Class _r'7>4^ Book.i.Hi4^U_ Gop}Tight N" _ COFl'KIGHT DEPOSrr. T II E History ot Melrose, (lounty of 21IibMc5Cx, IHassact^usctts, BY ELBRIDGE HENRY GOSS, I'UnMSHKD 1?Y THE CITY OF MKLROSK 1902. THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, Two Copies R«c«iv« CONTENTS. xiii CHAPTKR XX. LlTKRARY AND MUSICAL ASSOCIATIONS. Page The Franklin Fraternity— Shakespeare Club — Woman's Club- Highlands Woman's Club — Education Society — Roundabout Club — Unit}^ Club — Centennial Club — Avon Club — Melrose Lyceum — Amphion Club — Choral societies — Bands — Orches- tras— Geraldine Farrar — Walter Emerson . . . -355 CHAPTER XXI. Bibliography. Adams — Austin — Babson — Burnham — Dorchester — Drake — Eddy — Gooch — Hey wood — Kidder — Leigh ton — Livermore — Lockwood — Nash — Noyes — Peck — Pool — Roberts — Sewall — Torrey — Wright — Gould — Melrose Bibliography . 367 CHAPTER XXH. Newspapers. The Melrose Advertiser — Melrose Journal — Melrose Reporter — Free Press — Enterprise 3^3 CHAPTER XXHL Fire and Police Departments. 388. The Old Endeavor Engine— The Grundy Hose Co. — N. D. Blake Hose Co. — Gamewell alarm system — Central Fire Station- Steam fire engine — Hose companies — Police officers — Police association CHAPTER XXIV. City Hall, Clocks and Seals. Cost of hall— Dedication — Flagg Staff — First, second and third town clocks — Water Bond seal — Town seals — City seal . 394 CHAPTER XXV. Various Institutions. Melrose Savings Bank — Melrose National Bank— Melrose Co- operative Bank — Post Offices — Street railroads — lelegraph — Telephone — Street lights — Electric light plant — Pounds — Field drivers — Fence viewers— Stone crushers — Drinking fountains "* xiv CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXVI. Charitable and Improvement Associations. Page Melrose Charitable Association — Board of Associated Charities — Melrose Improvement Society — Highlands Improvement Association 411 CHAPTER XXVII. Anniversaries. The 50th Anniversary — looth Anniversary — Maiden's 250th An- niversary — Old Home week — Dedication soldiers' monument .415 CHAPTER XXVIII. Temperance Matters. Early action — Siloam Temple of Honor — Siloam Social Temple — Woman's Christian Temperance Union — St. Mary's Catho- lic Total Abstinence Society — Early votes of Maiden . . 425 CHAPTER XXIX. Societies — Associations — Clubs. Freemasons — Odd Fellows — Daughters of Rebekah — Athletic Club — Melrose Club — Highland Club — The Stone Fort — Bellevue Golf Club — Daughters of the American Revolution — Daughters of the Revolution — Sons and Daughters of Maine — Amateur Gardeners' Society — Boys' Brigade — Fraternal and benevolent societies . 431 CHAPTER XXX. Political. Australian ballot — Precincts and wards — Parties — Union League — Municipal League — Public Franchise League . . . 446 CHAPTER XXXI. Miscellaneous. Widening of Main Street — List of signers — Eleanor Brown Toothaker Fund — -Memorial services- — The Stars and Stripes — Curfew bell — " 49ers " — Slavery — • Revolutionery incidents — The Maiden Beacon — Action concerning tea — Recruiting committee — Old customs — Addenda 450 APPENDIX. A. Act OF Incorporation 477 B. Report OF Adjustment Committee 478 C. Act to Annex part of Stoneham to Melrose . . 482 ILLUSTRATIONS. PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHOR, with autograph signature, Frontispiece. Page THE CASCADE. From plate in Metropolitan Park Commission- ers' Report of 1903, by permission, facing 26 SPOT POND BROOK CASCADE. From photograph by Archie B. Mcllwraith 27 THE GOULD HOMESTEAD, at Spot Pond. From sketch by Miss Hannah Lynde 34 SPOT POND — 1876. From photograph by E. C. Swain, facing . 34 SPOT POND — 1902. From Metropolitan Commissioners' Report, 35 PLAN OF MALDEN, by Peter Tufts, Jr., 1795. reduced. By per- mission of Deloraine P. Corey 5° ENSIGN THOMAS LYNDE HOMESTEAD— 1670. From pho- tograph by Dr. John Dike 61 BOSTON RUBBER SHOE COMPANY'S WORKS. From plate kindly furnished by the Company 67 VIEWS IN PINE BANKS PARK. From plate of the New England Magazine ^° OLD CORN, OR SAMP MILL. From photograph by Archie B. Mcllwraith ^9^ WARREN LYNDE HOMESTEAD. From photograph by Henry Lynde 72 JOSEPH LYNDE HOMESTEAD. From photograph by Walter C. Stevens 73 JOHN LYNDE HOMESTEAD. From photograph by Robert J. Chute 74 OLD JOHN GREEN HOMESTEAD. From daguerreotype, kind- ness Dexter Pratt 92 PLATTERS AND WINE GLASSES. From photograph by Rev. Edwin C. Bolles, D. D 93 PARLOR AND CORNER BUFFET. From photograph by Archie B. Mcllwraith, 97 OLD AMOS UPHAM HOUSE. From photograph by Dr. John T->-1 . . .Ill Dike INTERIOR OF AMOS UPHAM HOUSE. From photograph by Mrs. Addie K. Robinson, "3. X V i ILL US TRA TIONS. Page JESSE UPH AM HOUSE. From photograph by Dr. John Dike . 115 DOLLY UPHAM HOUSE. From photograph by William R. Lavender jjg OLD HOWARD HOUSE. From photograph by Robert J. Chute 119 PRATT FARM HOMESTEAD. From photograph by kindness of Sidney H. Buttrick j2i RICHARDSON HOUSE AND TOWER. From photograph by Walter L. Wedger jjs VIEW CORNER FRANKLIN AND GREENWOOD STREETS. From photograph by Walter L. Wedger 126 EZRA VINTON HOMESTEAD. From photograph, kindness of Miss Sarah A. Chever J27 INTERIOR OF EZRA VINTON HOUSE. From photograph by Mrs. Addie K. Robinson . . . . . , . .128 THE CLEFT BOULDER. From photograph by Archie B. Mc- Ilwraith j2q EZRA WAITE HOUSE. From plate, kindness of Frank A. Woodward j,2 THE EMERSON TAVERN. From drawing in possession of Charles P. Lynde j,, ABIJAH BOARDMAN HOUSE. From plate, kindness of Frank A. Woodward ........... i->c METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND PARSONAGE. From plate, kindness of the M. E. Church 140 ORTHODOX CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. From oil paint- ing by T. C. Bartholomew 146 ORTHODOX CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. From photograph by A. Shepherdson j^g BIRTHPLACE OF CHURCH. From plate, kindness of Highlands Congregational Church jc6 HIGHLANDS CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. From photo- graph by A. Shepherdson jcg FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. From photograph by William L. Kirmes ............ 162 MELROSE HIGLANDS BAPTIST CHURCH. From photograph by A. Shepherdson igr MELROSE HIGHLANDS FIRST FREE BAPTIST CHURCH. From photograph by A. Shepherdson 167 FIRvST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. From plate, kindness of Charles H. Adams ito TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH. From photograph by William R. Lavender jy^ THE MELROSE ABBEY STONE. From photograph by Archie B. McUwraith l-g ILLUSTRATIONS. xvii Page UNITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. From plate, kind- ness of the Church . . 179 vST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. From photograph by A. Shepherdson 182 THE JENKINS DESK. From photograph Ijy Archie B. McIIwraith 189 THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE—ou 1053 road 190 THE OLD HIGH SCHOOLHOUSE. From photograph by Walter C. Stevens 192 FRANKLIN SCHOOLHOUSE. From plate by kindness of the School 195 WASHINGTON SCHOOLHOUSE. From photograph by A. Shepherdson ........... 196 LINCOLN SCHOOLHOUSE. From plate, kindness Charles H. Adams ............ 197 HIGH SCHOOLHOUSE. From photograph by A. Shepherdson 199 MEDAL OF THE MINUTEMEN OF 1801. From photograph by Archie B. McIIwraith 245 REAR ADMIRAL N. MAYO DYER. From plate, kindness of Charles H. Adams 249 DYER SWORD AND SCABBARD. From photograph by Mrs. Addie K. Robinson . 250 GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC BADGE. From plate, kindness of U. S. Grant Post 4 257 THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT. From photograph by Archie B. McIIwraith 263 THE LAST BOARD OF SELECTMEN. From plate, kuulness of Charles H. Adams 266 THE CHARTER PEN. From photograph l)y A. Shepherdson . 270 HON. LEVI S. GOULD. From photograph by Elmer Chiikering, 272 HON. JOHN LARBABEE. From photograph by A. Shepherdson, 274 TOWN TESTIMONIALS TO HON. LEVI S. GOULD From photographs, kindness of Mr. Gould ...... 279 THE RAVINE ROAD. From photograph by Archie B. McIIwraith 324 THE V. M. C. A. BUILDING. From photograph by William L. Kershaw 337 MELROSE HOSPITAL. From plate, kindness of Charles H. Adams ........•••• 343 THE AMPHION CLUB. From photograph by Elmer Chickering, 364 HON. DANIEL W. GOOl H 37° MRS. MARY A. LIVERMORE 373 HON. SAMUEL E. SEWALL. From plates, kindness of Charles H. Adams 379 XVlll ILLUSTRA TIONS. OLD ENDEAVOR ENGINE. From a daguerreotype in possession of Fire Department 389' THE CENTRAL FIRE STATION. From photograph by A. Shepherdson 391 CITY HALL. From photograph by Archie B. Mclwraith . . 395 FIRST TOWN SEAL 399 SECOND TOWN SEAL 400 WATER BOND SEAL 401 CITY SEAL 401 THE SOUVENIR PLATE. From plate, kindness of Deloraine P. Corey 421 MASONIC TEMPLE 433 HOME OF THE MELROSE CLUB 436- HIGHLAND CLUB HOUSE. From plates, kindness of Charles H. Adams 437 THE STONE FORT. From photograph, kindness of Charles E. French 438 THE FIRST MALDEN PIANO 475 FACSIMILES. Original report of running Stoneham and Maiden bounds Vote concerning Division of the Commons. Assessors' Report for Melrose in 1849, reduced Petition of Ensign Thomas Lynde Receipt of Ensign Thomas Lynde's heirs Page from Rev. Joseph Emerson's Sermon Page of Melrose Advertiser, reduced 16 la 21 46 63 64 384 AUTOGRAPHS. William Bogle . Gov. John Winthrop Ensign Thomas Lyndt- Joseph Lynde . Joseph Lynde, son Col. Joseph Lynde Benjamin Lynde John Lynde William Sprague William McKinlev Page Page 36 Richard Sprague 80 43 John Sprague 88 61 John Upham 108 66 Lieut. Phineas Upham 109 66 Phineas Upham, son no 7' Thomas Vinton . 122 72 Nathaniel Jenkins, Jr. 189 73 Robert Gerry 191 . 79 Ulysses S. Grant 255 . 363 Last Board of Selectmen . 267 ESCUTCHEONS. Melrose Club Sons and Daughters of Maine 435 Knights of Columbus , . 444 442 Knights of Pythias , . 445 CHAPTER I. EARLY EXPLORATION. ONE of the many \0yas4es of the intrepid and heroic naviqator. Captain John Smith, was made in 1614, when he first \isited the New England coast. He sailed from London, in the month of April, with two ships and forty-five men. The object of the voyage was, "to take Whales, for which we had one Samuel Cramton, and diners others expert in that facultx', and also to make tryalls of a Myne of Gold and Copper; if those failed, Fish and Furs were then our refuge to make our selues sauers hovvsoeuer.'"^ Not meeting with much success, and finding "this Whale- fishing a costl)' conclusion," and filled with his usual spirit of exploration, he says: "Whilst the Sailors fished, myself with eight others of them that might best bee spared," ranged up and down the coasts of INIaine and Massachusetts, "in a small boat," \isiting the \arious harbors and rivers. During this time, he continues: "I was \-p one riuer fortie miles, crossed the mouths of many, whose heads are reported to be great Lakes." When he entered Boston Harbor, he says: "I tooke the fairest reach in this Hay for a ri\-er, whereupon I called it Charles Ri\er, the name of our Royall King Charles. "- How far inland, around the Charles, Mystic and Maiden Rivers, Captain .Smith penetrated is not known. He ma}' have visited our pleasant \alle\- and its surrounding hills, but he has made no record of such an event. Without doubt he traversed a goodly portion of the territory of Charlestown and Maiden, as three months were occupied in these travels and explora- tions. This is abundantly e\'idenced l)\- the enthusiastic ac- count of what he had discovered, and the minute description of the country and its productions, which he had seen, and ^ Smith, 77/1? General Historie ^ Sniitb, The True Travels, Ad- of New England, 1606-1624, Arber ventures, and Observations of Cap- Edition, 697. tain f oh n Smith, Arber Edition. 949. 2 HISTORY OF MELROSE. which he \\rote in i6i6, after his return to London; and also by the fact that he constructed a ma}:) of the region he then visited, which he presented to Charles I. In this Descript'uvi of New Eng/a)id, he sa>'s: And then the Countrie of Massachusetts, which is the Paradise of all those parts. For heere are many lies all planted with corne, groues, mulberries, saluage gardens, and good harbours. . . . And of all the foure parts of the world that 1 haue yet seene not inhabited, could I haue but means to transport a Colonic, I would rather hue here than anywhere : and if it did not maintaine it selfe, were wee but once indif- ferently well titted, let vs starue. . . . there is victuall to feede vs, wood of all sorts to build Boats, Ships, or Barks; the fish at our doores ; pitch, tarre, masts, yards, and most other necessaries onely for making? And here are no hard Landlords to racke vs with high rents, or extorted fines to consume us ; no tedious pleas in law to consume vs with their many years disputations for Listice ; no multitudes to occa- sion such impediments to good orders, as in popular States. So freely hath God and his Maiesty bestowed those blessings on them that will attempt to obtaine them, as here euery man may be master and owner of his owne labour and land: or the greatest part in a small time. If hee haue nothing but his hands, he may set \'p his trade : and by in- ' dustrie quickh- grow rich ; spending but halfe that time wel, which in England we abuse in idlenes. worse or as ill. Again he says: \\'e found the people in those parts \-er\- kinde. but in their fury no lesse valiant; for vpon a quarrell. we fought with forty or fifty of them, till they had spent all their Arrowes, and then we tooke six or seuen of their Canowes. which towards the euening they ran.somed for Beuer skinnes. Other naxigators had \isitccl our Massachusetts coast before this. In 1602, Bartholomew Gosnold came to Massachusetts Bay, entered Boston Harbor, and then landed on Cape Cod, which he named and explored. He afterwards made an at- tempt at a settlenu'Ut on Llizabeth Island, uow Cutt_\'hunk-, but it was soon abandoned. Martin Bring, another Lnglish navigator, \-isited the New I^ngland coast in 1603, exphu-ing man}' of its ri\ers and iidets. There is exidence that he N'isited the region of Plymouth, but none I hat he enti-red Boston Harbor. He landed on, and named the group of islands Martin's Vine^'ard, afterwards ccM'rupted to Martha's \'ine\-ard. EA RL Y EX PL OR A TION. 3 After Priiig's visit Samuel cic Chanijjlain cntcrecl Boston Harbor, in 1605, and anchored on the westerly side of Noddle's Island, now East Boston. He saw and entered Charles River, which he called Ri\er dii Guast. As this expedition was so short a time in the harbor, probably no inland exploration was undertaken, but the sliores and islands of the harbor were visited. Still other navigators and explorers had been to our New England shores, landing on the islands, and travelling over the country surrounding Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bav. The first explorers of our continent were the Northmen. Leif Eriksen, in the \ear lOOO, was the first European to travel the great mainland southwest of Greenland, and the first to ex- plore the territory of Massachusetts, which he called \'inland. The beautiful statue of this Northman, by Anne Whitney, on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, commemorates the discover\- of the continent of America by this hardy race of explorers. And within a few years there has been tliscovered on the banks of the Charles Ri\er, what has been claimed to be "the site of Fort Norumbega, occupied for a time by the Bretons, some four hundred years ago, and as many years earlier still built and occupied as the seat of extensi\e fisheries, and a settle- ment by the Northmen." •"■ Massachusetts Bay had been \isited by other explorers be- sides those already named, and pre\'ious to the }-ear 1600; among them Gilbert, Raleigh, and \'errazano; the latter as early as 1524. From the topographical descriptions contained in a letter from X'errazano, dated July, 1524, it is seen that he sailed along the coast from North Carolina to the Penobscot Ri\er, in Maine, \'isiting many of the inter\ening harbors, and exploring the adjoining territorw* And in the year 1542, the French explorer, jean AUfonsce de Saintonge, was the first to explore in detail the shores of '^ Horsford, T/u- Discovery of the May [1524], passed to the south of Ancient City of Nontmbci^a. Pub- Martha's Vineyard aud Nantucket, lished iu 1890. with numerous il- which he mistook for portions of lustrations. the mainland, rounded Cape Cod, and went ashore probalily sonie- ^ " From this harbour of refuj^e where between Nahant and Cape [Narragansett Bay] the worthy Ann." l-'iske, The Dutch and Florentine set sail on the sixth of Ono/cer Co/onirs in .linrririi \. h^-6. 4 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Massachusetts Bay; then visiting the islands in Boston Harbor, and the adjoining territory. But the more important explorations of the territory around Boston Harbor were made after 1600. After Gosnold, Pring, Champlain and Smith, came the Pilgrims who landed at Pl}'mouth in 1620. In September, 1621, ten men, under the leadership of Captain Myles Standish, with Tisquantum, or Squanto, and two other Indians, left Plymouth on a voyage of discovery. They were gone four days. They landed, evidently, on the Maiden shore of the Mystic Ri\er, and travelled up through Medford: On the morrow we went ashore, all but two men, and marched in Amies vp in the Countrey. Hauing gone three myles, we came to a place where Corne had been gathered, a house pulled downe, and the people gone. 5 They went as far as the residence of the former Chief Nanepashemet, parleyed and bartered with some Indians and returned to Plymouth, reporting the result of their observa- tions. Many other exploring expeditions were made by those' who followed the Pilgrims to our shores. These were engendered by the different grants made in England about this time. The territory of which Melrose forms a part, was granted to Robert Gorges bv "The Council established at Plymouth, in the County of Devon, for the planting, ruling, ordering, and go\-erning of New England in America," of which the P^arl of Warwick and Sir Ferdinando Gorges, father of Robert, were the most prominent members. This Council claimed authority "over the region extending from Delaware Ba}- to Newfoundland and westward over un- known countries to the great South Sea." This grant to Robert Gorges con\-eyed all that part of the mainland commonly called Messachusiac. on the north-east side of the Bay known by the name of Massachuset, to- gether with all the shores along the sea for ten English miles in a strait line towards the north-east, and thirty miles into the mainland through all the breadth aforesaid. ^ Henry Martyu Dexter's editiou pany and wrote the account of this of MourVs Relation, or Journal of expedition, above quoted, in his the Plantation at Plymouth, 127. A Relation of Ovr Voyage to the Edward Winslow was of the com- Massachvsetts. EA RL Y EX PL OR A TION. 5 Soon after Robert .^ranted to .j(thn ( )l(lham and John Dorrell all the lands \v"nn Mattachusetts Bay betweene Charles River and Abousett [Saugus] River, Containfi in lengt by a streight Ij-ne 5 myles vp the said Charles River into the maine land north west from the border of the s^ Bay including all Creekes and points by the way and 3 myles in length from the mouth of the foresaid river of Abousett V[y into the maine land \pon a streight lync S: \\": including all Creeks and points, and all the lajid in bredth and length betweene the fore- said Rivers, w''' all p'rogatives Ryall Mynes excepted. March 4, 1628-9, a royal charter was issued to the "Goxernor and Company of the Mattachusetts Bay in New En^dand. one bod\- politicjue and corporate in deed, fact, and name." Under the authority of the grant from the Council for New England, and while negotiations for the royal charter were in progress. John Endicott, a gentleman of Dorsetshire and one of the original grantees, sailed in the ship "Abigail," Ciauden. master, from the little harbor of Weymouth, with a small company, and arrived at Naumkeag. Sep- tember 6, 1628. Others had preceded him and were seated along the shore from Cape Ann to Scituate. Among these were Roger Conant. Peter Palfrey, John Balch and John Woodbury at Naumkeag. the Mavericks at Noddle's Island and \\'innisimmet, Thomas W'alford at Mishawum, David Thompson at Neponset or Thompson's Island, William Blackstone at Shawmut, and John Bursley and William Jeffrey at \\'essaguset. Some of these had been followers of Robert Gorges and had scattered in fa\"orable trading places around the Bay ; others were single adventurers or perhaps agents for those who claimed lands by former grants. Besides these "the mad Bacchanalian." Thomas Morton, was still at Merry-Mount, and a gathering of fishermen and traders had become a permanent settlement at Nantasket.'' The next year man\- other settlers came to Salem, amoni( them Ralph, Richard and W illiam Sprague, sons of Edward Sprague of Upwa}-, in Dorsetshire. Soon after arri\•in.i,^ these brothers, with several others, with the approbation of Goxernor Endicott, went on an exploriiiLj- expedition, in a westerly direction, traversing- the inter\-enin<^ territory between Salem and Charlestown; thus jjassing through and examining on the way, portions of Lynn, Saugus, Melrose, INIalden and Medtord; fording three rixers, Saugus, Maiden and Mystic, liefore reach- ing their destination, Mishawam, now Charlest(n\n. Ri'turning ^ Corey, Hislory of ISIaldcii, 18, 19. 6 HISTORY OF MELROSE. the Sprague brothers remained in Salem but a short time; for they soon after retraced their steps and settled in Charlestown, and were among those referred to in a letter written in 1629, by Rev. Francis Higginson.' * There are in all of vs both old and new planters about three hundred, whereof two hundred of them are settled in Neihumkek, now called Salem : and the rest have planted themselves at Masathulets Ba}', beginning to build a towne there which wee doe call Cherton, or Charles Towne. "^ As soon as Gow John Winthrop arri\'ed at Salem, June 12, 1630, other explorations into the interior began. Five days later, he says in his Jcnniial : We went to Mattachusetts to find out a place for our sitting down. We went up Mistick River about six miles. After a few days more of observation, he writes to his son John, in England, under date of Charlton, Jul}^ 23, 1630. For the country itself I can discern little difference between it and our own. \\'e have had only two days, which I have observed more hot than in England. Here is as good land as I have seen there, but none so bad as there. Here is sweet air, fair rivers, and plenty of springs, and water better than in England. Here can be no want of anything to those who bring means to raise out of the earth and sea.-' Higginson seemed as well pleased with the air as was Winthrop, as is evidenced by the oft-used quotation from his New Engiaiicfs Plantation, "A sup of New England's aire is better than a whole draught of Old England's ale." Other enthusiastic commendations were written to the home friends in England, by Hutchinson, Graves and others. Hig- ginson states that in one place might be seen "thousands of acres of ground as good as need to be and not a tree in the same." The general appearance of the country was not entirely that of " an uncouth wilderness;" for a pleasant feature which struck the early ' Further details concerning the "* Hit;ginsou, in Forceps Tracts, Spragues and their history are vol. i. given in the chapter, "Old Fanii- '' Winthrop, Life and Letters of lies and Homesteads. " Jolm Wiiitfn op, ii. 43. EARLY EXPLORATION. 7 comers was the extended and frecjuent areas of open lands around the margins of the marshes and meadows and upon the phiins. — lands ready for the plough and tillage without much labor.'" Thomas Graves wrote home to I^ni^land: It is very heautifull in open lands, mixed with goodly woods, and again open plaines, in some places five hundred acres, some places more, some lesse, not so much troublesome for to cleere for the plough to goe in. no place barren, but on the tops of the hils: the grasse and weedes grow up to a man's face, in the lowlands and bv fresh rivers aboundance of grasse and large meddowes without any tree or shrubbe to hinder the sith." These open lands were accounted ffir l)\- Thomos Morton as follows: The Salvages are accustomed to set fire of the C'ountrv in all places where they come, and to burne it twize a yeare, viz : at the Spring, and the fall of the leafe. The reason that mooves them to doe so, is be- cause it would other wise be so overgrowne with underweedes that it would be all a coppice wood, and the people would not be able in any wise to passe through the Country out of a beaten path. And this custome of firing the Country is the meanes to make it passable : and by that meanes the trees growe here and there as in our parks: and makes the Country very beautifull and commodious. '- There were many other descriptions of our New Hngland territory sent home to England by these earl\' achenturers, some of which seem to us of today somewhat oxerdrawn and too enthusiastic; but none of these writers were so thorough and enthusiastic as was William Wood, who, after his return to England in 1634, gives a complete and detailed history of this whole territory. His work was entitled, ''New Englamis Pros- pect. A true, lively, and experhnentall description of that part of America, coiiintonly called Neiv England: discovering the state of that Countrie, both as it stands to onr neiv-co)ne English Planters; and to the old Native Inhabitants. Laying doivne that which may both enrich the knoivledge of the mind-travelling Reader, or benefit the future Voyager. ' ' The Hon. E. Moody Boyiiton pidDJished an exact reprotluc- tion of this book in 1898, and in h;s introduction he says: ^^' Corey, History of Maiden, 21. '-' Morton, Xcic Em^lis/i Canuan, " jl/assac/iKsetts, Historical Col- 52, 54. lections, i. 124. 8 HISTORY OF MELROSE. This book, righth' entitled T/ie Prospects of Neiv England, contains the first description of the prospects, surroundings, settlements and territor}' of the Massachusetts Ba}^ Colony at the period when its principal towns and cities were located. He remained four years, from 1629, to August 15th, 1633, when he sailed for London in the Hopewell. In the second part of this work Wood gives a complete description of the Indian tribes then inhabiting- this region. It has besides, the first map of '"The SoutJi Part of N civ-Eng- land, as it is Planted this Yean\ i6j4f wherein he locates the ^'arious rivers, settlements, etc. Herein is shown our " Spott pond," " Misticke pond," " Horn ponds," and others. As Mr. Boynton says: "To those who highly regard the first steps in the founding of a great nation this little work is of rare value and historical interest." The exaggerations of the first comers, with other causes, added to the tide of immigration, which was very much increased in 1630, and Cambridge, Boston. Dorchester, and other places received their first inhabitants. The disappointments and sufferings of those who were not well prepared to meet the hardships and dangers of a pioneer's life were, no doubt, as strongly set forth to their friends in England as had been the attractions and advantages of the country before. As a consequence, in part, immigration nearly ceased, and some returned to England. But after a }'ear or two ship after ship continued to arrive in the liarbors of Salem and Boston : and growing communities of sturdy Puritans attested at once the troubles which had befallen the mother land, and the permanence of the refuge which Providence had opened upon the bleak shores of Massachusetts Bay. A new empire had been founded ; and upon a narrow strip of countr}-. between unknown forests and the barren sands and sombre nx^ks of an unkind coast, a handful of earnest men and women, in tlie language of the time, "chosen vessels" and "precious seed." began to work out that problem of freedom which forecasts the coniing (rlory of the Ages. From the green lanes and ancient towns of Essex, full of the traditions and as.sociations of a thousand years, to the tangled forests and the wild shores of a new world : from the old English homes to the land which God had prepared for the chosen seed whose fruitage was to be a great nation, — these are to us of the nineteenth century but the turning of a leaf; but to the men and women of i(i2S. a stormy waste of waters and many weeks of anxiety and distress, of weeping and praying, lay between the homes of their childhood and the unknown land where they were to watch and work and la\- their bones to rest.''' 1-^ Corey, History of Maldoi, 28, 29. EARLY EXPLORATION. 9 Two large and powerful tribes held sway in this region when our fathers landed, — the Massachusetts and the Pawtuckets. The re- nowned sachem of the Pawtuckets was Nanepashemit. who took up his abode on the Mystic River in 1615. and was killed there three or foiir years later. He was the father of Sagamore John of the Mystic, Sagamore James of L}nn. and Sagamore George of Salem. George finally filled the place of his father, and was sachem of the Pawtuckets. During the residence of Nanepashemit in Medford. his lodge was on Rock Hill, where he could best watch the approach of his enemies. . . . The territory for many miles round Mystic Ri\er was owned and occupied by small tribes or detachments, each hax'ing its own head. Medford and some of the adjoining territory belonged to Sagamore John, whose Indian name was Monohagnaham. and who. was friendly to our ancestors, and gave our fathers permission to settle, and after- wards apprised them of premeditated attacks by unfriendly Indians.'-* Sagamore John had his headquarters in Maiden, his home beint^- in the southern part of the town, now Ex'erett, "upon a creek, which runs from the marshes between Powder- Horn Hill and Winnesimmet. into the M\stic Ri\-er at Sweeetzer's, or Beacham's, Point." ^"^ i-* Brooks, History of IMedJovd, 91, 92. ^^ This creek is now kuowu as Island End River, or Chelsea Creek . The point has been known as Van Voorhis, and Wormwood. — some- times corrupted into Wormal's Point. For a complete history of the various tribes of Indians that were found in this rejrion bv the early settlers, and the policy which governed those who "saw in the apparent!}' aimless wanderings of the Indians no traces of that occu- pancy and subjugation of the earth which civilization has made a ne- cessity and the Scripture enjoins as a duty," see the History of ^falden, IMassachusetts, 1633-1JS5, by Delo- raine P. Corey, pp. 29-53, chapter, " Discoverers and Indians." CHAPTER II. TERRITORY. MALDEN. ORIGINALLY the territory of Melrose belonged to the town of Charlestown, which was settled in 1629, and was a far more extensix^e region than that now belong- ing to it. It then included what is now Somerv'ille, Maiden, Everett, VVoburn, Burlington, Melrose, Stoneham, a small part of Cambridge, West Cambridge and Reading, and a large part of Medford. Town after town was taken from it, grad- uall}' diminishing its territory until it became the smallest town, territorially, in the State. Woburn, comprising Bur- lington, was taken from it and incorporated in 1642; Mai- den, in 1649; Stoneham, in 1725; Somerville, in 1842. In 1717 and 1725, a large tract called "North Charlestown," was set off, part to Maiden and part to Reading. In 1754, another tract, including several large farms, was set off to Medford, and now forms the eastern part of that city. A tract was set off to Cambridge in 1802, and to West Cam- bridge in 1842. Thus was Charlestown, now a district of Boston, reduced to its present limits. Very early in the history of Charlestown, differences of opinion connected with the boundaries of the different towns arose, which necessitated a settlement by the General Court; and at "A Court, holden att Boston," July 2, 1633, M\-stic Side, or Mystic Field [now Maiden] was granted to Charles- town, it being then ordered That the ground lyeing betwixte the North RyV [sometimes called " Three Myle lirooke."' now Maiden River] & the creeke on the north side of M' Mauacks, & soe vpp into the country, shall belonge to the inhabitants of Charlton. As " N])]) into the country" did not determine how far the line should go, another order passed "Att the Gen''all Court, holden att Newe Towne, March 3, 1635," was more definite: TERRITORY. 11 Ordered, That Charles Towne bounds shall run ei,i,dit myles into the country from their meeteinji;' howse, if noe other bt)unds intercept, reserueinj"; the pprietie of ffernies j^raunted to John Winthrop Esq., M"" Nowell, M"" Cradocke lS: M"" Wilson, to the owners thereof, as also ffree inijresse ^: e,t;resse for the serv's & cattell of the said gent. iV- cofiion for their cattell. on the backeside of M^ C'radocks ffernie. In 1836, a commission consisting" of Abraham ralnu-r, \\il- liam Cheeseborou.^di and William Spencer, decided and deter- mined the bounds as follows : Agreed by vs. whose names are vnder written, that the bounds betweene Boston iS: Charles Towne, on the noreast .syde of Misticke Ryver, shall run from the mked tree vpon the rocky hill above Rumney Marshe, neere the w ritten tree nore-norewest vjDon a straight lyne by a meridean compas vpp into the countrie. Corey, in his History of Maldoi, in Samuel Adams Drake's History of Middlesex County, iSSo, saws : This line, running from near " Black Ann's Corner "" in Linden, has never been changed, and is still the eastern limit of Maiden and Melrose. The rocky hill, called in 1635 •' a point of rock, on the side of the high way to Mistick,"' may still be recognized, and is a promi- nent feature in the landscape; but the "marked tree," an ancient pine, after having been a landmark more than a century, disappeared many years ago. This boundary (luestion is a.^ain referred to in the Charles-^ town records of 1638, as follows : "the Gen" Court had setled theire Bounds by L^n-antinij;- eight miles from the old Meeting- house into the Contr\' XtM'thwest Xorthrly." A year later Charlestown received the following deed from the original owners. Of this Indian deed of our territory- given by Squaw Sachem and Webcowet, recorded in Middlesex Count\- Deeds, i. igo, Corey, in his History of Maiden, p. 34, says : In 1639 the two signed a deed by which they conveyed to the inhabitants of Charlestown, with some reservations, all the lands which the Court had granted them, including the bounds of the present cities of Maiden and Kverett, and the town of Melrose. This document is of interest to us as being the hrst and only con- veyance of the aboriginal title in the territory which we occupy. The consideration, or " sattisfaction," proves how little the Indians valued their rights and how cheaply the settlers quieted their claims. 12 HISTORY OF MELROSE. The I 5 ''3 of the 2. mt; 1639. Wee Web Cowet & Squaw Sachem do sell vnto the Inhabitants of the Towne of Charlestowne, all the land with in the lines granted them by the Court (excepting the farmes and the ground, on the West of the two great Ponds called misticke ponds, from the South side of mr Nowells lott, neere the \'pp'' end of the Ponds, \-nto the little run- net that Cometh from Capt Cookes mills which the Squaw reser\-eth to their vse, for her life, for the Jndians to plant and hunt vpon, and the weare above the Ponds, they also reserve for the Jndians to fish at whiles the Squaw liveth, and after the death of Squaw Sachem shee cloth leave all her lands from m"' Mayhues house [Cradock house on east bank of the M^-stic River] to neere Salem to the present Gov- erno'', m'' Jn" Winthrop Sen'', m'' Increase Nowell, m'' Jno Wilson, m'' Edward Gibons to dispose of, and all Jndians to depart, and for sattisfaction from Charlestowne, wee acknowledge to have received in full sattisfaction twenty and one coates ninten fathom of \\'ampon, & three bushels of come. In witnes whereof we ha\e here vnto sett o^ hands, the day and yeare above named. the marke of Squa Sachem, m^ the marke of Web cciwet. m. Subscribed in the p^sence off Jno HUMPHREV Robert Feake. This is to testifie that the aforenamed purchase was made at the charges of the Jnhabitants of Charlestowne. and to their vse, and for so much as lyeth with in their limitts. we do accordingly resigne, and yeld vp all our interest therein to the vse of the said towne. according to the trust reposed in vs. lot'' m'.' iStii, 1639. Jno Winthrop Gondii''. Jncrease Nowell. Jn'o Wilson. Entred tS: Recorded. 23111 ,S nv; 1656. By Thomas Dan forth Recorder. Nothwithstanding the near presence of the natixes, the people of Charlestown began at a very early period to push out into the adjacent country, and within and without the borders of that town to settle where\er they could find land suited to their needs. New colonists were constanth' arri\ing from England, and during the first ten years after the arrival of Winthrop it is estimated that four thousand families had reached the shores of New England, including more than twenty- one thousand persons. The}' had come from a countrj' where the ownership of land was a prize which only the wealthy were able to secure, and the almost limitless bounds of the western world attracted a continued wave of emigration, with liberal homesteads and farms, TERRITORY. 13 almost free of cost, as the expected rewards of their enterprise. The eagerness displayed in our own day by the settlers of Oklahoma and other newly-opened Territories to possess advantageous sites for homes, finds a parallel in the days of our fathers, when almost for the asking the poor English laborer, with only sufficient means to secure a passage across the Atlantic, could become the lord of lands on a footing, so far as ownership was concerned, with the more favored in his English home.' In a few years after the settlement of Charlestown, the inhabitants from that town and other sources, bej^an to cross over the Mystic River, and settle at ]\I>'stic Side; it was thus known as earl)- as 1634; and when Thomas Coytmore, "a right godly man," built a dam, and soon after a mill at " Black Rock," on "Three Myie Brook," near the present center of Maiden, quite a settlement had been established ; and, owing to their distance from Charlestown proper, very soon the inhabitants began to think of forming a new town, and hav- ing taken the necessary steps, on May 11, 1649, the General Court passed the following vote : In answer to the peticon of seull inhabitants of Misticke side their request is graunted, viz., to be a distinct towne of themselves, ^: the name thereof to be Maulden. Concerning the formation of this town. Captain Edward Johnson, of VVoburn, in his Wondcr-ivorking Providence of Siivis Saviour in Neiv England, published in London, in 1654, sa^•s that Maiden was settled by certain persons, who issued out of Charlestown. and indeed had her whole structure within the bounds of this more elder Town, being severed by the broad spreading river of Mistick the one from the other, w-hose troublesome passage caused the people on the North side of the river to plead for Town priviledges within themselves^ which accordingly was granted them ; the soyl is very fertile, but they are much straitened in their bounds, yet their neerness to the chief Market Towns, makes it the more comfortable for habitation. Maiden was named after the town of Maldon, England, by Joseph Hills and others, who came from that town. "The affections of the first })lanters of New^ England still clung, as was natural, to the soil of their nativity; and they designed, by the names they bestow^ed on the places of their 1 Davis, History of jVa/dcii, for Lewis' History of Middlesex County, 1S90. 14 HISTORY OF MELROSE. abode, in this land of their adoi:)tion, to keej) ali\-e in their breasts the tender associations of home.'"" Mr. Hills was not only an early settler in Mx'stic .Side, but a \'er)' prominent citizen, and a man of marked ability. He took a \'ery prom- inent part in the rexision of the jNlassachusetts laws, in 1648, which were first issued in 164 1, as the Body of Liberties by Nathaniel Ward, and which became the authorized code of la\\s for New England. In 1727, Maiden lost (|uile a lari;e tract of territory which would now ha\'e formed a part of Melrose had this action not ha\-e taken place. A number of families who liwd at the extreme northerl>' part, became dissatisfied by lieini^- so remote from the Middle of the Town, that they are under ,>;reat Inconveniences & Ditlficulties to attend the pul^lick Worship there, cV their Cavil i.\: Military Duties in the Said Town cV that they ly much nearer to Reading". The\' therefore made application In- ])t(itiim, to be annexed to that town; and at that time the town ot ReadiuL;- \-oted: That ujjon the jjetition of our nei.uhbors of North end of Maiden, Richard I'pham and William dreen rei)resentinj;- them, we will j^etition the (jeneral Court that a number of our ueiuhbors of North Knd of Maiden be set to Readin.^-.-' The town of Maiden Noted, .May 2J, 1727: That yt' tenn famel\s \t ha\e i)etioned to be Laid off from this Town, unto y^' 'lown of Reding-. ha\e lal)erty to goe to Redini;- with there Estates Acordins;- to their petion. -Ill ils ])rL-seiit aspect, Maldon New Entiland. . . . Out of thi.s retains mam- of the features which ancient IMaldon came in 16:^8, Jo- were familiar to that little band of sejdi Hills, a woollen-draper, and pil!.,M-iiiis who, aliout the first of with him, or a little later, Jt)hn .\l)ril, 1638, sailed down the river Wayte, who married his daui^hter in an "Ipswicli Ilye." Its single Mary. . . . These men became main street, running about a mile early holders of land in the vicin- east and west, and now intersected ity of Wayte's Mount, on Mystic by several cross streets, its vener- vSide. . . . The misuse of many able churches and halls, the ebbing years, bv substituting Maiden for and flowing river washing its an- Maldon, has ])ermanently fixed the cieiit wharves, the green fields incorrect ft)rni of the same which around, and all those kindly in- we now use. Corey, History of fluences which have made Essex Matdcn, 9, 12. the garden of Kngland, were often , v.^u.xx, Hhtorv of Rcadino-, 142. remembered by wistiul hearts in TERRITORY. lo The Legislature accortlingly confirmed tlie wishes of both parties as follows: Resolved. That the Prayer of the Petition be granted. \' that the said ten Families & their Estates be annexed to «S: accounted as Part of the Town of Reading for the future, according to the Line set forth in the Petition ; Any Law, Usage or Custom to the Contrary Notwithstanding. Jn Council: Read \- ConcurVl Consented to, \\ '" l)i mmkr.^ The section thus lost to Maiden shortened the town more than a mile, and carried with it some of the wealthiest inhabitants. It is to this addition to the limits of the old town of Reading that the town of Wakefield owes the peculiar configuration of its southerly portion em- bracing the present \illage of Cireenwocxl.'"' The names of the ten families thus changing their town connections were: William Green, Thomas Upham, Nathaniel E\-ans, David Green, John Walton, .Samuel Evans, John K\-ans, Richard Upham, .Samuel Howard and Thomas Cireen. In 1734, still another tract of the northwestern ])art of Maiden was set off, by Legislati\e act, to the town of .'~>t()neham. There was a cluster of Green families in this part of the town who were also remote from religious ]jri\ileges, and who were not embraced in the action of \J2j. A petition to the General Court, June Ji, 1734. signed by John Green. Isaac Green, John Dexter and Jonas Green of Maiden, and Da\icl Green, Thomas Green and Samuel Cireen of Reading, which petition set forth "their Difficulty to attend the Public Worship of Cjotl in their Towns by Reason of their Remoteness from the meeting house; "and praying "That they and their family's and I-'.slates may by order of this Court be annexed to the Town of Slone- ham." Fa\-orable action was grantetl Dec. Ji, 1734. This territory comprised most all of that now known as the Mc-Jrose Highlands, and it remained a j^art of .^toneham until 1853, when, after much opposition on the }jart of that town, it was reunitetl to the territory of Melrose. * Cowra/ Co/ii/ A'tio/(/s, xiii, T,22. "^ Corey, History of Ma/drn. ^^)2. 16 HISTORY OF MELROSE. -^•cl <^llf^^ S^J!, ^Oc Y *^a.;f 4^^rr /2. 5^,1^^ M, ,^ ^/6,v, t^f^ Of<^— /? *,in>,-^u^ -^yC^-rv *ru^^ '^ArJ/l^x^ The Commons. This was an extensive tract of land belong- in,<4- to the town of Maiden, embracing about thirty-five hund- red acres, which was nearly one-half of the town, as then con- stituted. About twenty-three hundred of these acres covered all of the eastern part of what is now Melrose, and most of what was once the northerly part of Maiden; that portion now known as Greenwood. It was the land lying east of Ell Pond, and east of Lebanon and Green Streets, extending from a little way below Swain's Pond in the south, up into Wakefield, then Reading, to Smith's Pond, now called Crystal Lake; and to within about half a mile of Reading meeting-house. It was "full of statel\- timber." and, say the Charlestown records: ''The above is a facsimile of the Peter Hay aud Daniel Greeu, Jr., report made by the Selectmen of of the running of the bounds be- Maklen, Jonathan Barrett, Deacon tweeu Stoneham and Maiden, after Thomas Lynde and James Hovey ; this tract had been annexed to aud Stoneham, Jonathan Green, Stoneham. TERRITORY. 17 "indeed generally all tlu- country round about was an uncouth wilderness." It was the home of the Indian and the wild beast. We are told that when our ancestors made their settlement at Shaw- mut, now Boston, they sent out a number of persons to examine the country to the North, who, havin ^c.,. tf-'^' ^fc^. -^vAr^ ^'/i/^/'-o - then for 5^e Rest of ye common draw lots for equall proportions Acording to the Inuoice beginning your lots at }e ^iper end of jour common next Reding : at ye southwest corner and so Run dowards in two deuisions or more if you see cause. Major William Johnson. Capt John Smith. CAPT John Brown. Dec. 25, Deacon John (ireen, John Greenland, Tr\-al New- berry, Phineas Upham, Thomas Newhall, Lieutenant Joseph Wilson and Henry Green were chosen to proceed with the division of the "Commons" according to the direction "of y*^ formar commite nameh' those gentillmen That are chosen out TERRITORY. 19 of this town." Many other \otes gi\-ing details for accomplish- ing this important matter were passed; among them it was: Also agreead upon by ye conimitie y' for y^ deuidin<:j of y^ common euery properioters name shall be writ distintl}- : and }' y^ lots be well shutied together: And one man chose by y^ town: To draw y" out of a bag: and \^ first man y' is drawen shall have y^ first lot in y^ com- mon begining as aforsaid And so sucksesiuely as y^ are all drawen To the proportion of looo accres and then to proseed in \^ same way and method for another looo accres. It is also agreead upon by ye commite That there shall be 2 pols in breadth between euery Raing of lots for high wais : and that euery mans lot shall Run Eighty two pool in leangth for }' end. Also that " this comitee hes pouer to improue An artis to lay out ye lots," and that John Sargeant Jr., be authorized " To draw y^ out of a bag." Mr. Corey, who has made a verj' thorough study of these "Commons" and their disposition, says: The allotment was finally completed; and the record begins as follows : Recorded May 3-^ 30 : 1695 : An a Greement of the Town of maiden In deuiding of The common The tirst deuision begining at the upar end next to nathaniell eueness land by Charlstown line: In mannar as followeth : y^ lots Runing 82 pool in length. This division, which contained nine hundred and thirty-one acres and fifty-one poles, was laid out in seven ranges and seventy-four lots. It comprised the northern portion of the town between the bounds of Boston and Charlestown. The Evans farm of sixty acres, on the westerly side of the road, and the woodland, which had been reserved for the ministry, on the easterly side, alone parted it from the Reading line at Smith's Pond. This tract of common was broken by the Green farm, by a piece of land north of L Pond which belonged to the estate of Thomas Coytmore as early as 1653, by ten acres of meadow " aboue the old cow pen in Mauldon " which Joseph Hills had sold to Henry Evans in 1660, and, perhaps, by smaller lots of appropriated land. ['I'his division extended to our present Howard Street.] The second division of the two thousand acres, containing nine hundred and forty-two acres and twentj-eight poles, was laid out in six ranges and seventy-five lots. [Extending from Howard Street to south of Grove Street.] Beginning " by elle ponde," it stretched over the highlands towards the Bo.ston line, covering the country east of the Reading Road [Main Street] and north of Swain's Pond. [Quite a large proportion of this territory is now known as East Side.] Some of the ways reserved for passage between the ranges in this division be- came highways in time and still exist. [I'orter. L'pham. and Grove 20 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Streets.] . . . These two divisions comprised the territory known as the two thousand acres and contained, together, eighteen hvuidred and seventy-three acres and seventy-nine poles, as measured by Mr. Fisk. the " artis." The third division is described as "The third diuision for the Remander of the wood Land one the este sid the mill brook called the three hundred ackrs Begining at sargent Skiners Lote and are to rune 40 poles in length." Its seventj'-four lots embraced three hundred and eleven acres ^nid fifty-eight poles of the woodland between Swain's Pond and Scadan. [Now known as " South East," and includes the high summit of Mount Hood.] The balance of these "Commons" now di\-idecl, was on terri- tory now Maiden. There were seventy-four proprietors and freeholders who shared in this allotment; the names are all given by Mr. Core}', in his History of Maiden, pp. 376-7. Soon after this division w-as made many of the lots were sold to persons who had no interest in the common land, and about the year 1700, many of the people who already owned, or now- bought, began to build houses and settle upon their lots. A piece of land at the eastern end of Ell Pond, where now^ stand the ice-houses, was reser\ed for a watering place, and for the washing of flax, the material of which the home-made clothing of the early inhabitants was made. It appears that the abutters began to encroach upon this public water resort, and April 17, 1699, Corporal John Green, Phineas Upham, and Joseph Floyd were chosen to run y*^ bounds and renew }•« marks between proprioters land : and 3-^ small peece of common land : adjoining to L pond : which was left for convenence of watering. Still later, at the annual meeting held March 4, 1765, another x'Ote concerning this public privilege was passed: It was put to vote to see if the town will give liberty to mr Samuel Green and others to run a fence between ell pond and the highway, provided they leve a convenient way open for watering of cattle at the pond And keep convenient draw bars or a gate for people to pass and repass with their teams in the usual place of their going to and from said pond with their tlax. .\nd it passed in the affermative. MELROSE. At the time the Boston and Maine Railroad was completed,, the territory of Melrose, then know^n as "North Maiden," and earlier as " North End," was very sparsely settled. Very TERRITORY. 21 soon after it commenced operation. July 4, 1845, people from Boston and other places, began to investigate our pleasant vale for residences; and in a short time many families had here made their homes. The church, business, town and social relations were so separated from the centre and main town of Maiden, that the citizens began to agitate a separation from the mother town, and the setting up of a municipality b\- itself; and in 1848, and 1849, ^^'^^^ matter was most earnestly can- vassed, and action taken. On March 22, 1849, ^n act was reported to the House of Representatives for the incorpora- tion of the Town of Melrose, which was passed April 10, almost unanimously; but it failed to receive the concurrence of the Senate b}- a vote of twenty-seven to three."^ Later in this same year, 1849, Maiden, foreseeing that with these railroad facilities, and the varied and natural beauty of our situation, we should in a very few >'ears become a growing, thrift)' and prosperous community, and cherishing the most kindly and friendly feelings for their brethren in the north part of the town, wisely con- cluded to make no further objection to such separation; and, at a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Maiden, held Nov. 26, 1849, it was voted: To choose a committee to view and report to the town such line as the committee shall think to be the proper line between the town of Maiden and the pro- posed town of Melrose. The selectmen were chosen to act on this committee; and at a town meeting held Dec. 21, 1849, the selectmen re- ayz \ ported the divisional line which was then adopted and is in existence today. The town also \oted at this same meeting, to instruct their Representative elect * Diary kept by the late Aarou called Melrose — was to be set off Green, for 1849. But so thoroughly from Maiden, that assessors were convinced was every one that appointed to take the valuation of North Maiden — now regularly this part of the town ; and accord- 22 HISTORY OF MELROSE. that if the inhabitants of Meh'ose petition tlie Legislature for the divi- sion Hne as reported by the Selectmen to advocate the setting off of Melrose but if any other line be asked for then to oppose the setting off. A petition was presented to the Legislature early in 1850, by Elbridge Green and others, praying that the northerly part of Maiden, which had been called North Maiden for many years, be set off and incorporated as a separate town to be called Melrose. At a town meeting held in Maiden, February 7, 1850, it was voted: That whereas, a petition had been presented to the Legislature, by Elbridge Green and others, praying that the northerlj^ section of Maiden may be set off and incorporated as a separate town, to be called Melrose, and whereas an order of notice has been issued on said petition therefore, Resolved, That we, the citizens of Maiden in town meeting assembled, called according to law, to act on said order of notice, do hereb}' express our approval of said petition. Resolved, That the line of separation petitioned for is a proper line, and one that meets our approval, and which, in our opinion, ought to be adopted, and the prayer of said petition be granted. Resolved, That the representative be, and he is, hereby instructed to aid the petition, in all honorable ways, to accomplish the object of their petition, keeping always in view the interest of the town in word- ing the act of incorporation. The Joint Special Committee, in reporting to the Legisla- ture, April 27, 1850, among other advantages enumerated these: This part of the town, which bears the name of Melrose, is separated from the other by a natural barrier ; the proposed line of division run- ning through a wild, unimproved, and almost uninhabitable territory, constituting, in most respects, a far better boundary than a line passing through a cultivated and populous region, cutting farms, and sep- arating immediate neighbors into different towns. The business and social relations of Melrose are not with the other ing to this same diary, now iu the rose as appeared iu 1849. A True possession of Maurice G. Cochrane, Coppy From Maiden Book. Real a grandson of the diarist, they Estate, 336,352 ; Personal Estate, commenced their duties May i, of 48,509; Total, $384,861. Number that year, and finished May 11. Polls, 272. Aaron Green, S. h. The result as given in a written Taylor, W. J. P'arnsworth, asses- poster was as follows : sors of Melrose. Valuation of the Town of Mel- TERRITORY. 23 portions of Maiden ; it seems to form a distinct community, and, in the opinion of the committee, is destined to become a separate town, and that a separation would contribute to the convenience, harmony, and prosperity of the inhabitants, and would be no injury or disadvantage to the remaining part of Maiden. It would leave a fine, pleasant, and prosperous town, within full \iew, and in the immediate vicinity of Boston, affording- many eligible building sites, and containing num- erous valuable farms. In accordance with the mutually expressed wishes of the inhabitants of both sections, an act was drawn and reported to the Legislature, which was adopted; and Melrose was in- corporated May 3, 1850. It then had 1,260 inhabitants, and an assessed valuation of $483,446.00. A committee of three from each town was appointed " to make a just and ecjuitable settlement of all the financial concerns appertaining to said towns & the property belong- ing to the same." Gilbert Hax-en, Lemuel Cox, and Daniel A. Perkins were appointed for Maiden, and George Emerson, Isaac Emerson and Aaron Green for Melrose. In 1853, that part of Maiden which was set off to Stone- ham in 1734, most of the territory of which is now known as the Melrose Highlands, and which embraced also what is now- the Sewall Woods Park, containing about twenty-five houses with sevent}--fi\'e inhabitants, was set off and annexed to Melrose. The residence of Hon. Samuel E. Sewall was until then in Stoneham; and he was elected Senator to the Massachusetts Legislature in 1852, from that town. A move- ment had begun sometime previous to this to have this sec- tion set off to the new town of Melrose, for the reason that the inhabitants could be much better accommodated with school, church, business, and town facilities. For this pur- pose an act was introduced in the Legislature of 1852, but it was unsuccessful. The next year an act of annexation was passed, March 15, 1853, thus adding three hundred and eighty-one acres to the area of our territory, making a total of thirty-one hundred and fourteen and seventy one-hundredths acres. Melrose is situated in the eastern part of the County of Middlesex, and is se\en miles directly north of Boston. It is bounded on the north by Wakefield, on the east b\- Saugus, (which is in the Count}' of Essex,) on the south by Maiden, 24 HISTORY OF MELROSE. and the west by Stoneham, and a small corner of Medford. Its shape is somewhat irregular, having a width on the Wake- field line of about a mile and a half, on the Saugus line two and a half miles, a little less than three miles on the Maiden, and nearly two and a half miles on the Stoneham and Medford line. It is most charmingly sit- uated, possessing a surface diversified with a great \'ari- ety of natural scenery; it has hills, valleys, ponds, streams and wildwoods; it contains a portion of the famous Mid- dlesex Fells, now embraced in the extensive Metropoli- tan Park System. It is particularly fortunate in possessing numerous high and unwooded summits, from which may be obtained unobstructed views of ocean, cities, towns, wood ranges, surro.unding hills and distant mountain peaks. Perhaps the one from Mount Hood — formerly known as " Bear Hill," situated in the southeasterl}' part of the town, near the line between Melrose and Saugus, affords the most interesting and far-reaching of these views; although not so much of our own valley and its residences is seen, as from some of those more centrally located. In a clear day the view is one of great grandeur. Some fifteen years ago, Mr. Wen- dell P. Hood built a small house on the top of this mount, sunk a well, set out fruit trees, and ploughed and sowed several of the surrounding acres with grain. But in process of time the house was burned, cultivation neglected, and the region has now resumed its wild and old-time appearance. From this summit, beginning in the northerly direction, in plain \'ievv, there rises the extensive establishment of the Danvers Insane Asylum; thence the eye sweeps along over the Lynn Woods Reservation, crowned with the Lynn Water Works standpipe, which is situated on Pine, or Reservoir Hill, to the City of Lynn, the Town of Nahant, and a portion of Swampscot, with the Town of Saugus nestling in the interven- ing valley; then from Lynn Harbor, a strt'tch of ocean sweeps around to the south shore and Boston Harbor, dotted with the TERRITORY. 25 white sails of commerce and pleasure, and the smoke of passing steamers; Boston Light and Minot's Ledge Light- house are in view; over the towns of Winthrop and Revere, and the cities of Chelsea and Everett, the gilded dome of the State House rises from out of the midst of the "Hub;" heyontl stretches the long line of Blue Hills of Milton, with the observatory on the summit of Great Blue Hill, the whole being now known as the Blue Hills Reservation, and is a part of the Metropolitan Park System; in the west, beyond a reach of wilderness, known as the "Scadan Woods," ^ glimpses of Maiden are seen, with Wayte's Mount, crowned with the Maiden Reservoir; beyond is College Hill with its cluster of Tufts College buildings; and above the intcr\cning towns and hills, far away, is seen the crown of Mount Wachusett; while still farther north, over Melrose itself, with the hills be>-ond, stands old Monadnock and many other summits; the whole presenting a most enchanting and soul-inspiring scene. Nearer the center of the town, yet in the southerh' part, on the easterly side of the valle)-, Boston Rock commands a wonderfully charming landscape; the \alley below with the extensive plant of the Boston Rubber Shoe Company, and the still remaining old-time Lynde homesteads, and many highl\- cultivated acres; Wyoming Cemetery — " God's Acre," — where sleep those who have joined the " silent majority," directl>- beneath; an expanse of ocean; the cities of Maiden, Everett, Chelsea, Somerville, Charlestown and Boston, and the Blue Hills beyond; nearer, the Pine Banks Park and Wayte's Mount, on which summit was placed one of the beacons during the Revolution, with which to warn the surrounding country of approaching danger. For a number of years Boston Rock was the home of a hermit.^" * Quite au extensive tract, being roads, some still in use, were laid all that territory embracing the eastern part of Maiden, beyond Faulkner, including "Black Ann's Corner," and the southeastern portion of Melrose adjoining, was known under the general name of "Scadan." It had within its bor- ders, not only hills, woods, swamp, plain and upland, but a number of inhabitants were scattered through- out its territory. A number of out therein, by a committee ap- pointed by the town, April 8, 1695, the details of which are given by Corey in his History of I\Ialden, pp. 372-3. i'^ The name of this hermit was J. Wesley Dodge, whose mind had become unsettled in a love affair, and who, about .1852, erected a small house and workshop on the summit of this rock, where he 26 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Across the valley, , on the west, there is a line of rugged hills, embi-acing the finest cliff scenery in the vicinity of Boston, in the centre of which Black Rock, the highest point is situated, and from which a ver_v extensive and most beau- tiful \-iew is obtained; even more extensive than that from Boston Rock, on the opposite side of the valley, as it is considerably higher; not only the open plain below with the many grass co\-ered and cultivated acres, but, on either hand the Cities of Melrose and Maiden, lay spread out before you in their entirety. The \'iew in the east and south is quite similar to that from Mount Hood, already described; but to the west it is quite different, as it appears to be a dense wilderness; but this wilderness somewhat belies its appearance; for it has not onl}' long been penetrated by innumerable foot-paths, but now has been thoroughly interlaced with good roads and fine boulex'ards, made under the superintendence of the Metropoli- tan Park Commissioners, which afford a \ariety of most charm- ing drives to the thousands upon thousands of pleasure seekers who avail themselves of the wild scenery embraced in the Middlesex Fells; and it is a perfect paradise for bicycle riders. And here, in the centre of the bold and rugged cliffs which guard the eastern edge of the Fells, between Black Rock and White Rock, plainly in view from the passing railroad trains and electric cars, a large portion of the year, comes gliding down from the brow of these cliffs, a most beautiful waterfall which forms one of the many attractions of this wild region. This cascade is as attractive, and as well worth seeing, as many another, to which traxellers go hundreds of miles to admire. The swamps of the numerous valleys, the springs of the hills, and the overflow of many little lakelets existing in the elevated plateau above, far more extensive than any one unacquainted with them can imagine, unite to contribute their waters to this most charm- ing waterfall. One of its tributaries, the main one, bears lived as a recluse. He had au inventive cast of mind, but his principal occupation was that of a stencil -cutter. He afterwards married and lived at Oak Grove, Maiden, and his former house was burned. The cellar-hole still ex- ists. He died a few years ago. A very pretty romance connected with these circumstances was contrib- uted to the Roundabout Budget, under the title " The Hermit of Boston Rock,'.' by B. Marvin Fer- uald. It was afterwards printed in the Melrose Jourtial of March 3, 1888. TERRITORY. 27 the unique name of " Shilly-Shally Brook." In dry seasons the supply of water is so meagre that its beauty disappears, only to come again when the rains and snows of another season form a supply. In the winter a very interesting ice- work formation affords a pleasing exhibition to the visitor. Of this cascade, the late Artemas Barrett gave this reminis- cence: From cutting of the forest to clear the land, and turning the water in other directions this cascade Hows but little compared with forty years ago. In my boyhood with what admiration have I gazed upon this cascade from this very spot, as the waters came tumbling in such torrents down those rocky sides. Many have been the nights in my SPOT POND BROOK CASCADE. youth after retiring to rest, [he then lived in the old " Mountain House," at the corner of Maple and Vinton Streets] that I have listened to the music of these falls when the waters went plunging and roaring down its rocky pathway. Alas, its glory has now nearly departed ! Another pretty but smaller waterfall, which ma\- be called Spot Pond Brook Cascade, is situated not far from the one just described, on Spot Pond Brook, a short distance north of where formerly stood the IIa\-wardvillc Rubber Works, better known as the Red Mills. Years asfo the brook was dammed 28 HISTORY OF MELROSE. to make a pond of water for water-power purposes of the near- by mill, and this cascade is its o\'erflow. The water that supplies Spot Pond Brook no lonj^er comes from Spot Pond itself, but from Doleful and Dark Hollow Ponds, which are small ponds situated a short distance to the north and west, respectively, of Spot Pond. These waters do not now flow as formerl>' into Spot Pond, but b\- open channel and conduits are taken beneath that pond just west of Old Pepe's Cove, and thus supply Spot Pond Hrook. Unlike the Cascade between l^lack and White Rocks, which is lion est in midsummer, the waters from these two sources, Doleful and Dark Hollow Ponds, are sufficient to maintain this waterfall constant!)-; sometimes it is necessary to hold back by ,q;ates a portion of the water, during- a wet season, to prevent too great an oxerflow; thus inundating the lower lands of Melrose. This charming , little waterfall, picturesquely situated in a deep gorge, easily reached, is about ten feet high, and directly over it is a rustic bridge, the view from which is wild and romantic. Thus by the action of the State in taking Spot Pond into the Metropolitan Water S>'stem, enlarging and beautifying it as it has, has Ijeen added another attraction to the scenery of Melrose, which had ceased to exist after the taking of Spot Pond for the supply of water for Maiden, Medford and Melrose. West Hill, erstwhile called " \'inton Hill," then "High Rock," situated in the northwest corner of Melrose, near the Stoneham and Wakefield line, easily accessible from P'ranklin Street, atTords another \-iew of this charming scener}'; more far-reaching than either Boston Rock or Black Rock, but not more extensi\'e than that from Mount Hood, although differing from that somewhat. From this summit is obtainod by far the i)est \iew oi our own Melrose, as it embraces the city in all its \-arious parts, with the exception of the western portion of Wyoming, which is hidden by the interxening Sewall Woods Park; all its hills and \alleys; its churches, public buildings and dwellings from the extreme southerly part at the I^Ydls to the Melrose Highlands in the north, including P^ordell and Columbus Parks, and the settlement of (ireenwood, in Wakc^field, just beyond. And riijht here 1 venture the assertion that but TERRITORY. 29 comparatively few of our thirteen thousand inhabitants ever availed themselves of the beaut>' and ma;j;nificence of this exquisite view, afforded them from this eminence existin.L,^ in their very midst, so easily reached, and with so little exertion! Mt. Zion, in the extreme northeast, and Pine Hill in the east, are minor summits, affording a less extentled view than those already mentioned; thus is our residential valley centre completely surrounded by elevations from which so much can be seen. One more >'et remains to be spoken of; Barrett Mount, situated in the westerly centre of the city. From this you not onl.\' i^et a distant view -down the valley, but a near overlook of the whole cit\', in all directions; nestled in the valley and climbing the hillsides are the resi- dences of our busy population; church spires and public buildings; and in the very centre lies Ell Pond, with the recently purchased land for park purposes on its northerh- side, and many handsome residences on its immediate border." Ell Pond is the largest body of water within the bounds of Melrose. It contains about 30 acres, and was so named from its shape. It was thus known as early as 1638, in the Charles- town records. In legal documents it has been variously spelled as Ell, P^le, Eel and L; the different spelling proba- bly arising from a misapprehension of the sound. In 1648, say the Charlestown records: " Robt. Hale and Thomas Lynde were ordered to ' lay out \-ong Thomas Coitmores twoo lotts by Ell pond.'" In the inventory of the widow Martha Coytmore's estate, made in 1648, appears the item: "150 acres land at ell pond;" and when the road from Winnissemit to Reading was laid out in 1653, it was called the same. Thus earl>- known and named let us reverence and continue the old name and not try to change it for something a little more mellifluous, possilily. As early as 1663, a dam was l)uilt at the outlet of Ell Pond, " Nestling withiu an embrace of hills of unusual attractiveness, in their native ruggeduess and shaded slopes, lives one portion of the town, while on many a command- ing site are pleasant homes which sweep at a glance the country round, including lake and wood, peaceful plain and shaded hilltop, inland stream and ocean wave. — the church spire, the school house and the town house — exhibiting at one view the beauty which adorns your prosperity and the enterprise which evidences your appreciatiou of opportunities. Address of George F. Stone, at the dedication of the Town Hall, June 17. 1S73. MSS. 30 HISTORY OF MELROSE. by Samuel Howard, whose dwelling was nearby, and a saw- mill erected. A dense forest of large cedar trees once existed on the north side of the pond. Fifty }'ears later it would seem that the surrounding timber had been so exhausted that the mill had been converted into a grist or cornmill, as it is thus referred to in a deed from Jonathan Howard to Samuel Howard, wheelwright, dated Jan. 8, 1721. In this pond both shad and alewives used to be taken in large numbers giving food to the earlier inhabitants. Fish ladders were formerly made at the mill-dams on the brooks below, to enable the fish to reach the pond; and when the mill-owners came to make opposition to this method, it is said that the fish were carried to the pond in tubs of water. Rev. S. Osgood Wright, in his discourse at Maiden, Dec. I, 1831, states that much excitement has prevailed at different periods in the town, since 1695. concerning the passage of alewives from the tide-water up to Ell Pond, in the north part of the town. Much time and money have been expended upon this subject, to little or no purpose. i- The water is not as high now as formerl}'; the time has been when it flowed up towards the Highlands quite a distance beyond its present limits. In 1S62, an animated controversy took place among our citizens; one party wishing to lower the water, the other to have it remain as it was. Those in favor of lowering it pre\-ailcd; and in consequence wells became dry, border walls tumbled, and consequent damages were paid by the town. The pond is fed by two or three bro.oks which enter it from the west and north, the prin- cipal one taking its rise in the northwesterly part of the Highlands; and so great is the supply that water is always flowing from its outlet at Main Street, at its southeast corner. An efl'ort was made a few years ago to change the name of this prett)' little sheet of water in the centre of our city, from Ell Pond to Crystal Lake; and this new name has crept into some of the ma})s. But the old one, and many others in our immediate neighborhood. Spot, M)-stic, Horn, Spy, 1- The Alewife fishery was con- late matters. Sometimes the right sidered of considerable importance to fish during the season was sold by the town and committees were to the highest bidder. Letter of chosen from time to time to regu- Deloraine I'. Corey, April 24, 1899. TERRITORY. 31 Long, Swain's, Smith's and Humphrey's, received their names from the early settlers; ours as early as 1638, and frequent mention of it as such, occurs in deeds and records all the \va)' down the centuries; and "succeeding generations have reverenced the first nomination." During the year 1874, the "Crystal Lake Boat Club" was formed ,and a boat-house built near the outlet of the pond on Main Street; and for several seasons rowing and sailing on the pond was \'ery popular, and man>- boat races took place; but like the effort to change the name, now seldom heard in speech, if ever, the club is 710H est; the boat-house stood in ruins for many years, but has now disappeared, and the good old name remains. The other ponds within our borders are .Swain's, Bennett's, and Long Pond. Until within a few years, a small bod_\' of water, known as Dix Pond, existed in the rear of City Hall. It has now been filled up and is no longer one of the ponds which contributed to our first name, " Pond Feilde." Swain's Pond, so known in the Maiden records as early as 1695, containing an area of sixteen acres, is in the south part of the town, and is situated in a wild and secluded region, with but one or two habitations near it, being now used only for ice-cutting purposes. There was once, in days gone by, a saw- mill at its outlet, when the surrounding district IkuI a plentiful suppl)' of timber. ^-^ Long Pond, containing fi\'e acres, is in the southeastern part of the town. Like Swain's, it has been known by that name since 1695; and like both Ell and Swain's Ponds, it once had its sawmill, which was situated near the present Upham Street, on the brow of the hill nearly opposite the residence of John Doherty, and a portion of the pond still exists on the northerly side of the street. From here the brook descends, skirting the romantic cliffs on the right, thence on till it reaches the Saugus River. This sawmill is referred to in a deed of 1783, from John Flagg to John Edmunds, the Revo- lutionar}' soldier, conveying the old I^lnathan ]h-eeden house ^^ The site of the mill of John days of its builder; and uii the Grover could be found in 1894, iu west side of the brook the shape the meadow on the easterly side of and size of the little mill could be Swain's Pond Avenue, near its traced. Qorey, //is/ory o/J/ii/i/cn, junction with Lebanon street. The 447. dam was then as distinct as in the 32 HISTORY OF MELROSE. and land, situated on the old Saugus and Lynn road, on the present Parker estate, wherein liberty was granted to the owners of the mill, which was near these premises, to flow a part of «aid land from December i to April lo, in each year. The mill and the house have long since disappeared. In this neighborhood, a little to the east, there was once a house belonging to a family b}' the name of Herring; but that also is a thing of the past; nothing but the cellar-hole remains. What was known as Cowen's dam, the site of which is a con- tinuation of Waverley Avenue, reaching from the residence of Frank H. Brown to the road leading to Andrew J. Burnett's homestead, was built to overflow the large meadow at the west of the Pond, thus giving more power to the mill pri\ilege. Another outlet to Long Pond was an artificial one, made at its eastern end, by a sluice-wa\' built by Frederick Tudor, in the beginning of the nineteenth centur)^, and who also built and. lived in what is now the Saugus Poor House. This outlet was made for the purpose of aiding the overflow of the meadows at the south of his residence. Here- was cut in a primitive way, for commercial purposes, " the first ice, which was teamed to Charlestown, loaded and exported to the West Indies, where it was sold for twenty-five cents per pound. "^-^ John Edmunds was one of the workmen at this time. A iVIelrose pond thus furnished the water for the ice, which was here first cut, and first exported by the pioneers in that business, the Tudors. Bennett's Pond is a small one situated in the northeast part of the town, and is now only utilized for the cutting of ice. Its outlet is one of the tributaries of the Saugus River. Like all of the other ponds, it once had its dam for mill purposes. A gristmill was built by Robert Gerry in i8i6, who then bought of Jonas Green, for $25.00, the pri\ilege of flowing an adjoining pasture to a certain height. This mill was burned nearh' half a century ago. South of this pond, in the field, about a third of the way between it antl Porter Street, there exists an old cellar-hole, where once stood the house of Samuel Green. During the Battle of Bunker Hill, !■* William Tudor, [agent of his Bay to cut ice from the ice-bergs, brother Frederick] who supplied Edward Everett Hale, in James ice to the tropics, and when a Russell Lozvell and His Friends, winter failed him in New England, p. 264. sent his schooners up into Baffin's TERRITORY. 33 his wife Hannah, was so friohtene.d at hearinsj the reports of the cannonade, that she died in convulsions. Possibly a hus- band, son or relative had gone thither to participate in the fight ! Up to within a few years there existed on Franklin Street, at the Highlands, a pretty little sheet of water, fringed with large and handsome willows, known as High- land Pond. Hut the stream which entered it, on its way to Ell Pond, has been di\'erted, the pond drained, its bed filled, and all signs of its former existence have disappeared; and a portion of its site is now occupied b)' the old church building, which stood on the opposite side of the street, where now stands the new and handsome edifice of the Highland Con- gregational Church. This old building was bought b\' the Shepard ^Manufacturing Company, which carries on a large silver-ware business therein. Spot Pond is not within the limits of Melrose, but lies so close to its border, and has been so closely connected with its history that it deserves mention here. It is a most beautiful sheet of water, .situated among the higher lands of Stoneham and Medford. The surrounding country is mostly wild and wooded; but there are a few fine residences on its border, with the "Langwood Hotel" charmingly situated on an eminence, overlooking the pond.^'^ This view was taken from "Saddleback Hill," near "C)ld Pepe's Cove," in 1S76, and shows the pond as it appeared when supplying the three municipalities of Maiden, Medford and Melrose with water, the history of which is given under " Spot Pond Water Works." ^'^ Spot Pond is first mentioned by Governor John Winthrop in his Journal, under date of February 7, 1632. He sa\^s: The governour, Mr. Nowell, Mr. Eliot, and others, went over Mistick River at Medford, and going N. and by E. among the rocks about two or three miles, they came to a very great pond, having in the midst an island of about an acre, and very thick with trees of pine and beach ; and the pond had divers small rocks, standing up here and there in it, '■' Tlie " Laucjwood " was burned April I, 1902. The origiual stone mansion to which additions had been made for hotel purposes, is to be restored and used for a sani- tarium, by Dr. Charles H. Coggs- well, the present owner. "' Reproduced from a photograph by Charles E. Swaiu. the negative being owned by Frank. E. Wootl- ward, of Maiden. 34 HISTORY OF MELROSE. which the}- therefore called Spot Pond. The}- went all about it upon the ice. From thence (towards the N. W. about half a mile,) the}- came to the top of a very high rock, beneath which, (towards the N.) lies a goodly plain, part open land, and part woody, from whence there is a fair prospect, but it being then close and rainy, they could see but a small distance. This place they called Cheese Rock, [now Bear Hill, with its observatory,] because, when they went to eat somewhat, they had only cheese, (the governor's man forgetting, for haste, to put up some bread.) From that day to this the pond has borne the name then gi\-en it. "Succeeding generations iiave reverenced the first nomination." " Spott pond," with its island, appears on a map of this part of New England, in \\'illiam Wood's Nczv Englands Prospect, which was published two }-ears later, in 1634. A thrilling tragedy, the murder of David Gould, occurred Nov. 25, 1819, in the Gould homestead, then standing on the Stoneham road, now Pond Street, only a little distance from the border of the pond. The inevitable saw-mill once existed at the pond's outlet, long a thing of the past, which was built b}- James Barrett, in 1706. The accompanying repro- duction is. from a sketch b}- Hannah L}'nde in 1844. The house was built before 1700, was torn down in 1 850, and was the home of Jacob Gould and his two sons, all three GOULD HOMESTEAD. minute-meniu Capt. Samuel Sprague's Compan)^ at Lexington. The house pillaged and son Da\-id murdered as above. Spot Fond has now been taken into the great Metropolitan Water System, and has become a storage and distributing reser\-oir, and is under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Board. To prepare the Pond for this purpose, the State, through the Metropolitan Water Board, before its consolidation with the Board of Metropolitan Sewer- age Commissioners, in 1901, expended ^the sum of $541,474.36, in ^^draining, cleaning, excavating,] and enlarging; in gate- TERRITORY. 35 houses, and the draining of Doleful Pond and Dark Hollow- Pond into Spot Pond Brook. ^" Spot Pond has been raised to a minimum depth of fifteen feet, and when full has an area of 326 acres; and will have a level of twenty-nine feet above that of Chestnut Hill reservoir. In its enlargement its former beauty has been greatly enhanced. SPOT POND— 1002. Showiug Old Pepe's Cove, Pond Street, Saddleback Hill, with "Cheese Rock," now Bear Hill, in the distance. Ell Pond Brook, the outlet of that poiul, runs through the centre of the town as far as Wyoming, where it is joined by the Spot Pond Brook, the former outlet of Spot Pond, but now of Doleful and Dark Hollow Ponds, and a little lower down the valley "Shilly-Shall>- Brook," from the neighboring cas- cade, unites its waters thereto. These brooks, thus united, continue on through Melrose and Maiden, flowing into ami forming the Maiden River; the "Three M>-le Brooke" of " \-^- olden time." Another brook in the northeastern part of the cit\- runs into Bennett's Pond. Melrose is divided into several tlistinct villages, or settle- 1' Considerable damage has Ijeeu our citizens brought suit on this caused to owners of lauds abutting account against the Coniniouweallh on Spot Pond Brook, from the and recovered 5109.56, 527.39 and drainage of these two ponds, by an I100.79, a total of 5237.74, besides extra overflow of water ; three of interest and costs. 36 HISTORY OF MELROSE. ments: the Middlesex Fells, — generally shortened into Fells, — and Wyoming in the southern part of the city; the Centre; the Melrose Highlands, in the north, — each of these having a station on the Boston and Maine Railroad; — Norrisville in the northeast; and East Side. These two are reached by the electric cars of the Lynn and Boston Street Railway Com- pany; the main line of which, through the centre of the city, running from Chelsea to Woburn, superceded the Maiden and Melrose Horse Railroad in 1892, and the East Side branch commenced running in 1897. These lines are now met by the Wakefield Railway Com- pany, at the junction of Main, Franklin and Green Streets, which runs through Main Street to Greenwood and Wakefield, and thence on to other connections. Many different lines of street railroads have now been consolidated under the name of the Boston and Northern Street Railway Company. ' Our name, Melrose, was adopted by the advocacy of the late William Bogle, a natixe of Glasgow, Scotland, who had been a resident several years before our incorporation, and before the Boston and Maine Railroad was built, in 1845, ^"^1 when he had to go back and forth to his business in Boston by the stage-coach line which ran between Boston and Reading; and which was established in 1798. Mr. Bogle evidently had at least two objects in x'\- had received from their ancestors. But they have passed away, and with them man^• local incidents, events and anecdotes that would now be interestini;-, and which thc\- could have rehearsed, are no longer attainable. In those earl\' da>-s, besides the prowling- and savage Indian, our surrounding forests, many of which have not >-et wholly disappeared, were full of wild animals; wolves, deer, bears, foxes, and wildcats. So plentiful were the;\' that laws were passed concerning them, and bounties offered to aid in the extermination of the most obnoxious and destructive of them. A law was passed by the Colony, in 1630, giving bounty for the killing of wolves; one in 1635 for wolves and foxes; and in 1640, the following law was passed: Ordered, that every man that kills a wolfe w''' hounds shall have 40s alowed him. & whosoever kils a wolfe w^'^ trap, peece, or other engine, shall have lo^ alowed him, to bee paid by that towne where the wolfe is killed, & if hee bee kiled out of any towne bounds it shall bee paid by the Treasurer. Wood, in Xeiv Englands Prospect, speaks of the "three great a.nno\-ances, of wolves, rattle-snakes and mosquitoes." The former were nightly visitors among the unprotected herds and flocks. In the time of deep snows they hung around the settlements in great packs, and their fierce barking was a terror to man as well as beast. They infested the Saugus woods as late as 1753 and were not entirely extirpated until many years after. Bounties were offered for their scalps, and the grisly trophies were sometimes nailed on the meeting-houses. " For Beares," says Wood, " they be common being a great blacke kind of Beare, which be most feirce in Strawberry time." They are said to have been seen in Maiden woods within this century, and they yet prowl along sequestered roads in the traditions of old families.-'^ hardship ami toil, was encountered lives were yielded a willing sacri- with cheerfulness for the praise- fice to the cause of freedom. MSS. worthy object of securing; for them- of Artemas Barrett, selves and their posterity, civil .„ (j^^ey, History of Maiden. 25. and religious liberty ; and their 40 HISTORY OF MELROSE. In 1669, wolves had become so plentiful and destructive that our neighboring town of Reading ordered " that a bounty of twenty shillings be offered for e\-ery wolf killed in Reading for the ensuing seven years; " and in 1685, a "bount}' of 15s. for the killing of an old bear, and los. for the killing of a sucking cub." Charlestown offered a bounty of lO shillings for each wolf killed. In 1687, Samuel Sprague, Jr., of Maiden, was paid forty shillings for killing two grown wolves. The same year the records of Reading state that the town paid James Stimpson 1 5^ shillings for killing an old bear ; paid John Eaton of ye plain, and some others, 2 £. for killing three young bears; paid John Upton, Jr., George Flint, and Steven Fish for killing one old bear and two young ones, i ;^. & i 5 shillings; and paid Richard Harnden i 3 shillings for killing one old bear. In 1631, when Go\-. John Winthrop was at his Ten Hill farm, he entered the following item in his Journal : Oct. 1 1 . The governour, being at his farm house at Mistick walked out after supper, and took a piece in his hand, supposing he might see a wolf, (for they came dail}- about the house, and killed swine and calves, etc.) This pro\"ed quite an acK'cnture. It grew suddenl}- dark, he mistook his path, and coming across the empty little house of Sagamore John, passed the night therein; "Sometimes walking b}' the fire, sometimes singing psalms, and sometimes getting wood, but could not sleep;" meanwhile his serwints " ha\ing been much perplexed for him, and having walked about, and shot off pieces, and hallooed in the night, but he heard them not." Concerning the topographical features of our territory, geologists ha\'e made the statement that the Merrimack River once flowed through this \alley to the sea; but that by some uphea\al of nature its course was changed to its present channel. Had that been so, and such a chanoe had not taken place, how different would ha\e been the his- tcjry of this regicni. I^ut such is not the case. In ])lace of a wide flowing ri\'er occupying nearl\' all of the le\el lands, we have the City of Melrose, most l)eautfully situated, with its charming and di\'ersified scenery, of \-alley, hill and wild- wood. CHAPTER III. ROADS, STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. THE first roatl, and the only one for many years which passed through Melrose, was laid out by order of the General Court, two hundred and fort}'-nine years ago, at a session held Sept. lo, 1653. Some of the names of persons and places herein mentioned will be recognized as belonging to Melrose: Thomas Marshall, John Smyth, & John Sprague. beinge chosen to la}' out the country highway betweene Reddinge & \\'inneseinett, [Chelsea,] do lay it out as follows: from Reddinge towne, through Maldon bounds, betwixt] the pond cSc John Smyths land. [Smith's Pond, in Wakefield; Maiden bounds extended thus far until what is now Greenwood was set off in 1727 to Reading,] & so by the east sicfe of M' Joseph Hills land, to New Hockley Hole, & so in the old way by the Cow Pen, [jDrobably in our present Highlands,] & thence along on the east side of Thomas Co3'tmores lott, by Ele Pond, in the old way, to Thomas Lynds land, then through the first tield, & so by the field by his howse.from thence, on the old way. by Maldon meeting howse, through the stony swampe, from the road there vpp betwixt Richard JAddams & John Uphams lottes, into Charlestowne bounds, through \\'"i Johnsons & Richard Dexters land into y^ way by the South Springe, & so on the south side of Tho W'hitamores howse into Mr Bellinghams land, [Governor Bellingham] into the way that goeth to the fferr)-; the sd way to be fower pole broade, in good ground. & six or eight where need recjuires.' A report had been previously submitted, " V'^ act of which comissioners the Court appro\-ed of." on June 30, 1653, by this same committee wherein the>' recommended substantially this same route beginning their report as follows. Wee, whose names are vnderwritten, being legally chosen by our towns, by virtue of a Court order, to lay out the countrie way betwixt Redding and Winnesemett, and ha\ing vejwed the sajd wajes, wee aphend it most con\enjent to be as followes. ' Mass. ColotiY Rrcoids. iii. 330. 