AN HISTORICAL DISCOURSE DELIVERED AT MAL.DEN, MASS. ON THE DAY OF THE ANNUAL THANKSGIVING. DECEMBER 1, 1831, CONTAININO A SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF THAT TOWN FROM ITS SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME. BY S. OSGOOD WRIGHT. PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. BOSTON : LYCEUM PRESS LIGHT AND HARRIS, No. 3 CornhiU. * 1832. )>\ AN HISTORICAL DISCOURSE DELIVERED AT MAL.DEN, MASS ON THE DAY OF THE ANNUAL THANKSGIVING, DECEMBER 1, 1831, CONTAININO A SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF THAT TOWN FROM ITS SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME. BY S. OSGOOD WRIGHT. PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. BOSTON : LYCEUM PRESS LIGHT AND HARRIS, No. 3 Cornhill. 1832. UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AT AMHERST UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Special Collections & Rare Books DISCOURSE. Hear this ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land. Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers ? Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another gen- eration... Joei. i. 2, 3. Repeated blessings demand repeated expressions of thank- fulness. And though there is no period of human life in which there is not occasion for an acknowledgment of the kindness of heaven ; yet at such times as are peculiarly mark- ed by custom, or important events, it is the imperious duty of men to engage in suitable acts of praise to him ' from wiiom Cometh every good and every perfect gift.' A sense of our perpetual dependence upon the mercy and goodness of God, is altogether sufficient to awaken the most exquisite sensa- tions in every heart. But when we trace the kindness that enriched those who have gone before us; — when we discover the train of smiling providences which, like a golden chain all sparkling with mercy drops, is lifting us up to heaven; — when we review those blessings which have fallen upon the pathway of our existence, ' as the rain upon the tender herb, or the dew upon the mown grass,' — then, gratitude should clad itself in the flowing robes of purest praise and adoration, and seek the loftiest ascriptions of honor to him who is 'God over all,' and in whose ' presence is fulness of joy ; and at whose right hand there are pleasures forevermore.' Desiring, upon this occasion, to call to your remembrance the mercies of God, I have designed as the theme of my dis- course, some of the more conspicuous events that compose the history of this town, from its early settlement to the pres- ent period. Such a history is by no means unimportant; and it may be deemed not uninteresting to the present inhabitants of the town. The materials for compiling a history of this nature, are not over ample ; hut it has been my aim to make the best use in my power, of all the aid that has been afforded. Many facts and incidents that might have been collected half a cen- tury since, are now irrecoverably lost; and in process of time, much now known may share the same fate ; — our records will moulder away with age ; the memories of those who stand as the talismen of former years, will become as a waste wilder- ness; and thus many circumstances, full of interest, will pass beyond the reach of after generations, unless perpetuated by the pen of history. The interesting circumstances composing the history of the settlement of New England, by adventurers from Great Britain, have so often engaged the attention of my audience, that they cannot have escaped recollection. Upon the page of history this event is written, as ' with a pen of iron, and the point of a diamond ;' — and the passing off of more than two centuries has not obliterated the record of that venerated hour, when our pilgrim fathers planted their footsteps on Plymouth Rock. It is unnecessary, therefore, to detail the cause and result of this enterprise. From this event, we are to date the mediate settlement of this town. The precise period, after the settlement of Salem and Bos- ton, when the tract of country now forming the town of Malden became a settlement, is not fully known. The soil that now bears upon its bosom our peaceful homes, like the extent of country around us, was once marked by the wild roam- ings of the red man of the forest, who gradually gave back, and yielded up his possession, as the strong tide of emigration rolled in. Probably, soon after the occupancy of Boston, the adventurers extended themselves over the proximate territory, and commenced clearing the forests and erecting dwellings. Malden is not an original settlement ; that is, it was form- ed into a town from another. This is the case with a large portion of the towns in New England. At the first settlement of the country, an extent of territory, embracing many miles, and in some instances comprising what now forms five or six towns, was included in a single township. Charlestown for- merly extended to Stoneham, and included all that is now Maiden. When the population in one section of a township became sufficiently dense, the people gathered themselves into a church, and then obtained acts of incorporation. This town probably became incorporated about 1G49. A great uncertainty exists respecting the time of the incorporation of all our ancient towns, arising from the fact that such acts cannot be found in print. The only source of informa- tion is the public record of that time. Whether the ancient acts of incorporation, swelled with words, as do such matters at the present day, docs not appear — the record, however, is extremely hiconic. Thus — it is ' ordered that Aggavvanri shall be caned Ipswich.' ' 'I'ri-mountain is made a town by the name of Boston.' 'The Mistick north side men arc incorpo- rated into a town called Maiden.' Therefore, by virtue of this last mentioned order, the bounds of the town of Maiden were made to include all that part of Charlestown lying north of Mistick river- How the town obtained its present name, is not certain. Probably from some person of note of that name ; or it may be from some place in the mother country. Names were given to different places by our ancestors, sometimes as indi- cative of their local situation ; or in honor of some individual ; or in remembrance of the places they had left in the old world. Though this place was made a town in 1649, there is no record of the doings of our fathers, in the affairs of the town, earlier than 1678. Our notice of its concerns cannot, there- fore, extend farther back than this date. At this time, the inhabitants of the town were zealously engaged in their sev- eral occupations, pursuits and duties; and were enjoying the fruits of their sweat and toil. Various and extensive municipal regulations were adopted and enforced in the different settlements in the Massachusetts Bay, at a very early period. Afterwards many of them became matters of general statute. Such was the minuteness of these by-laws, and such the comparatively trifling subjects to which they relate, that doubtless they would produce a smile from many a modern law-maker, though his best efforts could not produce aught better to answer the design. But we at once discover their importance, when it is remembered, that much of what was then necessary to be enforced by penal authority, is now enforced by custom; that vast portions of land was common property; and that while men were busy in clear- ing forests and cultivating a wild waste, there remained not that time and opportunity to erect fences and walls which are now afforded. A variety of orders were in force respecting cattle, sheep, swine, cutting of timber, wood, &c. By one early enactment, the town annually appointed a shepherd, whose calling was no doubt as honorable as that of carrying a sheriff's sword or constable's pole. One or two extracts from a record of an early date, will afford a better idea of these regulations than any description. '1689. Voted, at a publick towne meeting-, that no young trees under a foot over, are to be felled for fire wood under a penalty of paying five sliillings for every such tree.' 