UMASS/AMHERST »' 315DtibODfi7Sa3flT I m -n -0 -n en en ^ (— ' ^ P^ J> ^ >< UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AT AMHERST UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Special Collections & Rare Books n*-- ^-^jff -rr-j^mn "t VJEKS, m^. i^ ^JS^\ / /-' c. / / -^ ^■■'- ..:.,- ,,^ / '-0 ^■Li^-tUii/^ L l.^ / i^ ■—jm^T ^ rifrr- -ijQ'Vl^ . M-v Vt^U(?-'v%^ iroS5BSSSS"SSS8iSjSSyjp«gggi^Bii'"iimiiiiiii •■■■■oiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiii PRESIDE LEGENDS INCIDENTS, ANECDOTES, REMINISCENCES, ETC., CONNECTED WITH THE EARLY HISTORY OF FITCHBURG, MASS., AND VICINITY. Copyright, 1890. ftSTABU§H(D-\86°-' Bm GOODS VVRPETSi^ nllIfiiSI»1 m^it' PUBLISHER'S NOTICE. (T)Y way of explanation the publisher desires to say that the price of Fireside ^.SJ Legends was placed at 75 cents per copy, that a good list of subscribers had been obtained, and that the sale of all the books at that price was assured, when a proposition was received from Nichols & Frost to purchase the entire edition and sell them at 25 cents per copy, furnishing them to subscribers at the same price. The proposition was promptly accepted and the public by reason of this stroke of generous business advertising will receive a volume, the actual cost of which is more than double the price paid. This unexpected compliment to the book and exhibition of confidence in its publisher is appreciated, and no pains have been spared to make a lively and attrac- tive book which shall be worthy of a place in every Fitchburg household. WM. A. EMERSON, Publisher. ESTABLISHED IN 1873 M Terms. ^1.50 Pet Annum in Advance. TemS,^ 5. Pet Annum in Advdnce. Booi(, PoSTEI^ (ARD apS JOBpRlNTINp PROMPTLY I offiee t ^j PROMPTLY ANO NICELY EXECUTED. I offiee t Printers of this booli. 1869 = i8go OFFICE AT RESIDENCE, 35 CHARLES ST. UnwC Apph FITCHB IRG, MA SS. Designs and Estimates furnished for Fine Engraved Headings arranged far Cards, Letter and Bill Heads, The Plates for this Book meve made by INDIAN REMINISCENCES. fUST before the landing of the Pilgrims, a pestilence had swept away the greater part of the native population of New England, so that many portions of the interior were practically uninhabited, and were visited only by roving bands of Indians, bent on war, or engaged in hunting and fishing. There are no indications that the territory with- in the limits of Fitchburg was ever permanently settled by the Indians, as arrow heads and other implements of Indian manufacture have seldom been found, and never in large quantities, but we have reason to suppose from the few relics left behind, that they were not unmindful of the excel- 7 ^fe^l^ ^. -^cf (2/y^^cAi ^Uee^. lent salmon trout which sported in the waters of the Nashaway, or the wild game so abundant in the forest wilds. What Indian name was given to Fitchburg is not known, but Turke^y Hills was the tirst name applied to it by white men ; and it was so called in the grant of the General Court in 1 7 19, probably from the fact that at that time it 1/2-^1/2^/. was the favorite esort of im- mense numbers of wild turkeys which here found shelter, and an abundance of their favorite food, chestnuts and acorns. The first settler within the limits of Fitchburg was David Page, who lived near Fitchburg Mutual' Fire Insurance Company, E. P. DoWNE, Secy. H. G. Morse, Vice-Prest. and Treas. A.masa Norcko.ss, Prest. KlTCHBURQ, MLASS. THIS Company was incorporated in 1847 ^"'^ '^'i^ been in active business more than forty-two years. During this period it has been fortunate in securing at all times an honest, intelligent and capable administration. No company more fully enjoys the confidence of its patrons, and it now occupies a position among the leading Mutual Fire Insurance Companies of New England. Within a few years past it has largely extended its business, while limiting the same to the safer class of risks, thereby increasing its financial strength and the absolute security of all its members. The num- ber of policies now outstanding is a trifle less than fifteen thousand, and the number of members or policy holders is in excess of twelve thousand. As a result of a careful and conservative management and an honest direction of its afifairs, the demand made upon it for insurance has largely increased, and the amount of business it is now able to accomplish is much greater than that of former years, being limited only by its policy, which excludes those hazardous risks which experience has shown are not desirable in a purely mutual company. Amasa Norcross, William Baker, Rodney Wallace, Henry G. Morse, George H. Spencer, DIRECTORS : Fitchburg. George Jewett, Fitchburg. Lyman C. Albee, " E. P. Downe, " W. A. Macurda, " B. F. Wallis, S. R. Merrick, Lancaster. S. W. A. Stevens, Gardner. Orlando Mason, Winchendon. John M. Lockey, Leominster. Charles E. Grant. Worcester. siege niade a covered channel by which a small brook was conducted for quite a distance underground and through the garrison, supplying it with pure water. Torrey's History refers to David Page what is now Pearl Street, between the present residence of S. S. Holton and Blossom Street. His dw^elling was built of logs and surrounded by a stockade of sticks of timber driven closely together as a protection against the incursion of savages and to add to its conven- ience and safety, in case oi he Established iSji. .o^^^^sm m.^^-^- HERBERT N. RUGQ We carry ]\)e lanaest and finest stocl^ to be found outside tbe large ciTies. FRal?ina tbe Sonfectionery trade ouc wbole business, we are bettec able to cater to tbe wants of all tban tbose wbo carry otben lines of cjoods. Please aive us a call. 181 Main St., Fitchburg. as one of a large family of children of Gov- ernor Page, and states that he afterwards re- moved to the northerly part of Vermont. An elderly gentleman of Lunenburg from whom the facts were obtained, in 1835, ^'^~ lates the following : "This Page, having a roving disposition and a speculative cast of mind, took it into his head, when young, that he could ^ make more money by trading with the Indians, than by cutting down forest trees and cultivating the soil ^^M Accordingly, he directed his course towards Canada, and commenced pur- 13 IIFE AND FIRE Q H PUU HO REAL ESTATE INSURANCE. 0. H. UniLUO. AGENT i BROKER. I can place your Fire Insurance at as low rates as any one. I am General Agent for the National Life Insurance Company of Montpelier, Vt., and can give you a life policy as good as any in the United States. I have Real Estate for sale or exchange — Houses, House Lots, Stores, Hotels, Farms, Wood Lots, Mill Property, etc. If you wish Insurance, or to buy, sell or exchange any property, please call and consult S. A. CHILDS, 176 rvlaio Street, = - Kitcl:ibt_irg. chasing beaver and otter skins of the ig- norant natives upon this principle, — that his foot weighed just fotir pounds and his hand one pound. This they seemed to doubt, but were soon satisfied by his making the declaration that it was as fair for one party as the other, since he weighed off to them, by the same weights, his powder, tobacco, shot, etc. This grand field for making an honest living was, however, soon closed ; for some other traders coming that way, explained the trick to the Indians, and the old Governor's speculating son had to decamp very suddenly — weights and all to save his life." 15 K. O. lATIIvLi^R-E), ialty; a supply always on hand Artistic Floral Work at Short Notice. Greenhouses Grove St. near Post Office. Telephone 13-3. Soon after Page located other settlers began to come in, until in 1748, there were at least five other garrisons within the present boundaries of Fitchburg. The owners were Samuel Poole, Samuel Hunt, Isaac Gibson, Joseph Spoftbrd, and John Fitch. The latter lived in the northern part of the town, since set off to form a part of the town of Ashby, and it seems certain the town of Fitchburg was named for him, as he was prominent in securing its incorporation. In 1748 Fitchburg re- ceived a visit from the In- dians, the occasion of which was as follows : One day while at work in the woods Mr. Fitch cut down a tree n STATIONERY I FANCr GOODS. 'C^fic o\\S.\\ fine o\ ^apaiic:>c ^oo^> in tfic cit'ij. which in falling unfortunately de- molished a wigwam belonging to Surdody, a "half tamed" Indian, while its owner was absent on some hunting expedition. Fitch did not consider it necessary to repair the damage done, or to of- fer any remuneration or apology to the owner upon his return. The wrath of the latter was kin- dled not a little and he sought a recompense congenial to his sav- age nature. Bent on revenge he quietly proceeded to Canada and, by representing the defenceless 19 "|"'F.FOSD1CK,Pre5T. C. FOSDICK, SUPT. W. E.SHELDON, TRELAS. VA/. J. CLIFFORD, Sec '1, K^J^j^ilcA^c^^^floAd/ condition of the whites, induced a party to accompany him on an expedition of ven- geance and plunder. Upon the arrival ot the Indians, — about eighty in number, — on Saturday, July 2d, 1748, they divided into small parties, and from the thickly wooded heights looked down on the settlement be- low. The view of the garrison houses, including Fort Gibson with its hardy de- fenders, led them to hesitate about attacking the main settlement and they began to skir- mish around. One party proceeded to the farmhouse of David Goodridfje in South Fitchburg and one of them, as he after- wards informed Mr. Fitch when in captivity. pJrJpiJr=JrJnJf=JpiiriJf^rJrdrJrJr=JrJnJnJfrJpJrJrJnJrtJa El* m. ^Tr.,¥r. MAMFAtTUKEH ol RE FRAMES PLlrdpiJr=Jf=Jp^nlnJr^f=Jf=Jc=Jr=if=ir=Jf=ir=Jf=Jr=iFUrJpJpjpiJp:Jf:u7=Jf )EALER IN FITCHBURG, MASS. Kine Etchings, Pictures of All Kinds^ ARTISTS' MATERIALS, ETC. Constantly Receiving New Designs in Mouldings. climbed into a tree for the purpose of viewing the premises through the window. He saw only a white squaw feeding her papoose with milk. They also retired from this house wihout any warlike demonstrations. The following day being the Sabbath they were surprised and disappointed at seeing the concourse of able-bodied, church- going pale-faces, armed, as was their cus- tom, and well prepared for bears or Indians. Finding little promise of scalps in this direction they skulked away, saying it was i "useless to attack them there for they were A\^Sf^^ as thick as the leaves in the forest." The next day was spent in lurking 23 J^owe Bros. & Co,, COMMISSION MERCHANTS. Provisions, Fruit and Produce. RECEIVERS OF SWIFTS . CHICAGO . DRESSED . BEEF. pure leaf lard, kettle rendered. full llne of pork products. 5 South St., Fitchburg, IVTass. ChestriU-t St., Gardner, Nlass. Near Depot, Greenfield, IVlass. about the neighborhood, intent on mischief ot one sort or another. They killed an ox which was quietly browsing in the woods, made an encamp- ment, roasted the beef, and had a regular Fourth of July barbecue. The ox or steer was the property of a Mr. Taylor, who then lived in the north part of Lunenburg. Joshua Pierce, the grandfather of Mr. Alonzo Goodrich, lived with Mr. Taylor, and through him it is learned that the camp was afterwards discovered in a field, then belonging to John Scott, on Scott road and was called "Camp Pasture" from this circumstance. The Indians had all this time kept a close watch on the object of their 25 JEWELRY. SILVERWARE. emmmww.^ DIAMONDS, FINE WATCHES, CI_OCKS, optical goods, etc. *366 Main St., fitchburg. Repairing Watches. ClocliS and Jewelry. expedition, Fitch's garrison, which was in the northern part of the town — now Ashby — and several miles from neighbors. Mr. Fitch after the disappearance of Surdody felt extremely uneasy and insecure, and peti- tioned the government for assistance. Three soldiers, named Jennings, Blodgett, and Perkins, were accordingly stationed at his house. During the following day, July 5th, the soldier Perkins having left on a furlough, and no alarm having been excited at the garrison, the soldier Blodgett started out in quest of game. He had pro- ceeded but a short distance when he discovered Indians in ambush. He attempted to return but was immedi- ately shot down. This was a signal tor a general attack on the garrison. 