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THE 
 
 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 
 
 1^ 
 
 TOWN OF NORTHBOROUGH, MASS., 
 
 AUGUST 22, 186G. 
 
 PRINTED F W T II E C (J M M I T T E E 
 
 1866. 
 
^^'\\^ 
 
 \''' 
 
ADDRESS. 
 
 gn gtb. lostplr 5^1^!^ S- S-»^f Uortljborougt 
 
 In the beautifnl month of June, in the year of ouv Lord 1G36, 
 nii^ht have been seen from the hills in the southeast part of this 
 t(Mvn a strange phenomenon. Tt was a company of men, women 
 and children — one hundred in all — driving before them a herd 
 of rattle, one hundred and sixty in number, which supplied them 
 with milk on their long and toilsome pilgrimage. "They hewed 
 I heir difhcult way," says the historian (J. S. Palfrey), "through 
 thickets; and their simple engineering bridged with felled trees 
 the streams which could not be forded. Tents and wagons pro- 
 tected them from the rain and sheltered their sleeji. Early 
 berries, which grew along the way, furnished an agreeable 
 variety in their diet ; and the fragrance of Summer flowers and 
 the songs of innumerable birds beguiled the weariness of the 
 [lilgrimage. It occupied a fortnight, though the distance was 
 scarcely a hundred miles. Mrs. Hooker, by reason of illness, 
 was carried in a horse litter." 
 
 This Mrs. Hooker was the minister's wife, and this goodly 
 company was composed of members of his congregation in New- 
 town, now Cambridge, and of the neighboring churches of Dor- 
 chester and Watertown, and their destination was the fertile 
 banks of the Connecticut, where they laid the foundations of 
 three flourishing towns— Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor; 
 at first named from the towns they had left, Newtown, Water- 
 town, and Dorchester. 
 
 An aged citizen of this town, forty years ago, pointed out to 
 me what, in the old records, is spoken of as "the Nepmuch road, 
 that formerlj^ led toward Connecticoat." It passed through the 
 southeast corner of this town, over Rock Hill, by the dwelling- 
 house of Samuel Seaver and the State Reform School, through 
 
Westborough and Hassanamesitt, now Grafton, and so on to the 
 place of their destination. 
 
 A smaller company had preceded them in the autunni of 1635, 
 and had prol)ably taken the same route. These two companies 
 of emigrants were the first of English descent who set foot on 
 soil included within the boundaries of this town. From Rock 
 Hill and the beautiful heights on which stands the State Institu- 
 tion in our neighborhood, they looked down ui)on Great and 
 Little Chauncey, and j)athless forests, which have since been re- 
 claimed and are now converted into cultivated farms. They 
 may have had glimpses of the stream, dignified by the name of 
 a river, the Indian name being still retained, that winds its way 
 through our pleasant village, which, with its tributaries, now fur- 
 nislies water-power to mills and factories of difterent kinds. They 
 must have had a full view of what is justly regarded as one of 
 the chief ornaments of the village — the hill, that rises so grace- 
 fully and stands so majestically before us, worthy of the new 
 name by which it is now known, and destined, we trust, as the 
 village grows in size and wealth, to receive the end)ellisliments 
 of enterprise and taste. 
 
 The great landmarks remain. The hills and valleys and 
 streams are the same, in their main features, as when looked 
 upon for the first time by civilized men, two hundred and thirty 
 years ago. All else how changed ! The tide of emigration ad- 
 vanced steadily from the settlements on the borders of the tea. 
 From Watertown to Concord and Sudbury the way was not long 
 or difficult, and the extensive meadows bordering the streams 
 that then flowed unobstructed by mill-dams through those towns 
 into the Merrimac, held out strong attractions to the new settler. 
 Sudbury was incorporated in 1638, only two years after the emi- 
 gration of the band of pilgrims to the banks of the Connecticut, 
 of which I have spoken. The town increased and flourished for 
 eighteen years, before another remove was undertaken. At 
 length, in May, 1656, t\vo hundred and ten years ago, the follow- 
 ing' petition was presented to the General Court, in more 
 respectful terms than are used in these degenerate days : 
 
 "The humble petition of several of the Inhabitants of Sud- 
 bur}^ whose names are hereunder written, humbly sheweth : 
 that whereas your petitioners have lived divers years in Sud- 
 
bnry and God has been pleased to increase our cliildren. which 
 are now divers of them grown to man's estate, and wee, many of 
 lis, crown into years, so as that wee shouhl be ghid to see them 
 settled before the Lord take us away from hence, as also (iod 
 having given us some considerable quantity of cattle, so that wee 
 are so straitened that wee cannot so comfortably submit as could 
 be desired ; and some of us having taken some pains to view tiie 
 country, wee have found a place which lyeth Westward about 
 eight miles from Sudbury, which wee conceive might be com- 
 fortable for our subsistence. 
 
 "It is therefore the huml)le request of your petitioners to 
 this kind Court, that you would bee pleased to grant unto us 
 eight miles S(]uare, for to make a plantation. 
 
 ■■ If it shall please this HonM Court to grant our petition, it 
 is further than [then] the recjuest of your [)etitioners to this 
 flon'd Court, that you will be pleased to appoint Mr. Thomas 
 Danforth or Lieut. Fishp^r to lay out the bounds of the jilanta- 
 tion, and wee shall satisfy those whom the PlonVl (Jourt shall 
 please to employ in it. So apprehending this weighty occasion, 
 \vee shall no further trouble this Hon'd Court, but shall ever 
 pray for your ha[)[)yness.'' 
 
 Of the thirteen [persons whose names are subscribed to this 
 petition, one, at least, Thomas Goodenow, subsequently lived 
 within the borders of this town, and several others have descend- 
 ants still living among us. 
 
 'I'he petition was granted; a. Connnittee was apptjinted to 
 fix the boundaries of a })lantation ''six miles or otherwise," the 
 record states, Vtdiicli, however, was to be forfeited unless "there 
 be a town settled with twenty or more families within three 
 years, so as an able ministry may bee there maintained. " 
 
 The plantation of six miles square included, besides Marl- 
 borough proper, most of the territory comprising the towns of 
 Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, and the new towm 
 of Hudson. 
 
 Till its incorporation in l()r)(), the plantation was known by 
 the name of Wlnpfnippeidcke, as' the Indian plantation of six 
 thousand wcvva adjoining on the nortliiNistern }»order was called 
 Oc]xoo('(in<j< I Illicit. This plantation, with several other tracts of 
 land on the northern and western borders, was afterwards an- 
 nexed to the original grant of six miles scpuire. 
 
 In the meantime, •'several families," as stated in the history 
 of Marlborough, had settled, at an early day, west of Assabet and 
 
near Chauncey pond, and had done so with an assurance, given 
 as early as 1688, that they shonkl be erected into a parish as 
 soon as they were able to snpjjort a minister: and the people of 
 Marlborough, in the spirit of liberality, had designated the line 
 for division "at the cartway at Stirrup brook, where the Con- 
 nectieutt way now goeth, and to run a parallel line with the 
 west line of the bounds of the town." 
 
 As early as 1660, Cold Harbor Bleadoiv had received its 
 name and had been laid out in thirty-lour lots, which was prob- 
 ably the number of the proprietors of Marlborough jdantation; 
 and in 1672 grants of land were made to Samuel Goodknow, 
 John and Samuel Brigham, and John Rediat, all within the 
 bounds of this town. Samuel Goodenow's grant comprised the 
 farms of the late Deacon Jonas Bartlett and Gill Bartlett on 
 the Marlborough road. Tlie tragical fate of his daughter Mary, 
 and the almost miraculous escape of her companion, Mrs. Mary 
 Fay, when overtaken by a band of ruthless savages, are too well 
 known to require further notice. The grave of Miss Goodbnow 
 still remains without a monument, and may soon become obliter- 
 ated and unknown. 
 
 John Rbdiat's daughter, Mehitabef., was married to Nathan- 
 iel Oakes, who inherited his estate, and who lived o:i what is 
 known as the Old Parsona:/e, having been in possession succes- 
 siveh^ of the first two ministers of this town, John JNIartyn and 
 Peter Whitney. 
 
 Hannah, a daughter of Nathaniel Oakes, was married to 
 Gershom Fay, Jr., and ^vas the mother of the late Thad. Fay, 
 whom some of us remember as a nonagenarian nearly half a cen- 
 tury ago. 
 
 Samuel Bricham lived on the farm east of the Great Chauncey, 
 now belonging to the State Reform Scliool, and was the ancestor 
 of the late Dr. Samuel Brigham of Marlborough. His brother 
 Thomas lived in the westerly part of Marlborough. 
 
 Another brother, John, received a grant of land in this same 
 year, 1662, on what is called in the old records "Licor Meadow 
 Plain,'" 80 called, 1 suppose, from its vicinity to the hill which 
 was already known by the familiar name of Liquor Hill, now 
 3It. Assahet. Mr. Brigham is understood to have been the first 
 
settler In that part of MarlboiTnifi'li wliicb f(H'ms the two towns 
 of Westboroug-li and Northbor()U>;li. Ho built a loii," cabin, and 
 set U[> a 8aw-mill on Howai'd brook, which, from that time, has 
 been used as a mill-site, and whci-c can be seen, or eonld a few 
 years since, the remains of t ho tcllar where John Bri(;ham's cabin 
 once stood. Here he lived for many years a solitary life, nntil 
 fear of the savag'cs iorccd him to leave ; soon after Avhich, the 
 cabin was burnt to the gronnd. His daughter ^Iaiiv was mar- 
 ried to Gershom Fav, Sr.. grandlather of the late Naiium 
 Fay, Esq., wlio lived on the "(Joram Farm," as it was called, 
 some tifty rods this side of the west school-house. A large elm 
 tree, growing" in the cellar, marks the spot wdiere once stood the 
 house of Gershom Fay, the father of a large family, many of 
 whose descendants are still with us, and whose farm, with subse- 
 quent additions, still remains in the possession of his descendants. 
 
 Among the lirst settlers of Northboi-ongh was Simeon How- 
 ard, whose house stood a few rods west of this church, where the 
 remains of the cellar are yet visible, and whose land extended on 
 tlie north to the brook which is called by his name, and on the 
 east to the road leading to the saw-mill. It foi'med the northern 
 boundary of the meeting-house connnon, a ti-iangular piece of 
 land, consisting of two or three acres, given by James Eager, 
 another of the first settlers, who lived on the spot now occupied 
 by the dwellingdiouse of J. H. MoIntire. 
 
 Another of the early settlers was William Holloway, wdio, 
 witli his father Adam, lived on the spot where stands the dwell- 
 ing-house of George H. Williams. One of the daughters, Mary, 
 was married to Jonathan Bartlett, and was living at the time 
 of my settlement in this ])lace. She died in 1821, at the age 
 of 95. I recall, with [)leasure, a social ])arty at my house, con- 
 sisting often or twelve of the more aged ])ersons of my ])arish. 
 at which were present, among others. Madam Bartlett and 
 Madam Whitney, the widow of my respected predecessor in the 
 ministry. 
 
 Hezekiah Tomlin lived on Tondin Hill ; his brother Isaac, 
 on the spot now occupied by the dwellingdiouse of George C. 
 Davis, Esq. 
 
8 
 
 The first house on what was called "the new Connecticut 
 road." now the stage road that leads from Marlborough to Wor- 
 cester, west of Samtel Goodexow's farm, was built by Capt. 
 James Eager on the northwest side of Mt. Assabet. a part of 
 Avhich was standing a few years since. 
 
 In the early part of the last century, four or tive farms were 
 taken up by emigrants from Watertown. in the northwest corner 
 of this town, the hill receiving its designation from two brothers. 
 James and Xathax Ball. Their companions and neighbors 
 were Deacon Jonathax Livermore. whose 1ar<t wife was 
 Abigail, sister of the Balls, and Joseph Wheeler, the former 
 on the extreme borders of the town, the latter on the southern 
 declivity of the hill, where an excavation in the earth marks 
 the spot where the house stood. 
 
 Early in the eighteenth century Ephraim Allex came from 
 Roxbmw, purchased a farm and erected the fir.st grist-mill in 
 this to>VQ. on the Assabet road, near the old factory, and which 
 remained in the possession of his descendants till within the 
 last few years. 
 
 Ill 1717. the whole of the western part of Marlborough was 
 incorporated under the name of Westborough. and in 1T44. Octo 
 ber 20th. the northern part of the new town was set off as a sepa- 
 rate Precinct, which, till its incorporation in 1766. bore the name 
 of The Second Precinct of Westhoromjh. Pre\'ious to the year 
 1717. the whole tract went by the name of Chauncey or Chaun- 
 cey Village, so named from President Chauxcey. of Harvard 
 College, who had lands assigned him by the General Court on 
 the borders of Great Chauncey Pond, perhaps, in part, the same 
 that is noAV owned l)v the State, on which the State Reform 
 School stands. 
 
 In 1746. a church was organized in the North Precinct and 
 Rev. Johx Martyx ordained: the church consisting of ten male 
 members, besides the minister : events commemorated by a pub- 
 lic celebration twenty years ago. 
 
 Twenty years from this date brings us to 1766, when, on the 
 24th of January, the North Precinct was incorporated as a Dis- 
 trict and received tlie name which it now bears. It did not 
 
9 
 
 attain to the dignity and title of a Town till the commencement 
 of the Revolutionary War. in 1775. 
 
 The year 1866, is, then, the Centennial of its incorporation, 
 and, as was meet, we. .the present citizens of the town, with 
 others from abroad, who have been drawn h'ither by their affec- 
 tion for the place of their nativity or former residence, to 
 whom Ave tender our friendly greetings and our hospntable wel- 
 come, are gathered togetlier on this time-hallowed spot to com- 
 memorate Avith appropriate serA^ices the act Avhich gave a cor- 
 porate existence to this town. 
 
