_y I ;.V^-i;:;;v,.v,v AN ITORICAL MEMOIR OF BILLimKA. IN MASSACHUSETTS. COHTAINING [OTICES OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS, m THE CIVIL AND ECCLESIAST^^ Published by Request. AMHERST, N. H. PRINTED BY R. BOYLSTON. 1816. AN HISTORICAL xMEMOIR or BILLEJEICA. IN MASSACHUSETTS. CONTAINING NOTICES Oi^^ THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS, IN THE CIVIL AND ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN, FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO 1816. BY JOHN FARMER. Published by Reqtust. AMHERST, N. H. PRINTED BY R. BOYLSTOM. 1816. i^X r n u 6 Copy t. HISTORICAL MEMOIR. UlLLERICA, in the County of Middlesex, was known to the first European inhabitants by the name of Shawshin, which it probably received from its proximity to the river of this name. To the aboriginal inhabitants, it appears to have been known by the name of Shawshinock,* or Souhegenock, a name applied to the river Shawshin in an ancient plan. Its present name is derived from Billericay, in the county of Essex, in England, from whence it is sup- posed that several of the first inhabitants emigrated. By them it was written Bilhricay in the earliest records of the town. It is known that some of the first settlers were from Raleigh, a town contiguous to Billericay, in England, and this, with other circumstances, affords a presumption that several were actually from the latter placet A concise view of the legal origin of the town may be gratifying to the curious enquirer. The means of informa- tion on this subject must be derived from copies of original grants, which fortunately have been preserved. Nothing • I find in the records, " Shawshinock, or Billerica," and in an old plan, " Souhegenock river," which it is thought can be no other than S hawshin river. t Billerica was about the twelfth original town settled in the county o£ Middlesex. It is ranked among the " noted towns" of Ncw-Englano, in Herman Molls' Fplio Geography, printed in 1701. It ia 18 miles north of Bofton, and is watered by Concord and Shawshin rivers, which run northeast- wardly into Merrimac river. The number of inhabitants at the commence- ment of the century might have been 870. The limits were then much more extensive than they are at present It is now surrounded by Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Wilmington, Burlington, Bedford, Carlisle, all of which adjoin it. Anciently, it was bounded by Chelmsford, Andover, Woburn, Cambridge and Concord. From an ancient plan in my possession, apparently taken in confor- mity to the original grant to Cambridge, the length from Andover line to Concord was about 1 1 miles ; the greatest breadth from Shawshin to the mouth of Concord river, 6| miles, and the leaft breadth from Shawshin to Concord river ji miles. The town, lying on both sides of Concord river, is at this time (even miles in length, and of various breadth, and contains about 17,000 acres. satisfactory occurs in history. In 1642, a grant of all the land'*' between Concord and Shawshin rivers, and extendin*^ to Merrimac river, was made by tiie General Court to the town of Cambridge, upon the condition " that they should erect a village tliere within five years, which should not ex- tend so as to prejudice the villages of Charlestown and Co- chittuate." From the nature of this grant, it appears proba- ble that this was the first within tnese limits, that was made by the General Court with a view of forming a township. The next year, a second grant was made, without the express condition of effecting a settlement as stipulated by the for- mer. Several years passed away, before the inhabitants of Cambridge availed themselves of the privileges conferred by these grants. The last undoubtedly retarded the settlement, as t;:e town of Cambridge wais exempted from the condition of forming a settlement within a limited time. From the best evidence which can be obtained, it is infer- red that the first sectlement was made about the year 1653. It was commenced by a number of respectable iamilies ; some ^'"■'^m Cmib'-id^e. bnt the "T»ater part were originally from England, The following iriCormation respecting some of the most prominent characters among the eirly inhabitants is collected from authentic sources, yohn Parker, supposed to have been born. in England, was approved as clerk of the writs, in this town, in December, 1657. He was one of the first selectmen, and continued in that ollice seven years. He di^d, 14 JuiiC, iCC], ybliii KiiiiCu^t wai an inhabiiant as early as about 1659. From him, it is said, have descend- ed all of the name in New-England. Tradition informs us, "that he had knowledge of the healing art." This knowl- edge seems to have descended to his posterity in the eldest branch of his family. He died, 18 October, 1676. leaving five sons. John Kit*:redge, his oldest son, v/:is a physician in this town, and died, 27 April, 17 14, at the age of 49. yohn Rogers w^s among the early inhabitants. He died, 25 January, 16S6, leaving four sons, John Rogers, his oldest son, from whom are descended all of the name now in town, was killed by the Indians, in 1695. William French, born in England, in 1604, it seems was an inhabitant of Cam- bridge, but afterwards came to this town. He was a mili-. tary officer, and frequently solemnized marriages. He died, 20 November, 1681, in his 78th year. John French, his son, was an inhabitant in 1659, and died in October, 17 12, • With the reservation of individual grants. Sec Appendix, article I. aged about 78. George Farley, a resident at Woburn a few years after his emigration to this country, was one of the se- lectmen seven years. He died, 27 December, 1693. Ralph Hill, who died, 29 November, 1663, was an early inhabi- tant, and one of the selectmen two years. Three of his sons, Ralph, Jonathan and Nathaniel settled in this town at an early period. Ralph Hill, his eldest son, was one of the selectmen aleven years, and a deputy to the General Court in 1693 and 1694. He died, 2 May, 1695. Samuel Manning was selectman nine, and town clerk six years. In the years 1695 and 1696, he was elected a deputy to the General Court. He died, 22 February, 17 11. Simon Crosby was one of the first innholders in town. Thc time when he first became an inhabitant does not appear. He was admitted a member of the church, 24 November, 1667, and consequently must have been an inhabitant about that time. In several town otfices, he appears to have acquitted himself to general sat- isfaction. He died after the year 17 14. Jonathan Dan- forth, brother to the honorable Thomas Danforth,* was a native of Framingham in England. He was distinguished among the first settlers of this towu, and had a principal share in all its public transactions. He died, 7 September, 1712, aged 85. Jonathan Danforth, his son, died, 17 January, 17 1 1, aged 53. Reverend Samuel Whiting ^z.^ an inhabitant as early as 1658. He was son of reverend Samuel Whiting of Lynn, who married a daughter of the right honorable Oliver St. Johnf of England. It is presumed that she was his mother, t The time of his birth has not been ascertained. The records of Lynn have been examined for that purpose, but give no information. Considering the time he graduat- ed, it appears probable that he was bora in England. Of the last two, a more particular account will be given under the respective years of their death. Thomas Richardson was from Woburn. He was accepted as an inhabitant, 26 ♦Judge Sullivan, in his history of Maine, page 385, says that Thomas Danforth of Cambridge " had two brothers, the one a clergyman of Rox- bury," and " the other brother was a minister in Billerica." The worthy author perhaps mistakes with respect to the last. I find no evidence of his being a minister, though it is apparent from his writings that he was a schol- ar, and might have had an acquaintance with the languages. t The family of St. John was very ancient, and derived their surname from a place called St. John, in Normandy, a late province of France. X Elisabeth Whiting, wife of reverend Samuel Whiting, of Lynn, died March 3, 1677. Reverend Samuel Whiting died, December 11, 1679 — ^ynn records. His life may be found in Mathers' Magnalia. August, 1667. He was a deputy to the General Court in 1703 and 1704. He died, 25 February, 172 1. Edward Farmer was son of John Farmer of Anceley, in the county of Warwickshire, in England, from whence he emigrated to this country.