'The mark which capt. John line doe put upon ye ears of those his creturs which he usuly eare marks — That is, ye top of ye near eare cut square of and a slit down in the same eare. Also a half peney cut out of ye under side of ye furder eare.' The town laws required that all cattle should^ be marked, and each man's significant mark recorded in the town book. The marks designating the lines of boundary between the different towns, were not formerly of a very enduring nature ; consisting ordinarily of a cut upon a tree, a stake, or a heap of stones thrown hastily together. This, together with the indefiniteness of the acts of incorporation, often made it necessary for the town to run the boundary line and renew the marks, in order to settle disputes between this and the neighboring towns, and secure their own rightful posses- sions. As was usually the case in the first settlement of the coun- try, this town possessed a large tract of undivided land, called THE COMMON, which was well furnished with wood and pas- turing. Various laws were passed by the town for the pre- servation of the wood and timber thereon, until it was judged expedient to divide it, and make allotments thereof to the several inhabitants. Upon this subject the following order passed : * Town Meeting : Nov. 20, 1694. Voted, That ye common shall be di- vided : bottom and top, yt is, land and wood. ' Nov. 26. Whereas we subscribers are I'equested or empowered by ye inhabitants of Maiden, to })rescribe a way for ye dividing of ^^e common, both land and wood — we considering ye generall method and way of their raising of Town charges for time past. ^ First — We doe adjug there be a committee chose of indifferent men ; To set out so much land as shall be for perpetual common as they shall see fit. ' Second — That there be a true invoice taken of every true proprietor's estate. And twenty pounds added for ye heads of every freeholder ac- cording to Town vote, whether male or female. ' Thirdly — Then for ye rest of ye common draw lotts for equal propor- tions, According to ye invoice, beginning your lots at ye upper end of your common, next Reding ; at ye southwest corner, and so run down- wards in two divisions or more, if you see fit. 'Maj. William Johnson, ' Capt. John Smith, 'Capt. John Brown.' A committee of seven men were chosen to proceed in divid- ing the common according to this direction. They were to * allow two polls in breadth between every range of lots for highways ;' and every lot was to ' run 82 poles in length.' It was ordered, that this committee ' employ an artis to lay out the lots. Every proprietor to pay his proportion of charge in money ;' else, the committee were empowered, after ten days, to sell the wood and timber for their own benefit. Also, ' Every proprietor's name to be written distinctly, and ye lots be well shuffled together, and one man chose by the town to draw them out of a bag. The first name drawn to have the first lot.' AnotJier vote was — ' Two and twenty pence per day is allowed to every man who carries the chain.' Consequently, this common, consisting of 2000 acres, to- gether with another tract, denominated ' the sheep pasture,^ containing 300 acres, was divided among the inhabitants, comprising 74 freeholders, and the boundaries and pasijage- ways staked out agreeably to the proposed plan. This division was effected in lf)95 ; and the several proprietors receiving their respective allotments, probably proceeded to make such improvement of their land, as wisdom and prudence dictated. No occurrence of more than ordinary interest took place in the town, from the time of dividing the common until about the year 1727. The precise period of erecting the first meeting house is not known. But that one existed in 1682, is evident from a town order of that date, which provides, ' That the meeting house be repaired to keep out the weather, and save the sills from rotting.' At this time, the town was also in possession of a bell, which for many years was placed upon an elevated rock, termed Bell Rock.^ This custom of locating the town's bell upon an elevation near the meeting house, obtained very general usage among the early settlers ; for at that time a turret to a meeting house would have been a prodigy. In- deed, in most towns a bell would have been a luxury un- thought of. The usual mode of notifying the people of the hour for worship, and other public occasions, was by beating a drum up and down the streets. The subsequent increase of population rendered it ne- cessary to make further provision for the accommodation of persons attending public worship. Accordingly an order passed in 1702, 'for enlarging the meeting house by cutting it in two and carrying oft^ one end 24 polls.' An addition was to be made in the middle. The expense was to be defray- ed by a free contribution. And as some of the inhabi- tants of Charlestown attended worship in this house, it was provided, * That if our Charlestown neighbors bring in the list they have now presented, amounting to £30 ; they have the liberty to come into said meeting house and hear the word of God, and to be seated by a committee.'! ^^ '^ "^^ ^^^y to determine where those resided who are termed ' Charles- town neighbors;' whether they were inhabitants of the north- ern extremities of Charlestown, and to whom Maiden meeting house was nearer than that of their own town, as they could * Voted, ' That Samuel Lewis is agreed withal to ring the bell, and to sweep the meeting house — for which he is to have £l 13s. in pay, by the year.' + It was an early custom to make a yearly appropriation of pews to the fami- lies attending public worship, instead of selling them, as is now practised. 8 easily cross the ferry ; or whether they occupied a portion of Charlestown, which afterwards was annexed to Maiden. In 1721, ' It was put to vote to see whether this town will join with our Charlestown neighbors in petitioning to ye Generall court, for their coming of from Charlestown, to be one Town- ship with Maiden, according to ye warrant. And ye vote past on the affirmative. And That is all yt dwell on ye north side of Mistick river up to Maiden line, and from Boston line to Medford line.' The sum of £40 was raised by the town to enlarge the meeting house. Matters relating to the place of worship appear to have gone on without difficulty, until 1727. At this time a prop- osition was brought forward, to see if the town would have two meeting houses ; which was negatived. An attempt was then made to obtain a grant of money from the town, to assist the people of the north part to establish preaching in the winter season, which also failed. The town then voted to built a new meeting house. The course of proceedings now before the town did not meet general approbation. A flame of contention was kin- dled up between the inhabitants of the north, and those of the south part, which eventually produced a serious division of the community. The increase of population in the north pan of the town, and their consequent extension still more northerly, doubtless, seemed to them a sufficient reason for erecting the new meeting house in a situation approximating nearer to the centre of the town than the old one was; — while the south part, from long practice, had become attach- ed to the old location ; and feeling a repugnance to comply with what they might have deemed a whim of their neigh- bors, most strenuously persisted in their first views. In March, 1727, the town resolved that the new meeting house should be set upon a knoll, on the northwest of Mr. Emerson's orchard. This was near the place now occupied as the parsonage. The old meeting house was near the same place. Whether or not the inhabitants in the north part of the town were reasonable in their request, is to be decided by your own judgments. Subsequently, this vote was reconsidered, and another taken, which provided said house should be fifty-five feet in length and forty-four wide ; that its location should be be- tween the old meeting house and Bell Rock, which was a knoll northwest of the present parsonage ; that £500 be raised to defray the expense of building ; and finally, that said house should stand betweed Lewis's bridge (the bridge which passes over the tide waters in the centre of the town on Main street) and the pound ; (which was the place now occu- pied by the brick meeting house.) At this stage of affairs, an aroused spirit came forth in its strength ; and if 'Greek meets Greek, then comes the tug of war.' A spirited protest was made against the proceedings of the town, in reconsidering the former votes, &c. Three differ- ent sites were now in view, all voted for by the town ; and who was to turn the true stone ? An expedient was adop- ted : the north part of the town were to choose one portion of a committee, and the south part the other portion, who were to settle the matter ; the town agreeing to abide by the decision. But how hard to abide by decisions which come in collision with settled wishes and unbending wills ! The committee decided, and the town refused to record their de- cision. This measure induced the inhabitants on the north side of the river, to enter a dissent respecting the vote against recording the decision, signed by sixty individuals. In April, 1728, the town voted null and void all former