 A century of years ! How long a period Avhen contrasted 
 A\ ith the brevity of human life ! And yet how brief, measured 
 bv the length of God's eternal year! 
 
 One hundred years ! The last one hundred years ! What 
 changes haA'e they Avrought or witnessed in the fields and forests, 
 and especially in those who have tille<l these fields und subdued 
 these forests, and built houses and inhabited them : Avho have 
 married and been given in mai'riage: avIio Iuia'c come upon the 
 stage, acted their seAeral parts and passed otf to make Avay for 
 other actors. Time Avould i'ail me, and your patience aaouM be 
 exhausted, should I underts^kc to recount them. To some of 
 them our attention may be invited by our friends. Avho. gifted 
 Avith Avit and Avisdom, and a ready utterance, sliall address us in 
 measured Aerse or plain jU'ose l)efore Ave leave these seats. 
 
 A few of the more im[)ortant facts and oceurrences con- 
 nected Avitli our local history, lor the last one hundred years. 
 I must not pass over in silencc-. And first, in regard to tlie lon- 
 gevity of the inhabitants of this town and the healthiness of this 
 locality. From the year 1780. Avhen the Parish Records Avere 
 destroyed by lire, till the commencement of my ministry in 1816. 
 thirty-six years — 
 
 59 persons died between the ages of 70 and 80 
 
 38 " " " " - " 80 and 90 
 
 11 '-■ '-■ ■' =' •• ■■ 00 and 100 
 
 One, Deacon Liveemore, liaving passeel his hundredth year, (100 yi-s. 7 m.) 
 
 During my mini.^try. betwet-n the years 1816 and 1866. fifty 
 years — 
 
 150 pei'sons have died between 70 and 80 
 
 84 '• '• " " 80 and 90 
 
 22 " '^ ••' '' 90 and 100 
 
 o 
 
10 
 
 Total since 1780— 
 
 209 persons have died between 70 and 80 
 
 122 " " " " 80 and 90 
 
 36 " " " " 90 and 101) 
 
 Or, 367 ill all, who in the compass of eighty-six years comyjleted 
 the period of three score years and ten, and this in a poj)nlatioii 
 that lias varied from 800 to 1651); and there are now living 
 amongst ns about ilfty [>ersons 70 years and upwards. I leave 
 this statement without c(imment, lor it needs none ; it speaks 
 for itself. 
 
 Northborough has, morover, an honorable record in matters 
 appertaining to Ed/icafion. The l)eginnings were indeed small, 
 and it was " the day of small tilings." The appropriation that 
 was made the second year of the cor[)orai,e existence of North- 
 borough (1767) was Xll, eqii il to $86.66.6, which was gradually 
 increased, till in 1776 it amounted to .£20=166.66.6. The fol- 
 lowing year, notwithstanding ihe wai- in which wo were engaged 
 with the mother country, the amount raised for the suj)))ort of 
 schools v/as doubled, equal to $188.83.3. 
 
 In 1770, tho District was divided into four Squa<h-oiis, as they 
 were called, and in 1780, the town granted XIOOO in a greatly 
 reduced currency, amounting in hard money to only $175.00, to 
 build four school-houses, to which an additional grant of $867.00 
 was afterwai'ds made, amounting in silver or gold to $512, or 
 $135.50 for each. Now for tlie contrast: Last April the town 
 granted $1500 to build a new school-house for a single district ; 
 $1000 to renovate and refurnish another, besides $600 to change 
 the town hall into a school-room, while they increased the appro- 
 priation for the support of schools from $1200 to $2100. 
 
 There are, moreover, but few towns in the Commonwealth 
 which, according to the population, have furnished more or bet- 
 ter teachers for our own and other schoi^ls than the small town of 
 Northborough. One of our aged citizens, himself a teacher, has 
 furnished me with a list of his sdiool mates, who afterwards be- 
 came teachers. It contains fifty -two names, most of whom — all 
 but seventeen — obtained their school education, as I am informed, 
 icliolly in our district schools. Some of these became eminent in 
 their profession, and are remembered with gratitude and affec- 
 tion by those who were trained under their care. 
 
11 
 
 un- 
 
 The same person lias, moreover, the names of over one h 
 (Ired and forty ])ei'soiis, male and female, natives or residents of 
 this town, educated ehietlv in onr pn.lilic schools, who, since the 
 commencement of the present century, have found em|>loyment 
 as teachers in this or in other places, of whom neirly hfty he- 
 longed to a single district. The Xorth Di.sfrict is entitled to 
 that honor. The number who have graduated at our State 
 Xormal Schools exceeds thirty; seventeen of whom were con- 
 nected with the school at Bridge\vater. 
 
 Of this nolde army of teachei's, some continued long in the 
 service; some did not retire from the field till reminded, bv 
 the infirmities of age, that it was time to put off their armor and 
 to give place to new recruits. Nahum Fay, Esq., taught school 
 in this, his native town, forty years; his sons, Dexter and John 
 Fr.AVEL, each more than half that term. 
 
 Of the Valentines, brothers, live in all, four made teaching 
 their life iMn)>loyment and became eminent in their pi'oh'ssion • 
 and the children of more than one of them follow in the steps of 
 their fathers. The (xi'annnar S(diool in (^uim-y was su[)])lied 
 witli a- succession of teachers from North1)orough nearly half a 
 century, twenty-eight 3-ears of which it was under the care of 
 a teacher (Wh.liam Seaver, Esq.) whose term of service m that 
 and in other towns extended through forty-eight years. 
 
 The distinguished educator and scla^hii-, John Allen, wdio 
 died in Philadel[)hia three years since, passed his early years 
 in this town and was educated in our schools. 
 
 (Jeoroe and IIexrv Sherman, who taught school many vears 
 in (Jrecnville, S. C. were natives of this town. 
 
 Other teachers, of both sexes, might be named, whose ser- 
 vices in the profession are worthy of record, Init 1 forl)ear. 
 
 J must not. however, forget, or ])ass over in silenct', ''The 
 Seminary," as it is called. As early as 177'.», a number of the 
 citizens of this town forme(l an association for instituting a 
 school of a higher (M'der, Avhich was known by the name of The 
 Seminar ij ; of which Gillam Bass was chosen first President 
 and Samuel Wood Clerk. The Committee consisting of Henry 
 Gaschett, Thaddeus Fay and Abraham Munroe. 
 
12 
 
 They made choice of James Hart for the teacher, who, accord- 
 ing to a receipt in his handwriting, now in my possession, dated 
 October 9, 1779, was paid X-S-'i-lGs. for the month ending at that 
 date. From another receipt, dated April 7, 1780, it appears that 
 npto that time he had received in all £348-15s. for his services. 
 This was of course in a depreciated currency, the anionnt of 
 which in hard money I have not calcuUited. j\Ir. Hart excelled 
 in penmanship, as did many of those who enjoyed the l)enefit of 
 his teaching. The Seminary, built by subscri})tion in thirty-live 
 shares, cost £9G-l()-3-3, of which Abraham Munroe paid the 
 largest amcmnt and Thaddeus Fay and Henry Gaschett the 
 next higliest. 
 
 Some here present attended school in the old Seminarv, 
 which stood on a part of the Meeting-house connnon, in front of 
 the land owned by Joseph T. Fay. 
 
 Among the educational institntions of this town tlie XoiiJi- 
 horoufih Lyceum deserves a })assing notice. It was among the 
 earliest, if not the first, formed in this county, and continnrd in 
 active operation for more than thirty years, beginning with the 
 year 1828. It was, in fact, a Free High School, and by its 
 lectures and debates did good service in the promotion of popu- 
 lar education. 
 
 A Public Town Library is still a. deniiJcrdtuhi, but we are 
 happy to announce to our friends from abroad, whom we meet 
 here to-day, that the want is likely soon to be supplied. 
 
 The number of ])ersons belonging to this town wlio have re- 
 ceived a collegiate education exceeds twenty. 
 
 The f.afrioiic record of Northborough is one of which her 
 citizens may jnstly be }>roud. In the war of the Revolution, she 
 nobly took her stand on the side of liberty and independence. 
 As early as March, 1773, it was "voted, as the opinion of this 
 district, that it is the indispensable duty of all men and all 
 bodies of uien, to unite and strenuously oppose, by all lawful 
 ways and means, such unjust and mirighteous encroachments, 
 made or attempted to be made, upon their just rights ; and that 
 it is our duty earnestly to endeavor to hand those riglits down 
 inviolate to our posterity, as they were handed to us by our 
 worthy ancestors." 
 
13 
 
 A^ an illustration of the patriotic spirit wliieli animated the 
 youno- uuMi of that <hiy. lot luo relate the foUowinp,' anoe.lote, 
 which ap[)eare.l in the M<(s.s,i'-/>>isct(.s Gazette for February ITth, 
 1778: 
 
 "We hear from Shrewslmrv. that on(> day l;\st week, a pedlar 
 was observed to go into a tavern there with a ba.g- contamnig 
 about 50 p(mnds of tea. Information of winch bemg had at 
 Northboro', about live miles distance, a number ol Indians went 
 from the Great Swamp 1 cedar swamp. 1 sni)i)(.se. ] or thereab(mts, 
 seized ui)on it and conniiitted it to the tlames, m the road tacnig 
 said tavern, where it was entirely consumed." 
 
 These •' Indians" wert" no doubt young men of Northborough, 
 disguised as Indians, who took this method to show their opposi- 
 tion to the (hitv on ten, imposed by the Parliament of (Ireat 
 IJritain. It was the same year, Dec. K), 177:5, ..r ten months 
 after this act of the Northborough young men. that three hun- 
 (b-ed chests of tea were thrown overboard in Boston harbor l)y 
 a party of young men. also disguised as Indians, in violati(m 
 indeed of the laws of th- lan.l, l)ut justihed and applamled^ by 
 the spirit of the times, and that was the Sjnrlt of Llt>rrfy. Tliat 
 spirit pervaded all ranks an.l all ages, and there were very few 
 indeed of the inhabita,nts of this town who sided with tyranny 
 and oppression, or who remained neutral in the great struggle 
 for nationai inde[)endence. 
 
 And so it was in the recent contest between Freedom and 
 Slavery, the results of wliich, if not all that could be desired, are 
 more propitious than the most s;uiguine of us had dared to hope. 
 No sooner ha<l the walls ol Sumpter been battei-ed by rebel 
 cannon, than our young men s[)rang to arms; and to every 
 subsequent call fov men, a response was given that was equally 
 honorable to those who went and to those who furnishe<l the 
 supplies. 
 
 This small town of 1()00 inha.bitants sent inb) the field no 
 fewer than 139 men, of whom twenty-one, or nearly one-sixth, 
 returned no more to their beloved hoiiu'S and kindred and 
 friends. Oh, what a costly sacrifice ! But they fell in a just 
 and holy cause, and their names shall be inscribed on monumen- 
 tal marble as well as on grateful hearts. 
 
14 
 
 Friends, we are spared to see this day and to rejoice in the 
 brightening prospects of our beloved country, and in the grow- 
 ing prosperity of this lionie of onr affections — this our native or 
 our adopted liome. We look around us and witness the im- 
 provements, the fruits of other men's labors, and in which we 
 ourselves liave shared. Thirty-eight years ago last April (April 
 18, 1828), these beautiful elms and maples were planted on our 
 Common. We, the fathers and mothers, with our children, and 
 the stranger who visits our pleasant village, rejoice in their 
 beauty and revel in their shade. 
 
 Others, both of the living and the dead, have labored, and 
 we have entered into their labors and partaken freely of their 
 fruits. This is well and as it should be. It is so by the ordina- 
 tion of Providence. Onlv let those who have come, or who shall 
 come, into possession of these pleasant hills and valleys — of these 
 i'orests and orchards ami cultivated fields — of these churches 
 and schools, and these civil, social and domestic privileges, let 
 them consider at how great a price they were |)urchased, and 
 let them do for future generations what has been done for them- 
 selves. 
 
 In conclusion, I congratulate you, lellow-citizens, all who 
 dwell within our borders, of whatever race or complexion ; and 
 you, our thrice-welcome guests, who, from near or more distant 
 homes, have come to revisit the old homestead, the place of your 
 birth or former residence — ^I congratulate you, one and all, 
 whom the occasion has brought tog(^ther on the arrival of this 
 long-expected day. May it inaugurate a new era of good feeling, 
 of generous forbearance, and of pul)lic s})irit. 
 
 We have already entered on the second century of our cor- 
 porate existence : its termination none of us will live to witness ! 
 When that day shall arrive, may it find this a united, prosper- 
 ous, virtuous community. 
 
P O E M . 
 
 §ir S. M. Haltntiiif, of ?i!to(iI;lsn, "§. V. 
 
 [N'OTE. — The writer of Uie followiiifr lines ilocs not. claini to h? a ))Oet ; ami li:> deems it but 
 jiistioe to liiiiiself to say that tliey were hastily prepared, and wilh no view to their (mblicalion. 
 15ut rather than to inil>lis1i what was not read on this occasion, he jirefers to give tlje original ooiiy , 
 witli all its (h'fee's. Many of the jxiiiits in it will no' he unilcrsto.id liy sirangers tn the town, Init 
 our limits will not ])erinil extended notes of e.Nl) lanalion.] 
 
 As ANCIENT Israel, at their leader's call, 
 Ceased from their jonrneyings, and assembled all, 
 Reviewed the past, or souLjht their future way. 
 First to Jehovah would their homage pay, — 
 So we, assembled on this hallowed spot 
 Near which is cast, or was, our eiirthly lot, — 
 Here, where, at first, we drew the vital breath, 
 And where, perhtips, mtiy slumber tifter death — 
 Wotild first, with grateful hearts, unite to praise 
 Him who hath led us through our devious ways. 
 Not led, indeed, by ancient cloud antl fire, 
 Eut by that love that keeps both son and sire ; 
 The God that led our Fathers guides us yet. 
 And mtiy we not his goodness e'er forget. 
 