* He had a considerable share in the public affairs of the tov/n. He died, 27 March, 1727, aged about 87, yos^h Tompson was a selectman and town-clerk many years, a deacon of the church, an instructor of youth, a cap- tain of the militia company, and a deputy to the General Court in 1699, 1700 and 1701. Se died, 13 October, 1732, aged 93, having survived all the original settlers of the town. The progress of the settlement was not rapid. Being con- nected to Cambridge, and thi'ir local situation unfavorable to frequent intercourse with that p>lace, the inhabitants of Bil- lerica, then Shawshin, early applied for separate privileges. So early as 1654, the inhabitants of Shawshin requested free- dom and immunities from all public rates and charges at Cambridge. This reqne^t, resulting from the inconvenience of their situation and their local disadvantages with respect to Cambridge, appears to have received immediate attention. It was taken into consideration by the inhabitants of Cam- bridge, at a public meeting, 29 January, 1654. Four com- missioners, Henry Dunster, Richard Champney, Edward Goffe and John Bridge, were appointed to make such propo- sitions to the inhabitants of Shawshin, as they should con- ceive to be most "meet and equal." The following is the substance of the several propositions, submitted by the com- missioners to the people of Shawshin, which were readily accepted, i. That all the lands, belonging to the place called Shawshin, shall be an ««fire township, or plantation, freed and acquitted from all manner of common charges, due or of right belonging to Cambridge, by virtue of any grant of that place to them by the General Court. 2. That the inhabit- ants of Cambridge, or their heirs and assigns, who may im- prove any lands they may possess in Shawshin, shall pay to the common charges in due proportion with the rest of the inhabitants. 3. That the inhabitants of Shawshin shall here- after acquit and discharge the town of Cambridge from all common charges, rates, duties, &c. 4. That whenever any of the inhabitants of Cambridge, shall alienate any of their interest in lands at Shawshin, the lands so alienated, shall be liable to taxation, in the same manner as if they had been * SoiT\e letters of the reverend Thomas Muston of Wykin, his maternal uncle, to his friends in this country, have afforded me several interesting particulars. granted by Shawshin. 5. No person, having land granted him, shall make any sale or gift, unless he shall make im- provement by building and fencing. If any such improve- ments shall have been made and the person remove from his brethren, he shall not make sale, or gift, or any alienation thereof to any person, without the concurrence of the inhab- itants of Shawshin.* Immediately after the acceptance of these proposals, the inhabitants of Shawshin requested the General Court " to confirm and record the same."t Their request was granted, and on the 29th of May, 1655, the town appears to have been incorporated. t In 1656, the inhabitants of Shawshin, in answer to their petition, obtained from the Genejai Court a grant of land, lying upon Concord river, near the farms of John and Rob- ert Blood. § To this tract of land the court granted the name of Bilterica. Whether the tract embraced by Shawshin grant, had previously received this name or not, is a subject of conjecture. It is certain however that this name is used in the records as early as 1654. In the same year that this grant was made, the Court granted the inhabitants of Biller- ica, 8000 acres of land, lying at Natticott, which was located, 24 April, 1657. About 6300 acres were situated on the east of Merrimac river and 1750 on the west side. The condi- tions of this grant were, "that the inhabitants of Cambridge should accept thereof, and disengage the lands desired at Bil- lerica ; and that the town of Billerica be settled with twen- ty families at least within three years, that the ordinances of God mav be settled and encouraged in the said place of Billerica'."! The town was divided into lots by Jonathan Danforth, who was one of the committee for locating the house lots. These lots were most generally denominated ten, and five acre lots. A ten acre lot, or single share, contained 113 acres of upland and 12 acres of meadow. A five acre lot, or half of a single share, contained half the quantity of upland and six * The names of the persons who accepted these propositions, and who were perhiips all the inhabitants of the place at that time, were, Ralph Hill, Ralph Hill, Jr. William French, John Stearns, William Patten, George Farley, John Croe, James Parker, John Parke?, Rooert Ptirker, Jonathan Danforth and William Chamberlain. t The General Court confirmed their request May 23, 1655. X Massachusetts Register. § See Appendix, Art. III. II Several subsequent grante were made to Billerica, which maybe seen in the office of the Secretary of State. May 22, 1661, a grant of 4000 acres; May 27, 1663, 800 acres; Oct. 9, 1667, 500 iicres. Mafs. Records, pages 377, 431, 594. acres of meadow. There were intermediate lots granted, having regard to the same proportion of upland and meadow. The inhabitants had previously adopted such regulations, as they conceived were calculated to ensure their domestic tranquillity. One respecting the admission of future inhab- itants appears to have been rigidly adhered to. It was agreed that "all persons unknown to them, desirous of becoming inhabitants, should bring a certificate front the place whence they came, exhibiting such testimony as should be satisfac- tory to the town — that upon their admission as inhabitants, they should subscribe their names to all orders of the town, and bear their proportion of.^all public charges in church, town and commonweal." Among the other regulations which were subsequently adopted, were the following : Any person, not qualified by law, who should presume to give his voice or vote in any elections of the town, or interfere in any town affairs, was subject to a fine of five shillings to be levied by the constable. Any inhabitant or proprietor, who should bring in. or entertain in town any person as a ser- vant, should give bond to the constable to secure the town from all damage they might sustain by such servant. In case of refusal to give bond, a forfeiture of twentv shillings per week was incurred. No proprietor, possessing less than a ten acre privilege, should alienate any part of his right to any person without consent of the town. But a person hav- ing more than this proportion, might sell or dispose of a five acre privilege. Proprietors of not more than ten acre privi- leges could not, without permission of the town, dispose of their privilege to any person, not even to their children, with- out the town had refused to make them a grant. In 1658, nineteen persons agreed with the reverend Samu- el Whiting, in reference to his settlement with them in the gospel ministry. They stipulated to give him and his heiri, a ten acre privilege, and a house comfortably finished wit'i the accommodations belonging to it, if he should continue with them during his life. They agreed to give him a salary of £.40 for the first two years, ;^.5o for the third, ^.60 for t le fourth, and afterwards engaged to " better his maintenance .is the Lord should better their estates.' His stated salary a^- ter the fourth year, was £.^0. The inhabitants appear to have enjoyed the stated ministrations of the gospel, before they had erected a house of worship. Finding their numbers an- nually increasing, the town voted to build a meeting-house, 30 feet in length and 24 feet in width. This house, erected by John Parker, was completed about 1660. For several ffiars, it was covered with thatch instead of shingles. It had ao galleries till about 1679, when it was enlarged and repaired. In 1660, the first selectmen were chosen, who were to con- duct the prudential affairs of the town. The number was five, the same as at the present time. The town being infested with wolves, the inhabitants or- dered that a bounty of 20 shillings should be paid to any per- Bon, either English or Indian, who should kill a wolf within the limits of the town and present the head thereof to the constable. In this manner these ferocious animals were prob- ably extirpated. The Indians as well as English received the bounty. The south burial place was located in 1663. It originally contained half an acre, and was the gift of Ralph Hill, senior. From good evidence, it appears that the church in this town was gathered in 1663, and reverend Samuel Whiting was ordained on the nth of November in the same year. The precise day when the church was organized, cannot be positively ascertained from any records which are known to exist. It is suspected however, and not without some de- gree of probability, tliat it might have been, 27 April, 1663.* At this time, there appears from the town records to hav« been a council of elders and messengers from other churches, though we are not informed for what express purpose they were convened. It is worthy of remark that this church has never been vacant but once, during a period of more than one one hundred and fifty yeajs., "From the earliest date 06 their connexion with a gospel minister to 1760, a friendly harmony has uniformly, or with very transient interruptions, subsisted between the church and people of God in this place, and those, who have successively ministered to them in holy things."! In 1669, there were twelve baptisms in town, and eight persons admitted to full communion. In August, the same year, there was a contribution of six pounds for the relief of • The CTidencc that the church was gathered in 1663, rests on a charge in flie town records, vol. I, page 50. The charge respecting the Elders and Mcs- sengers from other churches, is made as follows ; " 27, 2, 1663, Charges, when je councill of Elders and Messingers from other churche8~[then follow a feir eharacters, which are unintelligible] £1, 13,6." '^ Dr. Comings. B M fte fleef, whiph had gone on an expedition to recover the kland of St. Christopher from the French.