proceedings in relation to building a meeting house ; and then resolved to erect one upon some land belonging to the town, near the old meeting house. To compensate the peo- ple living on the north side of the river, a grant of £10 was made them, to procure preaching in that part of the town after the new meeting house should be built. To this course of proceedings, sixty-one individuals entered a protest; and when it was resolved to raise money and em- ploy workmen to build, another protest was entered. In 1729, when the town voted to accept a bargain made by their com- mittee, a third protest was recorded. The tone of feeling upon this subject had now gained a dizzy elevation, and was strongly embittered with curdling acrimony. But the south part of the town, apparently the majority, evinced some little relenting, and made a proposition to build the house half way between the arbitrated place, and the old location, which passed. It seems, however, that previous to this the General Court had ratified the proceed- ings of the committee of arbitration ; and it was voted to petition for an annulment of this ; leaving it optional with that body to send an agent to settle the affair, or suffer it to be decided by a majority of the inhabitants. The brethren of the north could not agree to this course, and to the num- ber of sixty-four presented a dissent; in which they said, that they deemed the movements of the other party as presumptu- ous, and going to despise the authority of the General Court. The records do not give a definite account of the final results of this warfare of opinion; but from a record of J 730, it appears that the order of the court was obeyed, and that the inhabitants of the north obtained their wish. This record is 2 10 a protest made by that portion of the town against a motion to stand a trial with the person who built the house ; in which it is said that they dissent from said course, because they " think it very unreasonable to set a man to work and not to pay him his wages, but put him under the necessity to sue for his wages.' And also — that they 'were willing to pay their full part.' These were very good reasons, surely ; and had they obtained their due weight, would have saved the oppos- ing party the expense, as well as the chagrin, of a defeat in a lawsuit, which was had, and resulted against them. After this, it was agreed to pay the sum due, sell the old house, and meet in the new one ' to carry on the worship of God for the future.' For many long months had this cloud of discontent lowered around the community, harassing and perplexing our good fathers, when it was measurably dissipated by the last men- tioned agreement to worship together. But whether recip- rocal kindness and brotherly unanimity took an universal possession of all hearts ; or whether the breach so long in existence, was only partially repaired, and the spirit of irre- conciliation but smothered for a while, does not plainly ap- pear from the records. However, in 1736, a spirit of disaf- fection arising either from the former cause or some new grievance, made its appearance. At this time, a petition was presented by a number of individuals, praying to beset off into a distinct parish, by the bounds mentioned in their petition. Probably about this time the petitioners for a new parish, erected a house of worship in the south part of the town, upon the pleasant elevation east of Maiden bridge, on the Newburyport turnpike, known as ^ JVelson hill,^ and in- stituted and carried on public worship therein. For in the same year, a proposition was before the town, respecting the payment of the salaries of the two ministers, equally alike, by a town rate, but it was not accepted. Whether the petitioners, before mentioned, ever obtained their request to become a distinct parish, with the privilege of improving their portion of the ministerial funds, does not ofRcially appear. But it is apparent that they met as such, and were thus recognised, in effect, at least, by the town, for a number of years. In 1775, a committee of the north parish was appointed to meet a committee of the south, ' to dis- course together, and to consider what may be done that might be thought to be a proper means to unight both parishes, so as that they might be one again, and carry on the worship of God together.' But whatever these worthies might have proposed and dis- coursed upon, their attempts to bring about a reconciliation, were undoubtedly useless. It was not until 1792, that an 11 union was effected. The parties then met, broke down the dividing wall, and embraced as brethren. The conditional pledge of union was, that the brethren from the soutli j)arisli should not be taxed for repairs upon the meeting house; and when a new one should be built, both old houses should be considered the property of the town. Rev. Mr. Emerson, one of the ministers of the town during this period, very feelingly notices the dissensions with which the town was afflicted, in a sermon preached in 1735. lie speaks of them as 'unhappy things that have eaten and de- voured, in a great measure, their time, interest, comfort, love and charity.' Happy would it be if no communities since that day had been obliged to take up the same lamentation. The mode of providing for the proper care and regulation of the meeting house in primitive times, can be learned from one or two extracts from the records. In 1697, it was voted to employ a man to ' ring the bell, and to sweep, and see to the meeting house for this year, and to have for his paines, £2, 13s.; he also to have 3s. to dig graves.' In 1684, an order passed in the following words: *At a meeting of ye selectmen, for ye regulation of Disorder in ye meeting house on ye Lord's day, by boys and youths playing, it is ordered by ye selectmen, that all householders and masters of families in this town shall take their turns successively, every Lord's day, below and in the galleries.' This order was not at all too puritanic ; and it would be well for some congregations at the present day, if they had as wise law-makers, or as thorough law-executors. In 1675 and 1677, the General Court passed several laws, founded upon the system of Alfred the Great, designing there- by a better regulation of society, and a promotion of sound morals. These laws directed an appointment of tythmgmen in each town, who were to have the inspection of ten or twelve families, and to prosecute for all transgressions of the laws within their tythings or districts. Record is made of their appointment in this town as early as 1678. There were two tythings in the town, the north and south. It was the duty of a tythingman to enforce the laws respecting the Sab- bath, licensed houses, the use of spirituous liquors, and to see that no person was away from home after nine o'clock at night. How well they discharged the duties of their office, the unruly who fell within their grasp, would probably be the best judges. During the excitement which prevailed in relation to the meeting house, the minds of the people were alarmed by a sudden and strange visitation. In 1736, a most alarming dis- ease prevailed in the town, affecting especially the children. n f^rt—^ In the midst of this pestilence the inhabitants cried out — ' Be- hold ! The Lord hath created a new thing in the midst of us.* * It is a very strange punishment that he is inflicting upon us.' This disease was styled the ' throat distemper.' Its peculiar nature I am unable to describe ; it seems, however, to have been quite contagious as well as painful in its march. Forty died in the town from the beginning of July to the 20th of Oc- tober. Two families buried three ; two others four each ; and one family five. Many others who were afflicted with it re- covered. The exact period of its rage, or the number of its victims, are not within the range of my knowledge. It is almost impossible to gain an accurate knowledge of the ecclesiastical concerns of any of our towns. Records of this nature were not kept ; or if so, they have been destroyed, perhaps, in the commotions which have shaken almost every community, or have mouldered away in the lapse of years. What could be collected from our own records upon this subject will follow. The former inhabitants of the town were strenuous, (as were their brethren in other places,) in supporting the public worship of God ; deeming this essential to the peace and well-being of any community ; believing also, that it was the duty of every individual to assist in defraying the expense of supporting the preaching of the gospel. It will not here be contended that the course they pursued in raising the neces- sary means for accomplishing this object was the wisest that might have been adopted, since more modern systems have settled the question ; but it doubtless seemed to them to be right ; and it becomes us not to judge them, lest after gener- ations should mete out to us the same measure. An early vote of the town provides that ' every person above 21 years be rated at 3s. a piece for the ministry.' This assessment was afterwards increased. It was a general custom throughout New England, as early as 1660, or J 670, for each town to own a portion of land, &c. for the use of the minister. The town of Maiden made a purchase for this purpose in 1679, on the following conditions : ' The Towne is to pay Mr. Blackm, or his order, at ye said House in this Towne, the sum of £125; whereof £65 to be in money, and to be paid in manner following namely, £30 in neat cattle, not exceeding eight years old, ye beginning of June next, and £32, 10s. money by ye middle of July next, and £82, 10s. money, and £30 in Indian Corne the twenty- fifth day of March 1G80.' The purchase thus made, together with some grants of land in other parts of the town, constituted what was termed the parsonage. Several acres of land were also given to the town by the General Court, lying partly in Worcester and partly in Shrewsbury. 