27 J. K. CliAFiriK, '11 -DEALKK IN- 1 ^ND QRGi^Mi, STOOLS, COVERS, SHEET MUSIC, STUDIES, MUSICAL GOODS OF ALL KINDS, BRASS BAND INSTRUMENTS. PIANOS AND ORGANS TO RENT. TUNED AND REPAIRED. A Grsat Variety of SECOND-HAND INSTRUMENTS ALWAYS ON HAND At Loxest Possible Prices. SEWING IVIACHINES From first-class makers. Needles, Oil and Supplies of all kinds. 157 MLaim St., P^ITCHBURO. The remaining soldier fought gallantly, but soon fell under the shower of bullets poured in upon them. Mr. Fitch kept up the fight for some time, his wife loading the guns and he firing them. At last the Indians told them that if they would surrender they would not burn the garrison and their lives would be spared, otherwise they would be burned with the building. They finally accepted the terms, and the Indians kept their word so far as to save the lives of the captives, in spite of Surdody's endeavors to have Fitch killed on the spot. They lost no time, however, in stripping the bodies of the dead soldiers and setting fire to the gar- 29 Most Powerful and Easiest Working FOUCE AUD SITCTIOIT PUMP 'or Cisterns, Kitchens and filling Attic Tanks. With Hose used for cashing Car- riage, Windows, etc. Hose furnished in quantities as may he v\anted. . F. BURNAP, Manufacturer, 115 WATER STREET, FITCHBURG. Tlie Fitiuri er it. Made by CHAS. A. SAWYER, REAR 136 WATER STREET. A FIRST-CLASS MOTOR AT A LOW PRICE. Just the thing to run Sewing Machines, Ice Cream Freezers, Coffee Mills, Printing Presses, Scroll Saws, Grain Elevators, or any Light Machinery, or for Blowing Organs. Prices $5.00 to $100.00. Circulars Free. rison, starting with their prisoners and marching towards Canada. The soldier Perkins, returning trom his furlough, espied the smoke and gave the alarm, and by even- ing nearly a hundred men, from Groton, Lancaster and even Westford, had as- sembled, but it was so late it was decided to wait until morning, and before daybreak, choosing Major Hartwell as commander, they started on the trail of the Indians. They gave up the pursuit, however, upon finding a piece of birch bark attached to a tree containing a request signed by Fitch for his friends not to pursue him, for the Indians had given him to understand that 191 Main Street, fitchburg. German, Norwich and I-izard CJVNARIES, Mocking Birds, Red Birds, Parrakeets, African Finches and Fancy Cage Birds,' CAGES Double Cage Springs. Hooks and Cage Brackets, Spring Perches, Nesls, Tubs, etc. BIRD MANNA. This Cut shows both sides. BIRD SEED of all kinds and the best in the market. MocUing Bird and Parrot Kood. The Celebrated BIRD MANNA and BIRD BITTERS. if overtaken the whole family would be tomahawked and scalped. The band of captives, consisting of the father, mother and five children, the youngest a babe of less than five months old, were taken to Montreal, where they were ransomed the following fall, the ransom money being raised by subscription among the people of Bradford, the place of Fitch's former residence. They all lived to return with the exception of Mrs. Fitch, who died while on the way home, at Providence, R. I., Dec. 26th, 1748. The dates on the Fitch monu- ment are evidently incorrect, as well as the varying statements of Peter Whitney and Rufus C. Torrey. The researches of Mr. Stephen Shepley fixes beyond question the date of the Indian raid as July, 1748. gi ^^ E»J,i.-i— .«:= ^i@ Ki^3==- AfJIS r==5T¥^3.*i wrfg^3ffi=3S^S^W5 J it NNIN &5& etf G £T T ' WAS eftHS^3Hgg5'47 ScAFT^ft His glTyfiN IN€0SaQfiA1\ia^: ifljF 33 HACK AND LIVERY STABLK .^t'^ Hacks Furnished for Parties, Weddings, Funerals, pliif etc. ^3i^ ZJI rUAolKbcl. ' TelephoueOnler at Baker &Cumniing8',35« Main St. ! FITCHBURG. The descendants of John Fitch settled principally in Claremont, N. H. Charles and James Fitch of Sterling and Mrs. L. M. Wheeler of Fitchburg are also descend- ants. Cyrus S. Tolman of Fitch- burg is a great- grandson of John Fitch ; his mother was Susanna, the eldest daughter of Paul, son of John Fitch. From his mother while living Mr. Tolman learned many interesting facts of family history. At the time of the capture the Indian having the infant of the family in charge applied to its head bear's grease, or some similar substance, which made the child exceedingly turbulent and hard to manage, where- upon he was bound securel}', with his back to that of his tormentor, and in that way made the journey regardless of his entreaties. This child, Jacob 35 The CITY 8TEAM LAUNDRY, 229 Main Street, I M £ c c JQ » Is tlie Kest Place to have LACE CURTAINS Lauiulerecl. Fitch, was afterwards for some years a clerk in the store of Dr. John Taylor in Lunenburg. Though in other respects well formed his lower limbs were of dwarfish size in consequence of the rigor with which he was bound. In 1 75 1 Mr. Fitch married again, his second wife being Mrs. Elizabeth Pearce of Lunenburg. The following story respecting the second Mrs. Fitch, related by Mr. Torrey, may be taken with a grain of allowance. It is said she undertook one day to make some candles, and j accordingly put the ingredients, tallow and vvicking, together in a kettle over the fire and commenced stirring them together; this she continued to do till she was reduced nearly to the state of the liquid over which she was engaged. One of the neighbors enquiring the meaning of such unusual conduct, she 37 DEALER IS Fancy Goods 6I1OYES, KO^IE^y, EJFC. Kid Gloveg Cleansed at Short Notice. STAMPING AND PINKING A SPECIALTY, AT REASONABLE PRICES. Agent for CONCORD DYE HOUSE. ^B°fi.S°sr FiTCHBURG. # # # # 1^ # # * * # E. E. NUTTING, 138 1-3 IQftll] 2T. , Ice Crcmn for Parties, also at retail, delivered to any part of the city. CHOICE ASSORTMENT OF l-eSNFEeTIdNERY 4 replied that she was making candles and wondered very much "vvhy the\ did not come." The life of John Fitch illustrates the uncertainty of riches. For years he was prosperous and became one of the wealthiest men of Fitchburg, and afterwards of Ashby when his neigh- borhood was set off in 1767 to form a part of that town. Having sold land and loaned money he was obliged to receive his pay in the paper currency of the times, which depreciated so rapidly that it soon became worthless. He died April 8, 1795, aged 87 years, at the house of a relative in Ashby, and a monument commemorating the principal events of his life was afterwards erected on the church common in Ashby to his memory. On the day after the capture of Fitch, Deacon David ^^ Goodridge was tired upon by a party of Indians. He had | 39 J. C. MOULTON, rssrSTEti-rr THE BEST STOCK USED AND THE BEST WORK MADE. P HQ TeORAFHE R iiff iw iiiiiiiii i iii i ii iffl LIFE SIZE CRAYONS AND PASTELLES A SPECIALTY. j68 MAIN ST., FITCHBURG. aSH^rHlH lost his cow and was searching for her on horseback. He had reached the farm of Deacon Amos Kimball (the Hale place) and was talking with him as he was hoeing corn, in a field sur- rounded by a brush fence ; while thus occupied his dog began to bark furiousl}^ and looking around to ascer- tain the cause he discovered two In- dians lying flat en the ground with their guns pointing through the fence , He wheeled his horse and shouting at , the same time to Kimball, " Indians ! Indians I " started down the hill, the Indians firing upon him as he went, but owing to the rapidity of his motion missed fire, and plunging down what is now South street, across the river by Kimball's (Gushing) mill, and up Blossom street to Page's garrison gave the alarm. The leaps of 41 C. H. DOTEN, 1 224 and 226 Main St. -THE- Largest Millinery and Fancy Di^y Goods Store IN THE CITY. We carry the Largest Stock of READY TRIMMED GOODS to be found in town, and we guarantee Lowest Prices. Children's and Misses' Trimmed Hats a Specialty. Infants' Bonnets from 25 cents to $3.00. C. H. DOTEN. Oculists' Prescriptions Accurately Killed. c'^^^^V-MT^^^'^^^* SEND ADDRESS AND BE FITTED AT YOUR OWN RESIDENCE IF YOU DESIRE. the horse down the steep part of South street were afterwards measured and tound to cover eighteen feet. In his flight Goodridge lost his hat, which the Indians secured, and ten years later it was found on the head of an Indian captured some- where near the Connecticut river. Deacon Kimball lost no time in heeding the cry of his brother deacon, and while the attention of the Indians was directed to the latter took to the woods and by dint of good running escaped although the bullets whistled uncomfortably near. From Page's garrison the alarm was immediately given (three muskets, 43 (B5|1:Brown 51 €o siiiiiiiiffliwiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin^^^^ heavily loaded, discharged with a certain interval between each report) and the Indians, retreating to Rollstone Hill, seeing the commotion below and people flocking in, took up their march for the north, making a circuit through Westminster, where they killed and scalped a man named Bowman, who was at work in a field, then pressed on rapidly and overtook their companions with Fitch before they reached Montreal. Of the descendants of Deacon David Good- ridge there is now living in Fitchburg one great-grandson, Mr. Alonzo P. Goodrich. His brother, John Goodrich, died in this city in April, 1888, at the age of nearly 80 years. Mr. Goodrich bore the name of his father and grandfather, and a son and grandson were also named John. Two of his sons reside in Fitchburg, Henry A. Goodrich, the well-known clothier, and 45 H. A. Q-OODRICH & CO., CLOTHIERS, HATTERS AND FURRIERS. Col. Geo. E. Goodrich. Alonzo P. Goodrich resided for 51 years in the house on the Palmer place, which was built by his grandfather, Joshua Pierce, and thirty-one years in his present residence. He acquired the farm from his grandfather by will, and this is probably the only in- stance within the city limits where land has had but two proprietors since it was tirst cleared. At the time the deed was given the farm was bounded on all sides by "common land." Mr. Goodrich is reliable authority on matters connected with the history of Fitchburg, and to him the writer is indebted for the verification of many of the facts here given. Edwin A. Goodrich, son of Alonzo P., has a brick yard on the JOHN GOODRICH. old Goodrich farm. 47 D. H. JOEL, ^ Druqgist. Pure Dnips, Medicines and Chemicals. TRUSSES, SUPPORTERS, SUSPENSORY BANDAGES, ELASTIC STOCKINGS, ETC. A FULL LINE OF WILSON'S HERBS CONSTANTLY IN STOCK. Physicians' • Prescriptions • and • Orders • carefully * attended * to. PROPRIETOR OF HONDURAS SARSAPARILLA AN^DR. BRIGHAM'S COUGH SYRUP. WE MARK A SPECIALTY OF THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES: BEEF, WINE AND IRON, DERMILAVE (for Chapped Hands, etc.), EXTRACT WITCH HAZEL, JOEL'S DIARRHCEA MIXTURE, COM P. LICORICE POWDER, COMPOUND ALKALINE SOLUTION. D. H. JOEL, 207 MAIN STREET, KITCHBURQ, MASS. A favorite rendezvous of the savages in this vicinity during the early days of the settlements was Wachusett mountain, in the neighboring town of Princeton. Their camping ground was on the northeast side, near the margin of Wachusett lake. Here their council fires were lighted, expeditions planned and treaties made, and here Mrs. Rowlandson remained for some time after her captivity, until she w^as ransomed. Not only was King Philip with her captors but several of the A9 WACHUSETT KENNELS, IMI'URTEKS, BREEDERS AM) DEALERS IN DOGS^ ^^^ OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. Sick Dogs Treated and Surgical Operations Skilfully Performed. Dogs Boarded by the Day or Week. WACHUSETT KENNELS, - FITCHBURG, MASS. E. F. STARKEY & CO., Proprietors. 