: that about Two miles thereof there is no Road or way laid out and that he with Others his neighbours are necessatated to Trespass on other mens lands to go to meeting & having adrest y^ Selea men of Sutton for Reliefe are Refused any, praying this Court would be pleased to Redress the great Difficulty he with others at present T^abour under as by the memorial on file will 5 2 Court of General Sessions. \ 'YmmT appear the Court Order that the Sele6lmen of Sutton be Cited to appear before this Court on Wednesday y^ 20"" of Sep'' next at two acloclc afternoon To make answer to y"" above memoriall or Com- plaint & Shew Cause if any they have why the prayer of [the pe- titioners] Should not be granted David Parsons of Leicester In the County of Worcester Clr ver- sus The Sele6l men of Leicester &61 as by the Sumons will appear The partys appeared in Court & desired the Case might be Con- tinued till The next Terra and it accordingly was. Samuel Gibs and Lydiah his wife and Hezekiah Moore were bound over by way of Recognizance by Joseph Wilder Esq To appear at the Court of Generall Sessions of y^ peace held in may last, to answer Severally for the Sin of fornication their Recogni- zances were Continued to this Court, and the persons now all ap- peared & Pleaded Guilty The Court thereupon order that they pay each a fine of thirty Shillings & Cost of Suit, or be whiped on the naked body five Stripes Each which was done in Court & they were discharged Jonathan Newton & Tabitha his wife were bound over by way of Recognizance by W'" Ward Esq to appear at this Court to an- swer for the Sin of fornication Committed by them before mariage the partys appeared & pleaded Guilty The Court thereupon or- der that they each pay a fine of thirty Shillings & Cost of Court or be whipt on y^ naked body five Stripes each & stand Committed till Sentance be performed Judgment Satisfied in Court The Towns of Brookfield and Lunenburg be[ing] presented by the Grandjurors for not being dulv provided with a Standard of i732.[ Worcester County, Massachusetts. 53 weights and measures as the law Requires appeared by their Se- lectmen and being now provided therewith were Excused paying Costs Samuell Leightle & Mary Warden being Bound over to this Court by way of Recognizance by Joseph Dwight Esq to appear at this Court To answer for their presuming to Lye together in one and the same bed being both undress'd appeared in Court & pleaded Ckiilty The Court thereupon order that they pay as a fine for their offence Twenty Shillings each & Costs which was done in Court The Court now order that a Sutable and Convenient Court house be built on the land Given by W'" Jenison Esqr for that Purpose, and W" Jenison John Chandler Jun & Henry Lee Esqrs or any Two of them are appointed a Committee In the Name of this Court to Inform the Gent at Boston or Elsewhere who have an Interest in land (in y*" County and Especially) in y^ Town of Worcester and by that Towns being made the Shire Town are greatly advanced of the Courts Intention & to Know what any of them will be pleased to give towards building & adorning Said house and Said Committee are desired to wait upon said Gents and with them to advise what manner of a House to build, and to make Report to this Court thereof and of what it may Cost as soon as may bee that So the Court may the better Know what measures to take Resped- ing the affair [A copy of this record was given to Henry Lee indorsed as follows: To Henry Lee Esq Sr We desire you to act in our Names Concerning the within mentioned premises as fully as if either or both of us were in ISnston yr friends & Servts WlI.I.IAM Jknison John Chandi.kk jr ] S AIniiiHT 1 'I'l.'UU ^4 LGurt oj CTcncral <>icssi07is. < tkkm, The Court Order that the Committee appointed for builchng the Prison \'6t make Such additions thereto as they may judge most proper and I'^specially to luilarge the yard An acco" of Daniel! C.ookin Kscir Sheriff of the County presented for payment Read cS: ordered that the Hon" Joseph Wilder Es(i'' tS; Henry Lee F^sqr be a Committee to auditt ^: Kxamin the Same and Report what may be proper for the Court to do thereon at the adjournment in September next In as nuuh as the Prison or Coal is in a great measure finished It is ordered by the Court that the Cage in the Chamber of y-^ house of m'' Dan" Heyvvood be forthwith Taken down, but that the house remain a Coal (Still for Such persons as give bond for the Liberty of the Yard &6t) Till the further order of this Court together with the new Coal, and as occasion may be the Sheriff is direded and Impowered to Remove siu h prisoners as are or may be under his Care as Coal Keeper To and from either Coal for their more Safe Keeping A Petition of the Selei'l men of Brookfield shewing that one Hinds an ancient woman antl an Inhabitant of Said Town having no means to Sujjport her self has of late become a Town Charge, but that they a])prehend her children or some of them ought by law to be Charged with her maintanance praying the Court would take y" premises into Consideration so that what to Justice doth appertain may be done as by the Petition on file i\:<^l— Read vS; being duly Considered ordered that the Children of y'= said Hinds be Cited to appear before the Court of (ienerall Sessions of y" peace to be held at Worcester on the first Tuesday of Novem- ber next To shew Cause if any they have why they should not be assessed according to law for the maintainance of their said mother 1 732. 1 Worcester Coiuity, Massachusetts. 55 William King i!v Heiij" Marsh Kcturncil a list of y'^ Ana Baptists in Sutton according to the Courts order of Feb"' last past — and under oaths thereto Thomas Green and Daniell Denney Returned a List of the ana baptists in Leicester according to y*^ Courts order of Feb : last past & made oaths thereto Then the Court adjourned to Wednesday y"^ 20 of Sep'' next to this place 2 "Clock P : m — Worcester ss An7io Regni Regis Georgij Secuiidi nunc MagnicB Brnttanice Fr-ancice et Hiber?ii(s Sexto O At a Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace held (by adjournment from y** Second Tuesday of Aug^'' last past) at Worcester for and within the County of Worcester on Sept. 20. 1732 William Jeuison Daniell Taft & Samuel Dudley Esq""^ a Com- mittee appointed by this Court to view the lands in and between the Towns of Mendon & Worcester in answer to a Petition of Dan' Taaft Esq in order for a Publick highway or Countey Roads being laid out &61 made Report as on file and accepted ; The said Com- mittee laid before the Court an acco' of their Charge amounting unto the Sum of Seven pounds one Shilling & Ten pence which was also approved of by the Court, — And This Court order the Clerk in their name to make out a warrant Direded To the Sheriff or his Deputy To Sumons a Jury of Good and lawfull men Quallyfyed according to law to meet at the Dwelling House of M' William Rawson in Mendon in said County on monday the Second day of 06lober next who after they have had an oath duly administered To them by a Justice of the peace lay out the way above Refered to according to the best of their Skill and Judgment pursuant to law having a due Regard to the Report of the Com'"' the Said Sheriff or his Deputy To make due Return of their doings to this Court at their next Court of Gen" Sessions in November next as well under his own as the hands of the furors by whose oaths the Same is laid out. Worcester ss Afino Regni Regis Georgii Secundi nu7ic MagncE Brittahiice Francia et Hihernice Sexto O At a Court of Generall Sessions of y*^ peace held at Worcester in & for the County of Worcester the first Tuesday of November being the 7"^ day of Said month annoq Dom. 1732 PRESENT John Chandler Esq Joseph Wilder Esq VV" Ward Esq W" Jen- ison Esq Jus' : pac : & Quo. John Chandler J' Joseph Dwight Samuel Dudley Henry Lee & Nahum Ward Esq' Jus : pac The whole Grandjury attended one day «& W" Calwell attended them The presentments of y« Towns of Sutton were read and Said Towns were excused paying Cost David Parsons of Leicester In y"^ County of Worcester Cler pla' versus the Seledmen of y= Town of Leicester Def &61 as ^ y^ Sumons will ai:)pear ; the partys apeared in Court and y^ a6lion at y^ desire of y« said Seleftmen M' Parsons Consenting was Con- tinued To v*^ next Term in Febrv 8 58 Cow^t of Geiieral Sessio7is. \^T^ilt,^'' John Sibly of Sutton & his wife John Stebings of Leicester & his wife abner Newton Southboro' and his wife being Severally bound over to this Court to answer for y^ Sin of fornication Severally pleaded Guilty & were fined thirty Shillings each and payd Costs iS: were dismist ]Vr Sheriff Gookin withdrew his former acco" and at this Court Exhibitted a new acco" was comitted to Joseph Wilder & Henry Lee Esq' to auditt Examin & Report on y^ Same to y^ Court in Febry next The Court desire [and] order that the Sheriff at y^ Charge of y'^ County provide Two Course Straw beds & Two Straw bolsters & four blanketts for y^ use of such prisoners as are now or may hereafter be in his majestys Goal in this County and lay his acco' before y«= Court for payment The Court order that for y*-* present and untill the further order of this Court that the prison be y^ House of Correction and y* y^ Goal Keeper be the master of said House of Correction attending to y*^ Directions of y^ Law in Such Case made and provided The Court order that William Jenison John Chandler Henry Lee Esqs & m'' Benjamin fflag Jun"" be a Comittee for Seeing y^ Court house built & finished which the Court have agreed To build, & the said house not to Exceed Thirty six feet Long Twenty six feet wide & thirteen feet post, & to be done after their best Judgment & discretion either by hiring men or leting the Same out by the Great & Report what they Doe to y"^ Court in February next I732.J Wo7'cester County, Massachusetts. 59 The Court order that there be a County Tax or assessment amounting to y^ Sum of Three hundred & Eleven pounds one ShiUing ^i fourpence Raised on the Severall Towns within the County according to the Direftions of the law for defraying the usuall necessary Charges of y^ County & for building a Court house and that the Clerk of the Court forthwith Send out warrants to the Selectmen or assessors of the Respe6live Towns for assessing y*^ Severall Towns proportion thereof as y^ law dire6ts & for paying in y^ Same to m'' Jonathan Houghton County Treasurer his Suc- cessor or his order at or before y*^ last day of may next Insuing The Severall Towns Proportion are as follows viz' Worcester Twenty Two pounds fifteen Shillings & 4d Lancaster Sixty Two pounds Sixteen Shillings & 8d Melidon Thirty Six pounds Woodstock Thirty Two pounds Brooktield 'Twenty Seven pounds one Shilling & 4d Southhoro' Seventeen pounds Six Shillings Leicester thirteen pounds nineteen Shillings & 4d Rutland Seven pounds Sixteen Shillings Westhoro' Kighteen pcninds Two Shillings Shrewsbury fourteen pounds fourteen Shillings Oxford ftiurteen pounds four Shillings Sutton Twenty four pounds Ten Shillings I'xbridge Twelve pounds & 8d Lunenlnirg Seven pounds Sixteen Shillings 22 15 4 62 16 8 36 32 27 I 4 17 6 13 19 4 7 16 18 2 14 14 14 4 24 10 12 8 7 16 Sum 'Total £,T)\\ Warrants were accordingly Issued out Nov"" 14 : 1732 Att John Chandler y Cler pac The Town of Lunenburg having Chosen M"' Isaac Farnsworth Sealer for weights & measures he was according[ly] SwOrn in Court att John Chandler J"" Cle par This Witnessetli That I James Buttler of Lancaster in y'' County of Worcester husbandman do herebv fullv freelv and absolutely 6o Court of General Sessions. Release acquit & Discharge Jolin Hind Hopestill Hinds and Enoch Hinds all of Brookfield & Jacob Hinds of Shrewsbury all in Said County of Worcester and province of y« Massachusetts Bay in New England from all & any manner of Payments Charge or Ex- pence for or towards the maintainance Subsistance or Support of Mary Hinds y^ naturall mother of y*^ aforesaid Hinds viz' John Hopestill Jacob & Enoch Hinds as afors*^ and do hereby under- take and engage to maintain and Support y« Said Mary Hinds dure[ing] her naturall life in Comfortable and Decent manner and for me my heirs Ex" & adm" do promise and engage to free Dis- charge the Said John Hopestill Jacob & Enoch Hinds aforesaid from any manner of Charge or expence for the Support or main- tainance of the said Mary Hinds during her natural life as afore- said in Witness whereof I do hereunto Sett my hand y^ 8"^ day offebry 1732/33 his witness James X Butder Richard Wilds mark Howard Southgate Worcester ss Worcester Feb' 8"': 1732/3 James Butler within named personally appearing freely acknowledged this In- stm' to be his a6l & Deed Before me John Chandler J*" Jus pac Entered from y^ originall Rec'* Feb'' 8"^ 1732/3 ^ John Chandler J' Cla pac Worcester ss Aiino R" R^ Georgij Secundi nunc Mas:nc? Britanics Francic? et Hibernice Sexto •<^ At His Majestys Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace begun and Held at Worcester in and for the County of Worcester on the first Tuesday of February being the Sixth day of Said month Anno Dom : 1732-3 j usiiCES Present John Chandler Esq Joseph Wilder Esq W" Ward Esq W" Jen- ison Esq Jus of y^ Pac & Qurum John Chandler J'' Samuel Wright Joseph Dwight Sam' Dudley Henry Lee & Nahum Ward Esq" Justices of y^ Peace. Names of y'^ Grandjury that attended this Court Capt Ebenezer Learned foreman M'' James Holden M' John Bennett M'' Ephraim Child M'' Isaac Tomlin . M'' Thomas Richardson M'' Edward Rice Capt Jonas Houghton M' James Taylor M' Sam' Barns M'' Eleazur Daniells ' M'' Sam' Ward M'' Nathan" Dyke each attended two days and W"' M"" Woodland Thompson Colwell Constable attended on them Ralph Hill of Mendon & Hannah his wife being heretofore presented by the Grandjurors for being Guilty of y= Crime of 62 Court of General Sessions. J*t''ebm';'"' fornication before marriage & being Recognized To appear at this Court now appeared & pleaded Guilty, were find Each fifty Shill- ings To our Sovereign Lord the King & Cost w'''* they paid & were dismiss'd Margarett Newton of Southboro' appeared before y'^ Court & pleaded Guilty to her presentment for the Crime of fornication, was fin'd to our Lord y^ King in y^ Sum of thirty Shillings & Cost, She paid y'^ fine and was Dismiss'd, y^ Cost given to her John Ellis of Uxbridge appeared before y^ Court and Com- plained of himself for being Guilty of y^ Crime of fornication with Han* his wife before marriage, was find to our Lord y^ King &6t ye Sum of thirty Shillings & to pay Costs which he paid and was Dismiss'd Personally appeared before y^ Court John Ellis of Uxbridge in S** County Husbandman and John Harwood of Said Uxbridge Re- tailer & acknowledged themselves bound to our Sovereign Lord the King, &(5l viz' The Said John Ellis as Principal) In the Sum of Ten pounds & y"^ said John Harwood as Surety in y*^ Sum of Ten pounds &61 Conditioned that if Hannah Ellis wife of the said John Ellis shall appear before the next Court of Gen*' Sessions of y*^ peace to be held here on the Second Tuesday of may next to an- swer to her being Guilty of the Crime of fornication Then y^ Recog' to be void Else to Remain in full force & virtue George Wicker Servant of Baldwin now living in Leices- ter in this County having absented himself from his Said masters Service and y^ Charge of pursuing and Recovering him amounting to eight pounds Sixteen Shillings and the Said George being before 1732-3.1 Worcester County, Massachusetts. 63 y^ Court and acknovvledgeing y*^ Same the Court therefore order that the Said apprentice Serve his Said master his heirs Excuf* or adm" eight months next after the determination of y*^ present In- denture Oba(hah CooUge of Marlborough in y^ County of Midlesex Cordwainer who was bound by way of Recognizance by Nahum Ward Esqr one of his Majestys Justices of the peace for y« County of Worcester To appear before y*^ Justices of our Lord y^ King at the Court of Generall Sessions of the peace held at Worcester &61 on y^ first Tuesday of Nov'', last past to answer to Such matters and things as Should be Objected against him on his maj'"' behalf and Especially to answer To a Complaint made against him before S'' Justice for theifishly Taking a fourty shilling bill out of y^ house of Simon Maynard in Shrewsbury on or about y^ 2 1 " day of aprill 1732 &6t as by y^ Recognizance will appear having faild of ap- pearing said Recognizance was by the Said Court then declared for- fieted ; but he now appearing and producing Testimony Sufficient that he was under such bodily Indisposition as Rendered him un- able of attending at y"^ Court praying the forfieture of y-' Recog' : may be Remitted, for that Reason that he might be admitted to a Tryall The Court thereupon order that upon his Entering into a new Recognizance with Two Sufficient Suretys viz' The said Oba- diah Coolidge as principall In y'^ Sum of Twenty pounds & his Suretys In 'Fen pounds Each To appear at the next Court of Gen" Sessions of the peace To be held at this place on the Second Tuesday of may next To answer To y^ aforesaid Complaint &6't that said forfieture of said Recognizance be Remitted, and further ordered that Symon Maynard the Complainant Enter into Recog- nizance with Surutys as well To our Sovereign Lord the King to prosecute his Complaint ag" y"^ Said obadiah Coolidge, as also to y*= said obadiah Coolidge To answer all Damages in Case he Dont Supporte his Complaint, The said Maynard accordingly Recog- nized himself as princii)all in Twenty pounds Each Recognizance iS: Gershom Rice yeoman ^: Benj" fflagg Jun' Gent both of Wor- FEIiBUAKV 64 Court of General Sessions, \ te"km, cester in said County as Suretys in Ten pounds each in Each Re- cognizance ; but the said Coohdge faild of Renewing his Recog- nizance Daniel Gookin Esqr Sheriff of y'^ County pursuant to a warrant Issued by the Clerk by order of this Court having Impanelled a Jury & Laid out or Bounded y^ Road from mendon to Worcester made Report at the last Court of (}enerall Sessions of the peace held here in Nov"" last — as also an acco' of the Charge thereof which was Refered to this Court, & the Court now order that the further Consideration thereof be Refered To y^ Second Tuesday of May next ; A Petition of y'^ Town of Sutton and also a Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of Hassanamisco praying the Road lately laid out by order of this Court Leading from Worcester to Mendon may not be Confirmed but that it may be laid out thro' Hassana- misco for Reason In Said Petitions mentioned Read & ordered that The Petitioners Serve the Town of Mendon and Uxbridge with Copys of Said Petitions that they Shew Cause if any they have at y" next Court of Generall Sessions of y« peace to be holden at Worcester on the Second Tuesday of May next why the Prayer of Said Petitions should not be answer'd A Petition of John Harwood in behalf of the Town of Uxbridge Returning the thanks of said Town to the Court for y^ Road lately laid out from Mendon to Worcester & praying they mas have a Road laid out from Uxbridge to meet with the aforesaid Road &61 Read and Refered to the Second Tuesday of May next for further Consideration An acco" of y«^ Grand Jurers that attended on his Majestys Court of assize and Gen" Goal Delivery begun and held at Worcester y 1732-3-1 Worcester County, Massachusetts. 65 third Wednesday in Septem'' anno Dom' 1732 present for allow- ance amounting To 14' 4'/ Read & Examined and The Treas- urer of the County is hereby ordered to pay the Same to y^ persons to whome the same is Respedtively due or to their orders in full discharge thereof An acco' of John Chandler Jun' amounting to Six pounds was presented for allowance Read & ordered that the Treasurer of the County pay the Sum of Six pounds to the accompttant in full Discharge thereof Joseph Wilder Esqr from y^ Committee appointed the 7"* of Nov' 1732 to Examine the acco' of Daniel Gookin Esq Sheriff of this County made Report thereon which was Read cS: accepted & thereupon The Court Order that the Treas"" of the County to pay To y Said Daniell Gookin Esq fifteen pounds Twelve Shillings in full Discharge thereof The presentment of the Grandjurors To this Court is as follows Att a Court of Generall Sessions of y^ peace holden at Worces- ter within and for y= County of Worcester on Tuesday y^ 6"' day of febry anno Dominij i 732/3 The Grand Jury for y*^ body of y^ Said County upon their oaths do present Peter Corlile of Leicester within y^ said County Husbandman for prophane Swearing^ on Tuesday y^ 30"' (iay of January last and also for uttering many menaces and threatning Speeches ag'' Thomas Richardson of Lei- cester aforesaid Inholder, and also do present James Nuting Hus- bandman Josiah Nuting Husbandman and John Nuting Husband- man all of Hassanamisco in y^ Said County each and all of them for Travelling Unnecessarily on y'^ Saturday evening after Sun sett before y'' Lords Day' from Lancaster to Groton — also Philip Chase of within the said County of Worcester for Labouring See Notes, next page. FEBBL'ARV 66 Court of General Sessto?is. \ ^i-^^ unnecessarily on y^ Lords day, as also Elisha Johnson of Sutton in the County aforesaid Gent for not building & keeping in Repair two bridges on the Two Branches of Black Stones River in y^ bounds of Hassanamisco as by his own Covenant and by law he ought all and every of which things are against the peace of our Lord the King his Crown and Dignity and the good and wholsome laws of this Gov' Joseph Dwight attorney pro Rego Eben"" Learned foreman Entered "^ John Chandler y Cle pac This Court order, The Clerk in the name of the Court To Re- turn their thanks to m' Jonas Clark of Boston Brazier for the Coat of arms he has made the County a present off and for the Con- stables Stafs ; Then the Court was adjourned without day Att" John Chandler J' Cle pac NOTES. The laws against profanity and sabbath-breaking in force at this date were as follows : (See page 65.) SWEARiNt;. — "Be it enaded" etc. "That if any Person or Persons shall prophanely Swear or Curse in the hearing of any Justice of the Peace, or shall be thereof convided by the Oaths of two Witnesses, or Confession of the Party, before any Justice or Justices of the Peace : Every such Offender shall forfeit and pay into the Use of the Poor of the Town, where the Of- fence shall be committed, the Sum oi five Shillings. And if the Offender be not able to pay the said Sum. then to be set in the Stocks, not exceeding two Hours. And if any Person shall utter more profane Oaths or Curses at the same time, and hearing of the same Person or Persons, he shall forfeit and pay to the Use aforesaid, the Sum of tivelve Pence for every Oath or Curse after the first; or be set in the Stocks three Hours. "■Provided., That every Offence against this Law shall be complained of and proved as aforesaid, within thirty Days next after the Offence com- mitted." 1 732-3- i Worcester County, Massac liusetts. 67 Sabuath Breaking. — "Be it enacted That all Persons who shall be found in the Streets, Wharffs, Fields, or other Places within any Town on the Evening following the Lord's Day, disporting, playing making a Disturb- ance, or committing any Rudeness: The Persons so offending, shall each of them pay a line oi five Shillings, or suffer twelve Hours Imprisonment, or sit in the Stocks, not exceeding two Hours. All Fines and Forfeitures aris- ing by Virtue of this Ad, shall be to and for the Use of the Poor of the Town where the Offence shall be committed," etc. "And the Constables of the respedlive Towns are hereby direded and specially impowered to prevent the Prophanation of the Lord's Day, by re- straining Persons from walking, recreating and disporting themselves in the Streets, Wharffs, or Fields, in the Time of publick Worship." In the olden time in New England the Sabbath began at sunset on Satur- day and ended at the same time on Sunday. Worcester ss Anno R^ R^ Georgij Secimdi nunc Magncs Brittainics Francice et Hibernice Sexto Att his majestys Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace Held at Worcester in and for y'' County of Worcester on the Second Tuesday of May being y"* 8'^' day of Said month Anno Dom. JUSTICES PRESENT John Chandler Esq Joseph Wilder Esq W"' Ward Esq \\''" Jen- ison Esq Justices of y^ peace & Quorum Daniel Taft John Chandler Samuell Wright Joseph Dwight Samuel Dudley Henry Lee &Nahum Ward Esq"''' Justices of y« peace Grand Jurors that attended this Court Capt Ebenezer Learned foreman M' Thomas Richardson Capt Jonas Houghton M"" John Crosby M'" Ephraim Child M' James Holden M' Nathanael Dyke M"' Eleazer Daniells M' Edward Rice M' Isaac Tomlin M' Ephraim Peirce M' Samuel Ward M"" James Taylor M' Woodland Thompson M' John Benett M"" Samuel Barns ^733-\ Worcester County, Massachusetts. 69 The names of y*^ Gent Returned to Serve on y'^ Grand] ury for the Current year M'' Gershom Rice foreman M"' Moses How M"' Hooker Osgood M'' Samuel Johnson M"" VV" Old M' James Moore M^ W™ Brown M"" Thomas I'hayer Cap* Richard Moore M' David Maynard M'' Richard Davenport M"' Edward Morris M'' Jonathan Farnsworth M'' Samuel Lillie M' \V"' Richardson M"" James Newton M"' John Emerson The Said Gent, were Sworn Received there Charge and were Dismissed till y"" next Court all but M' James Moore Whereof The Court of Generall Sessions of y" peace held at Worcester In and for the County of Worcester of y^ Second Tues- day of august last past Did order that the House of m'' Daniel Haywood in Worcester Remain a Goal (for such persons as give bond for y'' Liberty of y*^ Yard &61) till the further order of the Court &6t The Court now order that said House Remain a Goal for the ends aforesaid no Longer Then the first day of June next, and that Such Prisoners as may be then Retained in Said house as prisoners that have the Liberty of the Yard be Removed by the Sheriff of y'= County to his majestys Goal newly Ere6led and be there Retained under the Same Circumstances as now they are and the Sheriff is hereby ordered to Remove them accordingly Elisha Johnson of Sutton In the County of Worcester Gent be- ing presented by the Grandjurors for the body of the Said County at the Court of (jenerall Sessions of y"^ peace Held at Worcester In and for the County of Worcester on the Sixth day of Febry last past for not building and Keeping in Repair two bridges on the Two Branches of BlackStones River in y^ bounds of Hassana- misco in v'' County of Worcester as bv his own Covenant and by 70 Court of General Sessions. \ tek.m, law he ought which is against y'^ peace of our Lord y*^ King his Crown & Dignity and the good and wholesome laws of this Gov- ernment «S:6l and being bound over by m' Justice Jenison To this Court to make answer To said Presentment now appeared and by his attorney m'' Edm*^ Gouff aP Trowbridge Comes into Court & Defend' y^ [ ] & Injury &61 and prays Judgment of y^ pres- entment aforesaid for that the presentment aforesaid and the mat- ter therein contained is Insufficient in law to maintain a present- ment and to which the def by the law of the land is not bound to make answer and this he is ready to Verifie wherefore for the In- sufficiency of y*^ presentment aforesaid y"^ Deft prays Judgment that he may be Dismissed, &(5l which pleas Together with y*" an- swer of John Overing Esq attorney To our Sovereign Lord y*^ King being Duly Considered, The Court are of opinion that a present- ment Lyes in this Case and the Said Elisha Johnson not main- taining his Demurer is adjudged by the Court Guilty according to the presentment and therefore order'd That he doe by the first day of august next Effectually Repair both Said Bridges or in default .thereof That he pay as a fine to our Said Lord the King The Sum of Eighty pounds and Cost Taxed at pounds Shillings & pence The Said Elisha Johnson appealed from this Judgment to the next Court of assize & Generall Goal Delivery To be holden at Worcester in and for the County of Worcester In September next, & Entered into y^ following Recognizance for prosecuting his ap- peal with Effect pursuant to law viz' The Said Elisha Johnson as principall In the Sum of one hundred pounds & Samuel Dudley Esq & Timothy Carter yeoman both of Sutton in the County of Worcester Suretys in the Sum of fifty pounds Each acknowledged themselves Severally Indebted in the aforesaid Sums to our Sove- reign Lord the King to be Levej'ed upon their Severall goods or Chattells Lands or Tenements for y= Use of said Lord the King or his Successors Conditioned that the said Elisha Johnson prose- cute his appeal aforesaid with Effe6t. i733-i Worcester County, Massachusetts. 71 Peter Corly of Leicester in y^ County of Worcester husbandman being bound over To this Court by way of Recognizance To an- swer To his presentment by y^ Grandjury for prophane Swearing &61 came into Court & pleaded Guilty Its therefore ordered by the Court that he pay as a fine To our Lord the King five Shillings & Costs, & Stand Committed till Sentance is performed which he paid in Court and was Dismissed William M'^Michell & Margarett his wife of Woodstock In y= County of Worcester came into Court and Complained of them- selves for being Guilty of y^ Crime of fornication before marriage, were find Each Thirty Shillings To our Lord y^ King & Costs which they paid & were Dismissed Alexander Turner of Worcester & Mary his wife came into Court and complained of themselves for being Guilty of y^ Crime of for- nication before marriage, were find To our Lord y*^ King the Sum of Thirty Shillings, Each & Cost, which they paid & were dismissed Solomon Johnson of Leicester in y^ County of Worcester Gent being presented by the Grandjurors for being drunk ^ &6t, came into Court & put himself on Tryall and was acquited paying Cost which he paid & was Dismissed Phillip Chase of Worcester In y"^ County of Worcester husband- man being presented by the Grandjurors for Working unecessaryly on the Lords day &61 came into Court & put himself upon Tryall by the Court & was acquitted paying Cost 'The penalty for drunkenness was a fine of five shillings; or in lieu there- of the offender was to sit in the stocks not exceeding three hours. 7 2 Court of Genei'al Sessions. \ Mai Tebm, Dom Rex Our Sovereign Lord y*^ King pla' versus Perez vs Rice late of Westboro' In the County of Wor- Rice cester now of Sutton in Said County Deft, JURY The Said Rice was now appel' from a Judg- Mr James Keyes mcnt givcn against him by m' Justice Ward for Mr jahn Curtice Lying Or falsc Socaking MrJohnBiglo ^ O r o Mr George Bruce ^Yh^ Said aDD^" appeared & pleaded not Mr Eben : How 1 I 1 1 1 Mr Jacob Amsden Guilty & thc Casc after a full hearing was Mr joshua^cimverss Committed to thc Jury who were Sworn ac- Mr symon dakin cording to law To Tryc the Same and Re- Mr John Bush ° ^ -' Mr Nathan Brigham tuHi'd thcrc Verdi6t in as follows viz' That Mr Daniel Davis , . ^i -i r t ■ ,- i the appelt is not Guilty of Lying or false Speaking The Court thereupon order That the Said Perez Rice be dismissed paying Costs which were accordingly paid The Court Thereupon order That the fine of five Shillings be Remitted & y^ S'' Justice ordered to pay the Same to the S*^ Rice The Court proceeded to Examin <& Sort the Votes Sent from the Severall Towns for y*^ Choice of a County Treasurer & it appeared That M' Benjamin Flagg Jun'' was Duly Elected & an oath was administered To him before the Court by the Clerk The Court order that the County Treasurer Pay to y"^ Comittee appointed for building y^ Goal Sixty five pounds being the last payment agreeable to there Contract & the further Sum of five pounds To pay for Such things as were omited in the Said Con- tract . The Court now order that the Clerk Send forth a Scire facias agts Obadiah Colidge and his bondsmen to appear at the next Court of Gen" Sessions of y^ peace to give reason why there bonds should not be declared forfiet also a warrant to bring him to his trvall for the Crime laid to his Charge 1 733- 1 Worcester County, Massachusetts. ']^ An acco' of Nahum Ward Esqr for Service done y'= County about the Goal amounting to thirty five Shillings Read and allowed & the Treas"" of y'' County is according ordered To pay y«^ Same to the Said Nahum Ward Esq in full Discharge thereof An acco' of William Gray J' late Constable for atj;endance on the Grandjury four days Read & Ordered that y^ County Treas- urer pay To y^ Said William Gray J"' Sixteen Shillings in full dis- charge thereof A Petition of Thomas Richardson of Leicester Shewing the Damage he Sustains by Reason of the Escape of Thomas Hall from his majestys Goal in Worcester where he was Comitted by Virtue of an Execution the petitioner had Served on him and that he apprehends it was thro' Some defe6l Either for want of a Suffi- cient Goal Goal Keeper &61 praying for Releife Upon Reading this Petition m'' Sheriff Gookin came into Court and Informed them that he had lately heard that the within named Thomas Hall was in y'^ Colony of Conne6licot and that he would Send out ad- vertisements after him in order for his being Taken, Therefore or- dered that the petition be Referred To y<= next Court of General! Sessions for further Consideration A By law of the Town of Leicester being presented To this Court was Read and approved of by the Court for the Term of three year and is on file At the Generall Sessions of the peace holden at Worcester with- in and for the County of Worcester on the Second Tuesday of may 1733 The Grandjury for the Body of the Said County Upon their Oaths do present John Jenings Husbandman and Elisabeth Jening Housewife wife of the Said John Jennings and Eliner Kel- log Spinster all of Brookfield In y«= County aforesaid Each and all 10 74 Court of Ge7ic7'al Sessions. \ tekm, of them for the Crime of fornication and Matthew Addleton Cooi)er and Thomas ainsworth Husbandman both of Brookfield afore- said for Unnecessarily absenting themselves from y'= publick wor- ship of God on the Lords days for more than Two months last past and also Jonathan Waldo & I'homas Fayerweather Gent for Travelling Unnecessaryly on the last lords day from oxford to Worcester In the Said County and also the Town of Leicester for their not being provided with a writing & Reading School master all which things are against the peace of our Sovereign Lord the King his Crown & Dignity &61 Ebenezer Learned foreman Mr Jonathan Waldo & Mr Thomas Fayerweather pleaded To y^ Lisufficiency of there presentment which being Duly Considered the Court ordered That they should be dismissed paying Cost which was paid. The Petitions of y« Town of Sutton and Hassanamisco present- ed this Court at their Sessions in February last praying that the Road lately laid out by order of this Court leading from Worcester To Mendon &6t Read again together with y*" answers of y^ Towns of Mendon & Uxbridge and being Duly Considered ordered that Said Petitions So far as they Relate to the altering Said Road be Dismissed and the Said Road is by the Said Court fully absolutely Settled & Determined to be the County Road leading from Wor- cester to Mendon & y^ Report or Return of y*^ Sheriff & Jury there- upon ordered to be Recorded The acco" of the Charge viewing & Laying out Said Road amounting unto the Sum of Thirty one pound Seven Shillings al- lowed of by the Court & is due To y«= following persons viz' To ye Comittee for viewing &dl 7 ' '° To Mr Sheriff Gookin : 3^ 2/ To Justice Dudley attending on ye Jury 38/ 5 ° ^ To the Jury Each 30/ 18^: To ye Clerk writing: &(fl 25/2 19 5 2 ;^3i 7 o i733-i Worcester County, Massachusetts. 75 The Court thereupon ordered that Said Charge be paid by the Respedtive Towns through [which] y*^ Said Road Runs Viz' The Town uf Mention 'l"o pay Seven pounds Eight Shillings & Sixpence 786 Uxbiidge Thirty three Shillings 113 o Hassanamisco Three pounds Six Shillings 360 Sutton Twelve pounds Seven Shillings & Sixpence 12 7 6 Worcester Six pounds Twelve Shillings 6 12 o £Z^ 7 O and order that the Clerk Serve y'= Towns with a Copy of This order That they assess tlie Respective Sum Laid on them and that the Same be paid To William Jenison Esqr To be by him paid To y« persons to whom the Same is Respe6lively Due The Return of y"^ Sheriff & Jury is as follows viz' Worcester ss To the Sheriff of the County of Worcester his under Sheriff or Deputy Greeting Whereas the Committee lately appointed by his majestys Court of Gen" Sessions of y^ peace, for the County of Worcester have made Report Concerning a Publick Highway or County Road be- tween the Towns of Worcester and Mendon being necessary and Convenient &6t as ^ their Report may appear ^^ These are therefore In his Majestys name to Require \ ) and Command you to Sumon a Jury of Good and lawfull men Quallyfyed according to law to meet & assemble at the House of Cap' William Rawson in Mendon aforesaid on mon- day the Second day of 06lober next which Jury So Sumoned or Impanneled you are to Cause a proper oath to be administered to them by a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid and then proceed to view & lay out a Publick highway or County Road be- tween the Towns aforesaid pursuant To the laws of this province and having a due Regard to the Report of the late Comittee hereof fail not & make due Return hereof with your doings herein to this Court at their next Sessions of the peace to be held here on the first Tuesday of November next as well under your own 76 Court of General Sessions. \ tebm, hand as the hands of the Jury aforesaid Dated at Worcester this 25''' day of September In the Sixth year of his majestys Reigne anno : Dom : 1732 By order of Court John Chandler J Cle pac Worcester Octo- ber 2^ I 732 ; 1732 In Observance of the within written warrant I have Im- pannelled a Jury as the law direfts who after being Sworn went upon the Spot and laid out the County Road from mendon meet- ing House to Worcester meeting House as "^ y^ annexed Dis- cription will appear under their hands Daniell Gookin Sheriff— Worcester O6I0 2*^ 1732 In Observance of an order of the Court of General Sessions of the peace for the County of Worcester held at Worcester by ad- journment of the third Wednesday of September Last past ordered the Sheriff of S'^ County to Impoint a Jury of Good & Lawfull men & Have them Sworn before one of his majestys Justices of the peace of S'' County to Lay out a Country Road from Mendon to Worcester meeting House Accordingly the Sheriff of S** County Hath Impointed a Jury as afores** whose names are Hereafter Sub- scribed & Legally Sworn have Layed out S** Country Road on oath as Hereafter Discribed Imprimis beginning at mendon meet- ing House as the Road now Lyeth until it comes to the House of Decon John Teilor & from thence to a Rhoad of four Rods wide until it Comes to the House of Robert Teilor from thence by the Westerly side of a meadow Called eight acre meadow from thence to a Small Black oak tree Standing on the edge of a brook near a great Rock near the House of John Sadler & from thence as the Road is now Drawn until it come to a Red oak tree marked upon [ ] near a Brook by Sam" Woods Sawmil & from thence by marked trees to a very High Rock near the House of John Perim then Running between the House & barn of S** Perrim & So between the House & barn of Eleazer ffletcher, & So on till it Comes to the Land of Jacob Whipple & through S^ Land till it comes to a White oak tree on the bank of the River So Crossing Blackstons River & running to a heap of Rocks in Isaac Chases Land & So on to a White oak tree near the House of John Ward ^733-\ Worcestei' County, IM a ssachusetts. jj from thence Leading to the Country Road by the House of ni' James Lealand then turning Westerly & Running by marked trees till it comes to a Red oak tree Standing on the Land of Sam" Chase & So on till it comes to a white oak tree Standing near the Dwelling House of Frances Dudley So Running to a white oak tree neare the House of Sam" Dudley Esq & So on to a Heap of Stones & So by marks to Stump of a tree & a heap of Stones in Will"' Waits Land then Crossing the River by a black oak tree marked & So Running on by the House of Skiper Fairfield by marked trees till it Comes to the House of Deacon Natha" Moore in Worcester & by the House of Jonas Rice thence to the House of Tirus Rice & So running by the House of the Revr^ M"" Isaac Burr untill it Comes to the meeting House in Worcester bounded being on the Northerly & Easterly Side of S'* Road & S" Road to be four Rods on the Southwesterly Side afores'' Boundaries Gershom Rice Jonas Rice James Keith William Rawson Jo- seph White Daniell Haywood James Holdin James Lealand Joseph Crosby John Sibley John Sadler Robert Barber Mr Jonathan Houghton County Treasurer presented his acco" To the Court the ballance due to the County being twenty four pounds 1/4 Read Ex^ & accepted & the Clerk ordered to Signe the Same in the name of the Court, Then y'= Court was adjourned without day att' John Chandler J Cler Worcester ss Anno R^ R^ Gcorgij Secundi 7tunc Mag7ice Brittainice et Hibernice Septimo O Att his majestys Court of Generall Sessions of y" peace begun and held at Worcester in and for the County of Worcester on the Second Tues- day of August being the 14^'' day of Said month Anno Dom : 1733 John Chandler Joseph Wilder William Ward William Jenison Danl Taft 1 JUSTICES PRESENT John Chandler Jun Henry Lee \ "^ \ Esqs I NahumWard) J Sam' Wright I \ Esqs Josiah Willard [- Esqs I Joseph Dwight | J Sam' Dudley Grand jury that attended. M'' Gershom Rice foreman Cap' Richard Moore M' Hooker Osgood M"" James Moore M' William Richardson M' Thomas Thayre M' Edward Morris Cap' W" Old : M' David Maynard M^ Sam' Lillie M' W'" Brown M' James Newton M'' Moses How M"' Richard Davenport M' John Emerson M'' Sam' Johnson M'' Jon" Farnsworth Each attended 2 days Except Cap' Old who attended one day Isaac Moore Constable i day i733-i Worcester Cotmty, Massachusetts. 79 Worcester ss The Grandjurors of our Sovereign Lord the King for the body of y« Said County at a Generall Sessions of y^ peace holden at Worcester within and for the said County of Worcester on y^ Second Tuesday of August 1 733 upon their Oaths do present That Jonathan Lamb Gent and Lydia Lamb Housewife and wife of the Said Jonathan Lamb and Solomon Johnson Gent all of Lei- cester in Said County Each and all of them have absented them- selves from the Publick Worship of (iod on y«^ Lords days for more then Twelve weeks last past That Solomon Johnson aforesaid on or about y'^ thirteenth day of July last past was Guilty of Drunken- ness in Leicester aforesaid. That the Said Solomon Johnson on ye 14"' day of August Current did prophanely Swear in Worcester in y- County aforesaid That Richard Wheeler of Worcester in our Said County Housewright hath not attended the Publick Wor- ship of God on y*^ Lords days for more than Eight weeks last past That Daniel Eliott of Sutton in Said County husbandman on y^ last Lords day being in Uxbridge did unecessarily IVavell To Sut- ton in Said County. That Rachell Wilder of Lancaster in Said County Spinster on the first day of September last past was Guilty of the Crime of Fornication in Lancaster aforesaid. That Joseph Perry of Brookfield in Said County hath not attended y^ Publick Worship of God on Lords days for more than Eight weeks last past all which severall adions of the Severall forenamed persons are high Criminall and against y^ peace of our Sovereign Lord George by y-' Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the ffaith • 1 TtT. . , o -If > Mr Aaron Rice fauic y'^ Compla' (icct Did Wittingly & willingly L^'"'^?'