42 HISTORY OF MELROSE. In this preliminary report our Pond is rightly spelled " Ell," instead of " Ele." Both documents show that Maiden had a meeting-house as early as four >-ears after its incorporation, in 1653. " The old way," so often referred to, means the old, crooked, de\"ious Indian or bridle path, or trail, in use before this date, winding hither and thither, going around this hill, shunning that swamp or bog, and o\-er which the traveller wended his way between Chelsea and Reading. Some parts of this old original road are being tra\-ersed b\' the streets of today; but a large part is discontinued, although traces of it in some places, particularh- in Melrose, are quite distinct. Several attempts to lay out this road had been previously made. The first one was by the town of Charlestown, when action was taken to build a road from Mystic Side up by Wayte's Mount, through the " Commons," and beyond Ell Pond; and the following committee was appointed: [24. 12. 1644/3.] It is agreed y^ The: Line, Robt Hale & The: Pearce should lay out A convenient Highway on Mistickside from y^ Woods to the head of the North River & to allow for ye Highway & to bound the Meadows from ye Mount to Ell Pond, & to allow them ye Highway in bound- ing ye Meadow.- But May 26, 1647, ^'""^ General Court took action, and Lieut. Ralph Sprague and Francis Smith were appointed "to lay out y^ way fro'" W'innetsemet to Reading." This was a part of a general plan by which a continuous highway was opened to the settlements in New Hampshire, passing through Reading, Andover, and Haverhill; and its survey brought forth the first of that long series of humble petitions in which are preserved much of the history of Mystic Side and Maiden.^ In 1648, fi\e years before the road was finally established in 1653, it had been laid out in such a manner as to meet with opposition from the residents of Mystic Side and others, which seems to ha\-e been successful, and Ensign Thomas Lynde and Joseph Hills were added to act with the committee in select- ing a new route for this road, as will be seen b\- the following- petition: 16=3=48= To the HoiPd Court. The humble peticon of seu'el the Inhabitants of Mestick side & others Jn Charles Towne. May Jt please you to und''stand. that there '-' Charlestoivn Archives, xx., in ' Qorey, History of Ma/den, (^5. loco. ROADS. STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. 43 hath beene lately layd out A highway from wineseiiiet to Redding by Appointment of the gen^ll court, whose orders in all things, wee most willingly as dutie binds vs submit vnto, Assuring ourselves that their principall Ayme is the publ. good : wd' vnder fauour we conC is not consistent w'^ the Lying of that way as now it is done = soe that it thwarts neere twentie small Lotts & Allso many other Lotts = w^h if by means thereof, the owners be forced to fence out the way A great part of the Land must be sould to make the fence, the owners being many of them pore & not able to beare the charge thereof, some of them hauing foure fences AUreadie Against coiiion & highway ground, W'herefore o"" humble request is that the said Act may be recalled & that the way vnto wenesemet from Redding may be in the highway Leading toward the penie ferrie, vnto the house of James Barritt & so by the towne way leading directly vnto winesemet. Lying on the head of the fine Acre Lotts. by the South-spring, w^h is Allso A playne, firme. trodd way & but lit'le about, the w^i^ they now stand charged to fence Against & cannot secure their planting without it. So shall wee be bound to pray as wee desire dayly to doe for ye psptie & peace temporall & Eternall. J*? Greexland RiCH^ Dexter Francis Wheeler George Ffelt. In th name of the rest. The mag"- consider it meet (\vh Reference to the Concurrence of it with the Deptys) that Tho=Line & Mr Jos=Hills may be ioyned wh the former Comittee to take a new survey of the most convenient place for the way in the petition mentioned. l\: to make certifi- cate to the Court of their ^^P * ^ ^ j 9> apprehensions therebout. yO\ii/l^tyC /Ccrh * ^0^\r^ The Dept'.e? Consent to o^ hono''d magists in answer to this pet= W'M Torrev by order ^^ !^. ■* The committee thus enlarg-ed made report to the General Court. May 9, 1649: Mr Joseph Hill, Leff Sprauge, Tho Lyne, ^: Frauncis Smith, as a comittee, bringing in their retourne of a highway laid out by them from Redding to Winisemett, information was given that this was lesse behoofefuU to y^ country then the fornV ; wherevpon the Courte, considering y' it is and willbe of great concernement to the publicke that the best high wayes be layd out from toune to toune for publicke vse, wch concernes posterity aswell as ourselves, and that no private interest should hinder it. have ordered, that M"' Cleoments. John ■* Mass. Archives, cxxi, 21. 44 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Osgood, and Frauncis Smith, as a comittee, shall have power to lay- out the most convenient way for a countr}- roade between e Redding and Winnisemett.5 But for some reason this committee did not perform this duty; the road still remained undesignated; and the following- order was passed Ma}- 31, 1652 : Whereas this Court did long since appoint sundry psons to lay out the way from Reding to \Mnesemett, which is not 3-et determined, & some of the psons mentioned in the sd order are dead, and forasmuch as it was ordered by Cambridge Court, that it should forthwith be done by the townes of Redding & Maiden, it is now ordered by this Court, that the laying out of the sd highway shalbe clone by the townes of Redding & Maiden, according to the law in that case provided, any act of this Court to the contrary notw^'standing/^ Then, as we have seen, but not until over a \'ear and three months had passed, the ne\\- committee consisting of Thomas Marshall, John Smyth and John Sprague, laid out the long contemplated road in a manner apparently- satisfactor\- to all concerned. The \'arious windings of this original road through Melrose may be traced as follows: Beginning at the boundary line between Wakefield and Melrose, it followed the present Main Street a short distance, crossing it twice, and lea\'ing it just before reaching the brow of Reading Hill on the easterly side; thence in the rear of the residence of the late Asa Church, and of the new houses recenth' built and parallel with the present Main street to Green street, a portion of the road being still clearly defined; thence through the whole length of Green Street, b}- the eastern end of Ell Pond, through Lebanon Street as far as Louisburg Square, where still stands the old John Lynde mansion, but now \\'ithout its once umbrageous elm; then down L}-nde Street to near where the "Dolly Upham " house now stands, when it left that street and skirted along che east side of Boston Rock, following somewhat nearly the course of the present Lin- wood Avenue, almost to Sylvan Street, crossing the field just before reaching the h'ltter street; a short section of this cross-cut is still preser\-ed, although the new stone-crusher, established in 1897, ^i^s nearly crushed it out of existence; thence diagonally across Wyoming Cemetery to its south- ^ Mass. Colony Records, iii, 159. '■ iMass. Colony Records, iii, 274. ROADS, STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. 45 west corner; thence over hill and dale, through the woods, by the Forest Dale Cemetery, to Forest Street; entering that street near the old Jacob Pratt house; thence it followed the old " Salem Path " to the present Main Street, skirting Wayte's Mount, which has been known as " Mount Pros- pect," and "Captain's Hill." That part of the old road from Wyoming Cemetery to Forest Street was remarkably well preserved and clearly defined, easily driven over, showing the wheel-rut abrasion of the old-time usage ver\- distinctly, until the time when the Lynde farm was bought by Hon. Elisha S. Converse, and the Forest Dale Cemetery established in Maiden; then the new road which was built between the two cemeteries entirely obliterated all traces of the old road of 1653. The original Ensign Thomns Lynde farm was large, em- bracing what is now the \\'}-oming Cemetery, Pine Banks Park, and extended to and be\ond Forest Street; and this portion was referred to in the order la)-ing out the road in 1653; and in 1695, ^vhen the " Commons " were divided, his son Joseph Lynde, lived on Forest Street, and his house and land were exempted b>- the committee in the division of those lands, as per report in Maiden records of March 26, 1694, and as given on page 17.' Parts of the old road in Maiden, Everett and Chelsea still exist; sections of Madison, Forest and ]\L-\in Streets in Maiden, Buckman and Chelsea Streets in Everett, and Washington Avenue in Chelsea traverse portions of it. In the course of time, as will be seen by the following peti- tion of Ensign Thomas Lynde, a part of the road running through Melrose, just described, was somewhat changed: To the Hoiior'i County Court at Charts Tounic. 20. 4: 71 [April 20, 1 671] The petition of Thomas Lynde of Maiden Humbly showeth : That whereas formerly a certaine Highway for the Countrj's use was laid out through a helde of mine commonly called my further field which if so continued and made use of will be very prejudicial to my self and posf'y by reason I have so litle land Improveable to corne. And inasmuch as there may be a way w'ht [without] my said fielde " This house was built by Deacon preseut Pratt house built near the Thomas Lynde for his son Joseph. entrance to Forest Dale Cemetery. It was demolished in 1S28, and the Corey, History of Maiden, 368. 46 HISTORY OF MELROSE. in 1115- other land but a few poles difference and which for several 3'ears haue been made use of both b}' the Town and Countrj- M}' Humble request to this Honor^ Court is that the said wa}^ may be altered : to which end if this Court please the Towns mostly concerned may be ordered to choose such persons amongst themselves as they judge meet to reveiw the said way & having respect to the Countrys conven- iency and saffty with }'Our petitioners and Towns concerne therein and to make return to this Court that they may determine therein as in there wisdoms they shall judge meet. And your petitioner shall be bound to pray &c. Thomas Lvnde. ^^af^cu^ -^ ^ ^*>.r*/c^ "t^ <^*-f C^^S >z^4- r'nds Land in Maulden" and that they "settled the same to pass under the Rock where it now lyeth"and that the Court accepted and approved; and from that time, instead of continuing on the east side of. Boston Rock, as formerly, it left the present Lebanon Street, at the junction of Grove, passing through L\-nde Street, by the " Dolly Upham " house to the foot of Summer Street; ( Lynde Street, as now known, was not extended through to Main Street until 1857;) thence through Summer Street to Main to where Masonic Hall now stands; leaving Main Street soon after, it crossed the present Mount Vernon Street east of the "great rock" referred to later, and the houses of Edwin S. Small and others, continuing on between the present homesteads of Henry and the late D. Alvin Lynde, and on close beside the foot of Boston Rock, a portion of which road still exists, but unused, across the meadow in front of the Ensign Thomas Lynde house, then retentl>' built, and on through the Pine Banks Park to the old road again to Poorest Street, as ori«>-- inally laid out. It is almost impossible to obtain exact information as to some of the earl\- roads. Many changes were made as time went on, and where first a road was travelled, after abandon- ment, and a new one utilized, the old became obliterated from disuse. On a plan of Maiden, surve3-ed by Peter Tufts. Jr., of Mi'd- ford, in 1795, b\' authority- of a resoKe j)asse(l by the General Court in 1794, thf only roads hu\l down in what was then North Maiden, are, the main road as last described, called the "Reading Road," now ALiin Street, and the"Stoneham Road," which left this near where our Masonic Hall stands, and fol- lowed what is now our VVj'oming A\enue, Hurd. Cottage, P^oster and \'inton Streets, to the old count\- road leatling to Stoneham. now Franklin Street. This "Stoneham Road" had been laid out fi\e yt'ars before, in 1790. At the same time there existed, but not shown on this map, the road running towards the Chelsea line— Chelsea then bounded Maklen on the east,— which isr£\ Surxcy'd jD //^y By T'tc'r Tufh yua ROADS, STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. 51 The various ponds are iiulicated on this map, incliuh'nij the no longer existing Dix, in the rear of the City Hall. A few of the houses then standing are rudely drawn thereon: On the old road, James Green, at the extreme north; Vining's next; then the William Emerson tavern, which "stood near the old well with a narrow cartway between the house and well;"ii William Upham, on the present Lynde Street, opposite the "Dolly Upham" house; Benjamin L)'nde, where now stands Henry Lynde's homestead, and the old Ensign Thomas Lynde House at the Fells, without a name. On the "Stoneham Road " appears the Phineas Sprague house which stood where now stands the residence of the late Mrs. Liberty Bigelow; then Captain Unite Cox, the old " Mountain House;" and last that of John Larrabee. This rude survey is the earliest repre- sentation of the topography of the town of which there is any knowledge. The present course of Main Street is indicated by the dotted lines. The dotted section on the northwest corner shows the portion set off from Stoneham in 1853, and added to the territory of Melrose. Some roads were laid out at the time of the division of "The Commons," mostly in the"Scadan Fells," as will be seen by the following: A committee consisting of Lieutenant Joseph Wilson, Isaac Hill, Lemuel Jenkins and Nathaniel Upiiam. chosen April 9, 1695, niade this report May 8, following: Wee subscribers have done according to the town vote at our under- standing in staking of highwayes in the sheep paster and the three hundred accres namly two poles wide with .stakes blazed one the in- side and pillers of stones at the bottom of them I. as one the neck side from the Spragues Land, up through the neck unto John Greenlands lote in Charlestown bounds [Washington Street. going north from the R. R. bridge in Maiden.] 2ly. A Roade from Joseph Linds house [near " Reed}- Pond " on Forest Street, heretofore described] through the sheep paster to dexters Rockes [the great ledges in the woods between the westerly side of Swain's Pond and Lebanon Street,] then through the lots to the second diuision and from tiie foote of De.xters Rokes nortiieste up Squiers hill through to tiie seckend diuision. 3ly. A Roade from Joseph Hoyds through the sheepe paster antl three hundred accres to Swaines ponde into the seckend diuision. [heretofore referred to as coming from I'pham Lane through Spear Street, and through the woods to I^ebanon Street.] ^^ MSS. letter from his son, Rev. Warren Iviiiersoii. 52 HISTORY OF MELROSE. 4ly. A Roade from Ezekell Jankens a longe in the sheep paster [the territory' east of Wayte's Mt. through which Forest Street runs,] and crossing the Roade that comes up from Joseph floydes. and pasing on towards the O [Round \\'orld ; the territory west of Lebanon Street, in Maplewood, south of the Maiden Poor Farm,] then winding to the left through lots into the seckend diuision. 5ly. A Roade from Leftent Spragues land up through to the Road that comes from Joseph floyds : 61y. A Roade from haywards land branching out to dexters Rockes likewise branching up to Swaines pond brooke [the present Lebanon Street,] and through the lots to the Roade that comes from Joseph floyds : Joseph Willson Samuell Jankens. NATHANELL UPHAM. ISACC HiLL. These roads, with the exception of the first, traversed the Scadan woods, but it is not easy to indicate, only in part, just where. One ran easterly from Swain's Pond Road, near Leba- non Street, over into the Salem Road. Two of the old ways, running from the easterly end of Swain's Pond, are still used to some extent; they lead towards the old road which for- merly ran from the Salem Road to the iron works at Hammer- smith on the Abousett, or Saugus River. The roads which have been described were the only ones laid out for many years; no new ways were granted until after the Revolution. In the earlier days, the scattered and isolated farm houses of the old-time residents west of the " Reading Road," noted on the 1795 map, were reached b}^ various private paths and cart- ways, mostly unnamed. The original manner of reaching IVIalden Centre, from some of these western homes was a path- way which followed about on a line with our present Cleveland Street, crossing Spot Pond Brook, passing Capt. John Lynde's house to what is now Washington Street, thence down by the cliffs and cascade to Maiden; and the " Stoneham Road," pre- vious to the time it was laid out in 1790, had been nothing more than pri\ate ways or paths, from house to house, on the west side of our present Main Street, beginning at the house of Jonathan Howard, Jr., which stood where Masonic Hall now stands, and before which grew a majestic buttonwood tree, well remembered by some now li\ing. One of these ways, which marks the origin of that part of our Main Street from above Island Hill, up along by the side of Pine Banks Park and Hog Island, was the subject of the following Town \-ote March i, 171^: ROADS. STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. 53 That Jose Line has libart)' Granted to him and his haires To Raise the causewaj' y' Lyeth betweene >-« medo foniiarly cap' waits : und y« sd Lines medo so high as to flow y^ s^ lines meddo : and y^ s^ Lines doe obUge him self and his haires To maintain y^ s^ causway in good Repair suficant for both Town and countrey to pass : — so long as they se cause to flow y^ s"? medo Also y« said line has libarty to take earth and grauill on y^ high way on y^ Top of y« hill near y^ s/y Showeth: whereas you haue bin * Geneatogies of the Lyndcs, in ^ These docunieuts are given iu MSS. b)- .^rtenias Barrett and Wil- the chapter on " Roads, Streets ton F. Bucknam. and Highway's. " " IMass. Archives, Ixvii, 234. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 61 pleased to Commission your Suplyant to y^ ofise of An Ensigne in y*: foot Comp> : military of maiden An throuj^h the Jnfirmytyes of age J find my Selfe altogether in capasytated to doe you any further Servis in Said ofise J beg therefore your dismission from y' servis: and shall pray for yo"" prosperyty and Remaine you"" Humble Serv' . May 6th, 16S5 '^/A^- the father at this time, smaller then than now, is at present a large and commodious structure, and is an interesting specimen of the ancient colonial architecture. It is still in a most excellent state of preservation, and shaded b\- its ancestral elms. There are a few houses now standing in "^ Mass. Archives, l.\x, 132. 62 HISTORY OF MELROSE. New England that antedate this one; there are none that pre- sent so fine an appearance. Not many of our modern wooden houses will exist at the end of two and a quarter centuries! But this is a strongly built, large-timbered structure, capable of defying the elements for many more decades.'^ The original and main part of this house is the oldest now existing in Melrose. There are others that are very old, but none that equals this in age, being two hundred and thirt)'-two years old. In the chapter on " Roads, Streets and Highways," will be found a petition signed by Ensign Thomas Lynde, with a fac- simile of the same, dated April 20, 1671. This was prelimi- nary to the change that was made in the first road of 1653; and the action of the Court thereon was as follows: This 19 September 71. In Order to what the County Court held at Charlestown the — of June 1 67 1 who hath Chosen and impowered James grene Josias Conuers and Jonathan Poole to state the hyway now Jn question towards Redding nere Ensign Thomas linds being in his grounds : : we Whos names are aboue mentioned do therefore Se Cause to remoue the hywaye from where Jt did former ly that Js to say through the Oald feld to the place vnder the rocks wliere the waye now lyes. Witness our hands. '^ For some interesting items con- cerning this old homestead, I am indebted to Mr. Wilton F. Buck- nam, author of the Bnckna))i Geiie- alogy, a lineal descendant of the vSpragues, Lyndes and Greens, by intermarriage, and who has given much attention also to the Sprague and Lynde genealogies, as well as historic matter relating to these families. In a letter dated July 10, 1899, he states that the original house as built by Ensign Thomas Lynde in 1670, was enlarged and its internal arrangements changed by his grandson Col. Joseph Lynde. It then had diamoud-paned win- dows, which came from England, the glass set with lead. These windows were afterwards trans- ferred to the Jabez Lynde house on James Grene Josias Conuars Jonathan Poole*' Washington Street, hereafter re- ferred to. The stair-rails, mould- ings and tiles for these alterations, also came from England. Some of the timbers are 14 inches square. He also states, that tradition in the Lynde family says, that owing to some disagreement between Dea. Thomas Lynde, the original settler in Charlestown, and his son, Col. Joseph Lynde, brother of Ensign Thomas, that the deacon came to live in this new house, which had bsen built in part by the father's money, and died tliere ; which would account for his having been buried in Bell Rock Cemetery, instead of at Charlestown. Midd/t'se.x- Court Fi/rs, October, 1671. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. G3 This changed the road from the east side of Boston Rock to the west side; "the place vnder the rocks where the wave now lyes," still existing, plainly seen and easily followed, leaving Sylvan Street a few rods east of Main Street, thence skirting the base of the "rocks" by the old stone wall, to the residence of the late D. Alvin Lynde, enters our present Main Street, opposite the Henry Lynde mansion. This change in the road accommodated the new houses then built and to be built by the L}'ndes. From Ensign Thomas Lynde descended all the Lyndes that are now living, or have lived in Melrose. He was one of the Selectmen of Maiden during the years 1678, 1684, 5, 6, 7 and 8." He died Oct. 15, 1693, aged jj years. By his will, dated Oct. 3, 1693, on file in the Probate Court at East Cambridge, he divided his farm between his sons Joseph and John ; giving r^i^r, f^M'-'-- ,.A.-'r — - - - - geict^Shl^'^^ to Joseph the southern portion, and to John the northcni. This farm embraced a region about as follows : Beginning at the southwestern corner and extending northerly along the line of Washington Street to near \V\-(Mning A\enuc ; thence easterly along the line of that Axeiuie, and nearly or ciuite to Lebanon Street, then southerly, embracing the territ(-)r\- of Boston Rock, W\oming Cemetery, Pine Banks Park, antl For- est Dale Cemetery, to Forest Street in Maiden; thence westerly- to Washington Street, embracing "Island Hill," between Main Street and the Boston and Maine Railroad, which in earl\- da\s ■" Elizabeth, (laughter of Knsigii of a receipt given the executors Thomas Lyude, and .sister to Joseph for their portion of the estate of and John Lynde, married Peter her grandfather, Ensign Thomas Tufts. Her daughter married Ja- Lynde. Tlie black spots were seal- cob Hurd, and above is a facsimile ing-wax seals. 64 HISTORY OF MELROSE. a i<4.^ ■■^ '.-■■■ 't^''*^ ^^ 11 The above iMlicr iacMiaile ui .1 l.yiide, Jauuary n, 1736. Mr. page of a manuscript sermon which Emerson was the pastor of Mal- was preached by the Rev. Joseph den, from 1721 to 1767. Emerson, on the death of Mr. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 65 was surrounded by the meadows of Three Mile Brook. This hill is fast disappearing by the restless hand of improvement and utility. One of the descriptions in this will contains this sentence: " Bounded by a great rock at the corner of John Lyndes about 20 rods beyond his house." This "great rock" was the well-remembered immense boulder which stood near the residence of George Washington Groxer, on IMain Street. This house has disappeared; so, also, has a large part of the boulder. .These changes took place when Mount Vernon Place was laid out, and the houses built thereon, together with those on Main Street adjoining. Joseph L\'nde, born Dec. 13, 1652, who received the old homestead, and the southern and eastern part of the original farm, embracing what is now Wyoming Cemetery, died in 1736, at the age of eighty-three years, lea\-ing his real estate to his son Joseph; he gax'e his " negro Dinah " to his wife. In the Melrose Public Library is a small volume containing four of his printed sermons, which were preached during the year 1738. It was at this time that occurred the visitation of a terrible disease in Maiden, carrying off two, three, four, and in one instance five members of a family, mostly children. In the midst of this pestilence the inhabitants cried out " Be- hold ! The Lord hath created a new thing in the midst of us. It is a very strange punishment that He is inllicting upon us.'' It was called a " throat distemper." The titles of two of these sermons are: " Early Piety P^ncouraged; A Discourse occa- sional by the joyful and triumphant Death of a Young Wo- man of Maiden, Who died of the Throat-Distemper, Sept. 6, 1738. .-Etat. 21." This has an eight-paged "Dedication To the Chikh'en and Youth of Maiden." The other was " A Word to those that are afflicted very much. A Sermon Preach'd at the Lecture in Maiden, October 20th, 1738. On Occasion of the repeated and multii)lied Deaths of Children in many Families in said Town, by the Throat Distemper." This book belonged to one of our Howard family, as is shown by the autograph inscription on the fly-leaf: " Nathanael HowartI his Book god give him grace hearin to look in the >'ear of March the 14 Day 1758." This uniiiue and ancient volume was bought at an auction sale and presented to our Public Library by John W. P^arwell, Esq.^- ^2 Facsimiles of the title pages of Corey in his History of Muldtii, these two sermons are given by pp. 639, 640. 66 HISTORY OF MELROSE. This farm of Dea. Joseph Lynde was bequeathed to his son Joseph, who was born September 2, 1690; and it was while in his possession that the changes in the old house, heretofore spoken of, were made, lea\'ing its outward appearance about as now seen. In finishing and embellishing the parlor, he adorned the large, old-fashioned fireplace with tiling. His father considered this a piece of extravagance, and was so incensed that he struck one of the tiles so hard with his cane that it broke; and it so remained for many years. When this house passed out of the possession of the Lynde family, a few years since, during a time C~^ /^ ^ ' — ^ of some repairs, these tiles ^_^^y'^^ ^^^ ^ ^^ oc-^ °^H never married. He tilled its -^ / acres until he died in 1875, ^^ ^^^*^ ^?>^ of seventy years, when the homestead passed into the possession of his sister, Mrs. Rebecca Lynde Eaton; and in 1881, the farm, then consisting of 175 acres, was bought b\' Hon. Elisha S. Converse of Maiden. Thus had these original acres remained in pos- session of the Lynde family, descending from father to son, through seven generations, and for a period of nearh' two and a half centuries. While the farm and homestead was in the possession of the L}'ndes, it always ex'idenced thrift and enter- prise. Beautifulh' situated in the \-alle}^ between ranges of hills, its spacious mansion, shaded l)y tall ancestral elms, its well-tilled acres, large and commodious barns, well filled with the products of the farm, flocks of sheep and herds of cattle, all indicated one of the good old-fashioned New England homesteads, which, alas ! grow scarcer as the years go by ! On the western portion of this farm, close under the tower- ^■^ Afterwards one was given to serted over one of his fireplaces. Hon. Levi S. Gould, who had it in- c^fr«-« OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 67 ing eastern ed^e of the Middlesex Fells, and near the Fells station, the Boston Rubber Shoe Company, of which Mr. Converse is the principal stockholder, built its extensive manufacturing- plant, known as Factory No. 2, the works at Edgeworth being No. i. This establishment gives em- plo3ment to hundreds of persons, many of whom are residents of our city, and for whom the Company has built numerous dwellings on the surrounding acres.'-* ."XtLROE. 'AA^^ This \-iew of the Boston Rubber Shoe Compan\''s Works at the Fells is taken from the summit of Black Rock. In the distance is seen the Maiden Water Reser\-oir, on the top of Wayte's Mount. The eastern portion of this farm, south of Boston Rock and \\'yoming Cemeter}-, is now known as Pine Banks Park. This is a tract of one hundred and ten acres, nearly all of which are in Melrose; a few acres are across the line in Mai- den. Its surface is di\-crsified with hill and dale, bold crags and winding streams. It has in its central part se\eral pecul- iarly formed banks and knolls, and is mostly co\"ered with trees; the pine tree largely predominating; hence its appro- priate name. Under the care and superintendence of Mr. John Davidson, Mr. Con\-erse has built man\- smo(Uh and handsome carriage '* Since writing this the business Rubber Co.," but the business con- has been absorbed by the large tinues in tlie name of the Hoston trust known as " United .States Rubber Shoe Company. 68 HISTORY OF MELROSE. roads, many of them bordered with shrubs and flowers, wind- ing through these acres in all directions, affording miles constructed to its top. In the more central part is situated the "Summit," reached by a winding road, on which 111 observator}' has been erected; and from uiiicli a ciiarmmg view of the surrounding country is obtained. Nearby is "Island Pond" with its rustic bridge and adjoining picnic grove. Between these summits there is "The Intervale," a densely OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. G9 wooded glen, on the eastern brow of which, connecting Wyo- ming and Forest Dale Cemeteries, runs " Hillside Terrace," which traverses that section of the old 1653 road between Winnesimett and Reading; and on the northern part of this Park, bordering on Main and Sylvan Streets, there has been established the links of the Pine Banks Golf Club. All of this magnificent territory-, luxuriously adorned by nature, and lavishly cared for, has been freely opened to an appreciative public by the generous owner. Here all are invited to enjoy the many walks and drives which intersect this sylvan retreat. It is justly becoming a famed resort for outing parties. Each season witnesses the coming and going of thousands of visitors. There is one unique feature in this Park which is not open to the public; the rustic "Log Cabin," situated on " Island Pond Road," not far from the romantic "Lodge" at the main entrance. This belongs exclusi\ely to Mrs. Mary D. Con- verse, wife of the owner. It is furnished with the old fashioned furniture of former days. Its walls are lined with pictures of historic interest. It contains many curiosities, trophies gathered from near and from far. Among the man>' interesting articles there may be mentioned Egyptian can- dlesticks, a Roman shield, boar's head, Chinese gods, spinning and flax wheels, foot sto\"e, warming pan, sabres, pistols, powder-horn, guns^ one with a canteen, from the battlefield of " Fair Oaks," Confederate — cup and saucer from the Spanish "Maria Theresa," etc., etc. Occasion- al j:)arties are held herein; the marriage ceremony of one of the daughters of the Superin- OLD CORN MILL — NOW STANDING tendcut.was performed there- iN READING ROOM OF MELROSE [y^ a short time a<^o PUBLIC LIBRARY. ' , . T ■ r At the time this farm was sold, and the contents of the old homestead scattered b\' an auction sale, there was fount! in the cellar a relic of the old 70 HISTORY OF MELROSE. colonial husbandry, of "\'e olden time," indeed. It is made from an oak lo.o-, a little laro-er and taller than a common barrel, dus^- out like a mcM-tar, with iron hoops "around it- It has two heavy wooden pestles. It is an old corn or samp mill; in it was pounded the corn and grain for family use, doubtless before the building of the Coytmore mill, at Mai- den Centre, in 1640. At this sale of the farm belongings in 1881, this mill was bought by Homer S. Littlefield, who, a few years afterwards, presented it to the Town of Melrose. This curious and antique relic of by-gone clays is now safely cared for in the reading-room of the Public Library. Col. Joseph L>'nde, a brother of Ensign Thomas, born June 8, 1636, was a prominent and wealthy citizen of Charlestown. He had much trouble with Gow Andros, in 1687, relativ^e to the title of his land. In 1695, he was commissioned by Lieut. Gov. William Stoughton, to pursue the Indians who had made an attack on the town of Billerica. His report of this expedi- tion is as follows: Aug". 23';' 1695. Receiving" commission from the Honorable William Stoughton, Leutenant Governor, Commander in Cheif, over all the province of Massachusetts, with instructions for his Majesty's service in the County of Middlesex : pursuant where unto, I went that night to Billerica, where I found about three hundred men in arms from Woburn, Reading, Maiden, Medford, Charlestown, Cambridge, Water- town, under conduct of Major William Johnson ; Major Jeremiah Swaine; Major Wade Capt. William Greene; Capt. John Greene; Lt. Remington ; Lt. Haman Capt. Gerheld Sergeant Bond and Mr. Sherman. That night we marched to the river Merrimack, guarded the fords there, being three between Andover and Chelmsford, with about fort}' men at each ford, and with about one hundred men encamped that Night at Prospect Hill, that lies between Chelmsford and the river, on the northern side of the Great Swamp ; leaving the remaining forces to guard the town. As soon as it was light, on the 24 of Aug. instant, we sent men to the top of the said hill, where we had a view of the said swamp, and the country far about, but could discover no fire an}-where. Thence we proceed to range the woods between Andover and Chelmsford, but finding no sign of our enemies, we rendezvous at a place called Sandy Pond, about eight miles from Billerica eastward ; from whence about ele\'en of the clock that day we went to the Great Swamp, dismounted half our men, the other half taking their horses. We caused the men on foot to pass through the Swamp in a rank, each man at a distance as much as was conveient, appointed to rendezvous again at Prospect Hill. Major Johnson with OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 71 about forty men compassing the swamp on the west side, and myself with the rest of the soldiers on the east side. Our men on foot with much difficulty got through the Swamp, gave us account that they saw a new track and smelt Indians in one place, but did not judge by their tracks there were above two. having again rendezvous about four o'clock, afternoon, near Prosect Hill, having before noon ranged the woods belonging partly to Andover and Chelmsford to the eastward of Prospect Hill, we proceeded to range the woods towards Chelms- ford; rendezvousing again near the time of sunsetting at the cheif fording place on the Merrimack below Hunts Garrison: where I advised with all our officers. Having no prospect of doing service against the enemy ; considering the evil that had accrued by diuiding of all the forces at once. I left a guard of ten men to guard that ford under the direction of Hunt and Foster of P>illerica. until the 2()^^ of Aug. instant, at night, and then to be dismissed without further order. Marching then up to Billerica town in di\erse parties, we rendezvous at the OrdinaiT, where paying off the army with thankfuU acknowl- edgements for the ready and willing services. — at their request I dismissed them according to their desires, to make the best of their way home which without doubt they attended: though with difficult}-. by reason of the darkness of the night. So concluding, I am Sir vour Servant ^Q>X^ Dated at Charlestown. Aug. 25, 1695. Capt. lohn L\'n(k-, who r(jcei\ccl from his father, Ensi.L,Mi Thomas, the northern part of the farm, left the old orii,Mnal house at the foot of Boston Rock and built his new house in 1693, aiul it stood where lixcd the late Warren Lyndc. The farm and homestead is now owned b\' his son, Henry Lx'iide. Warren Lynde. of the seventh generation, was born May 15, 1799, and (lied in I^ ^/>t_ ^^X-^ 9^C^ now standing on the corner of ^y ^^^ Grove and Lebanon Streets. ^^^-^ This came to be known among the Lyndes as "the upper house." Until within a very few years a most magnificent elm tree stood in the square in front of this mansion. Old age, lightning and the gales made such havoc with its far spreading and aged branches, that it had to be uprooted; and the homestead it had sheltered for over a century knew it no longer. Two other farms joining this on the easterly- side, belonging to John and .Samuel Grover, were pur- chased and added to this in 1786. The old home- stead still remains in the possession of the Lyndes, the present owners being Miss Louisa L>nde. Mrs. Sarah K. Gage, a sister, and Mrs. William LnmhU'. Init josKPH i.vxDH HOMESTE.^D. ^,^^. f.^^.,^^^ together with some adjoining land, was bought in 1856, b>- Hon. Daniel \V. Gooch, Walter Littlefield and Otis Clapp; surve>ed. streets " Capt. Lynde added much to to a great extent, buying house- his farm in his day. Was a trader hold necessaries in quantity and 74 HISTORY OF MELROSE. built, and laid out in house lots, under the name of the " Home Association." Several lots in the square between East Foster, Sixth, Laurel and Larrabee Streets were reserved, and they form what is now know as "The Common." Most of these lots were then sold, or soon afterwards, and ha\e been very gener- ally built upon. Additional tracts of land were afterwards bought and many dwellings built thereon. The whole region has come to be known as East Side. There were still other Lynde homesteads. The very old house on the corner of Glen and Russell Streets, is still in possession of the Lyndes, being owned by Franklin G. Lynde, who inherited it through a nmnber of generations, from the original owner. Captain John Lynde, who inherited the JOHN LYNDE HOMESTEAD. land from Ensign Thomas Lynde. It was built about 1700, by Captain Lynde, for his son John, born April I. 1672; after- wards it was bought by Jabez Lynde, born January lO, 1 744; from whom it descended to the late Jonathan Lynde, born January 15, 17S5. grandfather of the present owner; and who died in i86g, aged eighty-five years. The will of Jabez made in 1769, speaks of his negro Zachary. The oldest portion of this house, to which an addition was built many years ago, with selling to the neighbors, taking his days for market. Buckuani, letter pay in " barter," and had regular of July 10, 1899. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. lb its low-studded, beam-crossed ceilings, is two centuries old. Paintinj^s and photos^^raphs vvithout number, have been taken, together with description for press and volume, illustrating its appearance and antiquity. It is still in very good condition. In it was born the late Aaron Green, whose father once tilled the farm, which then embraced the estate now owned by Hon. Daniel Russell; also the land now Russell Park. Captain John Lynde also built for his son Thomas, born Oct. 24, 1685, at about the same lime, 1700, the old house situated about one hundred rods west of the previous one, being the last house on Washington Street before reaching the Stoneham line. It has been remodelled and now presents a modern appearance. Originally it had a very large chimney and fireplace, wide front door through which huge fire logs were taken, and 3x4 diamond-paned windows, the glass secured by lead instead of putty. By his father's will, Thomas had the right "to pass and re- pass over to the Reading Road, leading to Maiden, providing he allows his brother John to pass and repass over past his house to the old road leading from Maiden to Spot Pond." This first way was aji old cart path leading from these home- steads north of the present Daniel Russell estate, over to the present Henry Lynde house to what is now Main Street, then the Reading Road. This was the only way the occupants of these farms had of getting out to the Reading road for many years. Captain John owned a negro boy, Samson, whom he disposed of by this same will made in 1747. The old home- stead remained in possession of the Lyndes for a number of generations. When owned by Jabez, it was alwa>-s spoken of as "the Jabe L>'nde place." It has since been known as the "Grundy place," having passed from the possession of the Lyndes in 1850. Jabez, son of Joseph, born in 1719, was Captain of the "Maiden Company of foot," in 1765. When troops were wanted for the movement on Crown Point in 1766, the following order was issued by Capt. Lynde: To M' SaDiiiil Baldwin. Cor' Sir you are Required in his Majesties Name forthwith to warn all the Training Souldiers Within your Linuiiits to meet at the House of Mr James Kettles Inhoklers in Maiden on Tuesday the 17 Day of this Instant June, at one of the Clock in the Afternoon with their arms Ammunition aquterments as the Law Directs and Make Return of this 76 HISTORY OF MELROSE. warrant With your Doings herein at or Before the time Set for S^^ Training Dated in Maiden 1766 June g'^^ By Order of Cap' Jabez Lj-nds. Ezra Sargeant MiUtary Clark. This is endorsed as follows: I have warned and Caused to be warned agreeable to within written Warrant. Sam^-l Baldwin. Capt. Lynde was one of the Selectmen of Maiden during the years 1766, 67 and 68. His son, Jabez, born Jan. 10, 1744, was sergeant in Capt. Benjamin Blaney's company that went to Lexington, April 19, 1775; also in the Point Shirley Expe- dition, June, 1776. He received six pounds bounty Dec. 9, 1776, "Voted by the Town of maiden for Prox'iding a Rein- forcement for the american Army."^*' In 1781, this Mr. Lynde furnished the town some wood and pork, and the following from the Order Book of the Select- men of Maiden shows the unsettled state of the currenc)' at that time: An order on the treasurer to Jabez Lynde for £^2$, equal to $1,083, and 2 shillings, in the first emission of Continental Dollars, for half a cord of pine wood; and for 125 lbs. of pork at ;?8 per lb. for the poor, as by his acct. dated Jan. 9, 1781, may appear. Dated in Maiden, Jan. 11, 1781. By order of the Selectmen, Joseph Perkins, Town Clerk. Thus it appears from the foregoing record, that nearly all of the territor}' now forming the southern portion of Melrose, with the exception of the wilderness portion belonging to the Commons and Scadan Woods, originally belonged to the L}'nde family; a goodh' number of its acres, which ha\'e been inherited from the first settler thereon, Ensign Thomas Lynde, still remain in possession of his descendants. The following incident is here referred to to show how dif- ferently political office is regarded to-day from what it was in those early days. There is no date given, therefore it cannot be said which of the Joseph Lyndes, and there were many, of whom it is recorded, that instead of paying anj'thing to get an office, " insign Joseph lynde" paid the town of Maiden ;^5 to be excused from serving as constable. The cost of tuition in the early part of the nineteenth cen- tury was somewhat less than it is at the beginning of the ^^ Corey, History of Maiden, 821. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 77 twentieth, as may be seen by the foUowin*,' bill paitl by Stephen Lynde, son of Capt. Jabez l-vnde, which, among other papers, belongs to Mrs. Sarah G. Crafts, nee Lynde: Stoneham, Aug. 13, 1806. M?.- Stephen Lynde Dr to Patty Crooker for instructing two of his Children 12 weeks at Seven Cents for each Child per week $1.68 Rec'd pay Patty Crooker. The Spragues. The Sprague families have ever been \ery prominent and intimately connected with the historx' of this town from its earliest days. It is quite certain that our terri- tory was visited and traversed by the three brothers, Ralph Sprague, Richard Sprague and William Sprague, who came over from England, at their own cost, and who with three or four more, b}' joint consent and approbation of Mr. John Endicott, Governor, did the same summer of Anno 1628, undertake a journey from Salem, and travelled the woods above twelve miles to the westward, and lighted of a place situate and lying on the north side of Charles River, full of Indians called Aberginians. Their old Sachem being dead, his eldest son, [Monohaguaham] by the English called John Sagamore, was their chief, and a man natural!}- of a "gentle and good disposition,-'^ by whose free consent they settled about the hill of the same place b}' the said natives called Mishawum, [afterwards called Charlestown,] where they found but one English pallisadoed and thatched house, wherein lived Thomas W'alford. a smith, situate on the south end of the westermost hill of the East Field, a little way up from Charles River side, and upon survey, they found it was a neck of land generally full of stately timber, as was the main, and the land h'ing on the east side of the river, called Mystick River, from the farm Mr. Cradock's servants had planted called Mystick, which this river led up unto: and indeed generally all the country round about, was an uncouth wilderness full of timber.'"'-' -'^ His home in Maiden was upon .Spragues could not have gone on the creek which runs from the their journey during the summer marshes between Powder Horn of 1628, as above stated. Corey, in Hill, on which the Soldiers' Home a letter to the writer, dated Feb. i, is now situated, and Winuisemmet, 1901, thinks that the Spragues did into the Mystic River, at Sweetser's not come over with Gov. Endicott, or Beacham's Point. in 1628, but with Higginson in 1629, -^ Charlestown Records, Vol. r. and during that summer made their The above record was written by journey. This view is sustained by John Greene, in 1664, and is wrong Savage in his Gettcaloi^ical Die- in its chronology. Gov. Endicott tionary, and Erothingham in his did not arrive at Salem, until Sep- History of Charlestoxvn, p. 14. tember, 1628, con.sequently the 78 HISTORY OF MELROSE. There is no doubt whatever, but that the Spragues and their companions, were the first civilized men whose feet trod upon the soil, and whose eyes gazed upon the territory now Melrose, who explored with the view of making a permanent settle- ment."^"-^ Undoubtedly other explorers traversed our territory very soon after the Spragues, for Gov. Thomas Dudley, writ- ing to the Countess of Lincoln, in England, March 28, 1631, in giving an account of the dispersal of settlers which had taken place before this date, at various places around Boston, says: " others upon the River Saugus between Salem and Charles- town." In travelling from Charlestown to Saugus, seeking out -- Couceruiug the route of the Spragues during this exploration there is some controversy. Corey in his History of Maiden, p. 19, says: "Their probable course may be traced along the Salem path, which we may believe alread}- ex- isted as an Indian trail." Such a trail would necessitate the crossing of the Abousett, or Saugus River, in what is now East Saugus, and near its mouth where it is quite wide and deep. A bridge was built here about 1639, after which the Salem Path undoubtedly was much travelled. This entered Maiden b}- Black Ann's Corner, then after following the present Salem vStreet a while ran northwesterly through the Scadan Woods into the south- erly part of Melrose, thence wound around north of Wayte's Mount. But I am led to believe differently. It is distinctly stated in the Charlesto'iVn Records, that these ex- plorers " travelled the woods above twelve miles to the westward." The History of Ly>iii by Lewis and Newhall, p. 137, under date of 1631, shows a far more proV)able route of travel for this early date : " At this time, there was no bridge across Saugus River, and people who trav- elled to Boston were compelled to pass through the woods in the northern part of the town, and ford the stream by the Iron Works, which were near the site of the present woolen factories in vSau- gus Centre." These factories were north of the vSaugus Town Hall. Here the river was easily forded. Traces of this trail existed until within a short time. From the ford it continued westerly, enter- ing the confines of Melrose, a little way south of the cliffs be- low John Doherty's, on Upham Street, entering the woods and passing over what became the road from Maiden through Sau- gus to Lynn, and which was laid out in 1796, a part of which is now known as Altamont Avenue; and so on to the region of Spot Pond. After reaching our valley it would seem that the Sprague party turned to the south, crossed the M3-stic, and ceased their journeying at Charlestown, where they soon afterwards settled. As we shall see, the Spragues owned land to the west and south of Ell Pond, on record as early as 1638, showing undoubted ownership some years before; clearly indicating to my mind, that this valley was thus explored and admired during that first expedition. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. a proper place for settlement, it is quite feasible to suppose that our valley was visited by them in their wanderings. That the SpT-agues found this particular tract of country- pleasant and attractive, from its varied scenery and adapta- bility as a place of settlement, is evidenced by the fact that as early as 1638, only nine years later, the Spragues havinj,' left Salem and settled in Charlestovvn,-^^ both Ralph and Richard owned by allotment, a lar-,fe tract of land near \\\\ Pond,'-^ naming it "Pond Feilde." This covered a large part of what is now the westerly part of the town. Ralph Sprague had "Ninetie acres of land by esti- mation, more or lesse, scituate in Pond feilde;" and Richard had sixtie acres of land by estimation, more or lesse, scituate in pcjnd feilde,-^ bounded on the one side by Ralph Sprag^ue. on the northeast by ell pond and the river [that comes through the meadow into Ell pond. — (ireen,] and on the northwest by the comon.-'' All this territor}^ belonging to Charlestown, north of the Mystic River, was then called M\-stic Side. These three Spragues were the sons of Edward Sprague, a fuller, of Upway, County of Dorset, England. Ralph and Richard were both prominent in Charlestown affairs, both being among the founders of the Church, members of the General Court, Select- men for several years, atul oflicers in the Bos- -^^^^ ^i^^«-^ ^ ^j?^^,,^ -•' Richard Frothingham, in bis -■' " This makes it certaiu that _History of Chart cstonni, p. 20, gives the first recorded name of the see- the names of "The inhabitants tiou now known as Melrose, was yt : first settled in this place and Pond Feilde. It also fixes the tak- brought it into the denomination ing up of land here, as early as of an English Towue," and tlie 1638." .\ildress of Hon. Levi S. three Spragues, Ralph, Richard Gould, at annual bancjuet of the and William, are first on the list. Highlands Congregational Church -^ Variously spelled in early doc- uments: Iv, Ell, Eel, Ele, in one place in the Charlestown Records &?, Elnie; and in the Cogan deed, hereafter referred to, " Yeale." It in 1897. -'' Charlestoii'ti Book of Posscs- sioiis, in "Third Report of the Record Commissioners of tlie City of Boston," pp. 33, 46. I'luloubt- was evidently first nameil Iv on ac- e- 10, 1635. ' — ^ The choosing of Selectmen and other officers at Annual Town Meetings was first adopted by Massachusetts; and to Charlestown — of which we were originally a part — belongs the honor of establishing the first Board of Selectmen, in 1635, six years after its settlement. Dorchester, two years before, had tried a plan which approached this idea, but the inhab- itants of Charlestown matured and consuminated it, and adopted an order, the original of which is still preserved, with the signatures, and of which the following is a cop\-; and a facsimile of which ma)- be found in Frothingham's History of CliarlcsiozvUy p. 50. An order made by the inhabitants of Charlestowne at a full meeting for the government of the Town by Selectmen. In consideration of the great trouble and chearg of the inhabitants of Charlestowne by reason of the frequent meeting of the townsmen in generall and y' b}- reason of many men meeting thmgs were not so easely brought unto a joynt issue. It is therefore agreed by the sayde townesmeix iojmtly that these eleven men whose names are written on the other syde, (w^'' the advice of Pastor and Teacher desired in any case of conscience.) shall entreat of all such business as shall con- scerne the Townsmen, the choice of officers excepted, and what they or the greater part of them shall conclude of the rest of the towne willingly to submit unto as their owne propper act, and these 1 1 to continue in this employment for one yeare next ensuing, the date hereof being dated this: lo"' of February 1634 (1635.) In witness of this agreement we whose names are under written ha\"e set o'r hands. Soon afterward the General Court embodied this idea in its legislation, and proxided for general town government. Thenceforward, from that da)' to this, )'ear after )-ear, the people of the towns have met in open town-meeting, and with free discussion upon all questions, elected their Board of Selectmen, and other officers, and transacted all other necessary business. -^ Traced from the original dociuneut, now at City Hall, Boston. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 81 The Town Mcctinij^s of New Kns^laiul have ever been its true ^Mory; and before the Revolution, they^ were, indeed, "the nur- sery of American Independence." Referrinrr to our earl\- town system, George William Curtis once said: Each town was a small but perfect republic as solitary and secluded in the New England wilderness as the Swiss cantons among the Alps. No other practicable human institution has been devised or conceived to secure the just ends of local government so felicitous as the Town Meeting. By the year 1640. the inhabitants of Charlestown had so increased that many of them had passed over the Mystic River and made quite a settlement a little to the south of Mount Prospect, now called Wayte's Mount. In 1640, Thomas Coytmore, quite often spelled Coitmore, who became a freeman in that year, and who was one of the Deputies to the General Court from C harlestown, in 1640 and 1641, built first a dam. .md then a mdl at Black Rock, on Three Myle Brook, Mystic Side, on the power made by the water flowinnr from Kll and Spot Ponds, joining as they did at Wyo- ming; thus furnishing grist-mill privileges to these increasing families of Mystic Siders. Years afterwards this site was utilized for manufacturing purposes. In 1806, three brothers, George, Thomas and Eben- ezer Odiorne, purchased the land and water-power at Black Rock, and established the manufacture of nails; being the first to cut and head them by one opera' ion. William Barrett had previoiisly. in 1803, established the silk-dyeing business, on a site near the Odiorne mill, and still carried on by his sons. It is known as the Alaldeii Dye House. Among those who left Charlestown and settled in Mystic Side, was Ralph .Sprague, who built a homestead a little to the norihwt st of the Coytmore mill. Dxing in 1660, he bequeathed this homestead and its farm to his sons lohn and Phineas; and bis farm in Pond ImiIcIc, near l.ll Pond, to his sons Richard and .Sam ml Ihis I{1I Pond farm was situated and bt)unded as follows: Beginning at Spot Pond Brook, below Wyoming Station, and running northeasti rly on a straight line on east sitle of Cottage Street, crossing West Foster Street and the Boston and Maine Railroad, through the late \\ illiam Bogle's land, thence cross- ing Essex and West Kmersoii -Streets and Lake Avenue, in 82 HISTORY OF MELROSE. a straight line, to Ell Pond, just east of the residence of the late John Shelton; thence northerly, following the brook that runs from Charles Street through Otis Street, into Ell Pond. From about twenty rods beyond Charles Street the line ran straight to Spot Pond Brook, and then by the brook to the point of beginning. The oldest son, John, bought this Ell Pond farm of his brothers Richard and Samuel in 1652.-^ The part belonging to Richard contained sixtj'-seven acres of ploughed and meadow land, and was the westerly half. His homestead stood near Barrett Mount, on the southerly side of Maple Street, about twenty rods west of Vinton Street. The old cellar was visible within the memory of some now living. John Sprague was one of the Selectmen of Maiden for many years, and a Representative to the General Court in 1690. He was one of the committee on behalf of Maiden to la}' out the old road of 1653, from Winnesemit to Reading. John Sprague died June 25, 1692, aged 68, and b}' his will bequeathed his farm to his sons John and Phineas; John li\ing on the old Maple Street place; and for Phineas a homestead was built out of the estate. This house stood where now stands the residence of L. Frank Hinckley, on West Foster Street, near the junction of Florence, Vinton and Maple Streets. The old well belonging to this homestead, with its ancient well-sweep, was on the opposite side of the street, near where now stands the beautiful and symmetrical elm tree; the spot is now covered by Florence Street, then only a pathway. This well was in use as late as 1850. John Sprague was Captain in the Militar>' Company of Mai- den, and Phineas, Ensign, in 1689; and their pre\'ious military record is given by Corey in his History of Maiden, p. 327, as follows: "John was with Maj. W'illard in 1676;" and P^hineas "was with Lieut. Hase}- in the Three Count>- Troop in 1675 and 1676; was with Maj. Williard in 1676; and with Capt. Wheeler in 1676; John was at different times, linsign. Lieuten- ant and Captain in the Military Company of Maiden. Both lohn and Phineas were of the seventy-four proprietors and freeholders who shared in the allotment of the Commons. His brother, Phineas, was a Representati\e to the General Court in 1691; and there is a record of hi.s pay as such mem- ber. He received £\0, iSs, 7d for eighteen weeks and two ^■' Middlesex Registry Deeds, Book 3, p. 207. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 83 da}'s service; about two shillings per day. Quite a contrast this, to the amount paid the present members of our Legis- lature.^'' As did Capt. John Lynde, so did Phineas Sprague, keep, not as a store, but in a limited way, a certain line of goods, which he bought in considerable quantities and "bartered" with his neighbors.^^ John Sprague, son of Capt. John, was a constable of Maiden, and during his term of service it became his duty to serve, among others, the following warning, duly recorded in the Town records of 1745: To vir John Spragiic, constable of the town of Maiden, Greeting. In his magestys name you are required forthwith to warn Thankfull Burden that she forthwith depart out of this town, and that she take her child with her. and that they be not resident longer any in said town ; and make return of this warrant with 3-our doings herein to me the Subscriber. Dated in ]\Iaklen august the 26 day, 1745. By order of the Selectmen. John Shute, Town Clerk. thankfull Burden above mentioned, is warned according to the tenor of the warrant per me. John Sprague, Constable.^- Phineas Sprague, brother of John, died in 1736. He left two sons, Phineas and Samuel, to whom he bequeathed his two farms; and for Phineas he 'built, in 1720, a homestead on the spot where now stands the residence of the late Mrs. Liberty Bigelow, on West Foster Street, and to Samuel he gave the old homestead, which he afterwards deeded to his brother Phineas, in 1 761. Middlesex Deeds, book 63, p. 198. This Phineas died in 1775; and b>- his will the property passed into the possession of his son Phineas, the fourth of the name, who was born in ^'^ Sixty years later the compen- sation had not much increased as is witnessed by the following vote passed in Town Meeting in May, ^753- "Voted That the person or persons that shall be chose at this meeting to represent the town in General Court shall manifest to the town at sd meeting that he or they will draw out of the treasury the money that may become due by law to him or them for Sitting in said Court and then immediately deliver itjto the town to be for the towns use excepting two shillings and eight pence per day to a man to be at his or their own dispose and if any person or persons refuse to serve upon said condition the town to proceed to another cho3-ce or choyces." Joses Buck nam was chosen Representative for that year and upon those terms. ■'1 Bucknam, letter of July 10, 1899. •*- The practice of warning all new comers was followed in order that no one might become a " town charge." 84 • HISTORY OF MELROSE. 1725, in this West Foster Street house, where he lived and died. He had several sons, to one of whom, Jonathan, he gave the old homestead built for Phineas, the first of the name; which, having stood a hundred years, he demolished, and built the house now occupied by Mr. Hinckley. Another son was also named Phineas, the fifth of that name; but at the death of the father, Phineas, in 1805,^^ at the age of eighty years, his homestead passed into the possession of another son, Cotton Sprague, who owned it until 1830, when it was sold, and was no longer owned by the Spragues. Cotton Sprague was a prom- inent and influential citizen. He was a member of the Legis- lature for the years 1823, '24, '25 and '26. In 1S28 this place was bought by William Foster of Boston, who demolished the old house, and built the one now standing and owned by the estate of the late Mrs. Bigelow. The ver>' large, magnifi- cent elms in front of this estate are more than a century old. The eighteen acres in front of the house were purchased in 1845, by Jeremiah Martin, cut up into house lots, and are now entirely covered with buildings. Phineas seems to have been a favorite name in the Sprague families; and Phineas, the fourth, was the father of the late Captain Phineas Sprague, who was born in 1777, during the Revolution, and who built the house now standing, in 1812, on Main Street, opposite Ell Pond, in which he spent a long life, dying in 1869, at the age of ninety-two j'ears. He was a shoe manufacturer, and continued to make and carry his shoes to Boston until within the last year of his life. "He was a worthy citizen, highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him." The old homestead is now the property of Samuel H. Nowell. Samuel Sprague, one of the veterans of the Civil War, and who lost a leg at Antietam, is also a descendant of the Revo- lutionary Phineas Sprague. Phineas, the fourth, who lived on West Foster Street, was the Revolutionary patriot, of whom many interesting anec- ^^ His epitaph rau as follows: His alms with liberal heart he gave "In memory of M'' Phiuehas unto the Sons of need Sprague who died this life Decern- His memory will to ages Live her the 28 aged 80 years andomy though he be gone in deed." 1805. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 85 dotes are told. He kept a diary. One record therein gives some details concerning the old couplet: In 1780, the nineteenth day of May, Will ever be remembered as being the dark day. Friday, May the 19TH 17S0. This day was the most Remarkable day that ever mj- eyes beheld the air had bin full of smoak to an uncommon degree So that wee could scairce see a mountain at two miles distance for 3 or 4 days Past till this day after Noon the smoak all went off to the South at sunset a very black bank of a cloud appeared in the south and west the Nex morning cloudey and thundered in the west about ten oclock it began to Rain and grew vere dark and at 1 2 it was allmost as dark as Nite so that wee was obliged to lite our candels and Eate our dinner by candel lite at Noon day but between i and 2 oclock it grew lite again but in the Evening the cloud caim over us again the moon was about the full it was the darkest Nite that ever was seen by us in the world. During one of the intercolonial wars between the French and English Colonies, this same Sprague furnished a substi- tute. Jan. 13, 1 761. Received of Phinehas Sprague june'r eight Pounds lawful money it being for my going a Solger to forte Cumberland and I had a promes, not of Six Pounds be fore. Pr me John Batts. When slavery existed in Massachusetts some of these old families in Melrose were slave-holders, as is witnessed by fre- quent items in the history of these old familes, and by the fol- lowing document given to this same .Sprague. Although it existed in a "mild and patriarchal form," it was real slavery, nevertheless, and human beings had a money \-alue, and were bought and sold like cattle or real estate: Know all men by these present that I. Thomas Nickels, of Reding, In the County of middlesex, gentilman for and in Consideration of the sum of thirty three pounds six shillings and Eight pence lawfull money of New England to me in hand paid by piniash Sprague, Jun of Maiden in the same County above s'' Cordwinder whereof I do hereby acknowledge the Receipt and my selfe therewith fuly and entirely satisfied have bargened sold set over and Deliverd, and by these present in plain and open markit acording to the due fourm of law in that case mad and provided do bargain set over and Deliver unto the said phinas Spraigue Jun a negro woman namd pidge with one negro boy to have and to hold to his proper use and behoofe of 86 HISTORY OF MELROSE. him the said phinas Spraigue his heirs, executors administrators and assigns for ever and I Thomas nickles for my self my heirs executors administrators and asigns ganst all in all manner of person I shall warrant and for ever Defend by these presents In witness whereof with the Deliver of the bargained persons I have set to my hand and seal the twentj'-live Day of april in the i 7 fifty-three year of y^ Raign of oure Souerign lord gorg the Second ouer grate Britton. Thomas Nichols [seal]. Signed and our Seal 1753 and Delever in the present of us. JoNA Kidder. Edward Lambert. And the following anecdote is told concerning one of his slaves: He (Phineas 3'?.) owned a number of Negroes, and made the credu- lous darkies believe that he could find out by arithmetic any mischief they had been up to. So when a neighbor made a complaint that he had reason to believe a certain negro had stolen a cart chain, he called the negro up and told him he suspected he had been doing wrong, and unless he owned up. he (Phineas 3''.) should figure it out. There being no confession, he would then take his chalk and board and sit down to cipher. In a few moments he would musingly say, " links three inches long ; links three inches long, what does that mean ?" Then turning to his " boy " he would say, " Pomp, " or whatever his name might be, " Pomp, 3'ou have been stealing sausages." Pomp, astonished at such arithmetic, would say, •' no, Massa, me no steal sassage, me steal cart chain." 34 Concerning his military life we have the following: Although somewhat advanced in life, and being quite deaf, when the Revolutionary War broke out, and the call was made for the "minute-men," he joined the Maiden Company, under Captain Nayler Hatch, which went first to Beacham's Point, and then in the night, to Concord and Lexington. Mr. Sprague's " heart was as impervious to fear, as his ears were to sound;"' and when the rest of his comrades were flying from the view of the enemy, he was seen upon a piece of rising ground swinging his hat. and shouting victory .35 In the Centenial year, 1875, an anonymous communication in the Melrose Jounial, " Melrose in the Concord Fight," ga\'e this additional item concerning his Revolutionary history: That day was made glorious by the courage and patriotism of the yeomanry of old Middlesex, and it is fit and proper that Concord and ^■* Letter to Artenias Barrett from '^ Thauksgiviug discourse at Mal- Samuel Poor, June 1876. den, Dec. i, 1831, by Rev. S. Osgood Wright, p. 24. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 87 Lexintrton should send greetings to the other towns of Middlesex County, and in\-ite them to be represented on the occasion of the one- hundredth anni\'ersary of the most creditable events of American history. Melrose (at that time known as North Maiden) was but a small hamlet of a score or two of dwellings, and perhaps but a score or two of men capable of bearing arms; but some of them, on hearing of the march of the British to Concord, left their work, took their arms, w^ent across to intercept them, and did noble service to the cause of freedom. Among others was Sprague, a grandfather of the late Capt. Phineas Sprague of Melrose, and a worthy by the name of Edmunds, whose names have come down to the writer by tradition. Sprague, ownmg a gun, took it with him. Edmunds had no arms ; but when they arrived at the scene of the conflict, . Edmunds, having recon- noitered, discovered a British soldier prowling away from the main body of his comrades, and borrowed the gun from his neighbor Sprague and went for him. When he encountered the soldier they both tired at each other at the same time, and both remained unhurt. They then reloaded their pieces ; but the Britisher, having a cartridge, was the first to load and fire, and missing his opponent took to his heels. Edmunds, loading his piece from a powder horn, required more time, but when his flying opponent mounted a stone wall in his retreat, he, with a well directed shot, brought him to the ground, securing as trophies a good king's arm and his other accoutrements, also, what was undoubtedly very acceptable, the rations the soldier brought from Boston. Thus were two of our country's heroes well armed, and from the accounts that tradition has brought to us, they bore them- selves bravely through the day, being in the thickest of the fray. This same communication relates the following concerning a later experience of Mr. Sprague, when he and others made an effort to cross Mystic River during the progress of the battle of Bunker Hill, but were prevented by an English vessel in the river: At low water there was a foot-way to the channel and a boat to cross with. Mr. Sprague, who was quite deaf but very courageous, was determined to go over, and when on his way he was shot at from the vessel. He several times dared them to fire, and they shot several nine-pound balls at him, which missed and were lodged in the bank of the river. He afterward dug one of them out and said he wanted to keep it to remember the devils by. That ball was in the possession of the writer for a long time but it has disappeared. One of the sons of this Phineas, was Dr. John Sprague, who was born January 13, 1754, in the old Foster Street homestead, but became a resident of Maiden Centre, where he practiced 88 HISTORY OF MELROSE. medicine for thirty years.^*' He served as surgeon's mate in Col. Ebenezer Bridge's Regiment, in the early part of the Revolutionary War; entered the naval service as surgeon, was taken prisoner in 1777. After being exchanged, he again became a surgeon in the navy, was again taken prisoner, carried to Kinsale, on the coast of Ireland, detained until the winter of 1781-2, when he was released. The following is a copy of his discharge, the original of which is in the possession of his grandson, Charles H. Sprague, of Maiden: To all Whom it may Concern. These are to certify That the Bearer, John Sprague an American Prisoner of War, late Surgeon on board the Thomas Merchant Vessel, is set at Liberty Pursuant to an Order from the Hon'ble Commissioners for Sick and Wounded Seamen and for Exchanging Prisoners of War. Dated at Their Office on Tower Hill London, The Thirteenth Day of November Jnstant. Civen under my hand this Twenty Second Day of November 1781 J NO Howe Agent for Prisoners of War, at Kinsale. He once more entered the service as surgeon and remained until the close of the war. He practiced medicine in Maiden until his death, October 2t, 1803. He was a man of strong passion, and quite a wag, withal. The late Artemas Barrett, whose grandmother was a sister of Ur. Sprague, relates the following: Several years ago the writer met with Capt. John Smith, a retired gentleman in Boston, a native of Maiden, who remembered Dr. Sprague very well and said he was a highly esteemed citizen and a very skillful physician, that when he was born Dr. Sprague attended his mother and said in a merry way if she would name the hoy for him lie would give him a sheet of gingerbread, so his mother in a merr}- mood named him John. Capt. Smith furtlier said that Dr. Sprague had such a lucrative practice it brought a rival to Maiden, a Dr. Goss from Cape Cod to compete with him for the patronage. The mode of traveling in those times was on horseback with a pillion behind the saddle on which the wife could ride. Dr. (loss staid awliile and not succeeding was obliged to leave the town or starve. Soon after his departure Dr. Sprague wrote a poem which he posted m thu *' The name Phiueas is still in Dr. John Spra- between the present Franklin Street and Highland Avenue. It was built strongh', and used as a garrison and place of refuge in times of trouble between the early settlers of that region and the Indians. This old house was demolished about the year 1800, and a new one built nearby, on the old Count>' road, now the *" I have iu my possession the tains some curiousl}- expressed original, quaintly spelled, and conditions, time-stained indenture. It con- OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 93 PLATTERS AND WINE GLASSES. corner of Franklin and Sargent Streets, where now stands the house of Mrs. R. ]\I. Taylor. This house was moved a few rods back and now stands on Howie Court. It has received alterations and improvements. This group of two large pewter platters and two wine glasses, belonged to the original Thomas Green, and were brought by him from Eng- land. He was a passenger on the ship Paull, which sailed from London, and arrixed in V^irginia, Juh' 6, 1635. There were originally fourof these platters. These two ha\e descended from generation to generation, and were the property of the late Mrs. Dexter Pratt, of Melrose Highlands, a de- scendant of the eighth gen- eration. Mrs. Pratt, (//r^-' Abigail Southwick) was born on the old Green farm, about a dozen rods from where she resided at the time of her death. Thomas Green bequeathed his farm to his sons, Capt. William and Henr\', one-half each. William was made freeman in 1668; was member of the Maiden Church, Captain of a Military Company, and Selectman of Maiden for the years 1678, 1683 and 1702. William sold his half to his brother .Samuel in 1670, and from that time Samuel occupied " the old mansion house." In 1684, he bought the other half of the farm of his brother Henr\'. When "The Commons" were about to be divided among the freeholders of Maiden the following \-ote concerning this property was passed at a Town Meeting held May 18, 1694: "That Samuel Green shall Injoy his hous and y*" land y' stands on, and so much land about It as y^ Commite shall se cause to lay to It;" and when the divi- sion was mack' the ne.xt )'ear, another reference to it was made when describing lot No. 64, of "The Commons:" "Part east against Redding Rhode and part on y^ west of y^ Green's farm." Afterwards this homestead reverted to John Green, son of William. He was a selectman of .Stoneham in 1735. This was after this part of North Maiden had been set off to Stoneham, 94 HISTORY OF MELROSE. which, years later, came back to Melrose. John's will men- tions his son John, who has " my dwelling-house and farm and the land adjoining, that h'eth on the west side of the country road that leadeth from Maiden to Reading, that was my grand- father's; " and son Jonas has " all my land on the east of the country road aforesaid." He built thereon a house, just this side of the Wakefield line, on Main Street, which disappeared a few years since. John Green left his property to his son John, who be- queathed it to his only son John, who was a bachelor. Be- fore the death of the latter, he de\'ised it to William Green, or, more truly to his wife, Abigail Green, who li\ed with him many years, says the ]'inton Genealogy, and took care of him ,in his old age, till the very end. At the death of Abigail Green, Nov. 6, 1848, she left the propert}' to her sister Sarah, widow of Aaron Green, who was a descendant in the fifth gen- eration from the original Thomas, by another line. At her death the property went to her daughter Abigail, who married Edmund B. Southwick. This daughter, Abigail, was the sister of the late Aaron Green, who was born in the old Lynde house, on Russell Street, March 14, 1802, and who died April 23, 1882, eighty-two years of age. Mr. Green served sex^eral years as one of the Assessors of Melrose; was also on the School Committee. There were other descendants of the original Thomas Green, who li\'ed on other farms on the territory first Charlestown, then Maiden, then Stoneham, and then JNIelrose. Others li\'ed in Maiden proper. Onl}' the ownership of the homestead of the first settler is here traced. In 1682, John, Henry and Samuel Green, bought of Thomas Robinson and John Floyd, the northerh' part of a farm north of Ell Pond, bounded easterly b}- the "Redding highway, northerl}' and westerl)- on the Common land southerly b)- y*^ said Greens land."-^' It was in what is now Melrose High- lands. On this farm was iDuilt the homestead for John Green. Henr\' Green's farm and house was situated near tlie corner of Franklin and Vinton Streets, and it afterward passed into the possession of the Vintons. Isaac, son of above Samuel, had his homestead on w hat is now Ashland Street, a few r(-)ds south of Franklin Street. In 1758, he sold his estate to Thomas and ^^ Middlesex Deeds, liook 8, pp. 301-2. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 95 Hannah Vinton. Hannah was Isaac's daughter. The farm consisted of nineteen acres, and was " bounded northerly and northeasterly by a Lane that goes from my dwelling house to the Count}' Road." This lane is now Ashland Street, and the County road Franklin Street. Another Isaac Green, a grandson of Thomas, lived about half a mile west of the Highlands Station. He was a Select- man of Stoneham in the }'ears of 1745, '53, and '58. Thg following is a cop\' of a unique receipt he ga\e on account of an indebtedness: Malden, July 3-e 20th i-j^g, Recei\'ed of Benoni \'inton of Maiden the sum of fiftj' pounds Lawful! nione}- being in full on all accounts debts dues & Demands due or pa}-able from him to me from the beginning of the world to this da}-. Reed by me Isaac Greex. Test Jonathan Green. Among these other descendants were the following who lived in Stoneham: Deacon Joseph Green, whose farm was near where the Highlands Station now is. He was a Select- man of Stoneham in 1747, '49, '54, '5 and '8. April 16, 1770, he sold half of his farm to Thomas Vinton, and April 15, 1777, the other half to Ezra Vinton, a brother of Thomas; Captain Josiah Green, who was born in 1735, and lived on the county road from Stoneham to L}'nn about three-quarters of a mile west of the Highlands Station, on Howard Street. He was Selectman 1781, '6, '7, 1791 and '92. His first wife, Elizabeth Green, died in 1798, having borne him eight children. He then, at the age of 64, married Sarah Skinner, a woman twent}'- two years of age, and forty-two years younger than himself. She also bore him eight children. The Vinton Genealogy sa}'s concerning this Captain Green: A most remarkable family ' \Miere can a parallel be found? Eight children born after the father had passed his sixty-rtfth year! Rebecca, the youngest, born in her father's seventy-ninth year ! Some twelve or more of his great-grandchildren older than some of his children ! Three daughters named Sarah, two living at the same time! On the 27'h of April, 1S06, Josiah Green had a daughter Susanna, a grand- daughter Paulina Bucknam, and a great grandchild, all born on the same day ! The same accoucheur. Dr. Hart of South Reading, and the same women attended in all three cases ! ! ! This is reported on good authority. Many descendants of Thomas Green settled in Maiden 96 HISTORY OF MELROSE. proper, and attained prominence in civic, town and military affairs. In the will of one of them, Deacon Daniel Green, grandson of Thomas, born in i68i, he bequeathed to his wife Mary, his " negro woman and children." Another grandson, Jacob, born in 1689, kept a diary, or "book of memorabilia: Jacob Green, his Writing Book," which is still preserv-ed. It is a small leather-bound volume, 3^17 by 6 inches, containing about 140 pages. It is mostly in the handwriting of Jacob, but partly in that of his son. Rev. Jacob Green. A great-grandson of Thomas was William Green, born in 1683. He was a carpenter. As a curiosity a copy of the con- tract for building a school-house is here gi\'en: Artecles of agrement made an Concluded between ye Select men of Maldon and William Green of y^ sd town carpender Referring two y^ bulding of a school house for y^ sd Town of Maldon \^ demen- tions and conditions are as foloeth : Viz : That y^ sd William Green doath Covenant and agree with ye sd Select men to Buld ahous to keep school in for ye town of Mal- don ye dementions are as foloeth ; viz ; Twenty foots in Lenght and sixteen foots in bredth six foots between joynts and Buld a Chimne in sd hous nere seven foots between ye gams and Lay a harth in sd Chimne and cover sd hous tite with Boords Rough and Sides — and Shingel ye Rough of sd hous and two Lay one flower and two make it with crooked beams Riseing two foots at ye Lest for Roufe 4 beems, and Ribed upon sd beems as may be suflfistient and Brick ye wals to ye plaets and make two windores one on ye South and ye other on ye Est and make ye dower of plain Boords. Sd house being Studed about 3 foots asunder and two tind all for sd house so fer as has bin mentioned and two set it wher ye towne shall agree and to under pin sd house. And ye above sd select men dou promis and agree in behaef of ye Town of maldon to pay or case to be paid unto ye above sd William Green 19 pounds for ye above said woork and where with all to do ye same as foloeth ; 5 pounds and twelve shillings in Boords and ye Remainder in money as ye woork shall go forward. And sd woork to be don forthwith, by ye 20 of Aprill next ye woork is to be competed, as ye seson will alowe all such Artikels and agreements to be performed by booth partys in Wittness whare of thay have here unto set thare hands this 27 clay of October 171 2 and in ye elevent yere of her Majest's Reign Queen Anne. William Green, Henry Green, ") Thos. Newhall, ! o 1 ^ - Selectmen. Samll Sprague, I John Green J OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 97 As has been seen, this original Green farm was situated first in Charlestovvn, then in Maiden, then set off to Stoneham, and then, in 1853, it was set off to Melrose; and it was in the pos- session of the Greens for over two centuries. The late Elbridge Green, who built the house now standing at No. 467 Main Street, was the son of Reuben, a descendant of the sixth generation from the original Thomas Green. He was born in i8li,and died Feb. 21, 1898, aged eighty-seven years. He held several town offices. He was the first Town Clerk after Melrose was incorporated. He served as Modera- tor at one Town Meeting, as Assessor for three years, and was on the School Committee two or three years. He was an upright and exemplary citizen; "a gentleman of the old school." There are still Green descendants living at the Highlands; among them Levi W. Green, of the seventh generation, now- living on Franklin Street, whose father, Peter Green, lived on " Green Lane," now Orris Street; some of this land is still owned by the Greens. Another is Mrs. Emily G. Cochrane, daughter of the late Aaron Green, and mother of Mau- rice G. Cochrane, formerK- one of our Park Commission- ers. Captain Jonathan Green, of " Green Lane," now Orris Street, was of the fourth gen- eration from Thomas. He was a leading man in Stone- ham for many years; cap- tain of a military company-; Selectma'n twenty years; Town Clerk and Treasurer twenty -five years; member of the Convention assem- bled in Boston, in 1788, to ratify the Constitution of the United States. His farm contained 215 acres. His house, still standing, and occupied b\- a descendant, is near *- This unique corner closet contains many of the old china and "other faniilv heir-looms." JR AND CORNER BII'FKT. 98 HISTORY OF MELROSE. the line between Melrose and Stoneham. It was built early in the i8th century, and has been occupied 1d_\' five genera- tions of Jonathan Greens. Tradition says that the builder utilized one end of his house for a while as a barn. Captain Green kept a diar\' of the most important events that occurred during the years from 1738 to 1745, wherein he recorded the various house and barn raisings, the going to Lynn for shad, the fact that he " Went to Nahant for a frolick," and that " My Sheepskin Breeches made up;" also " My Green fustian Cote & Gold trimed Jacket made up." Some of the more important events are thus recorded: 1738 Jul}' I Bought our Negro. 1 740 July 9 Proclamation for volunteers posted and Bees honey melted down in y^ hi\-e. Sept I Mr. Whittield precht at Boston. 1 741 June 15 Chose our Son Representative [Samuel Green.] Sept. 20 A Cattemont seen at Maiden. 1743 June 22 Unyousal worms seen at Cha^- which devoured grass and Indian & English Corn. Jul}' 3 They were seen in Jabez Green's tield. Aug 5 A fast Kept at Maiden on ye account of y^ worms. Aug 27 Thanksgi\ing day at Maiden on y^ account of ye de- parture of ye worms yt eat ye grass. Nov. 22 Remarkable high tides So high that it carried away >2 ye Stacks on ye Marsh Some it carried over ye Causey at Charlestown neck of land. " 31 A Bear Killed in Ephraim Browns Swamp in Stoneham by about 16 Men. 1744 April 7 James Hay bought his Molatto Negro aged 8 yrs. June 3 Sabbath 1 )ay ye Earthquakes heard 3 times ye first time a very hard Shake so y> ye Stone wall fel Down in many places. June 28 Fast in this pro\ince on ye account of ye french war. [This was the French and Indian War of 1744-47. Capt. Green afterwards speaks of " lirst training to List A'olunteers to go. none listed."] Pre\ious to the time of setting off the tc-n families li\-ing on the territory- now Cireenwood to Reading, in 1727, some (^f those living on territory' farther south, now Melrose, were dissatisfied with their Church privileges; and Ma}' 15, 1722, it is recorded: John Green Att y farms [the original homestead at the Highlands] Sam.' (rreen Jonathan barritt [between Cpham and I'orter Streets] OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 99 And seueral othars 5-' petision"^ with Them : doe desier : Abatement on Ther ministars Reates : bj- Reson as the)- sa}- They doe Hue more conuenant To Go [to] Reding- meting Then To maiden meting : It was putt To vote To see whethar y^ Town will abate Those peti- tionars The one half of There ministars Reates. And it past in y^ negitiue : And just before the division was made this action was taken: it was put to vote whether the Town will have two meating houses in this Town and y^ vote was past in ye negetive. it was put to vote whether y^ Town will Alow y^ people in ye north Eand of this Town some monej' to help them to provid themselve with preaching in y« winter sesons and it past in ye negetive But a little later, May 22, it was voted: that ye tenn famelys y^ ha\'e petioned to be Laid off from this Town, unto ye Town of Reding, have Liberty to goe to Reding with there Estates Acording to their petion. This left the Greens of the woods, Barretts, Uphams and others still unaccommodated and with rates unabated; and yet many years were they necessitated to go to Maiden centre for town and church privileges. The Barretts. All the Maiden and Melrose Barretts descended from James Barrett, who was born in England in i6i5,came to New England in 1635, and settled in Charles- town. His name does not appear among those who were admitted freemen; but the Charlestown Records of 1643, state that "James Barrett was admitted Townsman ' with manifesta- tion y' he is not to expect an}- allotm' of land.' " By industry and enterprise he accumulated considerable property; and there are upon record many conveyances of real estate to and from him. In a deed to Peter Tufts in 1653 he is called *' Plantor." His farm was in Mystic Side, in that portion of it now the city of Exerett, not far from where the Flastern Rail- road crosses the main street from Maiden to Boston. In 1656, he was chosen Highway Surveyor in Charlestown, for Mystic Side. There were some curious law-suits in those early da^vs. James Barrett became involved in two, and the following account of the same is found in the County Court Records, \ol. I, pp. 149, 241. Thc>' show the somewhat peculiar and effecti\e manner in which justice was administered in those ot 100 HISTORY OF MELROSE. early days, and the method of paying fines, as ordered by the Court, in the products as well as the currency of the country. In 1657 James Barrett, on Lord's day turned off his field some cattle belong- ing to George Knower, into the lane or road. He was met by Knower, as he was letting down the bars, who struck him a severe blow with a stake. Barrett, in self defence, drew blood on Knower's face. It being not only a violation of the law, but a breach of the Sabbath, it therefore became a matter of legal animadversion. The verdict was as follows: George Knower being convicted of Breach of the Sabbath and also of the peace of the Comon Wealth by striking James Barrett on the Lord's day is fined by this Court thirty shillings and to pay cost of Court. James Barrett for like offence by him committed in Striving with and fetching blood on Knower is fined twenty shillings and to pay costs of Court. These fines to be P^' in corne Porccouable in all mann"" graine as the country rate at y^ same prises. The other was a case of slander, brought by James Barrett and William Luddington, against Mar>- Tufts of Maiden, in 1660. It appears by the evidence, that Peter Tufts of Maiden, had beaten and abused his man Henry Swillaway, who went to Barrett and Lud- dington and told his tale and cried. They being kind hearted men sympathised with him. This case was brought into Court they appear- ing as evidence in his behalf. That led Mary Tufts, wife of Peter, in her indignation to utter the following words — Viz. — "That none Spake against husband at the court but the Skines of the Country, and liars, and them that did not care what they said." P'or the utter- ance of these words a suit of Slander was instituted. In the Middlesex Court Records, vol. i, p. 200, is recorded this severe and mortifying sentence: The Jury brought in their verdict, finding for the Plaintif damages ten shillings apeece, & an acknowledgemt to be made by the deff' at Mauldon vpon the Lords day in the after noone, within the space of thirty dayes next ensueing, and to be made after the publicke exccise is ended, before the congregation depart in mannr following, viz', in these words. That whereas J Mary Tufts am legally convicted of slandering & wronging James Barrat & William Luddington, or any other whom my words might reflect vpon, by speaking Rashly, irregu- larly, & sinfully, J am heartily sorry, ^r doe desire to be humbled for the same, & in case of non observance to doe as above is prmised either to pay ye said ten shill. apeece, or makeing such acknowl- OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 101 edgem* both for mann' & time: the Jury do find that ye deft' shall pay vnto ye pts fifty shill apeece, & costs of Court, thirty one shill. & two pence. James Barrett died in 1672. His son James, born in 1644. settled at the north end of Boston, near Copp's Hill, and his son James, born in 1672, came into possession of his grand- father's farm at M\'stic Side. He became a prominent man in Maiden, serving as Selectman for several years, and acting on many important committees. Among his possessions was a saw-mill at Spot Pond. The Bi-Ccntennial Book of Maiden, has the following items connected with this James Barrett: In 1 70S, April 2, Deacon Greenland has liberty to build a pew. It was voted at that time, '" That if janies Baret will make up the twenty aight shillings, which the town is in detted to him for worke at the meting house, forty shillings, then he shall have as conveneant seat in the meting hous as his naberas have." Among other necessary appendages of an old-fashioned meeting-house in New England were the horse-blocks and stables. The first notice we find of these in Maiden, is under date of Dec. 9, 1698; it was voted "that Trj-all Nubry, Simon Grovar, Samuell Bucknam, william pain, james Barrit, and John Greenland, hath the priveleg of a peece of land of 24 foots long and 9 foots wide, from ye South west corner of ye parsonage garding westwardly along by }e stone wall. Granted them by a town vote, for to set a stable to shelter their horses on the Sabath days.'' Deacon Jonathan Barrett, a brother of James, born in 1678, was also a Selectman of Maiden for many years, ser\-ed on numerous committees, and was many times Moderator of the Town Meetings. These two brothers took opposite sides in the long and bitter contest in Maiden, which grew out of the location for the new meeting-house, which was final!