13 With this provision, our fathers did not deem it necessary that their minister's salary should be adecjuatc to enrich them as princes, but as all-sullicicnt to their comfort. In 1097, the salary of the minister amounted to £50 a year, witli a free gift of thirty-five cords of wood drawn to his door. The manner of obtaining the wood, was by making a just propor- tion to each freeholder; and if he failed of f)erforming his part, within a given time, he forfeited double the amount of his proportion. This continued to be the salary and practice of the town for a series of years; and it was not until 1708, that the salary was raised to £60 : and some years afterwards increased to £63. The manner of paying what was termed the * minister rate,' was regulated by a town order to this effect : 'That each person's rate should he wrapped up in a paper, and the name of the person written on the paper, and put in the box ; and all the naked money should he counted as strangers' money.' This 'strangers' money' was what was contributed by indi- viduals who attended meeting, but who did not belong to the town ; and this money was sometimes appropriated to the use of the town, and sometimes given to the minister. A century and a half ago the people were generally united in one religious faith, and the minister was considered the minister of the town. Who officiated in this capacity at the first establishment of a church in this place, I cannot ascer- tain. In 1678, the name of a Mr. Blackman occurs in the records, respecting some transactions between him and the town relating to his removing, from which I infer that he w^as then the minister. In 1680 mention is made of Mr. Thomas Cheever as minister ; but it does not appear how long he resided here. Rev. Michael WigglesworWs name is first mentioned in an order appointing 'the officers of cutters and drawers of wood for him,' in 1692. A Mr. Metcalfe, together with a Mr. Barnard, were candidates for a settlement here soon after Mr. Wigglesworth's death. In the same year the people elected Mr. Jeremiah Wise, and also a Rev. Mr. Corvin. After this repeated attempts were made to obtain a pastor • and proposals were made to Rev. Peter Thacher, Mr. Clap] Mr. JVath. Googen, Mr. Tufts, and Mr. Joseph Parsons. The pulpit was supplied, during this time, by diffi^rent per- sons, while the parsonage remained in the occupancy of Mrs. Wigglesworth. In 1708, Mr. David Parsons, was elected and settled, though not without some disapprobation. The particular situation of the church and parish at this time cannot be learned from the records; but it is evident that all hearts did not vibrate in unison. At the time of Mr. Parsons' election, ' a committee was appointed to present a petition to 14 the General Court, concerning an order of the Quarter Ses- sions, respecting Mr. 'J'homas Tufts.' Also, twelve men en- tered the following protest against the vote of the town. ' We above named, doe enter our desent against your proceedings this day, because we doe consider it as a contemte of autiiority, and ve doe thinke we are not abel to maintain two ministers at once.' Mr. Parsons officiated until 1721, when he left, and Rev. Joseph Emerson was settled, and continued here in the min- istry until his death, in 1767. Rev. Peter Thacher became the minister in 1770. In 1784 he obtained a dismission, in order to assume the office of pastor in the Brattle street church, in Boston. The Brat- tle street church gave this town £300, or $1000, in order to procure Mr. Thacher's release. In 1787, Rev. Monirum Judson, (father to the Baptist foreign missionary of that name,) was settled in this town. In 1792, Rev. Eliakim JVillis, formerly of the south parish, became minister of the united parishes. In 1795, Rev. Aa7'on Green was ordained colleague pastor with Mr. Willis. Mr. Willis died in 1801, and Mr. Green was dismissed in 1827. Nothing can be said concerning the former ministers of the town; save a brief history, which I have been able to gather from several fragments, of Rev. Mr. Wigglesworth, and Rev. Mr. Emerson. Rev. Michael Wigglesworth was a popular minister in the times in which he lived, being cotemporary with the famous Cotton Mather. * Mr. Wigglesworth^ was educated at Har- vard College, from which institution, he received his degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1651, soon after entering upon the twentieth year of his age. Having completed his theological studies, he was ordained minister of the church in Maiden. Respected in the pulpit for his modest, though lucid and en- ergetic exposition of the scriptures ; esteemed in the social circle for the suavity of his manners, and beloved by very many to whom, in their youth, he had been the faithful friend and counsellor, it was with deep regret that he yielded to the necessity which demanded his temporary separation from the people who had committed themselves to his spiritual guidance and direction, and with whom he was linked by ties of the most tender affection. The hand of disease was upon him, and its blighting influence could be successfully resisted only under a milder sky than that of his own 'Hew England. A partial restoration to health enabled him to re- sume his station at Maiden, though ever after he was fre- quently obliged to desist, for weeks in succession, from the * For this sketch of Mr. Wigglesworth, I am indebted to Mr. Kettel, who has given it in one of his volumes of ' Specimens of American Poetry.' 15 active duties of the profession. But these intervals were not misspent. He devoted them to medical researches; and the needy found him as ready in im|)arting liis skill for the bene- fit of the wasted frame, as he had been in affording relief to the mind oppressed with grief, or cast down by disappoint- ment.' Mr. Wigglesworth was a poet. And * when the weakness of his lungs disqualified him for preaching, he would strive, with his pen to render truth attractive, by investing her with the garb of poesy.' His compositions, to bo sure, would not vie with the smooth flowing measure of the poetry of the present age ; but ' they contributed, nevertlieless, mainly to the formation of that character for unbending integrity, and firmness of resolve, for which we almost venerate the old men who laid the foundations of our republic' ' "The Day of Doom," is the title of Mr. Wigglesworth's largest poem. It went through six editions in this country, and was republished in London. It comprises a version, after the manner of Sternhold and Hopkins, of all the scripture texts relative to the final judgment of man, and contains 224 stanzas of 8 lines each.' Mr. Wigglesworth died in 1705. at the age of 74. Cotton Mather wrote his funeral sermon and epitaph. The following is his epitaph. EPITAPH. The excellent Wigglesworlh remembered hy some good tokens. His pen did once meat from the eater fetch ; And now he's gone heyond the eater's reach. His body once so thin was next to none ; From hence he's to unbodied spirits flown. Once his rare skill did all diseases heal ; And he does nothing now uneasy feel. He to his paradise is joyful come. And waits with joy to see his Day of Doom.' Rev. Joseph Emerson was ordained minister of the town in 1721 ; and labored here until 1767, when he died, at the age of 67. The following record is made of his death. 