\V."I?"''^' make and Publish a Lye of y«^ Complain' &a Mr Ob : V\ alker -^ ^ <^ & Sentence was that he pay as a fine to his majesty Ten Shillings &61 & pay Cost & ffees &61 as '^ y"^ Sentence of S'' Justice fully appears dated Dec^ 12 : 1733. & now y^ app" appeared and pleaded not Guilty & y^ Case being fully heard It was Comitted to y*^ Jury who were Sworn according to Law to Trye y^ Same & Return'd there Verdi6l therein upon oath vizt that y^ Said Thomas Newell is not Guilty Its therefore Consid- ered by the Court the Sentence of the S'^ Justice be reversed and that y^ app" be discharged paying Cost Taxed at Twenty one pound three Shillings & Six pence and upon his negle61:ing to pay y^ Same y^ Court order Execution to be awarded and that it be paid into y^ hands of y^ Clark of this Court to be by him paid to whom it is due Worcester ss Anno 7?' R^ Georgij Secundi nunc Magnce Britanice Fra?icice et Hibernice Septimo Att a Court of Generall Sessions of the peace be- gun and held at Worcester within and for the County of Worcester on The Second Tuesday of May being the fourteenth day of Said month Annoq Dom 1734 — John Chandler Esq'' Joseph Wilder Esq' William Ward Esq' William Jenison Esq"" Daniel Taft Esq' John Chandler Jr Esq"" JUSTICES PRESENT I Justices of I the Peace V & Quorum Joseph Dwight Esq' Samuel Dudley Esq'' Henry Lee Esq' Nahum Ward Esq' Samuel Willard Esq' John Keyes Esq' Grandjurors that attended this Court M' Gershom Rice foreman M' Cap' Richard Moore M' M' Hooker Osgood ' M' M' James Moore M' M' William Richardson M' M' Thomas Thayer M' M' William Old M' M' David Mavnard M' Samuel Lillie William Brown James Newton Moses How Richard Davenport John Emerson Samuel Johnson Jonathan Farnsworth Each attended Two days & Dep' Sheriff with them lOO Court of General Sessions. ^tebm. Names of the new Grandjurors who were Sworn and the Charge given them & then Dismissed till the Court of Generall Sessions of the peace in ang"' next viz' M' Joshua Child foreman \ M"" Thomas Gleason Oxford M' Jotham Rice j Worcester M"^ Josiah White \ M'' Benjamin Johnson Leicester M"" Bazeliell Sawyer J Lancaster M'' Daniel Warren Westboro' M' Jonathan Bugbee Woodstock M"" Isaac Amsden Southboro' M'' Joseph Sumner Mendon M' William Taylor Shrewsbury Cap' Thomas Gilbert Brookfield M^ Eleazer Ball Rutland M"' Eben"' Read Uxbridge M"" Nathan Heywood Lunenburg M' Joseph Sibly Sutton M"" Simon Stone Harvard David Haynes of Sudbury In the County of Midlesex Gent be- ing presented by the Grandjurors for Unecessaryly Rideing on the Lords day y"^ 23*^ day of Septem"" last & bound to this Court to answer his presentment pleaded to the Insufficiency of th'e present- ment which was alowed of by y*^ Court & he dismissed paying Costs An acco" of the Grandjurors Travell and attendance from may : 1733 To this time amounting to y*^ Sum of Seventy Eight i)ounds Eighteen Shillings presented for allowance which was according allowed of and ordered that the Clerk Certifie y*^ Same To y^ County Treas"" for payment The Court order that y*^ Treasurr be dire6led To pay The Sum of fourty Shillings To Isaac Moore a Constable for his attendance on The Grandjurors the year past viz' Ten days Cap" Benj" Flagg County Treas"" presented his acco"" which were Examined & allowed of by the Court the ballance Due to y County being thirteen pounds nineteen Shillings & Eight pence & ordered the Clerk To Sign y'= Same i734-i IVorcestei'- Coiuity, Massachusetts. loi The Court order that y^ Expenses of y*^ Comittee ah' y^ Court House being thirteen Shillings be paid out of y^ County Treasury & that v" Clerk Certifie v'^ Same. Ezekiel Upham Resident in Hassanamisco in y*^ County of Wor- cester Housewright appelant from a Sentance given against him by Nahum Ward Esq"" one of his majestys Justices of y^ peace for Said County Upon y*^ Complaint of Peter Lawrance Indian Planter of Hassanamisco aforesaid who Complained on his majestys behalf as well of his own &:6l for his Taking five or Six bushells of Indian Corn out of a Corn Cribb in Hassanamisco aforesaid of his the Said Lawrances in a thiefish maner Sometime in the Winter past (Sift & Sentence was that y*^ Said Upham is Guilty of Taking two bushells of the Corn he was Charged with in a theifish maner which Corn was of Twelve Shillings Value that he pay as a fine to y*^ King Ten Shillings & threeble damages for Said Corn to y^ Said Peter being thirty Six Shilling & Costs & ffees & Stand Committed till Sentence be performed as "^ the Sentence of the Said Justice Dated aprill 15"' 1734 appears and now y^ appelant appeared, to prosecute his appeal but an Exception being taken To the Reasons of appeal for that they were not properly Directed to the Court which Exception & y^ pleas of Each party thereon being duly Con- sidered The Court are of Opinion that y*^ Dire6tion of the Said Reasons of appeal are Improper & Insufficient To Support the Same, Its therefore Considered by the Court, That the Sentence of y^ Said Justice be Confirmed with additionall Cost viz' that the Said Ezekiell Upham pay as a fine to our Sovereign Lord the King The Sum of Ten Shillings that he pay to y*" Said Peter Lawrance Threeble Damages for Said Two bushells of Corn being in y*^ whole thirty Six Shillings the Corn if any Return'd to be part thereof & pay Costs & ffees in the Taxed at the Sum of Seven pounds one Shillings & Seven pence and upon his negle6ling to pay y^ Same y^ Court order Execution to be awarded for y^ Same and that it be paid into y^ hands of y^ Clark to be by him paid To whom the Same is due. I02 Court of General Sessions. Jtkkm, Oliver Wallis of Worcester bound over by way of Recognizance as ^ y^ Recognizance appeared his Recognizance was discharged Tho" Gibbs & Moses Rice who were bound for y^ appearance of Jos Perey moved they might be discharge & were paying Cost as see y"^ papers on file A Petition of David Parsons of Leicester in y^ County of Wor- cester Cler' presented to this Court in Febry last & Continued to this Court, now Sitting Seting forth the great Inconveniencys & hardships he labours under by Reason of a Highway being laid as he apprehends Illegally a cross his lands in Leicester praying Relief as "p y'= petition will appear, at which Court he was direded to Serve y^ Town of Leicester &61 & one John Lynds with a Copy of the Petition now to shew Cause why the prayer thereof Should not be granted & now all y^ partys appeared & after y^ Affair was fully debated and maturely Considered y^ petition was dismissed & y^ petitioner ordered to pay Cost which were done in y-" Court A Petition of Paul Moore of Worcester housewright Sheweing that he together with Cap' Jonn Hubard of Worcester entered into a Contra6l with a Committee appointed by this Court for building y^ Court House which he has performed to good acceptance and doing which he has reely Expended about thirty or fourty pounds more y" he Engaged y*^ Same for as will appear by a schedule of Said work anexed to his petition praying allowance therefore as to y^ Court shall seem meet Read & ordered that William Jenison John Chandler Jr. Henry [Lee] Esq" and Cap* Benjamin Flagg y^ Comittee for building Said house take said Petition and acco' into y' Consideration & make report To this Court in august next what they may think proper for y^ Court to do thereon and that y^ Petition be Refered To that time 1 734- 1 Worcester County, jVIassachusetis. 103 A By law of y^ Town of Brookfield RespecSling persons taking Cattle into Said Town &(5l presented by Col° Dwight the Same was accordingly approved of and is on file Dudley Jordan of a place called Lambstown in y^ County of Worcester husbandman being presented by y^ Grandjurors for unecessaryly rideing on y*^ Lords day being y^ 28"' day of 06lober last past Came into Court and put himself on the mercy of y'= Court and was dismissed paying Cost David Aldriches two Recognizances Discharged about his ab- senting himself from y'= Publick worship of God David Aldrich of Uxbridge &61 being presented to y^ Court by the Grand jurors pleaded Guilty whereupon y*^ Court ordered that he pay a fine to y^ King of fifty Shillings & Cost & fees & Stand Comitted till this Sentance is performed which he paid and was dismissed. Thomas adams of Worcester Husbandman and his wife Ruth Jessoniah Rice of Worcester Husbandman and Lydia his wife all came into Court & Severally acknowledged themselves Guilty of the Crime of fornication were fined to y'^ King Each Thirty Shillings which they paid with Cost & were dismissed The Court order that for the future y"^ Clerk do not Signe or grant out any Sumonses for witnesses In Criminall Cases but what are directed to the Sheriff or his deputy or to a Constable to Serve & return The Votes for a County Treasurer being Laid before y^ Court Joseph Dwight Nahum Ward & John Chandler J"" Esq' were ap- pointed a Comittee To Sort & number them and Report who is I04 CoiLrt of General Sessions. | t^rm, Chosen attended y' Service and Reported that Benjamin Flagg J'' was Chosen and y^ Oath of Ofifice was accordingly administered To him by y^ Clark of y'^ Court by order of & in y^ Court Two orders or by laws of the Town of W^orcester one Respeft- ing Cattle and horses y^ dther Rams were present for approbation & were accordingly approved The Sele6lmen of mendon presented to y^ Court y*^ warrant & warning of mary Thompson and also of Sarah Price with her Child all depart Said Town of mendon & are on file The Sele6lmen of y'^ Town of Worcester presented to y^ Court a warrant with y^ Constables return for warning Hanah Troy aP [ ] Margarett Troy to Depart their Town also a warrant with y^ Constables Return thereon for y^ warning David Smiley & Eliza Smiley depart their Town also a warrant with y'= Constables Return thereon for the warning an aged woman named Eliz" moore with her Two Sons Robert & Joseph moore and a young Child named Thomas Rodes all to Depart their Town praying the return thereof may be entered & approved which was done accordingly by y^ Court The Court now order that y'= Comittee for y*^ meeting house from time to time untill further order of the Court take Care To Keep y^ Court house in Repair that they do make Sutable ways to ascend y« hill on which it Stands Clear the brush near the Same & lay their Charges from time to time before y*^ Court for allowance The Seleftmen of y^ Town of Shrewsbury presented to y'^ Court y^ warrant & warning of John Wilson & family To depart their Town and is on file Worcester ss Aitno E} R^ Georgij Secundi nunc MagncB Br it antes FrancicB et Hibeiniics Octavo /Vtt a Court of Generall Sessions of the peace be- gun and held at Worcester within and for the County of Worcester on The Second Tuesday of August being the thirteenth day of Said month Annoq Dom 1734 — Juhn ("handler Esq"" Joseph Wilder Esq"" William Ward Esq"" William Jenison Esq"" Daniel 1 "aft Esq"" John Chandler Esq"" Samuel Wright Esq Jossiah Willard Esq Captain James Wilder M' Seth Chapin JUSTICES PRESENT Justices of y= Peace & Quorum CORONERS. Joseph Dwight Esq"" Samuel Dudley Esq'' Henry Lee Esq"" Nahum Ward Esq"" Samuel Willard Esq"" John Keyes Esq'' . Edward Hartwell Esq M'' Joseph Wright M"" Gershom Rice GRAND JURORS M' Joshua Child fore man M^ Thomas Gleason M"" Josiah White M^ Benjamin Johnson M"" Jotham Rice M-- Daniel Warren M'' Bazeliell Sawyer M-- Isaac Amsden M"" Jonathan Bugbee 14 M^ William Taylor io6 Court of General Sessions. \tS^S[ Cap* Thomas Gilbert M' Eleazer Ball M'' Joseph Sumner M" Nathan Heywood M' Ebenezer Read N. B. M"" Simon Stone of M' Joseph Sibly Harvard was Sick & did not attend The Jury attended three days & an ofhcer vizt with them Peter Kendall of Lancaster In y^ County of Worcester Labourer being presented by the Grandjurors for y'= body of Said County for y' he Said Peter Kendall at Lancaster aforesaid on or about the midle of July i 733 did Comitt the Crime of Fornication on y^ body of Beriah Knight of Lancaster aforesaid Spinster which is Contrary to y*^ peace of our Lord y^ King his Crown and dignity & y*^ Good & wholesome laws of this province as ^^ y^ presentment on file ap- pears To which y^ Said Peter Kendall pleaded not Guilty and put him Self on Tryall, The Jury being Sworn according to law to Trye y^ Case y*^ Delinquent after a full hearing was Comitted To y^ jury who Return'd there verdi6l therein upon oath as follows viz' that y"^ Said Peter Kendall is Guilty in form aforesaid Its Therefore Considered by The Court That the Said Peter Kendall pay as a fine therefor to our Sovereign Lord y*^ King The Sum of fifty Shillings & pay Costs & Fees Taxed at nine pound Seventeen Shillings and Stand Comitted Till this Sentence be performed, at which time the said Peter Kendall appealed To y^ next Court of Assize and Generall Goal Delivery to be holden at Worcester with- in and for y^ County of Worcester on y^ Wednesday Imediately preceding the time by law appointed for holding y^ Said Court of Assize and Generall Goal delivery at Springfield within and for y^ County of Hampshire In September next and Entered into Re- cognizance with Two Sufficient Suretys according to law To prose- cute his appeal with Effe6l. Peter Kendall of Lancaster In y^ County of Worcester Labourer as principall In y^ Sum of fourty pounds & Ralph Kendall Taylor and Oliver Wilder Gent both of Lancaster In Said County as Sure- tys in Twenty pounds Each acknowledge themselves to be In- debted To our Sovereign Lord the King to be Leveyed on their Severall goods Chattells lands cV Tenaments and in want thereof i734-( Worcester Cotuity, Massachusetts. 107 on their bodys for y^ use of our Said Lord y^ King his heirs or Successors Conditioned that y^ Said Peter Kendall prosecute his appeal To Effecl at y*^ Said Court of Assize & Generall Goal de- livery To be holden in & for Said County of Worcester and abide y*^ Judgment of said Court & not Depart without Leave and in the mean time be & Remain of y'^ Good behaviour Beriah Knight of Lancaster Single Woman being presented by the Grandjurors for her being Guilty of y'^ Crime of Fornication came into Court Confessed herself Guilty was find thirty Shillings which She paid & was Dismissed Jolm Brown of Watertown &61 being presented by y^ Grand Jurors for his Unecessaryly Rideing on y^ 28"* day of aprill last past being y^ Lords day came into Court & pleaded To y'^ Insuffi- ciency of y^ presentment for y' he has not his addition properly given him was Dismissed paying Cost w*"'' he paid Megee Dupee of Lancaster being presented by the Grandjurors for being Guilty of the Crime of Fornication & bound over To answer for y^ Same by m' Justice Wilder appeared and pleaded She was not bound to answer y*^ Same She not having her right name The Court Considered y^ Same & She was Dismissed pay- ing Cost w*-'^ she paid. Thomas Currier and John Damon being presented by y* Grand- jurors for Rideing Unecessaryly on y'= Lords day as '^ y^ present- ment appeared and pleaded they were under a necesaty of rideing y'^ Court order y' yy be dismissed paying Cost w"*" were paid William Gray Jun' & Sam" Gray both of Worcester being Sev- erally presented by y^ Grand Jurors for being Guilty of drunken- io8 Court of Geiier ill Sessions. \^tS^^^ ness appeared before y^ Court & Severally pleaded Guilty to their presentments were each find five Shillings to y*= use of y^ poor of y^ Town of Worcester & to pay Costs w'^'' they paid & were dis- missed Ephraim Smith of Shrewsbury & Hari" his wife both being pre- sented by y'^ Grandjurors for being Guilty of y^ Crime of Fornica- tion came into Court and Confessed them Selves Severally Guilty were find Each To y^ King thirty Shillings & to pay Cost which they paid & were dismissed Daniel Hill Husbandman & Nath" Emerson Cordwainer both of Mendon being presented by y^ Grandjurors &61 as "^ y^ pre- sentment appears for Rideing Unecessaryly on y^ third day of Febry last past &61 being y« Lords day came into Court & pleaded Guilty were fin'd Each thirty Shilling To the poor of y- Town of mendon & to pay Cost -paid Meriam Jones wife of Daniel Jones of Brookfield Came into Court & Confessed that She was Guilty of y^ Crime of Fornication was fin'd thirty Shillings & Dismissed paying Cost Nath" Bartlett of Brookfield Confest himself Guilty of y^ Crime of Fornication was Sentenced to pay a fine of thirty Shillings & Cost which he p** & was Dismissed The Town of Southborough being presented for not having a writing & reading Schoolmaster &6t by their Sele6lmen & were dismissed paying Cost 1 734- 1 Worcester County, Massachusetts. 109 Solomon Johnsons Petition Dismissed Jane Morss wife of Sam' Morss of Uxbridge &(?t being presented for her Unecessaryly absenting herself from y^ publick Worship of God as ^ y^ presentment appeared & put her Self on y^ mercy of y^ Court, was dismissed paying Cost Peter Kendall & Hepzibah his wife of Lancaster appeared in Court and Confessed y'"selves Guilty of fornication were find Each thirty Shillings & dismissed paying Cost The Sele6l men of y^ Town of Woodstock presented a warrant with their Constables Return for warning on W™ Russell & his wife to leave their town w*^'' was approved by y^ Court William Peirce of Westborough in y*^ County of Worcester hus- bandman upon y'= Complaint of Asher Rice of S*^ Southborough to Nahum Ward Esq was by him bound over to this Court as '^ y* Recognizance and Complaint appears The affair was laid before the Grandjury who upon a bill prepared by y^ Kings attorney Re- turn'd y^ Same Ignoramus whereupon y'^' Court dismissed y^ affair & Each party bore his own Cost Eliphalett Warfield of Mendon In y'^ County of Worcester was bound over to this Court by Dan" Taft Esqr to answer to his pre- sentment by the Grandjury for Unecessaryly labouring on a public fast &6t as "^ y^ presentment pleaded to y^ Insufficiency of y^ Same and was ordered to be dismissed pay Cost Taxed at five pound & Ten pence w'''' he refuseing to do was '^ order of Court Comited to his majestys Goal there to remain till dismissed by order of law I lo Court of General Sessions. \^mS^, John Hamilton of Shrewsbury in the County of Worcester La- bourer appearing in Court To answer to his presentment by y" Grandjurors for that he the Said John Hamilton at Worcester In y^ County of Worcester on y"^ fourteenth day of august Instant in y^ night time did feloniously take and Steel out of y^ Pockett of Samuel Lawdy of medfield in y^ County of Suffolk Gent about four or five pound in bills of Creditt with Some papers being y^ proper Estate of y'= Said Lawdy all which is against y^ peace of our Said Lord y^ King his Crown and dignity and y^ good and wholsome Laws of this province as %] y'^ presentment on file To which y*^ Def" pleaded not Guilty and put himself on Tryall by a Jury who were Sworn to Try y^ Same y^ Deft having been fully heard y^ Jury went out to Consider thereof & Return'd there ver- di6l Therein finding y'^ Def" [Joseph Crosby not Guilty] ^ Its Considered by y'^ Court that y^ Defend" be Dismissed pay- ing Cost & ffees Taxed at five pound & Tenpence Standing Com- itted Till Sentence be performe'd Ezekiell Upham of Hassanamisco in y^ County of Worcester Housewright appel" from a Sentence given against him by Nahum Ward Esq'' one of his majestys Jus** of y^ peace for said County on y*^ Complaint of Peter Lawrence of Said Hassanamisco Indian planter for stealing Corn &6t as "^ y^ Sentence of Said Justice on file, (This Tryal now being by order of y^ Great & Gen" Court) & now y*^ Def" pleaded not Guilty & put himself on Tryall by a Jury who were Sworn to try y'^ Same y^ Deft ha\'ing been fully heard y"^ Jury went out to Consider thereof & Return'd there Ver- di6t therein finding y^ Def" not Guilty Its therefore Considered by the Court That y"^ Said Ezekiel upham be dismissed paying Cost & ffees Taxed at five pound 18/ & Sixpence and upon his negleft- ing To pay y'^ Same The Court order Execution To be granted therefor and y' it be paid into y^ hands of y^ Clerk of the Court To be paid To whom it is due 'Words in brackets cancelled. I 734- 1 Worcester Coiuity, Massachusetts. iii John Fitz Gerald al" John Hayes aP John m'neal a Transient person now Resident in Worcester In said County appearing in Court To answer to his presentment by y" grandjurors for y' he on or about the 29 day of July last past at medfield in the County of Suffolk did then and there feloniously take Steal and Carry away fifty pounds in bills of Creditt and merchants notes and Six Silk handkerchiefs of the Valine of Ten Shillings Each being y'^ proper Estate and then in the possession of Samuel Lawdy of medfield aforesaid Gent and did also Continue the Said theft at Worcester in y'' Said County of Worcester by concealing the said bills of Creditt notes and Handkercheifs all w'^'^ is highly Criminall and against y"^ peace of our Said Lord the King his Crown & Dignity and ye Good and wholsom Laws of this province as "^ y^ pre- sentment To which y^ Def" pleaded not Guilty & put himself on Tryall by a Jury who were Sworn to Trye y-^ Same The Def" hav- ing been fully heard The Jury went out to Consider thereof and Return'd there Verdict therein finding y'^ Def" Guilty Its Considered by the Court that the Said John Fitz Gerall aP John Hays a'' John m'-'neal be whipt on y^ naked body Twenty Stripes That he pay the Said Samuell Lawdy threeble y= mony & (roods Stole viz* one hundred & fifty nine pounds The mony & goods found To be part thereof, and upon his negleding to pay y^ Same That he be bound To y^ S'' Sam" Lawdy his heirs and assigns At Ten pounds ^ year to pay y^ Same that he pay Cost & fees taxed at fourteen pounds nine Shillings & Six pence and Stand Comitted till Sentence be performed [Worcester ss august 18 : 1734 Capt Lawdy rec"* fifty one pound fifteen shillings & nine. pence besides paying y^ Cost 14:9:6 att' Jn° Chandler Jr Cler] ^ Abraham Anderson of Harvard In y^ County of Worcester hus- bandman appearing in Court To answer to his presentment by y« Grandjurors for that the Said Abraham Anderson at a place Called ' Sentence in brackets written on the margin. S August I 1 2 Court of General Sessions. < tmm*,' Concord in Harvard aforesaid on or about the Twenty first day of May last past did feloniously Take Steal and drive away a Certain Cow being the Proper Estate of Hekekiah Wheeler of Concord in ye County of Midlesex Yeoman and in his Yard & possession then being which is against the peace of our Said Lord The King his Crown & Dignity and y'^ Good and wholsom laws of this province as ^ y*^ presentment on file To which y« Def pleaded not Guilty & put himself on Tryall by a Jury who were Sworn To Trye y*^ Same, The Deft being fuly heard The Jury went out To Consider thereof and Returned there Verdi6t thereon finding y« Deff' Guilty, Its Considered by the Court that the Said Abraham Anderson pay as a fine To our Lord y« King y'^ Sum of fifty Shillings That He pay To y« Said Hezekiah Wheeler Eighteen pounds be[ing] three- ble y^ Vallue of the Cow said Cow if return'd to be part and pay Cost & fees & Stand Coraitted till this Sentence be performed The Court order that the Committee for building the Court house alter the Jury Seats So as that they will Comfortable Hold the Jurys and that they make Sutable ways for going To y*^ Court house ye Charge to be laid before y= Court for their attendance The Court order that the Charge of y" Search after one Thomas Peirce who had murdered a person on Rhoad Island be paid To William Jenison & John Chandler J' Esq to be by y"' paid to whom it [is] due 1 734- 1 Worcester Cotinty, Massachusetts. 113 Tavern Keepers and Retailors Lycenced y^ year Ensuing & y' gave bond V Inholde rs Worcester Capt Haywood Moses Rice Thos Starns (jershoni Rice Jr J John IJigelow Lieutt Davis Lancaster Capt (Jarter Mr \Vm Richardson Mr Josiah Richardson Mr [onathan Houghton Inholders Colo Saml VVillard retailer Mendon Capt Wm Rawson Mr b'.henr Mencon Mr John Sadler Inholders Capt Lovett retailor Woodstock Capt Jona Payton Mr Joseph Wright Inholders Brookfield Mr Moses Leonard Mr Elea: Heywood Mr Solomon Keyes Inholders Leicester Capt Converse Mr Thomas Richardson Mr Jona Sargent | Mr Rowland Taylor I Inho Mr Wm Larkin retailor Hassanamisco Capt Leland Capt Willard James Cuttler Nehe : How \ Inholder Uxbridge Mr Ezekiel Wood Mr Solomon Wood Mr Saml Read Inholders Mr fno Harwood retailor Oxford Elijah Moore Inholdr Shrewsbury Mr Daniel How Mr John Hurts Inholders Nahum Ward Esqr Mr Jonas Keyes retailors W'estboro' Capt [no Fay Inholder In all 53 Southborogh Mr Robert Horn Mr Caleb Witherbee Inholds Lunenburg Capt Jona Hubbard Inholder Colo Josiah Willard Iders retailor Harvard Mr John Atherton Mr Ebenr Robins s Inholders Mr Ebr Sprague R etailor Sutton Mr Perez Rice Mr Obediah Walker Mr Ino Hazeltine Inholders Capt Elisha Johnson Mr Wm Hartwell retailor New Sherborn Mr Eph Hill Inholder Dudley Mr Danl Cob urn Rutland ( apt John Hubbard Capt Philip ( ioss approbated but no bond given '5 (ii4) NOTE. License Law. The following ad regulating the sale of spirituous liquors was in force at this time : " An AA for the suppressing of Unlicensed Houses, and the due Regula- tion of such as are. or shall be Licensed. "Be it ordained and Enaded by the Governour, Council and Representa- tives convened in General Court, and by the Authority of the same. That no Person or Persons whatsoever (other than such as upon producing Cer- tificate from the Select-men of the Town where they dwell or who shall be otherwise thought fit by the Justices themselves, shall be licensed by the Justices in Quarter Sessions) may presume to he a common vidualler. Inn- holder, Taverner, or Seller of Wine. Beer. Ale. Cyder, or Strong Liquors by Retail : nor shall any presume without such License, to sell Wine or strong Liquors privately by a less Quantity than a Quarter Cask, and that delivered and carried away all at one time ; on pain of forfeiting the Sum of For/j Shillitigs ior every such offence, upon due Conviction thereof; one Half thereof to the Informer, and the other Half to the Use of the Poor of the Town where such offence is committed "Be it further enaded by the Authority aforesaid. That all Licences be renewed yearly, and the Bond given for the due observance of the same and of the Laws; and that the Person licensed shall use his License in such Houses as shall be therein named, and no other." If the offender refused or was unable to pay his fine, he was publicly whipped. Worcester ss Anno R^ R^ Georgij Secundi nunc Mao'iKs Britani^E Frajicics et Hibernice Octavo "t, Att a Court of Generall Sessions of the peace be- gun and held at Worcester within and for the County of Worcester on The first Tuesday of November being the fifth day of Said month Annoq Dominij 1734 — JUSTICES PRESENT Joseph Wilder, William VV^ard & William Jenison Esq" Justices of the Peace & Quorum — John Chandler J' F.d\vard Hartwell Henry Lee,, Nahum Ward and Samuell Willard Esq" Justices NAMES OF CORONERS Capt James Wilder M'' Seth Chapin J"" W Joseph Wright M' Gershom Rice M' Joshua Childs M"" Josiah White W Baztliell Sawyer M' Jonathan Bugbee M"" Joseph Sumner W Eben' Read M' Joseph Sibley M'' Benjamin Johnson M' Daniel Warren M' Isaac Amsden M"" William Taylor M' Kleazer Ball M' Nathan Heywood M'' Jo- tham Rice Each 2 days cS: Richard Wilds attended on them 1 1 6 Court of General Sessions. \ tT^m.'^* Hannah Dankin being bound over to this Court by m' Justice Jenison To answer to her Crime of fornication appeared in Court & Confessed she was Guilty, She was Sentenced to pay a fine of thirty ShilHngs & Cost which She did & was dismissed The Town of Lunenburg being presented by y^ Grandjurors for not having a writing & Reading Schoohnaster agreeable to law ap- peared & were Excused paying Costs John Wallis of Townsend in y*^ County of Midlesex husbandman being presented by the Grandjurors for his Unecessaryly Traveling on y^ Lords Day &6t appeared and gave his Reasons & was Ex- cused The wife of Nathaniell Bartlett of Brookfield in y^ County of Worcester appeared in Court & Confessed She was Guilty of the Crime of Fornication was find Thirty Shillings & paid Costs & was Dismissed John Dunsmore & wives Recog' Continued To Feb''y Nath" Davenport & wives Recognizance continued To Feb^y Benj" ChaQee Recognizance Continued To Feb'y Town Leicesters presentment continued to Feb''y A Petition John Harwood agent for y^ Town of Uxbridge Seting forth the great Burden & Difficulty y'^ Said Town labour under Respe6ling y° Charge of building Bridges in said Town as more particularly appears by y^ Petition praying for relief Read & Re- fered to y^ Court of Generall Sessions of y^ peace in P'eb"" next for further Consideration & ordered that the petitioner Serve y^ Town of Mendon with a Copy thereof that they Shew Cause if any they have why y*^ prayer thereof Respe6ling mendon Should not be granted Worcester ss A7ino R'^ R^ Georgij Secundi nunc Mag7i6B BritaijiicB Francice et HibernicB Oflavo /\t a Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace be- gun and Held at Worcester within and for the County of Worcester on the first Tuesday of February being the fourth day of Said Month annoq Dom : 1734-5 John Chandler Joseph Wilder William Ward William Jenison 1 )aniel Taft John Chandler Jr JUSTICES PRESENT Joseph Dwight Samuel Dudley Henry Lee Nahum Ward John Keyes Esq" Edward Hartvvell F^sq" Justices of )■ y^ peace & Quo' Esq' Names of Coroners Cap' James Wilder M' Joseph Wright M"" Seth Chapin M' Gershom Rice Capt Daniel Warrin W Josiah White M" Jotham Rice AP Bazeliell Sawyer Af Jonathan Bugbee Grandjury y' attended M' Eben"" Read M' William Taylor . M' Joseph Sibley M' Eleazer Ball M' Thomas Gleason M'' Benjamin Johnson M"" Isaac Amsden M' Nathan Heywood M"" Simon Stone W Wilds attended on v'" cl' thev attended Two days Each FEBRtTARY 1 1 8 Court of General Sessions. ^^t?em Tabitha Bellows of Southborough appeared in Court and Con- fessed She was Guilty of the Crime of fornication by one Benony Salter, for which she paid a fine of thirty Shillings & was Dismissed paying Cost also Mary Latiney of Westborough Single Woman came into Court & Confessed She was Guilty of the Crime of For- nication with one Thomas Dooley find Thirty Shillings & dismissed without Costs Nathaniel Davenport of Woodstock & Elizabeth his wife being presented by the Grandjurors for the Crime of Fornication The Said Nathaniel appeared and Confess'd the Same & paid a fine of fifty Shillings & Cost & was dismissed his wife not being able To attend her Recognizance was continued to may John Dunsmore of Lancaster & Unice his wife being presented by the Grandjury for y^ Crime of Fornication came into Court & plead To y*^ Insufficiency of the presentment which was by the Court adjudged Insufiicient & they were Dismist paying Costs The Court now order that a Tax or assessment amounting unto the Sum of One hundred & fifty Seven pound Eight Shillings & nine pence be ra'sed in the Severall Towns within this County for defraying y^ usuall necessary Charges ariseing within y^ Same and that the Clerk forthwith Send out Warrants diredted To y'-' Selectmen or assessors of the Respective Towns within y^ County for assessing their Severall parts or proportion according to y^ Rules for assessing y^ last province Tax as y^ law dire6ts and for paying in y^ Same To Cap' Benjamin Flagg County Treasurer or his order at or before y*^ last day of may next — i734"5-l Worcester County, Massachusetts. 119 The Sevemll Towns proportion thereof is as follows viz' Worcester Eleven pound Seven Shillings & Eight pence 1 1 7 8 Lancaster Twenty Six pound three Shillings & four pence 26 3 4 Mendon Eighteen pound 18 Woodstock Sixteen pound 16 Brookfield thirteen pound Ten Shillings & 8d '3 10 S Southhorouh Eight pound thirteen Shillings 8 13 Westborough nine pound one Shilling 9 i Leicester Six pound nineteen Shillings & Eight pence 6198 Shrewsbury Seven pound Seven Shillings 7 7 Sutton Twelve pound five Shillings 12 5 Oxford Seven pound Two Shillings 7 2 Uxbridge Six pound & four pence 604 Rutland three pound Eighteen Shillings 3 18 Lunenburg three pound Eighteen Shillings 3 18 Harvard Seven pound three Shillings & one peny 7 3 i «57 8 9 the Warrants were Granted out Febry g*" 1 734 att' Jn° Chandler J Cler' Ordered that The Sum of Six pounds be paid out of y= County Treasury To William Jenison Esqr for Inlarging y*^ Prison Yard laying a double floor in y^ Prison Chamber An acco" of M'' Sheriff Gookin amounting unto y^ Sum of Sixteen pound Seven Shillings Read and ordered that the Sum of fifteen pound nine Shillings be paid out of y*^ County Treasury To M"' Sheriff Gookin in full discharge thereof Nineteen Shillings Taken out of y*" 5*'' article . David Parsons of Leicester in the County of Worcester Clark appellan" from a Sentence given against him by William Jenison Esq'' one of his majestys Justices of the Peace for the Said County I20 Court of General Sessions. \^^^ltu^ DOM REX ypQj^ ^ Complaint of Benjamin Johnson of ^^ Leicester aforesaid Yeoman on His majestys PARSONS behalf as well as of his own (which Complaint JURY ^^g originally made to John Chandler J' Esq"' mL^r'S'" ^"^ ''^ ''^' majestys Justices of the peace Mr Eb: Beman for Said County ) Egainst the appel" Seting forth Joseph Walker .-i • j r^ • i r John Moss y y*^ baid David Parsons at Leicester aforsaid EuZHSe on the Seventh day of Oaober last past did Tim:Bngham ygj.y i^-mf-]-, abusc misuse belye and Defame the Aaron Forbush ^ •' Wells Ayres Coplainant by Saying y^ Complain' was a Tat- Wm Haywood ^> i i , r Israel Keith Img man or a latler and went about from House to House Raising FacStions (meaning as the Complainant Supposes against him Said Parsons) and by Saying that the Complainant had Stolen Two years Sallary from him Said Parsons Litending thereby as y^ Complain" apprehends to very much abuse misuse belye & defame y^ Complain' &(St as ■^ y^ Complaint at large appears, and was thereof Convi6ted before the Said William Jenison Esq"" & Sentenced to pay a fine to the King Ten Shillings and pay all Costs & Fees & Stand Comitted till Sentence be performed — and now the appellant appeared and to the Said Complaint Pleaded not Guilty ; The Evidences in the Case being Sworn and the Case fully Argued and heard on both Sides the Same was Comitted To the Jury who were Sworn ac- cording to law to Trye y*^ Same and Return'd there Verdict there- in upon Oath as follows viz', That the Said David Parsons Is Guilty according to the Complaint Its therefore Considered by the Court that the Said David Parsons Pay as a fine To our Sovereign Lord the King for and Towards the Support of the Goverm' of this Province and the Incident Charges thereof Ten Shillings and that he pay Cost & Fees Taxed at fifteen pound one Shilling, & Stand Comitted Till Sentence be performed, & he was accordingly Comitted To JVP Sheriff Gookin till the Sentence be complyed with A Complaint of John Overing Esq"" his majestys attorney Gen- eral for the province of the Massachusetts in behalf of our Said Lord y'^ King Seting forth that one James Orns was convi6led I734"5-! lVo7'cester County, Massachusetts. 121 before the Worshipfull Justice Joseph Dwight Esq^ upon a Com- plaint Exhibitted at the Instance of Seth Banister & Francis his wife for speaking Defamatory words of y*^ Said Francis of which he was Convi6l then & there & ordered to pay y^ Sum of Twenty Shillings as a fine (from which sentence he appealed & found Suretys for his good behaviour) & pay Costs & fees To this Hon" Court butt having faild to prosecute to Effe<5l prays affirmation &(5l To which y^ Said Orms pleaded that there was not a Sufficient time from y^ Sentence given ag**' him, To the Court appealed To for him to file his reasons of appeal & moved The whole proceed- ing might be Quash'd Its Considered by the Court That there was not a Sutable time agreeable To law between y'^ giving of the Sentence & y*^ Court appeald to whereby y^ Said Orms Could sea- sonably file his reasons of appeal & therefore order he be dismiss'd paying Cost & fees Taxed at Eight pounds & Two pence and upon his Negle6ling to pay y"-" Same y'^ Court order Execution to be awarded for y" Same Ex : March i : i 734/5 S uiuiell Morss of Uxbridge Recognizances Discharged Benjamin Chaffee of Woodstock Recognizances Discharged y^ woman & Child being Dead A Petition of John Harwood agent for the Town of Uxbridge prefered To the Court of Gen" Sessions of the Peace held In No- vember last Came under Consideration as also the answer of y^ Town of Mendon l)y their agent or attorney & y^ Same being Duly Considered ordered that said Petition be Dismissed The Select men of Worcester presented to the Court a warrant with a Return thereon by W"' Gray J' Constable for warning Sun- dry persons out of their Town also a warrant with a Return thereon by Joseph Rug a Constable for warning Sundry persons out of their Town both which were approved by the Court 16 1 2 2 Court of General Sessions. \ ^t'eem'*'' The Sele6l men of Shrewsbury presented to the Court Two war- rants one for Warning Josiah Pratt & his wife The other Phillip Gleason & his wife to depart Said Town with the Constables Re- turn Thereon which were accepted by the Court. An acco" Signed John Chandler ]"■ amounting To the Sum of Ten pound Eleven Shillings & Sixpence ariseing on acco" of y^ Charge of pursuing & Searching after Thomas Peirce who had murdered a person at New : port Read & ordered that the Sum of Ten pound Eleven Shillings & Sixpence be paid out of the Pub- lick Treasury of y^ County To John Chandler J"" Esq'' To be by him paid To whom the Same is Respectively due in full discharge thereof Mathew Barber of Shrewsbury in the County of Worcester Hus- bandman being Presented by the Grandjurors for the body of said County on their Oaths for unecessaryly Traveling on the Lords day in the month of 06lober last from Shrewsbury To Worcester in Said County and Bound over to this Court by way of Recog- nizance To answer To his presentment appeared in Court and Confessed he was Guilty of Rideing from Shrewsbury to Worcester The time mentioned in the presentment, but Justifyed his So doing because his Rideing was Only from his own House To a place of Publick Worship in Worcester where he found by Experience Twas most for his Spirituall advantage to attend The Case being duly Considered, The Court are of opinion that the Said Mathew Bar- ber is Guilty of unecessaryly Traveling as set forth in y^ present- ment and therefore adjudge that he pay as a fine the Sum of Thirty Shillings, vizt fifteen Shillings part thereof to be for the benefitt & Relief of y^ Poor of the Town of Shrewsbury and fifteen Shillings Part thereof to be for the benefitt & Relief of y^ Poor of the Town of Worcester, and pay Cost & Fees Taxed at one pound fifteen Shillings & nine pence from which Sentence The Said Mathew Barber appealed To the next Court of Assize and Generall Goal Delivery to be holden at Worcester in and for the County of Wor- I734"5-' Worcester County, Massachusetts. 123 cester in September next and Entered into Recognizance pursuant to law to prosecute his appeal with Effe6t Mathew Barber of Shrewsbury In the County of Worcester hus- bandman principall In the Sum of Ten pounds and Robert Barber Clothier and Hugh Kelso husbandman both of Worcester In y^ County aforesaid as Suretys in five pounds Each acknowledged themselves bound by way of Recognizance To our Sovereign Lord the King his heirs or Successors To be Leveyed on their Goods or Chattels lands or Tenements for the use of our Said Lord the King Conditioned that the Said Mathew Barber shal personaly ap- pear at S'' Court of Assize & prosecute his appeal aforesaid apeal with F^fiecl & in the mean time be of the good behaviour. A By law of the Town of oxford Respe6ting persons takeing in Cattle or horses into Said Town under a penalty &61; being pre- sented by Captain P^benezer Learned was allowed and approved off and is on file Cap' Samuel Lawdy Representing to this Court That a Certain Double Silk Gown a black Silk apron & Scarf, which goods found with Juhn Fitz : Gerald al' John Hayes aP John m'neal. who had StoUen a Considerable Quantity of mony & goods from him and of which he was Conviclied in august last, are now in the hands of Daniell Gookin Esq^ Sheriff of this County and were ordered there to Remain till the further order of this Court, moving that pursuant to the Judgment of Court he may have y*^ goods afore- mentioned in part of Satisfaction of Said Judgment Especially Since the S*^ Fitz Gerald &6t Broke Goal cS: Run away. Ordered that Said Double Silk Gown black apron li: Scarf be delivered to Said Capt Samuel Lawdy or his order ami John Chandler J' Esq'' is desired to appoint & put under oath three Sutable persons to apprize Said Goods, and that Said Lawdy Receive them at Said apprizement in part o? Satisfaction for Said Judgment of Court atf John Chandler J' C le. May 13"': 1735 the above Goods were apprized & delivered To Capt Lawdy See his Rec' in Sessions affairs for may 1735 Worcester ss A^mo Regni Regis Georgij Senmdi nunc Magnet Britania; Francice et Hiber7iicB Octavo Att a Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace be- gun and held at Worcester within and for the County of Worcester on The Second Tuesday of May being the thirteenth day of Said month Anno Dom: 1735 John Chandler Joseph Wilder William Ward William Jenison 1 JUSTICES PRESENT John Chandler Jr Samuel Wright Joseph Dwight Samuel Dudley 1 Esq" Justices of r y^ peace & Quo' Esq^ Henry Lee Nahum Ward John Keyes Coroners Capt James Wilder M"" Seth Chapin J^ M"" Joseph Wright M"" Gershom Rice Grandjurors : Names M' Joshua Child foreman M"" Josiah White M"" Eben^ Read M'' Eleazer Ball M' Jotham Rice M' Joseph Sibley M^ Nathan Heywood M"^ Bazeleel Sawyer M"" Thomas Gleason M^" Simon Stone M' Jonathan Bugbee M' Benjamin Warrin Cap' Thomas Gilbert M-^ Isaac Amsden M^ Benj" Johnson M' William Taylor Each attended Two days and M'^ Wilds attended them ^735-! Wo7'cester Cotmty, Massac Jiusetts. 