}- settled by building it on the spot where now stands the Universalist Church of Maiden. Deacon Barrett came to North Maiden about the year 1700, and his farm and home- stead was situated on the " East Side;" the house being about half-way between Upham and Porter Streets. Its site, with the stone filled cellar-hole, still exists. It is on the highest rise, a little way to the west of School Street; and the newly laid out Lincoln Street, running from Porter to Upham, now only par- tiall}- built from Porter, when extended through to Upham Street, will pass directl>' through it; thus obliterating all traces of the original Barrett homestead. In 17 14, Mr. Barrett was one of the petitioners for the laying out of Upham Street. 102 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Porter Street was then called Barrett Lane. He was one of the Selectmen of Maiden for the years 1725, '26, '31, '36, '37, '38, '39, '40, and '44. He died in 1 749, aged seventy-two years- He made an interesting will, ^,^ ^^ /2 a portion of which follows: hC tOlC/tjaM. ^J^^^^^'^^"^^ In the name of God Amen, the twenty six day of August one thousand seven hundred and forty nine I Jonathan Barrett of Maiden County of Middlesex in the Province of Mass's Bay in New England yeoman being very sick and weak in Body But of perfect mind and memory thanks be given to God for it therefore calling to mind the mortality of my Body and Knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, Do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament, that is to say Principally and first of all I give and Recomend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it and my Body I Recomend to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian Burial at the Discretion of mj' Execuf nothing doubting but at the General Resureition I shall receive the same again hy the mighty Power of God and as Touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me in this Life I give Demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form. Item. I give and Bequeath unto Rebecca my Dearly beloved wife the improvement of w\y East Lower Room of my Dwelling house and Chamber over the same and one third part of the cellar during her natural Life, with free Liberty of coming at the same as occasion shal call for : I do gi\'e her the impro\-ement of one third part of my house- hold goods within doors : and the Improvement of two of my best Cows to be kept for her Winters and Summers yearly and every year by my Executers during her natural Life I also give her two bushels of Malt two barrels cyder three bushels of Rye nine bushels Indian Corn ground and brought into her house the cyder and grain to be provided 3'early and every }'ear seasonably during her natural Life by my Executors I also give to her six cords of good wood to be cut and split and brought Seasonably to her door tit for her fire I also give her five bushels of Apples two bushels Turnips half bushel carrots and half bushel of white beans fourscore pounds Pork and seventy pounds Beef four pounds hackled fiax and four pounds Sheeps Wool all to be provided yearly and every 3-ear by my Executors during her natural Life Also Ten pounds Money per year during her Life Likewise that she shall be carried to meeting when she is able and desirous to attend the same*'^ all abo\'e mentioned to be performed eaqualy be- *'^ lu several of the wills of the for her i^his wife) to ride ou to inenibers of these old families, the meeting as she may have occasion following phrase or its equivalent, while she remains a widow." often occurs: "also a horse suitable OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 103 tween my two Executors. The ten pounds money above mentioned is to be understood in the old Tenor. . . . Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved son Joseph Barrett whom I Likewise constitute make and ordain my Executor of this my last will and Testament two thirds of my Mansion House that is the Remaininsj- part of it that I have not given to my \\\it together with the Remainder of my Buildings. I also give him all the Remainder of my lands that I have not given to my son James abo\-e mentioned b}- him to be freely possesed and en- joyed and to be at his disposal forever. ... As for my Negro Isrial my Will is that he shall serve my son Joseph Barrett faithfully Six }-ears and after that term of time is expired he shall be free and that my Son Joseph shall give Bond that he be not a Town charge.-*-^ As is seen by this will, Jonathan's son Joseph came into possession of the old homestead and its farm. At this time slavery existed in Massachusetts, and Joseph Barrett became the possessor of two slaves; one by inheritance by his father's will, and the other through the action of the town of Maiden, as is seen by the following; from the Maldoi Records: Maiden Feb'; the yt'i 1755, be it known that ^^'hereas the selectmen of said town have put a mulatto child that has been latly laid at the dore of ann welcome to me Joseph Barrett of said town giving me fifty two pounds ten shillings old tenor with said child I the said Joseph Barrett do promis for me and my heirs to indemnify and clear the said town from any charge that may arise upon the account of said child so long as it maybe made a slave to me my heirs or to them that I or my heirs shall assign said child too. in witness whereof I have hereunto put \\\\ hand Joseph Barrett. In connection with this transaction the town passed this vote two }'ears later: 1757. :May i6th \'oted. That the town doe alow to An \^'ellcom ten pounds old tenor to be laid out in repairing her Shatterd habitation and that on the account of her nursing a child eight weeks that was laid at the dore of her house, i 737, June 6, Voted, that the selectmen shall take care that said money be laid out for that puipose. This Ann Welcome was a nei^ress, whose little cabin thus repaired, stood under the side of the hill on the northerly side of Salem Street, Maiden, near the line between Maiden and Revere, at the point known as " Black Ann's Corner." The slave Israel, which he inherited, was to serve him six *' Probate Records, Cambridge, Book 26, p. 3. 104 HISTORY OF MELROSE. years. Wishing to learn a trade he was bound out to Joseph's brother, Jacob, by the following instrument: This Indenture witnesseth that whereas Deacon Jona. Barrit, late of Maiden, deceased ordered in his last will and Testament yt his Negroman Survent Isrial should serve his son, Joseph Barrit faithfully for ye space of six years after ye decease of ye above sd Testator, of which time there being Two years Past the sd Negro being desirous of Larning \(t Trade and art of a Cooper which his sd master. Joseph Barritt complied with and b}' these Presents Puts and Binds the above sd Negroman a Prentice unto Jacob Barritt of the town of Lancaster in the County of Worcester and Pro\ince of Massachusetts Bay in New England Miller and the sd apprentice to serve him and wife from 5'e Day of ye Date hereof for and during the full term of fore years next during all which time ye sd apprentice his sd master and mistress faithfully shall serve, there secrets keep, their lawful commands gladly everj'where obey. He shall do no damage to his sd master nor his mistress nor see it to be done by others without Letting or giving notice thereof to his sd master or mistress Goods or Lend them unlawfulh- to any one, he shall not Commit Fornication nor contract matrimony within sd term. At Cards or Dice or any other unlawful Game he shall not play, whereby his said master or mistress may be damaged, with his own Goods nor the goods of others he shall not absent himself Day or Night from his masters or mistress services without their Leave nor haunt ale-houses taverns or pla}- houses. But in all things behave himself as a faithful Apprentice ought to do during said term. And the sd master and mistress shall use ye utmost of their Endeavors to teach and instruct the said apprentice in the trade and mj'ster}- of a Cooper and procure and provide for him sulificient meat drink apparel washing and loging fitting for an apprentice during ye sd term and at the expiration of 3'e sd Term return ye sd Apprentice as well clothed as at present to yt above sd master Joseph or his heirs who shall by these presents be obliged to receive the sd apprentice and clear the sd Jacob Barrit and his Heirs from all charges yt may arise after his time is out with him and for the true performance of every part of the sd covenants and agreements, either of ye Parties Bind themselves to the other by these presents in witness whereof they have Interchangeably put their hands and seals this seventh day of September Anno Domini one Thousand seven Hundred and tifty-one and in the Twenty-fifth year of his Majesties Reign. Joseph Barrett. Eren H.vrnden. Jacob Barrett. Samuel Spraoue. Joseph Barrett died in 1 758. His son Joseph, after becom- ing of age, bought the (del homestead, built by his grandfather, OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 105 Jonathan, of the other heirs. In 1781, he bout^dit an adjoining estate of John Gould, which was situated on the north side of Porter Street, then Barrett Lane. The old Gould house was enlarged and improved by Joseph Barrett, and it beeame his homestead in which he passed the rest of his days. This was the estate long occupied by the late Charles Porter, and now owned by Albert M. Smith. An uncle of this Joseph, James Barrett, owned a farm which joined the homestead farm of Joseph, on the east and north side of Porter Street. He sold to James Nichols, and the house was burned a few years ago. It occupied the spot where now stands the fine residence of Eugene H. INIoore, known as " The Moorelands." At the death of Joseph his landed property consisted of his home- stead, with thirty-one acres, the old Jonathan Barrett home- stead lot of twenty-one acres, the Pine Hill lot of fourteen acres, and a few other small lots. Among his papers was found the following, which shows that he furnished a man for the Revolution, but probabl}' did not himself enlist. Cambridge, Augt. 17. 1781. Reel of M''. Joseph Barrett the sum of Twelve Pounds Solid Coine in full for all Accompts, Debts Dues and Demands Against M"". Joseph Lyonds or M''. Joseph Barretts Class for Procuring a man for three years' service in the Army. Rec^ by me, Benj. Perkins. Joseph brought up a large family of children on this Barrett Lane homestead. The oldest son was Captain Jonathan Barrett, who was born in 1775, and who made his home in the western part of the town, on a farm that came into his possession in the following manner: It 1699, John Sprague sold the west part of his farm to Deacon John Pratt. It contained eighty acres. The house had been built many years and was the one his grandfather bought of his brother Richard in 1652. It was situated on the south side of what is known as Barrett Mount, about twenty rods west of the corner of Vinton and Booster Streets. Maple Street passes near the site of this old homestead, which was visible until within a few }'ears. After the death of John Pratt, in 1742, the property came into the possession of Isaac Green, who married Mary, the daughter of Pratt. Tradition sa}'s that Green demolished the old Sprague house, which had stood a hundred years or more, and used the materials in building what came to be kiK^wn as the " Moun- 106 HISTORY OF MELROSE. tain House," corner of Vinton and Maple Streets, recently removed. The farm and new homestead then became the property of Benoni Vinton, who married Mary, the daughter of Isaac Green. .She afterwards married Joseph Lynde, and when a widow sold this estate to Captain Jonathan Barrett, in 1806. The homestead was then enlarged, and became one of the finest residences in the north part of Maiden. It was around and near this house that was situated what used to be known, eighty or ninety years ago, as " the village;" and here, from different parts of the sparsely settled portion of the town, would congregate the people, for games, social chat and amusements. The nearest house to " the village," other than the two Sprague houses, on Foster Street, was that of John Larrabee, the great-grandfather of the present John Larrabee, who for twenty-one years was our efficient Town Clerk, after- wards one of the Sewer Commissioners, City Treasurer in 1900, and Ma}-or in 1901-2. The Larrabee farm consisted of twent\-six acres, and was bought of the heirs of Benoni Vinton, in 1805. It extended to Youle Street on the north, and was bounded b}^ Vinton Street on the east. He built his homestead on the corner of Vinton and Otis Streets, which is still standing, and belongs to the heirs of the late Smith W. Nichols. In an L adjoining his homestead, Captain Barrett, for many years, carried on the shoe manufacturing business; being the first and only one at that time in this part of the town, and which he continued until his death in 1821. The following- extract from a printed Scniion Dclh'crcd in Mahlcii, Xorc/ulwr 2j//i, 1821. llic Lord's Day After the Interment of Capt. Jonathan Barrett, Who Died Novcnibr l8th, ^-Et. 46. By Aaron Green, A. J/. Pastor of the Congregational Society in said Town. Alas ! my brethren, Capt. Barrett is no more. . . . Yes, my friends, he is gone, and for him, ever}- person of benevo- lence and affection, patience and resignation, candor and humanit)-, charity and love, will go mourning about the streets, for in him they have lost a brother. Gone is the useful citizen, the affectionate hus- band, the tender parent, the generous friend. Deaf is the ear, that listened with delight to the voice of truth : Cold is the heart that throbbed with s}-mpath}- : Closedt he e}e that sparkled with joy ; the pulse, that beat so often now beats no more. •' Kest then, ye pre- cious relic, within thy hospitable gloom. Rest in gentle slumbers, till the last trumpet shall give the welcome signal, and sound aloud OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 107 throug-h all the silent mansions, with this joyful call Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. " Mr. Barrett was commissioned Captain of a Company in the First Regiment, First Brigade, Third Division, Massachusetts Militia, bj^ Gov. Caleb Strong, March 28th, 1805. The shoe manufacturing business established by Capt. Bar- rett, was afterwards carried on by the late George Emerson, and later by others; and, until within a few years, has been one of the few manufacturing businesses that have existed in Mel- rose. In this old "Mountain House" of Capt. Barrett, was born a large family of children; among them, May 25, 1818, the late Artemas Barrett, to whom this history is indebted for man}- of its genealogical items connected with its old families. He died Jan. 12, 1897, being nearly seventy-nine years of age. He was a highly respected and honored citizen. He held many town ofifices, and was a Representative to the General Court in 1861. At the death of Capt. Jonathan Barrett, the estate passed into the hands of his widow, Mrs. Fann>' Barrett, who bought out the heirs, with the exception of her two minor sons, James and Artemas. In 1845, s^"*^ conve>^ed the land in front of her house to these two sons, who, in the same >'ear, conveyed the farm portion to Jeremiah Martin, for SiO,000, who established, and for many years carried on an extensi\e nursery business, on a portion of it, the balance being laid out in house lots, and dwellings built thereon. These nursery grounds were sold, after the death of Mr. Martin, and are now covered with many streets and residences. The old mansion house remained in possession of Mrs. Barrett until her death, in 1874. It has since been sold, removed to the corner of Tappan and Sanford Streets, and become a tenement house. We still have many representatives of the Barrett family among our citizens. Hon. William Emerson Barrett, son of Augustus, w'ho was son of Peter, brother of Capt. Jonathan Barrett, was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature for six }'ears, 1888-1892, five of which he was Speaker of the House of Representatives; and he was Representative for the Seventh District in the 54th and 55th Congresses of the United States. The Uphams. The name of Upham is an ancient one. It was one of the first to be used as a surname, being found in the English Charter Rolls — which were " registers of ro\'al u'rants of 108 HISTORY OF MELROSE. lands, honors, dignities, hereditary offices, liberties," etc. — as early as 1208. It came from an estate that bore that name, such a place being mentioned in the Domesday Book, as belonging to the time of Edward the Confessor (1042-1066); and there are places in England today bearing that name, and in one of them, situated sixty-five miles from London, was born Edward Young, the author of NigJit Thoughts. The name Upham was probably formed by uniting the Anglo Saxon words up, high, and ham, a home, dwelling or hamlet, meaning thus: "the Home on the Hill."^-' John Upham, the progenitor of all that bear his name in America, was born in Bicton Parish, on the River Otter, in 1597, and came to this country in 1635. He first settled in Wey- mouth, which town he represented several times in the General Court. In 1642, he was appointed one of the Commissioners to treat with the Indians in obtaining a title to the We>miouth territory. He removed to Maiden in 1648, where he became one of its leading citizens. As early as 165 1 he was one of the Selectmen, an office he held several years. He was several times appointed Commissioner " to settle the lesser legal matters of Weymouth and Maiden." He was also deacon of the Church for twenty-four years. The following is the in- scription on his tombstone, which is near the centre of the old Bell Rock Cemetery in Maiden: ^ Here lyes y^ Body of John Upham ^O C^TV ^PJ^^I*^ aged 84 3"f Died Febo' 25, 1681. ^-^^ ^""^""^ His son, Lieut. Phineas Upham, born in 1635, soon after his parents' arri\al in America, ■^'^ was an acti\'e officer in King Philip's War. The headquarters of our troops in the Con- necticut Valley, during this war, at this time, was at Hadley. Major Pynchon, not feeling equal to the task of commanding longer, resigned. Captain Samuel Appleton was appointed by the General Court to take his place, and Lieut. Upham of Mai- den was selected to bear through the intervening wilderness the necessary dispatches. Following is the order: ■*■' Mrs. Mary Upham Kelley and peace and thankfulness which fol- A\'arren Upham, in Upham and lowed the safe arrival in America, Amherst, A\ H., 6. and so have been given to the first ^® " It has also been suggested that born in the New World." Frank K. the scriptural significance of the Upham, The Descendants of John name Phinehas 'the peace of God,' Upham of Massachusetts, 47. may have indicated the feelings of OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 109 ■5"/- Wee have ordered Lt Uphain to lead up to you 30 men and do further order that Lt Scill be dismissed home to his family, and his souldjers to make up some of y« companies as yt chief e Commander shall order and ye above named Lt Upham to be Lt under Capt Wayte, These for Major John Pynchon. This was dated Sept. 4, 1675. He arrived at his destination on the I2th,and from that time was in active service, conduct- ing many scouting parties and expeditions. At the battle of the Narraganset Fort, Dec. 19, 1675, ^vhen one thousand Indian warriors were slain or wounded, and eighty-six English killed and one hundred and fifty wounded, Lieut. Upham was severely wounded. Of this sanguinary fight the historian, Hubbard, says : It is hard to say who acquitted themselves best in that day's service either the soldiers for their manlike valour in fighting, or the Com- manders for their wisdom and courage ; leading on in the very Face of Death. After lingering some ten months from the effects of this wound, Lieut. Upham died, in October, 1676, at the age of 41 years. He was highly respected as a citizen, and was eminent in the military service. The Upliavi Genealogy says of him: In battle Lieutenant Upham exhibited the character of a brave man and patriot, purchasing with mortal wounds the palm of victory ; and the government was not unmindful of his great sacrifice but bore testimony upon the records "to the long and good ser- vices he did to the country, /If^J^^t:^"^^^ / K:)p^CUK' and the great loss sustained by his friends in his death." In the Archives at the State House are several documents signed by Lieut. Upham; and in the records of the fall term of the General Court for the same year, 1676, is found the fol- lowing entry: In answer to the petition of Ruth Upham, widow and relict of the late Lieut. Phineas Upham, the Court judgeth it meet to order that the bills of charge to chirurgeons, doctors and diet, &c., mentioned in the said petition, be payed by the treasurer of the county; and in consideration of the long and good services her husband did for the country, and the great loss the widow sustains b}- his death, being left with seven small children, and not able to carry on their affairs, for the support of herself and family, do further order the treasurer of the county to pay unto the said widow ten pounds in, or as money. /iQ£^-n' Dr. Albert G. Upham, published in 1845: Mr. John Edmonds, of Maiden, an old soldier, now 89 years of age, informs me that when a boy he often saw Phineas Upham. He states that he was of the medium height, his hair abundant, but of a pure white, and his costume that of his times, viz., — breeches, cocked hat, etc. He used to walk about the village with the assistance of an ivory- headed cane, and he had a favorite seat beneath a wide-spreading tree, where he was often seen reposing. THK OLD AMOS UPHAM HOUSE. The oldest son of Phineas, born Jan. 14, 1708, was also named Phineas. He died in Maiden, July 17, 1 738, of the malignant throat distemper which prevailed in that year. Amos, another son of Phineas, born in 1718, succeeded to a portion of his father's acres and the old homestead still stand- ing; and, in turn, his son, also named Amos, born in 1741, came into possession. This Amos and his brother William, were in Capt. Benjamin Blaney's Company, which marched to Water- town "upon tne alarm on the 19^'^ of April, 1775, and from thence to resist the minesteral troops." 112 HISTORY OF MELROSE. It cannot be stated just when this old house was built, but evidently soon after the Phineas Upham house of 1703. Con- cerning this house, Miss Mary Elizabeth Upham, a direct descendant in the ninth generation, wrote the following de- scription in 1890, for the Uphavi Genealogy ; The Descendants of JoJin Upham of Massachusetts : The original house must have been quite small. A family tradition has taught us that it little more than covered the present cellar, which extends under less than half the building. A huge chimney — with a fireplace ten feet long, and as high as the main room of the dwelling — rivaled the house itself in size. But it was not long before the family outgrew its narrow quarters. Then was the first building supplemented by such additions that it came to be a large, substantial dwelling, thirty feet in length, and two stories high toward the south. On the north the roof sloped nearly to the ground. Later still (and yet so long ago that no one now living remembers it) the slopnig roof was raised, so that the house is nearly two stories high on the north, today. In the old garret the original sloping rafters may yet be seen.^" The front door of the house is away from the street on the south side. Crossing its smooth door-stone we enter a small passage-way from which a few stairs, with two-square landings, lead to the upper fioor. At the right a low door-way admits us to a large room, eighteen feet square, presumably the '• best room "" of the house. Its low wain- scot, and high mantel, the broad beams across the ceiling — but a short distance above our heads — and the long hearth of the primative fire- place — all point to the age of the structure. On the left of the front entry is another room, much like the first. The center of the house is occupied by the huge chimney, and on the north are the smaller rooms. The oak beams are in many cases ^' From an examiuation of the sloping roof was raised so that the huge chimney, directly in the cen- house is nearly two stories high on tre of the house, and from the fact the north." Be that as it may, it that " in the old garret the original is a most interesting old mansion, sloping rafters may yet be seen," and presents the nearest approach and that these are in both parts of to the original appearance of any the house, and that the large beams of the houses of our original settlers, over head are in both rooms to the unles an exception is made in the right and left of the chimney, and Howard House at the corner of from the position of the front door Lebanon and Porter streets, which, directly in the centre, I am led to although not quite as old, does not believe that the original house was seem to have had any additions the same size as it now appears, whatever since the day it was built, and that the enlargement was made. The Howard house was destroyed as Miss Upham states, when " the in the latter part of the year 1900. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 113 eighteen inches thick ; and the walls are filled in with bricks and clay. The chimney is made of bricks of many sizes, and clay instead of mortar is used. The fire-places have been made smaller within a century, but the original hearths — in some of which square tiles are placed — are still left. The occupants of this house through the various succeeding genera- tions have all been tillers of the soil, though several have combined with this mechanical trades, as a supplementary occupation. Its pres- ent owner and occupant still carries on the farm, though but few of the oriofinal acres remain. INTERIOR OF THE AMOS UPHAM HOUSE.** Amos' son Asa, born April 29, 1785, was the successor in the ownership of this old ancestral homestead; and here, under ■** This is a view of a portion of the south-east room, with its large oaken beams crossing the ceiling. Herein are grouped some of the many interesting heir-looms, still remaining in this old Upham home- stead. Some of these two hundred years of age or more. The fire- place — formerly much larger than now, occupying, with an oven by its side, nearly the whole of the side of the room — with its crane, hooks, andirons, shovel, tongs and bellows; the two old chairs, one a Winsor; on the mantel-piece, candle-sticks, an old " Black Jug " two hundred years of age, and a pitcher of the "willow-ware" pattern; on the table a needle-worked picture, old cup and saucer, old school books, a wooden quart water-bottle — it is surmised that this has had some- thing in it stronger than water ! — an old English cup, and an Indian stone-hatchet, plowed up ou this farm. 114 HISTORY OF MELROSE. this same roof-tree, he passed a long h'fe, dyiniT in 1S69, at the age of eighty-four years. He could well remember when Maiden had but one church, where all the town could worship God, and when that part now Melrose had but one small, rough schoolhouse, with its rough seats and large open tireplace and the school kept only two months in the year, the tow-n very sparsely settled, with its narrow, rough and crooked pathway-, travelled only on foot or horseback. . . . Mr. Upham was blest with a competence of this world's goods, but with what was far better, good health from the cradle almost to the grave. And what was still better, he has during his long life, travelled in the pathway of virtue and uprightness, and has gone down in his ripe old age to his final resting- place with an unblemished reputation, honored and respected by all who knew him. And in this homestead a large family of children, of the eighth generation, was born; among them the late Eri, Asa, Orne and Benjamin R. Upham. Orne, born Sept. 25, 1820, succeeded his father as owner of the farm, whereon he spent a long, quiet, unostentatious life as a farmer, dying April 2, 1894, aged seventy-four years; and here m the old mansion, still lives the family of Orne, his wadow, Mary E., being the present owner; with her live her two daughters, Esther Norris and Mary Elizabeth, they being of the ninth generation — the latter of whom wrote the description of the old Amos Upham house, quoted in the preceding pages. Eri Upham and Asa Upham, brothers, born respectivel\' Sept. 7, 1813, and March 31, 1816, lived on Upham Street, near the old homestead, where they passed long li\'es; Eri dying July 2, 1897, at the age of 84 years, and Asa, Dec. 15, 1899, aged 83 years. Another brother, Jienjamin R., born April 5, 1823, lived for many years in the old Emerson mansion, on the corner of Main and Emerson Streets, where his widow, Rachel E., still lives. He died Nov. 30, 1892, at the age of seventy years. His son Frank Richardson, born Dec. 18, 1852, is at present Chairman of the Board of Assessors of Melrose. Besides the Uphams already spoken of as ha\ing lived in the old homesteads on the original acres of the first Melrose Phineas, he had numerous other descendants who lived in other homesteads on U})ham Hill. The Rev. Frederick Upham, D. D., "The Nestor of the I\F V.. Church," was the son of Samuel .Sprague U])liam, ant! was born C)ctol)er 4, 1799, and OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 115 died March 20, 1891, at the age of ninet)'-t\vo years. He was a very active and influential minister, and presiding elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He began his career as preacher at the age of twenty, continuing until within a very few years of his death. His brother, Freeman Upham, born December 7, 181 1, for many years had his homestead on Main Street, and until the day of his death, May 25, 1900, was hale and hearty; he walked our streets during his last years with the appearance of a much younger man. One of his sons, Osgood Wright Upham, born May 2, 1835, ^^'^s a resident of Melrose for manv v^ears, but now resides in Keene, N. H. JESSE UPHAM HOUSE. Another branch of the Upham residents on this hill, and descendants from the original Phineas, was Jesse, son of Timothy, who was born August 29, 1710, and of the fifth generation. Jesse was born March 18, 1745, and died August 23, 1825, at the age of eighty years. Jesse's son, also named Jesse, born November 8, 1775, lived in the orignal Phineas Upham homestead. He died A})ril 5, i860, aged eight)'-five years. Jesse's son, Joshua Upham, born Dec. 2y, 1806, built his house on Upham Street, near Cjooch Street. This has now been moved to P'irst Street. Joshua died Januar\' 16, 1871, at the age of sixty-four years. His brother George, born October 116 HISTORY OF MELROSE. 4, 1810, lived in his grandfather Jesse's house. Here he dwelt, cultivating these acres, until February 13, 1872, when he died at the age of sixty-two years. His homestead was on the corner of Upham Street and Waverly Avenue, and must have been built at least one hundred and fifty years ago. It has received some additions and changes but is in good condition. It is the only old homestead in Melrose which still retains its old well, with its old-fashioned well-sweep, still in use, and which is the last relic of this primitive mode of drawing water. One cannot see it without at once calling to mind the familiar refrain: The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket, The moss-covered bucket, which hung in the well. May it be a long time before this old well-sweep is displaced! It is one of the last North Maiden relics of former days. Suffer it to remain as a reminder of former generations of the Uphams of Upham Hill! Still another Upham farm and homestead was situated on Upham Street, that of Nathan Upham, son of Amos, born February 28, 1781, and died in 1845, aged 64 years. This was on the north side, between Upham and Porter Streets. This farm was inherited b\- his two sons, Eli and Albert, two bachelors, who tilled, its soil for many years; and finally lost possession because they would not set back a small carriage or tool house in order to widen Upham Street; being ordered so to do, first by the town authorities, and then by the County Commissioners. As they were determined not to move it, it was done by the State, the necessary tax levied, refusal to pay, citation in Court, non-appearance, defalcation decreed, and the estate sold to Nathaniel P. Jones, and thus passing out of the possession of the Uphams forever. Quite a portion of the farm has been sold in house lots, and many of our finest residences built thereon; but Mr. Jones still owns many of its acres, and he still owns the old homestead, which was built by Nathan Upham in 1816. The brick house, on what is now known as the "Parker Place," was also built by an Upham, Joshua, son of the senior Jesse, in 1810. He was a master-mason of Salem. The road leading from the present Upham Street, just to the east of this residence, built in 1796, was the old way to Saugus and Lynn. This Upham house was sold sometime during the war of 181 2, OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 117 to a Mr. Peale, for $2,000. and the payment was made in whole pepper, which, from fear of being raided if taken to Salem, was stored in the chamber of Jesse Upham's house, then on Upham Street, now on Waverly Avenue. After the war was over, it is said by representatives of the Uphams, the pepper was bought back by the former owner. Some years later a Mr. Derby bought this place, and after owning it several years, sold it to the present owners, the Parkers. Cottages for different mem- bers of the Parker family have been built near by, and the whole cluster of buildings makes one of the pleasantest resi- dential spots in Melrose. Time was when the old original Amos Upham, and the two Jesse Upham houses, views of two of which are given, were the only ones existing on what is now Upham Street, once Upham Lane, or the old country road to Saugus. Just over the brow of the hill, at the extreme end of East Foster Street, there exists what may be called an Upham Ceme- tery, but what remains visible has more the semblance of a tomb; the door has disappeared, and the entrance has been walled up. Here were buried the two Jesse Uphams, father and son, their wives and many of their children. There was also entombed, Thomas Smith, who married a daughter of Jesse Upham, and his wife, also a Mr. Towle, who once lived on the Parker Place. There were graves outside the tomb, in which burials were allowed; among them, a negro named Johnson and his wife, and quite a number of others. These graves were entirely obliterated, years ago, by plowing and cultivating the soil. The tract embraced some ten thousand feet, and was originally fenced; but that also has disappeared, and nothing but the face of the undoored tomb now remains, in an open, unprotected field. On the north side of Lynde Street, a few rods east of where Summer Street intersects, there once stood a very old house, built by John Pratt, who, at his death in 1743, gave it, with twelve acres of land to his grandson David Green, who sold it to Amos Upham. Mr. Upham was a blacksmith; the only one in this part of the town; and his shop was nearby his dwelling. These were situated on the original 1653 road. In those days, besides shoeing horses and cattle, and repairing carts, a great variety of work was done at the blacksmith's shop; here all kinds of agricultural implements then used were made; plough- 118 HISTORY OF MELROSE. shares, axes, spades, hoes, scythes, etc.; also all kinds of house- hold utensils; and a blacksmith's shop was a much frequented place. Here public notices were posted. In 1693, when rams were not allowed to run at large, the town passed the following vote which was duly tacked upon the blacksmith's shop: That ye finder of any Rams shall forthwith set up a paper one both ye Smith Shops in this town fairly writen ye marke of said Ram. This property passed into the hands of William Upham, of the fifth generation, in 1777. He was born August 7, 1747, and was a soldier in the Revolution; being in the battle at Bunker Hill, and at White Plains, where he was wounded and crippled for life. On the opposite side of the street, on the rising ground, stands the little one-stor\^ Dolly Upham house, built by William Upham, in 181 2, for his son William. In 1845, this property passed out of the possession of the Uphams. The Howards. The Howards were among the original families occupying the territory of Melrose. Peter Tufts, who seems to have been a land speculator, owning large tracts of land in this region, sold, in 1663, to Samuel Howard, then of Charlestown, his farm land, which was situated in what is now the centre of Melrose. It is described in the Middlesex Deeds, book 3, page 276, as lying at Ell Pond, and is embraced within the following bounds: Northerly by s^ Ell Pond, easterly by the brook from s^ Ell Pond, and southerly by the brook running from Spot Pond, westerly by John Sprague's farme. This latter line has been described as running northerly from Spot Pond brook, through Cottage Street, crossing Foster Street and the railroad east of the late Mrs. Liberty Bigelow's house, and so on a straight line to the head of Ell Pond. Mr. Howard, who came from England in 1635, '" the ship " Elizabeth," built a house on the border of Ell Pond, on the THE DULLY UPHAM HOUSE. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 119 east side and near its outlet. He also built a dam across the outlet, and erected a sawmill thereon. Samuel Howard died about 1681, his estate passing into the possession of his heirs. His son Samuel had the homestead of twenty acres, with the sawmill, bounded north by Ell Pond and south by a line a few rods north of Winthrop and Vine Streets. His son Jonathan had the remainder, lying south of this line, and afterwards came into possession of this mill, as is evidenced by the fol- lowing sale, dated Jan. 8, 1721: Jonathan Howard conveys to Samuel Howard, wheelwright, one acre of land lying near the dwelling house of said Samuel Howard, with the grist or cornmill that stands on the land with the mill dam and all the privilege belonging to the mill. THE OLD HOWARD HOUSE. It would seem that this mill, after a service of fifty years, exhausted the timber in its vicinity and was converted into a gristmill. Mary Howard, wife of Jonathan, came into possession of eight acres of land with the buildings thereon, on the east side of Ell Pond. The house here referred to is the one which, until the latter part of 1900, stood on the corner of Porter and Lebanon Streets. This was a very old house. The curb of the 120 HISTORY OF MELROSE. old well still stands, but the sweep has disappeared. Benja- min Howard sold one -half of it to Joseph Lynde, in 1762, mentioning in the deed that he purchased it of his father in 1740. This estate passed into the hands of Jonathan Howard, who sold to Amos Howard in 1786; and he sold to the late Nathaniel Howard, so long the principal undertaker of Mel- rose. He was born in this house, with a large family of brothers and sisters. One of them, Atalanta Howard, married Isaac Emerson, who built his homestead, wherein he passed a long life, where now stands the handsome parsonage of the Methodist Episcopal Church, on Main Street. Another, James, built the house on the corner of Pleasant and Summer Streets, Maiden, now occupied by his grandson, George Howard Fall, and who, many years after leaving his home on the borders of Ell Pond, wrote a poem in its memory: "But Now, No More, No More," two stanza? of which, furnished by Mr. Fall, are as follows: The twilight kissed that little lake, The waves dipped on the shore; We said such days shall come agaiu, But now, no more, no more. The sun it dazzles on the lake. As in the days of yore; There the old cottage, still it stands, Where we shall meet no more. The east half of this old Howard House, and the adjoining land was sold to the Melrose Hospital Association before its demolition; the other half of the estate, still belongs to Cynthia Howard Hawkes, a daughter of Nathaniel Howard, who now lives in Saugus. Nathaniel Howard, son of Jonathan, built a house at an early period in the rear of the present Eastman's Block, on Main Street, about fifteen rods east of said street, near the Ell Pond brook. By his will, dated in 1763, he gives his real estate and buildings to his sons Amos and Ezra. This estate consisted of about forty acres of land, lying on both sides of Main Street, which was hot then in existence, embracing the old village cemetery lot on the north, on which now stands our High School Building, bounded east on t^ll Pond Brook, south to a line within about ten rods of Foster Street, including the Baptist Church and Sewall School House lots, west on line just in the rear of the Main Street stores, crossing Essex OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 121 Street on the line of the Cit\' Hall lot, crossing Dix's Pond and Winthrop Street to a line parallel with the north line of the cemetery lot. Ezra Howard became sole owner of this estate by purchase from his brother Amos. Ezra Howard died and the estate, in i8o8, passed into the possession of Ezra Tainter and William Dix, who married two of Ezra Howard's daugh- ters. Dix's residence was on the corner of Main and Essex Streets, where now stands our City Hall. Tainter owned the old house, which was in a dilapidated condition, and was demolished about the time Main Street was laid out in 1806; 1 t i I ■^ :-iL-^a8> i A m^wl^ w ^fm- 1 OTp fi^^^i^^ b^aM.HH ■r^ PRATT FARM HOMESTEAD. and the material was used in the building of the old Tainter house, for many years occupied by the late Henry G. Fields, and by him sold to Messrs. Burrell & Swett. They sold it to Seth E. Benson, who removed it to Faulkner Place, where it now stands. Where it formerly stood, the present handsome block was erected by Messrs. Burrell & Swett in 1891. It contains stores, and, for several years the Post Office was here located; its upper stories are occupied by the Melrose Club. The Charles Pratt farm, of fortj'-six acres, on Lebanon Street, now belonging to the City of Melrose, having been pur- chased in 1887, for the purpose of enlarging the Wyoming 122 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Cemetery, was originally owned by Jonathan Howard, who built a house thereon. Reference is made to this by the Selectmen of Maiden, when running bounds in 1690, as fol- lows : Beginning at the ferder post of Joseph Lynde orchard so along to Jonathan Howards land next to the common land. When bought by John Pratt, father of Charles, in 1778, ac- cording to a memorandum found among Mr. Barrett's papers, the house was two story with a leaky kitchen on the back of the west end and occupied by 2 old Maids Ruth & Sarah Wait. The old Maids were to have the East End of the house during their life time. . . After the death of the old maids John Pratt tore down the old house and built the house where Charles Pratt now lives, in 1S06. Charles Pratt lived in the old homestead a year and a half after selling his farm to the town of Melrose, for $10,000, that consideration being a part of the price. He died Sept. 2, 1888, at the age of eighty-six years. At a town meeting held March 14, 1898, it was voted to utilize the mansion house and twelve acres of this property as a poor farm, until such time as the territory shall be needed for cemetery purposes. Where now stands the Masonic Building, on the corner of Main Street and Wyoming Avenue, once stood another home- stead of the Howards, that of Joseph, the second son of Jonathan Howard, who died in 1769. This descended to his heirs, and afterward passed into the possession of Joseph Boardman; and when the Masonic Building was erected, the old house was removed to Dell Avenue, and occupied as a dwelling until within a few years, when it was demolished. The Vintons. John Vinton of Lynn, was the ancestor of all the Vintons of America. The first of the Vintons that settled on Melrose territory, were the brothers Thomas and Benoni, of the fourth generation, about the year 1742. They married sisters, Hannah and Mary Green. Thomas bought his farm in 17.S8, situated on what is now Vinton and Franklin Streets. The old county road from Stoneham to Lynn, ran through our territory on or near our present P^ranklin Street; a short portion of it being Ci^j^ yv-w f/ ^^"^^^J' — / now covered by Day Street. ^J-f^^^^"^^ /y,i>r^'r^ty As we have seen in the sketch of the Barrett familv, OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 123 Thomas' brother Benoni, came into possession of the Moun- tain House farm, to the south of Maple Street. This was also in 1758. Curious articles of agreement between these brothers exist in a quaint old manuscript: It is agreed and Entered into by & between Thomas Vinton of Stoneham in the Count}' of middlesex & province of the Massachusetts bay in New England, Husband=man on the one part and his brother Benoni Vinton of maiden in s^ County Husband=man on the other part witnesseth that they the said Thomas and Benoni for their own Convenace and preventing future Dificulty do Covenant promise iSc: agree to &: with each other in the following manner Viz that the said Thomas shall & will pay or Deliver to the Said Benoni in his the Said Thomases orchards near his house annually apples anought to make two barrels of Cyder or else two Barrels of Cyder Ready made and delivered by the said Thomas at his house annually to the said Benoni that is Equaly as Good as the other Cyder that the said Thomas makes provided that the Said Thomas may make four barrels in a year and untill the said Benonis young orchard near his house doth bear apples anough to make two barrels of Cyder in one 3'ear as Shall be Judged by Indiferent men and that the Said benoni Shall & will Give Liberty to the Said Thomas within three years from the Date hereof at any time to pull up and take away the one half of all the young apple trees that are now in the nusseries near the house and barn of the Said benoni. Also Benoni Shall and will be at one half of the Cost of additional finishing the house the said Thomas now Dwells in and the whole to be done within three years from & next after y^ 28 day of July Ad: 1758. This house was on what is now Ashland Street, but has been turned round and altered somewhat. It is now owned by the estate of the late Charles A. Messenger. Benoni Vinton's son, Lieut. John, was a man of note, and filled a number of prominent positions in Maiden. He was a constable in 1777, and as such served a warrant under the following circumstances, as told by Mr. Corey, in his History of Maiden, pp. 769-70: In the winter of 1776 the General Court passed "an Act to prevent Monopoly & Oppression," which was designed to check speculation and a spirit of extortion, which, as is usual in times of public distress, began to appear. Under this act Ezra Sargeant and Jonathan Sprague gave information, on oath, to the Board of War, "that they have good Reason to suspect that in the Houses of Mary Emmerson Widow & 124 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Jacob parker Housewright or Gentleman, both of Maiden aforesaid there is considerable number of yards of \\'oolen & Linnen Cloth, which Cloth is absolutely necessary for the use of the Army & that the said cloth in said Houses the owner refuses to sell or dispose of at reasonable price." On this information a warrant was issued, upon which the following return was made March 19, 1777. " Jn obediance to the within Precept I have made Search In the house of the widow Mary Emerson & have found in said house forty three yards one Qr^ & one 8. of a yard of Checked woolen Cloath & twenty live yards one half & 1.8 of a yard of Tow Cloath & after taking the same into my care the Agents appointed by the Selectmen of maiden agreed with the said mary for the Cloath & purchased it at the State price. I Dident proceed to go to mr Parkers house by reason it was not Suspected that any of the Goods had been Removed there "pr me John Vinton Constable." Papers on file in the offiee of the Secretary of State. Mrs. Emerson was the widow of the Rev. Joseph Emerson, and Jacob Parker was their son-in-law. After the death of Mr. Emerson his widow and daughters appear to have kept a small shop for the sale of goods in their house near the meeting house. Lieut. Vinton was a member of the Committee of Corre- spondence for Maiden, for the years 1779 and 1780, serving with Lieut. Bernard Green, John Green, William Dexter, Sam- uel Sprague, Jonathan Sprague and others. He was also Tax Collector for Maiden's assessment by the State. Treasurer's Office, Jan' 13 1778 Received of Mr. John \lnton of Maiden one hundred twenty four pounds 6 in part for Taxes committed to him to collect for the Year 1778. ^124=6=0 H. Gardner Treasurer.'*-' Lieut. Vinton's military ser\-ices are gi\"en in the chapter "Military History." Benoni Vinton died in 1760, and his brother Thomas in 1763. Thomas left three sons, Thomas, Timothy, and Ezra. To Timothy he gaxe the above homesteaci. He ne\er married, but lived with his mother, until she died in 1804. He lived to be ninety-two years of age, and died in 1836, an abject miser. Turning his farm productions into money, he would hide it in all sorts of out-of-the-way places; burying some of it in the ground, a part of which was undoubtedly lost; fi\e *® From old papers in possession of George A. Fuller. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 125 hundred Spanish dollars, old and tarnished, found in his house, were divided among his relatives immediately after his funeral. For Thomas was built, in 1770, the house formerly standing near the corner of Tremont and Franklin Streets, since re- moved to the corner of Tremont Street and Ellsworth Avenue, and now owned by John Singer, Senior. This farm descended to his son Thomas, who died in 1841, aged 70, of whom it is said he never left his farm for forty years, and never visited Boston, although living so near it. He left a very singular will, bequeathing his property in a curious manner to the Baptist Church of Maiden. In 1846, the Baptist Church sold it to VVinthrop Richardson. This was soon after the Boston and Maine Railroad was opened. At this time there '' ■ ■ r . ^ were but four houses in what is now the Highlands, west of Main Street — three occupied by Vintons and one by the Greens. This old homestead farm was held by Mr. Richard- son for farming purposes until 1853, when it was surveyed, and laid out in streets and house lots, and people from Boston began to make investments and build homes thereon. For himself he built a fine mansion, of which the above is a view. It stood about where now is situated the residence of Charles E. French, on Highland Avenue, the tower standing where the Stone Fort, sometimes called "Chipman's Folly," is situated, on Chipman Avenue. This tower, from the top of which was afforded a most extensive \-iew of the surrounding countr\', was destroyed by an incendiary fire one Fourth of July, 126 HISTORY OF MELROSE. several years since, and the house has been removed to Ash- land Street, and is now the residence belonging to the estate of the late Charles A. Messenger. The following is a view at the corner of Franklin and Green- wood Streets as it existed in 1853, and where now stands the residence of the late Frank A. Messenger. The two houses are those of the late octogenarian, Deacon Joel Snow, and Mrs. Martha A. Adams, widow of the late Rev. John G. Adams, D. D. What propert)' had not been disposed of by Mr. Richardson, before his accidental death on the railroad in 1853, was in- herited by his daughter, Mrs. Caroline M. Wood, who now lives on Tremont Street; and in 1895, the large tract of land north of Highland Avenue, then owned by her, was surveyed and laid out in house lots, in an artistic manner b}^ Ernest W. Bowditch; and many fine residences have since been built thereon. It is destined to become one of the finest residen- tial precincts of Melrose. In 1777, Ezra Vinton bought the Deacon Joseph Green farm and homestead, situated westerlj' from the original Thomas Vinton farm, the house being on Vinton Street, near the corner of Franklin Street. Our present Vinton Street was then merely a cartway which led from Stoneham to Maiden. About 1790 this house was burned, and Ezra then built on the same spot the house now standing. This is one of those large-timbered, strongly-built, huge-chimne}'ed, with o\en OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 127 attachment, old-fashioned houses of the earl>' settlers of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries; devoid of ornamenta- tion, but commodious and comfortable. It is not quite so strongly built, in the way of timbers, as those of the earlier settlers. It has had some alterations and additions in the rear, and the top of the chimney has been made smaller. At the death of Ezra in 1S17. the estate was inherited by his son Joseph Vinton, who owned it until 1845, ^^'li*-'" it was sold to Horatio Nelson Perkins, who lived many years on the corner of Vinton and Franklin Streets. He sold the Vinton homestead to Israel Richardson of Portland, and the property- KZRA VINTON HOMESTEAD. is now owned by his heirs; but Miss Sarah A. Che\er, through Mr. Richardson's generosity, has a life lease of the house. She has gathered many interesting heir-looms therein; among them three chairs and writing table that belonged to Rew Cotton Mather, D. D. On this table many of his sermons and books were written; the chairs will be st'en in the centre of this in- terior view of one of the rooms in this comfortable old mansion, but the table has been disposed of. A grandson of Kzra, Aaron \'inton, born in 1826, lived on 128 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Howard Street, where he carried on the farming industry for many years. He died July i, 1901. The southern part of the Ezra Vinton farm, the woodlands, was sold by Mr. Perkins, to Dexter Bryant, and is still owned by him, with the exception of those portions sold in houselots and built upon. On this land, some way south of Orris Street, formerly Green Lane, on the high ground, is an old cellar-hole where once stood the Wilson house. Six or seven large elm trees are now growing within its walls, Mr. Wilson was a shoemaker and school-teacher; and carried on both branches of his business in that house, and at the same time.°^ KZRA VINTON HOUSE— INTERIOR. A natural curiosity existed on the southern part of this Vinton farm, and now belongs to the estate of Mrs. Benjamin F. Dyer, No. 44 Orris Street. It is an immense "Cleft Boul- der," or natural gateway to the woods beyond, a view of which is here given. The space between its walls is wide enough for a carriage drive, and it has a large oak tree growing therein. ■''^ This Wilson place formed the of 1S53, when a part of Stouehani corner from which the boundary was set off to Melrose, line was run northerly, in the act OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 1:>9 It is an interesting specimen and relic of the glacial age. It has been called by some "Chapel Rock" — why I know not. As we have seen in the history of the Green famil)', for more than a century they owned nearly all the territory now comprised in the Melrose Highlands, and a large part of Greenwood. After the advent of the Vintons, and their mar- riage into the Green fami- lies, this Highlands territory, to a very large extent, be- came the property of the Vintons. These three broth- ers, Thomas, Timothy and Ezra Vinton, lived side by side, on the then existing county road, (discontinued when Franklin Street was built,) and joined Captain Sprague's company of " Min- THE CLEFT BOULDER. ute Men," marching from Stoneham to Lexington, April 19th, 1775.^^ These families, the history of which has been given more or less in detail, are the ones that owned nearly every acre of the occupied territory now Melrose, during the early years, and many of the members of which were prominent in town affairs; and each and every one of which has descendants among its citizens today. Their characteristics, as well as those of all New Englanders in general of that period, are concisely described by Corey, in his History of Maiden, pp. 296-300. Whatever the superticial observer may pretend to see in the past which is now two centuries agone, there was very little of romance in the lives of the foredwellers of New England. The land which, when weary leagues away beyond the sea, seemed to How with milk and honey and to stand forth a later Canaan amid the virgin forests of the new world, became to their nearer vision a reality of bleak and rocky shores, a stubborn land of dark woods and rocky soil wherein Israel might rest ; but where existence was to be had at the price of priva- tions not unmixed with suffering, and where a livelihood was only to be gained bv the literal sweat of the brow. *^ Capt. Sprague lived in Stoneham, on the borders of Spot Pond. Bucknam, letter July 10, 1899. 18(1 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Out of such surroundings and from such conditions arose a genera- tion not unlike the countrj- which had given them birth and in which their early youth had been passed. . . . Much though there may have been of spiritual grace in these men and women of the seventeenth centur}', there was little of that outward grace which tempers the manners of men and beautifies, if it does not elevate, the lives which fall within the circle of its influence. Out of the hard and simple lives which they led perforce came a race of hard and simple men and women, who were almost without a sense of the beautiful, thinking- little of those arts which had borne a rich fruitage in the land of their fathers, and who were as careless of the beautiful in nature as in art. Hardly within the pale of civilization could a people be found, even in the se\-enteenth centur}-, so destitute of the aesthetic sense. In music, their knowledge was bounded by the few tunes which they painfully sung in a high and unnatural key in the drearj- meeting houses, which matched the tunes they sung. Of painting and sculpture the}' knew comparatively nothing; and poetr}- of a range above the Bay Psalms or the Day of Doom, and philosophy, except it came within the narrow limits of a prescribed theology, were forbidden fruits. . . . Yet there was much of promise in the strait and formal habits of life and thought of the fathers of New England. Underlying all was a sound and uncompromising enmity to injustice and wrong, and an unflinching devotion to the right, as they understood it ; and more than all. there was a sturd)' assertion of the independence of the indi\'idual and, through, him, of the masses. There was an ever-present de- mocracy, latent sometimes and sometimes militant, but always ready to spring into life and action. They were not alwaj's law-abiding; but it was a wicked or an unjust law which they resisted ; and their resist- ance was usually fortified b}' good and sufiicient legal principals. . . . Out of these qualities came all that has endured of the old Puritanic fabric which the fathers reared ; and. while mistakes and weaknesses of the past have disappeared one by one, these enduring qualities have remained with us as a i^eople and are the corner-stones of a great nation. Of similar characteristics were the settlers and early inhabitants of Maiden ; and while the}' may not have reached the higher limits of those qualities, they, happily, did not descend to the lower depths of ignorance and crime. They were the common people of a common New England settlement of the lesser kind — farmers, woodsmen, and craftsmen, who cleared their lands and built Iheir humble homes, jealously guarding their privileges as well against ecclesiastical as against civil encroachments There were fields to clear, houses, roads, and mills to build, and abo\e all. in God's Providence, the foundation of a nation to lay deep, though they in their weakness knew it not, happil}- building better than the}' knew. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 131 These were the conditions of the people of Maiden during the period which intervened between their settlement and the war of the Indian Philip. Their work was that of subduing the forests and wild lands, and bringing them into forms fit for the uses of civilization. Then were laid out farms, whose boundary lines may still be traced, and roads, which from mere winding paths have become our principal streets. Besides these families already spoken of, there were others, some of whose names have been mentioned, who became resi- dents of this territory at quite an early date; among them. Herring, Breeden, Wilkinson, Grover, and Bunnell; but most of them have disappeared, and no longer have representatives among our citizens. Nearly all of these lived in the south- easterly part of the Town, in the Long Pond district. At a later date, some before, some after, and some about the time of the Revolutionary War, came the Pratts, the Emersons, Edmunds, Larrabees, Boardmans, Hemenways, Tainters, Fullers, Coxes, Waites, Goulds, Eatons and a few others; and the descendants of most of these families are still citizens of Melrose. Of some of them much might be said concerning their identification with the interests of the Town, while it was a part of Maiden, and since its incorporation. Some served in the early wars; some in the Revolution; some held civic ofifice; some were manufacturers; and some were peaceful farmers. Thomas Bunnell served in King Philip's War, being in garri- son at Groton. He lived on the old road to Reading. The cellar of his house remained in the land now occupied by the Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose, until filled by Charles Pratt many years ago.^- He was sexton of the Maiden church for twenty-eight years, his first year being 1690. March 169^3, after the church bell had been transferred from its frame on the rock, where it had previously hung, thus giving the name to the near-by Bell Rock Cemetery, the following vote was passed: Thomas dunnell Is chose to Ring ye bell and sweep and look after y^ meting hous for this year: and the Town cloth agree to give him Thirty five shillings by a Reate : ye said dunnell Is also to dig the graues. He was re-elected. March 7, ij-y/^o. and appears no more. I sus- pect that he performed his duties until the next winter, and that Sandy °'- Corey, History oj Ulaldcn, 355. 132 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Bank took to itself all that it could claim of the bellman and grave- digger.53 One of the earliest settlers in Maiden was Capt. John Wayte (Waite) who married Mary, daughter of Joseph Hills. From him have descended the many citizens bearing that honored name. One of them, Ezra, lived on territory now Melrose, in what is known as the Ezra Waite House. EZRA WAITE HOUSE. This interesting old domicile, now owned by George H. Ireson, who has lived therein some sixty years, is situated on Swain's Pond Avenue, in the southeastern part of Melrose. No one knows just when it was built, but it is undoubtedly two centuries old. It has brick-lined walls, and the usual wooden cross-beams in the ceiling, found in all the oldest houses. On the opposite side of the road may be seen the remnants of an old milldam; this makes it evident that there were once two sawmills on the outlet of Swain's Pond, one of which, Grover's, has been before referred to. Emerson. William Emerson, although born in Reading, and li\-ing some years in Woburn, early came to North Mai- den. He married Mary Vinton, a sister of the three brothers, Thomas, Timothy and Ezra X'inton, heretofore spoken of. ^^ Corey, History of Maiden, 355. OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 133 Mr. Emerson was in the Revolution, enlisting at the early age of eighteen; and the relation of his war experiences, to his children and grandchildren, afforded much entertain- ment.^ His first homestead " stood near the old well with a narrow cartway between the house and well," says one of his sons, the Rev. Warren Emerson, waiting June 23, 1876: The house was afterwards sold to Amos P. Lynde, and converted into a barn. In the above house my father kept a Public House for a number of years. The family moved into the new house on the .1 - .''-:^^' EMERSOX TAVERN. •^^ William Emerson, fthen of Reading), was private in Capt. John Dix's Co., Col. Mcintosh's regi- ment, Gen. Lovel's brigade ; en- listed Aug. I, 1778; discharged Sept. 12, 1778 ; service i mo. 15 dys., travel included, at Rhode Island; also, descriptive list of men raised to reinforce Continental Army for the term of 6 mos., agreeable to resolve of June 5, 1780, returned as received of Justin Ely, Commis- sioner, by Brig. Gen. John Glover, at Springfield, July 11, 1780; age, 20 yrs. ; stature, 5 ft. 7 in. ; com- plexion, ruddy; engaged for town of Reading; arrived at Sprinfield July 10, 1780; marched to camp July ri, 1780, under command of Ensign Bancroft ; also, list of men raised for the 6 mos. service and returned by Brig. Gen. Paterson as having passed muster in a return dated CampTotoway, Oct. 25, 1780; also, pay roll of 6 mos. men raised b}' the town of Reading for service in the Continental •A.rmy during 1780; marched July 5, 1780; dis- charged Dec. 12, 1780; service, 5 mos., 19 dys. iMassachiisctts Sol- diers and Sailors of the Revolittiort- ary War, Vol. v, p. 352. 134 HISTORY OF MELROSE. corner of Main and Emerson Streets, either the 6th or 7th of November, 1805, as you may tind marked with chalk on a rafter in the garret in the east end of the house unless it has been rubbed out by some one. I think marked by myself. In this old inn all of Mr. Emerson's children were born, excepting William, son of his first wife, who early went to Bangor, Maine, and Isaac, the oldest son by his second wife, who was born in Woburn. Another sister of these Vintons, Martha, married John Pratt, father of the late Charles Pratt, whose farm was on our present Lebanon Street, and which now forms part of the Wyoming Cemetery. Hemenway. Francis Hemenway, whose farm was on the easterly side of East Street, corner of Porter, was born in Stoneham in 1797, but came to Melrose when he was a year old. In 1815, there occurred an Indian mock fight, in which Mr. Hemenway took part. Some six hundred Maiden and Reading men, arrayed in war-paint and feathers, tomahawks and scalping-knives, were pitted against several military com- panies from Charlestown and other towns. The battle began on Reading Hill, north of Green Street, and ended at Joseph Boardman's, whose house stood where Masonic Hall now stands. After a hard and desperate struggle the red men were defeated. Mr. Hemenway represented an Indian squaw, and carried on his back for a papoose, the late Charles Porter, then a baby two years old. During Lafayette's visit in 1825, Mr. Hemenway joined the military company at Maiden cen- tre, marched to Bunker Hill, to take part in the laying of the corner-stone of the monument, heard Daniel Webster's great oration, and shook hands with our friend and ally, the great Frenchman. The old homestead, with its well and well-sweep, has disappeared but the house still exists, having been mo\-ed to the upper end of Porter Street. The Old Boardman House. Although this house does not actually stand on Melrose territory, it is so near it, being just over the line in Saugus, its age, its history, and the lives of some of its former occupants, are so closely connected with our city, that it is appropriate to introduce a view of the venerable relic, with a short sketch of its history. It is known, far and wide, as the Abijah Boardman House, and is situated on Howard Street. It is one of the oldest, if not the oldest house now standing on New England soil. It OLD FAMILIES AND HOMESTEADS. 135 was built in 1635-6, by Samuel Bennett, who came to Saugus in the first of these years. He came over from England, at his own cost, in consequence of which he received a grant of fift\' acres of land, locating it on this spot. \\\\h the shrewdness which was characteristic among the first settlers, he selected for the site a moderate elevation just west of a running rivulet which came down from Castle Hill to water his " horned cattle." and to meet at the declivity south of the house another little stream that kept green and fertile his meadows. The house is the best preserved specimen of the projecting upper story architecture to be found. It has the old fashioned huge chimney, fireplaces, and o\-ens, of the early colonial period; large beams cross its ceilings; hand-made, wrought ABIJAH liUARDM.^N HOUSE. iron nails were used; its cellar stairs are made of hewn logs instead of boards; and the walls were bricked between the upright timbers from top to bottom, thus making it warm and imperx'ious to the storms of winter; and the old house is still strong and able to defy the tempests of yet other centuries. The projecting upper story, in this case eighteen inches wide, so often thought to be so built for a means of defence, simply followed familiar architectural designs for dwellings extant in the early part of the seventeenth century. The openings, through which to shoot, or pour hot water upon the heads of attacking Indians, exist only in imagination. CHAPTER V. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. THE First Methodist Episcopal Church. The first or- ganized religious society in Melrose (North Maiden) was the Methodist Episcopal Church. In the winter of 1813, a committee consisting of Phineas Sprague, James Green, Jesse Upham and Cotton Sprague, requested the Rev. Timothy Merritt — then a member of the Massachusetts Legislature from Maine — to preach in the little district school-house, which was situated on the west side of the old road, now Lebanon Street, a short distance south of the present Upham Street. He accepted and continued for four Sabbaths, begin- ning February 4. A political sermon had been deli\'ered in the Orthodox Church, at Maiden Centre, which was opposed to the pre\-ailing sentiment existing in North Maiden, and consequently caused great dissatisfaction among its residents; and the call to Mr. Merritt was the result of an indignation meeting held in one of their barns. In support of this mox'ement the following petition was prepared and circulated previous to the commencement of these services: i\L\Lr)EN, Jan}- 15''! 1S13. The undersigned, impressed with the necessity of attendance upon Public \\'orship, experiencing the disadvantages of residing at a distance from Meeting and belie\'ing that the interest of Pietj' & Morality would be promoted by Meeting in this vicint}' for religious Worship do hereby severally agree to pay the Sums set against their respective Names for the Supi^ort of a Methodist Preacher to Preach Statedly at the Northern District School House. Phineas Sprague, Jr., Joseph Howard. Asa L'pham, Jesse Upham. Joseph Board man, Samuel Sprague, Peter Barrett. 3.00 Josiah Fuller, 1.00 3.00 Moses Rand, 1 .00 2.00 James Howard, 1 .00 1.50 James Green. Jr.. 1.00 3.00 Samuel Green, Jr., 2.00 1. 00 Jonathan Barrett, 3.00 1. 00 Issac \'inton. 2.00 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 137 Benjamin Porter, Isaac Emerson, Edward Emerson, Asa Hart, Robert Gary, Phineas Sprague, 2.00 James L. Green, 1. 00 I .00 Charles Fuller, 1. 00 I .00 Cotton Sprague, 3.00 1. 00 Jonas Green, 5.00 1. 00 Hermon Sturtevant, 1 .00 1.50 Hanson Connor, 1. 00 Total, $45.00 A few months later another petition was circulated for the same purpose, in order to continue the services: Malden, Sept. i6t'i 181 3. We the Subscribers do several!}' agree to pay the sums set against our Names for the support of Methodist Preaching at the North District School House. Jesse Upham, Phineas Sprague, William Emerson, Jonathan Barrett, Cotton Sprague, Phineas Sprague, Jr., Jesse Upham, Jr., Jonas Green, Jr., Isaac Vinton, Samuel Green, Jr., Asa Upham, Isaac Emerson, Joseph Boardman, James Howard, Samuel Sprague, Amos Upham, Benjamin Porter. 2.00 Joseph Richardson. 1. 00 1.50 Moses Rand, 1. 00 3.00 \\'illiam Edmunds, 1. 00 3.00 Charles Fuller, .50 3.00 Phineas Green, 2.00 3.00 Benjamin L3'nde, Jr., 1. 00 3.00 Jonas Green, 2.00 2.00 Joseph Fuller, .50 2.00 Jonathan Boardman, 2.00 2.00 Thomas Green, 2.00 2.00 Hanson Connor, 1. 00 2.00 Joseph Lynde, Jr.. 2.00 2.00 Edward Emerson, 2.00 I .00 George Emerson, 1 .00 1. 00 Barse Sturtevant. 1. 00 2.00 2.00 Joseph Howard, 2.50 Total, ^59.oo Mr. Merritt was succeeded by Re\-. Epaphras Kilby, who also preached four Sabbaths. He was succeeded b\' Rev. Thomas C. Pierce, who remained six months,, at a salary of $2 per Sabbath. The next preacher, Rev. Ephraim Wiley, remained three \'ears, from 1814 to 1817, the same salary being- voted: "half the amount of S2 a Sabbath be paid at the end of the first six months, and the remainder at the close of the year." A portion of this time he lixed in two rooms of the house of Capt. Phineas Sprague, on Main Street, opposite Ell Pond, now occupied by Samuel H. Nowell. 138 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Considering the salary received we are not surprised to learn that Mr. Wiley worked through the week at his trade, that of shoe-making, often with a book open before him studying to prepare for the next Sunday's services. ^ During his term of service, in 1815, a revival took place, during- which time, he was aided by the famous Father Taylor of Boston. In consequence of continued interest and success, this same year a Church was organized; and in 18 18, while Rev. Orlando Hinds was pastor, a meeting-house was built at the junction of Main Street, with Green Street, then a portion of the old Reading Road. This edifice was thirty feet long by thirty-two feet wide. Its cost, land and all, was §1,500. The subscrip- tion paper circulated for this object was headed as follows: Whereas, it is for the improvement and good of the public, as well as for the salvation and comfort of individuals, to support public worship and provide religious instruction, and as it is necessary for the comfort of those who meet for divine service to have suitable places to assemble in, the members and friends of the Methodist Society in North Maiden are resolved to build in said town, a house for public worship on the following conditions: These conditions were that the house was to be a neat, com- fortable one, with free seats, and to be in charge of certain trustees, according to the discipline of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. Mr. Hinds, who still received the same munifi- cent salary of $2 per Sabbath, headed the petition with the sum of $20. This was self-denial indeed! Others gave from $1 to $40. In 1 819, Re\-. Isaac Jennison became the pastor, during whose term of three \'ears, a very stirring re\-ival took place; services were held morning, noon and night for several weeks in succession. In 1820, Rev. Ephraim Wiley again preached for a year, being sent this time by the Methodist Conference. Next in succession came Rev. Messrs. Leonard Frost, E. Steel, John Adams, Samuel Norris, Serene Fisk, Thomas F. Norris, and Aaron Josselyn. About this time, 1827, certain members became dissatisfied with the form of government existing in the Methodist Epis- copal Church; trials and troubles began; and quite a number 1 Mrs. Frank J. Hunt in Melrose Journal, Nov. 3, 1S88. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 139 of the members withdrew and formed the second religious society, the Protestant Methodist Church. This was m 1828. The end of this movement is o-iven in the history of the First Baptist Church. The Methodist Episcopal Church, under the successive pas- torates, then varying from one to two years in length, of Rev. Messrs. Geo. W. Fairbanks, LaRo>' Sunderland, Ezra Sprague, R. D. Estabrook, Ebenezer Ireson, J. T. Burrill, S. Osgood Wright, Timothy Merritt, James Mudge, Ralph W. Allen, David Culver, Henry B. Skinner, C. Hayward and Walter Wilkie, continued to occupy their meeting-house until 1842, when, under the pastorate of Rev. William Rice, the building was enlarged, improved, and rededicated November 30, of that year. The first sexton was hired in 1837, at a salary of $10 per annum. Then followed in succession as pastors, Rev. Messrs. Daniel Richards, Henry M. Bridge, Nathaniel Bemis, John C. Ingalls, Francis A. Griswold, John M. Merrill, Mark Staples, W'illiam H. Hatch, James Shepard, W'illiam C. High and John W. Perkins. This enlarged house of worship con- tinued to be occupied until 1857, when it was sold to George F. Boardman, mo\-ed to near the corner of Main and Essex Streets, changed into " Concert Hall," and was destroyed by fire, November 30, 1875, with Boardman's Block, just thirty- three }-ears from the da\' it was dedicated. Mr. Perkins was stationed here in 1854. A new edifice being much needed for the growing Church, he succeeded in raising money, sufficient to accomplish the object; a building com- mittee was appointed, but "the iron law of itinerac\' " removed Mr. Perkins, and the work was completed under the pastorate of his successor. Rev. Nathan D. George. The edifice was completed and dedicated April i, 1857, the Rev. E. O. Haven, D. D., preaching the dedication sermon. The land on which the church stands was given by Isaac Emerson, father of the late Isaac Emerson, Jr., and of George Emerson, Richard Watson Emerson and Mrs. John Massey, still with us. The clock in the audience room was the gift of Rev. Frederick Upham, D. D., a nati\e and former resident of our town. The first pastor settled in the new Meeting-house was Rev. J. Augustus Adams. He was followed in 1859 by Rew H. V. Degen, and in i860 by Abraham D. Merrill. Jeremiah L. 140 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Hanaford was pastor, 1861-62; George Prentice, 1863-64; Henry Baker, 1865-67; Frank K. Stratton, 1868-69; M. Emory Wright, 1870-72; (length of pastorate now extended to three 3^ears, if desired,) A. VV. Mills, 1873-74; S. B. Sweetser, 1875- 76; Isaac H. Packard, 1877-79; William Butler, D. D., 1880-82; John D. Pickles, 1883-85; Samuel Jackson, 1886-90; (pastorate now five years if desired,) Charles E. Davis, 1891-96; Joel M. Leonard, 1897-1900, and Charles H. Stackpole, I90i,and is the present pastor. ^ ■SB?""*—-- METHODIST Kl'ISCUPAL CHURCH AM) PARSONAGE. The church edifice was remodelled during the pastorate of Rc\'. S. B. Sweetzer, when the church parlor, choir gallery and a kitchen were added; and the rc-opcning serxices were held November 19, 1876. The present membership of the Church is as follows: Full members, 568; members on probation, 40; total, 608. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 141 The fiftieth anniversary of the introduction of Methodism into the town, was celebrated in 1862, during the pastorate of the late Rev. Jeremiah L. Hanaford, long a resident and honored citizen of Melrose; sermon by Elder Aaron Sargent. The seventy-fifth anniversary of the formation of the Church was observed in 1888, Rev. Samuel Jackson, pastor. Bishop Randolph S. Foster, D. D., preached the anniversary sermon. The first parsonage of this church, was the long-time resi- dence of one of its old members, Isaac Emerson, situated on Main street, on land adjoining the church lot, Mr. Emerson died April 18, 1861, aged 72 years. He was one of the first contributors to the enterprise in 181 3, and was the first Town Treasurer, after Melrose was incorporated in 1850. A new and handsome parsonage was built on the site of the old one in 1890, which cost $5,700 above the land. During the year 1897, '^ was found that the graceful steeple had become somewhat decayed and rendered unsafe; there- fore it was cut off down to the bell-tower, thus lea\ing it less pleasing to the eye than fomerly. As the church building was fast getting too small for the increasing membership and parish, a movement was begun this same year, looking toward the building of a new edifice, which was so generously and enthusiastically received, that undoubtedly, a larger and handsomer one will take the place of the old one in the near future, as a large sum is already pledged and on deposit for that purpose. During the ministry of Rev. Samuel Jackson, 1 886-90, several young men belonging to this Church, moved with a missionary spirit, began work in the somewhat retired district situated southwest of Swain's Pond, and east of Lebanon Street. Their labors were fruitful; religious services were held, a Sabbath School begun, and in 1891, a chapel was erected on Swain's Pond Avenue, and dedicated December 20, of that year, by Rev. J, H. Mansfield, D. D., Presiding Elder of the Lynn District. The late Charles Pratt, in his will, left SiO.OOO to the Stewards of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Melrose, to be used for " Christian Missions." This was the amount his estate was to receive after his death, for the sale of his old farm homestead on Lebanon Street, to the Town of Melrose, for cemetery purposes; the town giving its note for the same, 142 HISTORY OF MELROSE. and Mr. Pratt to receive the interest only during his remaining years. Out of this generous bequest, this Swain's Pond Chapel was built; and it is very appropriately named "The Pratt Memorial." A Sabbath School and religious services were sustained in this chapel by the Methodist Church for a num- ber of years, but it has now been leased b}' the Congregational Church of Maplewood, Rev. Charles S. Macfarland, pastor. The Sabbath School of the parent Church, the oldest one in Melrose, was first organized in June, 1824, under the pastorate of Rev. Samuel Norris, who acted as superintendent. It numbered thirty members all told, and in August, a library- was bought consisting of thirteen \olumes, only one being a bound book. Among its superintendents, the late Fernando C. Taylor held that office for a period of twenty-five years. The present membership of the School, with officers and teach- ers, is 506, and Francis P. Luce is the present superintendent. It has a library of 600 \olumes. Still another Sabbath School is connected with the Metho- dist Church. This is known as the " East Side Mission." It is held, together with weekly religious exercises, in the old school-house, built in 1856, on Upham Street, near East Street. It has 167 members, and VV, DeHa\'en Jones is the superin- tendent. This makes a total Sabbath School membership under the jurisdiction of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of 960. Affiliated with the East Side Mission is the East Side Ladies' Aid Association. The affiliated societies of the Church are the Epworth League, Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, Woman's Home Missionar\^ Society, the Ladies' Aid Society, the Maternal Association and the Methodist Brotherhood. The Melrose Orthodox Congreg.\tioxal Church. Very earh' in the present century, and long before the Orthodox Church was formed, preaching services were held occasional!)' by Congregational ministers, either in the little old unpaintcd school-house, situated on the old road, now Lebanon Street, on a knoll then existing very near where now lives Deacon John Buffum, or, in the parlors of some North Maldenite. These were generally conducted by the resident pastor of the Maiden Centre Church. By the >-ear 1848, after the Railroad had been opened from Boston to Lawrence, it was found tliat (]uite' a number of ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 143 members of Congregational Churches had become residents of North Maiden; besides others, not members, whose sympathies were in this direction; and soon religious ser\^ices began to be held; first, in the house of Dr. Levi Gould, then living on Main Street, opposite the present Methodist Episcopal Church, in the house now standing and belonging to the heirs of the late George W. Farnsworth. There are those now living who well remember these services, and the part they took in preparing for them; among them Levi S. Gould and Edwin C. Gould; these young boys brought chairs from the neighbors' houses, to accommodate the audiences. Previous to these meetings. Dr. Gould would often take some one of like persuasion in his chaise, and attend church; sometimes in Stoneham and some- times in Wakefield. After two, possibly three, of these Sunday services at Dr. Gould's the parlors of Deacon Jonathan Cochran, on Grove Street, being larger, were opened for these meetings; and here, April 25, 1848, began the first preaching services, bv Rev. Stillman Pratt, who afterwards became the first settled pastor. After a few weeks, the audiences increasing mean- while, the passenger room of the Boston and Maine Railroad Station was obtained for this purpose; and here was formed the Sunday School, with James L. Crosett acting as leader. This was in the days of quiet, before the ad\ent of Sunday trains! Here w^ere held preaching services, and the sessions of the Sunday School for several weeks. This building still stands on Essex Street, and is now used as the freight depot. Steps were soon taken for the organization of a Church, and a preliminary meeting of brethren was held Ma_v 21, 1848, when the Articles of Faith and Covenant, as held bv the Church of Stoneham were adopted; and a committee consist- ing of Jonathan Cochran and James L. Crosett, was appointed to call a Council of Churches to advise, and if deemed ex- pedient, to form a Church in accordance with the Congre- gational form. The Council met in the Academy Building, then on Berwick Street, afterwards moved to Main Street, and known as Lyceum Hall, on July ii, 1848. The Churches represented were from Reading, Wakefield, Maiden, Stone- ham, Lynnfield, Chelsea, P2verett, then South Maiden, Saugus, and Medford. The Council approxx-d the proposed plan, and the Melrose Orthodox Congregational Church was then organ- 144 HISTORY OF MELROSE. ized, with reading of the minutes, invocation, consecrating prayer, sermon by Rev. Isaac P. Langworthy, and other cus- tomary exercises. The Rev. Stillman Pratt became the first pastor, being called April i8, and was installed May 17, 1849. He had acted as their minister for several months previous. Mr. Pratt took part in the Bi-Centennial Celebration of Maiden, which occurred May 23, 1849, writing an original hymn for the occasion, which was sung to the tune of " North Bend," two stanzas of which follow: Two hundred years have rolled away Since here our fathers came ; And we their sons come here to-day To celebrate their fame. God of the nations ! in Thy sight A thousand years are one, — Oh ! here defend us b)' Thy might, Then take us to thy throne. The original members, twehe in number, who joined by letter from other churches, July ii, were as follows: Jonathan Cochran, Levi Gould, Mary Cochran, Tristram Bird, Seth Rich, Sylva Bird, James L. Crosett, Mary S. Manning, Elizabeth D. Crosett, Mary R. Pratt, Lucinda Howard, Olive Carey. Only one of these members is now living, Mrs. Elizabeth D. Crosett, now of San Francisco, California; she was one of the Sunday School teachers, and one of the choir singers. Some moved away, taking letters to other churches. Dr. Gould died January 6, 1850; Deacon Cochran died January 6, 1885, aged 93 years and 6 months, having been deacon thirt}-- six years; all the others who remained in Melrose have joined the " silent majority," Very soon after the Church was formed, a movement was made to build a meeting-house, which was accomplished through the unwearied efforts of Dr. Le\"i Gould, Dea. Jonathan Cochran, James L. Crosett and others, who not only solicited contributions, but two of them at least, Dr. Gould and Dea. Cochran worked on the foundations of the building with pick and shovel. Land was bought on West Foster Street, the meet- ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 145 ing-house commenced in October, 184S, and completed and dedicated May 17, 1849; but services had been held in the ves- try as soon as it was completed, March 11, about two months before. The land and building cost $3,500 ; of this amount the society raised about S400, among themselves, S600 was con- tributed by members of neighboring churches, and the remain- ing $2,500 was placed on mortgage. For four >'ears after its organization the Church was aided in its current expenses, in sums ranging from S44 to S200 per annum, a total of S619, by the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society. The Church then, in 1852, numbered twenty-four members. Concerning the early days of its history the first Church Manual, published in 1859, has the following: Very much was due in the early history of the church and in results reached, under God, to the earnest and faithful labors of the first pastor, Rev. Stillman Pratt, and the brethren associated with him. It should also be added, as showing that God has carried us through dark days, that in the early part of 1853, the Meeting House was taken possession of by the mortgagee, and with heavy hearts brethren removed the furniture of the pews. This gentleman, however, made a liberal offer to the society, and by earnest and continued efforts, a sum sufficient to satisfy the mortgagee was raised, chiefly among them- selves, and liberal friends in Boston and elsewhere, and possession of the house resumed. And from the Revised Manual oi 1892: It is difficult at the present time to realize all that this first venture meant to the few brave souls who constituted the little church. They were but a handful and gave literally " of their poverty that others might be rich." The population was sparse, and the territory only a few oldtime farms, with here and there rocky ledges, rough bits" of pasture, and clumps of stunted pine. This little original white-painted church edifice, with its clock and steeple, was enlarged, remodelled, and made over into a building of Gothic architectural design during the year 1858, at a cost of Si0,000. It was re-dedicated January 5, 1859, with a sermon by Rev. Edward N. Kirk, D. D.^ of Boston. There is no view of the original church building in existence. In one of its small vestries, a part of the town's primar\- school was held one or more seasons. There are yet members of the Church and congregation, whose memory clusters around 146 HISTORY OF MELROSE. the past events, and who bring to mind the pleasant scenes and occurences which took place in the little white church during its history before its absorption in the more stately structure. ORTHODOX CONGKIiGATIONAL CHCRCn. I-rom Painting by T. C. Bartholomew. The remodeled church was burned Februar}- it, 1869. In the picture will be obser\-ed a small house which was consumed at the same time. This stood where now stands the residence of Mrs. Emma Burnham. It was then a tenement containing two families, and it has a somewhat interesting history. The original building was the little iui}jainted school-house, before ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 147 spoken of, and which is minutely described in the chapter on " Educational History." It was not only the school-house in those early days, but various religious services were often held therein, before any church building existed. It was after- wards bought, in 1828, by the Methodist Protestant Society, moved to the corner of Main and Upham (then Church) Streets, where it remained until that society built its new church in 1842; meanwhile having become often called the " Duck Pen." It was then moved to the corner of Myrtle and West Foster Streets, and there burned, as stated. Not at all disheartened at this calamity, the society immediately took steps to build another church. Subscriptions were made, a large lot of land containing 48,800 square feet, at the corner of West Foster and Willow Streets, and adjoining the old church lot, was purchased, and the corner-stone laid November 24, 1869. On this occasion, an address was made by the pastor, Rev. Albert G. Bale, an historical statement made by Deacon Calvin N. Chapin, and a box containing a variety of articles, coins, newspapers, the Melrose Memonal, etc., was placed beneath the stone. The church was finished and dedi- cated October 26, 1870, with a sermon by the pastor, and an address by Rev. Isaac P. Langworthv. During its erection public worship was held in Lyceum Hall, Main Street, formerly the old Melrose Academy, on Berwick Street, in which the Church was first organized and where some of its services were held. The land and building cost $42,000. Extensive repairs were made in 1890, during which time a handsome memorial window was placed in the front vestibule, by Maurice G. Cochrane, in honor of his grandfather, Jonathan Cochran, so long its senior deacon. The first pastor, Mr. Pratt, resigned in April, 185 1, and Rev. Isaac H. Northrop was installed January 15, 1852. He was dismissed in March, 1853, and the Rev. Alexander J. Sessions was installed in January, 1854. His relationship ceased in 1858, and Rev. P:dward H. Buck became the pastor. He died January 31, 1861. Rev. Henry A. Stevens succeeded, being ordained September 12, 1861, remaining until May, 1868. He was succeeded by Rev. Albert G. Bale, who was ordained December 3, 1868. After an unusually long pastorate of twenty-seven and a half \-ears, Mr. Bale resigned in Ma>-, 1S96, remaining until July 15. 