'The Rev. Joseph Emerson, consort to Mrs. Mary Emerson, who had been in the Judgment of charity a faithfull minister here, and that for the space of forty and five years, deceased in the evening of the 13 day of July, 1767, very soon after lying down to sleep, who was cheerly and in health before.' Soon after his death, his son, then minister at Pepperell, preached a sermon upon the occasion, before the congrega- tion with whom Mr. Emerson had labored, in which he thus speaks of him. ' It pleased the sovereign spirit of God, early, very early, to sow the seeds of grace in his heart. By a blessing upon the endeavors of his parents, he might be said to fear the Lord from his youth. If I do not misremember, he was able to pray in the family, in the absence of my grand- 16 father, before he was eight years of age to the edification and astonishment of those who attended on the exercises of the family. He was admitted into college, when he had but little more than finished his thirteenth year. He began to preach to general acceptance before he was eiofhteen. He was but about twenty-two at the time of his ordination ; and he continued here for forty-five years, without being taken off from his public labors, but two Sabbaths.' Mr. Emerson's labors, both public and private, were quite abundant. He zealously inculcated practical piety, as the basis of all happiness. His efforts were attended with suc- cess ; and he was beloved and esteemed by all who knew him. Though an extensive division of the parish took place during his ministry, he was not reproached by any as being the cause. His character may be emphatically comprised in the language of his son: — 'He was a Boanerges, a son of thunder, to the workers of iniquity ; a Barnabas, a son of consolation, to the mourners in Zion.' The style of Mr. Emerson's preaching was in accordance with that of his time. Several of his discourses upon particular occasions were published, and obtained considerable circu- lation. Seven sons and three daughters followed him to the grave. Rev. Peter Thacher was a minister of very popular tal- ents and his removal from the town was a circumstance very much to be regretted. Rev. Eltakim Willis long enjoyed the confidence and es- teem of both parishes; and was a sound and solid supporter of that system of faith which he advocated. The town early made provision for schools, though very limited when compared with the extended operations of the present day. The system which they adopted was varied according to circumstances. Sometimes the town selected the school master, and at other times empowered the select- men to make a selection. Probably a school was kept in town prevous to 1691, although no record of the choice of a teacher is made until that date. The school at this period and for some years afterwards was kept in a private house, or in a building termed the watchhouse. In 1702, 'John Spragiie was appointed school master for the year in- suing, to learn children and youth to Read and Wright ; and to Refme- tick, according to his best skill ; And he is to have £10 paid him by the town for his pains. The school is to be kept for all ye inhabitants of ye town, and to be kept at four severall places, at four severall times, one quarter of a year in a place.' An itinerating school would be quite a novelty at the present day. The school was in the charge of different teachers at dif- ferent times. Grants of money from 205. to £3 per annum, i 17 with the benefit of the scholars, were made by the town, leaving the teacher to fix the price of tuition upon each scholar, until the free school system came into operation, and opened an etfectual door for general instruction. A history of these musters of the ' ferule and the birch' of ancient days, would unquestionably be interesting. No doubt many an unruly urchin has turned pale and clenched his chattering teeth, beneath the knitted brow and the flash- ing eye of his schoolmaster, who in after years would stand nnquailed amidst the thundering of cannon and the death groan of the fallen. Many of those who were employed as teachers figured also in the affairs of the town ; and they could measure land, hold the plough, or handle the axe, with as much skill as many a more modern master can his gram- mar or arithmetic. But their history cannot be given. They have gone to the dead, together with their pupils, and their names, registered upon the yellow pages of a time-worn record, is all that tells what they w^ere. Concerning one who held this responsible station in more recent times, a brief notice has been gathered from some who hold him in their thoughts, as one would hold a trace of memory over which the rude march of time has been for fourscore years. This is the ' good old master JVathaniel Jenkins.^ Mr. Jenkins was elected to office in 1751, and filled his station with great propriety and dignity, a long series of years. His occupation was that of a shoemaker; but the guardians of the town, discovering in him some qualifications necessary ' To teach the young idea how to shoot,' earnestly solicited him to accept the office of schoolmaster. He hesitated at first ; but his health being rather inefficient for the performance of his ordinary business, he concluded to acquiesce in the proposal. To prepare himself for his voca- tion, he entered as a pupil to Rev. Mr. Emerson, for about a year; in which time he obtained a knowledge of the langua- ges, and being approved by several clergymen, he entered with zeal, upon the performance of the duties of a schoolmas- ter. He is represented as a pious and useful man ; though, in his school, making quite a free use of his corrective powers. He enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the people ; and at his death, left a name ever to be praised — that of a good man. In former years, the town was without those humane regu- lations which after times have adopted, in relation to the poor. It was once the custom to support paupers by dispos- ing of them to the lowest bidder. It is hard to reconcile this procedure with sound policy; and however well the poor might 3 18 be provided for, this practice has at least the appearance of cruelty. And who would relish the idea of being disposed of by the hammer of the auctioneer, when hoary hairs, and withered limbs, and chill penury, had disabled him from pro- curing a maintenance ? The first mention of a plan to alter the condition of town paupers, is contained in a proposition which was laid before the town, to unite with Cambridge, Medford, Woburn and Reading, in building an alms-house, in 1753. This plan did not gain acceptance. But soon after, the town made provis- ion for the establishment and occupancy of an alms-house. The following extract is worthy of a place in connection w4th this subject ; * On a Thanksgiving Day, was £4 3s. 8d. money collected by a free contribution, and committed unto the hands of ye Town Treasurer, Ed- ward Sprague, Esq, or his succesor ; and to be disposed of by order from the selectmen, for the use of the poor of this town. Date ye 23 of Feb 1696-7.' This record ought to be preserved and repeated upon every like occasion, as an example of kind and benevolent remem- brance of the children of misfortune. And though you may not be called upon for a ' free contribution of money,' you should as freely give of the abundance of the delicacies which an indulgent Providence has enabled you to provide for your- selves, to those who this day may be found with nothing but the cold comfort of poverty. The following record, showing the rate of taxation in 1796, may not be uninteresting : * Oxen and horses at 3d. per. head ; cows, 2 l-2d. ; three years old, 2 ; two yearlings, 1 penny ; sheep, £4 the score ; plow land and medo, 1 penny per. acre ; pasture land, 1-2 penny ; housing by estimation.' There were one hundred and sixteen taxable persons in 1757, according to an invoice taken at that time ; and the highest assessment, including polls, rents, estate and faculty, was £7 9s. 6d. The following extract will show the value of some articles a century since : * An account of sundry necessaries provided for Bethial Wilkinson, by the selectmen of Maiden, April the ninth day 1733. 'to one pair of tow Sheets, £1 10s. to one pair of shoes £00 12s. to one apron and hankerchief £00 9s. 6d. To a Petty coat and making £00 15s. 00. To two caps and makeing £00 6s. 00. To two cotton and lining Shifts £1 10s. 3d. The aforesaid clothing purchased by the five pounds UiOney which insign Joseph lynde paid for the yuse of the town of Maiden when chosen constable excepting 2 sliillings and 9 pence worth of said things entered by order of the selectmen.' 