51 HACKS For Weddings, Funerals, Etc. BAR&ES FOE PICSICS AKD PARTIES, Single and Double Teams to let at Reasonable Rates. leading chiefs, a nong them Qjiinnapin, the master of Mrs. Row- landson, and his wife, the celebrated "Squaw Sachim" Metamo, " Qjieen of Pocasset," next to Philip in influence and cruelty. Mrs. Rowlandson, in her quaint narrative "Twenty Removes," refers to her mistress as "A severe and proud dame, bestowing every day in dressing herself near as much time as any of the Gentry of the Land, powdering her Hair and painting her Face." Mrs. Rowlandson was here when the Indians returned from Marlboro and was present at the grand pow-wow both before and after the attack on Sudbury. The ransom of Mrs. Rowlandson was secured through the efforts of Mr. John Hoar, who bravely came among the hostile savages S3 JOHN GILLESPIE, DEALER IN PIANOS, ORGANS, AND ALL KINDS OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. SEWIN& MACHINES, Needles, Parts, etc., for all kinds of Machines. Pianos and Machines to Rent. Tuning,' Repairing, etc., by Competent Workmen. 191 Main Street, Fitchburg. and opened negotiations for her release, which was effected, after a great deal of ceremony and delay, at a place tradition locates in a meadow near a huge bowlder, since known as "Redemption Rock," and near the shores of the pond of the same name. It is said that Philip opposed the release of the captive, and that Mr. Hoar was obliged to conciliate Qjiinnapin with a pint of rum, upon which he at once got beastly intoxicated. The details of the negotiation are not known, but Mr. Hoar at last succeeded in obtaining the release of Mrs. Rowlandson and her return t^ Lancaster. In the summer of 1880 Hon. George F. Hoar of Worcester, who is a de- scendant of John Hoar of Concord, purchased about half an acre of land, in the center of 55 : jiiiiil:iiiii ..ill jiJiiii ::jiiiiii j^iiii .iiiiiiiiiiiiii ::;^^^^^^^^ S. E. BRIGHAM, HORSE SHOEING. BLACKSMITH. Business Established iSyo. CARRIAGE IRON WORK. Brook St., Fitchburg. |||||i||l||i||l||llllll1llllin!|||||{ CHESTER F. BROWN, (Formerly of firm of Bkown & Stone, Central St.) Carriage, Sign and Ornamental paInter special Attention given to Fine Carrias^es. All orders promptly attended to. Sleighs stored free of charge, if allowed to varnish. 51 ACADSMT ST., flTCHBURG, which "Redemption Rock" is located. The location of this rock is near Everettville, on the west side of the road, only a short distance from the highway. Upon one side, which rises some twelve feet from the ground, is engraved the follow- ing inscription : "Upon this rock. May 2, 1676, was made the agreement for the release of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson of Lancaster, between the Indians and John Hoar of Concord. King Philip was with the Indians but refused his consent." Hanaford, the Historian of Princeton, relates that about the time of the revolution a daughter of a Mr. Keyes, aged four years and eight months, wandered off and became lost in the Wachusett woods. The 57 Office Hours : 8 a. m. to 8 p. m. Sundays, lo to 3. nS^'vo- DBNTISTS, 191 IVIain Street, Kitchbt,irg. BEST TEETH $7 A SET. Perfect Work and Satisfaction Guaranteed. Filling at Reasonable Rates. Extracting 25 cents. Gas and Ether Administered. The^nlyjioMV ater System combinin g all the advanta ges of Steam with Hot Water Circulation. S^-F\>j>xv. Owing to large purchases of pipes and fittings, jx T^- 1 1 "" ":ny'':.h':/ir,l,7"J„tr '"" l dox 1504, hitchburg, Mass. ^^^S people for thirty miles around col- lected and tor weeks searched for her, but without success, nothing of the child was ever discovered, and the parents believed she had been carried off b}- the Indians. This was made more probable by the story of two men, who, years after, on a trading expedition to Canada related on their return that they found living among the Indians a white woman who knew nothing further of her birth or parentage, than that she once lived near "'Chuselt Hill." 6i MANUFACTURER OF AND DEALER IN NEW AND SECOND-HAND Carriages, Buggies and Wagons, BUCKBOARDS, ROAD CARTS, FUNGS AND SLEIGHS. fACTORT AND MErOSITORIES: 106 LUNENBURG vST., FlTCHBURG. GO TO THE Public Markkt CHOICE MEATS I PROVISIONS, FRUITS, VEGETABLES, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS, AT WHOLESALE AND RETAIL. ALL GOODS DELIVERED. L. A. COUSINS, " Workingman's Friend," Telephone Call 114-4. 177 MAIN ST.. FITCHBURG. The elevation of Mt. Wachusett is 2,480 feet above the sea level, the highest of the range of hills which extend across the state from north to south. The view from the summit extends over portions of six states, and in a clear day it is said nearly three hundred cities and villages can be distinguished. The great majority of these are in the direction of north-east, east and south-east ; the vast panorama extending from the interior to 2Jgi the sea-coast. 63 WashacuiTi LAKE, - GROVE - AND - PARK, Sterling, Mass. Open- for Picnics from Mav 15TH to October ist, Each Year. The;ie Giuiuuls, romiu isinsi- about 3.") Acres of droves and Lawns, situaU-il on the shores of the Iteautiful Lake ■\Vasiia( u.m, are the Coolest and BEST APPOINTED PICNIC GROUNDS IN THE STATE. As a srMJIER RESORT tliev are unexceUed, and are gaining in popular favor every year. Every facility foi si)endin<'-a plea-^ant dav or evening. Tlie Lake, tlie cool breezes f rom whidi make the grounds delightful even in tlic hottest weather", is one of the finest an^ gj ^ > EARLY DAYS IN THE SETTLEMENT. OR many years after the Indians ceased to trouble the settlement the best energies of the inhabitants were given to the work of subduing the wilderness. The story of these early labors has a peculiar fascination to us, their descendants, although lacking the same interest elicited by the recital of Indian atrocities. The wilderness lay before them, the lonely and solemn woods used for generations b}^ the Indians as a hunting ground, the stillness at last broken by the ringing tones of the axe and the sound of falling timber, accompanied by the echoes of the voices of the woodmen at their work ; then came the time for burning the dry trunks and branches, the planting of barley and corn, the building of 69 H. F. BOUTWELL, i8g MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG, MASS. DEC "I'eilefe ^pMeles, Seaps Berfun^epy, ele. Drijiggists' Stindries. • Prescriptions Carefully Compounded, .... . . . And Orders Answered with Care and Despatch. houses and barns, walls, fields, and roads, and in the course of time, when the stump- age had become sufficiently decayed, re- moving the charred stumps and roots by the use of oxen and heavy chains, then levelling the land, removing the stones, and at last introducing the plough ; after this followed the various processes of planting, the setting out of fruit trees and vines, until the wilderness was made to blossom as the rose. Only those who have lived in frontier towns can appreciate the toil incident to the opening of such a wilderness. One writer of New England history has said: "An immense amount of the most exhausting labor must be expended in the process. The world looks with wonder on the dykes of Holland, the wall of China, the pyramids of Egypt ; I do not hesitate 71 -W W- ■W ^|F^ ^(F ^(f ^IF ^|F ^(F I. C. WRIGHT & CO. HARDWARE AND MANUFACTURERS SUPPLIES. 135 MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG. ^T^ T' f^ f^ 1^ "f ■ f H #1^ ^f^ W^ to sav that the results produced by the small, scattered population of the American colonies, during the first century, in tearing up the wilderness by the roots, transferring the rocks with which the surface was covered into walls, opening roads, building bridges, and making a rough and broken country, smooth and level, converting a sterile waste into fertile fields, blossoming with verdure and grain and fruitage, is a more wonderful monument of human industry and perse- verance than them all. It was the work, not of mere hired laborers, still less of servile minions, but of freemen, owning or winning by their voluntary and cheerful toil the acres on which they labored, and thus entitling themselves to be the sovereigns of the country they were creating." During the early years of the settlement there were only a sufficient 73 FOR FORTY-FIVE YEARS THE 4^I^utaal jgenefit Life Insurance ©mpan^'^ OK NEW^ARK, N. J. Has been airuestly mid actively at zvork. During the zvhole of this period its record lias been clean, its affairs have been managed with great prudence and ability^ and the results realised by policy-holders have been satisfactory in the highest degree. By its Just dealings it has ivon the confidence of the best men in every locality in zvJiich it has dojie business. Those who desire to find a co?i- servatively managed Company, ivhere the claims of policy-Jiolders receive broad consideration, canjiot do better than at the office of E. W. YOUNG, 140 MAIN STREET, Who is the Special Agent for this city and vicinity. number of mechanics to do the absolutely necessary repairs, to dress the cloth, which was home- spun and made in the family, to do the blacksmithing, make thel^^oV;" ploughs and other farming im- * ^^ plements, to make and mend the custom shoes, etc. It was a common practice for the shoe- maker to pack up his "kit" and go from house to house, making up the shoes for the year. Nearly every farmer had his field of flax, and some had flax to sell. The wives and daughters 75 '■'■ JfT^ EVEN THE BABIES Laugh at the joy we cause their parents by our prices. We warrant every article we sell, have one price for all, refund the money on all goods not satisfactory, and ii^vC'l. have never yet been obliged to lower our prices to prevent being undersold. GLOBE ONE PRICE CLOTHING HOUSE, 197 MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG. E. BLOI3GETT, Proprietor. made cloth of it for the family, and the boys at an early age learned to brake and swinge it. The early houses of the settlement were one-story, with stone chimneys, and built principally of logs, and the windows in many of them were of oiled paper instead of glass. The interiors were un- finished and almost destitute of furnishing, the benches, tables and chairs being home made. The chimneys were large enough in most cases to allow of seats inside the fireplace, where a person sitting in the evening could watch the stars through the top of the chimney. The cooking was done principally in iron pots and kettles, which 77 A. B. LAWRENCE & CO. UNDER THE HAVE $50,000 WORTH OF HARDWARE AND MILL SUPPLIES, AT BOTTOM PRICIf.S. 216 MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG, MASS. hung over the fire on a swinging Crane suspended by hooks of different lengths. Wild game, fowls, and sometimes pigs, |g were roasted or spitted whole, the spit, an iron rod sharp at one end, being thrust through the meat and turned about before the fire while it roasted. Meati was also broiled contact with the live coals, and corn bread or pancakes were has- tily prepared in pans and also baked before the coals. The bak- ing, including the brown bread and beans, was done to a nicety in 79 \ir§; hy^^^i ■' MANUKA^ E-i =^ fP a; 3 ^ o could not rehearse incidents even of doubtful heroism in the army, had their fund of divers anecdotes of struggles with bears, minks, wild- cats, foxes, musquash and coons. After the labors of the evening were finished, the company repaired to the house, where the tables were loaded down with cake and dough- nuts and pies, the pumpkin pies baked in great, deep platters, and the best cheese reserved to be cut on this occasion. After a hearty repast, at which coffee and cider were bountifully supplied, the kitchen was cleared of furniture and the festivities wound up with "blind-man's buff" and other sports, or the old folks were F. S. LOVELL MACHINE WOEKS, MANrFACTlKEK (IK I'l.INTS TATKNT Saw-Mills and Saw-Mill Dogs, Shingle and Automatic Box-Board Machinery, F. S. LOVELL, 87 BOUTELLE STREET, FITCHBURG. dismissed and the rest of the time devoted to dancing. As the long winter evenings drew on social gatherings became I more frequent, neighbors would assemble at the house of some one of their number and by their united labor accomplish in a single evening what it would have taken the family months to do. The patchwork quilt- ing would all be done, the corn and nuts all shelled, the young birch stripped down in their strands and birch brooms enough made to last a year in house and barn, and many other usetul offices rendered. Outside of these occasions, in which labor and jollity were mingled, the games and amuse- 91 Cabinets of Children A Specialty. as I use the instantaneous process. I also still make the Tintype. 