125 New Jury were M' Jonathan Houghton foreman M' Joseph Crosby M' W" Ayres M'' James Heaton M' John Starnes M'' WiUiam Green M' Thomas Hapgood M' Isaac Thayer Cap' Daniel Taylor M' William Jones M' Eliphalett Carpenter M"" John Stock M' Caleb Sawyer W ^Villiam Ayres M' Gershom Keith Cap' John Fay They were Sworn & Dismissed Capt Benjamin Flagg County Treasurer presented his acco" which were Examined and allowed oi"^ the Court there being due to the Treasurer Twenty one Shillings and four pence and ordered the Clerk to Sign the Same Bemsley Peters of Woodstock In y'^ County of Worcester Felt- maker appeared Court &: also Han" his wife & Confessed they were Guilty of the Crime of Fornication before marriage were fin'd 30/ Each & ordered to pay Cost which was done & they were Dismissed Elizabeth Davenport wife of Nathaniel Davenport of Woodstock In the County of Worcester husbandman being bound over by John Chandler Esqr to answer for the Crime of Fornication ap- peared in Court & Confessed She was Guilty, was find fifty Shill- ings & to pay Costs which She did cv: was Dismissed Joseph Baxter of Uxbridge In the County of Worcester Cord- wainer being bound over by way of Recognizance To answer for the Crime of Fornication appeared in Court and Confess'd him Self Guilty was find thirty Shillings w"'' he paid with the Costs & was Dismissed 126 Coiud of General Sessions. Jt^:bm, The Seledtmen of Woodstock presented to the Court a warrant direfted to Joseph Childs one of their Constables to warn one Susanna Carter To depart there town with the Constables Return thereon which was approved by the Court William Wait of Sutton in the County of Worcester husbandman being presented by the Grandjurors for that on or about the 16"" day of January last past at Sutton aforesaid he with force & arms an assault on y^ body of Joseph Wait in y^ peace of our Lord the King did Comitt, &(5t appeared in Court & pleaded Guilty and have himself on the mercy of the Court & Shew'd himself very penitent Its therefore Considered by the Court that the Said Wil- liam Wait pay a fine of Ten Shillings to our Lord y^ King That he pay Costs & fees Taxed at Two pound Thirteen Shillings and up- on his negle6ling So to do The Court order Execution To be awarded for the Same A Petition of Isaac Tomlin of Westborough &61 presented to y= Court praying y' y^ Children & Grand Children of his mother in law Ruhamah Wait widow may be obliged to Contribute towards y= maintainance of y^ Said Widdow, Read and ordered that the Petitioner Serve y^ Children and Grand Children (whose proper ancestor is Dec*^) of the S'' Ruhamah Wait with a Copy of this Petition that So they Show Cause if any they have at y*-" next Court of Genl Sessions of the Peace to be held here on the Second Tues- day of august next vizt on the first Thursday of the Courts Seting why they Should not be assessed according to law towards the Support and maintainance of ye Said Ruhamah Wait An acco' of the Grandjurors Travell and attendance from may 1734 To may 1736 being presented amounting unto y^ Sum of of Seventy Eight pounds Eight Shillings & Eight pence allowed of by the Court and The Treasurer is accordingly ordered To pay the Same ^735-i Worcester County, Massachusetts. 127 The vote for a- County Treas' Sent in from the Several Towns were opened & Sorted in the Court and it appeared that Cap' Benj" Flagg was Chosen Unanimously & the oath of office was admin'stred to him In Court by The order of the Court Worcester ss Anno R'^ R^ Georgij Senmdi nunc MagncB BritainicB Francice et Hibej-nicE Nono At a Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace be- gun and Held at Worcester in and for the County of Worcester on the Second Tuesday of August being the Twelfth day of Said Month annoq Dom 1735 John Chandler Esq' Joseph Wilder Esq' William Ward Esq' WiUiam Jenison Esq' Daniel Taft Esq' John Chandler Jr Esq' JUSTICES PRESENT Samuel Wright I Justices of the Joseph Uvvight peace cS: Quo- ^^^^^^^j ^^^^y^^^, Henry Lee Nahum Ward Sam' WiUard rum John Keyes Edward Hartwell Esq' Esq' Coroners Present Capt James Wilder M' Edward Godard Jun' M' Joseph Wright M' Gershom Rice Grandjury M' William Ayres M' Will : Green Cap' Dan' Taylor M' John Stockwell M' Gershom Keith attended three day and M' EHphaiett Carpenter Cap' John Fay M' Wilds attended on them M' Jon' Houghton M' Joseph Crosby M^ John Starnes M' Isaac Learned M' Isaac Thayer M' James Heaton M' Thomas Hapgood M' William Jones M' Caleb Sawyer ^735-1 Worcester County, Massachusetts. 129 Benjamin Rullard of Lancaster &<5l being bound to appear at this Court To answer for the Crime of Fornication with Ruth his wife before marriage Came into Court & Confes'd y'= Same was fined thirty Shillings & dismissed paying Cost : his wife bond Conti^ The Sele6l men of mendon presented to y^ Court a warr' for warning Jane Pollen To depart their Town with y^ Constables Re- turn thereon ; accepted by y*^ Court A list of Tavern Keepers and Retailors Lycenced by this Court & y^ names of the Suretys Capt Daniel Heywood principall in 50/: Capt Benja Flagg & James Moore Gents Suretys 25/ Each Capt Moses Rice Ditto 50/ Capt Flag & John Harwood Suretys. 25/ Each Worcester ] Mr Thomas Starnes Do 50/ Capt Flagg & Daniel Ward Suretys 25/ Each Mr Simon Davis Do 50/ John Bigelow & Caleb Witherbee Southboro' Suretys Ditto Mr John Bigelow Ditto 50/ Simon Davis & Caleb Wither Do Capt Thomas Carter -\ Mr Jona Houghton of Lancaster Capt William Richardson (^ waS Principall for Each of them Mr Josiah Richardson ( in 50/ Each and Capt Jonas Mr Jona Houghton ) Houghton & Elias Sawyer of Lancaster Suretys for Each in 25/ Each Mr Benja: Houghton: Principall: Suretys Capt Jonas Houghton & Henry Lee Esqr Saml Willard Esqr Retailor: Edward Hartwell Esqr his principall Suretys Ephraim Witherbee and Fairbank Moore Lancaster Mendon Capt William Rawson principall Surety Jno Sadler of upton & Jno atherton of Harvard Mr Ebenr Merriam Do ) Suretys for Each other & John Sad- Capt Daniel Lovett Do j Retailor | ler for them both Woodstock \ ^^P^ Jonathan Payson | Capt Flag principall for Each in 50/ J Mr Joseph Wright | Henry Lee and Edward Hartwell Esqrs Suretys for Each in 25/ 17 I30 Court of General Sessions. \ ArorsT Tebm, Brookfield Oxford Sutton Rutland Southboro' Leicester Mr Eleazer Heywood principall: 50/: Suretys Jonas Keyes & Israel Richardson ■ Mr Soloman Keyes : Jonas Keyes principall Suretys Isrel Richardson & Elea' Hevwood Mr Nathll Read principall Colo Dwight & Capt Flagg Mr Elijah Moore : Capt Moore principall. Suretys Capt Flagg & Joe : Crosby Mr Moses Marcy principall — Suretys Capt Flagg & Jno Stacy New Medtield Mr Perez Rice Samuel Dudley Esqr : principall, 50/ Suretys Joseph Boyden \Vm Stockwell Mr Obadiah Walker, principall : Suretys Capt \Vm Rawson John Atherton Mr Joseph Boyden principall Suretys Samuel Dudley Esqr Wm Stockwell Mr William Stockwell Retailor principall Suretys Saml Dud- ley Esq Joseph Boyden Capt John Hubbard principall Suretys James Heaton Nathll Read \ Mr Robert Horn principall, Suretys Jno Harwood Epm Hill [- Mr Caleb Witherby principall Suretys Simon Davis John ) Bigelow Mr Thomas Richardson principall Suretys Henry Lee Esqr Eleazer Heywood Capt Josiah Convers principall Mr Wm Larkin Capt Benja Flagg \ Mr Jona Sargent principall: Suretys Isaac Richardson Elea- zer Hevwootl Mr Wm Larkin Retailor : principall Suretys Capt Convers & Capt Flagg Uxbridge Lunenburg Mr Ezekiel Wood . Mr Solomon Wood '- Each principall & bound one for Mr Samuel Read -* another Mr John Harwood principall Suretys Robert Horn Ephraim Hill Mr Benja Force Jno Harwood principall : Suretys Mr Edmd Gofte als" Trowbridge of Cambridge and Mr Isaac Coolidge of Sherborn both in ye County of Midle^ex Mr Ephraim Witherbee principall: Suretys Edwd Hartwell Esqr Fairbanks Moore Mr Isaac Farnsworth Josiah Willard Esqr. Edwd Hartwell principall Suretys Ep : Witherbee Fairbanks Moore Grafton Capt James Leland . Capt Samuel Willard '- Each principall and bound fur each Mr Nehemiah How •* other ^735-! Wo7'cester Coiuity, Massachusetts. 131 Dudley Mr Daniel Coburn principall : Suietvs Jno Marvvourl Richard Wilds Capt Daniel How: Nahum Ward Esqr principall Suretys Ca]jt I''la{,'g & Jno Harwood Mr John Hush principall Surety Jona Sargent & Jno Harwood Shrewsbury [-Nahum Ward lisqr Retair: principall Suretys Capt Flagg & Jno Harwood Mr Jonas Keyes Retair : principall. Suretys Eb : Hey wood & Israel Richardson Westborough Capt John Fay Do Suretys Wni Stockwell & Samuel Dudley Esqr Upton \ "^^"^ •^'^^" Sadler \ Each principall & Each Surety for ye ' j" Mr John Hazeltine / other : & Ebenezer Merriam for both. Mr John Atherton principall Surety Capt Wm Ravvson & John Sadler Harvard I ■^^' Eleazer Robins Do Suretys Capt Jonas Houghton Eleazer Sawyer Mr Ebenr .Sprague Retair : Do Suretys Jno Atherton & Jno Bush New Medfield Mr John Stacy Do Suretys Joshua Morss & Moses Marvin New Sherborn Mr Ephraim Hill Do Suretys John Harwood & Robert Horn Lambstown Mr Nathan Carpenter Do Surety John Frissell & David Wallis Each principall bound in fifty pound & Each Surety in Twenty five pounds Each 132 Court of Genej'al Sessions. \ "teem? The Sele6lmen of Worcester presented to y'^ Court Sundry War- rants dire6led to their Constables for warning persons out of their Town viz' on to Constable Daniel Biglo To warn James Culver to depart the Town one To y^ Same Constable To warn Joshua Wheat & family To depart there Town one To y^ Same Constable to warn W'" Campbell & James Bettys To depart y« Town all which being done as "^ y'= Constables Return, they were approved of by y^ Court Robert Allen of Shrewsbury being bound over To this Court by way of Recognizance by W" Jenison Esq' as ^ y^ Recog' appears moved to be Discharged, but Sundry persons appearing and oposed it The Court order that he Renew his bonds with Suretys untill the Next Term which he Did viz' himself in Fifty pound & Sam" Calhoon of S'' Shrewsbury and James Furbus of Worcester as Sure- tys in Twenty five pounds Abigail Willard of Lancaster In y^ County of Worcester Single- woman being bound over To this Court by M' Justice Hartwell for the Crime of Fornication appeared and Refuseing to Tell who y*= father was She was Sentenced To pay a fine of fifty Shillings & Cost & Fees & Stand Comitttrd till Sentence be performed — which She paid in Court and by y^ order of Court Entered into Recognizance with Suretys To Save y*^ Town of Lancaster from any Charge on acco" of her Bastard Child viz' The Said Abigail Willard as prin- cipall in One hundred pound & Aaron Willard & Fairbanks moore both of Said Lancaster Yeomen as Suretys in fifty pound Each to y^ Seled men of Lancaster aforesaid, & to their Successors for that purposs. Whereas its found very Inconvenient To y<= County For y^ Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace and Inferiour Court of Comon pleas which by law are appointed to be held and Kept on the Second Tuesday of August yearly l)y reason its Then a very busy time of year and thereby Detrimentall for Jurors & Others who ^735-\ Worcester County, Massachusetts. 133 have business at Said Courts to give their attendance. Ordered That the Hon' Joseph Wilder Esqr John Chandler J' & Joseph Dvvight F^sqrs be desired in the name and by order of this Court To prefer a Petition To his Excellency The Gov'' & The Gen" Court as Soon as they Conveniently can To have the time for holding Said Court for the future to be on the third Tuesday of August annually, and Whereas it might be of Service To y^ County to have the time for holding y^ Court of Assize & Gen" Goal De- livery & Superior Court of Judicature which by law is now holden on the Wednesday Imediately preceeding the time appointed for holding Said Court at Springfield in and for the County of Hamp- shire The Said persons are desired To Consult The Hon" His majestys Justices of y" Said Court of assize &61 for their advice what other time may be more accomodable for holding the Same & if they then shall think it proper that they Prefer a Petition ac- cordingly A Petition of Isaac Tomlin as Entered at the Last Term, being duly Served on the Children & Grand-Children of y'' Widdow Ru- hamah Wait, and all y'' partys now appearing and fully heard there- upon The Court order that the Cost & Charge which the Said Isaac Tomlin hath hirtherto been at iii the Support of the Said Ruhamah Wait and his Charges & Cost in prefering his Petition &61 amounting unto the Sum of Twelve pound Two Shillings be paid as follows W" Wait & Joseph Wait of Sutton Two of y*^ Sons of y^ Said Widdow Each Three pound & Six pence David Joss Joshua Josiah Kesiah & martha newton Grandchildren of y^ Said Widow Each Ten Shillings & one peney & that the Remaining three pound , John Chandler J' Esqr Joseph Wilder Esqr Justices of ^ahum Ward Esqr William Ward Esqr ^ Quorum Samuel Willard Esqr William Jenison Esqr J John Keyes Esqr Justices of the Peace Grandjury M"" Jonathan Houghton foreman M-" Joseph Crosby M"" W" Green Cap' Dan' Taylor M' John Haines M'' John Stockwell M"" William Jones M'' Isaac Learned M'' Gershom Keith M'' Caleb Sawyer M"" Eliphalett Carpenter Cap' John Fay M"" James Heaton M'' Thomas Hapgood Each att'' three days & M' Wilds attend y"" David Young of Worcester within y^ County of Worcester hus- bandman being presented by y^ Grandjurors for y^ County afores** 18 1 3 8 Court of General Sessions. ^7™^'' YOUNG D Iqj. i^jg Unecessaryly Travelling at Rutland and JURY Worcester in y^ County aforesaid on the last Mr Thos: Pratt Lords Day before the presentment, as "^ y^ Will: NicoUs •' ^ > \j J Epm: Wilder jr presentment appears was bound by way of Maturin Allanl _ . , , ,\ r^ ^ c r^ Simeon Mayiiard Kccognizance 1 o appear at the Lourt oi uen- joiin Gibbs gj.^]j Sessions of the Peace held on the Second Caleb Barton Jon Hobs Tuesday of August last past, at which Court Jno Sanderson r-i • i t-> • t^ ■ i i • /-• Simon Davis baid Recognizancc was Contmued to this Court Timo^crrur ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^hc Said David Young appeared and pleaded not Guilty upon which plea y^ Case after a full hearing was Comitted to the Jury who were Sworn ac- cording To Law to Try y*^ Same and Returned their Verdi6l there- in upon Oath as follows viz' that the Said David Young is Guilty, Its therefore Considered by the Court That the Said David Young Pay as a fine to the Sele6lmen or overseers of the Town of Rut- land for y'^ Use of the Poor of the Said Town thirty Shillings, that he pay Costs & Fees, Taxed at Six pound four Shilling and Stand Comitted till Sentence is performed which he Refuseing to pay was Comitted according The Seledlmen of Worcester presented a warrant directed to one of their Constables To warn John Partrick his wife and family to depart their Town and it being duly served, its accordingly ap- proved of by y^ Court The Court now order that a Tax or assessment amounting unto the Sum of one hundred and fifty Seven pound Eight Shillings & nine pence be raised on the Severall Towns within this County foi- defraying the usuall necessary Charges ariseing within the Same and that the Clark forthwith Send out Warrants direded to the Sele6l- men or assessors of the Respe6live Towns within y^ County for assessing their Severall Parts & proportions according to the Rules for assessing the last province Tax and for paying in y^ Same to Cap' Benjamin Flagg County Treasurer or To his Successors at or before the last day of may next. 1 735- 1 Worcester Coufity, Massachusetts. 139 The Severall Towns Proportion thereof is as follows viz' Worcester Eleven pound Seven Shillings & Eight pence 1 1 78 Lancaster Twenty Six pound three Shillings & four pence 26 3 4 Mendon fifteen pound fourteen Shillings 15 14 Woodstock Sixteen pound 16 Brookfield Thirteen pound Ten Shillings & Eight pence 13 10 8 Southboro' Eight pound thirteen Shillings 8 13 Westborough Nine pound one Shilling 9 i Leicester Six pound nineteen Shillings & Eight pence 6 19 8 Shrewsbury Seven pound Seven Shilling 7 7 Sutton Eleven pound five Shilling 1 1 5 Oxford Seven pound Two Shillings 7 2 Uxbridge Six pound & four pence 604 Rutland three pound Eighteen Shillings 3 18 Lunenburg three pound Eighteen Shillings 3 18 Harvard Seven pound three Shillings & one peny 7 3 I Upton Three pound Six Shillings 3 60 Sum Total 157 89 Warrants were Issued out Nov': ii"" 1735 att' Jn". Chandler J"" CI An acco' of Daniel Gookin Esqr Sheriff of y^ County amounting unto Seventeen pound thirteen Shillings & four pence Read and ordered That the Sum of Seventeen pound thirteen Shillings & four pence be paid out of the County Treasury in full discharge there- of to the Said W Sheriff Gookin in full Discharge thereof An acco" of John Chandler J"" Esq amounting unto Seven pound Sixteen Shillings Read and allowed and order'd that the Said Sum of Seven pound Sixteen Shillings be paid out of the County Treasury to the Said accomptant in full discharge thereof. — This aco' is withdrawn after it pas'd Betty Houghton being bound by way of Recognizance To ap- pear at this Court To answer To the Crime of fornication, Did not 1 40 Cow't of General ^>essio?is. I term, appear but forfieted her bond which was Ten pound which was paid in Court AUexander M'Clure's Recognizance Discharged paying Cost of Court w'^'' was p*^ John M'Jerald's Recognizance Discharged pay Cost, p** Robert Hunters Sam" Dunkins & Robert Aliens Recognizance discharged Mary Barbers recognizance at her husbands request Continued to February she not being well Nathaniel Sawyer of Lancaster In the County of Worcester hus- bandman and Mary his wife being bound by way of Recognizance to appear at this Court to answer to the Crime of Fornication ap- peared & Confess'd the same were fin'd Each thirty Shilling & Costs vv''" they paid & were dismissed Simon Stone of Shrewsbury Husbandman & Easter his wife and his Son Daniel Stone al being presented by y<= Grand Jury for Unecessaryly absenting themselves from the Publick Worship of God &6t appeared & gave their Reasons and were Excused paying Costs which were paid Experience Bartlett of Brookfield Spinster being bound to ap- pear at this Court To answer for the Crime of Fornication appear- ed & Confessed the fa6l but not being delivered Her bonds were Continued To the next Term Joseph Doolitde of Kingstown in the County of Hampshire now Resident in Brookfield in y^ County of Worcester husbandman 1 735- 1 Worcester Cotmty, Massachusetts. 141 being bound by way of Recognizance To appear at this Court To answer To a Complaint made ag'' him by Experience Bartlett of of Said Brookfield Spinster for his begitting her with Child by for- nication and she not bein yet delivered The Court order That he Renew his Bonds Namely him Self in the Sum of one hundred pound «& Two Suretys in fifty pound Each for his appearing at the next Term and abideing y^ Order of Court & not to depart with- out lycence. Thomas Mackintire of Rutland In the County of Worcester hus- bandman being presented by y^ Grandjurors for Said County for y' on y'= 25"' day of Augs' 1734 being Sabath day he did wilfully and unecessaryly presume to Travel! from Rutland aforesaid To Worcester in y'^ County of Worcester aforesaid being the Space of Twelve miles as '^ the presentment appears The said Thomas M^Kintire was brot before y^ Court and Confess'd he Did Travell as Set forth in y« presentment but Said it was not Unecessary Travell ; and being fully heard thereon The Court Judge the Said Thomas M^'Kintire is Guilty of Unecessary Travell as set forth in y«= presentm' : and therefore Sentence y^ Said Thomas M'^Kintire to pay a fine of thirty Shillings to the Sele6lmen or overseers of y« Poor of the Town of Worces for the use of y= Poor of Said Town That he pay Cost & fees Taxed at four pound Eleven Shillings & Stand Comitted Till Sentence is performed.— and he Refuseing to pay the Same was Comitted accordingly Nov'. 12 : 1735 he paid y^ fine & Costs & was accordingly Dis- charged John Slarah of Rutland in the County of Worcester husbandman being presented by the Grandjurors ibr said County for that on y^ 25"" day of August 1734 being Sabath day he did wilfully and un- necessaryly presume to Travell from Rutland aforesaid to Worces- ter In y^ County of Worcester afores'^ being the Space of Twelve miles &(5l as "^ y^ presentment appears The Said John Slarrah was brought before the Court and Confess'd he did Travell as set NOVKMHEB 142 Court of General Sessions. V-xil'^ forth In the presentment but said it was not unecessary Travell and fully heard thereon The Court Judge the said John Slarrah is Guilty of unecessary Travell as set forth In y<^ present and therefore order that the said John Slarrah pay a fine of thirty Shillings to the Se- le6lmen or overseers of the poor of the Town of Worcester for the use of the Poor of Said Town that he pay Cost & fees Taxed at four pound Sixteen Shillings and Stand Comitted till Sentence is performed and he refuseing to pay y"^ Same was Comitted accord- ingly Nov'' 12 1735 he paid y*^ fine & Costs & was Discharged Andrew M^Clain of Rutland In y*-' County of Worcester hus- bandman being present by the Grand Jurors for said County for that on the 25"" day of august 1735 being Sabath day he did wil- fully and Unecessaryly Travell from Rutland aforesaid To Worces- ter In y*^ County of Worcester aforesaid being the Space of Twelve miles &61 as ^ y^ presentment appears The said Andre^v M'Clain came into Court and Confess'd he did Travell as set forth in the presentment but said it was not Unecessary Travell and being fully heard thereon The Court Judge The Said Andrew M''Clain is (iuilty of Unecessary Travell as Set forth in the presentm' and therefore Sentence the Said Andrew M''Clain [to] pay a fine of thirty Shill- ings To the Sele6lmen or overseers of y*^ Poor of y^ Town of Wor- cester for y'^ Use of Said Poor that he pay Cost & Fees Taxed at Three pound Eleven Shillings and Stand Comitted till Sentence is performed, and he Refusing to pay y*^ Same was accordingly Com- itted, Nov''. 12 : 1735 ^'"^ P'^ y*^ Same & was discharged Thomas Ward of Westborough In y*^ County of Worcester hus- bandman being bound by way of Recognizance with Suretys To appear at this Court To answer To his presentment by the Grand Jurors for his willfully & Unnecessaryly negle6ting to attend the Pubhck worship of God on Lords days for more than one month last past before y^ presentment as ^ y'^ presentment appears, appeared in Court and pleaded not Guilty, The Case after a full 1735- ! Worcester County, Afassac/msctts. 143 D Kis. T. WARD hearing was Comitted to y^ Jury who were JURY Sworn according to law to Trye y^ Same & Re- "i"''"- ''"" turn'd there Verdi6l therein upon foath] as Mr Will Nieolls ' '- _ "^ . Kpm Wilder jr follows viz' that the Said Thomas Ward is Guilty simeonViu/iIara Its therefore Considered by y^ Court That the Caleb Barton g^j^^j Thomas Ward pay a fine of Twenty Shill- jiio (;ii)i)9 ^ •' ^ jona Hobs ings To thc Selectmen or overseers of y^ Poor simonDavir" of y® Town of Westborough for y^ use of the '^''" '^""'■" poor of said Town That he pay Costs & Fees Tim: Carter ^ ^ ■' Taxed at Two pound Two Shillings «& four pence and Stand Comitted Till Sentence be performed, From which Sentence y*^ Said Thomas Ward appealed To the next Court of assize and Generall Goal Delivery to be holden at Worcester within and for the County of Worcester In September next and Entered into Recognizance with Suretys according To law for prosecuting his appeal with Effe6l &61 viz' Thomas Ward of West- borough Husbandman Benjamin Flagg y of \Vorcester Gent & John Harwood of Uxbridge Joyner all in the County of Worcester appeared before y^ Court and acknowledged themselves bound by way of Recognizance viz' The Said Thomas Ward as principall in Twenty pound and the Said Benjamin Flagg J"" & John Harwood as Suretys in Ten pound Each To our Sovereign Lord the King his heirs or Successors to be Leveyed on their Goods or Chattells lands or Tenaments for y« Use of our Said Lord y^ King &c Con- ditioned That if the Said Thomas Ward Shall personally appear at Said Court of assize and Gen'^ Goal Delivery and Shall prosecute Said appeal with Effe6l and Shall do and perform what Shall by Said Court be Lijoyn'd him & not depart without Lycence & in the mean time be of the good behaviour then said Recognizance To be void Else To abide in full force and Virtue — Sep' 6. 1736 M'' Tho : Ward paid the fine & Cost att^ Jn° Chandler J' CI Thomas Ward of Westborough In y^ County of Worcester hus- bandman being bound by way of Recognizance with Suretys to ap- pear at this Court To answer to his presentment by the Grand Jurors in nov'' i 734 for his wilfully & Unnecessaryly negle6ling to 144 Court of General Sessions. l%Yk"r^ DOM^ REX attend the Publick Worship of God on Lords TH WARD jj^yg f-Qj. i-j-iQre than one month last past before Same Jury as: 1st: case ye presentment as "^ y« Same appears appeared in Court and pleaded not Guilty, The Case after a full hearing was Comitted to the Jury who were Sworn ac- cording to law to Trye y= Same and Returned there Vertii6l there in upon [oath] as follows viz' That the said Thomas Ward is Guilty Its therefore Considered by the Court That the Said Thomas Ward pay a fine of Twenty Shillings to the Sele6lmen or overseers of y^ Poor of the Town of Westborough for the use of the Poor of Said Town that he pay Cost & Fees Taxed at Two pound Two Shillings & four pence and Stand Comitted Till Sentence be performed From which Sentence The said Tho^ Ward appealed To the next Court of assize and Generall Goal Deliv- ery to be holden at Worcester in and for the County of Worcester in September next and entered into Recognizance with Suretys ac- cording to law for prosecuting his appeal with Effect &dl as follows viz' The said Thomas Ward as principall In the Sum of Twenty pound and Benjamin Flagg J'' of Worcester Gent and John Har- wood of Uxbridge Joyner both in the County of Worcester as Suretys in Ten pounds Each personally appearing before the Court and acknowledged themselves bound by way of Recognizance In y^ aforesaid Sums Respe6lively to our Sovereign Lord the King his heirs or Successors To be Leveyed upon their Goods or Chat- tells lands or Tenemt' for the Use of our Said Lord y^ King &61 Conditioned that If the Said Thomas Ward Shall personally appear at Said Court of Assize and Generall Goal Delivery and Shall pros- ecute Said appeal with Effe6l and Shall doe and perform what by Said Court Shall be Injoyned him and not Depart without Lycence and in the mean time be of y^ Good behaviour Then said Recog- nizance to be void Else to abide In full force & virtue Sepr 6. 1 736 M' Tho Ward paid y^ fine & Cost att' Jn" Chandler J' CI Worcester ss Aii7w R^ R^ Gco^^gij Secundi nunc Magnce Britainice Francice et Hibernice Nono"^ At a Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace be- gun and Held at Worcester in and for the County of Worcester on the first Tuesday of Febry being the third day of Said Month anno Dom 1735-6 JUSTICES PRESENT John Chandler a Sam" Wright Esq"- Joseph Wilder Esqrs Justices, Samuel Dudley Esq-" William Ward ,' ^^^ the Peace j^enry Lee Esq^ ) J"^f J^J ^: Quorum ^.^ , -..r j 7- r V o* ^he William Jenison > Nahum Ward Esq' f peace Samuel Ward Esq' ^ Daniel Taft | p y ^ Reyes Esq' John Chandler J' j ^^^ ' ^ -' ^ ^ Grand Jury M' Jon*^ Houghton foreman M"" Joseph Crosby M' W" Green M' Caleb Sawyer M' John Starnes M' Dan' Taylor M' Isaac Thayer M' Isaac Learned M' John Stockwell M' William Ayres M' Eliphalett Carpenter M' Gershom Keith M' James Heaton M' Thomas Hapgood Cap* John Fay M' William Jones M' Richard Wilds Dep' Sheriff attended them 19 Febeitaey 1 46 Court of Ge7ieral Sessions: \ t?rm! Stephen Chapman of Woodstock &61 bound over to this Court for Breach of Peace appeared acknowledged The fadl was find five ShilHngs & to Pay Costs which he did and was Dismissed The Selectmen of Worcester presented a Warrant diredled to one of their Constables To warn one Thomas Green his wife & family 1 o depart their Town and it being duly Serv'd its approved Isaac CoUer Oliver Coller & Lydia Coller all of them being pre- sented for not attending on y^ Publick Worship of God &6t; all of them appeared and pleaded their poverty & not living within any Town, and promising as soon as they could to Reform were dis- miss'd Thomas Ward of Westborough &61: being presented for his un ecessaryly Traveling on y^ Lords [day] &61 appeared & made hi Excuse & was dismissed paying Costs Joseph Sanouse an Indian being presented for Unecessaryly Traveling on y^ Lords day &61 appeared & made his Excuse & was dismiss'd paying Cost Mathew Barber of Shrewsbury being presented for Unecessaryly Traveling on the Lords day &61 appeared & made his Excuse & was dism'^ paying Cost Mary Barber wife of Mathew Barber being presented for L^nec- essaryly Traveling on the Lords [day] Sep^ 14 : 1735 appeared & made her Excuse & was Dismissed paying Cost 1 73 5 "6- ( Worcester County, Massachusetts. 147 Robert M'^Cain of Rutland being presented for Unecessaryly Travelling on y^ 25"' of Aug : 1734 appeared and made his Excuse and was dismis*^ paying Cost The Town of Brookfield being presented for want of a Bridge over Marks River &c appeared and assured the Court they would speedily build y'^ Same were dism'' paying Cost The Court now order that for the future Wednesday y^ Second day of the Courts Siting being at the Severall Courts hereafter held in November and Feb''y be Sessions days and thursday the third day of the Courts Siting at the Severall Courts hereafter held in mav & august be Sessions days. The Court order that a well be dug on the Prison ground or as near the Same as may be at the Charge of the County & William Jenison John Chandler J"" & Henry Lee Esq" & M"' Sheriff Gookin are desired to fix y^ place for y^ Same & See it dug & well Stone on as Easy Terms as may be This Court order that a Cart Bridge be Ere6ted and built at the Charge of the County over a River Called French River between Worcester (^ Oxford at or near the place where y*^ present Road Crosses Said River it being not in any Town & there being great need of a Bridge there and to be from time to time Repaired at the Charge of the County till the Court Shall order otherwise & Cap' Benjamin Flagg and M"" Gershom Rice Jun'' are appointed a Comittee To Se y^ Same Effe6led and then to lay their acco' be- fore y*^ Court for their approbation & allowance Joseph Doolittle and Experience Bartlett being bound over to this Court by M' Jno Dwite To appear at the last Term as appears FEIiKUARY 148 Court of General Sessions. \ term,' by their Respedlive Recognizances were then again Bound to ap- pear this Court & now they appeared and Confess'd they were Guilty of y'= Crime of fornication were find Each thirty Shillings & Cost and were dism*^ John Rich Jun"' of Dudley &61 being bound To appear at this Court by the Hon^ John Chandler Esqr To answer to a Charge Exhibitted against him &61 as ^ y^ Recognizance appears Came into Court & promising Reformation of what was amiss in him was dismiss 'd. The Sele6lmen of Grafton presenting a warrant dire6led by them to the Constable of Grafton To warn John Ward his wife & family & nath" Whitemore his wife & family to depart there Town &6t it was ordered to be put on file DOM REX David Parsons of Leicester in y*= County of ■^^ Worcester Clerk being presented by the Grand PARSONS Jurors for said County for that y^ said David Parsons at the meeting House in Leicester aforesaid on the Twentyth day of aprill last past it being the Lords day Did then and there make a Disturbance in the Publick wor- ship of God by words and a6lions &61 as '^ the presentment fully and at large appears, was bound by way of Recognizance with sure- tys to appear at the Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace held at Worcester the first day of November last past at which Court M"" Par- sons appeared and at his desire the Case was Continued to this Term & now y*^ Said Parsons appeared and pray'd the presentment might be Quas'd as "^ his pleas on file appear Which were over- Ruled by the Court & to the presentment or Crime alledged pleaded not Guilty, Upon which plea the Case after a full hearing was Comitted to the Jury who were Sworn according to law to Trye y^ Same and Return'd their Verdi6l therein upon oath vizt That the said David Parsons is Guilty Its therefore Considered 1735-6-! Worcester Cotifity, Massachusetts. 149 by the Court that the said David Parsons pay as a fine to our Sovereign Lord the [King] as a fine twenty five ShiUings That he pay Cost & Fees & Stand Comitted till Sentence is perform 'd, he paid y^ fine & Cost in Court & was dismiss'd William M'carry of Wrentham In y'^ County of Suffolk Husband- man being presented by the Grandjurors of our Lord y'^ King for the County of Worcester for that y^ Said William on or about the Twenty ninth day of December last past at a place called Boston in the Township of Worcester in y^ County of Worcester afores*^ at the House of M'' Maylems did take Steal and Carry away a pockett Book or mony Case wherein was one pound five Shillings & Sixpence in paper Bills and in bonds and notes of hand and accounts to y'^ Valine of Sixty or Seventy pounds and of the proper Goods or Estate of one John Salisbury of Bristoll in y<^ County of Bristol! Inholder alwhich is highly Criminall and ag'' the peace of our Sovereign Lord the King &iQi The Deft appeared & pleaded not Guilty The Case after a full hearing was Comitted to the Jury who were Sworn according to law to Trye y^ Same and Re- turn'd there Verdi6l therein upon oath as follows viz' that the Said William M'Carry is not Guilty Its therefore Considered by y*^ Court that the Said William M'"Carry be Dismiss'd paying Cost Worcester ss Anno Regni Regis Georgi Secundi nunc Magnce Britanics FrancicB et Hibernics Nono''^ /\tt a Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace be- gun and Held at Worcester in and for the County of Worcester on the Second Tuesday of May being the iith day of Said Month anno Dominij 1736 John Chandler Esq'' Joseph Wilder Esq"' William Ward Esq"" William Jenison Esq"' Jphn Chandler J"" Esqr JUSTICES PRESENT Samuel Dudley -n Esqrs ) Justices of Henry Lee [ Justices \ the Peace Nahum AVard ) °* ^^^ \ and Quo- rum Peace Coroners Capt James Wilder M"" Seth Chapin J"" NP Joseph Wright & M"" Gershom Rice Old Grand Jury M'' Jon"^ Houghton foreman M"' Joseph Crosby Cap' Daniel Taylor M"" James Heaton M"" John Starns M"" William Green M' Thomas Hapgood M"" Isaac Thayer Cap' John Fay " M'' Caleb Sawyer M"" Eliphalett Carpenter M' Gershom Keith M' William Jones W William Ayres M"" Isaac Learned W John Stockwell M'' Richard Wilds De])' Sheriff attended on them 1736.' Woi^cester County, MassacJi2isetts. 151 New Grand Jury for i 736 Sutton M"" Robert Goddard foreman Worcester M" Thomas Rice M'' Nath" Green Leicester M"" Cyprian Stevens M'' Jon" Furbush Westboro' Mendon M"" Nathan Tyler M' Joseph Taft Jun' Uxbridge Woodstock M"' Joseph Lyon Rutland M"" James Wright Brookfield M'' John Ayre Lunenburge M*" Benjamin iVr David Fay Southborough Goodrich M"' Symon Maynard Shrewsbury Harvard M'' John Daly M' Samuel Davis Oxford Grafton M"' James Whiple Lancaster M'' Elias Sawyer They were Sworn & Sent home David Farnsworth and Hanah his wife both of Lunenburg &6t came into Court and Confessd themselves Guilty of the Crime of fornication were find thirty Shillings Each and Cost & then dism** Sarah Bucknum of Sutton Singlewoman came into Court & Con- fess'd she had been Guilty of y'^ Crime of fornication was find thirty Shillings & Cost & then dismiss'd. James Magregore of Grafton &(5l being presented by the Grand jury for Uuecessary Traveling on the Lords day made his Excuse and was dismissd paying Costs The Sele6l men of Mendon presented a warrant directed to their Constable to warn Mary Thoits to depart their Town & being duly Served was approved An acco' of John Chandler J"" Esqr amounting unto the Sum of of fourteen pound Six Shillings allowed of by the Court and the County Treasurer is accordingly order to pay y^ Same 152 Court of General Sessions. ^tIrm. Benjamin Flagg County Treasurer presented his accounts from may 1735 To May 1736. which were Carefully Examined by the Court and accordingly approved of the ballance in favour of the County when all y« Taxes are paid is fifty Three pounds fourteen Shillings & Ten pence & the Court dired the Clark to Signe y« Same in y^ name of y^ Court The Votes Sent in from the Several Towns in the County for the Choice of Register of Deeds were opened in & Sorted [by] the Court. The Number of Votes wer 522 : and it appeared that John Chandler J' Esqr was Eledted by 5 1 7 Votes and was accord- ingly Sworn to the faithfull discharge of his office by the Hon" Jo- seph Wilder Esqr The Votes Sent in from y^ Several Towns for y^ Choice of a County Treasurer being opened & Sorted by y^ Court it appeared that there were Two hundred Sixty Eight Votes and that Cap* Benjamin Flagg was Ele6ted by 266. votes and was according Sworn to y*^ faithfull discharge of his office by y*^ Clerk in & by order of the Court A By law of the Town of Lunenburg prohibiting Cattle & Horses from being brought into their Town &61 was presented to the Court and according allowed of and approved by the Court A Petition of Nathaniel Dike & nine others Inhabitants of Sut- ton Seting forth the Great Difficulty they Labour under for want of a Sutable Road from Sutton to Worcester the Shire Town of y"^ County Read & ordered that William Jenison Esq Major Jonas Rice and Cap' Benjamin Flagg be a Comittee to Consider of Said Petition as to the necessaty of a Road being laid out and to view and make Report as Soon as may be To this Court of what they may think proper to be done \x\ answer to Said Petition Worcester ss Aimo R'' R^ Gcorgij Sccundi nunc Magnce Britamics FrancicB et Hibernice Decimo /\tt a Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace be- gun and Held at Worcester within and for the County of Worcester on the Second Tuesday of August being the Tenth day of Said Month annoq Dominij 1736 JUSTICES PRESENT John Chandler Esqrs Josiah Willard Esq"" Joseph Wilder -n Justices of Nahum Ward Esq-- William Ward C the Peace Joseph Dwight Esq' William Jenison ) ' ^^^^^^ Sam" Willard Esq'' John Chandler J"" Samuel Dudley Esq'' Henry Lee Esq' Edward Hartwell Esq"" John Keyes Esq'' Justices of the Peace Capt James Wilder W Seth Chapin J"" M' Joseph Wright & M"" Gershom Rice Coroners Grandjury M' Robert Goddard foreman M' David Fay M' Thomas Rice M'' Cyprian Stevens M' Elias Sawyer M' Nathan Tyler M' Joseph Lyon M"" Symon Maynard M'' Benj" Goodrich M' John Daly M"' James Whiple M"" Sam" Davis Each atf^ Three days and M"" James Wright M"" Isaac Farnsworth l)ep' Sheriff attended on them M' Nath" Green M-- Jon'' Furbush W Joseph Taft 1^4 Court of General Sessions. ^Ymm? The Court Taking into Consideration the small Extent of the Prison yard, and M"" Jotham Rice the under Keeper of the Prison who has got a Dweling House & land adjoining thereto being will- ing to Subje6t it for that use The Court therefore order the Prison yard be Inlarged viz* on y^ Side next the County Road To Extend Southerly on y^ Same Course y'^ Yard now is so far as That a line Extending westward as said Rices fence now Stands will Include said Rices house & So to Extend Westward as far as Said Rices land goes — — and northward as far as y^ prison yard now is Solomon Johnson of Leicester In the County of Worcester Gent, being Convi6led of Drunkenness by the View of the Justices in Court, & it being a second Convi6lion — The Court thereupon or- der & Sentence him that he pay a fine of Ten Shillings to the use of the Poor of the Town of Worcester where the offence was (Jom- itted or Stand Comitted in his majestys Goal in Worcester by the Space of Twenty four Hours & pay Cost & Fees and Give bond by way of Recognizance with Suretys for the Good behaviour till the Court of Generall Sessions of the peace to be held here in No- vember next viz' The said Solomon Johnson in Ten pounds & the Suretys in five pound Each and to stand Comitted till Sentence is performed & he failing of So doing The Court ordered The Clerk To Issue out a mittemus accordingly which was done The Court now order that a Sutable Vault for Receiving the ordure of those who are or may be Confined in the Goal in Wor- cester be made as Soon as may be tS: that due Care be had in making the Same Strong and well plateing the hole to be Cut through the floor into the Same & making of it very secure and William Jenison and Daniell Gookin Esq"" are appointed To See the Same Effe6led at the Charge of the County The Sele61; men of Lunenburg presented a warrant dire6led to their Constable to warn Ebenezer Slinglee & his family to depart their Town and being duly Served was approved 1 736. 1 Worcester County, Massachusetts. 155 The Sele6l men of Dudley presented a warr' dire6led to their Constable to warn Martha Mackintire to depart their Town &61 which was approved it being Duly Served The Sele6lmen of Mendon presented a Warr' dire6led to their Constable to warn Mary Wilson to depart their Town &61 which being duly Served was approved — also another To warn Benj"' Ramsdell <& his wife to depart their Town approved in like maner The Selecft men of Shrewsbury presented a warrant dire6led to their Constable to warn Thomas Foster to depart their Town which being duly Served was approved A By law of the Town of Mendon Respe6ling Rams was pre- sented for allowance & Disapproved Ebenezer Hows Recognizance Discharged John Dakin of Lancaster in y^ County of Worcester husbandman being presented by the Grandjurors &6t for not attinding y'^ Pub- lick Worship of God &61 appeared & made his Excuse & was dis- miss'd paying Cost A Vote or By law of the Town of Brookfleld Relateing To Rams approved of by the Court Jonathan Harwood of Sutton in y*^ County of Worcester hus- bandman appeared in Court To answer To his presentment for not attending on y'= Publick Worship of God, and made his Excuse & was Dismiss'd paying Costs 1^6 Co2irt of General Sessions. I'tS,'' Martha Mackintire of Dudley or Resident in Dudley Single woman Stood bound over To this Court by way of Recognizance by John Chandler Esqr To answer for the Crime of fornication appeared in Court & Confess'd y'' Crime was find To the King thirty Shilling & Cost which She paid. Ruth Ballard of Lancaster &61 being bound over to this Court In aug : 1 735 by M' Justice Wilder To answer for y'^ Crime of for- nication her Recognizance was Continued To this Court & She now appeared & Confess'd her Self Guilty was find thirty Shillings To v= King & Cost w<^'^ She paid Sam" Davenports Recognizances Discharged Nathan Dennis of Dudley in the County of Worcester husbandman being bound over To this Court by way of Recog- nizance, By John Chandler Esqr To answer To a Complaint made against him by Martha Mackintire of Said Dudley or Resident in Said Dudley Singlewoman for his being the father of a Bastard Child begotten of her body, &6t appeared in Court, but made no Defence, To the Charge made against [him] Whereupon the Court ordered that the Said Nathan Dennis Enter into Recognizance with Suretys To Save y^ Town of Dudley from any Charge on acco' of Said Bastard Child vizt y^ Said Nathan Dennis in the Sum of one hundred pounds & his Suretys in fifty pound Each which he then Did & John Rich of Dudley aforesaid & William Wait of Sut- ton In said County were his Suretys, and is as follows, personally appeared the said Nathan Dennis John Rich and \V'" Wait and acknowledged themselves Indebted To Jonathan Hobbs of Dudley aforesaid husbandman & Treasurer of Said Town of Dudley and to his Successors for y^ tise of Said Town of Dudley in the Re- spe6tive Sums following viz' the Said Nathan Dennis Principall in the Sum of one hundred pound and the Said John Rich and Wil- liam Wait Suretys in the Sum of fifty pounds Each To be Leveyed 1736. ( Worcester Co2inty, MassacJiiisetts. 