 Gathered in this Centennittl Meeting, 
 
 To give each other friendly greeting — 
 
 From North and South, from East and West, 
 
 To tread the soil we love the best — 
 
 What point shall first attention gain, 
 
 As thoughts come teeming from the brain '? 
 
 What, make each mind with pleasure thrill, 
 
 And every heart with rapture fiUy 
 
 Nay more, what profit can we gain, 
 
 Whether it give us joy or pain? 
 
 Shall it be future, ])asl, or present. 
 
 To make this meeting good and pleasant ? 
 
 I cannot tell which best may be. 
 
 And so shall safely take all three. 
 
 And, when you 've heard them, ttike your choice 
 
 If you are suited, I '11 rejoice. 
 
16 
 
 The Past ! — How much that httle word contains! 
 How much of pleasure, and how miich of pains ! 
 Of dear departed ones, upon wliose biers 
 In days long gone we shed those bitter tears ; 
 Or, joyous, met with young comp.mions fond 
 To form the life-long matrimonial bond. 
 Ah, who has not within the memory stored 
 Such mingled scenes as pain and joy afford ? 
 The playmates of our former years are gone. 
 While we are left to journey on alone. 
 The dear old homestead may remain here still. 
 But ah ! what feelings must our bosoms fill 
 As we, each well-known landscape viewing o'er, 
 Can see so many dear ones here no more ! 
 We grasp each other's hand in fond embrace, 
 But look in vain for many an absent face. 
 Yon silent grave-yards tell their tale of some 
 Who, long since, jjassed to their eternal home ; 
 While others, scattered up and down the earth, 
 No longer tread the soil that gave them birth. 
 In ocean's mighty deep a few repose, * 
 And some have wandered, whither, no one knows 
 A noble few will not forgotten be, 
 Who, filled with zeal for sacred Liberty, 
 When their imperilled country called for aid. 
 With their own lives the pi'ice of Freedom paid. 
 All honor to that faithful patriot band 
 Who gave up all to save their native land ! 
 Their iiwnumerds may of their virtues tell. 
 And make their deeds to be I'emenibered well ; 
 But never, while fond memory holds its seat. 
 And we in joyous throngs each other greet, 
 In peaceful home, or gathered hosts relate 
 The scenes of other days, or celebrate. 
 As do we now, the deeds of former years. 
 Recount our mercies, perils, hopes and fears. 
 Adoring, jn-aise that All-Protecting Hand 
 That still preserves our own beloved land, 
 Can we foi-get the gallant deeds of those 
 Whose ashes now in patriot graves repose. 
 We reap the gain for which they paid the jjrice — 
 Ours the reward —but theirs the sacrifice. 
 
 But not alone tiie recent Past. 
 Still further back your vision east. 
 Two hundred j'ears have rolled around, 
 Since here the white man set his bound — 
 
 * Frederick W. Gale, Esq., a native of this town, and his family, were among tha victims of 
 the ill-fated Arctic, which was wrecked in mid-ocean, September 27, 1851. 
 
r 
 
 Siueo BEifiHAM ilrst his cabiu started, 
 
 And from his former uei^hboi's jiarttnl. 
 
 To this uubroken wikleruess, 
 
 Unkuowu but to u savage race — 
 
 Which scarce had felt the white man's tracks, 
 
 Nor heard the sturdy woodman's axe — 
 
 Where hungry wolf and rattlesnake 
 
 Alone the forest silence brake — 
 
 Hither the Pioneer would come, 
 
 And make such dangerous wilds his home. 
 
 How different then from now the j^lace 
 
 Where we his earlier footsteps trace. 
 
 No friendly voice, no cui'ling smoke. 
 
 The helping neighbor then bespoke ; 
 
 No beaten path or well-trod road 
 
 Made easy course to each abode ; 
 
 No busy hum from turning mill, 
 
 No well-cleared fields, the barns to iill, 
 
 No welcome tavern's creaking sign, 
 
 No chiirch, no stores, nor dwellings fine ; 
 
 In short, few things most highly prized 
 
 By those in regions civilized. 
 
 But years rolled on. By slow degrees 
 The pilgrims came, by spotted trees, 
 By weary walk, with chattels few, 
 And thus the little ' ' Precinct " grew. 
 The savage foe with hatred bxirned. 
 But to the larger towns they turned. 
 No fearful conflicts here as there. 
 Though each at work must weapons bear. 
 One lonely grave alone remains * 
 To tell the tale of all their pains. 
 One grave — ^but ah, those anxious years ! 
 And who can reckon all their fears 'i* 
 Wfi, liei-e, in safety come and go ; 
 But of tliiir dangers, who may know'.' 
 
 Yet settlers came, and children too ; 
 And thus, though yet a scattered few. 
 Our fathers thought it ' ' time to rise 
 And biiild " a place for sacrifice. 
 For twenty yetirs their feet had trod 
 A weary way to worship God. 
 A six miles' walk had tried their zeal. 
 And barefoot journeys made them feel. 
 
 *The !?rrtve of Miss AIart Goodemow, who was Killed by the Indians in 1707, is yet to be seen 
 on the farm of William A. IjArtlett. It is in c;onteiiiiil:ition to erect a suitable monument ov«r 
 the Kvave. 
 
18 
 
 This beauteous spot was chosen, where 
 
 They raised a House for Praise and Prayer. 
 
 Baised it, indeed, and roofed it, too. 
 
 But not a window, floor, nor jaew, 
 
 Nor gallery, nor pulpit even ! — 
 
 Huch was their place to fit for Heaven ! 
 
 And yet our fathers worshipped here 
 
 In such a shell for one full year, 
 
 We, in these days, with all our pride. 
 
 Would such an airy place deride. 
 
 And, wanting windows, floor and steeple, 
 
 Think it enough to frighten people ; 
 
 For, having neither doors nor locks, 
 
 It was but one huge Maktyn '■' box ! 
 
 Yet here the first pastor was called to his task. 
 And proved himself all that his jieople could ask. 
 Of his doctrines or practice I would not make fun, 
 But open commiDiion was certainly one! 
 
 And here, too, was gathered a church of but ten, — 
 (I speak not of women, but only the men,) 
 Too few of the righteous, perhaps you may say — 
 Had Sodom as many, she'd have stood till this day. 
 
 At the meeting-house raising, historians mention, 
 Eum and cider flowed freely, without much contention; 
 Which conclusively showeth, at least, to my mind. 
 That to spirihial things they were somewhat inclined. 
 
 And here, on the Common, the first school-house was raised; 
 For the teacher's own comfort, I hope llnd was glazed. 
 Being near to a wood-lot, and near to the church, 
 Showed the young they should fear both the Lord and die birdi! 
 
 The time would quite fail me to note every fact. 
 Recall every incident, mention each act; 
 But some things look comical, done by the town, 
 And a few of them certainly must be pid doivn. 
 
 For instance : when any outsider would come, 
 Intending to make in this village a home. 
 Before he had made any trouble or rout. 
 Straightway would the officers order him out! 
 
 A most (jurious way this to build up a town - 
 To meet each new comer with a " warning " and frown ! 
 Yet such was the law then, and must be obeyed. 
 Through fear that a call for "support" would be made. 
 
 ' Rev. .John Marttn, tlie first minister of Novthboro', was ordained, and the church was organ- 
 ized in tliis house wliile in tliis unfinished condition. Six of the great-grand-children of Mr. 
 Martyn were present at the Centennial. 
 
10 
 
 Again: in the Eible the people bad reud : 
 
 " Woe unio you Lain/ers .' " and thus they were led 
 
 To vote "that such niiisances be not employed, 
 
 And that the whole race should at once be destroyed ! " * 
 
 But enough : the Town Records might lead me to say 
 
 Some things quite imjiroper, and get you astray. 
 
 Yet this I will hint : if you ever have leisure. 
 
 Go over those books and they'll give you much pleasm-e. 
 
 How greatly things have changed .about since fifty years ago ! 
 
 And this I'll prove beyond a doubt, and you will own, I know. 
 
 First, there's the church near which we meet : the same, yet, oh the change ! 
 
 Each altered window, door and seat makes everything so strange ! 
 
 That huge old pulpit, made to raise at least your eyes on high — 
 
 Those " singers'-seats " of former days, that almost reached the sky — 
 
 Those galleries, with their high, sqixare pews, where, nicely hid from vieY\-, 
 
 We, roguish boys, oft raised the deuce, and then got "spoken to" — 
 
 Those ' ' turn-up seats, " which, during prayer, {then people were not lazy. 
 
 And every " sitter " caused a stare, for people thought him crazy ! ) — 
 
 Those seats, I say, with hinges made, in prayer-time raised up high — 
 
 And then came down, when all was said, like firing musketry ! — 
 
 Those square old " sheei)-pens " round the wall, though made for human creatures, 
 
 Planned for politeness not at all, with Jxwks upon iJte preachers — 
 
 Those blindless windows, where the sun poured in on saint and sinner — 
 
 Enough to W:elt down any one, or even cook your dinner — 
 
 (The only heat the building had— in winter mouths most grateful — 
 
 But, for the eye-sight, always bad, and altogether hateful) — 
 
 These all are gone, and but two things remind us, absent people. 
 
 Of scenes to which fond Memory clings : the Pastor, and the stee^ple ! 
 
 To this old church we almost need to ask new " introduction," 
 
 For, like some States, it's had, indeed, a general ' ' reconstruction. " 
 
 The Common, too, where once we played, is altered since those daj's ; 
 Then, not a tree gave grateful shade, or stopped the scorching rays. 
 The river, where, with crooked pin, we oft the "shiners" fed. 
 Seems now to have retired within a very narrow hed! 
 It was but seldom that we caught a very heavy mess ; 
 We've fished for shiners since, but not with any great success. 
 Perhaps the good we tJioiKjht we mshed has been too often shammed ; 
 Perhaps the streams in which we fished have been too often dainmed! 
 
 Old "Liquor Hill" remains the same — the Pisgah of our youth — 
 Though she has changed her christened name to tell the sober truth. 
 There we were wont to slide down hill, or "view the landscape o'er," 
 Or, sly, with nuts our baskets fill to keep for winter's store. 
 
 'This allusion to the Town Records requii'es an explanation. In tlie year 1787, the town in- 
 structed its Delcfiate to use his influence against the employment of all Lawyers, and declared 
 them to be "imisances which ought at once and forever to bo annihilated." It is a curious fact 
 that as many as Iwelvt of the descendants of that Delegate (I)ea. Isaac Davis,) have been Lawyers 1 
 
20 
 
 That well-known tavern where you ' ' tripped the light, fantastic toe" — 
 
 And where, I fear, too many sipped a little tofhlij too — 
 
 That now is gone, and, as I hear, (I scarce believe the tale\ 
 
 Quite strangely did it disappear — it went off by a Ga'e I 
 
 The spirit of the times is seen by such a move-nient queer : 
 
 A tavern that had service done is sentenced to the rear ! 
 
 The old red school-house where we went to "choose our sides " for spelling — 
 
 Where we, for years, were always sent— is altered to a dwelling. 
 
 Those were the days that tried our soles, because we barefoot came, 
 
 And busy hands made famous holes that brought the schoolma am's blame. 
 
 The dear old place ! we sharpened there OTir jack-knives and our wits — 
 
 Made fly-traps, plagued the girls, and where the master gave us fits ! 
 
 The houses— these are altered, too, with large square rooms, low studded ; 
 
 With floors that paint nor carpet new, and yet were never muddied. 
 
 The huge old fire-place with its blaze — the " settle " by its side, 
 
 Where matrons sat by cheering rays, and busy needles plied — 
 
 Where chestnuts, cider, apples passed, and merry tales were told ; 
 
 Where each woiild give his bargain last, or future plans unfold ; — 
 
 The high brass clock — the square-topi led "shay" — the saddle-bags and pillions- 
 
 These all, and more, have passed away, unknown to present millions. 
 
 No stoves, no coal, no matches then, (excei^t those made in Hea.ven!) 
 
 At twenty-one the boys were men, and not at six or seven ! 
 
 No gas, with fixtures curious queiled, nor oil but what was shipped ; 
 
 Candles were then ' ' the light of the world " — they certainly were dipped ! 
 
 Pianos were a thing unknown, but spinning-wheels were not ; 
 
 The girls could make a shirt alone, and watch the dinner-2)ot ! 
 
 No engine then its whistle blew — no Bank, but one of sand ; 
 
 No railroad trains came flying through — there were none in the land. 
 
 No shoe-shojjs, but for ' ' custom make " — no schools of ' ' moral suasion " — 
 
 No trinket-shop your cash to take — no combs, and «o occasion ! — 
 
 But I must jxiss, for present things claim some attention now ; 
 
 And yet, how strangely memory clings to "forty years ago!" 
 
 We 're told ; " Call not the former days more excellent than these." 
 
 Yet back we sometimes fondly gaze, and well the visions please. 
 
 The Present is all that is properly OTirs, 
 
 The Past, no regret can avail, 
 The FuTUBE 's beyond us, whatever our powers ; 
 
 Bixt the Present, we always may hail. 
 
 That otir blessings are greater than ever before. 
 
 None here will presume to deny ; 
 For these we 'must answer, or ever deplore. 
 
 And reflection will surely show why. 
 
 If we, like Capernaum, fail to improve 
 
 The favors which Heaven bestows. 
 Or do not appreciate the gifts of His love. 
 
 Those blessings will prove but our woes. 
 
21 
 
 We laugh at the ways and the customs of old, 
 
 And pity that primitive state ; 
 But forget that, hereafter, our children, as bold, 
 
 Will laugh at our follies as great. 
 
 We are soinebodi/'s ancestors, and, before long. 
 That somebody '11 make as their game ; 
 
 And talk of our weakness in prose or in song, 
 Just as now we are doing the same. 
 