148 HISTORY OF MELROSE. At the meeting of the Church, held ]\Ia}' 4. at which time his resignation was accepted, the following resolutions were presented by Elbridge H. Goss, and adopted. Whereas. The Rev. Albert G. Bale having resigned the pastorate of the Melrose Orthodox Congregational Church, and the same having been accepted, it is fitting that some expression of the relations that have existed between us for a period of over twenty-seven j-ears, be adopted b}' us here assembled ; therefore ; Resolved, That it is with deep feelings of regret that the pleasant ties that have so long existed between pastor and people are now to be sundered. He has been in and out with us, these many years, in our sorrows and in our joys; -our cheerful and helpful counsellor both to young and old; has given aid and comfort, unreservedly, wherever and whenever needed. Resolved, That to whatever station in life he may hereafter be called, we can recommend him as a scholar of high cultureand deep experience ; a thinker, sound and logical ; a mind, well stored from wide reading and travel; in knowledge, profound and far-reaching. Resolved, That we can testify to a walk in life among his people, with a character unimpeachable ; unstained by the faintest breath of suspicion ; a heart ever open to distress ; full of kindliest sympathy ; a disposition the most charitable ; in short, a man bearing away with him the universal respect and admiration of all with whom he has been associated, whether of our church and parish, or of his fellow townsmen. Resolved. That it is the heart}^ desire of this Church, that wherever his lot may be cast, the choicest blessings of God may be with him and his ; that the consolation and sustaining influence of that religion he has so earnestly and faithfully set before his people, may be experi- enced by him through the remaining years of his life. Resolved. That these resolutions be spread upon the Church rec- ords, and that a copy of the same be sent to the Rev. A. G. Bale, by the Clerk of the Church. At a meeting of the Church held March 3, 1897, a call was extended to Rev. Thomas Sims, D. D., late of Toronto, Canada, to become its pastor; and at a special meeting of the Society held March 18, the action of the Church was concurred in. The services of installation were waived, and in their stead a mutual agreement for a three years' pastorate was made, and the services of recognition were held May 25, 1897. ^^' dresses were made by Rev. R. A. Beard, D. D., Rev. George A. Tewksbury, Rev. J. Cooper Antliff, D. D., Rev. Joel M. Leonard, Ph. D., Rev. Burke F. Lea\itt, Deacon W'illiam Mc- Cartney, and the Pastor. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 149 From the day the Church was organized to the present, year by year, members have joined by letter, and by profes- sion of faith; members have died, or have removed to other parts of the land; many have been dismissed to other churches, but there has been a constantly increasing growth until the OkTHUUUX CONGKEGATIOXAI, CHIKCH. present time, when the membership is 496. Since the Church was organized there have been connected with it nine hundred and seventy-nine (979) members; fixe hundred and eight}'-two (582) came by letters from other churches, and three hundred and ninety-se\'en (397) by profession of faith. 150 HISTORY OF MELROSE. The Sunday School was organized in the Melrose Depot, in 1S48, when it had but few scholars, and was under the leader- ship of James L. Crosett. As soon as the vestry of the church was sufficiently advanced to allow the Sabbath School to meet and organize therein, Dr. Le^"i Gould became the first superintendent. From that time the school has prospered, increasing year by year until the present, when it numbers 558 members, divided into primary, junior and senior departments. Some five years ago a home department was organized, and is now under the superintendency of Dea. Frank G. Kellogg, with over two hundred members. This consists of such per- sons as cannot well attend the Sunday School sessions con- tinuously, but receive the quarterlies used in the school, agree- ing to study the lesson at least a half hour each week. In connection with this department are twenty-four messenger bo}^s and a "Sunshine Band" of thirty-three members. The total membership of the school is 766. The Melrose Orthodox Congregational Society was incor- porated under the General Statutes, July 8, 1848, at which time, a meeting having been duly warned, a constitution and by-laws were adopted. The following persons were present and signed the constitution: Stillman Pratt, James L. Crosett, Tristram Bird, Moses Parker, Seth Rich, Joseph E. Stanwood, Jonathan Cochran, John Mclntire, Levi Gould, Nelson Cochran. Dr. Levi Gould was chosen first clerk of \.ht Society. Here are two distinct but closely allied bodies, Church and Society, each having an entirely different set of officers. The Church, with pastor, deacons, deaconesses, church benevolence and missionary committees, having jurisdiction over the preaching and prayer-meeting services, the choosing of the officers of the Sunday School, the communion table, benevolent contribu- tions, and care of the poor of the Church. The Society has general care and charge of all parish propert\', builds the edifice, raises all moneys for parish expenses, and unites with the Church in calling or dismissing a pastor. In 1882, a handsome parsonage was erected on the site of the old church, from architectural plans made by the then pastor, Rev. Mr. Bale, at a cost of S6,ooo. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 151 The twenty-fifth anniversary of the organization of the Church was recognized in June, 1873, with an historical ser- mon by the pastor, Mr. Bale; as was also the fortieth anni- versary, when an historical sermon was delivered by Mr. Bale;- and on Sunday the 19th. and Monday the 20th of June, 1898, Church, Society, and Sunday School joined in celebrating the fiftieth anniversary. A sermon appropriate to the occa- sion was preached by the pastor, Rev. Thomas Sims, D. D., and addresses were made b>- Rev. Daniel March, D. D., Rev. Charles H. Daniels, D. D., and Rev. Smith Baker, D. D. Two past pastors were present. Rev. Albert G. Bale, and Rev- Henry A. Stevens, both of whom took part in the exercises. Also the living past superintendents of the Sunday School, whose names and terms of service are as follows: Deacon Calvin N. Chapin, 1854 to 1S69. Deacon Curtis C. Goss, January, 1S69, to January, 1874. Elbridge H. Goss, January, 1874, to January, 1875. Stephen A. Lovejoy, July, 1877, to January, 1878. Deacon Calvin N. Chapin, January, 1878, to January, 1879. John M. Small, January, 1879, to Januar>', 1880. Stephen A. Lovejoy, January, 1880, to January, 1882. Deacon Curtis C. Goss, January, 1882, to July, 1884. Albert B. Franklin, July, 1884, to July, 1887. George L. Morse, July, 1887, to July, 1890. Don E. Curtis, Jul>', 1890, to July, 1893. - This sermon was printed in the Melrose Journal. His text was Deut. viii, 2: "And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years." Two extracts follow: " Through the mists of forty years shines a beautiful picture, when on that Sabbath moruing the fathers and mothers of this Church met for the first time in the room of the old Melrose Passenger Depot for the public worship of God. It seems more like a missionary meet- ing on the western frontier than But forty years ago no such charm- ing picture of suburban life met the eye, as now, from the crest of any one of these hills. Main Street was then, as at present, part of the main turnpike between Boston and Reading. Essex Street extended, then, only as far as Main Street on the east, and ending on the west in a cart-road leading into the woods. On the west side of the railroad was a continuous road from the Highlands. Upham and Howard Streets were the old roads to Sau- gus. There was not, at that time. the meeting of a Congregational a single house on Wyoming Hill, Church in old Massachusetts — on which was then a rocky blueberry one of its main railroad lines, and pasture." onlv seven miles from Boston. . . . 152 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Rev. John L. Kilbon, jr., July, 1893, to July, 1894. Don E. Curtis, July, 1894, to July, 1897. Frank G. Kellogg, July, 1897, ^o July, 1900. Don E. Curtis, July, 1900. to July, 1902. George A. Manning, July, 1902. Many former residents and members took the occasion to visit and renew the acquaintances of their old church home. The affiliated societies of this Church are as follows: Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, Junior Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, and Woman's Union. Under this head all other affiliated societies, benevolent and social, each having its separate superintendent or president, are as follows: Foreign Missions; Home Missions; Social Committee; Altruist Committee; Music Committee; and House- keeping Committee. The present officers of the Church are: Deacons, Calvin N. Chapin, John Buffum, Elbridge H. Goss, Moses S. Page, Thomas H. Tucker, George R. Jones, Frank G. Kellogg, Danforth D. Stratton and Albert B. Franklin. Deaconesses, Mrs. Florence M. Whitman, Mrs. Frances A. Brackett, Mrs. Caroline M. Cox, Miss Susan P. Harrold and Mrs. Frances J. Grout. Clerk, Isaac A. Cochran. Treasurer, John Buffum. Auditor, Wingate P. Sargent. Previous Church clerks as follows: Dr. Levi Gould served from July ii, 1848, to January, 1850; Samuel Harris, June," 1850, to Jul>% 1854; Edward P. Nevins, July, 1854, to January, 1861; Elbridge H. Goss, January, 1861, to December 29, 1874; Isaac A. Cochran, December 29, 1874. and is the present clerk. The present officers of the Societ\' are: Assessors, John Buffum, chairman, Moses S. Page and George R. Jones. Treasurer and collector, Elbridge H. Goss. Clerk, Lindley R. Browne. Auditor, Isaac A. Cochran. These together form the prudential committee, and ha\^e the general charge of all parish affairs. Previous treasurers: Seth Rich, Dr. Moses Parker and .'\lverse L. White, who served from 1852 to 1867. Pre\ious clerks: Dr. Le\i Gould, Nelson Cochran and Curtis C. Goss, who scr\ed from 1866 to 1897.'^ ^ Possibly others served as treas- sou Cochran aud Curtis C. Goss; urersbetweeuDr.ParkeraudA.lv. but names cannot be giveu as White, aud as clerks between Nel- records were burned and charred ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 153 George A. Thompson has been organist of the Societ>^ for twenty-seven years. In the year 1897, the Sunday School had become so large that the chapel could not accommodate all the different departments; and it was found necessary to have the inter- mediate department meet in the church auditorium. Just before this, in September, 1896, the Altruists, while Frank G. Kellogg was president, inaugurated a movement to raise money with which to purchase a carpet for the chapel, and procure some decorations for its walls, which resulted in raising a moderate but insufificient sum. Soon after, under the en- thusiastic and persistent efforts of Mr. Kellogg, then superin- tendent of the Sunday School, the still wider purpose of enlarging the chapel was adopted, that all might be accomo- dated therein; and with the cooperation of the church and parish committees, a s}'stem of weekly oft'erings b}' Church and Sunday School was commenced and continued through the years 1897 and 1898, which resulted in raising the sum of $2,500, which was placed in the hands of the chapel fund committee, consisting of Frank G. Kellogg, Don E. Curtis, Curtis C. Goss, George R. Jones, Franklin P. Shumway, Isaac A. Cochran and Elbridge H. Goss, which had been appointed by the Altruists. By a renewed effort, continued through the year 1899, the sum was increased to $6,000 by cash and pledges. This sum was deemed sufficient by the prudential commit- tee to warrant the Societ}' to proceed with the alterations and enlargement; and preliminar}- plans were obtained and sub- mitted to the Parish by the chapel fund committee; and at a duly called meeting of the Parish the following were chosen as a building committee : ^Albert B. Franklin, Chairman; George R. Jones, John Buffum, John jNI. Small, and Lindley R. Browne, Clerk. Messrs. Hartwell, Richardson & Driver, architects, were employed by this committee, and new plans were made b}' them for the enlargement, and when submitted it was found that it \\ould require a much larger sum than $6,000 to accomplish the desired object. A new and urgent effort was then made, asking for cash contributions and pledges covering the period of one, two and three years. in the "Great Fire" of November collector from 1S58 to 1867, when 9, 10, 1872. E. H. Goss served as the offices were united. 154 HISTORY OF MELROSE. The matter was presented to the Society, on Sunday morning, instead of the regular service, by Albert B. Franklin, and the sum of $10,000 was raised, which added to the amount previ- ously raised made a total of $i6,000. This result was received with great gratification. Subsequent pledges raised the total to $16,106.99. At this time, the spring of 1900, there had been a conviction growing in the parish and community, that the main church building was in an unsafe condition. An examination by the state inspectors, and the architects, Messrs. Hartwell, Rich- ardson & Driver, resulted in the building being condemned. Services therein were at once prohibited by the prudential committee. Plans for the strengthening of the edifice were im- mediately made, and it was found necessary to take $5,677.22 of the above sum raised for the enlargement of the chapel, for this purpose. A contract was made with Angus Mac Donald, and under the charge of the building committee, this strengthening was accomplished by placing eight columns from the foundation, with cross-beams in the auditorium. A new chancel was con- structed, a new system of ventilation for both church and chapel introduced, new windows substituted, and the interior re-plastered and re-frescoed. This was successfully and satis- factorily accomplished, and services for the re-opening of the church were held October 14, 1900, with an appropriate sermon by the pastor, and other exercises. The chapel building was materially enlarged on its westerly side, under contract with Mr. MacDonald. This has given spacious rooms for- the junior and primary departments, a pastor's room, choir room, library room, and in the basement, toilet rooms, coat rooms and kitchen; and on the northerly end an extra entrance. New windows and other improve- ments were made in the main chapel room. The total cost of this enlargement and these improvements, was $11,066.79; making a total outlay of $16,744.01, of which $139.89 was paid by the ladies, from the chapel furnishing fund. This over- run the total amount raised for this purpose about $500, which sum was raised by subscription at a business men's banquet held in the chapel, February 5, 1900. These changes were made and the School met in the newlv arranged and finished quarters on Sunda}', November 18, 1900. Meanwhile Sunday ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 155 School services had been held in the Y. M. C. A. Rooms, as had the preaching services of the parish, with the exception of four, which were held in the City Hall, by permission of the Board of Aldermen. While out of a church home, kind and generous offers of other societies, inviting the Church to hold its services in their meeting-houses, were received. Such was the case with the Universalist, the Baptist and the Methodist Societies. It should be recorded that the same kindly offers were tendered when the church was burned in 1869. Great credit should be given to the building committee for its successful work; especiall\- to its chairman, Mr. Franklin, for his energetic and unwearied effort in carrying these various improvements to a successful termination, and to the great satisfaction of all the members of the Melrose Orthodox Congregational Parish. The Melrose Highlands Congregational Church. The first attempt to hold religious exercises at the Highlands was made in the spring of 1857, when Deacon Augustus Durant commenced a Sunday School in the Franklin Street School- house. This was discontinued when winter came, although a Bible class was taught by him through the following winter, which met at different houses. Soon after this one of the most fortunate of things happened to the Highlands in the arrival of a gentleman of religious convictions and enthusiasm, with his bride. It were idle for us to speculate on what would have been done to care for the religious life of the people if they had not made their home in this place under the rocks ; for in other hearts the question had been asked, "What shall we do?" But, having once taken up their abode here, a Church was a foregone conclusion. I need not tell you that this man was our venerable but youthful Deacon Joel Snow, and that the bride was his good wife. It was the twelfth day of October, 1859, when they came ; and now, for over twenty-seven years, they have been foremost in every good work.-*^ The Church here foreshadowed was organized in 1875. For some years previous to this preaching services had been fre- quently held; some were out of doors, generally at the arch- way embankment on Melrose Street, when pastors from the centre of the town officiated; and others in the loft of the * From Origin and Grozvth of Highlands, a sennou preached Nov. the Religious Movement, at Melrose i, 1886, by Rev. John G. Taylor. 156 HISTORY OF MELROSE. stable building then situated on the corner of Tremont and Franklin Streets, which came to be known as the "Highland Chapel;" the use of which had been given by Deacon George W. Chipman, who, in the fall of i86i, altered and furnished it for that purpose; fitting the lower story for a dwelling. In this chapel, not only these preaching services were held, but BIRTHPLACE OF CHURCH. regular weekly prayer meetings. Later, the Highlands Union Sunday School, formed February 21, 1869. with the names of forty-five persons as "charter members," and with Deacon Calvin N. Chapin, as its superintendent, met regularly in the chapel. During these preliminary years, preaching services were ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 157 continued quite regularly, the pulpit being mostly supplied by pastors from the centre of the town. Among others were Thomas J. Clithero and A. E. Higgins, students from the Boston Theological Seminary, the latter continuing until a few months before the Church was organized, which event took place September 29, 1875, with thirty-nine members; thirty- three by letter, and six on profession of faith; of the original members, twenty-one were Congregationalists, seven Method- ists, four Baptists, and one Lutheran; the entire membership represented fifteen different churches. Rev. D. Allen More- house, who had been supplying the pulpit for a few months, was installed as its first pastor, with a sermon by Rev. William H. Willcox, D. D., of Reading. A silver communion service was presented to the new Church by the Mystic Church of Medford. In August, 1876, Mr. Morehouse resigned, and on Novem- ber 19, of the same year. Rev. John G. Taylor was installed as his successor. Very soon after this, Mr. Taylor began to agitate the subject of building a church edifice; and by dint of persistent effort and hard struggling, this worthy object was successfully accomplished. A building committee was ap- pointed, land bought on the corner of Franklin and Ashland Streets, ground broken April 25, 1878, the corner-stone laid September 13, 1879, and the church dedicated September 29, 1880. Five years later a chapel was built, adjoining the church, the cost of the whole being $14,150. In 1883 Mr. Taylor went abroad for fourteen months, and Re\'. Henry Bates officiated as pastor. For nine years this young Church was nourished by the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society, which contributed to its running expenses. In a sermon preached b}' Mr. Taylor, Januar}- 9, 1887, he said: We talk of ourselves now in the words of ten years ago, without thinking that we have bought a large lot of land, built two houses of worship, or a church and a chapel, relinquished a yearly income of S300 at first and $150 later from the Missionary Society, and received into the church since its organization, exclusive of the 39 original members, 1 12 persons, and since I began my work with j-ou in Novem- ber, '76, 106 persons. In other departments of church work the growth has been correspondingly encouraging. And a week later, in his Tenth A>iiiii'ersary Ser)noii: 158 HISTORY OF MELROSE. When I first became acquainted with you, you were about fourteen months old, and had a membership of fortj'-five. Of this world's goods you had but verj- little, — only a small reed organ, and a few settees, and chairs, and lamps. It was primitive enough for the year 1620 at Plymouth. Underneath this hall in the loft lived a good woman, whose staunch piety was of more worth than any cornerstone of granite could be, and in one corner of the first floor was a room with a large window, in which were tempting bits of merchandise, and afterwards candies, and bread, and sweetmeats. No room in the House of Seven Gables could have been more worth)- of the story- teller's pen. The stairway up which we climbed, like Pilgrims going up the hill which overlooks Plymouth Bay, landed us not far from a large stove, and just far enough from the side of the room to save our heads from bumping against the slanting roof. On the other side, the singers poured forth their feelings in good music, guiding a congrega- tion which had not lived long enough to forget how to sing ; while in the north end, just under the gable window, the minister stood behind a pulpit which had been made out of an old school desk, draped in scarlet. In July, 1892, the Church voted to become incorporated under the General Statutes, and by due process became a corporation, following which action the Melrose Highlands Congregational Society voted to transfer its property inter- ests and effects to the incorporated Church, which trust was accepted by vote of the Church, July 21, 1893. Mr. Taylor resigned March 30, 1893; soon after which a call was extended to Rev. Burke F. Lea\'itt; and after several weeks of con- sideration he accepted. He entered upon his duties October 15, 1893, and was installed No\'ember i. He had been pre- \iously settled in the ministry in Portland, Chicago, and Oregon. The Parish now grew so rapidly that it was found to be in straightened circumstances; and very soon after Mr. Leavitt was settled the building of a new church edifice was success- fully agitated. The old church was sold to George J. Bicknell, for the sum of $1,000, and mo\ecl across the street to the land where once existed the little Highland Pond, which had then been filled up. Soon after it was bought by the Shepard Manu- facturing Company, and is now used as the factory for its ex- tensive siKxM'-ware business. Ground was broken for the new church edifice April 23, 1895, the corner-stone laid June 29, 1895, ^^^ 't ^^'ss dedicated January- 2, 1896. It is a large, well ECCLESIA S TIC A L HIS TOR Y. 159 arranged building, having all the appointments of the modern church structure, and a seating capacity of 750. Its total cost was $21,689. A number of its stained-glass windows were given by Sabbath School classes; its organ by the ladies of the parish; and a fine toned bell, weighing 2,300 pounds, costing $350 was given by the Sabbath School. The following figures, given at the fifth anniversary of the settlement of Mr. Leavitt, show not only a successful pastor- ate, but indicate the rapid growth of that portion of our town. During that period the new church was built; $28,259 raised for home expenses — twice as much as during the previous five HIGHLANDS CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. years — and for benevolent objects $3,206. against $1,349 for the previous period; 237 members were added to the church, 117 on profession. Present number of members, 362. The affiliated organizations of this Church are as follows: Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, Men's Chris- tian League, Women's Christian League, Young Men's Chris- tian League, Societ>' of King's Daughters, and Junior Christian Endeavor Societ)'. Deacon Chapin continued as superintendent of the Sunday School for five years, when he resigned, and was succeeded b^' 160 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Florentine S. Shaw, for three years. Then Deacon William W. Mason was elected, when, having moved away, he was suc- ceeded in 1882, by Paul Hayward. He was succeeded in 1885, by Alfred Blanchard. In 1892, Deacon- Mason having again become a resident of the Highlands, was again chosen superin- tendent, and was succeeded by the present superintendent, Walter H. Todd. Present membership of the School, including the home department is 580. The deacons are: Angus MacDonald, Frederick A. Films, W. S. Fawcett, Richard Hicks, W. E. Stanley, Samuel Thurs- ton, Fred A. Houdlette and George W. Bears. Clerk, George W. Basford. Treasurer and collector, James W. Murray. The Twenty-fifth Anniversary was celebrated by the Church, with services extending from September 28, to October 3, 1900, during which time an anniversary sermon was preached by the pastor. Rev. Burke F. Leavitt, an historical address by Rev, John G. Taylor, an address by Deacon Calvin N. Chapin, the first superintendent, an address by Rev. C. I. Scofield, and a banquet, with vocal and instrumental music freely interspersed throughout the exercises. The First Baptist Church. In the year 1828, several members of the Methodist Episcopal Church became dissatis- fied with the form of Church government, left it, and formed themselves into a Protestant Methodist Church. They soon after purchased of the North Maiden school district, the little, old, unpainted school-house, hereafter to be described, which stood near the corner of the old road, now Lebanon Street, and Upham Lane, now Upham Street. This they en- larged somewhat, and dedicated it as a place of worship in 1830. It then had seventeen members, and the first pastor was Rev. Thomas F. Norris. More or less ill feeling and controversy had existed, and continued to exist, between this Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, which was formed several years before this, and, in the process of time, and for some reason, no one knows why, this church building was stigmatized with the name of the " Duck Pen;" and that of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, at the junction of Green and Main Streets, as the "Cider Mill." The after history of the " Cider Mill" has been given in the sketch of the Methodist Episcopal Church; that of the "Duck Pen" in the sketch of the Melrose Ortho- dox Congregational Church. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 161 In 1841, the Church having- outgrown this little school-house structure, which had accommodated it since 1830, steps were taken, and a new edifice was built and dedicated. The little broadside containing- the "Order of Exercises at the Dedi- cation of the First Methodist Protestant Church, Maiden, (North), January 27th, 1842," announces the hymns, anthems, dedicatory pra}'er, sermon, etc., but gives no names of those who took the various parts. For over a quarter of a century the Protestant Methodist Church maintained its organization, but not without a severe struggle and a considerable loss of membership. Meanwhile a number of Baptists had mo\-ed into North Maiden; and Janu- ary I, 1856, the First Baptist Church of Melrose, was org-anized with thirteen members of Baptist churches, and eight Protes- tant Methodists, that remained. This list of members was as follows: Rev. Thorndike C. Jameson, Caroline C. Bickford, Mrs. Thorndike C. Jameson, Lucy Randall, Eliza J. Shelton, Caroline Jones, William B. Burgess, Caleb Howard, Ransom J. Norton, Madeline S. Howard, Mrs. Ransom J. Norton, George Howard, Elizabeth Wood, Addison Lane, William Dix, Clarissa Jackson, Mrs. George Upham, William Pierce, Betsey Converse, Cynthia Pierce, William J. Farnsworth. The only one of these original members now living is Addi- son Lane, now in his eighty-second year, and who for many years has been one of the deacons; and who was Superintend- ent of the Water Works for several }-ears, and Collector of Taxes for five years. The following is a copy of the vote passed by the Society previous to the formation of the Baptist Church: Caleb Howard Addison Lane & W. J. Farnsworth Trustees of the First Methodist Protestant Society in Melrose in consideration of $400 paid by the first Baptist Society in Melrose and in pursuance of a Vote of said Methodist Protestant Society passed Sept. 3 A D. 1855 Quit Claimed to Baptist Society its Successors & assigns a certain piece of land with Meeting house subject to a Mortgage of $1200 to H. Ban- croft. Signed this Sept 8 1855 acknowledged Sept 10 Reed Sept 18 1855 Lib. 722 fol 356, 7. 162 HISTORY OF MELROSE. The Protestant Methodists continued their organization but for a short time, the town allowing- them to meet in the old Engine House, recently removed from the northerly side of the Baptist Church, Rev. George Peirson acting as pastor. At the time of the formation of the Baptist Church, the propert}' consisted of the small church building erected in 1842, and the large lot of land on which it stood, at the corner of Main and Upham Streets; the Baptist Church assumed the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. indebtedness then resting upon the property, a mortgage of Si, 200, and, in addition, paid the Methodist Protestant Church, as per above vote, the sum of $400. This building was used by the Baptist Church until 1873, when it was sold to the St. Mary's Catholic Church, removed to Dell Avenue, used by that Society until the new church was built on Herbert Street, since which time it has been kncnvn as Lyceum Hall. The present brick church was erected in 1874, being dedi- cated with appropriate ceremonies Noxember 17, of that year. It cost $20,000. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 163 The list of pastors, and length of pastorates, is as follows: Rev. Thorndike C. Jameson, from 1856 to 1858. Rev. James Cooper, from 1858 to 1862. Rev. Lewis Colby, from 1862 to 1864. Rev. William S. Barnes, from 1864 to 1868. Rev. James J. Peck, from 1869 to 1871. Rev. Almond Barrclle, from 1871 to 1875. Rev. Napoleon B. Thompson, from 1875 to 1876. Rev. Robert F. Tolman, from 1878 to 1886. Rev. George A. Cleveland, from 1886 to 1893, Rev. Joseph K. Wilson, from 1894 to 1898. Rev. Augustus E. Scoville, from 1899. The recognition services of the present pastor, Mr. Scoville, were held Tuesday evening, February 6, 1900, when addresses were mnde by Rev. John R. Gow, Prof. Charles R. Brown, Rev. Everett D. Burr, and our local pastors. Rev. William W.' Hackett, Rev. David M. Lockrow, Rev. Thomas Sims, D. D. and Rev. Edwin C. Bolles, D. D. The present membership of the Church is 450. Since its organization there have been 961 persons connected with the Church. The present deacons are Charles C. Barry, John E Marshall, William H. Flanders, William S. Allen and Addison Lane; clerk, William A. Jepson; treasurer, Thomas D. Lock- wood; collectors, J. Walter Newhall and Roy D. Stafford. The affiliated societies are the Social Circle, Baptist Young People's Union, Junior Baptist Young People's Union and the Woman's Missionary Society. The Sunday School was organ- ized forty-six years ago, in 1856. Its list' of superintendents follows: Caleb Howard, 1856. Rev. James J. Peck, 1869. Guy Lamkin, 1856-62. Moses Briggs, 1870-73. F. W. A. Rankin, Jr., 1862-64. George M. M'Coy, 1873-78. S. M. Tourtellot, 1864-66. Charles C. Barrv^ 1878-99; William F.Paul, 1867. ( twentv-one years.) William N. Tyler, 1868. Carl B. Smith, 1899. The present membership of the School is 480. In the near future this Church intends building a new church building, and it now has a fund on hand for that purpose amountm'.r to $10,000. "^ The p-ELLS Baptist Church. Soon after the Boston Rub- ber Shoe Company's works were established, at the Fells 164 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Village, in 1882, where there then existed quite a population, members of the First Baptist Church began mission work in that district. A Sunday School was organized, and weekly religious services were held in a hall at the corner of Main Street and Goodyear Avenue, the propert}' of the Boston Rubber Shoe Compan\', and which was built soon after the works were established, and has always been placed at the disposal of this religious movement, free of all charge. In this hall, also, the Converse School was kept, before the building of the Fells District school-house — the Converse School — ■ on Washington Street. The Fells Baptist Church was organized Januuary 25, 1889, with twenty-six members. The first pastor was Rev. William W. Hackett, who had officiated at the religious services for some time previous to the organization of the Church, and was installed February i, 1889. He resigned November 30, 1890, and was succeeded February i, 1891, by Re\'. C. D. Swett, vyho remained until August 31, 1893. R*^^- George A. Cleve- land was the pastor from November 5, 1893, until April 30, 1894; Rev. Wesley L. Smith, May i, 1894, to May 31, 1897; and June i, 1897, Rev. Mr. Hackett again became the pastor, and remained until April 30, 1900, when he was succeeded by Re\-. D. C. Easton, who was installed June 2, following. He remained until May, 190 1, and was succeeded by Rev. L. A. Cooney, who was installed October 6, 1901. The present membership of the Church numbers 83; and that of the Sunday School, which was formed soon after the Rubber Works were built, now numbers forty, with Norman B. Brown, as superin- tendent. The officers of the Church are: deacons, Norman B. Brown, Edwin White and Edwin B. Marshall; church clerk, Walter W. Wortman; treasurer, Lewis S. Munroe. The Melrose Highlands Baptist Church. For a num- ber of years, the Melrose Highlands has been increasing rapidly in population; and in the fall of 1893, i^ ^^"^^s found that cjuite a number of members of Baptist Churches were liv- ing there. A series of prayer-meetings were first held at the different residences, and soon a society was formed, and regu- lar services held in Rogers' Hall, on Franklin Street. The first sermon was preached October 22, b}' Rev. George A. Cleveland, of the First Baptist Church. Different pastors supplied the pulpit until March. 1894, when Re\'. Bowley ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 105 Green was invited to become their pastor, and the Church was organized April 12, with thirteen members. Mr. Green was ordained November 21, 1894, but in the following April ten- dered his resignation, and accepted a call to the Worthen Street Baptist Church, Lowell. After two months a call was extended to Rev. Byron U. Hatfield of Georgetown, which was accepted; and he was installed August 2, 1895. During his pastorate the church edifice, on the corner of Day and Franklin Streets, was built and dedicated December 29, of that same year. It cost $9,000. In Januar\-, 1896, Mr. Hat- MKLROSE HIGHLANDS BAPTIST CHURCH. field resigned, and in March a call was extended to Rev. C. E. Tullar, of Watertown. who accepted. He continued his work until April, 1898, when he resigned. The present pastor, Re\-. David M. Lockrow, was installed November 3, 1898. The membership of the Church now numbers seventy-five; of the Sunday School 183, and Abner M.Saunders is its superintend- ent. The young people's society connected with the Church, is called the Baptist Young People's Union. Several memorial windows were placed in this church when it was built. Through the efforts of D. Evans Caswell, of the "Humanitarian Chaj)el," situated nc-arl\- ojjposite the church, 166 HISTORY OF MELROSE. on Franklin Street, a handsome American Flag Window, orna- ments its eastern or chancel end. This is in memory of those soldiers who gave their lives for their country.'' A Grand Patriotic Concert was given in the hall of the Highland Club House, Wednesday evening, December 4, 1895, by which the necessary funds were raised, not only for this window, but for two others; one called the Queen Esther Window, in honor of the mothers, wives and daughters who gave their sons, hus- bands and brothers to their country; the other a Peace Window, placed in the vestibule, in honor of the sons and daughters of veterans of the service. Still another handsome window, containing a representation of Ruth, was presented by Dexter Pratt, as a memorial of his daughter, who died a few years ago. Present officers: treasurer, John N. Underwood; clerk, Mrs. S. A. Pierce; collector, C. M. Huxford; deacons, Henry A. Jones, John A. McLean, Abner M. Saunders and Edwin T. Cone. The First Free Baptist Church. During the year i893> when there was but one church building in the Melrose High- lands, "a few earnest Christian people decided, after much prayer, to undertake a new work for God, and in the interest of the many unchurched and unsaved in the town." For nearly a year services were held in the old school-house on Franklin Street, as a mission. On January i, 1894, Rev. George N. Howard became pastor, but the Church was not fully organized until P'ebruary 5, of that year, when it was duly incorporated with thirt}'-five charter members. Not long after this steps were taken toward the building of a church edifice. Land was purchased on the corner of Green and Farwell Streets, and the corner-stone of a building, of which Mr. Howard was the architect, was laid October 16, 1894, with appropriate ceremonies. Its plan is a unique one ^ Until the preseut year, 1902, Rebellion 0/1861-65. Ou August 2, Melrose had neither soldiers' mon- 1902, a soldiers' monument which ument, tablet, or memorial hall. had been erected on the soldiers' The only recognition the services lot in Wyoming Cemetery was of the " Boys in Blue," other than dedicated. Further details are this memorial window, had received given in the chapter, "Military Or- was the volume published in 1868, ganizations," and in the account of entitled: The Melrose Memorial: " Old Home Week." The Annals of Melrose in the Great ECCLESIA S TIC A L HIS TOR Y. 167 On the same floor with the auch'torium, which with the two galleries accommodates an audience of over four hundred, is a lecture room seating- one hundred persons, a fully etjuipped kindergarten room and a parlor. The building was sufiticienth' adwanced to allow of its occu- pancN^ b\- the parish April 7, 1895. During a portion of the previous time, from December to Aprd, services were held in Eastman's Hall, on Main Street. The edifice was not wholly completed until January 8, 1899, ^^ which time dedication ex- ercises took place, with an historical address by the pastor, MHLKOSK HIGHLANDS FIRST FREE B.\PTIST CHURCH. Rev. George N. Howard; a sermon by Rev. A. W. Anthony. of Lewiston, Maine, and other addresses. Rev. Mr. Howard resigned February 14, 1902. The present officers are: Levi \V. Gilman, deacon; George C. Mower, clerk; Levi W. Gilman, treasurer. The church contains several handsome memorial wintlows: One, "The Baptism of Christ, by John in the Jordan," in memory of Charles Dana and George Henry Lincoln; another, "The Sower," m memor\- of the fathers of Mr. and Mrs. Le\i VV. Gilman. In the gallerx', one from "The Stammerer's Friend;" and back of the altar, "Christ in Gethsemane. ' 168 HISTORY OF MELROSE. The total cost of land and edifice was $20,000. The Church has now a membership of one hundred and twenty-five. The Sunday School has one hundred members and the superin- tendent is John T. Hill. It has a library of four hundred vol- umes. The affiliated societies are The Young Men's League, Ladies' Aid Society, Faithful Workers, A. C. F. Society Senior, and the A. C. F. Society Junior. The First Universalist Church. The first preaching of the doctrine of Universalism on the territory now Melrose, was introduced in the manner described by the late Artemas Barrett, in an article written for the Melrose yoiirnal, as follows: At the commencement of the war with England in 1S12. a very bitter feeling existed between the two political parties known as the " Federalists " and " Republicans." While this feeling was at a high pitch, the Rev. Mr. Osgood, of one of the neighboring towns, made an exchange with the pastor of the Church at Maiden, Rev. Aaron Green. Mr. Osgood preached a sermon strongly tinctured with Federalism, denouncing the Republicans as "war-hawkers," and calling them other hard names. After the service the Federalists were in high glee over the sermon. But this part of the town was Republican, almost to a man, and the sermon therefore caused offense. This rupture caused the Universalists (also the Methodists) to hold occasional ser- vices of their own here in a small, unpainted school-house on Lebanon Street, and the ministers they had were the Revs. Joshua Flagg, Edward Turner and Hosea Ballou. A very important place in the early histor}^ of Melrose, was occupied by this little unpretentious, unpainted building; util- ized as it was, not only for all the school purposes of the inhabitants of the " North End," but for religious meetings by x'arious denominations, and, possibly, for other occasions. Some are now living who, not only went to school in this build- ing, but also attended church therein. Small as it was, it was the only public building standing on the territory. After the new school-house was built on Upham Street, in 1828, occa- sional services were held there ; also in Academy Hall, then standing on Berwick Street. Among the preachers at this time were Revs. Syh'anus Cobb, Thomas Whittemore, Lemuel Willis, Henry Jewell, E. H. Locke, Hosea Ballou and John G. Adams, then settled at Maiden Centre." "'' The following incident is told Pratt, when the Maiden Centre of one of our former citizens, John Church, after a bitter struggle, Pratt, father of the late Charles passed, l)y action of the courts, ECCLESIA S TIC A L HIS TOR Y. 169 In this manner, with these occasional ser\'ices, a number of years passed before any permanent organization took place, which occurred February lo, 1849. The first minister was Rew Josiah VV. Talbot, who began his labors, as pastor, March 18, 1849. April 8, 1849, the constitution was adopted, one article of which declared that "this societ}' shall i^e called the First Universalist Society in Melrose." December 30, 1856, the society adopted a new constitution in accordance with the laws of the State, bearing the following signatures: Artemas Barrett, James Barrett, Joseph H. Green, Josiah W. Talbot, Benjamin B. Day, Thomas B. Woodward, Henry Sprague, James M. Thresher, Franklin Taylor, William L}-nde, Kitridge Avery, George B. Talbot, Augustus Barrett, Thomas C. Board- man, Martin Ellis, John H. Green, Elbridge Green, Abel Willis, George L}'nde, Anthon}' Crosby, James D. Littlefield, John Crocker, H. G. Tucker, Lorin L. Fuller, David Fairbanks, Moses Eastman, Francis D. Howe, Henr}' A. Norris, Charles H. Isburgh, Walter R. Collins, Joseph D. Wilde, Walter Babb, George M. Morse, Jonathan Barrett, Benjamin F. Jones, Thomas J. Kimball and B. Franklin Green. By the untiring energ}' and perse\'erance of Mr. Talbot a church building was erected on Essex Street, and dedicated January I, 1852, with sermon by Rev. Alonzo A. Miner. Revs. John G. Adams, Otis A. Skinner and Hosea Ballou, also took part in the exercises. Mr. Talbot bought the land for the church site with his own money, deeding it to the societ}' Februar)' 9, 1852, soon after the church edifice was finished. He drew the plans, bought the material, superintended the construction, and was largely instrumental in raising money for the same. In the terrible gale of April 16, 1 85 1, when Minot's Ledge Lighthouse was destroyed, the })artly finished spire was blown over. Mr. Talbot was acti\-e also in town affairs, serving as one of from the jurisdiction of the Ortho- dox to the Uuiversalists, and the former withdrew and built another church edifice: "One of the most wealthy and prominent citizens of Maiden at this time was a Univer- salist, and he had in his employ a negro, who attended these meet- ings. At the final meeting, as they were leaving the old church, some one told Mr. John Pratt, an eccen- tric and sturdy old Orthodox, living in this part of the town, that this negro voted with the Universalists. In his indignation he stepped into the street facing the church, took off his hat, and made a very low bow, saj'ing, "Good-bye, old meet- inghouse! The niggers have got vou." 170 HISTORY OF MELROSE. the financial committee during the first year of its incorpora- tion, and on the school committee for the year 185 1. Mr. Talbot resigned the pastorate November 13, 1853, and was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Cooledge, who served one year on the school committee and who remained until 1856. when the Rev. Joseph S. Dennis was called, and he was installed as his successor April i, 1856. During his pastorate the church edi- fice was enlarged by the addition of sixteen pews, a new organ purchased, and an additional piece of land bought on the east side of the lot. Mr. Dennis served on the school committee for the year 1857. He resigned in July, 1858, and was suc- -iaBr"iiii4ii'iTi;iiVi;i;i;;i;,;; " -^ -y -|- FIRST UNIVKRSALIST CHURCH. ceeded in the No\'ember following by the Rev. Benjamin Y. Bowles, who remained only until the end of the year 1859. His successor, Re\'. George H. Deere commenced his labors September, i860, continuing until 1S62, when he was succeeded by Rev. George W. Quimby, who remained two years. From April I, 1864, to March 20, 1865, the pulpit was supplied by seventeen different clergymen. The Rev. Selden Gilbert then received a call and entered upon his duties, remaining until 1866. The following three years, to 1869, the pulpit was supplied by Rev. B. H. Davis, and September i, of that year the Rev. John N. Emery received a call which he accepted. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 171 During his ministry the existing mortgage of $2,500 was paid off and the Church was free from debt. During a thunder storm in June, 1870, the church was struck by lightning, setting the top of the steeple on fire, and doing other damage. Mr. Emery resigned September i, 1872, and was succeeded December 13 of the same year, by Re\'. James E. Bruce. He closed his connection with the Church July i, 1875, ^^^ No- vember 15, 1875, Rev. William A. Start received a call, and was installed March 6, 1876. He resigned in December, 1877, and was succeeded by Rev. Charles A. Skinner in September, 1878. During his ministry stained glass windows were put into the church, and other improvements made. Mr. Skinner resigned May I, 1881, and was succeeded by Rev. Richard Eddy, D. D. Under the pastorate of Dr. Eddy, the society prospered to such a degree that a new edifice, costing $16,138.68 was built on the site of the old one.' Had the church been built on any other site than this, the land would have reverted to the heirs of Mr. Talbot, the donor, that being one of the conditions of his gift. The new church was dedicated March 24, 1889, with a sermon by the pastor, and an address to the people by Rev. A. A. Miner, D. D., in the afternoon, and a sermon in the evening by Dr. Miner, who preached the dedication sermon of 1852. For the dedication of the first edifice in 1852, the then pastor, Rev. Mr. Talbot, wrote a h\^mn, of which the following is a stanza: And may this earthly temple Our humble souls prepare, To praise Thee in thy heavenly, And all its glories share. Then shall Thy ransomed children Assemble round Thy throne, When all shall be immortal, And know as they are known. Mr. Talbot was present and read the hymn then written, at the dedication of the new church. A fine organ was presented to the Church by Hon. Daniel Russell, and a beautiful memorial window was given by Joseph C. Crocker, a former resident, and one of the soldiers who served on the quota of Melrose during the great rebellion, in memory of his parents. ' The old church was sold to west side of Essex Street, and be- M. Frank Eastman, removed to the came our present Franklin Hall. 172 HISTORY OF MELROSE. After a successful ministry of eight years, Dr. Eddy re- signed, July 6, 1889, and was succeeded by Rev. Julian S. Cutler, who was installed the following November. Mr. Cut- ler also remained eight years, when he resigned to accept a call to Orange, Mass. The Church remained without a pastor but a short time. Rev. Edwun C. Bolles, D. D., who has held pastorates in Portland, Salem and New York City, received a call which he accepted. He was installed January 4, 1898. Mr. Bolles remained until January i, 1902, when he resigned to devote his whole time as professor of history in Tufts College. He was succeeded April 22, 1902, by Rev. Andrew J. Torsleff, the present pastor. On the loth of February 1899, the Church celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its organiza- tion, on which occasion a banquet was gi\-en in the vestry, and addresses were made by the pastor, two past pastors, Revs. Charles A. Skinner and Julian S. Cutler, Mrs. Mary A. Liver- more, Rev. Thomas Sims, D. D., pastor of the Congregational Church, Rev. Henry A. Westall, pastor of the Liberal Christian Union Church, at the Highlands, and an historical address b)' Sidney H. Buttrick. The only one of the original members present was Abel Willis, who was also a member of the choir, and who took part in the musical exercises of this occa- sion. Mr. Willis died March 23, 1902, aged 85. The present number of members of the Church is fift}'. The Sabbath School numbers one hundred and fifty members. The follow- ing persons ha\e served as superintendent: Da\'id Fairbanks, Charles H. Isburgh, (who ser\-ed over thirty years,) Joseph D. Wilde, Robert J. Chute, Walter Babb, Cummings L. Lothrop and Sidne)' H. Buttrick, the present incumbent. The affiliated societies of the Church are the Russell Club, Young People's Christian Union, the Ladies' Social Circle, and Junior Christian Union. The Trinity P^piscop.al Church. This is the fifth Church organized in IVlelrose. Beginning April 13, 1856, five services were held by Rev. William H. Munroe, in the parlors of Mrs. Samuel Rice, on Lake A\'enue. Following those, one or more public services were held in the Congregational church, at five o'clock in the afternoon, Rev. Mr, Munroe, who became the first rector, officiating. From the Orthodox church the society went to Lyceum Hall, Main .Street, where the Sunday School was established and services hold. From there to ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 173 the hall in Waverly Block, Essex Street. The Church was or- ganized May 20, 1857, at the house of Charles P. Gordon, on Linden Place. During I\Ir. Munroe's pastorate, a church edifice was built on West Emerson Street, which was dedicated March 25, i860. It was consecrated June 13, 1866 by the Rt. Rev. Manton Eastburn, D. D., Bishop of Massachusetts, being then free of debt. Mr. Munroe resigned in 1862, going first to Philadelphia, and afterwards became rector of the famous "Christ Church." Salem Street, Boston, dying a few years since. While here he served on the school committee for the years 1857, 1858 and 1859. He was also instrumental in organ- izing the first Young Men's Christian Association of Melrose, in 1858, being its president. Mr. Munroe's successor was Rev. John B. Richmond, who remained until Jul>', 1868. During his pastorate, in July, 1866, the church was entered by burglars, and the carpets stolen. Mr. Richmond served on the school committee for the years 1864 and 1865. Rev. Robert Ritchie succeeded to the rector- ship remaining only one year. June 13, 1870, Rev. Charles Wingate was chosen rector, remaining until 1876. During this time he was absent a year in Europe, arid Rev. Samuel P. Parker, D. D., had charge of the parish. During the 3'ear 1875, the church was again entered by burglars, and the hand- some communion ser\-ice, gn-en by Oliver L. Briggs, in i860, was stolen. Rev. Henry A. Metcalf was chosen rector April 27, 1876, and he remained until 1880. During his pastorate a new organ was placed in the church. Mr. Metcalf was succeeded by Rev. Charles L. Short, who was installed December 21, 1880, and who remained until May 21, 1888. During his ministry a chapel was built, adjoining the church, in 1885, at a cost of S3,000, and a little later a beautiful new stone church was erected to take the place of the old one, which was consecrated June 21, 1887, the history of which is told in the following letter: Melrose, M-ass., Dec. 28, 1885. To the Corporation, Trinity Parish, Melrose : I have been requested by the heirs of the late Miss Catherine L. Tyer to communicate to you the following: No legal will has been found among her papers, but instead thereof, an expression of her wishes written June 6, 1884, requesting that certain amounts of money be given to parties specified, in the event of her decease. The pro- 174 HISTORY OF MELROSE. perty will be settled by an Administrator, and divided according to law. At a meeting of the legal heirs: Horace H. Tyer, Elizabeth Saver}-, Mary T. Fiske, Frances A. Flint and Laura B. Thomas, held in Melrose on the 28th day of November, it was unanimously voted that the requests contained in the papers found be complied with in full. The seventh article reads as follows: I desire that 510,000 be given to Trinity Parish, Melrose, Mass. The sentence following prescribed that " the gift to said church or parish be disposed of by the pastor, wardens and vestry, as they shall decide, will be for the best good of said Parish." It was known to some members of the TRIXITV KPISCOPAL CHURCH. family that the late Miss Tyer intended, if she lived, to within a few years erect in Melrose a church as a memorial to her father, mother and brother, if acceptable to your parish. In consideration of this intention, the members of the family propose, if acceptable to you, to carry out her wishes as a memorial to her as well, on the following conditions: First, the amount donated by her ($10,000) to be devoted to that purpose. Second : the Parish to erect, within a reasonable time, a stone edifice complete in every part, including furnishing and ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 175 all that is necessary to provide a suitable church building, according to plans furnished by, or acceptable to the legal heirs ; the whole cost and expenses, including additional land necessary, to be paid by them, providing that the same does not exceed the sum of $20,000. That is to say, the members of the family will provide s; 10,000 in addition to the 510,000 mentioned in the tirst article. Third: A suitable tablet to be placed in the church to denote that it is erected as a memorial to Henry George Tver, Elizabeth Tver, and Catherine Louisa Tver. Fourth: Such memorials as are now incorporated in the present church building, or used therein, to be used in the proposed structure as deemed best. The foregoing is respectfully submitted for your consideration. Your obedient servant, F. W. Thomas. This generous gift was accepted with heartfelt acknowledge- ments to the donors. After the plans and estimates had been made, it was found that the cost would exceed the $20,000. The heirs at once authorized the committee, Rev. Charles L. Short, Royal P. Barry. William H. Allen, \V. Irving Ellis, and Frederick W. Thomas, to proceed and they would make up the deficiency. The church was built. The total cost of the edi- fice and 15,000 feet of extra land was $28,467.40. An appro- priate memorial brass tablet was placed in the west wall of the church. The Perkins memorial window which was placed in the old church Juh- 3, 1884, was replaced in the new. Its in- scription is: "To the Glor}- of God and in memory of Horatio Nelson Perkins." The widow of Samuel Rice gave the new church a baptis- mal font, on which is the following inscription: "To the Glory of God and in memory of Samuel Rice, one of the trustees and first warden of the Church. Born Januar\- 30, 1814, died April 18. 1885. The pure in heart shall see God."' The altar is a memorial gift from Mr. and Mrs. P. Morton DeWolfe, and bears this inscription: "In Memoriam. Louisa Margaret DeWolfe. Born November 5. 1879; entered into rest, August 23, 1884." Through" the kind efforts of the late William L. Williams, the church received a unique gift; a carved stone from the ruins of the celebrated Abbey of Melrose, Scotland. It is placed under the support of one of the trusses on the south- erly side of the church. The tablet is inscribed as follows: "The above carved stone once formed a part of the Abbey 176 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Church of St. Mary, Melrose, Scotland, built about A. D.- 1400. It was obtained through the kind offices of Alexander T. Simons, Esq., Gildon Grove, Mel- rose, and the Rev. James C. Herdman, Melrose, and presented to William L. Williams of this town, and by him to Trinity Parish, A. D. 1886." Rev. Mr. Short was succeeded in the rectorship by Rew Charles H. Sey- mour, S. T. D., who was elected to that position September 12, 1888, and who remained till April 13, 1891. The pres- ent rector, Re\', Paul Sterling, began his pastorate September 15, 1891. Present number of communicants four hundred and thirty-one. The Sunday School has one hundred and fifty-four members. The affiliated societies are St. Margaret's Chapter, St. Agnes Guild, Dorcas Chapter and the Young Men's Guild. The present officers of the Church are: wardens, Royal P. Barry and Henry A. Bush; treasurer, Henry F. Grout; clerk, Samuel .S. Preble, Jr. The Unitarian .ConCiRegational Society. The first per- manent movement for the establishment of a Unitarian Church in Melrose, was made November 18, 1866, when services were begun in Concert Hall, on Main Street, near the corner of Essex Street, by Rev. William P. Tilden, under the auspices of the American Unitarian Association. Soon after, in July, 1867, the Unitarian Congregational Society was organized. Previous to this, as early as 1848, a short time after the Boston and Maine railroad was opened through Melrose, services were held for several months in the old Academy Hall, on Berwick Street, by the Rev. F. W. Holland, under the auspices of the American Unitarian Association. The new Society met in Concert Hall, where it continued to hold services for a number of years, ha\ing for pastors, besides Mr. Tilden, Revs. John D. Wells, John A. Buckingham, William .Silsbee and William S. Barnes, who had left the Baptist denomination, and the pas- THE MELROSE ABBEY STONE. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 177 torate of the First Baptist Church, to become pastor of this Church. He was installed July 30, 1868, but remained only a few months, resic^ning January 5, 1869. During- his ministra- tion the name was changed to the Liberal Christian Congrega- tional Society, but the old name was resumed in July, 1870. Rev. A. S. Nickerson was installed as pastor July 7, 1869, with the installing sermon by Rev. Warren H. Cudworth. Mr. Nickerson resigned June i, 1870. At this time, while without a settled minister, a new church building was erected on the corner of Myrtle and West Emer- son Streets, largely through the efforts of the late Frederic Kidder, and Thomas B. Peck, now of Walpole, N. H. In addition to subscriptions made bv the members, donations were made by the American Unitarian Association, the South Middlesex Conference and by the Boston churches. It was dedicated May i, 1872, with sermon by Rev. Andrew P. Peabody, D. D., of Cambridge. Services had been continued meanwhile, by the friendly offices of a number of pastors; among them Revs. J. B. Green, H. H. Barber, H. C. DeLong and Richard Metcalf. Other neighboring ministers and theo- logical students at Harvard University also officiated from time to time. During this interregnum, on one intensely stormy Sunday, when the committee had deemed it unwise to send for Mr. Barber, then of Somerville, the congregation was surprised to see him enter Concert Hall, where they then wor- shiped ; and still more so, when they learned that he had walked all the way from Somerville in the storm, having failed to make connection with the horse-cars. This Societ)' instituted a course of lectures at this time from which financial aid was derived for their enterprise. Among the speakers were Rev. William H. H. Murray and Prof. }. Wesley Churchill. This course was the immediate prede- cessor of the Melrose Lyceum which had a successful life of twenty-one years. The Society was also aided by a very suc- cessful fair given at this time under the auspices of the ladies of the Society. The first minister to be settled in the new church was Rev. Daniel M. Wilson, who had just graduated from the Harvard Divinity School. He was called October 24, and installed November 15, 1872. Sermon by Rev. Rufus Ellis, D. D., and an address to the people by Rev. A. P. Peabody, 178 HISTORY OF MELROSE. D. D. Mr. Wilson resigned March i, 1876, and was succeeded September i, 1876, by Rev. Nathaniel Seaver, Jr., who remained five years, and October 29, 1881, was succeeded by Rev. Henry Westcott, who was settled over this Parish in conjunction with the newly formed one in Maiden, October 29, 1881, conducting services in Melrose in the morning, and at Maiden in the evening. Mr. Westcott died July 14, 1883, much lamented. A handsome memorial volume was published soon after his death, containing a number of his sermons, and an appreciative memoir by John Oscar Norris, which was first read at a meet- ing of the " Roundabout Club." The volume also contained poems, "At Rest," by Henry H. Clark, and "In Memoriam," by Mary A. Livermore. The Rev. John H. Heywood, D. D., who had been forty years a pastor in Louisville, Ky., was called by the Church in April, 1884, and was installed May 6. He was welcomed at the morning service by John O. Norris, in behalf of the Parish, and in the afternoon by addresses from Rev. Andrew P. Peabody, D. D., Rev. H. H. Barber, Rev. Richard Eddy, D. D., then pastor of the Uni\-ersalist Church, and Mrs. Mary A. Livermore. During Mr. Heywood's ministry the mortgage, which had rested on the church from its dedication, was paid off. Mr. Heywood remained until September i, 1889, when he resigned and returned to his old home in Louisville. When his successor. Rev. Joseph H. Weeks, was installed, February I, 1890, with sermon b}- Rev. Minot J. Savage, and address to the people by Rev. Henry C. DeLong, Mr. Heywood wrote his former Parish a letter full of good wishes and pleasant remem- brances. Among other things he said: It is now almost fifty years since I first came to Louisville and entered upon the active work of the Christian ministry. They ha\e been j-ears of very varied experience. I have seen life in its mani- fold phases of peace and war, of joy and sorrow, of blight and bloom, but as I look back upon the half ccntur}-. which has proved so event- ful to our country and the world, and compare the past with the pres- ent, 1 find myself no less an optimist now than I was in the buoyant season of }-outh and early manhood. I rejoice with grateful joy at the advance made all along the line — the deepened and quickened thought, the larger hope, the more fixing failh and the warmer, more generous love. Never much of a sectarian and becoming less and less so all the while, with fuller appreciation of all earnest, humane work, with heartier " God speed " for everyone, whatever, wherever, ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 179 whoever he may be, who is seeking- and hil)oi-in- now lU'i'dcd more room, .uul during 1891, under the auspices of the Ladies' Aid Socict>-, an cnlaroement was completed b\' the erection of an adjoinino- buiklino-, nearl\- re- sembling the orio-inal church, containing .Suntlay School room, a ladies' parlor, supper room and kitchen, costing $5,000. Mr. Weeks resigned December 15, 1891, and was succeeded by Rev. Thomas W. l^rown. who was installed June i, 1S92. 180 HISTORY OF MELROSE. After a useful and successful pastorate of six years, Mr. Brown resigned June i, 1898; he still remains a resident of Melrose. After the resignation of Mr. Brown, the Parish remained without a regularly settled minister until November 5, 1899, when the present pastor. Rev. Thomas Jay Horner, commenced his ministerial duties in accordance with a request made by the Society. There are two hundred and twenty-five church ad- herents. The Sunday School connected with this Parish has had among its superintendents, Rev. William S. Barnes, Rev. Hobart Clark, George H. Dearborn, 1870 to 1880, John O. Norris, 1880 to 1890, George E. Munroe, the late Capt. John C. Maker, Harlan E. Glazier and at present, George L. Davis. The School has a membership of one hundred and twenty-five. The affiliated societies are the Young People's Religious Union, the Ladies' Aid Society and the Unity Club. The late William F. Conant, who died in December 1897, was the parish treasurer for a period of thirty )'ears. His son- in-law, the late Dexter F. Munroe, was parish clerk for many years. The Liberal Christian Union Church. This Church was organized in 1895. Preaching services were held at first in the hall of the Highland Club House, and afterward in Rogers' Hall. Until 1896, the pulpit was supplied by many different pastors; then the Rev. Henry A. Westall was settled over the Society. The congregation was a small one, and after an ex- istence of four or five years, during which it received aid from the American Unitarian Society, of $250 annually, the Society disbanded. Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church. The names of the first Catholic families li\ing in North Maiden, were Conway, Kelley and Doherty. A few others came about the time the Boston and Maine Railroad was built in 1845. From 185 1 to 1854, the Melrose Catholics attended mass at the Wakefield church. In the latter year, Melrose was made a part of the newly established parish of the Immaculate Con- ception, on Pleasant Street, Maiden, near the Medford line. For nearly twenty years, the Melrose Catholics worshiped with the Maiden parish, during which time the first mass in ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 181 Melrose was celebrated on Christmas day 1868, by Rev. Thomas Gleason, of Maiden, in Masonic Hall, corner of Main Street and Wyoming Avenue. In 1873, Melrose was attached as a mission to the Stoneham parish, under the pastorate of Father William H. Fitzpatrick. After a few years, the number of Catholics had increased in numbers sufficient to warrant the establishing of a new parish in Melrose, which was done and placed under the charge of Father Fitzpatrick, in conjunction with his Stoneham duties. When the First Baptist Society erected its present brick chapel, in 1874, the church edifice then standing on its site, at the corner of Main and Upham Streets, was sold to the Catholics for the sum of $2,200, removed to a lot on Dell Ave- nue, costing Si, 000, remodelled and named St. Bridget's Church. Previous to its completion several services were held in Masonic Hall, Father Fitzpatrick ofificiating. The first service in their church was held in October, 1873. Here the Catholics worshiped until their present large and handsome edifice was erected in 1893-4, on the corner of Herbert and Myrtle Streets. The church lot contains an acre of land, having a frontage on the three streets, Herbert, Myrtle and Grove. The corner-stone of the new church was laid in 1891. Rev. Dennis O'Callaghan delivering the sermon. It was dedicated in November, 1893, with appropriate exercises, and sermon by Rev. John P. Dore of Chicago. The cost of land and edifice was $55,000. It was originally intended by Father O'Farrell, to build the church of stone, modelling it after the famous Melrose Abbey; but it ha\ing been discovered that the sub- stratum soil was of such sandy and unsubstantial nature it was deemed unwise to build such a hea\y structure as that would have been; therefore the plans were changed, and the present Romanesque edifice with a rock-faced Lynnficld granite base- ment substituted. The Melrose mission was raised to parish dignity towards the close of the summer of 1894, the name changed from St. Bridget to St. Mary, and the Rev. Francis J.Glynn became the first resident pastor, and still remains. As the parish now numbers about two thousand. Father Glynn is aided in his parochial duties by Re\-. Daniel J, Carney as assistant, who rccei\ed his appointment January i, 1897. 182 HISTORY OF MELROSE. In 1895, the handsome residence of Albert D. Holmes, on Myrtle Street, near the church, was purchased for a rectory, at a cost of $7,500. ST. MARY'S CHURCH. After the new church edifice was built, the old one on Dell Avenue, was abandoned for religious services, and is now used ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 183 as a parish hall. Here the Younij Men's Catholic L\'ceum aiul other associations meet. Previous to the purchase of their first church in 1873, a Sun- day School had been organized as early as May i, 1870, by James P. Murphy, and its sessions were held in different halls. It now has a membership of 425. At the time Father Glynn came to the parish the indebted- ness on the property had been reduced to $20,000. Some im- provements ha\'e since been added costing a number of thous- ands of dollars, but under his energetic management, aided by a church debt society which he organized, the church will soon be free of debt. OLD TIME CHURCH GOING. Previous to the beginning of the nineteenth centur}', and for some years afterwards, the residents of North Maiden had to wend their way to " Middletown," either on foot, horseback, or by team, on the Sabbath day, to attend public worship, as they did also, on election days to vote. Relative to these facts, and as a picture of those early days, the following from EcJiocs from Mystic Side, is here gi\'en: Our sympathies, even at this late day. go out to our North and South Maiden iriends, when we think of their hurrying under the rays of a hot sun, or plodding through the deep snows, over such a long stretch of land, and then to enter a not over-heated room, and seat themselves on hard, wooden benches, and listen to a long, and, we imagine, rather a doctrinal sermon. Then there was the tithing man, who stood watching read}' to reprimand all unruly boys, whispering girls, or sleeping parents. At a meeting of the selectmen in 1684, it was agreed and ordered, that " all householders or masters of familyes in this Towne shall take their turns successively every Lord's day, both be low and in the galires." On entering the church, the women were expected to pass up one flight of stairs, and the men up those on the opposite side, and a rail- ing was placed between the galleries in which they sat. A committee was always appointed to assign seats to each person in town, and this act was called " dignifying the seats." The choice fell to those paying the highest rates towards the support of the minister, while dignity, age and deafness were considered. Under date of 1692 the first grant of separate seats was given, and it was voted " that corronal page have liberty to build a pue, and in case corronal page leave the seat it shall returne to the towne." Later 184 HISTORY OF MELROSE. it was " voted that collonal paige hes liberty to remove his pewe into That corner of y^ meeting-hous by y^ little dore." " Voted that deken Green and John Greenland are goe and Treat with collonal paige in order to y^ Removing of his pew." Other permits were given, from time to time, until the seats were alone reserved for the galleries. It was also voted, that certain persons were to be allowed a piece of land to erect a stable to shelter their horses "on the Sabbath days." A space of four feet was given each person, which was ample room, since the farmers rode on their farm horses, and were often accompa- nied by their wives, seated on pillions behind them. Quartette choirs were not in vogue until a much later period, and as books were not plentiful, one of the deacons would read two lines of a hymn, the congregation would then sing them, when he would read two more, and so on to the end. This was called " deaconing the hymn." Many of them were not of a particularly cheering nature, being written as lessons to ponder over rather than for diversion, and were oftentimes made doubly plaintive by being set to minor music. We copy a few for the perusal of those who are fond of verse : — " Hark ! from the tombs, a doleful souud ; Mine ears atteud the cry — Ye living men, come, view the ground. Where you must shortl}' lie." One story, repeated and vouched for by a well-known divine, is, that a much-respected pastor over a small society, departed this life, and the usual funeral ceremonies were held in the church. The choir was invited to assist on this solemn occasion, and being desirous to add as much as possible to make the exercises interesting, selected and sang the only anthem that they had well practiced together, many repetitions of these words occurring : "Believing, we rejoice, to see the curse removed." Such hymns were sung, and dutifulh- listened to generally, but on one occasion, when a verj- just and worthy man was having the last selemn rites performed, and the minister selected the hj-mn — " See how the aged sinner goes, Laden with grief and heavy woes, Down to the dwellings of the dead, With endless curses on his head ; " the choir refused to sing it, and another was chosen. CHAPTER VI. EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. NORTH Maiden had no school-house of its own until about the middle of the eighteenth century. But as early as 1691, the town records show that action was taken for the education of its children. No doubt it had done so earlier, but there is no earlier record than the following: " Ezekiel Jenkins continuing to be the Townes Scoule Master." In 1693, there is an item equally concise: "John Sprague jun! Schoolmaster." August 24, 1699, the record is gi\-en a little more in detail : John Sprague chose scoolmaster for this present j-eer : or for one yeer, it is left to y^ select-men to agree with him what he shall haue for his incurigment to keep scool for one yeer. In 1702, the town began to provide education for the differ- ent parts of the same, as shown b\- the following vote: John Sprague Is chose scool-marstar for ye 3-eer insuing To learn Children & j-outh to Reed and wright and to Refmetick acording to his best Skill. And he is to have ten pounds paid him by y^ town for his pains. The scool is to be free for all y^ Inhabitants of this town : and to be kept at foure severall places at foure severall times one quartar of a j'eer in a place : In such places whar those five men shall apoint, namly : Lent Henery Green, Lent John Line. Lemuell Jenkins, Tho Okes And Nathaniell Upham : who are chose by y-' town for y^ pur|Dose. Just where the school was kept in North Maiden it is hard to say. But by the record for the next year it would seem that the North Maldenites had to travel to the centre of the town: by a uote Ezeckiel Jenkins is chose scoolmastar for this presant yeer: and The Scoole to be Kept at his one hous: he is to haue 3 pounds for y« yeer : and y^ befitit of y*^ scoUars. This means he was to ha\e the benefit of whatever small 186 HISTORY OF MELROSE. amounts of money that may have been paid by the scholars for any purpose, besides the three pounds. Mr. Jenkins was again elected on similar terms in 1704. He died in 1705, and was buried in Sandy Bank, or Bell Rock Cemetery. The gravestone bears the following epitaph: Here Lyes y^ Body of | Ezekiel Jenkins Aged 37 Years | Who Died July ye 30'h 1 705 Mauldens | Late School Master From A Painfull | Life Is Gone To Take His Rest His ] Lord Hath Calld Hi'" Who^e . The next reference in the records to any school privileges for the northern part of the town occurs under date of July 12, 1710, as follows: nathaniell waite chose Scoolmaster voted y* y^ Scool shall be Re- moued into 3 parts of y^ Town — The first half yeer in y^ center — and one quartar in ye southwardly end And one quarter in ye nothardly end of ye Town. •For some reason Mr. Waite did not serve; and later in the year " m'' Samuell wigglesv\orth," son of Rev. Michael Wigglesworth, author of The Day of Doom, was engaged for a six months' session, with this vote: y' ye Schoole shall be kept ye first four months in nV parsons hous And then ye School shall be Remoued into sum hous Towards ye north end of The Town ye othar Two months. Mr. Wigglesworth was engaged for a second term, when it was Voted Ther shall be sixteen pounds money Rais"^' for To pay ye schoolmastar namly nv Wigglesworth, and That ye school shall be kept 4 months in ye body of ye Town And Two months at ye northwardly end of sd town. The location and building of a school-house in the early times was a source of excitement and contention, as is often the case in later years. At a town meeting held May 18, 171 1 : Jt was put to vote whether ye Town would buld a Schoolhous and set jt on ye Towns land on ye west side of ye way ouer against ye wachhous. And ye School to be kept two thirds of ye time y' a School- mastar shall be jnproud jn ye s^i Schoole-hous and ye othar third part of ye time at ye northerly end of The town : neer or a mong ye Greens jn sum priuet Roome And ye hous to be bult at ye charg of ye town and also ye charg of priuet Roome : And ye vote past on ye negitiue. Six months later, November 20, 171 1, it was voted: EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 187 That ther be a School-hous bult — Also voted y' y^ Schoolhous shall be set between y"^ pound and John Wilsons hous. Up to this time schools had been kept in the watch-house and in private houses; but in 1712, as per above vote, a build- ing- was erected for the purpose, as is seen by the following action of the town; this was Maiden's first school building: Voted y' y^ scool-hous shall be bult 20 foots jn length 16 foots wide 6 foot stud between joints. A chimney, nere seven foots between y^ gams decreased the capacity of the room; and when its spacious " harth " was blazing with its pile of green logs the physical discomfort of the child who sat on the nearest bench could only have been equalled b}- that of the unfortunate shiverer who sat by the door. Of course, it was of one story and its walls were filled with brick "to y^ plaets," in that good, cold-defy- ing fashion which ma)' yet be found in some old houses, and which puts to shame the shams of modern construction ^ William Green, the "carpender," was to receive thirty-five pounds. For the somewhat unique contract for this work, be- tween the Selectmen and Mr. Green, see sketch of the Green family. January 17, 17H/5 it was voted : That ye school shall be moued to John greens house jn ye woods : — for two months : which js to be March and April next ensuing the date heerof. This was the house of the original settler, Thomas Green, at the Highlands, west of Main, and north of Franklin Streets. The next year it was vot : y' The Schoolmastar shall be Removed To y^ northardly end of This Town To Keep y^ school ye Remaining part of ye Time agreed on for him to be among us. Occasional votes in the town records show that schooling was pro\ided for the north end of the town a portion of the time only. June 17, 1723, Mr. Buckman was engaged to keep the school twelve months, at a salary of four pounds. That year it was kept five months in the centre, three and a half at the south part, and three and a half at "sum conuenant place jn The northardly end of maiden." For the next twenty years nothing definite is said about the schooling for the North End. ^ Corey. History of Maiden, dx^. 188 HISTORY OF MELROSE. In 1744, it was voted: That the School shall be keept one quarter part of the time yearly- near the house of Abraham Skinner and one quarter part of the time yearly near the hous of Thomas Burditt Ju"; and another quarter part of the time yearly near the hous of John Colman or the house of the widow Mercy Pratt provided that perticular persons will be at the Charge of erecting a School house at each of those places. According to a MS. left by Mr. Barrett, the house of the widow Pratt stood where now stands the Lynde mansion, on the corner of Grove and Lebanon Streets; and Mr. Colman's about forty rods north, on the west side of Lebanon Street, which was then the old 1653 road. The school-house stood about half way between these places, on the east side, about on the corner of Lebanon and Laurel Streets. He had heard it described by those who remembered it, "as a small, un- painted shanty, with a brick fireplace in one corner. Old Mr. John Lynde used to say that Master Swain who taught the school there, would frequently, in school hours, send one of the scholars to his father's house for a mug of cider." During this period, of about a century, the cause of educa- tion in Maiden seems to have had a varied experience, as the town was several times presented at the Quarter Sessions for not maintaining a grammar school; but in 1750, educational matters were improved, and Nathaniel Jenkins, Jr., was chosen school-master. He retained this office for a period of twenty- five years, until he acquired the well-earned title of "good old Master Jenkins." His original occupation was that of a shoe- maker. But the guardians of the town, who had e\-idently been embarrassed for a long time in their endeaxors to procure a suitable teacher, thought they discerned in him some of the necessary qualifications. After some hesitation, which was re- moved in part by the fact that his health was inadequate for his mechanical calling, he acquiesced in their proposal. To prepare himself for his new \ocation, he, for want of a normal school, put himself under the instruction of the Rev. ]\Ir. P^merson for about twelve months. Ha\ing b>- this time ob- tained some knowledge of the languages, and the approbation of several clergymen, he entered with zeal upon his duties as an instructor of 3'outh. He is represented as a pious man and an excellent teacher, though in his practice the rod was not a mere symbol of authority. It had a use, as well as a meaning. EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 189 This is a view of the very curious and unique little box- desk, which belonq^ed to this good school-master, and which he carried back and forth with him from precinct to precinct. As there is a hole in the top of the back, he evidently hung it upon a nail. It probably held his books, pen, ink and paper, and possi- bly, his useful rod."^ In those days he taught school for six months in Maiden center, three months in the south part of the town, now Ever- ett, and three months in the north part, now Melrose. In 1789, Joseph Barrett, of North Maiden, was chairman of the School Committee. That }'ear school was kept in the little old school-house, four and a half months; the next year four months. THE JENKINS DESK. ou^ci'X' ^uJ^efciiHi yu In 1799, the town chose a committee, consisting of Joseph Barrett, Bernard Green, and Captain Amos Sargent, to draw a plan, and estimate the cost of a new school-house for the north part of the town. They reported, and the sum of S600 was appropriated. Joseph Barrett and William Emerson were the committee to build the same. They bought a small piece of land, in 1800, of Ezra Howard, on the west side of Lebanon, a few rods south of Upham Street, then Upham Lane, and built thereon a school-house. It was about twenty by twenty-fi\e feet in size, and low studded. It was an unpainted building with board blinds for the windows, with a small porch over the door on the south side. Artemas Barrett went to school in this building; and the manuscript before quoted gives this description of the school-house. As you entered, there was an open space ; rows of seats, with desks in front, on each side of the house with an aisle passing between them - This desk now belongs to Mrs. great-great grand daughter of Mr. Adeline A. Nichols, of Maiden, a Jenkins. 190 HISTORY OF MELROSE. on each side to the wall ; each row would seat about six scholars. A large wooden desk stood at the north end of the house with a platform raised in its rear where the teacher was seated. There was an open space in front of the desk where the boys put their hats. In the middle of the house stood a massive stove in which wood was burnt in large clefts about two feet in length. It was the practice in those days for the scholars to take their turns in building the hres and sweeping out. The writer well remembers when his turn came of going as soon as he could see, and how he felt when entering that dark room before he could open the close board blinds and let in the light. He also remembers how long it was before the room could be made even com- fortable and how the scholars when they arrived would gather around that old stove and remain as long as allowed to. And frequently during school hours, the scholars would have to beg the privilege of going to the stove in order to get warm. About the time this school house was built the town was formed into districts, each drawing their proportion of the money raised and man- aging their own affairs. It was the practice in those days during the summer months to employ a school-marm, as she was called, as only the smaller children then attended school. In the winter the boys, and some of them quite large, nearly men grown, attended and a master was then employed. the; old school house;. This was before matches had been invented, and these scholars then took their turn in buildino- fires, and they had to take live coals of fire with them, from their homes. At this time Maiden had four school-houses; this one at the North End, one where Sprague Street joins Salem Street, one on Nelson's Hill at the South End, aiul one on the Lynn road, near Maplewood Square. In this little old school-house, Robert Gerry, who died in EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 191 Stoneham, April i, 1873, in his ninetieth year, taught school during the winter season for twenty four years, in succession, commencing in 1S03. Il<^i't the North Maldenites learned to "read, write, and cipher." '1 he boys and girls liv^'ng in the west part of the town, came "across lots," passing by the old Tainter or Howard house, which stood where the Swett block now is, crossing Ell Pond brook on a log. Occasionally, when school did not keep here, the scholars, some of them, went to "middletown" school, going over the old road by the foot of Boston Rock. This old school-house was abandoned when the town of Maiden built a new one, in 1829, on Upham Street, on land conve}'ed to the "North School District," b}' William Dix, for S50. It was built b}- the school-master Mr. Gerry. This was burned about the year 1845, '^■'"^1 '^'i" ( other one built on its ^ site; in it was kept a Primary, Intermediate, and Grammar School. Others who taught school in this house, besides Mr. Gerry, were Dr. Levi Gould, Nelson Cochran and Rev. John C. Ingalls. This house was burned in April, 1874, and was succeeded b\' the present Sewall School House, formerly called the Centre School House, standing next to the P^irst Baptist Church. This house that was burned, built by Mr. Gerry in 1829, was the only schcjol-house existing at the time Melrose was in- corporated, in 1850.'^ Ver)' soon after this others had to be built; one on Lynde .Street, one on Green Street, and one on ■^ Previous to this there had ex- isted for a few years, a private in- stitution of learning, situated on Berwick Street, near the corner of Herbert Street. This was known as " Academy Hall." It was after- wards moved to Main Street, where it became Lyceum Hall, was used by the Town, and for various other purposes; and perished in the fire of August 20, 1870. In the Uiiivcr- salist Truinpt't, for 185 1, the follow- ing advertisement of this institu- tion appeared : Melrose Academy. The vSpring Term of this Institu- tion, situated on the Boston and Maine Railroad, seven miles from Hay market vSquare, Boston, will commence on Monday March 4, under the charge of its present Teacher, Mr. D. C. Quimby, A. M., Principal ; Miss Caroline M. Rip- ley, Preceptress; Mr. J. W". Tur- ner, Teacher of IMusic. The proprietors have permission to refer to B. B. Mussey, Esq., Rev. S. Slreeler, T. Whittemore, T. Starr King, Charles Brooks, Syl- 192 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Foster Street, opposite the end of Vinton Street, all built in 1853, costing Si, 600 each; then the small ones on Franklin and Upham Streets, in 1855; now all abandoned for newer and better ones. That on Foster Street was succeeded by the present D. W. Gooch School building, which was built in 1886, costing $14,000, remodelled and enlarged in 1892, at a cost of $18,500. The committee to build consisted of Moses S. Page, Royal P. Barry, Daniel Norton, Joel Snow, and W. Irving Ellis; to remodel, John O. Norris, John jC. Maker, William D. Stewart, A. Eugene Upham, Decius Beebe, Albert B. Franklin and Henry Brown. March 30, 1868, the town appropriated $20,000 for a new High School building, and Janu- ary 14, 1869, and additional sum of $7,500, was added. The building committee con- sisted of Messrs. Rufus Smith, Daniel W. Gooch, Charles H. Isburgh, Wingate P. Sargent, Walter Babb, George New- hall and George A. Mansfield. The site selected was 30,000 feet of land situated on Em- erson Street, at the corner of Lake Avenue, purchased of Messrs. David L. & John G. Webster. It was finished and dedicated July 15, 1869. It was destroyed b>' fire January 25, 1897. By the building of this High School House, the crowded condition of the then existing schools was relieved. At this time Melrose had seven school-houses, and eighteen teachers. As our town was increasing in population very fast, additional THE OLD HIGH SCHOOL HOUSE. vanus Cobb, Boston. H. Ballou, 2d, D. D., F. A. Farley, Brooklyn, N. Y., H. M. Laue, John G. Whittier, Aniesbury, Mass., Daniel Osgood, M. D., Mantanzas, Cuba. Parents and Guardians may rest assured that nothing of a Secta- rian nature will be allowed in the vSchool, and the morals of all pupils will be carefully guarded by the teacher. Terms: English Branch, includ- ing Surveying, Navigation, Book- keeping, the Natural Sciences, per term, |6.oo; Higher Mathematics, per term, 16. 