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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

HISTORY

WORCESTER,

MASSACHUSETTS,

FROM ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT TO SEPTEMBER, 183G;

VARIOUS NOTICES BEiATING TO THE HISTORY OF
WORCESTER COUIITT.

BY WILLIAM LINCOLN.

* These local annals are full of little things ; names, dates, and facts : and rumors of
every sort, which seem, at ficst sight, almost too trifling to be noticed : and yet, not only
is it tr^e, that the general historian must essentially depend on the local, to a very con-
sideifeble extent;- for the mass of loose seeds from which the spirit of /lis narrative should
be laboriously distilled: but it is also true, that there is almost always a good deal of
that spirit already made in such materials at his hand. Many of these little things which
we speak of, are little only in size and name. They are full of rich meaning. They
are graphic and characteristic in a high degree. They suggest far more than they say.
They illustrate classes of men, and ages of time. They are small but brilliant lights
on the walls of the past, pouring floods of splendor from their little niches on the vast
abysses around them.' American Quarterly Review, June, 1836.

WORCESTER:
MOSES D. PHILLIPS AND COMPANY.
1837.

Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year 1836,
by William Lincoln,
In the Clerk's OiEce of the District Court of Massachusetts.

C ¦¦•:. ..
CO

PRINTED BY HENRY J. HOWLAND,
¦WORCESTER.

TO THE REV. AARON BANCROFT, D. D.
Except for your warm encouragement of the general design of this
history, without knowledge of the manner of its execution, it would have
perished. If there is any merit in the preservation of the facts it contains,
it is yours : the errors and mistakes are those of the compiler. On the
completion of the work, his highest gratification is derived, from the op
portunity of expressing veneration for the character of the beloved pastor,
and gratitude for the communications, which, rightly used, would have
given value to the volume now respectfully dedicated to you, who have
contributed more than aU others to perpetuate the memory of the events
and men of Worcester in past times.

PREFACE. VI
The work has been extended difiusely, and probably tediously and
unprofitably. The events of the history of the town were ^'closely inter
woven with those of the county, and seemed to demand detailed notice
from this connection: and at every step, matters of curious interest, which
it seemed impossible to reject, arose to seduce from the direct path of
narrative : until the annals of the village have become as voluminous as
the records of an empire.
The language of original papers has been constantly preferred, wherever
it could be used, to the words of the compiler ; lest by changing forms of
expression, something of the fidelity of delineation and vividness of de
scription of the actors in the scenes of the past, should be lost. The modes
of spelling, which were erroneous in the days when they were used, have
not been retained: but the ancient documents transcribed, except those
copied in the appendix, have been made to conform to modern orthography.
Names of persons and places have been printed as they were found writ
ten in the manuscripts consulted, or books quoted : although by following
this rule, the same word has been made to assume various and sometimes
strange forms, on different pages.
The general plan of arrangement, aifording convenience in tracing the
course and connection of events, and facility of reference, has been imi
tated from Mr. Shattuck's History of Concord. It would have been greatly
desirable that the excellence of this model could have been more Mly
copied. The comparative length of the biographical memoirs will be found some
times to have been determined more by the means of information than
the merits of the subjects of the sketches. In relation to living persons,
the dates of birth have, with few exceptions, been intentionally omitted.
The pleasant duty of acknowledgment for kindness remains. Some, to
whom heavy debt of gratitude was due for aid, have gone down to the
grave while these sheets have been in preparation, with the rich mines of
their recollections unexhausted.
There is scarcely an individual named in the succeeding pages, who
has not contributed good wishes or useful information. The compiler has
been under great obligations to Rev. Dr. Bancroft, Mr. Thomas Rice, Ed
ward D. Bangs, Esq. Hon. Nathaniel Paine, Samuel Jennison, Esq! Dr.
John Green, Isaac Davis, Esq.; to the clerks of the town and parishes; and
to Joseph Willard, Esq. Mr. Samuel G. Drake, and Rev. Joseph B.'pelt
of Boston, for many courtesies, communications, and valuable papers.
A notice of the errors of the pen and press which have escaped correc
tion will be found at the end of the book. Some, which will be readily
detected by the reader, not affecting the meaning of the text, have been
omitted in the list.

CONTENTS.

GENERAL HISTORY. Page.
Chapter I. First Period, from 1664 to 1675: first settlement. Grants to In- "
crease Nowell and Thomas Noyes. Report of exploring Committee, 1668.
Petition of Committee of settlement, 1669. Project for setllement. Difficulties
u-ith Ephraim Curtis, 167-k Indian deed. Grants of lands to seulers, 1675.
View of the plantation, in 1G75. Hostilities with the Indians. Settlement
abandoned. 1
Chapter II, King Philip's war, 1675, 1676. The Nipmuck country. Indian
Settlements. Visit of Gookin and Elliot. Attack on Quaboag. Ephraim
Curtis. Phinehas Upham. Henchman's expedition. Quinsigamond burnt.
Henchman's second expedition. Sagamore John surrenders. Maloonus shot.
E.xccutions in Boston. Destruction of the Indians. 16
Chapter III. 1677 to 1713. Second settlement. Indian deed, 1677. Meeting
of Planters, 167S. Henchman's agreement, 1684. Citadel. Survey. Mills
built. Name of Worcester. Lots laid out. New Committees, Capt. Fitch's
letter. Queen Anne's war. Town abandoned. Digory Serjent killed. Elisha
Ward. Indian Hostilities. Petition for resettlement refused, 1709. 28
Chapter IV. 1713 to 1722. Third settlement to incorporation. Petition, 1713.
New Committee. Report, 1714. First SeUlers. Jonas Rice. Gershom Rice.
Nathaniel Moore. Garrisous. Jtills. Roads. View of the town, 1718. Grants
to proprietors. Scotch and Irish emigrants. Town incorporated, 1722. 40
Chapter V. 1722 to 1765. Lovell's war and French wars. Selectmen's peti
tion, 1724. Gershom Rice's letter, 1724. Uriah Ward. Col. Chandler's orders.
Selectmen's petition, 1725. Capt. \\'right's letters, 1725. Benjamin Flagg's
letter, 1725. County established, 1731. Gov. Belcher's visit, 1735. Soldiers.
Excise, 1754. French neutrals, 1755. Military exertions, 1756. Col. Chan
dler's report, 1757. I\Ien in service during French wars. Division of the Coun
ty and removal of the courts opposed. 50
Chapter VI. 17G5 to 1775. American Revolution. Instructions, 1766, 1767.
Resolutions, 1768. Covenant, 1768. Tea. Votes, 1773. Committee of Cor
respondence, 1773. Political Society. Peter Oliver. Address of Grand Jury,
1774. Report on grievances, 1774. Instructions. Protest of royalists. Town
Meeting. Record expunged. Non-consumption covenant and oath. Manda
mus counsellors. Assembly of the people. Alarm. Minute men. Courts
stopped. County Convention. Sheriff Chandler. William Campbell. Instruc
tions. Blacksmith's Convention. Depot of military stores. 67
Chapter VII. 1775 to 1783. American Revolution. Preparations for war.
Instructions, 1775. Survey of British oflicers. Commencement of hostilities.
Alarm of April 19. March of minute men. Tories disarmed. Memorial of
officers. Royalist confessions. Clark Chandler. British prisoners. Poor of
Boston. Military requisitions. Fourth of July, 1776. Regulation of prices.
Detail of levies of troops, contributions, exertions, and proceedings, during the
war. County conventions. Constitution, Excise. Peace restored. Pro
ceedings as to refiigees. 104
Chapter VIII. 1782 to 1787. Insurrection. Distresses of the people. County
Conventions, 1782, 1784, 1786. Court stopped, Sept. 1786. Spirited conduct of
Judge Ward. Proceedings of the insurgents. Convention, Sept. 1786. Town
meeting, Oct. 1786. Court of Sessions interrupted. Sheriff Greenleaf. In-

viii CONTENTS.
surgents occupy the town, Dec. 1786. Militia of Worcester appear in arms for '
the government. Capt. Howe. Consultations of the insurgents. Distresses of
their retreat. Gen. Lincoln's army. Affair at New Braintree. Dispersion of .
the insurgents. 130
Chapter IX. Reception of Washington, 1789. Memorial on the treaty with
England, 1797. Volunteers, 1798. Funeral honors to Washington, 1800. Mi
litia volunteer, 1807. Boston memorial, 1808. War of 1812. British prison
ers. Troops called into service, 1814. Visit of Lafayette, 1824. ^ Amendments
of the Constitution. Benefactions of Isaiah Thomas. Incorporation of Holden
and Ward. Proposed division of the county. 151
ecclesiastical history.
Chapter X. First Parish. First meeting houses. Rev. Andrew Gardiier.
Difficulties on his dismission. Mr. Bourne. Rev. Isaac Burr. Visit of White-
field. Church Covenant, 1746. Rev. Thaddeus Maccarty. Controversy about
church music. Seating the meeting house. Difficulties ending in the separation
of the Second Parish. Mr. Story. Rev. Samuel Austin. Church Covenantj
Rev. Charles A. Goodrich. Rev. Aretius B. Hull. Rev. Rodney A. Miller.
Presbyterian Church, 1719. Rev. Edward Fitzgerald. Rev. William Johnston. 163
Chapter XI. Second Congregational Society. Separationfrom the first Parish.
Difficulties. Church formed. Covenant. Rev. Aaron Bancroft ordained, 1786.
Society incorporated, 1787. Rev. Alonzo Hill ordained, 1827. Votes of Par
ish and Church. Memoir of Rev. Dr. Bancroft. 194
Chapter XII. First Baptist Society. Formation, 1812. ^ev. William Bentley.
Articles of Faith. Rev. Jonathan Going. Rev. Fredeiit A. Willard. Rev.
Jonathan Aldrich. Elm Street Society, 1836. Ccdvinist Society. Separation
from first church, 1820. Formation of Society, 1822. Rev. Loammi I. Hoadley.
House and Fund bestowed by Hon. Daniel Waldo. Rev. John S. C. Abbott.
Rev. David Peabody. Catholic Society, 1834. Rev. James Fitton. Methodist
Episcopal Society, 1834. Protestant Episcopal Society, 1835. Rev. Thomas
H. Vail. Union Society, 1836. 205
biographical notices.
Chapter XIII. ProTessional Men. Biographical notices of the Practitioners,
Counsellors and Attorneys at Law, and Physicians, before and since the Revo
lution. 224
Chapter XIV. Graduates of Colleges, and natives of the town who have re
ceived liberal education. Distinguished citizens. John Chandler. Capt. Jonas
Hubbard. Col. Timothy Bigelow. Col. Ephraim Doolittle. David Thomas.
Benjamin Heywood. Joseph Allen. Isaiah Thomas. ' 264
STATISTICS AND HISTORY.
Chapter XV. Education. Common Schools. Centre District Schools. Pri
vate Instruction. Manual Labor High School. Mount St. James Seminary. 296
Chapter XV. Population. Emigration. Mortality, Valuation. Taxation.
Support of the Poor. Communication. Stages. Manufactures. Trade. 310
Chapter XVI. Societies and Institutions. Medical District Society. Antiqua
rian Society. Agricultural Society. Historical Society. Atheneum. Banks.
Insurance Companies. Savings Institution. Various Associations. Military
Companies. Newspapers and Periodicals. 323
TOPOGRAPHY AND HISTORY.
Chapter XVII. Situation. Boundaries. Extent. Divisions. Streets and
Roads. Turnpikes. Blackstone Canal. Rail Roads. Public Buildings. Pub
lic Lands. Burial Places. Face of the Town. Ponds. Streams. Hills.
Mines and Minerals. 336
MISCELLANEOUS.
Chapter XVIII. Municipal Officers. Selectmen. Clerks. Treasurers. Rep
resentatives. Fire Department. Fires and accidents by lightning. 356
Appendix, i. Petition for a Plantation, Oct. 8,1665. ii. Order of the Gen
eral Court, Oct. 11, 1666. III. Orderof the General Court, May, 15, 1667, IV.
First Indian Deed, July 13, 1674. v. Order of Council to Capt. Edward Hutch
inson, July 27, 1675. VI. Order of Council, Sept. 15,1675. vii. Instructions
for Cant. Joseph Sill, Nov. 2, 1675. vjii. Second Indian Deed, Feb, 12, 1677,
IX Order of the General Court, 1679. x, Votes for Governor since 1780.
XI. Notice of Daniel Shays. xii. Statements in relation to trade, manufac
tures, and business, xiii. Executions, xiv. Festivals. Fourth of July, 363

HISTORY OF WORCESTER.

GENERAL HISTORY.

CHAPTER I.
First Period, from 1664 to 1675 : first setllement. Grants to Increase Nowell and
'- Thomas Noyes. Report of exploring Committee, 1668. Petition of Committee of
settlement, 1669. Project for settlement. Difficulties with Ephraim Curtis, 1674.
Indian deed. Grants of lands to settlers, 1675. View of the plantation, in 1675.
Hostilities with the Indians. Settlement abandoned.
Few years elapsed after the first settlement of Massachusetts be
fore the outposts of cultivation were advanced far and fast into
the wilderness. The stream of emigration soon began to flow
westward from its fountain. Eight years after the landing of the
Pilgrims, in 1628, Salem was planted. The next year, Lynn was
inhabited. In 1630, Boston was founded, and Cambridge and Wa
tertown occupied. Concord was purchased of the natives and com
menced in 1635. Sudbury, begun in 1638, sent out colonies to
Marlborough, incorporated in 1660. The swelling population push
ed farther onward the frontier of improvement. The fertile region
around Worcester early attracted attention. When the title of the
vast region, acquired from the defeated savage, vested, by undis
puted right, in the whole people, the wise policy of government
encouraged settlement, while it rewarded patriotic exertions in
the public service, and aided objects and institutions of general
utility, by gratuities of portions of the forest. In 1 657, May 6, a
grant of 3200 acres of land was made to Mr. Increase Nowell, of
Charlestown.i May 6, 1662,^ 1000 acres were bestowed on the
church in Maiden, to be forever appropriated to the use of its minis-
' Colony Records, iv. 240. 2 ib. iv. 397.
1

2 GRANTS. COMMITTEE. [1664.
try : Oct. 19, 1664, 250 acres were given to Ensign Thomas Noyes,
of Sudbury, who had served under Capt. Hugh Mason.i These
were all, subsequently, located in the vicinity of Q,uinsigamond.2
The favorable impression from the surveys, excited enterprize to un
dertake that plantation, which long retained the original name, bor
rowed from the beautiful sheet of water spreading in the neighbor
hood of the settlement.
John Haynes and Josiah Haynes, of Sudbury, and Nathaniel
Treadaway, of Watertown, with Thomas Noyes, purchased the right
of Increase Nowell, of his Executors, and, on the 18th of May, 1664,
having procured the acceptance of a return, became proprietors of
a wide tract, extending along the east side of Q.uinsigamond, inclu
ding two of its southern islands, near ' the going out of Nipnapp
River.'3 They petitioned the Great and General Court for the ap
pointment of a Committee, to view the country. In compliance with
their request, Capt. Daniel Gookin, Capt. Edward Johnson, Lt.
Joshua Fisher and Lt. Thomas Noyes, were commissioned, Oct.
11, 1665,* to make survey, to determine if there be a ' meet place
for a plantation, that it may be improved for that end, and not spoiled
by granting of farms,' and directed to report the results of their
examination to the next Court of Elections.
The death of Thomas Noyes, which occurred soon after, and
the difficulties arising from the disturbed state of the country, hav
ing prevented the execution of this order, the attention of the colo
nial legislature was again directed to the contemplated settlement,
in 1667. On the 15th of May^ of that year, Capt. Daniel Gookin,
Capt. Edward Johnson, Mr. Samuel Andrew, and Andrew Belchar
senior, were empowered, as a Committee,^ ' to take an exact view,
as soon as conveniently they can, to make true report whether the
place be capable to make a village, and what number of families,
they conceive, may be there accommodated. And if they find it fit
for a plantation, then to offer some meet expedient how the same
may be settled and improved for the public good.'
' Colony Records, iv. 461.
2 The orthography of Indian names is quite uncertain. The same word is not only
written in different manner by contemporary authors, but assumes various shapes in the
same instrument. The ancientname of Worcester appears in these, among other forms:
Quansiggemuck, Quinslgamug, Quansicamoag, Quansitamud, Quonsiquomon, Quan-
sigamon, Quansiquomog, Uuanciggugug, Quonsogogoag. auinsigamond, has been es
tablished by most general use, and is therefore adopted. The true reading was proba
bly Quonsigajnoag.
3 Nipmuck, now Blackstone's River. ¦> Colony Rec. iv. 562. 8 ib. iv. 587.
" Notices of the committees of settlement, and of some of the early planters will be
found in the succeeding pages. '

1668.] COMMITTEE'S REPORT. 3
Gookin, Johnson, and Belchar, discharged the duty assigned them,
in the autumn of the following year, and presented a report on the
20th Oct. 1668,1 ^vhich exhibits an interesting outline of the views
entertained in former times, and of the general principles adopted
in the formation of towns.
' The Committee's return about a new plantation near (iuandsig-
ainond Ponds. Boston, 29 Oct. 1668.
We have, according to the Court's order, bearing date 15th May,
1667,2 viewed the place therein mentioned, and find it to be about
twelve miles westward from Marlborough, near the road to Spring
field, and that it contains a tract of very good chesnut tree land ; a
large quantity : but the meadow we find not so much ; because a
very considerable quantity of meadow and upland, about, five thou
sand acres, is laid out unto particular persons, and confirmed by
this Court, as we are informed, which falls within this tract of land ;
viz ; to Ensign Noyes deceased and his brethren, three thousand
two hundred acres : unto the church of Maiden, one thousand
acres : unto others, five hundred acres, bought of Ensign Noyes ; but,
all this notwithstanding, we conceive, there may be enough mead
ow for a small plantation, or town, of about thirty families : and if
those farms be annexed to it, it may supply about sixty families.
Therefore, we conceive it expedient, that the honored Court will be
pleased to reserve it for a town, being conveniently situated, aid well
watered with ponds and brooks, and lying near midway between Bos
ton and Springfield, about one day's journey from either : and, for the
settling thereof we do offer unto the Court that which follows : viz :
That there be a meet proportion of land granted and laid out for
a town, in the best form the place will bear, about the contents of
eight miles square :
That a prudent and able committee be appointed and empowered
to lay it out : to admit inhabitants, and order the affairs of the place,
in forming the town, granting lots, and directing and ordering all
matters of a prudential nature, until the place be settled with a suf
ficient number of inhabitants and persons of discretion, able to or
der the affairs thereof, in the judgment of the Court :
That due care be taken by the said Committee, that a good Min
ister of God's word be placed there, as soon as may be : that such
people as may be there planted may not live like lambs in a large place :
That there be two or three hundred acres of land, with a propor
tion of meadow, in some convenient place, at the discretion of the
' Col. Rec. iv. 621. " Col. Rec. iv. 537.

4 CLAIM OF CURTIS. [1669.
Committee, reserved, and laid out for the Commonwealth ; and the
Committee to have power and liberty to settle inhabitants thereupon,
for lives or times, upon a small rent, to be paid after the first seven
years.' I^^"'^' ^°°''^"-
Edward Johnson.
Andrew Belchar.
This report was approved and accepted, its recommendations con
firmed, and Capt. Daniel Gookin, Capt. Thomas Prentice, Mr. Dan
iel Henchman, and Lt. Richard Beers, appointed a Committee to
carry them into execution.
At the distance of more than a century and a half, when we see
the hills and vallies of the ' very good chesnut tree land ' explored
by the committee, thickly dotted with the homes of the husband
man and the villages of the manufacturer, traversed by canal and
railway, and supporting a dense population, their estimate of the ca
pacity of the tract, eight miles square, to maintain thirty or sixty
families, furnishes strong contrast between their humble anticipa
tions and our overflowing prosperity.
At the period when the examination took place, meadow lands
were esteemed of high value, and were, indeed, essential for the
support of the new settlements. The low grounds, cleared of woods
by the industry of the beaver, erecting dams to flood their surfaces ;
by the waste of fires kindled by the hunter ; or the action of streams ;
afforded the only pasturage that could be obtained, until the forest had
been hewn away, and the herbage rose upon the cultivated fields.
Notwithstanding, the Great and General Court, by their order,
May 15, 1667, had prohibited the laying out of lands within the new
plantation, a location had been subsequently made, in right of Ensign
Noyes. His heirs had sold to Ephraim Curtis, of Sudbury, after
ward distinguished for his gallantry and good conduct in the war
with the Indians. The Committee, embarrassed by the selections
made by the claimants under the old grants, on the 27th of May,
1669,1 presented the following petition for relief from the difficulties
which had arisen, to retard the progress of settlement.
' We, the Committee of the General Court, whose names are sub
scribed, being appointed and empowered to lay out, settle and man
age a plantation, at or about Cluansigamond Pond, twelve miles be
yond Marlborough, in the road way to Springfield and Hadley, which
place is very commodious for the situation of a town, the better to
1 Col. Rec. iv. 426.

1669.] COMMITTEE'S PETITION. 5
unite and strengthen the inland plantations, and, in all probability,
will be advantageous for travellers, it falling near midway between
Boston and Springfield, and about a day's journey from either ; we,
having lately been upon the place, to make an exact discovery and
survey thereof, accompanied with sundry honest and able persons
that are willing forthwith to settle themselves there : but finding
some obstructions in the work, which, unless this Court please to re
move, and, we conceive, they may justly do it, the proceeding will
be utterly hindered ; and, therefore, we shall humbly offer them un
to the honored Court, desiring help therein :
1. We find, tliat, though the place contains a tract of good land,
yet, it is much straitened for meadow. We cannot find above three
hundred acres of meadow belonging to it, within several miles : but,
there are swamps and other moist lands, that, in time, with labor and
industry, may make meadow.
2. We find, that there is a grant of one thousand acres to the
ministry of Maiden, May the 7th, 1662, which grant is laid out in
this place. This farm contains a choice tract of land, and swallows
up about one hundred acres of the aforesaid meadow; but the con
dition of the grant, as the record will declare, is, that it be improv
ed, within three years after the grant, for the ends wherefore it was
granted ; but that being not done ; for it is now above six years
since, and no improvement made ; we apprehend, the grant is void :
but yet, if the Court please to renew it, in any other place, we speak
not to oppose it : but, if it be continued and confirmed in this place,
it will utterly hinder the settling of a plantation here.
3. There is another grant of land, unto Ensign Noyes, deceas
ed, laid out in this place, containing two hundred fifty acres of
choice land, with a considerable quantity of meadow, lying in the
heart of this place ; and by him was sold to one Ephraim Curtis, a
young man living in Sudbury. We desire that the Court will please
to make void this grant ; being not laid out regularly for quantity
or quality, as we conceive, and it will very much prejudice this
town. The person concerned may have his land in another place,
bordering upon this town, where there is sufficient to accommo
date it, and also may have a lot in this town, if he desire it.
4. Whereas, the Court, in their grant of this town, hath reserv
ed two or three hundred acres of land, with a proportion of meadow,
to be laid out for the Commonwealth ; if it please the Court, because
of the straitness for meadow, to abate that reservation, so far as
concerns meadow, it will greatly encourage the work.
If the honored Court please to remove these obstructions, we

6 PLAN OF SETTLEMENT. [1669.
hope it will not be long before this place be settled in a good way,
for the honor of God and the public good.
The Committee, in their journey, having discovered two other pla
ces beyond this to the westward, that will make two or three towns,
the one place called Pamaquesset, lying upon the head of Chequa-
bee River, the other place called Swquakeag,! upon Connecticut
River nearer to Boston than Hadley, we desire the Court will please
to order that these places be reserved to make towns, the better to
strengthen those inland parts, and the laying out of particular grants
prohibited in the said places.' Daniel Henchman, Daniel Gookin,
Richard Beers, Thomas Prentice,
The reservation to the public in the meadow was released, but the
petition, in relation to the private grants, was refused.
The progress of the Committee of settlement in the discharge of
their duties was, necessarily, slow, and, for a long time, their efforts
were defeated by calamitous circumstances. Their first meeting
was held in Cambridge, July 6th, 1669, when apian was formed for
the projected plantation. The foundation principles and rules they
matured are entered on their original book of records, in the hand
writing of the venerable Gookin, and indicate the wisdom and fore
cast of their authors. It was proposed, that the territory, including
the whole of Worcester and Holden, and a large part of Ward, should
first be divided into ninety twenty five acre house lots, and, in the
apportionment of these to the settlers, ' respect should be had to
the quality, estate, usefulness, and other considerations of the per
son and family to whom they were granted :' that the most conve
nient place, nearest the middle of the town, should be set apart
and improved for placing the meeting house, for the worship of
God : a convenient lot of fifly acres for the first minister, should be
laid out as near to it as might be : another lot, in the next convenient
place, not far from thence, for the ministry that should succeed in
all future times : that twenty acres should be reserved, near the cen
tre, for a training field, and to build a school house upon : that a lot,
of twenty five acres, should be appropriated for the maintenance of
a school and school master, to remain for that use forever : and that
two hundred and fifty acres, should be for the use of the country.
Provision was made for the equal apportionment of common charges
upon the proprietors of lots, for erecting mills, opening and repair
ing ways, and for the equitable division of the remaining lands.^
1 Northfield. a Proprietors' Records. 3.

1674.] PETITION OF PLANTERS. 7
Subsequent events prevented the practical effects of these regula
tions from being felt in the affairs of the inhabitants, except in the
example and aid they might have afforded to those who directed their
prudential concerns in more prosperous days.
The exertions of the Committee to procure settlement, seem, for
a long period, to have been unavailing. At length, brighter pros
pects opened before them. In the year 1673, a company of thirty
persons were engaged to commence the plantation, and, in the fol
lowing spring, thirty house lots were laid out, and they began to
buUd and cultivate. Ephraim Curtis of Sudbury had, probably,
previous to this time, taken possession of the rich tract of land near
the centre of the present town of Worcester, and had erected a
house on the ' Connecticut road ' west of the head of Quinsiga-
mond. So great was the obstruction encountered from his claims,
that the Committee were compelled, again, to ask the aid of the
legislature, in removing the vexatious incumbrance arising from
his rights and pretentions. The following petition, subscribed by
those who proposed to become inhabitants, was presented by them,
on the 27th of May, 1674.1
' To the Hon'ble the Governor, Deputy Governor, Assistants and
Deputies, assembled in the General Court of the Massachusetts Col
ony in New England, this 27th of May, 1674.
The humble petition of Daniel Gookin senior, Thomas Prentice,
Richard Beers, and Daniel Henchman, a committee, appointed and
authorized by the General Court, to order and manage a new planta
tion granted by this Court, lying and being upon the road to Spring
field, about twelve miles westward from Marlborough, together with
divers other persons hereunto subscribed, who have lots granted
and laid out there, humbly sheweth :
That, whereas, your petitioners have been at a very considerable
expense, both of time and estate, in order to settle a plantation there ;
which, they conceive, when it is effected, will more conduce to the
public good of the country than their particular advantage ; and
have so far advanced in that work, as to lay out about thirty house
lots, and engage the people to settle them speedily : also have be
gun to build, plant, and cut hay there ; but now, meeting with an
obstruction and hinderance, by a young man called Ephraim Curtis,
of Sudbury, who does lay claim unto two tracts of land, containing
above five hundred acres, lying in the centre of this plantation, es
pecially one of the parcels, being about 250 acres, in which place
1 Colony Files, 1674.

8 COMMITTEE ANO PLANTERS' PETITION. [1674.
the Committee have laid out a minister's lot, a place for a meeting
house, a mill, and ten other particular men's house lots, so that if
this place be taken from us, this town is not like to proceed, to the
damage of the public and your petitioners : now, although, we can
not grant that the said Curtis hath any legal right to debar our pro
ceeding, yet, for peace sake, we have offered him, a double share
in the plantation, viz. two house lots, and accommodations to them,
which will, in the end, amount to much more land than he pretends
unto; but all offers he declines : Therefore,
Our humble request unto the Court is, that you will be pleased to
order, that the said Curtis may be sent for, and that both him, and
your Committee, may be [examined] either before some Committee
of the Court, thereunto to report the matter, or by the whole Court :
for the substance of the case will, as we conceive, turn upon this
hinge; whether an order of the General Court, dated in May 1667,
prohibiting the laying out any particular grants in this place, in or
der to reserve it for a village, shall be of force and efficacy to nulli
fy the acceptance of a particular grant laid out in this place, as is
pretended, a year after ; namely, at a Court held Anno 166S ; the
untying of this knot, which none can do but the General Court,
will resolve the matter of controversy one way or other ; so that this
town will proceed or cease, and that your Committee, and others
concerned, may not be wrapt up in trouble and contention about
this matter, whose scope and aim is, the public good, and that the
good of many may be preferred before one, wherein we have no
cause to doubt of this honored Court's favor and encouragement.
And so your petitioners desire in all humility to pray &c, for you.
Phinehas Upham, Daniel Whittamore, Jona. Treadaway,
Richard Dana, PalatiahWhittamore,Joseph Dana,
John Damond, John Richards, Thomas Brown,
Philip Atwood, Joseph Richards, William Hersy,
Thomas Tewksbury, William Reed, Jno. Provender,
Symon Meylin, Samuel Lee, Edward Wildes,
Lazarus Grover, Thomas Pratt, Jno. Wilder,
Thomas Grover, Thomas Skinner, Theophilus Thornton,
Stephen Grover, Henry Swillaway, Thomas Thornton.
Lyman Grover, John Starkey,
Daniel Gookin, sen. Thomas Prentice, Ric. Beers.
D. Henchman,
In compliance with this petition, the parties were heard before the
deputies and magistrates, their evidence and arguments considered,

1674.] CURTIS'S CLAIM. 9
and the controversy determined, by the equitable decision expressed
in the following order, June 5, 1674.
' In answer to the petition of Capt. Daniel Gookin, Capt. Pren
tice, Lieut. Richard Beers and Mr. Henchman, and as a full issue of
the case between the said petitioners and Ephraim Curtis ; The Dep
uties judge meet, that the said Curtis shall have fifty acres of the
land that is already laid out to him, where he hath built, so it be in
one place, with all manner of accommodation appertaining thereto
as other inhabitants have. And also, that he shall have liberty to
take up the 250 acres of land without the bounds of said place, pro
vided it be near adjoining thereunto : and to be in lieu of the land
formerly granted to Mr. John Norton : and all this with reference to
the consent of our honored Magistrates hereto.
William Torrey, Cleric'
'5. 4. 1674.1 The Magistrates consent hereto, provided that the
2-50 acres to be laid out, without the bounds of the place, be under
stood without the bounds of the town ; and that the fifty acres
where he hath built, be laid out and ordered by the Committee for
said plantation as other lots there are. John Pynchon, p. order.'
' June 5, 1674. Consented to by the deputies. Wm. Torrey, Cleric.'^
The adverse claim of Curtis having been thus quieted, the grant
of the future town secured, and the rules for conducting the settle
ment established, the next care of the Committee was to extinguish
the title of the Indians, then numerous in the vicinity, that neigh
bors so dangerous and powerful might be propitiated. A deed of
^5th month, 4th day: June 15, 1674, new style.
By Stat. 24. Geo. II. Colony Laws 579y for regulating the commencement of the
year and correcting the calendar, the style was changed. It was enacted, that from the'
last day of December, 1761, the year should be considered as beginning on the first day
of January, and that the day following the second of September, 1752, should be called
the Jifieentk, omitting eleven intermediate nominal days.
PrevioiSs to this act, the year was considered as commencing on the 26th of March,
the Lady day, or Annunciation of the church. According to the ancient reckoning,
March was the first, and February the last month.
The' correction of the calendar, made by Pope Gregory XIII, in 1682, was immedi
ately adopted in catholic countries. Although not established in England until 1762, it
was customary to indicate the cha'nge by double dates, between the 1st of January and
the 25th of March : thus, March 24, 1674-6, would have been written ;¦ the day being
after the commencement of 76, new style, and before the end of 74, old style.
To adjust the difference of style, eleven days are to be added to all dates' previous to'
Sept. 2, 1752. = Colony Files, 1674.
2

10 INDIAN DEED. [1674.
eight miles square, for the consideration of ' twelve pounds in law
ful money of New England, or the full value thereof in other specie
to the content of the grantees, within three months after the date to
be paid and satisfied, ' was executed, with great formality, on the
13th of July, 1674, by Solomon, alias Woonaskochu, sagamore of
Tataesit, and John, alias Iloorrawannonit, sagamore of Packachoag.i
The receipt of part of the purchase, viz. two coats and four yards of
trucking cloth, valued at twenty six shillings, as earnest, in hand, was
acknowledged. The conveyance was in fee, to the Committee, and
the rest of the people admitted, or to be admitted, to be inhabitants.
The terms, included all and every part of the natural or civil right of
the native chiefs, in all and singular, the broken up land and wood
land, woods, trees, rivers, brooks, ponds, swamps, meadows, minerals,
or things whatsoever, lying and being within the eight miles square.
Covenants were inserted that the lands should be held without any
let, molestation, or disturbance by the grantors or their kindred, or
people, or any claiming under them ; and that full and ample deeds
and writings should be made according to law on finishing the pay
ment. From a marginal note, attested by the venerable Gookin, it
appears, that the full consideration was discharged, August 20th,
1676, one half being advanced by himself, and the other moiety fur
nished by an assessment of one shilling the acre on the houselots of
the proprietors.
The acknowledgement of this deed was before Gookin himself,
though one of the grantees ; a circumstance not remarkable in times
of purity, when the interest of the man was not considered as af^
fecting the uprightness of the magistrate.
The following persons attested the instrument as subscribing wit
nesses. Onnomog, sagamore of Occonomesset,^ now Marlborough. He
is mentioned, Dec. 1674,^ ' as lately deceased, about two months
since, which is a great blow to that place. He was a pious and dis
creet man, and the very soul as it were of that town.' He was the
last ruler of his tribe.
Nwmplww, sagamore of Wamessit, now Tewksbury, said by Goo-
kin,3 to be ' of the blood of the chief sachems.' His son Samu
el, was teacher of the praying Indians ; ' A young man of good
1 Middlesex Registry of Deeds, Lib. 8, Fol. 317.
2 This word is written by Gookin, 1 Mass. Hist. Col.i. 185, Okommakamesit; by Hutch
inson, quoting from Elliot, Hist. Mass. 1, 156, Ogguionikongquamesut : by Rev. Mr.
Allen, Wor. Mag, ii. 141, Ockucangansett : and is said to have been corrupted to Ago-
ganggomissit. '1 Mass. Hist. Col. 1, 185.

1675.] GRANTS OF LANDS. 11
parts, and who can speak, read and write English and Indian compe
tently. He is one of those that was bred up at school at the charge
of the Corporation for the Indians.'
Joseph Tliatcher, of Chabanakonkomon,! now Dudley, who was
a teacher. Nosoonoioit : a christian of Pakachoag.
In 1675, the work of settlement was prosecuted with vigor. About
the middle of April, surveys were made of the lands by David Fisk
of Cambridge, and John Flint of Concord.^ The lines and boun
daries of the lots were established by actual admeasurement, and
grants were made, confirmed and registered. Fifty acres were laid
out to Gookin and Prentice, and twenty five to Henchman, of the
Committee. A lot granted to Phinehas Upham,^ July 8, 1673, was
now described and located, ' and although it should contain more
than fifty acres, yet the Committee have confirmed it to him for a
fifty acre lot, more or less ; and this they did upon a rule of justice
and equity, in consideration of the labor, travel, and activity of the
said Upham, from time to time, in furthering, advancing, and en
couraging the settlement of the plantation.'* In pursuance of
the order of Court, fifty acres were assigned to Ephraim Curtis
' where he had begun to build a small house's A lot of forty acres
w^as appropriated for the use of the ' first, learned, pious, and or
thodox minister.'"
At this time the grants to the following persons were surveyed,
confirmed, and recorded. The figures express the number of acres
in each lot.
In the west squadron or division on the north side of Connecticut
road : Thomas Hall, 25, of Woburn : Daniel Gookin, 50; Samuel
Gookin, 25, of Cambridge : Simon Meyling, 25 ; Ephraim Curtis,
50, of Sudbury : Daniel Henchman, 25, of Boston : Dr. Leonard
Hoar, 25, of Concord.
In the west squadron or division on the south sideihe Country
road: Phinehas Upham, 50, of Maiden : Philip Atwood, 50, of Con
cord : Trial Newbury, 25, of Woburn.
In the middle squadron or division on the north side of the Coun-
1 Written Chabanakongkamun, 1 Mass. Hist. Col. I 189. On Carleton's map of Massa
chusetts, it is called Chargoggagoggmanchoggagogg. This collection of syllables is di
vided into two words, on Reach's map of Dudley, 1831, and bestowed on Slater's Pond.
2 Prop. Records, 7—12.
3 Phinehas Upham afterwards distinguished himself in the War with Philip as Lieu
tenant of Infantry. He was mortally wounded in the attack on the Narraganset Fort,
Dec. 19, 1675, and died, soon after, in Boston.
< Prop. Rec. 8. » ib. 7. « Ib. 10.

12 VIEW OF THE SETTLEMENT. [1675.
try road : Thomas Brown, 50, of Sudbury : Richard Dana, 50 ;
Jacob Dana, 25, of Watertown : Joel Jenkins, 100, of Maiden.
In the middle division, on the south side of the Country road, east
side mill brook: Thomas Prentice, 50, of Woburn : Benjamin Webb,
50, of Marlborough : First Minister, 40 : Benjamin Crane, 50, of
Sudbury : Thomas Hall, 25, of Woburn.
In the eastern squadron, lying next to the Country road to Bos
ton : Joseph Waigh, or Wayt, 25, of Marlborough : John Provender,
25, of Maiden : Samuel Brigham, 25 ; John Fay, 50, of Marlbo
rough : Gershom Eames, 25, of Framingham : Thomas Grover, 25 ;
John Paul, 50 ; John Shaw, 25, of Maiden : John Curtis, 44 ;
Simon Meyling, 5.5, of Sudbury.
Another squadron in the way to Lancaster : Michael Flagg, 2§ ;
Joshua Bigelow, 25 ; Joseph Beamis, 25 ; all of Watertown.
Other lots granted and Indian purchase money paid but not laid
out : William Taylor, 25, of Maiden : Jonathan Treadaway, 25, of
Sudbury : William Adams, 25, of Concord or Sudbury.
In 1675, ' the Country road to Connecticut '^ as it was called,
the highway of communication between Boston and the western set
tlements, entered the town near the head of the Pond, and following
along the course of the present Shrewsbury road to its intersec
tion with that to Lancaster, passed westward of the route now trav
elled, and crossed the stream nearly a quarter of a mile above the
Bridge. It then traversed the plain and ascended the hill west of
the modern Court House, near where a private lane now exists. It
was merely a path cut through the wood^, practicable for passengers
on foot and with horses.
' This was the new road from Marlborough, through what is now Northborough,
Shrewsbury, and YV'orcester to Connecticut. The Nipmuck, or old road, passed through
the east part of Northborough, over rock hill, east of Great and Little Chauncey Ponds,
into Westborough, and thence through Grafton. The first house built on the new road
west of Marlborough, was that of Col. James Eager of Northborough. In 1674, there
was no human habitation on its route between Marlborough and Brookfield, except the
wigwams on Packachoag. Wor. Mag. ii. 152.
In the agreement of the Committee with Capt. Henchman, in 1684, it is said 'the
country road is to lead up where carts have gone towards the north west corner of the
citadel, and so pass into the street, next on the westerly side, where the mills are to
Stand, that carts as well as horse may pass therein.'
The way to Lancaster went northward from the town, nearly on the route followed by
the present old Boston Road.
In Wor. Mag. ii. 142 it is supposed that the village of Pakachoag was on the Con
necticut road. The account of Gookin shows that it was about three miles distant at
this time. A highway was subsequently located, south of the ancient path, which pass^
pd near the foot of" Pakachoag.

1675.] VIEW OF THE SETTLEMENT. 13
On this road, south of the fording place, was erected, at a very
early period, one of those edifices called block, or garrison houses,
and denominated on the records, 'the old Indian Fort.' The
structures for defence against the tribes prowling in the forest, so -far
as specimens have survived the waste of time, or descriptions been
preserved by tradition, had great uniformity in construction. They
were built of timbers hewn on the sides in contact with each other,
firmly interlocked at the ends, and fastened together with strong pins.
They were generally square in form and two stories in height. The
basement was furnished with a single thick door of plank. The
walls were perforated with narrow loop holes for the use of musket
ry against an approaching foe. A ladder, easily drawn up if the
lower floor was forced, ascended to the next room, which projected
two or three feet over on each side, having slits for infantry and wi
der port holes for cannon. The gentle slope of the roof afforded an
elevated position to overlook the surrounding country, and was some
times crowned with a little turret for an observatory. These watch
towers, impervious to ball or arrow, were of abundant strength to
resist an enemy unprovided with artillery, and might defy any attack,
except that by fire on the combustible materials, To these wooden
castles, in the infancy of the country, the inhabitants repaired on
the alarm of danger, and found ample protection within the rude
fortresses, seldom reduced by the savage, of too fierce temperament
to await the lingering progress of seige,
The lands eastward of Main Street, in the centre of the town, had
been flooded by the Beavers, who had established their hamlet and
built a dam across the stream near the bridge on Front Street. It is
probable, the tract around the head of the Blackstone Canal then
spread like a fair prairie, free from trees and covered with the herb-:
age of the meadows,
There were tracts which had been occupied by the Indians as
planting grounds ; and their simple husbandry, if it did not improve
by tillage, admitted the rays of the sun through the thick shade of
the primeval woods to warm the soil enriched by the decayed veg
etation of ages. The ' Indian broken up lands ' are frequently
mentioned in the proprietary records. The fires of the hunter, an^
tjcipating the work of the axe, had prepared fields for the plough.
These are the only vestiges of improvement which can be traced
as existing when the first settlers of Worcester commencsd their
labors. Most of those who had expressed intention to become planters
and joined in the petition of the Committee in May, 1674, discour-

14 PHILIP'S WAR. [1674.
aged by difficulties or delay, had abandoned their purpose. Of the
persons who obtained grants, many did not discharge the purchase
money of one shilling the acre, and but few actually removed. It
required stout hearts to penetrate the depth of the wilderness and
maintain residence in the immediate vicinity of the savage.
Ephraim Curtis, who had already built, Thomas Hall, Simon
Meyling, Phinehas Upham, Thomas Grover, Philip Atwood, Joseph
Waight, John Provender, and perhaps some others, had arrived in
the month of April, 1675. Six or seven houses were erected. Nei
ther record nor tradition, affords information of the position of the hab
itations. The neighborhood of the Fort, the convenient proximity
of water and meadow, would, it may reasonably be conjectured, have
induced to the selection of the northern part of the present central
settlement. To the edition of Hubbard's Narrative published in 1677, is pre
fixed a Map of New England, being as the title expresses ' the first
map here cut,' framed to illustrate the events of the war with Philip.
The places ' assaulted by the Indians during the late awful revolu
tions of Providence ' are indicated upon this rude specimen of the
origin of the arts in our country. The town of Worcester is thus
distinguished. In the work it is described, as ' a village called
Quonsigamog, in the middle way between Marlborough and duaba-
og, consisting of about six or seven houses.'i
The settlement was prosperously advancing, and the inhabitants, in
the language of the record, ' had built after the manner of a town,'
when the war with Philip of Mount Hope broke out in Plymouth
colony. The conspiracy to crush the white men by a general mas
sacre, if, as has been asserted by the early annalists, such a com
bination existed, was disclosed before it had ripened to its sanguin
ary maturity, and the Indians were driven unprepared into the con
flict ending in the extermination of their tribes. The influence
of the great native warrior extended widely through the tributary
nations. The confederation he planned to expel the invader, who
grew stronger day by day, and like the serpent, though crushed
at one point was alive at another with renovated power to injure,
though defeated of its primary object, was the commencement of a
series of hostilities that desolated the frontier settlements. Although
remote for a time, the war soon approached the plantation of Uuin-
sigamond. The son of Matoonus had been executed in 1671, for
the murder of an Englishman, and his head placed on a pole, where
' Hubbard's Nar. 135. 2 ;[,. 31.

1675.J INDIAN HOSTILITIES. 15
it long remained, as the terrific memorial of justice. The father,
a grave and sober Indian, appointed by Gookin constable of Pak
achoag, in his profession of Christianity, had not forsaken the vin
dictive principle so deeply cherished by his people. July 10, 1675,^
he visited Mendon, and revenged the loss of his offspring by the
death of five of its inhabitants.!
This was the signal for the commencement of a desperate contest.
Common danger produced that eflicient union of the northern colo
nies cemented by the necessity of self preservation. The war was
not of long continuance.
Energetic and rapid excursions laid waste the resources of the
hostile tribes ; the allies, enticed to their support, foreseeing their fate,
grew cold towards ancient friendships : their supplies were destroy
ed : their wigwams consumed : and Philip and his forces, hunted
from post to post, deserted their homes and took refuge among the
Nipmuck villages, where they received shelter and reinforcement.
Unable to maintain open fight, they continued an unsparing preda
tory warfare upon the exposed hamlets and garrisons. Alarm pre
vailed through New England. None knew when to expect the visi
tation of the foe, lurking unseen in the solitude of the forest, until
the blow fell, as sudden as the lightning, and left its effects traced
with fire and blood. The husbandman went forth to cultivate the
field, armed as if for battle ; the musket and the sword rested by the
pillow, whose slumbers were often broken, as the war whoop rose on
the watches of night. The planters of Worcester, placed hard by
the seat of the enemy, remote from friendly aid, with no dwelling
of civilized man nearer than Marlborough on the east, Lancaster
towards the north, and Quabaog, now Brookfield, westward, to af
ford assistance and support, were compelled to desert their posses
sions, and dispersed among the larger towns. The silence of deso
lation succeeded to the cheerful sounds of industry, and the village
was abandoned to the wild beast and the fiercer foe.
' This event is thus noticed by Mather. ' July 14, the NIpnep, or Nipmuck Indians,
began their mischief at a town called Mendam { had we amended our ways as we should
have done, this misery might have been prevented ) where they committed barbarous
Tnurders. This day deserves to have a Remark set upon it, considering that blood was
never shed in MassachusMs colomj in a way of hostility before this day. Moreover,
the Providence of God herein is the more awful and tremendous, iu that this very day
the church in Dorchester was before the Lord humbling themselves by fasting and pray
er on account of the day of trouble now begun among us.
The news of this bloodshed came to us at Boston, the next day, in Lecture lime, in
the midst of the sermon : the Scripture then improved being that, Isai. 42: 24. Who
gave Jacob to the spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not the Lord? He against whom
we have sinned.' Mather's Hist. 5.

16 NIPMUCK INDIANS. [1675.

CHAPTER II.
King Philip's war, 1676, 1676. The Nipmuck country. Indian Settlements. Visit of
Gookin and Elliot. Attack on Quabaog. Ephraim Curtis. Phinehas Upham.
Henchman's expedition. Q,uInsigamond burnt. Henchman's second expedition.
Sagamore John surrenders. Matoonus shot. Executions in Boston. Destruction
of the Indians.
The natives of Quinsigamond were of the Nipmuck or Nipnet
Indians. The territorial jurisdiction of this tribe is not accurately
defined by the early historians. Gookin, high authority on such sub
jects, includes within ' the Nipmuck country,' as it was called, ten
¦v-illages of Christian converts : Hassanamisset in Grafton; Manchoag
now Oxford ; Chabanakongkaraon now Dudley ; Maanesit, Cluan-
tisset and Wabquisset in Woodstock ; Packachaog in Worcester
and Ward ; Waentug now Uxbridge ; Weshakim now Sterling ; and
Quabaog in Brookfield. i From the position of these places, the do
main of the nation must have extended over all the south, and part of
the north, of the County of Worcester, and included a portion of
Connecticut. On the south were the fierce Pequots ; the Massachu
setts, inhabiting from the bay of that name to the interior, were on
the east ; north, were the Pawtuckets, dwelling along the Merri
mack and its tributary waters. The western boundary is uncertain.
It is possible that it was as remote as the Connecticut River and the
possessions of the warlike Maquas -or Mohawks. Elliot, in 1651,
speaks of Nipmuck, as ' a great country lying between Connectacot
and the Massachusetts, called Nipnet, where there be many Indi
ans dispersed. '2 The Nipmucks enjoyed a wide region, abounding
with lakes and rivers for fishing, forests for the hunter, and soil fa
vorable for their rude tillage. Their character was more gentle and
peaceful than generally belongs to savage life. Surrounded by pow
erful and ferocious tribes, they had lost national independence. The
chiefs and sagamores of the scattered hamlets were subordinate and
tributary to their strong neighbors. When the planters first arrived!,
Wattasacompanum, was nominally ruler. But his authority was
controlled, and his efforts to preserve the friendly relations which had
always subsisted between his people and the English, were rendered
ineffectual, by the superior influence and bolder spirit of the Sa
chems, who held his subjects by paramount allegiance to their wild
1 1 Mass. Hist. Col. i. l'89. 2 3 Mass. Hist. Col. iv. 170.

1674.] INDIAN SETTLEMENTS. 17
governments, and they were drawn, reluctantly and unwillingly into
hostilities. The principal settlement of the Indians in Worcester, was on the
hill rising in the south part of the town, and extending into Ward,
called by them Pakachoag, now known as Bogachoag. It is thus de
scribed by Gookin, in his ' Historical Collections of the Indians in
New England,' i written in Dec. 1674. ' This village lyeth about
three miles south from the new road way that leadeth from Boston to
Connecticut; about eighteen miles, west southerly, from Marlbo
rough ; and from Boston about forty four miles. It consists of about
twenty families, and hath about one hundred souls therein. This
town is seated upon a fertile hill, and is denominated from a delicate
spring of water that is there.'
The western hills, bearing originally the appellation of Tataesset,
corrupted, in common use, into Tatnuck, were occupied by smaller
hamlets. Wigwam Hill, on the eastern shore of Quinsigamond, was prob
ably a favorite place of residence for the people who ranged along
its waters for fish and game. The name given by the planters indi
cates that it was once the site of the back tents of the abotigines.
The remains of rtide workmanship frequently discovered around
these eminences, and the vestiges of primitive agriculture formerly
scattered over our territory, show that the tribe once roving through
our forests was numerous.
The benevolent exertions of self devoted teachers in diffusing the
light of Christianity, had been extended to these villages, and as
early as 1672, they had been here instructed in the doctrines of reli
gion and the ceremonial of the church.
On the 17th of September, 1674, John Eliot, well styled the
apostle of the Indians, visited Pakachoag, accompanied by Gookin,
who then held the office of superintendent, on his return from an
excursion among the nations entrusted to his paternal guardianship.
The description, left by the latter, affords a view of the condition
of the population previous to the commencement of that war whose
exterminating edge soon fell on their kindred.
' We took leave of the christian Indians at Chabanakongkomun,
and took our journey, 17th of the seventh month,^ by Manchage
to Pakachoog, which lieth from Manchage, north west, about twelve
miles. We arrived there about noon.'
' We repaired to the sagamore's house, called John, alias Horo-
) 1. Mass. Hist. Col. i. 192. « 28 September, 1674. N. S.
3

18 GOOKIN'S AND ELIOT'S VISIT. [1674.
wanninit, who kindly entertained us. There is another sagamore
belonging to this place, of kindred to the former, whose name is
Solomon, alias Wooanakochu. This man was also present, who
courteously welcomed us. As soon as the people could be got to
gether, Mr. Eliot preached unto them and they attended reverently.
Their teacher, named James Speen, being present, read and set the
tune of a psalm that was sung affectionately. Then was the whole
duty concluded with prayer.'
' After some short respite, a Court was kept among them. My
chief assistant was Wattasacompanum, ruler of the Nipmuck In
dians, a grave and pious man of the chief sachem's blood of the
Nipmuck country. He resides at Hassanamesit : but, by former
appointment calleth here, together with some others. The princi
pal matter done at this Court, was, first, to constitute John and
Solomon to be rulers of this people and co-ordinate in power, cloth
ed with the authority of the English government, which they accep
ted : also to allow and approve James Speen for their minister.
This man is of good parts ; and pious. He hath preached to this
people almost two years, but he yet resides at Hassanamesit, about
seven miles distant. Also they chose and the Court confirmed, a new
constable, a grave and sober Indian, called Matoonus. Then I
gave both the rulers, teacher, constable and people, their respective
charges, to be diligent and faithful for God, zealous against sin, and
careful in sanctifying the Sabbath.'
Having sent a grave and pious Indian to be a teacher at Nash-
away, near Lancaster, with a letter of advice and exhortation, writ
ten and dated at Pakachoag, and nominated one of that tribe, who
was present as constable, with power, ' to apprehend drunkards,
take away their strong drink, and bring the offenders before himself
for punishment ;' an office which the candidate refused to accept
until he could consult his friends ; the exercises were concluded
with singing a psalm and offering prayer, and they retired to rest.
The next morning early they passed to Marlborough and thence re
turned to their homes. i
While the flame of war spread through the whole jurisdiction of
Massachusetts, Quinsigamond was distinguished as the central point
in a territory depopulated by hostilities, and as a post for military
movements. Some of the christian Indians, during this gloomy
period, repaired to Marlborough : but most of them, enticed by the
persuasions and awed by the lofly spirit of Philip, united themselves
> 1. Mass. Hist. Col. i. 192.

1675.] ATTACK ON QUABOAG. 19

>«

with him. As early as July, 1675, this bold and sagacious war
rior was at Pakachaog, and was accompanied westward by saga
more John, who participated in the attack on Quabaog. When
this John surrendered himself at Boston, the year after, ' he affirm
ed ' says Hubbard, ' that he had never intended any mischief to the
English at Brookfield, but that Philip, coming over night among
them, he was forced, for fear of his own life, to join with them against
the English.'i Many of our Indians went with him.
While the natives of Pakachoag were attempting the destruction
of Brookfield, Ephraim Curtis, who may be considered as the first
settler of Worcester, distinguished himself as a gallant soldier in
repelling their attacks. Having actively engaged in military ser
vice, he received the commission of Lieutenant. The govern
ment, desirous of reclaiming the Nipmucks to their fidelity, repeat
edly sent messengers to their chiefs. On the 24th of July, 1675,
Curtis held a conference with four of their sachems, and received
assurances of their peaceful intentions.^ Induced by deceptive
promises, Capt. Edward Hutchinson, and Capt. Thomas Wheeler,
¦were sent into the interior ; the former, commissioned to negociate
a treaty, and the latter, in command of a military force of 20 men,
for the protection of the embassy. Commencing their march from
Cambridge, July 28, and passing the forsaken wigwams of the sava
ges, who fled before them to concentrate power for a heavy blow,
they arrived near Brookfield, August 2. Having been amused by
delusive appointments for meetings, they were led into a narrow de
file, between a steep hill and deep swamp. Two or three hundred
Indians rose suddenly from their ambuscade, and, with the first fire,
killed eight and wounded five men, including both the commanders.
The survivors of the ill fated company, with difficulty, effected a re
treat to the town, where they fortified one of the largest houses.
' Within two hours after our coming to the said house, or less,'
says Wheeler, in his narrative,^ ' the said Capt. Hutchinson and my
self posted away Ephraim Curtis of Sudbury, and Henry Young of
Concord, to go to the honored council, at Boston, to give them an
• Hubbard's Narrative, 101. 'One eyed John accuses sagamore John to have fired
the first gun at Quaboag, and killed Capt. Hutchinson.' Sewall's Journal.
2 Hub. Nar. 36.
3 See the very interesting tract, reprinted in the New Hampshire Historical Society's
Collections, ii. 5, written by Captain Thomas Wheeler, entitled 'A True narrative of the
Lord's providences in various dispensations towards Capt. Edward Hutchinson and my
self, and those who went with us, into the Nipmug country, and also to Quabaog, alias
Brookfield.'

20 CURTIS. UPHAM. [1675.
account of the Lord's dealing with us and our present condition.
When they came to the further end of the town, they saw the ene
my rifling of houses, which the inhabitants had forsaken. The post
fired upon them, and immediately returned to us again ; they dis
cerning no safety in going forward, and being desirous to inform us
of the enemies actings, that we might the more prepare for a sudden
assault by them.'
This assault foUowj;^ with great violence but was bravely resisted.
During the night, thejattack continued, and the Indians attempted
to fire the house, with combustibles. ' I ' says Wheeler, ' being de
sirous to hasten intelligence to the honored Council of our present
great distress, we being so remote from any succor, it being between
60 and 70 miles from us to Boston, where the Council useth to sit,
and fearing our ammunition would not last long to withstand
them, if they continued so to assault us, I spake to Ephraim Cur
tis, to adventure forth again on that service and to attempt it on foot,
as the way wherein there was most hope of getting away undis
covered : he readily assented, and, accordingly, went out ; but there
were so many Indians every where thereabouts, that he could not,
pass, without apparent hazard of life ; so he came back again ; but,
towards morning, the said Ephraim adventured forth the third time,
and was fain to creep on his hands and knees for some space of
ground, that he might not be discerned by the enemy, who waited
to prevent our sending, if they could haVe hindered it. But, through
God's mercy, he escaped their hands, and got safely to Marlborough,
though very much spent, and ready to faint, by reason of want of
sleep before he went from us, and his sore travel, night and day, in
that hot season, till he got thither, from whence he went to Boston.'
Intelligence had reached Marlborough before the arrival of Ephraim
Curtis, and Major Simon Willard, whose memory has been unhappily
slandered by tradition, had marched for the relief of the little l^and
surrounded by more than three hundred Indians.
On the 1st of September 1675, another of the early settlers of
Worcester, Lt. Phinehas Upham, advanced, with a force of 100 men
under the command of Capt. Gorham, into the Nipmuck country.
The object of the expedition was to destroy the planting fields and
burn the wigwams of the Indians, to deprive them of shelter and
food during the winter. Gookin complains that they attacked only
the villages of the praying converts, while Pakachoag, where there
was abundance of corn was left untouched. ^
' Gookin's Hist. Christian Indians in American Antiquarian Society's Collections.