 At the monstrous big bonnets our grandmothers wore, 
 And their short-waisted dresses, we laugh ; 
 
 But the belles of the present — what head ever bore 
 Such a little collection of — cha{f! 
 
 We wonder at "top-knots." that once were in vogue. 
 
 Bat Mat Id in now is outdone, 
 For a '"waterfall" often bewitches some rogue, 
 
 And oft' to get married they rioi ! 
 
 No age was e'er wanting in fops and in tiirts. 
 And the race is quite numerous still ; 
 
 But in what generation so tiourished Jioop-sk'irts 
 That two in a 2)evv will (piite tillV 
 
 We boast of our freedom, and yet we are slaves 
 To Pride, and to Dress, and to Fashion ! 
 
 These tyrants pursue us quite down to our graves, 
 And never show any compassion. 
 
 My country ! ^^•hen of thee, 
 8weet land of liberty, 
 
 I sometimes think, 
 I often wonder where 
 This race for show and glare 
 Will end — of ruin are 
 
 We on the brink V 
 
 My native town, beware ! 
 These " little foxes" are 
 
 The ones that bite ! 
 Don't let " those women folks " 
 Away your sense all coax. 
 And then boast of the hoax 
 
 For very spite ! 
 
 Let (axes swell the breeze. 
 And rob you of your ease, 
 
 By constant clatter ! 
 Till pride and follies cease 
 Your bitrdens must increase, 
 And so disturb youi* peace. 
 
 " Thafs what's the matter! " 
 
22 
 
 Shades of our Fathers ! when 
 You trod the earth as men, » 
 
 Did you act thus ? 
 No ! iu your early days, 
 The Rices, Uririhams, Fa.i/s 
 Went not these crooked ways 
 
 Pursued by us ! 
 
 Simple, and brave, and strong, 
 They jogged their cotirse along. 
 
 Content with life. 
 While we for greed, and gain. 
 And place, and fine domain, 
 And honors high, maintain 
 ^ A constant strife ! 
 
 But I forget my theme. 
 And for the Past may seem 
 
 To slight the Present. 
 We should not, like Lot's wife, 
 Hanker for former life, 
 When days with joy were rife, 
 
 However pleasant. 
 
 Yet why should I take up your time or my own 
 To describe what you all may behold V 
 
 You can see for yourselves, that, of this little town. 
 The half never yet has been told. 
 
 With its ponds and its streamlets, its hills and its dales. 
 
 Its forests and beautiful groves, 
 Its roads and its bridges, its meadows and vales, 
 
 NoiScene more agreeable proves. 
 
 But not more diverse in each natural gift 
 
 Than in the pursuits here for gain ; 
 No one branch of business brings quite all the thrift. 
 
 And when " dull " makes the poeple complain. 
 
 With just enoiigh power by river and stream 
 For the mills which convenience demands. 
 
 It has little occasion to introduce steam, 
 To get hlijli and then blow up all hands. 
 
 Your teams and your railroad, your stores and Iioiel, 
 
 Your shops, mills and factories busy, 
 Undoubtedly make all their owners "do well," 
 
 But sometimes make visitors dizzy ! 
 
 Your doctors have, doubtless, a high reputation, 
 Though nothing but "stuff" on their shelves ; 
 
 Your preachers in learning may ' ' beat all creation, " 
 But they always must speak for themselves. 
 
23 
 
 Yoiir lawyer, * whatever our forefathers thought, 
 
 " Still lives," thont,'li in rather poor rr/.s-c. 
 In only one office most lawyers are soiight, 
 
 But he has hrhl all in Ihv plan' ! 
 
 That your schools are quite good, will not be denied; 
 
 (For which you owe much to your preachers ;) 
 To sec how it was so, I often have tried. 
 
 When they "vt^ liinml mil so many good teachers! 
 
 Old Hickory once thought <niii bank quite amiss. 
 
 And, to stop one, he cut quite a prank ; 
 But who would have thought, in a village like this, 
 
 We should yet see a Ndtlonal Bank V 
 
 In some things this town may be found quite behind, 
 
 And often has met inlli licr mairh ; 
 But in one of her staj^le productions, I find - 
 
 In co;/(?>\— she's quite up to the scralrh ! 
 
 In the Councils of State, she has done her fidl share, 
 
 As three Senators well may attest; 
 With a son in a Gubernatorial Chair, 
 
 And a Ckindidah' never so blest. 
 
 But why need I go any further to show 
 
 W^bat to all must self-evident be ? 
 Thoiigh in age and in inches she may fall below. 
 
 Yet none are much smarter than she. 
 
 And now to future things we turn the welcome horoscojie ; 
 W^hatever things we there may learn, will come to pass, I hope. 
 The Future ! what know we of that? — but little, I admit, 
 But guessing is a Yankee trait, and so we '11 gne,<i.s a bit. 
 
 I guess, before ire meet again to celebrate this day. 
 The most of those who meet here then will find us — "gone away !" 
 No doubt the tow'n will somewhat change ere that time rolls around ; 
 And every thing would seem so strange if ice should here be found. 
 
 I (jness the time will sometime dawn when yonder graceful hill 
 Will all become one well-smoothed lawn, with jiride our hearts to fill : 
 And that the summit will be crowned with mansions worthy of it. 
 With such a j^aradise around, 't were hardly wrong to covet. 
 
 I guess the time will yet arrive— / may not live to see it — 
 
 Y'et I do hope so long to live, but if not, then so be it — 
 
 When you will have a fine Town Hall— (I say not when, nor where, )- 
 
 One large enough to hold you all, and room enough to spare. 
 
 * Samuel Ci.akk, Es(|., Ihe geiiUeman to whom alliKsion is here made, l)esi(Ies having held the 
 offiecs of Chairman of tlie Select-men, Assessor. Treasurer, School Committee, &c., was, for several 
 years, a prominent member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and at one time the 
 candidate of the " Free Sidl I'arly " for the Speakership. 
 
24 
 
 I fjuess a Library* will be found somewhere within the place, 
 
 That shall be Free to all around, your pride, and not disgrace. 
 
 I hope that " good time coming," when we " better times " shall see — 
 
 When Peace and Love shall dwell with men — will dawn on you and me. 
 
 I hope our " reconstructed " land, though now with dangers rife, 
 United in one happy band, will then be free from strife. 
 I hope mere "policy," ere that, will yield to something higher. 
 And all oiir rulers, small and great, make Eight their chief desire. 
 
 The Future ! what a deep suggestive word ! 
 None fraught with mightier interests e'er is heard. 
 We know the Past, perhaps, and Present well. 
 But who can of his/((^(/'e course foretell? 
 This much we know — perhaps enough to know : 
 We must "do quickly " what we have to do. 
 "jStrangers and pilgrims as our fathers were," 
 " We have no long-continuing city here." 
 These pastors and their people, young and old. 
 Must soon be gathered to one common fold. 
 Life's first great duty is for Heaven to seek. 
 The only heirs of Earth will be the meek. 
 That duty done, we then may safely hojie 
 With all the ills of life to bravely cope. 
 In social pleasures, or in duty's round. 
 Make life with glorious actions to abound, 
 Keady " to be, to do, and suffer " still 
 All that may be our Heavenly Father's will. 
 
 And of our Country's future, who can know ? 
 May it to Justice, Freedom, Piight be true ! 
 Not mei'ely " reconstructed " be, alone. 
 And for its former monstrous sins atone, 
 But may it quite "regenerated" be. 
 And from all forms of wrong be fully free ; 
 Not an Asylum only, for the oppressed. 
 Where hunted victims find congenial rest : 
 But as a bright example for the world. 
 Till " Equal Rights " be evei'y where unfurled ! 
 
 The world moves forward — Progress is the word 
 
 That now on every hand is ever heard. 
 
 Fools may ignore it, foes may strive to stay. 
 
 With puny arm, its strong resistless sway. 
 
 But neither fools nor foes can stop the tide 
 
 On which all conquering Truth shall forward glide. 
 
 * Hon. Cyrus Gale, it is said has generously offered to contribute $1000, towards the purchase 
 of a Free Library, on condition that the town provide a suitable jtlace for it in a new Town Hall. 
 Will not his example be followed by other wealthy citizens or natives of the town. 
 
25 
 
 Never did Eevolutious backward go, 
 Nor let poor craven hearts their good undo. 
 Onwaed is now the watchword of the hour, 
 And Error quails before Truth's rising power. 
 Knowledge shall Ignorance and Wrong dethrone, 
 And meek Eeligion rule the world alone. 
 
 Then will be ushered in that globious moen 
 Of which the Projjhets .sijoke, in ages gone ! — 
 Of which the Angels sang at Jesus' birth : 
 " Good will to >rEN ; forevee peace on Earth !'' 
 When this revolted planet shall return 
 To all her first allegiance, and shall learn 
 A Saviour's name to speak, and praises sing, 
 Till Heaven's broad aich with hallelujah's ring ; 
 Jesus, whose right it is, on Earth shall reign, 
 And all the world repeat its loud Amen ! 
 
ORIGIN OF THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 
 
 In ordei- tliat the whole matter of the Celeljration may be fully iiiider- 
 stood, especially in future years, we deem it uecessai'y to present a brief 
 account of its origin. 
 
 In the Summer of 1865, tire citizens of Xorthljorough began to con- 
 sider the propriety of observing- in some public manner the one hundredth 
 anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town. As the date of the Act 
 of Incorporation is January 24, 1106, it was conceded that it was inex- 
 pedient to have it occur on the very day of the anniversary, coming as it 
 would in mid-Winter ; but a very general desire was expressed that some- 
 time during the Summer of 1866, such a celebration might be held as 
 would secure a re-union of many of the present and former residents of 
 the town. In accordance with that desire, the Select-men, in ])reparing 
 the Warrant for the "Noveml)er Meeting" of that year, inserted the 
 following article : 
 
 " Art. 14. To see if the Town will take any measures for celebrating 
 the Centennial Anniversary of the settlement of the Town." 
 
 At that Town Meeting, held November 7, 1865, it was " voted to 
 choose a Committee of nine persons to make preparations for the Cele- 
 bration." The following gentlemen were ai)pointed the Committee, viz : 
 Rev. Dr. Alle.v, A. W. Se.vver, NATti.\NiEL Fisher, 
 
 Geo. C. Davis, Warren T. Bush, Eber Brewer, 
 
 S. W. Norcross, Samuel Wood, Geo. G. Valentine. 
 
 It was also "voted that the Committee report at the March Meeting, 
 that the town may give further instructions and make such appropriations 
 as may be necessary." 
 
 At the adjourned March Meeting, held March 19, 1806, the above- 
 named Committee presented a report, in which they recommended that 
 the celebration should take place on the 15th of August ensuing, and 
 that a sum not exceeding $1200 be appropriated for that object. The 
 report, after being amended by substituting June 13, 1860, as the time, 
 and $500, as the sum to be expended, was adopted. At a subseciuent 
 town meeting, held April 2d, this appropriation was reconsidered, and, the 
 subject of the celebration becoming involved with other questions of ex- 
 
27 
 
 citing interest, on wiiicli there was much difFcrence of opinion, it was 
 "moved to pass over the artiele," thus leaving the whole matter to fall 
 to the ground — not so mueh through any opposition or indifference to 
 the celebration, as from the unfortunate circumstances above-mentioned. 
 
 The observance of this anniversary having generally been received as 
 a foregone conclusion, and the previous action of the town having been 
 circulated abroad and often referred to in letters to distant friends, it was 
 a sore disappointment to many persons, both in town and out of it., to 
 learn that the enterprise was aljandoned ; and the desire was often ex- 
 pressed that snmc kind of a celebration might yet be held. Accordingly, 
 when the usual summer vacations in ))usiness brought travellers, visitors, 
 and former residents to the place, these expressions culminated in the 
 posting of an anonymous notice in the Post Office, to the following ellect : 
 
 " The Citizens of this Town, and all others in favor of a celebration of 
 the one hundredth aimiversary of the Incorporation of Northborough, 
 are invited to meet at the Vestry of the Orthodox Church, at 8 o'clock, 
 on Monday evening, July 30, 1806." 
 
 This notice was also given from the pulpits of the several churches in 
 town, the pastors of which evinced the warmest sympathy with the move- 
 ment. The appointed time arrived, and a few persons — perhaps twenty 
 in all — assembled. Anson Rice, Esq., was appointed Chairnum, and 
 Rev. D. F. Lamson, Secretary. Although the prospect of success, judg- 
 ing from the number present, was not very flattering, the best of feeling 
 prevailed, and a Committee, consisting of Rev. Dr. Allen, Rev. Geo. E. 
 Sanborne and Rev. D. F. Lamson, was appointed to pro})Ose a plan for 
 a CelebratioiL The meeting adjourned to meet at the same place on 
 Thursday evening, August 2d, at which time the Committee reported in 
 favor of August 22, 1866, as the day to be observed, and recommended 
 the a|)p()intmcnt of the following Committees, viz : A Committee to select 
 an Orator and a Poet, a Committee to solicit Contributions, ano'Jier on 
 the Collation, another on Invitation*, another on ?Iusic, and a general 
 Committee of Arrangements. The meeting adjourned to Saturday eve- 
 ning, August 4th, when the following Committees were appointed : 
 
 To select Orator and Poet — Rev. D. F. Lamson, Dr. J. J. Johnson and 
 J. H. Mclntyre. 
 
 On iSolldtations — HoiL Milo Ilildreth, Cyrus Gale, Jr., T. C. Woodward, 
 John Stone, Joseph T. Fay. 
 
 On Invitations — Samuel Clark, Ks((,, G. IL Williams, A. W. Seaver, 
 F. D. Bartlett, George G. Valentine. 
 