* A regard for purity of morals and an attention to religiou* duties, appear to have been characteristics of our ancestors, Within a few years after the town was settled, three person* vere chosen "to examine the several families, and see jrhether their children and servants were taught in the prin- ciples of religion," In 1675, we find the selectmen of this town passing an order that all children and youth from eig;hj: years old and upwards, should be sent by their parents and masters to the reverend Mr. VVhiting^, to receive catechetical instruction at such times as should be appointed. .^ On the 2 August, 1675, Timothy Farley of this town, was killed at Quaboag, now Brookfield, in an engagement with the Indians.! Such was the gloomy aspect at this time, and the alarm and terror spread through tie country by the rava- ges of the Indians, that the inhabitants of this town held a meeting on the 13 August, for the purpose of adopting measures for mutual defence and security. The following entry of their proceedings, is made in the records, which gives an idea of the danger, they apprehendeJ from their subtle and powerful enemy. " The town, considering the ■providence of God at the present, calling us to lay aside our "ordinary occupations in providing for our creatures, and to take special care of our own lives, and the lives of our wivQS and children ; the enemy beuig near and the warning of God's Providence upon our neighbors being very solemn, do therefore, order and agree to prepare a place of safety for women and children ; and that persons and teams shall attend the said work ur^til it be finished. An account of u\e v/hole charge being kept, shall be equally divided upon th.e inhabit- ants with other town charges," Soon after this meeting, the town received an order from the honorable council, to gather the several inhabitants into garrisons according to their best capacity. In obedience to this order, a meeting of the se- iectmen and committee of the militia, was holden for that pur- pose, 8 October, when several garrisons were formed, and suitable arrangements were made. On the 14th, the select- men and committee were met by Major Simon Willard, who approved their measures, and assisted them in instituting a * These articles are derived from a MS, of Capt. Jonathan Danforth, re. celvad from Mrs. Hannah Rogers. t See Whitney's hiftory of the county of Worcester, article Brookfield 11 : jjiuinber of odier garrisons in addition to those formed on t£k «thA- ,- ■ ■ \ ' '■'"""■' .:':^ ' ' The excitement produced in the public mind at this penb^, by the predatory incursions of the Indians, Caused many p^r ions to leave their habitations, and seek refuge in the mos^ ^dmpact part of the several towns. The settlements in the faortherly part of this town on Concord river, were, from ih^ijc situation, peculiarly exposed, and were deserted by the in- habitants, who were ordered to be entertaiaed " in the body of the town." It is not known that this town received anr lessehtial injur/ daring King Philips' war. The number of families in town aboat this time, appears to have been forty-ei'^ht, and the number of dvvelling-housejs for;y-seven. In 1679, there were sixty rateable estates, in; eluding non-residents. In a return mada in iGSo, to a warrant from the deputy Governor, the town stated the number of families able to bear public charges to be fifty; and of ajeJ persons aid po^r, including wiiows, to be ten". A writing and reading school was at. this time taught b/ Joseph Tomps^n. No grammar school wai ia town. In 16S4, Jonathan Danforth was chosen deputy to a ** special General Court." Tnis is the first notice we find oa • The following were the garrisons appointed at these meetings, with the in- habitan d be'oneiiH;:; to eich. \. Ralph HilU' — Nathaniel and Joiathiu Hill, rhomisDattoajjim. William French, William and Isaac Chamberlain. (5 houses.) 2. Thomas Fas 'rr/— Joseph Fosterjames Frostjoseph French, foseph Walk- ,cr,Laniel Rogers, John JCittredgeand /"homas Richardson. (6 houses.) 3. Simon 6V^.f/*y J-— Richard Daniel, WiliiamHamlet,Jacob Haailet.jonathaa Hides, J'jseph 7'ompson and Peter Bracket. (7 families.) 4. K^.Samud iVhittnfs—'^\iOxro.% Dutton,sen. John Button, Daniel Shed John Shed, Jolm Duraat, John Rogers, John Rogers, jr. Thomis and Nathaiy iel Rogers. (6 families.) 7"his was " the main garrison and the last refuge ia F/tn/i's-John French, John Marshall, Thomas Ross, and William Chamberlain, jr. (4 houses.) 8. James A7i/i?r'j- Daniel Shed, jr. Samuel Trull, John Bracket, and James Kidder, jr. (4 families.) 9. JonMhaii Z>j«>r//4'f-Samuel IVIanning, Joha Duakin, and Jonathan Dan forth, Jr. JO. Timothy Crooks' — Michael Bacon. II. George Farley's house " to entertain as it may be capable." .. 12. Jol/ Lane, from his remote situation was allowed to fortify his own house, and "to have two soldiers if the country could spare them." The Masters of the several Garrisons were sergeant Ralph Hill,serg. Thomas Fos- ter, serg. Joseph Tompson, Rev. Samuel Whiting, Thomas Patten, Jameg Tatterson, Joha Marshall, serg. James Kidder and Jonathan Danforth, 12 ihe records of a deputy being chosen from this town. The Inhabitants, it is probable, had been represented by non-resi- dent deputies, which was frequently practised under the old charter of the province. This practice was abolished in 1694, when an act passed the General Assembly, " restrain- ing towns from choosing any person to represent them in the General Court, other than freeholders and residents within 8uch towns." It appears that previous to 1669, this town kad been rspresented by Mr. Davie of Boston. In this year, 1684, an Indian title of the township appears ♦o have been obtained at four Indian meetings, though 1 have *ot been so fortunate as to find the existence of any instru- ment purporting to be an Indian deed. The consideration jnade to the Indians for their title cannot be ascertained, but the charges arising from making the purchase were fifteen •hillings. Though the inhabitants of this town lived in the vicinity *f a considerable number of Indians,* particularly theii* |)lantation at Wamesit, and were for a long time exposed to their att.^cks, there appears no evidence of their bein? molested by them till the year 1692. On the first day of August, this year, they killed Ann Shed, wife of Zachary Shed, with two of her children, Hannah, aged 13, and Agnesy jiged 2 years ; Joanna Dutton, aged 36, wife of Benjamin Dutton, and two of her children by a former husband, Mary Dunkin, aged 16, and Benoni Dunkin, aged ik years. Tra- dition has preserved few, or no particulars of the manner in which these families were assaulted. The second meeting-house, 44 feet in length and 40 feet Jn width, was erected, 16 July, 1694.! The inhabitants had worshipped in the old one about thirty-four years. On the 5 August, 1695, the Indians made a second irrup- tion on the inhabitants of this place. In the northerly part o£ the town, on the east of Concord river, lived several families, who, though without garrisons and in time of war, felt no apprehensions of danger. Their remoteness from the fron- tiers might have contributed to their apparent security. The * See Appendix, article VIII. t October 23, 1693, the town agreed to build a new meeting-house, and December 8, appointed a committee for that purpose. The following account of raising it, is left on record in the hand-writmg of Deacon Jofeph Torapson. — " This service was attended by about 45 hands of our town the first day ; and the town came generally the second day, and some of other towns. Soma came to inspect us and several were helpful to us of other towns. The third day we concluded our work with our town's help. No considerable harm wa« done — ^not a bone broken. We had the help of our reverend pastor to de';ir» God's blessing, and when we had finished our work, we concluded with S .^salm of praise and returned thanks to God by our reverend pastor." 18 Indians came upon them suddenly in the day-time. They entered the house of John Rogers while he was sleeping, and discharged an arrow at him, which entered his neck and pierced the jugular vein. Awakened with this sudden and unexpected attack, he started up, seized the arrow, which he forcibly withdrew, and expired with the instrument of death in his hand. A woman being in the chamber, threw herself oat of the window, and though severely wounded, effected her escape by concealing herself among some flags. A young woman was scalped and left for dead, but survived the pain- ful operation and lived for many years afterwards. A son and daughter of Mr. Rogers were taken prisoners. The family of John Levistone suffered most severely. His mother-in-law and five young children were killed, and his oldest daughter captured. Thomas Rogers and his oldest son were killed. Mary, the wife of Dr. Roger Toothaker, was killed, and Margaret, his youngest daughter, taken prisoner. Fifteen persons were killed or taken at this sur- prisal. After the most industrious examination of the rec- ords, I find the names of fourteen, which, with their several ages, will be added in a note.