1675.] HENCHMAN'S EXPEDITION. 21
In November following, the enemy's forces captured the people
of Hassanamesit, while employed about their harvest. Wattasa
companum, the chief ruler and assistant, who had held court with
Gookin in 1674, was prevailed with to unite with Philip, and his
example drew after him most of his subjects. When information of
this movement reached the Council, Capt. Henchman and Capt. Sill
were immediately despatched to range the country with two compa
nies. Having visited Grafton, and rescuer some captives, ' they
marched ' says Gookin in his Narrative of the sufferings of the
christian Indians i ' to a place called Packachoage, about 10 miles
distant from Hassanamessit, towards the north west, where was
plenty of good Indian corn, and, in this place they hoped to meet
some of the enemy. Coming to the place, they saw signs of In
dians, that had been lately there, but, it seems, were withdrawn
upon the approach of the English. Here our forces took up their
quarters one night, there being two wigwams, which were good shel
ter for our soldiers, the weather being wet and stormy. The next
morning, our forces searched about the cornfields, to find the ene
my, but could not discover them, though, in all probability, the ene
my saw them in all their motions, and concealed themselves ; for
this is their ordinary way ; to lie hid in thick swamps and other se
cret places, and to move as our men do scatter themselves, in small
parties, and lie close, observing all our men's motions. The Eng
lish, in their search, found above 100 bushels of Indian corn newly
gathered, and a great quantity of corn standing. About 10 o'clock
in the forenoon, the English Captains and their soldiers marched
back to Hassanamessit. Being gone about two miles on their way,
Capt. Henchman, missing as he apprehended, his letter ca?e, where
in his writings and orders were, he sent back two Englishmen, and
the Indian Thomas, on horseback, to see at the wigwam where he
lodged, to find his papers : these messengers, accordingly, going
back, the Indian led them the way, and ascending up a steep hill, at
the top whereof stood the wigwam, as soon as ever he discovered it,
being not above six rods distant, he saw two Indian enemies, stand
ing at the wigwam door, newly come out, and four more, sitting at
the fire, in the house. At which sight he bestirred himself, and,
looking back, called earnestly ( as if many men were behind, com
ing up the hill ) to hasten away and encompass the enemy. One of
the enemy, thereupon, presented his gun at our Indian; but, the gun
missing fire, ( probably the moist rainy weather had put it out of
' Amarican Antiquarian Society's Collections.

22 QUINSIGAMOND BURNED. [1675.
case ) whereupon, the rest of them, that were in the wigwam, came
all out, and ran away as fast as they could, suspecting that the Eng
lish forces were at hand. And then, Thomas, with his two comrades,
having thus prudently scared away the enemy, they thought it sea
sonable also to ride back again to their company as fast as they could.
And, indeed, there was good reason for it; because Thomas, the In
dian had only a pistol : one of the Englishmen, who was their chir-
urgeon, a young man, had no gun : the third had a gun, but the flint
was lost :^so that they were in ill case to defend themselves, or offend
the enemy : but, God preserved them, by the prudence and courage
of the Indian : which deliverance, one of the Englishmen directly
acknowledged to me, attributing their preservation, under God, to
this fellow : so they got safe to their captain, who, in the interim,
searching diligently, had found his letter case, and staid for these
messengers.'! The buildings, deserted by the planters of Worcester, were des
troyed by the Indians, Dec. 2, 1675 : an event in which Mather dis
covers a special admonition of the displeasure of divine Providence.
The expedition against the Narragansets was then about to march.
' But before they set out,' says the annalist, ' the churches were all
upon their knees before the Lord, the God of armies, entreating his
favor and gracious success in that undertaking. This day of Pray
er and Humiliation was observed December 2d : when, also some
thing happened, intimating as if the Lord were still angry with our
prayers : for, this day, all the houses in Quonsukamuck were burnt
by the Indians.'^
During the winter, the hostile Indians were scattered through the
country between Marlborough and Brookfield. A large body gath
ered round Wachuset. Philip having visited Canada, they remain
ed for the most part inactive. On his return, the tomahawk was
again lifted, and torture and death resumed their work. On the first
of February, 1675,3 the Nipmucks destroyed the house of Thomas
Eames in Framingham. Three of the men of Pakachoag were af
terwards executed in Boston for this burning. A curious inventory
of the loss sustained by the sufferer was afterwards presented to the
General Court, in which a wife and five children are included among
the articles of furniture and items of property for reimbursement.
The Nipmucks were engaged in the attack on Lancaster, Feb'y.
10, 1675,4 rendered memorable by the simple narrative of Mrs. Row-
1 See Hubbard's Nar. 45. 2 Increase Mather's History, 19.
3 Feb. 12, 1676, New Style. 4 Feb. 22, 1676, N. S.

1676.] HENCHMAN'S EXPEDITION. 23
landson's captivity ; and, probably, participated in the depredations
on other towns. The troops of Prentice, Savage, Mosely, and the
other distinguished leaders of the time, frequently traversed the ter
ritory along the Connecticut road, to seek or pursue the foe. Par
ties were sometimes stationed at Quinsigamond, to await reenforce-
ments or watch the operations of the enemy.
In April, 1676, three companies of infantry under Captains Sill,
Cutler and Holbrook, and three of cavalry, with Capts. Brattle and
Prentice, and Capt. Henchman who was commander in chief, were
sent out towards Hassanamessit. Having been released for a time
from service, on the 30th of May, Henchman was again despatched
from Boston, to meet a corps from Connecticut, to scour the forest
on both sides Connecticut River, to distress the enemy and prevent
their fishing in those waters. The two parties were to unite at
Brookfield, but Henchman turned aside to attack a party at Wesh
akim ponds. This service successfully performed, he proceeded
westward and met the troops of the neighboring colony at Hadley.
The object of the campaign accomplished, the men of Massachusetts
returned. The instructions of the Council, dated June 10, state
that Philip, with several sachems, but with few fighting men, had
then planted at Quabaog and Pakachoag. On arriving near the
last named place, they found that Philip and the Narragansets were
gone several days before. On the 30th of June, Henchman, having
halted at Marlborough, made a report from which the following pas
sages are extracted.
'By advice, I drew out a commanded party, under the conduct of
Capt. Sill, viz. sixteen files of English, all my troop, and the Indi
ans, excepting one file, being all we could make provision for ; for
what, with the falling short of the bread promised us, and a great
deal of that we had proving mouldy, the rest of the men had but
one biscuit a man to bring them to this place. This party we order
ed towards Wachuset, and so to Nashaway, and the Weshakim
Ponds, and so to return to this place. The commanded party we
left at Quonsiquomon, ¦where they intended to stay awhile for the last
scout we sent out. Eleven prisoners we had in all ; two of the eld
est, by counsel, we put to death, the other nine the commissary is
ordered to convey to Boston. '^
From this time the fortunes of Philip rapidly declined. The spir
it of disaffection spread among his allies, and the formidable con
federacy his genius had formed was parted. The confidence he had
1 Hubbard Nar. 86.

24 SAGAMORE JOHN'S LETTER. [1676.
inspired was lost, and the dread of the English power revived, as
unsparing vengeance was visited on the hostile tribes.
Sagamore John, alarmed at the dangerous condition of affairs, pru
dently sought safety by timely submission. In the early part of Ju
ly, he opened a negotiation for peace with the government in Bos
ton. A curious letter, composed by a christian Indian who had learned
to write, supplicating mercy in very imperfect language, is preserved
in one of a series of tracts, first printed in London in 1676.^ John
subscribed this paper, as a highland chieftain would have done, with
the name of his clan. It was signed by other Nipmuck sagamores,
and sent by a party with a white flag, July 6, 1676, from Nashaway.
' Mr. John Leveret, my Lord, Mr. Waban, and all the chief men
our brethren, praying to God.^ We beseech you all to help us ; my
wife she is but one, but there be more prisoners, which we pray
you keep well : Mattamuck his wife, we entreat you for her ; and
not only that man, but it is the request of two Sachems, Sam Sachem
of WeshaJdm and the Pakashoag Sachem.'
' And that further you will consider about the making peace.
We have spoken to the people of Nashobah ( viz. Tom Duller and
Peter ) that we would agree with you and make a covenant of peace
with you. We have been destroyed by your soldiers : but still we
remember it now, to sit still ; do you consider it again : we do ear
nestly entreat you that it may be so by Jesus Christ. O ! let it be
so ! Amen. Amen.' Mattamuck, his mark N.
Sam. Sachem, his mark iS.
Simon Pottoquam, Scribe J.
Uppanippaquem, his ( mark ) C.
Pakaskoag, his mark 54 .3
Soon after this letter 'ivas written, about July 13,* sagamore John'
ventured to visit Boston,to deliver himself to the Magistrates and make'
terms for his men. The Governor and Council, with policy equaUy
^ ' A true account of the most considerable occurrences that have happened in the warre
between the English and Indians in New England,' reprinted in Drake's Indian Chron
icle, 131.
2 The letter is intended to be addressed to Gov. Leveret, Mr. Waban, and the chris
tian Indians who' prayed to God.
3 The name of the residence of sagamore John was spelt by different early writers thus :
Pakachoge: Packachooge: Pakchoog: Pakachage: Pakachauge: Poppachaug: Poque-
baug: Pakachewog: Pakashooge : Packashoag : Pakaskoag; Pacachoog. The best
authority is for Pajcachoag.
* Drake's Indian Chronicle, 137. I. Mather's' Hist. 43. Hub. Nar. 101 .

1676.] JOHN. MATOONUS. 25
wise and humane, had issued proclamations offering pardon to the In
dians who voluntarily came in and surrendered. John expressed sin
cere sorrow for taking part against the English, engaged to be true
to their interests in future, promised to give some testimonials of fi
delity, received assurances of security and protection, and was per
mitted to depart. On the 27th of July, he returned bringing with
him an hundred and eighty of his followers. To propitiate favor, and
purchase peace by an acceptable offering, he had treacherously seiz
ed that Matoonus, who had shed the first blood in Massachusetts
on the beginning of the war at Mendon, with Nehemiah his son,
both probably natives of Pakachoag, and brought them down bound
with cords, to be given up to justice. Matoonus, having been ex
amined was condemned to immediate death. Sagamore John, with
the new born zeal of the traitor, to signalize his devotion to the
cause he adopts by extraordinary rancor against that he deserts, en
treated for himself and his men, the office of executioners. Matoo
nus was led out, and being tied to a tree on Boston common, was
shot by his own countrymen, his head cut off, and placed upon a pole
opposite to that of his son, who formerly suffered on the same spot
for a real or supposed murder committed in 1671.
The historians of the period heap upon Matoonus, a load of abu
sive and uncharitable epithets. The great injury he received, the
deepest the heart of savage or civilized man can suffer, affords, in
their view, no apology for acts of violence, which although cruel, were
according to the custom of war among his people. 'Sagamore
John,' says Hubbard, ' that he might more ingratiate himself with the
English, whose friendship he was now willing to seek after, did by a
wile, get into his hands, one Matoonus, an old malicious villain/'who
was the first that did any mischief within the Massachusetts Colo
ny, July 14, 1675, bearing an old grudge against them as is thought,
for justice that was done upon one of his sons, 1671, whose head
since stands upon a pole near the gibbet where he was hanged up :
the bringing in of this malicious caitife was a hopeful presage that it
would not be long before Philip himself, the grand villain, would in
like manner receive a just reward of his wickedness and murders.'
Increase Mather, another minister of that gospel which incul
cates the forgiveness of injuries, adds his testimony with equal bit
terness, in a sermon preached in 1677.1
' How often have we prayed that the Lord would remember the
cruelty, treachery, and above all the blasphemy of these heathen !
' Historical discourse on the prevalence of prayer, 6.
4

26 WATTASACOMPANUM. [1676.
This prayer hath been heard in Heaven  Matoonus, who
was the first Indian that treacherously shed innocent English blood
in Massachusetts colony, he some years before pretended something
of religion, being a professor in general, ( though never baptised,
nor of the inchurched Indians,) that so he might the more covertly
manage the hellish design of revenge, that was harbored in his devil
ish heart : but at last sagamore John, with some of his Indians, un
expectedly surprised him and delivered him to justice.'^
Sagamore John, with nineteen of those who surrendered with him,
were placed under the charge of Capt. Thomas Prentice, in Cam
bridge. During the succeeding winter, they escaped to the woods,
and although closely followed, eluded pursuit. Three of the com
pany were executed, with some of their associates, for burning the
house of Thomas Eames. Of their fate Sewall makes this brief re
cord in his journal : ' Sept. 13, eight Indians shot to death on the
(Boston) common.' Thirty were sold as slaves, under the milder
name of putting out to service. The residue of the captives were
confined to Deer Island, where many died by famine and exposure
without suitable food or shelter from cold.
The assistant Wattasacompanum, better known in the annals of
the time by the appellation of Captain Tom,^ was made prisoner,
June 11, 1676, with his daughter and two young children. Hench
man, announcing the capture, reports that this man was said to have
left the enemy early in spring, intending to give himself up to the
English, but dared not come in for fear of their scouts. The min
utes of his trial allege, that ' Capt. Tom was not only an instigator
to others over whom he was made a captain, but also was actually
present and an actor in the devastation of some of our plantations.'
Although the company of friendly Indians, who had done good ser
vice to the colony, petitioned for his release, he was executed June
22. ' He was,' says Gookin,^ ' a prudent, and, I believe, a pious
man, and had given good demonstration of it many years. I had
particular acquaintance with him, and cannot, in charity, think oth
erwise concerning him in his life, or at his death : though possibly
he was tempted beyond his strength ; for had he done as he ought,
he should have rather suffered death than have gone among the
wicked enemies of God's people.'
> Mather states that one of the sons of Matoonus was brought in with him, which is
confirmed by the following entry in Sewall's MS. Journal, ' July 27, 1676. Sagamore
John brings in Maloonus and his son : shot to death the same day.'
« ShattucU's Concord, 62. ' Hist. Christian Indians, in Am. Ant. Soc. Col.

1676.] EXECUTIONS. REMOVAL OF INDIANS. 27
During the summer, military executions were frequent in Boston.
Thirty Indians were shot in one day on the common. The return
of troops from victorious expeditions into the interior, was often fol
lowed by judicial slaughter, only to be defended on the ground of
necessity. The captives were sometimes treated as traitors, and
blood profusely shed. The heads of the sufferers, exposed near the
spot where they fell, were ghastly memorials of the stern character
of vindictive justice.
An order of Council, August 30, 1675, directed that all Indians
desirous of approving their fidelity should repair to Natick, Pun-
kapaug,! Wamesit,^ Nashobah,^ and Hassanameset, to be confined
within a circle drawn at the distance of a mile from the centre of
the dwellings. The christians of Quinsigamond, about this period
went to Grafton, where they were afterwards surprised by a large
force and compelled to join the enemy, as is stated, although it is
not probable strong compulsion was needed to induce them to take
part with their countrymen. Some were at a fort occupied by the
converts of Marlborough. Measures of severity were adopted, invol
ving innocent and guilty in common suffering, scarcely admitting
defence. The friendly Indians were principally transported to Deer
Island. Taken away from their cornfields without being permitted
to gather the harvest, without the resources of hunting, with slender
provision for their support, many died for want of food and shelter
from the inclemency of winter. The change of residence was some
times effected without regard to the feelings or convenience of the
victims. Those of Marlborough, surrounded by a company under
Capt. Mosely, who had been commander of a privateer by sea before
he became captain of soldiers, were taken into custody, their hands
tied behind them, and fastened to a cart rope, they were driven away.'*
The act was disclaimed as unauthorised, but the officer was not pun
ished nor the captives released.
With the death of Philip, the animating spirit of the hostile confed
eracy, Aug. 12, 1676, the war ended. Its progress arrested the ear
liest efforts for settlement, and destroyed the little village beginning
to rise in Quinsigamond : its termination left the soil almost without
a relic of the aboriginal population. When the white settlers com
menced building here, there were between two and three hundred
of the natives. They possessed extensive planting fields, and had
set appletrees obtained from the English. The light of Christianity
• Stoughton. ^ Lowell. ' Easterly part of Littleton.
« Allen's Northborough, in Wor. Mag. ii. 147. Biglow's Natick, 36.

28 SECOND INDIAN DEED. [1677.
had dawned upon them, and some advance had been made in civili
zation. By the sword, by famine, by violent removal, and by flight,
they were nearly exterminated. When the second plantation was
attempted, only superannuated old men, women and children, remain
ed of the red people : those able to bear arms had been slain, or dis
persed, seeking refuge in Canada among the French, or migrating
far westward beyond the reach of the power they had too much pro
voked for their own safety. The whole nation perished, leaving no
monuments of their existence on our lands, and no remains except
little articles of ornament, rude utensils of culinary art, and rough
weapons of stone, discovered in their former dominion.

CHAPTER III.
1677 to 1713. Second settlement. Indian deed, 1677. Meeting of Planters, 1673.
Henchman's agreement, 1684. Citadel. Survey. Mills built. Name of Worces
ter. Lots laid out. New Committees. Capt. Fitch's letter. Queen Anne's war.
Town abandoned. Digory Serjent killed. Elisha Ward. Indian Hostilities. Pe
tition for resettlement refused, 1709.
Peace having been reestablished, the Committee earnestly endea
vored to procure the settlement of the town. The little remnant of
the Indians, who survived the perils and sufl^erings of war, had re
turned to their homes. On the 6th of Dec. 1677,i the right of Pan-
nasunet, a sagamore who had not subscribed the former instrument
of conveyance, was purchased of his heirs and relatives. The deed ^
was executed by Anthony, or Wannashawakum, otherwise, Wan-
noshanohannawit, and Abagail, his wife, ' daughter and only heir
of Pannasunet :' Nannaswane, the widow ; Sasomet, and his wife
Quassawake, sister of the deceased proprietor ; who are described as
' all natives and inhabitants, they and their ancestors, of Quinsiga-
1 Middlesex Registry of Deeds. Lib. 8. Page 318.
2 The subscribing witnesses to this deed were the apostolic John Eliot, Nathaniel Goo
kin of Cambridge son of Daniel Gookin, James Speen, Waban and Simon Betoghan.
James Speen was of Natick, and distinguished for fidelity to the English.
Thomas Waban was of Natick, the son of the earliest convert to Christianity, for a
long time, Clerk, Justice of the Peace, and constable of the Indian town.
Simon Betoghan was probably the scribe by whom the letter of the sagamores wa3
written. The grantors probably lived on Wigwam Hill.

1678.] MEETING OF PLANTERS. 29
mond,' and who covenanted that they had good and just title, and
natural right and interest in the territory, and that they would war
rant its enjoyment. The same good faith and equity governed in
this as in the former contract. The receipt of full satisfaction for
this release of dower and inheritance, in trucking cloth and corn, is
acknowledged. Although the storm of war had passed over, the recollection of
its destructive visitation was still fresh. No serious fears could be
entertained of immediate disturbance of the repose of the Colony,
by the dispersed and defeated enemy. In the interval of peace, the
Committee, in 1678, directed the Planters to return before the year
1680, and build together so as to defend themselves : but, in their
own words, ' there was no going by any of them, or hope that they
would so do : for divers of them being importuned to go, would not.'
The exposed and remote situation of the place, affords sufficient ex
planation of the refusal.
A meeting of those interested in the plantation was held in Cam
bridge, March 3, 1678.^ Gookin, Henchman, and Prentice of the
Committee were present, with Joel Jenkins, Richard Dana, Philip
Atwood, Thomas Brown, John Paul, Thomas Groves, John Fay,
Thomas Hall, Thomas Skinner, John Bemis, Richard Tree, Mis-
cal Flagg, John Upham, William Taylor, Benjamin Webb, and Si
mon Meylin, whose names are entered on the margin of the orio-inal
record. The following paper expresses the result of their delibera
tions. 1. ' It is agreed by all the persons named in the margent, that, God
willing, they intend and purpose, if God spare life and peace con
tinue, to endeavor, either in their persons, or by their relations, or by
their purses, to settle the said plantation sometime the next summer,
come twelve month, which shall be in the year of our Lord 1680.
2. ' They do engage to build in a way of a town, according to a
model proposed by Major Gookin and Major Henchman, or some
model equivalent thereunto, for the attaining these six ends ; 1st, se
curity from the enemies in case (of alarm) : 2d, for the better eonve-
nity of attending God's worship : 3d, for the better education of their
children in society : 4th, for the better accommodation of trades peo
ple : 5th, for better helps to civility : 6th, for more convenient help
in case of sickness, fire or other casualty.
3. ' That the most convenient place is to be chosen and pitched
1 March 14, 1679, N. S.

30 HENCHMAN'S AGREEMENT. [1684.
upon to build the town, sometime this next summer, by the commit
tee, or the major part of such of the people as go up to view the
place, which is intended this next May, if God please.
4. ' That after the place is chosen and pitched upon, others that
are not present, do engage to submit and settle there.'
The resolutions of settlement unanimously adopted, like other
good intentions, seem to have ended with the formation, as no evi
dence remains of any practical attempt to carry them into execution.
The General Court, at their October session, 1682, gave notice to
the Committee, that the grant would be considered forfeit and be
lost, unless measures were taken to form a plantation.
The necessity of immediate exertion to preserve the rights of those
who had procured the title of the soil, incurred much expense, and
performed no inconsiderable labor, in efforts for settlement, having
been thus officially presented to the Committee, after long negocia-
tion, they accepted proposals offered by Capt. Henchman and his
associates for accomplishing their purpose. An agreement was en
tered into, April 24, 1684,i evidenced by a formal instrument of that
date. The inducements to this arrangement are stated to be ; ' that
the plantation might be secured ; the first planters prevailed with
to resettle ; others encouraged to plant ; public occasions provided
for ; recompense made to those who have labored therein ; those re
warded that shall forward the place ; manufactures promoted ; the
country advantaged ; travellers accommodated : and not any damni
fied that are concerned.' The quantity of meadow being estimated
at 480 acres, it was proposed to divide the whole township into that
number of lots : 200 for the planters : 80 for public uses or specific
appropriations : and the remaining 200 to be laid out on the north
ern extremity, forming a division, afterwards known as North Wor
cester, and subsequently rendered permanent by the incorporation
of Holden.
Among other arrangements for mutual safety and provisions for
social happiness, it was stipulated, that ' land for a citadel should be
laid out, on the Fort River, about half a mile square, for house lots,
for those who should, at their first settling, build and dwell thereon,
and make it their certain place of abode for their families : to the
end the inhabitants may settle in a way of defence, as enjoined by
law,2 and formerly ordered by the committee for divers reasons, and
' Proprietor's Records, 13.
' Id 1635, the General Court ordered, that ' no new building shall be built more than
half a mile from the meeting house, in any new plantation.'

1684.] CITADEL. LOTS. SURVEY. 31
each one so doing, to have a house lot there, at least six rods square.'
This citadel, or central station, was on the stream flowing by the
present town, then called Fort River, from the ancient fortress which
had been thrown up on its bank ; soon after named Mill Brook, from
the works moved by its waters; and sometimes denominated Bime-
leck. From references at a subsequent period, it may be inferred
its northern line was parallel with the town way north of the Court
House, and that it included the greater part of the village of Wor
cester. The contractors were required ' to build two fire rooms in the cita
del, to shelter such as shall come to settle, and travellers, until there
be an ordinary : for accommodation of whom,' it is said, ' was one
reason of granting the plantation.'
There is traditional evidence that a fortified house was erected
a little east from Main street ;i it was surrounded with a palisade.
The inhabitants resorted to its defence by night, and maintained a
guard to secure their slumbers.
It was enjoined, ' that care be taken to provide a minister with all
convenient speed ; and a schoolmaster in due season ; and, in the in
terim, that the Lord's day be sanctified by the inhabitants meeting
together theron, to worship God as they shall be' (able).
The territory without the citadel was divided into lots of ten and
twenty five acres : ample reservations were made for public uses and
common benefit ; for the support of teachers of religion, and the in
struction of youth, as well as for the encouragement of useful arts
and trades. Lands were appropriated for building saw, corn and
fulling mills. Four lots were assigned to the Commonwealth, as our
ancestors loved to style the colony, in lieu of those reserved for the
country by the original grant. The zealous exertions of Gookin to
promote the prosperity of the infant town were acknowledged by a
donation of eight lots. Each of the Committee were to be entitled, in
their official capacity, to four lots, ' for their care and pains.'
The principles for conducting settlement being fixed, the work of
improvement was soon commenced. A general survey was made by
Samuel Andrews of Watertown, May 16, 1683; the plan, on which
the boundaries were delineated, was presented, on the 7th of May,
1684, and allowed and confirmed. The township was estimated to
contain 43,020 acres, an allowance of two in the Tiundred being
made for the inaccuracy of measuring the wilderness. ^
' This garrison was a few rods east of the head of the street now (1836) called Co
lumbian avenue, on land over which the street passes.
" Prop. Records, 2.

32 SETTLEMENTS. [1684.
A vacancy in the committee, occasioned by the death of Lt. Rich
ard Beers of Watertown, killed in the defeat of the English near
Northfield, in Sept. 1675, was supplied, on the application of the
survivors, by the appointment of Capt. John Wing of Boston.
Many persons made contracts with Capt. Henchman, and some
became residents. Corn and saw mills were erected by Capt. Wing,
a short distance above the bridge at the north end of Main street,
where the remains of the dam are still visible in the little island
that divides the stream. His house and barn were placed in their
vicinity .1
Upon the motion and desire of Gookin, Prentice and Henchman,
on the 10th of Sept. 1684, the Great and General Court granted
their request, ' that their plantation at Quansigamond be called
Worcester.'^ Partial surveys were made in May, 1685. A lot was laid out for
Gookin, of 100 acres, on the east side of Pakachoag Hill, and ano
ther lot of 80 acres on Raccoon Plain. There were present at this
time Gookin himself, Capt. Henchman, Nathaniel Henchman his
son, David Fiske, the surveyor, Digory Serjent, Will, a mulatto,
Christopher Reed, and Benjamin Eaton.
A tract of 80 acres was assigned to Capt. John Wing, around his
mills, and on the west side of the brook, with the exclusive privilege
of its waters.
George Danson, who was a baker, of Boston, obtained a grant of
1 On land now [1836] of Stephen Salisbury, Esq. north of Lincoln square.
^ The reasons for the selection of the name of Worcester cannot now be ascertained.
It was probably adopted from the place of residence of some of the committee or plant
ers in England.
The word Worcester is said, Henry's England, ii. 638, to have been derived from the
Saxon Wegera-ceaster, meaning war castle, and descriptive of the military character of
the place to which it was originally applied by the martial clans of remote antiquityi
In England, one place only bears this name. The city of Worcester, the capital of a
shire, situated on the banks of the Severn, contained in 1824 a population of about
20,000, supported a flourishing trade in gloves and the manufacture of fine china ware,
held three market days the week, and returned two members to Parliament. It is not
ed in history as the scene of a sanguinary battle in 1651, between Cromwell and the
Pretender, afterwards Charles II. which crushed for a time the hopes of tho Stuart.
In the United States, the rapid birth of new towns has multiplied the name. It had
been given to the following places, in 1832 :
1. Worcester, post town, Otsego county,
2.  , post town, Montgomery co.
3. , town, Washington co.
4.  , township, Wayne county,
S.  , town, Wayne county,
6.  , county, chief town, Snow Hill, Maryland,

New York,

pop-

in 1830, 2093.

Pennsylvania,

" 1135.

Vermont,

432.

Ohio,

" 1963.

Ohio,
Maryland,

977.
" 18271.
1684.] SETTLEBIENTS. NEW COMMITTEE. 33
200 acres on the same side of the stream, north of the citadel, and
extending to North Pond.
Thomas Hall occupied the meadow below the mills.
At this distance of time, without the aid of full records, ill suppli
ed by the scattered fragments of history and tradition which have
descended, it is not possible to ascertain the names or number of
the actual settlers of the new town which rose from the ashes of
the former plantation.
In addition to those already mentioned, the following were proba
bly among the inhabitants :
Thomas Atherton, George Rosbury, James Daniel,
Peter Goulding, Isaac George, Matthew Tomlin,
Isaac Bull, Thomas Brown, Daniel Turell,
William Weeks, Jacob Leonard, Isaac Tomlin,
Enos Salter, John Cowell, James Dutton.
The Committee suffered the loss of one of its most energetic mem
bers by the death of Capt. Henchman, 1686, who had personally
aided and superintended the allotment of lands.
The President and Council, administering the affairs of the Prov
ince in the stormy period of the Revolution following the abrogation
of the charter, on the 10th of June, 1686, upon the application of
the proprietors of Worcester, reappointed Gen. Gookin and Capt. Pren
tice of the old Committee, and added Mr. William Bond of Water-
town, Capt. Joseph Lynde and Deacon John Haynes of Sudbury, as
new members, with general powers to order and regulate all matters
concerning the settlement. i
For a time we lose sight of the town and its inhabitants. From
1686 to 1713, no record is preserved on the proprietary book of any
transactions. Neither history nor tradition informs us of the labors,
dangers and sufferings of the earlier planters, or discloses particulars
to measure the advance of population under the salutary regulation
and prudential guardianship of able and discreet committees, or the
difficulties interposed by public embarassments. Gen. Gookin, the
early and faithful friend of the plantation, was called to the rewards
of a long life, characterized by fervent piety, enlightened benevo
lence, incorruptible integrity, and the practiceof every manly virtue,
in March, 1687. The office he held in relation to the town was fil
led by the appointment of Capt. Adam Winthrop, who had become
proprietor of extensive tracts.
Other vacancies having occurred, Dec. 23, 1691, Capt. Penn
I Proprietors' Records, 23.

34 CAPT. FITCH'S LETTER. [1696.
Townsend, Capt. Ephraim Hunt, and Mr. John Haynes, were added
to Capt. Prentice, Capt. Winthrop and Capt. Wing, for the ordering
of aff"airs ;! a circumstance rendering it certain that the number of
settlers had not so increased as to prevent the necessity of relying
on others for the direction of their municipal concerns.
On the 23d of August, 1696, a house in Oxford was assaulted by
the Albany or Western Indians, and Goodman Levenz and three
children of its inmates killed. Mr. Johnson, who was returning to
the place, was shot in the road. On the intelligence of these outra
ges and of the appearance of hostile parties near Woodstock, Major
James Fitch marched to that town. On the 27th a party was sent
out of thirty eight Norwich, Moheagan and Nipmuck Indians, and
twelve soldiers, to range the woods towards Lancaster, under Capt.
Daniel Fitch. On their march they passed through Worcester, and
discovered traces of the enemy in its vicinity. The following letter
of their commander gives an account of their expedition.
' To the Rt. Honorable William Stoughton, Esq. Lieut. Governor
and Commander in chief, &c.
' Whereas we were informed of several persons killed at Oxford
on Tuesday night last past, (23d) and not knowing what danger
might be near to Woodstock and several other frontiers towards the
western parts of the Massachusetts Province : several persons ap
pearing volunteers, both English and Indians, to the number of about
50, (concerning which this bearer, Mr. James Corbin, may more
fully inform your Honor,) all which were willing to follow the In
dian enemy, hoping to find those that had done the late mischief; in
prosecution whereof we have ranged the woods to the westward of
Oxford, and so to Worcester, and then to Lancaster, and are freely
willing to spend some considerable time in endeavoring to find any
of the enemy that may be upon Merrimack or Penicook Rivers, or
any where in the western woods : to which end we humbly request
your Honor would be pleased to encourage said design, by granting
us some supply of provisions and ammunition, and also by strength
ening us as to anything wherein we may be short in any respect,
that so we may be under no disadvantage nor discouragement.
' They may further inform your Honor, that on the sabbath day
(28), coming at a place called Half Way River, betwixt Oxford and
Worcester, we came upon the fresh tracks of several Indians which
were gone towards Worcester, which we apprehend were the Indians
' Province Records, vi. 210.

1696.] DIGORY SERJENT. 35
that did the late damage at Oxford ; and being very desirous to do
some service that may be to the benefit of his Majesty's subjects, we
humbly crave your Honor's favorable assistance. Herein I remain
your Honor's most humble servant, according to my ability.
Lancaster, 31 August, 1696. Daniel Fitch.'
On the commencement of the eighteenth century the peace of the
country was again disturbed by renewed outrages of the savages,
always capricious in friendship, treacherous in alliance, and unre
lenting in enmity. Although Worcester suffered less in Queen An
ne's war, which began in 1702, by loss of life than many towns, it
shared in the alarm and participated in the miseries of the final
struggles of the red men to reclaim their possessions and avenge the
wrongs inflicted by our ancestors.
When the same danger which had once before pressed on the
planters, became extreme, and the Indians again kindled the slum
bering flame of murderous hostility, the second attempt to build a
town here was abandoned. The inhabitants fled ; the place of their
residence was delivered up to decay ; the traces of cultivation were
effaced ; and the silence of ruin was again over the forsaken farms
and deserted homes.
Among those who attempted the settlement of Worcester af
ter the first unsuccessful enterprise, was Digory Serjent, who had
built his house on Sagatabscot Hill, south eastward of the present
town. He was a native of Sudbury, and* had been a carpenter by
occupation before his removal. A will made by him in 1679 is pre
served on the Middlesex Records. As the list of goods and effects,
strangely mingled together, presents example of the humble person
al possessions of former times, and the style affords specimen of
quaint peculiarity it will not be uninteresting.
' March, the 17th day, 1696. The last Will and Testament of
Digory Serjent.
' I Digory Serjent, being in my health and strength, and in my
perfect memory, blessed be the Lord for it ; these few lines may sat
isfy whom it may concern, that I, Digory Serjent, do freely give unto
my Daughter Martha Serjent, my house and land with all the rights
and privileges thereunto belonging : this house and four score acre
lot of land lieth within the township of Worcester : I likewise do give
unto her all my goods ; one flock bed and boulster, with one rugg,
and two blankets and two coverlets ; six froes ; one broad ax and
one falling ax and one handsaw ; one frying pan ; one shave ; one

36 DIGORY SERJENT. [1702.
drawing knife ; one trunk and a sermon book that is at Mrs. Mary
Mason's, widow, at Boston ; with one pewter pint pot ; one washing
tub; one cow and calf ; one mare; three iron wedges; two beetle
rings : And if in case the Lord should see good to take away the
said Digory Serjent by death, then I, the said Digory Serjent, do
leave these things above written unto George Parmeter of Sudbury,
to be disposed of as he shall see good, to bring up the said Digory
Serjent's child : and if in case that this child should die likewise,
then I do freely give my house and land with all th6 goods above
mentioned unto George Parmeter forever, and to his heirs, to look
after these things and to dispose of them as he shall see cause. In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the day and
year above named. There is one gun too. Digory Serjent.
Witnessed by John Keyes, John Wetherby.'
Having afterwards been married to the sister of Parmeter, (as I
think,) his family became more numerous, and afforded more vic
tims to be involved in the miseries of death and captivity.
Long after the other planters had fled from the perils of the con
flict that raged around them, Serjent remained with his children, the
solitary occupants of the town, resisting all importunity to seek safe
ty by desertion, and resolving with fearless intrepidity to defend from
the savage the fields his industry had redeemed from the waste.
During the summer of 1702,^ his residence was unmolested. As
winter approached, the committee, alarmed by his situation on the
frontier of danger, sent messengers to advise his removal to a place
of security. As their admonitions were disregarded, they at length
dispatched an armed force of twelve men under Capt. Howe, to com
pel compliance with the order. At the close of day the party arriv
ed at a garrison near the mills. Here they halted for the night,
which grew dark with storm and snow, and kindling their fires, laid
down to rest, while one of the band watched the slumbers of his
comrades. In the morning they went onward, and reached the
house of Serjent on Sagatabscot, at the distance of nearly two miles
from the post where they had halted. They found the door broken
down, the owner stretched in blood on the floor, and the dwelling
desolate. The prints of many mockasins leading westward, still vis-
able through, the snow, indicated that they had been anticipated by
»This is the date given in the brief account in 1 Mass. Hist. Col. i. 112, copied by
¦Whitney and subsequent writers. It is probable the death of Serjent was in 1703 or
1704, at the period when Northampton, Lancaster and other towns were attacked by the
French and Indians.

1702.] DIGORY SERJENT. 87
a short time only in the object of their mission. Having pursued
the trail of the murderers a little way, they returned and buried Ser
jent at the foot of an oak, long since decayed. On retracing their
course to the spot of their repose, they found the prints of feet going
from the fort towards Wachuset. After the war was ended, the In
dians, when they revisited the settlers, declared that six of them had
entered the building for shelter from the tempest, when the near ad
vance of the English was discovered, too late to permit escape from
a force so considerable, and they secreted themselves in the cellar.
The soldiers had spread their blankets and laid down over the trap
door, thus securing their foes, until the morning march gave oppor
tunity for flight.
It was soon found that the children of Serjent were living in Can
ada. On the release of the eldest, she related the particulars of the
fearful catastrophe they had witnessed. When the Indians, headed
by sagamore John, as is said, surrounded the house, Serjent seized
his gun to defend his life and was fired on. As he retreated to the
stair way, a ball took effect and he fell. The savages rushed in,
witfe their tomahawks completed the work of death, and tore off the
scalp from his head, as the trophy of victory. They seized the
mother and her children, John, Daniel, Thomas, Martha and Mary,
and having discovered the neighborhood of the white men, commen
ced a rapid retreat westward. The wife of Serjent, fainting with
grief and fear, and in feeble circumstances, faltered and impeded'
their progress. The apprehension of pursuit induced the Indian to
forego the terrible pleasure of torturing his victim. As they ascen
ded the hills of Tataesset, a chief stept out from the file, and looking
around among the leafless forests as if for game, excited no alarm in
the exhausted and sinking captive, and awoke no cry of horror to
betray their course. When she had passed by, one merciful blow
from the strong arm of the sachem removed the obstruction of their
flight. The children, they carried away, reached the northern fron
tier in safety, and were a long time in Canada. Daniel and Mary,
preferring the wild freedom of their captors to the restraints of civ
ilized life, adopted the habits and manners of the Indians. They
never again resided with their relatives, although they once made
them a visit, when Miss Williams, taken at Deerfield, was restored.
In 1715, Thomas was at Boston. John had been liberated in 1721.
Martha was probably redeemed earlier than her brothers. She
married Daniel Shattuck, and returned to dwell on the spot so fatal
to her family, as may be inferred from the following order, to the

38 INDIAN HOSTILITIES. [1709.
commissioners appointed in 1721, to make partition of the inherited
lands in Worcester.
'If D. Shattuck's hovel, made of the stuff" of the said deceased's
old house, needs consideration, his brother John must allow for it,
if you in your good discretion, think good : and also for any labor
which the said Daniel has done on the mother lot : it proves equal
that he should have for this year liberty to enjoy the fruits of his own
labor : so do what is right and equal, as you must be sworn.'
' Francis Foxcraft, J. Pro. for Middlesex.'
The approach of Capt. Howe's party, whose night's rest was at the
expense of lives and suffering, probably prevented the conflagration
of the house and the destruction of property. A full inventory of
the goods and effects collected, was returned into the Probate Office
by George Parmeter, who seems to have taken administration by vir
tue of the will, although its provisions were inoperative.^
Although the power of the savage was crushed, predatory bands
visited the town. In August, 1709, Elisha Ward, sent on an express
from Marlborough to Hadley, having stopped to examine his deserted
farm, was killed. After the permanent settlement in 1713,. no lives
Were lost, but the quiet of the inhabitants was frequently disturbed.
On one occasion, three Indians were discovered lurking near the
stream below the upper canal lock. The alarm was given and the
townsmen extended themselves along the meadow, then a dark and
tangled swamp, and explored its thickets. One of them discharged
his musket at an object he supposed to be an Indian, but as the
company who gathered to the spot discerned no trace of a foe, it
was concluded that he had been deceived. It was afterwards ascer
tained that the shot took effect, and that the knee of one of the war
riors was broken by the ball. Being on the margin of the brook he
dropped down the bank, and crawled into an opening fortunately
large enough to conceal his person. When the pursuit was over,
his companions returned and carried him into the heart of a deep
morass west of Pakachoag Hill, where they built a wigwam to shel
ter him until his wound healed, and renovated strength enabled
them to depart forever from the land of their ancestral heritage.
Tradition tells that WDliam Taylor, a bold and fearless man, dis
covering an Indian approaching his house, shot him to death. The
1 Relation of Thomas Rice. Rev. Dr. Bancroft's Sermon, 11. Davis's Address, IS.
Whitney Hist. 26. 1 Mass. Hist. Col. i. 116. Middlesex Probate Records. Proprie
tors' Records.

1709.] PLANTERS' PETITION. 39
son watched an opportunity of revenge. He was observed by Tay
lor, stretched behind a log on the margin of the field he cultivated,
and the same gun which had been fatal to the father sent a bullet to
the heart of the descendant.
The last of the race who here died by the hand of the white man,
is said to have fallen on the plain, north of the first mill place.
Fortunately, none of the posterity of the Indian here remain to
contrast their degradation, with the lofty and in some points noble
character of the ancient tribes.
The following Petition was presented to the Legislature in 1709,
by those interested in the township, for aid in the resettlement.
' To his Excellency Joseph Dudley, Esq. Capt. General and Gov
ernor in chief in and over her Majesty's province of the Massachu
setts Bay in New England, and to the Honorable the Council and
Representatives in General Court assembled :
' May it please your Excellency and Honors. We, the subscribers,
presuming that the resettlement of Worcester would be beneficial to
the Province, have taken the boldness to trouble your Excellency
and Honors with a few lines, humbly informing that if we may
have a firm foundation of a settlement laid and a fort built, and
needful protection, we are willing to inhabit and settle the place.
We humbly intreat your Excellency and Honor's approbation and
direction in the matter; that so we may take such proper methods
as are needful, and as you shall direct us unto : And that your Excel
lency and Honors would promote this business speedily, before the
season be past, and so the settlement be deferred till another year.
Thus, in short, we take the boldness to subscribe, your Excellency's
and Honor's most humble servants.
Joseph Sawyer, Thomas Barrett, Richard Wiles,
William Ward, James Caly, Benjamin Headley,
John Perry, John Wheeler, James Atherton,
Benjamin Bellows, Thomas Smith, John Sawyer,
Jonathan Whitcomb, Ebenezer Perry, Abiel Bush.'
Elias Sawyer,
The Council ordered, that Elisha Hutchinson, Samuel Sewall, and
Nathaniel Paine, Esquires, should be a Committee to consider the
expediency of granting the request, and the course to be adopted.
The House refused to concur, as the disturbed condition of the
times rendered the enterprise too dangerous to be sanctioned by leg
islative approbation. ^
' Province Files, 1709. Province Records, ix. 5.

40 THIRD SETTLEMENT. [1713.

CHAPTER IV.
1713 to 1722. Third setdement to incorporation. Petition, 1713. New Committee.
Report, 1714. First Seiders. James Rice. Gershom Rice. Nathaniel Moore.
Garrisons. Mills. Roads. View of the town, 1718. Grants lo proprietors.
Scotch and Irish emigrants. Town incorporated, 1722.
More favorable prospects having opened in 1713, the proprietors,
undiscouraged by former failure, attempted to rebuild the town. On
the 13th of Oct. Col. Adam Winthrop, Gershom Rice and Jonas
Rice of Marlborough, addressed the General Court in behalf of them
selves and others interested ;i They represented their desire ' to
endeavor and enter upon a new settlement of the place from which
they had been driven by the war,' and prayed ' for the countenance
and encouragement of the Court in their undertaking : for such di
rections and regulations as should be thought fit to make them de
fensible in case of anew rupture with the Indians: and for a proper
Committee to direct in ordering the prudentials of the plantation till
they come to a full settlement.'
The prayer of this petition was granted, and Hon. William Tay
lor, Col. Adam Winthrop, Hon. William Dudley, Lt. Col. John Bal-
lantine and Capt. Thomas Howe were appointed a Committee.
On the 14th of June, 1714, a detailed report was presented by this
Committee of their proceedings in adjusting the claims of the for
mer settlers and promoting the prosperity of the future plantation.
After giving notice to all interested, and making a journey to Wor
cester, they had allowed thirty one rights of ancient inhabitants, and
admited twenty eight persons more to take lands on condition of
paying twelve pence per acre for their planting or house lots only,
being the amount collected of the original planters, and of building
and dwelling on each right whether acquired by purchase, grant or
representation. It was recommended that the provision made for sup
port of the ministry and schools be accepted instead of the reserva
tion to the Commonwealth in 1668.
The Committee asked, as they had spent much time in receiving
claims for grants of lands, made journeys to effect adjustment of con
troversies, advanced sums of money, and expected to have the care
and trouble of the affairs of the town for many years, that a lot of
forty acres should be assigned to each, with just proportions in future
divisions, as compensation for services.
' Prop. Records.

1713.] FIRST SETTLERS. 41
This report was accepted, and received the approval of Gov.
Dudley, June 14, 1714.
Jonas Rice, who had been a planter during the second settle
ment, returned October 21, 1713. From this day is dated the per
manent settlement of the town. He built on Sagatabscot hill, and his
farm included some of the lands once cultivated by Serjent. The se
lection of residence was probably made with reference to fertility of
soil, proximity to extensive meadows, and it may be, from prior oc
cupation by himself. 1 He remained with his family alone in the
forest, the solitary inhabitant of Worcester, until the spring of 1715.
The union of cool intrepidity and resolute firmness with good
sense and integrity in the character of Mr. Rice, commanded the
respect and secured the confidence of his fellow citizens when the
town he had founded rose from its ashes in renovated beauty to com
mence that steady progress of prosperity which has brightened its ad
vance, He was often elected to municipal offices, was frequently
representative to the General Court, and was one of the Justices of
the Court of Common Pleas at the time of his decease, Sept. 22
1753, at the age of 84 years.
The first male child born in Worcester, Nov. 7, 1714, was Adon
ijah, son of Jonas Rice. On arriving to manhood, year after year,
his name is entered on the rolls of the provincial troops during the
French wars : after each summer campaign was finished, he returned
to his home, and the quiet of domestic and agricultural life. He rer
moved to Shoreham, Vt. where he died, Feb. 1802, aged 88.
The second settler appears from the records to have been Gershom
Rice, who came in 1715, to join his brother Jonas, the hardy pion
eer of population, maintaining his post for nearly two years unsup
ported by assistance and uncheered by associates. "^
The third settler was Nathaniel Moore, of Sudbury, a man of ex-
^ Jonas Rice's house stpod near that of his descendant, Mr. Sewall Rice, on the town
way between the Sutlon and Grafton roads.
''These families of the Rices removed from Marlborough. Their distant ancestor Rich
ard, was one of the early proprietors of Concord in 1635. Edmund, admitted to the
freeman's oath in 1640, was, in that year, representative from Sudbury and one of the
petllioners for the grant of Marlborough,
These families were remarkable for longevity. The father of Gershom died at the agp
of 70 : his mother 84 ; They had 14 children : three died in infancy : the others lived tc^
advanced age: 1, Peter 97 : 2, Thomas 94 : 3, Mary 80 : 4, [Nathaniel 1.0: 5, Ephraias
71 ;6, James 72 : 7, Sarah 80: 8, Frances 96: 9, Jonas 84: 10, Grace, 94 ; 11, Gershom
died Dec. 29, 1769, aged 101 : his wife died at the age of 80: they lived together in
marriage nearly 65 years and left seven children, some of whom, on the decease of thei''
father, were upwards of 70. Boston Gazette, 1769.
6

42 GARRISONS. [1718.
emplary character, who was deacon of the first church from its foun
dation. He died Nov. 25, 1761, aged 84 years, i
Capt. Thomas Howe and Lt. David Haynes were appointed by the
Committee to give certificates for such of the inhabitants as had built
upon their lots and performed the conditions of their grants. On the
23d of April, 1718, they returned a list which has unfortunately
perished in the lapse of time. The record of surveys, made in the
same year, partially supplies the deficiency, and enables us to deter
mine the progress of settlement. Well authenticated traditions, pre
served in the memory of descendants of early planters, connected
with, and confirmed by this source of information, afford materials
for delineating a picture of the condition of Worcester, which though
imperfect, may be considered as presenting a faithful outline of the
prominent objects.
The first labor of the inhabitants had been to erect a garrison
house, on the west side of the Leicester road, not far distant from
the old south church. It was reared by the united labors of all,
and those residing near, gathered by night \to its walls, during the
first year.
Another of these fortresses of logs was near the head of the street
called Columbian avenue, [1836] constructed by Deac. Daniel Hey
wood. A patriarchal pear tree, planted by him, still stands, at the
end of a century, on ground he once owned, a venerable example of
vegetable longevity.
The third of the wooden castles, was a large building on the Con
necticut road, north of Lincoln square, affording shelter to the trav
eller and defending the mills erected on the stream.
Eastward from the intersection of the Lancaster and Boston roads,
near the modern Adams square, in the north part of the town, was a
structure which exhibited marks of fortification until an advanced
old age.
1 His son, Nathaniel Moore, came into the town at the age of three months. He lived
respected, and died July 24, 1811, aged 96 : The following notice of his character is
from the Massachusetts Spy.
' He was a man of exemplar}' piety and benevolence. He resided in Worcester
more than 96 years, being a member of the third family that began the settlement of the
town. He lived in the marriage stale with tho same wife nearly 69 years, but left no
descendants. ' He saw this town rise from a state of uncultivated nature to its opiilent improve
ment; witnessed the ordination of five ministers of the Gospel within the town, four of
them over the same society in succession : saw three houses erected for public worship;
three court houses rising on the same spot, one after another, for the administration of
justice, and three gaols as a terror to evil doers. Thus has ended the life of an honest
man, the noblest work of God.'

1718.] VIEW OF THE TOWN. 43
A regular block house was placed north of Adams square, where
a long iron cannon was subsequently mounted to give the alarm of
coming danger. During the French war, this gun was removed to
the green near the meetinghouse. On the commencement of the
revolution, it was posted west of the Court House, and its voice call
ed our citizens to arms when the tidings of the march to Lexington
roused the land. Since, it has rested with the other artillery of the
town. Many of the scattered houses were protected by outworks, as
well as guarded by the bold spirit of the inmates. Joshua Rice
held his garrison a mile westward of the old mill place, where a cellar
still remains to carry back the memory to days when a man's house
was literally his castle, when the musket was laid on the plough
beam, and the sword was by the side while the hand was on the
sickle. From the remote position of Jonas Rice and his brother
planters of Sagatabscot hill, it is probable some fortified structure
there afforded them security.
On Mill brook, over the western sluice, where the stream is
parted by the little island above the bridge, was a saw mill erected
by Capt. John Wing, then owned by Thomas Palmer and Cornelius
Waldo of Boston, and John Oulton of Marblehead, copartners of ex
tensive commercial business, and proprietors of wide tracts of land.
The pond, overflowing the valley above, extended its eastern mar
gin to the present Boston road.
Obediah Ward had built a saw mill above the woiks long known
as the Red Mills, near the upper canal lock, which he devised by
his will, dated Dec. 16, 1717, to his son Richard.
The first corn mill was erected by Elijah Chase, near the Quin
sigamond Paper Mills, on the Blackstone river. For many years
it was the only accommodation of the kind.
The traveller of 1718, on entering the town from the head of
Quinsigamond, following the Connecticut road, first passed the
houses of Benjamin Crosbee and Isaac Miller, on opposite sides of
the way, where the buildings of the town farm now stand.
Westward, about half a mile, was the land granted to Ephraim
Curtis, where his son then lived, still owned by his descendants.
Next, was the house of Thomas Haggat, whose daughter was the
first female born in Worcester. i
'Haggat among other occupations, manufactured wooden shovels. With the me
chanical ingenuity, he possessed the trading propensity of a Yankee. Having sei off
on an excursion, to dispose of a stock of wooden wares, he was induced to exchange

44 VIEW OF THE TOWN. [I'^IS;
Passing his residence, the Connecticut road followed the little way
leading to the Lancaster road, by the dwelling of Ichabod and
Thomas Brown, to the corner north of Adams square, where Henry
Lee, Esq. then resided.
Turning south, the path went through the valley a few rods west
ward of the highway now used, to the house of Nathaniel Hench
man, a son of that distinguished officer who was one of the founders
of the town.i
The Country road crossed Mill brook, by a fording place about
a fourth of a mile north of the present bridge. After passing the
fort and mill, it turned west and ascended the hill, to the settlement
of Joshua Rice. It was continued by a circuitous route to New
Worcester. The Lancaster way, coming from the north, along the present
Boston road, went through Main street, then shaded by primeval
forests, to the garrison house of Deacon Daniel Heywood.^ Moses
Rice had thus early opened an ordinary or tavern,^ a few rods north
of the Town Hall. Daniel Ward had built nearly opposite the old
south meeting house. The house of Jonathan Hubbard, the first man
¦who^died^after the resettlement, and that of James Rice, more south,
completes the enumeration of edifices where population has become
most crowded.
After Jonas Rice became a resident of the town, a road was made
from the head of the pond, passing by the houses of James Taylor,
Moses Leonard, Palmer Goulding, Richard Flagg, running along
the grass grown path east of the Grafton road, and through the fields,
by Deacon Nathaniel Moore's to Jonas Rice's;* thence it was car-
horses frequently, always giving some part of his own merchandize to equalize the pre
tended difference of value. This trade was conducted with so little profit, that the
shovel merchant, at the conclusion, was glad to regain his original steed by parting wit'*
all his remaining property in wood work. On returning with the same animal with
which he had commenced his journey, without any of his stock in trade, he gravel}' re
marked that ' he had saved his horse though he had lost his shovels.'
^ Henchman was an eccentric man, having even stronger peculiarities of manner
than are usual attributes of celibacy. He constructed his coffin and hollowed his grave
with his own hands many years before his decease. Willing to derive benefit while
living from the first of these tenements of mortality, the box was deposited in the garret
and annually filled with the productions of his garden, until he took personal possession.
A stone long marked the spot where his remains reposed amid the fields he cultivated •
but no memorial now indicates the place of his rest. Several aged apple trees planted
by him near his dwelling, on the farm of the late Levi Lincoln, still survive. On his de-
(.ease, the land descended to the family of the late Gov. John Hancock:
2 On the-slte of the Central Exchange. 3 pjo^v United States Hotel.
* The positiofi of these buildings is indicated on H. Stebbins's Map of Worcester,
published by C. Harris, 1833, ;

1718.] VIEW OF THE TOWN. 45
ried westward, in a direct course, across Raccoon Plain to Halfway
river, where it joined the Connecticut path.
These were the two great highways of the town. A log placed
over the stream where the canal bridge now stands on Front street,
accommodated those who passed by the house of James Holmes, to
that of Gershom Rice, on the south side of the Grafton road, where
the first orchard was planted. This way led into the old Connecti
cut road throujjh Hassanaraesset to Springfield.
A path along Summer street went to the first burial place, situa
ted north of the junction of Thomas street. A beautiful grove of
oaks waved over the graves of the forefathers of the hamlet, em
blems of the sturdy characters and hardy virtues of those whose
narrow beds they shaded. In the recollection of many living inhab
itants, little piles of stone and mouldering heaps of turf marked the
last homes of the early settlers. The hillocks and the trees have
disappeared in the progress of improvement, and the cemetery is no
longer distinguishable from the green spots unhallowed by the rest
of the dead.i
The house of Gershom Rice, was the place where meetings for
religious, worship were first held. A building was soon erected for
devotional exercises on Green street, north of the union of Franklin
street, where the inhabitants assembled on the Sabbath, until a more
spacious meeting house was reared, in 1719, on the site of the old
south church.
There were in Worcester in 1718, if the evidence of the proprie
tary records is to be credited, fifty eight dwelling houses. Tradition
says they v/ere humble edifices, principally of logs, one story high,
with ample stone chimneys. Some were furnished with windows of
diamond glass, where the resources of the proprietor afforded means
for procuring such luxury ; the light was admitted in many, through
the dim transparency of oiled paper. It is hardly necessary to add,
that all have long since sunk in decay, or been removed to give
place to the more splendid habitations of modern times,
Worcester, probably, contained at this period, about two hun
dred souls.
Certificates, entered by direction of the Committee, on the books
Oi the proprietors, show that the individua's named below, had com
plied with the order of the Court, by erecting houses upon the lots
granted, and occupying them three years. The figures indicate
'This spot is enclosed [1836] within the play ground of the Brick School House, on
Thomas 'and Summer streets.