28 
 
 On Music — Anson Rice, Samuel J. Rice, Levi Stratton, Elijah Eddy, 
 
 Jonas liigelow. 
 Oil CoUalion — John F. Newton, C. Gale, Jr., .1. J3. Crawford, Levi S. 
 Thurston, E. W. Norcross, Mrs. G. C. Davis, Mrs. D. F. Lamson, 
 Mrs. G. G. Valentine, Mrs. H. S. Fiske, Mrs. C. Gale, Mrs. S. Gib- 
 son, Mrs. S. Clark, Mrs. W. Bash, Mrs Jno. Rice, Mrs. C. Gale, Jr., 
 Miss Mary P. Brighani. 
 On Arravgenmits — Warren T. Rush, Milo Hildreth, Richard W. New- 
 ton, William Maynard, John Glazier, Eber Brewer, George Barnes, 
 Samuel Wood, Jr., George L. Chesbro. 
 George C. D.wis, Esq. was appointed P resident of the Day, and the 
 following old citizens, Vice Presidents: — Hon. Cyrus Gale, Samuel 
 Wood, Jeremiah Hunt, Holloway Bailey, Nathaniel Brighani, Lewis 
 Fay, William Seaver, Jonathan Bartlett, Horace S. Fiske, Nathaniel 
 Fisher, Wilder Bush. 
 
 Major Walter Gale was appointed Chief Marshal, and Lieut. Asa B. 
 Fay, Horace L. Peverly, F. E. Lovejoy, Nathaniel Randlett and Henry 
 Kinney, Assistant Alarshals. 
 
 Capt. Anso.n Rice was appointed Toast Master, and Samuel L Rice, 
 Dr. Henry A. Jewett, Henry G. Colburn, William A. Bartlett, Tyler 
 Harrington, John Johnson and Gilbert Heath were appointed to super- 
 intend the procession of the Children of the Town. 
 
 At a subsequent meeting, Hon. Cyrus Gale was appointed Chairman 
 of the Committee on Invitations, in place of Samuel Clark, Esq., who 
 declined to serve, and Hon. Milo Hildreth Chairman of the Committee 
 of Arrangements, in place of W. T. Bush, Esq., who also declined. 
 Messrs. Abraham M. Brighani and Tyler Harrington were also added (o 
 the Committee on the Collation. 
 
 The preliminary arrangements having been perfected, the following 
 letter of invitation was printed, and copies sent to all the natives and 
 former residents of the town, whose address could be ascertained : 
 
 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 
 
 Norfhbnrovgh, 3fass., Aug. 1, 18G6. 
 Deae Sie :— The Citizens of this place propose to hold a Centennial Cele- 
 BEATioN of the Incorporation of the Town, on Wednesday, August 22, 1866. 
 
 The Procession will be formed at lOi o'clock, A. M., and the exercises will 
 commence at 11 o'clock, in the First Congregational Church, when an Address 
 wiU be delivered by the Rev. De. Allen, of this town, and a Poem by T. "W. 
 Valentine, of Brooklyn, N. Y., a native of the town. 
 
20 
 
 After the services in the Chiirch, a free Collution will be furnished in a large 
 tent by the citizens and ladies of the town, after which speeches, toasts, &c., 
 will be given, and the afteiuoon spent in a social and agreeable manner. The 
 Shretrsbury Band has been engaged, and the exercises in the Church and at the 
 Collation will be interspersed with appropriate Vocal and Instrumental Music. 
 
 Geo. C. Davis, Esq., v/ill officiate as President of the Day ; assisted by Hon. 
 Cyrus Gale, Samuel Wood, Jeremiah Iliiu't, HoUoway Bailey, Nathaniel Bingham, 
 Lewis Fay, William Seaver, Jonathan Baitlett, Horace S. Fiske, and Nathaniel 
 Fisher, Esquires, as Vice Presidents. Major Walteb Gale has been appointed 
 Chief Marshal, and Hon. Milo Hildketh, Chairman of the Committee of 
 Arrangements. 
 
 It is hoped that, on this occasion, there will be a general Re-union of all the 
 present and former residents and natives of the town now living, and a large 
 gathering is confidently expected. Yon are cordially invited to be present. 
 In behalf of the Citizens of North l)orough, 
 
 Cykus Gale, Abraham W. Seavee, 
 
 George H. Williams, Franklin D. Baetletx, 
 George G. Valentine, 
 
 Cnnniiiiiie of Invitation. 
 
 ITaviii2: tlms sliowii tlic ongin of tlie ccleliriil ion, wr will let tlio 
 papers of the day p^ive tlicii' version of the event as it transpired. 
 
 (From the Boston Jomiiat, Aug. 23, 1866.) 
 
 CENTENNIAL CELEBKATION AT NORTHBOKO'. 
 
 Tiifi One Ibindrcdih Annirersary of the Iveorpnrafion of ilie Toicn. 
 
 PROCESSION, ADDRESS, POEM AND COLLATION. 
 
 The Centennial Anniversary of the Incoi-poration of the Town of Northboro', 
 in Worcester county, took place yesterday, and was largely attended. For some 
 weeks previous preparations had been made by the enterprising and public- 
 spirited citizens, and on the appointed day abundant accommodation and refresh- 
 ments were provided for the hundreds who flocked to the scene of their nativity 
 and early childhood to enjoy the celebration of this, the first centennial anniver- 
 sary of its existence. Fortunately the weather was all that could be wished. 
 Providence seemed to smile upon the occasion, for during the night a light rain 
 had laid all the dust, and the day Vvas cooled by a fresh breeze which blew 
 steadily till evening. 
 
 Northboro' is a town of some sixteen hundred inhabitanti? on the Agricul- 
 tural Branch of the Boston and Worcester Eailroad. At the station there are 
 three churclies, one hotel, several stores and manufactories, principally of shoes, 
 combs and shell work. In this latter branch the people excel, and many of the 
 New York dealers depend on this town for their supply of goods. 
 
 At sunrise yesterday morning the inhabitants were notified of the approach- 
 ing festivities by a salute fired from Mount Assabet, a hill some two or three 
 hundred feet high, near the station ; and when the morning trains arrived from 
 
BO 
 
 Boston and other places, they brought a goodly number of passengers, besides 
 bands and lire companies, which soon filled the streets, while the number who 
 tm-ned out from the adjacent townr; in their private conveyances was not incon- 
 siderable. As Northboro' is one of the five towns which once comprised Marl- 
 boro', Northboro', Soiithboro', A\'estboro' and Hudson, all these towns were 
 invited to participate in the celebration, and they sent their liberal contributions 
 and quotas to honor the event. 
 
 THE PROCESSION. 
 
 About ten o'clock the procession commenced forming at the Evangelical 
 Congregational Church, under the direction of George C. Davis, Escj , President 
 of the day, and Major Walter (^ale. Chief Marshal, in the following order : JIusic; 
 Escort by the Fire Department ; President and Vice Presidents of the day ; 
 Orator and Poet ; Invited Guests ; Town Officers ; Citizens of the Town ; North- 
 bcro' Cadets ; Good Templars ; Children, etc. The procession marched to the 
 First Congregational Church, where a large tent had been erected, and seats be- 
 neath it had been prepared for upward of twelve hundred persons, and in an 
 adjoining tent accommodations had been made for many more. Inside the tent, 
 on the platform, were Leats for the speakers selected for the occasion, the choir 
 selected from the village churches, which were carefully drilled for the occasion, 
 the Shrewsbury nnd Westboro" bands of music, besides a large number of invited 
 guests, whose age and public life entitled them to consideration. The sjjeaker's 
 desk was aj)propriately decorated with elegant bouquets. 
 
 THE EXERCISES. 
 
 At a few minutes after eleven the exercises commenced, and after a volun- 
 tary by the bands, Mr. George C. Davis, President of the day, arose and made a 
 few remarks, in which he congi-atulated the audience on their meeting at this the 
 one hundi'edth anniversary of the incorporation of the town. 
 
 The choir then sang the anthem, " Wake the Song of Jubilee." 
 
 The invocation of the Divine Elessing was then pronounced by Piev. H. L. 
 Myrick, and reading of the Scriptures by Eev. D. F. Lamson. Then followed 
 the singing of a hymn, ' ' Come Thou Almighty King. " 
 
 While this exercise was going on a little incident occurred which was not 
 laid down in the programme, and might have led to serious results. The wind 
 blowing rather freshly just at this time, one of the jioles which held up the centre 
 of the tent suddenly snajiped, causing a little alarm among the audience, but 
 fortunately it was repaired by splicing and delayed the exercises only about half 
 an hour. 
 
 Prayer was then offered by Eev. Geo. E. Sanborne, followed by a hymn from 
 the choir. 
 
 THE ORATION. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Allen, who had been the pastor of the First Congregational Church 
 for upward of fifty years, and had ministered to nearly two generations of his 
 parishoners, then delivered the address. 
 
 [Here follows a rejiort of the Address.] 
 In conclusion he congratulated all who had come to visit the old homestead, 
 on the arrival of this long-expected day, and now that the town had entered upon 
 
:u 
 
 the second century of its corporate existence, the termination ot which none of 
 the audience would hve to witness, he prayed that it niii^ht find the same pros- 
 perous and virtuous community. 
 
 A hymn was then sung by the choir : "O, Lord, our fathers oft have toki." 
 Then followed a poem by Thos. W. Valentine of Brooklyn, N. Y., a native of 
 Northboro'. His production was replete with good sense, v/it and interesting 
 reminiscences of the past, and was unanimously pronounced a good tiling. 
 
 The regular exercises were closed by singing an original hymn, written f()r 
 the occasion bj' Jainis Lincoln, Esc}., and the Doxology. 
 
 THE COLLATION. 
 
 Then followed next in order the collation, which did great credit to the 
 Committee of Arrangements. To provide a suitable collation for an audience of 
 2500 guests is no easy matter, but it was done to the perfect satisfaction of all 
 2H-esent, and the order and system with which all the arrangements were carried 
 out showed their good taste. 
 
 THE REGULAR TOASTS. 
 
 The first regirlar toast -" The day we celebrate" — was responded to by the 
 Band. 
 
 The second — " The town of Northboro', a healthy town : She enters upon the 
 second century of her career progressive and hopeful"— was responded to by 
 Hon. Isaac Davis of Worcester, who stated that he felt exceedingly gratified to 
 meet his friends on this occasion. The history of towns was but the history of 
 the Commonwealth, the history of the country. Regarding the higher elements 
 which make a town, Northboro' stands in the front rank. The county of Wor- 
 cester—as large as the State of Rhode Island or Delaware- out of fifty-eight 
 Governors which this State has had, has furnished six, and Northboro' came in 
 for one-sixth of this honor ; and for the number of Senators for the State Senate 
 it also stands in the front rank. lu looking at national affairs it is seen that she 
 has furnished two Senators for the United States Senate, and of the twelve Repre- 
 sentatives in Congress from the county, Northboro' has sent two. In educational 
 matters she occupies the same preeminence. In money raised for the education 
 of children, she ranks the fifth town in the State ; in children who attend school, 
 the second in the county. In every dep.irtmant of professional life, her sons are 
 found. Her ministers preach in twenty-five States of the Union, besides Europe 
 and Asia. Her sous have adorned the legal profession, and in many of the West- 
 ern States they are found. He stated that his grandfather was once chosen a 
 delegate to the General Court, with instructions to vote for exterminating the 
 lawj'ers ; and what has been the result ■' Twelve of his descendants have been 
 lawyers— more than all his constituents produced. He appealed to those who 
 should live here the coming century to imitate the virtue, perseverance and in- 
 dustry of those who have preceded them. In the future, as in the past, North- 
 boro' will show a brilliant record. 
 
 In response to the toast, "Our free schools and teachers," Mr. Thomas W. 
 Valentine made some very happy remarks, and alluded to " Old Father Green- 
 leaf," the well known teacher, who used to say that he had educated a good many 
 Congressmen, several who had been in the State Prison, five who had been hung 
 and several more who ought to be. The speaker had no such record as that. He 
 
32 
 
 stated that all the success which had attended his efforts as teacher he owed to 
 the orator, Dr. Allen. 
 
 Wm. S. Davis, Esq., made an eloquent address, in response to the toast : 
 " The memory of Isaac Davis, the father of a family whose name is legion." 
 
 A response was also made by Wm. Seaver, one of the old scholmasters, who 
 made some interesting remarks on the state of education in former days. He 
 stated that he once taught school in Quincy and became acquainted with John 
 Adams, who often spoke on the duty of teachers, and especially of parents, to 
 take an intei-est in the education of their children, and remarked that education, 
 liberty and independence were inseparable. 
 
 Kesponses were also made by Ca]3t. John C. Wymauof Troy, N. Y., llev. Mr. 
 Mayo of Cincinnati, Ohio, Rev. Joseph H. Allen, and Major Walter Gale. The 
 latter spoke in response to a toast, " To t1i3 mem3ry of those who had enlisted 
 from Northboro' and those who had fallen in the war." Major Gale made some 
 sincere and eloqiient remarks on this topic, stating that in his regiment the 
 Northboro' men were always foimd at their post and bore an honorable record. 
 On this topic a more worthy person than Major Gale could not have been found 
 to respond, for he enlisted early in the war, and during a service of four years, 
 in all the campaigns in Virginia, saw and participated in every battle in which 
 his regiment — the 15th Massachusetts — was engaged. 
 
 Thus closed one of the most interesting exercises which the County of Wor- 
 cester has witnessed for many a day. It was a complete success, without any 
 accident to mar the pleasure of the guests. At sundown as the train left for 
 Boston, another salute was fired from Mount Assabet, and the festivities of the 
 day were supplemented by a ball at the Assabet House. 
 
 [Prom the Boston Herald, August 23, 1866.] 
 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AT NORTHBOROUGH. 
 