* Though the Indians were immediately pursued by the inhabitants of the centre of the town, yet so effectually had they taken precautions in their flight, that all efforts to find them were unavailing. It is said they had even tied up the mouths of their dogs with wampum, from an apprehension that their barking would discover the direction they had taken. The shock given to the inhabitants by this melancholy event, was long had in painful remembrance. Through the lapse of years, it is difficult to give a very circumstantial account of it, and the few particulars I have collected, ought, perhaps, to receive some deductions from the brevity of human memory. t The first bridge over Concord river, on the Boston road, was erected at, or near the fordway, some time previous to * John Rogers, aged about 53, Thomas Rogers, about 48, Thomas Rogers, jun. aged 1 1, Daniel Rogers,*i2, Mary Rogers,*27, MaryToothakcr, Margaret Toothaker,* 13, Widow Ross, perhaps 63, Alexander, five weeks, Margaret, 2 years, Mary 5, Thomas 6, Scth 8, and Sarah,* 11, children of John Levis- tone. Those with a star were missing and supposed to be captured. t Governor Hutchinson in his History of Massachusetts, vol. 11, page S6, thus notices this transaction. — " In Auguft, they killed and took fifteen at Bil- lerica, and plundered the house of Rogers." In the town records I find, "Aug. 5, 1695, this day received that awful ftroke by the enemy, when fivc- teen persons were flain — mora sad than that \rc met with three years before." Dr. Cotton Mather publifhed in 1698, "Decennium Luciuosum; an hiftory of the remarkable occurrences of the long war with the Indians from 1688 to i6v^'8." As this event falls within thi« period, some account of it in this work may possibly be given. 14 1658. In 1663, it was removed from this place at (he expence of this town and Chelmsford. For many years after, it was supported by Groton, Chelmsford and this town.* It does not appear to have been removed again till about 1699, when the former bridge having been *' car- ried away by a flood, a new one was erected considerably higher up the river." In consequence of this removal, it became necessary to alter the road between Chelmsford and this town. This was mutually done by a committee, f appointed by each town, who attended that service, 25 September, 1699. In 1701, the boundaries between this town, and Chelms- ford and Concord were adjusted by a committee, appointed by the General Court at their session in May, 1700. The difficulties, which had for some time subsisted, were termin- ated by the ratification of the report of the committee. | On the 4 April, 1707, the north burying ground was located. It is five rods on the road, and twenty rods in length. July 7, 1707, the town made choice of reverend Samuel Ruggles to assist reverend Samuel Whiting in the ministry, for the term of one year. Before the expiration of the year, he received an invitation to settle as a colleague with rever- end Mr. Whiting. The town voted him ;i^.ioo settlement, and jC-4° per annum during Mr. Whiting's life, and ;^.7o after his decease. He was ordained on the 19 May, 1708. In 1708, a grant of land and other privileges, at the falls in Concord river, was made to Christopher Osgood, jun. of Andover, for the "erection of a grist-mill." The mill erected by him, was the first erected on Concord river, within the limits of the town. This grant embraces the place, where the valuable mills and factories are now situated, near the intersection of Concord river by the Middlesex Canal. In 17 1 2, died Capt. Jonathan Danforth, distinguished for his mathematical knowledge and extensive usefulness in this town. He was son of Nicholas Danforth, || and brother to * The country rate of these towns in 1663, which may give an idea of their relative importance at that time, was as follows. — Chelmsford ;^.i8. 19. i. Billerica, J^.i^- 10. 2. Groton, /^.6. 15. 7. They were all incorporated. May • 29, 1655. t Jonathan Danforth, Edward Farmer and Samuel Manning, for Billerica, andjerathmeel Bowers, Nathaniel Hill and Stephen Pierce, for Chelmsford. J See Appendix, Article XIV. II That he was son of Nicholas Danforth cannot admit of doubt, from the cir- cumstance that the record of it is made by the former. T^he evidence that he was brother to the Hon. Thomas Danforth of Cambridge and reverend Samuel Danforth of Roxbury, appears in Sullivan's Hist. Maine, page 385, which has been already quoted, Aliens' Biog. Diet, page 240, with documents in my pos- session. The Rev. John Elliot, D. D. in his Biog. Diet, observes that " the reverend Samuel Danforth came to NewEngland, 1634, with his fatheriVa/'/5a«- iel Danforth." If they were really brothers, why this difference of names t 15 reverend Samuel Danforth of Roxbury. He was born at Framingham, in the county of Suffolk, in England, 29 Feb- ruary, 1627, and probably emigrated to this country when young. His family connexions were highly respectable. From an original letter of Governor Belcher in my posses- sion to a son of Mr. Danforth, it appears that his family was related to the governor. When the settlement at Shaw- shin commenced, Mr. Danforth was among the first settlers. He was chosen one of the first selectmen, and continued in that office twenty-one years. The records were made by him for about twenty years. He was elected the first deputy to the General Court from this town on record. From his eminence in surveying, he was frequently employed in locat- ing new towns and settlements in the provinces of New- Hampshire and Massachusetts. The plans of his surveys were very numerous. There still remains a large number of them. He left two MS. folios, containing sermons and sketches of sermons, for many years, together with the bap- tisms and admissions to the church. From an idea that they possessed no intrinsic value, the far greater part of these valuable writings have been sacrificed to ignoble purposes. While Mr. Danforth was justly celebrated for his eminence and distinction in mathematical knowledge, by a cotemporary, the most important part of his character is not concealed from view. His piety gave him the lustre, which was most admired.* On the 25 February, 1713, died reverend Samuel Whiting, having been a preacher in this place more than fifty years. Forty-nine years and three months had elapsed from his settlement. He was son of reverend Samuel Whiting, and was probably born before his father came to this country. He received his education at Harvard College, where he graduated in 1653. He came to this town, a few years after it was incorporated, as has been before observed. The * A poem, on his death was written by J. D. v. d. m. who, from the ftyle, is supposed to have been his nephew, Rev. John Danforth of Dorchefter. The following extract, I received verbally from Samuel Whiting, Esq. and is all I have been able to obtain of it : " He rode the circuit, chain'd great towns and farms. To good behaviour ; and by well marked ftations, He fix'd their bounds for many generations. His art ne'er f.iil'd him, though the loadstone fail'd, When oft by mines and streams it was assail'd ; All this is charming, but there's something higher. Gave him the lustre which we most admire." Then followed an account of his piety, attention to religious duties, which are celebrated by the poet in the versification peculiar to that period. 16 fidelity, circumspection and diligence, with which he dis- charged the various duties of a private, social and ministe- rial nature, prove that he was actuated by a spirit of Chris- tianity. The affection and benevolence of his people towards him, prove that they held his character in high estimation. In 1702 and 3, when sickness prevented him for several months, from attending to the duties of the sanctuary, their affection for him as upon other occasions, was manifested. They procured reverend John Fox to preach during his indisposition, and rewarded him at their own expence. In 1707, when the infirmities of age rendered him unable to dis- charge all the various duties of his sacred calling, reverend Samuel Ruggles was procured to assist him, and was ordain- ed his colleague the following year. It is not known that he published any thing.