19 At this age of tlic world, men did not buy offices ; but paid to get rid of them. The world has surely undergone a most remarkable change since that time. Having consumed so much time upon some facts and cir- cumstances embraced in the early history of the town, and yet having but glanced at a few prominent features, we pass to some interesting incidents of a later date. That unjust and ill-timed measure, the infamous Stamp Act, which Great Britain laid upon her North American col- onies, was the power that first struck the chords of American hearts, and caused a vibration, which, tfiough it broke forth at first in the low, half stifled moan of ' Slavery .'' ultimately swelled to the echoing voice of ' Freedom /' and sounded even to the uttermost verge of the continent. The inhabitants of this town, as well as their friends and countrymen in other places, had always manifested their attachment to the ' pow- ers that be,' and were still ready to support their well be- stowed title of loyality, with unremitting zeal, so long as the conduct of the mother country deserved their countenance. At an early period of the disturbance and disquietude of the colonies, our citizens sought every laudable means to bring about a just and equitable reconciliation. They were repre- sented in the General C.'ourt, and to their representative they gave such instructions as in their deliberate judgments they deemed suited to the emergency. They felt their own weak- ness, and the strength of their bond of allegiance to their sovereign, and they would not rashly put forth a hand to sever the ties that bound these infent colonies to the mother coun- try. Therefore, they imposed upon their representative the imperious duty of supporting, maintaining and defending his most sacred majesty ; yet inflexibly to resist all oppressive measures ; manfully to repel all infringements upon those rights with which the God of nature had invested man ; and resolutely to contend for American rights and American priv- ileges. When it was found that liberty must be obtained by force of arms and shedding of blood, the noble hearts of our fathers were strongly nerved for victory or death. Delibera- tions now increased in number and in interest. In 1776, the citizens adopted the spirited resolutions, in concert with many other towns, concerning the memorable tea act ; and evinced not only a readiness to resolve, but also a firmness to act in every measure calculated to preserve and perpetuate their birthright of freedom. When every attempt to remove the galling yoke of oppres- sion had failed of success, and the shrill notes of war began 20 to resound along the valleys and over the hill tops of New England, our town assumed a most interesting aspect. In retrospect, imagination would portray our forefathers as laying aside their honest and peaceful vocations; forgetting the en- dearments of home, save that that home must he free to render it dear; and girding on the implements of war, and going forth in the matchless strength of injured rights and privileges, to wrest from the grasp of tyranny, that boon which heaven itself had not a right to subvert. But our limits will not per- mit us to dwell upon this spirit-inspiring era, as we could wish. Our hearts would glow with dehght could we reiterate the patriotic instructions which were given to the Maiden representative, at different periods during this commotion, as well as the true-hearted pledges the inhabitants gave each other, to defend their rights to the last extremity; but we can only glance at these scenes. While the crisis gradually drew on, our ancestors were not inactive in preparation. They provided for the approaching emergency, by appointing a committee of safety ; organiz- ing an alarm list, or body of minute men ; frequently calling out the militia ; and keeping a constant guard at arms. With an eagle eye they viewed the movements of the invading forces ; and in anxious suspense, awaited the signal to repel aggression. On the eve of the battle of Lexington, the cry of 'The regulars have gone to Concord! up and to arms!' — broke in upon the midnight slumbers of the people, as it echoed far away through street and lane. The rallying point was soon gained ; and the militia, under Capt. Benj. Blaney, commenced their march to Concord ; while the alarm list, comprising about sixty men, under Capt. Nayler Hatch, repaired to Beacham's point. Capt. Hatch's company remain- ed at their station during the day, and returning to town at night, a number requested leave to go to Concord; and be- fore morning, they were on their way to join their friends and brethren in battle. Notwithstanding Britain had so long curled her lip in con- tempt of our country's just claims, our father's did hope for an amicable adjustment of affairs ; and though stern neces- sity compelled them to take up arms, there can be no doubt, that, when the die was thus cast, fear and trembling took possession of many hearts. Our ancestors were not born in the ' tented field,' nor cradled in « soldier's hammock, nor taught to answer echoes from a cannon's mouth. And how- ever great might be their trepidation, an equal frenzy would seize upon us, if the like scenes were to form a part of our «xperien(^e. Many parted with their friends at the hour of 21 trial, expecting to meet tliem no more on earth. But llie guar- (liansliip of heaven was their shield and their buckler ; and after contending like freemen in freedom's cause, tliey were permitted to return to the embraces of their friends, though clad in all the ' pomp and cir(;umstance of war.' The tragedy at Concord was soon suc^ceeded by the more bloody one of Bunker Hill. To the iidwibitants of this town the scene must have been one of deep and painful interest. Not only could they hear the thunder of the distant can- non, and the deafening report of musketry ; but to them, the flash that lit up llie pathway of the ' leaden death,' wliich that day entered many a noble heart, was vividly visible, even while lying upon their beds! P'rom the prominent elevation in the centre of the town, called ' VVaitt's Mountain,' the march and countermarch of the contending armies, was dis- tinctly perceived. Many of the people liad taken position there to behold the fearful sight. From the more southern parts of the town, men were seen to fall in the midst of battle array ! For a moment let the mind dwell in contem[)lation u[)on these scenes, as they appeared to those who have gone before you. Ascend some overlooking eminence, and gaze upon an assemblage of men, wrapt in the smoke of battle, and stained with the sweat of toil, and the blood of friend and foe ; — or throw yourself upon a bed, surrounded by the gloomy silence of night, and fancy the flash of cannon and musketry, streaking, in pale gleams, along the walls, or gliding, like a spirit phantom, across a sleepless eye ; — then reflect, that a father, husband, son, or brother, is mingling in this tug of war ; — and when imagination has extended itself to the utmost, but the faintest vision of the reality has been gained. Energetic operations were at no time wanting on the part of the inhabitants of this town. A fort was thrown up at Beacham's Point, near the place now occupied by Mr. Van Voorhis ; another enclosed the house near which Mr. Na- than Lynde now lives ; and the house and barn were occu- pied by a company of men from this town, under Capt. Hatch, who held the appointment of captain of the town's guard. Apertures were made in the buildings thus occupied, through which the men were able to fire upon the approaching foe. Some crumbling remains of these fortifications are yet vis- ible near the junction of Maiden main road and the Newbu- ryport turnpike. They are almost the only remaining vestiges of those interesting scenes. Like them, most of those who occupied them, have been broken down by the unsparing hand of time, and have mingled with the trodden dust. One individual, Mr. Amos Sargeant, alone remains, of those who 22 composed Capt. Hatch's company, at the time of the occu- pancy of these fortifications. A fading remnant of perhaps half a dozen of those who were in any part of this perilous contest for freedom, is all that remains among us, to tell how nobly they toiled; — and these too will soon vanish away, and we shall look in vain for those to whom we can say ' tell us of these things.' But when they go hence, peace be to their memories! And may the wind that shall sigh amid the tall grass, which may grow over their cold pillows, bear back their spirit of patriotism to the bosoms of their children, and their children's children ! In this glorious struggle, the men alone did not take part. The female portion of the community were anxious to gain a laurel ; and though unused to the stern service of musket or sword, their assiduity in providing for the comfort and wants of those who took the field, claims a meed of