 The usually quiet town of Northborough presented a scene of excitement 
 yesterday, the occasion being the Centennial celebration of the incorporation of 
 the town. Northborough is situated about thirty-five miles west of Boston, on 
 the Agricultural Branch of the Boston and Worcester Raih-oad, and is located in 
 one of the most beautiful portions of the State, through which the river Assabet 
 flows, nourishing the soil in its course, and affording power to many factories 
 and mills. Two hundred years ago a paper, signed by thirteen persons, was 
 presented to the (General Court, petitioning for a tract of land eight miles square 
 for the purpose of establishing a plantation, the lands of the i)etitioners being 
 inadequate to their increasing wants. The petition was granted, with the pro- 
 viso that if within three years the plantation did not number twenty families the 
 plantation would be confiscated, and Thomas Danforth was appointed to lay out 
 the bounds of the place. 
 
 The plantation flourished, and emigration from the neighboring settlements 
 gradually increased its population until 1746, v/hen the first church was estab- 
 lished under the pastorship of Rev. John IMartyn. The place, however, did 
 not not attain the dignity of a town until 1766, when it was incorijorated as 
 such. The town is noted for the longevity of its inhabitants, many of whom 
 have lived to a good old age, and at present there are fifty persons in the 
 
33 
 
 town whose ages are over three score years and ten. The town is also noted 
 for its interest in public schools, and in matters relating to education generally, 
 and has furnished many teachers to different cities and towns throughout Ne\v 
 England. Northborough bore an honorable part in the Eevolution, as it also did 
 in the late war, having furnished, out of a population of IfiOO inhabitants, 135) 
 men for the armies of the Union, 21 of whom died in defence of their country. 
 The town at present boasts of three churches. A new town hall is soon to be 
 built, in which a public town library will be established. 
 
 As before stated, this centennial celebration of the incorporation of the town 
 occurred yesterday, and many of the old towns-]3eople from abroad, as well as 
 many inhabitants from the different villages and towns in the immediate vicinity 
 were present to witness and take part in the exercises. 
 
 The observance of the day was commenced in the moming, when a salute 
 was tired from the summit of Mount Assabet. At lOj o'clock a procession was 
 formed at the Evangelical Congregational Church, under the supervision of 
 Major Walter Cale. and marched to the P'irst Congregational Church in the 
 following order : — 
 
 Chief Marshal, :Major Walter dale. 
 
 Westboro' Baud. 
 
 Assabet Hook and Ladder Company of Northborough, 35 members, in uni- 
 form, Henry Kenny, Foreman. 
 
 Union Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 of Marlborough, 40 men in uniform. 
 Frank ^larshal, Foreman. 
 
 Inhabitants of the Town and Invited Guests, numbering about lOOU. 
 
 Shrewsbury Band. 
 
 Northboroirgh Cadets. 
 
 Assabet Lodge of Good Templars, numbering 100, under the marshalship of 
 Milo Hildreth, Esq., with a banner bearing the inscription "Union," "liaise 
 the Fallen." 
 
 Spring Hill Lodge of Good Tem})lars of Marlborough, 50 in number, C. M. 
 Howe, Marshal. 
 
 Children of the town, irambeiing about 300. 
 
 Lfpoii the arrival of the procession outside the church, the different societies 
 and citizens generally passed into a large tent, which had been erected for the 
 occasion, where the exercises were held. 
 
 After a voluntary by the band, the assemblage was called to order by George 
 C. Davis, Esq., President of the Day, and the anthem "Wake the Song of 
 Jubilee," v/as then sung. An invocation, reading of the Scriptures, jjraj'er and 
 singing, followed, after which an historical address was delivered by P^ev. Dr. 
 Allen. The orator gave an elaborate history of the town from its first settlement 
 until the present day, and was listened to with deep attention throughout. 
 Another hymn was then sung, after wliic^h an original poem was read by Thomas 
 \Y. Valentine, Esq., of Brooklyn, N. Y., which was very humerous and interest- 
 ing. The regular services were closed with a benediction. 
 
 A bountiful collation was then partaken of in the tent, and when the gusta- 
 tory exercises v/ere concluded, order was again called by Mr. Davis, who intro- 
 duced as toastmaster Anson ilice, Esq. 
 
34 
 
 The first regular toast, "The Day We Celebrate," was responded to by the 
 band. The second toast, "The Town of NorthborouG,h," drew a brief but elo- 
 quent response from Hon. Isaac Davis of Worcester. "Our Free Schools" was 
 responded to by Thomas W. Valentine, Esq. "The Memory of Isaac Davis," by 
 William S. Davis, Esq. " The Sturdy Yeomanry," by John C. Wyman, and other 
 toasts by different gentlemen. 
 
 A motion to adjourn the meeting for one hundred years was then adopted, 
 and the citizens generally retired to their homes. The arrangements for the 
 celebration were in charge of a Committee, of which Hon. Milo Hildreth was 
 Chairman, and under their management it proved a complete success. 
 
 [From the Worcester Gazelie.'\ 
 
 CENTENNIAL. 
 
 THE CELEBRATION AT NOKTHCOEOUGH. 
 
 Such an event as occurred yesterday comes but once in a lifetime to the 
 inhabitants of a town, viz : its Centennial Celebration, and the denizens of the 
 quiet little borough of Northborongh determined to celebrate the day with appro- 
 priate exercises. Those who had been absent for a long period from their old 
 home, now returned, and very cordial and affecting were the greetings of old 
 fi-iends which we witnessed. "They came from East, V/est, North, and South, 
 and sat down together," and many were the old scenes reviewed, and past events 
 recalled, as the company assembled in the homes of their childhood, with their 
 friends of school-boy days. A salute was fired from Mt. Assabet at sunrise, which 
 awoke every one to the unwonted enjoyments of the day. The early trains 
 brought persons from the neighboring towns, and many came with teams, so that 
 by 9 A. M. , the town wore a very lively look. The Assabet House was gaily deco- 
 rated, and the streets through which the procession was to pass were crowded 
 with flags. 
 
 At 10 A. M., the ringing of the church bells and the booming of cannon an- 
 nounced the time for the procession to form, which took place from the Evan- 
 gelical Congregational Church. ****** 
 
 It was estimated that at least 1600 persons were in the procession. The 
 route lay past the Baptist Church, the procession extending the entire length of 
 Main street. The different organizations represented presented a fine appear- 
 ance, as they filed past. The tent was intended to accommodate about 800 per- 
 sons, but there were nearly 2000 people in and around the tent, for every place 
 within hearing was occupied. The meeting was called to order by the President, 
 Geo. C. Davis, Esq., who welcomed the assembled people in a few appropriate 
 words to this centennial gathering. ****** 
 
 A vote of thanks was then given to the Orator and Poet of the day, after 
 which Capt. Cyrus Gale moved that "this meeting adjourn till 100 years from 
 this day at 11 o'clock in the morning," which was carried, and the meeting de- 
 clared adjourned. The years will roll on one by one into the lap of Time, and 
 all of that vast assembly will have passed across the crystal tide, and when 
 another century has gone doubtless there will be another such meeting and as 
 
35 
 
 civilization stojis not for ns weary mortals, it vnll probably be on a more magnifi- 
 cent occasion, bnt we will wager a no better time than was enjoyed yesterday 
 at the Northborongh Centennial. 
 
 [From the Massachvseits Spy, Worcester, Angnst 23, ISGfi. ] 
 CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY AT NORTHBORO'. 
 
 Jlisforical Address of Bev. Dr. Allen. 
 
 INTERESTING HEjnNISCENCES. 
 
 The citizens of Northboro", native and adopted, with a large number of sons 
 and daughters who have wandered from the old homesteads, united yesterday in 
 celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of its incorporation as an independent 
 municipality. The records and traditions of settlement extend backward over 
 two hundred years— first as a part of the town of Marlboro', afterwards as a 
 parish in the town of Westboro'. But its name and seperate municipal history 
 date from the 24th of January, l^fiG. The day appointed for the celebration 
 proved every way delightful, and it is scarcelj' extravagant to say that thousands 
 of descendants of the old Northboro" families shared in its centennial festivities. 
 
 The exercises began at sunrise, when a silute was fired from the top of Mt. 
 Assabet. The citizens and invited guests assembled at ten o'clock in front of the 
 Evangelical Congregational Church, v/here a procession was formed under the 
 direction of the ('hief Marshal, Major AV alter Gale, — subsequently joined by the 
 Northboro' Cadets, the Indejiendent Order of Good Templars, and the Children 
 of the town. The Eire Department furnished the escort, and the music was sup- 
 plied by the Shrewsbury and Westboro' bands. The procession was conducted to 
 the spacious tent erected at the side of the First Congregational Church, on the 
 sjiot where the original meeting-house stood. 
 
 The President of the day opened the exercises with an ajjprojiriate addi'ess, 
 extending the congratulations of the day to the citizens and invited guests. He 
 congratulated them on the time-honored event they had met to celebrate, and in 
 behalf of his fellow-townsmen welcomed their friends and guests to the hospi- 
 talities of the old homestead. The good old borough, he said, with the dignity 
 and grace of a century upon her countenance, greets you all with the smile of 
 this pleasant day, and v/ith arras of a hundred years extended to embrace you, 
 yet still warm with the fpiick blood of youth. Her sweet and fragrant breath 
 fills the air with a thousand welcomes to you ail, and gentle benedictions fall 
 from her lips saying welcome, ever welcome ! All honor to the virtues of the 
 past for the good of the future. Welcome to the future, that she may hand down 
 to her succeeding century the virtues she may inherit of the past. 
 
 [Then follows a full report, substantially the same as that of the other 
 papers, and concluding as follows :] 
 
 Thanks to the excellent arrangements made by Mr. Hildreth and his 
 associates, and to the civility of all who were in any way resjionsible for the 
 good ordering of the celebration, every part of it was entirely successful, and 
 will be long remembered by those who were jiermitted to share its enjoyments. 
 
36 
 
 [From the VUnion Conranl.'] 
 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 
 
 NOETHBOROUGH, AUGUST 22, ISGfi. 
 
 The sons and daughters of the town of Northborovigh, celebrated the one 
 hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town on Wednesday last. 
 Although the skies gave promise of rain in the early morning, the clouds broke 
 away about 8 o'clock, and the day proved to be one of the best for the long antici- 
 pated centennial exercises. At an early hour, carriages came into the village 
 from the neighboring towns, heavily laden with returning members of the North- 
 borough family. At sunrise and at 10 o'clock, salutes v/ere fired from Mt. Assa- 
 bet, and at the latter hour, a procession was formed by Major Gale, Chief Mar- 
 shal, in front of the Orthodox church. The procession was preceded by the 
 Westborough Cornet Band, who rendered good and acceptable service, and the 
 Union Hook and Ladder Company of Marlborough; then followed the citizens 
 in procession, followed in turn by the Good Templars and the Children of the 
 town, escorted by the Shrewsbury Band. The Engine Companies of the town 
 also had a place in the line. 
 
 The procession moved roimd by the Baptist church, througli Main street, to 
 a tent just west of the Unitarian church, and in length, was nearly a fourth of 
 a mile. 
 
 At 11 o'clock the large company, nearly, if not quite 3000 in number, were 
 called to order by George C. Davis, Esq., President of the day, who congratu- 
 lated the audience on the arrival of the day, and welcomed all to the hospitahties 
 of the old homestead. 
 
 A voluntary was given by the Band and the Choirs of the various clmrches, 
 under the charge of Mr. Elijah Eddy, gave the anthem : " Wake the Song of 
 Jubilee." 
 
 The Invocation by Eev. H. L. Myrick of Northborough, was followed by 
 reading extracts from the Psalms, by Rev. D. F. Lamson, pastor of the Baptist 
 Church: 
 
 A hymn, " Come thou Almighty King," was then sung to "Italian Hymn." 
 During the singing of this hymn, owing to the wind, one of the poles which sup- 
 ported the canvass, snapped and nearly broke. It was a narrow escape from an 
 accident, as, if the staft" had given way, its fall must have wounded, and very 
 probably fatally so, some of the audience . Its repair delayed proceedings nearly 
 a half hour. 
 
 The exercises were resumed by prayer by Rev. Geo. E. Sanborne of the 
 Orthodox church. A hymn was then sung to "Missionary Chant," when Rev. 
 Dr. Joseph Allen of North boro' was introduced as the orator of the day. 
 
 [Here follows an abstract of the Address.] 
 
 The address was delivered in the usual clear and distinct voice of the speaker, 
 and was attentively listened to by the large assembly. A hymn was then sung to 
 the old tune of "Northfield," when Thomas W. Valentine, Esq., of Brooklyn, N. 
 Y., was announced as the poet of the day. His poem abounded in witty passa- 
 ges and telling points, and was keenly relished by his hearers. It was one of the 
 best productions, of its kind, to which we ever listened, and we regret that its 
 
37 
 
 length and our limits prtvent its insertion. He discussed " Past, Present, and 
 Future," in an original and eloquent manner. After music by the Band, a hymn 
 was sung to "America," aiid the exercises closed with the Doxology : " From all 
 that dwell below the skies." 
 
 A bountiful collation was then served by the aid of the Fire Department of 
 the town. The arrangements for this part of the entertainment were complete, 
 for which the company are indebted to the labors of the general Committee of 
 Arrt.ngements : lion. Milo Hildreth, (Chairman. 
 
 After devoting an hour to the wants of the physical man, the assembly was 
 again called to order, and Capt, Ansim Eice introduced as Toast Master for the 
 occasion. 
 
 The following toasts were given and re;-'ponses made : 
 
 1. The day we celebrate, that gave Northborough the right to take her place 
 among the sisterhoo I of towns : May her sons never forget her birthday, nor fail 
 to celebrate it in a rational and api>ropriate manner. 
 
 Piesponse by the band. 
 
 2. The Town of Northborough : Hitherto of slow but healthy growth, she 
 enters on her second century, progressive and hopeful. 
 