157 upon their goods and Chattells Lands or Tenaments & for want thereof upon their bodys for the Use of y^ Said Jonathan Hobbs present Town Treasurer of Said Dudley and of his Successors in said office for the use of Said Town if Default be made in the per- formance of y*^ Conditions here under written The Condition of this Recognizance is such That if the said Nathan Dennis Shall & doo well ^: Truely save and Indemnifie said Town of Dudley from any Charge Legally laid upon them On acco' of Said Bastard Child Then the Recognizance to be void Else to abide in full force & Virtue Recognized before y^ Court Att' John Chandler J' Cler A Petition of Isaac Tomlin, of Westborough in y^ County of Worcester Yeoman one of the Children of Rahamah Wait late of Southborough Dec*^ Seting forth that some time since y^ Court were pleased To order how the said Ruhamah should be main- tain'd by her Children &6t Dureing her natural life but no pro- vision was made respefting her funerall Charges praying the Courts Direction herein Read and The Court order That the funerall Charges of the said Ruhamah Wait being Three pound Seven Shillings Together with the Cost of prefering this petition be paid by the Children and Grand Children of y'' Said Dec*^ in the Same proportion as her maintainance was ordered by this Court in Au- giist I 735 A Petition of Daniel Mackintire and Sundry others Lihabitants of the Town of Oxford Seting forth the Great Difnculty they labour under for want of a Sutable and proper Roaci from their Dwellings to Travell in on Lords days To y'= Publick worship of God in Said Town as well as on other days on their own business and that al- tho' they have applyed To y^ Select men of oxford cant as yet ob- tain the same praying for Reliefe according to law which Petition was accompanyed with a Petition from the Sele6tmen of said Town of Oxford Showing to this Court That Sundry of the Lihabitants and proprietors of said Town have of late made application to them for private and Town ways which The petitioners apprehend ought to have Refference to Country and County highways with Respe6l 1 5 8 Court of General Sessio7is. \ "Vi^rm? to Causeways & Bridges, &61 praying the Court to Interpose in y<= affair and that proper highways in said Town may be ascertained, which Petitions were Read, and the Court order That WiUiam Jen- ison & Henry Lee Esq" and Cap' Benjamin Flagg or any two of them be a Comittee to Repair to oxford and to view & Consider what highways are of necessity to be laid out, in said Town, and also what may be proper for the Court to doe with Respe6l To y^ Petition of Dan" mackintire and others, and make Report as soon as may be and the Petitions are Refered in the mean time for fur- ther Consideration Joss Wheeler Son of Benjamin Wheler of Lancaster In y^ County of Worcester husbandman being presented by y^ Grand Jurors of Said County for droping and Covering Indian Corn on the ninth day of May 1736 at Lancaster aforesaid which day was y*^ Sabath or Lords day which a6lion is Contrary to y*^ peace of our Lord y« King his Crown & Dignity & y^ laws of this province in y' behalf made <& provided cs:6t. appeared in Court and Confessd him Self Guilty of Labouring but said he was Ignorant that therein he had broke y^ laws of y^ land, and being fully heard, Its Considered by ys Court that the Said Joss Wheeler pay as a fine for y^ use of the Poor of y*^ Town of Lancaster the Sum of fifteen Shillings that he pay Costs & fees & Stand Comitted Till Sentence is performed. he paid y*^ fine & Cost in Court Hanah Wheeler wife of Benjamin Wheeler of Lancaster in y^ County of Worcester husbandman being presented by y^ Grand Jurors of Said County for droping or planting Indian Corn on the ninth day of May 1736. at Lancaster aforesaid which ninth day of May was y'^ Sabath or Lords day which action is Contrary to y^ peace of the King &61 as ^ y^ presentment appears — appeared in Court and Confess'd herself Guilty of Labouring but said she was Ignorant that therein she had broke y^ laws of y'= land and being fully heard, Its Considered by y^ Court that y« said Hanah Wheeler i736.( Worcester Cotinty, Massachtisetts. 159 pay as a fine for y*^ use of y^ Poor of y^ Town of Lancaster the Sum of fifteen Shillings that she pay Cost & Fees and Stand Com- itted till Sentence is performed : She paid y^ fine & Cost in Court. Benjamin Wheeler of Lancaster In y^ County of Worcester Hus- bandman being presented by the Grandjurors of Said County for droping Corn and Covering it on y^ ninth day of May 1736 at Lancaster aforesaid which day was y^ Sabath or Lords day Con- trary to y^ peace of y*^ King &61 as '^ y'^ presentment appears, he appeared in Court and Confess'd himself to be Guilty of Labour- ing but said It was Ignorantly done & not with intent to Break y^ laws of y^ land, and being fully hear[d] Its Considered by y^ Court that the Said Benjamin Wheeler pay as a fine to y^ use of y'^ Poor of y^ Town of Lancaster The Sum of fifteen shillings that he pay Cost & fees & Stand Comitted till y^ Sentence is performed He paid y^ fine & Cost in Court Rachell Newton y= wife of Abraham Newton of Southborough in y*^ County of Worcester Husbandman being presented by y^ Grandjurors for said County at y^ Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace held at Worcester within and for the County of Wor- cester on the first Tuesday of feb''y last past for not attending y^ Publick Worship of God for more y" one Month preceeding the presentment and The Said Abraham Newton Recognizeing to his Majestye before William Ward Esqr one of his Majestys Justices of y^ peace for Said County in five pounds for the Said Rachells appearing at this Court and to do and Receive that which by the Court shall be then & there enjoyned her & not to depart without Lycence, The said Rachell now appeared and made her Excuse and being fully heard Its Considered by tl)e Court that the Said Rachell Newton Pay Cost Taxed at and then be Dismissed, but She failing of so doing, and Departing without the Lycence of y^ Court, and the said Abraham Newton failing of appearing and paying the Same altho' he was three times Solemnly Called upon to bring her into Court his Recognizance i6o Court of General Sessions. S Al'OUST \ Tkbm, was by the Court declared forfeited and the Clerk ordered to put the Same in Suit accordingly after which Said Abraham appeared and moved To have y'^ affiiir Reconsidered &61 was & further Re- feree! To november next A List of Inholders and Retailors Lycenced by this Court with ye Names of their Suretys Each principall Recognized in fifty pound and Each Surety in Twenty five pounds The following persons are Inholders unless Retailor is added to there names Worcester 'Capt Danicll Ileywood Suretys Capt Moses Rice Capt Benja Flagg Capt Moses Rice Suretys Capt Benja Flagg iS: John Ilarwooil Mr Till) Starns Suretys Capt I'lagg \- Ilt-nry Lee Esqr Mr John Bigelo Suretys Isaac Farnswurth Robt Horn Mr John Crosby Retailor Suretys Danl Hubbard Jona Sargent 'Capt Thomas Carter Suretys Samll Willard Esq Capt Wil- liam Richardson Capt William Richardson Suretys Saml Willard Esq Capt Tho Carter Lancaster \ Mr Jonathan Houghton Jr Suretys Saml Willard & Edward Hartw ell Esqr Mr Benja Houghton Suretys Eleazer Heywood & John Sadler Samuell Willard Esqr Retailor Suretys Capt Tho Carter & Capt William Richardson Mendon Woodstock (Mr Ebenr Merriam Capt William Rawson Capt Daniel Lovett bound for one another / Capt Jonathan Payson Suretys Joseph Lyon & Eleazer \ Heywood '\ Mr Joseph Wright Suretys Capt Jona Payson & Capt (^ " Benja Elagg ' Mr Eleazer Heywood Surety Daniell Gookin Esqr Capt Mr Solomon Keyes [Jno Hubbard Mr Nathaniell Read Suretys Capt James Leland Capt Jo- seph Willard Brookfield ■{ Capt Phillip Coss Capt Moses Rice principall Suretys Capt Flagg |no Harwood Mr Israel Richardson Suretys Jonathan Sargent Israeli Richardson 1736.J Worcester County, Massachusetts. 161 Shrcwshuiy Sutton Rutland Leicester C'apt Danicll How Surctys Calel) Witlierbee John Crosby Mr John Bush Suretys Nahum Ward Ksqr Cajit Benja Flagg Nahum Ward Esqr \ ,,^,,;,^,.^ Suretys Capt Benja Klagg Mr John Crosby ( l^etailois ^^^^ Marwood Suretys Peter Smith Danll Hubbard Mr I'ercz Rice Saml Dudley Ks(]r ])rincipnll Suretys Edwd Hartwell Ksip- Benja Flag Mr Obadiah Walker | Suretys for each other & Sandl Read Mr Josei)h l^oyden j for both Mr Fleazer Fletcher Suretys Nathll Sherman Samuel Wadkins Capt Hubbard Moses How principal!) Nehcmiah How & Mr M(.)scs How Retailor / Eleazer Hey wood Suretys for both I Southborough Uxbridge Westborough Harvard Lunenburg Oxford Mr Jonathan Sargent Suretys Fleazer Robins Ephraim Witlierbee Mr Thomas Richardson Suretys David Fay Isaac Farnsworth Mr James Smith Suretys Israel Richardson Jona Sargent Mr Wm Larkin Retailor Suretys Nahum Ward Esqr Nathan ( 'arpcnter ( Mr Rol)ert Horn Suretys John Crosby iS: Joseph Crosby '1 Mr Caleb Witherbee Suretys John Croseby & Joseph Crosby Mr Samuell Read Suretys Joe Boyden Obediah Walker Mr IC/.ekiell Wood Surety Danll Hubbard I'erez Rice Mr SolcHium Wood principall Samll Read Suretys Joseph Boyden Obedia Walker Mr John Ilarwood Retailor Suretys Capt Flagg & Joseph Dyer ( ("apt John Fay Suretys Saml Willard and Edward Hart- I well Esqrs j [ohn Maynard Suretys Saml Willard and Edwd Hartwell i " Esqrs Barzalcel Eager Retailor Suretys Nahum Ward and Henry Lee Esqrs r Mr Eleazer Robins Suretys Jonathan Sargent Ephraim I Witherbee I Mr Eb : Sprague Suretys Benja H(nighlon James How Mr Ephraim Witherbee Suretys Saml Dudley Edward Hartwell Esqrs \ Mr Isaac l-'arnsworth Suretys John Biglo Robert Horn Ijosiah Willard Esqr Retailor Suretys Caleb Witherbee & Saml Dudley Es(ir Mr Elijah Moore Capt Moore principall Suretys Danl Nevvhall Joe : Crosby Capt Moses Marcy Capt Flagg principall Suretys Jno Ilarwood Joseph Dyer f 21 l62 Dudley Grafton Upton New Sherborn Court of General Sessions. S AlIGirRT \ Tekm, I Mr Daniel Coburn Suretys Isaac Barnard Moses How Capt James Leland Suretys Capt Joseph Willard Nath Read Mr Xehemiah How Suretys Moses How Eleazer Heywood Capt Joe Willard Suretys James Leland Nathll Read Mr Nathll Sherman Suretys Isaac Barnard Ele : Fletcher Mr John Sadler Suretys Benja Houghton Ephraim Hill Mr John Hazeltine Jno Hazeltine principall Suretys Capt Flagg & Jos : Dyer Mr Saml Watkins Retailor Suretys John Sadler Ephraim Hill f Mr Ephraim Hill Suretys John Sadler Ephraim Hill \ Mr William Stockwell New Medfield | Mr John Stacy Capt Flagg principal Suretys Jno Harwood & Joseph Dyer Lambs Town | Mr Nathan Carpenter Suretys Joseph Dwight Esqr William Larkin At one of ye Narragansett Towns | Fairbank Moore Suretys Joseph Dwight Samll Willard Esqrs William Jenison Esc^r from y'^ Comittee appointed by this Court in May last on a Petition of Sundry persons to view and make Re- port of y^ necessaty of laying out a Publick Road from the Town of Worcester To Sutton, made Report which was accepted and the Court order that the Clerk Grant out a warrant Dire6led to the Sheriff, To Impanel! a Jury agreeable to law for y*^ laying out Said Road — to assemble at y'^ Dwelling House of M' Joseph Boyden in Sutton on Tuesday the first day of 06tober next to be duly Sworn for that end and that in laying out said Road they have due Regard to the Report of the Comittee Worcester ss Anno Regni Regis Georgi Secundi nunc Maznce Britanice FrancicE et Hibernice Decinio "^ Att a Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace be- gun and Held at Worcester In and for the County of Worcester on the first Tuesday of November being the Second day of Said Month anno Dom" 1736 John Chandler Joseph Wilder William Ward William Jenison John Chandler J^ JUSTICES PRESENT Henry Lee Esq"" Nahum Ward Esq'' John Keyes Esq'' Justices of the Peace Esqrs Justices of the Peace and Quo- rum Capt James Wilder M' Seth Chapin Jun"- IVP Joseph Wright M'' Gershom Rice Coroners (irandjury M'' Robert Goddard foreman M'' David Fay M' Thomas Rice M'' Cyprian Stevens M' Elias Sawyer M' Nathan Tyler M'' Joseph Lyon M"" John Ayres M'' Nath" Green TvP Joseph Taft W Sam" Davis M'' John Daly M'' James Whiple Each attended Two days and Richard Wild Dept M"" Symon Maynard Sheriff attended them 164 Court of General Sessions. P'xERMf'' An acco' of Daniel Gookin Esq'' Sheriff of the County amount- ing To Twenty one pound four Shillings Read and allowed and ordered that the Sum of Twenty one pound four Shillings be paid out of the County Treasury to Said M' Sheriff Gookin in full dis- charge thereof James orcutt bound over to this Court by the Hon" John Chand- ler Esq' To answer to his presentment by y^ Grandjurors for the Crime of fornication appeared and was dismiss'd paying Cost The Court now order that a Tax or assessment amounting to the Sum of Two hundred pounds be Raised on the Severall Towns within this County for defraying the usual & necessary Charges ariseing within the Same and that the Clark forthwith send out Warrants direfted to the Sele6lmen or assessors of the Respet^tive Towns within the County for assessing their Severall parts & pro- portions according to the Rules for assessing the last Province Tax and for paying the Same to Capt Benjamin Flagg County Treasurer or to- his Successor at or before the last day of May next. The Severall Towns Proportion thereof is as follows viz' Worcester Twelve pound Eighteen Shillings & three ])ence 12 18 3 Lancaster Twenty nine pound Six Shillings & three pence 29 6 3 Mendon Nineteen pound Six Shillings & Ten pence 19 6 10 Woodstock Twenty pound four Shillings 20 4 Brookfield Sixteen pound Eight Shillings & Eight pence 1 6 8 8 Southborough Elevin pound live Shillings & nine pence 11 59 Leicester Nine pound Twelve Shillings & five pence 912 5 Rutland Six pound one Shilling & five pence 615 Lunenburg Six pound Eight Sliillings & Eight pence 6 8 8 Westborough Eleven pound Seven Shillings & Six pence 11 76 Shrewsbury Eleven pound four Shillings & five pence 11 4 5 Oxford Six pound Eighteen Shillings & five pence 618 5 Sutton thirteen pound Sixteen Shillings & Seven pence 13 16 7 Uxbridge Nine pound Nineteen Shillings & Eleven pence 9 19 11 Harvard Eight pound & three pence 803 Grafton Seven pound & Eight pence 708 Sum Total! ;^2oo o o Warrants were Issued out November 15"* 1736 att* Jn" Chandler J' Clr 1736. 1 Worcester County, Massachusetts. 165 Upon a Motion made & Seconded The Court order that Daniel Gookin Esq' Sheriff of this County do at y^ Court of Generall Ses- sions of the Peace to be held here in Febry next Give Surety unto ye Kings majesty for y-' Due & faitlifull discharge and performance of His office in all the parts thereof with two Sufficient Suretys himself in one Thousand Pound lawful money and his Suretys in Five Hundred pound Each and dire6led that the Clerk notifye him of this order that So he Comply Therewith agreeable to y^ province Law in Page 120 And the Justices of Said Court being apprehensive it may be of Dangerous Consequence for y^ Keye of the Prison to be Kept at any place from y^ Same desire M' Sheriff Gookin to have y'= [key] Kept by y^ the Resident Keeper of Said Prison that So if any ac- cident by fire should hapen the Prisoners might not Perish by fire The Court order that the Sum of fourteen pound one Shilling be paid out of the County Treasury To M' Gershom Rice Jun' to Reimburse him the mony he has advanced for Labour in building a bridge over a River Called french River between Worcester and Oxford not in y^ Bounds of any Town Twenty Shillings thereof to be paid To Capt Benjamin Flagg for his Trouble & Service asone of the Comittee The Residue To be in full for his own Service & mony advanced as aforesaid Said Bridge being built by order of Court Abigail Richardson Recognized for her appearance at this Court To answer for presentment by y*^ Grandjurors for Seling Strong Licjuor &6t appeared & was Dismiss'd paying Cost The Selea men of The Town of Shrewsbury presented a War- rant direded to their Constable to warn Eleazer Harthan & his wife to depart their Town and y*^ Same being duly Served was ap- proved by y^ Court NOVEMnEE 1 66 Court of General Sessions. \ "tekm,' The Sele6l men of Worcester presented a Warr' dire6led to one of their Constables to warn James Hawes and Han" Hooker to de- part their Town w'=^ being- duly Served is approved Skipper Fairfield of Sutton MX Husbandman Recognized before M'' Justice Jenison To appear at this Court &61 appeared and was Discharged William Chapman and Ann his wife both of Woodstock appear- ed before Court pursuant To their Recognizance Given To the Hon" John Chandler Esq"" To answer for their being Guilty of y'= Crime of Fornication were find 30/ Each & to pay Cost w'*' They paid Nathan Ainsworth and Hulda his wife both of Woodstock Stand bound over To this Court by the Hon" John Chandler Esqr To answer To their being Guilty of the Crime of Fornication appeared were find Thirty Shillings Each & Cost w'^'^ they paid Abraham Newton of Southborough in y^ County of Worcester husbandman having recognized to our Sovereign Lord the King In y^ Sum of five pound before William Ward Esq"" one of his maj'^^ Justices of y'^ peace for the County aforesaid that his wife Rachell now should appear at the Court of Generall Sessions of the peace held here in August last, which was Continued over To this Court To answer to her presentment for not attending y^ Pub- lick Worship of God &(5l & y'^ Said Rachell not appearing altho' Solomnly Called to come into Court but made default and the Said Abraham Newton was Solomnly Called to Bring her into Court and did not appear but made default The Court therefore declare y^ Recognizance forfeited and that a writt of Scire facias be Taken out against the said Abraham Newton for y*^ Sum of five pounds and also for y*^ Costs and Charges occasioned by the non appear- ance of y^ Said Rachell Newton 1 736. 1 Worcester Cotmty, Massachusetts. 167 Abraham Newton of Southborough In y^ County of Worcester husbandman having Recognized To our Sovereign Lord the King In y« Sum of five pounds before William Ward F^sq'' one of his Majestys Justices of the Peace for the County aforesaid that his Daughter Sybella Newton should appear at the Court of Generall Sessions of the peace held here in febry 1735/6 To answer to her presentment by y^ Grandjurors for not attending on y^ Publick Worship of God &6t and the Said Recognizance has been Con- tinued to this Court and the Said Sybella altho' Solemnly Called to come into Court did not appear but made Default and the Said Abraham Newton tho' Solemnly Called to bring the Said Rachell into Court did not appear but made Default also the Court then declare the Said Recognizance to be forfeited and that a writt of Scire facias be Taken out against the said Abraham Newton for the Sum of five pounds and also for the Cost and Charges Oc- casioned by y^ non appearance of y^ Said Sybella Newton Daniell Gookin Esq"' Sheriff made Return of the Warrant Di- re6led to him by order of ^ the Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace in August last for the laying out of a Road from Worcester to Sutton under his own hand and Seal as also under the hands and Seals of The Jury by him impanelled which was accepted of by this Court and the Road Laid out & described therein is by the Court fully Established and the Warrant & y« proceedings there- upon are ordered to be Recorded, and is as follows Worcester ss To the Sheriff of the County of Worcester or his Deputy Greeting Whereas y« Comittee appointed by y^ Court of Generall Sessions of y^ peace in may Last past have made Re- port Concerning a Publick Highway or Country Road between y« Towns of Worcester and Sutton being necessary to be Laid out as ^ ye Report on file appears. These are therefore in his maj- [seal] esties Name to Require and Comand You or one of you to Sumon and Impanell a Jury of good and Lawful men Qualified according to Law to meet & assemble att y^ Dwelling House of M' Joseph Boyden in Sutton aforesaid Inholder on Fryday 1 68 Court of General Sessi07is. ^'tekm,"* y« first Day of 06lober next which Jury So Sumoned and Impan- elled you are to Cause a proper oath to be administered to them by a Justice of y^ peace for y'^ County afores'* and then to proceed to view and Lay out a Publick Highway or Country Road between y^ Towns aforesaid Pursuant to y*^ Laws of this province & haveing a Due Regard to y^ Report of y*^ Late Comittee hereof fail not and make Due Return hereof with your Doings herein to this Court att their next Sessions of y^ peace to be held here on y'^ first Tuesday of Novem''. next as well under your own hand as y^ hands of y* Jury aforesaid Dated att Worcester this twenty eighth Day of Sep- tember in y*^ tenth Year of his majesties Reign anno Dom 1736 By Order of Court John Chandler J"" Clerk pa' Worcester ss 06tober i. 1736 By virtue of y'^ within Written Warrant I have Impanelled a Jury of twelve good and Lawful men and had them Sworn as y^ Laws Direct' who met att Sutton and then Laid out a Country Road from Sutton to Worcester meeting House as '^ y^ Jurys Report herewith all adjoyned will appear Daniel Gookin Sh Worcester ss 06tober y*^ i : i 736 then y'= Jury that was ap- pointed by Daniel Gookin Esq"" Sheriff of said County to Lay out a way from Sutton to Worcester according to y*^ writtin Warrant personally appeared and was Sworn to a6l Imparcially and In Dif- ferently to Lay out Said way and in Laying of it out to have a Re- gard to y'^ Conveinance of y® Publick as well as to particularly parsons Interest and to have a Regard to y^ Courts order in Lay- ing y*^ Same Sworn before me William Jenison Just of peace Worcester ss : 06lober 2''. i 736 we whose names which have hereunto Subscribed being Sumoned & impannelled by Daniel Gookin Esq'. Sheriff of Said County for to Lay out a Country Road of a Sufficient Wedth from y^ town of Sutton to y*^ Town of Wor- cester according to y^ Dire6tion of y'^ Warrant herewith annexed being Sworn before W"' Jenison Esq"" one of his majesties Justices for y*^ County of Worcester have viewed y*^ premises and have Laid out Said Road as followeth (viz') begining att y"^ End of y*^ Lane [ ] the meeting House in Sutton & so by marked trees and heaps of Stones in y'^ Westerly Side of Said Road as formerly Laid 1736.J Worcester County, MassacJnisctts. 169 out by y^ Select men of Sutton by y'^ house of Ebe : Daggit — Sam- uel Lilly John Singletary John Brown Robert Goddard and y<= Dwelling House which James Hulnow Dwellsin and to Sutton Line So by marked trees on y« Westerly Side of Said Road to Worces- ter Line said Road to be three Rods wide through Sutton and to Worcester Line Excepting through y« Land of Philip Chase two Rod and half by marked trees to y« Said Chases Barn So to Run between Said Chases House and Barn by marks on y« Southerly Side of y^ Crick to a Small tree marked near y^ Old Bridge over Said Crick thence to Run on y*^ Easterly Side of a white oak tree marked on y*^ west Side of y^ Road to y'= River thence over y« River to a marked tree on y"^ west Side of Said Road and So as y^ Sele6l men of Worcester hath Laid out a Town Road and as y^ Road is now trod to y^ meeting House in Worcester Said Road from y^ River to Worcester meeting House to be as y*^ Sele6l men have Laid out formerly Said Road was Laid out through Phillip Chases Land by Consent of Said Chase Who freely Gave y^ Land for Said Road through his farm Dated at Worcester 06lober y^ 2**. I 736 Gershom Rice and a Seal Samuel Dudley and a Seal Daniel Heywood and a Seal Benj". Flagg Jun^ and a Seal John Stockwell and a Seal Perez Rice & a Seal Robert Goddard tSz a Seal John Stearnes & a Seal Thomas Stearnes and a Seal Jotham Rice and a Seal Jeremiah Bucknum and a Seal Daniel Ward & a Seal Daniel Gookin Sh & a Seal Entered '^ John Chandler J' Cle pac The account of y^ Charge of Viewing and laying out the afore- said Road amounting to the Sum of Seventeen pound five Shillings allowed of by the Court and is Due to the following Persons vizt £ s d To the Comittee for viewing &61 Each 10/ i 10 o To Daniell Gookin Escjr Sheriff fourty four Shillings 2 04 o To ye Justice for his Travell & Swearing the Jury 0120 To the Jury Each 10/ ^f" day being on ye Service Two days 12 00 To the Clerk for writings, Copys, Recording orders Xa thirty Shillings I 10 o 17 16 o 22 » 1 70 Court of Genej^al Sessions. \ t'ekm,'"* Ordered that the Charge of viewing and laying out the County Road from Worcester To Sutton amounting to the Sum of Seven- teen pound fifteen ShilHngs be paid By the County The Town of Worcester and the Town of Sutton In the proportion following viz' The County To pay fourty four Shillings & Six pence 2 46 The Town of Worcester The Sum of four pound nine Shillings 490 and The Town of Sutton The Sum of Eleven pound Two Shillings & Sixpence 11 26 17 160 and that the Clerk Send To the Said Towns Copys of this order that So they may Respectively Assess the Respeftive Sums laid on them and pay the Same To the County Treasurer or his Successor at or before the Last day of May next Which Together with the Sum Which the County are to pay as abovesaid he is to pay to y*^ persons to whom the Same is Respe6lively [due] Ordered that Phillip Chase His heirs or assignes have Liberty dureing the Pleasure of the Court to Keep Gates well hung a Cross the Country or County Road lately laid out a Cross his land in Two particular places provided he Suffer no other Incumbrance on the Same, & the Gates are Kept in proper order & Repair at all times to be opened as may be needed Solomon Johnson of Leicester In the County of Worcester Gent having on the Seventeenth day of August Last past Recognized before John Chandler Jun'' Esq'' one of his majestys Justices of the Peace for the County of Worcester To our Sovereign Lord the King In the Sum of Ten pounds with Suretys viz' Thomas Hop- kins of Leicester Mason and Simon Gleeson of Oxford Labourer both in y^ County of Worcester Each in y*^ Sum of five pounds C'onditioned for y*^ Said Solomon Johnsons appearance at this Court 1736.J Worcester County, Massachusetts. 171 To answer To Such matters & things as should be obje6leti against him on his majestys behalf & to Continue & be of y= Good be- haviour towards his majestye and all his Leige people &61 as ^ y^ Recognizance appears and the Said Solomon Johnson not appear- ing, altho' Solemnly Called to Come into Court, but made default and the Said Thomas Hopkins and Simon Gleeson The Suretys being also Solomnly Called to bring The Said Solomon Johnson into Court did not appear but made default The Court therefore order that the Said bond be forfeited and it was accordingly for- feited and ordered that a writt of Scire Facias be Issued out against y^ Said Thomas Hopkins and Simon Gleeson for y^ Sum of five pounds Each and also for y^ Costs & Charges occasioned by the non appearance of the Said Solomon Johnson Obediah MacKintire of Oxford In y"^ County of Worcester hus- bandman being presented for [not] attending y^ Publick Worship of God appeared and made his Excuse and was dismiss'd paying Cost On a motion made ordered that the Clerk write to y^ Seledmen of Grafton a Copy of the order of this Court In May 1733. Re- lating to y^ mony laid on them for their part of y^ Laying out y^ County Road from Mendon to Worcester that So they assess their Town & pay y« Same to W™ Jenison Esqr Worcester ss Anno R^ R^ Georgij Secundi 7iunc Magncs Britainice Francics et Hibcrnice &fl Decimo "^ Att a Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace be- p-un and Held at Worcester within and for the County of Worcester by adjournment by order of y" Great and General Court from the first Tuesday of February 1736/7 to the third Tues- day of Said month being the fourteenth day of Said month, and then Sett. JUSTICES PRESENT John Chandler Joseph Wilder William Ward William Jenison John Chandler Jun"" Esqrs Justices of the Peace and Quo- rum Henry Lee | Esqrs Justices Nahum Ward \ of the Peace (jrandjury M'' Robert Goddard foreman M' John Ayres Mess" Thomas Rice Cyprian Stevens Elias Sawyer Nathan Tyler Joseph Lyon Mess" Symon Maynard M-" John Daly M'' James Whiple attended Two days Each M' Samuel Davis and M' Wilds waited on M"" James Wright them M' David Fay M' Nath" Green M^ Joseph Taft 1 736-7. 1 Worcester Coimty, Massacluisctts. 173 Joseph Dyer of Worcester In the County of Worcester Gent appelant from a Sentence given against him by William Jenison Esq' one of His majestys Justices of the Peace for the said County upon the Complaint of Hannah Hooker of Worcester in said County Spinster on his majestys behalf as well as of her own Seting forth that the Said Joseph Dyer at Worcester aforesaid on or about y*^ month of 06lober last past and since that time at Worcester afore- said did wittingly and willingly make or Spread a lye or false Re- port of y'' Complain' by saying she y'' Complain' was with Child when he had no Just Grounds for his So doing all which a6lion was with a designe to belye defame and abuse y^ Complain' &61 as "^ the Warrant dated the Thirty first day of December last past appears and before y^ Said Justice was convi6led of Spreading a false Report of the Said Hannah Hooker by Saying that She was with Child as set forth in y^ Warrant & thereupon Sentenced To pay a fine To the King 6e6l of Ten shillings & to pay all Cost &6t as ^ the Sentence of Said Justice appears, and now the appellant appeared and to the Said Complaint Pleaded not Guilty The Evidences in the Case being Sworn and the Case fully heard on both Sides was Committed to the Jury who were Sworn according to law to Trye y^ Same and Return'd their Verdi6l therein upon Oath as follows vizt That the Said Joseph Dyer is Guilty of Spreading an evil Report of Hannah Hooker Its therefore Con- sidered by the Court that the Said Joseph Dyer Pay as a fine to our Sovereign Lord the King for and toward the Support of the Government of this province and the Incident Charges thereof Ten Shillings and that he pay Cost & Fees Tax'd at Six pound fourteen Shillings & nine pence and upon his negle6ling to pay the Same The Court order Execution To be awarded therefor and that it be paid into the hands of the Clerk to be by him paid To whom the same is due Ex : march : 14'": 1736/7, & y^ fine & Costs paid into the Court by M' Sheriff Gookins Amariah Lyon late of Shrewsbury now of Poquiog ^ so Called in Now Athol. Feuriary 1 74 Court of General Sessions. \ t'erm,' y<= County of Worcester Husbandman appellant from a Judgment given against him by Samuell Wright Esqr &a as ^ y^ Sentence appears, upon y^ Complaint of William Temple of Worcester &ct upon his majestys behalf as well as of his own The partys ap- peared and the Case fully Considered The Court order the whole proceedings to be Quash'd & Each jiarty to pay his own Cost Amariah Lyon late of Shrewsbury now of Poquiog So Called In ye County of Worcester appel" from a Judgment given against him by Samuell Wright Esq' upon the Comp" of William Temple of Worcester &61 as ^ y^ Compla' & Sentence appears The partys appeared and the Case being fully Considered The Court order The whole proceeding to be Quash'd and Each party bear his Costs Samuell Stow of Lunenburg in y" County of Worcester Gent being presented by the Grandjurors of Said County for not attend- ing the Publick Worship of God &61 appeared and made his Ex- cuse & was dismiss'd & he is to pay Cost Tax'd at and not to depart without Lycence of the Court The Town of Lunenburg being presented by y" Grandjurors &61 for not being provided with a Schoolmaster agreeable to law &61 appeared by their Sele6lmen and were Dismiss'd pay Cost which were paid The Town of Mendon being presented by y^ Grandjurors &61 for not being provided with a Gramer School master according to law appeared by their Seledlmen and it appearing They were now provided they were dismiss'd paying Cost — p'' Jacob Aldrich Sealer of Leather for mendon Sworn l)efore the Court 1 736-7. j Worcester County, Massachusetts. 175 The Town of Sutton being presented by y^ Grandjurors &61 for not being provided with a School master &61 appeared by their Sele6tmen & were Excused paying Cost p*^ Nathan MacKintire of Oxford in y'= County of Worcester being presented by the Grandjurors appeared and made his Excuse and was Dismiss'd paying Cost p** Naomi ffarr wife of Joseph ffarr of Southborough in y^ County of Worcester Husbandman being presented by the Grandjurors for not attending on y*^ pubhck worship of God &61. She not being able to Come to Court her husband appeared and it appearing that it is through Indisposition of body That has Rendered her Uncapable of attending She was Dismiss'd pay y^ officer & attor- ney their Fees William Temple's Recognizance Discharged The Sele6lmen of Worcester presented to the Court a warrant dire6led to one of their Constables To Notifi Henry Wisdom with his wife and Three Children to depart y*^ Town &61 and it appear- ing to have been duly Served was approved by y^ Court Worcesters, Leicesters, & Rutlands presentments Continued Till may next Duncan m'farland of Rutland in y-^ County of Worcester hus- bandman before y« Court behaveing himself in a Rude manner & especially towards W'" l^emple of Worcester In y*^ County of Wor- cester husbandman the Court order y' he Recognize with Two Suretys himself in Twenty pound and his Suretys in Ten pound < Fkbeiaky 1-6 Coiu't of Gc?ia'al c>cssiofi6. i tebj, Each for his appearance at the Court of Generall Sessions of y^ peace to be held at Worcester In and for y County of Worcester In may next To answer To Such matters & things as shall be ob- jectted against him on his majestys behalf and in y^ mean time to be of }•* Good behaviour towards his majesty and all his Leige people and Especially Towards y« Said W" Temple and to doe and Receive that which by \-^ Said Court Shal be then & there enjovned him, &cl w'^ he did &: Daniell Campbell of Rutland aforsv*^ 6c Benjamin Bartlett of Brookfield in said County Husband- men were his Suretvs William Temple of Worcester In y* County of Worcester hus- bandman before y^ Court behaveing himself in a Rude maner and Especially towards Duncan m'farland of Rutland in y^ County oi Worcester husbandman The Court order that he Recognize with Two Suret}"s himself in Twenty pound and his Surety Ten pounds Each for his appearance at the Court of Generall Sessions of y"= peace to be held at Worcester In and for the County of Worcester in May next To answer to Such matters and things as Shall be ob- jected against him on his majestys behalf, and in the mean time to be of )■* good behaviour towards his majestye & all his Leige people and Especially Towards y^ Said Duncan m^farland and to doe and Receive that which by Said Court shall be then and there enjoyned him &61 which he did and Joseph Wooly housewright and Peter Jenison Taylor both of Worcester aforesaid were his Suretvs John Biglo of Worcester In y^ County of Worcester Inholder being presented by the Grandjurors for \^ County of Worcester for allowing W" Temple of Worcester afores** Husbandman to be at his house at an unseasonable time of y^ night & there Suffering of y' Said Temple to abuse Duncan m^farland &cl appeared in Court and made his Excuse & was Dismiss'd paying Cost ^7Z7-\ Worcester County, Massachusetts. 177 The Selectmen of y* Town of Worcester presented to y^ Court a Warr' directed to one of their Constables to notifie & warn Henry Wisdom with himself & three Children to depart y« Town &cl be- ing duly Served is accordingly approved. A Petition of Daniell Taylor John Amsden and John Snow agents for the Town of Southborough In the County of Worcester pre- sented to y^ Court a petition Seting forth That Margarett Taylor wife of John Taylor late a Resident in y*^ Town of Southborough & a little boy named Abraham Son of y^ Margarett being about Two years old are in poor and Indigent Circumstances (The Said John Taylor haveing gon away & left them) and Stand in need of Releife and are put upon the Town and also Shewing That Abra- ham Newton an Inhabitant of Said Southborough Father of y^ Said Margarett & Grandfather of y^ Said Abraham Son of y^ Said Mar- garett, is possess'd of a Considerable Estate notwithstanding which he does nothing towards y^ Relief of his Said Daughter & Grand- son yjraying y*^ Court To order proper Reliefe to be made by Said Abraham towards y^ Relief of y^ his Daughter &:d: Read and or- dered that the Petitioners Serve The Said Abraham Newton with a Copy of this Petition that So he Shew Cause if any he have at the next Court of Generall Sessions of the Peace To be holden at ^Vorcester in and for y^ County of Worcester on y^ Second Tuesday of may next why he Should not be assessed according to law for y^ Support and maintainance of his Said Daughter & Grandson The Court order that The Sum of Seven Shillings be paid out of y® County Treasur}' To Capt Daniel Heywood for Expences in ap- prehending Phillip Kenison a Criminall or Capitall offender The Selectmen of y* Town of Lunenburg presented to y^ Court a warrant directed to one of their Constables to warn Nathan Bar- ron of Groton &cl with his wife and Three Small Children To leave their Town and it being duly Served was approved by y^ Court 23 V.' - Anno /?* R* Georgij Sccuttdt nunc Mai^nce liritainia Frandankl Taft I, 1^:stirps of V* T,.w-..i ?>...; -It WiWisTTj T*"n;-ion ^ ^,jw/*«w Henry L^ ^ ^.'^ y. Nahum Ward ' 8am' WiHard John ICeyc« Old f ^rsruiiiiiy jif f ) s\.\ Pay M' I4enj* GootJrich M'T^iO!Tj3< Ki'^ ^' Maynard M' /anjcs> Ua!y M'< FerlMii> M'Janje!»W M' I yer M' Nath" iiftpm Kichard Wilds Uef/ M' J^aihan I yl'^f M' ^mm\ Davis Sheriff attciulcd on M' J<^^Mr|>h J.s'Ai M' Jiiiftr:> Wrij-fht them and Ea^h i>ct- ' * Jin Ayrci M' Jo>cj4) lafi Jun' ^m aturndcd 3, >737S // WiYsftr C&mMh. Mitssiic^xseUs. \ 79 SouthU>rvHigh Cap' I^An" Taykw foir\:n>itan Won^ster M' James Hv>ldin Lancaster M' GamalieM Benvtn Mendon M* Kv>iah Avllams l.ekx'sHer M" J|k>hin Whitisewi-^re XWxxJstvxk Xr John May[ 7 l^x>krteKi \r John Rich W cstWrovjgh Xr Chs^rles Rk\ Shrewsbury M' Saa\ ' CVxsUv l.u»>ent>tiiir5j M' Jt.>hn Hevwvxxi Harvarvi M" K>4WihiA« Si*wver ^IraftvMt \r Nehewiah ^^•.>^'> were Swvvrti alH thv>se \ luve y* nv.«rk «wder their «u'-^-> vw ««e au^ :. Y*' Ck;i;ir^e was jjtven John ChanvMer Jun' Ksqr presenttxl an a^xx>'* liv>r l>WYii>g Ihre^^ Ux>ks anv>nnl to the S\n\\ of fourteen jK>unf l>> the (.\>urt ami orvier that the l\eas«rer of y* County |v;»y 1\> y* acvountant John ^'hanvUer Jun' K*>ir fv>nrteen jH>unvl fv'urteen ShiUiiVit^i in fuU the»\^>f An a«LxV of the lYaveU and attendance of the Crandjury frv>n\ may »73i6 To may »7,u an\ounti»\ii unto y* Sunw of Ki^ithty Ki^^ht |K>und fv>urttvn ShiUi»\iis l>ei»Vi* )x>vsente\l fvxr aUowanv e was Ia- amineil by y* Covnt anvl allowed and The lVei\surt^r kxivler Tv* \k»y N^" Svune tv> whvnne it is l>\)e tmxlereil that the Sum of IVenty Seven shilh»\i;s he allowed! and j>aid out of the County h>?asury To WiUiam Jenison Rs\j' fvxr di^- in^ a vault v\;ol under the iioal 1 80 Cottrt of General Sessions. \ term , Cap* Benjamin Flagg County Treasurer presented his acco" from may 1736 To may 1737 which was Carefully Examined in Court whereby it appears he has made payments amounting To y« Sum of one hundred Sixty two pounds & three pence of which he is discharged & y^ ballance of his acco" being ninety one pound four- teen Shillings & Seven pence he is Still to acco" for when Rec** and the Court direft the Clerk to Sign his acco' in their name Benony Boynton of Lunenburg in y^ County of Worcester hus- bandman having on the Tenth day of September last past Recog- nized before Josiah Willard Esqr one of his Majestys Justices of y^ peace for y'^ County of Worcester to our Sovereign Lord the King In tjie Sum of five pounds lawfuU mony of New England with Suretys viz' Benjamin Bellows of y^ Town & County aforesaid hus- bandman and Samuell Davice of y^ Town & County aforesaid Car- penter in y^ Sum of fifty Shillings of y^ Like mony Each Condi- tioned that the Said Benony Boynton Should personally appear before y^ Court of Generall Sessions of y^ peace held here in No- vember last (which Recognizance was Continued from Court to Court till this time) to prosecute to Effe6l an appeal by him made from a Judgment Recovered against the Said Benony Boynton by John Grout on behalf of our Sovereign Lord the King at a Tryall before the Said Justice on y^ Day & year aforesaid for y^ payment of Cost &61 as ^ y^ Recognizance appears and the Said Benony Boynton not appearing tho' Solomly Called to Come into Court but made Default and the Said Benjamin Bellows & Samuell Da- vice the Suretys being also Solomly Called to bring y*^ Said Benony Boynton into Court did not appear but made Default The Court therefore order that the Said Recognizance be declared forfieted and it was accordingly declared forfieted and ordered that a writt of Scire facias be issued out against the Said Benjamin Bellows & Samiiell Davice for y*^ Sum of fifty Shillings Each lawfull mony of New England for y^ use of our Lord the King & also for y^ Cost & Charges occasioned by y^ non appearance of y^ Said Benony Boynton 1737- 1 Worcester County, Massach7isetts. i8i Gedion Cumstock of Smithfield in y<= Government of Road Island being bound over To this Court by M' Justice Taft as "^ y^ Re- cognizance appears Came into Court To answer y« Same & was Dismiss'd paying Cost An Foster of Lunenburg appeared in Court to answer to her presentment for not attending on y^ PubHck Worship of God &61 & was Excused & Dismiss'd paying Cost Oliver Bly and Mary his wife being bound over to this Court to answer to their being Guilty of the Crime of Fornication, appeared in Court & Confess'd themselves Guilty The Court therefore or- der they pay a fine of thirty Shillings Each &c & Cost & fees which They paid & were dismiss'd Dunkin IV^'farlands Recognizance Discharged Vallontine Butler of Shrewsbury in y^ County of Worcester be- ing presented by y'' Grandjurors for Traveling &61 on y'^ Lords day appeared and made his Excuse & was dismiss'd paying Cost William Linsey of Rutland in y«= County of Worcester being pre- sented by y^ Grandjury for prophane Cursing and Swearing ap- peared in Court pleading Guilty was find Ten Shillings «S: Cost & fees pa'd John Hinds of Brookfield in y<^ County of Worcester husbandman being presented by the Grandjurors for the Crime of Drunkeness pleaded Guilty & find Ten Shillings & paid Cost— In Two Cases John Hinds of Brookfield in y^ County of Worcester husband- man being presented by the Grandjurors for absenting himself 1 82 Cou7't of General Sessions. ^^EBM, from y^ Publick Worship of God appeared in Court & made his Excuse & was Dismiss'd paying Cost The Sele6lmen of Westborough presented to the Court a War- rant Dire6led to one of their Constables To Notifie & warn Do6lor Joshua Wheat with his wife EHzabeth & four Children to depart y' Town & it appearing to be duly Servd was approved Josiah Wadkins of Upton in y<= County of Worcester husband- man appellant from a Sentence or Judgment given ag" him by Dan" Tafft Esq' &61 appeared in Court was find Ten Shillings & to pay Cost & fees w''h he paid The Sele6l men of y^ Town of Worcester presented to y^ Court for approbation a Town Vote or Buy Law Relateing to Rams & was approved accordingly Elizabeth Warner of Harvard In y^ County of Worcester Single being bound over by M"" Justice Wilder To this Court to answer for her being Guilty of y^ Crime of Fornication appeared Confess'd y"^ fait & was dismiss'd paying a fine of thirty Shillings & Cost The Town of Leicester being presented for not being provided with a Schoolmaster according to law appeared and made an Ex- cuse in behalf of the Town which being duly Considered they were Excused paying Cost Thomas Ainsworth of Brookfield in y^ County of Worcester hus- bandman appeared in Court to answer to his presentment by y^ Grandjurors for Wilfully absenting himself from y^ Publick Worship of God &61 and made his Excuse tS: was Dismiss'd paying Cost 1737- ! Worcester Cotmty, Massachusetts. 