5&' J ments were few and simple. Ma n y of the young men were experts at the games of ball, such as base and football. Shovel- board, domino, backgammon , fox and geese, and checkers _^^__^^^,,^^^^_ were common home amusements. The old fashioned New England winter gave opportunity for sleighing, skating and coasting;. 93 '"%sl^ 95 HENRY B. DYER. PRACTICAL ROOFER, ONLY AGENT FOR Bee Hive ^^^m Brand FELT AND COMPOSITION ROOFING. Also, Tarred and Dry Sheathing Papers of the Best Quality. Materials manufactured by the New England Felt Roofing Co. OFFICE COR. HOWARD AND PRESCOTT STS., FFFCHBURG. LAWS, CUSTOMS, AND DRESS. T would seem that our forefathers were not inclined to place a premium on dishonesty and crime, at all events they provided laws which were exceedingly troublesome to offenders, and rendered the indulgence of profanity, lying. Sabbath breaking, and kindred habits, extremely dangerous. One favorite in- strument of punishment, the pillory, consisted of a wooden frame in which the offender's head and hands were made fast ; the victim being thus exposed to public ridicule. The ducking- stool was used in some places for the punishment of women who were scolds or slanderers. Blasphemy was sometimes punished by placing the tongue of the swearer in the opening of a split stick. The stocks were also used to discourage petty offenders, and cages 97 Massachusetts Mutual Aid Society OK KITCHBURG. VLASS. OFFICE NO. 210 MAIN STREET. Incorporated under Massachusetts Laws, Feb. 19, 1879. A Purely Mutual Life Insurance Society. Has Twenty-Five Hundred Members. HENRY A. GOODRICH, President. H. C. HARTWELL, Vice-President. F. C. CURRIER, Secretary. E. B. ROCKWOOD, Treasurer. D. S. WOODWORTH, M. D., Medical Direcior. H. C. HARTWELL, Solicitor. H. F. COGGSHALL, Supt. Fitcliburg Gas Companv Fitchl)urg A. S. LA^VT(')^■, Hciil Kst.;itt> Ajrciit GE0R(;K KOI'.r.INS. Mcrcliaiit HENRY A. (iDoDKICII, Merchant H. C. HAKTWKLI., Si.licitor D. S. AVtJODWoKTlI. I'livsic-ian JOSEPH r. FAKNSWOHTH, Merchant... AARON F. WHITNEY BOAKD OF MANAGERS. F. C. CURRIER, General Insurance Fitchburg S. W. HUNTLEY, Freight Agt. O. C. R. R. (;E()RGE H. CHAPMAN; Merchant " JAMES M. BLANCHARD F. F. WOODWARD JAMES H. PUTNAM Milford, Mass. HERBERT A. CURRIER, Insurance Agen- cy of A. N. Currier & Son Worcester for the imprisonment of crimi- nals before jails were provided. The time selected for punish- ment in the pillory, stocks or cage was usually some public holiday or market day, and in the most public place, to make the shame greater. The whipping post was also, a familiar object in those days and in the case of more notorious offenders they were given a liberal number of stripes, a turn at the pillory and an hour's sitting on the gallows with the rope around the neck. The Sunday laws in New England were rigorously enforced. Tything- 99 Saddles, olottilna, FITCH BUR(i, MASS. WHIPS AND STABLE GOODS. men with a staff or rod in s=. their hands kept order during the Ion"- services. These rods sometimes had a ball on one end and a fox tail on the other. The men of the con- gregation were kept awake by a tap from the heavy end, and if a woman was caught p napping she was awakened by the fox tail brushing against her face. The town constituted the parish in those early days, and every one was expected to attend church regularly and constantly, and it was a part of the duty of the tything-man to look up absentees and bring them ^O^cr FOR. -^FINB CLOTHING,-^ GENTS' FURNISHINGS, HATS, GAPS, TRUNKS, ROBES AND RUBBER CLOTHING, VISIT LITCHFIELD & STEBBINS, Squaj'e Dealing, One Price Clothiers, 120 MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG. BEST GOODS. LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICES. TEMPERANCE HOTEL, m MAIN STREET, - FITGHBURG. (SECOND DOOR BELOW CITY HALL.) This house has been newly fitted up throughout, and its clean and home-like style make it unexcelled for comfort in the city. The quality of food is first class, and as no liquors are sold, the surroundings are particularly inviting to ladies shopping in town and to transient customers generally. Regular board is furnished at moderate rates. Rooms rented and board furnished on either European or American plan, GEORGE E. HAYWARD, Proprietor, (Formerly Proprietor of the Holly Tree Inn.) before a legal tri- bunal if necessary to secure their attend- ance. The seating o( the meeting-house, and allotting of pews according to the dig- nity and wealth of the individual, often created dissatisfac- tion among the inhab- itants and sometimes their grievances were the subject of discus- 105 I am a quiet little "drummer" for the Noyes Dictionary Holders. It is my mission to call attention to the fact that THESE ARE THE ONLY HOLDERS THAT HAV^E STRONG SPRINGS TO HUG THE BOOK FIRMLY TOGETHER, THUS KEEPING THE DUST OUT OF THE UPTURNED EDGES. The possession of Noyes' Dictionary Holders has made about 125,000 families happy and accurate in the use of words. Buy a Noyes Dictionary Holder from your bookseller, and see how much more frequently you will refer to the dictionary. The No. 19 is finished in Oak or Walnut. The No. i is Solid Brass Wire. The No. 2 is White Finish Wire with Tilting Top. The No. 3 is White Finish Wire with Level Top. sion at town meet- ing. In the earliest meeting-houses the men and women usually sat apart. The galleries were usually free, the men and boys on one side and the women and girls on the other, with the singers' seats opposite the pulpit. In the coldest weather there were no tires for heating the church, but many of the people brought small tin foot stoves in which coals were placed, and it was customary to replenish them with fresh coals at the neighboring houses as occasion required. 107 A. L, WILLIAMS & CO. -AND- 153 ABD 378 MAIN STREET, SELL FOK THKIR BEST FLOURS Circle C for Pastry and Bread, A. L. W. & Co., Superlative and Columbia for the very best Bread Flcur, And at the lowest prices possilile for the quality of the goofls. One trial will convince you these are facts. GEORGE Z. PAGE, DEALER IN PAPER HANGINGS, WINDOW SHADES, DRAPERIES, Picture Mouldinos, etc. New Store, Largest Stock. Special attention paid to Paper Hanging. 359 ^^liai.i Sttccl", ftlcfiGticvn. REMINISCENCES OF EARLY SETTLERS. jo better introduction to the representative men of Fitch- burg of a century ago can be offered than that of Mr. Eben Bailey in his History of Fitchburg : "There was no 'milk and water' about our early ancestors. They came here to struggle with the forces of nature when to do so was almost a struggle for life. Their natures, like their muscles, were toughened, and yet they were kindly, genial men, who could be touched by a joy or sorrow as truly and as sensibly as we." As has been stated the first settler was David Page. His father, Samuel Page, was one of the first settlers of Lunenburg, and was universally distinguished by the honorable title of "Old Governor Page," and his faithful subjects comprised his wife, Martha, 109 m FOREjST ^Tl^EET. and six promising children. We conclude his residence was near the center of the town ; for the land on which the first pound was built, and for a "passage to and from the same," was purchased of him and the Governor himself was elevated to the office of pound-keeper. Of the very early settlers very litde has been preserved. Reference has already been made to several who occupied garrisons or fortified houses at an early date. Amos Kimball and his cousin Ephraim came to Fitchburg from Bradford, and built a grist mill on g^ the Nashua where the Joseph Gushing i^ mill now stands. The dam was a log ' about forty feet long, having spileing driven above, confining the water to a narrow channel at this point. They employed one Hodgkins to tend the mill he building a little hut or stall near by. w 3PEAKING JUBES ALL KINDS OF ELECTRIC WIRING AND REPAIRS. A. H. KIMBALL, FITCHBURG. TELEPHONES : OFFICE, - - 105-2 RESIDENCE 27-4 office: 331 & 333 MAIN STREET. This habitation of Hodgkins was the first dwelling erected in what is now the "old city" and the village up town was then a dense forest, not a single house had been built. None of the descendants of Amos Kimball remain in town, but the descendants of Ephraim Kimball in Fitchburg are numerous. Mrs. Harriet Kimball, widow of -Alpheus Kimball, and mother of A. P., William, and Gen. J. W. Kimball, and Mrs. Richard H. Torrey, was at the time of her death 97 years of age and the oldest person in Fitchburg. Her memory and mental fac- ulties were remarkably well preserved and having resided here for ninety years she remembered clearly events at the beginning of the present century. "3 J. E. THOMPSON. fell :i JilsT* TS /? 'iM>mi m AND ♦l-glank I^ook ^anufactuFen.-^* OFFICE AND COUNTING ROOM SUPPLIES. W^rappiog Paper, Bags aod Twine. News Dealer and Subscription Agent. 118 MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG. Stephen Shep- ley in a carefully written paper on the Indian raid in 1748 says: "On the south-east- erly slope of Pearl Hill the Gibsons lived ; there were several brothers, all good fighting men, fa- mous for great strength and courage. The house of Isaac Gibson was fortified and called Fort Gibson, and could aftbrd protection to all the Gibsons in case of danger. "5 IV E HAVE MADE PICTURES In Fitchburg for 13 )'ears. Our aim has always been tu please our customers; tnat we have succeeded is shown by our large and increasing business. We tinish Photographs in any style desired or suggested by the sitter. We do the finest retouching on our negatives; this you will see by observing our pictures. We always see that every picture of an order is perfect. We make all the latest Stamp Pictures, Printing on Silk and Porcelain, Watch Dials, etc. We print photographs on thin sheets of celluloid by development. This makes a very beautiful picture and is the latest thing out. We copy all kinds of old pictures. We make L,arge (Jroup gictiire^ of {Tamilieg, Lodges, Societies, etc. We do all grades of And furnish Frames. If anything is not right we make it right here, as we do all our own work. We give an elegant Mora Stand to every person paying the regular price for one dozen of our best cabinets. We are, Artistically yours, KIMBALL BROTHERS, 3553^ MAIN STRFET, STILES' BLOCK. FITCHBURG, MASS. On the brow of Pearl Hill the Indians anxiously looked down upon the Gibsons and longed to lay hands on them, but these giants, whose size and strength would have done iionor to the days of chivalry, were hardy looking men," and to use the words of one of their de- scendants, "The Indians didn't dare tackle them." In a kind of cave on the hill were afterwards found a gun barrel and axe, and several imple- ments of Indian manufacture, — supposed to have been left there on that occasion. Reuben Gibson, who lived on Pearl Hill, went to his home and said to his wife, "The Indians are about, I must go with you to a place of safety." He took his horse from the barn, put on saddle and pillion, both mounted and were off at once. As soon as he had seen his wife safe with her friends he returned and found everything unmolested ; even the bread his good wife had placed in the oven that morning was 117 ]^akeF, f @iifectioneF-4 >^aiKl f @teFeF. l^oods cllways Hresb and tl}e Qaraest Oissortment. Brown Bread and Beans hot every Sunday morning. Hot Rolls and Doughnuts every day. Orders taken and delivered to any part of the city. Birthday and Wedding Cake a Specialty. 