00; Ancient and Mod- ern Languages, l^y.oo; Oriental Branches, |8.oq. EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 193 accommodations became necessary. Outside halls and rooms were rented for a while. The Centre School House, which was burned in 1874, was rebuilt at a cost of Sio.ooo, by a committee consisting of George A. Mansfield, \V. Ir\!ng Ellis and John O. Norris. At this time, 1883, when it was found necessary to build other houses, there were twenty-four teachers, besides one elocution- ist and one music teacher. The Franklin School House, now known as the Whittier School, a four room building, was erected in 1884, on Frank- lin Street, near Sargent Street, at a cost of $8,200. The com- mittee was Joel Snow, Rufus A. White, Thomas W. Ripley, Moses S. Page and John VV. Farwell. In 1883, a new school-house, now known as the Horace Mann School, was built on the corner of Gro\e and M)-rtle Streets, at a cost of ^10,770. Daniel Norton, John C). Norris, Julius S. Clark, W. Irving Ellis and Dexter Pratt served on that com- mittee. During the year 1885, the Converse School building was built on Washington .Street, at the P\dls, with an appropriation of $5,000, on land given to the town by Hon. Elisha S. Con- verse, for whom the schcjol is named, very appropriatel)'. For some time before, this school had been kept in the Fells Chapel, rent free, through the kindness of Mr. Converse. The com- mittee to erect this school-house, consisted of John \V. Far- well, John Robson, Royal P. Barry, Daniel Norton and George H. Dearborn. As the children in the .Swain's Pond District had become quite numerous, it was found necessary, in 1886, to build a small school-house on .Swain's Pond A\enue, between the pond and Lebanon Street, thus accommodating our scholars, who had been attending the Maiden schools, at cjuite an expense to Melrose. The committee to budd was John B. Souther, Jesse VV. Page, Thomas Poison, Thomas W. Ripley and Jesse A. Dill The house cost $2,500 and was named the Riple>- School. In 1890, the town \oted to emi:)loy a Superintendent of Schfjols, and Guy C. Channell was elected by the School Com- mittee to fill that position. He was re-elected for three suc- cessive years, and in 1893. ^^'^^ succeeded b}' the late Benja- min ¥. Robinson, who died June 16, 1898, and he was succeeded by PVed H. Nickerson, the present superintendent. 194 HISTORY OF MELROSE. In 1 891, the town appropriated the sum of $46,000 for the purpose of building two new school-houses ; the Mary A. Livermore School, on a lot of land between Main and Lebanon Streets, with an entrance from both streets, and the four-room house corner of First and Eleventh Streets, now known as the VVinthrop School; also for alterins^ and improvinfj the High School building on Emerson Street. The followmg commit- tee was appointed to carry out these instructions: Francis S. Hesseltine, Charles W. Higgins, Franlc E. Orcutt, George L. Morse, John W. Farwell, Rufus A. White, Albert B. Franklin, Curtis C. Goss and George H. Dearborn. The same )'ear, 1891, the School Committee, with Frank L. Washburn, Joel Snow and Sidney H. Buttrick added, was authorized to make a four-room extension to the Grove Street School Jiouse, now the Horace Mann School, with an appro- priation of $1 1,000. In i8q2, another new school-house was built, on Warren Street, now known as the Warren School, costing $16,000. The committee consisted of three members of the School Commit- tee, John O. Norris, John C. Maker and William D. Stewart, and Charles W'. Cook, Thomas W. Ripley, Frank W. Hunt and Joel Snow. At this time, 1892, Melrose had twelve school- houses, and was employing forty-three teachers, besides one for music and one for drawing. Very soon after this date, our population increased so rapidly that some of the abandoned school-houses had to be utilized, together with other outside accommodations; and so great became the pressure for more school room, that the town took heroic action in the spring of 1896. The School Com- mittee and the Superintendent of Schools had made frequent and urgent appeals for se\'eral years; therefore, at the Town Meeting held February 24, 1896, the following vote was passed: That the town treasurer be and is hereby authorized, in the name of the town, to borrow two hundred thousand dollars (>2oo.ooo) for the construction of a high school-house, a school-house in the southeastern ixrrt of the town, a school-house in the sowthwestern part of the town, and the construction of a school-house at the Higidands, so called, in said town; and for procuring or purchasing land for said school- houses. That the town issue for said loan two hunched (200) bonds of one thousand dollars ($i,ooc) each, bearing date February 24. A, L). 1896, payable in twenty (20) years fnni said date, with interest pay- able semi-annually at the rate of four ]jer cent, per annum; said bond:; EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 195 to bear on their face the words " Melrose School House Loan, 1896," and to be signed by the treasurer of the town, and countersigned by a majority of the board of selectmen thereof. It was also at the same nieetinw, Voted, unanimously. That the committee to be elected to erect the school buildings be instructed to locate the high school building on the lot known as the " Old Burial Ground," on Main Street; and that the said committee (or the school committee, if necessary to take other- wise than by purchase) be authorized to purchase the land adjoining said burial ground, as recommended in the report of the special com- mittee appointed [at a Town Meeting held November 18, 1895, con- sisting of John O. Norris, John Dike and William D. Stewart of the School Committee, and Rufus S. CaqDenter, B. Marvin Fernald, FRANKLIN SCHOOL, COR. MAIN AND FRANKLIN STRKKTS. Oliver A. Roberts, Charles H. Adams, Charles H. Lang, Jr., Louis E. Lovejoy, Rev. Francis J. Glynn, Curtis C. Goss, and^George R. Jones,] to consider the matter of taking such land ; and that the town treasurer be authorized to borrow a sum not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for the purpose of paying for the same. At a meetin<4- held March 26, 1896, it was voted: Whereas, at the town meeting held February 24, 1896, it was voted to issue two hundred (200) bonds of one thousand dollars (>iooo) each, said bonds bearing on their face, " Melrose School House Loan, i8g6," dated February 24, 1896, and payable in twenty (20) years from said date, a sinking fund shall be, and it is hereby established; and there shall be contributed thereto, from year to year, such an amount, raised 196 HISTORY OF MELROSE. annually by taxation as shall, with the other sums payable into the sinking fund, be sufficient with its accumulations to pay said bonds at maturity. This fund was immediately established by voting at this same meeting, that $5,000 of the sums received as premiums on the sale of these bonds as issued, should be applied to this "School House Loan Sinking Fund." Various amounts have since been added, and it now, January 31, 1902, amounts to $18,545.03, leaving the net school-house debt $181,454,97. The $200,000 bonds mature February 24, 1916. WASHINGTON SCHOOL, COR. LEBANON AND LYNDK, STREETS. It was voted, also, that $100,000 should be applied to build- ing the three Grammar Schools specified, and $100,000 for the High School building. The committee elected at the Town Meeting held March 9, 1896, to carry out these various votes for building these new school-houses was as follows: Royal P. Barry, John Larrabee, Decius Beebe, John C. Maker, Levi S. Gould, Moses S. Page, Francis W. Hunt, Frank L. Washburn and Clinton White; the chairman of the School Committee, Oliver A. Roberts, and Superintendent of Schools, Benjamin V. Robinson, being mem- EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 197 bers ex officio. This committee was autliorized to purchase the land, select plans and specifications, and su))erintend these buildings in the process of construction. The result has been that four \-erv handsome school build- ings have been added to our public property; and these addi- tional facilities will furnish school accommodations for many years to come; thus relieving the over-crowded condition of the schools as they existed before these new buildings were built. At a Town Meeting held November 6, 1896, an additional sum of S6,000 was voted for furnishing halls and grading the LINCOLN SCIUJOL, WYOMING AVKNUE. grounds around these new school-houses; which made a total appropriation during the year of S2 16,000 for school building purposes. August I, i8g8, an additional aj)i)ro[iriation of $3,000 was made for the purpose of grading and imi)r-; north end of second corridor, .Aineiicaii Iii->tor\-; the south end English MEI.KOSE HIGH SCHOOI,, MAIX STKICI-.T. history; one room to Christian art, one' to modern art. one to Massachusetts histor\' and literature, and onr to local history; of the remaining rooms, one I\gyi)tian. one (ireek, one Roman, one French, one (u-rman, and one Japanese euihellishments. In this connection must be mentioned an intert'sting lAent which look place at the annual meeting of the High School Alumni, June 25, ig02. This was the 1 resentation of a \ er>- handsome portrait of Mr. Whitman, pauited b\- a former grad- uate, Wallace I^ryant, long resident in Melrose, and an artist of great merit. This has been ap; ro])riat(.'l\- hung in the main hall. ( )n this occasion numerous other gifts were added to those pre\i()usly noted for the adoinnu'nt of the High .School buildinij". 200 HISTORY OF MELROSE. On the i8th of June, 1901, an interesting event took place in this building, when a handsome bronze mural tablet, in memory of John Crosby Maker, several years a member of the School Committee, was presented by his brother officers of the Twenty-Fourth Regiment Association, through the medium of the LoA^al Legion of Massachusetts, with appropriate exercises: Singing by the High School Glee Club; addresses by William D. Stewart, chairman of the School Committee, His Honor, Mayor John Larrabee, His Honor, Mayor Thomas N. Hart of Boston, General Francis A. Osborn, who was Colonel of the regiment in which Captain Maker ser\'ed, and the presentation address b}' Colonel Francis S. Hesseltine. These services took place in the assembly hall, after which the audience gathered in the main corridor, and after prayer by Rev. Augustus E. Scoville, of the First l^aptist Church, the tablet was unveiled b}^ Miss Helen Goodnow, the 3'oung grand-daughter of Captain Maker. The inscrij^tion is as follows: To the Memory of John C. Maker, Captain of Company K, 24th Regt. Mass. Infantry. December 20, iS37-June 19, 1900. A faith- ful officer in the war which preserved the Union and destroyed slavery. His companions in arms of the Commandery of the State of Massa- chusetts, of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States ha\"e here placed this tablet. Lex A'/x// Anna Tnciitiir. Compare this beautiful new Inu'lding, with its adornments, to the little old district school-house, unpainted and unadorned — in use until 182S — which was situated on the old road, now Lebanon Street. What a contrast! Vet we ha\'e with us still those wdio have witnessed both, and who learned their A B C's in the structure heretofore described; among them George F. Boardman, Charles Boardman, Mrs. Mary Lynde, Mrs. Joanna Church and Mrs. Mary Vinton; and the late George Newhall, James (i. lunerson, h'reeman Upham, Asa Upham and Mrs. Sarah L). Howe were also among these scholars. As a matter of contrast, also, as indicating the grow'th of a half centur\-, it is pleasant to take note of the school expenses of the " North Precinct," at a time just before Melrose was incorporated, and those of the present time. The Annual Report of flic Financial Concerns of the Town of Maiden, March /, 1844, shows a total pax'mcnt for the schooling of the "North District" to be the sum of 5475.C9. Total amount for all EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 201 Maiden schools, $2,346.54. The total eimount appropriated for the same district, now Melrose, for the }'ear ending December 31, 1902, was $77,089.'' Public Kindergarten Schools were established in 1897 in the following manner: At a Town Meeting held March 5, it was \'oted: That one thousand dollars (5 1000) of the amount raised or appropri- ated for school purposes be expended under the direction of the School •Committee to establish one public kindergarten school. Upon the passage of this vote Hon. William E. Barrett announced his intention to present the town the sum of $1,000, to establish, during the year, another public kindergarten school, whereupon it was Voted, That the thanks of the town be extended the Hon. William E. Barrett for his very generous offer to contribute into the town treasury the sum of $1,000 for the puipose of establishing a public kindergarten school. This was passed unanimously b)' a rising vote. * The value of our fourteen school buildings with the amount of land connected with each as given in the " vSchedule of City Property" for January i, 1902, nicluding personal property, was as follows Converse, 21,017 square feet land, Franklin, 21,752 square feet land, D. W. Gooch, 27,815 square feet land, High, 116,385 square feet land, I/incolu, 27,604 square feet land, Mary A. Liverniore, 26,555 square feet land, . Horace Mann, 26,361 square feet land, Ripley, 14,748 square feet land, Sewall, 14,567 square feet land, Joseph Warren, 18,572 square feet land, . Washington, 30,794 square feet land, West vSide Kindergarten, 11,880 square feet land, Whittier, 15,000 square feet land, Winthrop, 26,544 square feet land, . Total, This leaves out the old Green Street buildiiifj, 24,5(X) square feet land, Chestnut vStreet building, 12,000 square feet land, Uphani Street l)uildin,<^, 11,400 square feet land, Total, $ 6,229.00 40,704.00 32 048.00 178,415.00 40,607.00 19,958.00 26,003.00 2,834.00 I5-939-00 17,141.00 38,671.00 4.325-00 10,882.00 13,429.00 $446,825.00 $ 4,600.00 2,900.00 1,275.00 I8.775.00 202 HISTORY OF MELROSE. The twenty-four years' service b}^ Robert Gerry, who was school-master in the early years, before Melrose was incorpo- rated, have been surpassed in length of service, in later years, by Alonzo G. Whitman, who came to Melrose as Principal of the High School, in November, 1874; and after twenty-three years of efficient work in that position, resigned, and was given the position of Principal Emeritus, where he has charge of the departments of mathematics and science. When Mr. Whitman began his work the school numbered sixty-nine scholars, two teachers besides himself, and one course of study. When he resigned there were two hundred and twenty-nine scholars, eight teachers, and five courses of study. Concerning his work during this long period, the report of the School Committee for 1897 says: The love and resJDect of hundreds of young ladies and gentlemen in and around Melrose who received their instruction under Mr. Whit- man's guidance, and who are now occupying responsible and honorable positions, is the best evidence of his success as a teacher, and there is a vmiversal feeling that the town is fortunate in being able to retain the services of Mr. Whitman as an instructor. SCHOOL COMMITTEES. 1850. Henry A. Norris. Caleb Howard. Elbridge Green. 1851. Erastus O. Phinney, M. D. Rev. Josiah W. Talbot. Rev. Wilson R. Parsons. 1852. Rev. Wilson R. Parsons. Erastus O. Phinney, M. D. George E. White. 1853. Daniel W. Gooch. George P. Burnhani. John Shelton. 1854. Elbridge Green. Erastus O. Phinney, M. D. Charles H. Sinionds. TOWN. 1855. Erastus O. Phinney, M. D. Rev. Alexander J. Sessions. Rev. J. A. Coolidge. 1856. Rev. Alexander J. vSessions. Walter Littlefield. Caleb Howard. 1857. Rev. Alexander J. Sessions. Rev. William H. Munroe. Rev. Joseph S. Dennis. 1858. Moses Parker, M. D. Rev. William H. Munroe. George N. Noyes. 1859. Erastus O. Phinney, M. D. Rev. William H. Munroe. Rev. James Cooper. EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 203 i:60. Erastus O. Phiuney, M. D. Aaron Green. Elbridge Gardner. 1861, Erastus O. Phiuney, M. D. Luther Robinson. Charles H. Isburgh. 1862. Luther Robinson. Charles H. Isburgh. Henry E. Trowbridge. 1863. Charles H. Isburgh. George A. Mansfield. 1864. Joseph B. San ford. Rev. John B. Richmond. Thomas \V. .Chadbourne. 1865. Hon. Samuel E. Sewall. Thomas W. Chadbourne. Rev. John B. Richmond. George N. Noyes. George A. Mansfield. George Emerson, 2d. 1866. Charles H. Isburgh. Thomas W. Chadbourne. George N. Noyes. George Emerson, 2d. George A. Mansfield. 1867. Charles H. Isburgh. Thomas W. Chadbourne. Moses Parker, M. D. Rev. Nathan P. Selee. 1868. Rev. William S. Barnes. Nelson Cochran. Gilbert Nash. 1869. Charles H. Isburgh. William H. Allen. Nelson Cochran. 1870. Charles H. Isburgh. William H. Allen. Francis P. Woodbury. 1871. Nathan P. Selee. Francis P. Woodbur)^ Nelson Cochran. 1872. Francis P. Woodbury. Nelson Cochran. Nathan P. Selee. 1878. Francis P. Woodbury. Nelson Cochran. Hon. Daniel W. Gooch. 1874. John O. Norris. Hon. Daniel W. Gooch. J. Heber Smith, M. D. Miss Phoebe A. Norris. Mrs. Nathan P. Selee. Mrs. Samuel E. Sewall. 1875. Samuel Adams Drake. John O. Norris. Hon. Daniel W. Gooch. Miss Phoebe A. Norris. Mrs. James C. Currier. Mrs. Alouzo V. Lynde. 1876. George F. Stone. Mrs. Alonzo V. Lynde. Maj. W. Irving Ellis. Mrs. James C. Currier. Alonzo S. Ranlett. Miss Phoebe A. Norris. 1877. Thomas B. Peck. Lafayette Burr. Moses S. Page. Miss Phoebe h. Norris. Mrs. Maria W. Currier. Mrs. Ann M. Kunhartlt. 1878. Royal P. Barry. Lafayette Burr. Moses S. Page. Miss Phoebe .\. Norris. Mrs. Ann M. Kunhardt. Everett W. Burdett. *204 HISTORY OF MELROSE. 1879. Royal P. Barry. Rev. Clifton Fletcher. Moses S. Page. Miss Phoebe A. Norris. Mrs. Ann M. Kunhardt. Mrs. Marietta M. W. Seaver. 1880. Rev. Clifton Fletcher. Louis E. K. Robson. Julius S. Clark, M. D. Mrs. Marietta M. W. Seaver. Mrs. Ann M. Kunhardt. Mrs. Benjamin F. Bradbury. 1881. Rev. Clifton Fletcher. Levi W. Gilniau. Julius S. Clark, M. D. Mrs. Ann M. Kunhardt. Mrs. Sarah W. Bradbury. Mrs. Arethusa K. Miller. 1882. Rev. Clifton Fletcher. Levi W. Oilman. Julius S. Clark, M. D. Mrs. Martha A. Adams. Mrs. Sarah W. Bradbury. Mrs. Arethusa K. Miller. 1883. Rev. Clifton Fletcher. Julius S. Clark, M. D. Mrs. Martha A. Adams. Mrs. Sarah W. Bradbury. Mrs. Arethusa K. Miller. Thomas W. Ripley. 1884. Julius S. Clark, M. D. Rev. Clifton Fletcher. Mrs. Martha A. Adams. Mrs. Sarah W. Bradbury. Mrs. Arethusa K. Miller. Thomas W. Ripley. 1885. Rev. Clifton Fletcher. Mrs. Martha A. Adams. Mrs. Sarah W. Bradbury. Mrs. Arethusa K. Miller. Thomas W. Ripley. S. Robertson Winchell. 1886. Thomas W. Ripley. Mrs. Sarah W. Bradbury. Mrs. Arethusa K. Miller. S. Robertson Winchell. Hon. Charles F. Loriug. Mrs. Addie B. P. Waterhouse. 1887. John O. Norris. Mrs. Sarah W. Bradbury. Mrs. Arethusa K. Miller. S. Robertson Winchell. Hon. Charles F. Loring. Mrs. Addie B. P. Waterhouse. 1888. John O. Norris. Mrs. Sarah W. Bradbury. John C. Maker. Mrs. Arethusa K. Miller. Hon. Charles F. Loring. Mrs. Addie B. P. Waterhouse. John O. Norris. Mrs. Sarah W. Bradbury. John C. Maker. Mrs. Arethusa K. Miller. Hon. Charles F. Loriug. Mrs. Addie B. P. Waterhouse. 1S90. John O. Norris. Mrs. Sarah W. Bradbury. John C. Maker. Mrs. Arethusa K. Miller. Hon. Charles F. Loriug. Mrs. Addie B. P. Waterhouse. 1891. John O. Norris. Mrs. Sarah W. Bradbury. John C. Maker. Mrs. Arethusa K. Miller. Hon. Charles F. Loring. Mrs. Addie B. P. Waterhouse. 1892. John O. Norris. John C. Maker. Mrs. Arethusa K. Miller. William D. Stewart. Mrs. George F". McDonald. Mrs. Bessie B. Dearborn. EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 205 1893. John O. Norris. Mrs. Bessie B. Dearborn. John C. Maker. Mrs. Arethusa K. Miller. William D. Stewart. Mrs. Ella F. McDonald. 1894. John O. Norris. Mrs. Bessie B. Dearborn. William D. Stewart. Mrs. Ella F. McDonald. John Dike, M. D. Mrs. Susan F. Flanders. 1895. John O. Norris. Mrs. Bessie B. Dearborn. William D. Stewart. Mrs. Mabel F. Valentine. John Dike, M. D. Mrs. Susan F. Flanders. 189(). Oliver A. Roberts. Mrs. Bessie B. Dearborn. William D. Stewart. Mrs. Mabel F. Valentine. John Dike, M. D. Mrs. Susan F. Flanders. 1897. Oliver A. Roberts. Mrs. Bessie B. Dearborn. William D. Stewart. Mrs. Mabel F. Valentine. Mrs. Susan F. Flanders. John C. Maker. 1898. Oliver A. Roberts. Mrs. Bessie B. Dearborn. Mrs. Sarah A. Day. Mrs. Susan F. Flanders. John C. Maker. Rev. George N. Howard. 1899. Arthur F. Amadou, M. D. Mrs. Bessie B. Dearborn. Mrs. Sarah A. Day. Mrs. Susan F". Flanders. John C. Maker. Rev. Geori^e N. Howard. CITY. 1900. Three Year.s. Arthur F. Aniadon, M. D. Mrs, Sarah F. Flanders. John C. Maker. Two Years. D. Eugene Curtis. Mrs. Sarah A. Day. William D. vStewart. One Year. Mrs. Bessie B. Dearborn. Edward B. Marsh. Fred L- Wood. 1901. Three Years. Mrs. Bessie B. Dearborn. Edward B. Marsh. Fred L. Wood. 1902. Three Years. Don E. Curtis. Mrs. Sarah A. Day. William D. Stewart. CHAPTER VII. MILITARY HISTORY. IN THE various French and Indian wars that took place previous to the American Revolution, there were many Maiden men. It is next to impossible to decide just who belonged to North Maiden, and who to Maiden, as they were all credited to the quotas of Maiden proper. But as there were many soldiers who bore the names of the original families living in North Maiden, Green, Lynde, Sprague, Upham, How^ard, Barrett, Vinton, and others of later generations, there is no doubt, indeed it is very probable, that North Maiden was represented in nearly all, if not all of them; not only as privates but officers. Se\'eral of the L\'ndes and Barretts bore commissions as captains, majors, lieutenants, etc., and such was the case with some other names. Artemas Barrett evident!}' had made quite a study of the part taken in the military by our citizens, and he left a memorandum which is given here, in which there are a few details concerning these wars and the part taken in them b\- Maklen men: In King Philip's War. 1675, Maklen had twenty-nine men. Seven who were in Capt. Samuel Mosely's Company who were in the battle known as the Narraganset fight. Maiden troops under Capt. William Green marched on an expedition against the Indians in 1695, in what is known as King William's War. In the Siege of Louisburg, in 1745, INIalden bore a conspicuous part ; nine of her young men there laid down their lives. In 1758, the enrolled militia of Maiden was 134 men under command of Capt. lohn Dexter, at that time. In Dr. Eben"" Morrow's Company of Medford, Lieut. Samuel Purditt and Darius Green with thirt3--one non-commissioned officers and privates of Maiden joined the forces of General x\bercrombie at Ticonderoga ; of these five Maiden men lost their lives. In 1776 the enrolled militia of Maiden was 300. It would seem from the following, copietl from the Jldssa- cliiisctts Archives, \o\. 68, page i 12, that some of the drafted or MILITARY HISTORY. 207 impressed men, were not anxious to take part in these troub- lous Indian war-times; or, at least, were in no hurry in report- ing for dut)'; therefore the State had to act in the matter: 2\> the Constables of Ma u /den These require yo" in his maj^ys name forthwith to sumon require &: secure John Linde Jn^ Cole & James welsh so as they may person- ally Appeare before the Council sitting in Boston on the ii^'^ Jnstant at one of the clocke then & there to Answer theire neglect of Duty in not appearing at the Randevous at Dedham on the 5'^ Jiist thereby much disappointing the service of the Country yo" are also in like manner to sumon & require some one or more of the Comittee of militia of the Toune then & there to Appeare that Jmpressed them to make it out that they were duely Jmpressed making your returne at or before the time hereof not to faele at your perrill — Dated in Boston the 7th of January 1675. By order of the Council Edwd Rawson Secre'v. John Lyndc was a North Maiden man, and li\ed in the house which stood on Main Street, where now stands the homestead of Henry Lynde, a direct descendant. An order concerning North Maiden men during these dark days, runs as follows: it was directed to "Capt. John Sprague of Mauldon." In Pursuance of an Order from the mag"" genii to me directed, Bearing date y^ i8th of this Instant June: these are in theire Majies Names to Requier 3-ou to detach out of yor Companie To Able Soldiers well appointed with arms and Amunition for their Majies Service to defend the ffrunteer Townes and prosecute y^ Common Enemy. You are to Cause them to Randevouse at wooburne, by the meeting house, on Tusday the Thirtyeth of this Instant, at one of the Clock in the Afternune, their to Receive farther orders. Hereof you may not fail at yor Peril. Dated In Charles Towne y^ 19"! of June 1691, and in the Third yeare of their Majies reigne No. 62. Jonx Phillips, Serjt Major. To the Committee of Militia in Ma 11 1 Jon. This order has the following endorsement on its back: " Jdhn green, James whitehead went to the place of raiidaz\oues, Jul\' 17, 1691," se\-enteen days after the time appointed. This was the Capt. Sprague that li\ed in the old homestead on the southerly side of Barrett Mount, on Maple Strei't; and Green was probably the grandson and lived in the old homestead of his grandfather, Thomas (ireen, at the Highlands, then Maiden North ICiul. 208 HISTORY OF MELROSE. As to the American Revolution: Maiden, although includ- ing what is now Everett and Melrose, was not a large town; but it was a very patriotic town, and sent forth not only her sons, but several spirited manifestoes, before and during the war. Eloquent, forcible and full of loyalty to our country were her various papers. First, in 1773, a letter "To the Respectable Inhabitants of the Town of Boston," wherein they informed them of the appointment of a Committee of Corres- pondence to act in conference with theirs. Second, a series of instructions to their Representative in the Legislature, Captain Ebenezer Harnden, dated September 23, 1874, the last sentence of which was: The people in the province are a free and a brave people ; and we are determined in the strength of our God, that we will, in spite of open force and private treachery, live and die as becomes the descend- ants of such ancestors as ours, who sacrificed their all, that they and their posterity might be free. Third, another to his successor, Ezra Sargent, Esq., which is so full of patiiotic fire it is given hrre in full; these instruc- tions were written by Rev. Peter Thacher, who was settled in Maiden in 1770,^ delivered the Fifth of March Oration in 1776,. was a delegate from Maiden to the Massachusetts Constitu- tional Convention in 1780, and became pastor of Brattle Square Church, Boston, in 1785:- Iiistnictioiis of the town of JSIahieii to their Rcpi-eseiitative, Fassed May 2jth, lyyd : Sir — A resolution of the late Honorable House of Representatives, calling upon the several towns in this Colony to express their minds, ^ This paper was prepared in re- sponse to a resolution of the Mas- sachusetts House of Representa- tives; and by it the little town committed itself fearlessly in favor of independence first of all the towns of the province, preceding the action of Boston l)y three days. Deloraine P. Corey, Neiv Engtand Magazine, May, 1899, p. 373. - The following anecdote con- nected with his ministry in Maiden was told by Rev. Alexander W. McClure at the Bi-Centennial Cele- l)ration of Maiden, in 1849: "On one occasion he called in the after- noon upon a lady, poor but proud. The good lady met him at the door, her covmtenance all wreathed in smiles. She was very sorry that her pastor had not come to dine, she had so nice a turkey, and she knew he loved turkey so much. ' No doubt of it, no doubt of it,, madam ;' was the re])ly of the reverend man. ' I perceive you have had turkey for dinner, and here is a feather of it on your ker- chief.' Awful to relate, that feath- MILITARY HISTORY. 209 with respect to the important question of American Independence, is the occasion of our now instructing you. The time was, Sir, when we loved the King and the People of Great Britain, with an affection truly filial ; we felt ourselves interested in their glory, we shared in their joys and sorrows, we cheerfully poured the fruit of all our labors into the lap of our Mother Country, and without reluctance, expended our blood and our treasure in her cause. These were our sentiments towards Great Britain : while she continued to act the part of a parent State, we felt ourselves happy in our con- nection with her, nor wished it to be dissolved. But our sentiments are altered. It is now the ardent wish of ourselves, that America may become Free and Independent States. A sense of unprovoked injuries will arouse the resentment of the most peaceful; such injuries these Colonies have received from Britain. Unjustifiable claims have been made by the King and his minions, to tax us without our con- sent. These colonies have been prosecuted in a manner cruel and un- just to the highest degree, the frantic policy of Administration hath induced them to send Fleets and Armies to America, that by depriv- ing us of our trade, and cutting the throats of our brethren, they might awe us into submission, and erect a system of despotism which should so far enlarge the infiuence of the Crown, as to enable it to rivet their shackles upon the people of Great Britain. This was brought to a crisis upon the ever memorable nineteenth of April ; we remember the fatal day; the expiring groans of our murdered countrymen yet vibrate on our ears ! ! We now behold the flames of their peaceful dwellings ascending to heaven ; we hear their blood crying to us from the ground. Vengeance! and charging us, as we value the peace of their manes, to have no further connection with a King, who can un- feelingly hear of the slaughter of his subjects and composedly sleep with their blood upon his soul. The manner in which the \A'ar has been prosecuted has confirmed us in these sentiments; Piracy and Murder, robbery and breach of faith, have been conspicuous in the conduct of the King's Troops; defenceless Towns have been attacked and destroyed,— the ruins of Charlestown, which are daily in our view, daily remind us of this. The cries of the Widow and the Oiphan de- mand our attention ; they demand that the hand of pity should wipe the tears from their eyes; and that the sword of their Country should er was a respectable dab of mush and thai priiiiit ve dish known as and molasses! Oftjn after his re- 'hasty pudding' and so scientific- moval to the Brattle vSquare Church, ally described by the famous Count did that eloquent and popular di- Rumford, was long known iu vine 'keep the table in a roar' at fashionable parlance as 'Maiden the numerous dining parties of his turkey.'" Bi-Ceiitciinial book of day, where he was ever a welcome Maiden, p. 90. guest, by rehearsing this incident ; 210 HISTORY OF MELROSE. avenge their own and our rights, and bring to condign punishment the elevated villains who have trampled upon the sacred rights of men, and affronted the majesty of the people. We hoped in vain. They have lost their love to Freedom, they have lost their spirit of just resentment. We therefore renounce with dis- dain our connection with the kingdom of Slaves ; we bid a final adieu to Britain. Could an accommodation be now effected, we have reason to think that it would be fatal to the liberties of America, — we should soon catch the contagion of venality and dissipation, which has sub- jected Britain to lawless domination : Were we placed in the situation we were in, in the year 1773; were the powers of appointing to office, and commanding the Militia, in the hands of Governors, our arts, trade, and manufactures would be cramped ; nay, more than this, the life of every man who has been active in the cause of his Country would be endangered. For these reasons, as well as many others which might be produced, we are confirmed in the opinion, that the present age will be deficient in their duty to God, their posterity, and themselves, if they do not establish an American Republic. This is the only form of government which we wish to see established ; for we can never willingly be subject to any other King, than He, who being possessed of infinite wisdom, goodness, and rectitude, is alone fit to possess unlimited power. We have freely spoken our sentiments upon this important subject; but we mean not to dictate. We have unbounded confidence in the wisdom and uprightness of the Continental Congress ; with pleasure we recollect that this affair is under their direction : — and we now instruct you. Sir, to give them the strongest assurance, that if they should declare America to be a Free and Independent Repviblic, your constituents will support and defend the measure to the Last Drop of THEIR Blood and the Last Farthing of their Treasure. So strong, forcible, and eloquent was this address, that Chief Justice Marshall quoted it in his Life of Washington ; and it has also been commended by other historians. When the Lexington alarm was sounded, Maiden was pre- pared for the emergency. A messenger arriving at Hill's Tavern, then standing where now stands City Hall, gave the cry "The Regulars are out!" which alarm spread from farm to farm, and the minute-men belonging to Captain Benjamin Blaney's company gathered on the little green before the tavern and awaited orders from their colonel at Watertown. Women and children followed by their side as they marched away towards Menotomy, now Arlington, where they arrived in time to capture a bewildered supply train of the enemy .-^ ^ Corey, in A^ew Englami Magazine, May, 1899, p. 373. MILITARY HISTORY. 211 The roll of the company in which these "Minute Men of Maiden " served, is taken from the Massachusetts Archives: Revolutionary Rolls, xi. 209: and is as follows: A Role of the Company of the Militea that went to Watertown By order of the Late Col? Gardner upon the alarm on the 19 Day of april 1775 and from there to Resist the Ministeral troops under the Com- mand of Cap^. Benja Blaney. Benja Blaney Cap^. Nathan Lyndes Lieu' Williaim Wait Second Liu' Amos Shute Serjant Nehemiah Oaks Serjant Jabez Lyndes Serjant Bernard Green Cor'. Nathan Eaton Cor\ \\'inslow Sargeant Drumer Micah Wait Cor'. Jacob Parker Cor>. John Ramsdel Joseph Lyndes J" Ezra Howard John Vinton Jacob Sargeant William Sprague Benja Lyndes John Pratt Ebeni" Payne John Grover ye 3 John Wat J" David Wait William Dexter Jonathan Gardner Stephen Tufts Samuel Wait Unite Cox Benja Grover Ebenr Wait Joseph Barrett J» David Howard Ezra Sargeant Ezra Hawkes James Wade Robert Burdit Gidion Williams Jacob Pratt Daniel Chadwick Thomas Wait y« 3 William Upham Ezra Upham Ezekiel Jenkins J" Joseph Floyd William Low Joseph Hollowell John Jenkins Francis Phillips Bernard Newhall Nathan Parker Richard Dexter Timothy Tufts Samuel Hollowell Daniel Breeding Elnathan Breeding Benja Brown Peter Brown Charles Hill Phinheas Sprague, ]\ Edward Newhall James Green Silas Sargeant Ezekiel Jenkins John Grover, J" John Gould Naler Hatch Daniel Waters Joseph Jenkins Phinehas Sprague David Bucknam William Gill John Grover y^ 4 Stephen Pain J" Benja Sprague J" Joseph Lyndes Benja Blaney cptn.'^ * They were paid for one clay's service at the followiu^' rates : cap- tain, 4s. 4d.; lieutenant, 3s.; second lieutenant, 2s. 8d.; sergeants, is. 8d.; corporals, is. 6d.; drummer, IS. 6d., and privates, is. 4d. The last fourteen names were allowed for twenty miles travel, "out and home," and the others for thirty- four miles. The total amount was £15 4s., for which the Council or- dered a warrant to be drawn, Feb. 7, 1777. Captain Blaney's company was the fourth in the first regiment of Middlesex militia. 212 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Some years ago, Artemas Barrett made a search of the Town and State records, and, by the aid of those and his own per- sonal knowledge, completed a list of those of our own citizens,. who were in this company, and who went to Lexington on that famous 19th of April. They are as follows: Sergeant Jabez Lynde, Coiporal Nathan Eaton, Phineas Sprague, Joseph Lynde, John Grover, Jr., Phineas Sprague, Jr.,. Joseph Lynde, Jr., John Grover, 3d, Ezra Upham, Joseph Barrett, Jr., Unite Cox, John Vinton, John Gould, Benjamin Lynde, William Upham, Ezra Howard, John Pratt, Benoni Vinton. Here are found all of the oldest names of the settlers in North Maiden. There was hardly a man living here at the time, who was able to bear arms, who did not become a " minute-man," when the alarm was sounded. The two Spragues were father and son; the father living on West Foster Street, the son on Porter Street. There were three others that went from our present territory; the three brothers, Thomas, Tim- othy and Ezra Vinton, who lived at the Highlands, then a part of Stoneham; they went in Captain Samuel Sprague's. company.^ The following additional items concerning the military 5 Thomas, Timothy aud Ezra Vinton of the Vinton neighbor- hood, now Melrose Highlands, but then a part of Stoneham, marched with the minute men of the latter town. Some of the North End men marched with the minute-men from Kettell's Tavern, while others took a shorter route across the country to the Lexington Road. After they had left, the women filled saddle- who lived in the southeast part of the town, near the Chelsea line, and a boy named Breeden, who was- probably from Chelsea, near Black Ann's Corner. The latter was about eighteen years old, and was unarmed, l)ut he said he would get a gun if they would let him go. "While they were following the troops in the afternoon, he became so daring that Phineas Sprague, bags with food and despatched one of the minute-men, called at- Israel Cook, with a horse belonging tention to him several times and to Phineas Sprague, after them. remarked that he would be killed. MeetingtheBritishon their retreat, Observing one of the .soldiers lag- his horse was killed ; but he should- ging, he borrowed a gun and fol- ered the bags and wandered about lowed him. When the others came until he met his friends, who were up he had killed the soldier and was in need of the refreshments which eating the ration which his dead he carried. enemy had provided. Artemas Among those who went out upon Barrett, in the Melrose Journaly the early alarm was John Ivdniunds, April 17, 1875. MILITARY HISTORY. 213 history of the North Maiden men are taken from Corey's list of "Soldiers and Sailors," in his History of Maiden: Barrett, Joseph, Jr.; Lexington alarm, 1775; with Captain Benjamin Blaney, Col. Brooks's regiment of guards at Cambridge, Feb. -April. 1778. Cox, Unite; Lexington alarm, 1775; sergeant in eight months' •service with Captain Naler Hatch, Lieut. -Col. Bond, 1775. Eaton, Nathan; corporal at Lexington alarm, 1775 \ ^"^ eight months' service with Captain Naler Hatch, Lieut.-Col. Bond, 1775. Gould, John; Lexington alarm, 1775; with Capt. Benjamin Blaney in Point Shirley expedition, June, 1776. Grover, John ; Lexington alarm, 1775; eight months' service with Capt. N. Hatch, Lieut.-Col. Bond, 1775; drafted and marched for Horse Neck, [Conn.] Sept. 26, 1776, with Capt. John Walton, Col, Brooks; with Capt. Joseph Fuller, Col. BuUard, in service "North- ward," Aug.-Nov., 1777; with Capt. Caleb Brooks's regiment of guards at Cambridge, Dec, 1777-April, 1778 ; with Capt. Benj. Edgell, Col. Jacobs, July 1778-Jan. 1779, perhaps in Rhode Island service. John Grover also appears with Capt. B. Blaney in Col. Brooks's regi- ment of guards at Cambridge, Feb.-April, 1778; as matrons with Capt. Donnell, Col. Crane, July, 1778-Dec., 1780, and perhaps later, having enlisted for the war. I cannot distinguish between the two who performed the above service. John Grover and John Grover, Jr., have become confounded; and perhaps the two following names should have a part of this record. Grover, John 3rd; Lexington alarm, 1775. Grover, John, 4th; Lexington alarm, 1775. Howard, Ezra; Lexington alarm, 1775; with Capt. Benj. Blaney in Point Shirley expedition, June, 1776; with Capt. Blaney in Col. Brooks's regiment of guards at Cambridge, Feb.-April, 1778. Lynde, Benjamin; Lexington alarm, 1775; with Capt. Benj. Blaney in Point Shirley expedition, June, 1776; with Capt. Blaney in Col. Brooks's regiment of guards at Cambridge; Feb.-April, 1778. Lynde, Jabez; sergeant at Lexington alarm, 1775; sergeant with ■Capt, Benj. Blaney in Point Shirley expedition, June, 1776; received ^ix pounds bounty, Dec. 9, 1776, "Voted by the Town of Maiden for Providing a Reinforcement for the american Army." Lynde, Joseph; Lexington alarm, 1775. Lynde, Joseph Jr.; Lexington alarm, 1775 ; with Capt. Benj. Blaney in Point Shirley expedition, June, 1776. Pratt, John; corporal with Capt. Cadwallader Ford, in Col. Brooks's regiment of guards at Cambridge, Februarj- — April, 1778. Sprague, Phineas, and Sprague, Phineas, Jr.; both father and son were at the Lexington alarm, 1775; one was with Capt. Blaney in 214 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Point Shirley expedition, June, 1776; one was in Rhode Island ser- vice with Captain Stephen Dana, Col. Whitnej-, I cannot separate their service. Uphani, Ezra; Lexington alarm, 1775; joined company of Capt. Caleb Brooks, in Col. Brooks's regiment of guards at Cambridge, No- vember 3, 1777. Upham, William; Lexington alarm, 1775; with Capt. Benj. Blaney in Point Shirley expedition, June, 1776; drafted and marched for Horse Neck, with Capt. John Walton, Col. Brooks, September, 26, 1776; in hospital, October 31, 1776. Vinton, Benoni ; with Capt. Benj. Blanej' in Point Shirle}^ expedi- tion, June, 1776; drafted and marched for Horse Neck with Capt. John Walton, Col. Brooks, September, 26, 1776. Vinton, John; Lexington alarm, 1775; M'ith Capt. Benj. Blaney, in Point Shirley expedition, June, 1776; 2nd Lieut, in Col. Samuel Thacher's Middlesex regiment (militia), July 29, 177S. In May another company was raised in accordance with a vote passed " In Committee of Safety May 3d, 1775 Cam- bridg^e," for two companies to be formed in Chelsea and Mai- den "for the defence of the Sea Coast of said Towns." The Maiden company under the command of Capt. Naler Hatch, was posted at Beacham's Point, watching the landing places there and at Penny Ferry. This company was composed mostly of Maiden men, some of whom were from the North End. The roll from the Rcvolutio7iary Archives at the State House is as follows: A return of Capt. Nailor Hatch's Company, in the Third Regiment of Foot, in the Continental Army, commanded by Lieut. Col. Wp Bond: Cap*. Nailer Hatch Maulden Serg'. Barnabas Newhall Maulden. Leu\ Nathan Eaton do Serg'. L^nite Cox do Ensign John Vezee Boston Corp'. Edward Thompson Lynn Sergt. Elijah Caswell Maulden Corp'. Charles Hill Maulden Sergt Benj'^ Grover do Fifer Naler Hatch do Drum Oliver Donnell Lynn. Amos Sargent Maulden Elisha Frothingham Reading Benj Sweetser Charlestown Floyd Pratt Maulden Bela Sweetser do George Barrington do David Knower Maulden John Grover do Dudley Jones do Joshua Caswell do Ebenezer Eaton do Isaiah Pain do Ebenezer Bearne do Joseph Baldwin do Joshua Gill Maulden John Graham Maulden MILITARY HISTORY. 215 Joel \Miitnian Maiiklcn Pomp Magus (negro) Reading" Joseph HoUoway Maulden Moses Woodman Newbury John Hatch Maulden Nath'. Buckman do Nathan Burditt do Nathaniel Peck Boston George Smith Obadiah Jenkins Maulden Prince Hill do Phineas Sargent do I'homas Wheeler Maulden Thomas Hadley Stoneham John Sprague Maulden James Nichols do Robert Burditt Maulden Robert Campbell Boston Stephen Pain Maulden Solomon Sargent do Samuel HoUoway do Samuel Bishop do Samuel Burditt do Samuel Grover do Solomon How do Silas Sargent do William Underwood Towns End William Sprague Maulden. Some of these Maiden men were from the north end of the town; just which ones cannot now be stated. Both of these companies, commanded by Captains Blaney and Hatch, were stationed at Beacham's Point, on the Mystic, during the Battle of Bunker Hill; and from this point Rev, Mr. Thacher, who wrote the foregoing patriotic instructions, witnessed the battle, a spirited account of which he prepared for transmission to England. From the top of Wayte's Mount, many watched the progress of the battle; and the next da\' wountled men were brought to Dr. Jonathan Porter's tavern on the Salem road. During the remaining years of the war, there were various other enlistments, and drafts required for the several quotas called for from Maiden. The record of those that went from North Maiden has been given as fully as possible; it being- somewhat difficult to separate them from those from Maiden proper. The following enlistment paper, and the receipt were gi\'en by one of the Greens: 1 the subscriber do enlist mj'self into the service of the U. S. of America, to continue in s<' service until the end of the present War with Britain unless sooner Regularly discharged. I engage to be under the command of the General Officers of the V . S. of A. which " Coucerning this colored soldier, Pomp Magus, Echoes front Mystic Side, p. 37, has the following: " Very old peo})le still reiiieinber Pomp Magus, a colored tnau, who. aid of the ohl lueii. His rifle was not loaded at the time, and was in the form of a pitch fork handle, which he levelled over the wall, and answered all purposes to poiut on the nineteenth [of April] was at the flying men. His share of working near by, and ran to the the stores consisted of a sum of 216 HISTORY OF MELROSE. are or maj^ be appointed & faithfully to observe & obey all such orders as from time to time shall Receive from my Officers & to be under such Regulations in every respect as are or may be provided for the Army of the U. S. Daniel Green the third. Dated April 13111. 1781. Rec'd of Lieut Nathan Lynde Capt John Dexter Mr Samuel Sprague Mr John Harnden Dea John Ramsdel Mr Nathan Sprague Mr Jonathan Howard Mr Ebenr Harnden Mr John Kilter Mr Saml Burdett and others Belonging to the same class in Money and Notes of hand to the value of two hundred and seventy-five Spanish Milled Dollars. S'^ notes of hand are given to my Grandfather Jonathan Green as my agent. S^^ Notes when paid together with the Money I have Received of the above named persons is in full for all the time or Bounty that s"^ persons agreed and promised to give me for Enlist- ing into the Continental Army as a Soldier for s"^ Class as witness my hand. Daniel Green ye 3d. Maiden May y^ 11, 1781 In the war of 1812, and in the war with Mexico, Maiden had her soldiers, and some of the enlistments were from North Maiden. As to the Civil War, the Great Rebellion of 1861: In 1868, a volume containing 321 pages was published, giving a history of the part taken in this war, with the following title page: The Melrose Memorial: The Aujials of Melrose, Cou/ity of Middlesex, Massachusetts, in the Great Rebellion of 1861-6^. By Elbridge H. Goss. Privately Printed by Subscription, 1868. This work is now out of print; and as it gave the details of the action of Melrose at that time, and the names of those who enlisted on her different quotas, with all the details of their service, it seems fitting to embody the most essential facts from that volume in this; some portions verbatim et literatim, and some portions condensed. A list of the names only of those who were citizens, and served on our quotas, will here be given; non- resident substitutes will be omitted. For much information concerning the individual history of our "Boys in Blue," bio- graphical sketches, rebel prison experiences, and other inci- dents, see that work. money and a leg of bacon. He form, with his militar}- badge pin- joined the army, went through the ned upon his breast, and parade the Revolutionary War, and returned streets, shouting ' Cambric,' mean- to Maiden to live, and where he ing Cambridge. He died at the embraced every opportunit}' on almshouse at an advanced age. ' Muster Days' to don his old uni- MILITARY HISTORY. 217 1861. The first gun that spat its iron insult at Fort Sumter, Smote every loyal American in the face. — Oliver Wendell Holmes. On the twelfth of April, i86i, the bloody hand of Treason Avas lifted against our Nationality, by the bombardment of Fort Sumter, at Charleston, South Carolina. The Stars and Stripes, which had hitherto waved aloft so gloriously, and so triumphantly, were now lowered at the impious behests xDf Slavery, and were trailing in the dust. Great was the sur- prise, intense the interest, and mighty the indignation which the telegraphic announcement of the fact created throughout the length and breadth of our land. By this infamous act every loyal heart was insulted; and, at the reception of the news, every such heart was thrilled and stirred to its inmost recesses. By the insolent assertion of Jefferson Davis, on the i8th of February, i86i — when the Confederate Government was in- stituted at Montgomery, Ala., two weeks previous to the inauguration of President Lincoln'' — by the firing upon the "Star of the West," when on its errand of merc}^ three months before the assault on Fort Sumter — by the boast of the Con- federate Secretary of War, L. P. Walker, on the day of the bombardment,*^ by the treasonable and rebellious utterances of the Southern press'^ — by the seizure of arsenals, forts and other public property, to the amount of many millions of dollars — by all these acts it became painfully evident that sla\-ery had determined to break up this government, or commence a devastating civil war. By the attack upon the heroic band of patriots under Major Anderson, at P'ort Sumter, all hope of a peaceful settlement ^ "The day of compromise is past, and those who now resist us shall smell Southern gunpowder and feel Southern steel." ^ " No man can tell when the war this i\a\ commenced will end; ])ut I will prophecy that the flag which now flaunts the breeze here, will float over the dome of the old capi- tol at Washington before the first of May. Let them try Southern chivalry and test the extent of Southern resources, and it may float eventuall)' over P'aneuil Hall in Boston." " The Richmond Whig, with others, reiterated the threats of the vSecession leaders, saying, " From the mountain tops and valleys to the shore of the sea, there is one wild shout of firm resolve to cap- ture Washington City at all and every human effort. 218 HISTORY OF MELROSE. of the issue was extinguished; and, by its fall the mighty- energy of the North was aroused. " Like some old organ peal, Solemn and grand. The anthem of Freedom Sweeps through the land." One purpose seemed to spring into existence instantly, and animate every heart — a determination to maintain our national existence at any and all sacrifices. " Heart throbbed to hearty lip spoke to lip, with a oneness of feeling that seemed like a Divine inspiration." On the instant we saw a " noble and puissant nation rousing herself like a strong man from sleep, and shaking her invincible locks." And, when on the 15th of April, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, issued his Proclamation, convening an extra session of Congress, and calling upon the States for seventy-five thousand (75,000) troops to defend the capital and public property, the response was truly wonderful and glorious. The plough, the loom, the counting-house, the bar, the pulpit, all the avocations of ordinary life were abandoned ; men of all conditions and circumstances flew to arms in response to the call of the nation's chief magistrate. 1" Thanks to the foresight, thoughtfulness and energy of Governor Andrew, Massachusetts was ready at once to send her regiments to defend the flag at Washington. The first call upon Massachusetts for troops was by a telegram from Senator Wilson, April 15th, requesting twenty companies of militia to be sent immediately to Washington, and there mustered into service. Official requisition from the Secretary of War came later in the day. Governor Andrew at once issued his orders to the commanders of the Third, P\)urth, Fifth, Sixth and Eighth Regiments. On the 17th the Sixth Regiment was on its way, and on and l)efore nine o'clock of the next Sunday, the 21st — six da}'s only after the call was made — the Governor was enabled to say that "the whole number of regiments demanded from Massachusetts were already in Washington, or in P\)rtress Monroe, or on their way to the defence of the capital." And Edward P^verett, speaking ^^ Histo}'y of the Old Sixtli Rcgi- in tJirce Campaigns, by Chaplain ment of ]\/assachnsctts Volunteers John W. Hanson. MILITARY HISTORY. 219 at Roxbiiry a few da}'s later, said: "Wide as the summons has gone forth, it has been obeyed with an alacrity and unanimity that knew no parallel in our histor}' ; and the volunteers of Massachusetts have been the first in the field." History records very many pathetic and interesting facts and incidents connected with the assembling and going forth of these regiments, showing with what willing and cheerful obedience lucrative positions and professional pursuits were given up, that the country's honor might be saved. Like all the cities and towns throughout the loyal Norths Melrose realized the excitement and felt the danger as thor- oughly as any of them; but being then a small town, and having no military organizations, there was no immediate stir in our streets — no sound of fife and drum — nor the hurry and bustle consequent upon the gathering of military companies, that was experienced in larger communities; )-et its citizens were aroused, and we had several patriotic young men that at once buckled on the armor and moved to the scene of conflict. Four men enlisted in Co. B, Fifth Massachusetts Regiment, and one in Co. F, of the Fourth Regiment. Their names and those of all subsequent enlistments are in the alphabetical list at the end of this chapter. On the 3d of May, 1861, President Lincoln issued his second call for troops, which was for volunteers to serve for a period of three years, unless sooner discharged; and on the same day our Selectmen issued a warrant, calling a Town Meeting, to take place at Concert Hall, on the evening of May 6th. A very large and enthusiastic meeting was accordingly held, at which Charles F. Esty was chosen Moderator, and the follow- ing votes were passed unanimously: That the Town of Melrose appropriate the sum of Three Thousand dollars (#3000) for the relief of the families of the citizens of Melrose, now absent in the service of the United States, or who may hereafter volunteer into the service of the United States, or the State of Massa- chusetts. Also to aid volunteers of the town in their equipment, and to give such relief in the premises as the exigencies and necessities of each may require. Also that above all other appropriations the sum of Fifteen Dollars per month be paid to those persons having families and the sum of Ten Dollars per month to those who are single men, during their time of service in the war now pending. It was also voted: •220 HISTORY OF MELROSE. That the Town Treasurer be authorized to borrow such sums of money as might be wanted from time to time to cover the appropria- tions then made; and that the Selectmen — Colonel John H. Clark, and Messrs. William B. Burgess and George M. Fletcher — constitute a committee to superintend the disbursements of the money thus appropriated. A stirring and patriotic speech was made by Napoleon B. Eryant, ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives of New Hampshire, then a resident of Melrose. As Melrose raised no whole company for any regiment, our men, as they enlisted, selected the regiment or battery in which they preferred to serve; consequently they were much scattered, and entered many different organizations before the war was ended. Our earliest enlistments were in the Second, Twelfth and Thirteenth Regiments of Infantry, mostly in the latter regi- ment. The nucleus of the Thirteenth Regiment was the Fourth Battalion of Rifles, into which our men enlisted when the Presi- dent issued his call for seventy-five thousand (75,000) troops, or immediately after the assault upon the Sixth Regiment in Baltimore, April 19th, and which was ordered to Fort Inde- pendence. As no more troops for a short term were wanted, the Batallion was recruited to a three years' regiment. On a Sunday evening, just before the regiment left for Washington, the soldiers belonging to Melrose met in the Baptist Church, when the pastor, Rev. James Cooper, presented to each one a Testament, accompanied by an address and prayer. On a fly- leaf of each Testament was written, besides the name, the words " God and our Country." Another call for volunteers to serve for three years, or during the war, was made by the President in July, and our -citizens continued to enlist during that and the succeeding months of that year in the various infantry and cavalry regi- ments then forming and recruiting. Melrose was represented in the following organizations: the Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Twentieth, Twenty-sec- ond, Twenty-third, Twenty-fourth, Twenty-sixth, Thirtieth, and Thirty-second Massachusetts Regiments, and the Ninety- ninth New York Regiment; also the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Batteries; also the First Cavalry Regiment. MILITARY HISTORY. 221 1862. On the first day of July, 1862, President Lincoln issued his third Proclamation, callin.<>- for troops, the Governors of eigh- teen loyal states havins^ joined in an address to him, sug^^est- ing the necessity of so doing. This call was for three hundred thousand (300,000) volunteers, to serve for three years, or until the end of the war. These were to form new regiments and batteries, and fill up the depleted ranks of those then in the service. The nation had passed through a year of successes and reverses, and this new call came just at the" time of the dis- heartening result of the campaign before Richmond, when Gen. McClellan and his army were falling back to Harrison's Landing, on the James River. The proportion of the three hundred thousand (300,000) men assigned to Massachusetts was fifteen thousand (15,000). The quota of Melrose was thirty-seven (37) men. On the evening of July 14th, immediately after the promulgation of this order, a war meeting was held in Lyceum Hall, at which Col. John H. Clark was cho.en Moderator, and Thomas Shelton, Secretary. Patriotic speeches were made and it was determined to raise the quota of M( Irose at once. A proposition was submitted to the meeting by Rufus Smith, of the following tenor, viz: — That enough of the citizens of the town to fill the quota, then and there pledge themselves either to enlist, or furnisli substitutes. The following gentlemen gave their names, agreeing to abide by the proposition. The fir.st four proposed to furnish two- substitutes each, the rest one: Rufus Smith, Theodore L. Knowles, George *VV. Heath, George Emerson, 2d, David Fairbanks, Moses Parker, M. 1)., F'rank A. Messenger, R. Watson PLmerson, Napoleon B. l^ryant, Elbridge H. Goss. George A. Bacon, Thomas C. Evans, Charles H. Isbiirgh, Anthony Crosb\ , John VV. Fairbanks, George VV. Emerson, Isaac Emerson, Jr., Daniel Russell. Sums ranging from twenty to fifty dollars each were paid for these substitutes, in addition to the bounty of one hundred 222 HISTORY OF MELROSE. dollars voted to be paid by the town, at a meeting held two weeks later, July 28th, as follows: Voted: That the sum of thirty-seven hundred dollars ($3,700) be raised to pay thirty-seven (37) able-bodied men who shall voluntarily enlist in the service of the United States under the recent call of the President of the United States for three hundred thousand (300,000) men ; and that the Selectmen be authorized to disburse one hundred dollars ($100) to each man who shall enlist, as soon as he shall have been accepted by the military authorities of this State, and mustered into said service. It was also Voted: That the sum of two hundred dollars ($200) be raised to aid the cause of enlistment, to be disbursed by a committee chosen at this meeting, in such manner as said committee deem best. This committee consisted of Col. John H. Clark, William B. Burgess and George M. Fletcher, Selectmen, and Elbridge Gardner, Isaac Emerson, Jr., and John VV. Fairbanks. Encouraging and patriotic speeches were made by several of our citizens. In order to encourage and obtain enlistments, Henry A. Norris offered to pay the sum of fifty dollars (^50) to the first five men who should enlist at this time. Daniel W. Wilcox offered to pay the sum of ten dollars ($10) each to the next ten men that should enlist from our town; and Napoleon B. Bryant agreed to pay the sum of ten dollars ($10) each to all others who should sign the enlist- ment roll on that evening. With these extra inducements a number of our young men enlisted at this time, the first one to sign his name to the roll being William Francis Barry. Another meeting was held August 2d, when other patriotic addresses were made, and sufificient enlistments were then made to more than fill our required quota. Those who enlisted during this call went into the Eleventh, Thirty-third, Thirty- eighth and Thirty-ninth Regiments, the First Heavy Artillery, Ninth and Thirteenth Batteries, and the Second and Third Cavalry Regiments. The following vote pertaining to the welfare of our soldiers, was passed in the earlier part of this year. March 31, 1862, the town voted : MILITARY HISTORY. 223 To raise the sum of Twenty-Five Hundred Dollars for the aid of the families of Volunteers as provided in Chapter 222, of the Acts of 1861. On the 4th of August, 1862, President Lincoln issued bis proclamation calling for three hundred thousand (300,000) more troops, to serve for nine months; a draft to be made if the quotas were not filled by volunteers by the 15th of August. The proportion assigned by the War Department to Massa- chusetts was nineteen thousand and eighty (19,080) men. The quota of Melrose was seventy-nine (79) men. Several spirited war meetings were held, when addresses were made by citizens and others, and in a short time this quota was also filled. A Town Meeting was held August 21, when the following action was taken. It was voted: That the Town raise an amount of money equal or equivalent to the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150) per man, for every man who is, or who may be required from this Town to answer to the recent call of the President of the United States for additional troops for nine months' service, to serve in the army of the United States; and that the Treasurer is authorized and required, under the direction of the Selectmen, to borrow that amount of money and pay the same to such parties who may volunteer, and are properly and legally accepted by the proper and legal authorities for such service. It was also voted: That a Rallying Committee of twent}'-five men be appointed by the chairman of this meeting, with full powers to call meetings and per- form such other duties as they may deem necessary; and that an appropriation of three hundred dollars ($300) for incidental expenses be made by the Town, to be expended under the direction of said committee. The following citizens Avere appointed to serve on that com- mittee: Rufus Smith, R. Watson Emerson, Nelson Cochran, Frank A. Messenger, Michael A. McCafferty. Napoleon B. Bryant, Moses Parker, M. D., Isaac Emerson, Jr., ' Samuel O. Dearborn, Joel Snow, Henry A. Norris, George W. Emerson, Henry B. Newhall, Philip B. Holmes, Fernando C. Taylor, Levi S. Gould, John S. Sewall, Walter Babb, 224 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Daniel Norton, Jr., Allen C. Goss, Josiah P. Mendum, Addison W. Banfield, George A. Bacon, Isaiah A. Young, Stephen W. Shelton. The Selectmen were afterwards joined to this committee. Owing to the measures taken at these various meetings the fol- lowing document — whereby the signers agreed to pay their just proportion of all taxes, and to indemnify all town officers for any action taken in carrying out the wishes of the town — was circulated for signatures: AGREEMENT. Be it remembered, that whereas the Town of Melrose, at several meetings called for that ]puipose, have, with great unanimity, passed sundry votes providing for the payment of bounty to our volunteers, and for the support of their families, and other incidental war pur- poses, which votes may, upon nice and technical grounds, be regarded as invalid in law, — Now, therefore, we the undersigned. Tax-payers in the Town of Melrose, hereby waive all objections to the form, sub- stance, or validity of said proceedings; and agree to pay all taxes assessed against us respectively arising from said votes. And we severally hereby release any present or future officer of said Town from all actions, or causes of action, on account of the assess- ment or collection of the aforesaid tax ; all of which we feel in duty bound to do, as true and loyal citizens, resolved to make any sacrifice necessary for the most vigorous prosecution of the war, and for the honor and dignity of our glorious flag. The nine months' volunteers, most of whom were our own citizens, enlisted in the Fifth, Forty-second, Forty-third, Forty fourth, Forty-fifth, Forty-eighth and Fiftieth Regiments. The total quota of Melrose to this date, of three years and nine months' men, was one hundred and eighty-four (184) and the town had furnished two hundred and ten (210) men for those periods of service. On the 22d of September of this year — 1862 — was issued the great Proclamation by President Lincoln, declaring that the slaves of all persons in states which, on the first day of Janu- ary, 1863, should be in rebellion, "shall be henceforth and forever free." 1863. At a Town Meeting held March 30, 1863, it was voted: MILITARY HISTORY. 225 That the Poll-Tax of all the Soldiers in the field from this town during the ensuing year be abated, and all who from wounds or dis- ability have been discharged from the service of the United States. June 9, it was voted: That the Selectmen be authorized to set apart a portion of the new Cemetery [Wyoming] for the use of those soldiers engaged in the present war, and the families of such soldiers as may choose to use the same. An Enrollment or Conscription Act having been passed by Congress, March 3, 1863, for the purpose of recruiting the force in the field, and making up deficiences on the calls previously made, a new enrollment of the men liable to do military duty was ordered, and a draft of such enrolled men to be made in July, 1863. These Enrolled men were divided into two classes. The first class comprised all persons subject to do military duty between the ages of twenty and thirty-five years, and all un- married persons subject to do military duty between thirty- five and forty-five years. The second class comprised the married men who were subject to do military duty and were more than thirty-five, but under forty-five years of age. This draft was to be made from the enrolled of the first class. The quota of Massachusetts on this last call, was found to be fifteen thousand one hundred and twenty-six (15,126) men; and that of Melrose to be twenty-four (24) men. On the 25th of May, Provost-Marshal Herrick appointed Stephen Shelton "Enrolling Officer for Sub-District No. 9, Town of Melrose." By this enrollment it was ascertained that there were in our town, at this time, exclusive of those then in the service, one hundred and sixty-two (162) persons of the first class, and one hundred and twenty-one (121) of the sec- ond class. Under this law, and by direction of Provost-Marshal General James B. Fry, four drafts were made throughout the loyal States during the Rebellion. The first commenced about the first of July, 1863, and was for one-fifth of the persons enrolled in the first class. The second commenced about the 15th of April, 1864, and was for deficiencies under calls for seven hundred thousand (700,000) volunteers. The third com- menced about the 19th of September, 1864, for deficiencies under call of July 18, 1864, for five hundred thousand (500,000) 226 HISTORY OF MELROSE. volunteers. The fourth commenced about the 20th of Febru- ary, 1865, for deficiencies under call of December 19, 1864, for three hundred thousand (300,000) volunteers. Captain H. G. Herrick, of Saugus, was appointed Provost- Marshal for this district, and his headquarters were at Law- rence; and on the days of drafting, busy and interesting scenes were presented at his ofifice, there being a great desire manifested during the progress of the draft, to witness the operation, and to ascertain who were the unlucky ones whose names should be taken from the wheel of — not fortune, but, to them, of — misfortune. The first draft in this district commenced July gth, and Melrose — Sub-District No. 9 — was reached July 13th. Forty- nine (49) names were drawn from the wheel. The provisions of the act were such that any person drafted, if found accept- able, could be exempted from service by furnishing a substi- tute, or paying three hundred dollars (S300) commutation. The following persons were drafted: Furnished substitutes: Jonathan C. Howes, Henr\^ W. Barrett, George W. Emerson. Paid commutation: William F. Gordon, Joseph A. Fairbanks, Osgood W. Upham, Charles Robbins. The rest were exempted for various causes: Nathaniel J. Bartlett, William Donalavy, Richard H. Shelton, Stephen W. Shelton, William H. Stone, James Astle, Charles E. Keith, Joseph Goodwin, Curtis S. Gordon, Daniel L. Chase, Frederick W. A. Rankin, Jr., William Cook, Jonathan Barrett, James W. Dodge, Elbridge H. Goss, Lucius L. D. Porter, William F. Morse, Charles A. Waite, Moses S. Page, Lewis H. Richardson, Albert F. Shelton, Andrew P. Trott, Oren Brown, Leander T. Freeman, Theodore L. Knowles, Walter Babb, Charles H. Blaisdell, Edmund W. Davis, MILITARY HISTORY. 227 John H. B. Henderson, William A. Fuller, Oren H. Peck, William Morse, Joseph S. Emerson, John L. Alien, John Thompson, Joshua Emery, Jr., John H. Crocker, Bradford Edmands, Augustus L. Cheever, George W. Grover, Jr., Edward Finnegan, George Hammond. The enlisted men that entered the service at this time, went into the Fifteenth, Fift)'-fourth, Fifty-sixth and Fifty-ninth Regiments, and the Third and Fourth Heavy Artillery Regi- ments. The citizens of Melrose were determined that another draft should be avoided if possible; and, although others did take place later, they were of no avail, as, owing to strenuous efforts put forth our quotas were kept full. At a Town Meeting held November 3, 1863, it was voted: That the Selectmen be instructed to call a meeting at an early day (as can be) to see if the Town will borrow the sum of — dollars to be used as the Selectmen, with a Committee of four added to their number, may deem expedient in aiding the recruiting of twenty-four men, the quota of Melrose under the late call of the President for three hundred thousand (300,000) Volunteers, and also to authorize the Treasurer to borrow the same. November 14, Stephen W. Shelton, Isaac Emerson, Jr., Rufus Smith and Charles H. Isburgh were appointed on that committee, and three thousand dollars ($3,000) appropriated for their use. At this same meeting it was voted: To oj^en a subscription list to raise a fund to provide all families of Volunteers from Melrose, now in service, with means to provide for them such a Thanksgiving Dinner as they are most deservedly en- titled to. It was also voted : That the Committee chosen at this meeting be a permanent Com- mittee to look after the interests of families of Volunteers who are now or may be hereafter in the service of the United States and see that they are properly provided for. 1864-5. At the annual Town Meeting in March 1864, it was voted "to continue State Aid to families of Soldiers as provided by the Laws of the Commonwealth;" also to excuse Isaac Emerson, Jr., from serving longer on the Recruiting Committee, and 228 HISTORY OF MELROSE. William E. Fuller was elected Selectman in place of George M. Fletcher; and the Recruiting Committee now consisted of the following gentlemen: Col. John H. Clark, chairman, and Recruiting Agent — by appointment of Pro\^ost-Marshal Her- rick — William B. Burgess, William E. Fuller, Stephen W, Shelton, Rufus Smith and Charles H. Isburgh. At a subse- quent meeting held April II, it was \'oted that this same Re- cruiting Committee continue its labors, and four thousand dollars ($4,000) were appropriated for its use. This commit- tee acted throughout the continuance of the war; and by its spirited and strenuous exertions — and of the committee as pre- viously constituted — no other draft was ever needed in order to fill our several quotas under the calls of the President,, issued in October, 1863, and February, March, July and Decem- ber, 1S64, in which calls a million and a half of men were asked for. A second draft was made, of the enrolled men, in April,. 1864, but none of the drafted were required to report, as the quotas were then filled. The citizens drawn at that time were as follows: John Thompson, William Donalavy, Samuel A. Robinson, Joseph Goodwin, Alonzo Patterson, William F. Paul, William A. Fuller, George W. Farnsworth, W'illiam Clark, Augustus Ripley, Lyell T. Terwilleger, Jar\-is P. Hudson, James Biffin, John Perkins, Jr., Fernando C. Taylor, Timothy Upham, David A. Alden, John H. L. Anderson, Gardner Wheeler, Sylvanus Magoon, Joseph Holbrook, Edward B. Newhall, Thomas Hawkins, Daniel R. Woodward. Various measures were taken to aid the Recruiting Com- mittee in its efforts to procure men, with which to fill our different quotas. June 6, 1864, a Town Meeting was held at which it was voted: That the Town of Melrose appropriate the sum of ten thousand dollars (| 10,000) for the purpose of procuring recruits for any future calls there may be made by the President of the United States for soldiers, and to make up any deficiencies that there is, or has occurred,. in the last call for volunteers ; and that the present Recruiting Com- mittee of the Town of Melrose proceed immediately to recruit or pro- MILITARY HISTORY. 229 cure men in anticipation of the next call, or calls, that may be made by the President of the United States. And that the Selectmen be instructed to procure the bodies of all those of our citizen soldiers who have or may lose their lives in this war, and have them transported to their relatives or friends ; and it was also voted: That the Town Treasurer be instructed to borrow, from time to time, such sums of money as might be required of the amount appropriated. The raising of money for this purpose, in this manner, was illegal, as the Legislature of Massachusetts had provided, by the act of March i6, 1864, that cities and towns might raise money by taxation, or otherwise, for the purpose of procuring volunteers, and pay to each one enlisted into the service as a part of the quota of said cities and towns, a sum not exceeding one hundred and twenty-five dollars (5125). A petition was drawn up, signed by thirty-four citizens, and presented to the Supreme Judicial Court, asking for an injunc- tion on the proceedings at the above Town Meeting. Such an injunction was issued by Chief Justice George T. Bigelow, June II, 1864. This was afterwards so far modified as to permit the paying of one hundred and twenty-five dollars (S125) by the Recruiting Committee, to each recruit enlisted and accepted by the United States authorities under any call of the President made between the first day of March, 1864, and the first day of March, 1865, as a part of the quota of the Town of Melrose under said calls. At this time recruits for the army cost a larger sum than one hundred and twenty-five dollars (^125); therefore a citizens' meeting was called, to take into consideration the best manner of raising a sum of money, as a recruiting fund, to aid the committee in the furnishing of men for our quotas. It was decided to raise the same by subscription; and at a subsequent meeting the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions: Wingate P. Sargent, Daniel Norton, Jr., Levi S. Gould, Isaac Emerson, Jr., Thomas A. Long and Joseph t). Wilde. Mr. Sargent was appointed treasurer, and after the collections were made, nearly six thousand dollars (;?6,ooo) the money was paid over to Colonel Clark, as chair- man of the Recruiting Committee. The names of the sub- scribers to this fund, and the amounts paid, are as follows: 230 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Wingate P Sargent, Daniel Norton, Jr., Rufus Smith, . . Alverse L. White, Isaac Emerson, Jr., Wickham C. McNish Samuel E. Sewall, Daniel W. Gooch, Daniel W. Foster, Samuel S. Houghton Joseph D. Wilde, . Elisha F. Sears, Ralph Warren, Charles H. Isburgh, George A. .Mansfield, Nathaniel J. Bartlett, George G. Wheeler, Jeremiah Crowley, William H. Allen, Edgar M. Stevens, Devi S. Gould, Ira H. Bickford, . Frank O. Dame, . George Hart, . . William F. Morse, Oliver Whyte, Gardner Wheeler, Walter Littlefield, Jr Henry A. Norris, Napoleon B. Bryant, Andrew P. Trott, R. Watson Emerson, Augustus Barrett, John Baldwin, Joseph H. Greene, William H. Stone, Simeon Locke, Alonzo V. Lyude, George Emerson, George V. Stone, Frank A. Messenger, Oren H. Peck, . . Joseph A. Fairbanks, George M. Fletcher, S. W. Heald, . . James M. Beckett, Edward R. Knights, John L. Allen, Jarvis P. Hudson, Albert P. Perkins, I250 130 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 80 75 75 75 75 75 75 60 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 45 40 30 30 30 30 30 25 25 ThomasA. Long, Erastus F\ Bradford, Benjamin F. Greene, George N. Noyes, Dr. George Macomber, Joel Bowker, Charles H. Blaisdell, Daniel Jefferson, . Dr. Moses, .... Allen C.Goss, . . . Fernando C. Taylor, Joseph E. Westgate, James A. Barrett, . George C. Sargent, Samuel S. Bugbee, Anthony Crosby, . John H.Clark, . . George Newhall, . William O. Lyude, Charles Larrabee, John S. Higgins, . John Shelton, . C. Edgar Buffum, Henry A. Leonard, Rufus Leavitt, . . Robert J. Chute, . Obadiah S. Edgerly, Sargent F. Severence Liberty Bigelow, . John Conway, Jr., Jonathan Barrett, Charles Boardman, John W. Cobb, . . Elbridge Gardner, Peter Edgerly, . Jeremiah Martin, . Horatio N. Perkins, George F. Boardman Josiah P. Mendum, Stephen Shelton. . Lewis G. Coburn, . Frederick W. A. Rank Thomas J. Kimball, John S. Sewall, . Elbridge H. Goss, John W. Tower, George R. Forsythe P. Russell Ellis, . Sylvanus Upham, Charles F'urneaux, I25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 Jr-> 25 25 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 MILITARY HISTORY. 231 Edward B. Nevvhall, , John Smith, . . , Nelsou Cochran, , . John W. Buttrick, Daniel O. Morton, Leonard Lynde, . . Henry B. Nevvhall, . Artemas Barrett, . . George W. Bartlett, . Robert W. Pierce, George W. Pollock, . George B. Sargeut, . Caleb Howard, . Christopher Kirmes, Joseph Mclntire, . . James Astle, . . . John L. Andrews, . . William F. Poole, Lyell T. Terwilleger, Alfred W. Sprague, . William H. Wells, . George A. Chipman, . Isaiah A. Young, . . Benjamin Underwood, Charles A. Messenger, Walter Babb, . . . Solomon Severy, . . John Q. Adams, . . Alonzo Patterson, Samuel O. Dearborn, Peter Batchelder, Joel Atwood, . . . George C. Stantial, . Thomas W. Chadbourne Asa H. Jones, . . . Samuel M. Tourtellot, George Hem m in way, Samuel Barker, . . Martin Ellis, . . . Walter R. Collins, , William B. Burgess, . Charles E. Keith, Samuel F. Summers, John Robsou, . . . Dr. Benjamin F. Abbott William W. Vaughn, G. W. Gilraan, . . . Calvin Stone, . . . William D. Stratton, Sullivan C. Atwood, . |20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 14 10 10 10 10 ID ID 10 10 10 ID 10 ID ID Calvin N. Chapin, Hiram D. Richardson, Azel E. Steele, . . Elbridge Green, . . Benjamin Roach, . . Charles P. Lynde, Rev. Nathan P. Selee, James S. Sturtevant, William M. Gilmore, James Small, . . Alvin Lynde, . . William Clark, J. B. Daniels, . . Lawrence K. Munn, Charles F. Bowker, Moses A. Noyes, . Addison Lane, . . Edmund B. Little, William L. Pierce, Royal P. Barry, Lewis H. Richardson Jabez G. Hayward, Francis Fountain, George Sargent, Dexter Pratt, . . George C. Brown, Dr. Abel Astle, George Lynde, Josiah H. Barker, . Martin B. Loring, J. T. Marcy, . . George W. Fisher, Albert A. Gould, . Benjamin R. Walker Augustus Brooks, . William Finnegan, Dennis Finnegan, Joseph C. Bowker, Emery Close, . . Ansel B. Pierce, George Woodward, John Hurley, . . Edward Moore, Thomas Cowhey, . Thomas Freeman, Solomon L. Howes, Paschal E. Burnham, John P. Buttrick, . E. B. Southwick, . Henry Robinson, . |io ID 10 ID 10 ID 10 ID ID ID ID 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 ID 10 10 ID 10 10 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 232 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Charles F. Upham, . $5 Robert Wheeler, . I5 Jasper F. Ferdinand, 5 William A. Lamson, . 5 John Gately, . . . 5 Aaron Green, 5 Ai Rowe, 5 Oliver T. Wentworth, 3 Walter Murphy, . . 5 Reuben T. Haley, 3 Henry J. Robinson, . 5 Nathaniel Howard, . 3 Daniel Conway, . . 5 Samuel D. Blanchard, 2 Joel Snow, .... 5 Carlon Buffum, . . 5 Total amount, . . . I5.65O Osmore Jenkins, . . 5 With the above amount, so liberally contributed by our citizens, the recruiting committee was enabled to obtain all the men required to fill our several quotas, by adding to the amount paid to each recruit by the town — one hundred and twenty-five dollars, (^125) — whatever sum was necessary; the average cost of a recruit at this time, in addition to the State and United States bount^^ being about two hundred and fifty dollars (S250). Very few of our own citizens enlisted during the last year of the war, although quite a number that were already in the service re-enlisted; such re-enlistments counting on our quotas the same as new enlistments. On the third and fourth drafts, there were no names drawn in Massachusetts, her quotas being more than full. During the year 1864, an arrangement was made, by which any person liable to do military duty could, in anticipation of the draft then pending, furnish a substitute. Four of our citi- zens availed themselves of this privilege, paying for their sub- stitutes sums ranging from fi\e hundred and seventy-fi\'e to seven hundred dollars. In this manner men were added to our forces in the field, and our quota was reduced to an equal extent. George P^merson, 2d, George W. Heath, James O. Lynde and Daniel W. Wilcox thus furnished substitutes. During the latter part of this year, 1864, Massachusetts and some .other loyal States sent recruiting agents into the rebel- lious States, at points occupied b\' our forces, for the purpose of enlisting colored \'olunteers, under the Act of Congress ap- proved July 4, 1864. An arrangement was also made by which any person not liable to be drafted into the military service of the United States, by reason of age or disability, could deposit with the treasurer of the State in which such person resided, the sum of one hundred and twenty-fi\'e dollars (S125), and be assigned MILITARY HISTORY. 233 -one of the volunteers thus enlisted, such volunteer to be called a " Representative Recruit." The recruits thus obtained, and not assigned as " Representative Recruits," were apportioned among the various towns and cities of the Commonwealth for which the enlistments were made. Three citizens of our town availed themselves of this privi- lege of putting into the service a "Representative Recruit," receiving from the State a certificate signed by the Governor, John A. Andrew, and Provost-Marshal Joseph M. Day, giving the names of the "sable volunteers" thus assigned them. The names of these three gentlemen were: David Fairbanks, Daniel Russell and Dexter Bryant. In July, 1864, the Secretary of War made a requisition upon Massachusetts for five militia regiments, to serve for the period of one hundred days, during the time the re-enlisting troops were having their furloughs. These men were not to be ■credited to the quota of Massachusetts, but it was conceded that whoever should serve for this length of time should not be liable to the draft then pending. Twenty men enlisted from Melrose in four different regiments; the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and the Sixtieth. During this same year Massachusetts sent into the field thirteen unattached companies of infantry, into one of which, the Seventh, Melrose sent seven men; also one man into the Sixty-first Regiment which was organized to serve for one year. Melrose was also well represented in the na\al service. July, .4, 1864, Congress passed an act allowing all men in the service to be credited on their proper quotas. Those whose place of residence could be ascertained were assigned to their several cities and towns. There were seven thousand six hundred and five (7,605) men whose places of residence could not be ascer- tained; and of these twenty-eight were assigned to the quota of Melrose; and thirteen of her own citizens served in the navy. The whole number of men furnished by Melrose for the war, for the several terms of service, of all arms, including both army and navy, and including the eight (8) citizens who ■enlisted on other cjuotas, was four hundred and fifty-four (454)- Of these twenty-one (21) enlisted men lost their lives; five (5) were killed on the battle-field, one (i) was accidentally shot; thirteen (13) died of disease contracted in the service, and two (2) died in rebel prisons. 234 HISTORY OF MELROSE. The number of commissioned officers furnished by Melrose was eighteen (i8); two (2) of whom lost their lives, one (i) on the field of battle, and one (i) died of disease contracted in the service. The following letter will show, taking into consideration the population and wealth of Melrose, that the town furnished a larger proportion of men for service during this Great Rebel- lion, than most other towns and cities: Provost-Marshal's Office, 6th District, Mass., Lawrence, December 31, 1864. This is to certify that, as appears by the records of this ofliice, the surplus of the Town of Melrose, over all calls, is seventy-four (74) men. H. G. Herrick, Captain and Provost-Marshal, 6th Dist. Mass. Relief of Soldiers and their Families. In all the cities and towns of the Commonwealth, large contributions of money, clothing, and other articles, were being made during the entire period of the war. In many, in most of these cities and towns, there was one or more organized societies for the disbursement of these contributions. Melrose had no such regularly organized association, although much was done for the benefit of the soldier and his family by the town and by individuals. Of the unnumbered pri\ate donations of money, of boxes and packages of soldiers' necessities and luxuries,, sent by patriotic mothers and sisters, who can fully estimate their value, or the benefit derived therefrom? The generous sympathy and munificent gifts, not only of our own citizens, but of the entire people, for the soldiers and their cause, were wonderful. These gifts were from every department of social, business and religious life ; from every age, sex and condition of our community ; by gifts, by toil, by skill and handiwork; out of the basket and the store, and out of the full hearts of the community, they have poured through countless channels of benevolence. As an instance of this hearty generosity, only one of many; nine car-loads of hospital stores left Boston after the battles of Groveton, Second Bull Run and Chantilly, which ended the campaign under Major-Gencral John Pope. In addition to the appropriation of three thousand dollars (^3,000) appropriated at the first war Town Meeting, May 6,. MILITARY HISTORY. 235 i86i,an appropriation of twenty-five hundred dollars (§2,500) was made at the annual Town Meeting held in March, 1862, for the same purpose, to aid the families of volunteers, as pro- vided by Chapter 222, Statutes of 1861, wherein it was enacted that the State should reimburse the cities and towns, to a cer- tain amount per family, the sums thus paid; and regularly, at each annual Town Meeting, during the continuance of the war, a vote of similar import was unanimously passed. Other votes passed by the town, for kindred purposes have been given in previous pages. In July, 1862, at the solicitation of William F. Poole, a sub- scription of three hundred and forty dollars ($340) was made by the following gentlemen, for the puipose of promoting recruiting in Melrose ; for equalizing the boun- ties of those patriotic citizens who have already enlisted ; and for the benefit of the families which the quota from Melrose shall leave be- hind them : Samuel E. Sewall, . . $75 Philip B. Holmes, . . $25 Andrew J. Morse, . . 50 Lewis G. Coburn, . . 25 John S. Higgins, . . 50 William F. Poole, . . 25 Daniel W. Gooch, . . 50 Charles Kastner, . . 10 George W. Heath, . . 50 This amount was disbursed, mostly in aid of the families of volunteers, by the treasurer of the fund, Andrew J. Morse. Guiding Star Lodge, No. 28, L O. of G. T., sent to the seat of war, on two different occasions during the years 1861 and 1862, a box and barrel of general hospital stores, blankets, reading matter, etc. At different times, a number of contribu- tions were taken up in our various churches in aid of those wonderful monuments of the free-will offerings of the loyal North, the "Christian" and "Sanitary Commissions." The Orthodox Congregational Church sent three hundred thirty dollars and six cents ($330.06), besides eighty-five dol- lars and twenty cents ($85.20) contributed for the benefit of sick and wounded soldiers in the hospitals at Washington, which amount was sent to and distributed by Mrs. Gooch — wife of Hon. Daniel W. Gooch, then our Representative in Congress from this District — whose visits and kindnesses will long be remembered by many a soldier. The Universalist Church contributed fifty dollars ($50) to the "Sanitary Com- mission," besides sending several boxes of articles suitable ■236 HISTORY OF MELROSE. for the sick and disabled soldiers in Washington. These were 5ent to and distributed by Mrs. Emma Nichols Marden. The Methodist, Episcopal and Baptist Churches, also contributed generously to the same object, but no record was made of the amount. Eighty-seven dollars (S87) was paid into the treas- ury of the "Christian Commission," the proceeds of a concert given under the auspices of John H. B. Henderson. During the first year of the war, many of our ladies met in Lyceum Hall, a number of days in succession, for the purpose of making and collecting garments and articles of all kinds suitable for the sick and wounded soldiers in our hospitals. A large collection of comforts and luxuries was thus made, forwarded and distributed. Barrels, boxes and bundles of such necessary articles, in- cluding garments, hospital stores, reading matter, etc., were also collected at later times in the war by some of our public- spirited and patriotic ladies, and forwarded to either the "Christian" or "Sanitary Commissions." The late Rev. John C. Ingalls spent the winters of 1861, '62 and '63, in Washington, D. C; and on one occasion, during this time, he raised the sum of twelve hundred dollars (Si, 200) in the cities of Philadelphia, New York, Boston and Portland, for the sick and wounded soldiers at the Emory Hospital in Washington, He also acted as chaplain of this hospital for a number of weeks, without pay, during the sickness of the regu- lar chaplain. Besides which, he raised the money for build- ing a chapel for the use of this same hospital. Of the two hundred and three (203) Melrose citizens who ser\-ed in the ranks of our army and nav\' during the Civil War, who helped open the Mississippi, who were present at Vicksburg, Port Hudson, New Orleans and Mobile, who saw the starry flag as it ascended Missionary Ridge, and witnessed the flight of Bragg and his host; who marched from Atlanta to the sea, and who were among those who so long struggled between Washington and Richmond, and "who at last saw the rebel flag go down upon the Appomattox, twenty-three (23) of them, or about one in nine, were cither killed on the battle-field or died in consequence of services rendered in the great contest. Six (6) were killed by the bullet on the field, and the rest died in camp, in hospital, in rebel prisons, or after returning to their homes. MILITARY HISTORY. 23T Two (2) commissioned officers and twenty-one (21) enlisted men constitute the oblation made by Melrose to Treason! For memoirs and biographical sketches of the " unreturninf^ brave," those that suffered in rebel prisons, and other informa- tion, experiences and anecdotes connected with the history of our soldiers, see pages 138 to 243 of the Melrose Memorial; also- 16 pages of collateral information in the Appendix. 238 HISTORY OF MELROSE. o o < a I— I H W W < < ^ CO O) CO ^ CD Xi cci cS O t/! f/1 tn ^ CC ca ca I ^ X t«! X OJ OJ OJ H HH a a; ^ i-i ;h 'Tl a; a; dJ a j2 o O H Ut c« Tl) u u U P^ Ah a.c q; ^ 03 t; -c X a • -C ^ Q. ^ U) O U > oj '^ a "^ 03 o: a o ^ .1 1 T ^ H Q Q £ T3 CC! 03 O^ TJ 03 a'C 4J 03 ..a '^ 5 . a 2 u} 03 a 03 e; H a ^ a 1- O aj <>> t, a o 02 a3n3o3a-'^rtt«=« 1-1 •.