183 Phillip Negro Serv' To Samuell Dudley Esq' appeared in Court to answer To his presentment by y® Grandjurors his master beipg present who made his Excuse and he was dismiss'd paying Cost & fees Nathaniell Dike Jun' of Sutton in y<^ County of Worces[ter] hus- bandman appeared in Court To answer to Two presents against him for Wilfully absenting him Self from y*^ Publick Worship of of God &61 & made his Excuse which was accepted & he was dismiss'd paying Cost Wilham Temples Recognizance Discharged David Sanger of Woodstock In the County of Worcester hus- bandman appeared in Court To answer to his presentment by y^ Graudjurors for absenting himself from y"^ Publick of God &61 as ap- pears '^ y^ presentm' he made Excuse & was Dismiss'd paying Cost Peter Laurance of Grafton In the County of Worcester Indian planter appeared in Court To answer for his absenting himself from y^ Publick Worship of God &c as '^ his presentment appears & made his Excuse which was accepted and he was Dismiss'd pay- ing Cost The Votes Sent in from y*^ Severall Towns for y« Choice of a County Treasurer and being opened in Court & Inspe6ted it ap- peared that Capt Benjamin Flagg of Worcester was Ele6led by Every Vote and he was Sworn in Court to y^ faithfuU Discharge of his Office by y^ Clerk ^ order of Court Eleoner Kellog of Brookfield in y'^ County of Worcester Single- woman being presented by the Grandjurors for our Lord y^ King upon Oath for Comitting y^ Crime of fornication at Brookfield 184 Court of General Sessions. ^^kbm, aforesaid having had a bastard Child there born of her body Some- time in y^ month of July 1736. Contrary to the peace of &6t as also to the law in that Case made and provided as "^ y^ present- ment made in aug" 1736 appears, and now the Said Eleoner Kel- log being brought before y*^ Court To answer for y^ Same, She pleaded not Guilty & Thereupon The Court order that She pay as a fine to our Sovereign Lord the King fifty Shillings or that She be Severely Whip'd on the naked body, Ten Stripes on the Twelfth Instant between y^ Hours of Three and four of the Clock afternoon & that She pay Cost & Fees Taxed at five pound five Shillings & Two pence & Stand Comitted till Sentence be performed & She was Comitted to the Sheriff according with a Copy of the Sentence Samuell Dudley Esq'' of Sutton in y'^ County of Worcester being presented by y*^ Grandjurors for Prophane Swearing appeared t\: pleaded to y^ Insufficiency of y*^ presentment w*-''' being duly Con- sidered The Court order presentment to be Quash'd & y'= S'' Dud- ley paid Costs A memoriall of y*^ Sele6l men of Sutton Dated may 9"'. 1737 praying y*^ Court To alter y^ Country Road Lately laid out from Sutton To Worcester viz' part thereof near y^ present Dwelling House of Phillip Chase &61 Read and it is accordingly allow'd of Att^ John Chandler Jun Cle pac General Index. I General Index. Adams. Josiah, 179. Ruth and Thomas, 103. Addleton, Matthew, 74. 80. Adultery ignored by this court, 44. n Ainsworth, Huldah and Nathan. 166. Thomas, 74, 182. Albee, Ebenezer, 87, 96. Aldrich, David, 103. Jacob. 174. Allard, Maturin, 138, 143. Allen, Robert, 132, 140. Amsden. Isaac, 30, 100, 105, 115. 117, 124. Jacob, 72. John. 177. Anabaptists. t,%. 44, 55, 82. Anderson, Abraham, iii. Arms, Coat of, gift to the County. 66 Assault, cases of, 24, 126. Assistants, Court of. 7, 8. Atherton. John, 113, 129. 130, 131. Ayres, John, 151, 163. 172, 17S. Wells, 120. William, 125, 128, 145, 150. Baker, Thomas, 24. Ball, Eleazer, 100, 106, 115, 117, 124. Eli, 30. Ballard, Ruth, 156. Banister, Francis. 121. Joseph, 23, 12,. 45- Seth, 121. Barber, Mary, 140, 146. Matthew, 122, 146. Robert, 43, 77, ,23. Barnard, Isaac, 162. Barnes, Comfort, 30. Samuel, 46, 61, 68. Baron, Joseph. 23. 45. Nathan, 177. Bartlett, Benjamin, i 76. Experience, 140. 14,, 147. Nathaniel, loS, 116. Barton, Caleb. 138. 143. Bastardy, 80, 132. 141, ,56, 184. Baxter, Joseph, 125. Beamons, Samuel. 98. Beds for the jail. 58. Belcher, Governor, 19. 13^, ,,5 Bellows, Benjamin, 180. Tabitha. 118, Beman, Ebenezer, 120. Gamaliel, 179. Bennett, John, 46, 50, 61, 68. Bettys, James, 132. Bigelow, Daniel, 132. John. 72, 113, 129. 130, 160,161. 176. Blackstone River. 66, 69. Bly. Mary and Oliver, 181. Bonds required of Sheriff, 165. Boyden, Joseph, 130, 161, 162, 167. Boynton. Benony, 180. Bridge over French River, 147. 165. Bridges. Mehitable. 85. Samuel. 85, 93. Brigham, Nathan, 72. Timothy. 120. Brookfield. 35. 52. 54. 59. 94, ,03. 119, 139. 147- 155. 164. i88 General Index. Brown. John, 169. Samuel. 179. William. 30, 69. 78, 84. 90, 94, 99, 138, 143- Bruce, George, 72. Bucknam, Jeremiah, 169. Sarah, 151. Bugbee. Jonathan, 100, 105, 115, 117, 124. Bullard, Benjamin and Ruth, 129. Burr, Isaac, 77. Burts, John, 113. Bush, Amariah, 86. John. 72. 131, 161. Butler, James, 59, 60. Valentine, 181. Cage in the jail, 43. Caldwell, James, 46. WiUiam. 57, 61, 82. Calhoon, Samuel, 132. Campbell, Daniel, 176. William, 132. Carpenter, Eliphalet, 125, 128, 137, 145, 150. Nathan, 131, 161, 162. Carter, Capt. 113. Susanna, 126. Thomas, 129, 160. Timothy, 70, 138, 143. Cattle, tax on, 92. Chaffee, Benjamin, 116. 121. Chandler. John, 17-19. 23, 26, 29, 33, 45- 50. 57. 58, 61, 68, 78, 83, 84, 90, 99, 105, 117, 124. 128. 135, 137, 145, 148, 150, 153, 155, 163, 164, 166, 172, 178. John, Jr., 17, 19-21, 23, 26, 29, ?>l^ 34. 43- 45' 49. 50. 53. 57- 59-61. 65, 68, 76-78, 84. 85. 88, 90, 91, 94, 96-99, 102, 103, 105. III. 112, 117. 119. 122- 124, 128, 133-135. 137, 139, 143-145- 150, 151, 153. 163, 164, 168-170. 172, 178, 179, 184. Chapin. .Seth, 23, 105. 115. 117, 150, 153, 163. Chapman. Ann. 166. Stephen, 146. William. 166. Chase, Isaac, 76. Philip. 24, 65, 169, 170, 184. Samuel, 77. Child, Ephraim, 30. 46, 50, 61, 68. Joseph, 126. Joshua, 100, 105, 115, 124. Clark, Joseph, 66. Clerk, title of, 40. Coburn, Daniel, 113, 131, 162. Coller, Isaac, Lydia and Oliver, 146. Colwes, Seth, 92. Constables, 46. Converse, Capt. 113. Joseph, 130. Joshua, 72. Cook, Ebenezer, 81. John, 179. Coolidge, Isaac, 130. Obediah, 63, 72. 89. Corlile, Peter, 65, 71. Coroners, 23, 105, 115, 124, 128, 150, 153, 163. Corre6lion, House of, 58. Costs exacted of innocent parties, 44. County, A61 of Incorporation, 10-13. Towns comprised in, 11. Officers eledled, 21, 26, 46, 72, 104. Tax, 59. Court House, 53, 58, 83, 102, 104, 112. Courts, Assistants', County, Strangers' etc. 8. Craggin, Benjamin, 98. Gejieral Index. 189 Cratten, Easter and William, 36. Crawford, Samuel, 91. Crosby, John, 46, 50, 68, 145, 160, 161. Joseph, 24, 77, 125, 128, 130, 137. 150, 161. Samuel, 179. Culver, James, 132. Cumstock, Gedion, iSl. Currier, Thomas. 107. Cursing and Swearing, see Siueariitg. Curtis, John, 72. Cushions, 134. Cutler, James, 113. D Daggit, Ebenezer, 169. Dakin. John, 155. Simon, 72. Daly. James, 178. John, 92, 151, 153, 163, 172. Damon, John, 107. Daniels, Ebenezer, 46, 61, 68. Dankin, Hannah, 116. Samuel, 140. Davenport, Elizabeth, 118, 125. Jonathan, 69. Nathaniel, 116, 118, 125. Richard, 78. 84, 90. 94. 99. Samuel, 156. Davis, Benjamin, 91. Daniel, 72. Lieut., 113. Samuel, 151, 153. 163, 172. 178, 199. Simon, 129. 130, 138. 143. Defamation, 94, 95, 98, 120, 121, 173. Dennis, Nathan, 156. Denny, Daniel, 23. t,?,- 38, 45, 48, 49, 55. 82. Doolittle, Joseph, 140, 147. Dorr, , 85. Drunkenness, penalty, 71; cdses, 71, 85'87, 93, 95. 107, i54. 181. Dudley, Francis, 77. Samuel, 17, 19, 20. 23, 26, 29, 33,45, 50, 51- 56. 57. 61, 68, 70, 77, 78, 84, 90, 99. 105, 117, 124, 128, 130, 131, 150, 153, 161, 169. 183. 184. Dunsmore, Eunice, 118. John, n6, 118. Dupee, Megee. 107. Dwight, Joseph, 17, 19, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32,^ 36,45.50. 5i« 57- 61, 66, 68, 78, 79, 84, 85, 90. 99, 102, 103, 105, 117, 121, 124, 128, 130, 133, 147, 153, 162, 178. Dyer, Joseph, 161, 162, 173. Dyke, Nathan, 30. Nathaniel. 46, 50, 61, 68, 152, 183. E Eager, Abraham, 89. Bezaleel, 161. Earl, Ralph, 87, 88. Eddy, John, 50. Edmunds, Ebenezer, 83, 91, 95. Elliott, Daniel. 79, 91. Ellis, Hannah. 62. John, 62. 80. Emerson, John, 69, 78. 90, 99. Nathaniel, 108. Fairfield, Skipper. 77, 166. Farnsworth, David, 151. Hannah, 151. Isaac. 59. 130, 153, 160, 161. Jonathan, 69. 78, 84. 90, 99. P^arr, Joseph and Naomi. 175. Fast, laboring on a public, 109. Fay, Daxid, 151, 153, 161, 163, 172, 178. IQO General Index. John, 113, 125. 128, 131, 137- 145, 150, 161. Fayervveather. Thomas, 74. Fine divided among the Judges. 42. Fire, accidents by, to be guarded against, 165. Fitz Gerald, John, ill, 123. Flagg, Benjamin, 48, 58, 63, 72, 94, 100, 102, 104, 118. 125, 127, 129-131, 138, I43i I44> 147' 151, 160-162, 164, 165, 169, 180, 183. R., 120. Fletcher, Eleazer, 51, 76, 161, 162. Floor in prison chamber, 119. Forbush, Aaron, 120. James. 132. Jonathan. 151, 153^ 178- Force, Benjamin, 130. Foster, Ann, 181. Thomas, 155. Fornication, punishment, 44; cases of, 36, 37^ 42. 52- 53- 58, 62, 71, 80. 81, 91, 103, 106-109, 116, 118, 125, 129, 132, 139, 140, 148, 151, 156, 164, 166. 181-183. Frissell, John, 131. G Gaol, (usually, in old records, spelled Goal:) See Jail. Gassett, Bethia. 85. Gibbs, John, 138, 143- Lydia and Samuel, 52. Thomas, 102. Gilbert, Thomas, lOO, 106, 124. Gleason, Philip, 122. Simon, 170, 171. Thomas, 100, 105, 117, 124. Goddard. Edward, 128. Robert, 151, 153. 163,' 169, 172. 178. Godman, Mary, 85. Goffe, Edmund, 78, 88, 130. Goodrich, Benjamin, 151, 153, 178. Gookin, Daniel, First Sheriff.. 35, 54, 58, 64, 65, 73, 86, 119, 120, 123, 139, 154, 160, 164, 165. 167-169, 173. Goss, Philip, 113, 160. Gowen, Benjamin, 97. Grafton, 134, 164, 17 1. Gray, Samuel, 107. William, 73, 107, 121. Green, Nathaniel, 151, 153. 163. 172, 178. Samuel, 48. Thomas, 38, 55, 82, 146. William, 125, 128, 137, 145, 150. Grout. John, 180. H Hall, Parcivall, 23. 33, 45. Thomas, 73. Hambleton, John, 93, no. Hapgood, Thomas, 42, 125, 128, 137, 145, 150. Harris, James, 166. Harthan, Eleazer, 165. Hartvvell, Edward, 23, t,1, 45, 90, 105, 115, 117, 128, 129, 153, 160, 161. William, 113. Harvard, 94, 119, 139, 164. Harwood, John, 62. 64, 113, 116, 121, 129-131, 143, 144, 155^ 160, 161. Hassanamisco, (now Grafton) 64, 66, 69, 75. Hastings, John, 36. Hayes, John, in. Haynes, David, 85, 100. Hazeltine, John, 25, 30, 113, 131, 161. Heatop, James, 125, 128, 130, 137, 145, 150. General Index. 191 Hedge, Elisha, 120. Heywood, Capt., 113. Daniel, 40, 43, 54, 69, 77, 129, 160, 169, 177. Ebenezer, 131. Eleazer. 113. 130, 160, 161. Ephraim. 91. John, 179. Jonas, 91. Nathan. 100, 106, 115, 117. 124. Phineas, 43, 95, 98. William, 120. Hill. Daniel, 108. Ephraim, 113. 130. Ralph, 61. Hinds, Enoch. 60. Hopestill, 60, 95, 98. Jacob, 60. John, 60, 181. Mary, 54, 60. Hobbs, John, 138, 143. Jonathan, 156. Holden, James, 50, 61, 68, 77. 95. 98, 179. Holoway, William, 95, 98. Hooker. Hannah, 166, 173. Hopkins, Thomas, 170, 171. Horn, Robert, 113, 130, 131, 160, 161. Houghton, Benjamin, 129. 160-162. Betty, 139. Jonas, 48, 50, 61, 68. 129, 131. Jonathan, 21, 26. 46. 59, 77. 113, 125, 128, 129. 137. 145. 150, 160. House of Corre61ion, 58. How, Daniel, 23, ^t,, 45, 113. 131. 161. Ebenezer. 72, 155. James. 161. Moses, 69, 78. 84. 90. 99, 161. Nehemiah, 113, 130, 161. 179. Hubbard, Daniel, 95, 98, 160, 161. John, 102. 113, 130. Jonathan, 113, 160. Hulnow, James, 169. Hunter, Robert, 140. Hutchins, Thomas, 85. I Indians, penalty for selling strong drink to, 25, 28. Innholders' names, 113, 129, 160. Jail, 26. 27, 29, 42, 43, 47, 54. 58, 69, 72. Jennings. Elizabeth and John, 73. 91. Jennison. Peter, 176. Robert, 97. William. 17, 19. 23-27. 29, 33, 41,45. 50, 51, 56-58, 61, 68, 70, 75, 78, 83-87, 90. 91, 96, 99, 102, 105, 112. 115, 117, 119, 120, 124, 132, 134. 137, i4S< 150. 152-154, 158- 162, 163, 166, 168, 171. 172, 178, 179. Johnson, Benjamin, 100, 105, 115, 117, 120, 124. Elisha, 66, 69, 70, 113. Samuel. 69. 78, 84, 90, 99. Solomon, 24, 71, 79, 93. 109, 154, 170. Jones, l)aniel and Merriam, 108. William, 125, 12S, 137. 145, 150. Jordan, Dudley, 85, 103. John and Submit. 35. Juries, first established, 8. Grand, 23, 33. 45. 46, 50, 61, 68, 69, 99, 100, 105, 124. 125, 137, I45> I50> 151, 153- 163, 172, 178. 179. Petit, 30, 72, 95, 98. 120, 138, 143, 169. Jury seats to be made comfortable, 1 1 2 192 General hidex. K Keith, Gershom, 125, 128. 137, 145, ISO- Israel, 120. James, 23. T^i,, 45, 77. Kellog, Eleaner, 73, 80, 183. Kelso, Hugh. 123. Kendall, Hepzibah, 109. Peter, 106, 109. Kenison, Philip, 177. Keyes, James, 72. John, 90, 99, 105, 117, 124, 128, 135. 137, I45> 153, 163, 178. Jonas, 130, 131. Solomon, 113, 129. 160. King, Henry, 120. William, 37, 55. Knight, Beriah, 106, 107. Lamb, Jonathan, 79, 93-95. Lydia, 79, 93. Lancaster, 59, 94, 119, 139, ig^. Larceny, 63, 11 1. 112. Larkin, , 113. William, 130, 161, 162. Latiney, Mary. n8. Lawdy, Samuel, no, in, 123. Lawrence, Peter, loi, no. Learned, Ebenezer, 46, 50, 51, 61. 66, 68, 74, 82, 123. Isaac, 23, T,T,, 45, 128, 145, 150. Lee, Henry, 17, 19, 20, 23, 26, 27, 29> ZZ^ 43^ 45, 48, 50, 53, 57. 58, 61, 68, 78, 86, 90, 99, 102, 105. n5, n7, 124, 128, 129, 130, 135. 145, 150, 153, 158, 160, 161. 163, 172, 178. Leicester, 35, 59, 73, 74, 81, 94, 102, n6, n9. 139, 164, 175, 182. Leightle, Samuel, 53. Leland, James. 77, \\t^, 130, 160. 162. Leonard, Moses, 113. Lesure, Abigail, 86. Libel, 173. License Law, 114. Lill^e, Samuel, 69. 78, 84, 90, 99, 169. Linsey, William, 181. Lord's Day, violation of, see Sabbath breaking. Lovett, Capt., \\t^. Daniel, 129, 160. Lunenburg, 35, 47, 59, 94, ug, ug^ 139^ 152, 164, 174. Lyon, Amariah, 173, 174. Joseph, 95, 151, 153, 160, 163, 172, 178. Lynds, John, 102. M Mackintire, Daniel, 157. Martha, 80, 155, 157. Nathan, 175. Obediah, 171. Thomas, 141. Magregorie, James, 151. Marcy, Moses, 130, 161. Mariess, George, 85. Marsh, Benjamin, 38, 55. Marville, Peter, 91. Marvin, Moses, 131. Mattin, John, 95. Matthis, John, 98. May [?] John, 179. Maynard, David 69, 78, 84, 90, 99. John, 161. Simon, 63, 138, 143, 151, 153, 163, 172. McCain, Robert, 147. McCarry, William, 149. McClain, Andrew, 141. McCkire, Alexander. 140. McFarland, Duncan, 174, 175, 181. Mcjerrald. John, 140. McMichel, Margaret and William 71 McNeal, John, ni. Ge?teral Index. 193 McTroy. Daniel and Margaret, 92. Mencon, Ebenezer. 113. Mendon, 56, 59, 64, 75, 94, 104, 116, 119. 129, 139, 155, 164. 174. Merriam, Ebenezer 129, 131, 160. Miller, Isaac, 24. Misco, George, (Indian) widow of, 25, 30. Moore, Elijah, 113, 130, 161. Eliza, 104. Fairbanks, 129, 132, 162. Isaac, 78, 84, 90, 100. James, 69. 78. 84, 90, 99, 129. Jonathan, 36, 37. Joseph, 104. Mary. 39. Nathaniel, 77. Paul, 102. Richard, 30, 69, 78, 83. 84, 90. 99. Robert, 104. Morris, Edward, 69, 78, 84, 90. Morse. Jane, 109. John, 120. Joshua, 131. Samuel, 109, 121. N Negro, Tom, 87, 88. Newell, Thomas, 98. Newhall, Daniel. 161. Thomas, 48, 49. Newton, Abner, 58. Abraham, 159, 166, 167, 177. David, 133. James, 69. 78, 84, 90, 99. Josiah. Joshua, Joss, 133. Jonathan, 52. Kesiah, 133. Margaret,, 5 1, 62. Martha, 133. Rachel. 159, 166, 167. Sybella, 167. Tabitha, 52. Nichols, William, 138, 143. Notes by the Editor, 19, 28, 31, 40, 43, 44, 66, 67, 71, 114, 136. Nuting, James, John, Josiah, 65, 80. Old, William, 69. 78, 84, 90, 99. Orcutt, James, 120, 1 21. Osgood, David, 95, 98. Hooker, 69, 78, 84, 90, 99. Overing, John, 70, 120. Oxford, 59, 94, 119, 123. 139, 166. Palmer, Thomas, 86. Parks, Na., 95, 98. Parsons, Rev. David, 29-31, 40, 47, 49, 52- 57, 82, 86, 102, 119, 148. Joseph, 31. Partrick, John, 138. Payson, Jonathan, 129, 160. Payton. Jonathan, 113. Peace, breach of, 146, 148. General Commission for the. 17. Peibles, Robert, 46. Peirce, Ephraim, 46, 50, 68. Martha, Hetty, John, Nicholas, 82. Thomas, 82, 112, 122. William, 109. Perrim. John, 76. Perry, Joseph, 79, 102. Peters. Bemsley and Hannah, 125. Philip, (a slave) 183. Pocket picking, no. Pollen, Jane, 129. Pratt, Josiah, 122. Nathaniel, 133. Thomas, 138. 143. Prentice, Rev. John, 10. Presentments, lists of, 51, 65, 66. 73, 79. 85. Price, Sarah, 104. 194 General Index. Prison Yard enlarged, 154. Profanity, see Swearing. Putnam, Elihu, 179. Quakers exempted from ministerial tax, 44, n. R Rams, by-laws regulating, 155. Ramsdell, Benjamin, 155. Rawson Grindal and Mrs., 85. William, 56, 75, 77, 113, 129, 130, 160. Read, Ebenezer, 100, 106, 115, 117, 124. Nathaniel, 130, i6o, 162. Samuel, 113, 130, 1 61. Sarah, 42. Records, law requiring them to be kept, 8. Register of Deeds, eledlion of, 21, 26, 152. Representative System, origin of, 8. Retailers' names, 1 13, 129, 1 60- 1 62. Rice, Aaron, 95, 98. Asher, 109. Charles, 179. Edward, 46, 61, 68. Gershom, 23, 2,2,, 45- 63, 69, 77- 79, 84, 85, 90, 99, 105, 115, 117, 128, 147, 150, 153, 163, 165. 169. Jezeniah. 103. Jonas. 30, 77. Jotham. 42, 100, 105, 115, 117, 124, 154, 169. Lydia, 103. Moses, 102, 113, 129, 160. Perez, 30, 72, 113, 130, 161, 169. Thomas, 23, 33, 36, 45. 'Si. ^53^ 163, 172, 178. Tyrus, 77, 179. Rich, John, 148, 156, 179. Paul, 80. Richardson, Abigail, 165. Isaac, 130. Israel. 130, 131. 161. Jonathan, 113. Josiah, 129. Thomas, 46, 48, 61, 65, 68, 73, 113. 130, 161. William, 69, 78, 84, 99. 1 13, 129, 160. Roads, 51, 56, 64, 74-76, 82, 83, 86, 92, 102, 157. Robins, Ebenezer, 1 13. Eleazer, 131, 161. Rodes, Thomas, 104. Rug. Joseph, 121. Russell, John, 98. William, 109. Rutland. 35. 47, 59. 92, 94- ii9- 139, 164, 175. S Sabbath-Breaking, penalty, 67; cases 65, 71, 74, 80, 85, 91, 100, 103. 107, 108, 116, 122, 141, 142. 146. 147. 158, 159, 181. Sadler, John. 76, 77. 113, 129. 131, 160, 162. Salisbury, John, 149. Sanderson, John, 138. Sanger, David. 183. Sanouse, Joseph, 146. Sargent, John. 131. Jonathan, 1 13, 130, 160. 161. Sawyer, Bezaleel, 30, 100, 105, 115, 117, 124. Caleb, 125, 12S. 137, 145. 150. Elias, 129, 151, 153, 163, 172, 178. Jonathan. 179. Mary and Nathaniel, 140. Schoolmaster, neglecfl to provide a, penalty, 43; cases, 35, 81, 108, u6, 174, 175, 182. General Index. 195 Sessions Days appointed, 147. Sewell, Timothy, 8i, 86. Sherman, Nathaniel. 161, 162. Shrewsbury, 51, 59, 94, 104, 119, 139, 164. 165. Sibley, John, 58, 77. Joseph, 100, 106, 115, 117. 124. Singletary, John, 169. Slarah, John, 141. Slinglee, Ebenezer, 154. Smiley, David and Eliza, 108. Smith, Benjamin, 85. Ephraim and Harriet, 108. James, 161. Peter, 30, 161. Snow, John, 177. Southborough. 35. 47. 59, 94, 108, 119, 139, 164. Southgate, Howard, 60. Richard, 48, 49. Sprague, Ebenezer, 1 13, 131, 161. Stacy, John, 130, 131, 162. Stearns, John, 125, 128, 145, 150, 169. Thomas, 41, 113, 129, 160, 169. Steel, Thomas, 87, 88. Steer, John, 92. Stevens, Cyprian, 151, 153, 163, 172, 178. Joseph, 23, 33. Stocks, negledl to provide, 35, 42, 43 Stockwell, John, 125, 128, 137, 145, 150, 169. William, 130, 131, 162. Stone, Simon, 100, 106, 117, 124, 140. Stowe. Daniel and Easter, 140. Samuel, 174. Strong Drink, sold to Indians, pen- alty, 28; cases, 25, 30. Presented for selling, 165. Summonses for witnesses, 103. Sumner, Joseph, lOO, 106, 1 15. Sutton, 51, 52, 57, 59, 64, 75, 94, 119 139, 164, 174. Sutton Road, 157, 162, 167-169, 184. Swearing, penalty, 66; cases, 65, 71, 93. 181, 184. Taft, Daniel, 17, 19. 20. 23, 33. 45, 50, 51, 56, 68, 78, 81, 84, 85, 87, 90, 95, 99. 105, 109, 117, 128, 145, 178, 182. Joseph, 151. 153, 163, 172, 17S. Robert, 23, 33, 45. Taylor, Abraham, 177. Daniel, 125, 128, 137, 145, 150, 177, 179. James, 46, 50, 61, 68, 120. John, 76, 177. Margaret, 177. Ralph Kendall, 106. Robert, 76. Roland, 1 13. William, 89, 100, 105, 124. Tavern Keepers' names, 113, 129. Tax, County, 59, 94, 119, 139, 164. Temple, William, 174-176, 183. Terry, Samuel, 85, 87, 95, 96. Thayer, Isaac, 125, 128, 145, 150. Thomas, 69, 78, 84, 90, 99. Theft, loi, 149. Thoits, Mary, 151. Thompson, Mary, 104. Woodland, 46, 50. 51. 68. Tomlin, Isaac. 46, 50, 61, 68, 126, 133- 157- Torrey, William, 87, 95-97. Towne, Jonathan, 72. Towns presented, 35. Townsend, Benjamin, 24. 41, 42. Travelling on the Lord's Day, see Sabbath Breaking. Treasurer, County, eledlion of. 21. 26 72, 104, 127, 152, 183. Trowbridge, , 80, 88, 130. Troy, Hannah and Margaret, 104. Turner, Alexander and Mary, 71. 196 General Index. Tute. Amos, James, Kesiah, Mary, Thankful, 92. Tyler, Nathan, 151, 153. 163, 172, 178. U Upham, Ezekiel, loi, no. Upton, 139. Uxbridge, 35, 47, 59, 64, 75, 94, 119. 139, 164. V Vault to the prison. 154, 179. W Wadkins, Josiah, 182. Samuel, 81, 86, 161, 162. Wait, Joseph. 126, 133. Nathaniel, 86. Ruhamah. 126, 133, 157. William, 77, 126, 133, 156. Waldo, Jonathan. 74. Samuel, 85. Walker, Eb., 95. Joseph, 120. Obediah, 98, 113, 130, 161. Wallis, David. 131. John, 116. Oliver, 102. Ward, Artemas, 20. Daniel, 129, 169. Eleazer, 179. John, 76, 148. Nahum, 17, 19, 20, 23. 27. 29, 45. 50. 57. 61, 63, 68. 73, 78, 84, 90, 99, loi, 103. 105, 109. no, 113, n5, 117, 124. 128. 131, 135. 137. 145. i5o> i53> 161, 163, 172. 178. Richard. 30. Samuel. 46, 50, 61, 68, 145. Thomas, 142. 143. 146. William. 17-19, 23. 26. 29, 33, 45' 50. 52, 57. 61. 68. 72. 78, 82, 84, 86, 90, 93, 99, 105, 115, 117. 124, 128, 135, 137, 145' 150, 153, 163, 172, 178. Warden, Mary, 52. Warfield, Eliphalet, 109. Warner. Elizabeth, 182. Warren, Benjamin, 124. Daniel, 100, 105, 115, n7. Weights and Measures, negled to provide, 35. Well for the prison, 147. Westborough, 59, 94, 119, 139, 164. Wheat, Elizabeth, -182. Joshua, 132, 1S2. Wheeler, Benjamin, 38, 159. Hannah, 158. Hezekiah, 112. Jonathan, 36. Joss, 158. Richard, 43, 79. Whipple, Jacob, 76. James, 151. 153. 163, 172. 178. White, Josiah. 100. 105, 115. 117, 124. Whitney, Benjamin, 37. Whittemore, John. 82, 179. Nathaniel, 148. Wicker, George. 62. Wilder, Ebenezer. 23, 45. Ephraim. ^^. 138. 143. James, 105. 115, 117, 124, 128, 150, 153, 163. Joseph. 17-19, 23. 26. 29, ^T,. 37, 38, 45, 50. 52, 54. 57. 58, 61, 65, 68, 78, 84, 90, 99, 105. 115, 117, 124. 128, 133, 135, 137, 145, 150. 152. 153. 163, 172, 178. 182. Oliver, 106. Rachel, 79. Wilds, Richard, 60, 115. 117. 124, 128, 131, 137. 145, 150, 163, 172. 1 78. General Index. 197 Willard, Aaron and Abigail, 132. Benjamin, 17, 19, 20. Capt., 113. Joseph, 130, 160, 162. Josiah, 17, 19, 23, zz, 45, 50, 78, 105, 113. 153, 161, 180. Samuel, 99, 105, 113, 115, 128- 130. I35i 137, 153. 160, 161, 178. Wilson, John, 104. Mary. 155. Wisdom, Henry, 175, 177. Witherbee, Caleb, 113, 129, 130, 161 Ephraim. 129, 130, 1 61. Wood, Ezekiel and Solomon, 113, 130, 161. Woods, John, 23, 11, 45. Samuel, 76, 81. Woodstock, 31, 59, 86, 94, 119, 139, 164. Wooly, James, 176. Worcester, 35, 42, 59, 75, 82, 94, 104, 119, 139, 164, 166, 178, 182. County, 10-13. Worship, Public, negleft to attend, penalty, 44; cases, 36-39, 79, 80, 85. 93, 103, 109, 140, 142, 146, 155, 159, 166, 167, 171, 174, 175, 181-183. Wright, James, 151, 153, 172, 178. Joseph, 23, 105, 113, 115, 117, 124, 128, 129, 150, 153, 160, 163. Samuel, 17, 19, 20, 23, 26, 29, 45,48, 50, 61, 68, 78, 82, 90, 92, 105, 124, 128, 145, 178. Y Young, David, 137, 138. No. XIX. PROCEEDINGS ?:iOFTHEg^ MorrpxtFP HoriFtg of ^ntiijDitg, For The Year 1§§2. WOKCKSTEP., MASS. : PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 1883. U. S. A. CVII. PROCEEDINGS ►^OFTHE(^ ttpfFS^FF Soriptg of ^ntiijnitg, For The Year 18§2. WOUCESTEU, MASS. : PUBLISHED 15Y THE SOCIETY. 1883. U. S. A. CYII. WORCESTER : PEE8S OF CLARK JILL80N. MDCCCLXXXni. OFFICERS FOR 1883. PRESIDENT. ELLERY BICKNELL CRANE. VICE-PRESIDENTS, ALBERT TOLMAN, GEORGE SUMNER. SECRETARY, HENRY LORISTON SHUMWAY. TREASURER, HENRY FRANCIS STEDMAN. LIBRARIAN, THOMAS A. DICKINSON. Departments of Work. ARCHAEOLOGY AND GENERAL HISTORY. CHARLES R. JOHNSON, Chairman. AYilliam H. Bartlett, Thoma.s A. Dickinson, John W, Ihif^ham, Henry E. Stedman, James L. Estey, William L. Clark, Eben F. Thompson, EUery B. Crane, John G, Brady, Everett C. Stone, LOCAL pjdward B. Glasgow, William T. Harlow, A. IL tJoolidge, C. Otis Goodwin, Francis T. Blaekmer, Alfred Waites, Charles F. \Yashburn, Samuel E. Staples, Franklin P. Rice, Theodore C. Bates, Reuben Colton, H. ^V.Hubburd, Thomas Stanstield, F. E. Lancaster, E. H. Thompson, Sullivan Forehand, Henry P. Upham, Henry King, HISTORY AND GENEALOGY. HENRY M. SMITH, Chairman. Alfred S. Roe, Harvey B. Wilder, Franklin P. Rice, Clark Jillson, EUery B. Crane, Daniel Seagrave, Albert A. Lovoll, George A. Jordan, E. H. Marshall, Ephraim Tucker, ANCIENT IklANUSCRIPTS, PUBLICATIONS AND ENGRAVINGS. Frank E. Blake, J. Chauncey Lyford, C. Otis Goodwin, Ledyard Bill, Samuel E. Staples, Charles A. Chase, James A. Smith, E, R, Lawrence, Benjamin J. Dodge, William T. Harlow, Augustus B. R. Spraguc, Nathaniel I'aine, Albert Tyler, Manning Leonard, Henry P. Upham, Herbert Wesby, Charles A. Denny, Charles B. Knight. William B. Harding, Albert Tyler, Augustus Coolidge, Merrick Bemis, Samuel E. Staples, Charles C. Baldwin, Albert Tolman, Edward I. Comins, CLARK JILLSON, Chairman. Theodore S. Johnson, John Cort, (ieorge Sumner, Albert P. Marble, Josiah Pickett, Charles B. Whiting, Charles W. Estabrook, Nathaniel Paine, Augustus E. Peck, Henry L. Shumway, \Villiam A. Smith, Reuben Colton. Charles W. Fenno, Addison Prentiss, Alfred ^^'aites, RELICS, COINS, AND CURIOSITIES. SAMUEL E. STAPLES. Chairman. Henry Phelps, Richard O'Flynn, William B. Howe, George Sumner, Franklin C. Jillson, Olin L, Merriam, Frederick G. Stiles. Edwin Ames, Jerome Wheelock, Abram K. Gould, Henry King, Augustus Stone, Edgar W. Warren, Norton L, Cook, Frank J. Kinney, George E. Boydcn, Pardon A. liCc, Albert G. Mann, Charles F. Rugg, George F. Thompson, MILITARY HISTORY. AUGUSTUS B. R. SPRAGUE, Chairman. Josiah Pickett, William T. Harlow, Edward T. Raynond, Alfreb S, Roe, Albert Wood, Frederick (i. Stiles, Augustus Stone. Edward U. Lawrence, George F. 'J'hompson, William H. Bartlett, Norton L. Cook, William B. Harding. COMMITTEES FOE 1883. EX1<:CUTIVE COMMITTEE. ELLERY B. CRANE, GEORGE SUMNER, ALBERT TOLMAN, HENRY L. SHUMWAY, HENRY F. STEDMAN. STANDING COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS. EDWARD R. LAWRENCE, for 1 year; DANIEL SEAGRAVE, for 2 years; WILLIAM H. BARTLETT, for 3 years. committee ON biography. HENRY L. SHUMWAY, ALBERT TYLER, ALFRED S. ROE. committee on PUBLICATION. ELLERY B. CRANE, ALBERT TOLMAN, GEORGE SUMNER, HENRY L. SHUMWAY, HENRY F. STEDMAN. i^ijT)ilize and impress upon the minds of others a picture so definitely outlined as to suggest the actual presence of the origi- nal, for the reason that the qualities of which I speak and their peculiar combinations belonged to but one man. Competition, not only in business but in mental effort, is so sharp and obtrusive, so heedless of conscientious regard or respectful toleration that whoever, b}' virtuous effort, is strong- enough to establish a recognized identity among mankind, de- serves to be gratefully remembered. The poor bo}' who wins in life's uncertain struggle, being sole commander of his own mental and moral forces and general commissary of subsistence at the same time, may appropriately be classed among the heroes of civil achievement. If he reaches the period of middle age without dishonor, even though he may bear the scars of many an unequal conflict, his title to public approval is well assured. ...y^^^^^ ^,^^^^^^ 15 Thomas Mclvin Lamb was born at Worcester Mass., on the 2Gth da}' of June, 1S30, in a small farm-house then standing upon the southerly side of Jo Bill road, near the residence of Hon. Stephen Salisbury. His ancestors were among the early settlers of Worcester County, in some instances being original proprietors of large tracts of land. He inherited from his moth- er a delicate constitution, a keen intellect and an uncompromi- sing regard for honesty and integrity ; from his father stability of purpose and sound judgment. His early education was acquired at the district school, where his attendance was some- what irregular on account of ill health and the frequent need of his services at home. It was fortunate, however, that he pos- sessed a mind so comprehensive in its grasp, so susceptible to the unseen influence of natural progression as to render the study of books simply an indication of something broader and higlier, directly in the pathway of his ambition. What others sought through the channels of unremitting toil, he comprehended at a glance ; and while they were trying to make themselves fa- miliar with mere outlines he became master of the whole subject. He entered the High School in May, 1846, and the record shows that he-was in school four terms in all, but not a regular attendant. He studied the higher English branches, omitting the languages, and never graduated. This was before the Eucleia Debating Society had been organized, but the scholars frequently met in debate, and it was there that young Lamb first exhibited his talent as a speaker of more than ordinary merit. At that time he was considered a formidable opponent in debate, and his services were alwa3-s in demand, being fre- quently sought to aid both sides. About this time a number of young gentlemen, feeling the need of better facilities for niiprovement in public speaking, organized the Young Men's Rhetorical Society, "for the mental and moral improvement of its members." Mr. Lamb became a member, and was one of the first to distinguish himself as a clear and logical debater. He held that there were two sides to all questions, and his voice was never silenced by appointing him on the wrong side. He conducted a paper published by the society wherein he first displayed his ability as a writer ; and 16 many of his productions of that earlj' da}' clearly indicated a comprehensive knowledge of English composition. December 31st, 1850, he was elected President of the Society. As a pre- siding officer he was calm, dignified, and accurate in his decis- ions, winning favor on all sides by his gentlemanly bearing, and acute perception and comprehension of delicate points in par- liamentary practice. His administration brought success to the Society, and his own popularit}' was greatly enhanced b}- the impartial manner in which he discharged the duties of his office. Before the close of his school-life he began to express a desire for some permanent employment. His father was a farmer, but that business was not congenial to the son. After full con- sideration he expressed a desire to follow the occupation of a watchmaker and jeweller, and in due time was permitted by his parents to enter the store of S. P. Champney for the purpose of learning the trade. To this business he applied his time and energy, with a full determination to make it a life-work, em- ploying his leisure hours in study instead of recreation. It was customar}' at that time for young men, after serving a short time as apprentices, to leave their employers and assume to understand the whole business, representing themselves as ex- perienced workmen. Mr. Lamb was not one of that kind. He was faithful in every particular, and when his apprenticeship closed Mr. Champney was glad to give him further employment. On the 13th da^- of Feb., 1856, Mr. Champney advertised his business for sale ; and on the 29th of the same month Mr. Lamb called public attention to his new establishment at 275 Main Street, within a few feet of where he learned his trade, and where he continued in business till the time of his death. In trade Mr. Lamb was strikingly unselfish, and his failure to use the ordinar}' methods to mislead buyers had a tendency to retard his financial success. If he ever learned the lesson that most people like to be cheated and are generalh- willing to pay the swindler for his services, he was so stubborn in the interest of fair dealing that he never adopted the code ; nor did he allow any person in his employ to misrepresent or take any measures to defraud his customers. His goods were oflfered for sale at reasonable rates, and buyers were allowed to select such as thev 17 desired, without being urged to buy through any of the "dainty devices" so commonly resorted to by smart traders. I was present on one occasion when a lady selected a finger ring from a large stock as being precisely what she desired to purchase. She was looking for pure gold, and when she made known her wish to obtain the object of her deliberate choice, Mr. Lamb had to use considerable ettbrt to make her believe that she had chosen a cheap article, not worth half what she was willing to pay for it ; but Mr, Lamb would tolerate no deception, nor could he be tempted or compelled to sell his soul for gain. Mr. Lamb was married in 1860 to Miss Laura A. Stebbins of Deerfield, Mass., an accomplished lady, a devoted wife and a faithful mother. Their oldest daughter, Carrie S., was born in Worcester, June 28, 18G2, and graduated at the High School in 1881, an excellent scholar and a young lady of rare promise. Alice B. was born May 10, 1868, and died March 23, 1876. She was not physically strong, but her mind was active and preco- cious, and she readily became a favorite of all who knew her. Her death was keenly felt by a large circle of friends outside her own family. Mr. Lamb manifested an unusual interest in religious affairs at an earl}- age, becoming identified with the Baptist denomina- tion and subsequently joined the church, where he was very act- ive in the Sabbath school. Later in life he embraced a more liberal faith, discarding all sectarianism and ever}^ form of wor- ship as unessential to the salvation of souls ; but his trust in the Supreme Ruler of the universe was never disturbed. His change in reliafious sentiment and belief was mainlv due to the inability of his teachers to satisfactorily answer his interrogato- ries. Any theory or proposition that did not commend itself to his judgment, after full explanation, in such a manner as to meet all his objections, would not be likely to form any part of his creed. Whenever a weak man assumes to be a spiritual teacher, calling upon those of superior intellect and culture to embrace a religious doctrine, without being able to defend it, he unconsciously becomes an active propagator of infidelity. When the blind undertake to lead those who can see, or the weak to control and direct the strong, no time need be wasted 18 in praying for success. If religion is based upon reason and conscience, rather than emotion, Mr. Lamb took no rasli or unpremeditated step when he left the Baptist church, even if he was wrong in so doing. Those who knew him best will certify that he was quick to embrace what his reason and conscience clearly indicated to be the fittest ; but a failure to sustain by intelligent argument any doctrine new to him was perhaps too often construed as against the theory' instead of against the im- becile who tried to become its advocate. He was conscientious to his own pecuniar}' disadvantage, never swerviiig from what he knew to be exact justice. He was never accused of a dishonest act by an honest person, and his integritj- was never questioned in the community where he lived. He was elected by his fellow citizens to offices of trust, and his official duties were discharged with rare fidelity. His three years' service as a member of the School Committee was charac- terized by faithfulness and energy, and his influence in that Board was felt long after his term had expired. As one of the Board of Trustees of the Worcester County Mechanics' Associa- tion, he was an active member of the Libi'ary Committee wherein he did much to raise the standard of excellence in that depart- ment, by retiring books of fiction and supplying standard works relating to art, science and literature, and from that day to this the policy' he advocated has been respected b\- the Associa- tion. His mind, when directed to public atfairs, was free from partizan bias, and he recognized no power strong enough to turn his steps from the path of duty. He was a true man, an unfaltering friend, a loyal citizen. As a member of The Worcester Society of Antiquit}-, he was deeply interested in its work, and was careful to preserve all its Proceedings, arranging them for the bindery but a short time before his death. He was a member of the Masonic Order, and for several years devoted much time to the welfare of that ancient institution. He was made a Master Mason in Morning Star Lodge, at Wor- cester, Nov. 1, 1859, and was Secretary of the lodge for several 3'ears. He was exalted to the august and sublime degree of a Royal Arch Mason in Worcester Chapter, April 8, 1804 ; and 19 on the 27th of October of the same year he received the Cryptic degrees in liiram Council of Royal and Select Masters. He was created and dubbed a Knight Templar in Worcester County Commandery, Knights Templars, at Worcester, April 21, 18G5. October 31, 18G7, he received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, from the 4" to the 14°, in Worcester Lodge of Perfection. He received the degrees of the Order of the Eastern Star from Past Grand Patron, Daniel Seagrave, in September, 1869, and atliliated with Stella Chapter, No. 3, at Worcester, when that Chapter was organized in 1871. He was elected Worthy Pat- ron, December 13, 187G, and continued in office four years. He was elected Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star for Massachusetts, at its organiza- tion, Dec. 11, 187G, and held the office till May 13, 1879. He was elected Grand Patron, May 13, 1878, and continued in office two years. He was elected Most Worthy Grand Patron of the General Grand Chapter of the order. May 10, 1878, and held the office till Aug. 20, 1880. He was chairman of the committee appointed to arrange and publish the Ritual of the Order, and that document shows how well his work was done. He was appointed Secretary of Eoreign Correspondence by the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts for the year 1879, and re-ap- pointed May 10, 1.S81. He was elected a life member of Stella Chapter, Jan. 26, 1880. His correspondence with the various masonic bodies and individuals, relating to Masonry and mat- ters pertaining thereto, would make a large volume of useful and interesting matter, full of original thought. Such has been the career of one whose life and conduct may well be emulated by us. His courage, his ability, his sincerity, his incorruptible moral nature and his persistent adherence to the strictest rules of justice and right, were prominent charac- teristics of his life. His death occurred at his home in this city, Dec. 29, 1881, after an illness of five days. The community was shocked at the announcement of his death — so sudden and unexpected— and the character of the large assembly gathered in the church to observe his funeral rites, bore unmistakable testimony to his worth as citizen. 20 It may be said that Mr, Lamb's life was not satisfactor}'. In a pecuniary sense this is true ; but it must be acbnitted that he achieved the most complete success in living an honest life, and when death came he was fully prepared to approach the grave, "Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." He was one of the few men who never assumed a false posi- tion for gain ; nor could he be pursuaded by sophistr}- or logic, or compelled by any human authority, to forget or surrender the title Nature gave him to the highest type of manhood. Mr. Alfred Waites read the following interesting paper, a copy of which was requested for publication: THE AGE OF CHIVALRY. By ALFRED WAITES. I have selected this subject because, as far as my observation goes, it is one that is greatly misunderstood. Scarcely any one ever speaks of this age who does not seem to be under the influ- ence of false ideas, bewildered as it were, b}- the glitter of knights in armor, and the shock of lances in tournament. Even the terms which are used to designate the human beings, and the qualities they posseesed, are as much misunderstood as the age itself. What do 3'ou mean by the word "villain?" yet the notion of wickedness and worthlessuess which we attach to it is the effect of aristocratic pride and exclusiveness, and not, as Christian says in his notes on Blackstone, "A proof of the horror in which our fathers held all service to feudal lords."