32 DAY STREET, FITCHBURG, MASS. , _ ., , — , ,_ - . ._,^, ,_.. ( — 1 baked and ready for use. The personal )/\ ^I^Wt d prowess of these brothers was proverbial. ^C-/ /^&^^k j^^^' 1 Rufus Torrey relates that, on one occasion, Isaac Gibson in his rambles on Pearl Hill found a bear's cub, which he immediately seized and was about to carry away when the mother of the cub came to the rescue of her offspring. Gibson retreated and and the bear attacked him in the rear, to the manifest detriment of his pantaloons ; this finally compelled him to face his unwelcome antagonist and they closed in a more than fraternal embrace. Gibson, being the most skilful wrestler of the two, "threw" bruin and they came to the ground together. Without relinquishing their hug both man and beast now rolled over each other to a considerable distance down the hill, receiving sundry 119 CHARLES A. PRIEST LUMBER CO, DEALERS IN [iimbcF, ©ooF§, ga^l? .0 glincls All Kinds of Builders' Finish. Fancy Sash, Pine and Hard Wood Doors, Wood Mantels, . . . . . . . Fancy Brackets, Shelves and Balustrade Panel Work. Fire Screens, Picture and Mirror Frames and School Furniture made from original designs or from plans. Large assortment of Fancy Glass in new designs for Artistic Window Decorating. Stair work a specialty. Best French Plate Mirrors and Glass Signs furnished at short notice. braises by the way. When they reached the bottom both were willing to relinquish the conquest ; it was a drawn game — the bear losing her cub and Gibson his pantaloons. John Gibson, son of Isaac, was one of the number who enlisted in the Continental Army from this town, and was one of the ten or twelve of that number who were engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill. It is supposed that he was killed there for he has never been seen or heard of since that day. He was last seen on the entrenchment, in the hottest of the fight, bravely opposing the enemy with the breech of his gun. It is probable that he was overpowered and killed, though his body was not recognized among the slain. Sarah, daughter of John Gibson, married the Rev. Francis Gardner, for nearly fifty-two years pastor of the first church in Leominster. Nancy, the -s- Apothecary ALSO I>EALKU IN ARTISTS's MATERIALS. 401 MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG. youngest daughter of Rev. Francis Gardner, married Samuel Salisbury, an old time Boston merchant, and two of their children, Daniel Waldo and Rebecca Salisbury, reside in Leominster on the site of the old parsonage, which, together with the farm which belonged to it, came I into the possession of the Salisbury family. Alderman H. F. Rockwell of Fitchburg is a lineal de- scendant of Isaac Gibson and was born in the Spofford garrison house, which was destroyed by fire in 1875. David Gibson, another son of Isaac Gibson, learned the baker's trade, and according to Torrey's history "turned his eyes westward of the old city and in a daring moment, reckless of a rough soil and its rougher produc- tions, such as pine stubs, hardback, grape vines, etc., etc., built a bakery on the spot now occupied by the dwelling house of the late Ebenezer Torrey, 123 F. C. CURRIER & SON, INSURANCE, '-^sJ-^^, SIS §/I\ain Sl^F(^efe, ©per-a ^euse Bleek, Fifeel2buF§. FIRST CLASS STOCK AND MUTUTAL COMPANIES. STEAM BOILER, PLATE GLASS, LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE. Marine Insurance furnished to any part of the world at same rates as charged in Boston or New York. Esq., and built his dwelling directly op- posite, just above the City Hall. About the time of the Shay rebellion the Gibsons were threatened with a noctur- nal visit from the military. They, " Reuben and Jake," (as I have been told) stationed themselves on the common and dared the soldiers to lay hands on them, this the latter declined to do and a lively scene was avoided. Capt. Thomas Cowdin, for many years the popular landlord of Cowdin's Tavern and "autocrat of Fitchburg," was born in Stow in 1720. It is not known what induced him to make Fitchburg his permanent home, but in 1764 he moved into town and became proprietor of Hunt's Tavern, where S. S. Holton now lives. As might be expected from one of such a '25 N. COWDIN. C. C. WALKER. COW DIN dr WALKER, MANUFACTURERS OF AND DEALERS IN SOAP AND TALLOW, ROUGH AND RENDERED. GASH PAID FOR TALLOW. 290 WATER STREET, FITOHBURG, MASS. positive character his views were most de- cided and were forcibly avowed. These characteristics in the person of a daring? fearless soldier, who could tell his guests long and interesting stones of his advent- ures in the army, made him at once a man of prominence and a most popular host. For ten years he kept a public house at the Hunt tavern stand, then built a new house where the American House now stands, continuing there w^hile he lived, and after his death his wife succeeding him in the business. Cowdin Tavern not only served the purpose of an inn, furnishing re- freshment to man and beast, but was at times a court of justice, for here Thomas Cowdin, Esquire, (he having procured a "commission in the 127 L. H. PRATT & CO. We have a fine assortment of golid and J^laied gilrcru^are, Ladies' and Gents' Gold Watches. All styles of Stone aud Band Rings, Chains, Clocks, Optical Goods, etc. i6o MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG. AMBROSE P. CHASE, AGENT FOR THE CELEBRATED Needles, Oil and Repairing. Also, Employment Bureau.. 10 Cottage Square, Fitchburg. P. W. COLEMAN, U PH OLSTER ER AND FURNITURE REPAIRER. Hair Mattresses made to order. Old Mattresses made over. Furniture of all kinds made to order. Repairinj? a specialty. 325 Main Street, Fitchburg. G. A. SAWYER, ^acl^er of iXiz J^anjo, 161 Main Street, Fitchburg. A pupil of Mr. George C. Dobson. Private Lessons afternoon and evening. peace") administered justice in alopathic doses. It is related in Torrey's History that a Mr. Abel Baldwin, who lived on the Gov. Hale farm, was summoned before Thomas Cowdin, Esquire, to answer to the charge, of not "duly and constantly attending meeting on the Sabbath." He was accord- ingly fined. He paid his fine with evident reluctance and proceeded to curse the place, (the old city) calling it Sodom, and, as Mr. Torrey says in 1835, "It is called Sodom unto this day." Numerous incidents in the earlier life of Captain Cowdin, illustrative of his prominent traits, have been preserved, but only a few can be given. While stationed at Charles- 129 Type Writer and Stamp Ribbons, Society Pins, Lapel Buttons and all kinds and colors. Emblem Address Cards. Repairing promptly done. Established 1884. All work warranted. 4^Pitc1}biird j^jbber Stamp \^rk^,4 J. W. OGOKN, Proprietor. MANUFACTURER OK AND DEALER IN Self-Inking Ribbon and Hand Stamps, ALL KINDS METAL AND RUBBER Dating, Banking and Business Sta^nps. We make Ribbon Badges for all occasions, Picnics, Balls, Parades, etc. 190 1-2 MAIN STREET. (Over Moore's Store.) PITOHBURG, MASS. Labels, Calendars and Advertising Novelties. Metal Letters for Pattern Makers. -Seal Presses, Steel Dies. Stencils, Burning Brands, etc. town, N. H., he was selected to convey despatches to Fort Dummer. He buckled them in his knapsack and accompanied by two other soldiers commenced his perilous journey. Arriving at the brow of an abrupt precipice, they looked down upon a group of Indians who sounded the war-whoop in pursuit. The three wisely fled in different directions, one making a bee-line for camp. The second, finding he could not escape by running, crawled into some tall grass and was passed by unnoticed. Cowdin took his course for Ashuelot, now Keene, where he arrived safely, and under an escort of soldiers delivered his despatches. Cowdin, in the capacity of sergeant, was at the siege of Louisburg in 1745. He enlisted as ensign and served seven years, during the war 131 H. J. LACEY, DEALER IN -:Groceries, Dry Goods:- Plour, (i^rain, onoc(?ery, Glass Ware and Farming Implements. — ALSO COMMISSION MERCHANT. Goods 8okl at Wholesale and retail. 1 RIVER ST. WEST FITCHBURG. FITGHBURG TEA GO. DEALERS IN JTine i I[ea8, % @ffee8, SPICES, CROCKERY, LAMPS, ETC. F. M. THOMPSON, Proprietor. 191 Westminster St. West Fitchburg. * * * * * * I I* \ * * * ! * i * I * JOHN Nl^NAMARA, ^jlitie© family i Goods delivered to any part of the city. WESTMINSTER HILL ROAD, Cor. Phillips St. West Fitehburg. HESSION BROS. HACK, LIVERY, BOARDING AND SALE i STABLE. I Hacks and Carriages for Parties, Weddings and Funerals. 31 River Street, West Fitehburg. J between England and France rising to the office of captain. A portion of this time he was employed in returning convalescent soldiers to the army and in arresting deserters. At one time he followed a deserter into the state of New York and at length found him, one Sabbath morning, attending divine service in a Dutch meeting-house. Without hesitating he entered, seized the criminal, and after a desperate struggle overpowered and secured his prisoner. He took him to Boston and from thence to Crown Point. Day after day, through the lonely forest, he journeyed with his prisoner, hing down each night by the side of the doomed man. At Crown Point the prisoner was recognized as a man who had enlisted and deserted thirteen times ; he was taken to Montreal and shot. ^33 JOHN BECKER MFG. CO. MANUKACTURERS OF SPECIAL TOOLS AND MACHINERY. ^^eJOHNlECKER^ BOSTON rilf^iSl MASS ■ SI2t ■ PRICE 2" -v."- ».80 a -54 - .90 2 • I - no 2)4-* - 100 2>i- I - I 15 214- 1 - 1.25 2i4- 1)4- P. 35 2«- IM - 1.40 3 - J - 1.30 3 - l>4- I.4S 3 - 114 - r.55 3 -2 - 1.75 I.SO 3»- lis - 1.60 314- l!4 - 1.70 314- l/i - 1.65 !« - 1.80 4 -rw- 1,30 4 -2 - iOC 4142 - 2.20 4!4-2!4- 2.30 4'^-21,- 2.40 i'h-i'/i- 2.50 4*2!.- 2.70 4y.-2/, - 2.50 4>4-2'/4- 2.90 5 -214- £.80 5 -3 - 3.25 514-2>i- 3.10 S14-3 - 3.35 5>,-2!4- 3.30 5>^-3 - 3 50 3.75 Dies and Punches, Soap Moulds, Book Stamps and Dies. Electrical Work, Model Making and Typewriting Machines. Becker's Elliptograph Routing and Milling Machine, PATTERN NAME PLATES. ALSO BRASS FOUNDERS. Finished Bronzed Name Plates a specialty. 152 PEARL STREET, BOSTON. Joseph Fox, Esquire, came to Fitchburg from Littleton about the year 1772, and commenced making shoes in the old city. He soon began mak- ing trips to Boston on horseback, bringing home with him goods of various kinds and retailing them from his shoemaker's bench. He afterwards opened a store on land now occupied by the Dickinson block, corner of Main and Laurel streets. This was known as the "red store." He acquired a large property and was a man of great influence in town. Capt. Oliver Fox, second son of Joseph, inherited his father's restless, enterprising spirit. He was a thorough Yankee, never missing an opportunity for making money. He lived on what is now the corner of Main and Prichard streets, (the latter street '35 H. T. & G.J. ALLEN, Builders and Real Estate Dealers. ^^^ Houses and Btiilding Lots ^^ ^^ Bought, Sold and Exchanged. "^^ Houses sold on the Instalment Plan. ,'^200 to $500 Cash buys a Cottage. $500 to $1500 Cash buys a Two-Tenement House. The balance easy terms to suit. Almost anything taken with some cash as part of first payment. Cois^K A.is[iD 3KK Our Houses. 