praise. Many a female whose fingers tapered as mechanically as those now gloved to sweep a parlour, was then honorably employed in running musket balls, or filling cartridges, A noble example for their daughters ! Our ancestors remained firm and undaunted through all the scenes of turmoil incident to a protracted war. Success ultimately crowned their laudable efforts. In process of time, the clangor of w^ar gave place to the silken voice of peace. Our fathers hailed with rapture, the successful termination of this conflict; and with their countrymen, sat down in quietude, beneath the spreading branches of the Tree of Liberty. But in the fairest picture of human existence, there are dark and shadowing pencillings. It is even so in this case. Just as the swelling notes of rejoicing were gushing up from many a thousand hearts; when the sword had scarcely been w^ashed of the reeking blood of the enemy; or the people borne the fruit of peace to their lips ; an ominious cloud arose, and the war of coming tempests was heard in the political horizon. Inland commotions agitated the state, and threatened death to our freedom while yet in the cradle. It is w^ell known that attempts were made in different parts of the state, from the year 1783 to 1786, to prevent the exercise of the courts of justice; and that in 1787, the famous Dame/ Shays headed a body of insurgents, with an intent to get possession of the military stores, &c. At this juncture, the people were groan- ing under a heavy debt and enormous taxes ; and this, together with the unsettled state of the country, probably produced this dissatisfaction. Maiden was not the immediate theatre of this commotion ; but its citizens were on the alert; and in their delibcTations, resolves, and conduct, exhibited convinc- 23 ing proof of their determination, resolutely to support the government, not only against foreign aggression, l)ut also against all internal enemies, l)y a eommentlable pronif)titude in furnishing their (piota of m(3n, and raising a proper amount of money, to remunerate tho.se who were called I'orlh to de- fend the constituted authorities of the country. But this scheme, 3o rudely devised, failed in its object ; and they soon had the satisfaction of seeing this nefarious plot overturned with but little bloodshed ; peace and harmony restored ; and the rights of the people promoted. A civil war, is the most unhappy incident in the history of any Republic. But in this instance, as it was throughout the period of our country's trials, the smiles of a kind Providence were her safeguard ; and this circumstance was so wisely overruled, that it eventuated in the adoption of the Federal Constitution. It w^as the spirit of true republicanism that carried the inhab- itants of this town to the polls, in the midst of those troubles, to which we have adverted. It was this spirit which guided them in their deliberations upon the articles composing the constitution, and led to its adoption : Nor has it expired in the lapse of time, but yet lives to defend and preserve that constitution. A biography of those who held conspicuous stations in the town, during the war of 1775, would be read with interest. But we have no means of gaininoj but a very slight knowledge ; and that little is confined to a few characters, and has been gathered from almost dispersed fragments. A few individuals will here be noticed. Capt. Ehenezer Harnden was a man of extensive influence in the town ; and filled several public offices, at difl^erent peri- ods of his life. He represented the town in General Court, for a number of years. He was a representative when Maiden sent forth those spirited instructions, which were quoted by our reverend orator, on the last anniversary of our Nation's Independence.^ Capt. H. died in 1786. Capt. John Dexter was town clerk several years, and was appointed a delegate to the provincial Congress at Concord, together with Capt. H. He was an active and efficient man during the war. Capt. Benjamin Blaney commanded the company of militia from this town, at the battle of Lexington. His father was * Rev. Mr. Cobb of the Universalist church, in his excellent Oration, July 4, 1831, presented the document above alluded to; and the enterprise of several individuals has since produced a beautiful Lithographic Print of this patriotic charge. It deserves a place in every family in the town. 24 a magistrate of some note, and was found dead in the road when returning from the discharge of his duty in 1751. Capt. Blaney was prompt in duty, and persevering in effort. He removed from the town in the latter part of his life. Capt. Isaac Smith was many years a representative. He was bred at sea; and both as a citizen and public man sus- tained an untarnished reputation. He is said to have been one of the most influential members of the General Court; and was universally esteemed for his refinement of feeling, and christian-like disposition. He could not boast of exalted parentage, as the basis of his honor; as I think he was taken from the alms-house in Boston, when quite a boy, and put to sea. But this, instead of being a deterioration of his charac- ter, adds a brilliancy to the fame he subsequently gained. He formerly occupied the house now owned by Jesse Upham ; but afterwards moved to the south part of the town. He died in 1795. Dr. Jonathan Porter was a physician of considerable repute in the town. He was originally a shoemaker; but by close application, he obtained a knowledge of the science of medi- cine, and rendered himself useful in that vocation. He died in 1783. Dr. John Spragtie practised in medicine in this town, for about thirty years. He was a surgeon's mate in the first eigh- teen months of the war. Afterwards, he entered on board a privateer, and was captured and carried into Ireland. He was a son of Phineas Spraojue, and brother to the present Phineas Sprague, senior, and died in 1803. Capt. JVayler Hatch, who commanded the alarm list, was much at sea in the early part of his life. He was a stout- built man, rather rash in temper, and fiery in zeal. Mr. Phineas Sprague was a resident in the north part of the town, and a most daring advocate of American rights. He was quite advanced in life, at the breaking out of the war; but one of the individuals connected with Capt. Hatch's com- pany, mentioned as starting for Concord in the night, after having lain at Beacham's Point during the day. Mr. Sprague was very deaf; but his heart was as impervious to fear, as his ears were to sound. And when the rest of his party were flying from the view of the enemy, he was seen upon a piece of rising ground swinging his hat, and shouting victory ! He died in 1805. Ezra Sargeant and Benjamin Green, Esquires, were per- sons of honorable influence in the town ; and men to whom the citizens often looked for counsel and instruction. They were among those who long aided in steadying the ark of our 2i) liberties, and contributed their portion of talents and zeal to the public welfare. Mr. Sargcant died in 1810, at the ad- vanced age of 81. Mr. Green is still living. It is a matter of regret, tliat the record of men and matters, connected with the most memorable period of our country's history, is so incomplete. Had proper care been taken, in this respect, what feasts of story miglit be served up for the present generation. And let me here suggest, to every young person especially, the propriety of taking notes of the princi- pal occurrences of the times in which they live ; and also of the most active and influential men. This practice would subserve a valuable purpose. The small pox made its appearance in the town, in 1778, and continued several months. A number of persons fell victims to its rage, though the town took active measures to prevent its spread. It was again introduced here in 1792, when numbers were vaccinated. A pest-house or hospital was provided both in the north and south parts of the town. That in the north part, was the house now occupied by Charles Cummings; where about forty persons were confined with the disease. This hospital was under the care of Phineas Sprague, senior. Very little regularity existed in respect to laying out roads, until after the establishment of peace. Formerly, the inhabi- tants appear to have struck out a passage way, where it could be done with the least trouble, with very little regard whether strait and level, or zig-zag and hilly. Some traces of old roads yet discernable, one might suppose from their crooked- ness, were originally marked out by the wandering track of a herd of cattle. Great improvement, in this respect, is now visible. The county road which now forms the main street, was laid out in 1806. It forms a most excellent