* "Villain," simply meant one attached to a villa, oi- farm, and a collection of the dwellings of these "villains," was a village. The words "knightly" and "chivalrous," I shall leave for your considera- tion while we hurry forward to the examination of these chival- * Diet, of phrase and fable, p. 93G. 21 lie days, lie who endeavors to discover the origin and prog- ress of eliivalr}-, says vSismondi,* meets witli dillleulties of every kind. He linds himself on the borders of reality and fiction, sometimes deceived by poets and romancers, and sometimes misled by incapable chroniclers. The romance of chivalry, in French and in Latin, the fables of Archbishop Turpin, the brilliant stories of the Court of Char- lemagne inserted in the Chronicles of St. Denis, had become, from the eleventh century, the habitual reading of those who occupied themselves with arms and love ; it was their only in- struction, the only example which they cared to follow : and the book which was designed to be the pastime of a winter eve- ning, became a rule of conduct. He who wishes to disentangle fiction from reality, runs the risk of being deceived by the po- etic sentiment which is within himself ; because he finds the generous emotions of virtue and of nobility of soul so little satis- fied by the men of history, he ends by adopting the heroes of romance.* The Order of Chivalry was a religious and military engage- ment. The Chevalier devoted himself "to God and the ladies." The candidate had first to take a bath, which was to signify that he presented himself cleansed from sin. He was then clothed with a white tunic, with a robe of vermillion, and a coat of black. These colors represented the purity of his future life, the blood which it was his duty to shed for the church, the death which he ought always to have in remembrance. The sash was to typify his engagement to live from that time forward in chas- tity. The spurs were gilt, and signified that he should fly with rapidity wherever duty called him. He who bound on the sword, had recommended to him uprightness and loyalty, the defense of the poor against the rich, and to sustain the weak ai^ainst the strons. In order that the novice should remember these things, he was struck upon the neck with a sword, or given a box on the ear. (colaphus). In the same way when a great lord accorded a charter, he gave a box on the ear to the witness, of however high rank, so that the memory of the * Ilistoire des Francais III. 2. 22 transaction should not escape him. And here, I may state, we find the origin of another custom, and find oddly enough, that the strilving on the neck or shoulder, in the ceremony of knight- hood, and the whipping of the boys in "beating the boundaries," as narrated by Henzel,* Pepys,t and others, are identical in their source, and the knight was struck as the boy was whipped that the lesson imparted might not be forgotten. Jhe chevalier was required by his vow to remove from any place in which there was treason or false judgment, if he were not strong enough to prevent it ; to aid with all his power the ladies and damsels ; to fast every Friday ; and to make an offering every day at mass. Thus we see the priests did not forget themselves when the}' took part in the institution of chivalry. J It would, however, be unjust to think so unworthily of the church as to compare her with this institution ; her doors were open to the poor as well as to the rich ; the humblest might enter her service and wield a power greater than that of any earthly king ; might ascend the throne of Peter, assume the triple crown, and swa}' the destinies of the world. But the order of chivalry was accorded only to men of noble blood. An insurmountable barrier was raised which separated the chevalier from the villain, and which the latter could never hope to cross. Courage and virtue, as well as happiness and liberty, were considered the exclusive prerogative of noble blood : the great mass of mankind were actually thought unworthy of being considered a portion of the human race. J The peasantry in- deed were placed upon a level with vermin, and hunted much in the same way. The nobles had a saying, "Stroke the clown, he will pummel you ; pummel the clown, he will stroke you." The vocation of the knights of the fourteenth century was to crush the weak. The D'Aubricicourt robbed and killed at ran- dom, to deserve well of his lad}' ; for says the chronicler "He was desperately in love."§ * Mensel, Geschichte der Deutschen, I. 52. t Pepys' Diary I. 188, (May 23, 1G61.) X Sismondi, III. 6. § Michelet Hist. France, I. 446. 3 The terror of the peasants of France, at this time, (1358) was so extreme that, says Michelet,* they no longer slept ; they who lived on the banks of the Loire, passed whole nights on the is- lands, or in boats moored iu the middle of the stream. In Pic- ardy the atfrighted inhabitants dug hiding places for themselves in the ground. Here families huddled together on the approach of an enemy ; and here the women and children wasted away for whole weeks and months, while the husbands and fathers timidly stole to the church steeple to see if the men of war had left the country. They did not always leave it soon enough for the_ poor inhabitants to sow and gather iu the harvest. In vain did they hide themselves under ground ; famine reached them there. In the brie and the beauvoisis above all, the whole land was left bare. Everything was spoiled or destro^'ed. Food was to be had in castles alone. t Can we wonder that some of the peasants dared to retaliate? They did, with the vengeance of despair. They even dared to attack some of the castles, and cut the throats of the barons. Then the great and noble were aroused ; they had never dreamed of sucli a height of daring. Charles the Bad flattered the leaders of the revolt till they were in his power, and then treacherously put them to the sword. The principal was crowned with a red-hot tripod. In all di- rections the nobles massacred the peasantry, without enquiring or carino- whether they had a share in the revolt or not ; and, says a contemporary, they wrought so much evil in the country there was no need of the English coming to destroy the king- dom ; they never could have done the mischief that the barons did. The chevaliers hanged the poor wretches in troops to the nearest trees ; the king of Navarre, in one day, strung up three thousand. The peasants, informed that food and treasure were to be found in the city of Meaux, flocked thither in crowds, many of them unarmed, and attempted to capture the city. Then the nobles sallied forth cased in armor from head to foot, and thus equipped, smote the defenseless rustics with complete impunity. They rushed upon them, cut them down, and flung them in great heaps into the river ; in short, killed upwards of * Hist. France, II. 447. t Michelet, I. 447. 24 seven thonsaud of them. Some escaped for a time; but the barons had not done with them ; they formed hunting parties and scoured the country round to catch the peasants ; they drove the hunted, frightened creatures into the town of Meaux ; shut the gate to preclude the possibility of escape ; and then, burned up the city.* Edward, the "Black I^rince," has again and again been lauded as the mirror of knighthood and of chivalr}'. As he was return- ing from Spain, where his military prowess had been exerted to the utmost, to replace Peter the cruel upon the throne of Castile, from which the avengers of his crimes had driven him, this gallant Edward was informed that war had been resumed with France, and that his services were needed there. He according- ly proceeded thither, laid siege to the town of Limoges, whose inhabitants fought with a bravery which should have gained for them the sympathy of a conqueror ; but in these chivalric days, bravery, except in a brother knight, bravery displayed b}' the canaille^ was treated as a crime, and the exhibition of valor on the part of the people was invariably punished by the direst cruelty. The "Black Prince" was at this time near his death. He could not ride on horseback, and was borne into the town in a litter, that he might personally superintend the accomplish-' ment of the vengeance he meditated. He gave orders that every inhabitant of that town, every man, woman, and child, should be put to death. In this "mirror of chivalry," tottering age, defenseless womanhood, found no protector ; the people rushed into his presence and little children raised their little hapds, knelt down before him, and begged for mercy in the agony of despair, but found no touch of pit}' in that savage breast. Hour after hour the slaughter went on, and onl}- ceased when the last of the victims had been butchered. f The princes and nobles delighted in these massacres, and acquired a strange thirst for blood. Children were tought to dabble in it. Young boys of fifteen exulted in murder. MonstreletJ tells us how John of Ligny, count of Luxembourg, took his little nephew * Froissart, CLXXXIV. f Froissart, CCXC. + Monstrelet, I. 623. 25 with him, pursued some fugitive soldiers, und instructed him how to kill several, in which the child took much delight. The chevMliers were the principal support of the crusades, to which, in virtue of the power he iiad received as the succes- sor of St. Peter, the Pope exhorted IheChiistaiu world. They were called ujjou to punish the enemies of the faith, who were supposed to have desecrated the holy places of Palestine. Ev- ery sinner was absolved from everj- sin ; even murder was for- given him who would take up arms in defence of the church. Hell was not permitted to punish crime, and heaven was gained by the assasination of a Saracen.* Multitudes sped upon this pious errand, and flocked by thou- sands to tight beneath the consecrated banner. Some Germans thought it would be more consistent to extinguish the unbeliev- ers in Europe, before undertaking to exterminate the intidels of Asia ; and in pursuance of this laudable purpose, count Emicho of Leinigen, fell u[)ou the Jews and murdered twelve thousand of them. t Indeed, thr(Mighuut this age, the Jews were treated with atrocious cruelty. A jjolitical disturbance or the visit of an epidemic, was quite sufficient excuse for a massacre of the Jews. The king sometimes interfered in their favor, not from disinter- ested motives, we may be sure, but because he considered them his own peculiar property, and sometimes when he was short of money, he actually mortgaged his Jews. J Such was the rage for tighting in this unhappy time, that the highest dignitaries in tlie church threw off tiara, mitre, pallium and rochet, and "clad in complete steel," went forth, "'Preachers who spake to the purpose, steady, straightforward and strong, with irresistible logic ; (H-thodox, flashing conviction right into the hearts of the heathen. "§ Charlemagne endeavored repress this warlike spirit among ecclesiastics, and forbade them to carry arms ; and once, when he saw a young bishop vault lightly into the saddle, he sternly commanded the nimble theologian to resign his bishopric and * Hist. Littrraire des Troubadours. Hallam Mid. Ages, I. 47, 50 Ex. Pop. Del. 65. t Menzel. I. 364, 365. + Hume, II. 136. ^Rabelais, II. 339. Froissart, II. Ch. 132, 26 to enroll himself in the number of his military followers. The ordinances of Charlemagne* however, failed to abolish this un- christain temper ; and, long after his time, (111)4) the bishop of Beauvais, in all his martial accoutrements, was captured in battle by king Richard the first. The Pope, Celestin the third, angrily demanded that the bishop, the son of the church, should be given up to him. "Return to me my son," he wrote to Rich- ard ; whereupon, Richard wrote to the Pope, at the same time sending the steel armor of the bishop, with these words, taken from the history of Joseph : "Know now whether this be thy son's coat or no."t Religion was now a mixture of superstition and mummery, a term, by the way, which both the French and the English derive from the name of the founder of the religion of Islam, Mahomet, Mahoom, Mahoomery. j It was not Christ- ianity as we moderns understand it, but a degenerate heathenism which ruled the minds of men. Had an antique Roman revisited the earth at this period, he would have discovered that every ancient deit}- had assumed a Christian name. St. Margaret in births, and St. Nicholas in tempests, were invoked with just as much success as Lucina and Neptune. Diana and Bacchus, Elsculapius and Ceres ; Miner- va and Priapus, were replaced by St. Hubert. St. Vincent, St- Cosme, St. Gengul, St. Catharine, and St. Fiacre ; enjoying the the same power over the elements, animals, maladies and infer- nal spirits. The Romans had Vertumnus the god of the sea- sons, and Pomona the patron of orchards ; Hygeia the goddess of health ; Fornax the goddess of bakers ; Occator the god of harrowing ; Runcina the goddess of weeding ; Hippona the goddess of stables and horses ; Bubona the goddess of oxen. The Christians had St. Appolinica for curing toothache ; St. Blaise for sore throats ; St. Lambert for tits. St Wendolin was retained to take care of the cows and calves, and St. Gertrude to drive away rats. The most licentious practices appeared again in the worship of St. Guignolet, of St. Geurlichon and of St. Renand. But worse than all, a poet dares to render thanks * Menzel, Gesch. 1. 230. f Voltaire, essai sur les Moeurs, Chap. L. Rog- er ofWendover, II. 148. (note.) 27 to heaven and St Julien for his success in outraging a woman.* When the saints were thus honored it is not surprising to find that God was entirely neglected, In fact about this time the offerings at the cathedral of Canterbury, were as follows : upon the altar of St. Thomas a Becket 950 pounds ; on the altar of the VirgMi Mary, four pounds ; upon the altar dedicated to God, nothing.** It was considered of the greatest importance that these kniglits should distinguish themselves by some wild feat or adventurous deed of arms. They were impatient for war| as affording them the best opportunity to prove their devotion ''to God and the ladies." Then were the wildest freaks enact- ed, which read like the antics of a world gone mad. They would swear to keep one of their ej'es covered with a piece of black cloth, so that they could not see with it, until they had performed some deed of arms. It They would vow to wear heavy chains upon the left arm every Sunday ; swear not to sleep in a bed ; to take nothing to eat or drink, except three sups of wine in honor of the holy trinity ; not to undress till a city was taken ; the Chevaliers of the Star vowed not to remove in battle more than four acres from the spot where they last combatted, which imprudent vow caused the destruction of the order which swore it.| The most extraordinary vows were those which were sworn upon a pheasant, a peacock, or a heron. There is in the library of Berne, Switzerland, J J an old French manuscript entitled, ''Le voeu du heron," which, judging from internal evidence, was written in the fourteenth or fifteenth century. I have ventured upon a translation of this literary curiosity, and will read it to jou, because it furnishes us with a graphic representation of the manners of the time ; and be- cause concurring as it does with historic facts, it has attained a degree of probability which amounts to certainty. § Nothing appears more revolting than the vow of the queen of England ; but the ancient manners were atrocious, and inspired ideas and sentiments which cause us to shudder at their ferocity. §§ * Hist, litteraire des Troubadours, 1. 11. ** Ludovic Lalanne, Curiosities des Traditions, 131. t Mem. Chev. I. 84. ff Froissart, I. Chap. 28. JSis- mondi, 7. 21. JJ Palaye, Memories sur L'ancienne Chevalerie, III. 119. § Ibid., III. 20. §§ ibid., III. 18. 28 In the spring of the year 1338, Edward the Third, king of England, held plenary court, sitting in the midst of barons ; his features wore a distracted and gloomy air ; his head was bowed upon his breast, and the thoughts which occupied his spirits were not those of love. At the same time Robert D'Artois, banished from France and a refugee in London, went out to enjoy the pleasure of the chase. His hawk, which he held on his wrist perceived a heron, and darting upward, seized its prey and bore it to his master. Eobert was ashamed of so vile a capture ; but having reflected a moment, he bethought himself that he might make it useful in his projects of vengeance. He detached the heron from the claws of the bird and gave it to his cook to remove the feathers and roast it ; after this was done Robert placed it between two silver dishes, and then bore it to the palace of Edward, followed by three minstrels and two noble damsels who joined the accents of their voices to the symphony of the musicians. Entering the hall, he addressed the chevaliers saying: "I come for the purpose of inviting you to make, on this heron, vows worthy of your valor. It is as you know, the meanest and most fearful of birds, being fright- ened even at its own shadow. For this reason it is that I am going to offer it to the most cowardly- of men." Then the count turned toward Edward and presented the heron to him as the price of his indiflference to the crown of France which he weakly abandoned to the power of his rival. Stung by this reproach, the king trembled with anger and protested that a year should not pass away without Philip seeing him upon his lands in France, with fire and sword in his hands, to revenge the affront which had been put upon him ; even though the French opposing should consist of an army ten times more numerous than his own. Robert dissimulating his joy smiled maliciously, and congratulated himself upon his first success. Then complaining of having been unjustly treated by Philip, after all the services which he had rendered him, he engaged to enter Edward's army and thus revenge the injuries and wrongs which he had suffered. He then took the dishes of silver fol- lowed by his fiddlers, who accompanied with the sound of their instruments the voices of the damsels. The count crossed the 29 hall and addressed himself to the earl of Salisbury, who was desperately in love with the daughter of the earl of Derby, and invited him as the bravest and most amorous of that assembl}-, to give an example to the others, and pronounce his vow on the heron. "With all my heart," responded' Salisbury' : "If the Virgin Mary were here in person, and if she would consent to despoil herself of her divinity, to dispute the prize of beauty with her I love, I know not to whom I should yield the prefer- ence, and much fear I should not be willing to make an ex- change ; but what motive can more strongly induce me to exhibit my valor to its full extent than the hope of obtaining the willing smiles of that beaut}' for wh(»m I shall ever glory in bearing arms, though impatient to obtain the boon which she heartlessly refuses. I demand from her to-day onl}- one favor, that she will lend me a finger of her beautiful hand ; and that she will deign to place it on my right eye, in such a manner that it may be entirely closed." The lady instead of one finger, extended two, and closed the e^'e so effectuall}- that he was quite unable to see out of it. Then the chevalier swore never to open that eye till he should have entered France, and to uphold the rights of Ed- ward, had fought witli Philip's army ranged in order of battle. The count of Artois then called the daughter of the generous Derby, and invited her to concur in the vow made on the heron, for the defense of the rights of the king of England. The noble maiden then promised to listen to the pleadings of no other lord, till the vow of her lover should be accomplished. At these words the heart of the amorous chevalier was transported with new courage and he felt animated with J03'. Impatient to satisfy his vengeance, Robert then took up the heron again and presented it to Walter de Manny. That brave chevalier, in order to fulfil the duties of honor and to prove himself worthy of the heroes who had furnished him with such brilliant examples, promised, by the holy virgin, to reduce to cinders a cit}' surrounded by marshes, defended by strong forti- fications, and of which Codemar de Fay had been for a long time the governor ; it should be overthrown and the garrison slain. "I undertake," said DeMann}-, "to return safe and sound, without the least wound, and will bring off* in the same 30 manner the valiant warriors who enter with me." As for the rest, I throw m3'self into the hands of God, who alone can give me success and enable me to fulfil this vow. Robert then called upon the earl of Derby, and requested him to swear as the oth- ers had done. He acquiesced and said : "If the king of Eng- land take us to the realm of France, we shall see there that formidable count of Flanders, for I make oath to seek him especially, to advance near enough to propose a joust, and if I am not able to force him to it, I will revenge myself by burning before his ej'es the country in which he dares to show himself." The count of Artois caused his minstrels to redouble their energies, and the ladies began to dance in order still more to excite the ardor of the heroes. Again, taking the heron, Rob- ert called the chevalier Faquemont and invited him to swear that he would cover himself anew with glory in the quarrel be- tween the two kings. "To what shall I engage myself? The utmost I. can do to mark ni}' attachment and to prove myself faithful to honor, is to promise, and I now swear that if the English king enters France by the wa}' of Cambresis, 3-ou shall see me first at the head of his vanguard, fronting the enemy, bearing revenge, arson and murder ; sparing neither pregnant women, nor infants, nor old men, nor churches, nor altars." At the sound of these haughty words, the assembly was enthusiastic in the the plaudits which it bestowed upon him who had shown such zeal for the honor of his master. Last of all, Robert of Artois approached the queen and desi- red her to give utterance to her desires. "Vassal," said she, ''bound by the sacred ties of marriage, I cannot make any en- gagement without the authoritj' and express commandment of ray lord, who can confirm or annul it at his pleasure." "Let that be no obstacle," said Edward, "make whatever vow you please, I ratify it in advance ; and may the mother of God aid 3-ou." Then the queen with a firm voice said ; "I am pregnant, I cannot doubt it, I feel the infant within me ; I swear then to God, and to the holy Virgin, that this precious fruit of our union shall never remove from my womb, until you have conducted me bej'ond the sea for the accomplishment of your own vows : if there shall be infallible signs of the near approach of my 31 child's birth, belbre tlie time I have prescribed, this dagger with which 1 am armed, I will plunge into my Hank and destroy at one stroke, both my child and my own sonl."* The king made hasty preparations for departure and soon arrived at the low countries, and there the queen gave birth to a male child, who received the name of ''The Lion of Antwerp." Such were the men and women, the manners and customs of this terrible time ; a time iu which, for my part, I can see very little to admire, but very much to hate. It was an age when the wildest frenzies spread with all the fury of a pestilence and with consequences scarcely less pernicious and deplorable. Plagues revelled in the tilth of poverty, blasted the air of the country, and left the cities almost tenantless. It was an age when thick darkness hung over the world ; when witches rode through the air on broom-sticks and brewed hurricanes in their infernal caul- drons ; an age of sorcery and succuba ; when devils were the daily companions of men ; when tyranny was a law, and perse- cution a religion. Now and then there was a lull in the storm, a ray of hope flashed for a moment through the driving clouds. Now and then a light was borne aloft by some intrepid guide who boldly ventured out into the darkness and tempest of that furious time to find a way that should lead the world to a brighter future. But that guide was generally confronted by the powers which were travelling in the exactly opposite direction ; his little light was rudely snatched away, and only served to ignite the faggots which were gathered to consume him. Such was the fate of nearly every one who ventured to lighten the load of life and make the burden of misery less intolerable. The work of "pious combustion" went on from the year of our Lord 304, till the close of the year 17^ 33 At the regular meeting, Feb. Ttli, thirty members mid visitors were present. A letter was read from Hon. Henry P. Upham of St. Paul, Minn., accepting membership in this Society, and enclosing his check for $100, to paj^ his admission as a life member, and the })alance to be applied for current expenses, print- ing, etc. The thanks of the Society was voted for the gift. Mr. Addison Prentiss read an interesting sketch of tlie early history and present condition of New- foundland. Mr. S. E. Staples gave a sketch of per- sonal observations in libraries, museums &c., during a recent visit to New York. At the meeting March 7th, 32 members and visit- ors were present. Gen. Josiah Picket and Major Frederick G. Stiles, both of Worcester, were elected to active membership. Charles R. Johnson Esq., read a carefully prepared and interesting paper on "Some Recent Discoveries in Egypt and Assyria." It was followed by an interesting discussion on the character, accuracy and value of current archajologi- cal discussions. The April meeting was held on the 4th inst., with 25 members and visitors present. Herbert Wesby of Worcester was elected to active membership. Among the accessions reported by the Librarian, was a copy of Cotton Mather's "Magnalia," by Mr. David S. Messenger, and a copy of Miss Ellen D. Larned's "History of Windham County, Conn.," by the author, for whirli the SocictN voted its thanks. 34 The President alluded to the recent visit to this city of a delegation of the Zuni Indians, and interesting remarks upon their history were made, by President Crane, and Messrs. Henry M. Smith, Alfred S. Roe, Nathaniel Paine, and the Secretary. Mr. Alfred S. Roe read the following sketch of the life of Rev. Levi Pillsbury of Winchendon, Mass., and presented the Society with a quantity of his manuscripts, a diary, sermons, etc. REV. LEVI PILLSBURY. By ALFRED S. ROE. There are few manuscripts that are not worth}- of preservation and, especiall}', if they have escaped the hand of the destroyer for more than fifty j^ears, they ought to pass into keeping where the}' will probably be taken care of. This was ray though when I rescued a bundle of old papers from that insatiable ma^v, (at an}' rate insatiable as far as literary matters are concerned) the paper mill. LTndoing the ancient green string that confined the papers, I found myself in possession of a mass of sermons preached, at the beginning of this century, by the Rev. Levi Pillsbury at "W," an initial which 1 subsequently found stood for Winchen- don, Mass. Accompanying the bundle, or included in it, was a manuscript journal, left by the clergynan when he was a stu- dent in Dartmouth college, whence he graduated in 17!).s. This journal contains abstracts of many sermons, heard by him. several essays and poems read in class, a catalogue of books in the college library in his day and many pious reflections, the same continuing down to nearly the date of his death, which occurred in 1819. 35 . Tlu' seriiious are not written out in lull ; but are simply the headings of his discourses and give us a verj' good idea of the ability of the preacher. I suppose many would call them "•skele- tons" u[)on which the preacher lays the tiesh as he addresses his hearers. They are eighty-aze on this scene -e, N. II.. and we may conclude that the weather as * Rev. George Allen. 38 well as the drinking habits was decidedly old fashioned as we read the item of snow shoveling. On the 15th of August follow- ing, the town voted $15 to purchase tomb-stones for its deceased minister. Four j-ears later, these having been broken, the town procured others. Later still his children have set up an elegant monument. "His death bed was calm and serene, and being asked what directions he wished to leave in relation to his family, he rei)lied, 'Follow the leadings of Providence.' His ministry came in time to save the church from the experience of many others in the Commonwealth which lapsed into some form of Unitarianism." In 1804 he withdrew from the Westminster Association and in 1806 joined that of Worcester which met at Kev, Samuel Austin's in Worcester. This Association has always been noted for its strict adherance to early Congregational usages. 1 find that he was opposed to the "half way covenant" which did so much towards unsettling firm religious faith in New England. An incident given of his perseverance leads one to think that he must have come from the same stock as that veteran Aboli- tionist, Parker Pillsbur}'. In 1807, towards the last of March, Mr. Pillsbury and Dr. Whiton struggled through the snow to the meeting-house, some- times on the top of the wall. No one else was there, and they returned in the same way. Then too his attitude, when assault- ed b}' the Federal party, partakes much of that heroic stubborn- ness that seems characteristic of the name. So much as a sketch of the life of this man. Now let us see what his Journal contains. I turn over many abstracts of ser- mons and disquisitions on Edwards, the will, and Hopkins till I come to an essay on education, read before his college class in 1796. He begins, "'Tis education forms the common mind, Just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined." It is realh' a sermon under the guise of an essay. The man was a born preacher, as he shows in his method of illustrati<;>u and arrangement. The same subject has been a stock theme for ages. Then follows a quotation from Pope's translation of 39 the Iliad. Immediately, we stumble upon a form for the bap- tism of children, and then like Mr. Wegg we drop into verse as follows : ON THE MIND. "Immortal miud ! How quick it runs By fixed stars which may be suns, And in an instant seems to trace The vast expanse of empty space. 'Tis not like planets which do run And make their orbits 'round the sun More like the comets which do fly In all directions through the sky. The natural mind, in every station Desires to gain the whole creation, And could it all the world obtain 'T would still be seeking after gain." This effusion was composed and spoken in 1797. His poem on the "Nature of Things" is quite too didactic for quotation here, but this of two stanzas, spoken in College Chapel July 6, 1797, we venture to give : "In every paper and every book I 've ransacked well and pains have took To find a piece, ■which in our age Has not been spoken on the stage. But all in vain ! My time is lost I 've nothing found that pays the cost, For everything that's good or queer Has first or last, been spoken here." We are next favored with a long essay, read before the Theo- logical Society ; but it is quite too heavy for us. He gives his notions of being called to preach, believing that men were as much inspired by that divine mission in his day as in the da^'s of Christ. Next, he proves Hopkinsia)nsm to be Arminianism by metaphysics ; he discourses on the unknowable and fore- knowledge. He defines Democracy as supreme power lodged in the people ; in the hands of wise men, Aristocracy, He quotes i. e. writes at length from Rollin, so I may conclude that 40 in early life he did not possess the works of the great French- man, but copied when he had a chance. He describes the three Greek feasts of Athena), Bacchus and Eleusis. He transcribes an essay "Does the mind act continually?" read before the class in 1797. In monosyllabic distinctness I find the heading "Hell" "A place of punishment, wherein the wicked are to receive the reward of their evil deeds after this life." Mr. Pillsbury does not tell us what he thinks about it ; but he does say that Mr. Whiston thinks that comets are so many hells, and Mr. 8wiu- den thinks the sun itself may be a local hell because it is con- tinually burning. He gives a long discourse on the subject of oratory, mainly from lectures delivered in college. He adduces nothino- new. I will confess my own inability to follow some of the theological reasoning as when he tries to prove baptize'd children to be holy. A history of the church of Rome before the Reformation and "How the Reformation was brought into England" he compresses into less than four pages of his MS. He takes occasion to hit the Anabaptists a rap, showing, as he thinks, the inconsistency of their professions. One passage is headed "The Rev. Mr. Bradford's Church Covenant, rer.d to me Nov. 25, 1798," Hereupon follows a most interesting account of his own spiritual progress from a condition of indif- ference to a most complete reliance on the saving mercies of Je- sus Christ. Were it not for a seeming violation of confidence, 1 would quote it in full ; but words written for other times and other men and, apparently, so thoroughly sincere, 1 cannot bring myself to transcribe. He appends to this part the date. Nov. 2.5, 1798, and his initials L. P. Here is a poem made to be spoken at the dedication of the Rowley school house, Nov. 29, 1798. 1 My fellow students, one and all Rejoice to leave that smoky hall, The old school-house, I mean and say Where we have studied many a day. 2 Where lads and lasses often met And some half froze, some in a sweat, 41 In such a crowd not one to ten Could read or write or mend a pen. 3 But here's the place, oh this is meet Where every boy may have a seat, Where smoke our eyes can never spoil Oh this is something worth the while. 4 Hail happy seats ! what pretty things, More pleasing than the court of kings, And here let girls and boys unite In all their studies and delight. 5 And if you think it not too nice I'll give you some of my advice ; Cut not your books nor your seat But always keep them clean and neat. He next, under thirteen heads, draws a parallel between physical and moral ailment, endeavoring to show how each, if taken in time, may be cnred. Omitting several qnotations from Dr. Rush and the comments of a Mr. Davis on carousals on Christmas day, I find this llnal entry : "Nov. 14, 1815. Received a letter from my Hon. Father, Canaan, which brings the melanchol}' tidings that my dear sis- ter, Hannah Pillsbnry, is no more. She married to Capt. Dan- iel Pillsburry and moved to Brownsville Pennsylvania, and died in August, ISls, of a nervous fever, aged 26. 'Surely all flesh is grass and the goodness of man as the flower of the field !' May I have grace to improve this event to the glory of God." Appended to this Journal is a catalogue of about one half the books in Dartmouth College Library, in the year 1796. He gives the names of over five hundred books and mentions as many more old books and pamphlets. How certain people whom I know in this Society would rejoice at a sight of these same old books thus ruthlessly lumped olf. It is obvious that in his day there was no printed catalogue, else he would not have taken the pains to write so many names. A study of the titles is not uninteresting, for these books are the ones that 42 Dauiel Webster must have read, if ho read any, while he was in college. AVe find Rollin, Gibbon. Kobertson and the oWwv standard historians. Comnientario!? and sermons are in great abundance. There are some works in Greek and Latin ; a very little on Political Economy : some on Botany. Addison :nul Pope are there ; Baxter's Saints' Everlasting Rest, of eourse. In the entire list I find but one author who can be called a nov- elist, viz. Fielding. Me is here in twelve volumes. I wonder if those staid young men, provided our subject was a fair example of the lot, took much pleasure in Tom. Jones or the Adventures of Jonathan Wild? John Wesley appears in '-Original Sin." There is very little local history ; but on the whole the list is what we should very much dislike being confined to unless the <'old books and pamphlets" turned out a better lot than those named. In those days books in order to be ''improving" umst be of a very select character and their solidity was often entirely lacking in elasticity. Some of them come down to our day and we lay them up on shelves as interesting curiosities and wonder if people ever really read such queer things. I have followed the manuscript of this clergyman from his Alpha to his Omega and as I have no further use for it and the sermons, I take pleasure in presenting them to the Society. 43 A regular iiioeting was held May second, with 25 persons in attendance. Thomas E. Bartlett of Cam- bridge, Ma^^s., was elected a corresponding member, and J)r. C. Otis Goodwin and Maj. Edward T. Raymond of Worcester were elected to active mem- bership. Henry M. Smith read an interesting sketch of "Worcester in 1834," which was discussed by several members. Hon. Henry P. Upham of St. Panl, Minn., made a pleasing address, expressing his interest in the work of the Society. The meetintr for June was held on the Gth inst., with 24 persons present. Among the accessions presented to the library was a large and valuable collection of musical compositions, by their author, Mr. C. C. Stearns of Worcester, for which the Society voted its thanks. The President was authorized and directed to organize an additional department in the Society, to be called ''The Department of Military History." The Society voted to publish "The Records of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, for Worces- ter Count v, from 1731 to 1737," to be numbered X\'III. of the Society's Publications. Messrs. E. H. Thompson, Franklin P. Rice and Henry M. Smith were appointed to arrange for the annual excursion of the Societv. The Secretary-, Henry L. Shumway, read the fol- lowing paper: — AN OLD-TIME MINISTER. By henry L. SHUMWAY. The men who were influential in public affairs in New England in the last quarter of the last century are far enough removed from us to be considered antiquarian. Science has made such rapid strides that their times seem quite primitive, and an insight into their thoughts and their everyday life is a curious and interesting spectacle. Of these men none were more influential than the country ministers. They were almost the only points of contact with literature and scholarship, open to the common people, and they had not then lost their hold upon iniblic affairs. They were settled by vote of the town, and every man of property was taxed for their support ; and if he staid away from the preaching he paid for, he was called to a serious ac- count. If, being admonished, he persisted in his contumacious conduct, he was almost if not quite ostracized by good society. They were almost the dictators of public opinion, and naturally grew to feel that they possessed no little absolute authority. The last quarter of the last century- however, saw the begin- ning of a change in the ministerial office. The people began to have olimmerinsfs of the idea that there was room in human thought for variety in religious opinion, and to think thjit reli- gion was not necessarily a matter to be complicated with the secular aff'airs of every township. They had not reached the point where thev denied the minister all the rights he claimed in his pulpit ministrations, but they made what were ultimntely successful objections to the union of church and town, whidi was almost as burdensome as the union of church and state wliich their ancestors opposed in the Mother Country. The chanoe 45 involved in the development of these ideas "was not kindly re- ceived by the old-time ministers. They resisted all innovations, and fought a losing battle with great pertinacity. Among these ministers, many of whose names are now buried in must}* church-records and forgotten, was Rev. Ebenezer Chaplin, minister of the Second Parish of Sutton in this county, the Second Parish now being the town of Millbury, and the church now being the First Congregational church, located in the village of Bramanville. By chance a mass of manuscripts, including a portion of his diary during the struggle referred to have come under my notice and excited my interest. Some of his published works have also been preserved, and these, with such brief biographical data as I have been able to gather, are the basis of the sketch 1 have to present this evening. Rev. Ebenezer Chaplin was ordained minister of the Second Parish of Sutton, Nov 14, 1704, and was dismissed March '22, 1792. He removed to Hard wick about 1803, and died there Dec. 13, 1822, aged 89 years. He graduated at Yale in 1763, and received the Degree of A. M. from his Alma Mater in 1767. He was delegate from Sutton to the convention which framed the State constitution, and which met at Cambridge in 1779. Thus much written history records of him. He is also credited with the authorship of quite a list of publications, most of which are like himself entirely forgotten. Mr. Chaplin's largest work of which any record appe:irs is ••A Treatise on the Nature and Importance of the Sacraments," which was printed by Daniel Greenleaf at Worcester in 1802. It is not wliat may lie properly termed a rare book, but is so infrequent that but few even of those who enjoy the dry theologi- cal disquisitions of the last century have ever seen it. Copies are in the library of the American Antiquarian Society, and of Harvard College, and I know of two copies in the libraries of members of this Society. In common with the New England orthodoxy of his time, Mr. Chaplin had what seems, to the more liberal vision of the present day. a very severe prejudice against the denomination known as the Baptists, and in the preface to his "Treatise" he admits ''the principal inducement to write what is here oti'ered : was findino; in several instances ; that 46 persons who, for sometime, had been seeking to find the right Way, as to Baptism, without satisfaction ; were fully satisfied in their minds ; on hearing me explain it." We are not disap- pointed, in examining the volume, to find that its larger portion and its most prodigious argumentation are devoted to the de- molition of the Baptist doctrines. The Treatise is a sizable volume of nearly 300 pages, and it is as dry as it is possible for such a work to be, full of detailed argument which will most likely exhaust rather than interest and edify the modern reader. As is proper in a book assuming to explain God's dealings with men, and the causes which made sacraments a necessitj-, Mr. Chaplin begins at the beginning and asserts the following : "GOD the CREATOR eternally existed a SYSTEM or SO- CIETY OF DKITY. A Phimlitii in Unitu ; possessed of most Perfect, and consummate attributes, and Perfections for general Good. The Deity did not exist in simple 'persoiiuJity. For if he had ben, but a mere simple personality of Existence there could have been no possibilit}', of an}* such things, as are called the moral Perfections of God. There can be no such thino- as Righteousness, where there is only, a mere simple personalit}' of Existence. For Rigldeousness is a relative term ; or a term expressing the Relation, of rational Intelligences to each other. In order for there to be, any such thing as liigliteousness ; there must be a subject and an object. So also of Love, which is the foundation of all moral goodness ; there must be a sub- ject and an object; a person to love and a person to be loved. We can have no idea of love when there is a mere simplicity of Existence. * * * * However in all the things we are acquainted with, absolute simplicity cannot multiply or increase. Which affords another very considerable argument that the Deity did not exist in simplicity." It is restful and refreshing, to one who looks at the mysteries of Deity, creation, and existence, with reverent awe, and a wil- lingness to leave their complete solution until the veil is lifted, to read the positive declarations of our author upon these topics. These things are not "too wonderful" for him. Having dog- matically settled the constitution of Deity, he finds no difficulty with minor topics like the creation of angels and men. He de- clares the creation of the angels at the time of the Mosaic crea- tion, although, to accommodate Job's allusion to the singing 47 together of the mornino- stars. Job XXXIII. 