113 MYRTLE STREET, FITCHBURG. was not then laid out). The large tract of land to the north and west constituted his farm, the flat portion between Main and Prichard streets being his mowing. In 1826 Capt. Fox built the stone mill now owned by Joseph Gushing. No derrick was used in the work but oxen were driven with their loads of blocks of stone up an inclined plane of timbers extending from the ad- jacent side-hill and raised to a level with the top masonry as the work progressed. An old resident informs us that it was a novel sight when the upper story had been reached to see the oxen looking over the battlements. This was quite an enterprise for those times. Capt. Fox being in failing health went to Louisiana and died at Alexandria in that state of consumption m 1832. 137 PHCKNIX CLOTHING HOUSE, FIRST-CLASS READY-MADE CLOTHING -■ FURNISHINGS. MEN'S, YOUTHS' AND BOYS'. U. H. CLKVELANO, Proprietor. 354 MAIN STREET, FITOHBURQ, MASS. C. Tl. CONK, [, G 494 }mW ^TI^EET, FI3FCpBa^(i W^^' OLD MEETING-HOUSES, CEMETERIES. ETC. CCORDING to the records the first town meeting was held at the Hunt tavern March 5th. 1764. The first reHgious services were conducted the following winter i^rrTi at the same place by Rev. Peter Whitney the historian. The first meeting-house was built by the town, on land given by Thomas Cowdin for that purpose, at the cor- s^'^1 ner of Crescent and Blossom streets. A brick school jd house was afterward built on the spot, a portion of which still remains. This church was built piece by piece ; the town fur- nished the "stuff" and employed people to work on it, finishing part at a time. It was ready for occupancy in two years, but it was seven years before it was actuallv completed. It was built in the following order: The 139 A Tea usually sold in grocery and tea stores at 60 or 70 cents a pound we will sell you at the low price of 43 cents a pound. Don't fail to give it a trial. Geffees, §piees, Gr-eek^Fy, At lowest prices. A. L WILLIAMS X GO. Fitchburg and Leominster. FITGHBURG RUBBER CO. DEALERS IN Robber Merchandise, HEAD()IIARTEK.S KUK Ladies' Waterproofs, Rubber Coats, lyubber Hose, Doots and ^\)oes. A. A. HASKELL, Manager. 193 Main St. Fitchburg. .^^^^i,,,,.,.,^,^^^,^^^^ frame was "boarded", the lower floor laid, the outside ^ "finished", a place was made "tor the minister to preach in", the pew-ground "dignified", and the house "seated"; the galleries and stairs made, the house "glassed", and finally "coloured". In dignifying the pews, the "highest payer on real estate" had the first choice. One circumstance relative to the singing in the meet- ing-house at this period is related by Mr. Torrey and is worthy of reproduction in this book. "It was the practice pre- vious to this time in our churches to have the minister select and read the first hymn, as now, then the oldest deacon would read a line, which was sung by all who could sing sitting promiscuously in every part of the meeting-house, then another line was read and sung in like manner, and so on. In 1767 some bold innovator in psalmody made an eftbrt to introduce something similar to our present mode of singing, together with some new 141 ]yi; ARTIN WEBBER, "''""£,::1/""" EASTERN, WESTERN AND NORTHERN LUMBER Doo7's, Sash, Blinds, Mouldings, . . .. Building Materials, Shingles, Lath, etc, 31 NEWTON PLACE, FITCH BURG. tunes. These latter were quite incomprehen- sible to some veterans, whose sweet voices of fifty years standing were hushed in con- sequence, and the point was argued with exceeding warmth on both sides. Before coming to blows, however, a compromise was effected, whereby two-fifths of the singing was after the old style, to satisfy the aged people, while the taste of those who were pleased with the change was gratified by carrying three-fifths of their point." In September, 1786, it was voted to build a new meeting-house in the ''center of the town, or the nearest convenientest place to the center." Unfortunately for Fitchburg, as else- where in New England, all matters of church and state were submitted to the combined wisdom of the inhabitants "in town meeting assembled" and the result of the struggle to find that unknown spot, the "nearest con- venientest place", lasted ten years. Ninety-nine town meetings were held 143 HENRY ALLISON HAS FOR SALE Debenture Bonds. I4^ater Bonds, First Mortgages, Bank Stocks, AND OTHHR FIRST-CLASS SECIIRITIKS. Any one having $100 or more to invest is invited to call or send for pamphlet giving full particulars. 2^ AND 234 MAIN ST., FITCHBURC! in which the -subject was wrestled with, and so fiercely at times was the contest waged that spectators from other towns honored the gatherings with their presence. The inhabitants living on Dean Hill did no wait, but at once proceeded to build a church of their own. It was a plain, unpainted structure, was little used, and was finally left to decay, and for its shabby appearance received the appellation of the "Lord's barn". For some time previous to being taken down in 1826 it was used indiscriminately by different denominations and sects. Mr. J. F. D. Garfield recalls a statement made to him regarding the substantial character of the frame of that building : The main timbers were of oak, twelve inches square, and when it was taken down Capt. Newton, a cotton manufacturer in Newton lane, procured two of the timbers to use in the construction of a lathe for turning shafting and other machinery for his 145 H. M. FRANCIS, * *ARCHITECT^ POST OFFICE BUILDING, FITCHBURG, MASS. WILLIAM K. BAILEY. CIVIL-.KNGINKKR ^rigirjeers' ar|d ^rainglitsixieri's tp-Q-g^lies POST OFFICE BUILDING, FITCHBURG, MASS. mill, and for several years it would turn a longer piece of shafting than any other lathe in this section of the county. The task of the committees who served the town during these ten weary years was evidently a thankless one. Every means was used to center the town and ascertain that hitherto undiscovered point, the "nearest con- venientest place", time and again commit- tees interested and disinterested surveyed, planned and reported to the town, and the recommendations all were treated precisely alike, — as good for nothing. A sensible location was at last decided upon near where the present First Parish church stands, and in 1795-6 it was built. Mr. Torrey in 1836 says, "I have been informed that it was designed to have the house face directly down street and that the underpinning was set, but that the opposing faction mustered sufficient strength to have it faced directly to the south. " It is H7 )VEDDINp. SOCIETY. W. F. LAWRENCE, pine ]^eFcantile grinter, 176 MAIN ST., FITCH BURG. ^ALL. • ;.ABEL. A. L. PRATT. F. P. ROCKWOOD. Pratt & Rockwood, GROCERY STORE, 11 LAUREL ST., Third Door from Main, KITCHBURG. an interesting tact that the town at one of its meetings voted to build near the summit of Pound Hill, the geographical center of the town, but promptly rescinded the vote at its next meeting. The old pound remains to remind us of "what might have been". The meeting-house was modelled after that on the hill in Ashburnham. There were porches at each end with stairs leading to the galleries, and the pulpit, singers' seats and pews were after the usual pattern of that time. The west gallery was occupied by the women and girls, and the east by men and boys, the gallery sittings being free. The church pews were square and were furnished with narrow seats without cushions. The seats were hung on hinges, and so arranged as to be easily raised when the con- gregation stood during prayer time, and as it was the custom to raise these whenever the congregation stood up, and also rulable to let them fall 149 O. O. STONE, Eaves Troughs and Extension Ladders. QC' at llie <>ar«lin'r Ji^stabiishuient. Hiiving leased land of F. D. Shattuck and luit up a new shop and barn, we are now better prepared to furnisli and ])iit up all kinds of Eaves Troughs and Conductors. First (lualitv Pine and Cypress Troughs and Gutters. Wood, Tin and Corrugated Iron Conductors. Our Extension Ladi'lers a si)e55 JL. J. iw^ccomviJLCi^, ^\ Of all kinds conslaiilly on hand for sale or exchange. Ligbt and H^^oV W^as^ons Built to order. Horse Shoeing, Jobbing and Macliine Forging. 10 NORTH STREET, FITCH BURG. GEORGE E. PARKER, Beef, Pork, Lamb, Mntton, Poultry, Lard, Butter, Eggs, Cheese and Vegetables in their season. Choice Canned Goods a Specialty. 197 AND 199 WATER STREET, FITOHBURG, MASS. in repair the roads and bridges. The accompa- nying engraving shows the location of the four principal roads leading through the town at that time. At the close of the Revolution there were : the meeting house, back of Main street, a small, shabby, yellow structure ; the red store and dwelling of Joseph Fox, between Main street and what is now the Joseph Gushing mill, and near by the mill and residence of Dea. Ephraim Kimball. Up the road, near the location of the Fitchburg Savings Bank Block, was a baker's shop and dwelling, and further west two or three houses and a blacksmith shop ; pine stumps, hardback, and grape vines were plentiful by the '57 Safety Fund National Bank, FITCHBURG, IVTASS. ORGANIZED APRIL 17, 1874. CAPITAL $200,000. HENRY ALLISON, President. W. S. JENKS, Cashier. JOEL G. TYLER, Teller. DIRECTORS: Henry Allison, Charles F. Putnam, Reuben R. Conn, Wilder P. Clark, Frank Leighton, Lyman Patch, J. F. D. Garfield, M. B. Damon, E. M. Dickinson, George Hall, F. F. Woodward, George R. Wallace. side of what is now Main street, then a crooked, rough road. Such was the village of Fitchburg in 1786. At the beginning of the present century the first house on the main road west of the Lunenburg line was situated on what is known as the Dr. Palmer place, on Summer street. The next house occupied what is now the American House corner and there were no houses, now standing, between that and the Safety Fund Bank (Crocker Block). An ancient soap shop occupied the present site of Crocker Block, and was known as "Old Potash."" West of that there were no other buildings until near where the Rollstone House now stands. The street was un- paved and there were no sidewalks and very little fence on either side of the street. As late as 1830 there were a number 159 m. m JENNISON, THE PLUMBER, SOLE AOENT MAGEE FURNACE CO. 243 AND 246 MAIN STREET. m T. J. SULLIVAN, Manager Sheet Iron Department. CHARLES SMITH, Manager Plumbing Department. ^JJ.iiJ^-1 ! : i ; : .^.li JLiil l N. 1 114,..^^^,. of houses on West and Mechanic streets, but not a single house on the north side of Main street, between a point just below the present residence of Ebenezer Torrey and the house owned by Oliver Fox, Esquire, near the corner of Main and Prichard streets (this latter not then being laid out). There were at that time in Fitchburg 325 dwelling houses, two meeting- houses, or 3 academy, twelve school houses, one printing office, two woolen mills, four cotton mills, one scythe manufactory, two paper mills, four grist mills, ten saw mills, three taverns, two hat manufactories, one bellows manufactor3s two tanneries, two window blind manufactories, and one chair manufactory. 