46 FIRST PROPRIETORS. [1718,
the number of acres assigned to each, on the first division of lands.
Jonas Rice, 80: James Rice, 100: Gershom Rice, 80: all of
Marlborough : Joshua Rice, 30 : Elisha Rice, 30 : Thomas Glea-
son, 30 : Obediah Ward, 30 : Aaron Adams, 30 : David Haynes,
30 : Richard Ward, 30 : Ephraim Curtis, 50 : George Parmeter, 60 :
Josiah Rice, 30 : Ephraim Rice, 30 : Ephraim Rice, jun. 30 : Rev.
Benjamin Allen, 40 : Nathaniel Moore, 40 : all of Sudbury : John
Elliot and John Smith, ISO: Daniel Henchman, ISO: Jonathan
Tyng, 40.: Stephen Minot, 20 : William Paine, 20 : Thomas Pal
mer, Cornelius Waldo, (with John Oulton of Marblehead,) 213 :
Peter Goulding, 50: Nathaniel Jones, 40 : George Danson, 200:
all of Boston : Jacob Leonard, 40 : Moses Leonard, 30 : Isaac
Leonard, 40: all of Bridgewater : Isaac Wheeler, 40; of Medfield:
Thomas Brown, 30 : Ichabod Brown, 30 : Thomas Prentice, 60 : of
Newtown : James Taylor, 30 : Daniel Livermore, 40 : of Maiden :
Thomas Haggat, 20 : of Andover : James Holmes, 40 : of Wood
stock : Leonard Hoar, 30 : Henry Lee, 30 : Daniel Heywood, 40 ;
Josiah Heywood 30 ; of Concord: Thomas Binney, 40: John Bar
ron, 50 ; James Butler, 40 : Benjamin Fletcher, 30 : Benjamin Bar
ren, 30.
Lots of 40 acres each were assigned for the use of schools, the
minister and the ministry, and to Col. Adam Winthrop, Col. John
Ballantine, Col. William Dudley, Col. William Taylor, and Capt.
Thomas Howe, of the Committee. Other lots were granted very
early to Benjamin Flagg, David Bigelow and John Stearns, of Wa
tertown : Peter King, Henry Knapp, James Knapp, of Sudbury :
John Gray, Jonathan Marble, Isaac Miller, Joseph Crosbee, Martha
Serjent and Andrew Mc Farland.
Such is the account which record and tradition afford of the ap
pearance of the town in its infancy : not uninteresting from the com
parison of vigorous maturity with early feebleness.^
1 When the Indian foe disappeared and the inhabitants became strong, a warfare was
commenced and long continued, with the ferocious animals and poisonous reptiles in
festing the township. Large bounties were offered for their destruction . In 1728,
the sum of 3 pence was voted for the death of a rattlesnake, and a draft of £1 on
the treasury was accompanied with 80 rattles as vouchers. The gratuity was annual
ly increased in amount as the common enemy diminished. In 1734, Mr. Jonas Moore
claimed payment for 72 in his own right, Thelast demand was as recent as 1758, when
16 serpents were paid for at the rate of Id. each.
The young settlements were much harrassed by the incursions of troops of wolves.
In 1734, it is recorded, ' that notwithstanding the law of the Province giving encourage
ment for the destruction of wolves, they still continue very troublesome and mischievous,
especially among young cattle and sheep : whereby people were discouraged from
I eeping sheep, so necessary for clothing,' and a reward of £4 was voted for their cap-

1718] SCOTCH AND IRISH EMIGRANTS. 47
The town of Worcester shared liberally in the accession to the
population of New England, by the emigration, in the early years of
the past century, of the decendants of a colony of Scots, who re
moved from Argyleshire, in the reign of James I. and formed a plan
tation in the north of Ireland, near Londonderry, in the province of
Ulster. Adhering with conscientious fidelity to the presbyterian te
nets, they endured the persecution which pressed on the protestants
during successive reigns. The accession of William, although it
lightened their burdens, did not relieve dissenting christians from
galling exactions. Allowed to retain their form of worship, they
were compelled to contribute from their resources, to the support of
another church. Loaded with tythes of the harvests of lands held
by tenancy under exhorbitant rents, they embarked for a country
where religious freedom was united with civil liberty, and neither
tythingman nor taxgatherer had oppressive jurisdiction. In 1718, a-
bout one hundred families arrived in Boston, and twenty others lan
ded at Casco, afterwards followed by new colonies, dispersed through
the country. 1
A company of the Scots early settled in Worcester, and here suf
fered illiberal opposition and even active hostility. Having formed
a religious society, they commenced the erection of a meeting house
on the west side of the Boston road.^ The timbers had been raised
and the building was in the progress of construction, when the in
habitants gathered tumultuously by night, and demolished the struc
ture. Persons of consideration and respectability aided in the riot
ous work of violence, and the defenceless foreigners were compelled
to submit fo the wrong. Many, unable to endure the insults and bit
ter prejudices they encountered, joined their brethren of the same
ture. In 1733, so great injury was done by these marauders, that the price of their
heads was raised to £3.
The precipitous cliff still called Rattlesnake rocks, was the favorite resort of wolves,
bears, wild cats and serpents, in those days, rendering the steep dangerous to man.
The winged depredators on the husbandman's harvests were early proscribed. A
bounty of 3d. thinned the armies of blackbirds, jays, and other feathered plnnderers.
1 The grant by Massachusetts of unappropriated lands at the East, not affording a
place suited to the wishes of the emigrants, after exploring tho wilderness, they selected
a township in Nev/ Hampshire, then called Nutfield, from the abundance of its forest
fruits, andxifterwards named Londonderry from the city of their sojourning in Ireland,
where sixteen families assembled beneath a venerable oak, on the lllh of April, 1719,
to unite in devotional exercises Belknap. Parker's Century Sermon, 1819.
The society that visited Boston under the spiritual guidance of the Rev. James
Moorhead, in 1727, formed the Federal street church in that city. Dr Channing's ser
mon, on the ordination of Mr. Gannet, 1824.
' North of the house of Frederic W. Paine, Esq.

48 SCOTCH AND IRISH EMIGRANTS. [1718.
denomination, who, under the charge of the Rev. Mr. Abercrombie,
commenced the settlement of the town of Pelham, in the county of
Hampshire. They were industrious, frugal, and peaceful, contributing to the
prosperity of the province, by the example of diligence and the in
troduction of useful arts. ' They brought with them,' says the faith
ful historian of New Hampshire, 1 ' the necessary materials for the
manufacture of linen : and their spinning wheels, turned by the foot,
were a novelty in the country. They also introduced the culture of
potatos, which were first planted in the garden of Nathaniel Walker
of Andover.' The characteristic of the age in which they lived was
not charity. Differences of language, habits, and ceremonial, laid
the foundation of unreasonable hatred, and the strangers were not
treated with common decency by their English neighbors. Their
settlements, in other places, were approached by bodies of armed men,
and their property, in some instances, wantonly destroyed. They
\vere every where abused aud misrepresented as Irish, a people then
generally but undeservedly obnoxious; a reproach peculiarly griev
ous to the emigrants. 'We are supprised,' writes the. Rev. Mr. Mc
Gregoire, the pastor of Londonderry, in a letter to Gov. Shute, bear"
ing date in 1720, as quoted by Belknap, 'to hear ourselves termed
Irish people, when we so frequently ventured our all for the British
crown and liberties against the Irish papists, and gave all tests of our
loyalty which the government of Ireland required, and are always
ready to do the same when required.' The jealousy with which they
were first regarded, finally yielded to the influence of their simple
virtues and sterling worth. ^
1 Belknap's New Hampshire, i. 193. Farmer's edition.
2 Among those who remained in Worcester, after the removal of their countrymen
were the following persons, whose names are collected from the records of the town and
county.
James Mc Gregoire, William Mc Han, John Duncan, John Mc Clentick,
James Furgerson, John Batley, Duncan Graham, James Glasford,
John Clark, Andrew Farrand, Hugh Kelso, James Hambleton,
AlexanderMcKonkey, William Caldwell, James Forbush, Robert Lorlhog,
James Mc Clellan, William Young, Andrew McFarland, James Thornington,
William Gray, Robert Crawford, Patrick Peables, John Mc Konkey,
Robert Gray. Robert Peables, John Peables, Abraham Blair.
Malhew Gray, Robert Barbour,
Matthew Thornton, who, as delegate to the Continental Congress from New Hamp
shire, signed the declaration of Independence, is said, by his biographer, to have resided
when a child among the emigrants in Worcester.

1718,] SCOTCH AND IRISH EMIGRANTS. 49
Abraham Blair, an ancestor of some of our present townsmen,
distinguished himself in the memorable siege of Londonderry, in
1689. After a series of bloody battles, the besieged were reduced to
such extremity by famine ' that a dog's head was held dog cheap at
half a crown.' Blair, William Caldwell, and a few others, as an hon
orary testimonial of their services were made free of taxation through
out the British provinces.
The Scotch were accompanied by a few of the native Irish, with
whom they had contracted relationship during their long residence,
or been attached by community of sentiment and suffering.
Among those deriving nativity from Ireland, were the ancestors
of the Young family, who first introduced and planted here the use
ful potato.^ John Young died June 30, 1730, at the great age of 107
years : his son David, died Dec. 26, 1736, aged 94.2
The toils and dangers of original settlement being past, the plan
tation advanced with vigorous and rapid growth. The swelling pop
ulation and expanding resources required municipal powers for the
management of the common interests of the inhabitants. In 1721,
the freeholders and proprietors presented a petition to the General
Court for incorporation, which was intrusted to John Houghton,
Esq. of Lancaster, and Peter Rice of Marlborough, with the follow
ing letter from Jonas and Gershom Rice, the ' fathers of the town,'
dated May 31, 1721.
' Gentlemen : Whereas sundry of the freeholders and proprietors
of Worcester, having preferred a petition to the General Assembly,
on several heads, as appears by said petition, have empowered us to
I It is remarkable that the esculent, now considered essentially necessary for table and
farm, should have been introduced at a period so late. It is related, that some of our
early inhabitants, after enjoying the hospitality of one of the Irish families, were each
presented with a iew polalos for planting. Unwilling to give offence by refusing the
present, they accepted the donation: but suspecting the poisonous quality, the}' carried
the roots only to the next swamp, aud there threw them away, as unsafe to enter their
homes. ^ The following inscriptions are chiselled on the common head stone placed over their
graves in the old burial place :
' Here lies interred the remains of ' Here lies interred the remains of
John Young, who was bom David Young, who was born in
in the Isle of Bert, near London- the parish of Tahbej'n, county of
derry, in the kingdom of Ireland. Donegal and kingdom of Ireland.
He departed this life, June He departed this life, December
30, 1730, aged 107 years.' 26, aged 94 years.'
' The aged son and the more aged father
Beneath (these) stones. Their mould'ring bones
Here rest together.'
7

50 INCORPORATION. [1722.
take care that it be seasonably entered and moved ; inasmuch as it
is a difficult time, by reason of a contagious distemper now raging in
Boston, we know not where the session will be ; we, therefore hum
bly crave the favor of you. Gentlemen, to take the trouble upon you,
to enter said petition and to move it in the court as there is opportu
nity.' ' So, craving your serious thoughtfulness for the poor, distressed
town of Worcester, we subscribe ourselves your humble servants,'
Gershom Rice,
Jonas Rice.'
Other petitions of similar import were subsequently presented,
and, on the 14th of June, 1722, a resolve passed the Legislature,
vesting the Inhabitants of Worcester with the powers and privileges
of other towns within the province, and directing that the freehold
ers and inhabitants be assembled on the last Wednesday of Septem
ber then next, to choose all town officers, as by law accustomed for
towns to do at their annual meetings in March.
Under the authority of this resolve, a warrant was issued by
Francis Fulham, Esq. of Weston : and on the 28th day of September
1722, the inhabitants convened in their first town meeting. Muni
cipal officers were chosen, and from that day, Worcester, then in the
County of Middlesex, assumed her place among the regularly or
ganized towns of the Commonwealth.

CHAPTER V.
1722 to 1766. Lovell's war and French wars. Selectmen's petition, 1724. Gershom
Rice's letter, 1724. Uriah Ward. Col. Chandler's orders. Selectmen's petition
1725. Capt. Wright's letters, 1725. Benjamin Flagg's letter, 1725. County estab
lished, 1731. Gov. Belcher's visit, 1735. Soldiers. Excise, 1754. French neutrals
1755. Military exertions, 1756. Col. Chandler's report, 1757. Men in service dur
ing French wars. Division of the county and removal of the courts opposed.
The peace of the country was disturbed by the renewal of hos
tilities by the eastern Indians, in 1722, when that war broke out
which derives its distinctive appellation from Lovell, its hero and
martyr. The native tribes of Massachusetts had long ceased to be
formidable ; but the incursions of the allies of the French from

1724.] SELECTMEN'S PETITION. 51
Canada spread alarm along the exposed frontier, and rendered mil
itary force necessary for the security of the settlements. Wor
cester, in 1722, furnished five men for the country's service, in the
company of scouts under Major John Chandler. Two were posted
at Leicester.! Two others,^ in an independent party, commanded
by Benjamin Flagg, with the rank of Serjeant, kept garrison in this
town or ranged the woods.
In the autumn of 1723, seven of the inhabitants of Worcester en
listed as soldiers and served during the winter. Five ^ were posted
at Rutland under Capt. Samuel Wright : Two * were in Capt. Jo
seph Kellog's company.
In the spring of 1724, the safety of the town was endangered by
numerous parties of hostile Indians lurking in the woods ; May 3,
1724, the selectmen presented the following petition for aid.
' To his Honor, the Lieut. Governor and Commander in chief, in
and over his Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New-
England. ' The petition of the subscribers, humbly sheweth : Whereas,
the town of Worcester is very much exposed to the Indian rebels in
the present war, there being a great distance between the towns
of Lancaster and Rutland, in which we lie open to the enemy, we
do therefore, at the desire of the principal part of our inhabitants,
humbly lay our difficulties before your honor ; earnestly entreating
that you would be pleased, in your great wisdom, so far to commis
erate our distressed state, as to send us some soldiers to strengthen
our front garrisons and scout our woods : otherwise we fear the sad
effects which may happen ; there being no scout in our woods, or
soldiers to guard our defensible places, or inhabitants most exposed
and very much disheartened by reason of the present danger, they
apprehend themselves to be in ; and if your honor will be pleased to
afford us some relief, it will be a means to cause our front garrisons
to keep their stations ; otherwise, we humbly conceive, it is morally
impossible they should : and for that great privilege to your honor's
poor petitioners, as in duty bound shall ever pray,
Nathaniel Moore, Benjamin Flagg, jr. ) Selectmen of
James McLellan, James Holden, / Worcester.^
The greater pressure of danger on other towns, scattered over
• John Gray and Robert Crawford. " Ephraim Roper and James Knapp.
3 Zebediah Rice, Phineas Jones, John Crawford, Uriah Ward, Moses Rice.
* John Serjent, Daniel Shattuck. ^ province files, 1724.

52 GERSHOM RICE'S LETTER. [1724.
the wide territory in the rapid advance of cultivation, prevented im
mediate relief being afforded. A letter addressed to Col. Chan
dler, June 21, 1724, exhibits vivid description of the condition of
the inhabitants of Worcester.
' Honored Sir : With all due submission, these are to lay before
your honor, the distressed condition of this poor place. Through
God's goodness the Indians have made no attack upon us as yet,
but we are constantly under surprising fears of it. We received
the caution from your honor, with the late intelligence of the In
dians coming over the lake : also we hear of the late mischief done
at Hatfield ; and just now we have a post from Rutland with an
account of the continual discoveries of the enemy, and the last
night our town was alarmed by (as one of our inhabitants says)
discovering an Indian : so that this day (Sunday) we have but a
thin meeting : the more because some dare not stay from home.
I have been but very loth to trouble your honor, being sensi
ble of the pressure of business : but waiting so long and having no
help, and being so very much exposed, your honor will excuse me.
Our town is not only very much exposed, being so open to the ene
my, but we are no way capable of defending ourselves ; nor can we
expect much help from one another. A small number of Indians,
according to appearance, might overcome the whole place. Fur
ther, my house, though near the centre, is almost an outside. I have
no fort about it : nor if I were able to build have I now sufficient
strength to keep it myself I have began to get some timber to for
tify, but am too weak handed to go through, and understanding the
backwardness of the country to support us, we are very much dis
heartened. We have an expectation upon your honor to be a father
to us, and we hope the country will not see us stand here waiting to
be a prey to our enemies. We are informed that it is objected
against our having assistance, that Brookfield, Rutland and Leicester
defend us ; but let any one consider that understands the ground.
It is affirmed to me by those that should be best able to know, that
it is fourteen miles from Brookfield to Rutland, and that a line
drawn from Brookfield to Rutland will be fifteen miles of our set
tlement. As to Leicester, the people there more need help from us
than are able to render us any, as likewise do Shrewsbury and Has
sanamesit, Rutland and Brookfield being well garrisoned and man
ned, what is more common than for them (the enemy) to go a little
further for advantage in weaker spots ? The late instance at Hat-

1724.] COL. CHANDLER'S LETTER. 53
field, as well as many others formerly and lately are sufficient wit
nesses. If we cannot be supported now about our harvest, we
must be starved out of necessity. Instead of assistance, we cannot
but remind your honor, that we now have five of our soldiers at Rut
land in the service ; we are informed by rumor, we are allowed ten
soldiers, for which we are thankful ; but pray, it be possible that the
number might be doubled, and that they might be sent as speedily
as possible. I am ashamed I detain your honor so long. I shall con
clude by wishing you all prosperity. I am your honor's to com
mand, Gershom Rice.'
' Sundry of our principal inhabitants being present, send their
humble duty to your honor, and pray that your honor would take
what is here written unto your serious and thoughtful consideration,
and move herein unto the honored Lieut. Governor and the Council. 'i
The expectation of immediate reenforcement was disappointed.
Col. Chandler, then in Watertown, writes June 22, to the Gover
nor and Council : ' 1 am sorry that the poor people of Worcester,
Leicester, and Brimfield, find themselves mistaken in having men
allowed them to scout and guard said towns. I pray your honor's
consideration of the distressed circumstances of the poor people of
these towns, as well as other the frontiers : for the^ encouragement of
whom I shall always be ready to obey such orders as your honors
shall be pleased to give.'
In July, orders were issued to Col. Chandler, to impress twenty
men for the frontier service. Subsequently, other detachments
were made from other regiments, and nineteen soldiers were sta
tioned at Worcester, where they remained until the 29th of Octo
ber, 1724, when they were dismissed.^
On the 3d of August, 1724, Uriah Ward who enlisted in the
' American Antiquarian Society's Manuscripts.
= July, 1724. The company of Capt. William Chandler of Woodstock was stationed
at Leicester and Rutland. The following are the numbers of men posted in the exposed
towns at this time:
Shrewsbury, 10. Brookfield, 10.
Leicester, 29. Lancaster, 14.
Rutland, 38. Lunenburg, 12.
In Worcester, there were 19: viz. Ephraim Roper, Jonathan Rugg, Samuel Rice,
Daniel Coney, Jesse Taylor, William Gibbs, Abraham Joslin, John Death, William
Harris, Ephraim Whitcomb, John Demorris, Jesse How, Joseph Woods, Samuel
Fletcher, John Holland, Robert Hunt, Samuel Cobley, Samuel Rumlymarsh, Peter
Lawrence. Those at Worcester, Shrewsbury and Leicester, were posted as independent guards
to the inhabitants, without commissioned officers.

54 INDIAN HOSTILITIES. [1734.
country's service, from Worcester, was killed at Rutland, The fol
lowing account of the transaction is given by Capt, Wright, com
manding at that post,
' About twelve o'clock, five men and a boy being in a meadow in
the middle of the town making hay, a number of Indians surround
ed them, and shot first at the boy, which alarmed the men ; they run
to their guns, but the Indians shot upon them, and kept them from
their guns, and shot down three of the men and scalped them, woun
ded another in the arm, a flesh wound, who got home without other
injury : the first got home without any damage ; the boy is not yet
found. The action was hardly over before Col. Tyng came into
town with thirty men, but was a little too late : but we joined him,
and divided our men, one party with the Colonel to follow, the other
with me to head them : but they got away.
' Since Col. Tyng went from us, we have made a more particular
discovery of their number and contrivance in waylaying the mead
ow where they (the Indians) killed the people. There being in
number about thirty, as near as can be thought, by their squatting
places or seats when they sat to watch. By what we can learn, they
might be near half the company that lay in ambush to shoot down
those who come to the relief, so that if there were but a small par
ty of men had gone, they would likely have shot them down before
they had seen the Indians.'
From a letter of Col. Chandler, it may be inferred, that the pres
ence of the soldiers saved Worcester from desolation. On the 7th
of August, ' an Indian was discovered from a garrison house and fired
on by the guard. A soldier and a boy being out near a meadow,
spied an Indian nearer to the garrison than they were. The boy
ran away. The soldier presented his gun and was ready to fire,
when two more rose up by his side ; whereupon he did not venture
to fire, but fled : and both came safe to the garrison. During the
night their noises were heard crying as wolves, the people made an
alarm, and the Indians beat upon a deserted house, drumming vio
lently upon the sides, and so went off.'
The season for the attempts of the enemy having passed, the for
ces were reduced, and those posted at Worcester were dismissed in
the end of October.
Early in April, 1725, Col. Chandler, was directed to send orders
to the officers in the several frontier towns within his regiment, in
cluding Worcester, ' to keep the soldiers and inhabitants upon a strict
duty, and to see that they be not off their guard, but well prepared

1725.] SELECTMEN'S LETTER. 55
to receive the enemy, who they may expect will attack them ; and
especially that no man go abroad without his arms, and in places of
hazard that they do not go out except in companies.'
On the 8th of April, Gov. Dummer communicated information to
Col. Chandler that several parties of Indians were on their way from
Canada, and ordered him ' to visit the exposed towns in his regiment,
and charge the people to be vigilant and careful in their duty, and
not expose themselves by going abroad unarmed and in small num
bers, lest the enemy gain some great advantage over them by such
stupid neglect as many of our people have been guilty of on such
occasions.' Parties of the Indians having made their appearance in the vicin
ity, the inhabitants petitioned the government for succor. The fol
lowing letter was addressed to Gov. Dummer, April 30, 1725.
' To his Honor the Lt. Governor : With all dutiful respect, these
are to acquaint your honor, that news hathjust now come unto us of
two companies of Indians discovered between us and Wachuset ; and
whereas, we the last summer labored under great difficulties, and
hardships severe to be borne, by reason of the war with the Indian
enemy, not being able to raise corn so much as was needful, or to
procure sufficiency of other provision, so as it was rendered very dif
ficult to subsist ourselves and families : and, we apprehend, that with
out your honors pleased to afford us some relief in our present dis
tressed state, by strengthening our hands, that the corn cannot be
planted, the earth tilled, the harvests gathered, or food provided, and
that the settlements in the town will be entirely broken up : where
fore we humbly entreat your honor, that if it may be, we may have
some speedy assistance of soldiers, to defend us and scout the woods.
Our numbers are but small, and many disheartened by reason of the
exposed situation of the town. We are the more earnest in our en
treaty for the present relief, as it was so late last summer before we
had soldiers that we are exceeding behind with our needful busi
ness. 'Craving your thoughtfulness ofthese matters, we are in all grati
tude and respect your humble petitioners,
Nathaniel Moore, Benjamin Flagg, jr.
Moses Leonard, James Holden,
James McLellan, Selectmen.'
The following letter from Capt. Samuel Wright to Col. Chand-

56 CAPT. WRIGHT'S LETTERS. [1725.
ler,i May 24, 1725, shows that the request was complied with, al
though not until after some delay.
' Honored Sir : These are to inform your honor that I have receiv
ed the men from your regiment for Worcester. Though some, at
least two, not so able and effective as I could be glad they were, viz:
Ebenezer White and John Field, both from Capt. Thayer of Men
don, who are not able to travel. His honor's the Lt. Governor's or
der to me was, that I should put suitable officers over the men and
that they should scout and guard. But inasmuch as my orders are
not so clear as that I dare venture to put one of the inhabitants offi
cer over them, I have left them under the care and conduct of Capt.
Pond's son at present : but inasmuch as he, nor any of the men have
not any knowledge of the woods, so are not like to do much service
in scouting, unless there be an inhabitant put an officer over them,
I desire therefore you would get his honor's leave to put Moses Rice
and Benjamin Flagg to be the officer over them alternately, when
one comes in, the other to go out, to have but one man's pay : which
will be likely to have the duty better performed, and is the mind of
the town  Your honor's very humble and dutiful servant,
Samuel Wright.'
Another letter from Capt. Wright, sent from Worcester by Moses
Rice, and dated in May, 1725, is too curious to be omitted.
' May it please your honor : I give your honor thanks for care of us
in sending a new recruit of 12 men. Your honor's directions were,
to scout, but at present we have business. The Indians are among
us, and have discovered themselves several times, and we have had
several pursuits after them, and have been very vigilant in prosecut
ing all methods to come up with them by watching and ranging the
swamps and lurking places, and by watching a nights in private pla
ces without the garrisons : but they are so much like wolves that we
cannot yet surprise them, but hope we shall by some means trepan
them. We have now taken a method to hunt them with dogs, and
have started them out of their thickets twice, and see them run out,
but at such a distance we could not come at them. Having an op
portunity, thought it my duty to acquaint your honor with it : but
having but a minutes time to write could but only give you an ac
count in short, and remain your honor's dutiful and obliged servant.
Samuel Wright.'
' American Antiquarian Society's Manuscripts.

1725,] BENJAMIN FLAGG'S LETTER. 57
The names and numbers of those posted at Worcester within this
year cannot now be ascertained. An incident which occurred dur
ing the period of their service is related in a letter, July 17, 1725,
from Benjamin Flagg.
' Honored Sir : These are to inform you that we this day went
out as a guard to those that worked in the meadow to gather in their
hay, of fourteen men, with those that worked, who wrought in two or
three places near to one another, As we scouted the swamps round
the meadow, we did discover Indian tracks, in the morning, in the
swamp by the meadow side, which made us very strict upon our
guard, but made not any more discovery until the middle of the day,
we sat to eat victuals upon a knoll where we thought we might be
safe ; but while we were eating, a dog that was with us barked and
ran out from us. I immediately sent three men to discover, who ran,
and immediately we heard a running among the brush : which was
Indians, who had crawled up the brush to make a shot at us. We
ran so fast upon them that the grass rose up under their tracks, but
could not see them, the brush being so thick. We pursued them
where we heard them whistle one to another in the thicket, but they
scattered and scampered so we could not find them : but found
where they had sat down and just gone. We pursued on after the
enemy : but it is as easy to find a needle in a wood, as find them
when scattered. So we returned. This I have thought meet to ac
quaint your honor of, and so I remain, your honor's humble and
obliged servant. These with care and speed, Benjamin Flagg,'
The sufferings of the frontier settlements were terminated by the
treaty concluded with the Indians in the following winter, (Dec,
15,) and ratified in the spring of 1726,
Although relieved from the danger and alarm of hostile invasion,
the progress of the town in population and wealth was slow during
the succeeding years.i
' In May 1724, the town had received an amount proportioned to its taxation, of the
bills of credit or stock of the Public Bank, and applied the depreciating paper currency
to finish the meeting house. In March, 1728, trustees were appointed to obtain the
sum of £170, 15 s. granted to Worcester from the emission of £60, 000, and make loans
to the inhabitants from this fund, not exceeding £10 nor less than £5 to each.
Capt. Nathaniel Jones and Ensign Moses Leonard were trustees of the first loan :
Nathaniel Moore, Daniel Heywood and John Hubbard of the second.
May, 1726, the inhabitants voted, that thanks be returned to Hon. Adam Winthrop,
for his bounty in bestowing upon the town a cushion as furniture for the pulpit, and
that the town clerk present his honor a copy of said vote.
8

58 COUNTY INCORPORATED. [1731,
The act erecting the County of Worcester, passed April 2, 1731,
to take effect from the 10th of July following. Its provisions inclu
ded Worcester, Lancaster, Westborough, Shrewsbury, Southbor
ough, Leicester, Rutland, Lunenburg, and the south town laid out
to the Narraganset soldiers,^ now Westminster, taken from Middle
sex : Mendon, Woodstock, now in Connecticut, Sutton, including
Hassanameset, now Grafton, Uxbridge, the land granted to the peti
tioners of Medfield, now Sturbridge, from Suffolk: and Brookfield
from the County of Hampshire,
The location of the shire town of the new county occasioned
much debate and diversity of opinion. For many years, Sutton,
Lancaster, Mendon, and Brookfield, stood higher in rank, graduated
on population and valuation, than Worcester. The central position
of the latter town, gave it advantage over its competitors for the hon
or of becoming the capital. The proposition to make Lancaster
and Worcester half shires, having the sessions of courts held alter
nately in each, vifould have prevailed, except for the opposition of
Joseph Wilder, Esq. who remonstrated against the administration
of justice in Lancaster, lest the morals of its people should be cor
rupted. His influence decided a question of so much importance
to its prosperity in favor of the present metropolis.
The first Court of Probate was held in the meeting house, July
13, 1731, and the Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace
10th of August following, by the Hon. John Chandler, then of
Woodstock, Chief Justice of both tribunals, A sermon was preached
on the occasion by the Rev. John Prentice of Lancaster. The Su
perior Court of Judicature was held on the 22d of September. The
centennial anniversary of its session was commemorated October

March, 1729 : voted that the constable warn town meetings in future by going from
house to house. 1735, the selectmen were directed to erect a suitable sign posi, at the
town's charge, near the meeting house, and the constables to serve notices by posting
them thereon.
May 17, 17.32, John Chandler, Esq., Capt. Jonas Rice and Mr. Benjamin Flagg, jr.
were of a committee to return thanks to Mr. Wigglesworth Switcher of Boston for the
present (of £5 towards completing the meeting house) he lately jnade the town, and on
the receipt of the same to dispose of it to the best advantage.
• In 1728 and 1733, seven townships weje granted by the General Court to the descen
dants of the soldiers in the Narraganset war. The grantees assembled on Boston com
mon in 1733, and formed themselves into seven societies of 120 persons entided to one
township. On the 17th of October, a committee of three from eaih company elected
at this meeting, made an allotment of lands. Amoskeag, then called Narraganset No. 4,
was assigned lo those from Worcester and 40 other towns. The number of orantees
in each must necessarily have been very small; their names are not preserved.

1731.] COURTS. 59
4th, 1831, when an address was delivered by the Hon. John Davis,
of Worcester.
One term of the Superior Court was held annually in October.
The Inferior Court had its sittings in May, August, November
and February. The General Sessions of the Peace was composed
of all the justices within the county, who commonly attended and
decided the matters presented for adjudication by vote.i
When public festivals were few, and anniversaries unfrequent,
the terms of court were the great holidays of the county ; and its
population assembled in Worcester, as on a general exchange, for
the transaction of business, or pursuit of amusement in the rude
sports of the period. The judicial proceedings, now forsaken, ex
cept by parties, witnesses and officers, were generally attended by
a multitude that thronged the streets. Wrestling, fighting, and horse
racing were common exercises. The stocks, pillory, and whipping
post crowned the summit of Court hill, then sloping with steep de
clivity to the highway, and partially covered with bushes. Frequent
exhibitions of discipline attracted crowds of spectators.^
Governor Belcher with the members of the Council, on their way
to Albany to hold a conference with the Six Nations, visited Worces
ter, 21st of August, 1735. The Justices of theGeneral Sessions^
with a delegation of citizens, waited on the executive officers of the
government. Their complimentary address is preserved on the
public records, and affords evidence that the controversy between
the royal prerogative and the representatives of the people, then di
rected against grants for permanent salary, had not extended to a
community who offered such loyal salutations.
1 Gen. Ruggles, the Chief Justice, in stern derision of the constitution of this court,
on one occasion, reprimanded a dog who had taken his seat beside his master, for ap
pearing on the bench before he had been qualified as a Justice of the Peace, and direc
ted him to go and be sworn before he came to vote there.
^ The common practise of racing in Main street during the terms of the courts
having become a nuisance, the following prohibitory vote was passed, September 19th,
1745. ' Whosoever shall for the future, during the space of three years from the
15th day of November next, in the times of the sittings of the superior court of judi
cature, court of assize and general jail delivery, the times of the sitting of the inferior
court of common pleas and general sessions of the peace in this town, presume to run
races on horseback, or pace their horses for trial in the country road, from the house of
Mr. Joshua Eaton to the house where Mr. Richard Wheeler now lives, shall forfeit the
sum of 20 s. lawful money to the use of the poor of the town.'
^ The Justices present, were John Chandler, Josiah Wilder, William Ward, William
Jennison, John Chandler, jr. Josiah Willard, Nahum Ward, Henry Lee, Samuel Wil
lard and John Keyes.

60 GOV, BELCHER'S VISIT. [1735.
' May it please your excellency : We, his majesty's justices of
the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, now held in this place,
for the county of Worcester, by adjournment, humbly beg leave to
congratulate your excellency's safe arrival in this part of your gov
ernment. It is with hearts full of joy that we now see your excellency's
face, together with the honorable Council, in the shire town of this
county, which has received its being and constitution by the favor of
your excellency, under the Divine conduct and benediction, and by
whose wise, mild and just administration, this whole province enjoys
great quietness, which, we trust, will be continued and accepted in
all places with all thankfulness. We are also sensibly affected that
your excellency has condescended, and is now pursuing, a very ne
cessary, although a very difficult and tedious journey, to visit the
western frontiers, and meet with the Cagnawaga Indians and such
tribes as may be desirous to renew their friendship with this govern
ment, in order to preserve and perpetuate the happy peace subsisting
with them. May your excellency and the honorable gentlemen of
the Council, and such of the honorable House of Representatives
who attend you, be encompassed with the Divine favor as with a
shield, and in due time returned in safety to your re^ective habita
tions.' The Hon. John Chandler having read this Address to the Gover
nor, in the language of the record, ' his excellency was pleased to
return the following answer.'
' Gentlemen : I thank you very kindly for the welcome you give
me, with the hon, gentlemen of his majesty's Council and the gen
tlemen of the House of Representatives, into this part of his majes
ty's province, I take this opportunity of assuring you that I shall
always cheerfully join my power, with yours, that justice and judg
ment may flourish in the county of Worcester, which will greatly
contribute to the happiness and welfare of the people.'
After this reply, the justices returned and immediately adjourned
without day.
William Jennison, Esq. and Mr. Gershom Rice, were appointed
as a committee, in March, 1737, ' to repair to the Great Falls at the
head of Providence river, or where Blackstone's river falls into the
salt water, to see if it be possible for the falls to be made practica
ble for fish to come up ; provided the towns lying on said river, or

1745.] FRENCH WAR. 61
near adjoining, join in sending committees also.' It is noted that
' these gentlemen offered to go upon free cost.' Although they re
ported that the stream could be made navigable for fish, and £S0
were appropriated for the puipose, no benefit resulted from the ex
amination or grant, and the fund was restored to the treasury.
The town contributed liberally to the defence of the province
during the wars with the French, sent its men, and expended its
means freely for the reduction of the fortresses of Nova Scotia and
Canada. The voluntary exertions of the inhabitants in support of
the government, and in aid of its military expeditions, would seem
incredible, if they were not verified by authentic rolls, rendered on
oath, by officers in command, and by the testimony of history to the
ardor of the patriotic spirit pervading the community.
The quota of Worcester, in the army of Sir William Pepperell, for
the conquest of Cape Breton, is not exactly ascertained. Benjamin
Gleason, who enlisted in that service, died before the walls of Louis-
bourg, in 1745, before its surrender. Adonijah Rice, the first born
of our native citizens, was in a company of rangers in the seige.
In 1746, an alarm of a French invasion spread through the coun
try. The express sent by Governor Shirley arrived Sept. 23d, when
the inhabitants were assembled in town meeting. ^ Abandoning
their municipal affairs, they immediately adjourned and took up
arms. Before sunset the whole military force was mustered, and
ready to march with a week's provisions, to meet the enemy. A se
cond messenger arrived seasonably to prevent their departure.
Fort Massachusetts had been erected by the province at the be
ginning of the war, in 1744, at Hoosick, now Williamstown, to guard
the western frontier. After its capture by Vaudrieul,^ in August,
1746, it was strengthened and defended by a sufficient garrison,
partly from Worcester. Eight of our men ^ were stationed there
from Dec. 1747 to March 1748.
The depredations of the Indians were so injurious in the summer
of 1748, that 200 volunteers were enlisted from Col. Chandler's
regiment, with some from Hampshire, to drive them back to Can
ada. Brigadier Dwight weis entrusted with the command. One
company of fifty three, all from Worcester, marched on the eighth
of August, and returned after a campaign of seventeen days, having
' Town Records. ^ Williams's Vermont, i. 333,
3 Abraham Bass, William McLellan, Silas Pratt, Abner Roberts, John Crawford, Sam
uel Brewer, Abraham Peck and Hezekiah Ward. These were under Capt, Elisha
Hawley.

62 EXCISE. SOLDIERS. [1754.
accomplished their object without loss, the enemy retiring without
giving battle. The officers were Daniel Heywood, Major comman
dant : John Stearns, Captain : Tyrus Rice, Lieutenant : Richard
Flagg, Ensign,
In 1754, a bill was proposed, imposing an excise on wines and
spirits, containing an extraordinary provision, obliging every house
holder, when required by a collector or deputy, to render an account
under oath of the quantity of such liquors consumed in his family,
not purchased of a licensed person, and to make payment of the du
ty. Gov. Shirley refused his assent, and procured the printing of
the bill for the consideration of the people. Sept. 2, it was unani
mously voted ' to be contrary to the mind of the town that the act
relating to the excise on the private consumption of spirituous liquors
be passed into a law ; and that John Chandler, the representative
of the town, use his utmost endeavor to prevent the same.' This is
the earliest instance on our records of the instructions of the con
stituents to their representative.
Thirteen soldiers were in service this year under Capt. John
Johnson, and were employed at forts Western and Halifax, near
Augusta and Waterville, on the Kennebeck river.
In May, 1755, it appears from the returns of Gen. John Winslow,
seventeen men from Worcester were in his majesty's service in Nova
Scotia under his command : seventeen more were posted at Fort
Cumberland. John Walker, after having served in a provincial reg
iment in different grades, was commissioned as a captain in the
king's army,
Adonijah Rice and another soldier, engaged in the expedition
against Crown Point, in August. In September, orders were issued
to Col. Chandler to impress troops for the reenforcement of the army.
Sept, 17, fourteen volunteers were returned from Worcester.
On the 21st of October, the inhabitants instructed Col. Doolittle,
the representative, to join in no measure countenancing a stamp
act. In the autumn of 1755, that cruel measure of policy, the darkest
blot on our history, the removal of the inhabitants of Nova Scotia
and their dispersion through the provinces, was executed by General
Winslow. About a thousand of the French Neutrals, as these un
fortunate people were called, arrived in Boston at the beginning of
winter, and were distributed among the several towns designated by
a committee. The proportion assigned to Worcester was] eleven.
They were received and supported by the selectmen, at the expense of

1755.] FRENCH NEUTRALS. 63
the province. The following description is annexed to an account
rendered for their subsistence.
' Eleven French persons ; an aged man and woman 65 or 70 years
old, past labor ; the female very weak ; a girl about seventeen years
old, who employs her whole time in taking care of the old people.
They have four sons who support themselves. In this family are
Jean Herbert aud Monsieur Lebere. Justin White and his wife,
aged about thirty, both very feeble, the man inclining to a consump
tion and unfit for labor ; they have three small children, the eldest
but about five years old, all chargeable ; one of the children has
been born very lately, so that the whole number now is twelve.'
These families, torn from their homes, reduced from comparative
affluence to desolate poverty, thrown among strangers of different
language and religion, excited pity for their misfortunes. Their in
dustrious and frugal habits, and mild and simple manners, attracted
regard, and they were treated here with great kindness. They cul
tivated a little tract of land, were permitted to hunt deer at all sea
sons, and aided in their own support by laboring as reapers and by
manufacturing wooden implements. Although they tilled the fields,
they kept no animals for labor. The young men drew their fuel and
materials for fencing on the ground, with thongs of sinew, and turn
ed the earth with a spade. So deep was the feeling of their suffer
ings in their violent removal, that any allusion to their native country
drew from them a flood of tears. The aged persons died broken
hearted. In 1767, the remnant removed to Canada among their
countrymen. The town then granted £1 to lay in stores and pay
the passage of John Lebere to Quebec, and authorised the select
men to raise that sum by loan.
The year 1756 was marked by increased exertions of the inhabit
ants to fill the ranks of the army destined to act against Crown Point.
Our own citizens freely volunteered in the expedition, whose success,
it was confidently expected, would terminate the war which pressed
so heavily on the resources and population of the province. A com
pany of 43 men was raised under Capt. Aaron Rice of Rutland ;
on his death in camp, he was succeeded in the command by Lieut.
Jacob Hemmenway. Forty-four other soldiers were returned by oth
er officers in Col. Ruggles' regiment, in the service of the country.
Some of these troops suffered in the reverses of the campaign. Dan
iel Stearns was made prisoner near Fort Edward ; Edward Hair, at
the capitulation of Oswego : and Jonathan Child in the vicinity of
Fort William Henry. They were detained in captivity at Montreal

64 MILITARY SERVICES. [1757.
until the exchange in 1758. Many died of epidemic diseases at
Lake George,
Regimental head quarters were established at Worcester, which
was appointed the rendezvous of troops to be mustered into service.
The town was often filled with military detachments waiting orders
to march, and the neighboring hills whitened with tents,
A depot of munitions of war was formed for the armament of
the levies as they advanced towards the scene of operations on the
western frontiers. A report of the commissary shows a total of 403
arms complete, 7 boxes of guns, 403 bayonets, 212 blankets, 151
bandoliers, 80 cartouch boxes, 1 cask of powder.
Earl Loudon, successor of Gen. Shirley, in expectation of an at
tack from the enemy, ordered Col. Chandler, on the 30th of Sep
tember, to detach one hundred and fifty men for the reenforcement of
his army. The militia companies of the town, with the former lev
ies from the regiment, promptly marched under James Putnam, the
distinguished counsellor, bearing the military rank of Major. Af
ter waiting at Westfield for the troops of Hampshire, finding the ne
cessity for their services had passed, the forces of Worcester county,
amounting to 300, were dismissed and returned.
Intelligence of the siege of Fort William Henry, Aug. 4, 1757,
induced the Governor to order the colonels of all the regiments to
hold each man in readiness to march at a moment's warning.
The following report, July 20, 1757, shows the preparation of Wor
cester, then included in the first regiment under the command of
Col. John Chandler, jr.
' Agreeably to an order of the honorable, his majesty's council, of
the fifth of July last, requiring me to take effectual care that every
person, both upon the alarm and train band lists, within my regiment,
and the several town stocks in said regiment, be furnished with arms
and ammunition according to law, if not already provided : immedi
ately on the receipt of said order, I forthwith sent out my warrant
requiring a strict view into the state of the respective companies and
town stocks in my regiment, and returns have since been made to
me that they are well equipt.
' And agreeably to an order of the honorable, his majesty's coun
cil, of the 6th of June last,i requiring me, in case of an alarm being
made, or notice given of the approach of an enemy by sea, to cause
' A French fleet having appeared off the coast, alarm Eind dismay spread through the
country, in the apprehension of an invasion of New England. These orders were is
sued to meet the danger from this source.

1757.] MILITARY SERVICES. 65
my regiment to appear complete in arms, with ainmunition accor
ding to law, and each man to be furnished with seven days provision
of meat. I also sent out my warrant, requiring the several compa
nies, in such case, with the utmost expedition to march to Boston,
and further to act agreeably to such orders as they shall receive.
Agreeably to the order aforesaid, return has been made from the
respective companies that they are each ready to march at an hour's
warning. John Chandler, jr. Colonel.'
Fort William Henry having surrendered, and advices having been
received of the advance of the French to attack Gen. Webb, orders
were issued to Col. Chandler ' to march the regiment of militia
under his command into the extreme parts of the province on the
western frontier, there to receive such further orders as shall be ne
cessary for the aid and assistance of his majesty's troops.' The
country, which had been resting on its arms during the whole sum
mer, roused itself at the summons. The whole militia of the town
marched on the 10th of August. One company mustered 56 men,
with Col. Chandler himself at the Jiead ; James Goodwin, was Cap
tain, Noah Jones, Lieut. David Bancroft, Ensign, and Nahum Wil
lard, Surgeon. Another company, 54 strong, was under Major
Gardner Chandler, with Captain John Curtis, Lieut. Luke Brown,
and Ens. Asa Flagg. They reached Sheffield, 105 miles distant as
the roads then were, where they were met by orders from Gen. Webb,
and intelligence that the enemy remained contented with his acquisi
tion. On the 8th of August they were disbanded, except a few men
detached to Stockbridge.
Eight of our men, in the troop of cavalry under Lieut. Jonathan
Newhall of Leicester, reached the army at Fort Edward. Ten
soldiers, regularly enlisted, served during the campaign.
On the 17th of September, Gen. Amherst halted for a day here,
on his march westward, with an army of 4500 men. Capt. Samuel
Clark Paine commanded a company, principally raised in Worces
ter, in this body, and served during the winter. There were nine
soldiers under Gen. Abercrombie in the unfortunate attack on Ticon-
deroga. This company continued in service in the splendid campaign of
Gen. Amherst, during 1759. Daniel Mc Farland was Lieutenant,
and the late Samuel Ward of Lancaster, Ensign. Twenty-three
non-commissioned officers and privates are returned from Worces
ter as doing duty in its ranks. Fourteen men more were in other
9

66 MILITARY SERVICES. [1760.
companies of Gen. Ruggles' regiment. William Crawford officia
ted as Chaplain of Col. Abijah Willard's regiment. Benjamin Stow-
ell was Lieutenant of Capt, Johnson's company. Many returned
laboring under the diseases contracted by residence in the region of
fever and ague.
Capt, Paine having died in December, Lieut, Daniel McFarland
was elected to the command of the company, in Feb, 1760, Wil
liam Ward is returned as Lieut, Samuel Ward, the Ensign, was
promoted to be Adjutant of Col. Willard's regiment. William
Crawford, the former Chaplain, became Surgeon in Gen. Ruggles'
regiment. Thomas Cowden served as Lieutenant in Capt. Jeffords
company, and twelve privates are borne on the rolls, as from Wor
cester. In 1761, Thomas Cowden was commissioned as Captain : twen
ty-five men from Worcester were in the army from May to Novem
ber, principally under his command. He remained in service till
the end of the following year. Nine soldiers only appear to have
enlisted withhini.
The peace of 1763 terminated exertions, which, in reference to
the population and resources of the province, may well be deemed
extraordinary. The whole number of men furnished by this town
alone, during the French wars for defence and conquest, as derived
from the well authenticated rolls still preserved, exceeded 450, as
appears frorn the following summary.
1748,  69. 1758,  20.
1754,  13. 1759,  43.
1755,  34. 1760,  17.
1756,  93. 1761,  26.
1757, .... 130. 1762,  8  453 men.
In these numbers are not included those who enlisted into the
regular army : nor, except in 1748 and 1757, the occasional service
of the militia companies. It is probable that many names have
been omitted in the examination of voluminous papers in the ar
chives of the state, and as the series is not perfect, many may have
been lost.
Worcester furnished to the provincial service during this period,
1 colonel, 1 lieutenant colonel, 2 majors, 6 captains, 8 lieutenants,
7 ensigns, 27 Serjeants, 2 surgeons, a chaplain, and an adjutant.
The same patriotic spirit, which was the moving spring of efforts
so considerable, pervaded the province. ' Nearly one third of the
effective men,' says Minot, ' were in military service in some mode

1764.] PROPOSED DIVISION OF THE COUNTY. 67
or other, and all this zeal was manifested after the most depressing
disappointments, and a burden of taxes which is said to have been
so great in the capital, as to equal two thirds of the income of the
real estate.'
The advantages from the sessions of courts, the erection of build
ings, and the residence of public officers, having become apparent
in the prosperity of Worcester, attempts were made to transfer these
benefits to the towns who had once declined their enjoyment.
In 1764, Timothy Paine, James Putnam, John Chandler, were a
committee to give reasons to the General Court, why the petition of
Abel Lawrence and others, praying for a new county from the
northern part of Worcester and the western part of Middlesex,
should not be granted.
This project was urged during several sessions of the Legislature.
Remonstrances were presented from towns in both counties against
the dismemberment. After orders of notice had been issued, and
several committees had taken the expediency of division into con.
sideration, the petitioners abandoned their object, in 1766.
Lancaster having petitioned for the sessions of seme of the courts
there, it was voted, 'that by removing any of them from the town of
Worcester, the shire of the county, to Lancaster, three fourths of
the inhabitants of the county, will be obliged to travel farther than
they now do.' Mr. Joshua Bigelow, then representative, was instruc
ted to use his utmost endeavor to prevent the removal, and procure
the establishment here of another term of the Superior Court. In
the former he was successful.

CHAPTER VI.
1765 to 1775. American Revolution. Instructions, 1766, 1767. Resolutions, 1768.
Covenant, 1763. Tea. Votes, 1773. Committee of Correspondence, 1773. Polit
ical Society. Peter Oliver. Address of Grand Jury, 1774. Report on grievances,
1774. Instructions. Protest of royalists. Town meeting. Record expunged.
Non-consumption covenant and oath. Mandamus counsellors. Assembly of the
people. Alarm. Minute men. Courts stopped. County Convention, Sheriff
Chandler, William Campbell, Instructions. Blacksmith's Convention. Depot of
military stores.
We have now reached the period of deepest interest in our histo
ry. The middle of the century had scarcely past, before the shad-

68 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. [1765,
OWS of oppression began to darken the land, and the first tremulous
motions of the revolution, which finally upheaved the colonial gov
ernment, were felt. The collision of popular privilege with royal
prerogative, maintained during successive years by the representa
tives, had prepared the people for the investigation of the principles
on which their connection with the mother country rested, and wa
ked their vigilance for the protection of chartered and inherited
rights. The long series of wars we have reviewed, were useful
schools, diffusing military spirit, and imparting knowledge of strength,
and skill and confidence for repulsing encroachments.
When the appeal to arras approached, many of the inhabitants of
Worcester most distinguished for talents, influence, and honors, ad
hered with constancy to the king. In the hostility of party and the
struggles of warfare, they were driven into exile and loaded with
reproach. At this distance of time, when the bitterness of the con
troversy has long subsided, while we do justice to their memories, a
warmer glow of gratitude springs in our hearts for the patriots whose
prophetic forecast saw, beyond the dangers and sufferings of the con
test, the prosperity and happiness that brighten over our republican
institutions. The royalists here, were those who had sustained with
equal fidelity and ability, the highest civil and military offices, en.
joyed the confidence of their fellow citizens, and given testimony
of their love of country by earnest exertions in its service.
Standing as they did, and knowing how scanty were the resour
ces for resistance, they might well entertain doubts whether the pe
riod had arrived, when it was possible to secure independence, and
refuse to hazard all that was dear on the uncertain issue of a war
with the most formidable nation of Europe. Educated with senti
ments of veneration for the sovereign to whom they had sworn feal
ty, indebted to his bounty for the honors and wealth they possessed,
loyalty and gratitude alike influenced them to resist acts, which, to
them, seemed treasonable and rebellious. However much they err
ed in judgment and feeling, we may respect the sincerity of mo
tives, attested by the sacrifice of property, the loss of home, and all
the miseries of confiscation and exile. Some among them, it is
known, were ardently attached to the principles of liberty : but, in
their view, the opposition to the measures of government was pre
mature in its advance to extremities. The times did not admit of a
middle course. The crisis had indeed arrived, although they mis
understood the progress of events, and became involved in indiscrim
inate denunciation.

1765.] INSTRUCTIONS. 69
It is not for the purpose of wantonly drawing from oblivion those,
whose descendants have been among our worthiest citizens, that the
names of the royalists are mentioned in the following narrative. To
understand the transactions, it is necessary to know the persons
who were engaged in them, and to whom ihey applied. By chang
ing even slight features, the resemblance of the picture would be des
troyed. The annals would be worthless, which impaired confidence
by the suppression of truth, even though unpleasant and unwelcome.
There is no discretion entrusted to the historian to select among the
events of the past. It is his task to relate with fidelity the incidents
of the times he reviews, that he may place loyalty and patriotism in
their just contrast.
The earliest expression of opinion, on the records of the town,
in relation to revolutionary measures, was on the 21st of October,
1765, when Capt. Ephraim Doolittle, the representative, was in
structed to join in no measure countenancing the stamp act.
Soon after the destruction of the property of Gov. Hutchinson
and other officers of the crown, in August 1765, at the Superior
Court, the Grand Jury expressed jto the Chief Justice, in strong
terms, the disapprobation of the people of the riotous proceedings
in Boston.
In May following, the town refused to give instructions respect
ing restitution to those who had suffered from the disgraceful vio
lence. The instructions to the representative^ 19th of May, 1766, are,
generally, marked by singular good sense and moderation.
' 1, That you use the whole of your influence and endeavor, that
no person holding any fee or military office whatsoever, especially
Judges of the Superior Court, Judges of the Probate, Registers of
Probate, Secretary, Clerk of either of the Courts, Sheriffs, or Prov
ince Treasurer, be chosen into his majesty's Council of this prov
ince, and that you attend at the election of Counsellors, and give
your vote accordingly.
' 2. That you endeavor, that, for the future, the General Court of
this province be held in an open manner, that such as are so minded
and behave agreeable to good order, may see and hear how affairs are
conducted in said court, and if the desired end be obtained, that a
' Ephraim Doolittle. The instructions were reported by Jonathan Stone, Benjamin
Flagg, and Nathan Baldwin.

70 INSTRUCTIONS. [1766.
proper and convenient house, both for the court and spectators, be
forthwith prepared.
'3. That you endeavor, that the present fee table of this province
be made null and void, and that a new fee table be made and estab
lished instead thereof, which shall be more equal and impartial ; not
giving to any officer in the government, except the Governor, more
nor less than you would be willing to do the same service for your
self; and that you observe this rule in granting pay for contingencies
and occasional services.
' 4. That you endeavor, that there be no monopoly of public offices
in this government, and that one man be not invested with more
than one office at one time, except it be compatible with the true in
terests of the people in general.
'5. That you endeavor, that there be a law made, that when
ever any representative shall receive any office or commission
from the Governor, he shall be dismissed the house, aud not be al
lowed to act as a member thereof, without he should be chosen anew
by his constituents ; and that the said constituents be forthwith ser
ved with a new precept to call a meeting for the choice of some meet
and suitable person to represent them in the Great and General
Court. ' 6. That you endeavor, the excise act be repealed, and that there
be no excise laid upon any commodities of trade, but that aU lawful
trade be encouraged, and free of duty or excise ; and that all the
public charge be paid directly by a rate, except such money as shall
be raised by fines for the breach of the good, wholesome laws of this
province. ' 7, That the law for keeping of Latin grammar schools be re
pealed, and that we be not obliged to keep more than one grammar
school in a county, and that to be at the county charge, and that
each town be obliged by law to keep good and sufficient schools for
the education of their youth in the art of reading, writing and arith
metic, and that the schoolmasters for the said purpose shall be siich
as shall be approved of by the selectmen of each respective town.
' 8, That you use your utmost endeavor, that a law be made to
prevent bribery and corruption in the several towns in this province
in the choice of representatives.
' 9. That you give diligent attendance at every session of the Gen
eral Court of this province this present year, and adhere to these
our instructions, and the spirit of them, as you regard our friendship
and would avoid our just resentment.'