-< tr •'"' ■•-' "^ ^ ••"• 03 1h •»-• "-I ♦-« J. •'-« ••-- '^ TO "t"* ••-' ••-' •'-« 03 O Ph Ph CI Ph P^ P^ O PL| p; ;/; Ph pu IXI A' P^ P-lP^CJQcNp:lP^P^P^OP^ Ph U :-. ^ L- O Ui >H ^2aat>^G>^c>>ap-. ocicoc5CiC2cooic>:>c;■^•?c.o m o t/> ui oi u z, u u u CO C5 CO CO 10 tn O O "5 i; >.; r a a t! r^ a j>^ a a >it3 a CO 05 C5 CO o o w ^ W*-! OOOM WOQ<; wOOmOO *-! 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MH be >\2 •" tu OJ O a o a ^ Ph a iH ir ^^ ^< - rt o a .2 OJ 4J .— 1 CJ W 03o3.;i!O33303iHV- bfi .2 >-• a r^ dJ o V 120 a o P5pii O ^M ^ ^-^e^^ 01 (U (U OJ > > p- t- o o o o U \^ U \-i ^^'^ a' - 13 ^ »; .r= n a o t.i-i.>,Zi'-:S^?'^E?^tn■-. i'J OJ -HhHHH>TT'hHI-H 3 t. U Oj l-'-cHHhHI-HI-HH-ll-l-lhHKHMI— It— I I— > o r ) a; 4; > t/3 11 *—* W Pi 1> a m a ^ u u 4J V MILITARY HISTORY. 241 2^ o cs' M) 0.2 CO <^ a" d?= I* !^ -5 l* & o >^'>-' a; <-> 7) _ X':^ (li r &•--.- u ^ 5 ^„ ^cs ^cs2 = -' P - ^' Q = S t: 1) .- ^ o .x^ oj .;:; r" I- iPm fa >H ^ 1:5 diQfai eiQ pLc'^inCi^ oo pso oo Op p = sa sooo oo^^ o o a a .-."a a a"^ a.5 .g.E.".S .5 a a a a -."-n a -I >i>>oo w;b£:o>iOoi;o&jc ^.bcbiOMiiO br, ooo>^oobiciiO ^ o o -1- -ti w '-jj iJ iJ '^ .ti 'Jli '^ I/; 'Xj "i^ _-*^ (U oj oj oj u -^ -^ -^ *-< •— -^ ij 1^ -^ ■— -—I QQWW ^i^WQMMP^W^ Q^^^:^ pJ W W 14 G W W ;:i ^ Q W W 3 3 , > > r: > > > r^-— •— ^ r" -J- cScCnjSj^Oaj— 'n3nJrtrtl>rtsJrtac«rt9cs'S .S -t .- ^3 ^.S *^ .t .t .t .t u .i: .'c .i .S .i .i; S'.j: .i: guP-iCLi!j--i;gg^;afaPuifaPHaifafa fafafaaH CJg-ifa:S'-jfafac/}fafafaU^-Hfa tc u/ i/j ai uj uj uj n in (f. '' o O ; tn O ''- fl "i tn t" O O ^ ori'^ . .. . 6 D^^'^r:::^^ 242 HISTORY OF MELROSE. O H O O O a H W (M (N to CO .» cs 00 as CO 00 00 '^ '-' CO '-I CO CO ja" ^^ TjT '^ Tf" — "^ '"' CN »- 01 '^ cJ '"' V CJ Q >,c/: 5 O cS ^ •— ) IB M g cJ W o d d a cS~ Q d ^ en ^ s HI c > en o CJ 01 CO en 'be 5 o oT E n o en be n ■l-I V aJ Ji O a en "►4 be 5^ r2 en ir. "S ^^ If; n CO 01 en 01 iS ^ ' ;> ■^ —^ Z-TS a^ 13 s 'c S t- 3 .5 ^ o O . C a aj 01 m V _o _o_o o o .y.sd.y .y "> ">"> J^ "> '>'>'> '> U U 1- V. 1- 1- u v^ u U ^ , ii V 1) 01 01 01 o» u '6 4-* c tn-^-^xr.in ■^ c/3 -ti t^ "ti y> ■»-> tc cc tc CC be s 41 *t; S u "r: <*- s ■- 5 5 3 Vt-i oi **- S— **-« Ml si s 2 S E ° ° E O p .5.§ o o o o ^ n •-- — n n c •" a c c o ^.'Sj X SjO"^ bjC M o o >1 "5: t^ t^ O be M iiD _o be>~. >^ o o O >^ ■M (U *-> (U -u •^ OJ 1) •" "- D — 0) OJ OJ 0) 5 rSi^S Si [;i cc (^ ;i rt rt •2 ei — '~ rt&ie^p:; n Ci^ ^ rzt ca ca ca rz^ ca 5^5 U 1-1^ I-. u " 1_ U t-i " V. ^ Q W ^ ^ W K Q J3 en m X -kT V" l-" "E. X W £ "ca en Q ca 'S.'5,'Sh ca 'S, .2 X X X .2 X Q W W W Q W ^ g a _be 'en rt U dJ « OJ *^ S 1) OJ (U s l* 5 a OJ +j -*-j 15 ii 2 -Ji ^^ '3 0) 0) ^17' OJ 0) 0* ^ OJ OJ o! rt a! CS 5 (U TO ^ ^ ^ n] £; C^ rt rt ^ rt C8 a. 0) 0) ^ ca ™ 0) *J ^ 4J (ij 4-1 -M ca ca ca ca ca > > > > -^ ©>>>:: > M > > be > > > E> ^ >> y .„ .« .— ca ^ u ^'hJ ~ u Oi •- u k> u u >— 1 aj tH u iH u t-, flj Vh t^ U 0» • !i. n I- l- 'ti 'u *c CJ 'n 'u Cli Cu Ou Cli (M >< cu cl, a< c/3 a- 1/2 0^ 'M — ' u_ c-y: ^ — JOCuO-OP-i&-Dh<:£1iBh •0 C/3 tn O <« en o !? ='' !« V- - V- X i^ u Z, >-.u ^ li u u u u L. u - >^ i- u >-, u v< Vh U Lh >-l Z ^ «g n ^^^^C-C >^l>^>^>l >. >^ >-, ?^ >-, t3 TS '^ >. >.>^>^>i>.>^S ?^ a'" COOCOCOCCMOOCCCOCOO? 00 0?C0C0CCCC05O'-H ct o Of CO CO Of —i 0? 05 CO W O 05 £ 6 o OW<|WO MH> >, cj 6< >. P^ s S! X ■* C't* . 05 CO Of co cc !M t- . '^ •'^ t, en en ca .„ .„ j3 K^ 3 p 3 •-; OJ en -^ - ^ ^3 t; '^ 01 a c ' — > ^3 ::^ o rt c« rt cfl J2 >= .« (U 0* n "o "S sri^ ^ O o o^.i:.- . <:. a; ^ ca ca a u u ^ o o y o o o o y .1- O o o o 3 u .y o bjc ca §SS S SSS^S g s s ^ S '•?. ^h:^p. OI Pu Ph Pu (i^ Ph Cli Ph MILITARY HISTORY. 243 o ^ a o o cT 3 n n tj £! o 2 « c^ iTJ CO o CO 00 (M O r-t- "-1 ^ I^ cuo. < X. ■ • . . O «C0 5oO7'(X)COt-^rtiOiS^«'^ ^^ CO w^l^i 2^ <«o ,-^' ~^ '^ ^' ^ w^ . .:i^^ .- Q ffi __ ^ a.2.= .r -r -r t; ^ s (« > « 71 T, T', "71 - ^ i^ = o cs .t: .t: 2 f^ bfl".^ -y o a; ^' c a' ^ ^ ^ r = ^ „^ a o o o o ^ a a S B „- -- --^ ?- S « « S ^.Sl-H-g o o o-§ ^ J^^Si'^'? i a a a -=03 a 'a S o 1 pL, Ph PmP^ Ph Pm C^C^Oi^i a^ P^ :^ p< 'X; tn 'J} T^ T. Si rr. Si Si u:^ *j}uyxi 'Si tsixfi's^x fe = "-■ Sun) q t'^'t iTjfW H iiue com all, J3" ■j; ° a a 'J2C0C0 CO 244 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Q O W N a w IX! O o o < U M w m ^ Ph •< 2 C 4; . . o . Ih n n o a 5 CO go -^ 3 O •^ 3 P^ Pi H H cfi 0) oj a; ■^ ti yJ . W) ojC M >-. • - *J OJ OJ ^ w w '^ ^ ^ ^ aj aj «3 ^ j: "ca la § , O o ^ P- o- M i; 4J u aj aj 4-) -M ^-t .M -«-' 03 cti cO cd c3 > > > > > aj aj 03 03 OJ aj aj u 1) o o aj >- 03 ;: 03 ^ 3.S aj 0) a; 1 ^ .;-. .--. ^ u ', ^:L,;L,(j'Xi^^^t6uOa}P^^^^^^^^t/}^^^ Pu al P p-i Pi" Pi (il' ui^uuuut> >^ i^ >^ >^ >, >-. " 3 >,;>,>, >it3 3 t^ 3 rrx; C0C0C0C0C0C0C0O5O5CC'-lt0O_ O CO (/) tn o ^ >1 ^ t/1 rr ^ 'C'C 3 (Al en o v> ^ X P^ >^ C' oo<: oOKCxi i4 cooww<'-^wQ w<;'0 ^ O ^1 ■ (N rt c > 03 (t) a; a; •rl r. ^-^ H-I aa3 -jic„;z;::s ,^ -^ r; a g",^ a 03 a ii >> a C> JT^a o '-^.*,:r -2 2 = OJ W .Cga;?J~uK hln ►* erf Sii '■^ 01 ^ •^ '0 >- [_ 01 w o J2 i! 3-^+i3ajj2^*^ 2 3 ai^So-;o.i-3^ r- o *^ ^ ^ tOtf)t/)'J:^ IX! C/itXHHHHHh-'P > >?'?'r' tn *•= bfO a^ s a 1- t?^ •S 'a Pi a harl Ed enja Geo We ^ _a3 .2 .2 U >.pq - - „ P3 o > 3 H-1 tj a aJ "^ °^ 03 _ _ •t:! .ti t; a e a ^ ri^" ^ ^ ^ r:: p>, ;>, >. o o o K^ »^ ►^ ►> K^ K^ pi P- pi ^ ^ >< >^ >* ►^ ^ >-^ >^ K* >^ MILITARY HISTORY. 245 The Minute Men of i86i. The Legislature of 1902 passed a "Resolve to provide for Medals for the Massachusetts Minute Men of 1861," appropriating ^3,000 to be expended under the direction of the Adjutant General for medals to be given to all those officers and men, who responded to the first call for troops, by President Lincoln, April 15, 1861. The organizations into which these men went were the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Eighth Regiments, the Third Ikittal- ion and the First Battery of Light Artillery. In case of death the medal is to be presented to some heir or representative of the deceased. Melrose had five such respondents: George W. Batchclder, Gurdon McKay, Thomas Smith and William Wyman in the Fifth Regiment, and Seth Morrison in the Fourth. OBVERSE. REVERSE. The medal bears this inscription, the name of the recipient being engraved on its edge: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. To the Members of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia who were mustered into the United States Service in response to President Lincoln's First call for Troops, April 15, 1 861. On the bar: Massachusetts Minute Men, 1861. 246 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Battery C. During the autumn of 1873, Battery C, Sec- ond Battalion Light Artillery, then commanded by the late Col. Clark B. Baldwin, was removed from Maiden to Melrose. After occupying temporary quarters for a while, Henry A. Leonard erected a large and commodious armory building for its accommodation on Dell Avenue, into which the Battery moved in the fall of 1874, and for which the State paid an annual rental of $600. For a number of years the organization was well supported and was a credit to the Town and State; but in time, owing to a lack of interest in military matters, and sufficient support, in this community, the organization was disbanded by Governor Robinson in 1886, and the guns and equipments were removed to Lawrence. During the last few years of its existence here, Captain Charles O. Boyd was in command, owing to the illness of Colonel Baldwin, who died Nov. 10, 1890. The Spanish-American War. Resolutions declaring war with Spain, and recognizing the independence of Cuba, were introduced in both branches of Congress, March 29, 1898. April 22, the President, William McKinley, called for 125,000 volunteers. April 25, Congress declared that war with Spain had existed since April 21. The President made another call May 25, for 75,000 more volunteers. The apportionment to Massachusetts as her quota was: On the first call, 4.554 On the second call, ..... 2,834 Making a total of, 7,388 As in the " Great Rebellion," so was it in this war. Melrose having no military company of its own, the young men en- listed in such service as they preferred — naval or military; consequently thej^ were scattered in many regiments and war vessels. For this war there were forty-one men belonging to Melrose who served in the various organizations. A large proportion of them, more than half, were in the Fifth and Sixth Regi- ments, Massachusetts Infantry, U. S. V.; largely in the Maiden Company of the Fifth and the Wakefield Company of the Sixth. Others were in the Second and Eighth Regiments. A few in regiments of other states. The rest were in the navy. The following were in the P'ifth Regiment, which was mus- MILITARY HISTORY. 247 tered into the United States service July i, 1898, performed guard and camp duties in various localities, and was mustered out March 31, 1899: Barnes, Ara E., Co. L. Lyons, Thomas, Co. L. Blades, John W., Co. L. Murphy, Ralph H., Co. L. Brackett, George S., Co. L. Riley, Edward B., Co. L. Fiske, Harvey P., Co. E. Smith, Carl \V., Co. L. Loring, Fred M., Co. L. Smith, Herbert S., Co. L. The following were in the Sixth Regiment, which was mus- tered into the service May 13, 1898, performed various duties, went through the Porto Rico campaign, and was mustered out January 21, 1899. Blades, James W., Co. A. Bridge, Charles, Sergeant, Co. A. Brown, Lewis W., Co. A. Camerlin, Henry G., Co. H. Cass, A. H., Co. H. Hathaway, Joseph, Co. A. McDonald, Thomas, Co. A. Ogilvie, Walter, Co. H. Rich, George, Corporal, Co. A. Shaw, Edward, Co. H. Tabbut, George H., Co. A. Twitchell, James H., Co. H. Warren, Myris, H., Co. A. Wentzell, E. E., Co. H. Myris H. Warren, one of the first men to enlist, served throughout the war with courage and devotion, but returned home with disease contracted in the army, was taken to the Melrose Hospital, where he died November 25, 1898, the first Melrose soldier to lose his life in the service of his country in this war. James H. Twitchell, returned with his regiment, but again re-enlisted, is still in the service, and has had thus far a varied experience in the Philippines and China. In the Second Regiment, which was mustered in May 10, 1898, was in the battles of El Caney, San Juan Hill and Santiago, and was mustered out November 3, 1898, Melrose had but one representative: Wooldridge, Edwin D., Co. C. In the Eighth Regiment, which was mustered in May ii, U JS HISTORY OF MELROSE. l8oS. |HMt\Mmcil x.iiioiis iMi.iul .111(1 r.iinp ihilics, .nul w.is imisU'u-il out .\|Mil .'S, iSoo. Miliosi- li.ul iwo: (ioiiiiaii, l.mu-s. (. o K ll.iiiiN. Alliii 1,, (.\>. K. Ill tlu- Srxciilh l\r:;mu'nl, l'. S. liil.iiin\, two; Kr\ lloKIs, rililip. \\\'Sl, I'lmiKlll A. Ill tlu- Nllllh KosMUU'llt, r, S. lllt.lllllN, o\w. 1 1 .i\\ lr\ , l.iiius. I. \v (, '. riu- Niiuli w.is 111 (lu- ImiiK- ot S.iii 111. Ill llill. .iml tlu- thst u-i^iiufut ti< rnti-i S.iiui.ii^o. ll,i\\U-\- u- riilisti'il .nul li,i> Inn-ii 111 tlu- (.'hill. I .(ml rhijippiiu- r.iiiip.HiMiN. Ill tlu' rwt'll'ih Uri^imfut. I . S. liil.imis, ono; lK-rsr\-. M.iik 1 . J'irst l,itnit(Mi.iiit t, ''u.ii In lll,l■^l^•l umU-i (iriirt.il (."h.ilToo, lH^I\>rt> S.iutl.ii'.o I .ltd W.IS with (niui.il Sh.ilivi's Pi\ isioii .11 r>Mto Ku»>. 11. IS luHMt ill tin- riiilippino aiul (.'hiii.i ^-.im- p.Ui^nis, InlvMi- nili-i mil; t ho si.-r\ ico lie w .is 'Milii,ir\ liistiiutor .11 1 l.iiA .lul (.'olloi^o. Ill I'liNi llo.i\\ Aitilloix. r, S, \'., one; I ikUi w ooil. M.u'sh.ill lutoto tlu- w.ii ho W.IS Soi.-oiul Litnitoii.uU in n.iiioi\ lo Durin}4 ih^- w.u tlu- n.nioty w.is stationoil lirst .u I'on W.mon, th<>n at riuiu Islaiul ami l-'ori C'ousiitiition, .iiul thou .u Now (.'.ihii o l\OL;iiuout, ouo; l\,iius.i\ , Aliio. \ w \ Ko.u Ailiuii.il 1\\ 01 is tlu' luMo ol two w.us. Ilo w.isluMii ill Ti o\ iuootow 11, I'oImu.ha lo. iv^;o. loi tho (."uil Wai. ho oulistoil ill tho I'hiitoouth Ri^i^iiwout M.iss.iohusot Is \"oluuli'ors, atul wont to tho iioiit iii |iil\-. iScu. Ilo sorxoil iu ill, It lOiMinout oiil\ until tho lollowiui^ Apiil, w lioii ho loooixoil ,iu .ippoiuli\loul .is M.istoi's M.ito 111 tho ii.i\ \ I'lisl .is>i!4U0il to tin- r. S. S. K. R. (."uxloi to noiao mi tho (.lull Siiu.ulrou. uiuloi .Avlmii.il I'.u r.iL^ut. TiouuMo^l to Av'tiii!^ l'"usiL;ii, .M.i\ i."^. i.'s(\;, lof " i;.ill.iui au^l luotitorious ooiuhut," ha\ iu^ ou iho pio\iou> lUL^ht IniiiuHJ .nul iK^stioyod tho hlook.uK^ luiinoi " l^.ihol," tioui uiuloi thoi^uusiW I'oit Moti^.ni, in Mohilo Iviv; .1 ilaiiui: .nul ImiIIkiiU .i^hio\A-inout. ih.uaotovi/od In (.\iptaiu louott as"v>uoot tho hohU^t ol tho war, ami was ovMuluctod MILITARY HI5T0RY. 249 with matchless coolness from bcjijinnin^'^ to cnd."^ Promoted to Acting Master, January 12, 1864; Acting Volunteer Lieuten- ant, April 22, 1865. Meanwhile .he had been in command of various vessels in the Gulf Squadron, taken part in tin; Hattle of Mobile Bay, and in the passage of Farragut's fleet up the Mississippi River by New Orleans, and in various other duties NEHEMIAH MAYO DVKR. until the close of the war; after which he served two years in the Bureau of Navigation at Washington. Commissioned Lieutenant in the regular navy, March 12, 1868, and ordered to dut\' in tiie South Pacific Squadron. Commissioned Lieutenant Commander, December 18, 1868. From September 1869, to March 1870, was in command of the *' Cyane," in a cruise to Sitka, Alaska. In July, 1870, while on the " Ossipee," cruising to the Lower California and Mexican coasts, a hurricane was encountered, ^ For Ensign Dyer's account of this transaction, see Melrose Memo- rial pp. 228-31. 250 HISTORY OF MELROSE. which left the sea in a troubled state, and in the morning whilst making sail a man fell overboard from main topsail-yard, the halyards carrying away while hoisting top-sails. Striking in main-chains he was knocked senseless, and was drifting astern. Dyer was taking an observation on the poop-deck, and, immediately turning a bowline in the end of a boat fall, jumped into the sea" and saved the man from sharks or drowning. For this he was publicly thanked by Commodore W. R. Taylor, Commander-in-Chief, was commended by the Secre- tary of the Navy, and received a medal from the Massachusetts Humane Society.''^ Promoted Commander in April, 1883; commissioned Captain July 13, 1897. Ordered to the Asiatic Squadron in command first of the " Philadelphia," and then to the " Baltimore," in which he took the memorable part, under Admiral Dewey, in the decisi\'e Battle of Manila, May i, i8q8. Left the "Baltimore," in ill health March, 1899, ^"cl was, after recovery, as- signed to duty at the Boston Nav}^ Yard, February i, 1900. A little more than a year later, February 19, 1901, being then at the age limit, he was pensioned as Rear-Admiral, on half-pay.^ On account of the eminent services rendered by Admiral Dyer in the many different positions filled by him, various testimonials have been gi\'en him. One, a beautiful watch, duly inscribed, by the Melrose Club, of which he had long been an honored member. Another, a mag- nificent sword given him at a public banquet, by the City of Baltimore in recognition of his services as commander of the noble vessel which was named in honor of that cit)'. When the war was declared, Melrose had five men in the Massachusetts Naval Brigade: Buttrick, Charles H. Abercrombie, John J. Colby, William J. Jones, Lieut. Gardner L P.astman, Harry M. UYUK SWORD. 2 Me/rose: Tozvn and City, p. 84. ^ For further details as to the various duties aud commands of Admiral Dyer, from the close of the Civil War to the Manila fight, see Melrose: Town and City, pp. 83-85. MILITARY HISTORY. 251 Mr. Eastman was the first to enlist, April 5, but Mr. Buttrick was first to enter the actual service, which he did April 10, being then ordered to Philadelphia, when he was appointed "Equipment Yeoman" on the U. S. S. Lehigh, afterwards transferred to the U. S. S. Wabash. Mr. Abercrombie also served with him on the same vessel. Discharged September I, 1898. Another young man who served first on the Wabash was Charles F. Henderson, who enlisted when he was sixteen years of age ; was on different vessels, and was promoted to a second class apprenticeship, assigned to the U. S. S. Indiana, and took part in the destruction of Admiral Cervera's fleet, July 3, 1898. Mr. Eastman was called into the service April 23, entering the regular navy April 28, when he was assigned to the U. S. S. Prairie, being appointed "Chief Ship's Yeoman." The Prairie was the flagship of the blockading squadron off Havana. With Eastman was William J. Colby, who entered the ser- vice May 3, served through the war, and was discharged at the same time as was Eastman. Lieutenant Gardner L Jones served on the monitors "Le- high " and "Jason," being in command of the latter. Concern- ing him. Lieutenant William H. Stayton, who had charge of the patrol work off Montauk Point, reported to his command- ing officer as follows: "Lieutenant Jones was indefatigable in his efforts to relieve the sick and was very successful. I trust you will commend him for his zeal, faithfulness and humanity." He served during the war. Another Melrose boy, John Henry Higgins, was not in the Spanish-American War, but has seen severe service in China and the Philippines. He enlisted in Boston, July 17, 1899, was soon after sent to the Philippines, and in Co. A, ist Marine Batallion, served in China during 1900. He helped take Tientsin, was one of the first to enter Pekin, and is still in service in the Philippines. The Spanish-American War was of short duration; and upon the return of the Melrose soldiers and sailors, a " Public Re- ception " was given them in the Town Hall, Tuesday evening, November 22, 1898, which proved to be an occasion of very great and general interest. The hall was appropriately decorated for the event, the stars and stripes largely predomi- nating. Addresses of welcome were made by Charles H. Adams and Mrs. Mary A. Livermore. War reminiscences ■252 HISTORY OF MELROSE. were given by Edwin D. Wooldridge and Major Edward J. ■Gihon, of the Sixth Regiment, to which many of our Melrose men belonged. A letter from Captain N. Mayo Dyer, then at Manila, was read. Resolutions recognizing the services of these brave young men, were presented by Arthur M. Willis. •Music was furnished by the Moorhouse Orchestra. The pre- siding officer was Charles M. Cox, chairman of the reception •committee, of which Charles C. Barry was treasurer. The Army Christian Commission was early organized for the moral and spiritual benefit of the ii6,000 young men that had then enlisted in the service for the Spanish-American War. It was instrumental in equipping tents at the front and in state camps, with reading tables, correspondence facilities, games and amusements, organ, singing books, and other privileges — thus furnishing places of social resort and religious meetings under the auspices of the Y. M. C. A. In this manner a very positive and spiritual uplift was given to the brave boys who had taken their lives in their hands and gone forth to fight the battles of the United States. The Melrose Y. M. C. A. Army Christian Commission was organized largely by the efforts of Franklin P. Shumway; associated with him on the committee was William H. Fland- ers, and amass meeting was held in the City Hall, June 5, 1898, for the purpose of raising money for this object. There were musical exercises, and addresses by Re\'. Kdwin C. Bolles, D. D., Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, and the Rev. Thomas Sims, D. D. The amount raised was $300, which was paid into the treasury and acknowledged as follows: Boston, June 7th, 1898. Mr. F. P. Shumway. My Dear Sir : — I am in receipt of the proceeds of the mass meet- ing in the town hall, Melrose, last Sunday evening, for the use of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Army Commission. I want, through you, to thank the citizens of Melrose for their interest as shown by this very generous contribution, and to assure them that it is more than appreciated. This liberal and prompt response will make itself felt in other communities, and I know of no work that will mean so much for the moral uplifting of our boj's at the front or fraught with such results as this. Truly yours, O. H. DuRRELL, Chairman. Meanwhile the Melrose Woman's Auxiliary of the Volunteer MILITARY HISTORY. 25a Aid Association had been organized, and during the succeed- ing months many meetings were held by the women of Melrose; some at the Highlands, and some in the parlors of the Young Men's Christian Association, where a large variety of articles were made and forwarded to the front; among them two hundred and six hospital shirts, one hundred pajamas, seventy-two abdominal bands, fifty mosquito canopies, sheets,, comfort bags, bandages, handkerchiefs, towels and packages of old linen and other articles. Mrs. Elizabeth H. Deering acted as treasurer, and Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, secretary, who received the following letter from the secretary of the association. Dear Mrs. Livermore : Many thanks for your kind letter and enclosure. Thanks to the early organization of the work on clothing, we have ample supplies in the storehouse for any demand likely to be made. All the reports from the surgeon general and from the surgeons in charge of the hospitals are that delicacies are needed for the sick. Men recovering from climatic troubles and fevers cannot use the army rations, and they ask for delicacies. So I hope you will ask your people to direct their attention to gathering such supplies. The enclosed is a copy of the list of supplies needed, received this morning from the surgeon general. It is not a long one: jellies, clam juice, cocoa, sardines, condensed milk, extract of beef, corn starch, concentrated consomme (France American Co.), saltine crackers, water thin crackers. Yours respectfully, Elihu B. Haves. After this the efforts of these patriotic women were given to procuring articles suggested by the above letter, rather than gathering clothing and other articles as at first; and in this manner much other valuable assistance in this good work was rendered. CHAPTER VIII. " MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS. US. GRANT POST 4, G. A. R., Department of Massa- chusetts. The Grand Army of the Republic was formed in i866, soon after the close of the War of the Rebellion. Its object and purpose was set forth in the first official report of the then Commander-in-Chief, Gen. B. F. Stephenson: Early in the spring of 1866, a few patriots, deeply feeling the impor- tance of organizing a grand association of the gallant Union soldiers and sailors of the late terrible rebellion, for the purpose of fostering fraternal relations and keeping alive the zeal of patriotism and devo- tion to our country, and above all, for the purpose of mutual support and assistance in clothing the naked, feeding the hungry and furnish- ing employment to destitute, sick and wounded comrades, and caring for the widows and oq^hans of the gallant dead, forming their plans, and publicly calling on all interested, on the 13th day of July, 1866, met in convention in the representative hall at the State Capitol at Springfield, Illinois, and then and there, formed the nucleus of the grand organization here represented in convention, and which from that humble origin now extends an influence of great power through- out nearly every state and territory in ovir country. Soon after the organization was formed, February 19, 1867, the surviving soldiers and sailors then living in Melrose, those that served on her quotas, and those that became citizens after the war, formed a Post, being the fourth one organized, and named it after Gen. Grant. ^ It was the onh^ one that bore his name during his lifetime; others have been named after him since his death. Soon after this Post was named, Congress passed a law that no Posts should be named after li\'ing sol- ^ " We have a Grand Army Post, whose valor and endurance pre. keeping green the memory of the served to you the blessing of liberty patriot dead, and pointing annually and union." George F. Stone, to the increasing and ever to be address at Dedication of Town Hall, honored roll, saying, these are they June 17, 1874. MSS. MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS. 255 diers. The Post is the happy possessor of his autograph, in a letter signed by him less than three months before he died, at Mt. Gregor, July 23, 1885;- and it was in answer to the follow- ing letter of sympathy and condolence sent by the Post. Headquarters U. S. Grant Post 4, G. A. R. Department of Massachusetts. Melrose, April 7, 1885. Hono7-ed and Estcc7ncd Co7)iradc : Permit us, the Post of the G. A. R., bearing your honored name to send you this brief note in assurance of our deep and sincere sympathy with you in this time of your great trial and suffering. Recognizing as every American must, your just desert of all the heartfelt interest now felt in your condition, and feeling that your comrades in arms, who under you were enabled to save the Union from disruption, have still greater reason than all others to appreciate your great services to the country. As also to sorrow with you in your grief and trials, we offer you our sincere condolence in this hour, and the assurance of our prayers that the God who has held and kept you as in the hollow of His hand during the days of your strength, will now make you to feel that the everlasting arms are under you and will keep you and bless you forever. Yours in F. C. and L. Edwin C. Gould, Com. Gilbert N. Harris, Adj't. To Gen. U. S. Grant, New Vo?-k. To this sympathetic letter. Gen. Grant replied as follows: New York, April 29th, 1885. Dear Sir.— The resolutions of sympathy of your Post are received. Now that I am better I wish to acknowledge the same and to express my appreciation of the action. Very truly yours, To Comi7iandcr U. S. G/-ant Post, A^o. 4, Me/rose, Mass. Soon after this correspondence, the Great Commander and "^ This was the last time but one name; so says his son, Col. Fred- that Gen. Grant ever signed his erick D. Grant. 256 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Ex-President died. The Nation mourned his loss. Melrose recognized the solemn event in "Services at the Town Hall^ Melrose, August 8, 1885, under the auspices of the Selectmen, in Memory of General Ulysses S. Grant;" on which occasion addresses were made by Hon. Levi S. Gould, Chairman of the Board, Hon. Daniel W. Gooch, Rev. Richard Eddy D. D., Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, Col. Francis S. Hesseltine, Col. Samuel Adams Drake, and Rev. John G. Taylor. Among the other exercises, the following hymn, written by Dr. Julius S. Clark, was recited by Miss Louie H. Orcutt: MUSTERED OUT— MUvSTERED IN. To U. S. Grant Post No. 4, Department of Afassachiisetts, G. A. R. Hallowed hence in Mt. McGregor, Pilgrim's consecrated goal ; Vernon of the country's Saviour, Mecca of the patriot soul. Like an incense heaven ascending Up from hamlet, mart, and mead. Anguished hearts in pathos Vjlending, Sanctify the Nation's dead. Strew your path with morning cypress, Join the march with measured tread ; Nobler far than Greek Ulysses, Grant, Columbia's own, is dead. Comrades of the Grand Republic ! Gray-haired men, once boys in blue. White-winged Peace holds yon Potomac, Grant joins in the Grand Review. Mustered out by Orders General, From the ranks of flesh and pain ; Present at the Call Eternal, Grant is mustered in again. Great Commander ! God of Goodness ! Subjects we of sovereign will, Trusting to undying mercies: Grant is at Headquarters, still. A pleasant event in the history of this organization took place July 6, 1886, when a very handsome " Grand Army MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS. Ibl Memorial Record," bound in full Turke)' morocco, was pre- sented to the Post, bearint^r the follo\vin<4- inscription: Memorial Record, Presented to l^ S. (]rant Post, No. 4, Depart- ment of Massachusetts, by Joseph D. Wilde, Nathaniel P. Jones, Daniel W. Gooch, Samuel E. Sewall, Elbridge H. Goss, Albert D, Holmes, Sidney H. Buttrick, Daniel Russell Charles H. Isburgh, George L. Morse, John W. Farwell. John Larrabee. 1886. Grand Army of the Republic. The presentation speech was made by the late Hon. Daniel \V. Gooch, duly responded to by the then Commander P>dwin C. Gould. The \'olume contains an elaborate heading on every page, comprising- the Grand Arm}' badge, with the words: "In Memoriam. The last enem\- that shall be destroyed is Death." Each page contains two columns; one for each Comrade's war history, the other, resolutions passed by the Post. The Post is ofificered at the present time as follows : Commander, P^rank T. Palmer; Senior Vice Commander, Louis A. Young; Junior Vice Commander, Albert A. Carlton; Adjutant, Charles A. Patch; Quartermaster, Alfred Hocking; Surgeon, Edwin P.Holmes; Chaplain, John E. Marshall; Ofificer of the Day, Horatio S. Libby; Ofificer of the Guard, John S. Larrabee ; Sergeant Major, Corne- lius Casey; Quartermaster Sergeant, Thomas *.^?*=^^^'-%i:J_i-^ J. Munn. ^f Present number of members, eighty. Oni)- ^ fourteen of these were citizens of Melrose ^- ^- ^*- "■^^^^• during the war, serving on her \arious quotas. All the others ha\e become residents since that era. P^or many years the Town, at its annual March meeting, made an appropriation of $200 "for keeping in repair and dec- orating the graves of soldiers and sailors on Memorial Day;" and this custom" has been continued by the city administration. This amount has always been expended under the auspices of the Post. P^ach year, on that day, the members of the U. S. Grant Post 4, and William F. Barry Camp 79, Sons of Veter- ans, accompanied by barges for the members of the Woman's Relief Corps, march in procession, with appropriate music, from the G. A. R. Mall on Main Street, to the Wyoming Ceme- tery. There, after ser\-ices, at a given signal, the graves of all 258 HISTORY OF MELROSE. those who have "marched on"— ever increasing in number 3^ear by year — are strewn with flowers. A miniature flag is placed at each grave, which has now a standard marker. On the last Memorial Day, May 30, 1902, one hundred and thirty-one graves were thus decorated; four of which were those of Revo- lutionary heroes, William Emerson, Asa Hart, John Edmunds and William Upham, two of those who fought in the war of 1812, Thomas Brintnall and J. S. Francis, and one ci\-il war nurse. Miss C. M. Kimball. On the evening of that day, for many years, public com- memorative services were held in the city hall, with music, vocal and instrumental, and a eulogy by some townsman, or orator from abroad. For the past three years these services have been omitted; but on the Sunday previous to Memorial Day it is the custom of some one of the pastors of the local churches, to invite the Post and Camp to be present, when a sermon appropriate to the occasion is delivered. Closely connected with the history of this Post, is the action taken at the Annual Meeting, March .ig, 1895, i" behalf of a number of the veteran soldiers who served on the quota of Melrose, relative to the bounty \-oted them May 6, 1861, as follows: It was Voted, that the sum of $15.00 per month be paid to those persons having families, and the sum of #10.00 per month to those who were single men, during their term of service in the war. There was paid to those who enlisted the sum of about $18,000; but there were many who did not apply for this bounty until many years afterwards when it was found that the town records had been destroyed by the fire of August 20, 1870. After more or less agitation the following committee was appointed at the above meeting, to consider the subject and report at the November meeting: William P2. Barrett, John Larrabee, John E. Marshall, Alfred Hocking, Frank E. Orcutt, Francis S. Hesseltine, Charles C. Barry, Joseph W. Spaulding, Stephen F. Keyes and Frank H. Merrill. This committee reported the total amount due as per abo\-e vote of the Town, May 6, 1861, as aggregating $44,739.49. Of this, the sum of $18,114.50 had been paid, leaving still unpaid a balance of $27,459.16; and recommended that application be made to the Legislature by the Selectmen, for an act to be passed authorizing the State to pay the whole or a part of said MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS. 259 balance, as had been done in other cases of a simihir nature. This was successfully done. A resolve for the relief of the ve erans was enacted, and the sum of $8,391.17 was voted for the twent}'-two veterans, or their lethal heirs, by the following: Resolved, That there be paid out of the treasury of the Common- wealth to the following named persons, or their heirs or legal repre- sentatives, the sums placed after their names respectively ; said per- sons being veterans or heirs or legal representatives of veterans who served in the United States army in the war for the suppression of the rebellion to the credit of the town of Melrose, the within claim arising from a vote of said town passed on the sixth day of May, eighteen hundred and sixty-one. This gave to them the amounts originally voted by the Town, without interest; nevertheless the amounts were welcomed by the beneficiaries, which were as follows: Andrews, Edwin A., Coiporal in Second Massachusetts Battery, Barron, Henr}', \\'agoner in Twenty-second Massachusetts Regiment, by Elizabeth J. Barron and Bertha M. Arm- strong, heirs at law, Batchelder, George W., Sergeant Twentj'-second Regiment, by Eldora Batchelder and William B. Batchelder, heirs at law, Chandler, Roswell W., First Massachusetts Cavalry, by Abbie A. Chandler, Frank A. Chandler, Herbert W Chandler and Henry I. Chandler, heirs at law, . Ellis, Jacob M., Lieutenant in Second Battery, . Grover, John C, Seventeenth Regiment, Jones, Henry H., Corporal in Thirteenth Regiment, . Littlefield, Cushing \V., Twenty-fourth Regiment, Lynde, Sherman, Corporal in First Cavalry, Macey, James, Thirteenth Regiment, .... Morse, George J., Thirteenth Regiment, by Horace E. Morse, heir at law, Munn, Thomas J., Thirteenth Regiment, Peabody, Torrey, Jr., Seventeenth Regiment, Pratt, Daniel S., First Cavalry, Shelton, Albert F., Thirteenth Regiment, Simonds, Joseph R., Captain Seventeenth Regiment, by Hannah G. Simonds, heir at law Sprague, Samuel, Jr., Twelfth Regiment, Corporal, . Stantial, Thomas B., Artificer Fifth Battery, Stilphen, John E., Second Battery, by Sarah E. Stilphen, Eva Y. Crosby and Florence A. Lawrence, heirs at law, 564.00 ^360.00 547-50 434.00 I So. 00 457-5° 356.00 360.00 186.00 558.00 363.00 535-00 360.00 532-50 360.00 I 79.00 540.00 372.00 149.00 260 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Tainter, George A., Thirteenth Regiment $310.00 Whitney, Edward H., Sergeant Thirteenth Regiment, . 361.00 Wyman, Wilham, Twenty-fourth Regiment, . . . 326.67 Total, $8,391.17 By some oversight a few names of \'eterans were omitted from the list given by the act to whom the bounty rio-htfully belonged; among them the late F. Edward Howe, William H. Eastman, and perhaps others. U. S. Grant Woman's Relief Corps, No. 16, Auxiliary TO U. S. Grant Post 4, G. A. R, This body of women, the wives and daughter.s of the war veterans, was organized January 6, 1881. Present membership eighty-six. It is officered as follows: President, Senior Vice President, Junior Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, Conductor, Guard, Assistant Conductor, Assistant Guard, First Color Bearer, Second, Third, Fourth, and Pianist. William Francis Barry Camp, No. 79, Sons of Veterans. This was organized May 27, 1887, and was named after one of the youngest of the "Boys in Blue," that went from Melrose, and who was killed at the "Battle of Antietam, September, 17, 1862. He was a brother of Royal P. and Charles C. Barr\'. The Camp now numbers forty-seven members, and has officers as follows: Captain, First Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant, Chaplain, First Sergeant, Second Sergeant, Color Sergeant, and Musician. The Ladies' Aid Society, No. 23, auxiliary to William Francis Barry Camp, No. 79, was organized May 9, 1893. It has twenty-one members, and has officers as follows: President, Vice President, Past President, Chaplain, Secretary, Treasurer, Guide, .^nd Judge Advocate. Soldiers' Memorial. The Town of Melrose has recognized the services of her citizen soldiers in the Civil War, by the purchasing of two hundred and twenty-six copies of the Melrose Memorial, and giving a cop\' to each one that served on her quota j'^ and, also, by the placing of an "American Flag ^ At a Town Meeting held Nov. " That the Selectiiieu be authorized 3, 1868, Hou. Samuel E. Sewall of- to subscribe aud pay for a sufficient fered the following resolution, number of copies of Mr. Elbridge which was unanimously adopted: H. Goss' work, entitled, T/ie Mel- MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS. 261 Window," in "memory of those soldiers who gave their h'ves for their countr3^" in the new Baptist Church on Franklin Street, at the Highlands, in 1895. Several efforts have been made by our citizens, at different times, looking towards the erection of a Monument, Memorial Hall. Tablets in the Town Hall, or in some other way recognize the war record of our " Boys in Blue." One was March i, *i886, when Dr. Julius S. Clark offered a series of resolutions, which Avere unanimously adopted. No further action was taken by the town at this time. Again in 1896. a committee of fifteen from the U. S. Grant Post 4, G. A. R., was appointed to take into consideration the erection of a Memorial Hall. This committee asked for the cooperation of all the Churches, Masons, Odd Fellows, and other societies. These bodies appointed committees to repre- sent them, and a number of meetings and consultations took place in the G. A. R. Hall. It was then thought that a site for such a hall on the old Village Cemetery land, then disused, might be voted by the Town. When it was found that the school-house building committee had pre-empted the whole lot for the High School structure, all further effort ceased. It IS hoped that the day will come when something more will be done to honor our soldiers and sailors, and their ser- \\CQS. This sentence was written in 1899. May 6, 1901, a commu- nication to the Board of Aldermen was received from His Honor, Mayor Larrabee, enclosing a letter from the U. S. Grant Post 4, G. A. R., relative to a proposed soldiers' and sailors' monument to be erected on the "Soldiers' Lot" in Wyoming Cemetery, suggesting that a committee from the Board of Aldermen be appointed to meet a committee of the Post, and the Cemetery Committee, to take the matter into rose Memorial: The Annals of Melrose, County of Middlesex, Mas- saelmsetls, duriuiy the Great Rebel- lion of 1861-65, to furuish a copy to every inhabitant of this town who served as a soldier or sailor in the Rebellion, now livinniniittee: Aldii- nien Marshall, Tasje, Goss, Day and Harlon. llu- nuinhc is of tin- oihei eonmiittees wiTe as foIKnvs: (.ieoii^e V. Marsh, Al- (rrd lliH-kini; and 1^'rank T. Talnier of the Tost, .ind l«^lin V. l)eejiii!4. C">siMr 1'". h'rost and 1 . Ilciiix Kniihardl. C'emelcry Committee. ThriMioh the kimhu-ss of Won. John IX loni^j, Secretary of the N.ny, .lidetl In' Kepresentat i\e I'jnest W. Roberts, the Tost snecieihil in oht.iinini; from the I'nited States Ciovernment. the jierm.ment Kian of three thirtx-pound r.irrott s^nns. .nui twelve twehe-inoh shells. With this ni.iterial .1 haiulsonu- design for .1 monument, with i^r.mite h.isi-, was submitted to and adopted by the united com- mittees at a meetini; ludil Ma\ \.^, and by .i nn.inimons V(^ti\ the Aldermanic COmmittiH- was ic-ipu-sti-d \o \c\Mn\ [o the Hoard of Aldermen, a recommendation that the desi!.][n be aiiopti d. and an appropriation of $750 be asked for. w ith w hich to ]Mep.ue a suitable lonndation on said "Soldiers' l.ot.".uid that tlu- monument be erecteil thereon. This committee- re- j-torlml to the Hoard of AldiMnien, aiui at a meetiui^ held June ;, iijoi, tliis sum of 5750 was unanimously .ii^jMopriateil. by the follow ini; \ ote: That for the pmposo of eonmienioratino- the deeds of valor and self sacritiee of those who so unselti.shly pive their hves or rendered loyal service for their country in the dark days of the Rebellion, it is hereby ordered th.u a nioniinient. substantially in accordance with a plan numbered i.as submitted by I". S. Ciranl Tost No. 4. G. .\. R.. be erected on the Soldiers' Lot in Wyoming Cemetery, and that the sum of seven hundred and tifty dollars (#750) be and is hereby appropri- ated to pay for the cost and the erection of said monument, and for .!;radinji the lot thereof: the wi^k to be done under the direction of His Honor the Mayor. (.>rdered further that in order to provide for the foregoini; .appropri- ation tlie City Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to borrow the smu of seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750) and issue the note or notes of the City therefor, payable within one year from date of issue, with interest not exceeding- four {4) per cent, per annum. This design as adopted w.is made b\- \"irgil W". b\dler, upon the basis of .1 S^fO appropriat ic>n. \\ hen lie learned that the .imount appropriated was 5750. he submitteil a new and more elaborate design, which was the one fin.dly adopted at a meeting of the \arious committees, with His Honor. Maxor MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS. 203 Larrabee, in his office, August 7, 1901. Under his direction, bids were solicited, the contract awarded to Joss Brothers Company of Ouinc>', the lowest bidder, and the monument erected. The base is of Quincy granite, and bears the date of the Great Rebellion, "1861-65." There is no other inscription. SOLDIERS' MONUMENT. The three Parrott Rifles, which form so unique a part of the monument, ha\e a histor\' closely connected with the war; one being in use on the U. S. S. "Sophronia," in the Potomac flotilla, one on the U. S. S. "luka," and one on the U. S. S. "Trefoil." They weigh respectively 3,510, 3,500 and 3,490 pounds; a total of 10,450 pounds. An account of the dedica- tory services is given under "Old Home Week" observances. CHAPTER IX. FIRST AND LAST TOWN MEETINGS. MELROSE was incorporated May 3, 1850. The first war- rant for a Town Meeting, dated May 6, 1850, was issued by Elbridge Green, Esq., Justice of the Peace, and was directed to Jonathan Cochran, Esq., another Justice of the Peace. The inhabitants qualified to \'ote in elections and town affairs, were warned to assemble on May 10, 1850, in Acadeni}^ Hall, which stood upon land which now forms the northeast corner of Grove and Berwick Streets. Sometime before the year 1857, this building" was mo\'ed to Main Street, nearly opposite the present Post Office, became known as Lyceum Hall, and was destro}'ed in the destructive fire which occurred August 20, 1870, six days only before the Spot Pond water system was ready for use. This building had been extensively used for town purposes, and its destruction \'ery essentially hastened the erection of our present City Hall. This warrant had two articles, \'iz.: "To choose a Moderator; to choose all necessar)' Town C)fficers for the \'ear ensuing." The following officers were chosen: Henry Sprague, Moderator; Elbridge Green, Town Clerk; Jeremiah Martin, Isaac P^merson, Jr., Artcmas Barrett, .Select- men; Aaron Green, Shubael L.Taylor, William J. Farnsworth, Assessors; Isaac Emerson, Treasurer and Collector; Plenry A. Norris, Caleb Howard, PLlbridge Green. School Committee; James Howard, Highwa}' Sur\-eyor. The salaries then \'oted were as follows: Town Clerk, eight dollars per annum; in 1854, increased to ^10; Selectmen, four dollars each, ])er annum; in 1854 in- creased to $8; Assessors, Si. 25 per day, each man ; in 1854 increased to $1.50; Collector, at first as determined by the Selectmen; then in 1854, it was made $25 per annum. The first annual rept)rt is something of a curiosit}'; being a FIRST AND LAST TOWN MEETINGS. 265 bro a d s i cl c i o x 1 2 i ii c h c s . 1 1 i s h ea d e d , Report of the Financial Concerns \ of the \ Town of Melrose, \ From May 20, 1830, to April /. iSji, and is sioned by Jonathan Cochran, Josiah W. Talbot ■and John Blake, Financial Committee. A few of the items on this first report are worthy of note. It was the day of small things and small expenses when compared with our present labors and outlays. Jeremiah Martin, for Serv. as Selectman, $4— Running town lines, $10— Examining Dix Pond, Railing and Culverts, S2— Cash paid for Printing, S14.25— Laying out Streets, $12— Letting and Superintending Vinton Street, $4— Cash paid for Jury Box, and for Stationery, $5.90, . . . .552.15 Isaac Emerson, Jr., Services as Selectman, etc., . . . 34.88 Artemas Barrett, Services as Selectman, etc., .... 32.00 Elbridge Green, for Services as Town Clerk, Express Bills, etc., 9.50 Isaac Emerson, for Services as Treasurer, and for Blank Book, $9.13 Caleb Howard and Elbridge Green School Committee, were paid $10, and $12, respectively. Shubael L. Taylor, Aaron Green, and William J. Farnsworth, Assessors, were paid respectively, S13.75, S15, and S17.25. The second annual report, from April i, i85i,to March 24, 1852, formed quite a contrast to the first, being a pamphlet of sixteen pages. From year to year the annual report of the affairs of our city has been increasing in size, until for the year 1902, it took a volume of four hundred and forty-two pages. The number of legal town meetings that have been held to January i, 1900, is two hundred and fifteen, and there has been one hundred and five adjourned meetings. They have been held in the following places: Vestry of Protestant Methodist Church, . . i Congregational Meeting House, . Engine Hall, Academy, or Town Hall, Vestry of Universalist Church, Concert, or Good Templars' Hall, Unity Hall Lyceum J I all, and after the Town Hall was erected m 1873. all Town^Meet- ings were held therein. 2 28 20 22 I I 56 266 HISTORY OF MELROSE. The family of the late D. Alvin Lynde, who died February 23, 1899, is the possessor of a broadside report showing- Expenses \ of the Tozvn of Maiden, \ for one Year, ending April ist, 1826. One or two items of interest may be mentioned. The amount raised for the public schools for the whole town was Si, 200. Isaac Emerson of the North End, was one of the Selectmen, also an Assessor; and he received S17.50 for his services. James Crane, as Town Treasurer, received $10; and instead of there being a town debt, the committee, Charles Hill and Gilbert Haven, reported a " Balance in favor of the Town, $1,336.67." Mr. Lynde also owned an Annual Report \ of the I Financial Concerns \ of the \ Toivn of Maiden \ Mch. /, 1S44, six years before the incorporation of Melrose, when George Emerson of the North End, was one of the Selectmen, and several other names of citizens of the same section appear therein. That year $2,000 was the "Town Grant" for schools, of which sum $475.09 was spent for the " North District School." This report also shows a balance in favor of the Town, of $790.46. The Last Town Meeting. The last of the long series of Town Meetings for the Town of Melrose, was held in Town The last board of selectmen. FIRST AND LAST TOWN MEETINGS. 267 Hall, on Thursday evening, November 9, 1899. I-e\i S. Gould was chosen Moderator, it being the one hundred and eighth regularly called meeting over which he had been elected to preside; and he had also served as Moderator of one hundred and seven adjourned meetings; a total of two hundred and fifteen meetings. It is very doubtful if such another record of long service as Moderator of Town Meetings, can be instanced in New England or elsewhere. The warrant for this meeting was dated November I, and was issued and signed b\' the following oflficers. / FACSIMILK SIGNATURES FROM THE LAST TOWN WARRANT. A True Copy. Attest : William L. Pierce, Constable. The warrant consisted of eleven articles, most of which were acted upon favorably: The sum of $200 was appropriated for the use of the Board of Health, and $1,500 for the purpose of making necessary alterations and repairs for use of the incom- ing City Government; two items of taxes which had been illegally assessed were refunded; certain main drains or com- mon sewers accepted as specified by the Sewer Commissioners; and to see if the citizens would \-ote to submit Chapter 344, Acts of 1S99, to the first city election in December, and which authorized the adoption of an eight hour law. Before the adjournment the following vote was unanimously adopted : Be it resolved by the citizens of Melrose in Town Meeting assembled that our heart}' thanks and commendation are due and hereby extend- ed to our fellow citizen, Hon, Levi S. Gould, who for so many years has presided over our deliberations with eminent parliamentarj' ability, dignity and fairness. CHAPTER X. CITY OF MELROSE. THE first mo\ement contemplating- a change in the form of government for the Town of Melrose, was made in 1895, when, at a Town Meeting held April 8, the following committee was appointed "to consider what improvement, if an}', can be made in the method of government of this town:" Col. Francis S. Hesseltine, Ro3^al P. Bariy, Sidney H. Buttrick, John Larrabee, George L. Morse, Joshua T. Nowell and Wil- liam N. Folsom. April 13, 1896, Col. Hesseltine made an out- line report on an impro\'ed form of government, resulting in the appointment of a committee of five " to elaborate and per- fect " the same. That committee was Col. Francis S. Hessel- tine, John Larrabee, Sidney H. Buttrick, George L. Morse, and Levi S. Gould. A report of this committee was made Novem- ber 16, when the whole matter was referred back to the same committee, with these additional names : George R. Jones, Nathan D. Blake, Winthrop Messenger and Rev. Joseph K. Wilson. This enlarged committee reported in print, June 3, 1897, and the report was "accepted and filed." June 7, the matter came up in a somewhat different form: it was voted That a committee of ten, five of whom shall prefer a city form of government and five a modification of the present town form of government, be appointed, who shall report to the town in writing a form of city government and a form of town government in such detail as is necessary to give a clear idea of the proposed forms ; that these reports shall be submitted to a town meeting to be called by the selectmen the first week in October ; that after a full discussion and amendments, if any, the vote shall be taken by ballot, the polls to be open for nine hours, beginning at noon. Each voter .shall vote " yes " or " no " on the question of retaining the present form of government. If a majority of those voting on this question shall \ote " no," then whichever plan shall receive a larger number of votes shall be drafted into a bill, which the committee shall then present to the forthcoming session of the legislature as the desire of the town. CITY OF MELROSE. 'iGO' October 7, this committee reported in print, and it was voted to proceed to the consideration of the proposed form of city charter first, section by section, and then the proposed form of modified town government in the same manner, perfectin- Kunhardt, and Oscar E. Erost. It was deemed best to get an expression of the citizens to see whether or not they desired a city; therefore a petition was sent to the Selectmen asking them to call a special Town Meeting for October 3, "to see if the Town will authorize and direct its Selectmen to petition the next General Court for a City Charter. Yes or no." In accordance with this the meet- ing was called and held, and a ballot taken, with the following result: Yes, 506; No. 335; Blank 2; Total, 843. After this expression of the voters in fa\or of a city, the committee of fifteen, after many meetings, and mature deliber- ation, submitted its report in print, at a Town Meeting held January 3, 1899, the same having been pre\iously circulated by 270 HISTORY OF MELROSE. distribution throughout the town; thus giving every'one oppor- tunity to read and consider. At this and three adjourned meetings, held January 9, 16 and 23, the charter was read and considered section by section; and, with a few amendments, was adopted by the Town very nearly in the text as reported by the miiwiwiii^iMiiMiPi r f//////r////yt'///7/ ^/- // y/j.J//////0/' /// '"*.'?<' ■^''^j. r. >.,. , S3.;.. "■Jircao, Ml =-1- ;'a5s. !•;; au.r Klr:- ]-->o3i:ro to oris^-it tn you tlio ;inr. .vlth »'•■■■ i:h i M 'li "An 4ct tc In'iorf cmte t);a Hity 0^ Very trily yours, THE CHARTER PEN. committee. The Selectmen, according to previous instruction, then proceeded to apply to the Legislature for the charter as adopted. This action was taken, and application made through our Representative to the General Court, Charles H. Adams. In due time the charter was reported to the House of Repre- sentatives as "An Act to Incorporate the City of Melrose." CITY OF MELROSE. 271 It passed throu.fjh its various stages, and was sent to the Senate, where it was amended by striking out the referendum clause. The House afterwards concurred in the action of the Senate, and it was passed to be engrossed. It was signed by Gov. Wolcott March i8, 1899. A Town Meeting was called by the Selectmen, for May 8, when the Act of Incorporation was submitted to the voters of the town, for adoption or rejection, by the following question : Shall an act passed by the General Court in the year eighteen hundred and ninety-nine, entitled "An Act to incorporate the City of Melrose," be accepted? The result was as follows: Yes, 525; No, 218; Blank, i ; Total, 744. The Act of Incorporation has fifty-seven sections, sub-divid- ed as follows : Title I, Municipal Government ; Title II, Elec- tions and Meetings ; Title III, Legislative Department ; Title IV, Executive Department; Title V, School Department; Title VI, Departments and Ofificers ; Title VII, Public Library Department ; Title VIII, General Provisions. The charter thus accepted provided that the city be divided into seven wards by the Selectmen ; that the legislative de- partment shall consist of a Mayor, seven Aldermen-at-Large, and two Aldermen from each ward, a total of twenty-one Al- dermen. The Mayor and Ward Aldermen are to be elected annually, and the election of the Aldermen-at-Large so arrang- ed that four and three shall be elected alternately for two-year terms. The School Committee shall consist of nine persons, chosen by the city at large, and their election so arranged that three members shall be chosen annually. The Board of Aldermen shall elect a President to preside over its deliberations ; they shall also elect a City Clerk, City Treasurer, City Collector, and City Auditor. The executive powers of the City are invested in the Mayor, and he appoints, subject to the concurrence of the Board of Aldermen, the Assessors, Assistant Assessors, Overseers of the Poor, Trustees of the Public Library, Engineer and Superin- tendent of Public Works, City Solicitor, Chief of the Fire De- partment, Chief of Police, a Cemetery Committee, Registrars of Voters, and other minor officers. The first election for city officers under this charter took place December 12, 1899, when the following were electctl : 272 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Mayor, Levi S. Gould. Aldermen-at-Large for two years, Charles j. Barton, Jona- than C. Howes, Chester Shepard, Clarence T. Fernald. Aldermen-at-Large for one year, Eugene H. Moore, Curtis C. Goss, William A. Carrie. Ward Aldermen, Arthur H. Folger, Charles E. French, Ward One ; Albert A. Day, George E. Gilchrist, Ward Two ; George R. Jones, Frank W. Foster, Ward Three ; Frank H. Damon, t'.-. ^..- '. .- M ^tffSjmmmmmsBg^M ^H^ ^-fl H^^^Fv jJH^^H|||^3 1^ 'J^^^^^H B J^^M HH^^^^^^I John G. Robinson, Ward Four ; Edwin S. Small, Fred E. Ev- erett, W^ard Five ; Aaron Hill, Jr., George E. Berry, Ward Six ; Andrew J. Burnett, John E. Marshall, Ward Seven. No salary. School Committee, Arthur F. Amadou, Susan F. Flanders, John C. Maker, three years ; D. Eugene Curtis, Sarah A. Day, William D. Stewart, two years ; Ik'ssie B. Dearborn, Edward B. Marsh, Fred L. W^jod, one year. No salary. CITY OF MELROSE. 273 The total vote thrown was : Male, 2,246 ; Female, 72. The vote on the License Question was : Yes, 477; No, 1,584. The vote on the Eight-Hour Question was : Yes, 1,389; No, 569. The new City Government met for organization Monday, January i, 1900, in City Hall, at 10 o'clock, when the oath of ofifice was administered to the Mayor and Aldermen by Town Clerk W. DeHaven Jones. The Board of Aldermen immedi- ately convened for its first session and elected George R. Jones, President. Mayor Gould delivered his inaugural address in the City Hall, in the evening of the same day, after which President Jones announced the various committees for the year ensuing. The committees are as follows: Ordinances, rules, orders and legislative matters; finance; highways, sewers, water and public grounds; accounts and surety bonds; claims; elections and re- turns, printing and supplies; fire department, electric and telephone wires; police department and licenses; street rail- ways and public lighting; public buildings; nominations and resolutions; state, military aid and soldiers' relief; public charities; public health; public instruction, and a special com- mittee on settlement with the Metropolitan Water Board. At subsequent meetings of the Board of Aldermen, the following officers were elected by the Aldermen for the year ensuing: W. DeHaven Jones, City Clerk; salary Si, 200. John Larrabee, City Treasurer; salary S750. James W. Murray, City Collector; salary ^1,000. Edwin C. Gould, City Auditor; salary S500. The Mayor, whose salary is S500 per annum, subsequently made all necessary appointments for the remaining city offices, which were confirmed by the Aldermen; the principal ones as follows: W. Dabney Hunter, Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works; salary §2,250. Frank L. Washburn, City Solicitor; salary S500. P>ank R. Upham, Chairman, Henry A. Leonard, Joseph Edwards, Assessors; salaries S900. Sidney H. Buttrick, Chairman, Matilda V.. Stantial. Albert B. Franklin, Overseers of the Poor; salaries S400. Dr. Clarence P. llolden. Chairman, William H. Dole Dr. Paul H. Provandie, Board of Health; sal.iries $300. 274 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Elbridge H. Goss, Chairman, Charles C. Barry, Trustees of the Public Library for three years; no salary. The other Trustees holding over were Mrs. Maria L. Chapin, Secretary, and Neil A. Divver, one year, and Charles A. Patch, Treasurer, and Mrs. Rub)- F. Farwell, two years. Frank M. McLaughlin, Chief of Police; salary $i,ooo, paid from the $11,500 police department appropriation. A. Wilbur Lynde, Chief of the Fire Department; salary $100, paid from the $11,500 fire department appropriation. Other appointments are given in the chapters devoted to the respective subjects; the rest in the annual reports. At the second city election, which took place December ii, igoo, the following officers were elected: Mayor, John Larrabee. Aldermen-at-Large, two years, William A.Carrie, Eugene H. Moore and M. P'rank Eastman. Ward Aldermen: Ward One, Arthur H. P^olger, Charles E. CITY OF MELROSE. 275 French; Ward Two, Albert A. Day, George E. Cornwall; Ward Three, Frank W. Foster, Elbridge H. Goss; Ward Four, Moses S. Page, John G. Robinson; Ward Five, Fred E, Everett, Edwin S. Small; Ward Six, Charles N. Shute, Aaron Hill, Jr.; Ward Seven, Andrew J. Burnett, John E. Marshall. School Committee: Three years, Mrs. Bessie B. Dearborn, Edward B. Marsh and Fred L. Wood. At the first meeting of the Board of Aldermen, January i, 1901, Mayor Larrabee delivered his inaugural address, John G. Robinson was elected President, and the following offi- cers were re-elected : W. DeHaven Jones, City Clerk; James W. Murray, City Collector; and Edwin C. Gould, City Auditor. William R. Lavender was elected City Treasurer to take the place of Mayor Larrabee. Later the Mayor made the follow- ing appointments, which were confirmed by the Board of Al- dermen: W. Dabney Hunter, Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works; Frank L. Washburn, City Solicitor, both re- appointments; Frank R. Upham, reappointed, and William Morss and Walter C. Stevens, Assessors. Dr. Paul H. Pro- vandie and William H. Dole, reappointed, and Joseph H. Robinson, Board of Health; Mr. Dole resigned and Dr. John T. Timlin was appointed in his place. Sidney H. Buttrick and Albert B. Franklin, reappointed, Matilda E. Stantial, holding over, Overseers of the Poor. Trustees of the Public Library; Edward M. Mun}'an for the unexpired term of Elbridge H. Goss, who resigned; Miss Mary L. Charles, for the unexpired term of Mrs. Ruby F. Farwell, who resigned; and Mrs. Maria L. Chapin and Neil A. Divver for the three years' term. Frank M. McLaughlin, Chief of Police. A. Wilbur Lynde Chief Engineer of the Fire Department. The standing committees of the Board of Aldermen for this year were increased by adding the following: On buildings; City Clerk and cemeter>'; public schools and libraries; Solici- tor and Collector; and Treasurer and Assessors. The Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works has charge of all matters pertaining to the water works, sewers and highways, and appoints assistant superintendents of the same; for water works he appointed James W. Riley for the three years; and for sewers, Bartley Maloney, and for high- ways, James Marshall. The first vacancy in the Board of Aldermen occurring since the organization of the city government, was caused by the 276 HISTORY OF MELROSE. death of Alderman-at-Large Jonathan C. Howes, who died suddenly on the morning of February Q, IQOI. A special meeting of the Board was called by Mayor Larrabee, for Tuesday evening, February ii. Speeches of heartfelt regret and appreciation were made by his brother Aldermen; resolu- tions were adopted, and it was voted to attend in a body, the funeral, which took place Wednesday, February 12. Charles W. H. Frederick was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Alderman Howes. The third election for city officers, took place December 10,. 1901, with the following result: Mayor, John Larrabee. Aldermen-at-Large, two years: Charles J. Barton, George E. Berry, Clarence T. Fernald, and Arthur H. Folger. Ward Aldermen: Ward One, William N. Folsom, Charles E. French; Ward Two, George E. Cornwall, Oliver B. Munroe; Ward Three, Albert B. Franklin, Daniel E. Gibson; Ward Four, Moses S. Page, John G. Robinson; Ward Five, Fred E. Everett, Edward S. Page; Ward Six, Aaron Hill, Jr., Charles N. Shute; Ward Seven, Andrew J. Burnett, Charles W. Eaton. School Committee for three years: Don E. Curtis, Sarah A. Day, William D. Stewart. Voteonthe License Question: Yes, 292; No. 1,326; majority for no license, 1,034. The first meeting of the newly elected Board of Aldermen took place in the Aldermanic Chamber, Januar}^ 6, 1902, when His Honor, Mayor John Larrabee delivered his second inaug- ural address. John G. Robinson was elected President of the Board, and the following officers were elected: W. DeHaven Jones, City Clerk; William R. Lavender, City Treasurer; James W. Murray, City Collector; and Edwin C. Gould, City Auditor. A few changes only were made in the several appointments by the Mayor: L. Frank Hinckley, Assessor, in place of Walter C. Stevens, and William S. Soule, Overseer of the Poor, in place of Albert B, P^ranklin. CHAPTER XI. TOWN AND CITY OFI^ICERS. THE City Charter which went into operation January i, 1900, provides the manner in which the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, and School Committee shall be elected; also that the Clerk, Treasurer, Collector and Auditor are to be -elected annually by the Board of Aldermen; also for the ap- pointment by the Mayor of the various officers of the several departments, viz: Assessors, Overseers of the Poor, Board of Health, Law% Fire, Police, Public Works and Public Library. The names of the Mayors, Aldermen, Clerk, Treasurer, Col- lector and Auditor that have served since Melrose became a city, have been given in the previous chapter; and those of the School Committees, Water Commissioners, Sewer Commis- sioners, Park Commissioners, Board of Health, Trustees of the Public Library and Cemetery Committees, that have served under Town and City organizations, are given in chapters, "Educational History," "Spot Pond Water Works," "Sew- erage," "Board of Health," " Parks," "Cemeteries," and " Pub- lic Library." Other principal officers follow: TOWN MODERATORS. While Melrose was a Town, from 1850 to 1900, a Mod^-rator was chosen for each regularly called Town Meeting, who also presided at any adjourned meeting of the same. The follow- ing are the names of those who have thus served the Town: Regular Meetings. Henry Sprague, Daniel W. Gooch, Jacob K. Dunham, Franklin Taylor, Elbridge Green, Ephraim Avery, George Emerson, Charles F. Estey, Thomas W. Chad- bourne, James C. Currier and Moses Briggs, one each; Caleb Howard, Rev. John C. Ingalls, John T. Paine, Shubael L. Taylor, Aaron Green, Joseph R. Simonds, William B. Burgess, Napoleon B. Bryant and Walter Babb, two each ; Henry A. Norris, three times; James M. Thresher, and Philip B. 278 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Holmes, four each; James M. Beckett, six times; Jeremiah Martin and German S. Phippen, thirteen each; Nelson Coch- ran, twenty-two times; John H. Clark, twenty-three times; Levi S. Gould, one hundred and eight times. Adjourned Meetings. James M. Thresher, Thomas W. Chadbourne, German S. Phippen, and William B. Burgess, one each; John H. Clark, two times; Nelson Cochran, three times; Levi S. Gould, one hundred and seven times. In testimony of the appreciation of the service of Hon. Levi S. Gould as Moderator, the following vote was passed, hand- somely engrossed, framed and presented to him March ii, 1884: The Inhabitants of Melrose in Town Meeting assembled, Tuesday, March 11, 1884, Voted, unanimousl}'. That the thanks of the Town be presented to Levi S. Gould, Esq., for the able and impartial manner in which he has discharged his duties as Moderator of this meeting, and for his faithful service in the past, this being the thirty-eighth time he has been elected to the office, and the sixt3^-first meeting, in- cluding adjourned meetings of the Town, over which he has presided. In i8go, Mr. Gould had served so many times in addition to the above, and so acceptably, as Moderator of our Town Meetings, that the Town again desired to testifiy to its appre- ciation of his services, and present him with some additional testimonial. The number of times he had served at that time was an unusually large one; but many more elections to that office have since been added. Therefore, at an adjourned meeting held November 8, 1890, a committee consisting of Col. Francis S. Hesseltine, George T. Brown and Major Wilbur D. Fiske, was appointed to prepare or procure a suitable testimonial to be presented to Levi S. Gould for the faithful and impartial manner in which he has discharged his duties as Moderator, this being his sixtieth election to the office, and the 114th meeting, including adjournments, over which he has presided without compensation. At the meeting held March 7, 1891, this committee reported and presented to Mr. Gould, in behalf of the Town, a gold jewel, and a silver pitcher, both of which were suitably inscribed, showing a just appreciation of his services as Moderator. TOWN AND CITY OFFICERS. 279 GOULU TKSTI.MKMAl.S.' ^ The inscription on the jewel is i8, 1890 — voted this testimonial for as follows : " The Town of Melrose his faithful and impartial discharge to Levi S. Gould, on his sixtieth of the duties of the office." election as Moderator, November 280 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Since that date he has been elected forty-eight times, and has in addition presided over fifty-three adjourned meetings; making the total number of Town Meetings over which he has presided two hundred and fifteen; covering a period of thirty- five years, being first elected at the March Meeting in 1865. TOWN AND CITY OFFICERS. SELECTMEN. 1850. Jeremiah Martin. Isaac Emerson, Jr. Artemas Barrett. 1851. Jeremiah Martin. Shubael L. Taylor. Jonathan Cochran. 1852. Jeremiah Martin. Franklin Taylor. Rufus Flint. 1853. Franklin Taylor. Ephraim Avery. Henry Sprague. 1854. George Emerson. John Blake. James M. Thresher. 1855. John Blake. James M. Thresher. James M. Beckett. 1856. George M. Fletcher. William E. Fuller. James M. Beckett. 18.57. George M. Fletcher. William E. Fuller. Benjamin F. Abbott. 1858. Elbridge Gardner. Ephraim Avery. Nelson Cochran. 1859. Elbridge Gardner. William J. Farnsworth. George M. Fletcher. 1860. George Emerson. Nelson Cochran. William J. Farnsworth. 1861. William B. Burgess. George M. Fletcher. John H. Clark. 1862-1863. John H. Clark. William B. Burgess. George M. Fletcher. 1864. John H. Clark. William B. Burgess. William E. Fuller. 1865-66-67. Wingate P. Sargent. George M. F'letcher. Isaac Emerson. 1868. Wingate P. Sargent. James C. Currier. George Newhall. 1869. Levi S. Gould. James C. Currier. Josejih D. Wilde. 1870. James C. Currier. Daniel Russell. Francis P. Woodbury. TOWN AND CITY OFFICERS. 281 1871. James C. Currier. Daniel Russell. Johu H. Clark. 1872. Daniel Russell. Johu H. Clark. George F. Stone. 1873. Stephen F. Keyes. William J. Farnsworth. Charles T. Stevens. 1874. Walter Babb. Henry G. Fields. George A. Mansfield. 1875. Walter Babb. Henry G. Fields. George A. Mansfield. 1876. Walter Babb. Henry G. Fields, l^athau D. Blake. 1877. Walter Babb. Henry G. Fields. Nathan D. Blake. 1878. Nathan D. Blake. Henry G. Fields. Charles H. Edmonds. 1879-80-81-82. Daniel Norton, Jr. Henry G. Fields. Joseph F. Boyd. 1888. Daniel Norton, Jr. Heury G. Fields. Joseph F. Boyd. 1884. Daniel Norton, Jr. Henry G. Fields. William Boynton. 1885-8(3. Levi S. Gould. Henry G. Fields. John K. Currier. 1887. Levi S. Gould. John B. Souther. John P. Deering. 1888-89-90-91-92. Levi S. Gould. John P. Deering. Charles W. Higgins. 1893. Daniel Norton. Charles W. Cook. Eugene H. Moore. William A. Waterhouse. Sidney H. Buttrick. 1894-95. Daniel Norton. Charles W. Cook. Eugene H. Moore. John P. Deering. Sidney H. Buttrick. 1896. Eugene H. Moore. Harry A. Batchelder. Roswell C. Taylor. Sidney D. Farrar. Sidney H. Buttrick. 1897. Eugene H. Moore. Harry A. Batchelder. Sidney D. Farrar. Sidney H. Buttrick. Jonathan C. Howes. 1898. Sidney H. Buttrick. Eugene H. Moore. Sidney D. Farrar. Jonathan C. Ilov^-es. L. Frank Hinckley. 1890. Sidney H. 'Buttrick. Jonathan C. Howes. L. Frank Hinckley. William A. Carrie. Charles J. Barton. 282 HISTORY OF MELROSE. 1850. Aaron Green. Shubael L. Taylor. William J. Farnsworth. 1851. Shubael L. Taylor. Aaron Green. Rufus H. Flint. 1852. Aaron Green. German S. Phippeu. Henry Sprague. 1853. Isaac Emerson. Joshua Upham. George W. Barrett. 1854. Jonathan Cochran. German S. Phippen. Asa Upham. 1855. George M. Fletcher. Jonathan Cochran. E. P. Evans. 1856. Jonathan Cochran. Benjamin Linniken. George M. Fletcher. 1857. Jonathan Cochran. George M. Fletcher. Joseph Holbrook. 1858. Jonathan Cochran. Joseph Holbrook. Henry Robinson. 1859. Jonathan Cochran. Heurj' Robinson. William E. Fuller. 1860. Jonathan Cochran. William B. Burgess. George M. Fletcher. ASSESSORS. 1861. Edward P. Nevins. Joseph R. Simonds. Thomas B. Merrick. 1862. Edward P. Nevins. George M. Fletcher. Stephen Shelton. 1863-64. Edward P. Nevins. Stephen Shelton. George M. Fletcher. 1865-66. George Emerson. Joel Snow. George M. Fletcher. 1867. George M. Fletcher. George Emerson. Joel Snow. 1868-69. Erastus O. Phinney. Aaron Green. Elbridge Green. 1870. David Fairbanks. Elbridge Green. John R. Jones. 1871 Samuel O. Dearborn. Henry A. Norris. Azel E. Steele. 1872. .Samuel O. Dearborn. George W. Farnsworth. Azel E. Steele. 1873. Elbridge Green. George W. Farnsworth. Aaron Green. 1874. Charles H. Edmonds. George F. Boardman. M. L. Ray. TOWN AND CITY OFFICERS. 283 1875-76. Charles H. Edmonds. James C. Currier. George W. Farnsworth. 1877. John R. Jones James C. Currier. Charles T. Stevens. 1878. James C. Currier. Charles T. Stevens. Henry A. Leonard. 1879-80-81-82. George C. Stantial. James C. Currier. Dexter Pratt. 1883. George C. Stantial. Henry A. Leonard. Dexter Pratt. 1884. Herbert H. Westgate. George F. Boardman. Dexter Pratt. 1885. George C. Stantial. George F. Boardman. Gilbert N. Harris. 1886-87. George C. Stantial. George F. Boardman. Moses Briggs. 1888. John R. Norton. Moses Briggs. Albon W. Parker. 1889. John R. Norton. Charles W. Cook. Albon W. Parker. 1890-91-92. Henry A. Leonard. John R. Norton. Dexter Pratt. 1893-94-95-96-97. George C. Stantial. Henry A. Leonard. Dexter Pratt. 1898-99. Henry A. Leonard. Frank R. Upham. Joseph Edwards. CITY. 1900. Frank R. Upham. Henry A. Leonard. Joseph Edwards. 1901. Frank R. Upham. William Morss. Walter C. Stevens. 1902. Frank R. Upham. William Morss. L. Frank Hinckley. TOWN CLERKS. Elbridge Green, one year, Jonathan Cochran, two years, (several times elected Clerk /ro /"^wi.) . Frances Bugl)ee, four years. Mason M. Flint, /ro tent, (resigned) . Chas. H. Shepard, />rc> i'^w., Chas. H. Shepard, (resigned December 30 Edward R. Knights, six years, . Stinson Sewall, four years, David Fairbanks, two years, James Worthen, two years, . John Larrabee, twenty-one 3'ears, 1850 1851-1852 1853-1856 1857 1857 1858 1S59-1864 1865-1868 I 869-1 870 1871-1872 1 873- 1 894. 284 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Edward K. Bordman, four years, (died Decem- ber 14, '98) 1895-1898 W. DeHaven Jones, two years, .... 1898-1899 CITY CLERKS. W. DeHaven Jones, 1900-1902 TREASURERS. TOWN. Isaac Emerson, four years, John Blake, one year, .... Caleb Howard, ten years, David Fairbanks, six years, Erastus O. Phinney, M. D., one year, David Fairbanks, two years, George Newhall, twenty-six years, I 850-1 853 1854 1855-1864 1865-1870 1871 1872-1873 I 8 74- I 899 CITY. John Larrabee, one year, William R. Lavender, . 1900 1901-1902 COLLECTORS OF TAXES. TOWN. Isaac Emerson, one year, Shubael L. Taylor, one year. Freeman Upham, one year, Asa Slocum, one year, William N. Wilkinson, one year, Caleb Howard, four years, . Stephen J. Phinney, two years, . George Newhall, three years, John Smith, one year, . David Fairbanks, two years, George M. Fletcher, (Dept. Collector Aaron Green, one year, George F. Boardman, five years, Ansel B. Pierce, five years, . John R. Jones, two years, Moses Briggs, one year, Jonathan C. Howes, three j^ears, Lewis G. Coburn, one year, Moses F. Eastman, three years, . Parker Merrill, two years, . Addison Lane, eight years, . James W. Murray, two years. CITY. James W. Murray, 1850 I85I 1852 1853 1854 I855-IS58 I859-I860 I86I-I863 1864 I865-I866 ) 1866 1867 I868-I872 I873-I877 I878-I879 1880 I88I-I883 1884 I885-I887 I 888- I 889 I 890- I 897 I 898- 1899 1900-1902 TOWN AND CITY OFFICERS. 28& TOWN 1850. Jonathan Cochran. Josiah W. Talbot. John Blake. 1851. Jonathan Cochran. Isaac Emerson. 1852. George Emerson. Jonathan Cochran. Erastus O. Phinney, M. D. 1853. Erastus O. Phinney, M. George Emerson. Jonathan Cochran. 1854. George Emerson. John Blake. James M. Thresher. 1855. William B. Burgess. Erastus O. Phinney. James M. Thresher. ISGl. Philip B. Holmes. William Pierce. Aaron Green. 1862. Samuel O. Dearborn. Philip B. Holmes. J' hn R. Norton. 1863. Samuel O. Dearborn. Philip B. Holmes. John R. Norton. 1864. John R. Norton. Daniel W. Wilcox. Stephen Shelton. 1865. Daniel W. Wilcox. John L. Andrews. Henry A. Norris. AUDITORS. IfIN.\N'CIAL COMMITTEE. 1856. Aaron Green. William B. Burgess. Jonathan Cochran. 1857. Jonathan Cochran. Aaron Green. William B. Burgess. 1858. Erastus O. Phinney. William J. Farnsworth. J) George F. Boardman. 1859. Erastus O. Phiuney. Aaron Green. German S. Phippen. 1860. Philip B. Holmes. Aaron Green. William Pierce. TOWN AUDITORS. 1866. Daniel W. Wilcox. John L. Andrews. Henry A. Norris. 1867. John L. Andrews. Henry A. Norris. Levi S. Gould. 1868-69. Thomas W. Chadbourue. Oren H. Peck. Elbridge H. Goss. 1870. Elbridge H. Goss. 1871-72-73-74. Elbridge H. Goss. John R. Norton. 1875. Elbridge H. Goss. John R. Norton. 286 HISTORY OF MELROSE. 1876-77-78. John R. Norton. Frank E. Orcutt. 1879-80-81-82. John R. Norton. Frank E. Orcutt. Ernest Mendum. 1883-84. John R. Norton. Frank E. Orcutt. Gilbert N. Harris. 1885-86. John R. Norton. Frank E. Orcutt. Walter I. Nickerson. 1887. Frank E. Orcutt. Walter I. Nickerson. Gilbert N. Harris. 1888-89-90. Frank E. Orcutt. Walter I. Nickerson. Gilbert N. Harris. 1891. Edwin C. Gould, to incorporation of the City. CITY AUDITOR. 1900-01-02. Edwin C. Gould. TOWN COUNSEL. The office of Town Counsel, to take charge of the legal mat- ters that arise from time to time, was first inaugurated in 1897, when Frank L. Washburn was appointed to that position by the Selectmen, in accordance with the following vote, passed April 13, 1897 : Voted, That the selectmen be authorized to employ a competent person who shall serve as town counsel, whose duty shall be to furnish legal advice to the various officers whenever desired, and also prose- cute and defend all actions for and against the town during the current year. Salary #500. Mr. Washburn held the office until Melrose became a City, when the office was designated as CITY SOLICITOR. Mr. Washburn has been elected to that office by the J3oard of Aldermen for the years 1900, 1901, 1902. WATER LOAN SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS. Section 7 of the act "In Addition to an Act to incorporate the Spot Pond Water Company," which gave the three towns of Melrose, Maiden and Medford the right to purchase the franchise, property, rights and privileges of the "Spot Pond Water Company," reads as follows: The surplus of the net income derived from said water-works after TOWN AND CITY OFFICERS. 287 payment of the semi-annual interest upon said scrip, and after de- ducting all charges of distribution and repairs, and other expenses incident to the same, and all amounts appropriated from time to time by said towns for the payment of the principal sum thereof, under the provisions of this act, shall, in each town, be set apart as a sinking fund, which, with the accumulated interest upon the same, shall be devoted to the payment of said scrip of said town at maturity. A Board of Water Loan Sinking Fund Commissioners was first elected by the Town, March 25, 1878, for the purpose of investing and caring for these yearly accumulations. The following gentlemen were then elected and have served in that capacity under both Town and City governments from that time until the present. WATER LOAN SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS. Daniel Russell, ....... 1878-1899 Royal P. Barry, ....... 1878-1899 Johu W. Farwell, . 1S78-1899 CITV. Daniel Russell, 1900-1902 Royal P. Barry, 1900-1902 John W. Farwell, ....... 1900-1902 At the Town Meeting held March 7, 1S9S, it was Voted, To establish a sinking fund for the payment of general in- debtedness, in accordance with the provisions of law, and to proceed to elect three sinking fund commissioners, one for one }ear, one for two years, and one for three years. The following were elected and have served by election and appointment : SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS. TOWN. John W. Farwell, 1898-1899 Royal P. Barry 1 898-1 899 Daniel Russell 1898-1899 John W. Farwell, ....... 1900-X902 Royal P. Barry, ....... 1900-1902 Daniel Russell, ....... 1900-1902 288 HISTORY OF MELROSE. REGISTRARS OF VOTERS. In 1884, the Legislature passed an act authorizing and estab lishing a new board of officers consisting of three members with the Town Clerk as an ex-officio member, whose duties- should be to take charge of all matters pertaining to the registration of voters. The Selectmen appointed the follow- ing: John B. Souther for one year, Walter Babb for two years and Alfred Hocking for three years. The following have been the appointments from year to year, by Selectmen and Mayors, with terms of service: Johu B. Souther, . Walter Babb, . Alfred Hocking, . Victor C. Kirmes, . Charles W. Cochrane, Edgar R. Somes, . Herbert A. Marsh, Edwin L. Cragin, . The Clerks have been ex-officio men John Larrabee, Edward K. Bordnian, W. DeHaven Jones, bers: I 884-1 887 I 884-1 897 1884-1897 1887- I 897-1 900 1897-1900 1900- 1900- I 884-1 893 1893-1898 1898- Present members: Herbert A. Marsh, Chairman, Victor C. Kirmes and Edwin L. Cragin. The other duties of the Board, besides the registration of voters, consists of preparing lists of Jurors to be submitted to the Board of Aldermen for approval, and the settlement of all election controversies. Salaries $50 each; clerk the same. Other positions held by Melrose citizens, in Town, City and Nation, elective and appointed, as follows: Members of Congress. Daniel W. Gooch, 35th, 36th, 37th,. 38th, 39th and 43d Congresses. William E. Barrett, 54th and 55th Congresses. Naval Officer, Port of Boston. Daniel W. Gooch, 1865. Pension Agent, Boston. Daniel W. Gooch, 1875-1886. Commissioner of Internal Revenue for Boston District. Frank PI Orcutt, 1 889-1 892. Senators. Samuel P^. Sewall, 1852;- Daniel Russell, 1879-80; B. Marvin Fernald, 1891-92; George R. Jones, 1901-02. 2 Mr. Sewall was elected to the residence was just over the line Senate as from Stoneham. His from Melrose, in that part of Stone- TOWN AND CITY OFFICERS. ' ii89 Representatives. John T. Paine, 1851; Daniel W. Gooch, 1852; Samuel O. Dearborn, 1853; John Vial, 1855; Guy Lamkin, 1857; Walter Littlefield, Jr., 1858; Loren L. Fuller, 1859; Artemas Barrett, 1861; Isaac Emerson, Jr., 1863-64; Rufus Smith, 1866; Levi S. Gould, 1868-69; James C. Currier, 1871; Nelson Cochran, 1872; Elbridge H. Goss, 1874-75; W. Irving Ellis, 1877-78; Joseph D. Wilde, 1879-80; B. Marvin Fernald, 1881-82; Wingate P. Sargent, 1883-84; John VV. Farvvell, 1885; John Larrabee, 1886-87; William E. Barrett, 1888-89-90-91- 92-93; George R. Jones, 1894-95-96-97-98; Charles H.Adams, I 899- I 900-0 I -02. Speaker of the House of Representatives. William E. Bar- rett, 1889-90-91-92-93. Count}^ Commissioner, Middlesex County. Levi S. Gould, 1897-. Governor's Council. Charles F. Loring, 1892. Not sworn in; died January 28, 1892. Presidential Elector. George L. Morse, 1901. Harbor and Land Commissioner. Clinton White, 1897-1900 Railroad Commissioner. Clinton White, 1901-. Civil Service Commissioner for INIelrose. George H. Dear- born, 1902. United States Consul to St. Pierre, Martinique, West Indies. Thomas T. Prentis, 1901-. Mr. Prentis, wife and two daughters were destroyed by the dreadful eruption of Mt. Pelee, May 8, 1902. ham, now known as " Sewall estate several years before Melrose Woods Park," which was set off to was incorporated. Melrose, in 1853. He bought the CHAPTER XII. SPOT POND WATER WORKS. NESTLED amid the higher lands of Stoneham and Med- ford, and in the very centre of the wild and beautiful Middlesex Fells Reservation, lies Spot Pond. Orig- inally the pond was much smaller than it is now, but was largely increased in area by the building of a dam by the Sprague family, which had possession of it for over a hun- dred years, many of which were spent in litigation in the main- taining of these rights: Still this old hero, Timothy Sprague, at great cost and sacrifice of time, always came off victorious. He was greatly annoyed and har- assed through his life, which was frequently in danger. But for this unflinching old veteran the dam would long ago have been removed, and the pond have been worthless for the puiposes for which it is now used. To the several towns now enjoying this luxury he proved to be a great benefactor; for, in fighting these battles for himself he was laboring to bless future generations, and is deserving of their gratitude.! The high-water mark of the pond up to the time when it was taken by the iVIetropolitan Water Commissioners, was one hundred and forty-three feet above marsh level, and its area, when full, was two hundred and ninety-six acres. The purity^ of its water having been proven by analyzation caused Boston to cast wistful eyes toward it, previous to the introduction of Cochituate water into Boston in 1848. Not until 1867, was any action taken to secure this natural reservoir of water to the inhabitants of the surrounding towns. In that year Samuel PI. Sewall, Daniel W. Gooch and George W. Heath, of Melrose, Pllisha S. Converse, George P. Cox, and John H. Abbott, of Maiden, and James O. Curtis, Charles V. Bemis and Benjamin F. Ha}'es, of Medford, their associates atkl successors ^ Timothy Sprague and Spot Poud, by Artenias Barrett, in Melrose Journal, January 31, 1885. SPOT POND WATER WORKS. 291 are hereby made a coq^oration b}' the name of the Spot Pond Water Company, for the purpose of supplj-ing the inhabitants of said Melrose, Maiden and Medford, with pure water. More than two years passed away before anything was done by either Melrose, Maiden or Medford toward purchasing the franchise of this Company, according to one of the provisions of the act, when almost simultaneous action was taken by the three towns; the Town Meeting for Melrose being duly warned for Friday evening, September 24, 1869, at Lyceum Hall, at which time the subject of supplying our town with water was to be discussed and acted upon. At this meeting the following vote was passed: That the town of Melrose, — the towns of Medford and Maiden, or either of them, concurring, — purchase the franchise of the Spot Pond Water Company and all its corporate property, according to the pro- visions of an act to incorporate the Spot Pond Water Company, approved May 4, 1867. And that a commission of five be appointed by this Town to act in concurrence with commissions appointed by both or either of the other said towns. And that said commissioners be authorized in concurrence with the commissioners of said other towns, or either of them, to purchase the franchise of the Spot Pond Water Company and contract for the building of water works, at any time within one year from this date, at a cost to this town for its proportion of the expense of said franchise, works at the pond, main pipe to Warren Lynde's, and street pipes for this town, not exceeding the sum of sixty thousand dollars ($60,000). Said contracts to be submitted to the Town for ratification before being binding. The following were elected to act as Water Commissioners: Wingate P. Sargent, Jeremiah Martin, Elbridge Green, Dexter Bryant and Joel Snow. At a Town Meeting held October 7, 1869, these Commission- ers made a report stating that the works would cost $60,000. This report was accepted and adopted; and, in conjunction with the Commissioners of Maiden and Medford, the franchise was purchased of the Spot Pond Water Compan)', December 7, 1869, a contract was made b\' the Commissioners of Maiden and Melrose with George H. Norman, then of Newport, R. I., for the construction of the main water-works at the pond, and through Wyoming Avenue and Main Street to the house of Warren Lynde; and May 10, 1870, a contract was concluded between the Town of Melrose and Mr. Norman, to build the 292 HISTORY OF MELROSE. distributing works for the town, to be done on or before Sep- tember I, 1870. As the work progressed it was found neces- sary to extend the works over additional territory at a cost of ;^30,000. The contractor completed his work, and water was let on to the pipes, and the town supplied with water, August 25, 1870, nearly a week before the contract date. The cost of the works at that date was $96,663.56. Since then, year after year, as the town has increased in population, new construction pipes have been laid through the streets, to meet the demands of our growing community.- Our local system now consists of forty-six and one-half miles of main distributing pipes, varying in size from ^ inches in diameter to 16 inches in diameter. Nearly one-half of these are iron pipes, and the rest are cement-lined pipes; and within our territory there is one and nine-tenths miles of 48 inch iron pipe laid by the Metropolitan Water System; and there are 3,177 taps or service pipes supplying water to 3,707 separate families, stores, churches, factories and other require- ments, from which the present income to the city is nearly ^^50,000 annually. There are now 267 hydrants for fire purposes. The total cost of construction of our local system of water- works to January 31, 1902, has been $425,895.51, of which $198,895.51 has been paid; leaving the present indebtedness on account of water works as follows: Water Loan Bonds, series of 1885, due Nov. i, 1905, $37,000 Water Loan Bonds, series of 1897, due May i, 1907, 50,000 Water Loan Bonds, series of 1892, due May i, 1912, 25,000 Water Loan Bonds, series of 1892, due Sept. I, 1912, 37,000 Water Loan Bonds, series of 1893, due Oct. i, 1913, 50,000 Water Loan Bonds, series of 1895, due July i, 1925, 38,000 Total, . . $237,000 A " Water Loan Sinking Fund " was established according to a provision in the original act, and each year, after deduct- ing the cost of maintenance of the works, interest on bonds, 2 At the dedication of our Town the hue of health, send vigor to Hall, October 17, 1874, George F. the languid frame aud arrest, as it Stone, in his address speaks of were, by nod, the devouring ele- Spot Pond and its supply as fol- ment. It brightens our landscapes, lows : " Spot Pond — hung as a mas- paints our lawns, ministers to vege- sive pearl upon our highest border, table and animal life alike, and pro- that by our acceptance of its bless- claims in liquid and sparkling tones jugs we may tint the cheek with His exhaustless goodness, new with SPOT POND WATER WORKS. 293 and the payment of the assessment by the Commonwealth, from the total receipts from water-rates, the surplus is credited to this fund. The amount of this Sinking Fund, January 31, 1902, was $33,762.12, which deducted leaves the net water debt $203,237.38. Besides this, the City is to receive a large sum, hereafter to be determined, from the Commonwealth, on account of the absorption of the entire system of Spot Pond Water Works — outside of our own local system of supply for the City proper — into the Metropolitan Water System; which amount will be applied, when received, to our bonded water debt; thus making a material reduction of the same. In 1878, the following gentlemen were elected Commis- sioners of Water Loan Sinking Fund, and they have served, by election by the Town, and appointment by the City, from that date to the present: Daniel Russell, John W. Farwell and Royal P. Barry; and Town Treasurer, George Newhall, acted as Treasurer of the Fund until the Town became a City, when he was succeeded by Treasurer John Larrabee, for 1900, and he, January i, 1901, by his successor, William R. Lavender, Treasurer. After Spot Pond had been taken for the purpose of supply- ing Maiden, Medford and Melrose with water, various suits were brought against these three municipalities by different individuals and corporations, for water rights, and for divert- ing the overflow of water from its usual channel, thus interfer- ing with certain manufacturing purposes. Some of these suits were settled during the year 1875, others later. Those of Simon H. Barrett et als, and George William Phillips, adminis- trator for the estate of David Dyer, were tried before a sheriff's jury, resulting in an award of $11,500 and interest, to the Barretts, and $50,397.78, interest included, to the Dyer estate. When settled the total cost to Maiden, Medford and Melrose, was $69,313.73, one-third of which, $23,104.38, was paid by the rising sun and still fresh as his picturesque basin held fast by that beams gild our western sky ; not Omnipotence whose might secures in a reservoir constructed by the the everlasting hills, and by whose imperfect hand of man, which fiat the waters of the great deep might burst its artificial bounds are gathered together! Distant, and hurrying with terrifying sur- long distant, be the day when we prise through hamlet and town shall be unmindful of this inestim- spread desolation and death on able blessing." MSS. every hand, but in a lovely, and 294 HISTORY OF MELROSE. each. The claim of Anne C. Copeland was settled by Maiden and Melrose, each paying S875, a total of Si, 750. That of James P. Thorndike, for the Hurd and Grundy Mills, $1,825, which, with costs, amounted to ^700 for each, Maiden, Med- ford and Melrose. That of the Haywardville Rubber Com- pany, amounted to $14,479.92 and costs; each paying one-third. The last lawsuit of this character was settled in 1877; being that of Philander Ames, who claimed damages for flowage of land at the head of the Pond. No damages were awarded. The verdict was in favor of the defendants, the three M's. The total cost to Melrose for its part in taking Spot Pond, the water rights and land adjacent thereto, has been as follows: Cost of franchise in 1871, (one-third) . $133-33 Land damage paid in 1872, Land damage paid in 1873, Land damage paid in 1874, Land damage paid in 1875, Land damage paid in 1876, Land damage paid in 1877, 200.00 1,800.00 23.979-58 6,550.00 700.00 850.00 Total, . $34,212.91 During the first year in the history of the Water Works, Jeremiah Martin, one of the Commissioners served as Superin- tendent; after which Addison Lane was appointed to that position. In 1879, he was also made Water Registrar, and continued to hold both positions until 1888, when Parker Mer- rill was elected in his place, and James W. Riley was made Superintendent of construction. The next year Mr. Riley was elected Superintendent of Water Works, a position he held under the City P^ngineer and Superintendent of Public Works, until his death, December 14, 1901, and Parker Merrill, Water Registrar. In 1890, P^lbridge H. Goss was elected Water Registrar, who served until 1895, when he resigned and Levi S. Gould was appointed. He served two years, when having been elected one of the Commissioners for Middlesex County, he resigned and Stephen A. Lovejoy was appointed to the posi- tion which he held until Melrose became a city, January i, 1900. At the Town Meeting March 27, 1871, the number of Water Commissioners was reduced from five to three, and Wingate P. Sargent, W. Irving Ellis, and Joseph D. Wilde were elected; Mr. Sargent, chairman. In 1875, Mr. Sargent resigned, and SPOT POND WATER WORKS. 