161 C. S. KKITH, gpFing Water Bottliiio W^Fks REAR 302 MAIN STREET. SARATOGA MINERAL SPRING HATERS, STRAWBERRY AND ORANGE PHOSPHATE, GINGER ALE AND SARSAPARILLA, Bottled especially for family use. Also, Plain Carbooate Water (or Soda Water) In Siphons. Recommended by physicians. The following extract from the Worces- tei' County Coiu-icr of July 15, 1834, printed in Fitchburg, is interesting in this connection : "The sign which swings in front of the Fitchburg Hotel, indicating that the weary traveller may find accommo- dations and refreshment within, has lately received a new coat of paint, and now gives a very fine front view of 'Pratt's Hotel.' The foreground is occupied by a stage coach in full career, drawn by four blue horses."' About 1830 some of the citizens formed an associjition called the High School Association of Fitchburg, which was an important supplement to the educational powers of the town. A building called the Academy was erected at a cost of $1,200 on land given for the purpose by Captain Zachariah Sheldon and situated just in front of the present High School 163 ADJUSTABLE SAW TABLE COMPANY. F. E. FAR WELL, Proprietor. OFFICE WILLOW STREET, MANIFACTUREKS OF Adjustable Saw Tables, Adjustable Saw Gauges, Adjustable Moulder Collars, Saw Table Adjusters, Quick-Action Screw Vises. Dealers in all kinds of Wood- Working Machinery. FITOHBURG, MASS. _^ ^^_^ The academy building was rented to individuals for "WStt^^ :^ school purposes until 1849, '^'h^ri the town voted to establish a public High School, and purchased the academy of the High School Association. Afterwards the old academy building was used for various purposes. It was here that Mr. E. Butterick started in the business of making shirt patterns, was successful, and removed to New York, establishing the business of E. Butterick & Co., one of the largest fashion establishments in the world. In 1869 the academy was moved and the present high school building was built. The academy is now a part of the Rollstone House. At the old academy many of our prominent citizens obtained a knowl- edge of the higher branches of study and laid the foundation for a successful business career. 165 W. M. WILLIS, AUTHORIZED PUBLIC WEIGHKR OF- •^Qal, gecf, grain, Jfla^l^iiicrV and Boiler.s,4 By the Buffalo United States Standard Scales, capacity furty-one thousand pounds W ' w% ^ ^J^ ^ OFFICE 97 MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG, MASS. The accompanying representation of the old method of public weighing will be interesting to the people of the present day who are familiar with the wonderfully accurate mechanism of the standard scales now in universal use throughout the country. The first public scales in Fitchburg were located at Factory Square, between the Fitchburg Hotel and the "Sentinel" otfice. They were several times changed and modernized and at last were replaced by the scales now standing on the same spot. They were origi- nally, as represented, made on the principle of the old fashioned bal- ances or steelyards, in the shed at the right heavy weights for weighing were attached to the iron rod until thev balanced the load on the scales. 167 NICHOLS & RICH ( ARKY THE I.AKCICST SU)CK OF PIANOS # ORGANS. Fairbanks & Cole, Gatcoinb, and Steivart Banjos, Wash- burn and Tilton Guitars. Best Quality Italian and German Strings. Lowest prices for everything. 168 IVlAIN ST. FiTCHBURG. IRVING O. CONVERSE, ♦^JEWELER,-^ FINE WATCH REPAIRING AND ENGRAVING. 168 MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG, MASS. The accompanying cut shows the American House as it appeared about the year 1850. The dry goods store of Marraton Upton was then the only one in the "old city," and the only grocery store was on the opposite corner of Blossom and Main street, and was kept by Mr. Ide. The original map from which the engraving on next page was taken was surveyed and drawn by Levi Downe in 1830. It may. be seen at the relic room of the Wallace Library and Art Building. 169 C. H. VANDERWARKER,. 187 Main Street, Fitchburg. I alv/aya l|ave iPj StoG'ty a (^ooci ^830j?trr|er|t of J|f.oeal (^-eiris. Rollstone and Pearl Hill Beryl. Fox Hill Garnet. Smoky Quartz. Tourmaline. !Pine Watch aod Jewelry Repairing a Specialty. 171 -!*george a. swift *f J{ews. 3ook and Job Printer -PUBLISHER OF- -«THE WEST FITCHBURO MONTHLY NEWS,- 176 AAIN JTREET, ^^ynclcFtakcF and gmbalmer.-^ Goffir]8, Q^asl^ets, plates. .1^01)68, Tj'riirjxriiirigs, etc Of all descriptions constantly on hand. Particular attention given to preparing and preserving bodies for burial. 254 Water Street, (Residence ii Railroad Street,) Fitchburg, Mass. REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. HE eventful 19th of April found Fitchburg prepared for action. The alarm gun was fired in front of Deacon Kimball's store (near the Gushing mill) and here the minute-men assembled, and being joined by several volun- teers about fifty men proceeded at once under command of Captain Ebenezer Bridge, and a large baggage wagon well filled with provisions was immediately sent after them, under the care of Thomas Cowdin, Jr. Finding their services not immediately needed most of these men returned and the provisions remaining were sold, and the proceeds, $48.50, was given to Rev. John Payson, on the principle no doubt that what was not wanted by those who fought should go to one who prayed 173 'VST. ^Zy^. Xv^IvIB, DEAI.EK IN Beef, Pork, Ham, Poultry, Veal, Tripe, LARD AND SAUvSAOE. Fruits nnd N'egetables of all kinds in their season. Terms cash. 495 and 497 Main Street, Fitchburg. A LP HON SO KELLEY, DEALER IN CROCKERY AND GLASSWARE. 493 MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG, MASS. earnestly for our success. As near as can be learned about thirty were constantly in the army from Fitchburg during the war. The only Fitchburg soldier killed dur- ing the war was John Gibson. Two others of the Gibson family, Jonathan and Nathaniel, were in the service. They were at the battle of Bennington, and one of their descendants carried at the Bennington centennial celebration, a hessian drum captured at the battle. This drum is now owned by Francis Boutwell of this city. Mr. Alonzo P. Goodrich has a list of minute-men copied from a paper once in the possession of his grandfather, Deacon David Goodrich. It would seem that soon after Capt. Ebenezer Bridge's co.npany left for Lexington another followed under command of Ebenezer Woods as captain, Kendall Boutell, ist lieutenant, Asa Perry, 2d lieutenant, Joseph Adams and Reuben Gibson, sergeants. T. F. KENNEDY, Slate ^ and ^^ Gravel ^^ Roofer, AGENT FOR THE Phoenix Brand of Roojing Materials. All Ivinds of Slate Roofing done at short notice. PartiQnlar attention paid to REPAIRING. 257 IVLAIN ST., = = = FiTCHBURG. The following brief sketches will be of interest in this connection : Capt. Ebenezer Bridge was born in Lexington, married Mehitable Wood of Lunenburg, 1663, the year before Fitchburg was incorporated. He served through the war and left the service with the title of colonel. He died in 1823. His Fitchburg residence was on the "old Crown Point road"' between the present Fisher and Ashby roads. 1 am informed that he left Fitchburg about the close of the war, but the grave of one at least of his children is in the old cemetery, bearing date as late as 1781. Beneath the record of death, (a son of 3 years,) the stone bears these lines : " Fresh as ye morn ye summer rose Hangs withered ere its noon ; We scarce enjoy ye balmy gift But mourn ye pleasure gone." Near the entrance of the Mount Laurel cemetery lie the remains of Gen. James Reed. He was colonel 177 J. ^AT. FHKXvFS, fS^ iTV fi~ j-JK jtfni ^fi^ ^^^ j-Ht. /'6gi^ ;;^s '^^|i j33^ ^™^ ■^~ SS^ *^gakeF\^ and fining [^oom§4 5 and 7 Waaler Street, F^itchburg. of the second New Hampshire Regiment at Bunker Hill, his position at that tight being at the rail fence. From sickness contracted while in the service he became totally blind. In 1798 he came to reside in Fitchburg, purchasing a house standing next above our present City Hall. Before coming here he had buried his wife, (while resid- ing at Keene, N. H.) Miss Mary Farrar. a Fitchburg school teacher, in her spare hours used to go in to read to the general and she finally became his second wife. After their marriage he and his wife used to ride on horseback, the general's -horse being guided by a strap leading to the other horse's bit. Gen. Reed died in 1807 and was buried with militarv honors. In 179 CHARLKS A. SAWYEK. JOHN C. WATSON. ROLLSTONE CREAMERY, WHOLESALK AND RETAIL DEALERS IN ^W'eet anil mi n m\ ^f flole i m Skimmed Milk, Butter Milk, Gilt Edge Butter (our own make), and Ice Cream. Our specialties are Milk and Cream for regular customers and Ice Cream for parties. Free delivery to all parts of the city. 12 NORTH STREET, FITCHBURG, MASS. O. HARRIQAN, DEALER IN IIST-^CUSS^PIO^ v^ Iv. k- VEGETABLES. CANNED GOODS AND FRUITS in their Season. Native Pork, Hams and Pure Leaf Lard a specialty. 217 WATER STREET, FITCHBURG, MASS. the funeral procession the widow rode upon her horse, while the general's horse with empty saddle walked at her side, guided as usual by his mate. A granddaughter has recently presented to the state of New Hampshire a portrait of the general, which hangs in the State Capitol at Concord. The faithful engraving given above was made from a copy kindly furnished by Mr. J. F. D. Gartield. The burdens of the Revolutionary war pressed heavily, but in addition to these Fitchburg was visited with a small-pox epidemic, which was then considered one of the most dreadful of maladies. Dr. Thaddeus McCarty, the first physician of Fitchburg, in connection with Dr. Israel Atherton of Lancaster, established a hospital on Buck Hill, so called, and labored incessantly to alleviate the suflerings of the victims and allay the fears of those : - DIED J' ."\ MARCH«iaTHj777i Wi^^mmmf^^^^frw JAMES H. Mccarty, DEALER IN Brevisiens, Beef, Serk, Jllutlei^, Eran^b, Poultry, Tripe, Hansage, Ham, Lard, Pigs' Feet and Liver. Also, a choice line of Canned Goods, Butter, Cheese and Eggs. All kinds of F"ruits and Vegetables in their season. Telephone connection. 166 Water, corner First Street, Fitchburg- YOU SHOULD QET YOUR >^^locks, \^1K-l}e8 and Jeitvlrv' [^epairecl4 AT A. W. BIGELOW & CO.'S. 156 Myrtle Street, Fitchburg. All work Warranted. Prices as low as the lowest. Kew good.s Bold cheap for cash. Old goods taken in exchange for new. SPECIMEN PRICES. Elgin Si/e. Watch Cleaning, Mainspring litted. ~w. I Clock Cleaning, ,50 to 75c. 7.5c. I Mainspring Jitted,.50to 75c. Walthani 1 Size. who were well ; for which they were rewarded by the charge of introducing the disease into the place for the purpose of increasing their business. Of the large number of patients from this and adjoining towns it is not known that more than live died, these were buried at the edge of the wood and one headstone, at the grave of Josiah Fairbanks of Lancaster, was erected. Dr. Peter Snow, the successor of Dr. McCarty, was for forty years the leading magistrate and also the leading physician in town. Dr. Jonas Marshall settled here soon after the Revolution, and died here venerable in years and honored as a physi- cian. It is related that during the reign of martial law in Fitchburg, during the Shay rebellion, that a company of soldiers, stationed here to seize persons suspected of being Shayites "sought" for Dr. Jonas Marshall, but he eluded his pursuers by secreting 183 REAL ESTATB AND EMPLOYMENT OFFICE, 206 MAIN STREET, FITGHBURG, MASS. Property of all kinds. Real or Personal, For Sale or Exchange. Loans Negotiated on Real and Personal Security. Tenements Rented. Rents Collected. RELIABLE HELP FURNISHED. C. A. BABBITT. himself in the cellar of the "Upton Tavern,"' and that he threatened to fur- nish his house with trap doors so that if the sol- diers desired to search his dwelling the}' could begin by examining the cellar first. The soldiers were soon after removed to Townsend, but gave the finishing touch to their impudence by pressing into the service men and horses for which no recompense was offered. On this occasion Asa Perry, a revolutionary veteran who cordially hated the gang, overturned his load several times into snow drifts, all by accident of course. «85 1875. A. ^. BUZKXOM IS l'IU':i'AKEIi I'D SHOW \0\' A Fri.I. LINK or Paper Hangings, Borders and Decorations As low in price as can be found elsewhere. 