1767,] INSTRUCTIONS, 71
The instructions, reported by Ephraim Doolittle, Nathan Baldwin,
and Jonathan Stone, on the 18th of May, 1767, breathe a similar
spirit, and are, in many respects, applicable to the present times,
' To Mr, Joshua Bigelow : Sir : As we have devolved upon you
the important trust of representing us, at the Great and General
Court, the year ensuing, we, your constituents, therefore, think it
our duty and interest to give you the following instructions relative
to some of your conduct in said trust.
' 1. That you use your influence to maintain and continue that
harmony and good will between Great Britian and this province
[which] may be most conducive to the prosperity of each, by a steady
and firm attachment to English liberty and the charter rights of this
province, and [that] you willingly suffer no invasions, either through
pretext of precedency, or any other way whatsoever : and if you
find any encroachments on our charter rights, that you use your
utmost ability to obtain constitutional redress.
'2. That you use your influence to obtain a law to put an end to
that unchristian and impolitic practice of making slaves of the human
species in this province ; and that you give your vote for none to
serve in his majesty's Council, who, you may have reason to think,
will use their influence against such a law, or that sustain any office
incompatible with such trust : and in such choice, prefer such gen
tlemen, and such only, who have distinguished themselves in the de
fence of our liberty.
' 3. That you use your influence that the fee table of this province
be established more agreeable to the rules of justice. Set not to
the sheriff, as fees, double as much pay as the service may be done
for, and in general is by the deputy sheriffs ; neither oblige jurymen,
&c. to do service at the expense of their own private estates, or be
subjected to large fines or penalties ; but subject all, or none at all,
by penalties, and appoint so much fees and no more, as may be
agreeable to each service ; and that you observe this rule, in grant
ing pay for occasional and contingent charges.
' 4. That you use your endeavor to relieve the people of this prov
ince, from the great burden of supporting so many Latin grammar
schools, whereby they are prevented from attaining such a degree of
English learning as is necessary to retain the freedom of any state.
' 5. That you make diligent inquiry into the cause of such general
neglect of the Militia of this province, and endeavor a redress of

72 RESOLUTIONS. [1768.
such grievance ; without which, we apprehend, in time, we may be
made an easy prey of, by the enemies of Great Britain.
' 6. Take special care of the liberty of the press.
' And, Sir, we hope and trust, that in all matters that may come
before you, you will have a single eye to the public good, have a
watchful eye over those who are seeking the ruin of this province,
and endeavor to make this province reciprocally happy with our
mother country,'
The indignation of the people on the promulgation of the act of
Parliament imposing duties on paper, tea, and other articles impor
ted into the colonies, was first manifested in Boston. In October,
1767, a meeting was held there, and resolutions to encourage domes
tic manufactures and refrain from ptirchasing the taxed articles, were
passed and transmitted to the selectmen of every town.
At the next session of the Legislature, resolves of similar import
were adopted, which are recited in the papers copied below.
On the 14th of March, 1768, a town meeting was held in Wor
cester, when the subject was presented. The following extract from
the record exhibits the proceedings of the inhabitants.
' The article in the warrant being read relative to promoting in
dustry and economy, Mr. Joshua Bigelow, our representative, mo
ved to the town, that before they came to a vote he might read the
vote of the hon. House of Representatives of this province, passed
the 26th of Feb. last, relative to the promoting industry, economy
and good morals and for the discountenancing the use of foreign su
perfluities, and to encourage the manufactures of this province ;
which was granted him : it was also moved and seconded, that the
reasons given by the Hon. Timothy Ruggles, the representative of
Hardwick, on his dissenting answer to the vote aforesaid, might be
read also : ^ which accordingly was done, and the question was put
1 Brigadier Ruggles alone opposed the passage of these resolutions. His reasons for
dissenting were offered in writing, but it was voted that they should not be entered on
the journal. His objections to the encouragement of manufactures were these :
1. Because in all countries manufactures are set up at the expense of husbandry, or
other general employment of the people, ani.1 if they have not peculiar advantages over
husbandry, they will by discouraging the latter, have an injurious effect.
2. That manufactures here must encounter insurmountable obstacles from the thin
population and high price of labor: and would be detrimental,' by taking hands away
from agriculture and the fisheries.
Other objections were deduced from the colonial relation of the province and the
mother country, and the injury which might result to the interests of England,

1768.] COVENANT. 73
whether the town would buy any British manufactures more than
they could pay for, and it passed in the affirmative. 'i
The sentiments of the inhabitants are more easily deduced from
subsequent events, than understood from the concluding e.xpressions
of the record. The town clerk, a gentleman of strong royalist at
tachments, was not probably desirous of correcting any absurdity in
the motions of his political adversaries.
Soon after this meeting, the patriotic party procured the subscrip
tions of many of the inhabitants to the follovying paper.
' Whereas the honorable House of Representatives of this prov
ince, on the 26th day of February last, did declare, that the happiness
and well being of civil communities depend upon industry, econ
omy, and good morals, and taking into serious consideration the
great decay of trade, the scarcity of money, the heavy debt contrac
ted in the late war, which still remains on the people, and the great
difficulties to which they are by these means reduced, did resolve, to
use their utmost endeavors, and enforce their endeavors by example,
in suppressing extravagance, idleness, and vice, and promoting indus
try, economy, and good morals : and in order to prevent the unneces
sary exportation of money, of which the province hath, of late, been
drained, did further resolve, that they would, by all prudent means,
endeavor to discountenance the use of foreign superfluities, and en
courage the manufactures of this province ; and whereas, the Par
liament of Great Britain has passed an act imposing duties on sun
dry articles for the purpose of raising a revenue on America, which
is unconstitutional, and an infringement of our just rights and privi
leges ; and the merchants of this province have generally come into
an agreement not to import goods from Great Britain, a few articles
excepted, till that act is repealed ; which in our opinion is a lawful
and prudent measure : therefore, we the subscribers, do solemnly
promise and engage, each with the other, to give all possible encour
agement to our own manufactures : to avoid paying the tax imposed
by said act, by not buying any European commodity, but what is ab
solutely necessary ; that we will not, at funerals, use any gloves, ex-
' One of the earliest woollen manufactories of Massachusetts is thus noticed in the Bos
ton Evening Post, October 10, 1768.
' We hear from Brookfield, that Mr. Joshua Upham of that town, a gentleman in the
law, and his two brothers, with d number of other gentlemen, have lately erected a
building 50 feet in length and two stories high, for a manufactory house, and are collect
ing tradesmen of several sorts for the woollen manufactory, and they propose to keep
a large number of looms constantly at work,'
10

74

TEA, [1768.

cept those made here, or purchase any article of mourning, on such
occasion, but what shall be absolutely necessary ; and we consent to
abandon the use, so far as may be, not only of all the articles men
tioned in the Boston resolves, but of all foreign teas, which are
clearly superfluous, our own fields abounding in herbs more healthful,
and which we doubt not, may, by use, be found agreeable : we fur
ther promise and engage, that we will not purchase any goods of any
persons, who preferring their own interest to that of the public, shall
import merchandize from Great Britain, until a general importation
takes place ; or of any trader who purchases his goods of such im
porter : and that we will hold no intercourse, or connexion, or cor
respondence, with any person who shall purchase goods of such im
porter or retailer ; and we will hold him dishonored, an enemy to
the liberties of his country and infamous, who shall break this agree
ment,' The execution of resolutions against tea, required the aid of those
to whose care the fragrant herb was entrusted in the household, A fe
male convention assembled in Boston, and agreed to discontinue the
use of the taxed leaf and substitute a native shrub,i an inhabitant of
our meadows. In imitation of this example, a meeting was held here
by the patriotic ladies, who cordially concurred with the good resolu
tions of their sisters of the metropolis. The royalists, who loved
their tea and their king, and were equally averse to the desertion
of the social urn or the sovereign, had influence enough to convene
another assembly, and procure the reconsideration of its approbation
of the American plant, and a renewal of allegiance to the exotic of
India, A paragraph in the Boston Evening Post, alludes to the doings of
the fair partizans,
'Worcester, Nov, 11, 1768, We hear that the ladies have dis
covered the most malignant quality in the Labrador tea, which, by
vote of the daughters of liberty, within the metropolis, was substi
tuted, to be used in the room of the Indian shrub, called Bohea :
that they find it to be of so debilitating a quality, and that it pro
duces such a total frigidity in iheir warmest friends of the other
sex, that at a later convention, to deliberate on matters of the great
est consequence, it was agreed, by a majority greater than that of
92 to 17,^ to rescind their former vote in favor of the detested plant,
* Ledum Palustre, Labrador Tea.
° Alluding to the vote on the question of rescinding the resolutions of the House of
Representatives,

1773,] RESOLUTIONS, 75
as being clearly unconstitutional, and tending directly to rob us of
our dearest privileges and deprive us of our "most sacred and invalu
able rights,'
As the nonconsumption agieement prevented the sale by the mer
chants of the obnoxious article, the gardens and fields were laid
under contributions to supply the table urn. The cup was filled
with odoriferous infusions of Mint and Sage, and those who ven
tured to acknowledge the abstract right of taxation, by the use of
tea, indulged in the luxury, as if they were committing crime, with
the utmost secresy, drawing bolt and bar, and closing every crevice
which might betray the fragrance of the proscribed beverage.
From this period to 1773, no doings of the inhabitants in their
corporate capacity, mark the progress of the spirit of independence.
The influence of the royalists prevented public expression of the
high toned patriotism radiated from the metropolis to every village,
and growing day by day more fervid and intense.
A petition of Othniel Taylor and forty others, called the attention
of the town, at the annual meeting in March, 1773, to the grievan
ces under which the province labored. After debate, the celebra
ted Boston Pamphlet was read. A committee was appointed i to
consider its contents, who presented an elaborate report at the ad
journment in May following. Going back to the foundation of civil
society, they deduce the principles, that mankind are by nature free,
and that the end and design of forming the social compact was, that
each member of the state might enjoy liberty and property, and the
unrestrained exercise of civil and religious rights. Tracing the his
tory of the pilgrims, they derive illustrations of the sacredness of
the charter, plighted by royal faith. Appealing to the long series
of services rendered by the province as testimonials of fidelity, they
declare, ' the fond affection that ever has subsisted in our heart? for
Great Britain and its sovereign, has ever induced us, to esteem it
above any other country, and as fond children speak of a father's
house we have ever called it our home, and always [have been ready
to] rejoice, when they rejoiced, to weep when they have wept, and
whenever required, to bleed when they have bled ; and in return, we
are sorry to say, we have had our harbors filled with ships of war, in
a hostile manner, and troops posted in our metropolis, in a time of
profound peace : not only posted [in a manner] greatly insulting, but
actually slaughtering the inhabitants : cannon levelled against our
' William Young, David Bancroft, Samuel Curtis, Timothy Bigelow, Stephen Salis
bury.

76 POLITICAL SOCIETY. [1773.
senate house, the fortress or key of the province taken from us : and
as an addition to our distress, the commander in chief of the province
[has declared] he had not power to control the troops, &/C. Nev
ertheless we are ready and willing to stand forth in defence of the
king of Great Britain, his crown and dignity, and our noble con
stitution, and, when called to it, risk our lives ; and in that day let
him that hath no sword, sell his garment and buy one.'
It was recommended ' that there be a committee of correspon
dence chosen, to correspond with the committees of correspondence
in the other towns in this province, to give the earliest intelligence
to the inhabitants of this town, of any designs that they shall discov
er, at any time, against our natural and constitutional rights.'
The recommendations of the report were adopted, and William
Young, Timothy Bigelow, and John Smith, were elected a commit
tee of correspondence.
The spirit of discontent, repressed in public, was actively working
in the minds of men, and the doctrine of resistance, branded by one
party as the theory of treason, preparing the way for events the
brightest of history. In the peculiar situation of the town, an efficient
and firm union among the friends of freedom was necessary. On the
27th of December, 1773, the leading whigs assembled, and formed a
Society, which became a powerful instrument of revolutionary ac
tion, directing the proceedings of the town, and extending a control
ling influence to some of its neighbors. Its organization and doings,
illustrative of the feeling of the times and the mode of political oper
ation, are worthy of extended notice.
The constitution and rules of proceeding, reported by Nathan
Baldwin, Samuel Curtis and Timothy Bigelow, exhibit the purposes
of the association. The former recites, ' that at the then present time
the good people of the county, and with respect to some particular
circumstances, the town of Worcester especially, labor under many
impositions and burdens grievous to be borne, which, it is appre
hended, could never have been imposed upon us had we been united
and opposed the machinations of some designing persons in this
province, who are grasping at power and the property of their neigh
bors : for preventing these evils and better securing liberty and prop
erty, and counteracting the designs of enemies, the associates incor
porate themselves into a society, by the name of The American Polit
ical Society, to meet at some public house, at least once in every oth
er month, to advise with each other on proper methods fo be pur
sued respecting common rights and liberties, civil and religious.'

1773.] poLrriCAL society. 77
The members covenanted, that no discourse or transaction in any of
the meetings should be communicated to any person without common
consent; that they would avoid all lawsuits as much as possible, and
particularly with each other : and if differences should arise between
members, which they were unable to adjust, they should be referred to
the determination of the society ; that each would, as he had opportu
nity, promote the interest of the other, in all honest ways, within his
power, without injury to himself; and that each member would give
information in the meetings of any infringement of the common rights
of mankind which might come to his knowledge. Penalties were
established for absence, provision made for regular monthly meet
ings, the elections, admissions, and order of debate, usual in sim
ilar associations. It is expressed, ' that each particular member,
reposing special trust and confidence in every other member of the
society, looks upon himself bound, and does bind himself, by the ties
of honor, virtue, truth, sincerity, and every appellation dear to him in
this life, faithfully and truly to keep and perform its articles.' Thir
ty one persons were original subscribers, and thirty two others 'were,
from time to time, admitted, making the whole number of members
during the two years of its existence sixty three.
The objects of the society, as expressed in its constitution, were
extensive. The associates, practically, limited their views to the cir
cle of their own corporation, and instead of proceeding in the task
of reforming the world, confined their exertions to secure the rights
of that portion of mankind in their own neighborhood. They erect
ed themselves into a supreme authority, not only assuming advisory
superintendence of local concerns, but claiming to direct in abso
lute terms. Sessions were held previous to the meetings of the in
habitants, and votes passed, afterwards confirmed by the town. To
show how important was their agency, it will be necessary to antici
pate the regular progress of the narrative, to examine their records.
The first debate, Feb. 4, 1774, was had on the impropriety of choos
ing any person to office, who was not an open and professed friend
to constitutional liberty, Feb. 25, the business of the society was,
to agree on a plan of proceedings for March meeting. In April, it
was voted ' that the chairman of the committee of correspondence, be
directed to send circular letters to the committees of correspondence in
the several towns in the county, advising them that the votes for Coun
ty Treasurer had not been counted by the Court of Sessions of the
Peace, as had been usual, and of the danger consequent thereon, that
the whole people of the county may be on their guard against fraud

78 chief justice OLIVER, [1774,
and deception.' A committee was appointed to prepare instructions
for the representative to be chosen in May following.
Amono- the boldest of its acts, was its instruction to the Grand
Jurors, to refuse being sworn if Judge Oliver was present at the
Superior Court in April.
The act of parliament for raising revenues, by taxation of the colo
nies, authorized appropriations from them, for the salaries of the judges
of the Superior Court, rendering the judicial officers dependants
of the crown. The Governor had refused his assent to legislative
grants for their support, and the Representatives remonstrated with
spirit, against the invasion of charter rights. After ineffectual ne-
gociations with Mr, Hutchinson, the inflexible assertor of royal pre
rogative, at the termination of the first session of 1773, it was resol
ved 'that any of the judges, who, while they hold their offices during
pleasure, shall accept support from the crown, independent of the
grants of theGeneral Court, will discover, that he is an enemy to the
constitution, and has it in his heart to promote the establishment of
arbitrary government,' In Feb. 1774, four of the judges, Trowbridge,
Hutchinson, Ropes, and Cushing, on the appeal being made by the
Assembly, replied that they had received no part of the allowance
from the king ; which was deemed satisfactory. Chief Justice Oli
ver alone, dared to brave popular sentiment, and answered that he
had accepted his Majesty's bounty, and could not refuse it in future,
without royal permission. The concentrated weight of indignation
fell upon him. The House immediately voted that he had rendered
himself obnoxious to the people as an enemy of the constitution. A
petition was presented for his removal, and articles of impeachment
for high crimes and misdemeanors exhibited, which the Governor re
fused to countenance.
Such was the relation of Peter Oliver to the people, when the term
of the Superior Court for the county of Worcester drew near-. The
political society, as guardians of popular rights, took the subject in
to consideration. After much treasonable debate, as the expression
of opinions which would have endangered life, might be termed by
those who could have claimed its forfeiture, the determination was
expressed in the following vote, unanimously adopted, April 4.
' This society will each one bear and pay their equal part of the
fine and charges that may be laid on Messrs. Joshua Bigelow and
Timothy Bigelow, for their refusal to be empanneled upon the Grand
Jury at our next Superior Court of Assize, for the county of Wor
cester, if they shall be chosen into that office, and their refusal is

1774,] GRAND JURY'S ADDRESS, 79
founded upon the principle, that they cannot, consistently with good
conscience and order, serve, if Peter Oliver, Esq, is present on the
bench as chief justice, or judge of said court, before he is lawfully
tried and acquitted from the high crimes and charges for which he
now stands impeached by the honorable House of Representatives,
and the major part of the grand jurors for the whole county, join
them in refusing to serve for the reasons aforesaid.'
So little apprehension was entertained of the concurrence of their
fellows, or of the return of the two gentlemen named, that they were
provided with a remonstrance for presentation to the court. The
exact circumstances, modestly designated as contingent and condi
tional, were made certain by the influence and exertions of the socie
ty. Messrs. Joshua Bigelow and Timothy Bigelow were chosen, and
the majority of the jurors did pin with them, at the opening of the
court in offering this paper, April 19, 1774.
'To the honorable, his majesty's justices of the Superior Court of
Judicature now sitting at Worcester, in and for said county.
We, the subscribers, being returned by our respective towns to
serve as jurors of inquest for this court, beg leave humbly to inform
your honors, that it is agreeable to the sense of those we represent,
that we should not empannel, or be sworn into this important office,
provided Peter Oliver, Esq. sits as chief justice of this court ; and
we would further add, that our own sentiments coincide perfectly
with those of our constituents respecting this matter ; so, to what
ever inconvenience we expose ourselves, we are firmly resolved not
to empannel, unless we are first assured that the above gentleman
will not act as a judge in this court, for the following reasons :
1. Because the honorable House of Commons of this province,
at their last session, among other things, resolved, that Peter Oliver,
Esq. hath, by his conduct, rendered himself totally disqualified any
longer to hold and act in the office of a justice of this court, and
ought, forthwith, to be removed theiefrom.
2. Because the House of Commons, in their said session, did im
peach the said Peter Oliver, Esq. of high crimes and misdemeanors ;
the particulars of which impeachment, we apprehend, are known to
your honors, which will excuse us from reciting them at large; to
which impeachment the said Peter Oliver, Esq. hath not been yet
brought to answer ; and therefore, we apprehend, that the veniri
bearing test, Peter Oliver, Esq. is illegal.
But, if we should be mistaken, nevertheless, we remonstrate and

80 CHIEF JUSTICE OLIVER. [1774.
protest, against the said Peter Oliver, Esq., acting as judge on any
of the bills we may find at this session, unless he is constitutionally
acquitted of said impeachment : because, we apprehend it would be
highly injurious; to subject a fellow countryman to trial at a bar,
where one of the judges is not only disqualified as aforesaid, but, by
his own confession, stands convicted, in the minds of the people, of a
crime more heinous, in all probability, than any that might come
before him. These, with other reasons, that might be offered, we
hope your honors will esteem sufficient to justify us for presenting
the foregoing remonstrance.'
Joshua Bigelow, John Fuller, W;illiam Henshaw,
Thomas Robinson, John Tyler, Nathaniel Carriel,
Phinehas Heywood, Daniel Clapp, Moses Livermore,
Nathan Walker, Silas Bayley, Timothy Bigelow,
Ephraim Doolittle, John Sherman, William Campbell.
After consultation, this paper was received by the court, and pub
licly read by the clerk. One of the judges then informed the ju
rors, that it was altogether improbable that the Chief Justice would
attend to take his seat :i and being assured that the sheriflf had, as
1 Judge Oliver, in a letter to Gov. Hutchinson, May IS, 1774, published in Edes' Ga
zette, Sept. 18, 1775, expresses his anger at the conduct of his associates of the bench
in strong terms.
' As lo the affair of the Gran'd Jury's libel at Worcester court, I did not know of their
conduct until I saw it in the newspapers; and had any of my brethren been charged in
so infamous a manner, I would forever have quitted the bench, rather than have suffered
such indignity to them to have pas.sed unnoticed. How it is possible to let a brother
judge, a friend, or even a brule, be treated in so ignominious a manner, I have no con
ception In my ideas of humanity. But so it is: and if the Supreme Court is content
wiih such rudeness, inferior jurisdictions are to be exculpated in suffering the common
wealth to be destroyed.'
Oliver sought consolation under popular odium, from the sympathy of the representa
tive of the king, without communicating to his associates the indignation breathing in his
letter. The existence of this document seems to have remained unknown to his judicial
brethren, long after the publication. Judge Trowbridge, In a letter to the late Levi Lin
coln, Dec. 27, 1780, says, ' this letter was wrote by Chief Justice Oliver, as I suppose, to
the governor, at the castle ; and the court referred to, must be the Superior Court at
Worcester, on the third Tuesday of September, 1773 ; for the chief justice was not at
that court. I don't know that I over saw what he calls the libel. I can't find it in Edes
& Gill's Gazette printed that year, and therefore conclude it was published in the Spy,
soon after the court. I hear Mr. Thomas lives In Worcester, and suppose he has those
papers by him. Ifyou would be kind enough lo know of him, if he printed the account
of the proceeding which, I suppose, the judge calls a libel, and favor me with a copy
thereof, j'ou will much oblige me.
' I was at Judge Oliver's house, on May 15, 1774, (the day of the date of his letter) :
but he never said a word to me about that matter, as I remember; which I think he
might have done, before he wrote that letter to the governor.'

1774.] POLITICAL SOCIETY. 81
usual, been a number of miles out of town, in order to meet and
escort him to his lodgings, and had returned without him, the jurors
retired to determine what course to pursue. On considering the
personal and public inconvenience resulting from their refusal to
proceed to business, and finding no sacrifice of principle from com
pliance, they returned, were sworn, and received the charge.
It is said to have been resolved by the Society, that they would
rescue the jurors by force, if they should be committed for contempt,
in presenting the chief justice to the court as a criminal. No writ
ten evidence of such purpose can be supposed to exist, and the re
moval of the difficulty, threatening interruption of the administration
of justice, fortunately prevented more solemn testimony from being
furnished. At the monthly meeting in June, it was voted to sign a covenant,
not to purchase any English goods, until the port of Boston was
opened, and to discontinue intercourse with those declining to sub
scribe. A committee was appointed to prepare an instrument for
this purpose, and obtain the signatures of the citizens, and to draft
a similar agreement to be signed by the women.
In August, it was voted, ' that Nathan Perry be moderator of our
next town meeting, if he should be chosen : in case he should refuse,
then Josiah Pierce shall preside.'
The selectmen were directed, forthwith, to- examine the town's
stock of ammunition, and ascertaip its quality and quantity.
A committee was chosen to present to the inhabitants an obliga
tion to be completely armed, and to enforce its execution.
Sept. 5. A committee was commissioned ' to inspect the tories
going to and coming from Lancaster, or any other way,' and it was
subsequently entered of record, that it was contrary to the mind of
the society that the tories should vote in town meeting.
Oct. 3. The instructions to be reported at the next town meet
ing for the representatives in the Provincial Congress and General
Court, were read, paragraph by paragraph, and accepted.
A respectable merchant of the town was summoned before the as
sociation, to exhibit the certificate of an oath not to purchase En
glish goods, made by Artemas Ward, Esq. afterwards General in the
Continental Army. The form not being considered satisfactory, a
new oath was required and taken.
We have traced the society far enough in the detail of its acts, to
show the control it assumed and exercised over committees of cor
respondence, the grand jury, the town, its selectmen and citizens.
11

82 POLITICAL SOCIETY, [1774.
Its career is interesting, as indicating the spring by whose impulse
the complex machinery was moved, and as illustrative of the manner
in which the government of opinion acted on the people, when the
authority of the established officers tottered, the tribunals of justice
were silent, and self constituted magistracies took the guardianship
of the general welfare, and the lead in the municipal republics.
It remains only to notice the dissolution of this remarkable body.
Many of the members having been called into the military service
of the country, much of its energy was lost. In 1776, it is stated,
that unhappy differences had arisen and divisions grown up in the
town. It was voted, to institute an enquiry into their origin, and en
deavor to suppress contention and reestablish harmony. Each mem
ber was desired to give intelligence of misbehavior, and answer
truly and fully to any question, proposed by a committee, formed
from both parties, to investigate the causes of difficulty. It was re
solved, ' that the society, in its corporate capacity, should pass no
votes relative to the choice of town or public officers, or for the man
agement of town meetings, until a report was made and acted on,'
The committee, composed of discordant materials, was unable to
effect a compromise. The last meetings of the Society appear to
have been passed in unavailing struggles to prolong its existence, in
jealous rivalship of the committees of correspondence and safety,
who had wrested away its power, and in stormy discussion of the
deviations from the original principles of its constitution. It linger
ed until the first Monday of June, 1776, when, by mutual consent, it
was suffered to expire, after a life of two years and a half
The struggle between the patriotism of the people and the loyal
ty of a minority, powerful in numbers, as well as in talents, wealth
and influence, arrived to its crisis in this town early in 1774, and
terminated in the total defeat of the adherents of the king.
At the annual meeting, March 7, a committee ^ was formed, to
take into consideration the acts of the British Parliament for raising
revenue from the colonies, who soon presented the following report,
matured by the Society, whose acts we have noticed, which was ac
cepted. ' We, the freeholders and inhabitants of Worcester, think it our du
ty, at this important time, when affairs of the greatest consequence
to ourselves and posterity are hastening to a crisis, after due consid
eration, to offer our sentiments on the many grievous impositions,
' William Young, Josiah Pierce, Timothy Bigelow.

1774.] RESOLUTIONS. 83
which are laid upon us : we would particularize some of the most
intolerable ones, viz.
' 1. Courts of Admiralty, wherein that most inestimable privilege,
trial by jury, is destroyed : Boards of commissioners, with their nu
merous trains of dependents, which departments are generally filled
with those who have proved themselves to be destitute of honor,
honesty, or the common feelings of humanity ; those who are known
to be the greatest enemies of the people and constitution of this
country, even those who have murdered its inhabitants. For a re
cent instance of their consummate insolence, and of their barbarously
harassing the subject from port to port, at the expense of time and
money, and unjustly detaining property, we would mention the case
of Capt. Walker, commander of the Brigantine Brothers.
' 2. The Governor and Judges of the Superior Court, rendered in
dependent of the people of the province, for whose good only they
were appointed, for which service they ought to depend on those
they serve for pay : and, we are constrained to say, that to have
these who are to determine and judge on our lives [and] property
paid by a foreign state, immediately destroys that natural depend
ence which ought to subsist between a people and their officers, and
[is,] of course, destructive of liberty. For which reason, we are of
opinion, that we [are] not in the least bound in duty to submit to
the ordering and determining of such officers as are not dependent
on the grants of the people for their pay, and we have the satisfac
tion to hear that four of the superior judges, to their immortal hon
or, have refused the bribe offered them,
' But, as we have had an opportunity heretofore, jointly, to express
our minds respecting our many grievances, we, principally, shall
confine our observations to the East India company's exporting teas
to America, subject to a duty laid thereon by the British Parliament,
to be paid by us, not so much as mentioned for the regulation of
trade, but for the sole purpose of raising a revenue : in consequence
of which, we take it upon us to say, that it is an addition to the
many proofs, that the British ministry are determined, if possi
ble, to enslave us : but, we rest assured, that however attached we
may have been to that truly detestable herb, we can firmly resist the
charm, and thereby convince our enemies in Great Britain and
America, that however artful and alluring their snares, and gilded
the bait, we have wisdom to foresee and virtue to resist.
' Therefore, resolved ; that we will not buy, sell, use, or any way
be concerned with India teas of any kind, dutied or undutied.

84 RESOLUTIONS. [1774.
imported from Great Britain, Holland, or elsewhere, until the un
righteous act imposing a duty thereon be repealed ; the former on
account of the aforesaid duty ; the latter, because we still maintain
such a regard for Great Britain as to be unwilling to promote the
interests of a rival,
' Resolved ; that we will break off all commercial intercourse with
those persons, if any there should be, in this or any other place,
who should act counter to these, our resolutions, thus publicly made
known : that the tea consignees, and all those that have been aiding
or assisting in introducing the East India company's tea among
us, have justly merited our indignation and contempt, and must be
considered, and treated by us, as enemies and traitors to their coun
try : that we contemptuously abhor and detest, all those, whether in
Great Britain or America, that are not content with their own hon
est industry, but contrary to known principles of justice and equity,
attempt to take the property of others in any wise without their
consent, 'Resolved; that we have an indisputable right, at this time, and at
all times, boldly to assert our rights, and make known our grievan
ces ; being sensible that the freedom of speech and security of prop
erty always go together. None but the base tyrant and his wicked
tools dread this liberty. Upright measures will always defend them
selves. It is not only our indubitable right, but a requisite duty,
in this legal and public manner, to make known our grievances.
Amongst the many benefits that will naturally result therefrom, [will
be] we hope, that important one of undeceiving our gracious sove
reign, who from the wicked measures practised against us, we have
just reason to suppose, has been artfully deluded ; in defence of
whose sacred person, crown and dignity, together with our natural
and constitutional rights, we are ready, at all times, boldly to risk
our lives and fortunes.'
Twenty-six of the royalists dissented from these resolutions, and
their protest was entered of record, although rejected by the town.
Mr. Joshua Bigelow was chosen representative, with the follow
ing instructions,! May 20, 1774.
' As English America is in a general alarm, in consequence of
* The committee who reported these instructions, were Josiah Pierce, Timothy Bige
low, Stephen Salisbury, Samuel Curtis, Edward Crafts, John Kelso; and Joshua Whit
ney. They had been prepared by Mr. Nathan Baldwin, the ablest writer of the party
here, and matured by the political society.

1774.] INSTRUCTIONS. 85
some late unconstitutional stretches of power, we are sensible this is
the most difficult period that hath ever yet commenced since the first
arrival of our ancestors into this then unexplored, uncultivated and
inhospitable wilderness : and being fully sensible that the wisest
head, uprightest heart, and the firmest resolution, are the necessary
qualifications of the person fit and suitable to represent us in the
Great and General Court of this Province the present year, [we] have
honored you with our suffrages for that important office. Notwith
standing our confidence in your virtue and abilities, we think it ne
cessary to prescribe some certain rules for your conduct. And first :
as there is a late act of the British Parliament, to be enforced in Amer
ica, with troops and ships of war [on] the first [day] of June, in order
to stop the port and harbor of Boston, thereby depriving us of the
winds and seas, which God and nature gave in common to mankind,
we are induced to believe that [the ministers] of Great Britain,
through misinformation, are led to a prostitution of that power which
has heretofore made Europe tremble, to abridge us, their brethren in
this province, of our natural and civil rights, notwithstanding, exclu
sive of our natural rights, we had all the privileges and immunities
of Englishmen confirmed to us by our royal charter. And as we
view this hostile manoeuvre of Great Britain as a blow aimed, through
Boston, at the whole of American liberties, being emboldened through
a consciousness of the justice of our cause, we, in the most solemn
manner, direct you, that whatever measure Great Britain may take
to distress us, you be not in the least intimidated, and thereby in
duced, that whatever requisitions, or ministerial mandate there may
be, in order to subject us to any unconstitutional acts of the British
parliament, to comply therewith. But to the utmost of your power,
resist the most distant approaches of slavery. But more particular
ly, should the people of this province, through their representatives,
be required to compensate the East India company for the loss of
their tea, we hereby lay the strictest injunction on you not to com
ply therewith, As the destruction of the tea was not a public act,
we cannot see the justice of a public demand. As the civil law is
open to punish the offenders, we rather think, instead of an equitable
compensation, it would be the means of encouraging riots and rob
beries, and, of consequence, render the courts of justice of no use.
' We also earnestly require that a strict union of the colonies be
one of the first objects in your view, and that you carefully and im
mediately pursue every legal measure that may tend thereto ; viz.
that committees of correspondence be kept up between the several

86 INSTRUCTIONS. [1774.
houses of assembly through the colonies ; and that you by no means
fail to use your utmost endeavors, that there be a general Congress
formed of deputies from the same : that so we may unite in some
safe and sure plan, to secure and defend the American liberties, at
this important crisis of affairs.
' Also we direct you, as soon as may be, to endeavor that Peter
Oliver, Esq, be brought to answer to the impeachment against him,
preferred by the Representatives of this province, in the name of
the whole people.
' There are a number of other matters respecting the internal poli
cy of this province, that, in our opinion, at this season, require the
attention of the legislator : but, at a time like this, when Britain in
return for the blood we have, on every needful occasion, so freely
shed in her cause, has reduced thousands, through a wanton exer
cise of power, in our metropolis, to the most [distressing] circumstan
ces, which, at first view, is sufficient to excite in the human breast
every tender and compassionate feeling, [this] is enough to engross
your whole attention. Should other matters come under your con
sideration in the course of the present year, relative to the common
and ordinary exigencies of government, we make not the least doubt,
you will, on your part, make the peace and prosperity of the whole
province, your ultimate aim and end, and by that means, honor
yourself and us, your constituents, in the choice we have made.'
Language so strong and decided, could not but be offensive to the
royalists. The acceptance was strenuously opposed ; Col. Putnam,
the distinguished counsellor, exerting the whole force of his eloquence
to prevent the cooperation of the town in acts of rebellion, but with
out success. Thus defeated, measures were taken to procure the
reconsideration of the votes. A petition, signed by 43 freeholders,
was presented to the selectmen, requesting them to issue their war
rant for a meeting, in the expectation, by concentrating the whole
strength of the opposition, that the early efforts of freedom could be
crushed. A meeting, called in conformity with the prayer of the petition,
which is recited at length in the warrant of the selectmen, was
held on the 20th of June. After long and violent debate, the whigs
prevailed, and it was voted not to act, in any manner, on any of the
matters contained in the petition. Nothing remained to the de
feated party but the right of protesting. A spirited and most loyal
paper was offered and refused. The Town Clerk, influenced more

1774.] ROYALIST PROTEST. 87
by feeling than prudence, entered a copy on the records, afterwards
sent to Boston for publication. This production is one of the boldest
and most indignant remonstrances of the friends of royal govern
ment among the productions of the time. It is inserted in the Bos
ton Gazette, printed on the 4th of July, 1774. The entry on the
record was afterwards entirely obliterated.
' At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Worcester, held
there on the 20th day of June, A. D. 1774, pursuant to an applica
tion made to the selectmen by 43 voters and freeholders of the same
town, dated the 20th day of May last, therein, among other things,
declaring their just apprehensions of the fatal consequences that
may follow the many riotous and seditious actions that have of late
times been done and perpetrated in divers places within this prov
ince : the votes and proceedings of which meeting are by us deemed
irregular and arbitrary :
' Wherefore we, some of us who were petitioners for the said
meeting, and others inhabitants of the town, hereunto subscribing,
thinking it our indispensable duty, in these times of discord and con
fusion in too many of the towns within this province, to bear testi
mony in the most open and unreserved manner against all riotous,
disorderly and seditious practices, must therefore now declare, that
it is with the deepest concern for public peace and order that we
behold so many, whom we used to esteem sober, peaceable men,
so far deceived, deluded and led astray bv the artful, crafty and in
sidious practices of some evil minded and ill disposed persons, who,
under the disguise of patriotism, and falsely styling themselves the
friends of liberty, some of them neglecting their own proper busi
ness and occupation, in which they ought to be employed for the sup
port of their families, spending their time in discoursing of matters
they do not understand, raising and propagating falsehoods and ca
lumnies of those men they look up to with envy, and on whose fall
and ruin they wish to rise, intend to reduce all things to a state of
tumult, discord and confusion :
' And in pursuance of those evil purposes and practices they have
imposed on the understanding of some, corrupted the principles of
others, and distracted the minds of many, who, under the influence
of this delusion, have been tempted to act a part that may prove, and
that has already proved, extremely prejudicial to the province, and
as it may be, fatal to themselves ; bringing into real danger, and in
many instances, destroying that liberty and property we all hold sa-

88 ROYALIST PROTEST. [1774.
cred, and which they vainly and impiously boast of defending at the
expense of their blood and treasure :
' And, as it appears to us, that many of this town seem to be led
aside by strange opinions, and are prevented coming to such pru
dent votes and resolutions as might be for the general good and the
advantage of this town in particular agreeably to the request of the
petitioners for this meeting :
' And as the town has refused to dismiss the persons styling them
selves the committee of correspondence for the town, and has also re
fused so much as to call on them to render an account of their past
dark and pernicious proceedings :
' We therefore, whose names are hereunto subscribed, do each of
us declare and protest, it is our firm opinion, that the committees of
correspondence in the several towns of this province, being creatures
of modern invention and constituted as they be, are a legal griev
ance, having no legal foundation, contrived by a junto to serve par
ticular designs and purposes of their own, and that they, as they
have been, and are now managed in this town, are a nuisance : And
we fear, it is in a great measure owing to the baneful influence of
such committees, that the teas of immense value, lately belonging
to the East India company, were, not long since, scandalously des
troyed in Boston, and that many other enormous acts of violence
and oppression have been perpetrated, whereby the lives of many
honest, worthy persons, have been endangered and their property
destroyed. ' It is by these committees also, that papers have been lately pub
lished and are now circulating through the province, inviting, and
wickedly tempting, all persons to join them, fully implying, if not
expressly denouncing the destruction of all that refuse to subscribe
those unlawful combinations, tending directly to sedition, civil war,
and rebellion.
' These, and all such enormities we detest, and abhor : and the au
thors of them we esteem enemies to our king and country, violators
of all law and civil liberty, the malevolent disturbers of the peace of
society, subverters of the established constitution, and enemies of
mankind.' The whole number of voters of the town at this time could not
have exceeded two hundred and fifty. Fifty two inhabitants sub
scribed the protest.
The first intimation received by the whigs, of the existence of

1774.] RESOLUTIONS. 89
sentiments so loyal, on the same pages with the narrative of their
own patriotic declarations, was derived from the publication. Im
mediately after its appearance, a petition was presented to the select
men, describing the protest as a false and scandalous attack on the
inhabitants, the committee, and their doings, charging the town
clerk with a violation of his trust, and requesting them to convene
a meeting to consider the subject. The town assembled on the 22d
of August, and referred the matter to a Committae,i to report at the
adjournment to the 24th. Before that time, many of the protesters,
shrinking from the violence of the storm they had roused, and under
the compulsion of force, sought safety by submission, and signed pen
itential confessions of error. When the people reassembled, the
following counter statement and the accompanying resolutions were
adopted. ' Whereas, the publication, in the Massachusetts Gazette of June
30, was made, as a protest of the signers of it against the proceedings
of the town of Worcester, and contains in it a number of groundless
reflections and aspersions against the inhabitants of the town, viz :
it seems to be implied in the direction to the printer, published at
the front of the protest, that the signers were the only persons in
the town, that were friends to truth, peace and order, and that they
only, were the persons, that had any just apprehensions of the ill
consequences arising by mobs, riots, &c. and that all the rest of
the inhabitants acted irregularly and arbitrarily ; notwithstanding
the matters [voted] in said meeting were fairly considered : and that
they, were so destitute of understanding as to be led astray, by evil
minded persons, who were endeavoring to reduce all things to a
state of disorder and confiision ; thereby making themselves the sole
judges of what is rule and order, and what is not : and proceed to
stigmatize the inhabitants as holding to such bad opinions, as to pre
vent the town's acting prudently and for the general good. It is al
so implied in the publication, that this town allows a number of per
sons in it, to assume the character of a committee of correspondence
for the town, and to act darkly and perniciously with impunity, con
trary to rule and good order and in violation of the truth : after, with
unparalleled arrogance, representing themselves as the only friends
to it, [they] assert that the town has refused to dismiss the persons
styling themselves a committee of correspondence for the town, when,
' The committee were Joshua Bigelow, Jonas Hubbard, David Bancroft, Samuel Cur
tis, Jonathan Stone, Benjamin Flagg, Josiah Pierce.
12

90 RESOLUTIONS. [1774.
setting aside the inconsistency of the town's dismissing persons who
had arrogated the character of a committee, and consequently [were
in fact] not chosen by the town, they well knew that the town had
not been requested, either to dismiss persons styling themselves a
committee, or those gentlemen so denominated by the town : neither
was there an article in the warrant for calling said meeting, to dis
miss any persons whatever from office, nor so much as proposed in
the meeting. Tljere is also a malignity cast upon committees of
correspondence in general through the, continent, and in particular
against the committee chosen by this town, without any reason as
signed for the same, but the opinion of the protesters, too slender a
foundation to asperse the character of town officers upon, and [they]
have endeavored to insinuate into the minds of the public, that the
men of which committees of correspondence are composed through the
province, are a parcel of unprincipled knaves, who are endeavoring
to destroy the lives and property of the peaceable and well disposed,
and also alleging that it is by these committees that papers have been
lately published, and [that they have] wickedly tempted all persons
to sign them, v^'hich they call an unlawful combination, tending di
rectly to civil war and rebellion. This town knows of no such pa
per : if it be the non-consumption agreement, entered and entering
into through" this and the neighboring provinces, that is pointed at,
we take it upon us to say, that we much approve of the same, that
if strictly adhered to, it will save our money, promote industry, fru
gality, and our own manufactures, and tend directly to prevent civil
war and rebellion.
' After offering their opinions of mobs, riots, tumults, and disorder,
and the proceedings of the town, so cruelly and with such temerity,
as shows them to be destitute of that humanity and christian charity
which we in all duty owe one to the other, they brand all that do not
join with them, with the characters of enemies of the kino- and coun
try, violators of all law and civil liberty, the malevolent disturbers of
society, subverters of the established constitution, and enemies to
mankind. And as it appears by the said publication, that the same
is recorded in (he town book, notwithstanding the many aspersions it
contains against the people of this town; and without the liberty or
knowledge of the town ; therefore,
' Voted, that the town clerk do, in presence of the town, obliterate,
erase, or otherwise deface the said recorded protest, and the names
thereto subscribed, so that it may become utterly illegible and unin
telligible.

1774,] RESOLUTIONS. 91
' Voted, that the method taken by the leaders, in protesting, and
procuring a very considerable number to sign the protest, who are
not voters in the town, we think was a piece of low cunning, to de
ceive the public, and make their party^ appear more numerous and
formidable than it was in reality.
' Voted, that the signers of said protest, on some of whom the
town has conferred many favors, and consequently might expect
their kindest and best services, be deemed unworthy of holding any
town office or honor, until they have made satisfaction for their of
fence to the acceptance of the town, which ought to be made as
public as the protest was.
' Voted, that as it is highly needful that those of the signers who
have not made satisfaction as aforesaid, should be known in future,
it is therefore necessary that their names should be inserted as fol
lows, viz.
James Putnam, Isaac Moore, Joshua Johnson.
William Paine, John Walker,
' Voted, that the following admonition be given to the tovvin clerk.
' Mr. Clark Chandler : Whereas, this town, at their annual meet
ing in March last, as well as for several years before, honored you by
choosing you for their clerk, relying on your fidelity, that you would
act for the honor of the town, and find themselves^much disappoint
ed, by your conduct in recording on the town'book, the scandalous
protest of William Elder and others, filled with falsehood and reflec
tions against the town, we have just reason to fear you'was actuated
in the matter by unjustifiable motives, and, at this time, exhort you to
be more circumspect in the execution of [the duties of] your office,
and never give this town the like trouble, of calling a town meeting
again, on such an occasion. The town wish to see your behavior
such as may restore you to their former good opinion of you.
' Whereas, the committee of correspondence for this town, willing
ly laid all their proceedings before the town, when requested, and it
thereby appears, notwithstanding the ungenerous abuse heaped on
them by the protesters, that they have acted with care, diligence
and caution, therefore, voted, that the thanks of this town be given
to the committee for their circumspection, and that they be directed
to go on, with their [former] vigilance, in corresponding with the
other committees of the several towns in this province.'
These resolves were directed to be entered of record, and for
warded for publication in the Massachusetts Gazette and Spy. They

92 NON-CONSUMPTION COVENANT. [1774.
did not appear in the latter newsprint till Dec. 8. From an ac
knowledgement in the paper of Sept. 13, it appears that the recan
tation of forty three of the protesters had been received by the pub
lisher, the late Isaiah Thomas, but was not inserted for want of room,
nor was it afterwards placed in his columns.
In pursuance of this vote, the clerk, in open town meeting, and
in the presence of the inhabitants, blotted out the obnoxious record,
and the work of the pen in defacing its own traces not b.eing satis
factory, his fingers were dipped in ink and drawn over the pro
test. The pages still remain in the town book, so utterly illegible,
as to bear full testimony of the fidelity of the recording officer, in
the execution of the singular and unwelcome duty of expunging,
thus imposed upon him.
The selectmen were appointed as a committee, to receive any ar
ticles of provisions the inhabitants should contribute, for the poor
of the town of Boston.
A committee ^ was raised, to offer the following covenant; for sub
scription, to the inhabitants of the town.
' As the distresses of the people, loudly call on [all] inhabitants
of this province, to use their utmost efforts to free themselves from
that bondage intended for them by the late acts of the British Par
liament, and, as we apprehend, nothing will better conduce to such
purpose than the following agreement : we, whose names are hereunto
subscribed, promise, we will not ourselves, or any for or under us, di
rectly or indirectly, buy or cause to be bought, and as far as we are
able by advice and command, will prevent our children or servants
from buying, any article, except drugs and medicines, that may be im
ported into this, or any other province or colony on this continent, that
was manufactured, or came from Great Britain or Ireland, or that may
come from thence to the West Indies, or any where else, that may be
imported into this, or any other colony or province on the continent,
from and after the first day of September next, nor buy any article
made or brought as aforesaid of any person whatsoever, who shall
not be furnished with an oath, in writing, taken before a magistrate
in the town where they dwell, or that next adjoining, that the articles
shewn, were bona fide imported before the said first day of Septem
ber : and we, in the same manner as aforesaid, for ourselves, our
children and servants, promise we will not buy of any chapman or
' Aug. 22. Jonathan Stone, David Bancroft, Josiah Pierce, Jonathan Rice, David
Chadwick.

1774.] COVENANT AND OATH. 93
pedler any articles whatever. These promises and agreements we
religiously promise to observe, in a sacred manner, until the port of
Boston shall be opened as usual, the troops withdrawn, the castle
restored, all revenue acts annulled, all pensions to governors, judges,
&c. cease, and in one word, until the liberties of this people are
restored and so secured, that every one may have legal security
for the safety of his person and property, and again feel, and be, in
the full enjoyment of those blessings which we are entitled to as
men, and those rights and privileges which the charter of this prov
ince gives us right to expect, demand and strive for. And to deter
mine when this is done, the majority of the signers then alive shall
determine and be the judges.'
This paper was not only subscribed, but a solemn oath for its
performance was taken in the following form,
' In the presence of the Great God, that Being who liveth forever
and ever, who knoweth the secrets of all hearts, we acknowledge
that the agreement here subscribed is our free act, and solemnly
swear that we will, by His grace assisting us, strictly perform the
same, in its true and literal meaning, without any equivocation or
mental reservation. So help us God.'
Oct. 25, A committee of inspection ^ was elected, to examine, from
time to time, the merchants and traders of the town, and prevent
their offering for sale, any goods imported or purchased contrary to
the spirit and intent of the ' solemn league and covenant,' as it
was styled.
The system of coercive measures, adopted as vindictive expedients
for the punishment of past misdemeanors and the suppression of fu
ture opposition, had roused the free spirit of the country into intense
action. The practical operation of the celebrated bills, following
each other in rapid succession, for the imposition of duties, closing
the port of Boston, altering the charter, creating officers of the
crown independent of the people, transporting persons accused for
trial, prohibiting town meetings,^ and vesting the government of the
province in the dependents of the king, aggravated the irritation
• John Kelso, Nathan Baldwin, Ebenezer Lovell,
^ The provision was in the Regulating Bill, that no town meetings should be held
without permission in writing from the governor or lieutenant governor, after August 1,
1774, except the annual meeting in March, for the election of municipal officers, and
that in May, for the choice of representatives. Gordon, i. 250.

94 MANDAMUS COUNSELLORS. [1774.
and urged to acts of personal violence. The weight of public indig
nation fell on those appointed to offices under the new acts, and
they were soon compelled to lay aside their obnoxious honors.
Timothy Paine, Esq. had received a commission as one of the
mandamus counsellors. High as was the personal regard and re
spect for the purity of private character of this gentleman, it was
controlled by the political feeling of a period of excitement, and
measures were taken to compel his resignation of a post, which
was unwelcome to himself, but which he dared not refuse, when de
clining would have been construed as contempt of the authority of
the king by whom it was conferred. The committee of correspon
dence summoned the friends of liberty in the neighboiing towns to
appear at Worcester, on the 22d of August. Companies, headed by
their own officers, marched into the town in military order, but with
out arms, and formed in lines on the common before 7 o'clock of the
morning. When reenforced by our own inhabitants the number ex
ceeded three thousand men. A committee, of two or three per
sons from each company, was delegated to wait on Mr. Paine and
demand his resignation as counsellor. The representatives pro
ceeded to his residence and easily eflfected their object. A declar
ation was prepared and subscribed by him, expressing his sense of
obligation to his fellow citizens, reluctance to oppose their wishes,
regret for having been qualified for the new office, and a solemn
promise that he would never exercise its powers. The committee
returned to their constituents, who had moved from the common and
extended their lines through Main street, from the court house to
the meeting house. The acknowledgment was considered satis
factory : but the confirmation was required in the presence of the
whole body. A sub-committee was commissioned to invite Mr,
Paine's attendance. Requests from such a source were not to be
declined, and he accompanied the gentlemen who delivered the
message. The signers of the protest, had been informed by the committee
of correspondence, that apology for their opposition would be re
quired from them. Forty three of them had met the evening pre
vious to this visitation at the King's Arms tavern,i and having sub
scribed an acknowledgement of error and repentance, and received
an instrument purporting to restore them to favor, and ensuring
protection, they had mixed in the crowd, unsuspicious of any act of
1 This tavern was then kept by Mrs. Sternes, with the royal arms as the sign. It
stood on the site of the Worcester House.

1774.] ALARM. 95
insult. Those who appeared, were collected by the revolutionary
magistrates, and on the arrival of Mr. Paine, were escorted through
the ranks, halting at every few paces to listen to the reading of their
several confessions of political transgression. Having thus passed
in review, and suffered some wanton outrage of feeling, in addition
to the humiliation of the procession, they were dismissed.
The objects of assembling being accomplished, the majority of
the convention disbanded and retired to their homes. A party of
about five hundred, with the Worcester committee of correspon
dence, repaired to Rutland, to ask the resignation of Col. Murray,
another of the new- council. Before their arrival, they were joined
by nearly a thousand men from the western towns. A committee
visited his house, and being informed of his absence from home, re
ported the fact. This was voted unsatisfactory, and a most strict
search was instituted. After convincing themselves of the truth of
the representation made by the. family, they addressed a letter to Col.
Murray, informing him that unless he published the resignation of
his office in the Boston newspapers, before the 10th of September,
they would wait on him again.
Some of the royalists of Worcester, alarmed at these proceedings,
and fearful of danger to themselves, when those who had been most
respected were treated with indignity, retired to Stone House hill,
within the boundary of Holden, with their arms, and made some addi
tions to the natural defences of the situation they selected, which af
terwards received the appellation of the Tory Fort. They carried
such provisions as could conveniently be collected to this retreat,
and derived some supplies fi-om friends, expecting safety from con
cealment, rather than from capacity to resist storm or seige. They
remained two or three weeks in their rocky fortress ; when their ap
prehensions had subsided, they returned.
A band of the king's troops having made an excursion by night
up the Mystic river and carried off a quantity of gunpowder deposit
ed in the arsenal in the northwest part of Charlestown, the intelli
gence spread rapidly through the country, and was magnified as it
went, into a report, that the soldiers on the neck had slain the inhab
itants, and that the fleet and army were firing on Boston. The ef
fect was electric. The bells rang out from the spires, beacon fires
flamed from the hills: alarm guns echoed through the villages, and
the people rose spontaneously on the summons. It is stated in the
prints of the day that before the next sun went down, 6000 men from
the county of Worcester were on their way to fight or fall with their

96 PREPARATIONS FOR WAR. [1774.
countrymen if need were, and the venerable Dr. Stiles records in his
diary, that the succeeding morning would have shone on an array of
30,000 men concentrated at the point of supposed danger, had not
their movements been countermanded. The alarm reached Worces
ter in the afternoon. The committee of corespondence immediately
despatched messengers with warrants to the military to assemble.
The early part of the night was spent in changing pewter platters
and leaden window frames into musket bullets, and in preparation
for immediate engagement. As soon as these arrangements could
be completed, a large company marched, and reached Shrewsbury,
before the return of messengers from Boston assured them their fur
ther advance was unnecessary.
It has been supposed the occasion had been seized to try the tem
per of the people and ascertain the extent and strength of the resolu
tion of resistance. The highways, thronged with citizens bearing
such weapons as the enthusiasm of the hour supplied, are described
as presenting scenes the counterparts to the display of the military
establishment of the Dutch dynasty of New York so ingeniously delin
eated by its faithful annalist. ' There came men without officers and
officers without men, long fowling pieces and short blunderbusses,
muskets of all sorts and sizes, some without locks, others without
stocks, and many without lock, stock, or barrel ; cartridge boxes,
shot belts, powder horns, swords, hatchets, snickersees, crow bars,
and broom sticks, all mingled together.' Yet such was the spirit
animating the community, that men who had never seen the tents of
an enemy, left the plough in the furrow and the sickle in the harvest,
and went out, without discipline, equipments, or munitions, to en
counter the trained veterans of foreign lands. Ample evidence was
afforded of stern determination to meet even the terrible appeal to
war, and a pledge was given of the support every town might hope
from its neighbors, in extremity.
One beneficial result from this excitement, was the admonition of
the necessity of better preparation for the result which it was now ap
parent was hastening. On the 4th of July, the Political society had
subscribed to purchase two pounds of gunpowder for each of its mem
bers : and, in August, had voted a covenant for the signature of each
citizen, to bind him to provide arms and ammunition. The compa
ny of minute men were enrolled, under the command of Capt, Timo
thy Bigelow, and met, each evening, after the labors of the day were
past, for drill and martial exercise. Muskets were procured for their
armament from Boston, Four cannon were purchased by the town,

1774.] COURTS SUSPENDED. CONVENTION. 97
secretly conveyed out of the metropolis, ^ and mounted at an expense
of ^38. A train of artillery was organized under Capt, Edward
Crafts, The purity of the administration of justice having been corrupted by
the act of Parliament, it was resolved that its tribunals should be sus
pended, A body of about six thousand men assembled on the invi
tation of the committee of correspondence, on the 6th of September,
and blocked up the passage to the Court House, The Justices of
the Inferior Court of Common Pleas were compelled to make a dec
laration in writing, that they would not attempt to exercise their au
thority, or appear officially, in opposition to the will of the people.
The Court, thus interrupted, never resumed the exercise of its func
tions. A term was commenced, but immediately adjourned, with
out transacting business. No trials were had, or judgments render
ed, until July, 1776, when the courts were again opened under the
new government.
A convention of all the committees of correspondence, was held,
in Worcester, on the 2Ist day of September. This assembly as
sumed legislative powers, and in the interregnum of royal prerogative
and constitutional authority, its orders were obeyed as laws.
The first object which engaged the attention of this county con
gress, in considering the situation of public affairs, and devising
measures for the common safety, was the organization of the militia.
It was voted and recommended, that all subordinate officers surrender
up the commissions given by the royal governors, to their colonels,
and those of higher rank publish their resignations in the newspa
pers. A new arrangement of the military force was directed to be
made, by division into regiments : the first, to include Worcester,
Leicester, Holden, Spencer and Paxton ; the primary elections of
company officers to be made by the soldiers : and those who should
be chosen in this manner, to meet and designate the regimental
staff. One third of the men, able to do duty, between the ages of
eighteen and sixty, were to be enrolled, formed into companies, and
be ready to march at a minute's warning, and committees were to be
elected to supply their wants should they be called to service.
A standing committee of correspondence of the convention was
formed, by the union of the committees of Worcester and Leicester,
' £2 12s. lOd. were voted to Mr. Jonathan Rice, for his trouble and expenses in get
ting these cannon out of Boston ; £2 to Jonathan Stone for similar services : to Edward
Knight, £ 1 6s. 8d : and to William Dana and Samuel Whitney, £ 1 13s. 4d. each, for
transportation from Brookline. 13

98 COUNTY CONVENTION. [1774.
and the addition of Thomas Denny, Joseph Henshaw, and Joshua
Bigelow, and authorized to call meetings, communicate with towns in
the county, and persons abroad, and present subjects for considera
tion. Civil officers holding commissions in June, were directed to con
tinue in the discharge of their duties, excepting Timothy Ruggles,
John Murray, and James Putnam.
It was voted, ' as the opinion of this body, that the sheriff do
adjourn the Superior Court to be held this day, and that he retain
such as are or may be committed as criminals in his custody, until
they have a trial.'
' Resolved : That as the ordinary courts of justice will be stayed,
in consequence of the late arbitrary and oppressive acts of the Brit
ish parliament, we would earnestly recommend to every inhabitant
of this county, to pay his just debts as soon as possible, without dis
pute or litigation ; and if any disputes concerning debts or trespass
es should arise, which cannot be settled by the parties, we recom
mend it to them, to submit all such catises to arbitration ; and if the
parties, or either of them shall refuse to do so, they ought to be con
sidered as cooperating with the enemies of the country.'
It was recommended to the several towns, to instruct their rep
resentatives, to refuse to be sworn by any officers except such as
were constitutionally appointed : to decline acting with any others
not conforming to the charter : and not to attend at Boston, while
garrisoned with troops and invested by fleets : but should any thing
prevent their acting with a governor and council, appointed accord
ing to the charter, to repair to the town of Concord, and there join
in a provincial Congress.
The towns were requested to provide and mount field pieces, ob
tain proper ammunition, and put themselves in a posture of defence.
Sheriff Chandler i had presented an address from the Justices of
the Court of Common Pleas, at its June session, congratulating
Gen. Gage on his appointment as first magistrate of the province,
lamenting the disturbed condition of the times, bearing testimony
against all riots, combinations, and unwarrantable resolves ; denoun
cing the circulation of inflammatory papers by order of certain per
sons, calling themselves a committee of correspondence for the town
of Worcester, which they represent as stimulating the people to
¦ The Court appointed Hon. Timothy Ruggles, John Chandler, Esq., James Putnam,
Abel Willard, and Gardner Chandler, Esq'rs. to wait upon His Excellency Gen. Gage,'
and present this Address. It was delivered however by the Sheriff.

1774.] SHERIFF CHANDLER. 99
break off all connexions with Great Britain, and having a tendency
to alienate the affections of the people from the mother country, and
to create discord and confusion ; concluding with the assurance of
their exertions to discountenance such proceedings, to support the
execution of the laws, and render the administration successful and
prosperous. The convention voted, ' to take notice of Mr. Sheriff"
Chandler, for carrying an address to Gov. Gage,' and appointed a
committee to wait on him and require his attendance. That gentle
man presented himself before this remarkable body, whose jurisdic
tion seemed supreme, and with some hesitation subscribed the fol
lowing declaration,
' Whereas, the convention of committees have expressed their un
easiness to the sheriff" of this county, now present before them, for
presenting with others, an address to Gov. Gage, he frankly declares
it was precipitately done by him : that he is sorry for it, and dis
claims an intention to do any thing against the minds of the inhab
itants of this county ; and had he known it would have given offence,
he would not have presented that address, Gardner Chandler.'
A copy of the resolves of the convention, certified by the clerk.
Col. William Henshaw, was published in the Massachusetts Spy.^
Resolutions adopted at an earlier session were copied into the
London journals, as evidence of the feelings of the people. The
editors ubjoined the significant inquiries, ' doth this look like submis
sion 1. doth it carry the face of acquiescence V
The royalist party had long before been prostrated in this town.
Most of the protesters had been induced to make submission. Some
who refused, were waylaid and cruelly beaten. A few remained
obstinate, and finally retired into exile. Others, unable to separate
themselves from their friends and country, and to sacrifice all they
• From the Massachusetts Spy of Sept. 15. ' We have received from, Worcester, the
recantation of John Chandler Esq. and forty two others of the protesters against the
proceedings of that town, which gave such just cause of offence to the public ; as also
the acknowledgment of six justices of that county, for having aspersed the people in
an address to Gen. Gage. Want of room prevents their being inserted in this paper.'
These recantations were extorted by a force too powerful to admit of refusal. Re
sistance would have been martyrdom.
Some of the confessions, published in the prints of the day, are expressed with ludi
crous energy. For example :
' Whereas, I, the subscriber, signed an address to the late Governor Hutchinson, I
wish the Devil had had said address before I had seen it, Marblehead, Oct. 24, 1774.
John Prentice.'