7, supposing those stars to be the angels, he sa}^ : '•1 see nothing against their being created in these six days of creation of whicli Moses speaks. For tliey might be created the first day ; about tlie time of the first springing forth of light ; and be called moniiiKj stars in allusion to that ; in that view they would lie eminently mornivg .stars, rising the first morning that ever existed. And then they would have all the rest of the week, five days and a half to sing, and rejoice * * * * But what thev could be' employed about, before any other creation besides themselves was progressing, no one can devise." Our author evidently had reached the point of mental poise, more common, perhaps, at this later day, where he could con- fidently assume that whatever in Deity or in creation was be- yond his ''devising" could not exist. He interprets man's creation, Gen. I. 27, thus: "This is a plain assertion of God, that he made man in his own Image, as to PLURALITY in UNITY and Dominion. His expressing his own Pluralittj as a pattern, by which he would make the man ; and making of man in the same terms both plural and singular ; plainly shows that the Union of Plu- ralit>i, of the persons of the Deity ; was the principal thing, in the image of which he made man ; At the s^ime time evidences, that he made the whole system of man ; all that he should ever multiply into, in that man he then made." He continues, not to argue, but to confidently explain that man as a finite being was made conscious of material things by personal contact with them. It was necessary, as God was invisible, and intangible to human senses, that there should be some tangible, visible means of making man conscious of his relations to God. Therefore God forbade the eating of the fruit of the forbidden tree, and the tree thus became a Sacra- mental Token, reminding man of the reality of the Divine ex- istejnce, and of his relations and obligations to God. He proceeds, in the same confident manner, to explain the fall of man, giving an insight into the counsels of heaven which even the angels "desired to look into" He tells us that angels, as created beings, being finite could not comprehend the infinite God, and they too needed a Sacramental token, to maintain in 48 them a proper sense of the Deity, and this token was God mani- fest in Humanit}", — the Incarnation. This the angels were appointed to contemplate and believe. God's will in this regard being made known to the angels, and they being nnable to in- vestigate and comprehend the sublime mysterj- of the Incarna- tion, one of the principal angels made a question of it, whether it could ever come to pass. If he had resolved it in the affirma- tive upon God's testimony, he would have kept his faith and not sinned. But he abode not in the truth and suffered his mind to fall into the negative. This was the first derangement in God's sj'stem of creation, which resulted in the rebellion of the angel and his expulsion from heaven. Having accepted the negative and given God the lie, he had set himself to make his part good against God. The quarrel between the Devil and God began about Christ the Incarnate God and has always so continued. The Devil's constant attempt to discredit the truth that the Son of God is come in the tlesh, is a corroborating evidence that this was the ground of his original apostacy. His first effort after expulsion from heaven was to attempt the se- duction of man to sin ; supposing that if lie could succeed he would defeat God of ever being manifest in human nature, or at least bring God in'to a dilemma, either to abandon His purjjose or to unite His Son to a sinful nature ; supposing in cither case that he would carry his point against God. Mr. Chaplin am- plifies the Biblical account of the fall of man as follows : "And here in pronouncing tlie curse upon the serpent or Devil in him, God declares the humanity of Christ ; as a creiitive word, speaking that Divine seed to life, into this dead system ; and declares that he should finally conquer the Devil ; should bruise his head, which would be compleat conquest. God here speaks to the Devil of that secrZ as something that was known of between him and the Devil before. As something the Devil had begun a quarrel with him aiiout, and it sounds as if whnt the Devil had been about there with the woman and the man. was an important thing in the Quarrel." He gives several pages to a dogmatic account of what occurred in the Garden of Eden between Adam and Eve and the serixMit, making the latter run up the tree to show his dexterity nnd to further increase Eve's admiration, and hoping that by arousing 49 her anxiety lest he fall off and be killed, to distract her mind and secure her apostacy, b}' the eating of the fruit. In this he was successful, and the account has excuses for both Adam and Eve, that the^- were distracted and confused by the antics and spirit of the serpent, and sinned through inadvertence rather than by intent. Mr. Chaplin concludes his unveiling of the events of creation with the information tliat the question of the possibilit}' of the Incarnation was vital amongt he angels until it was accomplished, and that doubtless those who took the nega- tive became devils. He suppoes there have been no new devils sinc8, and that ever since the Resurrection the angels have been confirmed in their good estate. He finds a third ante-Christian Sacramental Token in the ex- pulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, as it was a sign or token to them that they could only find salvation by a real transition of soul to a new slate, and signifying the in- visible, moral or spiritual change, renovation, or transformation, that must be wrought by God on the soul in order to find salva- tion, but, he says, "this is incidental, and does not supersede the necessity of a perpetual Sacramental Token." His fourth Sacramental Token was the sacrifice of animals before the time of Noah ; the fifth was circumcision, and the sixth was the Jew- ish passover. Having thus, in Part I. of his essay, disposed of numerous questions which have been considered perplexing by ordinary theologians in all ages, Mr. Chaplin devotes Part II. to the religious meaning and design, the proper subjects of and the proper mode of Baptism, in all of which we find him equally confident of having mastered all mj'steries. At the outset he quotes I. Pet, III., "While the Ark was preparing, wherein few, that is eight souls, were saved BY WATER" and sa3-s : "This being saved BY WATER has some obscuritv in it, be- cause the Scriptures have not directly and expressly told, what the water saved them from. But the words here are express, that the Water Saved them * * * And I think it cannot be a departure from Scripture, to conclude, that the Antediluvians, meditated the destruction, of Noah and his family; and were preparing to effect it ; when the flood came suddenly and de- stroyed them all. * * * * * Noah and his famil}' were shut in 50 the Ark. Nothing as we know of, appeared, but they might easily set lire to it, and readily demolish the Ark and its eon- tents. The Scripture asserting, that Noah and his family were saved BY WATER implies, or at least naturally suggests, that Fire was the instrument, or means, by which they were exposed to be destroyed ; since water is the direct proper element to extinguish Fire." Ordinary preachers have found it sufficient to accept the idea that Noah was saved by water from the destruction caused by the flood, but Mr. Chaplin evidently felt it his duty to dig deeper and to find a hidden fountain of meaning. He spends much space in drawing a parallel between the salvation of Noah and that of the race through Christ. He tinds that Israel was saved by water in the cloud, the cloud defending them by day from being destroyed by the heat. He says : — "They were also saved by water in that cloud, in the night ; by the particles of water, being so arranged and composed, as to collect and transmit the rays of light : perhaps something in the manner of our northern lights. It was so that it appeared a pillar of fire by night. This, among other purposes, served to guard them frombeing destroyed by wild beasts of prey, which infest that country ; so that people cannot travel there, in the night, without carrying fire with them ; these beasts of prey being afraid of fire." In this also our author has gone deeper than the ordinary student will care to follow him. He recognizes Christian bap- tism as the successor of circumcision in the Jewish church, and defends infant baptism with the argument that God baptised infants with the rest of the Jewish nation, in the cloud and in the sea, and that infants were the special subjects of circumcision. But it is when he reaches the proper mode of baptism that we find him most dogmatic and vigorous, and after quite a long discussion he declares : "Hence, althouoh we cannot direetlv determine, from those instances above considered, what the mode is, or ought to be ; yet we may, from those Baptisms, in some measure determine, what it is not ; or what cannot l)e the proper mode. And here, from the above Baptisms, performed l)y God himself; we nmy conclude that immersion, or plunging, cannot be the proper mode of Baptism ; for that is rather a figure or emblem of de- struction, than of salvation. And it was the real mode, in which 51 God destroyed by wdfer, those he took away, to baptize those lie saved by ivater. Now it would be so incongruous to institute a mode, for a figure or token of ^al ration, wliich God hiniselfhad used in Baptism as a mode of real destruction ; that we cannot suppose God would do it. It could never strike our minds as a Token of Salvation. Therefore we must conclude, that immer- sion is not a mode of Baptism, that God ever instituted or de- signed." Having demonstrated the impossibility of immersion as a proper mode of baptism, the ordinary writer would be satisfied, and proceed to other topics, but not so with Mr. Chaplin. He would not only defeat, but would pulverize his antagonist. Therefore he says that immersions, to be etflcacious should be of the naked body, which would be indecent; he points to the '4aver" in the temple and triumphantly declares that it was too small for immersion, and besides, standing on a foot or pedestal it would be upset by such use. He alleges that John's baptisms were not Christaiu but Mosaic, and that the form used by the first Christians was copied from that of the Jews, the formula beino- chano-ed. He is so confident that he asserts John's for- mula to have been .- "I baptize thee unto repentance, believe thou on Him who shall come after me." He further annihilates immersion by showing it to be impossible for John to have im- mersed so many people. He assumes that he baptised a mil- lion people, and says that it would require ten minutes, on an average, to immerse an individual ; therefore thirty-six years, at twelve hours per day, would be occupied in the work ; then there could not have been provided sutlicient clothing for so many to change, and for the people to change their clothes out there in the wilderness would be an obscene exhibition. But our author settles the question that John might have baptised a million t)eople, in the orthodox form, in a year and a half; he knows that he could get through ten per minute, for he has made the experiment. He further demolishes immersion by a classical disquisition upon the phrases "in" "into" and "out of," in the several Biblical narrations of baptism. He goes through the first five books of the New Testament, counting the prepo- sitions En, in ; Ajw, out of; Eis, into ; and Ek, out of (plural) and finds them 2859 times. His diary shows, under date of 52 Jan. 29, 1802, that he spent three weeks in counting these pre- positions. When this was done, he began to count "wash." "baptize," and "dip," but 1 find no record of the result. A';< is used 103;3 times, of which 47 are adverbs ; in 25 cases the sense is involved in other w^ords ; the rest, 9G4, are rendered by seventeen different prepositions in English ; it is rendered at 53 times, by 44 times, icith 42 times, among 45 times, and on 30 times. Ajyo he finds 423 times of which 40G are prepositions, rendered thirteen different ways ; it is rendered //-ojji 235 times, o/ 92 times, o»^ o/ 42 times,, /or 11 times, and since 7 times. Eis he finds 955 times, of whicli 902 are prepositions, rendered seventeen different ways, into appearing 388 times and to 88 times. He finds Ek 44G times, 435 being prepositions, render- ed thirteen different ways, — o/TJl times, from 102 times, out of 77 times, on 30 times, with 17 times, &e. From all this he argues that the use of the particular English prepositions do not prove anything regarding immersion. His wrand summary is that there is no more need or sense in wet- ting the person all over for baptism, than in skinning him all over for circumcision. Part HI. of the Treatise is devoted to a labored discussion of "covenants" in which there is a field for study and reflection, equal to that I have sketched from hi^ meditations relating to baptism. In the preface to the Treatise Mr. Chaplin proposes to attack no one, but simply to state his own conclusions, and he is care- ful to keep the pledge, but we must not conclude that he had no disposition to personal combat. He is credited with the autlior- ship of a pamphlet of which the following is the title : "MODERN PHARASAISM, illustrated and proved— by Timothy Truth Esq., to which is annexed A CONCISE RE- VIEW of Elisha Andrews' brief reply to r>ickerstaff's short. Epistle to the Baptists, by Christopher Duntaxat, LL. D., Sutton, Printed by Sewall Goodridge, Feb., 1811." The book is a curious study of declamation against the Bap- tists, whom I fear, Mr. Chaplin assailed quite as vigorously as he did the immoralities of his time. He declares that in spite of the multiplication of so-called Christian sects, there is really nothing new. The Universalists are only the disciples of the 53 false prophets under the Jews, and are nearly the same as the Oriiiinistsof the first noes of the Christian church. The Method- ists are simply Pelagians, but the Baptists are the lineal descend- ants of the ancient Pharisees, as he proves, 1st, by their name, Separatists ; id, by their similarly mysterious origin ; 3d, be- cause they hold to the tradition of the elders, which have no faau Lition ill the Scriptures ; 4th, by their strong attachment to outward rites and ceremonies ; 5th, by their ostentation in religion ; Gth, by their zeal and assiduity in making converts ; 7th, b}' their contidence in their own righteousness; 8th, by their contemptuous treatment and slandering of others. In the "Concise Review" he alleges that the Baptist people were not capable of writing five sentences of good English, and so got Andrews to answer Bickerstatf. In the same vein he paints the following portrait of a Baptist preacher : ''There are comparatively few of their preachments but what are interlarded with stories and relations of the preacher's own experiences and feelings. He will tell how he was first brought to know the truth : how he was tried in his mind about baptism ; how he resisted his call to preach ; how humble, vile, and self- denying he is, and how unworthy to speak to others on the con- cerns of religion. All these things, delivered in an appropriate tone of voice, wonderfully tend to set ott" his own goodness, for the admiration of the gaping but ignorant throng. And it is no uncommon thing for the preacher to tell of some extraordinary suggestions, or supernatural revelations, with which he has been favored." But he did not avoid preaching directly at his own people, even when the occasion and the theme led them to expect that some one else was to recieve the castigation. One of his print- ed sermons is "The civil State Compared to Elvers ; All under God's Con- trol ; And what People Have to Do when Administration is Grievous. Sutton, 2d Parish; Printed by Request; Delivered Jan. 17, 1773, the Day Before a Town Meeting to act on the Letter from Boston. Prov. XXI. 2." We can imagine the anticipations of the zealous patriots, chafing under the tyranny of the English king, of a hearty demonstration of king-craft and a hurling of old and new Testa- men anathemas at the "taxation without representation" party. 54 But we can hardly imagine the impression made by the ser- mon. Its heads were, 1st, to consider and show wherein the king may be compared to rivers of water ; 2d, to show that all these things are in the hand of the Lord; ;3d, that all these things are guided by the will of the Lord. The application was, "See that the land from which the streams originate is pure," and his peroration was as follows : "Look at home and see if this be not too much the case with us, one among another. Oi)pressing, overreaching, usurious contracts, all foppery, living upon other men's hil)or and proi)er- ty ; when a person goes beyond what he is able to pay for and pay his other dues, whatever schemes any take to get other men's property witliout equal consideration, — all these things are the very same things which we are complaining of in the civil administration * * * * So great a work we have to do ; every one to put away the violence that is in his own hands ; and "seek to God for a new heart. 'Till this is done no one can with a good face go to God or ask of Him that he would turn the king, or the civil power, to remove these measures we think are oppression, and contrary to our natural and constitutional rights, unless he lirst put away everytliing from his own doings, that is of the same kind towards his neighbor." The portions of Mr. Chaplin's manuscrijjt diary, or "A Scp- timanary," as he is pleased to call it, that have come to my knowledge, are of the dates included between Oct. 18, 1790, and March 19, 1802, with occasional memoranda to Jan. 28, 180.5, Some portions are fragmentary, and cover only brief statements of where he went, the people he met, and his personal expenses, while other portions are full of extended argument upon topics affecting his mind at the time, and occasionally he has made entries which are admirable illustrations of his pastoral work. The following, under date of Oct. 20, 1790, illustrates the char- acter of his pastoral work, and of the lay criticisms of which he was the subject : "Went to David Chase's but he was so busy he could not attend to sit with me at all. Went to widdow jNIoses Chase's, talked with her of her lonely state with some religious apprecia- tions. Went to Capt. Small's, — talked with him and his wife about professing religion ; they both seemed near ripe to join.* * They offered themselves to the church Oct. 29th, the same year. 55 Went to lloll)i'ook.s' : Uilked with him abcxit not coming to meet- ing : lie alleged as :i reason my pi'caching against folks getting apples Salihath Days in my orchard and others' ; which things he disa|)pro\ed of in y'' peoi)le. but thought it wasn't proper to preach on y'' Sabbath. 1 asked what I should preach, if I must not preach against vices of the times? Christ preached so, also the Angels and rrojihets. and God ccjnimnnded the Prophet to ciy aloud. I added that others c-omi)laiued of i)reaching against errors, others of preaching against Frolicks, — queried what I should do? He said he liked preaching to raise the Aficctions. I told him il'that was all, his Atlections were liable to be moved rong as right, unless his understanding was illuminated to Dis- cerne Truth ; told him that was the case of the stony-ground Hearers, but the good gi'ound. they heard the word and under- stood it and brought forth fruit &c. He complained about my being backward about preaching at Funerals. I gave him my reasons for that. He tluMi said a reason of his leaving our meet- ing was because they rated* him too high. I told him I thought heought not to leave the congregation for that. He then had considerable to say about minister's salary being too high, and that ministers would stand ))y one another, which ( ndcd the discussion. 1 then went to Sol. Marble's ; he was not at home. I talked some with his mother, whether she went to meeting, and the state of her mind, and set with Sol's wife a little while ; then went to .Tona. "\Vatei-s' and Home." This day seems to have been a type of his pastoral labors, and this autumn seems to have been a busy one for him, — visit- \n records of the enrly proprietors of the town in sev- erjil thick volumes; ;ui indenture of apprenticeship, 1747; some licenses issued to hotel keej^ers, with the ticcompanying oaths of allegiance to the state and the United states; a bill of lading in the schooner Delight, bound to Antiqua, Gaudeloupe, and various other curious ancient matter. Ellery B. Crane Esq., President of the Society of Antiquity, responded in a happy manner, expressing the Society's grateful appreciation of the generisity displayed by so many interested citizens of Leicester. Before the company were seated in the hall their number was largely increased by the arrival of numerous prominent Worcester citizens and their ladies, making the full delegation . from our city a notably large one. Among these gentlemen were his Honor, Mayor E. B. Stoddard, a former pupil of Leicester Academy, and A. P. Marble Esq. Superin- tendent of the Worcester schools, also Manning Leonard Esq. and B. A. Leonard of Southbridge. Deacon C. C. Denny of Leicester then read a brief historical sketch of the town. It was purchased by nine gentlemen of Roxbury, whose records are still preserved, and were exhibited. The first settle- ment was in 1714. The first burial place was in the rear of the first meeting house, and the bottom of a coffin, from this burial ground, was shown. In 1765, Benj. Tucker deeded a burial place to a company of citizens, which was called "the old burial place." Daniel Denny, who came here in 1716, left money 74 for another burial place, near the meetmg house. This was the fifth public burial ground laid out in the town. In Leicester, in 1830, only 237 people were taxed, the valuation being $286,000; in 1880 there there were 505 tax payers, and the valuation was 992,000; only 17 of the owners of real estate in 1830, or their descendants, had possession of it fifty years after that date, and only five farms in the town are owned or occupied by the descendants of those who occupied them one hundred years ago. In 1830 four persons only of foreign birth were taxed for real estate; in 1880 there were 165. Fifty years ago 17 families of the name of Earle were taxed here ; now there is but one. Hon. E. B. Stoddard, Mayor of Worcester was called out, and made a pleasant address, alluding to his membership with Leicester Academy 35 years ago, and spoke tenderly of the infiuence of the Rev. Dr. Nelson, upon the character of the town. He said the relics exhibited here to-day indicate how much of value and interest may be saved by any one, if only pains are taken. Every one can recall matters occurring in early life, relics and records of which are already lost, because no care was taken to preserve them. Local societies like this one are very valuable, and he expressed satisfaction in its prosperity, and pleasure at its cordial reception in Leicester. He intimated that such an interesting; occasion would bear to be repeated. 75 Hon. Clark Jillson, ex-Major of Worcester, and ex-President of the Society, spoke of his satisfaction in being present on such a delightful occasion, and alluded to the many choice relics on exhibition, and to the importance of their preservation. He also alluded to the notable generosity of the citizens of Leicester, in making such ample provision for the entertainment of the Society. During his remarks he called attention to a name upon one of the Memorial Tablets, erected by the town in memory of Leicester's patriotic soldiers who died in defence of a Nation's life during the rebellion of 186 L Hiram Streeter was his schoolmate and friend, and when the town was struggling to fill its ([uota he went to Worcester with a determination to enlist as a private in the 57th Regiment. He there called upon his old friend wdio questioned the pro- priety of his leaving his family and home without further consideration. His reply was, "/ have deci- ded that it is wy duty to defend my country if I die in so doing." Leicester is honored in perpetuating the memory other soldiers. Albert P. Marble Pii. D., Superintendent of the Worcester schools, spoke of the intluence of acade- mies in the scheme of public education, and felt sure that academies and high schools are both needed. He also congratulated the Leicester people on their excellent educational facilities. Mr. AV. S. Wood, Superintendent of schools in Seymour, Lid., was called u^Don, and expressed his 76 pleasure in the gathering, which he said was impos- sible in the West, where a man who has lived in a place five years is considered an old settler. Mr. George Sumner, Vice-President of the Society, was introduced and made af)propriate remarks upon the object of the meeting and its success. Dr. Wakefield made a very pleasant speech and gave an interesting sketch of the topography of the town, and of the common land in the centre, which was originally five acres. He also gave some sug- gestions in regard to the earlier meeting-houses, and school buildings. General A. B. R. Sprague, Sheriff of Worcester County, made a brief but interesting speech, expres- sing his pleasure at the gathering, and his interest in the Societ^^ and its work. He alluded to the later history of Leicester, and to its contributions to the army of the Union, and urged that all historical material be carefully cherished and preserved. One feature of greatest interest in the day was the Leicester Academy, the structure being then in a well advanced and thorough stage of repairs and re- fitting for the new era of its existence, since success- fully entered upon. This work was examined with much interest by the visitors, and they were highly delighted in listening to a charming historical sketch of the Academy, prepared for the occasion, by Rev. Samuel May of Leicester, as follows: LEICESTER ACADEMY. By EEV. SAMUEL MAY. Leicester Acadeni}' may be fairl}' called "an ancient seat of learning," — if there can be onght ancient in so young a country as ours, — aiad so a proper subject for a "Society of Antiquity" to consider. In two 3'ears from this time it will complete a cen- tury of existence. During that century it has filled a large place in educating the youth of the "Heart of the Commonwealth," as Worcester County has long been called, and indeed a much larger area. It is the oldest Academy in the State away from the seaboard. Only Dummer Academy in Byfield, founded in 1756, and Phillips Academy in Andover, founded in 1777, are its seniors. Its educational position and repute have always compared favorably with those well known seminaries, and with Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire ; and the work it has done has been of a like character with theirs, with the addi- tion that it has from the beginning done this work for both young men and ^oung women. At the close of onr revolutionary war, the means of popular education in Massachusetts, which had alwaj-s been scant, had become reduced to a low point. To those who thoughtfully reflected on the future of the young country, which henceforth must cease to look to the "mother country" for professional and educational guides, the prospect was dark. Something must be done to meet this radical deficiency, and there was no time to be lost. The new state had indeed the best material to build upon and to l)uild with a population for the most part of unmixed Anglo-Saxon descent, moulded by the influences of a peculiar religious training and tried in the school of stern con- test with hardships and adversit}'. The churches and pulpits 78 had always been powerful educating influences. The minister, who was chosen by the town in concurrence with the church, was invariably an educated man , and could always be depended upon to aid every impulse and effort towards good learning. But the poverty of the means and resourses for i'c7iOo/nt,(7 of any kind, was appalling. Harvard College, the only college in the State, gave a respectable preparation to a small number of young men designed for the three learned professions of the time : two or three academies struggled to hold their own ; the common schools were few for the need, kept for short periods, taught by persons usually of good native sense and gifts, but of very limited training, poorly paid, and mostly compelled to resort to other labors also for a maintenance. Such, as we are obliged to conclude from the recorded history of the time, was the state of things in this vicinity at the period spoken of — the close of the war of 1776-1 7S3 ; in spite of all which, there existed a prevailing sturdy good sense and a degree of intelligence, which must always challenge admiration and often excite surprise. No school of advanced education existed in Worcester Coun- ty, — unless Lancaster may be an exception, — until Leicester Academy was founded. And its foundations were not laid by Leicester hands, although Leicester hands were not backward in the up-building. In the brief time allowed for the sketch, I attempt little more than an outline — imperfect at that — of what the late Governor Washburn, a native and a most loyal son of of this town, has furnished for us in his History of Leicester Academy. Colonel Ebenezer Crafts of Sturbridge, — born in Pomfret, Conn, — was tlie real founder of Leicester Academy. Before the war bi'oke out, with foresight, he had raised and organized a company of cavalry ; with which, as its captain, he joined the army at Cambridge in 177-"). He continued in active service near Boston, until the place was evacuated by the British army in March, 1776. When the war closed, in 1783, he turned his at- tention, with characteristic promptness, to the correction of the evil of which he had long been avvare, namely, the low state of education among the people all about him, which had been made worse by the inevitable effect of an exhausting war of seven 79 years' continuance. The purpose of establishing an Academy had lono; been nuilurinii in his mind. He enlisted his friend, Col. Jacob Davis of Charlton, in the scheme; and an estate with a good building upon it in the centre of Leicester, being then for sale, they bought it in the Spring of 17.S3 at public auction for the sum of £ol5 lo"; and, after some delays, they obtained an act of incorporation, and made a free gift of the estate, for the purposes of an Academy, to the trustees .named in the incorporating act, who were gentlemen of Sturbridge, Charlton, Leicester, Worcester, Spencer, Brookfield, and Brim-' field. A portrait of Col. Crafts hangs in the Academy Hall. The building thus purchased, and devoted thenceforth to the purposes of education, had belonged to Mr. Aaron Lopez, a wealthy Jew merchant of Newport, R. L, who had retreated with his family to Leicester, at the outbreak of the war, and-remain- ed here until near its close. He had purchased an acre of land of what is now the south-easterly portion of our common, and erected, close upon the present main road, a two-story building of wood, of unusual size and appearance, for the two-fold pur- pose of a residence and a store. Gov. Washburn describes the building, partly from recollection, as about 75 feet feet in length on the street, and as having six rooms on the lower floor, three in front, three in the rear. Rev. Dr. Pierce of Brookline, (H. U. 17i):3, who died 1849) a preceptor here 1793-1795, de- scribed it as ''an oblong, barrack-looking building." The cen- tre front- room was much the largest, and was the Jew mer- chant's store-house. These rooms were not over seven and a half feet high, and the two corner ones were small. Neverthe- less here, for some twenty years, Leicester Academy was kept, amidst inconveniences and drawbacks such as would be deemed intolerable now. Here faithful instructors discharged their high ortice with zeal and dilligence, and here many young men and women laid the foundation of future success and honor, and in many cases of eminence. Little or no change was made in the building to adapt it to school uses. The store, or centre room, became the ''commons" or eating room, and the place for all exercises of declamation and the like. The corner rooms were the school rooms, the south-west being for the classical depart- 80 ment, the south-east for the English. Rev. Dr. Pierce, writing his reminiscences, says: "Over the Latin (or classical) school was a chamber, in which the principal and myself occupied the same bed, for the two years we were together. Not only so, when a college friend was to pass the night with us, we all three slept together." Before the school could be opened, indeed before it could get its incorporation, it was made obligatory on its founders to raise the sum of One Thousand pounds (about $3300.), exclusive of the real estate, for its endowment. Immediate appeal for the sum was made. Gov. Washburn says, "It found general favor in the County, and enlisted the zeal and active sympathy of man}- of its prominent citizens." "Among these" he saj's "was the late Isaiah Thomas Esq., the publisher and proprietor of the Massachusetts Spy, who rendered efficient aid by the influence of that paper." The Spy of Nov. 6, 1783, announced that "there would soon be opened at Leices- ter, an Academy for the purpose of promoting the sciences," and an appeal was made "to the people of this large county to exert themselves to second the endeavors of those gentlemen who have laid this generous and laudable plan for public educa- tion." It was further stated that "this academy vvill be opened in that large and elegant house lately occupied by Mr. Aaron Lopez, a situation particularly advantageous for this purpose." In a subsequent paper, an appeal was made, "to set on foot a subscription, through the count}' at least, in favor of our infant academy." One minister of tlie County, Rev. Joseph Buck- minster of Rutland, preached upon the subject, and in his dis- course, "on Thanksgiving day of that year, addressed his con- gregation, in strong terms, upon the importance of lending their aid to the proposed institution." His remarks were published in the Spy. Was it an accidental coincidence, that, long years after Mr. Buckminster made this thoughtful appeal, the largest contribution which the Academy had ever received came from a native son of Rutland, (James Smith Esq.) or was it indeed another verification of the promise, given to every true and dis- interested worker that "Though seed lie long in earth, It shan't deceive the hope ?" 81 To make up the required £1000, the town of Leicester pledged one half, on condition that the Academy should not be removed from town ; and the remaining half was contributed by individ- uals of different places; Lieut. (Jov. (Jill of Princeton giving £150 ; Col. Thos. Denny and Capt. Thos. Newhall of Leicester, £100 each ; Jeduthan Baldwin of Brooktield, £100 ; Reuben Swan of Leicester, £50 : Dr. Austin Flint of Leicester, land of the value of $160; Joseph Allen and Timothy Bigelow of Wor- cester, each £30 ; Isaiah Thon)as of Worcester, £20, and others. The act of incorporation was passed March 23, 1784, and the Trustees met and organized on the 7th of April. Hon. Moses Gill, (Lieut. Gov., and subsequently' acting Gov. of the State) was elected President of the Trustees, Rev. Benjamin Conklin of Leicester, Vice-President, Rev. Joseph Pope of Spencer, Secretary, Joseph Allen Esq. of Worcester, Treasurer, and Col. Ebenezer Crafts of Sturbridge, Steward and Butler. This last is rather to be viewed as a compliment to him, as he never re- sided in Leicester, while he always kept a lively interest in the Academy's welfare. Benjamin Stone was engaged as principal Preceptor, and the school was opened on Monday June 7, 1784, with three pupils, to wit, Samuel C. Crafts and Ephraim Allen of Sturbridge, and Samuel .Swan of Leicester. Soon after, Eli Whitney of West- borough, whose name as an inventor has since been so univer- sally known, joined the school, and the number of pupils during the term rose to twenty. In the second, or autumn term, with two Preceptors — Mr. Thomas Parson being in the English de- partment — the number rose to between sevent}' and eighty. The first scholar fitted for college was the aforesaid Samuel C. Crafts, son of Col. Ebenezer Crafts. He was graduated at Cambridge in 1790, went iramediatel}' with his father to Ver- mont, aided him in founding the town of Craftsbury, was for sixteen years Judge and Chief Justice of one of the courts, was Governor of the State two years, and a Representative and Senator in Congress, "commanding the respect and esteem of all." He died in 1853, at the age of eighty-five. Being the first of nearly five thousand 3'oung persons, who have resorted to Leicester Academ}- for an education, this brief notice of him will doubtless be of interest. 82 The salary of the Principal was at first £50. — only $167 — and he was to be "at the expense of his own support." When Mr. (afterward Dr.) Pierce was here, ten ^ears later, his salary was £60. ($200) and the second 3'ear $250. For years the Academy- struggled for its life, and at times seemed on the point of utter failure. But "help came, though slowl}'," and "it has never failed" sa^-s Gov. AVashburn, writing in 1855, "to supply the aid of a well-regulated and well-diciplined school, under teach- ers of competent and often eminent qualifications." This paper allows no opportunity- of a detailed statement of the course of stud}', which continued to steadily- advance with the growth of knowledge, and as the public needs became man- ifest. In 1798, for the first time, globes, a microscope, an electrical machine, a thermometer, and a set of surveying in- struments, were procured. The study' of Chemistrj', in a small wa}', was introduced in 1813. In 1823, the sum of five hundred dollars was given, b}- residents of Leicester, to procure philo- sophical and astronomical apparatus. Instruction in French was given in 1828, Very earl}' the custom of an Annual Exhibition was estab- lised, and the scholars soon began to give dramatic performan- ces in connexion with the same. Thus, in 17i)(), we learn that Addison's "Cato" was acted entire ; and the late Hon. Abijah Bigelow of Worcester, was one of the boy-performers. Rev. Dr. Pierce sa3's, "Plays were acted in the meeting-house, which was crowded to its full capacity," and he gives an amusing ac- count of one called "The Scolding Wife," in which, to quote his own words, "the heroine acted her part to universal admiration." From the commencement of the school pupils were admitted of both sexes ; and says Washburn, "the Trustees and the pre- ceptors seem to have understood, — what is now so well settled — that, in educational training, the same intellectual processes were to be pursued with one sex as with the other ; antl there- fore they adopted the same system of text-books and instruction for each," and he emphasizes the "success" which, he says, has "always distinguished this S3'stem." In May, 1835, the Trustees voted to employ a female teacher which raised the number of teachers to four, and this continued 83 many years. Miss Elizabeth Holmes was the tirst of these. She held the positiou from l to 1h Nicholas Boylston, a wealthy merchant of Boston, who founded the Boylston Professorship at Harvard University, by a liequest of £1500. He gave the town a bell and Bil)le, which is suflici- ent reason for the belief that the town intended to compliment him in the selection of the name. In all probaT)ility the name was once Boyle's-town. We find in the history of names re- peated instances of a town taking the name of a man with the addition of the sufllx tun or tou. and afterwards a man or family taking the name of the town. Brookfikli) : — The Indian name of this town was Qanl)oa;i,-. and it was so called by the whites until its incorporation. 