295 Joseph R. Simonds was elected in his place; Mr. Wilde, Chair- man. Capt. Simonds died in 1882, and Wilbur D. Fiske was elected, to fill the vacancy. Mr. Wilde resi<:,med in 1883, when Mr. Sargent was ag-ain elected and made Chairman. Major Ellis resigned in 1885, and John R. Jones was elected in his place. On the death of Mr. Jones in 1888, George L. Morse was elected. Mr. Sargent resigned in 1889, and William H. Miller was elected to fill the vacancy, and Maj. Fiske was made Chair- man. In 1891, George J. Bicknell was elected. In 1893, Mr. Miller resigned, and Mr. Morse was again elected, and Mr. Bicknell made Chairman. In 1895, Maj. Fiske declined a re- election and Curtis C. Goss was elected in his place. In 1896, Mr. Bicknell removed to Boston, and Frank W. Hunt was elected, and the Board consisted of George L. Morse, Curtis C. Goss and Frank W. Hunt, George L. Morse, Chairman, until January i, 1900, when the city was incorporated. As there existed complaints from occupants of the higher lands of the town, concerning their supply of water, at a Town Meeting held April 14, 1885, ^ committee consisting of Joseph D. Wilde, John W. Farwell, Royal P. Barry, John B. Souther and Nathan D. Blake, was appointed to confer with the Water Commissioners, and consider the " best method or system by which a full and ample supply of water can be furnished to the inhabitants." A report was made by the Commissioners which resulted in the appointment of another committee consisting of Wingate P. Sargent, Wilbur D. Fiske, John R. Jones, John W. Farwell, Nathan D. Blake, John B. Souther, Artemas Barrett, Alonzo V. Lynde and William F. Sherman, "to make full and thorough investigation and report to the town the best system or method for supplying the town with high water service, and the cost of the same." That committee reported, and the result was that at a Town Meeting held Juni- 2, 1885, it was x'otcd: That Wingate P. Sargent, Wilbur D. Plske, John R. Jones, Nathan D. Blake and William F. Sherman be a committee with full power and authority to contract for and cause to be made a suitable reservoir, and such other enlargements, extensions and improvements of our present water service as will give to the inhabitants of the town a full supply of water, provided the same can be clone at an expense not exceeding $37,000. This committee built a reservoir on the highest point of land 296 HISTORY OF MELROSE. on the east side of Spot Pond, into which the water was pumped by the Pumping Station on the border of the Pond, and made all other necessary arrangements for a complete " High Service" system, which was finished and put into opera- tion in 1886. From this time Melrose suffered not for lack of water until the dry season of 1894, when it was found neces- sary, on account of the lowness of the water in Spot Pond, to take steps for procuring an additional supply of water. Ex- periments were made by sinking artesian wells on the north- erly side of Ell Pond, and other sources were examined and considered, but not availed of. The Middlesex Fells Springs Company having established a plant for furnishing" pure water from wells sunk on the northerly side of Wyoming Avenue, and west of Whittier Street, near the Ravine Road, a contract was made between that Company and the Water Commission- ers in behalf of Melrose to furnish a certain number of gallons of water per day, by pumping into our system of pipes. This arrangement continued for nearly two years, from May 21, i8q4 to May i, i8g6, the Company having furnished the Town 275,245,473 gallons of water at a cost to the Town of $18,500.60. At that time. May i, Spot Pond again furnished all the neces- sary supply of water; and now that the great Metropolitan Water System has absorbed all the existing water works with- in the radius of ten miles — the " Greater Boston" — no further lack of water need be anticipated for generations to come. Spot Pond has been taken into the system as an auxiliary reservoir to supply the northern high-service district; and is to be kept constantly full by pumping from the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. The elevation of the surface of the water on Janu- ary I, 1901, when only 3.53 feet below the high water mark, was 159.47 feet above Boston city base; and it then con- tained 1,450,000,000 gallons; the capacity of the full pond is 1,791,000,000 gallons. Its capacity under the old system was 758,000,000 gallons. As an additional supph', a new reservoir has been built in the higher part of the Fells, a short distance to the south of the high service reservoir which formerly supplied Melrose. This is for the supply of Maiden, Melrose, Everett and Chelsea. It has an altitude of 271 feet above the sea level, 137 feet above that of the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, and 108 feet above Spot Pond. It has an area of 8.52 acres, and a capacity of 41,400,000 SPOT POND WATER WORKS. 297 gallons. It has cost $134,776.32. To supply this reservoir from Spot Pond, a very handsome pumping station has been erected on what was formerly the charming estate of Charles Copeland, on the shore of the Pond, at a cost, including a Leavitt engine with pumping capacity of 10,000,000 gallons daily, and a Holly engine with a capacity of 20,000,000 gallons daily, of $227,196.71.* Under the provisions of the act of 1895, creating the Metro- politan Water Board and District, the following assessments have been paid by Melrose: 1898, $3,332.04; 1899, $4,921.63; 1900, $6,740.49; 1901, $12,546.32. In 1890, cooperative action was taken by the three munici- palities, Maiden, Medford and Melrose, with the view of pro- tecting the waters of Spot Pond from pollution; and at a Special Town Meeting held July 7, 1891, the Town voted to join with Maiden and Medford in buying all the lands on the immediate border of the Pond, and appropriated $20,000 for its third of the total cost of $60,000. Had these cities and this town foreseen that within a very few years this whole question of water supply would have been absorbed by the action of the State, and placed under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Water Board, this united action of the three municipalities need never have taken place, and this outlay of money might have been saved. * Spot Poud was taken into this new and extensive system January I, 1898, under the authority of " An Act to Provide for a Metropolitan \Vater Supply, " passed by the Legislature and approved June 5, 1895. The district of "Greater Boston" embraced the cities of Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Maiden, Newton, vSomerville and Medford, and the towns of Belmont, Hyde Park, Melrose, Revere, Watertown and Winthrop. Since its passage additional legislation has added the •city of Quincy and the towns of Arlington, Nahant and Stoueham to the district. The total cost of this great and beneficent system thus far has been ^40,000,000; and the cost to each municipality each year is now a follows: Boston, 11,266,809 Everett, . 23.549 Medford, . 19.793 Newton, . 7,400 Somerville, 61,571 Belmont, . 4,622 Nahant, . 2,794 Stonehani, 6,139 Winthrop, 6,738 Chelsea, . 32,045 Maiden, . 33.104 Melrose, . 13.596 Quincy, 23.845 Arlington, 9.124 Hyde Park, 2,159 Revere, 10,892 Watertown, 10,620 298 HISTORY OF MELROSE. At a Town Meeting held December g, 1897, this preliminary action was taken on account of the contemplated absorption of the Spot Pond Water Works into the great Metropolitan Water System: Voted, That the water board, whenever the metropolitan water board shall have taken the waters of the south branch of the Nashua River, and the property of the city of Boston, situated westerly of the intersections of the main pipes to be laid from Chestnut Hill reservoir to Spot pond, with the main pipes which convey water from the Mystic distributing reservoir; also the pumping station at Chestnut Hill reser- voir, and lands under and surrounding the same, and the pipes and aqueducts leading thereto; also Spot pond, so called, in or near the town of Stoneham, and the lands under and surrounding the same, now owned by the cities of Maiden and Medford and the Town of Melrose, or either of them, held for the purpose of water supply, or of protecting or preserving the purity of the water, and the pumping sta- tions and pumps thereon as provided in Act of 1895, Chap. 488, Sec. 4, shall file with said board, the application of the town for furnishing water thereto, as provided in Section 3, of said Chap. 488 of the Acts of 1895. After the Spot Pond Water Works had been absorbed by the Metropolitan Water System, the following action was taken at a Town Meeting held March 14, 1898: Voted, That the water commissioners and the following named five citizens of Melrose : A. V. Lynde, Royal P. Barry, B. Marvin Fernald, John W. Farwell and George R. Jones, be a committee to represent the town in all matters pertaining to the taking of its water supply by the commonwealth, any portion thereof, or interest therein ; the said committee have full power and authority to negotiate for a settlement, and adjust all claims of said town against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with the metropolitan board of water commissioners, to agree upon a price for the same. Said committee shall not bind the town by any final adjudication as to the value of any of its rights so taken, vmtil the same has been reported back to the town, and duly approved by it, but may accept partial payment on account of said damages, then to cause proper petition or action therein to be brought to recover damages for taking of said property. The same committee remained in force through the year 1899; s"*^! when the City Government was inaugurated, a Special Committee on Settlement with the Metropolitan Water Board was appointed, consisting of Aldermen JJowes, Moore,. SPOT POND WATER WORKS. 299 Carrie, Shepard and Goss. The same Committee was ap- pointed for the year 1901, with one change; Elbridge H. Goss took the place of Curtis C. Goss. Later, April 6, Alderman Charles N. Shute was added to this Committee. As the proper time had not arrived, no action was taken by the Committee appointed by the Town, March 14, 1898, neither by the Special Aldermanic Committee of 1900; but, during the year 1901, His Honor. John Larrabee, Mayor, City Solicitor Frank L. Washburn, and the Aldermanic Committee, and the representatives of the cities of Maiden and Medford, equally interested with Melrose, met the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Board,^ acting for the Commonwealth, with the view of obtaining terms which should be satisfactory to all three municipalities. After that the Mayor and City Solicitor were authorized on behalf of Melrose, to continue these negotiations, the result of which was communicated to the Board of Aldermen at its meeting October 7, 1901, by the following correspondence: City of Melrose, Mayor's Office, October 7, 1901. To the Honorable, the Boai'd of Aldermen, Alelrose, Mass. Gentlemen: — I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of letter received from the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Board, in which a direct offer is made by the Board to the City of Melrose in full for its claims against the Commonwealth by reason of the tak- ing of Spot Pond and lands under and surrounding the same, and for the pumping station, pumps, etc., said offer amounting, with interest allowed, to nearly $93,000.00. I have met on several occasions repre- sentatives of the cities of Maiden and Medford in conference, and at hearings before the Metropolitan Board ; so far as I am able to learn the cities mentioned, who have a joint interest with us, are not prepared to settle on the terms proposed. 1 therefore suggest that the matter be referred to the Special Committee already appointed by your Board, with such authority in the premises as in your judgment may deem best. 1-lespectfully yours, John Larrahee, Mayor. * The Metropolitan Water Board consolidated in one Board by act of and Metropolitan vSewer Board were Legislatnre, March 20, 1901. 500 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Board. I Ashburton Place. Boston, August 9, 1901. Jlon. John Larrabee^ Mayor of Melrose. My Dear Sir: — -The Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Board Tiave taken into consideration the claims of the City of Melrose by reason of the taking of Spot Pond and the lands under and surround- ing the same, owned by the cities of Maiden, Medford and Melrose, or either of them, held for the purpose of water supply, or of protecting or preserving the purity of the water, and the pumping stations and pumps thereon, as required by the Metropolitan Water Act of 1895. The Board will pay to the City of Melrose in full for its claims, in- cluding its share under the joint claims of the three cities, the sum of $89,669.54, with interest at the rate of three and one-half per cent, per annum from November i, 1900. This includes the tools and supplies on the premises when taken by the Board, the value of which is estimated at $600. This sum so far as we have been able to determine from the exhibits furnished by you, is the amount paid by the City of Melrose on account of the works and property taken by the Board. The settlement with the City of Boston for like claims was made upon the basis above proposed. The Board does not feel that it should pay for property not taken, although such property was used by the city as a portion of its water works. The city of Boston was not paid for similar works, nor indeed was it paid for the Mystic works which were taken. Water works belonging to several other municipalities in the District have been found useless by them since the introduction of the Metropolitan Supply, and have been necessa- rily abandoned, but in no instance have such works been paid for by the Metropolitan Water Board. The Board trusts that this offer will be acceptable to the City of Melrose, and that a speedy settlement may be made with the city upon this basis. Yours very truly, Henry H. Sprague, Chairman. The offer for settlement made by the Metropolitan Water Board has not yet been accepted. In conjunction with the other interested cities, Maiden and Medford, further negotia- tions are in progress. CHAPTER XIII. SEWERAGE. THE act establishing- the Metropolitan Sewerage System- was passed by the Massachusetts Legislature, June 7,. 1889. It was entitled " An Act to provide for the Building, Maintenance and Operation of a System of Sewage Disposal for the Mystic and Charles River Valleys." Section 3, in part, authorized the construction of a Main Sewer, under the direction of the Metropolitan Sewer Commissioners, for the cities of Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Maiden, Chelsea, Woburn, Medford, Everett, and the towns of Stoneham, Mel- rose, Winchester, Arlington, Belmont and Winthrop, in ac- cordance with the plans reported and recommended by the State Board of Health, in its report to the Legislature in 1889. Under this act the State, by its Sewer Commissioners, at once began to build these works; and in due time the initia- tory steps were taken to enable Melrose to participate in this great public benefit. At a Town Meeting held April 25, 1892, it was voted that a committee consisting of the Selectmen, Levi S. Gould, John P. Deering and Charles W. Higgins, together with George L. Morse, John Robson, Charles W. Cook and Francis S. Hessel- tine, be appointed to consider the whole question of sewerage for this town, the work to be done, the cost, system or plan to be adopted, how the expense of same shall be borne, whether betterments shall be assessed upon estates or not, and that they be requested to report with recommenda- tions at the next town meeting. On the 22d of October following, the Town \otc(l: That the treasurer be authorized to borrow a sum not exceeding $1500, to be expended under the direction of the committee on sewer- age for the purpose of obtaining plans, specifications, etc., for a sewer- age system for this town. 302 HISTORY OF MELROSE. This committee made its report January 4, 1894, in print; in a pamphlet of 47 pages, containing not only their own report, but that of the engineer, Walter C. Stevens, who had been employed by the committee to make a map of the entire sewerage system, comprising all streets, both pub- lic and private, to date ; a set of profile plans in detail ; specifications, estimates, etc.; all of which your committee believe to be thorough and complete, and in strict accordance with your instructions. The engineer in making his estimates, divided the Town into nine sections, giving the pipe lines in detail and the estimated cost of construction of the sewers by section; and the commit- tee's recommendation was that the Town should only authorize such sections to be built from year to year as may be considered absolutely necessary for the health and comfort of our citizens, otherwise a financial burden might be created which it would be unpleasant to contemplate. Under the general plan thus recommended by the committee the work was duly begun. May 14, 1894, was continued, under the jurisdiction of the three Sewer Commissioners, which were chosen at the Annual Meeting, held March 5, 1894, in accord- ance with Chap. 417, Acts of 1893, relating to the election of Sewer Commissioners, and which had been accepted at the Town Meeting held January 4, 1894, until January i, 1900, when Melrose became a city, and Sewer Commissioners were no longer elected. These Commissioners were: Seth E. Ben- son, elected for three years, L. Frank Hinckley, for two years, and John Larrabee, for one year. During the first year sewer bonds were issued to the extent of $100,000, by authority of the Legislature, Chap. 323, Acts of 1894. In 1895, John Larrabee was re-elected for three years, and the Sewer Department was organized as follows: Seth E. Benson, Chairman; L. Frank Hinckley and John Larrabee, Commissioners; Walter C. Stevens, Engineer; W. Dabney Hunter, Superintendent of Construction. Mr. Hunter acted as an Inspector during the first year. During this year the Legislature authorized an additional issue of sewer bonds to the extent of $100,000. The sections thus far completed were connected with the main sewer of the North Metropolitan Sewerage System, June SEWERAGE. 308 I, 1895, ^"d from that time house connections were made as rapidly as applied for, as they have been with the sections since completed year by year. In 1896, L. Frank Hinckley was re-elected for three years. W. Dabney Hunter was made Chief Engineer and Superintendent, and Clarence T. Fernald, First Assistant Engineer. Those portions of the Town of Wakefield known as Green- wood and Boyntonville, having petitioned to be admitted to the Metropolitan Sewerage system, hearings were held which resulted in an act passed by the Legislature, under the provis- ions of which the State purchased of the Town of Melrose, the trunk sewer which connects with the State sewer in Wyoming Avenue, running thence through Berwick, Grove, Myrtle, Essex and Tremont Streets to a point near Lake Avenue, paying therefor the actual cost to the Town, and built the remainder of the line through Tremont, Melrose, Belmont, Franklin and Greenwood Streets to the Wakefield line; thus these sections of the Town of Wakefield have been accommodated, and are receiving the same benefits as if they had originally belonged to the Metropolitan district. In 1897, Seth E. Benson was re-elected fo^ three years, and the organization of the Board of Sewer Commissioners re- mained the same. Messrs. Hinckley and Larrabee, by re-elec- tion as their terms expired, served through 1898 and 1899, until Melrose became a city. During this year, 1897, the Legislature authorized an addi- tional issue of $100,000 sewer bonds. The total issue of bonds on account of sewer construction has been $350,000, as follows: $100,000 dated 1894, payable in thirty years; $100,000 dated 1895, payable in thirty years; $50,000 dated 1896, payable in thirty years; $100,000 dated 1897, $25,000 of which is payable in ten years, $25,000 in fifteen years, and $50,000 in twent}- }ears; all bearing interest at the rate of four per cent, per annum. 304 HISTORY OF MELROSE. vSEU'ERS BUILT TO FEBRUARY 1, 1902. SIZE. lyENGTH IN FEET. Inches. 1894. 1895. 1896. 1897. 1808. 1899. 1900. Totals. 6 8 10 12. ... 14,004.16 5,489.89 1,508.02 949.95 354.80 2,715.0" 2,788.80 1 213 10 20,41 1.06 8,020.03 4,968.55 1,250.69 26,179.93 15,505.79 2,152.38 2,407.62 22,916.40 11,817.90 2,946.60 5,672.64 3 121 73 2,512.00 1,424.00 4,662.40 1,530.10 1,067.00 839.00 2,429.00 2,796.00 91,525.55 46,166,71 15,488.55 10,280.90 3 476.53 If,. 18 317 66 9 117 10 5,149.83 2 788.30 20 24 1,213.10 BRICK. 20 X 18- 8,034.94 1 . . 3,034.94 ni.oo 9() 111.00 28.00 ... 1 24 28.00 Totals . 29,112.29 34,650.93 46,563.38 56,627.31 3,936.00 7,259.50 6,064.00 *179,213.41 * Total length of sewers, 179,213.41 feet, or 33.94 miles, 2.4 miles of which are owned and controlled by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but by an act of the Legislature Melrose is permitted to use in the same manner as local sewers. At a Town Meetinj;^- held March 21, 1895, '^ was voted: That when this meeting adjourns it shall be to Monday evening, April 8, 1895; that a committee of five be appointed to act in con- jimction with the Sewer Commissioners in the consideration of plans for the assessment and apportionment of the estimated cost of the sewer and report at said adjourned meeting. This committee consisted of Levi S. Gould, Moses S. Page, Royal P. Barry, George L. Morse and George J. Bicknell. This committee reported June 10, 1895, ^ system of assessment, and apportionment which was adopted by the Town; but as this action was based on a partial knowledge of the cost of the whole system, it was deemed best not to act in the matter until the building of the sewers should be more nearly completed; consequently no further action was taken until the Town Meet- ing which was held April 7, 1896, when the following vote was passed: That a committee of five citizens be appointed to act in conjunction with the Sewer Commissioners [Seth E. Ben.son, L. Frank Hinckley and John Larrabee] to take into consideration matters in connection with the levying of sewer assessments, and that the Commissioners be instructed to defer the levying of assessments until further action of the Town. SEWERAGE. 305 The following were appointed by the Moderator: Royal P. Barry, Eugene H. Moore, George L. Morse, Moses S. Page, William N. Folsom, George R. Jones and William A. Burrell. As this was a very important matter, it was considered b\' this committee very carefully, and, after mature deliberation, its report was made at the Town Meeting held March 21, 1898, and was accepted. At an adjourned meeting, held March 28, this report was debated, amended and adopted as follows: That one-half of the estimated cost of all the Sewers shall be paid by the Town. One-half of the said estimated cost shall be assessed upon the estates directly benefited, wherever the sewer shall be laid, by the frontage and area plan combined, viz : Twenty cents to be assessed on each foot of lot frontage of estates or any street or way wherever a sewer is constructed. Five (5) mills per square foot upon the area of said estates extending back to a depth of one hundred (100) feet from the front of same. Upon all corner lots, assessment for lot frontage shall be levied as before stated, upon the whole frontage of such estate which abuts on the street where a sewer is first constructed, and when a sewer is constructed on the other street or streets, or ways upon which such corner lots or estates abut, an exemption, as may be determined by the Sewer Commissioners, of not exceeding Fifty (50) feet of the frontage assessment shall be made on such streets or ways, and the assessments, as before provided, shall be levied on all the rest of the frontage on such streets or ways. Upon such estates as shall receive a direct benefit from the sewer, and have no assessable lot frontage, and are not located within one hundred (roo) feet of a street or way, such an amount of the area of said estate shall be assessed as may be deemed just and reasonable by the Board of Sewer Commis- sioners, for the benefit received. By the action of the Sewer Commissioners, under the author- ity of the State Law, the payment of the sewer assessments has been so arranged as to bear as lightly as possible upon tax-payers. It was left optional with each citizen, to make the whole amount assessed in one payment, or, apportioned into ten equal parts, one part payable aiinuallN', the parts re- maining unpaid {o flraw interest at the rate of five per cent, per annum. ^ 1 Further facts concerning the found in tlie reports of the Boanl cost of our Sewerage system, to- of Sewer Conitnissiouers, Messrs. gether with other details, may be Benson, Hinckley and Larrabee, 806 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Our excellent system of sewers was constructed at a cost of about $360,000. The additions of portions of Wakefield and Stoneham to the Metropolitan System gave to Melrose the opportunity to dispose of the hne running through Myrtle, Essex and Tremont Streets to the State, the right being reserved to connect house or lateral sewers. Since that time a line has been constructed from Tremont street to Stoneham, and there is in process of construction a line from Wake- field, in all of which important privileges are given to Melrose, which will result in a saving in the cost of our local system, estimated at $40,000 to $45,000.- The system at present comprises 33.94 miles of constructed sewers. On the streets through which these are situated there are about 2,500 buildings, 2,028 of which have been connected with the sewer. Owners of property have very generally made the request for these connections, showing that the public estimates the system as an economic and healthful measure. The act of the Legislature authorizing Melrose to build its sewer system, required a sinking fund to be established, for the payment of the bonds as they mature. This was done, and the various sums that have been added to this fund amounted to $88,286.62, on January 31, 1902, which deducted from bonded debt of $350,000 leaves present sewerage debt $261,713.38. On July 9, 1901, the Board of Aldermen, made an additional appropriation of $15,000, for the extension of the sewer system throughout the settled portion of the north- eastern section of the City; also to enter it on Henry Avenue at the Highlands, and Corey Place at Wyoming. The commissioners appointed by a decree of the Supreme Court . of Massachusetts, to determine and apportion the amount to be paid annually for the next five years, beginning with 1901, by the cities and towns in this Metropolitan Sewer- age System, to meet interest and sinking fund requirements, and also to pay cost of maintenance and operation, in their re- port gave the proportion for Melrose as $7,355-74 and $2,372.50 respectively; a total of $9,728.24. The amount paid by Mel- rose for 1900, was $9,431.01; for 1901, $9,727.23; for 1902, $10,561.13. and Chief Engineer and Superin- Engineer and Superintendent of tendent, W. Dabney Hunter, in Public Works for 1900 and 1901. their reports of 1899. Additional -z proui the Inaugural Address of matter is given in the report of the Mayor Larrabee, January 7th, 1901. CHAPTER XIV. DRAINAGE AND HEALTH. FOR many years previous to 1870, the growth of Melrose was impeded by the fact that much of the land in the valley at the southern part of the town was constantly overflowed by a large body of water, caused by the existence of what came to be known as the " Dyer Dam." This dam was situated in Maiden, on the main stream formed by the united waters of Spot Pond, Ell Pond and Shilly Shally Brooks, near where the present Mountain Avenue crosses it.^ Before the taking of Spot Pond by the three towns. Maiden, Medford and Melrose for their water supply, in 1870, there was a large overflow of water, supplying Spot Pond Brook continuously; and in the earlier days Shilly Shally Brook, the feeder of the Cascade on Washington Street, also had a continuous supply; of late years the sources of this brook fail during a portion of the seasons. An attempt was made as early as 1857, to have this overflow of water remedied; when, at a Town Meeting held March 2, the following action was taken: On motion of L. H. M. Cochran, Resolved: That it is wise and ex- pedient for the Town to take active measures for draining off the sur- plus water which now submerges so large a portion of the territory of the Town, to the great injury of the health, character and prosperity of its citizens, by widening and deepening the ditches from the High- lands and the outlets of Ell Pond to the southern extremity of the Town line; and in such other manner as the Committee may deem advisable and to prevent the damming up of the water by the Flouring Mills, late the Odiorne Mills, in the Town of Maiden, beyond the legal rights of the Proprietors of said Mills ; and that a committee of 1 Time was, before hal)itatioii and Streams have met and "pledged industrial pursuits had interfered eternal friendship and passed on with the purity of the water, when united, singing, looking up blue- it might have been said : these eyed toward heaven." 308 HISTORY OF MELROSE. no less than three nor more than five competent citizens of Melrose be chosen to carry into effect the wishes of the Town as herein expressed, with all reasonable prudence and dispatch, and at the expense of said Town ; and for this purpose it is voted that the sum of $i ,500 be raised and appropriated and paid by the Treasurer of the Town on the draft of said Committee, at such times as the money may be needed. Voted, that German S. Phippen, Samuel O. Dearborn and Caleb Howard be a Committee to attend to the duties of the above Resolve, and motion, and they are instructed to attend to that duty as soon as practicable. February 18, 1858, a vote was passed authorizing the appoint- ment of an agent to procure legal counsel to act with this committee in this matter of drainage, in defending the Town and its citizens in any action that might grow out of this attempt to remove this nuisance. Nelson Cochran was elected to act in this position. Meanwhile various changes had taken place in the Committee; Messrs. Dearborn and Howard had resigned, and Edmund B. Southwick and William J. Farnsworth were elected in their places; Mr. Farnsworth resigned and Joseph Holbrook was substituted. And this, so far as the Town records show, was all that was done towards remedying the evil. Year after year went by, and still the many acres of land forming the southern end of the Melrose valley, were sub- merged with Ell, Spot Pond and Shilly Shally Brook waters. But in 1869, a determined effort was initiated for the removal of this great and long existing evil — this standing menace to the health of our citizens; the power of the State was invoked. A petition was circulated and presented to the General Court, by Levi S. Gould, who was the Representative of this District at that time, which resulted in the passage of " An Act relating to drainage in the towns of Maiden and Melrose," which was approved June 11, 1869, the first section of which was as follows: The county commissioners of the county of Middlesex are hereby authorized and directed to take and lay out such land, water-courses and water-rights, dams and other real estate, or interests, or easements, or rights therein, or on the adjoining streams or brooks running from Ell Pond in Melrose and Spot Pond in Stoneham, to the tide-water in Maiden, as they shall deem necessary for the puq:)Oses of proper drainage and the public health; and they are also authorized, for the same purposes, to control the damming up and letting off the waters DRAINAGE AND HEALTH. 309 of said ponds. And they may change, widen, straighten and deepen the channels of said brooks and streams, and remove all dams and other obstructions therefrom, and use and appropriate said brooks or streams, in such manner as they shall deem necessary for the purposes aforesaid. The rest of the act refers to betterments, assessments, war- rants of distress and suits for damages; and the whole was made subject to acceptance by vote of the towns of Maiden -and Melrose. An act in addition thereto was passed by the Legislature, May 9, 1870. At a Town Meeting held November 8, 1870, the Town voted that the Water Commissioners, Wingate P. Sargent, Jeremiah Martin, Dexter Bryant, Joel Snow and Elbridge Green, be a committee to act in this matter, and in connection with any committee that Maiden might appoint, apply to the County Commissioners, and ask them to take action in conformity to the Acts of the Legislature. The County Commissioners at once held several hearings; and on the 28th of March, 1871, they ordered the dam removed^ forthwith, deeming it "necessary for the purposes of proper drainage and the public health; " ordering also that the streams and brooks " should be located, and their courses and widths described;" appointing as agents for this service Albert T. Sargent, of Maiden, and Jeremiah Martin, of Melrose. All this work was done in due time; the dam was taken down March 31, 1871; the necessary surveys were made, and bound- aries fixed. This dam at Rlack Rock, on Mountain Avenue, Maiden, caused the water to flow back as far as the present Wyoming Station; and m winter, such was the wet and marshy formation then existing up along where now runs the Boston & Maine railroad, that skaters — among them Levi S. Gould — have skated from the dam to the Highlands. A petition to the County Commissioners, claiming damages on account of taking down this dam, was made by Mr. Dyer, February 20, 1872, but no damages were awarded. Another, asking for a jury to determine the matter of his complaint, was presented to the Board March 26, 1872; and, before any action was taken thereon, Mr. Dyer died. In May, 1875, George William Phillips, administrator of the Dyer estate, petitioned the Commissioners, "desiring to revive and prosecute said last 310 HISTORY OF MELROSE. named petition of his intestate," also asking for a jury. A copy of this petition was sent to our Selectmen, Walter Babb, Henry G. Fields and George A. Mansfield, and they appeared at the hearing. Arguments were made, pro and con, and the petition dismissed. Still the matter was unsettled and several long and protracted hearings were held in the September following. The aim was "to show that no damages should be awarded to the Dyer heirs, as they had been fully compensated by the payment of a large sum for the Spot Pond water, [see ' Spot Pond Water Works'] and without this privilege their dam was worthless;" and the Commissioners sustained this view of the 'matter, and awarded no damages. It was also contended that the improved land which the drainage had left was worth more to them than before its removal. The " Report and Award of the County Commissioners," was made December 21, 1875. The costs as determined by them in this matter, were for Maiden $3,165.05, and for Melrose ^^4,105. 55 Still Mr. Phillips, in behalf of the Dyer estate, pursued this case by taking it to the Supreme Court, in 1876, and it was again decided for the defendants; and in October, 1877, the case was again tried before a sheriff's jury, at the Court House, in East Cambridge, lasting five days, resulting in a disagree- ment of the jury. A second trial followed in December, be- fore a new jury, when it was again, and finally, decided for the defendants. Thus was the long drawn out case ended; and in the Annual Report for 1877-78, the Selectmen were enabled to say: This case which has been before the Courts, the County Commis- sioners and town meetings for so many years, has at last, let us hope, reached a final conclusion, the justice of which is apparent to every- body at all conversant with the facts. In later years, encroachments having been made by the building of another dam, a short distance below the old one, by wrongly built culverts, and numerous other obstructions, an appeal was again made in 1890, to the County Commission- ers for authority to remove all such, arrd to maintain the channels in proper condition. March 3, 1890, the Town ap- pointed a committee consisting of George T. Brown, John B. Souther, Norman F. Hesseltine, Seth E. Benson and Walter C. DRAINAGE AND HEALTH. 311 Stex'ens, the Selectmen ro cooperate, to iiu'estigate the matter and report what in their judgment is for the best interests of the town to do. At a Town Meeting held June 3, 1890, it was voted to send a petition which had been prepared as follows: Melrose, May 26th, i.Sqo. 7o tlic Hon. Coiiiitx Coi/i/n/ss/o/icrs of the' County of Middlesex. Gentlemen : — The undersigned, representing a committee ap- pointed by the inhabitants of the town of Melrose, in town meeting assembled, respectfully petition your honorable board to cause to be carried out in its entirety, the order of said board relating to Spot and Ell Pond brooks in the towns of Melrose and Maiden, said order having been made under the Acts of 1869, relating to "Drainage in the towns of Maiden and Melrose." Levi S. Gould, Chairman Selectmen of Melrose. Geor(;e T. Brown, Chairman of Committee on Removal of -' Obstructions in Ell and Spot Pond Brooks. Several hearings were had before the County Commissioners, resulting in a decision by them, that their powers under the act of 1869 were exhausted upon the issuance of their decree in 1875; and that they were powerless to aid the Town without further legislation; but, in their judgment, the Tovvn had jurisdiction within its own borders, to straighten, widen and deepen the brooks in Melrose, in such a manner as to comply with the original order of the Commissioners. In due time the Town gave its Selectmen the necessary authority; and the work was satisfactorily accomplished; cost- ing the Town for that part of the work done on the Ell Pond brook, $4,048.42, and on the Spot Pond brook $3,100; a total of $7,148.42. These brooks are now in excellent condition to the Maiden line, in which municipality the decree of the Commissioners has never yet been completed. They consti- tute the only avenue for the surface drainage of a constantly increasing community. The next action in connection with this very important subject was taken at a Town Meeting held November 18, 1895: Voted, That John Larrabee, Arthur M. Willis. Seth E. Benson and Francis S. Hesseltine be appointed, they to elect another citizen, so that the committee shall consist of five members, and the board of 312 HISTORY OF MELROSE. selectmen, ex officio, to take into consideration all matters relating to the present imperfect drainage of the town, through the medium of Ell Pond and Spot Pond brooks ; also to examine into the attitude of the city of Maiden in allowing the waters of said streams to be choked and dammed up within the territory of said city, contrary to the or- ders given by the county commissioners under authority of Chapter 378, of the Acts of 1869, thus allowing the waters of said brooks to flow back upon property of citizens of the town of Melrose, to the great damage of private interests, and more especially of the public health. Voted, That said committee commence their investigations without delay and report their findings hereunder to the town at the earliest practicable moment. Levi S. Gould was added to this committee. At an ad- journed Town Meeting April 7, 1896, it was Voted, That the committee in the matter of Ell and Spot Pond brooks be directed to invite the co-operation of the city of Maiden in the widening, deepening and removal of all obstructions in said public drain within the limits of Maiden, to the depth and width intended under the original orders of the count}' commissioners; and should they be unable to accomplish this result, then to commence such pro- ceeding, as may in their judgment be necessary to compel said city to perform its duty in the premises. For the purpose of enabling said committee to carry out the spirit of this vote, the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars (#250) is hereby raised and appropriated. The City of Maiden did not recognize this action on the part of Melrose, consequently no further action relative to the matter of drainage was taken until the Town Meeting held March 8, 1897, when it was voted: That the Selectmen be authorized to petition the Legislature for an act to authorize the County Commissioners of Middlesex Count}^, to assume control of Spot Pond and Ell Pond brooks in Melrose and Maiden, to use said brooks or streams in such manner as they may deem necessary for proper drainage and the public health. Nearly two years went by before any further action of im- portance was taken. February 15, 1900, Mayor Charles L. Dean, of Maiden, addressed a letter to Mayor Levi S. Gould, asking that a conference concerning the " Spot Pond Brook matter" be held in City Hall, Maiden, February 22, at which he desired the presence of the Mayor, City Solicitor, Engineer of Public Works, Representative to the General Court, and DRAINAGE AND HEALTH. 313 others. At the request of Mayor Gould a committee from the Board of Aldermen was appointed to meet with the above, consisting of Aldermen Fernald, Goss, Moore, Folger, Foster, Everett and Burnett. A month later the Mayor sent the following communication to the Board: Melrose, Mass., March 19, 1900. To the Honorable the Board of Aldermen. Gentlemen : — I respectfully call your attention to the flowage of lands and streets through which runs Spot Pond brook. The present condition of affairs is largely attributable to the action of the Common- wealth in turning a large drainage area from its ordinary flowage into Spot Pond and depositing it through an unnatural channel in such a rapid and unusual way as to deluge the low lands of Melrose and Mai- den. This sort of thing is growing constantly worse and demands an immediate remedy. My advice would be to instruct our Representa- tive and Senator to ask the Legislature to pass an act which shall cause the Metropolitan Water Board to so widen, deepen and straighten Spot Pond brook in Melrose, Stoneham and Maiden as to allow the water from said pond and its vicinity to flow unobstructed to the sea. This action ought to be taken at once. Very Respectfully, Levi S. Gould, Mayor, May 28, 1900, Mayor Gould addressed the Board of Alder- men on this subject, and during his remarks read the following communication made to the Maiden and Melrose committee: Metropolitan Water Board, 3 Mt. Vernon St. Boston, May 25, 1900. To the Co7n7nittce on the part of Maiden and Melrose in relation to Spot Pond Brook. Gentlemen : — The Metropolitan Water Board has considered the matter of Spot Pond brook. We do not feel that it is possible before the adjournment of the Legislature, to advise you as to a specific plan by which the improvement such as you suggest could be carried out. It would be a difficult matter to determine what work should be done simply to protect the lands along the brook so far as to put them in the situation enjoyed before the pond was used for water purposes, or before any disturbance was caused by the operations of the Metropoli- tan Water Board. It now seems, however, that when the work is undertaken, in the interest of the City of Melrose and probably of the City of Maiden, that a much wider scope should be taken, and the 314 HISTORY OF MELROSE. operations should be so carried on that a decided improvement should be made for the benefit of the abutting lands. The best suggestion that we could make to you in reference to legislation would seem to be for you to obtain authority for the appointment of a board which should take the whole matter into consideration and determine what disturbance has been caused and what improvement should be made, and also to determine by what method it is desirable that any sug- gested improvement should be carried out, and who should be held to make payment therefor. This inquiry might be made by the Metro- politan Sewerage Commission, The inquiry should certainly seem to call for a pretty careful consideration as to what was accomplished under the statute of 1869. It would seem that there is little danger of more damage being done in the coming year than during the last so far as the operations of our Board are concerned, and it is not likely that we shall have floods like those of the past year. If, however, it seemed desirable by your com- mittee that more specific work should be undertaken an act might be passed by which, say, the Metropolitan Sewerage Commission should be empowered to carry out the improvement, that betterments should be imposed upon abutters or others who are benefited by the opera- tions, and that the parties upon whom assessments should be made for carrying on the work, or liable for the damages resulting, should be ascertained by a commission to be appointed by the Supreme Court, and that this same commission should be empowered to de- termine the amount which should be paid by each of the assessable parties. We do not think, however, that any propositions can be suddenly made which will result in proper legislation for accomplishing the ends desired. Yours Very Truly, Henry H. Sprague, Chairman. June II, 1900, Mayor Gould sent a communication to the Board, and as Chairman of the General Committee he referred to this subject as follows: Regarding the matter of Spot Pond Brook I have to report in addition to what I stated before your Honorable Board, that a full meeting of the Committee having this matter in charge was held at City Hall, Maiden, on the evening of June 7th, and it was deemed unadvisable to attempt to do anything in connection with the Legis- lature this year, but the same committee was continued with full powers to make all necessary arrangements to bring the subject to the attention of the next General Court. At a meeting of the Board of Aldermen, January 28, 1901^ President Robinson appointed His Honor Mayor Larrabee^ DRAINAGE AND HEALTH. 315 and Aldermen Fernald, Everett and Moore, to act with Senator George R. Jones, and Representative Charles H. Adams, in this matter of the drainage of Spot and Ell Pond Brooks. Several meetings were held but no definite action was taken until 1902, when an act was passed by the Legislature, author- izing and directing the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Board to investigate the condition of Spot Pond brook in Stoneham, Melrose and Maiden, and report a plan for such improvements to the brook as will provide for the easy and natural flow of water from Doleful Pond and surrounding' country turned into it by said board to tide water. The Board is to take the whole subject into consideration, find a feasible and desirable plan to remedy the existing evils, to apportion expenses and betterments to all interested parties, and to report to the General Court before January 15, 1903. It is hoped that in the near future, with the united action of Maiden, the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Board and our own municipality, these waters may have no hindrance or impediment in their journey to the sea. During the last few years Melrose has been greatly troubled with the surface drainage question in its residential centres. It has been a problem to the solving of which much thought and labor has been given. Many thousands of dollars have been spent on streets, particularly side-hill streets, only to be dissi- pated by the first heavy down-pour of rain. Many districts in the lower lands have been flooded, with no proper outflow. So great had become the evil that Engineer and Superin- tendent of Public Works, W. Dabney Hunter, was ordered, by the Board of Aldermen, to devise some system of relief. November 19, 1900, he submitted a very thorough and ex- haustive report for such a system of surface drainage, estimat- ing the cost, exclusive of any improvements in the Ell Pond brook to the Maiden line, at $334,610. This report was adopted by the Board of Aldermen, and the work commenced July 9, 1901, with an appropriation of $10,000 with which to construct a portion of said system. The sum of $10,639.19 was expended under the direction of the Mayor, in different parts of the City, wherever in his judg- ment the most serious trouble existed, and in this manner, many sections of the City were benefited. In furtherance of this work, the Legislature, in 1902, passed an act authorizing 516 HISTORY OF MELROSE. the issuance of $100,000 in bonds, with the view of using only a portion of them, $20,000 each year, as the work progressed. By a provision of the City Charter, the issuing of bonds, or a permanent loan, must be submitted to the voters of the City, at the next annual municipal election, or a special election, called for that purpose, if a petition signed by one hundred legal voters be filed with the City Clerk. In this case this ac- tion was taken, and nothing more can be done in the matter of surface drainage until after the next election. It is to be hoped that the act will be accepted, and the means thus afforded of continuing this very important work for the peace, health and comfort of our citizens. BOARD OF HEALTH. Closely connected with this subject of Drainage is the supervising action of a Board of Health. To the wise over- sight of this Board, in keeping watch of the presence of various diseases, requiring the observance of certain rules, the removal of offences of many kinds, especially those relating to sewers, plumbing, garbage, etc., is due to a very great extent the well being of our community. Many are the complaints made and remedies instituted. Our first regular Board of Health was elected at the Annual Town Meeting, March 3, 1890, and consisted of the following persons: Ernest S. Jack, M. D., Chairman; Frank L. Washburn and George W. Burke. Previous to this time the duties of a Board of Health had been performed, as required by statute by the Selectmen, one of whom acted as Chairman. From 1890, until the Town became a City, a board of three members was regularly elected; the last one being composed as follows: John E. Sanb6rn, M. D., Chairman; Corydon W. Harlow, M. D., and William H. Dole. An annual report has been regularly made, the last one under Town government being the tenth. After the City was incorporated the Board of Health was nominated by the Mayor, and subject to confirmation by the Board of Aldermen. The first Board thus appointed for 1900, consisted of Clarence P. Holden, M. D., Chairman; Paul H. Provandie, M. D., and William H. Dole. The members for 1901 were Paul H. Provandie, M. D., Chairman; William H. Dole and Joseph H. Robinson. Under the auspices of this Board a pamphlet of thirty-three pages has been issued giving at length DRAINAGE AND HEALTH. 317 the " Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health." Mr. Dole resigned to become Inspector of Animals and Provisions, and Dr. John T. Timlin was appointed in his place. For 1902 the Board remains the same. Notwithstanding all the trouble Melrose has had to contend with during all these years, in drainage matters, its health has been most excellent, as can be easily verified by facts and figures. When George Wingate Chase, author of the History of Haverhill, was one of our citizens, he was employed in the ofifice of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, upon the census of 1865. From the State Registration Reports he then made a computation which showed that in point of health, Melrose stood number three when compared with all the other cities and towns in the State. About that time a similar computa- tion was made by Dr. Erastus O. Phinney, a resident physician for twenty years, of the immediately surrounding towns, which confirmed this statement. Other testimony is readily obtair.ed to show that for healthiness of situation, and for the general good health of its inhabitants, Melrose occupies a very high position. CHAPTER XV. PARKS AND BOULEVARDS. IN 1856, Hon. Daniel W. Gooch and Walter Littlefield bought the greater part of the Upham and Lynde farms, situated between Lebanon, Upham and Grove Streets, had the land surveyed and laid out in house lots, naming the tract "The Home Association Lands." The sale of these lots at public auction, took place in the Meonian Hall of the old Tremont Temple, and most of the lots were disposed of at that time; and soon after the purchasers began to build thereon; now nearly every one contains a dwelling or store. At the time of the survey, there was reserved all the land bounded by East Foster Street on the north, Sixth Street on the east, Laurel Street on the south, and Larrabee Street on the west, for a public park. It is now known as the "Melrose Common." It was a neglected spot for many years; but of late, after the establishment of the Board of Park Commissioners, the Town made small appropriations, at different times, for its improve- ment, but it still remains in a somewhat primeval state. Year by year, it is being utilized more and more as the place for the City's Fourth of July celebrations, display of fireworks, etc. It is hoped that some day the City will appropriate sufficient money to make of this a beautiful and healthful breathing spot and play ground. In 1882, the Legislature passed an act authorizing towns and cities to lay out public parks within their limits; and at a Town Meeting held November 12, 1887, it was voted to accept its provisions, and the following Park Commissioners were then elected : Nathaniel P. Jones, for three years; William N. Fol- som, for two years; John W. Farwell, for one year. In 1889, William A. Rodman was elected for three years; resigning soon after, George T. Brown was elected to fill the vacancy. PARKS AND BOULEVARDS. 319 In 1890, the Town voted to buy the Barry homestead, corner of Main and Lynde Streets, as the site for a new Hose House for the Wyoming District, for the sum of ;J2,500. It was after- wards decided not to be a suitable location, therefore the house was sold and moved away; and the little triangular tract of land remains the property of the City, and was placed under the jurisdiction of the Park Commissioners. Perhaps it had better be called the "Barry Park." Sewall Woods Park. At a Town Meeting held June 8, 1891, it was voted as follows: That whereas, it is understood that the Sewall heirs desire under certain conditions to present to the town of Melrose, ten acres of land for use as a public park, embracing the central and highest portions of the Sewall estate, it is hereby resolved, that a committee of nine be appointed, to consist of the Selectmen, the Park Commissioners, and three citizens to be named by the Moderator, who shall confer with the representatives of the Sewall family and ascertain their wishes and intentions in the matter, and report at the next town meeting. John W. Farwell, Royal P. Barry and D. Webster Dow were appointed as citizens; the Selectmen were Levi S. Gould, John P. Deering and Charles W'. Higgins; the Park Commissioners, Nathaniel P. Jones, William N. Folsom and George T. Brown. This reservation was the central part of the wild and beautiful tract of land which belonged to the late Hon. Samuel E. Sewall, adjoining his homestead at the corner of Perkins and Vinton Streets, and which was now offered to the Town l)\' his daughter, Mrs. Edward C. Cabot of Brookline, in accordance with the wishes of her late sister. Dr. Lucy E. Sewall, with the proviso that the Town build a street, to be known as " Sewall Woods Road" around the tract thus donated, according to a plan drawn b)- Walter C. Stevens. Another wish of Mrs. Cabot, not a condition or restriction, was: That none of the trees on said premises shall be cut down unless decayed, or that it shall be considered necessary so to do for the bene- fit of the remaining ones, or for the benetit of the public use of said woods, and that the woods shall be maintained as far as possible, or reasonable in their present wild condition. At a Town Meeting held July 7, 1891, the committee made a report which was unanimously accepted and adopted, and it was voted: 320 HISTORY OF MELROSE. That the town of Melrose hereby accepts the proposition of Mrs. Edward C. Cabot, of Brookline, Mass., as contained in her letter of July 6, 1 89 1, addressed to the Board of Selectmen, presenting to said town certain land, for a public park with the conditions therein ex- pressed, that the town build and make the road as indicated on a plan drawn by Walter C. Stevens, and accept it as a town way and that the town provide perpetual care of said park, and call the gift " Sewall Woods," in honor of the memory of our late respected citizen, Hon. Samuel E. Sewall. April 25, 1892, it was voted to build this Sewall Woods Road, and that so much of the bank and corporation taxes of this year, as- may be necessary, be appropriated to build the street. The Sewall Woods Park is being kept by the City in the state desired by the donors, and is being gradually surrounded by first-class dwellings. The Sewall Mansion, which was not included in the gift to the City, still remains as left by the family. In 1893 and 1895 three new Park Commissioners were chosen: Maurice G. Cochrane, Charles H. Adams and P'rank F. Preble, and the last Board previous to City corporation, con- sisted of Charles H. Adams, Chairman; Maurice G. Cochrane and Willis C. Goss. At a Town Meeting held November 15, 1894, it was voted: That the park commissioners, together with four others to be appointed by the chair, take into consideration matters in relation to the internal improvement of the town so far as parks are concerned, and report at some future meeting. Col. P^rancis S. Hesseltine, Hon. William E. Barrett, Joshua T. Nowell and John W. Robson, were appointed. April 8^ 1895, thi^ committee reported through its chairman, Charles H. Adams, showing the advantages to be gained by laying out certain open places as parks, particularly the place known as Dix Pond, in the rear of the Town Hall, embracing about six acres of land and water. He moved that an appropriation of $25,000 be made to carry out the proposition, but it was indefinitely postponed. The next movement in behalf of extending the park system was more successful. At a Town Meeting held Nov. 8, 1897, a committee of fixe,, three of whom were the Park Commissioners, was appointed PARKS AND BOULEVARDS. 321 to consider the expediency of taking from twenty to twenty- five acres of land, including the tract known as the Base Ball Park, on the northerly and westerly side of Ell Pond, for Park purposes. November 23, the committee was increased by adding- three more, and it was then constituted as follows: Sidney H. Buttrick, Hon. William E. Barrett, George R. Jones, Frank L. Washburn, Chester Shepard, and the three commis- sioners, Charles H. Adams, Maurice G. Cochrane and Frank ¥. Preble. December 23, a report was made by the Chairman, Charles H. Adams, which was accepted. The Town then pro- ceeded to pass the following vote: For the purpose of taking land for park purposes, a sum not exceed- ing fifteen thousand dollars (515,000) is appropriated, and the Town Treasurer is authorized to borrow the same, giving coupon notes of the Town, of one thousand dollars ($1,000) each, bearing interest at the rate of 4 per cent, per annum, interest payable semi-annually. Nine of said notes to be payable, one each year from the time of issue. The balance of said fifteen thousand dollars (515,000) to be payable in one note ten years from date of issue with interest at 4 per cent, per annum, payable semi-annually. This loan to be known as the Melrose park loan. Under this vote the Park Commissioners proceeded to take the land described for park purposes by right of eminent domain, and it is named " Ell Pond Park." January 31, 1902, two of these notes had been paid, leaving Park Debt now $13,000. During the year 1898, the building of a new boulevard from the Fells, at the western boundary of Melrose, thence by the Sewall Woods, Ell Pond (of which Mr. de Las Casas, chair- man of the Metropolitan Park Commission, once said that no town north of Boston had so fine an opportunity for a beautiful park as was here presented) Bennett's Pond, Pranker's Pond, and so on to the Lynn Woods, was agitated; and in view of this urgently desired possibility, the Town at its last meeting, held November 9, 1899, passed the following vote: That in the event of the building of a boulevard, by the Metropoli- tan Park Commission, from the Fells to the Lynn Woods, along the shore of Ell Pond, that it is the unanimous sentiment of the meeting, that the Park land consisting of about twenty-three acres on the north side of Ell Pond, be transferred to the Metropolitan Park Commission, in accordance with the law relating to such transfers and control. It is the desire of the Town to contribute this land towards the proposed Metropolitan Boulevard. 322 HISTORY OF MELROSE. In accordance with this vote, Charles H. Adams, chairman of the Melrose Park Commissioners, presented to the Metro- politan Park Commissioners, for the State, the formal vote of the Town conveying the park land around Ell Pond, costing $15,000, to be used for boulevard purposes. Concerning this proposed boulevard the Metropolitan Park Commissioners, in their report of January i, 1901, favored the route through Melrose, as will be seen by the following: From Lynn Woods to Middlesex Fells only two routes are available. The topography of the intervening country makes it likely that no others will ever be considered available, while the trend of population is such that the cost of either will undoubtedly be greater in the future than now. The more northerly or Wakefield route is from the Great Woods Road of Lynn Woods, along Hewlett's Pond and Brook in Saugus to Hart's Hill and Crj'stal Lake [Smith's Pond] in Wakefield,' and thence southwesterly to the Fells at Doleful Pond in Stoneham. This route would provide a parkway about six miles long, through scenery of much the same character as that of the reservations. To preserve its beauty would require ample takings, amounting almost to an extension of the reservations to meet each other. The most southerly or Melrose route is from the same Great Woods Road across the upper Saugus Meadows, through an interval between the hills to Ell Pond in Melrose and thence to the Fells. Its length would be about four and one-half miles. The first two-thirds of the route would be through open lands of low cost, while the remaining land, except the park lands along Ell Pond, would be in a compactly settled and attractive portion of Melrose. Its scenery would be that of an intervale parkway, attractive and restful in the midst of a large population, and a contrast to the wilder scenery of the reservations. The cost of the land for this route would be about $75,000, which is about $10,000 in excess of the estimated cost of land by the Wakefield route. The cost of construction for the Melrose route would be about $190,000, while that of the Wakefield route would be about $226,000. By either route, however, partial construction would probably answer for many years to come. The choice between these two routes must rest on practical considerations other than those of attractiveness or accommodations to the city or town in which the parkway would lie. Taking all these considerations into account, the Commission regards the Melrose or intervale route as most desirable. Its reasons, stated briefly, are that this route is shorter, that it is available to a larger population, and will divide the northern half of the district more equitably; that its attractiveness is less dependent upon surrounding- scenery, likely to be destroyed in time ; and that its contrast to the scenery of the reservations will be a pleasant element of variety in the Park System. PARKS AND BOULEVARDS. 323 In addition to the public lands already described, there are, in different parts of the cit^^ besides the grounds around City Hall, several small plats, which were in the care of the Board of Park Commissioners and came within their jurisdiction, but are now cared for by the Public Works Department. One is the triangle at the corner of Green and Howard Streets, in the centre of which is a large and handsome fountain, generously given for the purpose of beautifying that part of the town, by Henry A. Norris and George M. Dennis; the latter then living on Howard Street. Another tract of similar shape, at the junc- tion of Elm and Linden Streets, also contains a fountain, the gift of Mr. Norris. Another very pretty triangle, with hand- some granite edge-stone, is situated at the junction of Vinton and Perkins Streets, opposite the entrance to the Sewall Woods Park. Another is situated at the junction of Main and Green Streets. This is an interesting spot; for here stood for many years North Maiden's first church; a unique little affair, built by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1818, the history of which has been given in previous pages. Still another, is the triangle at the junction of Vinton and West Foster Streets, in front of the D. W. Gooch School. The land between the eastern end of Ell Pond and Main Street, has been put in good condition; a substantial wall built, with an iron railing, seats placed thereon, and this is now under the care of the Public Works Department. At a Town Meeting held April 11, 1898, it was voted: That until otherwise voted by the Town the High School lot on Emerson Street be placed in charge of the Park Commissioners. The values of the Park properties as given in the "Schedule of City Property " for 1902, are as follows: Ell Pond Park, 23 acres, ...... Si 5,000 Old High School Lot, 30,300 square feet, . . . lO,6oo Melrose Common, 4.35 acres, ..... 10,000 Sewall Woods Park, 9 acres, 10,000 square feet, 11,250 Land, east side P^ll Pond 1,000 Triangle, cor. Main and Green Streets, 5,000 feet, . 500 Triangle, cor. Main and Lynde Streets, 5,000 feet, . 1,250 $49,600 This leaves out of the account the small triangular lots. 324 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Middlesex Fells. Some of the wildest, most rugged and picturesque portions of the territory known as the Middlesex Fells — at first designated as an "uncouth wilderness," then as "the Rocks," and later as "Five Mile Woods" — are found within the bounds of Melrose. Here is the beautiful Ravine Road, leading from Wyoming Avenue, by the Virginia Woods, with its majestic pines and hemlocks, to Spot Pond. RAVINE ROAD. On the right, going from Melrose to Maiden, are the beet- ling crags which form the eastern edge of the Fells. Between the summits of Black Rock and White Rock, the charming Cascade, previously described, comes tumbling down from the top of these rocks, during each spring and autumn. This forest reservation, which includes the holdings of the Metro- politan Water and Sewerage Board, and the local Boards of Medford and Winchester, is now under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Park Commission. At the present time there are 23.98 miles of wood-roads and bridle-paths, 13.67 miles of carriage-roads, and 3.37 miles of border-roads; a total of 41.02 miles. The approaching boule- vards and roads are as follows: Middlesex Fells Parkway, 4.605 miles; Mystic Valley Parkway, 2.900 miles; Whitmore Brook Entrance, .813 miles; and Bear Hill Entrance, .398 PARKS AND BOULEVARDS. 325 miles; a total of 8.716 miles; thus affording walks and drives almost unlimited, in many directions. The area of the F*ells is now 1,882.95 acres, of which 726.15 acres are in the Town of Stoneham, 177.54 acres in the. City of Melrose, 59.37 acres in the City of Maiden, 669.08 acres in the City of Medford and 250.61 acres in the Town of Winchester. In addition to the lands acquired by this Commission, there are 1,145.03 acres of lands in the Middlesex Fells held by the Metropolitan Water Board and the local water boards of Winchester and Medford. which have, by agreement with these Boards, been placed under the care and control of this Com- mission, and are used by the public in the same manner and to the same extent as the park lands. For practical purposes, therefore, the Middlesex Fells ma)- be considered as a reserva- tion of 3,027.97 acres.^ The location and character of these Fells were well described by Sylvester Baxter, in the Boston Herald, December 6, 1879. Something like five miles northerly from Boston lies a great tract of country, all stony hills and table-lands, almost uninhabited, and of wonderful picturesqueness, and wild, rugged beauty. It is within the City of Maiden, and the towns of Medford, Melrose, Stoneham and Winchester ; and its heart is that most beautiful of Boston's suburban lakes, Spot Pond, which lies high up among the hills. The limits of this region are defined with great clearness, especially on the south and east, a line of steep hills and ledges rising abruptly from the broad plain that borders the Mystic River, almost as level as a floor, and forming its southern boundary, while on the east the ledges start with still greater steepness out of the long valley of meadow-land through which the Boston and Maine Railroad passes. ... Its western margin is formed by the valley through which run the Lowell Railroad and its Stoneham branch, and its northern by the houses and fields of Stoneham, . . . The nature of the region cannot be better character- ized than by the application of the old Saxon designation /c-Z/j-, — a common enough word in England, meaning a tract of wild stone hills, corresponding to the German /t7j-' for the use of those soldiers engaged in the present war, and the families of such soldiers as may choose to use the same. Not until 1887 was action taken on the above vote. Then these Soldiers' Lots were set apart by the Selectmen in the manner shown by this communication : 7o the Cemetery Committee of the To7vii of Melrose : Genti.emen: — Whereas, at a meeting of the inhabitants of the town held on the ninth day of June, A. D., 1863, under Article 6 of the warrant, which was " To see if the Town will set off and appropriate as a free burial place a portion of the new cemetery for the use of those soldiers engaged in the present war, and the families of such as may choose to use the same," it was Voted: That the Selectmen be 332 HISTORY OF MELROSE. authorized to set apart a portion of the new cemetery for the use of those soldiers engaged in the present war and the families of such soldiers as may choose to use the same. {Town Records, Book i, page 425,) And whereas, application has been made to this Board by a soldier who enlisted on the quota of this town and rendered service, for a suitable burial place for a member of his family, and upon examination we find that the vote of the Town, with one exception, has not been complied with ; we have therefore set apart in Wyoming Cemetery, a plot of land which embraces lots numbered from 648 to 664, on the plan of said cemetery, to be hereafter known as the " Soldiers' Lots," to be given such persons as may apply for the same in accordance with the vote passed by the town. Levi S. Gould, John B. Souther, John P, Deering, Selectmen of Melrose. And in furtherance of this purpose, June 22, 1891, it was again voted : That the Town Treasurer be and is hereby authorized to execute, and deliver to those soldiers or their families who were permitted to occupy lots in Wyoming Cemetery under a vote of the town passed June 9, 1863, proper deeds conveying a title to the same for a nominal sum. In 1887, March 7, a committee was appointed consisting of George Newhall, Daniel Russell and John Larrabee "to see if the Town will purchase or take land for cemetery purposes." This was done because it was seen that very soon more land must be added to Wyoming Cemetery. April 9, that committee reported and the following vote was passed by the Town : To adopt the recommendations of the committee, and that the treasurer be and he is hereby authorized to accept from Charles Pratt a deed of his farm on the westerly side of Lebanon Street ; that the treasurer be further authorized to issue in payment therefor a note of the town for the sum of ten thousand dollars, payable to the executors or administrators of said Pratt's estate, six months after his decease, bearing interest at five per cent, per annum, payable semi-annually ; that the treasurer shall also execute and deliver unto said Charles Pratt a lease of the buildings and not exceeding three acres of the land, surrounding the same, which lease shall be valid during his natural life ; that the Board of Selectmen be authorized to countersign said note and lease. This farm contained twenty-eight acres. This makes a CEMETERIES. 3:i8 total of 47%; acres of land in the present Wyoming Ceme- tery, and the total value as given in the Schedule of City Property for 1901 is $33,133. At the death of Mr. Pratt, in 1888, the note was paid to the administrator of the estate. As no part of the land is yet needed for the extension of Cemetery purposes, it was voted, at a Town Meeting held March 14, 1898, to utilize a portion of this farm as follows : That the Town authorize the Cemetery Committee to transfer the Pratt Farm House, so called, with such portion of land as may be agreed upon for the use of the Almshouse, to the Overseers of the Poor ; and that they be empowered to establish said Pratt Farm House as an Almshouse. This transfer has been made, and the mansion house, to- gether with a certain number of acres of land, has been set apart for the benefit of the poor of Melrose, and it is to be known as the Melrose Pratt Farm. It is now under the super- intendence of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert W. Chandler. At a Town Meeting held November 12, 1887, it was voted: That the Treasurer be authorized to receive from persons holding, occupying, or interested in lots in Wyoming and Main Street ceme- teries, sums of money which may be paid him from bequests or other- wise, the interest upon which shall be devoted to the payment for care of lots in said cemeteries, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 82, Section 17, Public Statutes. As the Main Street Cemetery has been vacated, this only applies now to the Wyoming Cemetery. These are known as Cemetery Trust Funds; and the following deposits have beea made for this purpose up to the present time: 1885. Estate Sally Upham, .... 1886. S. B. Cochrane, 1887. Estate of William H. Jones, . 1888. Estate of Lynthia L. Burgess, 1888. C. O. and Mrs. Thomas Robinson, 1889. Mrs. Caroline Curtis, .... 1889. C. E. Daniels, Treas., Winchester Homt, 1889. Estate J. Vincent Smith, M. D., 1889. Estate of Peter Eflgerly. 1890. Mrs. Sarah Whovvell, 1890. William A. Fuller, 1891. Mrs. J. P. Beckett, 1891. Louise Earl, 1892. Daniel Russell, 1892. Estate of Jonathan Lynde, I200.00 200.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 300.00 200.00 100. oa 50.00 150.00 100.00 100.00 200.00 loo.oo 334 HISTORY OF MBLROSE. 1892. 1892. 1892. 1893- 1893- 1894. 1894. I894. 1894. 1894. 1894. 1895- 1895. 1895- 1895- 1895- 1897. 1897. 1897. 1897. 1897. 1898. 1899. 1900. 1900. 1900. 1900. 1900. 1900. 1900. 1900. 1900. 1900. 19CK) 1 901. 1901. 1901. 1 901. 1 901. 1901. 1901. 1901. 1902. 1902. 1902. Mrs. Joanna Stackpole, . Estate of Eliza L. Crocker, Hannah Scrannage, Estate of George N. Noyes, Estate of James H. Little, Estate of Lucy M. A. Payne, Estate of Charles D. Wild, Estate of Mary G. Upham, Elizabeth and George E. Fenn, Mrs. Susan P. Whitney, Mrs. Lizzie M. Linniken, Orrin Brown, Mrs. Mary N. Williams, William A. and Walter A. Stone, Norman F. Hesseltine, Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson, Luciuda Porter, Mrs. Sarah E. Stilpheu, Estate of W. H. Upham Ruth H. Faxon, Thomas D. Lockwood, Herman F. Ehlert, . Paul M. Giduey, Royal P. Barry, Trustee Elizabeth C. Lovejoy, Thomas Marshall, . Joseph D. Wilde, . Judith B. Mattoon, . Charles W. Warner, Ernest A. Neilly, . Estate William Bogle, Estate Sarah J. Barrett, Estate Charles P. F. Frentz, Sarah M. Coats, Estate Isaac Emerson, Samuel H. Nowell, Evora Brown, Bertha Bareutine, . Hiram Cobb, Osmore Jenkins, Ellen R. Shapleigh, Helen E. Backer, . William A. Orcutt, Sarah H. Hunt, Julia M. Woods, Calvin N. Chapin, . William F. R. Bowers, Heman J. Pettengill, Minot K. Kendall, . Orietta E. Simonds, $100.00 100.00 50.00 100.00 150.00 150.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 150.00 100 00 100.00 100.00 200.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 62.50 50.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 150.00 50.00 150.00 100.00 50.00 50.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 100.00 150.00 150.00 100.00 100.00 150.00 100.00 150.00 150.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 165.00 100.00 206.50 150.00 150.00 CEMETERIES. 385 1902. Frank E. Orcutt, 1902. Agnes S. Taylor, 1902. Caroline C. Skinner, 1902. A. C. Clausen, 1902. Estate Ann K. Shelton, fioo.oo 150.00 100.00 170.00 i8o.oo Total, 18,684.00 THE JKWISH CEMETERY. At a Town Meetinor held November 30, i860, the following vote was passed: That the Beth Eil Congregation of Israelites be allowed to purchase a lot of land on Linwood Avenue, of William J. Farnsworth, for burial purposes. In accordance with this vote, this lot situated on the west side of Linwood avenue, a few rods north of Sylvan Street, was bought and dedicated as a Jewish Cemetery. March 30. 1875, it was incorporated as the " Corporation Beth Eil." The many head-stones and monuments contained in this burial ground, inscribed with Hebrew characters, indicate that it has been extensively used by that nation, most, if not all, being non-residents of Melrose. CHAPTER XVII. YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. THE first Young Men's Christian Association in Melrose was organized June 24, 1858, with the following officers: Rev. William H. Munroe, President; William F. Poole, Vice President; Stephen A. Shelton, Corresponding Secretary; Elbridge H. Goss, Recording Secretary; George N. Noyes, Treasurer; Guy Lamkin, William H. Allen and Fernando C. ^— -^-^^^ Taylor, Directors. It met in the Waverley Build- /^'^Z^^^^^^^K i'lgi in ^ room up one flight, corner of Essex and (i( ^"''' " U) Emerson Streets, the rent of which was kindly ^A\A»oci.tion/^ given by Messrs. David L. and John G. Webster. ^^!Xb3^ Another donation was a handsome Bible, having upon its cover the following inscription: " Presented to the Melrose Y. M. C. Association by H. Furnas, Vice President of the Boston Y. M. C. Association, Nov., 1858." It would seem that the town was not large enough to sustain such an association; at all events, it was a short-lived one, continuing less than two years. The present Association was organized December 10, 1890. It was established by earnest Christian men, who met in ac- cordance with a call issued in the Mclro&e yonr7ial as follows: It is proposed to organize a Young Men's Christian Association next Wednesday evening, December 10, at 8 o'clock, at Westgate's Hall, Main Street. All citizens of the Town and every young man interested in having such an organization formed, are invited to be present promptly at that hour. Albert B. Franklin, Charles C. Barry, Royal B. Leighton, Charles S. Macfarland, Leonard S. Leighton, Franklin P. Shumway, William P. Pierce, Wingate P. Sargent, Frank H. Bosson, William Wooldridge. This action grew out of a conversation previously held by the six first named gentlemen, during a dinner hour at Fellner's Restaurant, in Boston. The matter had been in the minds of quite a number of Christian workers for some months previous to this determination; and was now established for the moral YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. 387 well-being and spiritual benefit of the young men of Melrose; and as such, it has been, and continues to be a most beneficent institution, exerting a powerful influence for the welfare of this community. Mi;i,KUSlv Y. M. C. A. BUItDING. For about two months religious services were held in West- gate Hall, and in March, 1891, rooms were leased in the Westgate building at No. 522 Main Street, now owned by A. J. Philbrick, the first service being held therein, March 28, 1891. The first board of officers was as follows: Leonard S. Leighton, President; Albert B. Franklin, Vice President; P>ank 388 HISTORY OF MELROSE. H. Bosson, Clerk; John Larrabee, Treasurer; William P. Pierce, Charles C. Hodges. Trueworthy Xorris, Franklin P. Shumway. Charles S. Macfarland and William F. Bacall, Directors. The Association was incorporated in 1S92, and the growing necessity for enlarged quarters, and the desirability of having a building of their own, suitable for all the Association needs, became the prominent and absorbing thought of its members and friends. Numerous meetings were held with this objedt in view, and plans discussed. Subscriptions being solicited, our citizens responded generously; and in due time sufficient money had been raised to warrant the Association to begin the building which persistent labor successfully completed. The old Joseph H. Green place on IMain Street was pur- chased, ground broken and the corner-stone laid August 25, 1894. with appropriate services. The building was finished and dedicated April r, 1895. It is a handsome three-story brick building, main part 70 b}' 50 feet, with annex 50 by 40 feet, possessing all of the up-to- date appliances, and every accommodation to be found in first-class Associations. The street floor is occupied by the Melrose National Bank and the Melrose Public Library and Reading Room, with a thoroughly appointed gymnasium in the rear. A fine bowling-alley is situated in the basement. The office, library-, parlors and committee rooms are on the second floor, while in the third story is a large, well lighted and pleasant hall, with stage fittings, for meetings, lectures and entertainments. Its cost, land and building, was $50,000. The architects were Messrs. Hartwell, Richardson & Driver. The Building Committee: Albert B. Franklin, chairman; Leonard S. Leighton. Royal P. Barry, Moses S. Page, William H. Flanders. George E. Gilchrist, William W. Mason and Trueworthy Norris. x\s to the building: it has been said to be " the best planned and built of any Y. M. C. Association building in this country for a city of our size." In proportion to the population its membership, now five hundred and fifty, is the largest in New England if not in the United States. The appointments of its gymnasium exceed those of many of the larger cities; and the building and work is approved most heartily by our citizens in general, without regard to church affiliations; "and it could YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. U^ not to-day be well spared as a constructive as well as a pre- ventive force in the young life of Melrose." "The religious work of the Association is the keystone of the entire structure, and is unsectarian. Young men of all faiths or religious views are admitted to membership." There is a physical department with a competent instructor; and, under the guidance of a General Secretary and board of officers, it has every facilit}' for educational opportunities, social advantages and spiritual privileges, for the benefit of our young men. Gospel services are held every Sunday after- noon both for boys and young men. Bible readings and training classes are held; also meetings for prayer and the study of the Sunday School lessons. In short every effort is made to throw around our young men every facility possible and every influence that shall elevate and benefit them morally, physically and spiritually. During the summer seasons, for many years past, open air meetings have been held in the grove at Pine Banks Park, under the auspices of the Association. Its first General Secretary was Charles S. Macfarland, who was appointed February 15, 1892, and served until January, 1893, when he resigned and entered the ministry. He was succeeded by Robert W. Matthews, who served until October, 1897, when he resigned to enter another field. He was succeeded by Bertram E. Lovejoy, who began his duties in March, 1898. He continued until April i, 1902, when he was succeeded by the present Secretary, Charles M. Brownell. The first President of the Association was the late Leonard S. Leighton, who served from the date of organization, Decem- ber 10, 1890, until May 9, 1896, and who gave much time and labor to the work in its early days ; and the effects of his arduous and continuous efforts in its behalf, will long be felt in the Association. He was succeeded by Albert B. Franklin, who for two years devoted his time and practical talents to its best interests. May 9, 1898, the present President, William A. Jepson, was elected. Very soon after the Association was founded, the Woman's Auxiliary was organized, September 23, 1891, with a charter membership of forty-five, Mrs. M. W. Lester, as first President. She was succeeded by Mrs. Albert B. F'ranklin, August 22, 1892, who served until May, 1897, when she was succeeded by 340 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Mrs. William H. Flanders, who acted for three years, when Mrs. W. DeHaven Jones was elected and served until the present President, Mrs. Mary E. Lovejoy, was elected. This Auxiliary Association has been of very great benefit to the general work of the Association. Under its management several very successful fairs have been held ; thus adding much needed funds to the treasury. One, the "Calendar Fair," held in City Hall, November 14-16, 1893, resulted in a net sum of $2,160. Another, the "Colonial Fair," held in their own rooms, soon after the dedication, April 2-4, 1895, raised $2,200. These proceeds were used for furnishing the new building. The committee in charge of the furnishings were : Franklin P. Shumway, Moses S. Page, George A. Manning, Mrs. Moses S. Page, Mrs. Albert B. Franklin and Mrs. Royal B. Leighton, Another, the "Auxiliary Fair," November 8-10, 1898, raised $1,200 for general expenses. Each year the Auxiliary Associa- tion gives $25, known as the " Helen F. Franklin Fund," to supply the Reading Room with the best magazines and periodicals. For a number of years there has been an organization among the members called the Young Men's Congress. It has its Speaker and other officers, and representatives for the different States. Its deliberations have given experience in parliamen- tary tactics, readiness in debate, and a wide-spread knowledge of questions of National, State, and local importance. The present officers of the Association are as follows: President, William A. Jepson; Vice Presidents, Moses S. Page and Charles H. Lang, Jr.; Treasurer, Don E. Curtis; Clerk^ Albert F. Henderson; General Secretary, Charles M. Brownell; Auditor, Charles A. Baker; Physical Director, William L. Kershaw; Medical Examiner, Roscoe D. Perley, M. D.; Direc- tors, George E. Briggs, Ernest L. Carr, Herbert M. Cox, William H. Flanders, Albert B. Franklin, Frank G. Kellogg, William A. Leonard, Bertram E. Lovejoy, Francis P. Luce, William W. Mason, John J. Rink and Franklin P. Shumway; Trustees, Albert B. Franklin, Moses S. Page and William H. Flanders. CHAPTER XVIII. THE melrosp: hospital association. ON THE 28th of July, 1893, at the residence of Decius Beebe, on West Foster Street, the Melrose Hospital Association was organized, with forty-eight corporate members. This institution has already proven itself to be one of the most important yet inaugurated; one of very great benefit and usefulness to the community at large; one in which all the citizens of Melrose, high and low, rich and poor, have a general interest. Its object as stated in the By-Laws is as follows: The purpose for which the Association is constituted is to establish and maintain a hospital for the treatment and care of needy, sick and disabled persons of both sexes, and also of persons who may be able to pay for such treatment in whole or in part; such receipts to be used in the partial support of the Hospital. The following officers were then elected: Royal P. Barry, President; John W. P'arwell, Vice President; Mrs. S. Maria Barry, Clerk; Decius Beebe, Treasurer; Mrs. Kate E. Beebe, Mrs. Alice B. Dow, Mrs. Hannah E. Benson, Mrs. Ruby F. Farwell, Miss Mary L. Charles, Mrs. Ida F. Isburgh, Mrs. A. C. Marie Currier, Mrs. May E. Lang, Mrs. Harriet E. Page, Royal P. Barry, George L. Morse, John W. F"arwell, John O. Norris, B. Marvin Fernald, Moses S. Page, Victor C. Kirmes, Daniel Russell and Henry W. Sawyer, Trustees. Most of these same officers are now serving, having been re-elected October 22, 1901, for the ninth time. The exceptions are as follows: Francis W. Hunt in place of John O. Norris; Mrs. Charles C. Barry in place of Mrs. S. Maria Barry, Clerk; Samuel II. Hellcn and George R. Jones in place of Henry W. Sawyer, deceased, and Victor C. Kirmes. Nine of these officers form the executive committee of which George L. Morse is chairman. The Association consists of eighty-five members. In connection with the Association, the Hospital Guild was 342 HISTORY OF MELROSE. formed during the first year. The present list of its officers is as follows: President, Mrs. Nellie B. Sawyer; Honorary Presi- dent, Mrs. John W. Farwell; Vice Presidents, Mrs. George R. Jones, Mrs. Decius Beebe and Mrs. Charles H. Isburgh; Cor- responding Secretary, Mrs. Frank H. Brown; Recording Secretary, Miss Grace Fernald; Treasurer, Mrs. Jonathan C. Howes; Auditors, Mrs. Mary C. Houghton, Mrs. Charles H. Adams and Mrs. George E. Miller; and a board of forty-two directors. It has now nearly eight hundred members. Under the auspices of the Guild, fairs, lawn parties and other methods of raising money for this most worthy object are directed. Thus far two very successful fairs have been held in City Hall; one, designated as "The Rainbow Fair," netting the sum of ;?54,523.38; another, "The Lantern Fete," 1^6,323.22. Each }'ear the third Sunday in May is set apart in all the churches as Hospital Sunday and special contributions are taken for the benefit of the Hospital. These contributions have been as follows; in 1894, 1^205.40; 1895, ^IQO-SS; 1896, $272.73; 1897, $293.32; 1898, $350.35; 1899, $298.86; 1900, $616.73; 1901, $320.73; 1902, $291.20; a total of $2,900.67. Several lawn parties have been held on the spacious grounds of Moses S. Page, each one realizing a considerable sum for the Hospital coffers; the one for June, 1901, realized $342.32. Through the instrumentality of Mrs. Georgianna N. Bordman, two performances of her unique and original operetta, " The Market Day," were given in City Hall, which netted a hand- some sum for the same object. For some years past the Town, and now the City has appropriated the sum of $1,000 toward the current expenses of the Hospital. The total expenses for the year from October 1900 to October 1901, were $9,506.58 ; the income from all sources has been insufficient thus far for current expenses; thus leaving a deficiency each year, which has to be met by subscriptions, fairs, or other outside methods. Each year an annual report is issued in pamphlet form, con- taining the addresses of the Presidents, Hospital and Guild, and reports of the Secretaries and Treasurers of both organizations. It has also names of members of both, lists of donations, and various other matters pertaining to the Hospital and its work. In connection with the regular hospital work, classes for the THE MELROSE HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION. ;U3 training of nurses are regularl\- held, in which studies are pursued, lectures by our city's physicians given, and a thorough knowledge of hospital duties acquired ; a class graduating each year. Of these nurses thus trained, the late Mrs. S. Maria Barry, then the Secretary, said in her second annual report : Many homes have been cheered and helped by their presence in times of sickness and death, and we have received many proofs of the good which they have accomplished, and also of the value of the institution which they represent. With the passage of time, and the lapse of several more years, these beneficial results have been greatly augmented. The Hospital was first established at No. 39 Oakland Street. TlIK Ml.l.kOSl-; U()S1'1T.