100 ROYALIST SUBMISSIONS. [1774,
held dear, were persecuted into compliance with the public will, and
at length purchased safety for person and property by soliciting for
giveness in terms more humiliating in proportion to the time it
was deferred. The records of the town aflford a specimen, Oct, 5,
1774, of the self abasement of these tardy ' recantations,'
' To the inhabitants of the town of Worcester : Gentlemen : Where
as, I, the subscriber, with a number of others, signed a protest,
against the proceedings of the town, and the same was published in
the Boston Gazette of June last, wherein the inhabitants were un
justly reflected upon in general, and also the whole body of commit
tees of correspondence throughout this whole province, for which I
am heartily sorry, and ask the forgiveness of all the inhabitants of
the town, and the justly oflTended public, and also for any other of
fence that I may have given by any means, whether in word or ac
tion, 1 heartily request your acceptance of this sincere acknowl
edgment, and that if either of the inhabitants hath any other charge
against rae for any particular of my conduct, that he would make it
known, that I may have an opportunity of giving christian satisfac
tion, which I ever shall stand ready to afford. Witness my hand.
William Campbell.'
Joshua Bigelow was elected, Oct. 4, representative to the Gener
al Court, to be held in Salem, and Timothy Bigelow delegate to the
provincial Congress, to assemble at Concord. The former was di
rected, not to recede from the most rigid virtue in recovering and
defending the rights and liberties of the people ; to refuse to be
sworn by any officer not appointed according to the charter, or to
act with any branch of the legislature not constituted and support
ed in conformity with its provisions : to decline attending in Boston,
while it should be invested with armies and fleets ; and if prevented
from acting with a constitutional Governor and Council, to repair to
Concord, and join the provincial Congress. The instructions to the
latter, require, that he should endeavor, in the most peaceable man
ner, to obtain redress of grievances ; to procure the opening of the
port of Boston ; restoration of free trade ; removal of the king's troops ;
resignation of the command of the fortress at the south end of Bos
ton ; prohibition from erecting entrenchments by the royal forces ;
restitution of the military stores forcibly taken from the arsenals and
magazines ; the resignation of the mandamus counsellors, or their
impeachment as traitors : the mission of an agent to Canada to treat

1774.] INSTRUCTIONS. 101
with its inhabitants, and express grateful recognition of friendly do
nations ; and the appointment of a commander in chief for the whole
militia. Strict observance of the advice of the Continental Con
gress was enjoined.
It is said, ' If all infractions of ourTights, by acts of the British
Parliament be not redressed, and we restored to the full enjoyment
of all our privileges, contained in the charter of this province, grant-
ted, by their late majesties. King William and Queen Mary, to a
punctilio, before the day of your meeting, then, and in that case,
you are to consider the people of this province as absolved, on their
part, from the obligation therein contained, and to all intents and
purposes reduced to a state of nature : and you are to exert yourself
in devising ways and means to raise from the dissolution of the old
constitution, as from the ashes of the Phenix, a new form, wherein
all officers shall be dependent on the suffrages of the people for
their existence as such, whatever unfavorable constructions our en
emies may put upon such procedure. The exigency of our public
affairs leaves us no other alternative from a state of anarchy or sla-
very.'i A more explicit declaration of independence can scarcely be
found in the splendid document, which in 1776, in more glowing
words proclaimed the dissolution of all ties of colonial relation.
Gov, Gage, alarmed by the spirit of the instructions, and the stor
my aspect of the times, issued his proclamation, Sept. 28, declaring,
that it was expedient, the session of the General Court summoned
for the fifth of October, should not then be held ; discharging the
members from attendance at that time ; and announcing his intention
not to meet the assembly. The current of popular feeling was not
thus to be diverted. The representatives elect, convened at Salem,
resolved themselves into a provincial Congress, elected John Han
cock, President and Benjamin Lincoln, Secretary, and immediately
adjourned to Concord,
The Committee of Worcester county waited on Gen, Gage, Oct,
20, and presented a well written remonstrance against the oppressive
acts of the ministry, to which, they say, ' this people are determined,
by the Divine favor, never to submit, but with their lives,' The
military governor returned a very brief and unsatisfactory answer.
The patriotic resistance of invasions of liberty was not confined
• These instructions were reported by David Bancroft, Jonathan Stone, Nathan Bald
win and Stephen Salisbury, They have been printed at length in the appendix to the
address of the Hon. John Davis, at the dedication of the town hall, 1825.

102 BLACKS.MITH'S CONVENTION. [1774.
to municipal corporations or general assemblies of citizens. The
fervid enthusiasm, pervading the whole fabric of society, manifested
itself in varied forms. Meetings of artisans and craftsmen, as dis
tinct bodies, were held, and spirited resolutions adopted. One spec
imen, selected from many, will afford example of their proceedings.
A convention of the Blacksmiths of the County, was held at
Worcester, Sept. 8, and continued by adjournment to Nov. 8, 1774.
Ross Wyman, of Shrewsbury, presided, and Timothy Bigelow, of
Worcester, was clerk. The result of their session, subscribed by
forty three members, was widely distributed in handbills. It was as
follows :
' Whereas, at a meeting of the delegates from the counties of Wor
cester, Middlesex and Essex, Vi'ith the committee of correspondence
of the town of Boston, in behalf of the county of Suffolk, holden at
Boston, the 26th day of August, 1774, it was resolved : That all such
officers or private persons as have given sufficient proof of their en
mity to the people and constitution of this country, should be held
in contempt, and that those who are connected with them ought to
separate from them ; laborers to shun their vineyards, merchants,
husbandmen and others to withhold their commerce and supplies :
' In compliance therefore, to a resolution of so respectable a body
as aforesaid, so reasonable in its contents, and so necessary at this
distressing day of trial, we, the subscribers, being deeply impressed
with a sense of our duty to our country, paternal affection for our
children and unborn millions, as also for our personal rights and lib
erties, solemnly covenant, agree and engage, to and with each other,
that from and after the first day of December, 1774, we will not, ac
cording to the best of our knowledge, any or either of us, nor any
person by our direction, order, or approbation, for or under any or
either of us, do or perform, any Blacksmith's work, or business of
any kind whatever, for any person or persons whom we esteem ene
mies to this country, commonly known by the name of tories viz.
all counsellors in this province appointed by mandamus who have
not publicly resigned said office, also every person who addressed
governor Hutchinson at his departure from this province, who has
not publicly recanted, also every officer exercising authority by
virtue of any commission they hold tending to carry any of the late
oppressive acts of parliament into execution in America ; and in par
ticular, we will not do any work for Tim. Ruggles of Hardwick, John
Murray of Rutland, and James Putman of Worcester, Esq'rs ; nor

1774.] BLACKSMITH'S CONVENTION. 103
for any person or persons cultivating, tilling, improving, dressing,
hiring or occupying any of their lands or tenements. Also we
agree to refuse our work of every kind as aforesaid, to all and every
person or persons, vrho shall not have signed the non-consumption
agreement, or have entered into a similar contract or engagement, or
that shall not strictly conform to the association or covenant agreed
upon and signed by the Continental Congress lately convened at
Philadelphia. ' We further agree that we will not do any work for any mechan
ic, tradesman, laborer, or others, that shall work for, or in any ways,
or by any means whatever, aid, assist, or promote -the business, or
pecuniary advantage, pleasures, or profits of any of the said enemies
to this country.
' Resolved, That all lawful ways and means ought to be adopted
by the whole body of the people of this province, to discountenance
all our inveterate political enemies in manner as aforesaid. There
fore, we earnestly recommend it to all denominations of artificers, that
they call meetings of their respective craftsmen in their several
counties, as soon as may be, and enter into associations and agree
ments for said purposes, and that all husbandmen, laborers, &c. do
the like : And that whoever shall be guilty of any breach of any or
either of the articles or agreements, be held by us in contempt, as
enemies to our common rights.'
A volume might be collected from the instructions, resolutions,
memorials, and addresses spread on the records of the town, and
scattered through the documents of its committees, conventions,
and political associations. The same decision, intelligence, and in
dependence, woven into the papers which have been copied, were
continually embodied in language, always forcible and energetic,
usually simple and correct, often eloquent and elegant. Many of
the productions of later periods were marked by distinguished abili
ty. It is only possible to select a small portion from the great mass
of materials : the omissions are less to be regretted, as action soon
gave stronger illustration of feeling, than could be derived from
written declarations. In the primary movements of the revolution,
Worcester was the central point from which animating influences
were diffused over the surrounding country. If the first impulses
were derived from the metropolis of the state, the motion was com
municated and wonderfiilly accelerated by the vigorous exertion of
the capital of the county. If the impressions made by that capital

104 DEPOSITE OF STORES. [1774.
on her neighbors, were less distinct during the progress, than at the
commencement of the struggle, it was not because the flame of pat
riotism burned less bright, but that the most ardent of her citizens
laid down the pen to take up the sword, and the efforts to produce
union and excite resolution in the assemblies of the people, were
exchanged for demonstrations of their practical effects in the camp
and on the battle field.
Towards the close of the year, efforts were made to establish a de
pot of provisions and munitions of war, at Worcester. Beef, pork,
grain, and ffour, were collected from the inhabitants, and probably
from other sources, as subscriptions for the purpose were made by
some of the patriotic leaders in Boston. A quantity of lead was
obtained, and some of the committee of correspondence exhibited
so much zeal, as to solicit the gift of the broad pewter platters of
family use, to be converted into bullets. As compared with the col
lections which gave to Concord the glory of the visit of the British
troops, on the nineteenth of April following, the deposites here were
very inconsiderable.

CHAPTER VI L
1775 to 1783. American Revolution. Preparations for war. Instructions, 1775. Sur
vey of British oflficers. Commencement of hostilities. Alarm of April 19. March of
minute men. Tories disarmed. Memorial of officers. Royalist confessions. Clark
Chandler. British prisoners. Poor of Boston. Military requisitions. Fourth of
July, 1776. Regulation of prices. Detail of levies of troops, conlribulion's, exertions,
and proceedings, during the war. County conventions. Constitution. Excise,
Peace restored. Proceedings as to refugees.
On the commencement of the year 1775, was a period of intense
interest. The difficulties between the mother country and the colo
nies were fast hastening to a decision by the appeid to battle. The
whigs, who might at the outset have been contented with the redress
of grievances, and by reasonable concessions, now looked forward to
the accomplishment of independence. The royalists, driven by the
course of events into a position from which they could not recede,
were separated from their countrymen. The inflexible perseverance
of the ministry left no hope of conciliation. The language of mod-

1775.] INSTRUCTIONS. 105
eration was still on the lips of men, but stern determination in their
hearts. It was like the pause on the eve of fight, when the signal
for engagement is impatiently awaited.
Preparations for the conflict were actively, though silently made.
In January, 1775, it was recommended to the company of minute
men, to exercise frequently and perfect themselves in discipline, and
payment was promised for their services. Efforts were strenuously
made to procure a supply of arms and munitions. The collectors of
taxes were instructed, as all public moneys ought to be appropriated
for the greatest benefit, and the Provincial Congress had appointed
Henry Gardiner, Esq. receiver general, to pay over to him all sums
which might come to their hands from assessments, and it was voted,
to indemnify them from the consequences of obedience to this in
junction. A committee of inspection was elected, to carry into direct exe
cution the resolves of the Continental Congress against the con
sumption of teas and the importation of foreign goods.
The instructions ^ to Timothy Bigelow, reelected delegate to the
Provincial Congress, attest the reluctance which was felt to become
aggressors. After commenting on the violations of rights, and so
liciting ' the advice of the general Congress, as to what measures
are most proper for the province to adopt respecting civil govern
ment, which at this day we are deprived of,' they say, ' and we de
termine to rest quietly in this situation, however perplexing, agreea
bly to the recommendation of our late Continental Congress, until
the operation of their petition to his majesty be known : excepting
the commencement of hostilities against us, should require the adopt
ing a form of civil government for the defence of our lives and prop
erty. And under such exigency, you are to conduct yourself ac
cordingly, and endeavor that the best form possible be adopted, for
the support of good order and the liberties of the people, which, we
think, make every servant of the public dependent upon the suffra-
o-es of the people for their authority.'
The severity of the winter prevented any movements of the British
troops from Boston, to repress the revolutionary spirit manifesting
itself in military arrangements, as well as in municipal resolutions.
Preparations were, however, made for the march of the forces, in
the spring, into the counties of Worcester and Middlesex, to inflict
vengeance' on those styled rebels. Capt, Brown of the 53d, and En-
' Reported by Nathan Baldwin and Jonathan Stone, Jan. 24, 1775.
14

106 SURVEY BY BRITISH OFFICERS. [1775.
sign De Bernlcre, of the 10th regiment, were ordered by Gen.
Gage, to make an expedition, examine the roads, note the distances
from town to town, sketch the positions of the streams, heights,
passes, and posts, and collect such topographical information as
would be useful for the advance of a detachment. The' report of
their journey, made by the latter officer, was found after the evacua
tion of the metropolis.! They left Boston disguised as countrymen,
without uniform, and passed through Cambridge, Watertown, and
by Framingham, to Shrewsbury, on the old road. The following is
the account of their visit in Worcester.
' We came into a pass, about four miles from Worcester, where
we were obliged to stop to sketch. We arrived at Worcester at
five o'clock in the evening, very much fatigued : the people in the
town did not take notice of us as we came in, so that we got safe to
Mr. Jones' tavern '? on our entrance he seemed a little sour,
but it wore off by degrees, and we found him to be our friend,
which made us very happy : we dined and supped without any thing
happening out of the common run. The next day, being Sunday,
we could not think of travelling, as it was contrary to the custom of
the country : nor dare we stir out until the evening, because of
meeting : and nobody is allowed to walk the streets, during divine
service, without being taken up and examined : so that, thinking we
could not stand the examination so well, we thought it prudent to
stay at home, where we wrote and corrected our sketches. The
landlord was very attentive to us, and on our asking what he could
give us for breakfast, he told us, tea, or any thing else we chose ;
that was an open confession what he was : but for fear he might be
imprudent, we did not tell him who we were, though we were certain
he knew it. In the evening, we went round the town, and on all the
hills that command it, sketched every thing we desired, and returned
to the town without being seen. That evening, about eight o'clock,
the landlord came in and told us there were two gentlemen who
wanted to speak with us. We asked him who they were 1 On
which he said, we would be safe in their company : we said we did
not doubt that, as we hoped two gentlemen, who travelled merely to
see the country and stretch our limbs, as we had lately come from
sea, could not meet with any thing else but civility, when we behaved
ourselves properly. He told us he would come in again in a little
' This paper was first printed in 1779, and republished in 2 Mass, Hist, Col, iv, 204,
2 A few rods south of the Old South Church,

1775.] SURVEY BY BRITISH OFFICERS. 107
time, and perhaps we would change our minds, and left us. An
hour after he returned, and told us the gentlemen were gone, but
had begged him to let us know, as they knew us to be officers of
the army, that all their friends of government at Petersham were
disarmed by the rebels, and that they threatened to do the same at
Worcester in a very little time : he sat and talked politics, and drank
a bottle of wine with us ; and also told us, that none but a few friends
to government knew we were in town : we said, it was very in
different to us whether they did or not, though we thought very dif
ferently : however, as we imagined we had staid long enough in that
town, we resolved to set off at day break the next morning, and get
to Framingham. Accordingly, off we set, after getting some roast
beef and brandy from our landlord, which was very necessary on a
long march, and prevented us going into houses where, perhaps, they
might be too inquisitive. We took a road we had not come, and
that led us to the pass four miles from Worcester. We went on un
observed by any one, until we passed Shrewsbury, when we were
overtaken by a horseman, who examined us very attentively, and es
pecially me, whom he looked at from head to foot, as if he wanted
to know me again : after he had taken his observations, he rode off
pretty hard, and took the Marlborough road, but, by good luck, we
took the Framingham road again, to be more perfect in it, as we
thought it would be the one made use of
The horseman was Capt. Timothy Bigelow, sent by the committee
of correspondence to observe the officers, whose martial bearing,
notwithstanding their caution and disguise, betrayed their military
character. Having followed the Framingham road to its inter
section with the highway through Sudbury, they turned back to
Marlborough. There they were in great danger of being seized
and detained : but, by the aid of the friends of government, they es
caped and reached Boston in safety. Soon after, they explored the
the road to Concord and the country round.
It was, unquestionably, the purpose of Gen, Gage, to have march
ed troops to Worcester, to capture the stores reported to be collected
here in great quantities, although really Inconsiderable in amount,
A plan of the village, with the outline of military works, and notes in
dicating the position of two regiments, was seen by a citizen of the
town, 1 among the papers left by the British after the evacuation,
^ The late Isaiah Thomas. An extensive encampment, with a fortress, was projected
on Chandler hill, the eminence commanding the town on the east.

108 MARCH OF MINUTE MEN. [1775.
Possibly it might have been proposed to canton a part of the army
in the interior. Whatever disposition of troops had been contempla
ted, the result of the April movements, prevented the execution.
In March, the company of minute men were directed to train half
a day in each week : payment of one shilling was allowed to each
for this service, and a penalty provided, equal in amount, for ab
sence. This company had met almost daily for months. When
the weather permitted, they paraded on the common, or occupied
the streets. In the storms of winter, they were drilled in some hall.
Under the instruction of Capt. Bigelow, they had attained great pro
ficiency in military science, and when afterwards mustered at Cam
bridge, received commendations from the superior officers, for good
discipline and celerity of evolution. Captain Bigelow was soon pro
moted, and was succeeded in the command by Lieutenant Hubbard,
When new enlistments were made, this company was virtually dis
banded, although the men served in the new corps which were
formed. Their services were soon to be required for the defence of the
country. Before noon, on the 19th of April, an express came to the
town, shouting as he passed through the street at full speed, ' to arms !
to arms I the war is begun !' His white horse, bloody with spurring,
and dripping with sweat, fell exhausted by the church. Another was
instantly procured, and the tidings went on.i The bell rang out
the alarm, cannon were fired, and messengers sent to every part of-
the town to collect the soldiery. As the news spread, the imple
ments of husbandry were thrown by in the field, and the citizens
left their homes with no longer delay than to seize their arms. In a
short time, the minute men were paraded on the green, under Capt.
Timothy Bigelow ; after fervent prayer by the Rev, Mr, Maccarty,
they took up the line of march. They were soon followed by as
many of the train bands as could be gathered, under Capt, Benja
min Flagg. On that day, 110 men marched from the town of Wor
cester for Concord. Intelligence of the retreat of the enemy, met
them after they advanced, and they turned towards Boston, When
Capt, Bigelow reached the ancient Howe tavern, in Sudbury, he hal
ted to rest his men, Capt, Benjamin Flagg, who had commenced
' The passage of the messenger of war, mounted on his white steed, and gathering
the population to batUe, made vivid impression on memory. The tradition of his ap
pearance is preserved iu many of our villages. In the animated description of the aged,
it seems like the representation of death on the pale horse careering through the land
with his terrific summons to the grave.

1775,]

MINUTE MEN AND MILITIA,

109

his march an hour or two later, came up, and insisting on push
ing forward without loss of time, both officers moved on to Cam
bridge, The rolls of these soldiers of patriotism have fortunately been pre
served in the office of the Secretary of State, where they were return
ed in compliance with a resolution of the Provincial Congress,^
The organization of the array, which had spontaneously collected
at Cambridge, was immediately made. Timothy Bigelow was ap
pointed Major in Col. Jonathan Ward's regiment. A company of
fifty nine men, enlisted on the 24th of April, under Capt. Jonas
Hubbard, with John Smith and William Gates lieutenants, all from
Worcester. Seventeen other soldiers joined the companies of Capts, Wash-

1' Muster Roll of a company of minute and mililla men, which marched from the town
of Worcester to Cambridge, on the alarm, A]in\ 19, }7'i5, under the command of Capt,
Timothy Bigelow, in the regiment of which Artemas Ward, Esq. was colonel.'
Timothy Bigelow, captain; Jonas Hubbard, John Smith, lieulenanls; William Gates,
Nathaniel Harrington, John Kannaday, William Dana, Serjeants ; John Pierce, Cyprian
Stevens, Joel Smith, Nathaniel Heywood, corporals; Eli Putnam, drummer; John
Hair, Joseph Pierce, fifers.

Peter Boyden,
Benjamin Bennet,
David Chadwick,
Eli Chapin,
Philip Donehue,

John Hall,
Artemas Knight,
John Knower,
Ephraim Miller,
William Miles,

Benjamin Estabrook, Joseph Morse,
Josiah Flagg, Jonas Nichols,

Phineas Flagg,
Nathaniel Flagg,
Josiah Gates,
Thomas Gates,
Jonathan Gleason,
James Taylor,
William Griggs,
Gideon Griggs,
Edward Hair,

Josiah Pierce,
Solomon Smith,
Ithamar Smith,
Phinehas Ward,
Ebenezer Wiswall,
James Wiser,
Daniel Haven,
William Trowbridge, William Walker,
John Cole, Nicholas Powers,

Joseph Ball, Daniel Willington,
Jonathan Slone, William Curlis,
Samuel Wesson, William Treadwell,
Thomas Nichols, Edward Swan,
Thomas Knight, Joseph Curtis,
Joseph Miller, Samuel Cook,
Samuel Harrington, Samuel Dunham,
Thomas Lynde, Asa \^ard,
Joseph Cunningham, Elisha Fuller,
Joshua Harrington, John Totman,
Robert Crawford, Joseph Thorp,
Moses Hamilton, George Walker,
Samuel Bennett, Thomas Drury,
Samuel Hemmenway,Samuel Brown,
Adam Hemmenway,
Josiah Perry.

Asa Harrington,
'Muster Roll of Capt, Benjamua Flagg's company, in the Colony service, on the alarm,
April 19, 1775.'
Benj amin Flagg, captain ; William McFarland, lieutenant ; Ebenezer Lovell, ensign ;
Daniel Beard, Benjamin Flagg, Jr, Serjeants.
Eleazer Holbrook, Isaac Gleason, Gershom Holmes,
Isaac Morse, Robert Smith, Simon Gates,
Abel Holbrook, Samuel Sturtevant, Isaac Kiiight,

Jacob Holmes, Jr,
Simeon Duncan,
Samuel Clark,
Eleazer Hawes,

Daniel Steams,
Edward Crafts,
Samuel Gates,
David Richards,

Ezekiel Howe, Jr,
Abel Flagg,
Levi Houghton,

Samuel Whitney,
Benjamin Whitney, Jr.
Josiah Harrington, Jr.
Samuel Whitney, Jr,
Jonathan Stone,
Oliver Pierce.

110 ROYALISTS DISARMED. [1775.
burn. Fay, and Jones, in Cols. Ward's and Doolittle's regiments of
infantry. About twenty more were enrolled in the regiment of artillery un
der Col. Thomas Crafts : Edward Crafts served with the rank of
captain ; William Dana, and William Treadwell were lieutenants
in his company.
While the military strength of the town was arrayed in arms
against the troops of the king, the committee of correspondence were
dealing with the internal enemies of the country. On the intelli
gence of the commencement of the war, many of the protesters aban
doned their families, their homes and possessions, and took refuge in
Boston. Those who remained were summoned before the revolu
tionary tribunal, on the 21st of April, and were compelled to give as
surances that they would not go out of the town without permission
from the selectmen. On the 8th of May, Mr, William Campbell,
charged with a violation of this agreement, and Mr, Samuel Paine,
accused of circulating reports injurious to the honor of the provin
cial army, were arrested, and sent under guard to the Congress, at
Watertown, by order of the town. An opportunity was offered to
the royalists of redeeming their character by joining the American
troops, ' under penalty of being considered unworthy of the future
confidence of their countrymen, and willing to join an unlawful ban
ditti to murder and ravage,' As the proposal was not complied
with, the committee issued their precept to the sheriff, to notify
twenty nine persons to appear before them whh their muskets and
ammunition. The order was obeyed, and the remains of the party
thus summoned, were disarmed, and then permitted to retire.
The negroes of Bristol and Worcester having petioned the com
mittee of correspondence of "the latter county, to assist them in ob
taining their freedom, it was resolved, in a convention held at Wor
cester, June 14, ' That we abhor the enslaving of any of the human
race, and particularly of the negroes in this country, and that when
ever there shall be a door opened, or opportunity present for any
thing to be done towards the emancipation of the negroes, we will
use our influence and endeavor that such a thing may be brought
about,' In September, 1775,i the company from Worcester, stationed at
Dorchester, with the officers of Col. Ward's regiment, presented to
the General Assembly at Watertown, a remonstrance against indul-
> Mass, Spy, Oct. 20, 1775.

1775.] OFFICERS' MEMORIAL. Ill
gences to the royalists, representing, ' that as sorae of these vermin,
or worse, emissaries of tyranny, are crawling out of Boston to
their forfeited seats in Worcester, there is reason to suspect, that ei
ther their expectations fail, and therefore they would gladly return
to their former seats and profits, until a more favorable opportunity
presents to carry their evil machinations into execution, or, they are
contriving, by degrees, to slide back to their seats, and there to a-
vall themselves of the good opinion of the people, in order to play
their parts, to divide and subdivide, or by some method weaken our
union, or to form some diabolical plan for the ministry to save the
supremacy of parliament, under some soft, sophistical reconcilia-
tory terms.
' Wherefore, we, your humble memorialists, entreat your honors
not to suff'er any of those who return, however humble and penitent
they may appear, to go at large, or return to their former seats, or
even to be so far favored as to be confined within the limits of Wor
cester, but treat them as they deserve, enemies in a superlative de
gree ; confine them close, and render them incapable of doing harm ;
or return them to Boston, their favorite asylum.'
The refugees in Boston addressed Gen. Gage, on his departure
from the capital, in respectful terms. Among the subscribers of the
paper presented, were some who had been among the most distin
guished citizens of Worcester. i
The dealings of the committee of correspondence with those who
had incurred the displeasure of the patriotic, were of no gentle char
acter. One gentleman, having expressed censure of the doings of
the revolutionary bodies, was compelled to make atonement. Hav
ing been summoned to appear for an investigation of his conduct, at
its conclusion, he was requested to affix his signature to a paper pre
pared for the purpose, afterwards printed in the Spy, The proposal
could not be resisted, and the following humiliating ' confession,' as
it was termed, was subscribed, August 21, 1775,
' Whereas I, the subscriber, have from the perverseness of my
wicked heart, maliciously and scandalously abused the characters
and proceedings of the Continental and Provincial Congresses, the
selectmen of the town, and the committees of correspondence in
general :
1 Hon. John Chandler, Col. James Putnam, William Campbell, William Chandler,
Samuel Paine, James Putnam, Jr. Adam Walker, Nathaniel Chandler, were those who
subscribed the address from Worcester.

112 CLARK CHANDLER. [1775.
' I do hereby declare, that at the time of my doing it, I knew the
said abuses to be the most scandalous falsehoods, and that I did it
for the sole purpose of abusing those bodies of men, and affronting
my townsmen, and all the friends of liberty throughout the conti
nent ; being now fully sensible of my wickedness and notorious
falsehoods, humbly beg pardon of those worthy characters I have so
scandcilously abused, and of ray countrymen in general, and desire
this confession of mine may be printed in the American Oracle of
Liberty, for three weeks successively.'
Having read this declaration of political sin in public, at the meet
ing house, and in the streets, and paid the expenses for printing,
the confessor was liberated, and immediately ffed to seek asylum
from such administration of justice.
Mr, Clark Chandler had left Worcester in June, and reached Bos
ton by way of Newport, After a voyage to Nova Scotia and a jour
ney to Canada, he returned iu September, and directly surrendered
himself and was committed as a prisoner to the common jail, by or
der of the committee, on suspicion of having held intercourse with
the enemy. His health becoming impaired by confinement, he peti
tioned the committee, and the General Assembly for liberation, under
such restrictions as should be prescribed ; but without avail. The un
wholesome air and privations of his situation, having brought on dan
gerous sickness, on the fifth of December, consent was obtained for
his removal to his mother's house, sufficient bonds being filed, that
he would not depart from his home, and on the recovery of health
would await the orders of the municipal authority claiming power
so absolute over personal freedom : on the 15th of December, an or
der of council passed, granting him permission to reside in Lancas
ter, on furnishing security that he would not go out of the limits of
that town.
As an incident of the jurisdiction exercised by the committee,
was the preservation of its own dignity. We find, in December, they
had committed to prison ' one John Holden,' a paper maker, for
insolent behavior towards its members. The punishment of this
contempt was confirmed by a resolve of the General Assembly, or
dering his detention in jail, until farther directions from the Court,
These facts are curious, as indicating how unlimited was the
control of the little bodies, invested by the towns with the care of
the public safety, and acknowledging no superior, except the Con
gress of the state or the continent.

1775,] MILITARY EXERTIONS. 113
Early in May, 15 prisoners from the British army were sent to
Worcester. During the residue of the year, the prison was crowd
ed by the successes of the American arms. The captives were en
larged on parol, when employment could be obtained among the in
habitants, and provision was made for their support and clothing by
the General Assembly.
On the 1st of May, a resolve of the Continental Congress provi
ded for the removal of the indigent inhabitants of Boston, estima
ted to number 5000, and their distribution among the towns of the
interior. The proportion of Worcester county was 1633 : Lancas
ter 103 : Brookfield 99 : Sutton 98 : Worcester 82. Difficulties
arose about the removal to other towns, and not Blore than half
the number assigned, were supported here.
The selectmen were required to furnish the soldiers of the town
with blankets, which were promptly delivered.
June 15, a requisition was made upon the towns for fire arms
and bayonets for the use of the army. The quota of Worcester
county was 514 : Worcester, 30.
June 29, all the towns in Worcester county were earnestly re
quested to deliver their powder to a committee, except a small quan
tity left for emergency. Worcester supplied three barrels, retaining
only half a cask from its stock.
Another requisition was made on the same day, for blankets, and
for clothing for the men in the service.
The two largest cannon owned by the town were delivered to the
Board of War, in November, for the defence of Gloucester,
In the autumn of 1775, that expedition against Quebec, alike
memorable for boldness of conception, chivalrous daring of execu
tion, and melancholy failure in its result, was projected. Among
the volunteers, under the command of Arnold, who engaged id the
winter march through the wilderness, were Major Timothy Bigelow,
Capt. Jonas Hubbard, and twelve soldiers, from Worcester. In the
attack on the strongest fortress of the north, on the Slst of De
cember, Capt. Hubbard received a severe wound, beneath the ram
parts of the lower town : refusing to be removed, he perished in the
snow storm which raged with unusual violence : Serjeant Silas Wes
son was slain : Timothy Rice, mortally wounded, died in the hospi
tal : Major Bigelow and our other citizens were made prisoners,
and remained in captivity until November of the following year,
when they were liberated on parol, and afterwards exchanged.
Civil government having ceased to exist in its usual form, and
15

114 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. [1776,
the operation of the judiciary being suspended, in January 1776, two
persons were elected as magistrates, i to exercise the powers of jus
tices of the peace, for the preservation of order and the punishment
of crime.
Subsequently, May 8, an officer was elected,^ to take acknowl
edgments of debt, where the amount did not exceed twenty pounds.
A requisition was made on the towns, at the request of Gen. Wash
ington, for blankets. The quota of the county was 598 : Brook
field, 30: Sutton, 30 : Lancaster, 33 : Worcester, 27.
Men were drafted for the reenforcement of the army investing
Boston, in January, by the officers of the militia and the selectmen.
Of 749 assigned to Worcester county, there were levied in Worces
ter 32 : Brookfield 49 : Lancaster 46 : Sutton 39 : Mendon 33.
On the 23d of May, ' a motion was made, to see if the town would
support independence, if it should be declared ; and it was voted
unanimously, that if the Continental Congress should declare the
American colonies independent of Great Britain, we will support the
measure with our lives and fortunes.' A copy of this vote was
transmitted to the representative,^ for his direction.
A resolution of the General Court was passed June 25, in com
pliance with the request of the Continental Congress, to raise 5000
men to cooperate with the continental troops in Canada and New
York. Worcester county was required to furnish 1136 men from
the alarm and train band lists of the towns, to be formed into compa
nies of 59, and embodied in two battalions destined for New York,
The quota of Lancaster was 72 : Brookfield 69 : Sutton 67 : Wor
cester 56, The bounty allowed to each man was £ 3, with 18s,
more for the use of arms and equipments furnished by each.
It was voted to augment the bounty of the soldiers from this town
to nine pounds, in addition to the allowance from the colony, and
rf486 were assessed for that purpose.
On the 10th of July, a new order was passed by the General
Court, for detaching every twenty fifth man on the train band and
alarm list, exclusive of those already ordered to be raised, to form
two regiments, in companies of 77 each, to support the army in the
northern department.
On Saturday, the fourteenth of July, 1776, the Declaration of In
dependence was received. This instrument, the eloquent echo of
sentiments as boldly expressed, in less splendid form, from almost
' Samuel Curtis, William Young, 2 Nathan Baldwin. 3 David Bancroft.

1776.] CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 115
every village of New England, long before they were promulgated
in that paper which has been reverenced as the Magna Charta of
Freedom, was hailed with enthusiasm. It was first publicly read, by
the late Isaiah Thomas, from the porch of the old south meeting
house, to the assembled crowd. On Sunday, after divine service,
it was read in the church. Measures having been adopted for a cel
ebration of the event which separated the colonies from the mother
country, with formal solemnity, on Monday following, the earliest
festive commemoration of the occasion, since hallowed as the nation
al anniversary, took place. The following account of the ceremonies
is from the Spy. The homely style of the sentiments, fiirnishes cu
rious contrast with the elaborate exercise of more modern times.
' On Monday last, a number of patriotic gentlemen of this town, an
imated with a love of their country, and to shew their approbation
of the measures lately taken by the Grand Council of America, as
sembled on the green, near the liberty pole, where, after having dis
played the colors of the thirteen confederate colonies of America,
the bells were set ringing and the drums a beating : After which,
the Declaration of Independence of the United States was read to a
large and respectable body, among whom were the selectmen and
committee of correspondence, assembled on the occasion, who- testi
fied their approbation by repeated huzzas, firing of musketry and
cannon, bonfires, and other demonstrations of joy ; When the arms
of that tyrant in Britain, George the III, of execrable memory, which
in former times decorated, but of late disgraced the court house in
this town, were committed to the flames and consumed to ashes;
after which, a select company of the sons of freedom, repaired to the
tavern, lately known by the sign of the King's Arms, which odious
signature of despotism was taken down by order of the people, which
was cheerfully complied with by the Innkeeper, where the following
toasts were drank ; and the evening spent with joy, on the com
mencement of the happy era.
'1. Prosperity and perpetuity to the United States of America. 2.
The president of the Grand Council of America. 3. The Grand
Council of America. 4. His excellency General Washington. 5.
All the generals in the American army. 6. Commodore Hopkins,
7. The officers and soldiers of the American army. 8. The officers
and seamen in the American navy. 9. The patriots of America.
10. Every friend of America. 11. George rejected and liberty pro
tected. 12. Success to the American arms, 13, Sore eyes to all

116 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. [1776.
tories, and a chestnut burr for an eye stone. 14, Perpetual itching
without the benefit of scratching, to the enemies of America. 15,
The Council and Representatives of the State of Massachusetts
Bay, 16, The officers and soldiers in the Massachusetts service.
17, The memory of the brave General Warren, 18, The memory
of the magnanimous General Montgomery, 19. Speedy redemption
to all the officers and soldiers who are now prisoners of war among
our enemies. 20. The State of Massachusetts Bay, 21. The town
of Boston, 22. The selectmen and committees of correspondence
for the town of Worcester. 23. May the enemies of America be
laid at her feet. 24. May the freedom and independency of Amer
ica endure, till the sun grows dim with age, and this earth returns
to chaos.
' The greatest decency and good order was observed, and at a suit
able time each man returned to his respective home,''^
On the 10th of September, one fifth part of the militia of the state
were called out immediately to march to New York, to prevent the
enemy from cutting off the communication between the American
army in the city and on the island of New York, and the country.
One fourth part of the residue of the military, were ordered to be
equipped and ready to march at a moment's warning. Frequent
calls were made for troops for the defence of Boston and other ex
posed places. Worcester answered each demand, following in
quick succession, to the utmost extent of her means.
In September, it was submitted to the people to determine,
whether they would consent, that the House of Representatives and
Council in convention, should adopt such constitution and frame of
government, as, on the most mature deliberation, they should judge
would most conduce to the safety, peace, and happiness of the state
in after successions and generations. The town, considering the
importance of the object, and the propriety of all the freemen having
opportunity to express opinion, declined acting, as so many of the
citizens were absent in the public service. Opposition was made
by other towns, to the assembly proposing the measure, assuming this
high duty, as the representatives had not been elected with a view
to such object.
The selectmen and committee of correspondence, havino- been
authorized by an act to prevent monopoly and oppression, to fix and
' Mass. Spy, July 24, 1776.

1776.] REGULATION OF PRICES. ] 17
establish prices, in November, reported regulations for the sale of arti
cles of common use and consumption. They recommended to the
good people of the town, to use their utmost endeavors, by example,
precept and legal exertions to support the laws of the country in
general, and called upon them, ' in the name of the government and
people of Massachusetts Bay, in the name of the passing soldier, in
behalf of widows and orphans, as they regarded the credit of the
currency, the establishment of an army, and the support of the au
thority of government, which alone renders war successful and gives
dignity to peace, to prevent monopolies and oppression, by vindicat
ing their act against the lawless violence which should dare to
trample upon it.'i
The beneficial results of the regulations established throughout the
commonwealth, were defeated, by the fluctuations of the currency
unsustained by a metallic basis, which finally depreciated to worth-
lessness. In December, Governor Cooke, of Rhode Island, by express, for
warded letters, addressed to ' all the brave inhabitants of New En
gland,' earnestly entreating instant assistance to repel apprehended
invasion. The whole of Col. Wood's and Col. Holman's regiments
were ordered to march to the relief of the sister state., Many vol
unteers from Worcester, promptly entered the ranks on the alarm,
and remained in service during a portion of the winter.
The company under Capt. William Gates, in Col. Holman's regi
ment, was principally formed of men fi-om Worcester. Lieutenant
Nathaniel Heywood and thirty-five privates, were in its ranks, and
served in New York. Eight were slain in battle or died in camp.
In Col. Thomas Craft's regiment of artillery were twenty four of
our citizens.
I The following are Ihe prices of some articles, as fixed in November, 1776. Labor
in summer, 3s. per day: Wheat, bushel, 6s. 8d.: Rye, 4s. 6d.: Indian Corn, 3s.: Peas,
7s.: Beans, 6s.: Potatos, Spanish, Is. 6d. : Oats, Is. 9d. : Apples, winter. Is.: Fresh
Pork, pound, 4d. . Salt Pork, 7d. . Beef, grass fed, 3d. . Beef, stall fed, 4d. : Cheese,
6d. : Butter, 9d. : Pork, salted, 220 lbs. barrel, £4. 6s. : Beef, salted, 240 lbs. barrel,
£3. 8s. 6d. : Flour, £l. 3s. : Milk, quart, 2d. : Cider, at the press, barrel, 4s. : MuUon
or Veal, pound, 3Jd. : Dinners at taverns, pf boiled meat or equivalent, 8d. : Suppers or
breakfasts, of tea, coffee or choccolate, 8d. : Lodgings, (soldiers sleeping on the floor
not to be considered such,) 4d. : Flip or toddy, made with New England rum, mug, 9d. :
Cotton and linen homespun cloth, yard wide, best common sort, yard, 3s. 6d. : Tow
cloth, good quality and a yard wide, 2s. 3d: Shoes, men's of neat's, leather, best common
sort, pair, 7s. 6d. : Breeches, of best deer's leather, for men, £2. 2s. : Beaver hats, best
quality, £ 2. 2s. . Felt hats, 7s, : Making a full suit of clothes, full trimmed, £ 1. 4s. :
Wood, good oak, delivered at the door, cord, 8s. . Boards, best white pine, at the mill,
per thousand, £2. 8s. . Hay, English, best quality, cwt. 3s,

118 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. [1777.
The year 1777 had scarcely commenced, when a requisition was
made on Worcester, for 32 blankets; followed, on the 26th of Jan
uary, by a draft of every seventh of the male inhabitants, over 16
years of age, to complete the quota of Massachusetts in the conti
nental army and to serve for eight months at least.
The act of the General Court changing the ratio of representation,
had excited discontent in the community. The town of Sutton in
vited a county congress, to convene at Worcester, in February, to
deliberate on existing grievances, and adopt measures for redress.
The committees of correspondence, in their general meeting, about
the same time, recommended petitions and instructions for the re
peal of the law. At the meeting of the inhabitants of Worcester, in
March, they remonstrated against its provisions, as impolitic, un
necessary, unconstitutional, and attended with consequences injuri
ous to the inland parts of the state.
In February, each town was required to purchase and deliver
shirts, stockings, and other clothing for the Massachusetts troops in
the continental army, in the proportion of one set to every seven
males over 16 years of age of the population. Worcester supplied
sixty two sets, for which compensation was afterwards made.
A committee was directed, March 18, to ascertain how much
each person had contributed towards the support of the war,
and how much those deficient should pay to render the burden
equal. A bounty of .£20 in addition to the grants from the state
and continent, was offered to every soldier who should enter the ar
my to fill the quota of the town.
The sum of £1656. 2s. 2d. was levied to defray the expenses of
the war, and for the payment of bounties.
Upon representation of the great suffering for salt in the interior
115 bushels were granted to Worcester, to be paid for by the select
men, at the rate of 20s. per bushel, and was distributed.
The selectmen presented to the town a list of persons, esteemed
by them to be internal enemies. More were nominated and elected
in town meeting, June 16, and the names of 19 were finally accepted
as dangerous. A committee was appointed to collect evidence
against them preparatory to prosecution. Doubts arose of the jus
tice and equity of this extemporaneous process of conviction of
high crimes, without trial or opportunity for defence, and the clerk
was directed to suspend his return of the accused with some excep
tions. A few months after, on the petition of the suspected, it was
voted, ' to restore the majority to the town's favor,' and on payment

1777,] REQUISITIONS, CONVENTION. 119
of the costs of the proceedings instituted against them, they were to
be considered innocent of treasonable designs against the republic.
Money was raised by loan, to purchase 100 muskets and bayonets,
and a quantity of powder : to be delivered to the militia on pay
ment of reasonable price.
The prisoners of war, long confined in the common jail, or per
mitted to labor among the Inhabitanis for support, were removed in
June, to Ipswich. The rooms of the prison were soon again
crowded with captured refugees, suspected enemies, deserters, and
criminals. Every sixth man in Worcester county was drafted, under the re
solve of August 9, to join the northern army for three months.
On the alarm occasioned by the successes of Burgoyne, and the
march of the British army on Bennington, a company, under Lt.
Col, Benjamin Flagg, with Capt. David Chadwick, Lts. Abel Hol
brook and Jonathan Stone, and 68 non commissioned officers and
privates, advanced to Hadley, August 28, on their way to Albany.
Counter orders, received there, directed their return, as the danger
had ceased.
The General Court, September 22, strongly recommended to
the militia of Worcester, and the western counties, that at least one
half should march forthwith, to reeiiforce Gen. Gates, and payment
was promised.
An invitation was given by Sutton, November 3, to the neigh
boring towns, to send delegates to a convention, to be held for the
purpose of taking into consideration an act providing for the pay
ment of Interest on state debts and securities, and restraining the cir
culation of bills of lower denomination than j€10. The circular
letter represents the law to be cruel, oppressive, and unjust, and re
monstrates against its operation in angry terms. Delegates were
elected by Worcester. The deliberations of the body, which met
on the 13th of November, resulted in a petition to the legislature
for repeal of the obnoxious statute, and redress of grievances.
A committee was elected, in December, to provide for the fami
lies of the soldiers, and considerable disbursements were made in
this and succeeding years for their support.
From the return of the selectmen it appears, that 68 men from
Worcester were in service in the continental line, on terms of enlist
ment for 8 months, 3 years, or during the war, who received their
clothing principally from the town.
From Capt, Ebenezer Lovell's company, thirty seven enlisted in

120 AMERICAN REVOLUTION, [1778.
February, for three years, and from Capt. Joshua Whitney's twenty
six, for the same period.
The inhabitants expressed their approbation of the articles of
Confederation of the United States, in January, 1778, and their de
termination to support the government by their utmost exertions.
A requisition for clothing was made March 13, and Worcester
furnished 62 sets of shirts, shoes, and stockings, for the army. A
colonel and 522 privates were detached from the brigade of the
county, for service on the North river and in Rhode Island : Wor
cester furnished 15 men for this battalion, in April. At the same
time, a draft was made to complete the state line in the continental
army. Twelve were returned from Worcester to serve for nine
months. A constitution for the state, reported by a committee of the Gen
eral Court, in December 1777, and approved by that body in Janua
ry following, was submitted to the people, and rejected by a great
majority. Of 58 votes given here, eight only were in favor of ac
ceptance. Six of our citizens were drafted, under the resolve of June 12, for
raising 180 men for an expedition to Rhode Island. On the 23d
of June, four more were required, as guards for the captured troops
of General Burgoyne. In November, £ 736. were granted for boun
ties to soldiers and the support ofthelr families.
The names of six inhabitants of Worcesteri are included in the
banishment act, forbidding the return of the former citizens of the
state who had joined the enemy, requiring them, if they once re
visited their native country, forthwith to depart, and denouncing
the penalty of death if they should be found, a second time, within
the jurisdiction. One thus designated, had afterwards permission to
reside in the town, regained the confidence, and long enjoyed the
respect and esteem of the community.
In March, 1779, the sum of £ 2000 was assessed to support the
war, and the militia officers were directed to engage men for the
public service, by enlistment or draft. In April, three teams were
furnished for the transportation of warlike stores to Springfield.
Ten soldiers were raised, in June, to reenforce the army, and sixty
two sets of articles of dress supplied, A voluntary contribution of
£ 78, was taken up, in the church, after divine service, for the
1 John Chandler, James Putnam, Rufus Chandler, William Chandler, Adam Walk
er, William Paine.

1779,] REGULATION OF THE CURRENCY, 121
distressed inhabitants of Newport, The town obtained, on loan,
,£5200 for the payment of bounties.
The anniversary of the Declaration of Independence was com
memorated, on the 8th of July, by the ringing of bells in the morn
ing, the discharge of 13 cannon at noon, illumination and the dis
play of 13 rockets at night.
Severe distress was experienced, from the depreciation of the cur
rency, the exorbitant price of the necessaries of life, and the dis
trust of public credit. A convention assembled at Concord, by the
invitation of Boston, on the 14th of July, composed of delegates
from all parts of the state, for the purpose of consulting on measures
to give effect to the recommendations of Congress for the relief of
the people. Worcester was represented by David Bigelow and Jo
seph Barber. Prices were regulated by a moderate appraisal of the
value of articles of produce and merchandize; loans to government,
provision for the support of the clergy, and attention to schools, as
the means of good education, were earnestly recommended. Ano
ther convention was proposed, in October, and an address was adopt
ed. The town, at a meeting in August, expressed cordial approbation
ofthese proceedings, and joined a committee to the standing board
of correspondence and safety to enforce their execution.
Resolutions! were adopted at the same time, which indicate the
condition and spirit of the country. Some extracts follow.
' As many of the respectable merchants and fair traders have re
tired from business, their places have been supplied by an augmen
ted number of locusts and canker ivorms, in human form, who have
increased, and proceeded along the road of plunder, until they have
become odiously formidable, and their contagious influence danger
ously prevalent : Therefore, Resolved, That such persons ought not
to be admitted to bear a part in any mercantile consultation, but
should be considered pestilential mushrooms of trade, which have
come up in the night of public calamity, and ought to perish in the
same night,
' Whereas regrators in the public markets, forestallers, engrossers
of the produce of the country, and higlers, have had a great share in
depreciating the public currency by their pernicious practices : Re-
' Not having been entered of record, by a singular omission, they have been preserved
by their publication in the MassachuseUs Spy, August, 12, 1779. They were reported
by William Steams, Nathan Baldwin, and Joseph Allen.
16

122 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. [1779.
solved. That all such persons are guilty of a dangerous opposition to
the measures necessary to promote the well being and prosperity of
this country, and ought to be subjected to the resentment and indig
nation of the public, whether their conduct proceeds from a general
disaffection to public measures, and the independence of these states,
or from private motives of sordid interest.
' Resolved, That whoever refuses to sell the surplus of the pro
duce of his farm, and retains the same to procure a higher price by
means of an artificial scarcity, is very criminally accessory to the
calamities of the country, and ought to be subjected to those penal
ties and disabilities which are due to an inveterate enemy.'
Delegates from Worcester attended a county convention, on the
eleventh of August, when a scale of prices was fixed, and resolutions
adopted to adhere to and execute the regulations, ^
The same gentlemen were deputed to attend the second State
Convention at Concord, Oct, 12, where a more detailed regulation
of prices was made, resolutions passed, and an address framed, not
essentially different from those of the former meeting.
In August, Levi Lincoln, Joseph Allen, and David Bigelow, were
elected delegates to the convention for framing a constitution.
On a requisition for blankets. Sept, 14, Worcester supplied 31,
The selectmen being required to report the expenditures for rais
ing soldiers, made return of 48 persons then in service, who had
received $ 1906, for bounties on enlistments of three years. The
supplies furnished for nine of their families, requiring public assis
tance, during the year, amounted to £ 599. Os. 6d. at the current
price : reduced to the stated convention price, £39. 17s, 6d. In
August, £ 892 was granted to pay for clothing.
Eight soldiers were raised. Sept, 21, at an expense of £638, for
the Rhode Island department : and thirteen under the resolve of
Oct, 9, to join Gen, Washington, at Claverack, on Hudson's riv
er ; they received a bounty of £ 30 each, and were supported by
the town, at a charge, in the aggregate, of £2515, 10s, These
1 The following prices staled August, 1779, on comparison with those of November,
1776, will show the depreciation of the currency in the interval.
Corn, bushel, £ 3. 12s. : Rye, £ 5. 2s. : Wheat, £ 8. 2s. ; Oats, £ 1 , 16s. : Cider, bar
rel, £4: Hay, cwt. £1. 10s,: Labor in husbandry, day, £2. 14s, : Women's labor,
week, £2.: Beef, pound, 6s. 6d.: Mutton, Veal, 3s. 6d. : Butter, lis. : Cheese, 5s. 6d.:
Wool, £1. 4s.: Men'sshoes, pair, £6.: Stockings, £3. 12s.: Shirts, tow cloth, £4.
16s, In June, 1779, farmer's produce had advanced in the ratio of 36J to 1 : West In
dia goods as 41 1-9 to 1 : Labor as 15 to 1 of the price in March of the same year.

1780,] CONSTITUTION. 123
sums were advanced by individuals, and the credit of the town pled
ged for payment.
The exertions of preceding years had almost exhausted the mon
ey, men, and means of the country. The dlfliculty of complying
with the increased requisitions for public defence, was severely felt,
and the burdens of the war rested with heavy pressure on the com
munity. Yet redoubled efforts were made to sustain the army, and
meet the frequent demands of the government.
In compliance with a resolve of May 4th, 1780, Worcester fur
nished 43 sets of blankets, shirts, shoes and stockings. On the 5th
of June, 3934 men were levied for the continental army, to remain
in service 6 months. The quota of the county was 636 : Worces
ter supplied 22 : Lancaster 40 : Sutton 36 : Brookfield 35 : Mendon
29. Each soldier enlisting for the town, received £ 27 in agricul
tural produce, at the prices of 1774. In July, 12 horses were pro
vided for transportation and cavalry service. The quota of 4726
men for three months, under the resolve of June 22, was raised with
great labor. Worcester county was required to enlist 766 : Wor
cester 28 : Lancaster 48 : Brookfield 42 : Sutton 42 : Mendon
35. The sum of £ 30,000, of continental currency, was assessed,
as a tax, for the payment of the troops of the town. A further re
quisition for men was made, on the same day, to be levied in the pro
portion of one to every four detached on the 5th of June, to march to
Springfield and await orders. Worcester raised 5 soldiers. Pro
visions being needed for the army, Worcester was called on to deliver
17,640 pounds of beef, purchased for £ 529. On the 4th of De
cember, another assessment of 33,871 pounds was provided for, at
the cost of £1270. 3s. 3d.
In May, the Bill of Rights and Frame of Government were sub
mitted to the people, and accepted. The town disapproved of the
3d article of the Bill of Rights, relating to the support of religious
worship and instruction, and the 20th, providing that the power of
suspending the execution of the laws should only be exercised by
the legislature : the first was supposed to interfere with the rights
of conscience, and the latter to restrict too much the authority of
the executive department. Some articles of the constitution were
not accepted. The 4th article of the 1st section, chapter 1st, invest
ing the General Court with powers deemed too extensive for the
legislative branch : the 1st article of the 3d section of the same
chapter, containing the principle of representation : the 9th article
following, fixing the quorum of representatives for the transaction

124 CLASSIFICATION. [1780,
of business : the 7th article, section 1st, of the 2d chapter, defining
the power of the governor : the 3d article of the 6th chapter, estab
lishing the value of money, and thereby determining the amount of
salaries : and the 7th article, prohibiting the suspension of the privi
lege of the writ of habeas corpus, except upon most urgent occa
sion, and for a limited time, were all negatived. Our citizens were
desirous of strengthening the executive, and giving more efficiency
to government. This course, in conflict with the prevalent princi
ples before the revolution, was founded on the necessity of an en
ergetic administration, as it was made apparent by the progress of
the war and the embarrassments of the times.
The first elections under this constitution, ratified by the people,
took" place in September, The votes of Worcester were divided :
Hancock" received 56, and Bowdoin 20, for governor : James War
ren 23, and Artemas Ward 28, for Lt. Governor,
On the^M of December, 1780, 29 men were required as the
town's proportion of 4240, to be enlisted for 3 years, or during the
war. The usual means of procuring the quota were employed
without effect. The companies of militia furnished no volunteers:
drafts had become unpopular : committees to seek recruits in other
states had been unsuccessful : and, at length, a system of conscrip
tion was resorted to, as the only remaining resource for maintain
ing the army.
The citizens were divided into twenty nine classes, according to
the valuation and amount of taxes paid by the individuals. Each
class was required to furnish a soldier, and provide for his wages
and support. Each member contributed to this expense, in propor
tion to his property, ascertained by the returns of taxation. The
delinquents were reported to the assessors, and the sums due from
each to his class was included in the next tax and demanded by the
collector. By this strong measure, the men were procured in Feb
ruary, and mustered into service.
The inhabitants of Sutton, who seem to have been alike discon
tented at the passing or repeal of acts, in March, addressed letters
to the towns, inviting a convention, to remonstrate against the re
solve of the Legislature, suspending the tender of the depreciated
paper in payment of debts at the rate of 40 for 1, Three dele
gates from this town were elected. The assembly was small, and
no important consequence followed from the meeting.
Although the line of the continental army had been filled by per
manent enlistments, troops were required for occasional service.

1780,]

REQUISITIONS. CURRENCY.

125

In June, a detachment of 500 men was ordered to march to Rhode
Island, and Worcester granted £ 414, in hard money, for the pay
ment of its troops in the expedition. June 22, the town was re
quired to procure 13,980 pounds of beef, and appropriated £ 400
in gold and silver for that purpose. On the same day, another re
solve levied on the town 29 blankets, and 59 sets of articles of clo
thing. On the 30th, 23 men, for three months service were raised.
The supplying of soldiers had become so difficult, that they were
only procured by exorbitant bounties, and the most zealous exer
tions,! In anticipation of an attack on New York, Gen, Washington
asked for reenforceraents, and one quarter part of the militia were
ordered to hold themselves in readiness to move. The town voted
to grant pay to them, should they march, in the same proportion with
the regular troops.
The surrender of Cornwallis diffused general joy throughout the
country, as the omen of a triumphant termination of the war. The
event was commemorated here, on the 7th of November, by the
usual festive observances of days of rejoicing. ' In consequence of
this glorious intelligence,' says the Spy, with singular extravagance
of expression, ' the morning was ushered in by ringing of bells, dis-
1 The amount of money raised by the inhabitants for the support of the war, was real
ly very great. The depreciation of the paper currency rendered ihe nominal amount of
taxation excessive. The true value of grants and appropriations may be estimated by
reference to the subjoined scale. The figures indicate the number of dollars, in conti
nental currency, equivalent to one hundred, in gold or silver. To April, 1780, the value
was fixed as stated below, by the act of Massachusetts. From that date, it has been
ascertained by taking the average depreciation through the month.

1778.
. 325 . . .
. 350
. 375 . . .
. 400 . . .
. 400 , . .
. 400 , . .
.425
, 450 . . .
, 475 , . ,
, 500 , , ,
, 545 . . .
. 634 . . .
! equal to 187 cents, in new emission bills, from Feb.
to June 15 : 400 to Oct. 1. Below these dales, the
depreciation approached total worthlessness.
The whole expenses of the Revolutionary war to the States were, in paper money,
S 359,547,027 ; estimated in specie, g 135,193,703,

January,February,
March, ,
April,May,June,July, ,
August, .
September,October,
November,December, In 1781, one dollar of specie, was
27 to May 1 : 225 to May 25 : 300

1777. 105 107
109
112 115
120 125
150 175 275
300310

1779,

1780,

742 , ,

, , , 2934

868 . ,

. . , 3322

1000 . .

, , , 3736

1101 . .

, , , 4000

1215 . .

, , , 5450

1342 . .

. . . 6650

1477 . .

. . 6900

1630 . .

. . . 7000

1800 . .