1Mi€!!»&ii^Mj| "•^Window ©bade?, l\ollers and 0rnaments, ^" vmmmmI Orapery Goods, F*oles, etc. pictures, aiicl picture Frame.s fg^de to ©rder We have a large assortment of new goods. AWNINOS For Stores and Private Residences. TENTS For Fishing and Camping. 209 MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG, MASS. MISCELLANEOUS. Kimball, Johnson, feet, and HE oldest military company now in existence in the city, received its charter in 1816, and was known by the name of the Fitchburg Fusiliers from the time of its organiza- tion. It was formed from the "Old South" Company belonging to the 4th Regiment, 2d Brigade, 7th Division, M. V. M. The charter was granted to the new company, Dec. 14, 1816, and the organization was perfected at a meeting, Feb. 3, 1817, at which John Upton, Uncle of Colonel Edwin Upton,) was elected captain; Alpheus (father of General John W. Kimball,) lieutenant, and Walter ensign. These three officers were of equal height, a trifle over six otherwise well fitted to command. The uniform adopted by vote 187 F. A. BENNETT, Boarding-. Baiting, Sale and Lii'CFV gtable. Barges for Picnic and Pleasure Parties. Hacks for Weddings and Funerals furnished at all times. Terms reasonable. Hacks meet all trains at depot. FITCHBURG, MASS. K. C. STO^w^TK DK.M.KK IN Ml 'W fcEAD, mu f AINTS, JAPANS, SHELLACS, ETC. l^o-use ^air]tiT]g, l^arS (pil lfiT]i,sl:i, feanqiiqg, yarr|i8}]ir|g, ete 302 MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG, MASS. The Charles Captain Charles Stearns, of the company consisted of a blue coat trimmed with bell buttons and lace, pantaloons of the same color as the coat, made to button over the boots, and trimmed with bell buttons from the bottoms to the hips, the caps were bound with red morocco and varnished and otherwise "ornamented as a committee chosen might think proper." Upon the breaking out of the rebellion in 1861 both the "Fusiliers" and "Washington Guards" vol- unteered and served faithfully during the war. Washington Guards were organized in July, 1855, on petition of H. Foss and tifty-nine others. The following officers were elected : , John B. Proctor; ist lieutenant, Hiram P. Minot ; 2d lieutenant, H. Foss; 3d lieutenant, Oscar A. Battles; 4th lieutenant, Varius July 26 the name of Washington Guards was adopted. 189 FRANK S. STONE, APOTHBCARY HORSE CAR AND TELEPHONE STATION. 16 WESTMINSTER STREET, WEST FITOHBURG. DR. C. L. FOX, ^a^netic ,# Botanic gl]\^8idan. MASSAGE TRKATMENT. OFFICE AND RESIDENCE 1 COTTAGE SQUARE, FITCHBURG, MASS. HE anti-slavery and the anti-tobacco questions found warm advocates in Fitchburg. In 1843 the intense feeling on the slavery question caused a portion of the "C. C." church to secede and form the ''Trinitarian Congrega- tional." They were active workers in the slavery contro- versy, and it was known as one of the underground railroad stations. It is a noticeable fact that the slavery issue was their only uniting force, and that when the freedom of the slave was secured the society began to lose its cohesive power, and its last sermon was preached on the day that the equality of the negro before the law was guaranteed. In 187 1 the church building, now the post-office, was sold at auction to John M. Carpenter for $14,300. Largely through the efforts of the Rev. Geo. Trask of "anti-tobacco fame," who was for several years the pastor, the proceeds of the sale were disposed of by presenting the Rev. Elnathan Davis, a former pastor, $2, coo as a token of appreciation of his success, 191 ^-^ - -r ■•^•yV' J JAMES H. MACK X CO. 'kt ^jC>V-K \ r ^r^p=ii^r^riJr^rrJi^rdriJpiJpJf:iJf^piir=lf^rJr=if^r=Jf^r:JriirijpJpiir^Jj •fePIit UMBERS t* fdrJr^rJpJrJf=JriJrdr^fdrJrdr=Jr=JrJf=Jr:iir:iJf=Jp ^i=JnJf=Jr:Jr:iJf=JrrJf=Jf SdLE AGENTS FOR 4- RHN6E3 -h HND •^ EaRNHCE^. Fine Sanitary Plumbing a Specialty. 'i'171 MAIN ST. Cor. MILL ST. and the balance was given to the Freedman Aid Society. The Rev. Geo. Trask, through his anti-tobacco principles and his unrelenting crusade against the weed in every form, became well known throughout the country. He published the "Anti-Tobacco Journal," issued quarterl}' and as much oftencr as funds came in to enable him to do so. This and the one hundred or more different tracts, filled with spicy and interesting reading matter, were written in his own peculiar style and illustrated by grotesque and striking caricatures, procured at ran- dom from different sources, without any reference to their original use or purpose. A few of these we reproduce. No better description of the man and his work can be 13 193 GEORGE W. WRIGHT, ^FINB PRINTING.^ "^^e(3.3.iT]g StatioTqe-py a ^-gecialty, 360 Main Street, Fitd^biirg, Mass- given than was written by himself in one of his pubHcations, extracts ot which are here (jiven : "I was born near the close of the last century. The exact moment of that occurrence, so auspicious to me, I never knew and as I have the weakness of a clergyman — the wish to be thought young always — I hope I shall be pardoned if I pass over this delicate point without further notice, three score years and ten shall not make an old man of me if I can help it. "I was born when men were born and the fires of seventy-six were burning brightly above the socket. To those times I attribute an infusion of a radical element, which is said to mar my character, and which now and then has given me and my conservative friends some annoyance. This troublesome element is indigenous. I should not be blamed for it. 'I don't whistle — it whistles itself, said the school boy. 195 "I was born in Beverly — a town blessed with as many clever people as any on the map. I would take the premium, I dare sa}', in any fair competition for this amiable virtue. Hence if I have here and there an amiable streak you may impute it to the place of my birth — Old Beverly, Essex County, Massachusetts. 'Honor to whom Honor.' Jeremiah Trask was my father — Hannah Wallis was my mother. They were both of a godly type — Israelites indeed — Calvinistic to the hub and as true to the venerable Catechism as the needle to the pole. The blood is traceable to the blue hills of Scotland, and it must have been very respectable blood for even now, in spite of all adulterations, it is not half as bad as much that is current about us. I have searched my pedigree and I find no Trask who was king, lord, or duke, or any tremendous character, and I find none that were hung, whatever our deserts. •97 FEATHER BEDS M lATIRESSES CARPETS CLEANSED OLD WAY. In the most thorough manner; also taken up and relaid if desired. A// ivoi'k called for and returned free of charge. Orders by mail or left at works will receive prompt attention. FITCHBURG Steam Carpet Cleaning Works, PLTTNA?vI STREET. P. A. NOURSE. "I have been honored with many offices — more than I care to name. I have sometimes risen to presidential glories ! I have been president of temperance, moral reform, peace, and abolition socie- ties, when brick-bats were in high repute, and when we had to say to gentle- men of property and stand- ing, 'Gentlemen, these arguments are weighty, but not conclusive.' * * I am not a great man, and make no such pretention — whatever God does by ray agency, he shows he can do business on a small capital and use even one talent to some advantage." Mr. Trask had a remarkable faculty of interesting prominent men in his work, and his acquaintance with public men was extensive. The writer 199 F. D. WHIPPLE, Real ^ Estate <^ and ^ Farm ^^ Agent, 9 BLOSSOM STREET, FITGHBURG, MASS. €.^^^A#/^^. MANUFACTURER OF PATTERNS AND MODELS. Scroll Sawing and Light Wood Jobbing done to order. NEWTON PLACE, FITGHBURG, MASS. has in mind at least one instance when a gentleman, for many years an inveterate user of tobacco, was led to abandon the habit largely through the influence of one of Mr. Trask's anti-tobacco tracts, "The Diary of Rev. Solomon Spittle." About the year 1827 or '28 an eccentric genius by the name of Crosby came to Fitchburg to teach school. He was engaged to teach in the center district, in a school house located at the corner of Main and Mechanic streets — about where now stands the residence of the late ex-Mayor David H. Merriam. He boarded at a house next below what is now the confectionery store of H. N. Rugg. One of his peculiar oddities was that he could never be prevailed upon to sleep in a bed, but persisted in sleeping in the school house. During Crosby's reign here as a pedagogue Dom>Sfll lirE/AcciDENT In^j '^ CosT^^'^l CANNoYAFfoi\pTo. "Bur Anp Pay allHone^t Claims Ihmepiately Without j)i6couNir°\BANTEKiNG I riiair W5i.K!fl^YA^tFir(HmuF\^. the town was severely afflicted with incendiary fires. One fire after another occurred in such rapid succession that a feeling of terror settled upon the inhabitants, and many children — and grown-up people as well — were afraid to go to bed at night, for fear of being burned out before morning. This was before the invention of ethcient fire apparatus, and before fire insurance had become common as in later years. The first fire that occurred was the burning of the shop of Capt. Zachariah Sheldon, located where the Priest Lumber Mill now is, on Rollstone street. Very soon the house of Benjamin Snow, where Mrs. Alvah Crocker now lives, was burned down, some of the inmates barely es- caping with their lives. Great excite- ment prevailed and a force was raised to patrol the streets through the night. Crosby was one of the most active of the RODNEY WALLACE, DEALER IN ^COTTON WASTK.>5^ OFFICE 366 MAIN STREET, FITOHBURG. RODNEY WALLACE. H. 1. WALLACE. C. R. WALLACE. FITCHBURG PAPER COMPANY, MANUFACTURERS OF HANGING, CARD AND COLORING PAPERS. OFFICE 356 MAIN STREET, FITCHBURG. patrolling force, as he was ever among the foremost to arrive at the fires, and most zealous in combating the flames. One night, while the watchmen were going their rounds, the barn of Dr. Jonas A. Marshall was set on fire and burnt to the ground. A shed connecting the barn and house was with great effort torn away and the house saved from destruction. The citizens were now thoroughly aroused, and determined to hunt down the incendiary. The intrepid Crosby turned out with the rest to scour the town for the arrest of the fire-fiend ; and in jumping a small stream stepped on a rolling stone and turned his ankle, which lamed and badly disabled him. He was helped to his boarding place and offered a bed, but preferred to bunk on the floor ; and was visited, commiserated and cared for by some of the first people of the town. 205 W. B. CHIPMAN. H. U. PHILBROOK. CHIPMAN & PHILBROOK, DEALERS IN « jif liliiFe, ^appelp, ^Uf4,' fiii®^* ^p««IwJj * LAMPS, BEDDING, AND A COMPLETE LINE OF HOUSE FURNISHING GOODS. Cash or Special Terms of Credit. 222 Main Street, Fitchburg, Mass. After Sheldon's shop was burned a young man by the name of Jonas Spaulding — a sort of half-witted fellow — was arrested, tried, con- victed and sent to state prison. He confessed to setting the fire, but said he w^as induced to do it by a man whose name he did not know. Crosby went from here to Salem, and was there detected in rascalities which proved him to be a consummate villian, and it was finally ascertained that he set or instigated the setting of all the fires that had so disturbed the slumbers and endangered the lives of the people of Fitchburg. x\fter leading a life of rascality and crime Crosby is said to have finally terminated his career on the gallows. 207 ^^w^^ ^^,^^.^.lM\r^f TW^ >'ir> ^^r^-^' '^''it'V