103 There is no doubt that its name was suggested b\- its natural features. The fields and meadows lying along the Quaboag suggests the fields by the brook. Probably the Quaboag means in the Indian tongue nearly the same thing. There is a striking similarity between the word Quaboag and our English words quag and bog, but this is no argument that they mean the same, for the English language and Indian dialects have not a com- mon origin. Charlton : — This town was probably named from Sir Francis Charlton, Bart., a gentleman of the Privy Chamber in 1755. In view of the date of its incorporation, 1764, and the fact that Gov. Bernard wrote the name in the act of incorporation, it is probable he gave the name in honor of his countryman. Sir Francis. Charleston, Charlestown, Charlton and Charlesworth have the same origin, Charl, Saxon, ceorl, the primary signifi- cation of which is "male," is the word from which we derive Charles. A signification of harsh, rude, rustic, ill-bred was finally developed in the use of the word. Whether the name was Charles-ton originally, signifying the dwelling place of churlish people, or whether it was Charleston, a place settled by Charles, is a matter of doubt. Probably the word had de- veloped into the name of Charles before the naming of any town. Clinton : — This town was incorporated in 1850, and was named in honor of De Witt Clinton. The original meaning of the word is "little," or "small town," which seems quite appro- priate considering the geographical size of the town. Dana : — Dana was incorporated in 1801, and was named In honor of the distinguished Dana family of Massachusetts, but which Dana is not absolutely certain. In view of the fact that Francis Dana, the jurist and patriot, who died in 1811, and who was the most distingished Dana in America at that time, took some interest in the incorporation of the town, it is more than probable that the name was given in his honor. The origin and meaning of the name cannot now be told. Douglas : — The original settlers of this place came almost entirely from the town of Sherburne. It was called the "New Sherburne Grant" up to 1746, when it was incorporated as a Dis- 104 trict. In 1786 it was incorporated as a town, and named Dong- las in lionor of Dr. William Douglas, a Scotchman by biilli, a physician in Boston, and author of several historical and u)edi- cal works. He was an extensive land proprietor in the state, and in consideration of the privilege of naming the town, gave the inhabitants thereof the sum of $500 as a fund for the estab- lishment and maintenance of free schools, together with a tract of 30 acres of land with a dwelling house and barn thereon. It is said that something more than $900 still remain of the fund in the keeping of the town. The meaning of the name Douglas, is Black loater. Dudley: — Dudlej' was incorporated in 17ol, and it is said was named from Paul and William Dudley, who were early pro- prietors. The Indian name was ChargoggagoggmarwhaMc/ga- goggagungamaugg . FiTCHBURG : — The whole tract of land embraced in what is now Lunenburg and Fitchburg was called"Turkey Hill"previous to the incorporation of Lunenburg, on account of the large num- ber of wild turkey's found on its hills. After the incorporation of Lunenburg, 1728, that part of the town now Fitchburg re- tained to some extent the local name of ''Turkey Hill." In 1 7(14 Fitchburg was set off from Lunenburg and incorporated as a town. John Fitch was chosen by the people to procure its in- corporation, and his influence at home and with the Governoi- enabled him to procure the name of Fitchburg. It may be here said that hurg or borough originally meant a place with a rep- resentative in the government, but in later times it has come to mean simply a town or place, burg, borough and btirj/ meanina- the same thing. The naming of Fitchburg seems to form an exception to the general rule and custom pursued by Governor Bernard of naming towns in honor of some distinguished Eng- lishman. No doubt considerable wire-pulling and political in- fluence was brought to bear to accomplish it. The word "Fitch" is a Norman-French prefix, signif3ing son. It is probably a corruption of the Ijatmjilius. Fitz is also another corruption. So Fitzpatrick was a son of Patrick. 105 Gakdnku : — Cjardncr was incorporated in \7Si), and perpetu- ates the name of Col. Thomas Gardner who fell at the battle of Bunker Hill. The name originally signilied one who grafted young trees. The primary sense of the word is an enclosed place, and this explains the origin of our word "garden." Grafton: — The territory embraced in what is now Grafton and Sutton was called b}- the Indians Ilassanaviisco, which signifies "a place of small stones." Grafton was set off from Sutton in 1735, and named b}' Gov. Belcher, in honor of Charles FitzKoy, Duke of Grafton, a grandson of Charles II. The Duke when informed by the King that a numerous body of Ger- man troops was to join the British forces for the subjugation of America, replied :"Your majesty will find too late that twice the number will only increase the disgrace, and never effect the purpose." The Duke of Grafton takes his title from Grafton Begis, which originally signified the grafts or trees of the King. Hardwick : — The Indian name of this place was Wombem- esisecook. In 168G John Lamb and others purchased the land of the Indians, and the place was called Lambstown. In 1737 it was incorporated and named by Gov Belcher, Hardwick. The name probably was given in honor of Phillip York, Lord Hardwick, Chief Justice of the King's Bench. The Latin name is Hardovmcm, vicum meaning village. What the signification of hanlo is and how it came to be the name of a village I am unable to determine. Harvard; — Harvard was incorporated in 1732, and named Harvard in honor of Rev. John Harvard, founder of Harvard Universit}'. The names Harvard, Howard, and Heruvard were, once the same name. HoLDEN : — Holden originally was called "Worcester North Half," or North Worcester. It was incorporated in 1740, and named bj- Gov. Belcher in honor, it is supposed, of Hon. Sam- uel Holden, a Director in the Bank of England. The name originally was probably Holderness, and shortened for conven- ience. Ilolderness is an English town, and its signification is "a wooded promontory." 106 HuBBAUDSTON : — Hubbai'dston was incorporated in 17G7, and named Hubbardston in lionor of Thomas Hubbard, a merchant in Boston. Hubbard agreed to give the glass for the first meet- ing house built in the town, on condition that the town should bear his name. The people made arrangements for an extra amount of glass, but before the house was made ready for it, Hubbard died, leaving his estate insolvent. The result was they had to buy their glass. This meeting house still stands, though it has been remodelled. Hubbard was at one time Treas- urer of Harvard University, and was a proprietor of lands in Hubbardston, Royalston, and other places. Hubbard is prob- .^Ji^y the same name as the English name Hubert, meaning "clear color." Lancaster : — Lancaster was incorporated in 1653, and named from Lancaster, England. The inhabitants of Nashaway, as it was then called, petitioned that they might be incorporated and called Lancaster. Some of its earhest settlers came from Lan- cashire, England. Lancaster, England, is the site of one of the old Roman camps on the river Loire. There are tw^o descrip- tions as to the derivation of the word. One authority claims that it is derived from the 8axon word lang^ meaning long, and ceaster, the Saxon form of the Latin word castra, meaning "camp," and hence that it was "the long camp." Another authority claims that the prefix Ian is only the changed spelling of the word Lune, and that the name was once Lunecaster, and finally shortened to Lancaster, meaning "the camp on the river Lune." It would seem more natural to designate the camp by the name of the river, than by any particular shape of the camp. The river Lune was called b}' the Romans Adahina, and finally came to be called the Lune. It was probably so called either in consequence of its resemblance to the moon in its silvern- whiteness, or crescent shape. Leicester : — The site of this town was purchased irom the Indians by Joshua Lamb and others in 1687. It was called Towtaid b}^ the Indians, and "Strawberry Hill" by tlie English. It was incorporated in 1713, and named Leicestei*from old Lei- cester, England. The word Leicester has a similar origin to 107 that of Lancaster. ' The town of Leicester, Knglnnd, is the place of an ancient Roman camp, called Lajionh castni, camp of "the legion." By shortening and elimination the word finall}- be- came Leicester. Leominster: — Leominster was incorporated in 1740, and named from the ancient town of Leominster, England. The word minster is derived from the Latin 7nonasterium, and means "a church of a monaster}-." A church or monastery founded in ancient times by a Leo, probably gave rise to the name of Leo- minster. Lunenburg : — As I have before stated this territory was called Turkey Hill. The town was incorporated in 1728, and named in honor of George II., one of his titles being the Duke of Lunenburg. Lunenburg is a city in the old Kingdom of Hanover. George II. was of the house of Hanover and derived this title from this Hanoverian place. The origin of the name is obscure, but the accepted theor}' is that on the site of this city there was once a temple dedicated to the worship of the moon. The temple and locality acquired the name of the moon, luna, and finall}^ the town or burg was called Lunenburg. Mendon : — The Indian was Quanslivpmige. The town was incorporated in 1667, and there is no doubt that it was named from Mendham, located on the river Waring, Suffolk County, P^ngland, a place of great antiquit}'. There is no doubt that the General Court in its act of incorporation changed the or- thography of the word either accidentally, ignorantly or inteu- tionall}-, for no such town or place as Mendon existed in Eng- land at that time. As I have before stated ham is the Saxon for "home" or "hamlet ;" what the prefix mend means is a mat- ter of speculation. MiLLBURY : — Millbur}- was taken from Sutton and incorpora- ted in 1813. The mill on the Blackstone doubtless suggested the name. Previous to its incorporation it was known as "the North Parish of Sutton." MiLFOUD : — This town was set off" from Mendon as a Precinct or Parish in 1741, and was known as"Mill River." It was in- corporated as a town in 1780. It was called by the Indians 108 Woiyoivage. Mill River, which takes its rise in Ilopkinton and flows through Milford in a southerly course, has been called Mill River ever since the first white settlement on its banks. In early days a corn mill was built on this river, and was destroyed in King Phillip's war. Before any bridges were built, there were several fords familiar to the Indians, and used b}' the whites. From these features it can easily be seen what sug- gested the name of the town. It may be here said that there are several towns in England and in this country bearing the same name. The mill b}' the ford or ford by the mill is doubt- less the origin of the name. New^ Bkaintree : — This township was granted to the inhabit- ants of Old Braintree, Mass., for services in the Indian war of 1675. It was for a long time called "Braintree Farms" It was incorporated in 1751, and the name New Braintree was a natural suo;o;estion. The Indian name was Wenimesset. Braintree was named from old Braintree, England. I have been unable to discover the origin or meaning of the name. NORTHBOROUGH, SOUTHBOROUGH AND WeSTBOROUGH : Wcst- borough, which comprised what is now Westborough and North- borough, was taken from old Marlborough in 1717, and its geographical situation on the west of Marlborough suggested its name. Before its incorporation it was called "Chauncey Village." Southborough, taken from Marlborough in 1727, and lying on the south, was named Southborough. Northborough, taken from Westborough in 1766, and lying on the north, was called Northborough. NoRTHBRiDGE : — This towu was taken from Uxbridge in 1 772, and was doubtless named Northbridge on account of its geo- graphical situation on tlie north of the older town. North Brookfield and West Brookfield : — These names naturally explain themselves. North Brookfield was incorpora- ted as the Second parish of Brookfield in 1750, and as a town in 1812. West Brookfield was called the West Parish of Brook- field, and incorporated as a town in 1>. 109 Oakiiaji : — Oakluim was origiiuiUy culled "Rutland West Wing." It was taken from Rutland and incorporated in 1762. Many of its original settlers came from Oakham, England, the shire town of Rutlandshire. These associations sufficiently account for the name of our Oakham. II(im he'mg the Saxon for "home" or "hamlet," and oak being a certain tree or wood, it is easy to see the meaning of the word, but as to the origin of it as a name, it is not so easy to say. Oxford : — Oxford was called bj- the Indians Manrliavg. It was incorporated in 1713, and named Oxford from old Oxford, England. In regard to the origin of the name the common belief is, that it was "the ford of the ox" across the river, and in support of this theor}' the fact is cited that the word was, anciently, often spelletl Oxenford ; but this theory is not well founded. No reason can be assigned for calling the ford an ox ford, rather than a horse ford, an ass ford, a sheep ford, or a man ford, if, as we are bound to believe, the ford was used in common by all these animals. The better authority as to its origin is that it was a ford across the river Ock. Oxford is sit- uated at the confluence of the Thames and Cherwell. The river Cherwell once bore the Celtic name of Ock, and in the course of time this prefix of the name of the river came to be spelled and pronounced Ox. Paxton : — This town was taken from Rutland and Leicester, and incorporated in 1765. Governor Bernard gave the town its name in honor of his friend Charles Paxton, one of the Com- missioners of Customs in Boston. Paxton, it is said, promised to give the town a bell if it was named after him, which promise he never kept. Paxton became odious to the people by reason of his strong adherence to the royal cause, and his political ras- calities in general. He left Boston at the time of the British evacuation, and proceeded to England, where he died. One of the earlier public acts of the town was to appoint a committee "to petition the General Court for a name more agreeable to the inhabitants and the public than Paxton," but no action was ever taken. A portrait of Paxton now hangs in the halls of the American Antiquarian Society. The origin of the name is 110 obscure. The signification of the Latin Pax is "peace," "con- tract" or "compact." Perhaps it was a place where a treaty of peace of minor importance was once entered into, or possibly the place acquired its name from the peaceable disposition of its primitive inhabitants. The Paxton familj' evidently derived its name from a town of that name. Petersham : — The Indian name of this town was Nicheivaug. It was incorporated in 1754, when Shirley was Governor. The name was given after Petersham, England, but whether by re- quest of the inhabitants or by arbitrary notion of the Governor is uncertain. The meaning of the name of course is Peter's home." The place where Peter lived finally grew into a hamlet and village, and in time acquired the name of Petersham. Peter is from the Greek meaning "rock." Phillipston : — The town was incorporated in 17ank in 147 1851 was due largely to his efforts, he lieing its President since ISGl. He WMS a heavy stockholder in the Bay State House and Music Hall Corporations, and President of the latter. He was a representative to the General Court in l.Sf);}, member of the Board of Aldermen for 1861, 1863, 1864, 186;'), and 1874. Mr. Bliss has been one of Worcester's most successful business men and one of her largest real estate owners. June 24th Charles Heywood died at his residence in Gardner Mass., where he was born Nov. 12, 1831. His father, Levi Heywood, was the originator and senior proprietor of the well known firm, Heywood Bro's & Co. of Gardner, extensive chair manufacturers. The late Mr. Charles Heywood was a member of this firm and an energetic, public spirited business man. For ten 3-ears he was a Director of the Boston Barre & Gardner Railroad, afterwards its Vice President, and at the time of his death was President of that road, in the prosperity of which he took great interest. He was President of the First National Bank of Gardner for nine years, and President of the Gardner Savings Bank at the time of his decease. He was also founder of the paper known as The Gardner News. The death of Lieut. Col. Arthur A. Goodell occurred in this city on Friday June 30th. He was born June 30th, 1839, just reaching his 43d birth day. At the breaking out of the late war he was acting teller in the City Bank and at once decided to take his place in the ranks to do service for his country, the bank offi- cials voting to keep his place open for him and pay his salary. He joined the City Guards, was commissioned Sergeant Major and returned home in August, 1861, after three months, holding the office of Adjutant. In August, 1862, he received a Captain's commission in Companj' C, 36th Regiment, was made a Major in Jan. 1863, and Lieut. Col. in July following. He was dis- charged by reason of disability with the rank of brevet Brigadier General, May 5, 1H64, having been severely wounded at Blue Springs, Tenn., Oct. 10, 1862, by a piece of shell, which com- pletely disqualified him for active work on the field. After his return home he was Cashier of the First National Bank, and associated in business with Mr. A. H. Hammond in the manu- facture of organ reeds, and later with J. S. Rogers and F. W. Wellington, in the coal trade. 148 Hon. Hartley Williams, Chief Justice of the Central District Court, died at his residence on Harvard street in this city Aug. 17th. Judge Williams was stricken with paralysis on the eve- ning of March 30th, while presiding in Horticultural Hall at a meeting of the natives of the State of Maine, he being a native of the town of Somerset in that state. The first attack was so severe that little hope of recovery was at first entertained by his friends, but with the coming of more favorable symptoms it was thought by some that he might partially recover, but a sud- den cold produced congestion of the lungs resulting in death. He was born Aug. 12, 1820, and in 1844 came to Worcester and entered the employ of Howe & Goddard as book-keeper. He remained about two years when, in company with Asa W. Nickerson he engaged for a short time in the grocery business. Afterwards entering the law office of Hon. Francis H. Dewc}', he was admitted to the bar in 1850, and soon entered into copartnership with Mr. Dewey, which copartnership continued until Mr. Dewey's appointment as Justice of the Superior Court. In 1868, at the creation of the Municipal Court, Mr. Williams was appointed its Justice ; and when the Central District Court was established in place of the Municipal Court he was also ap- pointed Justice for that tribunal. In the death of Mr. Williams the citizens of Worcester have sustained a great loss, for he was one of the most useful and respected of her people, an able lawj'er and an upright Judge. Previous to his appointment as Justice he was chosen Alderman in 1854 ; Commissioner of Insolvency in 1856 ; state Senator in 1862 and 1863 ; member of the Executive Council in 1864 and 1865 ; District- Attorney in 1866 and 1867, and for several years a member of the School Board. In all these departments of usefulness he leaves an enviable record for faithfulness and valuable service. A few days less than a month from the date of the death of Charles Hcywood of Gardner, we have to record the demise of his father, Levi Hcywood, which occurred on the 21st day of July, in that town, of which he was a native, born Dec. 10, 1800. He was son of Benjamin and grandson of Seth who was son of Phineas of Shrewsbury, who went there from Concord about the 149 year 1739. This Phinoas was grandson of John Ileywood who emigrated from England and settled at Concord in this State about Id;')!). Daniel Ileywood, prominent among the early set- tlers of Worcester, was a brother of I'hineas of Shrewsbury, a nd the Hon. Benjamin Ileywood who was so prominent in the alfairs of Worcester and who served his country so well during the war of the Revolution, was a brother of Seth Hey wood of Gardner. Saturday evening Oct. 7th closed the career of one who for more than sixty years has been numbered among the business men of Worcester. Southworth Allen Howland was born in West Brookfield in this county, Sept. 11, 1800, son of South- worth Howland who died in Worcester in 1853. Southworth A. Howland learned the book-binder's trade of Joseph Avery in Plymouth, and in the fall of 1821 came to Worcester and opened a book store and bindery in company with the late Enos Dorr, under the firm name of Dorr & Howland, in what is now the north end of the Exchange Hotel building. In 1828 they re- moved to a store in what was known as "Goddard's Row," where Mr. Lewis Barnard's block of stores now stands. For about twenty years this firm carried on an extensive business as book- sellers and publishers, making a specialty of school books. Among their publications may be found the celebrated School Readers of Dr. A. T. Lowe of Boston, Pond's Murray's Gram- mar, Infant School Manual, Barber's Historical Collections of Massachusetts, and Historical Collections of New England, besides numerous Sunday School and other publications, several of which were compiled by Mr. Howland. For about ten years succeeding the year 1842 Mr. Howland continued the business for himself, publishing a number of books, among which was the Economical Housekeeper, compiled by his wife. After 1852 he was engaged in the Insurance business, which he continued until a few years ago when on account of failing health he was obliged to yield to the infirmities of old age. Mr. Howland was always alive to public interests, being.an active member of the Mechanics' Association from its organization, and for several years its clerk. William E. Frost, a native of Worcester, born in 1824, died at Clinton, Oct. 12th. For many years he was a resident of 150 Worcester and connected with her manufacturing interests, His inventive skill and extensive experience in manufacturing brought him in 1860 into connection with the Washburn & Moen Manufacturing Co., and the manufacture of crinoline wire was then started under the direction of Mr. Frost, and to his inven- tions the whole proces of preparing crinoline wire with the vari- ous improvements therein owe their origin. In 1873 he, in company with Mr. S. T. Howard, also of Worcester, purchased the old Lancaster Quilt Mill property in Clinton, and began the manufacture of cotton yarns, in which business they continued until his death. Mr. Sewall H. Bowker died at his residence, No. 3 Harvard Place, Oct. 17th. He was born at Hayden Row, Hopkinton, Mass., son of James A. Bowker of that place. When a young man he learned the trade of making straw hats and bonnets at Upton. In 18.56 he came to Worcester and started the manu- facture of straw goods in Flagg's Block. In this he was quite successful, and to add still further to his success he, about the year 1860, invented a process of striking out felt hats v>ith a single blow on a die. At one time Mr. Bowker occupied the entire upper floor of Flagg's block besides a large building in the rear. His rapidly increasing business compelled him to run his works day and night. But failing health caused him to re- linquish a profitable business well established, and for the past fifteen years he has been carrying on a conflict with the disease that has finally caused his death. ELLERY B. CRANE, Chairman. REPORT ON ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS, PUBLICATIONS AND ENGRAVINdS. THE chance for obtaining contributions to this department is so rare that it becomes necessary, and perhaps profitable, to notice some things not in our possession, in order that we may obtain a better knowledge of what was formerl}' done in the line of literature and art. The improvements of to-day are before 151 us, visible and tangible ; ])nt in our hurry to find something new and startling we often overlook what is most substantial, or fail to receive benefit in comparing what we call new with what was well known centuries asfo. One of the earliest prints now in existence is that of a Calen- dar, a copy of which is to be found in the British Museum, bearing the date of 14 (i;'). The early production of this work indicates that the division of time into stated periods was of sufficient importance to warrant a more liberal promulgation of the methods then in use. From the earliest period of civiliza- tion the distribution and arrangement of time has been a "vexed question ;" and when we take into account the uniform revolu- tions of the celestial bodies, it seems strange that so many mis- takes should have been made, or so much controversy arisen in regard to measuring and dividing time. It is true that the division of the day into twenty-four equal parts, or hours, has been recognized since the earliest ages, but the })roper time to commence the day has alwa^-s been in dispute. The solar day and the solar year were no less marked 2000 3'ears ago than they are at the present time, but many nations reckoned time by the motions of the moon alone ; whereas the solar day, the solar year, and the lunar month were and are the only natural divis- ions of time. But when shall we begin to count? Nearly all civilized nations now place the commencement of the civil day at midnight and divide it into twelve morning hours and twelve evening hours. The ancient Chaldeans and the modern Greeks commenced at sunrise ; the Italians and Bohemians at sunset. Under this arrangement the morning hour or beginning varies with the seasons, except under the equator. In early times Rome had three divisions, sunrise, sunset, and mid-day. The week consists of seven days, unalterable, with no refer- ence to celestial motions. The origin of this division of time is unknown, though it has been recognized in the eastern coun- tries ever since the remembrance of man. It does not consti- tute the aliquot part of a year or a lunar month, therefore, it has been supposed h\ some that each hour of the twenty-four was dedicated to some planet, and that the day received the name of the planet which presided over its first hour, the order being 152 fixed according to Egyptian astronomy wherein was recognized seven planets, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, Venus, Mercury and the Moon. The Saxons followed the same rule, but sub- stituted the names of their own divinities for those of the gods of Greece. DAYS. LATIN. ENOLIBH. SAXON. Dies Solis, Day of the Sun, Sunday, Sun's day. Dies LuncD, Day of the Moon, Monday, Moon's day. Dies Martis, Day of Mars, Tuesday, Tiw's day. Dies Mercurii, Day of Mercury, Wednesday, Woden's day. Dies Jovis, Day of Jupiter, Thursday, Thor's day. Dies Veneris, Day of Venus, Friday, Friga's day. Dies Saturni, Day of Saturn, Saturday, Saterne's day. It will be seen that this division of time has but little to do with astronomical calculations, or any exact division af time, but is only one method of distributing time into convenient periods adapted to the routine of civil life. It has been claimed that the division of the year into twelve months originated from the fact that the synodic revolutions of the moon are performed twelve times in 3.54 days, lacking but a few days of a solar year. But this difference in a few years be- came so great as to cause even nations to disregard the moon and appeal to the sun for a true guide, though the month has not been stricken from the calendars of any of the nations, but now generally represents so far as practicable the twelfth part of a solar year. The Egj'ptians, in early times, considered 30 days a month, and added five days at the end to complete the year. In the absense of any intercalation one fourth of a da}' was lost every 3'ear and the commencement of the year went back one day in in four years, making 1461 Egyptian years equal to 1460 years of 3654 days each. The division of time causing the year to consist of 36.5 days and a fraction, 365 not being divisible by 12 made it impossible for each to be of the same length and include all the daj's of the year. The fractional ex- cess above 365 days caused much controversy as to what method shouuld be adopted to dispose of the extra hours. The various methods of intercalation have been the subject of criticism from the e.irliest times. When the Julian was first 153 proninlj2:atcM], tlie equinox fell on the 2r)th of March ; at the time of the Council of Nice, in ^25, on the 21st; and when the re- formation was made in 15S2, it had fallen back to the 11th. Under the Gregorian style every year divisible by four with- out a remainder is leap year, excepting the centurial years, which are onlj' leap years when divisible bj' four after omitting the two cyphers. Thus IGOO was a leap year, but 1700, 1800, and 1900 are common years ; 2000 will be a leap year. In 1582 Pope Gregory XIII. abolished the ancient calendar, substituting what is known as the Gregorian Calendar or New Style. The vernal equinox which happened on the 11th day of March was changed back to the 21st. From 1582 to 1700 the diMerence between the old and new style was 10 days.- The dilTerence of the stales during the 18th century was 11 days. The dilJerence in the present century is 12 days. From 1900 to 2100, inclusive, it will be 13 days. These changes were made against considerable opposition, and in England the law establishing the new style was ver}'^ elaborate and would make at least ten pages like this. This law was passed by Parliament on the 27th day of January, 1750, at which time the Julian Cal- endar was in common use in England and America. These changes have made it exceedingly difficult to determine dates about the time the changes were made, for the reason that some adhered to the old Calendar while others adopted the new. The Calendar is still imperfect, and the undiscovered move- ments of the celestial bodies are undoubtedly such as to work important changes hereafter, overthrowing present calculations, and making the efforts of science of but little value, when applied to the wonderful mysteries of Nature. CLARK JILLSON, Chairman. 154 REPORT ON RELICS, COINS AND CURIOSITIES. TWENTY-SEVEN persons have made contributions to this Department since the last annual report was presented. All of these articles add to the variety and value of our cabinet, and I hope that all friends of our institution may continue their praiseworthy efforts in placing here for preservation, such arti- cles as they may possess, suitable for a historic collection. Things of to-day, looked upon as mere trifles now, may, at no distant future, be regarded with great interest, and serve to impress upon the mind lessons of patriotism and veneration for the past, while much may be learned from these mementos concerning those who have preceded us upon the stage of life. Mr. Henry W. Miller has manifested his interest in this de- partment of our work, by presenting the Society with a mould imported from England in 1818, which was used in making paper before the invention of machinery for that purpose. From Mr. Jillson we have received a pair of mammoth shears that were used by woolen manufacturers in shearing cloth. They meas- ure four feet in length, and the blades are six inches wide. I am unable to describe the manner in which they were thus used. We have also received from the same source, an ancient speci- men of pottery and an Indian skull. A fine oil painting, nicely framed, of Lake Quinsigamond, by Triscott, has been received from Mr. Alfred Waites, who also contributed a large steel en- graving, "Authors of the United States." The following have also been received: — from Mr. A. S. Roe, a framed memorial of President Harrison ; from Mr. Norton L. Cook, a piece of the clock dial, from the old meeting-house in Leicester ; from Mr. Pardon A. Lee, a turtle shell and an English fourpcnny piece ; from Mr. George Sumner, a framed group of portraits, including himself and a number of personal friends, taken in 1854 ; from Mr. E. H. Marshall, an Indian gouge ; from W"m. B. Harding Esq., a stone uxe ; from Mr. E. J. Leland, a cut nail used in building the house of Levi Leland, of Grafton, in 1806 ; from Mr. F. P. Rice, specimens of powder used in the bombardment of Charleston S. C, 1864 ; from Mr. Tilly Rav- 155 mond, a lock from the brick Court House built in 1801, a card of wrougiit nails used in building said liousc, and a lead window weight from the same ; from Mr. Henry M. Clemence, fireman's bucket, 17U3, formerly belonging to vStimuel Allen Esq., forty years County Treasurer, and a fireman's bag formerly belonging to Nathaniel Berais, 1791 : from Mr. F>phraim Tucker, muster roll of Company K, Lieut. Durgin, Tenth Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps, on duty at the trial of the conspirators against President Lincoln : also a Chinese coin ; from Mr. William H. Inman, portion of shattered car sill, and from Mr. Daniel Sea- grave, piece of car wheel, broken by the Dualin explosion in Worcester June 23d, 1870 ; from Mr. E. B. Crane, fourteen U. S. cents, some quite rare ; from Mr. James A. Smith, a framed photograph of the old Guard House, in Rutland ; fi-om George H. Harlow Esq., a medal, souvenir of the Centennial fair ; from Mr. E. F. Thompson, a foot stove ; from Putnam & Davis por- tion of an aligator's hide ; from George Chandler M. D., three buttons and two musket balls picked up by himself, Jul}' 1842, at Fort Erie, which was captured July 3, 1814, by the U. S army under command of Winfield Scott and Gen. Brewer ; from Mr- John G. Smith, a manuscript of, "Particulars of a sub-division of all Lands, Lots, Buildings &c. being within the Town of Boyl- ston, in the assessment district No. 17, in the 7 division, State of Massachusetts, owned, possessed or occupied on the first day of October 1798 ;" from Mr. Lucien Prince, a horse shoe 7x9, worn by a horse from the pineries of northern Wisconsin ; from Rev. Albert Tyler, an ancient pewter spoon cast in the family spoon mould of Moses Cooper of Providence, R. I., who died fifty 3'ears ago, at the age of 97 ; he was great grandfather of the donor ; from John Boyden Esq., a valuable collection of war relics. I refrain from inaking an}' extended notice of this interesting contribution, as the military department, when or- ganized, will be much better qualified than myself to properly describe the various articles presented ; from Mr. A. E. Peck, a framed photograph of the late Rev. Seth Sweetser D. D., and two pieces of wood from the wrecked ship, ''Sparrowhawk," which brought food to the Plymouth Pilgrims soon after the settlement of the Colony. 156 Mr, Joseph B. Knox has left in the custody of the Society a very interesting relic, being a mortar formerly owned by Elder Brewster, and brought to this country by him in the Mayllower. Mr. Knox is a lineal descendant from Elder Brewster, whose name he bears, a record of which we have in our possession. The most unique article contributed, is a fac simile of the bullet fired by Sergeant Mason, September 11, 1881, at Charles Guiteau, producing a profile likeness of the assassin as it hit the wall of the prison. This was presented by Mr. Henry Phelps, now in Washington, with the following certificate : — warden's office, united states jail, washington, d. c, jan. 24, 1882. I certify that the Bullet which was fired by Sergeant Mason, on the Hth of September last, at Charles Guiteau the assassin, as it hit the wall of his, Guiteau's cell, was flattened into a correct profile likeness of said Guiteau : and that the castings made by E,. A. Whitehand, of this city, from a mould made from the original, are exact fac similes of the original EuUet after it was 80 flattened. JOHN S. CROCKER, Warden. In closing this report I desire to express our thanks to all those who have favored us during the last year by their contri- butions, and to assure them of our appreciation of their efforts in our behalf, trusting that the future may witness still greater accessions to this interesting and instructive department of our work. Respectfully submitted. SAMUEL E. STAPLES, Chairman. 157 Index to I'roceediiigs for 1882. Academy of Sckiice, St. Louis, i:il Allen, Samuel, 155. Allen, WillardS., 131. American Antiquarian Society, 131. Amraidown, Holmes, 122, 131. Arcluvological Inst, of America, 131. Arnold, James N., 131. Ashburnham, 91). Ashworth, Thomas, Ul. Astor Library, New Vork, 131. Athol, 9i). Auburn, 99. B Baldwin,CharlcsC.. 122, 131. I5aldwin, John D.. 122, 131. Ballon, Adin, 122, 131. Barre, 100. Bartlett, Thomas E., 43, Bartlctt William II., 136. Barton, Edmund M., 123. Barton, William S., 131. Bates, Phinehas Jr., ()8, 131. Bemis. Nathaniel, 155. Berlin, 101. Bicknel, Quincy, 131. Bigelow, William Howard, 89,90,93. Bill, Ledyard, 9G. Blackmer, Francis T., 131. Blackstone, 102. Blake. Francis E., 131. Bliss, Harrison, 146. Bolton, 102. Bowker, Sewall H., 150. Boyden, John, 123, 131, 155. Boyden, Joseph, 142. Boylston, 102. Brewster, Elder David, 68, 123, 156 Brookfield, 102. Bullock, Alexander II., 141. C Chandler, Dr. Geo., 8,13,123,131,155. Chapin, Henry, 122. Chapin, Louisa T., 131. Chaplin, llev. Ebenezer, 45, Charlton, 103. Child, Elisha N., 146. Chivalry, Age of, 20. City Messenger, Boston, 131. Clark, Robert & Co., 131. Clemence, Henry M., 131, 155. Clinton, 103. Committees for 1883, 5. Cook, Norton L., 132, 154. Coolidge, Rev. A. H., 96, 118. Cooper, Moses, 155. Court of General Sessions. 43. Crane, EUery B., 3, 9, 34, 89, 118, 120, 122, 124, 132,136, 137, 155. D Dana, 103. Daniels, George F., 122, 132. Davenport la.. Academy of Sciences, 132. Davis, D. A., 132. Davis, William. 132. Dean. John, 143. Denny, Charles A., 96. Departments of W^ork, 4. Dickinson, Thomas A., 136. Dodge, Benjamin J., 132. Donations, List of, 131. Douglas, 103. Drew, Allis & Co., 132. Drew, Thomas, 122, 132. Dudley, 104. Durgin, Lieut., 155. 158 E Essex Institute, li52. F Fifth Day Meeting, 119. Fitchburg, 104. Forehand, Sullivan, 132. Frost, William E. 149. G Gardner, 105. Gill, George W., 143. Goddard, Delano A., 140. Goddard, Lucius P. 132, Goodell, Arthur A., 147. Goodwin, C. Otis, 43. Grafton, 105. Green, Samuel A., 132. Grout, Jonathan. 143 H Hall, J. Brainerd, 132. Harding, Wm. B., 96, 97, 132, 154. Hardwick, 105. Harlow, George H., 132, 155. Harris, Clarendon, 132. Harvard, 105. Harvard University, 132. Hastings, Thomas J., 132. Haven, Mrs. S. F., 132. Henshaw, Miss H. E., 132. Hemenway, Miss A. M., 132. Heywood, Charles, 147. Heywood, Levi, 148. Historical Society of Pa., 132. Holden, 105. Howard, Joseph Jackson, 132. Howe, William B., 124, 132. Howland, S. A., 149, Hubbardston, 100. Hudson, Hon. Charles, 120, 122. Inman, William H., 132, 155. Jillson, Clark, 13, 14, 120, 122, 132. 136, 153, 154. Johnson, Charles R., 33, 132, 139. Joslin, Henry V. A., 132. K Kansas Historical Society, 133. King, Henry W., 10. Kneedler, H. S., 133. Knight, Dexter, 118, Knowlton, T. S.,133. Knox, Joseph B., 68, 123, 133, 156. Lamb, Thomas Melvin, 13, 14, 140. Lancaster, 106. Lamed, Miss Ellen D., 33, 122, 133. Lawrence, Edwin R., 133. Lawrence, J. W., 117. Lee, Pardon A., 133, 154. Leicester, 106. Academy, 77. Excursion to, 68. Library, 117. Leland, E. J., 133. 154. Leland, Levi, 154. Leominster, 107. Library Com. of Philadelphia, 133. Lincoln, Edward W., 122, 133. Littlefield, George E., 133. Lovell, Albert A., 93, 120. Lunenburg, 107. Lyford, J. Chauncey, 10. M Magnalia, Mather's, 33, 122. Mammoth Cave, 96. Manuscripts, Ancient &c., 150. Marble, Albert P., 133. Marshall, Elijah H., 133, 154. Mason, Sergt. 156. May, Rev. Samuel, 77, 117, 118. 159 Mendon, 107. Merritield, Lucius, 13B. Messenger, David S., 33, 122, 133. Metcalf, Dr. John G., 122, 133. McLellan, J. A., 133. Miltbrd. 107. Military History, Department of, 4, 43, 68, 137. Millbury, 107. Miller, Henry W., 133, ir.4. Minister, An Old Time, 44. Mortar, The Brewster, 68, 123. N Narragansett Hist. Society, 133. New Braintree, 108. New Eng. Hist. Gen. Society, 133. Northborough, 109. Northbridge, 109. North Brookfield, 101). O Oakham, 109. Officers for 1883, 3. O'Flynn, Richard, 120, 121, 133. Oxford, 109. Taine, Nathaniel, 34, 120, 133. Paxton, 109. Peck, Augustus E., 134, 155. Peirce, Henry B., 134. Perkins, Dr. Elisha, 13. Petersham, 110. Phelps, Henry, 123, 134, 15(5. Phillips, Rev. Geo. AV., 134. Phillipston, 110. Pickett," Josiah, 33. Pillsbury, Rev. Levi, 34. Pratt, Sumner, 134. Prentiss, Addison, 33. President's Address, 9, 137. Prince, I>ucien, 122, 134, 155. Princeton, 110. Publications of the Society, 6. Publishing Fund, 11. Putnam ;<: Davis, 134, 155. R Raymond, Edward T., 43. Raymond. Tilly, 134, 154. Raymore, Henry E., 134. Relics, Coins, &c., 154. Rice, Charles W., 68. [ Rice, Franklin P., 43, 122, 134, 154 I Rice, Hon. W. W., 134. I Rice, Rev. W. W., 134. Rice, Sewall, 143, Roe, Alfred S., 34, 96, 122, 134, 1 Royalston, 111. Rutland, 111. Salisbury, Stephen Jr., 121, 134. Seagrave, Daniel, 68, 120, 122, 134, 155. Sears Philander, 142. ' Sheldon, George, 134. Shrewsbury, 111. ShumAvay, Henry L., 43, 121,134,130. Smith, James A., 134, 155. Smith, John G., 134, 155. Smith, Henry M., 34, 43, 122, 134. Smith, H. O., 118. Smith, William A., 123, 135. Society, Publications of, 6. Southborough, 108. Southbridge, 112. Southgate, John P., 142. Spencer, 112. Staples, H. B., 135. Staples, Samuel E., 14, 33, 119, 120, 136, 150. State Hist. Society, Wisconsin, 135. Stearns, C. C, 43, 122, 135. Stedman, Henry F., 119, 136. Sterling, 112. Stiles, F. G., 33. 160 Stoddard, E. B., 135. Stone, Augustus, 13"). Stone, Everett C, 96. Sturbridge, 113. Sullivan Eros. & Libbie, 13o. Sumner, George, 122, 135, 13(5, lo4. Sutton, 113. Sweetser, Rev. S., 155. Templeton, 114. Thayer & AVashburn, 135. Thompson, Eben F., 135, 155. Thompson, Edward H., 43, 135. Thompson, George F., 10. Thursday Lecture, 124. Tillinghast, C. B., 122, 135. Titus, Anson Jr., 135. Towne, Enoch H., 135. Townley, Joseph B., 135. Towns of Wor. County, Name.* of, 97. Tractors, Metallic, 13. Tolman. Albert, 136. Tucker, Ephraim, 135, 155. Tyler, Albert, 135, 155. Tyler, Newell, 135. Tyler & Seagrave, 135. U Upham, Henry P., 10, 33, 43. Upton, 114. Uxbridge, 114. W Waites, Alfred, 20, 123, 135, 154. Wall, Caleb A., 135. Warren, 114. Webster, 114. Wesby, Edward, 136. Wesby, Herbert. 33, 136. Wesby, J. S. & Son, 136. West Boylston, 115. Wes thorough, 108. West Brookfield, 108. Western Reserve and Northern Ohio Historical Society, 136. Westminster, 115. Whitin, John C, 145. Whittemore, Abagail, 136. Wilder, Harvey B., 136. Williams, Hartley, 148. Winchendon, 115. Windham County, History of, 3:5. Wisconsin, State Hist. Soc. of, 135. Wood, Dr. Albert, 96. Woodcock, T. E., 118. AVorcester, 115. Worcester Co., Names of Towns, 97. Worcester Five Cents Savings Bank, 136. Work, Departments of, 4. Yale College, 136. '>r\3 = ESS 012 608 900 4