. . . 7100

2030 , ,

. . . 7200

2308 , ,

. . . 7250

2595 , ,

. , , 7400

126 EXCISE ACT. [1782.
charging of cannon, displaying of colors, attended with the shouts
of a grateful populace, and even Aurora advanced and unlocked the
ruddy gates of the morning with a symipathetic smile.'
In January, 1782, the town expressed strong disapprobation of an
act Imposing duties on spirituous liquors, teas, and other articles of
luxury. The instructions to the representative, reported by Timo
thy Paine, Esq. Nathan Baldwin, and Cornelius Stowell, illustrate
the change of principles with times. The denunciations of tea in
the votes, resolutions, and solemn covenants of 1774, had been for
gotten, and opinions of the value of spirits are expressed which have
been demonstrated to be entirely unsound by the philanthropists
of recent days.
' Whereas, the town, at a meeting held on the 21st day of Janua
ry, 1782, dissapproved of a late act of this commonwealth, laying an
excise on wine, rum, wheel carriages, &c. and did then vote to in
struct Samuel Curtis, Esq. their representative, to use his utmost
endeavors to have that act repealed :
' The town now, January 25, taking the matter again into con
sideration, do give the following reasons why said act ought to be
repealed. ' 1. It is an indirect method of levying monies; as those who de
fray those duties cannot know what sum they pay ; which is contra
ry to the genius of a free government, which should equalize bur
dens. ' 2. It multiplies oaths, and subjects a great number of persons
to be sworn, in matters wherein they are deeply Interested : and,
consequently, instead of suppressing immorality, has a contrary
tendency. ' 3. If it is necessary to lay duties for the support of government
and the suppression of extravagance, such duties ought to be levied
on such articles as are merely luxurious, and not on some of those
mentioned in this act : spirituous liquors, being absolutely necessary
for our seafaring brethren, coasting along our shores in boats and
lighters, at all seasons of the year, to supply the markets with wood,
lumber, and fish : also for the farmer, whose fatigue is almost un-
supportable in haytime and harvest ; and for the beginners in bring
ing forward new townships where they have nothing to drink but
water, and are, perhaps, exposed to more hardships than any other
persons : nor on Bohea Tea, which, in populous towns, and in many
places in the country, is substituted, by many poor persons, in the room

1782.] EXCISE ACT. 127
of milk, which is not to be had, and they find it to be a cheap diet :
nor on common chaises and other carriages, such as are kept in the
country, for the necessary conveyance of families to meeting, &c :
the use of them very often saves the keeping of a horse extraordina
ry, and enables the farmer to keep more cattle and sheep, which are
more profitable ; and all carriages being manufactured among our
selves, laying a duty upon them has a tendency to discourage all
those mechanics who are employed in making them.
' 4. The mode pointed out in the act, for collecting duties, is
much more expensive than necessary, however small the commis
sions allowed the collector may appear : foe if the collector can afford
to ride into every town of the county for three per cent, the com
mon collector of taxes in each town can afford to collect the same
in his own town for one per cent : and convey the money to the
treasury with his other public money.
' 5. All consumers of spirituous liquors at taverns, will pay about
eight times as much as the duties amount to : for it is well known,
that the tavern keeper sells his mixed liquors for two pence more
in a mug than before the excise was laid, when, in fact, the duties
on each mug do not amount to more than a farthincf.
' 6. All persons living upon the borders of this government, will
purchase liquors for their own consumption of the neighboring gov
ernments, and thereby avoid paying any of said duties.
' 7. The act laying an excise upon tea, exempts all persons from
paying a duty who buy at one time fifty pounds or more of Bohea
tea, or twenty five pounds or more of other India tea, which appears
to be calculated to lay a tax upon the poor and exempt the rich.
' 8. The consumers of spirituous liquors are charged by the retail
er and tavern keeper with the Whole of the excise, and they are
obliged to pay it, when, at the same time, the seller is allowed ten
per cent for leakage and waste, which, with three per cent allowed
the collector, amounts to nearly thirteen per cent out of the duties in
tended to be raised by said act : as also a further allowance to be
made to the seller for as much more as he shall see cause to swear
that he may have lost by extraordinary leakage or other casualty.
' 9. There is no check upon the collector's accounts, nor any thing
to prove that the whole money he shall collect is contained in the
accounts he shall render to the Receiver General : when, by for
mer excise acts, the collector, when he received any duties, was
obliged to give two receipts of the same tenor and date, one of which
was to be lodged with the clerk of the Sessions, and the clerk was

128 WAR TERMINATED. [1782.
obliged to transmit the same or copies, to the Treasurer, in order
to compare with the accounts of the Collector.
' Lastly. The act is attended with many difficulties, and has a di
rect tendency to embarrass and obstruct trade, and, it is the opin
ion of this town, if continued, it wifl create great uneasiness among
the good people of this Commonwealth, and not answer the design
of government in passing the same.
' The town clerk is, therefore, hereby directed, to furnish Samuel
Curtis, Esq. our representative, with a copy of our vote of the 21st
inst. and the foregoing reasons : and the said Samuel Curtis is di
rected to use his endeavors, not only to cause the said act to be re
pealed, but to prevent in future any excise or duty being laid upon
the necessaries of life,'
The last requisition for men to join the army was in March,
1782, when 6 were drafted, for three years. ^
The minute recital we have followed seemed necessary, as the
only means of giving adequate idea of those municipal exertions,
whose merit has almost passed from remembrance, in the triumphant
results they aided to accomplish.
The supplies, and expenditures of the towns, were charged to
the commonwealth, and allowed by the United States, But, as
they only went to discharge taxes and assessments, they were, in
reality, uncompensated gratuities to the public,
Worcester furnished a large proportion of her male population to
the army of the revolution. The exact numbers in service cannot
be ascertained with certainty. If we include with the troops of the
regular line, those called out for short pei-iods of duty, the following
may be considered as a correct statement of the numbers of men
from Worcester in military service during seven years of war :
1 colonel, 2 lieutenant colonels, 2 majors, 7 captains, 10 lieuten
ants, 5 ensigns, 20 Serjeants, and 389 privates,
A letter from the committee of correspondence of Boston, in rela
tion to the absentees and refugees, was received in May, and a
committee 2 elected to express the sentiments of the town in reply.
' Quota of Worcester county, 217 : Brookfield 12 ; Sutton 12 : Shrewsbury 9 : Lan
caster 7, (Sterling having been taken oft) : Mendon 5, (Milford being set off). This and
some earlier requisitions for men, clothing, and provisions, were apportioned, not on the
basis of population, but property according to valuation : which explains the difference
in relative proportions,
2 Levi Lincoln, William Stearns, Joseph Allen, David Bigelow, Isaiah Thomas, Jo
seph Wheeler, Jonathan Rice.

Vr83.] ROYALISTS, 129
The following, selected from many votes reported to and accept
ed by the citizens, May 19, 1783, contains the substance of their
doings.

'Voted, That this town consider evety country, in times of inva-'
sion, as having equally a right to the assistance, personal services,
and property of all its subjects, in opposing its assailants. That
this country, more than eight years since, was invaded, and has been
scourged by a war, which, for the purpose of reducing it to the
servile subjection of foreign domination, has been, by sea and land,
wasting, and by every species of barbarity, distressing its Innocent
inhabitants : a war that has desolated and burned Whole towns, and
rendered wretched and turned out thousands of virtuous Ameri
cans, destitute, despoiled, and unprovided for by the treaty of peace,
which leaves them dependent on the gratitude and generosity of the
country : a war promoted, encouraged, and invited by those, who,
the moment the bloody banners were displayed, abandoned their
native land, turned parricides, and conspired to involve their coun
try in tumult, ruin, and blood,
' Voted, That, in the opinion of this town, it would be extreme
ly dangerous to the peace, happiness, liberty, and safety of these
states, to suffer persons of the above description to become the sub
jects of and reside in this government : that it woidd be not only
dangerous, but inconsistent with justice, policy, our past laws, the
public faith, and the principles of a free and independent state, to
admit them ourselves, or have them forced upon us without our
consent. ' Voted, That, in the opinion of this town, this commonwealth
ought with the utmost caution, to naturalize, or in any other way
admit as subjects, a common enemy, a set of people who have been
by the united voice of the continent, declared outlaws, exiles, aliens,
and enemies, dangerous to its political being and happiness,
' Voted, That while there are thousands of the innocent, peacea-'
ble and defenceless inhabitants of these states, whose property has
been destroyed and taken from them in the course of the war, for
whom no provision is made, to whom there is no restitution of estates,
no compensation for losses, that it would be unreasonable, cruel, and
unjust, to suffer those who were the wicked occasion of those losses,
to obtain a restitution of the estates they refused to protect, and
which they have abandoned and forfeited to their country,
' Voted, That it is the expectation of this town, and their earnest
17

130 INSURRECTION. [1782.
request of their committee of correspondence, inspection and safety,
that they, with care and diligence, will observe the movements of
our only remaining enemies : that until the further order of govern
ment, they will, with decision, spirit and firmness, endeavor to en
force and carry into execution, the several laws of this commonwealth
respecting these enemies to our rights, and the rights of mankind :
give information should they know of any obtruding themselves in
to any part of this state, suffer none to remain in this town, but cause
to be confined immediately, for the purpose of transportation, accor
ding to law, any that may presume to enter it. '

CHAPTER Vin.
1782 to 1787. Insurrection. Distresses of the people. County Conventions, 17SZ,
1784, 1785. Court stopped, Sept. 1786. Spirited conduct of Judge Ward. Pro
ceedings of the insurgents. Convention, Sept. 1786. Town meeting, Oct. 1786.
Court of Sessions interrupted. Sheriff Greenleaf. Insurgents occupy the town, Dec.
1786. Blilltia of Worcester appear in arms for the government. Capt. Howe. Con
sultations of the insurgents. Distresses of iheir retreat. Gen. Lincoln's army. Affair
at New Braintree. Dispersion of the insurgents.
The struggles of the Revolution had scarce terminated, before dis
turbances arose among the people, which, in their progress, brought
the commonwealth to the very verge of ruin.
Could the existence of insurrection and rebellion be effaced from
memory, it would be wanton outrage to recall from oblivion the tale
of misfortune and dishonor. But those events cannot be foro-otten :
they have floated down in tradition : they are recounted by the
winter fire-side, in the homes of New England : they are inscribed
on roll and record in the archives and annals of the state. History,
the mirror of the past, reflects with painful fidelity, the dark as well
as the bright objects from departed years, and although we may
wish to contemplate only the glowing picture of patriotism and pros
perity, the gloomy image of civil commotion is still full in our sight,
shadowing the background with its solemn admonition.
The investigation of the causes of the unhappy tumults of 1786,

1782,] DISTRESSES OF THE PEOPLE, 131
does not belong to the narrative of their local effects on one of the
principal scenes of action. But it would be great injustice to omit
the statement, that circumstances existed, which palliate, though
they do not justify, the conduct of those who took up arms against
the government of their own establishment. After eight years of
war, Massachusetts stood, with the splendor of triumph, in repub
lican poverty, bankrupt in resources, with no revenue but of an ex
piring currency, and no metal in her treasury more precious than
the continental copper, bearing the devices of union and freedom.
The country had been drained by taxation for the support of the
army of independence, to the utmost limit of its means ; public
credit was extinct, manners had become relaxed, trade decayed,
manufactures languishing, paper money depreciated to worthless
ness, claims on the nation accumulated by the commutation of the
pay of officers for securities, and a heavy and increasing pressure of
debt rested on commonwealth, corporations, and citizens. The
first reviving efforts of commerce overstocked the markets with for
eign luxuries and superfluities, sold to those who trusted to the future
to supply the ability of payment. The temporary act of 1782, mak
ing property a tender in discharge of pecuniary contracts, instead of
the designed remedial effect, enhanced the evils of general insolvency,
by postponing collections. The outstanding demands of the royal
ists refiigees, who had been driven from large estates and extensive
business, enforced with no lenient forbearance, came in to increase
the embarrassments of the deferred pay day. At length, a flood of
suits broke out. In 1784, more than 2000 actions were entered in
the county of Worcester, then having a population less than 50,000,
and in 1785, about 1700. Lands and goods were seized and sacri
ficed on sale, when the general difficulties drove away purchasers.
Amid the universal distress, artful and designing persons discerned
prospect for advancement, and fomented the discontent by inflamma
tory publications and seditious appeals to every excitable passion
and prejudice. The constitution was misrepresented as defective,
the administration as corrupt, the laws as unequal and unjust. The
celebrated papers of Honestus directed jealousy towards the judi
cial tribunals, and thundered anathemas against the lawyers, un
fortunately for them, the immediate agents and ministers of cred
itors. Driven to despair by the actual evil of enormous debt, and
irritated to madness by the increasing clamor about supposed griev
ances, it is scarcely surprising that a suffering and deluded people
should have attempted relief, without considering that the misery

132 COUNTY CONVENTION. [1782.
they endured was the necessary result from the confusion of years of
warfare, i
Before the close of the revolutionary contest, whose pressure had
united all by the tie of common danger, indications of discontent had
been manifested. The acts of the legislature had excited temporary
and local uneasiness in former years, as the operation of laws conflict
ed with the views of expediency or interest entertained by the village
politicians. But in 1782, complaints arose of grievances, springing
from the policy and administration of government, of more general
character. On the 14th of April of that year, the delegates of
twenty six towns of the county assembled in convention, and at
tributing the prevailing dissatisfaction of the people, to want of
confidence in the disbursement of the great sums of money annual
ly assessed, recommended Instructions to the representatives, to re
quire Immediate settlement with all public officers entrusted with
the funds of the commonwealth ; and if the adjustment was delayed
or refused, to withdraw from the General Court, and return to their
constituents ; to reduce the compensation of the members of the
House, and the fees of lawyers ; to procure sessions of the Court of
Probate in different places in the county ; the revival of confessions
of debt ; enlargement of the jurisdiction of justices of the peace to
£ 20 : contribution to the support of the continental army in spe
cific articles instead of money : and the settlement of accounts be
tween the Commonwealth and Congress. At an adjourned session.
May 14, they further recommended, that account of the public ex
penditures should be annually rendered to the towns ; the removal
of the General Court from Boston ; separation of the business of
the Common Pleas and Sessions, and inquiry into the grants of
lands in Maine in favor of Alexander Shepherd and others. Wor
cester was represented in these assemblies, and in the instructions
to Samuel Curtis, Esq., framed in accordance with their resolutions,
1 Could we roll back the tide of time, till its retiring wave left bare the rocks on
which the commonwealth was so nearly wrecked, it is not improbable, we should discov
er, that a loftier and more dangerous ambition, and wider, deeper, and more unhallowed
purposes, urged on and sustained the men who were pushed into the front rank of rebel
lion, than came from the limited capacity of their own minds. We might find that the
accredited leaders of 1786, were only humble instruments of stronger spirits, waiting in
their concealment the results of the tempest they had roused. Fortunately, the energy
of government, gave to rising revolution the harmless character of crushed insurrection,
saved to after years the inquiry for the Catalines of the young republic, and left to us
the happy privilege of receiving the coin impressed with the mark of patriotism at its
stamped value, without testing its deficiency of weight, or assaying the metal to deter
mine the mixture of alloy.

1784.] COUNTY CONVENTION. 133
on the 8th of June, the town represented as additional grievances,
that the Treasurer held the office of Justice of the Common Pleas in
Middlesex, interfering with the discharge of his general duties ; and
the proposition for the allowance of half pay for life to the officers
deranged on the new organization of the army, and not in service.
Some of the complaints were quieted by legal provisions, and when
the convention was appointed to be again held by adjournment, in
August, the few discontented persons in attendance dispersed with
out transacting business.^
The murmurs of the coming storm were first heard here, early in
1784. On the invitation of Sutton to each town of the county, the
capital sent delegates to a convention, held in March of that year, of
which Ebenezer Davis, Esq. was President. Although assembled for
the professed purpose of considering the expediency of an excise duty
alone, the inquiries of this body were more extensive in pursuit of
existing evils. When the result of its deliberations was communi
cated to the inhabitants of Worcester, they adopted for themselves
the petition prepared for general acceptance, representing as grievan
ces, the grant to Congress of an Impost for twenty five years to dis
charge the Interest accruing on state securities ; the payment from
the treasury of the expenses of festive days of rejoicing; large com
pensation to officers of the continental army ; neglect to redeem the
paper currency ; the want of a circulating mediura ; and the impair
ed state of credit. The representative of the town was instructed
to endeavor to procure the removal of the General Court from Bos
ton to some country town, where it would be secure from improper
influences ; and to cause an account of the debts, revenues and
charges of government to be published annually. These complaints,
unnoticed by the Legislature, seemed to be hushed and quieted by
the very neglect they experienced.
But the spirit of discontent, though stilled, was not extinct. It
spread wider and deeper, and grew stronger in the minds of men,
and its voice was again heard. In May, 1786, another invitation
from Sutton, for a general meeting, was circulated, and passed over
here without attention. The delegates of 17 towns, however, form
ed a convention at Leicester, and elected Willis Hall, of Sutton, its
' ' While the great body of the people desired only escape from impending suits,
without premeditated malice against the Commonwealth or its institutions, every
trivial cause was magnified and perverted to increase the existing irritation, till,
under the influence of delusion, a deadly blow was struck at both.' MSS. Centennial
Address of Hon, John Davis,

134 GRIEVANCES, [1786,
President, As the attendance was thin, letters were addressed to
Worcester, and the other towns of the county unrepresented, re
questing iheir participation, and an adjournment took place to the
15th of August following. Our inhabitants, at a meeting held on this
application, determined, by a great majority, not to comply ; on the
grounds, that the body from which it emanated was not recognized
by the constitution, and that its session was unnecessary and ille
gal. Thirty seven towns, appeared by their representatives when
the convention was reorganized at Leicester. It is not uninteres
ting to notice the gradual increase of alleged evils in its doings.
In 1784, the list was brief In 1786, without essential change in pol
icy or condition, it had swelled to voluminous extent. In addition
to the grievances already stated, they enumerated among the sources
of uneasiness, abuses in the practice of the law ; exorbitance of the
items in the fee bill ; the existence and administration of the Courts
of Common Pleas and Sessions ; the number and salaries of public
officers; grants to the Attorney General; and to Congress, while
the state accounts remained unliquidated, A committee was in
structed to report a memorial, at another session, to be had, by ad
journment, in Paxton, on the last Tuesday of September.
Thus far, redress had been sought by the constitutional appeal of
the citizen to the Legislature. The recorded proceedings of the
convention are of pacific character, expressing disapprobation of
combinations, mobs, and riots : yet, it is probable, that during the
period of its consultations, the bold design was originated by the
most violent of its members, of resisting the execution of the laws
and suspending the operations of courts. Soon after the first meet
ing, it was stated in the paper of the town, printed by Mr. Thomas,
that apprehensions existed of obstruction to the Common Pleas in
June. The first open act of insurrection followed close upon the
adjournment of the convention in August,
Although warning of danger had been given, confiding in the loy
alty of the people, their love of order, and respect for the laws, the
officers of government had made no preparations to support the
court, to be held in Worcester, in September, 1786, On Monday
night, of the first week in that month, a body of eighty armed men
under Capt, Adam Wheeler of Hubbardston, entered the town, and
took possession of the Court House. Early the next morning, their
numbers were augmented to nearly one hundred, and as many more
collected without fire arms. The Judges of the Common Pleas had
assembled at the house of the Hon, Joseph Allen. At the usual

1786.] COURTS SUSPENDED. 135
hour, with the Justices of the Sessions and the members of the bar,
attended by the clerk and sheriff, they moved towards the Court
House. Chief Justice Artemas Ward, a general of the revolution,
united intrepid firmness with prudent moderation. His resolute and
manly bearing on that day of difficulty and embarrassment, sustain
ed the dignity of the office he'bore, and commanded the respect even
of his opponents. On him devolved the responsibility of an occasion
affecting deeply the future peace of the community : and it was sup
ported well and ably.
On the verge of the crowd thronging the hill, a sentinel was pa-
ping on his round, who challenged the procession as it approached
his post. Gen. Ward, sternly ordered the soldier, formerly a subal
tern of his own particular regiment, to recover his levelled musket.
The man, awed by the voice he had been accustomed to obey, in
stantly complied, and presented his piece, in military salute, to his
old commander. The Court, having received the honors of war, from
him who was planted to oppose their advance, went on. The mul
titude, receding to the right and left, made way in sullen silence,
till the judicial officers reached the Court House, On the steps
was stationed a file of men with fixed bayonets : on the front, stood
Captain Wheeler, with his drawn sword. The crier was directed
to open the doors, and permitted to throw them back, displaying a
party of infantry with their guns levelled, as if ready to fire. Judge
Ward then advanced, and the bayonets were turned against his
breast. He demanded, repeatedly, who commanded the people
there ; by what authority, and for what purpose, they had met in hos
tile array. Wheeler at length replied : after disclaiming the rank of
leader, he stated, that they had come to relieve the distresses of the
country, by preventing the sittings of courts until they could obtain
redress of grievances. The Chief Justice answered, that he would
satisfy them their complaints were without just foundation. He was
told by Capt, Smith of Barre, that any communication he had to
make must be reduced to writing. Judge Ward indignantly refused
to do this: he said, he 'did not value their bayonets : they might
plunge them to his heart : but while that heart beat he wOuld do
his duty : when opposed to it, his life was of little consequence : if
they would take away their bayonets and give him some position
where he could be heard by his fellow citizens, and not by the lead
ers alone who had deceived and deluded them, he would speak, but
not otherwise,' The insurgent officers, fearful of the effect of his de
termined manner on the minds of their followers, interrupted. They

136 JUDGE WARD. [1786,
did not come there, they said, to listen to long speeches, but to re
sist oppression : they had the power to compel submission : and
they demanded, an adjournment without day. Judge Ward perem-
torlly refused to answer any proposition, unless it was accompanied
by the name of him by whom it was made. They then desired him
to fall back : the drum was beat, and the guard ordered to charge.
The soldiers advanced, until the points of their bayonets pressed hard
upon the breast of the Chief Justice, who stood as immoveable as a
statue, without stirring a limb, or yielding an inch, although the steel
in the hands of desperate men penetrated his dress. Struck with
admiration by his Intrepidity, and shrinking from the sacrifice of
life, the guns were removed, and Judge Ward, ascending the steps,
addressed the assembly. In a style of clear and forcible argument,
he examined their supposed grievances; exposed their fallacy; ex
plained the dangerous tendency of their rash measures ; admonish
ed them that they were placing in peril the liberty acquired by the
efforts and sufferings of years, pluqging the country in civil war, and
involving themselves and their families in misery : that the measures
they had taken must defeat their own wishes ; for the government
would never yield that to force, which would be readily accorded
to respectful representations : and warned them that the majesty of
the laws, would be vindicated, and their resistance of Its power aven
ged. He spoke nearly two hours, not without frequent interrup
tion. But admonition and argument were unavailing : the insur
gents declared they would maintain their ground until satisfaction
was obtained. Judge Ward, addressing himself to Wheeler, advis
ed him to suffer the troops to disperse : ' they were waging war, which
was treason, and its end would be,' he added after a momentary pause,
' the gallows. ' The judges then retired, unmolested, through armed
files. Soon after, the Court was opened at the United States Arms
Tavern, i and immediately adjourned to the next day. Orders were
despatched to the colonels in the brigade to call out their regiments,
and march, without a moment's delay, to sustain the judicial tribu-
nals : but that right arm on which the government rests for defence
was paralyzed : in this hour of its utmost need, the militia shared in
the disaffection, and the officers reported, that it was out of their
power to muster their companies, because they generally favored
those movements of the people directed against the highest civil in
stitutions of the state, and tending to the subversion of social order.
In the afternoon of Tuesday, a petition was presented from Athol,
' On the site of the Exchange Coffee House, 1836,

1786.] COMMITTEES WAIT ON THE COURT. 137
requesting that no judgments should be rendered In eivll actions,
except where debts would be lost by delay, and no trials had unless
with the consent of the parties ; a course corresponding with the
views entertained by the court. Soon after, Capt. Smith of Barre,
unceremoniously introduced himself to the judges, with his sword
drawn, and offered a paper purporting to be the petition of ' the body
of people now collected for their own good and that of the Common
wealth,' requiring an adjournment of the courts without day. He de
manded, in a threatening manner, an answer in half an hour. Judge
Ward, with great dignity, replied, that no answer would be given,
and the intruder retired. An Interview was solicited, during the
evening, by a committee, who were informed that the oflScers of gov
ernment would make no promises to men in hostile array : an in
timation was given that the request of the people of Athol was con
sidered reasonable : and the conference terminated. A report of the
result was made to the insurgents, who voted it was unsatisfactory,
and resolved to remain until the following day-
During the night, the Court House was guarded in martial form :
sentinels were posted along the front of the building, and along Main
street : the men not on duty, bivouaced in the hafl of justice, or sought
shelter with their friends. In the first light of morning, the whole
force paraded on the hill, and was harangued by the leaders. In
the forenoon, a new deputation waited on the court, with a repe
tition of the former demand, and received similar reply. The jus
tices assured the committee, if the body dispersed, the people of the
county Would have no just cause of complaint with the course the
court would adopt. The insurgents, reenforced with about two hun
dred from Holden and Ward, now mustered four hundred strong,
half with fire arms, and the remainder furnished with sticks. They
formed in column, and marched through Main street, with their
music, inviting all who sought relief from oppression to join their
ranks, but receiving no accession of recruits from our citizens,
they returned to the Court House. Sprigs of evergreen had been
distributed, and mounted as the distinctive badge of rebellion, and a
young pine tree was elevated at their post as the standard of revolt.
The court, at length, finding that no reliance could be placed
on military support, and no hope entertained of being permitted to
proceed with business, adjourned, continuing all causes to the next
term. Proclamation was made by the sheriff to the people, and a
copy of the record communicated. After this, about two hundred
men, with sticks only, paraded before the house of Mr. Allen, where
18

138 I.\SURGENTS RETIRE. [1786,
the justices had retired, and halted nearly an hour, as if meditating
some act of violence. The main body then marched down, and pas
sing through the other party, whose open ranks closed after them,
the whole moved to the common, 'ihere they displayed into line,
and sent another committee to the court.
The sessions, considering their deliberations controlled by the
moll, deemed it exoedient to follow the example of the superior tri
bunal, by an adjournment to the 2)st of November, When the in
surgent adjutant presented a paper, requiring it should be without
fixed div, Judge Ward replied, the business was finished and could
not be ch.tnijed.
Before night closed down, the Regulators, as they styled them
selves, dispersed ; and thus terminated the first Interference of the
citizens iu arras with the course of justice. Whatever fears might
have been entertained of future disastrous consequences, their visit
brought with it no teiror, and no apprehension for personal safely
to their opposers. Both parties. Indeed, seemed more inclined to
hear than strike. The conduct of Judge Ward was dignified and
spirited, in a situation of great embarrassment. His own depreca
tion, that the sun might not shine on the day when the constitution
was trampled on with impunity, seemed to be realized. Clouds,
darkness, and storm, brooded over the meeting of the insurgents,
and rested on their tumultuary assemblies in the county at subse
quent periods.
The state of feeling here, was unfavorably influenced by the suc
cess of the Insurgents. At a meeting of the inhabitants, on the
25th of September, delegates were elected to the county convention
at Paxton, with instructions to repoit their doings to the town.
The list of grievances received some slight additions from this as
sembly. The delay and expense of Courts of Probate, the manner
of recording deeds in one general office of registry, instead of en
tering them on the books of the town where the land was situated;
and the right of absentees to sue for the collection of debts, were
the subjects of complaint in a petition, concluding with the request
that precepts might be issued for meetings, to express public senti
ment in relation to a revision of the constitution, and if two thirds
of the qualified voters were in favor of amendment, that a state
convention might be called. The existence of this body was con
tinued by an adjournment to Worcester, The petition was imme
diately forwarded to the General Court. A copy was subsequently
submitted to the town, at a meeting held, October 2, for the purpos.

1786,] TOWN MEETING. PETITIONS, J 39
of receiving a report from the delexates. It wis then voted, ' That
Mr. Daniel Baird be requested to inform the town whether this pe
tition was according to his mind, and he informed the town it was :
but that he did not approve of its being sent to the General Court
before it hid been hild before the town.' The petition was read para
graph by paragraph, rejected, and the delegates dismissed.
On the I6th of Ootjber, in compliance with the request of 34
freeholders, another town meeting wis called : after long and warm
debate, the former delegates were reelected, to attend the conven
tion, at its adjourned session. A petition had been offered, pra3'ing
consideration of the measures proper in the alarming situation of
the country, and for instructions to the representative to enquire
into the expenditure of public money, the salaries of officers, the
means of increasing manufactures, encouraging agriculture, intro
ducing economy, and removing every grievance. Directions were
given to endeavor to procure the removal of the Legislature from
the metropolis to the interior ; the annihilation of the Inferior
Courts; the substitution of a cheaper and more expeditious adniin-
istratiou of justice ; the immediate repeal of the supplementary fund
granted to congress ; the appropriation of the revenue arising from
Impost and excise to the payment of the foreign debt; and the with
holding all supplies from Congress until settlement of accounts be
tween the Commonwealth and Continent. Resolutions, Introduced
by the supporters of government, expressing disapprobation of uncon-
stitutioii;il assemblies, armed combinations, and riotous movements,
and pointing to the Legislature as the only legitimate source of re
dress, were rejected. The convention party was triumphant by a
small majority. While the discussion was urged, a considerate cit
izen enquired of one of the most zealous of the discontented, what
grievances he suffered, and what were the principal evils among
them? ' There are grievances enough, thank God !' was the hasty
reply. ' and they, are all principal ones.'
The jurisdiction of the sessions was principally over criminal of
fences, and its powers were exercised for the preservation of social
order. No opposition hid been anticipated to its session, on the
21st of Navernber, and no defensive preparations were made. On
thit day, about sixty armed men, under Abraham Gale of Prince
ton, entered the north part of the town. During the evening, and
on Wednesday morning, about one hundred more arrived, from
Hubbardston, Shrewsbury, and some adjacent towns, A commit
tee presented a petition to the court, at the United States Arms

140 COUNTY CONVENTION, [1786.
tavern, for their adjournment until a new choice of representatives,
which was not received. The insurgents then took possession of
the ground around the Court House. When the Justices approach
ed, the armed men made way, and they passed through the opening
ranks to the steps. There, triple rows of bayonets presented to their
breasts, opposed farther advance. The Sheriff", Col. William Green
leaf of Lancaster, addressed the assembled crowd, stating the dan
ger to themselves and the public from their lawless measures. Rea
soning and warning were ineffectual, and the proclamation in the
riot act was read for their dispersion. Amid the grave solemnity of
the scene, sorae incidents were interposed of lighter character. Col.
Greenleaf remarked with great severity, on the conduct of the arm
ed party around him. One of the leaders replied, they sought re
lief from grievances : that among the most intolerable of them was
the SheriflT himself : and next to his person were his fees, which were
exorbitant and excessive, particularly on criminal executions, ' If
you consider fees for executions oppressive,' replied the sheriff, irri
tated by the attack, ' you need not wait long for redress ; for I will
hang you all. Gentlemen, for nothing, with the greatest pleasure,'
Some hand among the crowd, which pressed close, placed a pine
branch on his hat, and the county officer retired, with the Justices,
decorated with the evergreen badge of rebellion. The clerk enter
ed on his records, that the court was prevented from being held by
an armed force, the only notice contained on their pages that our
soil has ever been dishonored by resistance of the laws.
To this period, the indulgence of government had dealt with its
revolted subjects as misguided citizens, seduced to acts of violence
from misconception of the sources of their distress. Conciliatory
policy had applied remedial statutes wherever practicable, and prof
fered full pardon and indemnity for past misconduct. Reasonable
hopes were entertained that disaffection, quieted by lenient meas
ures, would lay down the arms assumed under strong excitement,
and that reviving order would rise from the confusion. But the in
surgents, animated by temporary success, and mistaking the mild
ness of forbearance for weakness or fear, had extended their designs
from present relief to permanent change. Their early movements
were without further object than to stay that flood of executions
which wasted their property and made their homes desoJate, That
portion of the community, who condemned the violence of the ac
tors in the scenes we have described, sympathized in their sufferings,
and were disposed to consider the offences venial, while the profess-

1786.] PREPARATIONS OF GOVERNMENT, 141
ed purpose of their commission was merely to obtain the delay ne
cessary for seeking constitutional redress. All implicated, stood
on safe and honorable ground, until the renewal, on the 21st of No
vember, of the opposition to the administration of justice. Defi
ance of the authority of the state, could no longer be tolerated with
out the prostration of its institutions. The crisis had arrived, when
government, driven to the utmost limit of concession, must appeal
to the sword for preservation, even though its destroying edge, turn
ed on the citizen, might be crimsoned with civil slaughter. Infor
mation was communicated to the executive of extensive levies of
troops for the suppression of the judiciary, and the coercion of the
legislature. Great exertions were making to prevent the approach
ing session of the Court of Common Pleas, in Worcester, in the
first week of December. Gov. Bowdoin and the council, resolved
to adopt vigorous measures to overawe the insurgents. Orders
were Issued to Major General Warner, to call out the militia of his
division, and five regiments were directed to hold themselves in in
stant readiness to march. Doubts, however, arose, how far reliance
could be placed on the troops of an infected district. The sheriff
reported, that a sufficient force could not be collected. The first
instructions were therefore countermanded, a plan having been set
tled to raise an army whose power might effectually crush resistance,
and the Judges were advised to adjourn to the 23d of January fol
lowing, when the contemplated arrangements could be matured to
terminate the unhappy troubles.
The insurgents, unapprised of the change of operations, began to
concentrate their whole strength to interrupt the courts at Worces
ter and Concord, They had fixed on Shrewsbury as the place of
rendezvous. On the 29th of November, a party of forty from Barre,
Spencer, and Leicester, joined Capt. Wheeler, who had established
his head quarters in that town during the preceding week, and
succeeded in enlisting about thirty men. Daniel Shays, the reputed
commander in chief, and nominal head of the rebellion, made his
first public appearance in the county soon after, with troops from
Hampshire. Reenforceraents came in, till the number at the post ex
ceeded four hundred. Sentinels stopped and examined travellers, and
patrols were sent out towards Concord, Cambridge, and Worcester.
On Thursday, November 30, information was received, that the
Light Horse, under Col. Hitchborn, had captured Shattuck, Parker
and Paige, and that a detachment of cavalry was marching against
themselves. This intelligence disconcerted their arrangements for

142 FORCES OF TIIE INSURGENTS COLLECT. [1786.
an expedition into Middlesex, and they retreated, in greit alarm, to
Holden. On Frid:iy, Wheeler was iu a house passed by the horse
men, and only esc iped from being captured by accident. Another
person, supposed to be couimatider, was pursued, and received a sa
bre cut in the h iiid. The blow was slight, but afforded sufficient
found itioii f )r r.tising the cry th;it blood had. been shed, and rous-
in:! passion to ven^e nice. The wounded insurgent was exhibited
and bew tiled as the martyr ofthelr cause. As the light horse retir
ed, it was discovered they did not exceed twenty. About an hun
dred of Shiys's men rallied, and returned to Shrewsbury, following
a f )e whose celerity of movement left no cause to feir they could be
brought to an encounter. Search was made for the town stock of
powder, removed by the vigilance of one of the selectmen. Col,
Cushing, whose house they surrounded, and whose person they en
deavored to seize, but he escaped. Consult itinn was held on the
expediency of marching directly to Worcester, aud encamping be
fore the Court House. Without clothing to protect them from cold,
without money, or food lo supply the wants of hunger, it was con
sidered impracticable to raaint;iln themselves there, and on Satur
day, they marched to Grafton, and went into quarters with their
friends. The pirty left at Holden, found one object of their meeting, the
junction with the insurgents at Concord, frustrated. Those who
belonged to the neighboring towns were therefore dismissed, with
orders to assemble in Woicester on Monday following. Shays re
tired to the barracks in Rutland, and sent messengers to hasten on
the parties from Berkshire and Hampshire, in anticipation of meet
ing the militia of government at Worcester.
On Sunday evening, the detachment from Grafton entered the
town, under the command of Abraham G lie of Princeton, Adam
Wheeler of Hubbardston, Simeon Hizeltine of Hardwick, aud John
Williams, reputed to be a deserter from the British army, and once
a Serjeant of the continent il line. They halted before the Court
House, and having obtahied the keys, placed a strong guard around
the building, and posted sentinels oii all the streets and avenues of
the town to prevent surprise. Those who were off duty, rolling
themselves in their blankets, rested on their arms, on the floor of
the Court room.
However the fidelity of Worcester might have wavered, its citi
zens had now become aware of the peril of their rights, when the
mustering power of rebellion was attempting to upheave the foun-

1786.] MILITIA. CAPT. HOWE. 143
dations of government. The whole military strength of the town
rallied to its support. Two full companies of our militia, enrolling
one hundred and seventy rank aud file, paraded on ftiotidsy, at the
South Meeting House, under the seniir captain, Joel Howe. In
the afternoon, they formed in column, and marched down M lin
street. On appro iching the United States Arms tavern, the head
quarters of the in-urgents, the drums heat to arms, and their lines
were formed acmss the road. Ca[ t Howe, i'.dvaiicing in .-low time,
sent forw:ird lu :)dj;itiiit todeuitiid liy whit auliiority the highways
were obstruotjd. A co:ite.iipt.i'j,is answer was returned, th:it l:e
might come and see Another officer w:is detached, to order thein
ti> remove, as the ii.ilitia niteiided lo pjss over the ground they oc
cupied : the reply wis, ihey might p.ss it' they could. Capt. Howe
then h died, aud addiessed.his men in an animating tone, expressing
his deterniinatiou to proceed, and his reliance o i their intrepidity.
The bayonets were fixed and the company then advanced : in a
few paces they came to the position foi a charge. The front rank
of the liisurgents stood in reiduiess to use their muskets, while the
band of Capt:iin Howe moved steadily down upon their line. For a
moment, civil war seemed about to drench our streets in blood. Vet
erans of the revolution were arrayed on both sides, who had been
too often amid the shot of battle, to shrink from danger in any form.
Fortunately, the Insurgents were not prepared to stain their cause
by the slaughter of their brethren; Their line wavered, and break
ing, by a rapid wheel, gained a new position on the hill. The mili
tia went by their po.st, to the Hancock Arms,' beyond the north
squire. It is doing no injustice to their gallantry to believe, their
congratulations were sincere on the innocent result of appearances
so menacing. After brief rest, they returned, and were dismissed,
until the next morning, with merited commendations. Their spirit
ed conduct was productive of salutary effects. It ascertained, that
their opponents w'ere- too apprehensive of consequences to support
their demands by force, and the dread their formidable array might
have inspired, was changed to contempt and derision of their pre
tensions. As the evening closed in, one of the most furious snow storms of
a severe winter commenced. One division of the insurgents occu
pied the Court House : another sought shelter at the Hancock
Arras. The sentinels, chilled by the tempest, and imagining them-
¦ This building was afterwards the Blown & Butman Tavern, and destroyed by
fire, Dec. 24, 1824,

144 INSURGENTS OCCUPY THE TOWN. [1786.
selves secured by its violence from attack, joined their comrades
around the fire of the guard room. The young men of the town, in
the spirit of sportive mischief, contrived to carry away their muskets,
incautiously stacked in the entryway, and having secreted them at
a distartcej raised the alarm that the light horse were upon them.
The party sallied out in confusion, and panic struck at the silent dis
appearance of their arms, fled through the fast falling snow to the
Court House, where their associates had paraded. The guns were
discoveredj at length, and the whole force remained, ready for ac
tion, several hours, frequently disturbed by the fresh outcries ofthelr
vexatious persecutors.
The Increasing fury of the storm, and the alraost impassible con
dition of the roads, did not prevent the arrival of many from Hol
den, and the vicinity, on Tuesday, swelling the numerical force of
malcontents to five hundred. The Court was opened at the Sun
Tavern,! and in conformity with the instructions of the Governor,
adjourned to the 23d of January, without attempting to transact
business. Petitions from committees of Sutton and Douglas, that
the next session might be postponed to March, were disregarded.
Worcester assumed the appearance of a garrisoned town. The
citizens answered to the frequent challenges of military guards : the
traveller was admonished to stay his steps by the voice and bayonet
of the soldier. Sentries paced before the house of Mr, Allen, the
clerk, where Judge Ward resided, and the former gentleman was
threatened with violence on his Own threshold, Mr. Justice Wash
burn of Leicester, was opposed on his way, and two of his friends,
who seized the gun presented to his breast, were arrested and de
tained in custody. Justice Baker, on his return homeward, was
apprehended in the road, and some of his captors suggested the
propriety of sending him to prison, to experience the corrective dis*
cipline, to which, as a magistrate, he had subjected others.
On Tuesday evening, a council of war was convened, and if was
seriously determined to march to Boston, and effect the liberation of
the state prisoners, as soon as sufficient strength could be collected.
In anticipation of attack, the Governor gathered the means of de
fence around the metropolis. Guards were mounted at the prison,
and at the entrances of the city : alarm posts were assigned ; and Ma
jor General Brooks held the militia of Middlesex contiguous to the
road, in readiness for action, and watched the force at Worcester.
' United States Hotel, 1836.

1786,] ALARM OF THE INSURGENTS. 145
During the evening of Tuesday, an alarm broke out, more ter
rific to the party quartered at the Hancock Arms, than that which
had disturbed the repose of the preceding night. Soon after parta
king the refreshment which was sometimes used by the military, be
fore the institution of temperance societies, several of the men were
seized with violent sickness, and a rumor spread, that poison had
been mingled with the fountain which supplied their water. Dr.
Samuel Stearns of Paxton, astrologer, almanac manufacturer, and
quack by profession, detected in the sediment of the cups they had
drained, a substance, which he unhesitatingly pronounced to be a
compound of arsenic and antimony, so deleterious, that a single
grain would extinguish the lives of a thousand. The numbers of the
afflicted increased with frightful rapidhy, and the symtoms grew more
fearful. It was suddenly recollected that the sugar used in their bev
erage, had been purchased from a respectable merchant of the town,i
whose attachment to government was well known, and the sick
ness around was deemed proof conclusive that it had been adulterated
for their destruction. A file of soldiers seized the seller, and brought
him to answer for the supposed attempt to murder the levies of rebel
lion. As he entered the house, the cry of Indignation rose strong.
Fortunately for his safety. Dr. Green of Ward, an intelligent prac
titioner of medicine, arrived, and the execution of vengeance was
deferred until his opinion of its propriety could be obtained. After
careful inspection of the suspected substance, and subjecting it to
the test of different senses, he declared, that to the best of his knowl
edge, it was genuine, yellow, scotch, snuff. The reputed dying rais
ed their heads from the floor : the slightly affected recovered : the
gloom which had settled heavily on the supposed victims of mor
tal disease was dispelled, and the illness soon vanished. Strict in-*
quiry furnished a reasonable explanation : a clerk in the store of
the merchant had opened a package of the fragrant commodity, in
the vicinity of the sugar barrel, and a portion of the odoriferous
leaf, had, inadvertently, been scattered from the counter into its nn-'
covered head. A keg of spirit was accepted in full satisfaction for
the panic occasioned by the decoction of tobacco so innocently ad^^
ministered. Bodies of militia, anxious to testify their reviving zeal, were toil
ing through the deep snow drifts. Gen. Warner, finding that no be
nefit could be derived from their presence, sent orders for their return
' The late Daniel Waldo, (sen.) Esq.
19

146 CONSULTATIONS OF THE INSURGENTS. [1786.
to their homes, and the insurgents enjoyed the triumph of holding
undisputed possession of the town.
On Wednesday, December 6, they went out to meet Shays, who
arrived from Rutland, with 350 men. As they reentered the street,
the appearance of the column of 800 was highly Imposing, The com
panies included many who had learned their tactics from Steuben,
and served an apprenticeship of discipline in the ranks of the revolu
tion : war worn veterans, who in a good cause, would have been in
vincible. The pine tuft supplied the place of plume in their hats.
Shays, with his aid, mounted on white horses, led on the van.
They displayed into line before the Court House, where they were
reviewed and inspected. The men were then billeted on the inhab
itants. No compulsion was used : where admittance was peremp
torily refused, they quietly retired, and sought food and shelter else
where. Provision having been made for the soldiers. Shays joined
the other leaders in council. At night, he was attended to his quair-
ters, at the house of the late Col. Samuel Flagg, by a strong guard,
preceded by the music of the army, with something of the state as
sumed by a general officer. Precautions against surprise were re
doubled. Chains of sentinels were stretched along the streets, plant
ed in every avenue of approach, and on the neighboring hills, ex
amining all who passed. The cry of ' all 's well,' rose on the watch
es of the night, from those whose presence brought danger to the
Commonwealth. Committees from some of the neighboring towns, and many of
the prominent members of the conventions, assembled with the mil
itary leaders, on Thursday, the 6th of December. Their delibera
tions were perplexed and discordant. The inclemency of the wea
ther had prevented the arrival of the large force expected. The
impossibility of retaining the men who had assembled, without mu
nitions, subsistence, or stores, compelled them to abandon the medi
tated attack on Boston, then put in a posture of defence, and more
pacific measures were finally adopted. A petition was prepared for
circulation, remonstrating against the suspension of the habeas cor
pus writ ; asking for the pardon and release of the prisoners ; a new
act of amnesty ; the adjournment of courts until the session of the
new Legislature in May ; and expressing their readiness to lay down
their arms on compliance with these demands. In the afternoon,
Shays's men and part of Wheeler's, to the number of 500, began
their march for Paxton, on their way to the barracks in Rutland,
About an hundred more retired to the north part of the town.

1786.] RETREAT OF THE INSURGENTS. 147
Friday was spent in consultation. Aware that public sentiment
was setting against them with strong reaction, the mercy which had
been rejected was now supplicated. Letters were addressed to each
town of the county, inviting the inhabitants to unite in their peti
tions. Shays himself, in a private conference with an acquaintance,
made use ofthese expressions : ' For God's sake, have matters set
tled peaceably ; it was against my inclinations I undertook this busi
ness ; importunity was used which I could not withstand ; but I
heartily wish it was well over.'
In the evening, the Court House was abandoned, but sentries
were posted at almost every door of the outside and interior of the
public house, where the leaders remained in consultation.
Another snow storm commenced on Saturday morning. Luke
Day, with 150 men from Hampshire, reached Leicester, but was una
ble to proceed in the tempest. About noon, all the Insurgents in
Worcester paraded before their head quarters, and were dismissed.
The companies of Ward, Holden, Spencer, Rutland, Barre, and Pe
tersham, after moving slowly through Main street in distinct bodies,
took up the line of march for their respective homes, through roads
choked with drifts.
The condition of these deluded men during their stay here, was
such as to excite compassion rather than fear. Destitute of almost
every necessary of life, in an inclement season, without money to
purchase the food which their friends could not supply, unwelcome
guests in the quarters they occupied, pride restrained the exposure
ofthelr wants. Many must have endured the gnawings of hungering
our streets : yet, standing with arms in their hands, enduring pri
vations in the midst of plenty, they took nothing by force, and tres
passed on no man's rights by violence : some declared they had not
tasted bread for twenty four hours ; all who made known their sit
uation, were relieved by our citizens with liberal charity.
The forlorn condition of the insurgents was deepened by the dis
tresses of their retreat. Their course was amid the wildest revelry
of storm and wind, in a night of intense cold. Some were frozen
to death by the way : others, exhausted with struggling through the
deep and drifted snow, sunk down, and would have perished but for
the aid ofthelr stouter comrades: when relief was sought among the
farm houses, every door was opened at the call of misery, and the
wrongs done by the rebel were forgotten in the sufferings of him
who claimed hospitality as a stranger.
The whole number assembled at Worcester never exceeded a

148 GEN. LINCOLN'S ARMY. [1787.
thousand. The spirit animating the first movements had grown cold,
and Shays expressed to an acquaintance heie, the impressioU that
the cause had become gloomy and hopeless In conversation with
an oflScer of government, he disclaimed being at the head of the re
bellion ; declared he had come to the resolution to have nothing more
to do with stopping courts : that if he could not obtain pardon, he
would gather the whole force he could command, and fight to the
last extremity, rather than be hanged. When asked if he would
accept pardon were it offered, and abandon the insurgents, he re
plied, ' Yes, in a moment.'i
The delay of government, while it afforded time to circulate cor
rect Information among the people, left the insurgents at liberty to
pursue their measures. The Court at Springfield, on the 26th of
December, was resisted, and intelligence was received of active exer
tions to prevent the session of the Common Pleas, at Worcester, on
the 23d of January. Longer forbearance would have been weak
ness, and vigorous measures were adopted for sustaining the judi
ciary. An army of 4400 men was raised from the counties of Suf
folk, Essex, Middlesex, Hampshire, and Worcester, for thirty days
service. General Benjamin Lincoln, whose prudence, and milita
ry skill peculiarly qualified him for the important trust, received
the command. Voluntary loans were made by individuals for the
armament, pay, and subsistence of the troops.
On the 21st of January, the array took up the line of march
from Roxbury, The Inclemency of the weather, and the condition
of the roads rendered a halt necessary at Marlborough, 'Phe next
day, the troops reached Worcester, notwithstanding the effects of
sudden thaw on the deep snow, and were quartered on the inhabi
tants, the houses being thrown open for their shelter and com
fort. Here they were joined by the regiments of the county. The
town contributed its quota liberally. In the company under Capt,
Joel Howe, were 27 non commissioned officers and privates. In the
' The retreat of Shays not only afforded the friends of order occasion for triumph,
but sport for wit. An Epigram, from one of the prints, affords a specimen of the poe-
Uy and jest of the. time. The name of the common carriage, the chaise, and that of
the insurgent leader, had then the same spelling as well as sound.
' Says sober Will, well Shays has fled.
And peace returns to bless our days.
Indeed! cries Ned, I always said,
He 'd prove at last a fall back Shays ;
And those turned over and undone.
Call him a worthless Shays to run.'

1787,] AFF.UR AT NEW BRAINTREE, 149
artillery, under Capt. William Treadwell, were enrolled 43 of our
citizens. Nineteen served under Capt. Phinehas Jones. Seven dra
goons were embodied in a legionary corps. Lt. Daniel Goulding
was at the head of a troop of cavalry. The late judge Edward
Bangs, Timothy Bigelow, afterwards Speaker of the house of Rep
resentatives of Massachusetts, and Theophilus Wheeler, Esq. serv
ed as volunteers.
Detachments of insurgents collected at Rutland, New Braintree,
Princeton, Sterling, and Sutton, but, intimidated by the military,
hovered at a distance, while the courts proceeded. On the 25th of
January, Gen. Lincoln hastened westward for the relief of Shep
ard, and of the arsenal at Springfield, invested by Shays and Day,
Major General Warner was left In command at Worcester, with a
regiment of infantry, a corps of artillery, including Capt, Tread-
well's company, two field pieces, and a party from the legionary bat
talion of volunteer cavalry. Information having been given that a
body of about two hundred insurgents had assembled at New Brain
tree, intercepting travellers and insulting the friends of government,
twenty horsemen, supported by about 150 infantry in sleighs, were
sent out, on the night of the 2d of February, to capture or dis
perse the disaffected. Upon approaching the place ofthelr destina
tion, the cavalry were ordered to advance at full speed to surprise
the enemy. The insurgents, apprised of the expedition, had aban
doned their quarters at the house of Micah Hamilton, and taken post
behind the walls of the road side, and having fired a volley of mus
ketry upon the detachment, fled to the woods : Mr. Jonathan Rlcje
of Worcester, a deputy sheriff, was shot through the arm and hand :
Doct. David Young was severely wounded in the knee : i the bri
dle rein of Theophilus Wheeler, Esq. was cut by a ball. Without
halting, the soldiers rapidly pursued their way to the deserted head
quarters, where they liberated Messrs. Samuel Flagg and John
Stanton of Worcester, who had been seized the day previous, while
transacting private business at Leicester. Having dispersed those
who occupied the barracks at Rutland, the next day, the companies
returned with four prisoners.
The career of Shays was fast drawing to its close. Driven from
post to post, he suddenly retired from Pelham to Petersham, where he
expected to concentrate the forces of expiring rebellion, and make
' Dr. Young afterwards recovered £ 1000, in a civil action, against those by whom
he was wounded.

150 FORCES OF THE INSURGENTS ROUTED. [1787.
his final stand. Intelligence of this change of position reached Gen.
Lincoln at Hadley, February 3d, and he deterrained, by prompt and
decisive action, to terminate the warfare. When the troops took up
the line of march, at 8 o'clock, the evening was bright and mild.
Before morning the cold became intense : the dry and light snow,
whirled before a violent north wind, filled the paths and rendered
them almost impassible. The severity of the cold prevented any halt
for rest or refreshment. At a distance from shelter, without defence
against the Inclemency of the weather, it became necessary to press
on, without pausing, to the camp occupied by men possessing all
martial advantages, except courage and a good cause. The heavy
sufferings of the night were terminated^ by ihe arrival of the troops
in the very center of Petersham. The followers of Shays, trusting
to the violence of the storm and the obstructions of the highways,
rested in careless security. The first warning of danger was from
the appearance of the advanced guard of the forces of government,
after a journey of thirty miles, in the midst of their cantonment.
Had an array dropped frora the clouds upon the hill, the consterna
tion could not have been greater. Panic struck, the insurgents fled,
without firing a gun, or offering resistance to soldiers exhausted by
fatigue, with frozen llrabs, and almost sinking under the privations
and hardships of the severe service.
Thirty of the citizens of Worcester were in this expedition, and
shared in the movement, called by Minot ' one of the most indefati
gable marches that ever was performed in America.' Gen. Lincoln
writes from Petersham, Feb. 4, ' we arrived here about nine o'clock,
exceedingly fatigued by a march of thirty miles, part of it in a deep
snow, and in a most violent storm. When this abated, the cold in
creased, and a great part of our men were frozen in some part or
other ; but I hope none of them dangerously so, and that most of
them will be able to march again in a short time.' The insur
gents never again collected in force : independent parties appear
ed in different parts of the western counties : but they were soon
compelled to seek safety by submission, or flight into the neigh
boring states. Two or three only, of our townsmen, bore arms with
Shays. The rebellion being terminated, the infliction of some punishment
for the highest political crime was deeraed expedient. Sorae of
those who had been in arras against the laws, were brought to trial,
convicted of treason, and sentenced to death. Henry Gale of
Princeton, was the only insurgent found guilty of capital offence,

1787.] INSURGENTS PARDONED. 151
in this county.i On the 23d day of June, at the hour fixed for his
execution by the warrant, he was led out to the gallows erected on
the common, with all the solemn ceremony of such exhibitions. A
reprieve was there read to him, and afterwards full pardon was giv-
en.® Proceedings for seditious practices, pending against several
prisoners, were suspended. The mercy of government was finally
extended to all, who had been Involved in the difficulties and disor
ders of the time, upon taking the oath of allegiance to the com
monwealth, after some temporary civil disqualifications.^

CHAPTER IX.
Reception of Washington, 1789. Memorial on the treaty with England, 1797. Volun
teers, 1798. Funeral honors to Washington, 1800. Militia volunteer, 1807. Boston
memorial, 1808. WaroflS]2. British prisoners. Troops called into service, 1814,
Visit of Lafaj'ette, 1824. Amendments of the Constitution. Benefactions of Isaiah
Thomas. Incorporation of Holden and Ward. Proposed division of the county.
In the progress of the narrative, we have arrived to that period,
when the events of the past are so closely connected with the
feelings of the present, as to impose painfiil restraint on the course
of minute recital. The faithful review of the incidents of local his
tory from the adoption of the federal constitution, embracing the
' The court assigned as his counsel, Levi Lincoln, sen. and James Sullivan. The
warm support of government by the former had rendered him obnoxious to the insur
gents. During their occupation of the town, they sent parties to seize his person, who
surrounded and searched his house. Seasonably informed of their intentions, he was
able to disappoint them.
2 Six were convicted of treason in the county of Berkshire, six in Hampshire, one in
Worcester, and one in Middlesex, all of whom received sentence of death, but were sub
sequently pardoned. The only public punishment actually inflicted, except limited
disqualification from civil or military office, was on a member of the house of represen
tatives, guilty of seditious words and practices, who was sentenced to sit on the gallows
with a rope about his neck, pay a fine of £ 50, and to be bound to keep the peace and
be of good behavior for five years,
3 The facts stated in the foregoing chapter have been derived, from the Worcester
Magazine, published by Isaiah Thomas, 1786, 1787, Independent Chronicle, Columbian
Centinel, Minot's History of the Insurrection, Files in the office of the Secretary of
State, Correspondence of Levi Lincoln, sen, American Antiquarian Society's MSS.
Some notice of Daniel Shays will be found in the appendix.

152 VISIT OF WASHINGTON, [1789.
struggles of the great parties dividing the community, executed in
the spirit of independence and impartiality, would be alike useful
and interesting. But the time has not yet come when the details of
the contest agitating every village of the country, and kindling strife
in the relations of social life, can be recorded with freedom and frank
ness. The embers of political controversy, long covered over, have
not been so extinguished, that the annalist may tread with safety
over the spot where they once glowed. The sons may not hope to
render unbiassed judgment of the measures of the sires, in scenes of
intense excitement. When another generation shall have passed
away, and the passions and irritation of the actors shall exist in
memory alone, the story may be told faithfully, without fear that in
herited partiality or prejudice may lend undue coloring to the pic
ture delineated.
Sorae particulars of the history of the last half century, insulated
frora those dissentions which have long been quieted and which it
is not desirable now to recall to recollection, are scattered through
the space remaining to be traversed.
In 1789, President Washington visited New England, and was
received with those demonstrations of gratitude rnd respect due to
his eminent services and exalted virtues. The notice of his arrival
at Worcester, in the Spy, is characteristic of the style of the times.
' Information being received on Thursday evening, [October 22]
that Ills Hightiess would be in town the next morning, a number of
respectable citizens, about forty, paraded before sunrise, on horse
back, and went as far as Leicester line to welcome him, and escort
ed him into town. The Worcester company of artillery, command
ed by Major Treadwell, were already assembled ; on notice beino-
given that Ins Higliness was approaching, five cannon were fired, for
the five New England States ; three for the three in the union ; one
for Vermont, which will speedily be admitted ; and one as a call
to Rhode Island to be ready before it be too late. When the Pres
ident General arrived in sight of the raeetlng-house, eleven cannon
were fired : he viewed with attention the artillery company as he
passed, and expressed to the inhabitants his sense of the honor done
him. He stopped at the United States Arms, and breakfasted, and
then proceeded on his journey. To gratify the inhabitants, he po
litely passed through the town on horseback, dressed in a brown
suit, and pleasure glowed in every countenance ; eleven cannon
were again fired. The gentlemen of the town escorted him a feW
miles, when they took their leave.'

1796.] BRITISH TREATY. VOLUNTEERS. 153
Acceptable as the testimonials of the enthusiastic joy of his fellow
citizens must have been to the great patriot, the extravagant epithets
of description comported little with the simplicity and unostentatious
plainness of his character.
On the request of a number of the principal inhabitants, a meeting
was convened. May 2, 1790, for the expression of sentiments in re
lation to the commercial treaty with England ; a memorial, reported
by a committee,! was adopted and transmitted to the Hon, Dwight
Foster, representative of the district in Congress, for presentatiott,
' To the honorable House of Representatives of the United States !
The inhabitants of the town of Worcester, in the county of Worces
ter, and state of Massachusetts, sensible that it is not wise in the peo
ple in their primary assemblies, to decide confidently on important
and difficult political questions, or even to use their right of petition
ing with design to impose their particular opinions, yet, on the pres
ent occasion, when the voice of the people appears to be called for,
and is going forth to your honorable body frora all parts of the union,
leaving all questions concerning the merits of the treaty with Great
Britain, take the liberty to suggest, as our opinion, that, considering
the present state of the treaty already ratified by the President and
Senate, we believe frora a serious Impression of duty, and considering
the happy advantages of peace and neutrality now enjoyed by this
country, and the alarms, the anxieties, and interruptions to business,
if not war, that may be the consequences of delaying to carry the
treaty into effect, it would be best, and we, therefore, beg leave to ex
press our wishes, that your honorable house would not delay to make
appropriations to carry the same into effect,'
The hostile attitude of France, in 1798, required energetic pre
parations for defence. Congress authorized the President, to raise
troops for the war establishment, and to organize volunteer corps in
a provisional army, to be called out in case of apprehended invasion,
or on pressing emergency, but not to receive pay unless in actual
service. A company of sixty, rank and file, was formed here, un
der Capt. Thomas Chandler, called the Worcester Volunteer Cadet
Infantry, holding themselves in readiness to march on the reception
of orders. A standard was wrought, and presented to this corps
by the ladies, with the usual complimentary and patriotic address,
and received with the accustomed chivalrous expressions of grati-
' Edward Bangs, Isaiah Thomas, Samuel Chandler, Benjamin Heywood, and Wil
liam Caldwell,
20

154 WASHINGTON. LIGHT INFANTRY, [1807.
tude. The company of artillery joined the forces collected in the
south part of the county, and was in the bloodless campaign of ' the
Oxford Army,' A rendezvous was opened here, during the diflfer-
ences with the French republic. Some of our citizens enlisted, and
encamped with the 14th regiment, commanded by Lieut, Col. Rice.
No opportunity of distinction was afforded by land ; the laurels were
exclusively gathered from the ocean.
The town joined in the national honors paid to the memory of
Washington, on the 22d of February, 1800, the anniversary of the
birth of the father of his country. The company of cavalry, the
artillery, cadets, militia, the youth of the schools, and a great con
course of citizens, moved with solemn music to the old south church,
which was hung with black and with emblems of mourning. An
eloquent eulogy was pronounced, by the Rev. Doct. Bancroft, on the
virtues of the departed soldier, statesman, and patriot.
During the political controversies, which, for nearly thirty years,
divided public opinion in the United States, a decided majority of the
inhabitants of Worcester, were of the democratic party, when the
name marked well defined distinction of principles. The leading
men of the times were ardent politicians, and there were periods of
excitement, when diversity of sentiment impaired the harmony of so
cial Intercourse, separated those closely allied by the ties of kindred,
and dissolved the bonds of ancient friendship. When the feuds and
animosities of the past have subsided, it excites surprise, that the sur
face, now so tranquil, should ever have been agitated by commotions
as angry as were those which once disturbed its repose. ^
Conventions of the antagonist parties constantly assembled here,
and embodied, in their resolutions, the feelings of the times.
In 1807, after the attack on the Chesapeake, when it was appre
hended that hostilities with England would immediately ensue, the
Worcester Light Infantry, then commanded by Capt. Enoch Flagg,
tendered their services in defence of the union. At a meeting of
that military corps, August 4, 1807, it was resolved, unanimously,
'That in the present exigency of our country, the characters of the
citizen and the soldier are inseparable ;' and with the same unanim
ity, it was voted, 'that we are ready, at a moment's warning, to
inarch wherever the executive authority may direct, in defence of
the independence and integrity of our country, in repelling and
chastising insult or invasion ; and that, for this purpose, we will
I The state of political sentiment will be sufficiently indicated by the list of votes for
executive officers, in successive years, in the appendix.