* He had ten children, but the great- er part died young. John Whiting, his second son, gradu- ated at Harvard College in 1685, and was ordained the second minister in Lancaster about the year 1691.! In that town, he was slain by the Indians, n September, 1697, at the age of ;^;^ years, t About the year 17 18, there appears to have been a com- pany of snow-shoe men formed in this town, and in several others in the vicinity. Their object was to repel the incur- sions of the Indians, and attack them in their quarters during the winter. Dr. Belknap, in his history of New- Hampshire, observes that this is called in the Council records an honorable service. The number belonging to this town was 19.11 * Mr. Whiting was one of the seventeen miniftcrs, who bore testimony a- gainft the settlement of Mr. Davenport in the firft church in Bofton, and one oi those who presented an address to the General Court, in vindication of their conduct from the unjuft charge of innovation, &c. made againft them by a committee appointed by the house of deputies at their session in May, 1670. Vide Hutchinson's Hift. Mass. vol. ! page 248 — 250. In a poem on his death, written about a century since, he has the following character. " Whiting, we here beheld a ftarry light, Burning in Christ's right hand and shining bright; Years seven times seven sent forth his precious rays, Unto the gospel's profit and Jehovah's praise." t The Rev. Mr. Whitney, in his hiftory of the county of Worcester, says that he was probably settled in 1691. J On the II September, 1697, the town of Lancafter was surprised by the Indians and twenty-one persons were Icilled, among whom, was the Rev. John Whiting, Who being on some occasion at a distance from the garrison, the In- dians surprised and killed him. They indeed offered him quarter, but he chose rather to fight to the last, than resign himself to those v/hose tender mer- cies are cruelty. Rev. 7*. Harrington's Century Sermon, 1753. II This is the number I find upon an old paper, purporting to contain " a lift of the snow-shoe men in the towns of Billerica, Chelmsford and Dracut." 17 In 1729, tiie inhabitants of the southerly part of the town petitioned for the privilege of being detached from Billerica, that they might be incorporated as a separate town. At a general town meeting, the subject of their peti- tion was taken into consideration, and a committee of eleven persons was chosen, who were empowered "to manage the affair and agree with the petitioners respecting the line." In September, the same year, this part ®f the town, with a part of Concord, was incorporated with the name of Bedford, Three years after this, the northerly part of the town peti- tioned to be set off as a township. A committee was chosen to view the land, who made a report at a subsequent meeting, when it was voted that the northerly and northeasterly part of the town be set off as a township, "granting two thirds of the land from Andover line to Billerica meeting-house, by a parallel line with said Andover, extending from Concord river to Wilmington line." On the 23 December, 1734, this tract of land was, by an act of the General Court, incor- porated by the name of Tewksbury. In 1738, the third meeting-house, 60 feet in length and 46 in width, was built and consecrated to divine worship,*. In April, 1747, the town made choice of reverend John Chandler of Andover as an assistant with reverend Mr. Ruggles. They voted him ;^.6oo old tenor, settlement, ;if.2oo salary, of the same currency, during the life of Mr. Ruggles, and an addition of ;^.ioo after his decease, with 20 cords of wood. On the 21 October following, a council of eight churches was convened for his ordination. On this occasion, reverend Daniel Rogers of Littleton, commenced with prayer, reverend James Chandler of Rowley, preached from John iii, 11 ;t reverend Samuel Phillips of Andover, gave the charge, and also added an exhortation to the people, in which, he pressed upon them the particular duties of a peo- ple towards their minister, and reverend Nicholas Bowes of Bedford, gave the right hand of fellowship. The reverend Samuel Ruggles, second pastor of the church in this place, died, i March, 1749, at the age of 67, * Sept. 15, 1737, "the town voted to build a new meeting-house for the public worship of God-" Nov. 28. " Voted to build said house, 60 feet in length and 46 in width." March 7, 1738, "Voted to set said house about yj feet north of the former one." Town Records. t " Verily, verily I say unto thee, we speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen." 18 having been in the ministrj' forty years and nine months. He was son of Mr. Samuel Ruggles of Roxbury, and was born in that town on the 3 December 1681.* He graduated at Harvard College in 1702. In 1755, a considerable number of inhabitants in the south- west part of the town, applied to be set off as a township or district. Their application at this time was unsuccessful. Twenty-four years after this, having renewed their request, all the inhabitants, within certain defined limits, were, by vote of the town, set off as a township. The tract of land thus de- tached was incorporated, in 1780, as a district, with the name of Carlisle, and on the 18 February, 1805, was invested with town privileges. In 1760, an ecclesiastical council, composed of five church- es, was convened for the purpose of hearing the difficulties between the church and people in this place, and reverend John Chandler. Under the sanction of this council, the pastoral relation of Mr. Chandler to the church, was dissolv- ed on the 5 of June. This was the only vacancy, which had occurred in the church, for almost a century from its organi- zation. From this time till the vacancy was filled by a suc- cessor, the pulpit was supplied with the labors of Messrs. Edward Brooks^ Samuel Foxcroft, Job Whitney, Edward Perkins Sparhawk, Samuel Angier, Nathaniel Noyes, yohn Treadwelly William Whitwell and Benjamin Caryl j\ The reverend Mr. Whitwell was chosen by the church and town to settle in the ministry, but on account of some divisions, they deemed it not prudent to proceed any further in reference to his settlement. Thursday, the 2 October, 1760, was set apart as a day of fasting and prayer, to supplicate the throne of grace for divine direction in the choice of a minister. Reverend Messrs. Rogers, Spalding, Morrill and Sherman, of Littleton, Tewksbury, Wilmington and Woburn, were requested to assist in the public exercises of the day. The town having heard the gentlemen already mentioned, on the 17 May, 1762, chose reverend Benjamin Caryl to settle with them in the work of the ministry. t For some reasons, which are not mentioned, he did not comply with their request. On the 18 November, 1762, the church and town met in con- * MS. letter of Mr. Samuel Parker, Town Clerk of Roxbury, 1815. t Those in Italics were afterwards settled in the gospel ministry. X The vote was determined by yeas and nays. Yeas 86, Nays 22. The town voted him £.\(io settlement, and ;^.73 6. 8. annual salary. 19 junction, and made choice of reverend Henry Cumings of Hollis, in New-Hampshire, to settle with them in the gospel ministry. They voted a settlement of ;^.2oo, and an annual salary of ;^.8o, with other privileges. He was ordained, 26 January, 1763. At this time the council was composed of ministers and delegates from seven Churches. Reverend Isaac Morrill of Wilmington, opened the solemnity with prayer, reverend Daniel Emerson of Hollis, preached from Heb. xiii. 17 ; reverend Daniel Rogers of Littleton, gave the charge, reverend Ebenezer Bridge of Chelmsford, the right hand of fellowship, and reverend Joseph Emerson of Pepperell made the concluding prayer. On the 10 November, 1762, died reverend John Chandler, who sustained the pastoral relation about twelve years. He was a native of Andover, and graduated at Harvard College in 1743. His sermons were written in a neat style and dis- cover a benevolent spirit. From this period to the commencement of the difficulties between this country and Great Britain, I do not find that any transaction, deserving particular notice, occurred. At an early stage of the opposition to the restrictions of the Brit- ish parliament, this town appeared an advocate for freed om, and during the important struggle for liberty and independ- ence, manifested a firm and unshaken spirit of resistance to all the encroachments of arbitrary power. As this was an interesting period in the affairs of the town, a few extracts from the records will be subjoined, in order to shew the spirit, which actuated the inhabitants on this memorable occasion. On the 6 of June, a few days after the Boston Port Bill went into operation, this town held a meeting to consider the subject of a letter, which they had received from that devoted town. A committee was chosen, to deliberate and deter- mine upon proper measures in this emergency of public affairs, who reported an answer, which reflects much credit on the patriotism of the town. "We consider," say they, "the blow struck at Boston, as aimed at the province in general, and as a prelude to something further, equally vindictive, yet in store for this and the other colonies. As we have a fixed reliance on the virtue of our brethren in Boston to persevere in the noble cause of liberty, which they have hitherto maintained with such- laudable fortitude and reso- lution, and viewing ourselves as bound to animate and en- courage them, we do hereby promise and declare our read- iness to support and strengthen them in any measures, that shaB be judged expedient for our common safety and de- 20 fence — ^for defeating every vengeful machination of those, i»ho would punish us for shewing ourselves men, and dragoon «s into slavery, because we disdain patiently to take the yoke «pon our necks at their bidding." Towards the conclusion of the report, they say, " It would be an indelible disgrace, and a violation of the sacred obligations, we are under to God, to our country, to ourselves and to posterity, for us tamely and pusillanimously, to give up those invaluable liber- ties and privileges, which our worthy ancestors purchased at such a vast expense of blood and treasure." Such was the language of freemen, contending for their dearest rights and privileges. On the morning of the 19 April, 1775, the inhabitants of this town became early apprized of the motion of the British. A considerable number collected, and proceeded to Concord to oppose their progress, and were present in that memora- ble engagement. This town lost no one during the arduous conflict, but two of their citizens were wounded.