 Hon. Isaac Davis of Worcester, in response, commenced his remarks by 
 moving that Dr. Allen be- requested to tinish the History of Northborough for the 
 first century, which vote being put by the chairman, wai unanimously adopted. 
 Mr. Davis resumed by saying that he spoke under embarrassment, the orator and 
 poet having advanced all his ideas, and also in fear of the dangerous " reporters," 
 whose compassion and mercy he invoked. He said that Northborough had fur- 
 nished the only Worcester County historian, a Governor of the State, a United 
 States Senator, and two Picpresentatives in Congress. After speaking at length 
 of the influence of the town, he closed with a sentiment " to those who shall 
 occupy Northborough in the coming century." 
 
 3. Our three Churches : However much they differ in creeds and forms, may 
 they be one in the essential grace of charity. 
 
 E espouse by the band. 
 
 4. Our Free Schools, and the Teachers they have nourished and sent forth : 
 They are represented here to-day by a schoolmaster and a ]ioet. 
 
 T. W. Valentine, Esq., the poet of the day, responded, saying that Sam 
 Weller remarked that "his wallentine was a good one, but there was not enough 
 of it. " As to whether that was the case with all the Valentines, he asked his 
 audience to judge. 
 
 In allusion to his life as a teacher, he said he humbly trusted he had left his 
 "mark" upon the minds of the twenty thousand pupils that had been under his 
 charge, and attributed his success to the Northboro' district schools — closing 
 •with a tribute of respect to Dr. Allen. 
 
 5. The memory of Nahuni Fay, a veteran teacher for forty years— for forty 
 years a magistrate and town clerk. 
 
 The band responded. 
 
 T). The memory of Isaac Davis, Esq. , for many years a respected citizen of 
 this town — the father of a family whose name is legion, and which is represented 
 here to-day by those who can sjieak for themselves. 
 
Wm. S. Davis, Esq., of Worcester, responded, who remarked that whatever 
 opinion the workl might have of the qvalify of the Davis family, there could be 
 no doubt as to their quantity. The tirst Davis "who came over "had eleven 
 sons, and the name seems to have increased by a geometrical ratio of " eleven" 
 to this day, iintil the whole is leavened. The Davis family have dug gold in Cali- 
 fornia, traversed the Eocky Mountains, galloped over the boundless pampas of 
 Sovith America— they have preached the gospel, practised law and administered 
 physic — they have given to Massachusetts a politician, who, because he differed 
 in politics from the rest of the Davises, and lacked the voies, never was chosen 
 governor of the State, while the entire Davis vote could, at any time, have elected 
 him. 
 
 Mr. Davis concluded a capital speech with the sentiment, — Our absent 
 brethren : Northboro' gloi'ies in their prosperity, and bids them God speed. 
 
 7. Cur aged fellow-citizens, the septiiagenarians and octogenarians : May 
 their number never be less, and may their last days be lighted up by a hope full 
 of immortality. 
 
 Eesponse by Wm. Seaver, Esq., of Northboro', one of the old schoolmasters, 
 who related some incidents of olden times and of early school days. 
 
 8. Our young men, and our young women coming upon the stage at this 
 eventful era : May they be faithful to their trust, and while they imitate the vir- 
 tues, may they avoid the mistakes of those who have gone before them. 
 
 Mr. Ed-win S. Seaver of Boston responded, by giving the following senti- 
 ment : The Fathers and Mothers of the good old town of Northboro' : We, the 
 children, thank you lor the cordial hospitality with vthich you have greeted us 
 to-day. 
 
 9. The sturdy Yeomanry of Massachusetts : Strong to do and dare, sound in 
 morals and incorruptible in their patriotism : They form the backbone of the 
 Commonweal th. 
 
 Capt. John C. Wyman, of Troy,N. Y., responded, sa,-^ang he had a most profound 
 respect for the yeomanry of Massachusetts, but an utter abhorrence of their toil 
 and hard work. That was too miich for him, and he had seen full enough of it. 
 He was rejoiced in heart that he had come to Northboro' to-day rather than one 
 hundred years ago. He referred in an eloquent manner to the improvements of 
 the century, and his remarks were well received. 
 
 10. The little country towns : the universities which educate the strong men 
 and good women who are the glory of our gi'eat Eepublic. 
 
 Kev. A. D. ]SIayo of Cincinnati responded in a happy manner, and told some 
 humorous facts relative to the history and exploits of the "Preserved Smith 
 Family," during the speaker's Western experience and travels. 
 
 The choir then sung a "Centennial song,'" composed for the occasion by 
 E. A. H. Allen, Esq. 
 
 11. The Orator of the Day : identified for half a century with the history of 
 the town, and permitted in a green old age to witness its growing prosperity. May 
 he long be spared to us to enjoy the esteem and friendship ot his fellow-citizens. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Allen gracefully acknowledged the compliment conveyed, and the 
 band also responded. 
 
30 
 
 12. At the ccuteunial celebration of the orsiiuizatiou of the first church in 
 1846, twenty years ago, the following,' sentiment was given, vohmteerecl by one 
 of our citizens : " Our next centennial : May it dawn upon a world without a 
 slave." Another responded : "And may that centennial be the town's centennial 
 in 186(;." Let us thank God and take courage in respect to this country, that the 
 work has been fulfilled. 
 
 l{ev. Jos. H. Allen, of Cambridge, responded. 
 
 13. The 139 young men, who, at their country's call, enlisted in the service, of 
 whom twenty-one sacrificed their lives : Peace to the memory of those who fell, 
 and honor and prosperity to those who survive. 
 
 Eesponse by Maj. Walter Gale, who, in behalf of the soldiers, returned 
 thanks to the town of Northboro' for wt)rds of cheer and deeds of sympathy dur- 
 ing the war, and gave the sentiment : Old Northboro', God bless her ! 
 
 On motion of Maj. Gale, the thanks of the audience were returned to the 
 Orator and Poet of the day. 
 
 On motion of Hon. Cyrus Gale, it was voted to adjourn for i.in' Jiiii.dnd t/Hos, 
 at 11 o'clock A. M. 
 
 The company then slowly dispersetl to their several homt^s. remote and near ; 
 on foot, by carriage, coach and car. 
 
 The Fire Department subsequently paraded through the streets, escorted by 
 the band, after which this long-looked-for, long-to-be-remembered "Centennial" 
 ended, every thing having passed off in a highly satisfactory manner. 
 
 Reporters for the Boston PosI, the Maiihorovgh Mirror, and the 
 TTndson PioTiee.r were also present, and gave full and excellent reports in 
 their papers, but we deem the foregoing sufficient to give a clear idea of 
 what was said and done on this occasion. It now only remains for us to 
 give what was 7wl said, from a want of time, with some of Ihe unpnb- 
 lished sentiments ])repared for lliis event. Among tiiese were the 
 following : 
 
 The Free Schools of INIassachnsetts : the pride and glory of the 
 State. We know what tiiey kare accomplished, and liope even more from 
 them in the future. — [Rev. B. G. Northrup, agent of the Massachusetts 
 Board of Education, was to have responded, but, at that moment, he was 
 lost in the crowd.] 
 
 Marlborough and all the borough towns : we welcome here to-day 
 representatives of the Grandmother and all her Daughters. 
 
 The Clergy : now, as in the days of our Fathers, the zealous friends 
 of Liberty and I^aw. — [Rev. S. 8. Ashley would have responded to this, 
 had the time allowed.] 
 
 The Schools of Northl)orongh : for many years in advance of those 
 of neighboring towns, and at present emerging from a state of temporary 
 
40 
 
 decline. May tliey continue to be nurseries of true learning, humanity 
 and social order among us. 
 
 The Nortliborougli Cadets: in rapidity of movement and promptness 
 of action unsurpassed. By their coolness and efficiency on the field to- 
 day, they show that they are always preiiared to give the invaders of the 
 town a warm reception. 
 
 The Northborough Dairies: we recognize in them the cm; ?« of the 
 State. 
 
 The Ball Brothers, who, more than one hundred years ago, located 
 themselves on the hill which bears their name, from one of whom sprang 
 a Hue of physicians which extended nearly through the century : though 
 most of their living descendents have found homes elsewhere, we welcome 
 some of them this day to their ancestral home. — [Hon. George S. Ball 
 of Upton was expected to respond, but was uuavoidably absent.] 
 
 Deacon Jonathan Livermorc, tlie first deacon of the church, and the 
 first clerk of the district, as well as the oldest person that has lived in the 
 town : we are glad to number among our guests to-day a descendent of 
 the fourth generation. — [As a response to the above sentiment, we give 
 the following letter from Rev. A. A. Livermore, D. D., President of the 
 Theological School, at Meadville, Pa., who is a great-grandson of Deacou 
 Livermore :] 
 
 YoNKEEs, N. Y., Aug. 19, 186G. 
 
 Dear Dr. Allen : I liave received the kind words of yonr invitation to be 
 pi'esent on the '2'2d at yonr Centennial Celebration in Northborongli, accompanied 
 by the printed circular of your Committee. 
 
 I regret exceedingly that I cannot accept your profiered kindness, and speak 
 a good word for my ancestor, Deac. Jonathan Livehmohe, the lirst Town Clerk 
 of Northborough. But we have had a brief and charming visit to the old jDlaces 
 — the dear, familiar haunts— the venerable, lovely homes of New England, and 
 are now on our winding way, after this pleasant furlough from arduous duties, 
 back to our Western home in the Great Valley, and cannot therefore sing " Auld 
 Lang Syne " with yon and the sons and daughters of Noi'thborough at their 
 beautiful re-union. 
 
 But may the three Bs — Uc^s'imj and heaniy and hViss — unite with the three 
 Gs — {trace and goodness and ijralUnde, and lend enchantment and enjoyment to 
 the scenes and proceedings of the occasion. If not present with you in body I 
 shall hover about you in spirit, as I doubt not will also a shining band of the 
 bright immortal ones, who once dwelt with you in the flesh. 
 
 "They come on the wings of the morning, they come." 
 
 And as respects that venerable and beloved ancestor of mine, I should be 
 glad to speak of him, and relate some of the hoiisehold traditions and anecdotes 
 which have come down as an heir-loom in the family. Mr. Sawyer, of Bolton, 
 
41 
 
 told me tliut he remembered, when ii boy about eight years okl, seeing Deacon 
 L., then one hundred years of age, at the funeral of a friend in Bolton, to which 
 he had ridden on horseback. 
 
 It is also related that, when over one hundred, he attended a military muster, 
 and, when about to ride over the lines, was challenged bj'^ the guard. But the 
 Colonel of the Regiment, coming up, gave him leave to go on, saying that a man 
 one hundred years old ought be allowed to go where he pleased. 
 
 But I presume that you in Nortliborough know twenty times as much as I 
 do about this ancient man. I hope, however, that you know nothing to his dis- 
 credit, unless it be, that the old gentleman, feeling rather lonely (like David in 
 his old age,) took unto himself an Irish help-meet, who is reputed to have been 
 rather refractory under ecclesia.stical disciiiline, and to have led him a life of 
 discomfort. 
 
 But rumor is not unlikely in this, as in other matters, to have i^erformed 
 that geological miracle of tui'ning mole-hills into mountains. 
 
 A good old Puritan, stalwart in body, manifold in years land experience -an 
 officer in both Church and State, readj^ to do his part, bringing up his family "in 
 the nuiture and admonition of the Lord" — peace to his memory ! 
 • V/ith a little stretch of chronology, he might be said to have tasted of threfi 
 
 centuries, the 17th, 18th and 19th, a remarkable space of time. Few have lived 
 through so long and eventful a period of the world's grand iiHirch of improve- 
 ment. 
 
 In conclusion : To the memory of Deac. Jonathan Livermore, first Town 
 Clerk of Northboiough : if his successors and his posterity do not live as long, 
 may they live as well ! 
 
 With thanks, respecttully and affectionately, 
 
 A. A. LIVEEMOEE. 
 
 Oiii' revorcd ami honored ancestors of a liuiidred years ago : jjiirc- 
 ininded, ))atri<>tie and self-sacritioing ; may their descendants inherit 
 hirti'ely of these tlieir virtues. 
 
 The Ladies of Nortliborongli : we prize tlieir presence and their 
 hrig-lit smiles to-day as the i)leasantest feature of the occasion. Their 
 own works praise them in the gates. 
 
 Dr. Henry G. Davis, of New York, sent a letter excusing his absence, 
 and closing with the following sentiment : 
 
 Northborougb : the parent of a hundred years. May her children 
 honor her to the latest generation. 
 
 Charles Rice, Escj., of Boston, sent a long and interesting letter, giv- 
 ing something of the genealogy of the Rice family, mentioning several 
 remarkable instances of their longevity, and closing with the following 
 sentiment : 
 
 6 
 
42 
 
 The Departed Dead : may we evei- keep their virtues in sweet remem- 
 brance, and drop tlie mantle of charily and" forgiveness over all their 
 imperfections. 
 
 An extended and most valuable letter, giving many interesting remi- 
 niscences of his early life in Northborough, was received from the venera- 
 ble Sylvanus B. Pond, Esq., of Brooklyn, N. Y., now in the seventy-fifth 
 year of his age, (formerly of the well-known house of Firth, Pond & Co., 
 Music Publishers, New York,) giving his absence from home and business 
 engagements as reasons for his not being present on this occasion. 
 
 Rev. William A. Houghton of Berlin, formerly pastor of the Evan- 
 gelical Congregational Church in this town ; Rev. William A. Mandell, 
 of Cambridge, whose early life was spent here ; Henry Gassetl, Esq., of 
 Dorchester, (a son of the founder of the "Gassett Fund,") and many 
 other gentlemen from abroad, would have spoken but for a want of time. 
 The same reason may be given for not calling upon the representatives of 
 the other 'Borough towns ; but at the next Centennial, we hope all will 
 have time to be heard. 
 
 The following original hymn and song were written for the occasion ; 
 the former by Jairus Lincoln, Esq., of this town, and the latter by Prof. 
 Edward A. H. Allen, of New Bedford, a son of Dr. Allen : 
 
 OKIGINAL HYMN. ''America." 
 