1808,] EMBiVRGO. 155
constantly hold ourselves in a state of preparation,' Soon after, the
company of artillery under Capt, Curtis, two companies of infan
try under Capts. Harrington and Johnson, and the company of cav
alry of Worcester and the adjacent towns, under Capt. Goulding,
volunteered to serve as occasion might require.
The selectmen of Boston, on the 10th of August, 1808, transmit
ted a petition, adopted by the citizens of that place, addressed to
President Jefferson, praying the suspension of the embargo laws ;
or, if doubt existed of the competency of the executive for affording
relief frora measures that pressed heavily on commerce, requesting
that congress might be convened for the purpose of taking the sub
ject into consideration. The communication was accompanied with
an invitation to call a meeting of the Inhabitants of the town to ob
tain their concurrence iu the sentiments expressed by the capital.
The municipal officers declined compliance with the proposition.
In their reply they say : ' we deferred returning an answer, because
we thought we had reason to believe, that there would be found ten
of our own freeholders, knowing our sentiments and differing from
us, who, by signifying their desire in writing, would make it our du
ty to call such meeting. We can delay no longer a civility due to
our fellow citizens of the respectable town of Boston. We will,
therefore, with that friendly freedom which becomes citizens whose
interests are the same, expose the reasons and sentiments, which for
bid us to act, in our official capacity, according to your proposal.'
Assenting to the constitutional right of the citizens to assemble and
consult for the common good, cordially concurring in respect for the
constituted authorities of the country, they depart widely from the
views of policy entertained by the petitioners, and conclude by de
claring, that, ' fully persuaded we have expressed the sentiments of
a large majority of the inhabitants of this town, in expressing our
own, we cannot believe it would be satisfactory to them, on this oc
casion, at this season of the year, to be called together in town meet
ing.' 1 ,
In the same year, the town voted bounties to the soldiers, detached
in conformity with the act of Congress, March, 30, 1808, as a part
of the state's quota of 100,000 men, and the Light Infantry again
tendered their services.
On the declaration of war with England, in 1812, an act of Con-
' The letter is subscribed by Ephraim Mower, Edward Bangs, Nathaniel Harrington,
Nathan White, Thomas Nichols, Selectmen, and was published in the National lEg'is,
Aug. 24, 1808.

',56 BRITISH PRISONERS, [1813,
gress authorized the President to require of the governors of the sev
eral states and territories, to take effectual raeasures to arm, organize,
and hold in readiness to march on the shortest notice, their respec
tive proportions of 100,000 militia, Massachusetts was called on to
furnish men for the fortresses on the maritime frontier. The execu
tive declined compliance with the requisitions, on the ground of con
stitutional objections, and the troops of the state were not called to the
field. The town voted, Nov, 9th, 1812, to allow each soldier detach
ed, when mustered and ready to march, ten dollars bounty, in addition
to the wages. Recruiting officers were stationed here, and sorae of
the citizens enlisted in the regular army, or entered the navy, and
served with various fortune.
In the summer of 1813, several British officers, captured on the
northern frontier, were quartered here, on parole. Sir George Pre-
vost, commanding in Canada, with the sanction of his government,
selected from the American prisoners of war, and sent to Great Bri
tain, for trial as criminals, a number of individuals, who had emi
grated from the king's dominions long previous to the war between
the two nations, become naturalized, and were taken fighting under
the banners of their adopted country. For the protection of these
citizens, charged with violation Of their duties of allegiance to the
land ofthelr nativity, an equal number of English subjects were or
dered into confinement, to endure the same fate which might befall
those for whom they were hostages. The effect of this stern meas
ure of retaliation was, to Induce the enemy to commit to prison two
American officers, for every one of the British soldiers confined by
the President, to suffer death if vindictive punishmeut should be in
flicted on the latter. Forty-six British officers, prisoners of war,
were iraraediately placed in the prisons, and the Prince Regent was
inforraed of the determination of the government to deal with his
subjects in the same manner in which our citizens in captivity should
be treated. On the 2d of December, ten of those who had resided
here,i on parole, were coramitted by the raarshal of the district, to the
jail in Worcester, to abide the issue of this deplorable contest. On
the 12th of January, nine of these persons succeeded in mak
ing their escape, by overpowering and binding the attendant, who
had entered their room between 10 and 11 o'clock of the evening,
to secure them for the night. The turnkey was so loosely confined,
' Lt. Col. Wilham Grant, of the Beauharnois militia: Maj, Charles Villette, Capt,
Francis Decenta, Lt. David Duvall, Lt. Albert Manuel, of the Waterville regiment : Lt,
William A. Steel, Adjutant, Lt. Joseph F. Green, Commissary, 89th regiment: Lt, Ar
thur Carter, of the Royal Artillery: Lt. Charles Morris, of the Halifax Volunteers.

1814.] MARCH OF LIGHT TROOPS. 157
that he extricated himself in about fifteen minutes, and communi
cated information of the flight of the prisoners. Actual invasion
could scarcely have produced greater coraraotion : the bells were
rung and cannon fired at midnight. Vigorous search was prosecu
ted in the vicinity, and hot pursuit extended in all directions. In
the excitement of the time, houses were entered without the formal
ity of warrants, and doraiciliary visits paid without the justification
of judicial process, to detect the supposed concealment of the fugi
tives. About two o'clock the next morning, one of the prisoners
was apprehended in Holden, nearly exhausted by the labor of trav
elling on foot, in an inclement season, after long confinement : four
more were apprehended the succeeding evening in Barre : and four
succeeded in eluding capture, aud reached Quebec in safety. After
this event, the prisoners were removed. The returning sense of
justice of their own government, permitted the liberation of gallant
but unfortunate enemies, from the gloomy prospect of execution, in
accordance with that necess.iry, but cruel policy, which holds the
innocent subject to expiate the sins of the sovereign, and would
have forfeited life to a contested point of International law.
In the summer of 1814, two companies of militia were drafted
from the county, and served on the forts in the vicinity of Boston.
The capture of Washington, the violations of our territory by the
British forces, the menace of destruction to the cities and villages of
the sea board, by the naval commander on the American station,
while they spread alarm, roused the patriotic spirit of the people to
vigorous action. Governor Strong, by general orders, September 6,
1814, directed the whole of the militia of the state to hold them
selves in readiness to march at a moment's warning, and called the
flank companies of the seventh division into immediate service for
the defence of the coast. The Worcester Light Infantry and Wor
cester ArtlUery, commenced their march for the metropolis, on Sun
day, September 14th.i They were stationed at South Boston, and
remained in camp until the 31st of October following, when they
were discharged and returned. On the Sabbath following their ar
rival at their homes, the members of both corps attended divine ser-
' The Officers of the Light Infantry were John W. Lincoln, Captain ; Sewall Hamil
ton, Lieutenant; John Coolidge, Ensign: Of tho Artillery, Samuel Graves, Captain ;
Simeon Hastings, 1st Lieutenant, Nathan Heard, 2d Lieutenant. The forces at
South Boston were under the command of Major General Joseph Whiton, of Lee.
Light companies were detached from the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th. 7th and 9th divisions, and
the artillery of the 3d, 4th, 5th, 7lh and 8lh divisions, to form the army for the defence of
Boston. The troops of the seventh division, including Worcester county, now in the
sixth division, were in the regiment under Col, Salem Towne, jri of Charlton.

158 VISIT OF LAFAYETTE, [1824.
vice, in full dress, agreeably to thp recommendation of the General
in command, and offered public acknowledgments for restoration to
their friends.
The town voted to procure complete camp equipage for the militia,
to be kept in readiness for use in actual service, to provide for the
families of soldiers where assistance was needed, and to furnish any
inhabitant detached, with arms and equipments, if unable to procure
them himself
As the sound of war went through the land, the veterans of the
revolution, persons exempted from military duty by age or office,
and the youth, formed themselves, in many towns of the county,
info volunteer corps, and prepared to strike for their homes and
their rights. The step of an invader on the New England soil,
would have found her yeomanry as prompt to answer the summons
to battle, as in the glorious days of old.
'Phe ratification of the treaty of peace was celebrated with fes
tive rejoicing.
Gen. Lafayette, during his visit to America, in the journey which
resembled a triumphal progress through the land, arrived at Wor
cester, September 2d, 1824. He was received on the northern
boundary of the town by a deputation from the committee of the
citizens, and escorted by two companies of cavalry, a regiment of
the light troops of the division, and a great concourse of the people
of the county. Frora hoary age to lisping childhood, all were ea
ger to manifest affection and respect for the guest of the nation.
He passed through crowded streets ; between lines of the children
of the schools, ranged under the care of their teachers, who scat
tered laurels in his path ; beneath arches inscribed with his own
memorable words and with the names of the scenes of his signal
services ; amidst companions who had borne arms with him in the
army of independence ; and through the multitudes who had gath
ered frora the vicinage to greet the return of the friend of their fa
thers, Abraham Lincoln, Levi Lincoln, and Edward D, Bangs, were
elected delegates to the convention which was convened in 1820
for the amendment of the state constitution. Of the articles adopted
by this body, November 15, 1820, and submitted to the people, nine
were approved and adopted, April 9, 1821, The inhabitants of
Worcester refused to ratify the 5th article, relating to the organiza
tion of the council and senate, providing that every town, having a
population of 1200, should be entitled to one representative, and

1831,]

CONSTITUTION, DOCT. THOMAS.

159

establishing 1200 as the ratio of increased representation : and the
10th, concerning the rights and privileges of Harvard College, i
The amendment numbered as the 10th in the Revised Statutes,
changing the commencement of the political year from the last
Wednesday of May, to the first Wednesday of January, adopted by
the legislatures of 1829-30, and 1830-31, was accepted by the peo
ple. May 11, 1831. The votes here were, 146 for, 11 against.
The amendment numbered as 11 in the volume referred to, mod
ifying and altering the third article of the bill of rights, having
passed the legislatures of 1832, 1833, was accepted by the citizens,
Nov. 11, 1833. Two hundred and forty six votes were given by
the inhabitants of Worcester in the affirmative ; fifty five in the
negative. By his last will, Doct. Isaiah Thomas, devised to the town of Wor
cester, a lot of land on Thomas street, on the conditions, 'that the
town should erect, within three years frora the testator's decease, a
Charity House, and pay annually to the overseers of the poor, twen
ty dollars, to be appropriated towards providing for poor persons who
might be there maintained, on thanksgiving days, a good and liber
al dinner suitable for the occasion, and to furnish on that day, half
a pint of common but good wine for each person, or a reasonable
quantity of such other liquors as any of them might prefer, that
they might have the means of participating with their more affluent
neighbors in some of the essential good things of life bestowed by
a bountiful Providence, and be enabled to unite in grateful orisons
for the peace and felicity of our country.' If the whole sum should
not be required for the kind purpose indicated by the donor, the
residue was to be expended in the purchase of books for the chil
dren of poor parents, or otherwise appropriated at the discretion of
the trustees. The Inhabitants, having already provided, at great ex
pense, ample accommodations for the indigent, although duly ap
preciating the benevolent intentions of the testator, were compelled
to decline the acceptance of the benefaction, Nov. 14, 1831, on
the condition Imposed of erecting new buildings.
^ The votes of the town on the several amendments were as follows:

rt.

Yeas.

Nays.

Art.

Yeas.

Nays

1 . .

106 .

. . 99

8

. . 191 .

. . 12

2 . .

• . 161 .

. . 41

9

.... 161 .

. . 41

3 . .

. . 177 .

. 34

10

.... 61 .

• . 140

4 . .

155 .

. • 46

11

.... 161 .

. 41

5 . .

. . 64

. . 139

12

. , • • 166 ,

. . 37

6

. . 148 .

. . 39

13

, . . 166 .

¦ , 37

7 . .

. . 133 .

, . 70

14

, , . , 166 .

, 46

160 SEPARATION OF HOLDEN. [1722.
The donation by the same liberal individual, of a lot, extending
172 feet on the north side of Thomas street, and 169 feet on Sum
mer street, including the ancient burial place, for the erection of a
large school house, was accepted, and the condition of the bequest
complied with, by the completion of a suitable edifice.
The sum of S 2500 was granted by the town, April 21, 1830, to
be appropriated for the purchase of the site of the Lunatic Hospital,
and given to the Commonwealth.
In the narrative of events in the civil and municipal history of
the town, notice of the divisions made during the period we have
passed, has been reserved for the purpose of collecting the territo
rial changes into a connected view.
The plantation of Ouinsigamond, as originally granted and sur
veyed, extended nearly twelve miles from north to south, and six
miles from east to west.i It was designed to include within the
boundaries established, the same quantity of land which would have
been comprehended in a tract eight miles square. Extreme liberality
of admeasurement greatly enlarged the proposed area. In 1684, it
was directed, that the whole township should be divided into 480
lots, 200 to be set off adjoining the northern boundary, A line was
drawn corresponding with this arrangement, separating the tovvn.
The north part of the lots long remained unoccupied. In 1722, a
meeting of the owners, holding as tenants in common, was conven
ed by the warrant of Stephen Minot, Esq. and a distinct proprietary
erected, called North Worcester. It was determined to make parti
tion of the lands: surveys were commenced in 1724 : tracts were re
served for public uses : and grants to settlers registered. It was
provided, that Col. Adam Winthrop, ' for his good services done the
town, shall have the first pitch.' The planters, in 1 730, were ex-
' As stated on the original plan, the north and south lines were 1920 rods each ; the
east line 3815 : the west 3760. The Rev. Mr. Whitney, History of Worcester County,
25, says, ' Worcester is part of a tract of land called by the aborigines, Quinsigamond :
which territory was esteemed by them to bound, easterly partly on Quinsigamond pond
and partly on Hassanamisco, now Grafton : southerly, on the Nipnet or Nipmug country,
where Oxford and some adjacent towns now are: westerly on Quaboag, now Brookfield
and lands in that vicinity ; and northerly on Nashawogg, now Lancaster, Sterling, &c.'
No evidence now remains to verify the assertion that Worcester wasjoart of this territory.
On the contrary, all the memorials which exist at this day, show that the aboriginal name
was applied to the waters of the lake and the country immediately adjacent, and that it
was borrowed by the committee of settlement, and bestowed upon the plantation, aaer-
wards Worcester. The venerable father of county history was mistaken in Indian geog
raphy, when he limited the Nipmug country to the southern tovms. The best authori
ties declare that its boundaries were much wider.

1778.] COUNTRY GORE. WARD. 161
empted from town rates in the south part, for seven years, on con
dition of making and maintaining their own highways. The town
voted, in 1740, to consent to the incorporation, ' if it be the pleas
ure of the Great and General Court, in consideration of the great
distance from the place of public worship.'
An act of the Legislature, giving corporate powers, passed Novem
ber 2, 1740, and iXorth Worcester became a town, by the name of
Holden, in honor of the Hon. Samuel Holden, a director of the Bank
of England, whose elevated character and beneficent exertions to
promote the interests of literature and religion, well merited the to
ken of respectful and grateful recollection. The first town meeting
was held, .May 4, 1741.
Between Worcester, and that part of Sutton now Grafton, a tract
of land intervened, called the Country Gore, beyond the jurisdic
tion of either municipality. The owners and Inhabitants of this ter
ritory petitioned to be annexed to Worcester. It was voted, March
3, 1743, ' that the town cheerfully accept of this offer, and pray they
be joined to, and for the future be accounted as a part of the town
of Worcester, to do duty and enjoy equal privileges with us, if it may
be consistent with the wisdom of the Great and General Court to
grant their request.' A resolve of Massachusetts, April 5, 1743,
united the petitioners and their estates to this town.i
Another accession of inhabitants was gained, June 2, 1758, when
James Hart, Thomas Beard, James Wallis, and Jonathan Stone were
set off from Leicester.
The slight additions to population were more than balanced by
another dismemberment. June 23, 1773, a precinct was erected, ex-
tendino- three miles into Worcester, three into Oxford, three into Lei
cester, and one mile and a half into Sutton, measured from the place
designated for the new meeting house, along the roads then trav
elled. This district, which was denominated the South Parish of
Worcester, was Incorporated, April 10, 1778, as the town of Ward,
receiving its name from Artemas Ward, Esq. a brave general of
the revolution, member of the Council of the Provincial Congress,
judge of the County Courts, and representative in Congress. About
thirty families were thus separated from Worcester. The boun
daries of the parish and new town were nearly, though not precisely
coincident. The act provided, that certain individuals, included
by the latter, but not within the limits of the former, might retain
1 The petitioners were, John Barber, Thomas Richardson, Daniel Boyden, Jonaa
Woodard, Ephraim Curtis, Jabez Totman, Matthias Rice, Timothy Green.
21

162 PROPOSED DIVISION OF THE COUNTY. [1785.
their relations to the towns of their original settlement, until it was
their pleasure to express, in writing, intention to unite with the new
corporation. Ten persons^ by this exception, were permitted to con
tinue their former connections. In 1826, Thaddeus Chapin and ten
others petitioned the Legislature to reannex the territory in which
their estates were situated to Worcester ; their request was refused :
and this town still has citizens exelcising rights and subject to du
ties within the lines of Ward.
The erection of a precinct, and the incorporation of a town, were
strenuously resisted. Long and earnest remonstrances opposed the
proceedings in each stage, and the separation was effected by per
severing efforts, renewed and pressed in successive years.
In 1785, a petition of James Ball and others was presented to the
General Court, praying for the erection of a new county, of which
Petersham should be the shlrp town, Hardwick, Barre, Hubbard
ston, Petersham, Templeton, Winchendon, Athol, and Royalston,
were to be separated from the county of Worcester, and Warwick,
Wendell, New Salem, Shutesbury, the district of Orange, and Green
wich, from Hampshire, Orders of notice were issued, but the prop
osition shared the fate of similar projects to diminish the integrity of
our territory,
A meraorial of the delegates of Templeton, Barre, Petersham,
Athol, Winchendon, Hubbardston, Oakham, Gerry, Gardner, Roy
alston, and Warwick, at the January session of the Legislature in
1798, prayed for the incorporation of those towns into a new county.
The people, in April, voted that it was inexpedient to divide Wor
cester into two distinct counties.
At the annual meetings in April, 1828, the question was submit
ted, by the Legislature, to the people of Worcester and Middlesex,
shall a new cOunty be formed of the towns of Royalston, Winchen
don, Athol, Templeton, Gardner, Westminster, Ashburnham, Fitch-
burg, Leominster, Lunenburg, Princeton, Hubbardston, Philipston,
Lancaster, Bolton, and Harvard, from the county of Worcester;
Groton, Shirley, Pepperell, Ashby, and 'Pownsend, from the county
of Middlesex, as was prayed for in a petition bearing the name of
Ivers Jewett at the head ? The decision was in the negative, by a
great majority of the voters.
» Samuel Curtis, Mary Bigelow, William Elder, Daniel Bigelow, John Elder, Jon
athan Fiske, Benjamin Chapin, Eli Chapin, Joseph Clark, Moses BancroA.

163

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,

CHAPTER X.
First Parish. First meeting houses. Rev. Andrew Gardner. Difficulties on his dis
mission. IMr. Bourne. Rev. Isaac Burr. Visit of Whllefield. Church Covenant,
1746. Rev, Thaddeus Maccarty. Controversy about church music. Sealing the
meeting house. Difficulties ending in ihe separation of the Second Parish. Mr.
Story. Rev. Samuel Austin. Church Coi'enant. Rev. Charles A. Goodrich.
Rev. Aretius B. Hull. Rev. Rodney A. Miller. Presbyterian Church, 1719. Rev,
Edward Fitzgerald. Rev. Wllliim Johnston.
No records of the early days of the church in Worcester have
descended to our times. The knowledge possessed in relation to its
organization and proceedings, previous to I'(22, is derived from tra
dition. Subsequent to that period, some information of the promi
nent events in our ecclesiastical history, may be collected frora the
votes of the inhabitants concurrent with the acts of the church : for
it was the ancient usage of all our towns, before they had been di
vided into parishes, to manage their parochial concerns in the gen
eral meetings.
The committee of grantees, in their covenant with the first plan
ters, provided, that care should be taken to procure a teacher of
morality and religion, as soon as might be ; and until regular in
struction should be obtained, directed, that the Lord's day should be
sanctified, by assembling together for devotional exercises. Liberal
grants of land were made for the support of the ministry, and a lot
appropriated for the first learned, pious, and orthodox teacher of
religion. Meetings for worship were held at the dwelling houses most con
venient in regard to central situation. Each man repaired to the as
sembly with his gun, and joined in the peaceful exercises as com
pletely armed as if prepared for instant military service,^ Sentinels
' In 1675, the colony court ordered, ' that every man that comes to meeting on the
Lord's day, bring with him his arms, with at least six charges of powder and shot : also,
that whosoever shall shoot off a gun, at any game whatsoever, except at an Indian or a
wolf, shall forfeit 5s, on such default until further order. '

164 FIRST PARISH, [1719.
were stationed around to give warning of approaching danger. The
well known custom of the Indians, vvhose prowling bands selected
the rest of the Sabbath, in many Instances, for their murderous inva
sions, rendered vigilance and precaution necessary for safety. Tra
dition relates, that the devotions of the planters were sometimes dis
turbed by alarms of the coming foe. On one occasion, an arrow,
directed against the dwelling where they had assembled, entered the
loop hole which served for window. The protecting Providence of
God averted its point from his servants, and gliding over the congre
gation, it struck deep in the timbers of the opposite wall.
Soon after the last permanent settlement, a church was gathered,
and Deacons Daniel Heywood, and Nathaniel Moore, elected its
officers, A plain and rude structure of logs was erected for the public
meetingsof the inhabitants, in 1717, eastward frora the Baptist meet
ing house, at the junction of Franklin and Green streets, and was
occupied during a few years for worship.
In 17i9, a more spacious and commodious house was commenced,
on the comraon, near the site of the present edifice.
In the autumn of the same year, the Rev, Andrew Gardner, ordain
ed as the first settled minister of the Gospel, formed that connection
with the town, terminating in acrimonious controversy, and embit
tering the harmony of the people of his charge. On his settlement
a gratuity of ^60 was voted. The amount of salary can only be in
ferred from the fact, that in 1722, taxes of ,£40, of the then curren
cy, were levied, for the support of public worship in that year. Dif
ficulties between the church and pastor soon arose. Complaints,
probably reasonable, were made by him of neglect in the payment of
his annual stipend, and of refusal to discharge the grant made on his
acceptance of the office. He was accused of remissness in the per
formance of duty, and of too ardent love for the chase of the deer,
and the sports of the hunter. The dissatisfaction so much increas
ed, that some, who had united in the invitation to Mr. Gardner, with
drew frora attendance on his preaching, and declined contributing to
his maintenance. Petitions were presented to the Legislature for
direction and relief, but withotit effect. In September, 1721, an ec
clesiastical council was convened from seven churches : but its result
was ineffectual for the settlement of the unhappy differences which
existed. Recourse was afterwards had to other advisers, with as lit
tle beneficial influence. New petitions having been presented, a re
solve was passed by the General Court, June 14th, 1722, ' that it be

1722.] REV, ANDREW GARDNER, 165
earnestly recommended to that council only of the seven churches
which did meet at Worcester, in September, 1721, to whom the
contending parties submitted their differences, relating to the Rev.
Andrew Gardner, that the said council proceed and goto Worcester,
on or before the first Wednesday of September next, to finish what
is further necessary to be done for the procuring and establishing of
peace in the said town, according to the submission of the parties.'
On the 10th of August following, the inhabitants represented,
' that the elders and messengers of the several churches, appointed
to meet at Worcester, for deciding the differences in that church,
decline going thither by reason of the rupture with the Indians, it
being a frontier place : it was therefore recommended that the min
isters meet at Dedhara, for the affair aforesaid.'
The council met, pursuant to this direction, and after mature de
liberation, advised that the relations of Mr. Gardner ^e dissolved, 'his
temporal interest being secured,' and on the 31st of October, 1722,
he was dismissed from the ministerial office in Worcester. Soon
after, a suit at law was instituted by Mr. Gardner, for the arrears of
salary. The Irritation occasioned by the long controversy was in
creased by this unfriendly act at parting, and a vote was passed,
against the remonstrance and protest of many of the elder inhabit
ants, not to allow the grant of sixty pounds formerly bestowed as a
gratuity, which he had ' left to the generosity of the town.' An ac
commodation was at length effected by mutual arbitrators.
The Rev. Andrew Gardner was a native of Brookline, Mass. and
graduated at Harvard University, 1712. His name is last on the
list of the class, in the period when the pupils of the venerable insti
tution at Cambridge were entered on its catalogue according to the
honors and station in society of the parents. After his removal from
Worcester, he was installed as the first minister of Lunenburg, Mass.
May 15, 1728. This connection was as unfortunate in its termina
tion as his earlier engagement. He was dismissed, February 7,
1731-2, 'because,' says the Rev. Mr. Adams, ' he was unworthy.'
Mr. Gardner then retired to one of the towns on Connecticut river,
where he died at an advanced age. i
The errors of Mr. Gardner seem to have been more of the head
than heart. Eccentricities, resulting from secluded habits, and igno
rance of the ways of the world, united with that Independence of spirit
regardless of its opinions, diminished his usefulness. Less mindful
of clerical dignity than of the exhibition of wit in its practical sports,
¦ Whitney's History of Worcester County, 144. 160.

166 FIRST PARISH. [1724,
the strict sense of propriety was sometimes shocked by acts in them
selves innocent. Tradition relates, as illustrative of manner, that he
once secretly substituted a large stone for the better food in the pot
of a friend who had invited him to dine, and consoled himself for
the loss of his dinner, by the gratification of witnessing the aston
ishment created by the appearance of the unusual dish of boiled
granite. Whatever Imperfections marred his reputation, his benev
olence and charity should be permitted to spread their mantle over
his errors. Pecuniary embarrassment sometimes arose from gener
osity that would not hesitate to count cost. An instance of its ex
tent is preserved : A poor parishioner having solicited aid in circum
stances of distress, the clergyman gave away his only pair of shoes for
his relief, and as this was done on Saturday, appeared the next day
in his stockings, at thn desk, to perform the morning service, and,
in the evening, officiated in borrowed slippers, a world too wide for
his slender members. ^
January 6, 1724, an invitation was given to the Rev. Shearjashub
Bourne to become the minister of the town, with a settlement of
,£100, and a salary of £75 for five years, afterwards to be raised
to £ 80. Although the offer was declined, he continued to preach
for a few months.
This gentleman was the son of Hon. Melatiah Bourne, of Sand
wich, and descended from the first emigrant to that town. He
graduated at Harvard College in 1720, and was married to Abigail,
the daughter of Rev. Richard Cotton of Sandwich. He was or
dained in Scituate, Mass. Dec. 1724. His health becoming impair
ed by paralytic affections, he was dismissed in 1761. From an in
scription on the head stone over a grave in the east burial place in
Roxbury, it appears that he died there, Aug. 14, 1768, aged 69. ^
His character is brieffy delineated in the following lines on the time
worn monument, ' Cautious himself, he others ne'er deceived.
Lived as he taught, and taught as he believed,'
Between the dismission of Mr, Gardner and the settlement of his
successor, the Rev. Sarauel Jennison, son of Hon. William Jenni
son of Worcester, who died in that part of Sudbury now Wayland,
October 14, 1729, aged 29, Mr, Fitzgerald, and Mr, Richardson^
' Relation of Mr. Daniel Goulding.
' MSS, of Samuel Jennison, Esq, Town Records, 2 Hist, Col, iv, 234,

1725.] REV. ISAAC BURR. 167
were employed to preach occasionally. The sum of £2. 3s. was
paid to thera for the services of the sabbath.
On the 24th of August, 1724, the church elected the Rev. Tho
mas White to be their pastor : the town, however, did not concur in
the choice, but appointed a committee, ' to address Mr. Wliite for his
further assistance in the work of the gospel' He was afterwards or
dained minister of the first church in Bolton, Conn. Oct. 25, 1725,
where he died, Feb. -I'l, 17C3.
Soon after, the Rev. Isaac Burr was engaged to supply the pul-
 pit, and on the 10th of February, 172-5, was Invited to assume the sa
cred office, with a settlement of 20O pounds in money, or the value
in land, and the annual salary of 80 pounds. The call having been
accepted, he was ordained on the 13th of October following. The
churches in Hartford, Framingham, Marlborough, Lancaster, Lei
cester, Sudbury, Weston, and Shrewsbury, were requested to render
their assistance at the ceremony ; and the sum of ten pounds was ap
propriated for the entertainment of the elders, messengers, and dele
gates attending.
The ministry of Mr. Burr was long, and peaceful, until near its
close. The votes in relation to pecuniary supplies, evince the cor
dial regard of his parishioners. The taxes not being regularly paid,
it was voted, September 25, 1727, ' That the inhabitants contribute,
once a month, on the Lord's day, after divine service, for the sup
port of the minister, until a rate can properly be made; each person
to paper up his money, and subscribe his name on the paper ; so that
an account may be taken of each person's money, to be allowed on
his rate, when made.' The paper currency of the province, having
depreciated in the fluctuations which diversify its history, frequent
voluntary contributions were made for the minister. In answer to
the petition of Mr. Burr, it was voted, October 24, 1732, 'that the
town cheerfiilly grant him £ 20, and earnestly desire he would lay
the same out in purchasing an addition to his libiary.' Successive
grants of money were made, as is expressed, ' to encourage him.'
The salary had been raised to £ 140, in bills of credit. The insta
bility and depreciation of this medium, rendered a more certain
standard of compensation necessary. In 1741, the inhabitants voted,
' to make the salary equal to what money was at the time of his set
tlement, having regard to the difference between silver and paper :'
29 shillings of the latter being estimated as equivalent to an ounce
of the former.
The celebrated Whitefield, whose splendid eloquence seemed al-

168 VISIT OF WHITEFIELD, [1740.
most the gift of inspiration, controlling the judgment, and swaying
the feelings of men at pleasure, went through New England, duilng
his second visit, preaching to congregations gathering, by the acre,
beneath the open sky, in numbers no house could contain. On his
way to New York, this powerful exhorter arrived in Worcester, Oct.
14, 1740, accompanied by Gov. Belcher, whose mind had been deep
ly Impressed by the glowing elocution which had roused thousands.
The account of their reception is in Whitefield's continuation of the
journal of his evangelical labors.
' 1740. Tuesday, Oct. 14. Got fo Marlborough, eight miles frora
Sudbury, about 4 : preached in the meeting house, to a large con
gregation. At first, my heart was dead, and I had little freedom ; but
before I had finished, the word came, with such a demonstration of
the spirit, that great numbers were tnuch melted down. When I
came into the meeting house, I turned about, and, to my surprise,
found Gov. Belcher there. He was affected, and though it rained,
and he was much advanced in years, yet he went with us as far as
Worcester, 15 miles from Marlborough, whither we got about 8, at
night. Here we were kindly entertained, at the house of Col. Chan
dler, We spent the remainder of the evening very agreeably, with
the governor, and after prayer, retired to rest. Oh, that I may ap
prove myself a disciple of that master, who, while tabernacling here
on earth, had not where to lay his head.
' Wednesday, Oct. 15. Perceived the governor to be more affection
ate than ever. After morning prayer, he took me by myself, kissed
rae, wept, and exhorted rae fo go on stirring up the ministers ; ' for,'
said he, ' reformation must begin at the house of God.' As we were
going to meeting, says he, ' Mr. Whitefield, do not spare me any more
than the ministers : no, not the chief of them,' I preached in the
open air, on the common, to some thousands; the word fell with
weight Indeed ; it carried all before it. After sermon, the governor
said to me, 'I pray God I may apply what has been said to my own
heart. Pray Mr. Whitefield, that I may hunger and thirst after right
eousness.' Dinner being ended, with tears in his eyes he kissed, and
took leave of rae. Oh, that we raay raeet in heaven. I have obser
ved that I have had greater power than ordinary whenever the gov
ernor has been at public worship. A sign, I hope, that the Most High
intends eflfectually to bring hira home and place him at his right hand.
.... Was enabled much to rejoice in spirit  Preached at
Leicester, in the afternoon, 6 railes from Worcester, with soraey
though not so much power as in the morning,'

1744.] REV. ISAAC BURR. 169
The health of Mr, Burr having become impaired, and differences
having arisen, he was desirous of relinquishing the oflHce he had held
during twenty years. In Nov. 1744, a mutual council was conven
ed. The result, advising separation, met with the almost unanimous
acquiescence of church and parish, and Mr. Burr was dismissed, in
March, 1745.
The Rev. David Hall, of Sutton, seems to have been instrumen
tal in originating the difficulties which led to the dismission of Mr,
Burr, 'Phe following passages from his diary ,i throw much light on
the subject. Dr. Hall was a follower of Whitefield.
' Jan. 22, 1742, O. S. Preached this week twice at Worcester,
in private houses. Mr. Burr gave his consent before I went : but
seemed not pleased at my coming, as I was inforraed, I am griev
ed at my heart, to observe the violent opposition made against the
work of God in the land, by those that are called his servants. But
this I know, that wherein they deal proudly, the Lord is above them.
I find much deadness of heart, for the most part : but when preach
ing the blessed gospel, my soul hath, of late, by times, felt all on fire :
and I humbly trust the fire is from God's altar. ' Feb, 7, I am in
great concern about religious matters, Mr, Burr of Worcester, re
fusing the urgent request of some people of Worcester, to hear me
preach again with them. God seems to have blessed my poor labors
lately among thera, for the awakening of sorae of thera. But oh !
the prejudice of Mr. B. who is, I fear, too much a stranger to the
power of godliness, or otherwise, surely, he would rejoice in having
his people in concern about their souls, and in the help of such min
isters as wish their salvation. Oh that the Lord would forgive him
and open his eyes, and strengthen me, his poor unworthy worm, to
be valiant in following the rules of my dear Redeemer.
' Nov. 30, 1744. This week Mr. Burr and the church part, under
the direction of a council. The Lord stir up ministers to faithful
ness by such providences. '
Mr. Bliss of Concord, one of the most distinguished of the clergy,
who, in that day, were denominated new lights, occasionally preached
to the separatists at Worcester, ' where he had been requested by a
multitude of souls,' in the bold, zealous, and impassioned style he
had adopted."^
The Rev. Isaac Burr, a graduate of Yale College, in 1717, was
born in Fairfield, Conn, in 1698, and descended from an ancient
family. His father, Hon. Peter Burr, of Harvard College, 1690, was
' American Antiquarian Society's MSS. ' Shattuck's Hist, of Concord, 175,
22

170 FIRST PARISH. [1744.
in the magistracy from 1703, twenty one years ; judge of Probate for
Fairfield county ; judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut, from
the first establishment in 1711, to 1717, and from 1722 to his death,
Dec. 25, 1724.1 After his dismission, Mr. Burr reraoved from Wor
cester to Windsor in Vermont.
The difficulty experienced in procuring a successor to Mr. Burr is
apparent from the Instructions of the town to the committee appoint
ed to supply the pulpit. Dec. 1744, they were directed ' to inter
cede with the reverend Elders of the late council to preach, each one
day.' March, 1745, they were charged ' to use their utmost endeav
or that the town be not destitute of preaching on the Lord's day ; to
procure Mr Townsend if to be had ; if not, to consult with the Rev.
President Holyoke, of Harvard College, Professor Appleton, and Dr.
Wigglesworth, who to engage in a probationary way.' In May, they
were desired to procure two more gentlemen for the same purpose,
with the advice of the Rev. President and Professors ; and it was vot
ed, ' that when they had been heard, the church should proceed to the
choice from them and the three gentlemen who had already preach
ed, Mr. Stephens, Mr. Marsh, and Mr. Phillips, and that the town
will hear no more persons before a choice is made.'
On the 29th of August, 1745, Mr. Nathaniel Gardner of Harvard
College, 1739, received an invitation to settle on a salary of £ 60 in
bills of credit, and with a gratuity of £ 100 of the same currency,
which was declined.
In the state of uncertainty and doubt which prevailed, it was vot
ed, to request the Rev. Mr. Peabody, and Mr. Rogers of Littleton,
to assist ' in carrying on a day of fasting and prayer, Feb. 28, 1746,
to implore the divine direction in the church's leading in the choice
of a person to be ordained.' On the 9th of May following, unani-
raous and earnest desire was expressed, that the Rev. Mr. Appleton
of Cambridge, Mr. Williams of Waltham, and Mr. Turell of Med-
ford, give their best advice, ' who they may judge proper to hear
in order for a gentleraan's being called to settle among us in case
he can be obtained ; and to advise whether all those male persons
who are in full communion with other churches, and have removed
hither should be permitted to vote in the choice, provided there
> The Rev. Aaron Burr, born in Fairfield, 1714, of Yale College 1735, the learned
President of the College at Princeton in New Jersey, was son of Judge Peter Burr.
He died 1757, aged 43, leaving one daughter, who married the Hon, Tappan Reeves,
a distinguished jurist, and one son, the celebrated Aaron Burr, late Vice President of
the United States. MSS. Letter of Rev. Dr. Harris.

1746.] CHURCH COVENANT. 171
be no just objection.' A committee was delegated to wait on the
selected advisers, ' and desire they would condescend to serve us
herein.' In the interval between asking and obtaining counsel, hav
ing arrived to conclusions ofthelr own, the opinions they^had form
ed were adopted instead of those they obtained ; on the 17th of
October, ' the vote was put, whether the church would adhere to the
advice of the Rev. Mr. Appleton, Mr. Williams, and Mr, Turell,
and it passed in the negative, '^
The following covenant, prepared by the Rev. Mr. Campbell of
Oxford, and the Rev. Mr. Stone of Southborough, was adopted, Sept.
22, 1746, and afterwards subscribed by fifty members of the church.^
' We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, being inhabitants of
the town of Worcester, in New England, knowing that we are very
prone to offend and provoke God, Most High, both in heart and life,
through the prevalency of sin that dwelleth in us, and the manifold
temptations from without us, for which we have great reason to be
unfelgnedly hurable before him, from day to day, do, in the name of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with dependence upon the gra
cious assistance of his Holy Spirit, solemnly enter into covenant
with God, and with one another, according to his holy direction, as
follows ;
' First : That having chosen and taken the Lord Jehovah,-Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit, to be our God, we will fear him, cleave to
hira in love, and serve hira in truth, with all our hearts, giving up
ourselves to him, to be his people, in all things to be at his direction
and sovereign disposal, that we may have and hold communion with
him, as members of Christ's mystical body, according to his reveal
ed will, to our lives' end.
' Secondly : We bind ourselves to bring up our children and ser
vants, in the knowledge and fear of God, by his instructions, accor
ding to our best abilities, and, in special, by orthodox catechisms, viz.
the Assembly's at Westminster larger and shorter catechisms, that
the true religion may be maintained in our families v/hlle we live ;
yea, and among such as shall survive us, when we are dead and
gone. ' Thirdly : We furthermore promise, to keep close to the truth of
Christ, endeavoring with lively affections of it in our hearts, to de-
' Sept. 22, 1746. It was voted, ' that the church will esteem it an ofience, if any
member thereof, shall hereafter countenance itinerant preachers.'
' Church Records of Rev. Mr. Maccarty.

172 FIRST PARISH. [1746.
fend it against all opposers thereof, as God shall call us at any time
thereunto; which, that we may do, we re,solve to use the Holy Scrip
tures as our directory, whereby we may discern the mind and will of
Christ, and not the new found inventions of men.
' Fourthly : We also engage ourselves, to have a careful inspection
over our hearts, so as to endeavour, by virtue of the death of Christ,
the mortification of our sinful passions, worldly frames, and disorder
ly affections, whereby we may be withdrawn from the living God.
' Fifthly : We furthermore oblige ourselves, in the faithful improve
ment of all our abilities and opportunities, to worship God, according
to the particular institutions of Christ for his chtirch, under gospel
administrations; to give a reverend attention to the word of God ; to
pray unto him ; to sing his praises ; and to hold communion with one
another, in the use of both the sacraments of the New Testament, viz.
Baptism and the Lord's supper.
' Sixthly : We likewise promise, that we will peaceably submit our
selves, unto the holy discipline appointed by Christ in his church, for
offenders, obeying, according to the will of God, them that rule over
us in the Lord.
' Seventhly : We also bind ourselves, to walk in love, one towards
another, endeavoring our mutual edification, visiting, exhorting, com
forting, as occasion serveth, any brother or sister which offends ;
not divulging private offences irregularly, but heedfuUy following the
several precepts laid down by Christ for church discipline, in xviii,
of Matthew, 15, 16, 17; willingly forgiving all that manifest, unto the
judgment of charity, that they truly repent of all their miscarriages,
* Now, the God of peace, which brought again from the dead our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the sheep,
through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us all perfect in
every good word and work, to do his will, working in us that which
is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory
forever and ever. Amen,
' Worcester, Sept, 22, 1746, This church this day, renewed cov
enant with God and with one another, and unanimously signified their
assent to the above written instrument, declaring, at the same time,
their readiness to subscribe the same, at the next meeting of the
church. Present, at their desire, John Prentice, Pastor of Lancas
ter, John Campbell, Pastor of Oxford.'
In the period of nearly two years, subsequent to the dismission of
Mr. Burr, many candidates were heard. Among them, the son of

1747.] REV. THADDEUS MACCARTY. 173
Rev. Mr. Williams of Lebanon, the son of Rev. Mr. Williams of
Springfield, Mr. Brown, Mr. Emerson, Mr. Marsh, Mr. Benjamin
Stevens, Mr. Walley, Mr. Lawrence of Groton, were invited to offi
ciate. On the 17th of October, 1746, the coinraittee were instruct
ed, to request the Rev. Thaddeus Maccarty of Boston, and the Rev.
Jonathan Mayhew of Martha's Vineyard, afterwards pastor of the
West Church in Boston, and distinguished as one of the most intre
pid champions of civil and religious liberty, and ablest divines of
New England, to preach four sabbaths each.
On the 27th of November, 1746, Mr. Maccarty preached his first
sermon, on the public annual thanksgiving, and continued to officiate
very acceptably, until the day was fixed for the election of a minis
ter, on the 19th of January, 1747.
The sabbath preceding the determination between the candidates,
Mr. Mayhew, who had previously been heard by the people, officia
ted in the forenoon, and Mr. Maccarty performed the afternoon ser
vice. The latter was elected, by 42 of the 44 votes given by the
church: three only dissented, in town meeting, on the question of
concurrence. On the 10th of June, 1747, he was installed as pas
tor of the religious society. The introductory prayer at the ordina
tion was offered by Rev. John Campbell of Oxford : the sermon
was preached by Mr. Maccarty himself; frora 1 Thess. 11. 13. and
afterwards published. Rev. Mr. Williams of Weston, delivered the
charge, and Rev. Mr. Cotton of Newton, gave the right hand of fel
lowship. The concluding prayer was by Rev. Mr. Appleton of Cam
bridge. After singing Psalm Ixxvlil. 2 to 7 verses, the benediction
was pronounced by Mr. Maccarty. i
The town voted a salary of £100 in last emission money, ' having
special regard to the small value of bills of credit, but if the future
circumstances of Mr. Maccarty's family should call for it, they
would cheerfully and willingly make him such further addition as
may be judged proper from time to time.' From 1750 to 1759, the
annual stipend was 80 pounds, in lawful money. After the latter
year, the sum of 20 pounds was bestowed by the name of gratuity.
On the 23d of March, 1747, the inhabitants voted to raise the
sum of £ 300, and appointed a committee to make sale of 100 acres
of the ministerial lands in the town, for the purpose of purchasing
a parsonage. A resolve of the General Court, passed June 3, 1747,
authorized the sale, provided the proceeds were invested in real es
tate for the use of the ministry. The house of Dr. Samuel Breck,
' First Church's Records, i. 1.

174 FIRST PARISH. [1787.
situated on the common, south east from the meeting house, was
purchased for £ 187. lOs. and conveyed, by deed dated Sept. 25,
1747, with about two acres of land adjoining, to John Chandler,
treasurer, to and for the use of the town. This property was grant
ed to Mr. Maccarty, on his release of all expenses for repairs, and
conveyed March 4th, 1765.
The history ofthese transactions, has, unfortunately, become mat
ter of judicial record ; i a suit having been instituted, April 30th,
1814, by Rev, Samuel Austin, to recover, in right of the parish,
the tract of land from the tenant, claiming under the conveyance of
the executors of Mr. Maccarty, in which it was finally determined
that the deed of the town, in its parochial capacity, passed no title,
and a judgment was rendered for the demandant, afterwards releas
ed by the Parish.
On thecomraenceraent of the revolution, which Mr. Maccarty had
promoted by his Influence, although feeling the pressure of declin
ing years, and having a numerous family dependent upon him, he
relinquished a portion of his allowance.
The feebleness of Mr. Maccarty prevented his regular performance
of clerical duties during the last years of his life. His long and use
ful ministry of 37 years was closed by death, July 20, 1784.
The Rev. Thaddeus Maccarty, son of Capt. Thaddeus Maccarty,
an experienced commander and skilful navigator in the merchant
service, was born in Boston, 1721. Early destined to a seafaring
life, he accompanied his father in several voyages,^ but the delicate-
ness of his constitution, rendered him unable to endure the hardships
and exposure of the ocean, and his attention was directed to the
more quiet pursuits of a profession. His preparatory studies were
in the town school of Boston, and he graduated at Harvard CollegOj
in 1739.
Soon after completing his theological education, he received and ac
cepted an invitation to settle in Kingston, in Plymouth county, where
he was ordained as the pastor of that town, Nov. 3, 1742. At the ex
piration of three years, the connection was dissolved, under peculiar
circumstances. The enthusiastic eloquence of Whitefield, had stirred
up the slumbering spirit of piety, and his bold attacks on the regular
clergy, alarmed the friends of the church. The unguarded bitterness
of expressions, and the neglect of conciliatory policy on the part of
that celebrated itinerant, changed mere disapprobation of his mea-
' 14 Mass. Reports, 333. Austin vs. Thomas.
* MS. note on a sermon, in hand writing of Rev. Mr, Maccarty.

1784.] CHARACTER OF MR. MACCARTY. 175
sures into deterrained hostility. The inhabitants of Kingston, ap
prehensive of the disturbance of their peace by his visit, and fearful
of his power to excite coramotion, appointed a committee, Jan. 29,
1745, to prevent the Intrusion of roving exhorters. An unfounded
report was circulated that Mr. Maccarty, who was supposed to be
attached to Whitefield, then in Plymouth, had invited him to preach
the sacramental lecture. Much excitepient arose, and effectual care
was taken to prevent the exercises of the obnoxious individual, by
closing and fastening the meeting house, nailing the doors, and cov
ering the windows with boards. Mr. Maccarty, indignant at the
personal insult and violation of his rights, omitted attending at the
time appointed for the lecture, and immediately asked dismission. A
council was convened, and, although, it is said, he had become de
sirous of withdrawing his request. It was granted, against his wishes,
and the result, advising separation, accepted by the town. On the
3d of November, 1745, three years to a day from his ordination, he
preached a farewell sermon, from the appropriate text, Acts xx. 31.
' Therefore watch, and remember that by the space of three years, I
ceased not to warn every one, night and day, with tears. And now,
brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace,
which is able to build you up, and to give you an Inheritance among
all them that are sanctified.' A copy of the discourse was left in
Kingston, and sixty years after the delivery, and long after the de
cease of the author, it was published, with a preface, containing a
brief statement of the transaction, and remarks reproachful to the
people of Kingston.!
His character is faithfully delineated in the following inscription
on the monument erected to his memory,
' Beneath this stone are deposited the remains of the Rev. Thad
deus Maccarty, for thirty seven years pastor of the church in Wor
cester. Through the course of his ministry, he uniformly exhibited
an example of the peaceable and amiable virtues of Christianity,
Under a slow and painful decline, he discovered an ardent love to
his master, by a cheerful attention to his service, and at the approach
of death, he patiently submitted, in the full hope of a glorious resur
rection from the grave. In testimony of his fidelity, the people of
his charge erect this monuraent, Obiit, July 20, 1784, .(Etatis 63,'
Mr, Maccarty was tall in stature : in person slender and thin, with
a dark and penetrating eye : a distinct and sonorous, though some
what harsh toned voice. His address was impressive and solemn.
i2Mass. Hist, Coll. iii, 209,

176 FIRST PARISH. [1740.
In sentiment he was strictly calvinlstic : ^ in politics decided and
firm, ranking however with the moderate whigs. His printed ser
mons are more characterized by judicious thought, good sense, and
piety, than elegance Or eloquence. After preaching a convention
sermon, a contemporary clergyraan reraarked, that he had never
heard hira preach either a very low, or a very brilliant discourse, ^
1 President John Adams, in a letter to the Rev. Dr. Bancroft, says 5 ' when I removed
to Worcester, in 1735, 1 found that county hot with controversy between the parties of
Mr. Buckminster and Mr. Mellon. I became acquainted with Dyer, Doolittle, and Bald
win, three notable disputants. Mr. Maccarty, though a calvinist, was not a bigot, but
the town was a scene of disputes all the time I lived there.' Mass. Spy, April 23, 1823.
Joseph Dyer, attorney and merchant, Ephraim Doolittle, merchant and afterward
colonel of a regiment, Nathan Baldwin, Register of Deeds, were all deists. Of the
two former, some notice will be found in succeeding pages. The latter was an ardent
politician, and the author of many of the addresses and documents of our revolutionary
annals. He died at Worcester, July 21, 1784.
2 The following list contains all the publications of Mr. Maccarty. 1. Farewell ser
mon, preached at Kingston, Nov. 3, 1745, printed, Boston, 1804. 2. The success of the
preached gospel matter to faithful ministers of continual thankfulness to God : sermon
at the author's installation to the pastoral office in Worcester, June 10, 1747, 1 Thes. xi,
13, 3. The advice of Joab to the Host of Israel going forth to war, considered and ur
ged: in two discourses delivered in Worcester, April 5, 1759, being the day of the annual
fast, and the day preceding the general muster of the militia throughout the province
for the enlisting soldiers for the intended expedition against Canada. 4. The power and
grace of Christ displayed to a dying malefactor: sermon, Oct. 20, 1768, the day of the
execution of Arthur, a negro, at Worcester. 5. The most heuious sinners capable of the
saving blessings of the gospel : sermon, Oct. 25, 1770, on the execution of William
Lindsey for burglary, at Worcester. 6. Praise to God, a duty of continual obligation:
sermon, Nov. 23, 1775, public thanksgiving. 7. The guilt of innocent blood put away:
sermon, July 2, 1778, on the execution of Buchannan, Brooks, Ross, and Mrs. Spooner,
for murder, at Worcester. Most of the manuscripts of Mr. Maccarty were destroyed at
his decease, in compliance with his wishes. Among them, was the historical discourse,
of whose contents the following memorandum was entered by him on the church records:
' Thursday, Dec. 8, 1763. This day, being the public thanksgiving throughout the
province, and the day also of this congregation's assembling in their new meeting house,
which began to be erected on June 21st preceding, exactly 16 years from the time of my
installment to the pastoral office, I preached a sermon from 1 Chr, xxix. 16,, 17, in which
some brief account was given of the original settlement of this town, the gathering of this
church, its pastors, admissions, baptisms, &c. and some proper notice taken of the so
lemnity of thanksgiving.'
Rev. Thaddeus Maccarty married Mary Gatcomb, Sept. 8, 1743, Their children
were : 1. Thaddeus, b, July 29, 1744. 2. John, b. Aug. 16, 1745: both died in King
ston. 3. Thaddeus, b. Dec. 19. 1747, graduated at Yale College, 1766; married Ex
perience, d. of Thomas Cowdin, Esq. of Fitchburg, Jan. 16, 1776: physician, practised
sometime in Worcester, then in Keene, N. H. where he died Nov. 21, 1802. 4. Tho
mas, b. Sept. 24, 1749: d. March 14, 1750. 5. Mary, b. Oct. 30, 1750 : married Hon.
Benjamin West, of Charlestown, N H. in 1781: d. Aug. 1803. 6. John, b. Jan. 10,
1752: d. June 19, 1752. 7. Elizabeth, b. Jan. 7, 1753 ; d. March 25, 1823. 8. Wil
liam Greenough, b. Dec, 20, 1753 ; quarter master in Col. Bigelow's, 15th Mass. regi
ment, died at Billerica, Aug. 13, 1791 : he married Hannah Soley of Charlestown, Mass,
who after his decease married Nathan Adams of the same town, and is now bis widow.

1726,] CHURCH MUSIC, 177
A singular controversy in relation to the form of conducting the
musical portion of public worship in our churches, growing out of
attachment to ancient customs and resistance of innovations, arose
at an early period. In its progress, it converted the harmony of
christians in the house of prayer into discord, and though trifling in
its origin, became of so much importance, as to require the frequent
directory interference of town meetings, and only arrived at its con
clusion when the great revolutionary struggle swallowed up all mi
nor objects.
Anciently, those who joined in singing the devotional poetry of re
ligious exercises, were dispersed through the congregation, having
no place assigned them as a distinct body, and no privileges sepa
rate from their fellow worshippers. After the clergyraan had read
the whole psalra, he repeated the first line, which was sung by those
who were able to aid in the pious raelody : the eldest deacon then
pronounced the next line, which was sung in similar manner, and
9. Samuel, b, March 23, 1755 i d, July 21, 1755, 10. Thomas, b, and d, Dec, 5, 1755,
11, Francis, b. Sept, 28, 1756 : d. June 7, 1757. 12. Nathaniel, b. July 10, 1758 : learn
ed the trade of a printer, with Isaiah Thomas, afterwards merchant in Petersham, died
in Worcester, Oct. 14, 1831. 13. Lucy, b. June 25, 1760 : d. June 23, 1813. 14, Lu-
cretia, b. July 15, 1762 : d, Jan. 1810. 15. Francis, b. Aug. 8, 1763 : d. Sept, 9, 1764.
The mother died, Dec, 28, 1783, at Worcester.
Mary Gatcomb was daughter of Francis Gatcomb, an emigrant from Wales, who be
came a wealthy merchant of Boston, where he died, July 20, 1744, aged 51 ; his wife,
Rachel, died, Nov. 20, 1752, aged 51. The marriage of one of iheir four daughters
with one Winter, was full of the romante of real life. He had worked as a wood saw
yer at her father's door, and it was not known to the family that she had even spoken to
him. One afternoon, she put on her bonnet and shawl, and said she was about to visit
a place she named. Her sister, observed, ' stop a few minutes, and I will go with you.*
' No,' she replied, ' I am in a hurry ;' and immediately went out. Night coming on, the
family became greatly alarmed by ber absence, and made ineffectual search in all di
rections. The next morning revealed the mystery of her disappearance ; she had be
come the lawful wife of Winter. Her parents were much incensed, and forbade her the
house; but afterwards, on his death bed, her father became reconciled, received her
again to favor, and in the division of his estate, which was large for those days, made
her share equal to that of his other children. Winter proved a kind, but thriftless hus
band. They embarked for Halifax, were shipwrecked, lost all their effects, and narrow
ly escaped with life. Finding nothing but poverty and distress at Halifax, they return
ed to Boston, Winter did the best he could to support his family by day labor, and
was ever kind and affectionate to the woman he had led from the affluence of her former
home to the penury of his own lot. Misfortune followed him, and his exertions were
unsuccessful. His wife, at length, fell into consumption. The Rev, Mr. Maccarty,
who rnarried her sister, Went to Boston to visit her in distress, and found her in a bare
hovel, on a straw bed, destitute of every thing. He administered all the consolation in
his power, gave to her a guinea, a large present for him to make at that time, knelt
down by her and prayed, and, commending her to the protection of heaven, departed.
She died, in about six weeks after, without issue. MS. Letter of John W. Stiles, Esq.
23

178 FIRST PARISH, [1726.
the exercises of singing and reading went on alternately. When
the advantages of education were less generally diffused than at pres
ent, the custom was established, to avoid the embarrassment result
ing from the ignorance of those who were more skilful in giving
sound to notes than deciphering letters. The barbarous effect pro
duced by each individual repeating the words to such tune as was
agreeable to his own taste, becarae apparent. The first attempt at
the reformation of this ' usual way,' as it was termed, was made
March, 1726, when a meeting of the inhabitants was called, for the
purpose of considering ' in which way the congregation shall sing in
future, in public, whether in the ruleable way, or in the usual way,'
and the former was adopted, though not without strong opposition
at the time and great discontent after, i Ineffectual application hav
ing been made to the selectmen, to convene the people, for the pur
pose of again discussing the subject, a warrant was procured from
John Minzies, Esq, of Leicester, calling a meeting, ' to see if the
town will reconsider their vote concerning singing, it being of an
ecclesiastical nature, which ought not to stand on our town records ;'
but the^article was dismissed.
The next step was, the attempt to procure the aid of some suita
ble person to lead and direct in the performances. It was voted.
May, 1769, ' that the elder's seat be used for some persons to lead
the congregation in singing.' The adherents of old usage posses
sed sufficient influence to negative a proposition for raising a com
mittee to invite a qualified individual to perform this oflSce. In
March, 1770, ' it was voted, that Messrs. James McFarland, Jona
than Stone, and Ebenezer Flagg, sit in the elder's seat to lead, and
on a motion made and seconded, voted unanimously, that Mr. Wil
liam Swan sit in the same seat, to assist the aforesaid gentlemen in
singing.' It remained, to gather the musicians to one choir, where
their talents in psalmody could be better exerted than in their dis
persion, and in 1773, ' the two hind body seats, on the men's side,
on the lower floor of the meeting house,' were assigned to those who
sat together and conducted singing on the Lord's day,
The final blow was struck on the old system, by the resolution of
the town, Aug 5, 1779. ' Voted, That the singers sit in the front
seats in the front gallery, and those gentlemen who have heretofore
sat in the front seats in said gallery, have a right to sit in the front
' lis execution was defeated by the resistance of the deacons, who, on the ensuing
Lord's day, read line by line as usual, without regard to the vote. Respectful regard
to the feelings ofthese venerable men prevented the contemplated change.