* In 1779, a delegate was chosen from this town to the Convention, which convened at Cambridge, for the purpose of framing a Constitution, or form of government. The town's quota of men, agreeably to a resolve of the General Court, passed, 30 June, 1781, for raising 2700 men, was thirteen.! The valuation, in 1782, was £.4. 1. 0.$ This town accepted the constitution of the United States by Col. William Tompson, their delegate to the Convention. |j The political character of the town has ever been decidedly federal. For more than a century from 1692, it is believed, this town annually chose a representative to the General Court. The first chosen after the constitution of Massachusetts went into operation, was Major Edward Farmer, who con- tinued in that ofl&ce, with the exception of one year§ till 1795. * John Nickles and Timothy Blanchard. 1 Resolves of General Court for 1781, page 47. J Resolves of 6 March, 1782. I Massachusetts Gazette of FebruanyS, 1788. § 1787, when Col. William TompsoV was chosen. Edward Farmer, Esq. died, 4 August, 1804, at the age of 70. In the line of his maternal ancestors, he descended from Edward Johnson of Woburn, the early historian of New- England. Possessing the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, he was placed by them in many responsible offices, which, without the advantages of education, he discharged to general acceptance. His zeal for the cause of Amer- kan freedom was a prominent trait in his character. It induced him to engage witk ardor in the service of his country. After tht capture of Burgoyme, at 21 The number jf polls in 1809, entitled this town to two representatives, who were accordingly chosen. In 1797, a building for an academy was erected in this lown, under the ca^e and direction of Ebenezer Pemberton, A. M. who received considerable assistance by the donation of individuals. The academy was opened by Mr. Pember- ton for the reception of scholars the succeeding winter. Under his superintendence, with the assistance of Mr. Whiting, teacher of mathematics, this institution flourished ior several years. It discontinued in the autumn of 1808. In this year, the fourth meetinoj-house, 65 feet in lengtk, •nd 51 in breadth, was erectea.* It was dedicated to Christian worship, by appropriate religious exercises, on tiie 7 January, 1798. This respectable edifice is supposed to stand near the spot where the first meeting-house was erect- ed. Its situation is pleasant and delightlul, and ccmmands an extensive and beautiful prospect. He^e has the church Nourished under the auspices of learned and pious pastors, •nd here have successive generations repaired to offer the Jncense of devotion, and pay their weekly adorations to the Parent of all Good. In 1807, died Deacon Joshua Abbott, at the age of 84, Juiving enjoyed the confidence of his fellow townsmen through a long series of years. His voluntary contributions Jbr public uses, entitle his memory to a liberal share of re- spect. In his last will and testament, he devised a sum to purchase a town clock, which was received in 1808, and Made a bequest of $1400,! of which the interest is to be vhlch he was present, be returned to his native town, where he was chosen ^legate to a Convention at Concord, and one of the Committee of Safety for J779 and 1780. In the insurrection of 1786, he assisted in forming a compa- *y, and was one of the Justices, deputed to receive the oath of allegiance from Ibe insurgents. The inhabitants of Billerica and the adjacent towns, paid par- #calar respect to his memory, an account of which, may be seen in the Boston Repertory of August lo, 1804. The successors of EJward Farmer, Esq. are, »]»95 and 6, Jonathan Bowers, Esq. ; 1797, not represented; 179S, Jo»4tlMa Jlowers, Esq. ; 1799, Major Oliver Crosby ; 1802, Jonathan Bowers, Esq. ; 1803, Jame^ Abbot, Esq. ; 1804, Major Oliver Crosby; 1805, Col. John Par- ker; 1806, Joseph Locke, Esq. ; 1809, Joseph Locke, Esq. and Capt. Dudley Walker; iSio, Josiah Crosby, Esq. who is the present representative. * It is ornamented with a handsome spire, and a clock, cost 500 6onar% •lade at Worcester, by Abel Stowcll. It originally had 62 pews on the Hoct, •nd 26 in the gallery, which sold for 8504 dolls. 50 cts. t This ammmi is not specified in his Will, as it was the laft bcqoest, xiA Upended upon the residue of the testators' estate, after the several legacie* were discharged. Sept. 4, 1809, the town voted to rtceive 1400 dollars rf Jfames Abbot, Executor, in full of the last bequest in the last will and tsetameat •f Dca. Jofhua Abbot. 2S annumlly applied to support a school, for disseminating^ a. knowledge of church music and psalmody. These, with other acts of public and private munificence, will not permit the memory of the donor to sink into oblivion. In the summer of 1811, the sniall pox made its appear- ance in the north part of the town. The cause from whence it originated, seems to be involved in mystery. It commenc- ed in the family of ^sa Frost, and had communicated to several others, before the disorder was known. The alarm produced in the neighborhood, when the disorder was ascer- tained to be the small pox, can better be conceived than de- scribed. The consternation became general, and extended through the town, and to ethers in the vicinity, till a period was put to it by a general vaccination, wLich was effected in A few weeks. Of fifteen, who had the small pox, five personi fell victims to its malignity.* On I November, 18 13, the town voted to invite reverend Nathaniel Whitman to settle as a colleague with reverend Doctor Cumings. At the same time they voted ^1000 for a settlement, and an annual salary of $500, so long as the pastoral relation, between the venerable Doctor Cuming* ahd his people, should not be dissolved by death. Distant be the period when his life and usefulness shail terminate. Reverend Mr. Whitman accepted of their invitation, and was ordained, 26 January, 18 14, it being on that day, fifty- one years after the ordination of his venerable Senior. On this interesting occasion, reverend Ezra Ripley of Concord, moderator of the council, addressed the numerous assembly, convened to witness the solemn and important scene. Intro- ductory prayer was made by reverend President Kirkland of Cambridge; sermon, by reverend James Flint of Bridge- water, from Colossians i. 28 ; consecrating prayer, by rever- end Ezra Ripley of Concord ; charge, by the senior pastor ;t right-hand of fellowship, by reverend Samuel Stearns of Bedford ; concluding prayer, by reverend Nathaniel Thayer of Lancaster. The unanimity and harmony, which prevail- ed in the settlement of a colleague, and in the measures pre- paratory for that event, afford evidence for believing that the Christian and benevolent affections will be mutually cultivaU:- * Tkc Small Poz prevailed in a few familiei in x 690, and three or fouif fcrMns died. t A lift of the pvblicationt of the venerable boet. Ciinuii£>» will be fomad i«- tkeAppcndiz^ Art. IX. '' 88 t4 i ftnd inspire a hope that the connexion will be happy, m it maybe lasting. '• Long may Ais light on earth be spar'd to shine." Such have been the leading events in the civil and eccle- siastical affairs of Billerlca, during a period of one hundred and sixty-three years. In tracina the progress of improv^ ^ ARTICLE /. THE following copy of this grant is taken from the towm records, with some variations of orthography. *' At a General Court held at Boston, on adjournment; 14 June, 1642. All the land upon Shawshin river, and be- tween that and Concord river, and between that and Merri- mac river, (not formerly granted by this court) are granted to Cambridge, so, as that they erect a village there within five years, and so as that it shall not extend to prejudice Charles- town village, or the village at Cochittuate, nor the farms for- merly granted to the now Governor, of 1260 acres, aad t» Thomas Dudley, Esq. 1500 acres, and 3000 acres to Mrs. Winthrop; and Mr. Flint and Mr. Stephen Winthrop «re t© set out their head line toward Concord." That there were several grants to individuals before €fcis was made to Cambridge, is evident, as is implied above. Mr. Dudley's farm, which consisted of 1500 