\I,. The house was soon found to be inadequate to llu- tUinands. After a two years' occupancy, the homestead of the late William Bailey, on Myrtle Street, was purchased for the sum of S6,000, George Ilart kindl}- taking a mortgage on the same for $5,000. It was inimediatt;ly altered, arranged and fitted up with most excellent accommodations, and the Hospi- tal removed to these more spacious quarters. During this same year, 1894, the Association purchasctl a lot of laiul on the corner of Lebanon and Portc-r Streets, con- 344 HISTORY OF MELROSE. taining 70,000 feet, for the sum of $6,948.40, on which a mortgage was at first placed, but which has since been paid off, by means of generous subscriptions from man}' of our citizens; among them may be mentioned one of $2,000 from the late Mrs. Harriet A. Bigelow, who ever evinced the warmest interest in the success of the Hospital. In her will she left a bequest of $5,000 which was received in 1898. On this land it is hoped and expected that a Hospital Building may be erected in the near future, that shall be large enough to meet the wants and demands of Melrose for this purpose, for many years to come. The Hospital Building Fund now amounts to $9,696.83. To give some idea of the great amount of work done, year by year, the following statistics are gi\'en, taken from the annual report for 1900: Two hundred and thirty-eight patients have been treated; one hundred and forty-eight surgical, fifty-four medical, eighteen obstetrical, and eighteen children born. Of this number one hundred and fifteen have paid full rates, twenty-two have paid partial rates, fifty-one city patients and fifty were free. The smallest number in the Hospital during twenty-four hours was five ; the largest number eighteen. The nativity of the patients admitted during the year is as follows : United States, 183; Canada, 23; Ireland, 14; England, 6; Germany, 3; Italy, I ; Greece, i ; Scotland, 1 ; Russia, 2 ; Bavaria, i ; Holland, i ; Sweden, i ; and Turkey, i ; total, 23S. The figures for 1901 vary but little from those of 1900, the total number of patients treated being 235. A free bed fund has been established and the sum now amounts, by accumulation year by year, to $1,412.82. The Nurses' Home. This much needed and very necessary adjunct to a well-equipped Hospital, has been added to this admirable and well managed institution. The property at the corner of West Foster and Myrtle Streets adjoining the Hospi- tal grounds, has been leased, and furnished in a complete manner for a nurses' home. This was the home for man)' years of the late Mr. and Mrs. Andrew W. Haskell. It now belongs to the Hon. John Larrabee, who has put the house in the most thorough repair. It has received money and furniture from our citizens sufificient to give it every convenience, and to malce of it a most delightful home for these workers for the sick and suffering. Of the Hospital and the Y. M. C. A. work. President Barry spoke as follows in his eighth annual address : THE MELROSE HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION. 345 A city is generally famous by the measure of its good works. We n Melrose cannot hope to be known as the richest suburb of Boston, nor can we be noted as Cambridge is noted, but there are certain institutions which tend to make it notable among the smaller cities of our Commonwealth. Among them is the Young Men's Christian Association and the Melrose Hospital. They deserve, and are en- titled to, the heartiest support of every good citizen, and as the years go by it will be found that in such measure as similar institutions flourish and grow, in just such measure will the city command respect as the home of good, sturdy, middle-class men, who can spare time from their business pursuits to take some interest in the well-being of their neighbors. CHAPTER XIX. PUBLIC LIBRARY. THE inception and early history of the Melrose Public Library cannot be better told than by the following extract from the first annual report of the Trustees of that institution: As the formation of a Public Library is an event of great importance, we desire to place upon record the few facts connected with its early history. Several years ago some of the leading men of the town issued a call for a meeting, to be held in the Selectmen's room, Lyceum Hall, for the purpose of establishing a Public Library. A subscription paper was circulated, and received some names, but no further action was ever taken. The next public announcement appears in the warrant for the last annual town meeting, and the credit for bringing forward the plan, which has been adopted, belongs to David Fairbanks, Esq. We are glad also to acknowledge that his action in this matter did not stop here, as he seconded the same by a liberal donation of books, the number of which appears in our annexed list. While the credit of this action belongs to the gentleman named, the action of the Franklin Fraternity taken almost simultaneously, deserves equal commendation. Upon two occasions the project of a PubUc Library has been pressed upon the attention of this Association ; the last occasion being only one month before this town meeting at which the vote was taken. At their next regular meeting, held only two weeks before the Town Meeting, the project was again brought for- ward, and amid much enthusiasm a committee was appointed, and money subscribed, to form the nucleus of a Library, and when of reasonable size present the same to the town. Between this meeting and the meeting in April, the warrant appeared with its announce- ment, and the action of the town was taken. As soon as this action was known, the plans of the " Fraternity" were altered in accordance with the situation, and nearly two hundred dollars were placed in the hands of the committee as their donation. The selection was limited to American authors, and one hundred and twenty-five volumes, com- prising the works of Irving, Hawthorne, Motley, Bancroft, Lossing, Parton, Mitchell, Taylor, etc., were presented to the town as the basis of a Public Library. PUBLIC LIBRARY. 347 The action of the Town referred to took place March 27, 1871, at a meeting held in Concert Hall, when the following vote was passed : That the money now in the Treasury, refunded to the town by the County Treasurer, pursuant to Chapter 250 of the Acts of the Legisla- ture in 1869, and all that shall hereafter accrue to the town under said act, be appropriated for a " Public Library and Reading Room." That a committee of three be chosen at this meeting, who shall be called " The Trustees of the Melrose Public Library;" that they be invested with full power to provide and fit up a suitable place therefor, prepare rules and regulations, purchase books, solicit donations, and have the general management thereof, during the year, to the next annual meeting, then to make a full report of their doings. Frederic Kidder, Elbridge H. Goss and Charles C. Barry were elected Trustees, and they organized as follows : Mr. Kidder, Chairman, Mr. Goss, Treasurer, and Mr. Barry, Secretary. The money then in the Treasury was known as the " dog tax," and the amount on hand at that time with which to buy books and found the Library was $624.85. With this amount, with donations, and with the gift of the Franklin Fraternity, the Trustees were enabled to report at the end of the 3'ear, a Library containing 1,504 volumes; of which 839 were purchased and 665 donated. A copy of the Holy Bible, printed in 1826, was volume number one in our Library ; when the present system of classifying the books was adopted in 1897, 't became number 601. i. A room in Waverley Block, Essex Street was at this time being used temporarily by the Selectmen, Daniel Russell, James C. Currier and John H. Clark. By the courtesy and considerateness of this Board, the room was divided by a parti- tion, and the rear half assigned for the Library's use. Here, in these narrow quarters commenced the career of the Melrose Public Library. The Trustees, aided by a number of volun- teers, covered the books — a system since discarded — and prepared them for circulation. They also served as Librarians until the following March, during which time several of the young men from the High School assisted in the delivery of books. During the next year, March, 1872 to March, 1873, C. Edward Prior acted as Librarian, being assisted meantime by Frank M. Edwards, George A. Wilde, Frank D. Wilde and George T. Gately. In March, 1873, Miss Carrie M. Worthen was 348 HISTORY OF MELROSE. cho*en Librarian, who has filled that position ever since with ability and constant fidelity. For a number of years Miss Rosa INI. Gibbons was the assistant Librarian; she is now con- nected with the Maiden Public Library. The present assistant is Miss Mary Ella Dix. During the first year seven hundred and eleven persons availed themselves of the Library privileges. From that day to this the Town and City has regularly appropriated the " dog tax " together with an additional appropriation, begin- ning with one of ^650 in 1872, and gradually increasing it until it became $3,000 in 1900; but in 1902 it was reduced to $2,500. The Library remained in its first quarters until the Town Hall was built in 1874, when it occupied the northeast corner room, where it remained until April i, 1895. ^^ then removed to its present quarters in the Young Men's Christian Association Building, which were taken upon a five years' lease. Although the original vote passed in 1871, was to establish a "public library and reading-room," this important adjunct was not opened until fourteen years later, December 16, 1885. This was then established in the middle room on the east side, just across the aisle from the Library room ; since which time it has become a very important and necessary addition. In 1873, two additional members were added to the Trustees, Miss Addie A. Nichols and Miss Hannah Lynde. These five Trustees were regularly elected until the year 1884, when the Chairman, Mr Kidder, being in ill health, resigned, and Mr. Goss was elected Chairman. Thomas B. Peck was elected to fill the vacancy. Miss Nichols, resigning. Miss Phebe Norris, now Mrs. Benneson took her place, but resigned shortly after to make her residence in the west, and Mrs. Ruby F. Farwell was elected to fill the vacancy. In 1887, Mr. Peck and Miss Lynde resigned, and Charles A. Patch and Miss Mary L. Charles were elected to fill the vacancies. In 1891 the Board was increased to six members and George E. Munroe was added. The system of election was changed in 1893, so that the office of two members should expire each year, and two be elected annually for three years. No change took place in the personnel of the board until the city was incorporated when Neil A. Divver and Mrs. Maria L. Chapin were appointed by Mayor Gould, in place of George E. Munroe, and Miss Mary L PUBLIC LIBRARY. 34» Charles. When the Chairman, Mr. Goss, was elected an alder- man for 1901, it became necessary for him to resign after a service of thirty years, as the charter forbade an alderman to hold two offices, and Edward M. Munyan was appointed to fill the vacancy. In February, 1901, Mrs. Farwell resigned, and Miss Mary L. Charles was appointed to fill her place. The Board of Trustees as now constituted, 1902, is as follows : Charles A. Patch, Treasurer, and Miss Mary L. Charles, three years; Neil A. Divver and Mrs. Maria A. Chapin, Secretary^ two years, and Charles C. Barry, Chairman, and Edward M. Munyan, one year. Mr. Barry has served as Secretary during sixteen years in the history of the Library, Mrs. Farwell two years, Miss Charles five years, and Mr. Munroe served seven years until 1900, when Mrs. Maria L. Chapin was elected to- that position, which she now holds. Mr. Goss served as Treas- urer from its establishment in 1871, until elected Chairman in 1884, when Mr. Patch was elected in his place, and he still holds that position. The Library has received several valuable donations. Besides the 125 volumes given as a nucleus, by the Franklin Fraternity^ and nearly one thousand Congressional volumes which cover the War and Reconstruction periods of our country's history, by Hon. Daniel W. Gooch, many other citizens have given one or more volumes at different times. Among other gifts are these: An engraving, "The Senate of the U. S. of the time of Henry Clay," by Mrs. Charlotte Cochran; a hand- some Howard clock, " Presented to the Melrose Public Library by the children of the Mother Goose Club, January 20, 1886," from the proceeds of an entertainment given by this Club, under the direction of Mrs. Georgianna N. Bordman; a bust of Hon. Samuel E. Sewall, by Mrs. Mary A. Livermore; an oil painting, by Pearson of the " Lynde Farm House," corner of Main Street and Goodyear Avenue, by George Emerson; two very large photographs of the " Roman Forum," and the "Colosseum," by Mr. and Mrs. Edward K. Bordman; an old fashioned chair, by Miss Sarah Chever, of the old "Ezra Vinton House," at the Highlands, and two valuable remem- brances; one, the portrait of the late Hon. Daniel W. Gooch, given by Mrs. Gooch and her son William W. Gooch; the other, a replica of Anne Whitney's bust of Mrs. Mary Ashton Livermore, given by her husband, the late Rev. Daniel P. Livermore. 350 HISTORY OF MELROSE. The Library has also received several bequests: The first is known as the " Horatio Nelson Perkins Fund," which was given by the executors of Mr. Perkins' will, in accordance with a pencilled memorandum found among his papers, which read as follows: $500 — to the Melrose Public Library, etc., in trust, and the annual income of the same is to be expended for the purchase of books forever. This was in 1883. I^i 1888 another gift of ^lOO known as the " William Emerson Barrett Fund," is devoted to books bearing upon building, furnishing and decorating homes. In 1895, William Bailey left in his will a bequest to the Library which has amounted to ^2,500; this is known as the "William Bailey Fund," and only its income can be expended for books. The number of volumes in the Library January i, 1902, was 14,012, besides the thousand or more Congressional volumes not yet catalogued, and 2,056 pamphlets. The number of cards issued to persons using the Library, 7,257. Largest number of books taken out in one month, 6,618, total for the year 1901, 60,814. The number of persons using the reading room in 1901 was 29,038. The following table gives, for the different years since the Library was established, the annual appropriation, the number of volumes purchased annually, the number donated and the annual circulation: Volumes Volumes Year. Appropriatiou. Dog Tax. Purchased. Donated. Circulation. 1871 *$937.16 839 665 t3,189 1872 $650.00 308.02 431 41 13,240 1873 550.00 238 17 14,004 1874 800.0) 324.87 270 94 17,650 1875 500.00 367.08 187 53 22,592 1876 450.00 460.80 351 72 23,703 1877 400.00 448.75 390 24 27,152 1878 400.00 437.47 295 3 J25,458 1879 200.00 419.24 176 5 30,940 1880 500.00 392.16 357 17 29,764 1881 500.00 401.58 297 10 28,983 1882 500.00 393.98 314 6 28,074 1883 800.00 451.98 342 33 28,258 1884 500.00 509.83 396 25 29,447 1885 • • •■ 750.00 573.85 583 71 30,663 * Three years. , t Two mouths. X Ten months. PUBLIC LIBRARY. H51 Volumes Volumes Year. Appropriation. Dog Tax. Purchased. Donated. Circulation. 1886. 51750.00 $698.40 404 36 28,952 1887 T.JO.OO 774.90 375 27 31,336 1888 750.00 961.78 406 9 32,986 1889 7.50.00 1,090.96 369 10 33,052 1890 7.50.00 1,194.91 510 14 30,534 189] 1,000.00 1,079.65 408 47 31,425 1892 1,000.00 1,087.22 539 16 34,093 1893 1,200.00 1,046.22 459 5 32,157 1894 1,000.00 1,076.49 411 12 41,208 1895 3,.500.00 1,052.24 480 13 36,276 1896 2,500.00 1,066.09 493 19 44,062 1897 2,(500.00 1,039.68 301 22 38,674 1898 2,600.00 1,031.23 467 20 55,838 1899 2,800.00 958.93 381 24 61,945 190(1 2,800.00 1,016.51 487 27 60,001 1901 3,000.00 1,033.60 644 18 60,814 The new rooms in the Young Men's Christian Association were furnished and opened during the year 1895; this with the annual rent, $1,200 per annum, accounts for the large increase in appropriation. When the first five years expired, April i, 1901, the rent was reduced from Si,200 to $1,000 per annum. A new lease was taken with a clause inserted giving the Trustees the right to terminate it upon giving a six months' notice. This was done because of the fact that the Library was fast outgrowing its present accommodations, and because of the hope that by some action of the City, or of some one of our citizens, steps might be taken to provide a Library building. Melrose had been waiting long for some one of its wealthy citizens, to whom appeal after appeal had been made, to give it a Library building; or, to have the City itself take action in the matter ; but it waited in vain. When the Hon. Andrew Carnegie began to distribute his immense wealth by donating Library buildings to different cities and towns throughout the Union, and to found educational institutions at home and abroad, it occurred to a number of our citizens, realizing that the future might not be any more favorable than the past, in fulfilment of its wishes, that possibly Mr. Carnegie might be induced to consider our own City with favor ; and he was written to upon the subject by quite a number. Among these writers was Mayor John Larrabee ; and, after a considerable correspondence, he had the very great satisfaction of announc- ing in his second inaugural address, delivered January 6, 1902, a gift from Mr. Carnegie in the following letter: 352 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Mayor Larrabee, Melrose, Mass. Dear Sir: Responding to your letter: If the City of Melrose will pledge itself by Resolution of Councils to support Free Library at cost of not less than Twenty-five hundred dollars a year, and provide a suitable site, Mr. Carnegie will be glad to furnish Twenty-five thousand dollars for a Free Library Building. Respectfully yours, Dec. 31, 1901. Jas. Bertram, Private Secretary. At a meeting of the Board of Aldermen held the same day, William A. Carrie, Oliver B. Munroe, Aaron Hill, Jr., Albert B. Franklin and Edward S. Page were appointed a committee " to suitably acknowledge the generous gift of Andrew Carnegie, Esq., and made such recommendations as may seem best;" and at a meeting of the Board, January 20, the following resolutions were submitted by that committee and passed unanimously: Whereas, The City of Melrose, through His Honor the Mayor has been tendered the sum of $25,000 by Andrew Carnegie, Esq., of New York, for a free library building, upon condition that the city of Melrose, through its board of aldermen, agrees to appropriate the sum of $2,500 annually in support of the same and provide a suitable building site : Resolved, That the Board of Aldermen of the city of Melrose hereby accepts the generous offer of Mr. Carnegie and agrees to the conditions named therein. Resolved, That His Honor the Mayor be requested to convey to Mr. Carnegie the hearty thanks and appreciation of the citizens of Melrose for his large-hearted liberality in providing means to build a suitable building for free library purposes. At a meeting of the Board of Aldermen, February ii, it was voted to erect the new Library building on the old " High School Lot," so called, situated on the corner of West Emerson Street and Lake Avenue. This was the spot selected by the Committee who built the High School building in 1870, as being centrally located, and as accommodating the scholars from all parts of the town better than any other site then available. That was central then, and is so now; being within a very few rods of the residential centre of Melrose. It is situated on a handsome, quiet street, surrounded by beautiful residences, halfway between steam and electric railroads, away from the din and turmoil of traffic and travel. It contains 30,375 square feet PUBLIC LIBRARY. 353 At this same meeting the Mayor was authorized to transmit to Mr. Carnegie a certified copy of the deed of this land now adopted as the site for the Mehose Public Library. At the next meeting of the Board, February 17, the Mayor vetoed the above action, on the ground that it was a question which ought not to be settled until after a public hearing had been held; and his veto was sustained, six aldermen voting for and twelve against, not two-thirds as required to pass over a veto. In accordance with this action it was voted to hold a public hearing on the evening of March 18. This was accord- ingly held in the City Hall, John G. Robinson presiding. The subject of site was very thoroughl\' discussed by the following gentlemen: those in favor of the High School lot being, George R. Jones, Charles H. Adams, Royal P. Barry, Charles C. Barry, Elbridge H. Goss and Daniel J. Lucey; those against, Edwin S. Small and John J. McCullough. The sentiment of the large audience present was largely in favor of the above site and it was so expressed by vote. At the following meeting of the Board of Aldermen, March 27, the question was finally settled in favor of the Emerson Street lot by a vote of twenty to one. Notwithstanding the fact that the city charter is very explicit, denying the right of the Board of Aldermen to act on any committee wherein the expenditure of money for the city is concerned, the question had arisen in the Board as to who should build the new Public Library ; should it be by a com- mittee appointed from the Board of Aldermen, or by the Mayor, with an advisory committee selected from the citizens outside the Board. Some thought one way, some another ; this arose from a misunderstanding as to just how the money was to be paid by Mr. Carnegie; whether as a whole to the City, or in part, to a committee, as the work progressed. Cor- respondence between the Mayor and Mr. Carnegie developed the fact that all money would be sent direct to the City. Meanwhile the opinion of the City Solicitor had been requested on the subject by the Board. This was submitted at the meeting held April 28, and was very explicit; showing conclusively that no committee of the Board of Aldermen could serve on said committee. The following vote was then passed unanimously : In Board of Aldermen, April 28, 1902. Be it ordered, that a public library building be erected on the old 354 HISTORY OF MELROSE. High School lot, so called, on Emerson Street, that the Mayor be authorized to contract for the same at a cost not to exceed Twenty- five thousand ($25,000) dollars, and that the City Treasurer be and hereby is authorized to pay all sums of money which may be presented or paid to the city, either directly or to its Mayor, Treasurer, or other public officer, by Andrew Carnegie, or any other person or persons, for the purpose of constructing said public library building, to be paid out on account of the contract to build it, by the City Treasurer from time to time as received and requested. John G. Robinson, President of the Board of Aldermen. April 28, 1902. In Board of Aldermen. Order ordained. W. DeHaven Jones, Clerk, April 30, 1902. Approved. John Larrabee, Mayor. The Mayor at once took action in the matter by appointing an advisory committee of ten to act in conjunction with him- self in the erection of the new building. In his letter of notification under date of May 5, he says: I am authorized, by vote of the Board of Aldermen, to enter into a contract for the erection of a public library building. You are respectfully and cordially invited to serve on an advisory committee to assist me in the selection of a plan for the building, the awarding of the contract, etc. The gentlemen selected by the Mayor were as follows: Chester Shepard, ward one; Clinton White and Stephen F. Keyes, ward two; Elbridge H. Goss, ward three; Charles C. Barry and Charles H. Adams, ward four; Levi S. Gould and Edwin S. Small, ward five; Peter J. Lynch, ward six; William E. C. Goudey, ward seven. The first meeting of this Committee took place June 16, 1902, when it was organized as follows: His Honor John Larrabee, Mayor, Chairman; Elbridge H. Goss, Secretary. The Mayor has full power given him by vote of the Board of Aldermen, to make a contract and build the new Library Building; but he preferred to call in the aid of an Advisory Committee, as above, in the selection of a design for the same. With such advice and experience as this Committee may be enabled to give him, a new Public Library Building is to be erected on the lot situated on the corner of West Emerson Street and Lake Avenue, from the ;^25,ooo gift of the Hon. Andrew Carnegie. CHAPTER XX. LITERARY CLUBS AND MUSICAL ASSOCIATIONS. MELROSE has a number of literary clubs. The oldest one is the Franklin Fraternity, which was organized F"ebruary 20, 1863, by the following five members of the Melrose High School ; Henry R. Pearson, Charles G. Brooks, William C. Poland, Charles H. Poland and C. Edgar Buffum. The object was "for the purpose of inaugurating among the youth of Melrose, a Lyceum, or Society for mental improve- ment, especially in the branches of recitation and composition." To these graduates others were added soon after, and the years immediately following, until their members numbered twenty-five or thirty ; there being twenty-eight members at the present time. The Club held monthly meetings until 1875, when semi-annual meetings — the "Fish Fry," and "Anni- versary Supper" — were substituted. At the present time it holds only annual meetings ; at which time there is delivered an oration and a poem ; together with a banquet with toast- master and speeches. For a number of years an annual paper, called the " Bull Frog " was read, consisting of essays, papers, poems and quips contributed by its members. Sons of the members are now admitted to membership. Just before the Public Library was founded in 1870, the " Fraternity " was considering the project of forming a library with the purpose of eventually giving the same to the Town; but when that library was established the society immediately turned over to it the $200 already raised, and with that amount the first one hundred and twenty-five volumes of standard works were purchased. Again in 1883, this Association showed its ever watchful interest in the welfare and prosperity of the youth of Melrose, by inaugurating a system of annual prizes for the scholars of the High School, for proficiency in English Literature and Mathematics, consisting of works of standard value; and each 356 HISTORY OF MELROSE. year these half dozen prizes are given at the graduating exer- cises. These well earned honors are highly prized by the recipients, and the presentation has proved to be a very inter- esting and beneficial feature of each recurring year. In a sketch of the Fraternity written in 1889, by Sidney H. Buttrick, and published in the Melrose Journal, he says: The pleasure, instruction and moral strength, which the members of the Fraternity have received from this association, cannot be measured by mere words. To many of us, the influence of the Fraternity has surrounded our lives and actions for nearly a quarter of a century, and our aim at present — as we have arrived safely to years of maturity, feeling how much we owe to the spirit of the Fraternity, which our motto, Una Operamus, "We labor together," exemplifies — is to en- courage the generations following us to emulate our example and continue the good work, so ably and conscientiously commenced twenty-five years ago. At each annual meeting the Fraternity chooses officers for the year ensuing as follows: President, Vice President, Secre- tary, Treasurer, Orator, Alternate, Poet and Odist. The Melrose Shakespeare Club was organized in January, 1873. Its members are women, twenty-five in number. It meets monthly for the study of not only Shakespeare and other British poets, but American poets also. Its officers are a President, Secretary and Treasurer. Melrose Woman's Club. This organization of two hundred and fifty members, was founded April 19, 1882, federated May, 1890, and admitted to the Massachusetts State Federation of Women's Clubs in 1895. Article II, of its Constitution and By-Laws states: "The object of this club is the moral, intel- lectual, physical and social development of women." From October to May every season, the Club holds two meetings each month with entertainments arranged by the various committees: Art and Literature, Ethics and Economics, Science and Education, and History and Current Topics. There is a Business Committee, Committee on Music, Social Committee, P'inance Committee and Press Correspondent. It chooses annually a President, two Vice Presidents, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer and six Direc- tors. The Melrose Highlands Woman's Club. This Club was organized October 12, 1898. Its object, as stated in its consti- LITERARY CLUBS AND MUSICAL ASSOCIATIONS. 357 tution, is "to promote ethical, social and intellectual culture." At its organization it had 176 charter members. It now has 225 members, its limited number, and has four persons on the waiting list. The Club meets on the second and fourth Wed- nesdays of each month from October to April inclusive. At its meetings various papers, discussions, and entertainments, literary and musical, are enjoyed, as introduced under the direction of the committees of the four departments : Art and Literature, History and Travel, Education and Domestic Science, and Current Events. There are also, Membership, Music, Social, and Finance committees. Its officers, chosen annually, are as follows: President, two Vice Presidents, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Press Correspondent, and six Directors. These offi- cers, together with the chairman of each of the four depart- ments, constitute the Executive Board. The meeting held March 8, 1899, was devoted to the reading of the Club Magazine, Le Fin de Siecle, consisting of original articles written by members. These were after- wards published by the Club as a magazine of sixteen pages, with Mrs. Alice I. Calkins and Miss Edith S. Genu as editors. The Melrose Education Society, an organization com- posed mainly of teachers in our schools, although others interested in educational work can join, was formed in 1896. It was established to promote a broader knowledge of the science of educa- tion, a better understanding of methods now employed, and a close sympathy and cooperation between the home and the school. Under its auspices many scientific and educational lectures have been given; not only by our own teachers, but by eminent educators from abroad. It is officered by a Presi- dent, Secretary and Treasurer. A number of other literary clubs have existed in the past, now disbanded, which have had a beneficial and educational influence in the community. Earliest among these may be mentioned the " L. P. & F. Literary Associates," organ- ized about 1857, by members of the " Crystal Lake Division Sons of Temperance," a secret total abstinence society then existant here, and the motto of which was " Love, Purity and F'idelitv. 358 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Roundabout Club. Foremost among these by-gone clubs was the Roundabout Club, which was organized February 13, 1873. This was originally formed from members of the Unitarian Society; but soon afterwards enlarged its sphere, and became a non-sectarian organization. Its aim as em- bodied in Art. II of the Constitution was as follows: The object of this Association shall be the development and culti- vation of the intellectual and aesthetical powers of its members by such means as the broad field of literature affords, by music, art in general and social intercourse. It shall be the special effort of the members to present original productions, or any matter of interest coming within their experience by personal observation or otherwise, and to strive in every way to give character to the club as an educa- tional institution. The membership was limited to one hundred. The last meeting of the Club was held April 16, 1891. During its existence an annual "Budget" was issued in MSS., consist- ing of contributions by members of the Club, each volume being bound in covers artistically decorated with unique designs by the lady members. These volumes have been deposited in the Melrose Public Library. Some of these papers have been published in the Melrose jfotinial. On the 22nd of April, 1897, ^ reunion of former members took place at the Unitarian Chapel, on which occasion a banquet was enjoyed, with speeches, and an interesting his- torical reminicial address given by George H. Dearborn. The following extracts give the names of the Presidents, and indicate the scope of the work of the Club while in existence: Its first President was Rev. Daniel M. Wilson, who faithfully served for three terms and he was followed by Col. Samuel Harrington, Col. Samuel Adams Drake, Messrs. Royal P. Barry, John W. Farwell, George H. Dearborn, Elbridge H. Goss, Louis E. K. Robson, Dexter F. Munroe and Alonzo G. Whitman. Our invitations tonight state that this is the 240th meeting of the club but special meetings and gatherings carry these numbers beyond 250. That the spirit of Article II of the Constitution was fully carried out is shown by the fact that at these meetings there have been delivered 1 09 lectures, essays or talks, as you can term them, upon subjects I have classified as follows: biographical, thirty-three ; historical, nineteen; scientific, nine- teen ; art, seven ; miscellaneous, thirty-one. Of these essayists Brother Norris leads with a record of eleven. Colonel Drake gave ten, Major LITERARY CLUBS AND MUSICAL ASSOCIATIONS. :i:)9 Ranlet six, Brothers Feck, Whitman and WilUams six each. Brother Dearborn five, Brother Robson, Rev. N. Seaver, Jr., and Sister Liver- more four each, Brother Goss and Rev. Mr. Heywood three each, and "there are others," many others who have contributed for the benefit and pleasure of the ckib in this direction. There have also been held fifty-five dramatic evenings and fifteen purely literary evenings although music in some form composed a part of many of our meetings. ... In these few moments allotted me I have time to speak of but few of the many occasions which served to bring many of the club members together and which were so thor- oughly enjoyed. Prominent among these were our nine Field Days which were observed on the holidays of June 17, commencing with that of 1876, held at Maolis Gardens, Nahant, and the final one being held in 1885, at Manchester-by-the-Sea. The Unity Club was formed not long after the Roundabout Club ceased to exist, by members of the Unitarian Parish. This is a literary, dramatic and musical organization, holding monthly meetings in its chapel, at which light comedy plays, literary exercises and musicales are given. It is officered by a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Centennial Club, organized in 1876, with its sixty or seventy members, was founded on a similar basis as the Round- about Club, held its semi-monthly meetings, at which papers on various subjects, were read by its members and entertain- ments given. After a life of about fifteen years it ceased to exist at about the same time as did the Roundabout. The Avon Club, organized at about the same time as the Centennial, was composed of a younger class of members, some forty in number. Its meetings were partly literary and partly for social amusements. It existed nine or ten years. The Melrose Lyceum. The Melrose L\xcum has had an intermittant life. It was first inaugurated in 1865, by the late Dr. William Frederick Poole as chairman of the committee, and was sustained for four or five years, during which time such lecturers as George William Curtis, Wendell Phillips, Dr. Josiah G. Holland, and William Lloyd Garrison were engaged, and there were concerts by the Mendelssohn Quintette Club, and readings by Prof. j. Wesley Churchill. Among others that served on the committee were Thomas W. Chadbourne, George Emerson, Andrew H. Briggs, Charles H. Isburgh, George N. Noyes and Dexter Bryant. 360 HISTORY OF MELROSE. In 1874, after the new Town Hall had been built, the Lyceum was again established, and became a very popular institution. It was sustained for twenty -one consecutive years, during which time the following citizens served on the Committee: George F. Stone, 1874-5; Chairman same. Charles C. Barry, 1874-88; Secretary, 1874-87. Elbridge H. Goss, 1874-95; Treasurer same. W. Irving Ellis, 1874-79. J. Lyman Ran- dall, 1874. Joseph R. Simonds, 1874-76. William T. Jones, 1874-79. George H. Dearborn, 1874-95. George Emerson, 1874-78; Chairman 1876-77. Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, 1876- 80. John Larrabee, 1876-90. J. Augustus Barrett, 1879-95. Samuel Adams Drake, 1878; Chairman 1878. John W. Farwell, 1876-93; Chairman 1879-93. Allen C. Goss, 1879-92. George E. Carr, 1879-83. Thomas W. Ripley, 1880-92. James G. Bowden, 1883-95; Secretary 1887-95. Royal P. Barry, 1888- 94; Chairman 1894. Charles H. Lang, Jr., 1893-95. William W. Keays, 1893-95. D. Webster Dow, 1893. Sidney H. Buttrick, 1893. William E. Barrett, 1895; Chairman 1895. Frank L. Washburn, 1894-5. Charles H. Adams, 1894-5, and W. DeHaven Jones, 1894-5. Each course consisted of ten or more entertainments. Dur- ing this time many of the highest cost entertainments were given, among them the Theodore Thomas Orchestra, Remenyi Concert Co., Bernhard Listemann Concert Party, Royal Hand Bell Ringers, Germania Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orches- tra, New York Philharmonic Club, Marie Decca Grand Con- cert Co., and Oratorios by the Salem Oratorio Society and the Melrose Musical Society. For lecturers, Henry Ward Beecher, Charles Bradlaugh, John B. Gough, Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, Wendell Phillips, Rev. Edwin C. Bolles, D. D., Rev. Edwin H. Chapin, D. D., Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, John L. Stoddard, Gen, Joshua L. Chamberlain, Archibald Forbes, Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage, D. D., Rev. Robert Collyer, D. D., Go\'. John D. Long, Miss Kate Field, Gen. Lew. Wallace, William H. H. Murray, Max O'Rell, Miss Amelia B. Edwards, Dr. George C. Lorrimer, and many others. For readers. Prof. J. Wesley Churchill, Wyzeman Marshall, Miss Helen Potter, George Riddle, Samuel L. Clemens, George W. Cable, Lcland T. Powers, Will Carleton, Mrs. Frances Scott Siddons, Prof. James E. Murdock, Edgar W. Nye, James Whitcomb Riley, and others. LITERARY CLUBS AND MUSICAL ASSOCIATIONS. 3G1 During these twenty-one years this institution has been of great benefit to the citizens; giving, as it has, at a moderate cost, entertainments of the very highest order; thus afford- ing instruction, amusement and pleasure. It is hoped that it may be revived in the near future. After an interregnum of three years, two courses of six lectures each, for the seasons of 1898-1900 were given under the name of the Lyceum, by Messrs. Edward J. Kitching and Allen H. Sturges. MUSICAL ASSOCIATIONS. Soon after the incorporation of Melrose, it was found that quite a number of musical people were living here; and steps were taken to form a society for the cultivation of music. The Melrose Musical Association was organized. The first number of the Melrose Advertiser, issued in January, 1856, spoke in a very complimentary manner of its progress and efficiency. Under the leadership of the late Henry E. Trowbridge, with Andrew J. Morse as President, it thrived for many years, during which time it gave many fine concerts, always to the delight and satisfaction of the citizens. There were occasional breaks in its existence, but when occasion offered it would rise from its ashes with renewed vigor. Such was the case when the great " Peace Jubilee Festival " took place in Boston, under the direction of the late P. S. Gilmore, in June, 1869; also in that of a few years later, 1872, in the " Coliseum," when a still larger body of singers, said to be twenty thousand, was gath- ered. After an interregnum of a few years, the Association was again revived as the " Melrose Choral Society." As such it existed for several years, giving an occasional concert; its leader for a portion of the time being S. B. Whitney, the organist of the Church of the Advent, Under his direction it gave three of the entertainments in the " Melrose Lyceum," for the years 1893, 1894 and 1895; the first being the oratorio -of "Eli," the second the oratorio of " The Creation," and the third portions of the oratorios of " Stabat Mater " and " The Redemption." For a number of years the Melrose Orchestra existed and furnished delightful music on many an occasion. The Amphion Club was organized in the Melrose Club rooms, October 19, 1892, with the following list of officers: 362 HISTORY OF MELROSE. President, Charles C. Barry ; Vice President, William A. Waterhouse ; Treasurer, Walter F: Littlefield ; Secretary, Sid- ney Howe; Librarian, Frank D. Thatcher; and Ephraim Cutter, Jr., who was selected as Musical Director, with Grant Drake as Accompanist. Its object was for the " practice and perform- ance of part songs and choruses for male voices, and for the cultivation of a refined taste in that class of music." The membership was limited to sixty active or singing members, and two hundred associate or non-singing members. This membership has been kept full for these past ten years, and there are now applications for additional members; eight active and twenty-seven associate. About two years after its organization, August lO, 1894, the Club was incorporated, with Charles C. Barry, Walter F. Littlefield, William A. Waterhouse, Sidney Howe, Frank D. Thatcher, Laban Beal, Jr., Warren H. Wright, James G. Bowden, Thomas L. Cushman and Elvin W. Harding as corporators. Under the continued leadership of Mr. Cutter, with Mr. Grant Drake — many years teacher of music in our public schools-- as accompanist, this Club has attained a very high standard of excellence and ef^ciency, and its series of three concerts given each season in City Hall, affords great enjoyment and satisfaction to its patrons. For each concert each associate member receives four tickets; and the hall is filled to reple- tion at every performance, with a delighted audience. In addition to the regular concerts in Melrose, the Club gave a series of concerts for two years in Woburn, a concert in 1894 to the unemployed poor in our cit}', and an " End of the Century Service" at the Orthodox Congregational Church, Melrose, on December 31, 1900. It has also given concerts before the Boston Art Club, the Home Market Club at Mechanics Hall, Boston, in 1897,^ the Bankers' Association of Boston, in 1900 and 1901, and the National Association of Manufacturers in 1900; and on Febru- ary 16, 1899, this Club received the great compliment of being invited to sing at the magnificent banquet given by the Home Market Club, to President McKinley, and members of his Cabinet, at Mechanics Hall, Huntington Avenue, Boston. The six selections for the occasion were rendered in such an artistic and pleasing manner, as to call forth unbounded praise LITERARY CLUBS AND MUSICAL ASSOCIATIONS. 863 from the fi\c thousand people present. So greatly was the President pleased that he sent President Shiimway the follow- ing autograph letter: Executive Mansion, Washington, February 20, 1899. My Dear Sir: — ... I have much pleasure in stating that the excellent music on the occasion of the Home Market Club Banquet added a great deal to the enjoyment of that memorable evening. Very truly yours. ^^;;^Ac£^-c^««-*-^ 7x.^J/toc. To Mr. Franklin P. Shumwav, President Amphion Club. Well may the "Amphions" be pleased with this well merited praise. It is, and has been, an incentive to attain still greater efficiency. In 1898, Mr. Barry declined a reelection as President, and Franklin P. Shumway was elected in his place. The present officers are: President, Franklin P. Shumway; Vice President, David B. Pitman; Secretary, Jabez S. Dyer; Treasurer, James G. Bowden; Librarian, Walter C. Martin; Assistant Librarian, Ernest L. Carr. These form the Board of Directors; and there is a Voice and Music Committee consisting of five members each. During the club's existence, it has given thirty concerts for which over three hundred and thirty rehearsals were held under the earnest and efficient conductorship of Mr. Cutter. The following " Dedication," written by Rev. M. J. Savage, was printed in the Club's first programme, February 2, 1893: .Vniphion's lyre, great Mercury's gift, Such wondrous power knew That, to the music of its strings, The Theban walls upgrew. .\n(l since that day, at music's touch All lower things uprise, Till what is earthly in us seeks Communion with the skies. LITERARY CLUBS AND MUSICAL ASSOCIATIONS. 365 A number of other musical associations, vocal and instru- mental, have had a longer or shorter life during our incorpo- rated existence; and there are now several well organized, and doing good musical work. The Methodist Choral Union consists of twenty-five members under the leadership of organist Charles E. Wilson. It is officered with a President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Chaminade Choral Society, composed wholly of ladies, was organized January 1 1, 1900; it has a membership of twenty- four, and is under the leadership of Mrs. Josie B. Tyler. Its first public performance took place April 23, 1901. It has a Secretary, Treasurer and Music Committee. The Melrose City Band was organized September 20, igoo, A, A. Quimby, leader. It has nineteen members. The Melrose Cadet Band was organized in March, 1901, with George H. Glover as conductor. It has twenty-one members. Both bands have given public performances and led in parades in a very satisfactory manner. Of orchestras we have several: that of the Young Men's Christian Association, S. Woodbridge Moorhouse, leader, with fifteen members; Dow's Orchestra, organized in i8g8, Richard E. Dow, leader and manager, has ten members; Tripp's Orchestra, Harry L. Tripp, leader, has ten members; and the Melrose Orchestral Association, Elmer D. Sherburne, leader, with ten members. Melrose has been the home of at least two people of more than ordinary musical talent; one vocal the other instrumental. Miss Geraldine Farrar — whose father, Sidney D. Farrar, was a resident and business man in Melrose for many years, and one of its Selectmen for the years 1896, '97 and '98 — was born here February 28, 1883. Many of our citizens remember her singing in church and home when a mere child. At twelve years of age she began her vocal studies under Mrs. J. H, Long. She rapidly developed a voice of wonderful power and sweetness. After graduating from our schools, for a while she engaged in concert work in New York and Washington. On the day that the news of Admiral Dewey's victory came to America, she sang "The Star Spangled Banner" to President William McKinley and his wife. In September, 1899, with her parents, she went to Paris, where, for a while, she studied under Angelo de Trabadello. From Paris to Berlin, where, under the tutorship of George 366 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Graziani, she made her debut at the Royal Opera, October 15, 1901, as " Marguerite," in Gounod's " Faust;" and she has become one of the most charming and successful of opera singers. Such was her success at the Royal Opera that she has been given a three years' engagement, with six months of each at her own disposal; and she has been allowed the unusual privilege of singing in Italian instead of German. Her present repertoire includes " Faust," " Traviata," " Romeo and Juliette," " Pagliacci," and " Lohengrin." Februar}^ 12th, 1902, a special message came from the Emperor to sing at the Castle, which she did with grand success. She received another invitation to sing for their Majesties on February 28th. Berlin is the most difficult city in Europe in which to debut, the critics being very severe but just. Geraldine was the first American to receive an engagement at the Royal Opera.^ Another musician was Walter Emerson, the famous cornetist. Although not born here, he early came to Melrose, and passed most of his days as a resident. He commenced his career by blowing the bugle calls for the Battery then stationed in Melrose. From that time he rapidly developed into one of the most famous cornetists the world has had. After traveling as soloist with a number of different companies he organized the Emerson Concert Company, which gave entertainments throughout the United States, in Canada and Europe. In 1878, he went to Europe with Gilmore's Band, of world-wide fame, as the Cornet Soloist, during which time he played the solos for one hundred and fifty-one concerts. Concerning his skill and success during this season abroad, Mr. Gilmore said, in writing to his father, George Emerson, under date of May 13, 1879: It was always a pleasure to me to see him take the solo stand, knowing that there lived no other young American who could do more honor to the country so far as national renown could be advanced by cornet playing. The rapidity of his tonguing, and the great facility of his execution, surprised some of the slow coaches of the old world, and they really began to believe that America was a dashing, go ahead, fast country. His performances were a brilliant ornament in our concerts, and in several respects he was considered the most remarkable performer ever heard abroad. Mr. Emerson died June i, 1893. ^ Letter from her father, dated Berlin, February 18, 1902. CHAPTER XXI. BIBLIOGRAPHY. MANY literary men and women have made Melrose their home. Their works have been of many kinds — his- torical, biographical, theological, political, scientific, electrical, educational, medicinal, musical and fiction. All cannot be enumerated; only the most important, giving the authors' names in alphabetical order. Rev. John Greenleaf Adams, D. D., was a Universalist minister. Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, July 30, 1810; died at Melrose Highlands, May 4, 1887. He was a prolific writer. Among his most important works are Memoir of Thomas Whittemore, Universalism of the Lord's Prayer, Talks Abotit the Bible, Fifty Notable Years, and The Inner Life. During his life he was editor of various Sabbath School papers of the Universalist denomination. For many years he was closely identified with the history of Maiden. Deloraine P. Corey, in his sketch of Maiden for Drake's History of Middlesex County, published in 1880, thus speaks of Dr. Adams, who was settled over the Universalist Church of Maiden many years, in con- nection with Rev. Alexander W. McClure, who was settled over the Congregational Church at the same time: But I may linger a moment over the names of two clergymen whose memories are cherished and honored in the churches and town which they loved. The Rev. Alexander W. McClure, the caustic wit of the Trinitarian Society, and the Rev. John G. Adams of the First Parish, revived in the nineteenth century, for a while, the pastorates of the olden time. Both heartily earnest in their work, they became as one with the people of their charges, and were, to the rich and poor alike, faithful pastors and sympathetic friends. Nor were they less earnest in their duties as neighbors and townsmen in the daily and secular affairs of life. Antagonistic as they were in their religious beliefs, with the memories of the recent conflicts of their societies still alive, they stood stoutly shoulder to shoulder and hand in hand in the many 368 HISTORY OF MELROSE. reforms which they instituted or promoted, and cemented a friendship which time did not destroy, which is still green in the hearts of the survivor, and which may make more joyous the meeting on the shores of life. In the temperance cause, in charitable work, and in educa- tional matters they urged reforms and introduced new methods by which the interests of the people were advanced and their prosperity promoted. George Lowell Austin, M. D., was born in Lawrence, September ii, 1849 3"^ died in Melrose, June 5, 1893. He wrote a Life of Franz Schubert, 1872; The History of MassacJiu- setts, from the Landing of the Pilgrims to the Present Time, 1876; The Indispensible Handbook of Useful and Practical Information, 1878; Water- Analysis, A Handbook for Water-Drinkers, 1882; Henry Wadsivorth Longfellow ; His IJfe, His Works, His Friend- ships, 1883; atid The Life and Times of Wendell Phillips, 1884. Joseph Edward Babson was born in Newburyport, in 1831, and died in Melrose Highlands, May 19, 1875. He was a frequent contributor to the Boston newspapers, under the pseudonym of "Tom Folio." He was an ardent student, and particularly fond of the English prose writers. He edited an edition of Charles Lamb's works, and gathered from various English magazines the scattered contributions of Leigh Hunt, Douglas Jerrold and Charles Lamb, as follows: Eliana, Bei?ig the Hitherto Uncollected Writings of Charles Lamb, 1869; A Day by the Fire, and other Papers, Hitherto Uncollected, by Leigh Hunt, 1869; The Wishing- Cap Papers by Leigh Hunt, Nozv First Collected, 1872; Fireside Saints, Mr. Caudle's Breakfast Talk, and Other Papers, by Douglas Jerrold, 1873. Mr. Babson left a very fine library, now the property of Mrs. Caroline W. Clinkard, to whom he bequeathed it; and it is now in her home on Park Street, Melrose. Captain George Pickering Burnham was born in Boston, April 24, 1814, and died in Melrose, April 17, 1902. He came to Melrose in 1850, the year in which it was incorporated. His literary career covers a period of over fifty years. In journal- ism he has been reporter, sub-editor, editor, and the writer of many sketches and stories. He has given much attention to a specialty in fowls and birds, and has written a dozen books connected with that subject, including his humorous treatment of The History of the Hen Fever, published in 1855, and which had a very extensive sale. In this same year he also wrote an BIBLIOGRAPHY. 369 anti-slavery story, entitled The Rag-Picker ; or. Bound and Free. His other writinr;;-.s include Metnoirs of tJie United States Secret Service, Aniencan Coioiterfeits, and A Hundred Thousa?id Dollars i?i Gold. Rev. Daniel Dorchestkk, D. D., was born in Diixbur) , Massachusetts, March ii, 1827. He was appointed by Presi- dent William Harrison, Superintendent of Indian Schools of the United States, May i, 1889. He served nearly five years. His published works are Concessions of Liberalists to Orthodoxy, 1878; Giving and Worship, 1882; Problem of Religious Progress, 1882; The Liquor Problem in All Ages, 1884; Christianity in the United States, 1888; Latest Drink Sophistries vs. Total Abstinence, 1885; The Luiictment of the Liquor Traffic, 1885; ^-^^^ ^^''A^ (>f Methodism, 1 887 ; Romanism vs. the Public School System, 1 888 a?id Christianity Vifidicated by its Enemies, 1896. He has e\'er been conspicuous in all temperance measures, and an authority in statistical studies pertaining to the ecclesiastical and reform- atory departments of inquiry. Colonel Samuel Adams Drake has written many works of an historical character. He was born in Boston, December 20, 1833. At the breaking out of the Great Rebellion he was a resident of Kansas, and was appointed colonel of the Seventeenth Regiment of Kansas Volunteer Infantry, serving throughout the war. His first book was Old Land-marks and Historic Personages of Boston, issued in 1873. This was followed by His tone Fields and Mansions of Middlesex, Nooks a?id Corners of the New Efigland Coast, Bunker Hill, General Israel Putnam, the Commander at Bunker Hill, History of Middlesex Cotinty, The Heart of the White Mountains, Around the Hub, New England Legends and Folk Lore, Our Great Benefactors, The Old Boston Taverns and Tavern Clubs, The Making of Nezv England, 7 he Making of the Great West, Burgoynes Invasion of 1777, The Taking of Louisburg, The Battle of Gettysburg, Campaign of Treti- ton. Watch Fires of '76, and On Plymouth Rock. He has writ- ten one historical novel, entitled, Captain Nelson: a Romance of Colonial Days, and has contributed to Our Young Folks, Our Boys and Girls, and Harper's Magazine ; a.\so the articles " Florida," *' Georgia," and " Sebastian Cabot," for the Cyclo- paedia Britannic a. Rev. Richard Eddy, D. D., was born in Providence, K. I., 370 HISTORY OF MELROSE. June 21, 1828. For several years he was a pastor of the Universalist Church. Many of his sermons have been printed. His larger works are: History of the Sixtieth Regiment, New York State Volunteers, of which he was chaplain; Universalism in America, Alcohol in History, and Alcohol in Society. He has been editor of different newspapers, among them the Universalist Quarterly and General Review. Hon. Daniel Wheelwright Gooch was born in Wells, Maine, January 8, 1820. Graduated at Dartmouth College in 1843, ^"cl admitted to the Suffolk Bar in 1846. Came to Melrose (then North Malden)[in 1848, where he died Novem- ber I, 1891. He was elected a representative to the General Court in 1852, and a member of the Constitutional Convention m 1853. He was an adherent of the Free-Soil party until the formation of the Republican party, with which he has ever since acted. He has several times been elected a Representa- tive to Congress; was a member of the Thirty-fifth, Thirtv- sixth, Thirty-seventh and Thirt)'-eighth Congresses, in the BIBLIOGRAPHY. 371 latter serving as a member of the Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War, and was chairman on the part of the House; its four years of. investigations were printed in several volumes. Having been elected to the Thirty-ninth Congress, he resigned, September i, 1865, to accept from President Johnson the appointment of naval officer for the port of Boston, which position he held for a year. In 1868 he was elected a delegate to the Chicago Convention. In the Forty- third Congress he again served as Representative for the Fifth Massachusetts District. From 1875 to 1886 he was Pension Agent at Boston, after which he resumed the practice of the law. A number of his legal arguments have been printed, notably those in the Hoosac Tunnel, Troy & Greenfield Railroad, and Joseph M. Day, Judge of Probate, cases. Many of his Congressional speeches were printed in pamphlet form; among them were The Lecompton Constitution and the Admission of Kansas into the Union, Polygamy in Utah, The Supreme Court and Dred Scott, Orga7iization of the Territories, Any Compromise a Surrender, Recognition of Hayti and Liberia, and Secession and Reconstruction. Rev. John Healy Heywood was born in Worcester, March 30, 1818. Graduated from Harvard College in 1836, and from the Divinity School in 1840. He was first settled in Louisville, Ky., in 1840, when he succeeded the late Rev. James Freeman Clarke, D. D. After a pastorate of forty years he resigned. He was settled over the Unitarian Church of Melrose, in 1884, having occupied, since leaving Louisville, the pulpit at Ply- mouth, Mass., for one year, that of Dr. Putnam in Brooklyn, for six months and that of the Independent Congregational Church, in Baltimore, Md., for three months. His printed volumes are as follows: Unitarian Views Vindicated, 1854; The Causes and C2ire of Intemperance, 1874; The Unitarian Banner, 1878; Our Indian Mission atid our First Missionary, Rev. Charles H. A. Dall; and William Green leaf Eliot, 1887. Frederick Kidder was born in New Ipswich, N. H., April 16, 1804, and died in Melrose, December 19, 1885, in his eighty-second year. Went to Boston in 1822, and with his brother was several years in business in Wilmington, N. C. In 1845, Messrs. Benjamin V. and Charles Copeland, together with Mr. Kidder, bought of the Barings, of London, a tract of land on the Schoodic Lakes, in Plastern Maine, containing over 372 HISTORY OF MELROSE. a hundred thousand acres, being more than thirty miles in extent, This proved to be a very profitable investment, and would have been much more so had they continued to hold the land for a while longer than they did. He was one of the trustees of the Public Library from 1870 to 1882, most of the time chairman. His first literary work was a history of his native town, New Ipswich, N. H., which was issued in 1852. In that early day of town histories, this was one of the most complete and thorough works that had appeared. His other volumes are: The Expedition of Captain Lovezvell, and his Encounters with the Indians, Military Operations in Eastern Maine and Nova Scotia during the Revolution, History of the First Nezv Hampshire Regi- ment in the War of the Revolution, and History of th(i Boston Massa- cre, March §, 1770. His magazine articles reprinted in pamph- let were: The Adventures of Captain Lovewell, The Abenaki Indians., The Szvedes on the Delaivare, and The Discovery of North America by John Cabot: A First Chapter in the History of North America. Robert Fowler Leighton, born in Durham, Maine, Janu- ary 23, 1838, was for several years principal of the High School of Melrose, during which time he wrote several educational works: Greek Lessons, Latin Lessons, and Harvard Examination Papers. Since then he has given his attention to historical works, and has written a History of Rome, History of Greece, Cicero's Select Letters, and Historia Critica M. T. Ciceronis Epistu- larum ad Familiares ; this was published in Latin, in Leipsic, Germany. Mary Ashton Livermore was born in Boston, December 19, 1820; was a teacher in Charlestown and Duxbury, Mass. In 1857 her husband, Daniel P., established the New Covena)it, a Universalist journal, of which she became associate editor for twelve years, during which time she frequently contributed to periodicals of her denomination and edited the Lily. When the Rebellion broke out she became connected with the United States Sanitary Commission, headquarters at Chicago, per- forming a vast amount of labor of all kinds — organizing auxiliary societies, visiting hospitals and military posts, con- tributing to the press, answering correspondence, and the thousand and one things incident to the wonderful work done BIBLIOGRAPHY. 373 by that institution. She was one that helped organize the great fair in 1863, at Chicago, when nearly gioo.ooo was raised, and for which she obtained the original draft of the Emancipa- tion Proclamation from President Lincoln, which was sold for $3,000. As she says in her extremely interesting volume, My Story of the War: " Here were packed and shipped to the hospitals or battle-field '/y,66o packages of sanitary supplies, whose cash value was $1,056, [Q2. 16. Here were written and mailed letters by the ten thousand, circulars by the hundred f thousand, monthly bulletins and reports. Here were planned visits tp the aid societies, trips to the army, methods of raising money and supplies, systems of relief for soldiers' families and white refugees, Homes and Rests for destitute and enfeebled soldiers, and the details of mammoth sanitary fairs. When the war was over she instituted a paper called the Agitator, which was afterwards merged in the Woman's journal. Of this she was editor, for two years and has been a frequent contributor to it since. On the lecture platform she has had a 374 HISTORY OF MELROSE. remarkable career, speaking largely in behalf of the woman suffrage and the temperance movements. A few years ago she was "one of the four lecturers that were most in demand and that commanded the largest fees, the other three being men." Many years she has traveled 25,000 miles annually, speaking five nights each week for five months of the year. Her printed volumes are: Thirty Years Too Late, first pub- lished in 1847 ss a prize temperance tale, and republished in 1878; Pe)i Pictures, or. Sketches from Domestic Life ; What Shalt We Do zvith Our Daughters? Superfluous Women and Other Lectures ; and My Story of the War. A Woman s Narrative of Four Years' Personal Experience as Nurse in the Union Army, a7id in Relief Work at Home, in Hospitals, Camps and at the Front during the War of the Rebellion. Of this work one has well said: "Should every other book on the war be blotted out of existence, this one would completely reflect the spirit and work of the Women of the North." For Women of the Z)<2jj' she wrote the sketch of the sculptress. Miss Anne Whitney; and for the " Centennial Celebration of the First Settlement of the Northwestern States, at Marietta, Ohio, July 15, 1788," she delivered the historical address. Her last work was published in 1897. ^^^ subject, character and scope is given on its title-page, which contains a compre- hensive biography of the author: " The Story of My Life; or. The Siinshine and Shadoiv of Seventy Years, by Mary A. Livermore, Teacher, Author, Wife, Mother, Army Nurse, Soldiers' Friend, Lecturer, and Reformer. A Narrative of Her Early Life and Struggles for Education, Three Years' Experience on a Southern Plantation among White Masters and Black Slaves, Her Courtship, Marriage, Domestic Life, etc., with hitherto unrecorded Incidents and Recollections of Three Years' Ex- perience as an Army Nurse in the Great Civil War, and Rem- iniscences of Twenty-five Years' Experiences on the Lecture Platform, including Thrilling, Pathetic, and Humorous Inci- dents of Platform Life." Rev. Daniel Pakker Livermore, born in Leicester, Mass.,. June 17, 1818, and died in Melrose, July 5, 1899. He was a Universalist minister, and besides editing the Netv Covenant for a dozen )'ears and contributing to newspapers and magazines, has published several pamphlets of a denominational character,. BIBLIOGRAPHY. 375 and a half-dozen on the subject of "Woman Suffrage," in favor of which he strongly argued. Thomas D. Lockwood, born in Plngland, December 20, 1848, IS an eminent electrician, an acknowledged authority in all matters pertaining to electrical telephony. He is electrician in charge.of all matters connected with patents, and the collec- tion and collation of electrical information for the American Bell Telephone Company. Besides very many articles contributed to the electrical press, he has published three volumes: Electricity, Magnetism and Electric Telegraphy, Electrical Measurement and the Galvanojucter, and Practical Information for Telephonists. To get an idea of the vast amount of literature that has been published on electricity, one should visit Mr. Lockwood's de- partment connected with the Telephone Co., and see the array of works that have been issued, in many languages, on that subject; no other such collection can be found, and to this he has himself contributed not a little. During the winter of 1885-86, he delivered a course of lectures before the Lowell Institute, Boston, on The Electric Telegraph and Telephone. His essay entitled On the Electrical Disturbances occurring in Tele- phonic Circuits, and the methods proposed for obviating or overcoming them, was published by the United States Government, in 1886. He is a constant contributor to the electrical journals of the countr}-. Gilbert Nash was born in Weymouth, Mass., April 22, 1825, and died there April 13, 1888. He lived many years in Melrose. He wrote a history of his native town, a Memoir of General Solomon Novell, and a volume of poems, entitled Bay Leaves. Charles J. Noyes was born in Haverhill, Mass., Au- gust 7, 1841. Graduated from Haverhill Academy in i860, as the valedictorian of his class. Graduated at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., in 1864. Delivered the Honorary Chancel- lor's Address for that College in 1888, receiving the degree of LL.D. Admitted to the bar in 1864. Elected to the Massa- chusetts Senate in 1867. and to the House of Representatives in 1866, 'T], '78, '79, '80, '81, '82, '87 and '88, during which time he served five years as Speaker. He has delivered a number of addresses which have been printed, his last one being in our 376 HISTORY OF MELROSE. City Hall, at the Memorial Services of President William McKinley. His only printed volume is a Revolutionary story, Patriot and Tory., published in 1902. He has another story ready for the press, entitled Not Accordbi f Scriptur . Thomas Bellows Peck, many years resident of Melrose, Chairman of School Committee in 1877, and Trustee of the Public Library from 1884 to 1887, now living in Walpole, N. H., his native place, published in 1898, The Bellows Genealogy ; or John Bellows, the Boy Emigrant of i6j^, and his Descendants, a volume of 657 pages. William Frederick Poole, LL. D., the eminent librarian and bibliophile, was born m Salem, Massachusetts, December 24, 1821, and died in Evanston, Illinois, March i, 1894. He graduated from Yale College in 1849. While there he became the assistant librarian, which was the beginning of a life-long profession. He was librarian of the Mercantile Library Asso- ciation of Boston for four years; of the Boston Athaeneum for thirteen years; of the Cincinnati Public Library for five years; of the Chicago Public Library for fourteen years; and from 1887 to the day of his death, of the Newberry Library of Chicago, founded by the munificence of the millionaire Walter L. Newberry. For many years he lived in Melrose, during which lime his pen was ever busy. During the controversy between the Webster and Worcester Dictionaries, in 1855-56, he published three pamphlets championing Webster as being the best authority: IVebsterian Orthography, Dictionaries in the Boston Mercantile Library and Boston Athcenemn, and Tlie Ortho- graphical Hobgoblin. In the discussion concernmg the historical claims of " The Popham Colony," he wrote many articles in the Boston Daily Advertiser and the Bibliography of the PopJiam Colony. In 1867 a new edition of Edward Johnson's Wo7ider- Working Providejice of Zio7is Saviour in New England, was published, for which he wrote an introduction and numerous historical notes. He has issued several pamphlets connected with " Cotton Mather and Salem Witchcraft," and wrote the chapter on " Witchcraft in Boston," for the Memorial Histoiy of Bost07t,\ss\\Qd in 1880; and for Justin Winsor's Narrative and Critical History of America, vol. 6. he wrote the chapter entitled, "The West, From the Treaty of Peace with France, 1763, to the Treaty of BIBLIOGRAPHY. 377 Peace with England, 1783." In 1874-75, in Chicago, he edited a monthly literary paper called The Owl, which was succeeded by The Dial, to which he was a constant contributor, chiefly in historical criticism, in which he had few equals. In this department his work has always been in the nature of a plea for judicial fairness and candor in historical writing, and his pen has constantly been on the alert to discover and expose the pet fallacies of the villifiers of the fathers of New England, and of all those with whom the demands of rhetoric seem louder than those of truth. His best known work is Poole's Index to Periodical Literature, which was first issued in 1848, as Index to Snhjeets Treated in the Revieivs, and other Periodicals to ivhich no Indexes have been Published, enlarged as An Index to Periodical Literature, in 1853, and again enlarged and issued in 1882. To this a supple- ment is to be published every five years. This " is a work of the times, for the times; the vast and hitherto pathless conti- nents of periodical literature are surveyed, systematized, and made accessible." A half dozen supplementary volumes have now been issued. He contributed during his life many historical articles and reviews to the Boston and Chicago papers, and delivered several addresses before the literary clubs of Cincinnati and Chicago. Among his latest publications are: The Early North- west, The Ordijiancc of lySy, and The University Library and the University Curricnlnvi, the last issued in 1894. but a short time before his death. Mr. Poole has been President of the American Historical Association and of the American Library Association. His many papers on library architecture, and on matters pertaining to libraries in the Library yoiinial ixnd other periodicals, have attracted much attention, not only in our land, but in Europe, and if collected would make quite a volume. The Chicago Literary Clui) issued an /;/ Memoriani, a pamphlet of forty-two pages. It says: He was a great teacher. . . . Me was widely admired, at home and abroad, for his exceptional scholarship and knowledge. To be known as his friend, in any of the great libraries of Europe, was thfe best of introductions. If he was a man to be admired for his attainments, still more was he to be loved for his character, which was formed for friendship. Impatient of shallow and trifling natures, it was not easy for all to approach him on familiar terms ; but those once admitted to his friendship, he held in a life long intimacy. 378 HISTORY OF MELROSE. Oliver Ayer Roberts, born in Haverhill, Mass., March 17, 1838. Went to Yale College one year, 1858, then entered Antioch College, Ohio. When the War of the Rebellion broke out, he returned to Massachusetts and enlisted in the Fiftieth Regiment, nine months' troops, as Sergeant Major. Then in 1864, re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Regi- ment, serving in Virginia, and was discharged in June, 1865, at the end of the war. He then returned to, and graduated at Antioch College. He published the Herald of Gospel of Liberty, in Dayton, Ohio, for two years. Then for two years, 1869-70, was principal of Le Grand Institute, at Le Grand, Iowa. In 1869, he was ordained as a Christian minister at Winterset, Iowa. Settled over the Independent Church, New Bedford, in 1871, continuing for seven years. During this time he served as Auditor, a member of the School Committee and Trustee of the Public Library. In 1879, he was settled over the church at Salisbury, Mass., where he remained until No- vember, 1887, removed to Melrose, retiring from the ministry, and devoting himself to literary work, coupled with duties as an assistant in the recording grand secretary's office of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts. Among his published works are: TJie California Pilgrimage of Boston Commandery, Knights Templars, 1883; Cross-Bearers — Croivn Winners, 1883; Sermon at Profile Honse, before Boston Com,inandety, 1882; Newbiiryport Commandery; 2^th Anniver- sary Sermon of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. He has delivered many Memorial Day addresses, and written the Roberts and the Brewster Genealogies. His last literar}^ work has been the writing of the Histojy of the Ancient a7id Honorable Artillery Company, from t6jS to 1 888, authorized by the Company through its Military and Library Committee. It consists of four large royal octavo volumes, the preface to vol. 4 being dated, "Evacuation Day, March 17, 1901, Melrose, Mass." It is the history of the oldest military company in the country, and gives its history and biographical sketches of its thousands of members, many of whom have been among our most prominent statesmen, law- yers, business men, poets, historians, clergymen, and soldiers and officers in army and navy. It is a most valuable work and concerning the manner in which he has accomplished his task of fourteen years duration, the Committee state in its preface: BIBLIOGRAPHY. 379 The Company must ever remain indebted to the historian, Mr. Oliver A. Roberts, for the ability and thoroughness with which he has per- formed his work. Full and accurate in its details, concise and clear in its statements, the History will ever hold a high place among the works of a similar character. Hon. Samuel Edmund Sewall was born in Boston, Novem- ber 9, 1799, and died in Boston, December 20, 1888. He graduated from Harvard College in 1817. He came to North Maiden in 1846, when it had but two or three hundred inhabitants. He was elected State Senator from Stoneham in 1852, as his house was just over the line from Melrose; but this territory was detached from Stoneham and joined to Melrose in 1853. He was identified with the anti-slavery movement from its beginnings, being one of the few wha joined William Lloyd Garrison when he came to Boston in 1830. Mr. Garrison, Oliver Johnson and Samuel J. May, met in Mr. Sewall's office on State Street, Boston, to form the Massachu- 380 . HISTORY OF MELROSE. setts Anti-Slavery Society. Mr. Sewall was also a prominent member of the National Anti-Slavery Society. Upon the organization of the Liberty party he was for two years its candidate for Governor. He acted with that and the Free-Soil party until they were merged in the Republican party. He was ever foremost in advocating the passage of laws for the benefit of women, and while in the Senate he drafted a bill which became a law, giving married women the right to hold property. His only printed work is a pamphlet •entitled Legal Coriditioji of Women in Massachusetts, which was first issued in 1868; then revised in 1870, agam in 1875 and again in 1886. Many years ago he was editor for two years of the American Jurist afid Law Magazine (a quarterly). He also edited, in connection with Willard Phillips, two editions of Sir John Bayley's Summary of the Law of Bills of Exchange, Cash Bills and Promissory Notes, the last edition being issued in 1836. Many years ago he contributed a number of articles to the Christian Register. The only other published matter of his, aside from that arising from his long life devoted to the law, is his sketch of his father, Joseph Sewall, prepared for the first volume of the Memorial Biographies of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, published from the "Towne Memorial Fund." His father was a merchant of Boston and Treasurer of the Commonwealth from 1827 to 1832. Bradford Torrey, was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, October 9, 1843. This keen observer of nature and great lover of birds, lived in Melrose for a number of years. His first book. Birds in the Bush, was published in 1885. Far and wide did he ramble, but many of his observations were made here in Melrose: After the music of the Alice and the Swainson thrushes, the chief distinction of May, 1 884, as far as my Melrose woods were concerned, was the entirely unexpected advent of a colony of rose-breasted gros- beaks. For five seasons I had called these hunting grounds my own, . . . before the end of the following month the hermit thrushes, the olive beaked thrushes and the gray-chested thrushes all sang for me in my Melrose woods. Since then he has written The Footpath Way, 1892,^ Rambler s Lease, 1889, A Florida Sketch Book, 1894, Spring Notes of Ten- nessee, i8g6, A World of Green Hills, 1898 and Footing it in Franconia, 1901. Most of the contents of these volumes were BIBLIOGRAPHY. 381 first contributed to the Atlantic Monthly; afterward published in book form. The bibliography of writings pertaining particularly to Mel- rose is as follows: In 1832, the Rev. S. Osgood Wright preached " An Historical Discourse," at Maiden on Thanksgiving Day, which contained "A Sketch of the History of that Town from the Settlement to the Present Time," in which two or three pages are devoted to "that part of the town called the North End." The Origin and Present Condition of Free Masonry in Melrose. Prepared by direction of the Waverley Masonic Association, for the purpose of being deposited in the Corner Stone of their new edifice, at Melrose, June 25, a.d. 1866. By Levi S. Gould, Past Master of Wyoming Lodge, 1866. The Melrose Memorial, The Annals of Melrose, Contity of Mid- dlesex, Massachusetts, in the Great Rebellion of 1 86 1 -6^, By Elbridge H. Goss. Privately Printed by Subscription, 1868. The Centennial Fourth. Historical Address Delivered in Town Hall, Melrose, Mass., July 4, 1876, by Elbridge H. Goss. Also, The Proceedings of the Day. Privately Printed, Mel- rose, 1876. " History of Melrose, by Elbridge H. Goss," for the History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, adxicd by Samuel Adams Drake, who wrote for it the "General History of the County," 1880. Bibliography of Melrose, by Elbridge H. Goss, 1889.^ " History of Melrose, by Elbridge H. Goss," for the History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, ivith Biographical Sketches of many of its Pioneers and Promifient Men, 1 890. Echoes from Mystic Side, Maiden, Melrose, Everett, by H. M.. 1890. This little work contains a short sketch of Melrose, with the following appreciative item: The growth of the town is due to the energy and attention of its people, m improving a tract of land already beautified by nature. Many fine residences have been erected, and Melrose is acknowledged as one of the most attractive places in this vicinity. Melrose: Town and City 1850 — I(po. Published on the occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of Meh\)se, May, 1900. Issued by Charles II. Adams, proprietor of the iT/con il;ai a lifcn me of prariic.il joLlng larl.cd in llieir jfenmin:: depth.'. Ishpiniii) t]j:c(l not vrnluve far oui. Tor 1 close bloflindc W3S l^rpl up along ihe 'oa.'l- .Tnd ?n ihev were forccti lo forcqo he advani.i^es'of llicir tesl fishing Trciund?. Cut a new iue.l had been akine po fci-icn of iheii brains. and they houpht nf filling out the English. For tw had ihii 1 peiso wai-rare hail been ed. but' no ve>rel suiiuble for lie iii.ecouldbe oblainrd, nor could rai^c cons heovv enungh for h,r :n had ihev iiols and' iinio': of he rnou;h. and iliatna: rd one old si^-pouiidi a lind of signal gun fo;;5 and sioiiny niiihi;. It was ju-•'■ ■Vi* a ludici( •So JO offlcf r. ' • I done ob- op. el-,, wo» ll.c Hirp gUu rflnsd- r.it ihough ilia' thought of an 1 pirate inodp^flira feel sore, uld not help la vl'ing at the i i- scene thus ptej>nted to gaze, ve gieen lookii*!- lisbermeo to- lib that gun, ditl^,iesent rather appen (.att ledi- fended air, • 1 s'| 1 should have .-hould a been pit '•Ho ' iriteid the British erl We wUb an of- e xiyi. eome across hai Jupuldhaveiotik, ne iio^ul dono as 1 ng uii; morclii jr«a •Nevi lind that, ."ffta'hafl. We'll no Halifax, 'and there, per- •Well, s pose aegear. take be •Take that Englishman !-\V.h- • But Tarn in earnest.' Jabc looked at Nighti ngale wi THE ENCLISUMAN'S IJCPLOIT. HviO much lit made by it. DV SYLVANUS CODB, JB. Maoy yesfi 050, when we wc ■tcre boy. nc if^eil 10 >ii upcn a siool, at ibc fen or ComrDoJcrc S:ii Tucker, anJ hojr lUm old ihe incidoi ebscrvaiion veteran jrhi ilu.i tp.J roine under hiv r.ns ihc biui u'-leui.h Great Br.i.an. Among ihL- Uiou^anJ ■nd one s-oriri ihni wc have hear.! fall from the tips of ihji occn wufiior, ihe (oJlowio^ hjs rt-inainrd (.c^^h in oui jueniory. On ihe urffm ehoro of Pcnol.coi Bay. between Bcirast and Co mdcn ihere w^n n ^mt>l| elut) uf Tii^licrinen*! coU, inhubttrd by a hardy cci of tner who had (fo'rt inlnm y been brouylil uj amid the hiumc of the brcuLing wnvps aifld who bot'w no k-ar bttit-inh ihc |iu\v (tiOiC fliitJ'M.i o( Ihe M'.' th ihe * i cnn 50 oiu in my lilile Rhody an' lal^c her before she knows \vhe(e she is. Now will yon help me?' * rir toiler jer, capunn, ef you go lew ihundcr.' wa* J;il»?'6 li'-aty response, as lie^rwlhe old n:an was in earnest. Cjpi. Nightingale look his mate by lie arm, and led him oX The nislii ins dnilt, but stilt there waj n busy ccnc on board ihc schooner rhpr.ly, ihlcli was ihc; Ii?avc-t filling vcEi-cl in lie pbce. Torches ueve gleaming 10 nd fro all nighl long, hammers ond aws wore sending forih their mn-^ic, nd when the morning dawned, Uie Rho- dy wns rendy for sea, iho old iron sig- npl z^>n was holscd 00 board, ond placalona niilc so.l of carriage mii'- .-hips iljccodlme biuKeis and b:iii bo^os had been elc;»icd ^-iv.iy. pimI irl.c I-rr nil in all. vbeUrc fo.ne f. iiu re embVncc 10 :*ii embf^o pimio or privaiuPr. ^^he vvas'mannscd by inclvcmcn, of whomJabe ILxLins loolc command.— The peop'e 'wondetfd where Cr.pl. \l3h:i..-j!o «;.i, Oui J;iL.e set l.'ic-r hciTUal rcn by telling ibcm he would take y baps, y The srVoqne: v o' .^Tcbed fore and aft, but all '..lal eoyid .-a found were a dozen old pi'slois, nrd. aboul es many swords, whiAifcre o fee cabin, while in ihe ■Jo'u liiey d-.^cov, red De'hmg but on ai-av of empty bo.\cs^nd barrel^. — The Englishman (eli ic»wc of his oah own »ess«), leading ibo«ihe' six under • be charge of the ofBcer who bad been appointed to ibe command of tbe Rhody, and gave ordeis Uiat ibe schooner should be'liuw close io bis woke during the Disht,'«'»-he intended to see her safely out tfT.Soch of the Yankee co^st- Dntil nine o'clock at aigbt tbe Hbo- dy stood after tbe e ipper, with "all sails Set, wbi'e the tatter only carried her maintain *^:ltno jibs Tbt sit Yan- kees wlin*-'. A been leil on board were secured iom '-'J'ong boat, tvLi'e tbe Licu- teoant in command and five of his men had the first watch, when ihe clipper ^Iruek two bells, the vessels were not rooc than two cable's length npan, the pri/c being a little to the windwoid, owjn; to her bad sailing, ihe Lieuten- antvvished to Uep the ive.illier {.uage. Tlio night was quite dark, and ihcw.n.l, which had fallen some since sundown, bad veered slightlv to th ■ northward. . Wliile the prize-mast- r was earnestly engaged in keeping up w aptnr, while ihe bnld lish- ...i.lyall couched bcieaih • T. II lite k.ik.anill ve lbri.>« the pnnipbreaks over- nanl looked first at ]'lie ponr II ■ »lern face ofihc old man, and ll'cn the i,iii,;:le of the pistol, am! then e'chinghis lungs Co ibe ut^osf, olie'-- iSe order. . ' ■ NnwtefftSWliu ?a7e to, and you n along side.' The tnghtened ofiirer obeyed ar c next wToinent the clipper's bel dnwn, and her main pui hove to ^vil aid. of the Yankee fishermen were ^lotioned at the lee-rail, with stout grop. Logs in their hands, and m levi ihan tne minutes llie Rhody's bowsprif loom, ed over ihe clipper's weather quarter. Ooed shoved the helm down, and the next instant she lay broadside to the I Upper, when Capl. Nightingale and all bis men rushed on board, armed to the loeth.— The cainmanderof ihe clipper rallied his men for the fight, but being taken hy surprise, they were soon over- nowereiJ, bound and thrust under the bairhe«. except the officers, who after being disarmed were allowed their liber- ty ripon the vessel. ' A;icr the affray was over, Capl. Nightingale approached the Captain of the clipper who was raving with evcit^- roeni.— • Wal. Cap'n, what J've' think now ahoui taking' us into Halifax'' I'he only lejily he received was a eurs- io-. for what he called a • contemptable Yankee trick.' The clip|.er was taken into Penob- ,cot Bof. her nlTirers and crew handed (Tver (1? prisufier.s ol war. ami filled out Ii(riSrne'B5«u-Aiticrie«iT-pii»««-«i''*l» sailed in her lor several years in that lapacity, and when peace was officially announced, he retired lo his humble borne, having captured a large number of Engli.-h merchantmen, richly laden, during his various cruises, by which he and his brave companions' became weallhv, some ofwiiom yet live io quiet allluence, within sight of ihe place where the clipper was captured. till Ibe inn • nadir but 1 ).n you ordered from your doors; and I ha'i- now the same halird tooppre« ion I had then: and were it my bi meal. I •: nm eat or d,.nl, m a l.ou-e beloo' in» to so hc-anlessascoundrel.' • Centlemen,' -aid he •■■■u--^fll\o hi. frieniU.' I beg ptrdoii fiir lu«.mwil,rptiV ; but were I lo dii'e uiid-r (h- roof of ibis liine-r-rvi,,g. gold lov 1.7 Iru;/., u;. ^,„ inouiliful I am sN.e^eWrt-t:,,,,^..,^^ , ITciii kvjii li'.. wo d. aod the parly aa- r hoKl. 5 being enar ; of the boards i a pan of n suii . the fcbc rdid. the = of ri.lei iiddle aged 1 iiiiple, Ol.ai, he 1 Captain Niglinn!; ibcre a mail Uii ■lie |»M he h.-M L sea,a„Uocci.pyl|. mnng ihem, was auii-d Liioch Nigh IS genvfally culk-i In an hcur after davlighl ibe libody hove lip her anchor and in.idc sail, and ill le-s (bin five hours she poked her hlunl nose in-otbr waters of the btncAl- lanlic. SI nrdv afier ll.c iclmoner bad passed Wl.iic fleadl'glii llie E .3I1M11-.11 w.is made OUI, abouiiwoin-le^di.l.iiillo lire soiiih id ami v.csi'rd just olf il-e ledge-, and lijulcd his sheets afl, J-ibe ■Jil l.i be lined by i-iielaleu ,iid aihli hy.sical mould. U.ld 11 bU svcial leiai.oni llnbukiirn-l He », , his id li.ile... .IS llu A and geileluu. M beloved by jull, ler all t lle-ll frolMlhe .-lood olf ic i looked I.I.e 1, ^n Ihe Ki.; cr,ui-nlli ihc I opt ind,ivl.ic'i ril n.id ca-..'.il, i:''",!'-'rr.i'; i.j.i iho.iijb.-iaii,: e, .-nd though .-be iiiiiiM not be lung the hold seemed ti floor, was lifieil fiom its: lace and the bead of old Captain Enoch Nightingale appeared ibrouoh the ajerlure. In a ii'onicnl more, another toard was re- uioveJ, and ere long foitj stout fislier- men, all well armed, had come up from their place of concealment, ll was but a momcni's woik to leap on drib and ere the ihundcrsirnclt lieuicnanl couM sec fioin whence came Ihc ctiriny, he w.is bound hand and loot and so were bis men, while the poor prisoner., were set Irec liom ibc long boat. Obed Nigb.lii-Jie look the helm, and his laihcr poi.iii.ig n coikej p'slol at ibc bead ul lie English officer said :— ' 'Do vou Ihiii'i wo aicJQ curowf.or Kcan aitii tke Vtiilic ,. While playiof at E.Ncier, i a England, the beiglii of bis popula ily, Kean as 11 vited to din of th-; pr^n cipal hotels. He drove ere age. Thed inner was 101 need, the 1 ble sumptuously deco- ndlord all bows and g that the genllencn guishrd vi nor found Ihin-' to their salisfacli n. „ sinred at liinforsom •• moments. ' ll is,Illr.Kean; 1 have bad the honor of mceliiig you before-' ■ Kept some years mall lav in the iskii-lsotlbc not i I'd ibl.lk JO •Scoipionahoy,'bl.ou ant, as if for de.ir lile. In the mean lime ihr been lei nfl a lililu iii'oit c' replied ibc L-d liie licutcD- Vanl. than i did. Mr. Kean. Foitune has U-cn kind 10 lio.htf us since ihen. I recol- lect you, sir, when you bclongril lo our tlieairc licre.' •And I. sir,' said Kean, jumping up, recoHiCl JOB '- Many ycom ago I come I vonrpalirylrvcrn, afiera long jour- ney 'wiilin siiirering wife and a sick child, all of us «el to ibe -kin. 1 asked lor a morsel of refreshment, yon in a do; refii-cd I until yo. nd an bamh 1 bad 1 THE 5>C.\.NUAL MONtfER. Who is there, ihal at some pcrid of their life, has not suffered from ibe ven- om of the scandal monger? who has not fell a shadow falling upon their liean, as dark as liie darkest shadnw Iheir fotto would e-asl in the silnlighl, and hive hidden enemy was at work 10 iheir dis may? Thai friend, should give ear to 'hese calumnies— that friends should, have so Uttoaffi-narity cs lo b"lcive in these vile aspersions, is the mot woful point of all.' In reading "Eanie-l Lin wood." the following gem, worthy of a place upon every heart, situck me as being approprictc to the subjcclj and worth a setting by il3elf a..j.„.4k. Tiiaj iayr Who are »vn.v.n;i .(-,' mid- niglil as.:a^sios of repul»nc\5m"no^urk in the by-lanes of society, with dagger Ion goes, sharpened by invention and enven- omed by malice, to draw the bioud of in- nocence, and, bj-ena-like, banquet on Ihe dead! ino jre //;'■-• O tiK^t,\ world skulker' ..i.f me li- bo'd br-and_. •Bo tDunuefs aiongn»^^-nirtys-wllb flashing weapon, ihat cuts tbe sunbeam as well as the shade! give mc Ibe pirate who unfurls Ihe black fiaai„emblem of his terrable trade, and sho'.'i'