road, running north and south through the town. Since 1775, a number of roads have been petitioned for and laid out in different parts of the town. The road leading from Maiden to Saugus, by Daniel Boardman's, was laid out in 1789. The road by Jesse Upham's was extended to Chel- sea line in 1790. The erection of Maiden bridge, over the Mystick river, at the place formerly known as 'Penny Ferry,' in 1788, furnish- ed to the community a convenient medium of communication with Charlestown and Boston, far preferable to the old mode of crossing in a boat. If any method could be devised, whereby this bridge could be rendered free from toll, incalculable ad- vantage would accrue to this town. 4 26 Much excitement has prevailed at different periods in the town, since 1695, concerning the passage of ale-wives from the tide water up to Elk pond, in the north part of the town. Much time and money have been expended upon this subject, to little or no purpose. The meeting house which was the source of so much con- troversy about a century ago, was built with one gallery, but afterwards another was built above the first. The present brick meeting house was built in 1803. A bell, for the use of the town, was given by ' Lord Timothy Dexter,' of eccen- tric memory. The following vote of thanks was presented him : * Voted, That we are deeply sensible of the honor done by Timothy Dexter, Esq. in the donation of the large and elegant bell which he has presented us. 'That we hope long to retain a grateful remembrance of our obliga- tions to him ; and unanimously request Mr. Dexter to accept our sincere thanks for the honor conferred on the people of his natiye town.' Upon an examination of the records, it is apparent that the former inhabitants of the town, generally availed themselves of the privilege granted them, of exercising their elective franchise. When at the polls they elected such men to fill the public offices, as possessed qualifications to promote the best interests of the town. That a spirit of unbroken una- nimity always characterized the elections, is not to be suppos- ed ; nevertheless, the offices were filled ; and with men, too, whose repeated re-election bespeaks for them the confidence of their constituents. The town's representatives maintained an influence in the General Court not at all discreditable. Many of them were elected a number of years in succession ; others were honored with re-elections at different periods. Our ancestors esteemed it a duty and privilege to be at the polls. This is as it should be. It is an exploded doctrine, that it is a matter of little consequence, whether the electors do or do not exercise their rights in this respect. Men ought individually, then and there to express their opinions and wishes, by their votes, unbiassed by sectarian feelings, and free from the fetters of prejudice. To be sure, it might not be expedient to fine a man for non-attendance, as was done anciently ; but that man deserves scorn, who presumes to complain of what was done at the polls, while he was wilfully or unnecessarily absent. Since the establishment of our nationality, important im- provements, in many respects, have been made. Great and beneficial alterations have been effected in relation to the school system ; and valuable and necessary immunities for 27 gaining useful 'infornialion are aflfordcd the rising generation. School houses have been erected in the several districts, coni- modiously and pleasantly situated. Schools are continued through the greater ])art of the year, in all the districts. The number of schools has greatly augmented ; and (children now •enjoy very exalted privileges in comparison with their ancestors. Other improvements can, and will doubtUiss be made. In 1829 the town furnished in public and private scliools, from 450 to 500 scholars; — aggregate time of keeping school in the year, by males, 25 months ; by females, 37 months ; — the amount of money expended, was about $2000. The present state of the school operations would nat vary much from this statement. A very neat and commodious alms-house, with a pleasant farm, is now owned by the town, and improved for the com- fort and support of the poor. This establishment supports itself, to within $500 per year ; and, no doubt, will eventu- ally produce all that will be requisite for the support of the town's paupers. Within a few years, a temperance society has been formed, and is now in successful operation. A goodly number of the inhabitants are enrolled upon its lists, as the advocates of the principles for which it contends. Before this society, addresses are delivered at stated times during the year ; and these, com- bined with other means employed by the society, have con- tributed to enlarge its sphere of ifjfluence to a very honorable extent. Before the establishment of this society, the evils of intem- perance were sorely felt in this place. Intemperance was mov- ing on, and exhibiting its deathly effects in frightful colors, and with rapid strides. But an apparent change has been pro- duced in the moral atmosphere ; and many have been saved from the filth of inebriation, and clothed again in their right minds, by means of the society's exertions. Nevertheless, much yet remains to be accomplished. The noble work in which this society is engaged will undoubtedly be performed. With all my heart I bid it God-speed — till no drunkard's grave shall be found to disgrace our burying yards. Thus, briefly, we have noticed some of the more promi- nent occurrences connected with the history of the town. Now, casting our eyes abroad, we find ourselves inhabiting a pleasant village containing 2000 inhabitants ; we behold our happy dwelling places, smiling in the midst of contentment; our townsmen sitting under their own ' vines and fig-trees' unmolested; the diflferent branches of manufacture and agri- culture industriously pursued, and bringing in riches and comfort to those who toil ; — health and prosperity brighten- 28 ing the faces of all around us ; — the sanctuaries of the Most High, reminding us that God is the Lord, while they point us to the skies, as our final rest; — and the different religious sects striving to further on the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ. A succinct account of the different religious orders will now be presented. The principal items of information em- braced therein, have been politely furnished by official mem- bers of the respective societies. The church and society, known by the title of Congre- gationalist or Orthodox, was the first church organized in the town. It was gathered in 1648. The clergymen previously mentioned were pastors of this church ; as for many years this was the only denomination in town. In 1651, this church called a minister to the pastoral office, without the consent of the neighboring churches, and without permission from the legal authority ; and for this transgression, the General Court imposed a fine upon thexn. In 16S0, upon an occasion of fasting and prayer, an instrument composed by the famous and venerable Mr. Wig- glesworth was solemnly adopted. In 1727, the church renewed covenant on a day of fasting and prayer, occasioned by a great earthquake. This church consisted of ninety-eight members, fifty-one males, and forty-seven females, in 1772. During the dark and discouraging period of the war, the members of this church followed the general custom of the times, in setting apart special seasons of fasting and prayer, that God might remove his judgments from the land. A confession of faith and covenant, drawn up by Rev. Mr. Willis, was adopted in 1792, at the time the union of the two parishes was effected. This instrument is yet in force in this church. No circumstance demanding particular notice occurred in the history of this church, from the last mentioned period, until after the dismission of Rev. Mr. Green, in 1827. Since that time, unhappy differences and divisions have sprung up, which continue yet to exist, between the parish and the church ; — divisions and contentions, too, as they always will, exist where they may — which have marred the peace of the com- munity, and robbed society of that moral beauty which adorns it when * brethren dwell together in unity.' In 1828, the Rev. Mr. Cobb, a clergyman of the Universal- ist faith, was elected minister of the parish. Soon after this, the church met and agreed, that in consequence of the late doings of the parish, in employing an Universalist minister 29 they would unite togetlier and stand by each other, together with such other persons as mi^ht associate with them, for the support of orthodox prenching, in the popidar sense of the term. They have steadily persisted in carryin