acres, was laid eat in twelve ten acre lots. Mrs. Winthrop's farm of 3000 aores, was at Wamesit, now Tewksbury, and extended from flie Indian plantation, on Merrimac river, about 2^ miles bedov the mouth of Concord river. The Church Farm, cont»i»Hig; 915 acres, lay upon Shawshin river, and extended from Ike bridge down the river, 349 rods. Harvard College Fatm, lay upon Shawshin river, and contained 220 acres. Besides these, were Elder Richard Champney's Farm, and Mftjw Daniel Gookin's Farm, which were situated within the ot- dent limits of Eillerica. ART. II. The second grant is expressed as follows : — " At a Gieii- cral Court held at Boston, 10, 3m. 1643. Shawshin is grant- ed to Cambridge without any condition of making a village D there. And the land between them and Concord is granted to them, all, save what was formerly granted to the Artillery Company, or others, provided the church and present elders M»tiaue at Cambridge." ART. III. GRANTS OF THE GENERAL COURT, to BiUtrica, in 1656. At a General Court, begun 14 May, 1656. " In answer to the petition of several proprietors and inhabitants of Shaw- shin, humbly desiring a tract of land lying near the farms of John and Robert Blood, and so along by the side of Concord river, &c. the Court grants their request in that respect, so as it hinders not former grants; and grant the name of the plantation to be called Billerica," , "In answer to the petition of the inhabitants of Billerica, this court doth grant to the town of Billerica, eight thousand acres of lands, for the ends desired, in any place or places that are free and not capable of making a town, provided that the said lands be laid out before the next Court of election, and the inhabitants of Cambridge do accept thereof, and dis- engage the lands desired at Billerica ; and also, that the town of Billerica be settled with twenty families, at least, within three years, that the ordinance of God may be settled and en- couraged, in the said place of Billerica. And it is ordered, that Major Willard, Captain Edward Johnson, Mr. Edward Jackson, or any two of them, with Thomas Danforth, or any other Surveyor, shall lay the same out at the petitioners* eharge, making return at the liext Court of election." ART. IV. SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, AND POPULATION. SCHOOLS. The first notice ift the records of a school in town, is in 1679, ^h^" Joseph Tompson was chosen school^ •ttster by the selectmen. He continued an instructor ' II. 1690. *Joseph Whiting A. M. who graduated this year, is supposed to have been brother of the preceding. If this supposition is correct, he was born, 7 February, 1669, and died, 6 September, 1701, ^t. 32, III. 175 1. *yosiah Steams, A. M. son of John Stearns, was born, 20 January, 1732. He was ordained in 1758, at Epping, N. H. where he died in 1790, ^t. 62. IV. 1 75 1. *Jonathan Kidder, A. M. son of Thomas Kidder, Esq. was born, 26 March, 1728. He was a school- master many years in his native town, where he died, 18 March, 1805, Mt. 77. V. 1764. Joseph Kidder, A. M. son of Capt. Enoch Kidder, was born, 18 November, 1741. He was ordained at Dunstable, N. H. in 1767. VI. 1769. William Bowers, A. M. son of Capt. William Bowers, was born, 20 April, 1744. He is a practitioner of medicine in his native town. VII. 1779. Andrew Bowers, A. M. son of Capt. Jo- siah Bowers. He was Representative several years to the General Court of N. H. from Salisbury, where he resides. VIII. 1794. *David Abbot, A. M. son of Mr. David Abbot, was born, 18 December, 1770, and died, 9 April, 1804, .^t. 33. IX. 1794. James Bowers, A. B. son of Capt. Josiah Bowers. He was ordained over the Episcopalian Society at Marblehead. X. 1794. William Crosby, A. B. son of Mr. Hezekiah Crosby. He was a Councillor at Law several years, and is now a Senator of the Commonwealth and Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, Third Eastern Circuit. XI. 1795. Oliver Crosby, A, M. son of Major Oliver Crosby, is an Attorney at Law, Justice of the Peace and re- sides at Dover, N. H. 30 XII. 1795- Henry Cumings, A. M. son of reverend Henry Cumings, D. D. is an instructor of youth in the State of New-Hampshire. XIII. 1802. Joseph Richardson, A. M. son of Mr, Jo- .seph Richardson, graduated at Dartmouth College, and is settled at Hingham. He is author of the American Reader and several valuable publications. XIV. 1809. Artemas Rogers, A. B. son of Mr. Josiah Rogers, is an attorney at law at Henniker, N, H. XV. 1813. Frederic Augustus Parker, A. B, son of John Parker, Esq. is a student of medicine. All the preceding received their education at Harvard College, excepting Rev. Joseph Richardson. Under Graduates at Harvard College. Senior — Augustus Whiting, son of Samuel Whiting, Esq. Junior — Micajah Rogers, son of Mr. Josiah Rogers. At Brown University, R. I. Freshman — Benjamin Bowers, Jun. ART VI I . TOWN CLERKS Of Billerica, from A. D. 1657, to 18 16. Years in office. Years in offio«. John Parker, William Stickney, 12. William Tay, i. Joshua Abbot, 15. Jonathan Danforth, 20. William Bowers, i. Samuel Manning, 8. Oliver Crosby, 14. Joseph Tompson, 9. James Abbot, i. John Stearns, 2. Jacob Richardson, 5. Oliver Whiting, 17. Blaney Abbot, 5, John Needham, 2. Jeremiah Patten, 4. Benjamin Tompson, 4. Jeremiah Farmer, 2. Joshua Abbot, 31. Samuel Whiting,* * Chosen in March, 1816. 31 ART. Fill. INDIANS. Within the original limits of Billerioa lived a considerable number of Indians. The Pawtucketts at Wamesit and its vicinity, contained in 1675, about 250 souls. They had formerly been estimated at 3000. The right of the Indians to the township of Billerica, seems to have been partially acknowledged by the English, as we find the inhab- itants obtained a purchase from them in 1684- The Indians, kowever, appear to have retained a part of Wamesit, which bordered on Mrs. Winthrop's farm of 3000 acres. At this place they had a praying town, which, in 1674, according to Gookin's Collections, contained 15 families, and 75 souls. They inhabited a small tract of land on the east side of Concord river, and bordering on Merrimac river. The divisional line between them and the English, I am informed, extended from Merrimac river, about half a mile below the mouth of Concord river, on a direct line to Concord river, two miles from its mouth. Their plantation was separated from the English by a ditch, which may be seen at this day. Within these limits, is a hill, called Fort Hill, lying nearly parallel with Concord river, on which are the remains of their fortification. It seems that the Indians at this place, were in some degree civilized. They here attended to the cultivation of their land; planted apple-trees in the manner of the English, some of which remain, but have become incorporated with the trees of the forest. The names of several Indians are preserved in the records of Billerica. Capt. Danforth had one in his family of the name of Warrick, in the capacity of a servant, who died, about 1 686, ART. IX. List of the Publications of reverend Dr. Cumings. SERMONS. 1. On the day of Public Thanksgiving, 27 November, 1766. 2. On the day of Thanksgiving, 23 November, 1775. 3. A sermon preached at Lexington, on the 1 9 April, 1 78 i. 4. On the General Election, at Boston, 28 May, i 783. 5. On the day of National Thanksgiving, 11 December, 1783. 6. At the ordination of reverend Phinehas Wright, at Bolton, 26 October, i 785. 7. On Natural Religion, 28 June, 1795. 32 S. On Thanksgiving Day, 15 December, 1796. g. On Thanksgiving Day, 27 November, 1798. 10. At the ordination of reverend Caleb Bradley, at Fal- mouth, 9 October, 1799. 11. Eulogy on Gen. George Washington, 10 January, 1800. 13. On the Public Fast, 9 April, 1801. 13. Charity Sermon, at Roxbury, 21 September, 1802. 14. An Half-Century Sermon, 21 February, 18 13.- 15. Right Hand of Fellowship, annexed to the sermon preached at the ordination of reverend Elijah Dunbar, at Peterborough, N. H. 23 October, 1799. 16. Charge, annexed to the sermon, preached at the ordina- tion of reverend Wilkes Allen, at Chelmsford, 16 Nov. 1803. 