 'Mid fear and deadly strife 
 Our fathers perilled life 
 
 Here to find rest. 
 Their friends and homes they flee : 
 They brave a stormy sea, 
 That they might here be free, 
 
 And here be blest. 
 
 Years pass : this fearless band, 
 O'er this wild, dreary land, 
 
 Long here did roam : 
 They moved these forests wide, 
 With foes on every side ; 
 No friendly hand to guide ; 
 
 No home — sweet home. 
 
 Dark forests disappeared : 
 Voices here soon were heard 
 
 In prayer and praise : 
 Here, too, this noble band 
 In this a foreign land, 
 United hand in hand — 
 
 An altar raised. 
 
43 
 
 Long years have jjassecl away : — 
 We, in God's house to-day, 
 
 Our voices raise : 
 O God, our land defend : 
 Let bitter strife now end : 
 This holy hour we '11 sjDend 
 
 In i)rayer and praise. 
 
 Guard us from every ill : 
 Guide us, thy people, still 
 
 As in days past. 
 Direct us on our way : 
 Be thou our cloud by day — 
 Give right triumphant sway 
 
 While time shall last. 
 
 CENTENNIAL SONG. Tune— "^o^ui/e Boon." 
 
 One hundred years around have rolled, 
 
 Of seed-time and of harvest-home, 
 Of summer heat and winter cold, 
 
 A second century has come. 
 So now, each one a welcome guest. 
 
 Fair Northboro's children gather here. 
 From North and Soi\th, from East and West, 
 
 To celebrate this hundredth year. 
 
 Our fathers did their part right well ; 
 
 They ploughed the land, they sowed the seed ; 
 The Harvest — let the present tell 
 
 Of good or ill, in word or deed. 
 Our soldier bi'others, true and brave : 
 
 We welcome home from toil and strife. 
 Who fought thro' four long years, to save 
 
 In righteous peace our nation's life. 
 
 But some fell on the battle-field. 
 
 The hero-martyrs of the town : 
 They with their blood the charter sealed 
 
 Of Liberty, the nation's crown. 
 Yet will we sing a joyful song 
 
 In notes that to high heaven shall i"ise ; 
 And pray that God will make us strong 
 
 To emulate their sacrifice. 
 
 Altliouiih the notice given of tliis Centennial was a very brief one, 
 tlie attendance of the natives and former residents of the town from abroad 
 was all that could be expected, and nuich more. Persons were present 
 from more than one hundred towns in this State, as well as from New 
 
44 
 
 Hampsliire, Ycrmout, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New 
 Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota and jierhaps 
 some other States. 
 
 For the information of others, who may hereafter get nj) celebrations 
 of this kind, we will state that the amount raised by voluntary subscrip- 
 tions for this occasion was $605.50, thus exceeding the ap[)ropriation of 
 the totvn by $165.50. In addition to the bountiful supply of cake, pies, 
 &c., furnished by the ladies of the town (for nearly every family in the 
 place sent in its full quota of provisions,) the Committee of Arrangements 
 provided 314 pounds of ham, 100 pounds of tongue, 225 large loaves of 
 bread, 100 gallons of excellent coifee, and other things in proportion. 
 And all this, too, when the hospitality of nearly every family in town 
 was severely tried by private visitors at their homes. Never, after this, 
 should the people of Northborough be called inhospitable ! 
 
 Thus passed one of the pleasantest occasions which it was ever our 
 good fortune to attend. To the venerable Dr. Allen, especially, the 
 Orator of the Day, now in the seventy-seventh year of his age, (and the 
 semi-centennial anniversary of whose ordination will occur on the SOtli 
 prox.,) it must have been a day of unmixed pleasure, in witnessing the 
 return of so many Jiundreds who have always regarded him with the 
 utmost respect. And the scores of returning wanderers, too, found it a 
 day of unalloyed pleasure, not merely because the fatted calf was killed, 
 but because it gave them an opportunity for the renewal of many early 
 acquaintances, and for the interchange of all ihosc civilities and relations 
 which render life agreeable and delightful. May many such occasions 
 return, if not to us, to those who shall come after us, till time shall be 
 no more ! 
 
STATISTICS OF NORTHBOROUGH. 
 
 The tV)llo\viii<>- items, taken IVoni the Retiinis of tlie Assessors fur the 
 year 18G5, will interest at least former residents, and will he fonnd con- 
 venient for reference : 
 
 Number of cottou mills 1 
 
 Ximiber of sji indies 2,000 
 
 Quantity of cotton cons'd, . lbs. 600,000 
 
 Value of stock used $45,000 
 
 No. yds brown sheetings made, 300,000 
 
 Value of same : $62,000 
 
 Capital invested $20,000 
 
 Males employed 15 
 
 Females employed 21 
 
 Shell-work factorj' 1 
 
 Stock used $1,750 
 
 Value of articles manufactured. $8,500 
 
 Hands employed 5 
 
 Soap factory 1 
 
 Value of stock $500 
 
 Barrels of soap made 200 
 
 Value of same $1,200 
 
 Number of blacksmiths 2 
 
 Value of work $2,500 
 
 Number of comb factories 2 
 
 Dozens of combs made 27,540 
 
 Value of same $33,500 
 
 Hands employed 25 
 
 Number of grist-mills 7 
 
 Bushels of grain ground 14,100 
 
 Value of same $21,150 
 
 Tannery 1 
 
 Hides tanned 2,000 
 
 Value of same $16,000 
 
 Hands employed 4 
 
 Pairs of boots made 130 
 
 Pairs of shoes made 70,410 
 
 Value of boots and shoes made . $67,900 
 
 Hands employed 52 
 
 Box factory 1 
 
 Value of boxes made $5,000 
 
 Ice establishment 1 
 
 Tons of ice 400 
 
 Value $327 
 
 Saw-mills 6 
 
 Feet of lumber sawed 45K,000 
 
 Value $10,000 
 
 Laths and clapboards 200,000 
 
 Value $690 
 
 Cords of firewood sent to market. 1,245 
 
 Value of same $5, 547 
 
 Number of farms 144 
 
 Acres of land 10,488 
 
 Value of same, with buildings . $598, 000 
 
 Acres improved 6,973 
 
 Hands employed 175 
 
 Acres of woodland 1,503 
 
 Value $70,080 
 
 Acres of Indian corn 2(53 
 
 Bushels raised 9,116 
 
 Value $15,963 
 
 Acres wheat 2.i 
 
 Bushels raised 28 
 
 Value $84 
 
 Acres Eye 40 
 
 Bushels raised 576 
 
 Value $1,152 
 
 Acres barley 45 
 
 Bushels raised 108 
 
 Value $189 
 
 Acres Buckwheat 3 
 
 Bushels raised 20 
 
 Value $30 
 
 Acres oats 94 
 
 Bushels raised 2,279 
 
 Value $2,280 
 
 Acres potatoes 103 
 
 Bushels raised 11,039 
 
 Value $6,234 
 
4G 
 
 Acres turnips I64 
 
 Bushels raised 1,700 
 
 Value $400 
 
 Acres cranberries i 
 
 Bushels raised 15 
 
 Value $00 
 
 Acres English mowing 1,675 
 
 Tons English hay 1,882 
 
 Value $56,460 
 
 Number of apj^le-trees 10,882 
 
 Value of apples $4,930 
 
 Pear trees 888 
 
 Value of pears $470 
 
 Number of sheep 95 
 
 Value $653 
 
 Horses ... 205 
 
 Value $18,300 
 
 Oxen and steers 153 
 
 Value $7,620 
 
 Cows and heifers 688 
 
 Value $22,755 
 
 Gallons milk sold 134,031 
 
 Pounds butter sold 9,919 
 
 Vahie of butter $3,907 
 
 Pounds of cheese 345 
 
 Value $48 
 
 Pounds dressed beef 163,783 
 
 Value $18,709 
 
 Pounds of dressed pork 64,585 
 
 Value.... $10,979 
 
 Pounds of dressed veal 19,200 
 
 Value $1,929 
 
 Number of swine 118 
 
 Value $1,981 
 
 Value poultry sold $732 
 
 Value eggs sold $583 
 
 Pounds honey 205 
 
 Value $81 
 
 Population of the town, 1865 1,623 
 
 Valuation, 1806 $1,067,000 
 
 Number ratable polls, 1866 396 
 
 Number legal voters 311 
 
 Number families 339 
 
 Number houses 273 
 
 Number naturalized voters 7 
 
 Number pauj^ers , 5 
 
 Number insane persons 2 
 
 Ntimber blind persons 1 
 
 The following is ii List of the heaviest . Tax- Payers in this Town, 
 with the tax of eaeli for the present year (1866) : 
 
 Cyrus Gale $1,214 93 
 
 Wilder Bush 626 20 
 
 George C. Davis 371 48 
 
 Bev. J. H. Allen 298 10 
 
 Caleb T. Chapin 262 94 
 
 Nathaniel Fisher 260 50 
 
 Abraham Fay 230 11 
 
 F. D. Bartlett 186 33 
 
 Henry Barnes 166 98 
 
 D. F. Wood $ 161 39 
 
 A. W. Seaver 158 61 
 
 S. W. Norcross 147 78 
 
 J. H. Mclntire 137 69 
 
 Jonathan Bartlett 133 92 
 
 Lewis Fay 133 34 
 
 Nathaniel Brigham 125 72 
 
 F. G. & R. H. Winsor 124 58 
 
 Estate of Alpheus Adams .... 109 00 
 The rate for 1866 is $1.20 for each $100. 
 
List of Persons in Nortliborongh who paid an Annual Excise Tax of 
 $20.00 and upwards, including- Incomes in May, 1866 : 
 
 [Kindly furnished by Anson Kice, Esq., U. W. Assessor.] 
 
 Allen, Eev. J. H $ 77 70 
 
 Barnes, Henry 40 00 
 
 Bartlett, Jonathan 90 32 
 
 Bigelow, Sidney 23 20 
 
 Bundy, G. W 55 GO 
 
 Bush, Wilder 239 00 
 
 Chapiu, C. T 392 00 
 
 Clark, Samuel 34 9.-! 
 
 Dabol, E. P 25 00 
 
 Davis, George C GO GO 
 
 Fay, Lewis 29 95 
 
 Fisher, Nathaniel G9 65 
 
 Fiske, H. S 38 85 
 
 Gale, Cyrus 393 40 
 
 Gale, Mrs. Cyrus 33 35 
 
 Gale, Cyrus, Jr 29 85 
 
 Gale, Walter 20 00 
 
 Hildreth, ]\Iilo 
 
 Jewett, H. A 
 
 Lovejoy, Amos 
 
 Mclntire, J. H 
 
 Jliles, S. J 
 
 Moore, L. L 
 
 Northboro' National Bank . 
 
 nice, Anson 
 
 Eice, John 
 
 Eicp, Curtis 
 
 nice, C. A 
 
 Seaver, A. W 
 
 Stone, John & Co 
 
 Stone, Lyman 
 
 Walker, J. B 
 
 Wood, D. F 
 
 Wood, Samuel, Jr 
 
 .$124 
 22 
 
 . 100 
 
 . 147 
 
 . 21 
 
 . 2G 
 
 . 230 
 
 . 23 
 
 . 102 
 
 . 25 
 
 . 23 
 
 . 84 
 
 . 56 
 
 . 33 
 
 . 20 
 
 , 90 
 
 . 87 
 
 The following- Persons paid a IMontiily Tax on Manufacliires for the 
 year ending- August 1, 1866, in addition to the foregoing-, as follows, viz: 
 
 Wilder Bush & Co $ 528 30 
 
 Chapin, C. T 3,983 28 
 
 Cook, C. C.& Bros., 9 mos. . . 592 24 
 Davis, George C 1,292 46 
 
 Hildreth, Lovejoy & Co $2,026 50 
 
 Mclntire, J. H 4,804 26 
 
 Wood, D. F., for 3 mos 251 64 
 
TOWN OFFICERS, 186G. 
 
 Toicn CJerk — JoHX B. Crawford. 
 
 Seled-men — George G. Valentine, George Barnes, Denna 
 Rice, Nathaniel Randlett, Samuel Wood, Jr. 
 
 JJssessors — George Barnes. Samuel I. Rice. Walter Gale. 
 
 Ovey.seer.s of the Poor — GE0R(iE H. Williams. Denna Eager. 
 Joseph T. Fay. 
 
 Treasurer and Collector — Samuel Clark. 
 
 Constables — Henry E. Maynard, George T. Lewis. 
 
 Pound-Keeper — Samuel Gibson. 
 
 School Committee — Rev. Joseph Allen, J). IX, John H. MoIn- 
 TiRE, William A. Bartlett, 2(1, John B. Parker, Frank- 
 lin BiGELOW, JuDSON Day, Tyler Harrington, Rev. 
 D. F. Lamson, Dr. Henry A. Jewett. 
 
 Hi(jliway Surveyors — Seth Flagg, Elijah Bemis, Benjamin 
 Currier, Edward Norcross, Tyler Harrington. F. D. 
 Bartlett, Charles H. Fayerweather, Denna Rice. 
 John Perry. Warren E. Moore, Leonard Barnes, 
 Curtis Rice. 
 
 Field Drivers — Lyman Maynard, S. M. Fiske, T. C. Wood- 
 ward, George L. Smith, D, W. Maynard, Asa Gage. 
 
 Surveyors of Lumher — S. E. Hodgkins, William A. Bartlett, 
 2(1, Joseph Ball, David F. Wood, 
 
 Fence Vieu-ers — George C. Davis, AVarren T. Bush, Samuel 
 I. Rice. 
 
 Superintendent of Scl tool- Hon scs- — Tyler Harrington. 
 
r. 
 
 THE 
 
 
 TOWN OF NORTHBOEOUGH, MASS., 
 
 AUGUST 22, 1866. 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE C O MiDMITTE K . 
 
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