17. Charge, annexed to the sermon at the ordination of his colleague, reverend N. Whitman, 26 January, 18 14. ART. X. The following information, respecting some others of the early settlers is given, as it may be gratifying to their de- scendants. yohn Stearns wai. one of the earliest inhabitants. He married Mary Lathrop, of Plymouth colony. He died, 5 March, 1669, John Stearns, his son, was the first person born in town, on record. His birth occurred the second week in May, 1654. In this town, he passed his days and died, 36 October, 1728, at the age of 74. His long continu- ance in several offices, of a civil and military kind, affords a proof of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow- citizens. From him descended rev^erend Josiah Stearns of Epping, N. H. Isaac Stearns, Esq. and re\'erend Mr. Steams of Bedford. John Baldwin, the ancestor of those of that name in Bil- lerica, obtained a grant of land from the town in 1657. His sons, three in number, settled in town. He died, 25 Septem- ber, 1687. yames Kidder, an inhabitant as early as 1656, was one of the selectmen six years. He died prior to 1678. He had nine sons, of whom three, James, Enoch and Ephraim, set- tled in town. His posterity are very numerous. Roger Toothaker was admitted an inhabitant, 9 November, 1660. Tradition says he was a physician, and came from England, though it is probable he was not regularly bred. A medicinal herb, called Alexander, [Hipposelini] which 83 which he is said to have brought with him from England, and planted on his farm in this town, continued to flourish till within a few years. His son, grand-son, and great-grand- son, all of the same name, have the appellation of physicians. Thomas Patten, was son of William Patten of Cambridge, who appears to have been one of the original settlers. The former died, i6 January, 1689, aged 54, leaving four sons. Job Lafie was from England. He lived in that part of the town which is now Bedford. Major John Lane, probably his son, represented this town in the General Court, one or two years, and died, 17 January, 17 15. yohn Levistone, whose family suffered so severely from the Indians, was from Scotland, and settled in town about 1 6?> i. Thomas Pollard emigrated from Warwickshire, in Eng- land. He was son of William Pollard, who was a glover, of the city of Coventry, in Great Britain.* He became an in- habitant about 1692, and died, 4 April, 1724, leaving ten sons. Of the name of Parker, there appears to have been several, who received grants of land, viz. Jo/m, James, Joseph, and Robert. John we have already noticed. Robert belonged to Cambridge. Benjamin Parker, his son, resided in Billerica. Of the name of French there were four — William and John, mentioned page 4 ; Joseph, who v/as accepted an inhabitant, 8 December, 1662. He was son of John French of Cam- bridge, and was born about 1638. Jacob, who was one of the selectmen, and died 20 May, 17 13. John Bracket was son of Capt. Richard Bracket, and died, 18 March, 1686. Thomas Carrier, alias Morgan, an emigrant from Wales, was not at first accepted as an inhabitant, and a petition was presented to the county court against his admission. The witchcraft delusion in 1692, involved his family in the greatest distress. Richard Carrier, his son, (born in this town, 16 Ju- ly, 1674,) was one of the witnesses against Mr. George Bur- roughs. His wife was arrested on suspicion of witchcraft, had a trial before the court at Salem, was condemned, 5 Au- gust, and executed on the nth, among the unhappy victims at Salem village. The confession of his daughter, Sarah Car- rier, a child about seven years old, before Major Willard, is given by Hutchinson, vol 2, page 44, first edition. It appears that he had left town, before his family was involved in this sad catastrophe, and had settled in Andover, or in its vicinity. * MS. letter of Thomas Browne of Astley Hall, Warwickshire. E 34 ART. XI. CATALOGUE OF THE NAMES In Billerica, from the date of incorporation, 1655, to the year 1 700 ,- to which is annexed the number of births on record of each name, from the former period, to i yanuary, 18 16. Frost, *Gorton, *Grimes, *Hale, *Hamlet, *Hides, Hill, Holden, Hopkins, *Hubbard, *Hunt, J efts, *Kemp, Kidder, *Kinsley, Kittredge, *Lane, Levistone, Manning, Marshal, *Meades, *Moore, Needham, "Page, Parker, Patten, The above may be considered the ancient names of Billerica, of which, nearly one half are to be found there at this period. Some families, of names mentioned in the preceding Table, were detach- ed from this town when Bedford and Tewksbury were incorpor- ated. Some of these names are extinct in Billerica, but are still found in those places. Of those, who became inhabitants after the commencement of the last century, the most prevailing names are, Abbot, Beard, Bowers, Dows, *Hall, Jaquith, Kendall, '*Lew- * Those names, having this mark above and in the table, are extinct in town. A few other names, than those in the table, are found in the records prior to 1700. These are Bird, Bly, Gary, Daniel, Deane, Ellis, Fisher, Fox, Goffe, Gould^ Gurney, Hassell, Jaquish, Lewis, Muzzey, Osborn, Plumb, Scott, Sol- lindine, Tuder, Willice. But no birth of either of these names occurs prior to 1700. The most of them were only temporary residents. *Alden, I Bacon, 2>l Baldwin, 120 Blanchard, 61 * Bracket, 19 ^Brooks, 6 Browne, 80 =*Butler, 2 *Carrier, 5 *Chamberlain, . 50 *Champney, 5 ^Corneal, 10 Crosby, 194 Danforth, 143 Davis, 42 *Ditson, 31 *Dunkin, 7 Durant, 47 *Dutton, 42 *Farley, 57 Farmer, 86 *Farr, 1 *Fassett, 6 *Fitch, 8 Foster, 43 French, 182 90 *Patterson, 13 4 *Perry, I 4 Pollard, 78 - *Poulter, 8 5 Richardson, 149 2 Rogers, 94 135 *Rofs, 18 6 Sanders, 74 16 *Sharp, 3 - Shed, 118 49 *Sheldon, 14 37 Stearns, 104 24 *Tay, 6 100 *Tompson, 20 - *Toothaker, 28 72 Trull, 39 28 Walker, 70 54 *Web, 2 75 Whiting, 69 54 *Wilkinson, I *Wilson, 46 - *Whitaker, I 44 *Willowes, 4 13 57 Total, 3186 76 S5 is, *Osgood, Ruggles, Sprake, Stickney, Spalding and *Tarbell. The numbers of births on record, of these several names, and all others not comprehended in the above table, amount to 949, which, added to the number in the table, make the whole ag- gregate of births on record to be four thousand, one hundred and thirty-five. It is not to be inferred that this is the whole number of births in town since its first settlement, as it is very evident that a large number is not recorded. Though it is of obvious importance, that they should be recorded, and notwith- standing a law, annexing a penalty for neglect, is in force, yet many of our citizens are totally regardless of the former, and with impunity incur the penalty of the latter. ART. XII. TABLE . i B iRTHS, Marriages AND Deaths >, IN BiLLERICA, For fifty-one years, commencing A . D. 165^ v Bths. Mar. ] Deaths. Bths. M ar. Dths. Bthj. Mar. D. 1654 3 1 ! 1672 13 3 5 1690 14 3 6 55 2 1 73 11 2 3 91 16 - 3 56 2 1 1 74 14 5 8 92 13 - 14 57 2 75 16 1 10 93 19 - 6 68 4 1 76 15 1 7 94 19 - 10 59 5 1 2 77 17 6 6 95 14 6 13 1660 8 1 1 78 14 4 5 96 24 - 3 61 3 3 79 17 3 97 18 - 4 62 9 8 4 1680 25 2 7 98 24 - 8 63 8 1 2 81 14 7 4 99 22 - 8 64 16 3 1 82 12 2 5 1700 16 - 2 65 13 3 1 83 24 1 8 1 21 - 4 66 11 4 1 84 14 2 6 2 24 5 5 67 13 3 5 85 14 2 5 3 30 6 8 68 15 2 6 86 21 5 4 4 20 6 6 69 13 6 3 87 18 17 6 4 1670 19 3 9 88 _ 758 119 238 71 23 1 7 89 19 5 4 _ The preceding table of Births, Marriages and Deaths, except- ing from the year 1 693 to 1 702, inclusive, is copied from a record made by Capt. Jonathan Danforth in the most ancient book of Births, &c. in Billerica. The number of marriages against those years having a dash, is not noted in said record. 36 ART. XIII. LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 014 077 123 5 A TABLE, exhibiting a view of the ages of those, who died from July, 1784, to February, 18 13. BY REV. DR. CUMINGS. 91 were under one year ; 65 between 1 and 5 23 betv veen 5 a md 10 21 50 55 11 10 15 23 55 60 21 15 20 15 60 6? 26 20 25 36 65 70 22 25 30 31 70 75 15 30 35 32 75 80 17 35 40 42 80 85 23 40 45 18 85 90 19 45 50 ART. 8 10 — XIV. 90 95 The following document contains the report of the committee and the order of Court thereon. " Anno Regni Regis Gulielmi decimo tertio. At a great and Gen- eral Court, or Assembly for his Majestys' Province of the Mas- sachusetts Bay, begun and held at Boston upon Wednesday, 28 May, 1 70 1. Whereas Major Jonathan Tyng, Major James Convers and Capt. Benjamin Garfield, a committee, appointed by the General Court, at their session in May, 1700, to view and settle the lines between the town of Billerica and the farms of John and Robert Blood, and the towns of Concord and Chelmsford, have reported their doings therein as followeth — That is to say, that as well as by their own view of the lines, court grants, and deeds produced to them, as on hearing of what was offered by the agents of the several towns, they find the land of Billerica bounded by the line of Chelmsford northward, beginning at Pawtucket stake, so call- ed, by Concordll^ver, where Chelmsford and Billerica and the Indians do meet ; then Chelmsford line runneth south, forty-three degrees west, to a pillar of stones ; then it runneth south, seventy- nine degrees west, three hundred and thirty-two pole, which reacheth unto Major Willard's farm, to a great heap of stones in Chelmsford line ; then the Major's farm runneth southwardly, forty-six degrees west, one hundred and sixteen pole to a little white-oak • then it runneth south, forty-one degrees west, three hundred eighty and four pole, which reached to a marked pine in Concord village line, near to a place called Berry corner ; then it is bounded southward by a line which was run by the above said committee, betwixt the Bloods and Billerica, whick ran from a pine called Allias corner, south, eighty and five de- grees west, one hundred seventy and four pole, which reached unto Concord line. Again, it is bounded north-east andsoutk- east, east and south-east by Concord river. " Resolved, That the said Report be accepted and approT- cd, and the boundaries and lines of the towns and lands above named settled accordingly. Isaac Addington, Secretary."