1779,] CHURCH MUSIC. 179
seat and second seat below, and that said singers have said seats ap
propriated to said use. Voted, That said singers be requested to
take said seats and carry on singing in public worship. Voted, That
the mode of singing in the congregation here, be without reading
the psalms, line by line, to be sung.'
The sabbath succeeding the adoption of these votes, after the
hymn had been read by the minister, the aged and venerable Deacon
Chamberlain, unwilling to desert the custom of his fathers, rose, and
read the first line according to his usual practice. The singers, pre
pared to carry the alteration into effect, proceeded, without pausing at
its conclusion : the white haired officer of the church, with the full
power of his voice, read on, until the louder notes of the collected
body overpowered the attempt to resist the progress of improveraent,
and the deacon, deeply raortlfied at the triumph of musical reforma
tion, seized his hat, and retired frora the raeeting house, in tears.
His conduct was censured by the church, and he was, for a tirae, de
prived of its communion, for absenting himself from the public ser
vices of the sabbath.
The mode of reading prevailed in Boston, and throughout New
England, until a few years prior to the last mentioned date, and in
some places beyond it. A relic of the old custom probably still sur
vives, in the repetition of the first line of the hymn by clergymen of
the present day.
The improved version, by President Dunster, of the translation
attempted by Rev. Mr. Weld, Rev. Mr. Eliot of Roxbury, and Rev.
Richard Mather of Dorchester, according to the agreement of the
ministers in 1639, was used in the church here until 1761, when it
was voted, ' that it would be agreeable to change the version of the
Psalms, and to sing the version composed by Tate and Brady, with
an appendix of scriptural hymns of Dr. Watts,' and this was begun
to be used Nov. 29, of that year. The hymns of Dr. Watts were
substituted for the book before used, Jan. 20, 1790.
The public reading of a lesson frora the Scriptures, as a stated
portion of the service, was not introduced into New England until
near the raiddle of the last century. The following extract from the
church records shows the period when it was first commenced here.
' 1749. Sept. 3. Voted, that thanks be given, by the pastor, public
ly, to the Hon. John Chandler, Esq. for his present of a handsome
folio Bible for the public reading of the Scriptures, which laudable
custom was very unanimously come into, by the church, at one of
their meetings some time before.'

180 FIRST PARISH. [1783.
The assignment of places in church was formerly matter of grave
consideration, and frequently claimed the attention of the town. In
1724, a large committee was instructed to seat the meeting house, ' ta
king as the general rule the two last invoices of ratable estate, sav
ing liberty to haVe due regard to principal builders as they shall see
cause.' After long lapse of time, they were directed in 1733, 'to pro
ceed and finish the meeting house, and that the rule they principal
ly guide themselves by, be a person's usefulness, or the station he
holds in age and pay, not having regard to plurality of polls, but to
real and personal estate.' In 1748, it was directed, ' that the men's
seats in the body of the house be enlarged to the women's seats,
that a man and woman be placed in each of the pews to be con
structed, and a seat for the children be made in the body before the
seats.' An article was inserted in the warrant of April, 1750, ' to
give directions that people may sit in the seats assigned to them, to
prevent discord, and that they do not put themselves too forward,'
and at the meeting it was voted, ' that the selectmen give tickets to
such people as have not taken their seats properly, according to the
last seating, directing them to sit where they ought, so as to prevent
disorder, and that they fill up properly any pews lately built.' In
the house erected in 1763, the right of selection of pews was given
' in the order of amounts paid for building.'
The declining health of Mr, Maccarty, during the last years of his
life, had prevented his constant ministration, and rendered aid neces
sary for the pulpit. In March, 1781, a committee was instructed to
engage the temporary assistance of clergymen.
In July, 1783, the increasing infirmities of the pastor, made it ap
parent that the days of his usefulness were drawing near their close.
With the view to provide an assistant, or successor, it was voted, to
settle a colleague, and to invite candidates to officiate on probation.
Gentlemen, whose labors in other towns were afterwards crowned
with distinguished success, were heard, but failed to produce such
impression as to unite the merabers of the parish in the selection from
the number. Among others, the Rev, Aaron Bancroft preached
eight sabbaths in the autumn of 1783. On the termination of his en
gagement, Mr. Maccarty was so far restored to health, as to be able
to resume the discharge of his duties for a short period.
In July, 1784, the pulpit was left vacant by his decease. In Oc
tober following, Mr, Bancroft again preached five or six times. Dif
ferences of opinion on religious doctrine had sprung up, which, in
their progress, produced division in the parent parish, and are stated

1785.] SEPARATION OF SECOND SOCIETY. 181
on the record, to have disturbed the peace of the town and the inter
course of society.
In November, 1784, a day was set apart by the town, for humilia
tion, prayer, and supplication of the divine assistance for the rees-
tablishment of the Gospel ralnlstry.
Mr. Bancroft returned to Worcester, under a third engagement to
preach, in January, 1785. A meeting was convened in March of
that year, on the request of 48 petitioners. A motion was made to
settle Mr. Bancroft as the minister. The opposition of the majority
arose from diversity of religious sentiment ;i and not from objection
to the character or ability of the candidate. It was proposed, as a
means of compromise, that he should be called to settle : that those
opposed should be at liberty to settle a colleague ofthelr own choice :
and that the salaries of both be paid from the common treasury ; but
this was rejected. The friends of Mr, Bancroft, next requested the
assent of the town to the forraatlon of another society, which was re
fused. They then withdrew, voluntarily associated themselves to
gether, and although the legal connexion was not dissolved until an
act of incorporation was obtained long afterwards, they maintained
public worship separate from the parish.
The division springing frora this source, and extending its distract
ing influence over civil, rauniclpal, social, and private affairs, continu
ed to impair harmony. Those who seceded, still remained liable to
taxation, and while charged with the support of their own minister,
were compelled to contribute their proportion of the parochial expen
ses of their opponents. The merabers of the new society claimed a
share in the funds arising from the sale of lands appropriated for re,
ligious purposes, and of the property which hari been held in com
mon for ministerial use. During two years, continual but ineffectual
attempts were made to secure equitable adjustment. Meeting after
meeting was held. Propositions to exonerate the new society from
taxation in the parish frora which they had separated ; to distribute
the ministerial funds and property ; to submit the determination of
the whole matter to the arbitration of the Justices of the Supreme
t 'On application for an incorporating act, a committeeof the legislature was appoin
ted to report on the prayer of the petition, of which the venerable Charles Turner, once
a distinguished clergyman, was chairman. He was liberal in his opinions, but much
opposed to the ecclesiastical division of towns and parishes; and he demanded the
reasons, which rendered it expedient, that the town of Worcester should thus be divided.
Judge Lincoln, chairman of the parish committee, replied, 'The majority of our inhabi
tants are rigid Calvinists, the petitioners are rank Arminians.' Dr. Bancroft's Half
Century Sermon, 42.

182 FIRST PARISH. [1786.
Judicial Court, or of referees mutually chosen ; with all varieties of
modifications, were successively rejected. The petitions for incor
poration were opposed ; all terms of accommodation denied ; and the
meetino-s were disturbed by the conflict of the contending parties, un
til the act of the Legislature defined the rights of the minority, and
the controversy subsided.
While this warfare of brethren was going on, attempts were made
to settle a minister in the elder society.
May 15, 1786, an invitation was given to Rev. Daniel Story for
this purpose, with an offer of £ 300 settleraent, and £ 120 annual sal
ary, and accepted by him. His ordination was postponed, with the
hope that an amicable settlement of the controversies of the societies
could be effected. October 15, 1787, the last Wednesday of Novem
ber was fixed for the ceremony, and a comraittee charged with the
proper preparations. Before the tirae appointed for his installation
arrived, another raeeting was held, and the forraer vote reconsidered.
Adjournments took place frora raonth to month, without final action
on the subject, until March 10th, 1788, when the invitation was re
called, and the relation which had comraenced between pastor and
people was dissolved, after Mr. Story had preached about two years.
This raeasure was adopted, probably in corapliance with his wishes,
and was induced by his reluctance to reraain permanently, where
his means of usefulness would be limited, and restrained by the ex
isting divisions.
Rev, Daniel Story, son of William Story of Boston, who held the
office of Commissioner of Stamps, was a graduate of Dartmouth Col
lege, in the class of 1780. After his removal from Worcester, he
preached as a candidate for the ministry in Concord, New Hampshire.
Although an acceptable preacher, the Armlnian sentiments he was
said to entertain, prevented his settlement. He removed to Ohio, and
was settled as the first minister of Marietta, where he died in 1813,1^
Nov. 13, 1787, the New Society was incorporated by the Legisla
ture. Frora this tirae, the first parish commenced its legal existence
distinct from the municipal corporation, and the support of worship
ceased to be provided for by the Inhabitants in their general meetings.
The Rev, Abiel Flint, Israel Evans, Elijah Kellog, Enoch Pond,
Joshua Cushman, William F, Rowland, and Ebenezer Fitch, sup
plied the desk, after the retlreraent of Mr. Story,
On the 22d of March, 1790, the Rev. Sarauel Austin of New Ha
ven, was invited to settle on a salary of .£130, After the acceptance
' J Farmer in New Hampshire Hist. Coll. iii. 248.

1790,] CHURCH COVENANT, 183
of the call by that gentleman, disapprobation was expressed by an
individual. For the purpose of ascertaining the precise extent of op
position, and to avoid the painful consequences of discontent, a sec
ond meeting was held, when there were found to be seventy three
for, and only two against the candidate,
Mr. Austin was Installed, Sept. 30, 1790. The Rev. Samuel
Spring of Newburyport, introduced the solemnities with prayer : Rev,
Samuel Hopkins of Hadley, delivered the sermon : Rev. Ebenezer
Chaplin of Sutfon, made the ordaining prayer : Rev. Joseph Sumner
of Shrewsbury, gave the charge : Rev. Neheralah Williaras of Brim-
field, bestowed the right hand of fellowship : Rev. Nathaniel Emmons
of Franklin, offered the concluding prayer.
As a substitute for the old articles of faith and covenant, the fol
lowing were unanimously adopted by the church, to be used in the
admission of merabers. i
' 1, I believe that there is one, only, living, and true God, a Being
independent and eternal in his existence and glory, unchangeable in
his purposes, possessed of Infinite power, wisdom, and justice, good
ness and truth, and who is the Creator, Benefactor, Preserver, and
sovereign righteous Governor of the universe.
' 2. I believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament
were given by inspiration of God, are clothed with divine authority,
and are a perfect rule of faith and manners.
' 3. I believe that the Scriptures teach, that God exists, in a man
ner incomprehensible to us, under a threefold distinction or Trini
ty of persons, as the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and that to these
three persons, as the one God, all divine perfections are to be equal
ly ascribed,
'4, I believe that every individual of the human race, is, by con
nection with the first man, and in consequence of his apostasy, native
ly dead in trespasses and sins, at enmity with God, and must be re
generate in heart, and sanctified by the agency of the Holy Ghost,
in order to final salvation.
' 5, I believe that God hath, frora the foundation of the world, or
dained some, by an election purely of grace, unto everlasting life, who,
and who only, will be finally gathered into the kingdom of the Re
deemer. ' 6. The only Redeemer of sinners, I believe, is the Lord Jesus
' These articles were not entered on the church records until May 23, 1815. They
were then revised, but it stated, were varied in phraseology only, and not in sentiment.

184 FIRST PARISH. [1790.
Christ, who is strictly and properly a divine person, who, by the as
sumption of the human nature in union with the divine, became ca
pable of making a meritorious and effectual sacrifice for sin, by
giving himself up to the death of the cross ; that by this sacrifice
he became the propitiation of the sins of men ; that, as risen from
the dead, ascended and glorified, he is the Head of the Church,
and the final Judge of the world, and that all who are saved, will be
entirely indebted to the sovereign Grace of God, through his atone'
ment. ' 7. I believe that those who are once regenerated and united to
Christ by a true faith, will never finally fall away, but will be preser
ved by divine power, and in fulfillment of God's eternal purpose
of Grace, unto final salvation.
' 8. I believe that those who die in a state of impenitency and un
belief are irrevocably lost.
' 9. I believe in the resurection of the dead and a general judg
ment, in the issue of which the righteous will be received to the per
fect and endless enjoyment of God in heaven, and the wicked will
be sentenced to be everlastingly punished in that fire which was pre
pared for the devil and his angels, which sentence I believe will be
fully executed,
' 10. I believe in the sacraments of the Gospel dispensation, bap
tism and the Lord's Supper, as the two ordinances instituted by
Christ, for the edification of his body the Church : that visible believ
ers only, who appear to receive the truth in the love of it, and to
maintain a conversation becoming the Gospel, have a right of adrais-
sion to the Lord's Supper, and that they, with their households, are
the only proper subjects to whom baptism is to be administered.'
The following Covenant was subscribed.
' You do now, in the presence, of God, angels, and men, avouch
the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to be your God,
the object of your supreme love and your portion : You receive,
trust in, and desire to obey, the Lord Jesus Christ as your only Re
deemer ; You choose the Holy Spirit as your Sanctifier : You give
up yourself and all that you have to God, to be his, desiring above
all things to be an instrument of his glory in that way which he
shall see best ; and promising, through the help of divine grace, with
out which you can do nothing, that you will deny ungodliness and
worldly lusts, and that you will live sob6rly, righteously, amd godly,
even uuto death, you cordially join yourself, as a brother, to this

1815.] REV. SAMUEL AUSTIN. 185
church as a true church of our Lord Jesus Christ, and engage to
be subject to its discipline, so far as it is conformable to the rules
which Christ has given in the Gospel, and that you will walk with
the members thereof, in all memberlike love, watchfulness, and
purity.' Upon assent to this covenant, on occasion of admission, the church
respond, ' Then doth this church receive you into its bosom, prom
ising you our prayers and christian love and we severally engage,
with the help of divine grace, that we will walk with you in all
brotherly watchfulness and kindness, hoping that you and we shall
become more and more conformed to the example of our divine
Master, till we at last come to the perfection of holiness in the king
dom of his glory. Amen.'
During the war, and amid the violence of party contention. Dr.
Austin expressed his political sentiments strongly, in sermons preach
ed on the special fasts.i Many took offence at this course. A raeet
ing was called, to ascertain the views of the parish in relation to these
discourses, and to consider the expediency of dissolving the existing
connection. The minister was sustained by a great raajority, and
the meeting dissolved without action. The disaffected withdrew from
his congregation, and many united In forming the Baptist Society.
In 181-5, Mr. Austin accepted the presidency of the University of
Vermont, and solicited dismission ; but, on the request of the church
and parish, assented to their concurrent votes, June 12, giving him
leave of absence until the first of September then following, that he
might have time and opportunity to obtain the Information necessary
for final decision, and that candidates might be invited to supply the
pulpit,with a view to the settlement of colleague or successor. Having
determined to remain in Burlington, it was considered desirable that
his pastoral relations should still be retained, on Account of the civil
process instituted in his name by the parish against the town, for the
recovery of ministerial lands. An adjudication was had in the legal
controversy, at the distance of about two years from his change of
residence. Regard for the wishes of a minority, influenced hirh in
longer preserving the original connection, which was finally termina
ted by the result of a mutual council, Dec. 23, 1818.
' The sermon preached on occasion of the special fast, July 23, 1812, was fmblisheil,
wilh the following characteristic imprint on the title page : ' Published from the press, by
the desire of some who heard il, and liked it ; by the desire of some who heard it, and
did not like it ; and by the desire of others, who did not hear it, but imagine they should
not have liked it, if they had.'
24

186 FIRST PARISH, [1813.
Dr, Samuel Austin was born in New Haven, Nov, 7, 1760,^ When
the revolutionary war commenced, he entered the army, and served
in New York when the British took possession of the city, and, occa
sionally, for short periods, in other campaigns. After having devo
ted sorae time to the Instruction of youth, he applied himself to the
study of law with Judge Chauncy of Connecticut. Feeling the ne
cessity of higher classical attainments, he fitted himself, and was ad
mitted to the Sophomore class of Yale College, in 1781, where he
was distinguished as an accomplished linguist, and received the first
appointment in the commencement exercises of 1784. Under the
theological tuition of Dr. Edwards, he was prepared for the ministry.
For four succeeding years, while a candidate, he was at the head of
an academy in Norwich, During the period of this employment,
one unanimous invitation to settle in Hampton, Connecticut, and an
other, to become colleague with Dr. Livingston, in the pastoral care
of the Middle Dutch Church in the city of New York, were declined.
The religious sentiments of Dr. Austin were decidedly calvinlstic, of
the school of the Edvvardses, and he required a stricter creed than
that of either society. In 1787, he accepted the call of the church
of Fair Haven, in the city of New Haven. During the next year, he
was married to Jerusha, daughter of Dr. Samuel Hopkins of Hadley :
Strong disapprobation of the halfway covenant, as it was called,
induced him to seek the dissolution of the connection with the soci
ety of his settlement, which had continued two years. Before the
ceremony of dismission, as soon as his Intentions to leave New Ha
ven becarae known, he was earnestly solicited to become minister of
the first parish in Worcester. Yielding personal wishes to sense of du
ty, he was Installed, Sept. 30, 1790, and retained the relation, thus
commenced, twenty five years. Having been elected President of
the University of Verraont, in 1815, he removed to Burlington,
The operations of that institution had been suspended for three years
by the war, and its buildings occupied as barracks for troops. The
whole perraanent income little exceeding one thousand dollars annu
ally, its prosperity suffered by the derangement and depression of the
times. Feeling that his expectations of usefulness and happiness
could not be realized, after discharging the duties of his appointment
six years, with fidelity. Dr. Austin resigned. The labors of his sta
tion had impaired his health, and its anxieties probably, pressed heav
ily on his mind. He resumed occupations more congenial to his
' His father, Samuel Austin, married Lydia Wolcot ; they had two sons and a daugh
ter, of whom Dr. Austin was the eldest.

1830.] REV. SAMUEL AUSTIN. 187
tastes and habits, than were the government and support of the col
lege, and selecting a people at Newport, in Rhode Island, unable to
afford full support, went among them as on a missionary charity, and
was installed in 1822. Increasing infirmity of body and depression of
splrits,compelled hira to retire, in 1826, and he returned to Worcester.
He afterwards preached at Millbury, and was solicited to resume the
ministry by a new society in that place, but declined. The death of a
nephew and adopted son, John W. Hubbard, Esq. and the separation
of a family, where he might have expected to make a peaceful home,
cheered by the kindness which soothes the heavy hours of sickness
and despondency, involved him in affliction and engaged hira in en
tangled affairs of business. Under the perplexities and beneath the
oppressive burdenof unaccustomed transactions, his mental energies
gave way, and were, at length prostrated. Occasional aberrations
of reason terminated in deep religious melancholy, and sometimes,
paroxysms of hopeless despair clouded his declining days with gloora.
After passing a year in the farally of his brother in law, Mr. Hopkins
of Northampton, he removed to that of a nephew, the Rev. Mr. Rid
del of Glastenbury, Connecticut, where he died, in an apoplectic fit,
Dec. 4, 1830, aged 71.
He was one of the founders, with Drs. Emmons and Spring, of the
Massachusetts Missionary Society; active in originating theGeneral
Association of Massachusetts ; raeraber of the American Board of
Commissioners for Foreign Missions; one of the projectors and a con
tributor of the Panoplist, an able religious periodical ; and promoted
with energy and zeal the objects of many public charitable institu
tions. In 1808, he collected and published the works of the elder
President Edwards, the first and only complete and accurate edition
of the writings of that celebrated theologian. He received the de
gree of Doctor of Divinity frora Williams College. During his whole
life he was an industrious and voluminous author.^

' The printed works of Dr. Austin are the following: I. Funeral oration in th«
chapel al Yale College, on the death of David Piipley, a classmate, July II, 1782. 2,
Sermon on disinterested love. New York. 3. Funeral sermon, Exeter, N. H. April 10,
1790. 4. Sermon on the sabbath following the author's installation, Worcester. Sept-
1790. 5. Sermon on the sabbath following the death of Miss Hannah Blair, 1792,
6, Thanksgiving Sermon. Worcester, Dec. 15, 1796. 7. Sermon on the Ordination of
Rev. Samuel Worcester, at Fitchburg, Mass. Sept. 27, 1797, and again preached at the
Ordination of Rev. Nathaniel Hale, Oct. 4, 1797, at Granville, N. Y. 8. Oration, July
4, 179S, at Worcester. 9. Sermon at the ordination of Rev. Leonard Worcester, Oct,
30, 1799, at Peachham, Vt. 10. Sermon at the ordination of Rev. Samuel Worcester,
April 20, 1803, at Salem. 11. Sermon in a volume, ' Sermons Collected,' published al
Hartford, 1803. 12. Sermon before Massachusetts Missionary Society, May 24, 1803,

188 FIRST PARISH, [1816.
A funeral discourse was pronounced at the interment of Dr. Aus
tin, by his friend, the Rev. Dr. Caleb J. Tenney of Wethersfield :
from which many ofthese particulars have been abstracted, 'His in
tellect,' says that biographer, ' was superior. Its operations were
marked by rapidity, vigor and generaLacctiracy , , , , His classical
attainments and extensive general knowledge, secured him a respect
able standing among the learned in our country , , , , As a writer
for the pulpit, his mind was original and fertile ; his style at once
copious and discriminating . . . , In delivery he was animated and
vehement . . . while, occasionally, he rose to high and powerful
eloquence.' Dr. Austin was of coraraanding stature. An austere air and se
vere countenance, were united with ardent feelings, and constitution
al susceptibility to external Incidents and influences. In appear
ance, he might be supposed to resemble, as in fearless spirit and
firmness he would have imitated, had occasion called to the trial,
one of the reformers and martyrs of old.
On the 15th of July, 1816, the Rev. Charles A. Goodrich was in
vited to settle, as colleague with Dr. Austin until the latter should
be regularly disraisseti frora office, and thenceforward as sole pastor,
by 64 of 66 raembers of the parish, and this was confirmed, August
Boston. 13, 14. Two Sermons in the Columbian Preacher, published at Catskill, N. Y.
1808. 15. Examination of the representations and reasonings contained in seven ser
mons by Rev. Daniel Merrill. 12mo. pp. 108. 1805. 16. Mr. Merrill's defensive armor
taken from him, a reply to his twelve letters to the author, on the mode and subjects of
Baptism. 12mo. pp. 58. 1806. 17. View of the economy of the church of God, as
it existed under the Abrahamic Dispensation and the Sinai Law, and as il is perpetua
ted under the more luminous Dispensation of the Gospel, particularly in regard to the
Covenants. 8vo. pp. 328. 1807. 18. Sermon at the ordination of Rev. John M.
Whiton, Sept. 28, 1808, at Antrini, N. H. 19. Sermon at the dedication of a new mee
ting house, Nov. 3, 1808, at Hadley, Mass. 20. Sermon at the ordination of Rev.
Warren Fay, Nov. 1808, at Brimfield Mass. 21. Fast Sermon, April 11, 1811. Wor
cester. 22. Sermon at the ordination of Rev. John Nelson, March 14, 1812, at Leices
ter. 23. Sermon on the Special Fast, July 23, 1812. Worcester. 24. The apology of
patriots ; or the heresy of Washington and peace policy defended: Sermon on the
National Fast, Aug. 20, 1812. Worcester. 25. Sermon al the ordination of Rev, Ga
maliel S, Olds, Nov. 13, 1813, at Greenfield. 26. Inaugural Address on induction into
office as President of the University in Vermont, July 26, 1816, Burlington, Vl. 27,
Election Sermon, Oct. 10, 1816, at Montpelier, Vt. 28. Protest against proceedings
of first church in Worcester, June, 1821. 29. Oration, July 4, 1822, at Newport, R. I.
30, Sermon on the dedication of the Calvinist Church, Oct, 13, 1823, at Worcester,
31, Discourse at the 15th annual Meeting of the American Board of Commissioners of
Foreign Missions, Sept, 15, 1824, at Hartford. 32, Address, July 4, 1825, at Worces
ter, 33, Dissertations upon several fundamental articles of Christian Theology. 8vo.
pp. 260. Worcester. 1826.

1820.1 ^^^- CHARLES A. GOODRICH. 189
26, 88 to 2. A salary of $900 was offered. The ordination took
place, Oct. 9. The prayer was by the Rev. Benjamin Wood of Up
ton : sermon by Rev. Sarauel Goodrich of Berlin, Conn, ftther of
the pastor : consecrating prayer by Rev. Edmund Mills of Sutton :
charge by Rev. Mr. Smith of Durham, Conn : exhortation to church
and people by Rev. Joseph Goffe of Millbury : address and right
hand of fellowship by Rev. John Nelson of Leicester : concluding
prayer by Rev. Mr. Whittlesey of Washington, Conn.
The opposition manifested to the call of Mr. Goodrich, grew stron
ger after his ordination, and was much increased by the dismission
of his colleague. Twenty eight members of the church protested,
before the ecclesiastical council convened by the assent of Dr. Aus
tin, Nov. 18, 1818, against the dissolution of the then existing rela
tions. That body, oq the 23d of December, separated the connec
tion of the senior pastor. Objections of a personal nature to the
ministration of Mr. Goodrich, and to the discipline and proceedings
of the church, led to long and acrimonious controversy. The dis
affected, and those who considered themselves aggrieved, withdrew,
or were dismissed, and joined the Baptist Society, or united them
selves to other religious associations, and were finally formed into
the Calvinist Church. The troubles of this period have too recently
been laid before the public in voluminous tracts, to require repetition
of the narrative. ^
Mr. Goodrich asked and received dismission, Nov. 14, 1820.
The Rev. Charles A. Goodrich, was a native of Berlin in Connec
ticut, son of the clergyraan of the parish of Worthington, in that
town, and graduated at Yale College, in 1815. After his removal
frora Worcester, he returned to his native place, and has since been
engaged in literary labors.
The Rev. Aretius B. Hull, Invited to settle as the successor of
Mr. Goodrich, by a vote of 101 to 3, was ordained May 23, 1821.
Rev. Dr. Reuben PuflTer of Berlin, made the introductory prayer :
the sermon was preached by Rev. Nathaniel W. Taylor of New Ha-
' The full history of these difficulties, and discussions of their leading points are con
tained in a series of publications : 1. Origin and Progress of the late difficulties in the
First Church in Worcester, containing all the documents relating to the subject. 2.
Remarks on the late publication of the First Church in Worcester, relating to the origin
andproTess of ihelate difficuUies in that church. 3. Result of a Mutual Ecclesiastical
Council, Nov. 14, 1820, to consider the expediency of granting the request of Rev.
Charles A. Goodrich to be dismissed. 4. Protest against the proceedings of the First
Church in Worcester, by Samuel Austin, D. D. 6. Communication from the Brook
field association, to the Ecclesiastical Council who ordaine4 Rev, Loammi Ives Ho^d-
ly, over the Calvinist Church, in Worcester.

190 FIRST PARISH. [1821.
ven : the consecrating prayer offered by Rev. Daniel Tomlinson of
Oakham : the charge given by Rev. Joseph Avery of Holden : right
hand of fellowship extended by Rev. John Nelson of Leicester : ad
dress to the church delivered by Rev. Thomas Snell of North Brook
field : and the concluding prayer pronounced by Rev. Micah Stone
of Brookfield. The venerable Dr. Sumner of Shrewsbury, presided
in the Council.
The Rev. Aretius'B.,Hull, descended from a respectable family
emigrating frora the vicinity of Liverpool, in England, to New Ha
ven, at an early period, was born at Woodbridge, in Connecticut,
October 12, 1788. Having been fitted by the Rev. Dr. Eli, he grad
uated at Yale, in 1807. Adopting the usual resource of young raen
indigent in circumstances, to acquire the pecuniary means of profes
sional education, he taught the academy at Wethersfield, for a short
space after completing his collegiate course. The seeds of consump
tion were implanted iu his constitution, and he sought relief from
the genial climate of the Southern states. Returning with improved
health, he accepted the appointment of tutor in his own college, in
1810, and remained in that station until the autumn of 1816, when
he was licensed to preach. Although still suffering from the lurking
complaint he officiated in Brookfield, Connecticut, and in other plac
es, until his ordination in Worcester, in 1821. The disease, which
medical skill has not been yet able to arrest, in May 1825, interrup
ted his labors, and, on the 17th of May, 1826, terminated his exis
tence, at the age of 38.
' He possessed,' says the Rev. Mr. Nelson, i 'a. mind of a very high
order, and that mind was enriched with uncoramon attainments of
general as well as professional knowledge. His conceptions were
clear, just, and discriminating. At the same time, a highly cultiva
ted taste, a refinement of thought and feeling, as pleasing as it was
genuine, pervaded all his writings and all his conversation.'
After the death of Mr. Hull, Mr. Joseph Whiting was invited to
settle as his successor, Nov. 16, 1826, but as there was apparent
want of unanimity in the election, the call was declined.
The Rev. Rodney A. MlUer, the present clergyman, received an
'Sermon delivered al his funeral. May, 1826, by Rev. John Nelson, Pastor of the
Church in Leicester. Mr. Nelson, was a native of Hopkinton, whence he removed
with his father, Deacon John Nelson, sometime resident in Milford, to Worcester. He
graduated at Williams College, 1307, was subsequently tutor there, afterwards pursued
theological studies with the Rev. Dr. Austin, was ordained in Leicester, March 4, 1812,
and still remains in that town, having the praise in the churches of an able and faithful
minister, and enjoying the resdect and affection of his people.

1719.] REV. RODNEY A. MILLER. 191
invitation, with a single dissenting voice only, to become Pastor of
the First Parish, Feb. 19, 1827.
Mr. Miller, descended from a puritan family emigrating from Dev
onshire, in England, and settling near Hampton, on the east end of
Long Island, son of Mr. Uriah Miller of Troy, New York, graduat
ed at Union College, 1821, pursued the usual course of professional
studies at the Theological Seminary in Princeton, N. J, and was or
dained at Worcester, June 7, 1827, The exercises were these : in
troductory prayer by Rev, Edward Beecher of Park Street Church,
Boston : serraon by the Rev, Warren Fay of Charlestown : conse
crating prayer by Rev, Micah Stone of Brookfield : charge by Rev.
Thomas Snell of North Brookfield : right hand of fellowship by Rev.
George Allen of Shrewsbury : address to the people by Rev. John
Fiske of New Braintree : concluding prayer by Rev. Dr. Codman
of Dorchester, i PRESBYTEKIAN CHURCH.
A church was gathered of the Scotch emigrants, soon after their
arrival in this town in 1719. They were accompanied, it is said,
by the Rev. Edward Fitzgerald, from Londonderry, in Ireland, who
preached to the society during some months. They asserabled for
religious worship in the old garrison house, near the intersection of
the Boston and Lancaster roads As the meeting house they at
tempted to rear was destroyed, it is probable, they continued to
occupy this humble edifice.
Little care was taken to preserve the memorials of this unoffen
ding but persecuted people, whose history discloses only the injus.
tice and intolerance of our ancestors. Few facts can now be ascer
tained of their struggle with prejudices and hostility, which finally
drove them away to seek asylum in other states.
The number of Presbyterian communicants is said to have been
nearly equal to those of the Congregational church. Mr. Fitzger
ald, being unable to procure proper maintenance, removed, before
the settlement of Mr. Burr. The raembers of the first parish had
proposed an union, and the Presbyterian clergyman had once been
invited to occupy the pulpit vacated by the dismission of Mr. Gard
ner, for a single sabbath, when no candidate could be procured.
The request was not repeated, and no encouragement was held out
to him to remain.
' Rev. Mr. Miller has published a thanksgiving sermon, at Worcester, Nov. 29, 1832,
on the importance of religious infiuence to national prosperity.

192 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. [1736.
On the settlement of Mr. Burr, it was understood, that if the Pres
byterians would aid in his support, they should be permitted to place
in the pulpit, occasionally, teachers of their own denomination, and
the foreigners united with the other inhabitants. After some time,
finding their expectations would not be realized, they withdrew,
and the Rev. William Johnston, was Installed as their minister.
It has been already stated, that they commenced the erection of a
meeting house on the Boston road ; after the materials had been pro
cured, the frame raised, and the building was fast rising, a body of
the inhabitants, asserabled by night, hewed down and demolished the
structure. The riotous act was sustained by the intolerant spirit of
the day, and the injured foreigners were compelled to mourn in si
lence over the ruins of the altar, profaned by the hand of violence.
Being compelled to contribute to the support of the Rev. Mr. Burr,
an appeal was made to the justice ofthelr fellow townsmen, in 1736,
for relief from a tax inconsistent with their religious privileges, but
without avail. The recorded answer to their application, furnishes a
curious specimen of mingled subtlety and illiberallty,
' In answer to the petition of John Clark and others, praying to be
[released] frora paying towards the support of the Rev. Isaac Burr,
pastor of the church in this town, or any other except Mr. Johnston,
(or the ministry carried on after the Congregational way by the said
minister of the church, according to the establishment of the Prov
ince, in this town) &c, the town, upon mature consideration, think
that the request is unreasonable, and that they ought not to comply
with it, upon many considerations :
' 1, That it doth not appear in the petition, who they are that de
sire to be set off, only from the names of the subscribers ; [therefore]
it would be for the town to act too much at randoth, to set them oflT
on such a general request :
'2. That it doth not appear, that the petitioners, or others joining
with them, have been actuated by just reasons, or any such princi
ples of conscience as should at all necessitate their forsaking the as
sembling themselves with us : for, as to the Westminister confession
of faith, which they say they promised their adherence to at their
baptism, it is the same which we hold, maintain, and desire tp ad
here to. And as to the worship, discipline, and government of the
church, as set forth by the assembly of divines at Westminster, they
are not substantially differing from our own professed principles : As
they themselves well know, they may enjoy the same worship, ordi-

1736,] PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 193
nances, and christian privileges, and means ofthelr spiritual edifica
tion, with us, as in the way which they call Presbyterian, and their
consciences not be imposed on in any thing :
' 3. Inasmuch, also, as a number of those now withdrawing from
tis, were jointly concerned in the settleraent of the Rev. Isaac Burr,
our present minister, and joined with us in church fellowship and
coraraunion, and we know not why it should be contrary to their con
sciences to continue with us in communion and worship, but have
rather reason to suppose that their separation frora us is from some
irregular views and motives, which it would be unworthy of us to
countenance :
' 4. We look upon the petitioners and others breaking off from us
as they have done, [as] being full of irregularity and disorder ; not to
mention, that the ordination of their minister was disorderly, even
with respect to the principles which they themselves pretend to act
by, as well as with respect to us, to whom they stand related, and
with whom they cohabit, and enjoy with us in common all proper
social, civil, and christian rights and privileges : their separating
from us being contrary to the public establishment and laws of this
province, contrary to their own covenant with us, and unreasonably
weakening to the town, whose numbers and dimensions, the north
part being excepted by the vote from paying to Mr, Burr, will not ad
mit of the honorable support of two ministers of the gospel, and tend
ing to cause and cherish divisions and parties, greatly destructive to
our civil and religious Interests, and the peace, tranquillity and hap
piness of the town :
' Upon all which, and other accounts, the town refuse to coraply
with the request ;' and it was voted, by a great majority of the inhab
itants, that the petition be dismissed.
All efforts to obtain justice, and protection for religious freedom,
having proved unavailing, many of the Presbyterian planters remov
ed. Sorae joined their brethren of the sarae denoraination, who un
der the pastoral charge of the Rev, Mr, Abercrombie, founded the
town of Pelham, in Hampshire county, others united themselves
with the society in Londonderry, N. H. and many emigrated to the
colony on the banks of the Unadilla, in New York.
The Rev. Mr. Johnston was settled in Londonderry in 1747, His
connection was dissolved in July, 1753,' not on account of impro
priety of conduct or disaffection of the people : but because pover
ty prevented them from affording proper support,
1 Rev, Mr. Parker's Century Sermon, Londonderry, April 22. 1819.
25

194 SECOND SOCIETY. [1785.
By the persuasion of the Rev. Mr. Dunlop, about thirty persons
had been induced to remove from Londonderry, in 1741, to Cherry
Valley, in Otsego county. New York. After the dismission of Mr.
Johnston, he emigrated, with a little colony, to Unadilla, on the east
side of the Susquehannah, in what was then called the Old England
district. The unfortunate foreigners were destined to endure suffer
ing every where. Escaping frora persecution, they encountered the
horrors of Indian warfare. The celebrated Brant, visited the plan
tation, in 1777, and having called together the military officers, with
Mr. Johnston, demanded supplies of provisions. The power of the
red warrior enforced compliance. The Inhabitants, plundered of
their cattle, soon after, abandoned the town, and with their fami
lies took refuge in places of greater security. Sorae of them were
involved in the massacres which desolated the ancient county of
Tryon.i It is probable, Mr. Johnston was accompanied by some of his for
mer parishioners, and that the town of Worcester, at the south east
corner of Otsego county, derives its name from their recollections of
the place of their first American settlement.

CHAPTER XL
Second Congregational Society. Separation from the first Parish, Difficalties. Church
formed. Covenant. Rev. Aaron Bancroft ordained, 1786. Societj' incorporated,
1787. Rev. Alonzo Hill ordained, 1827. Votes of Parish and Church, Memoir of
Rev. Dr. Bancroft.
The history of the second congregational society is more remark
able for strong principles than striking incidents,^ It was formed
by the secession of merabers of the first parish. Difficulties, spring
ing from eflbrts to settle a colleague with the Rev, Mr, Maccarty,
multiplied and increased in the selection of a successor after his de
cease. Fixed differences of sentiment, diversity of taste, and dis
cordant and conflicting opinions, interposed insuperable obstacles to
1 Campbell's Annals of Tryon, 21. 27. 63.
" Free use has been made of two historical sermons of Doct. Bancroft, Aprils, 1827,
and January 31, 1836, in the notice of the second society.

1785,] SEPARATION FROM FIRST PARISH. 195
union. Those embracing the doctrinal views of Mr. Bancroft, and
desirous of attending his ministrations, after ineffectual attempts at
reconciliation, withdrew from the religious community where the
law had bound them, In a memorial to the legislature, they repre
sented, that ' town meeting after town meeting was productive oi
heat, contention, and unchristian struggles for a major vote : the di
vision reached in its influence to private aflfairs, and to the civil and
prudential concerns of the town. This being matter of notoriety,
respectable persons in the neighborhood, urged, frora the largeness
of the town, the number of its Inhabitants, their ability, and the ex
tensive duties of a minister, the expediency and necessity of settling
two [clergymen.] Your petitioners readily agreed to, and pressed
the proposal, in the March meeting of 1785, which was then reject
ed by a majority of votes, as was, also, a request for the liberty of
forming into a separate religious society by themselves. Under these
circumstances, seeing no prospect of union, desirous of a minister
whose sentiments they approved, wishing the same indulgence to
those who diflfered from thera, weary of unprofitable contention, and
finding every thing was to be carried by a major vote, without any
attention to the wishes or feelings of the minor part, your petition
ers, judging it for the peace and happiness of the town, by a separa
tion to put an end to disputes that might embroil for years, withdrew.'
A voluntary association was formed, in March, 1785, for the sup
port of public worship. Sixty seven individuals, by a written instru
ment, agreed to form a religious society, under a proper covenant ;
to endeavor to procure an act of incorporation ; to apply to Mr. Ban
croft to settle with them, as their minister ; and severally, to pay their
respective proportions of the sum of £ 150 annually, each accord
ing to the assessment of town rates, as salary.
To this period, the inland parishes of Massachusetts had been
marked out by geographical boundaries. The inhabitants within
prescribed territorial limits, were united by the existing laws, with
the society established within the precinct ofthelr residence. Con
science was circumscribed by lines drawn on the map, and its exer
cise restrained by the monumental stakes and stones of civil jurisdic
tion. Voluntary association for religious worship, unsanctioned by
the authority of government, was bold innovation, conflicting with
the prejudices, as it violated the usages of the times, i The erection
^ In 1757, a few families left the old parish iu Leominster, and formed a society un
der Mr. John Rogers. The seceders were incorporated, as individuals, into a poll par
ish, without succession as a corporation. This body was dissolved on the death of the
minister in 1789.

196 SECOND SOCIETY, [1785.
of a poll parish, bringing together those of similar opinions, with
out regard to local habitation, almost, if not entirely unprecedented,
except in the metropolis, was strenuously resisted. The founders
of the second society went forward, by one long stride, years in ad
vance of public opinion. They grasped firmly, and wrested from
opposition, those rights, which, after the lapse of time, have been
accorded as coramon privileges.^ It is to their honor, to have taken
the first step in establishing those principles of religious freedom,
of which their venerable pastor, from youth to age, has been the
fearless assertor.
Meetings comraenced on the third Sunday of March, 1785, in the
Court House, and were held in that place until Jan, 1, 1792. The
Rev. Mr. Bancroft was invited, and consented to become the min
ister, June 7, 1785. Of the associates, two raen, and three or four
females only, had been communicants. It became necessary to or
ganize a church. For this purpose, the following covenant was pre
pared by the pastor elect, which has been retained, unchanged, for
half a century.
' In the first place, we humbly renew the dedication of ourselves
and oflfspring to the great God, who is over all, blessed forever :
And we do hereby profess our firm belief of the Holy Scriptures
contained in the Old and New Testaments, And taking them as
our sole and sufficient rule of faith and practice, we do covenant to
and with each other, that we will walk together as a Christian Soci
ety, in the faith and order of the Gospel. And we do hereby en
gage, as far as in our power, for all under our care, that we will live
as true disciples of Jesus Christ, in all good carriage and behavior,
both towards God and towards man. Professing ourselves to be in
charity with all men who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and
truth. All this, we engage faithfully to perform, by divine assistance,
for which we are encouraged to hope, relying on the mediation of
Jesus Christ for the pardon of our manifold sins, and praying the
God of all grace, through him, to strengthen and enable us to keep
this, our covenant, inviolate and to establish and settle us, that at the
second coming of Jesus, we may appear before his presence with
exceeding joy.'
Such was the instrument circulated among the families, deliber-
* Among those most influential in the formation of the new society, were Levi Lin
coln, sen. Joseph Allen, Edward Bangs, Timothy Paine, Timothy Bigelow, and Isaiali
Thomas.

1786.] REV. AARON BANCROFT. 197
ately considered, and fully approved. A public lecture was appoint
ed for the formal and solemn expression of asse;nt. Two ministers,
from neighboring towns, were invited to participate in the devotional
exercises, but neither thought proper to attend. Such was the state
of feeling existing in that period, that countenance or aid could not
be expected or obtained, from the clergy or congregations of the vi
cinity. Standing thus isolated amid society, if a religious coramu-
nity was then formed, it must be founded, like the social compact
of the May Flower, fraraed by the pilgrim fathers of New Eng
land, on the basis of original rights underived frora human authority.
At the time appointed, Mr, Bancroft preached on the constitution
of the christian church and the nature and ends of gospel rites.
The covenant was read to the people, and subscribed, in the presence
of all who had assembled, by twenty-seven of those disposed to as
sume its obligations.
On the first day of February, 1786, the Rev, Aaron Bancroft was
ordained. So general was the opposition to a mode of organization
then unprecedented, and, in the view of many, irregular and disor
derly, now authorised by liberalized legislation, that two churches
only, in the county of Worcester, could be requested to assist in the
solemnities, without strong probability of refusal. A council was
formed with difficulty. The introductory prayer was offered by
Rev. Dr. Simeon Howard, of the west church in Boston : the sermon
preached by the Rev. Thomas Barnard of the north church in Sa
lem : the charge given by Rev, Tiraothy Harrington of Lancaster :
the right hand of fellowship presented by Rev, Zabdiel Adams of Lu
nenburg : the concluding prayer made by the Rev, Dr. John La-
throp, of the north church in Boston : and the benediction of Heaven
implored, by the Rev, Timothy Hilliard of Cambridge,^
Great difficulties were overcome by the formation of the church
and society, but formidable obstacles remained to impede its pro
gress. So deep was the feeling of hostility to both, that the raem
bers were subjected to unpleasant and injurious effects in the con
cerns of social and civil life.
The constitutional provisions, as then applied by the statutes, fail
ed to afford perfect protection to the exercise of private judgment.
' ' The members of the old church-who joined the new society, had applied lo that bo
dy for dismission, and their request had been denied: their case was, therefore, presen
ted to the consideration of the ordaining council. The council advised the newly organ
ized church, not formally to admit the members of the old church into their body, but,
by a special vote, to grant them all the privileges of members in regular standing. This
was done,' Dr, Bancroft's Discourse, April 8, 1827,

198 SECOND SOCIETY, [1787.
The boundaries of the first parish, coextensive with those of the
town, embraced the estates of the associates, and while they contrib
uted to the support of their own teacher, they were compelled to
pay ministerial rates in the same manner as before the separation.
At the period when pecuniary distress, decayed currency, and the
pressure of public burdens and private debts, had driven the people
into rebellion, the double taxation was peculiarly onerous. To as
sess the annual salary, or enforce the fcollection, in the usual man
ner, was impracticable. Monthly contributions were made, and the
sums thus advanced, by individuals, credited in the final settlement
of proportional payments. On the 13th of November, 1787, an act
of incorporation was obtained, providing that any inhabitant might
change his relations from one parish to the other, by leaving his name
with the town clerk for the purpose. The first meeting of the par
ish was convened, on the warrant of Levi Lincoln, sen. March 9,
1789. The associates, from the commencement, by a written agree
ment, had bound themselves to pay the sum of five hundred dollars as
salary. After the incorporation, it was still deemed inexpedient to at
tempt the assessment of taxes. The amount due from each subscri
ber, for three years salary, was apportioned, and the pastor request
ed to settle personally with each individual, A mode of compensa
tion so troublesome and painful to the clergyman, was resorted to
from necessity alone.
In 1789, for the purpose of aiding in the erection of a meeting
house, the Rev, Mr, Bancroft relinquished one third part Of his an
nual salary, not, in the language of his letter, from a supposition that
the whole was raore than adequate to decent support, but frora readi
ness to bear full proportion of all burdens,^ It was voted, to erect
a house for worship, provided it could be done without expense to
the corporation. Subscriptions were obtained, the site fixed south
of Antiquarian Hall, and the work comraenced. On the first day
of January, 1792, the edifice was completed and dedicated. A ser
mon was preached on the occasion, by the Rev. Zabdiel Adams of
Lunenburg. The pews were sold, subject to an annual tax of four
dollars each, to be appropriated towards the salary.
Until this period, the expenses of the support of worship had been
defrayed by voluntary payments. In 1797, for the first time, and af
terwards, in successive years, a tax of $ 232 was levied, making,
with the amount derived from the owners of pews, the salary of
$ 500. In 1806, in consequence of the enhanced prices of commod-
' Records of 2d Parish, i. 4.

1827,] REV, ALONZO HILL. 199
ities, an additional grant of $ 200 was made to Mr, Bancroft. In
1810, $ 300 was voted, and for five years after, $ 100 annually ap
propriated for the same purpose. From 1816, to 1827, the salary
was S800 : subsequently $ 500, according to the original contract,^
On the first day of January, 1827, the Rev, Alonzo Hill, was invi
ted to become colleague with Dr, Bancroft, and a salary of $ 800 Was
voted. His ordination took place, on the 28th of March following.
The exercises were the following : Introductory prayer and reading
of the Scriptures, by Rev. Alexander Young of the New South church,
Boston : prayer by Rev. Dr. Thaddeus M. Harris of Dorchester : ser
mon, by Rev. John Brazer of Salem : ordaining prayer, by Rev. Dr.
John T. Klrkland, President of Harvard University : charge, by
Rev Dr. Bancroft : right hand of fellowship, by Rev. George Rip
ley, of the Purchase Street church, Boston : address to the people
by Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Thayer of Lancaster : concluding prayer, by
Rev. Isaac Allen of Bolton.
Mr, Hill, the present junior pastor, a native of Harvard, in the
county of Worcester, is the son of Mr, Oliver Hill, a respectable far
mer of that town. He graduated at Harvard College, was assistant
instructer at Leicester Academy frora 1822, to the spring of 1824,
and then pursued his studies in the theological institution at Cam-
bridge.2 The new brick church, erected by the society on Main street,
south from the Court House, was dedicated August 20, 1829, when
an appropriate discourse was preached by the senior pastor.
After the election of the Rev. Mr, Hill, Dr, Bancroft relinquish
ed, in future years, the sum of three hundred dollars, which he hadj
for a long time previous, statedly received. The parish, Jan. 29,
1827, unanimously resolved, ' that while we deem superfluous any
1 The uninterrupted harmony of the society, and its peaceful relations with its neigh
bors after the troubles of organization had subsided, has been the occasion of great sat
isfaction to its members. The following pleasant anecdote, related in one of the notes
appended to Dr. Bancroft's Half Century Sermon, has the merit of wit if not of trulhj
'A stranger of distinction, having occasion to pass some weeks in Worcester, became
acquainted viath the internal stale of the two societies, then existing in this town J and he
observed lo a member of the first parish, 'How does it happen that you, who profess to
be in possession of the true faith, and claim an exalted standing in piety, are frequently in
contention, while the second society, whom you denominate heretics, live in peace and
harmony V The reply was, 'the members of the second society have not religion enough
to quarrel about it.' '
2 Rev. Mr. Hill married Frances Mary Clark, daughter of Hugh Hamilton Clark, for
merly merchant of Boston, Dec. 29, 1830. Mr. Hill has published : sermon at the ordi
nation of Rev. Josiah Moore, at Athol, Dec. 8. 18.30 : Reports of the Worcester Sun
day School Society for 1835, 1836; sermon in Liberal Preacher, Aug. 1836.

200 SECOND SOCIETY. [1836.
encomiums upon the character and standing of him, whose praise
has long been in all the churches, where Christianity, freed from
human inventions, is inculcated in its purity, we cannot forbear to
express the deep sense which this society entertains, of the watch
ful care over its welfare, and readiness, at all times, to sacrifice
personal interest to its advancement, which, in all past years of the
history of the society, have distinguished the ministry of its pastor,
and which, as the present act of unsolicited liberality affords evi
dence, are still exhibited, in all his ministerial relations, with force
unabated by tirae.' ^
The church, at a meeting, March 5, 1836, expressed their sense
of the fidelity of the senior pastor.
' Resolved, that this church, in reviewing its history from its first
organization, feel deep cause of gratitude to God for its long contin
uance as a church of Christ, for its harmony, unanimity, and unin
terrupted prosperity.
' Resolved, that this church is much indebted, under God, to the
prtidence, zeal, fidelity, and untiring labors of its senior pastor, the
Rev. Dr. Bancroft, under whose influence it was first gathered) and
by whom it has been ever watched over, guided, and instructed,
with the tenderness of a father, anti the earnestness and solicitude
of a devoted christian minister : Therefore,
' Resolved, That the church tender to their rev. senior pastor
their grateful acknowledgments of his past labors, and their christian
sympathies under the growing infirmities of a weight of years spent
in their service, and the assurance of their prayers for his continued
life and usefulness.
' Resolved, That the treasurer of the church, be, and he hereby
is directed, to present to the Rev. Dr. Bancroft, two hundred dol
lars, out of any monies in the treasury not otherwise disposed of, in
testimony ofthelr affectionate regard for his person, his character,
and ministerial labors.'
In a letter to the church, March 10, 1836, Dr, Bancroft writes, in
answer to a communication of these votes, ' With you, I join in re
turns of gratitude to God, for the peace and prosperity which have
attended us to the present time. Your approbation of my services
is gratefiil to my heart ; your pecuniary donation has intrinsic value ;
but its highest estimation in my mind, is, the evidence it bears of
the feelings you cherish towards me,'
1 Second Parish Records, ii. 46,

1780,] REV, AARON ^BANCROFT. 201
The Rev, Aaron Bancroft, D, D, born at Reading, Mass,, Nov,
10, 1755, was son of Samuel Bancroft, formerly an extensive land
holder, deacon of the west church of that town, field oflScer of
militia, magistrate, and a useful and respected citizen. Engaged
in the cultivation of the fields acquired by successful industry, the fa
ther considered agriculture as the best employment for his children,
in times of political commotion, but yielded his own preference to
the desire of the son for collegiate education. Mr, Bancroft com
menced the study of the languages, in the moving grammar school
of his native place, and followed an incompetent instructor in his
migrations through the districts. During the year, while the school
was temporarily suspended, he labored, at intervals, on the paternal
farm. The settlement of a new minister afforded a more capable
teacher than the former. But during the few months of his tuition,
the engagements of courtship and of building occupied so much
of the attention of the master, that the pupil, after the daily walk of
a mile, was left with the half recited or postponed recitation, to ex
plore his way unaided through the elementary difficulties of litera
ture. Mr. Bancroft entered Harvard College in 1774. The revo
lutionary movements of April, 1775, dispersed the students, and he
went to his home, and worked steadily on the farm until the next
October, when the scholars were called together at Concord, and in
March of the following year, reassembled at Cambridge. The din
of arms rose around the halls of the university. The great affairs
of the country and the events of war, had deep interest for the govj
ernment of the institution, and the student was compelled to rely
more on his own exertions for improvement than on the information
imparted by the professors. Having graduated, in 1778, Mr^ Ban
croft taught the town school of Cambridge for a few months, and
then commenced his theological course with Mr. Haven, minister of
his father's parish, a gentleman of fine Intellect. In the autumn of
1779, he first preached, for three or four sabbaths, for the occasion
al assistance of clerical friends. The severity of the si^cceeding win
ter, and the excessive depth of snow, almost suspended travelling,
and he remained in the family of Mr. Haven, sometimes supplying
his desk. A proposal from Mr. Barnard, of Yarmouth, Nova Sco
tia, to visit that province, was accepted in the spring of 1780. Mr.
Bancroft obtained permission from the executive council of Massa
chusetts, to leave the state, and resided in Yarmouth, Horton, Corn
wallis, Annapolis, and for a few weeks in Halifax, during an absence
of three years. Peace having been restored, he returned from the
26

202 REV. AARON BANCROFT. [1785.
British dominions in 1783, landed at Salem in July, and the next
week was invited to Worcester, to supply the pulpit during the illness
of Mr. Maccarty. Here, where his labors have been so long contin
ued, Mr. Bancroft first appeared as a candidate for settlement. Af
ter eight sabbaths, the temporary restoration of declining health, en
abled the minister to resume his duties. Mr. Bancroft was immedi
ately engaged in vacant parishes. In the spring of 1784^ he was so
licited to become pastor of the church in that part of Stoughton now
Canton, but felt constrained to decline. In the same year, he offi-
¦ elated in East Windsor, Connecticut. In October, 1784, he again
visited Worcester, and after conducting the religious services of five
or six sabbaths, went to Sandwich, in the county of Barnstable,
where the desire of the most influential merabers of the society to
secure his perraanent residence, was prevented from public and for
mal expression, by his own reluctance to receive a call. On a third
invitation, he returned to Worcester, in Jan, 1785, and in March
following, that connection was formed with the second congrega
tional society which has continued for more than fifty years.
Unitarian sentiments, explicitly avowed, separated Mr, Bancroft
from that friendly communication with professional neighbors, which
lightens and cheers the labors of the clergyman, and for seven years,
he stood almost alone. Within this period, he exchanged once a
year with the Rev, Messrs, Harrington and Adams, occasionally
with some ministers in Boston, and with one in Salem, and twice on
ly with others of the vicinity. Efforts of some liberal members of the
clerical association of the county, to procure his admission, opposed
by those who were unwilling to hold intercourse with one entertain
ing opinions they deemed heretical, drove the more tolerant from that
body, and led to its temporary dissolution. It was afterwards rees
tablished on foundation less exclusive. In some years, when the
enhanced prices of the necessaries of life, rendered a moderate sal
ary inadequate for comfortable maintenance, the deficiency of in
come was partially supplied by the emolument of instruction to young
men, and to the daughters of parishioners, the reception of boarders,
and literary labors. Most men would have yielded to depression of
spirits under circumstances so disheartening, and sought easier task,
and more peaceful position. The society, in its early days, embar
rassed by difficulties,, and pressed by angry opposition, would, in all
probability, have been dissolved, if unsustained by his perseverance
and firmness. Much of the prosperity of later years was derived

1821,] REV, AARON BANCROFT. 203
from his pecuniary sacrifices, and unwearied exertions, or resulted
from the independence and prudence of his course, ^
The Life of Washington, in one volume octavo, came from the
press in 1807, The popular and familiar style and faithful narrative
of this work, gave it extensive sale. A stereotype edition in two
volumes, 12mo, was published in Boston, in 1826, as one of the se
ries of Bedllnglon's Cabinet Library.
In 1821, Dr. Bancroft delivered a series of doctrinal discourses,
which were printed on the request of the hearers. In relation to
these sermons, the late President John Adams, thus expresses him
self, Jan. 24, 1823, ' I thank you for your kind letter of Dec. 30th,
and above all, for the gift of a precious volume. It is a chain of
diamonds set in links of gold, I have never read, nor heard read,
a volume of sermons better calculated and adapted to the age and
country in which it was written. How different from the sermons
I heard and read in the town of Worcester from the year 1755 to
1758,' , , , , ' You may well suppose, that I have heard controver
sies enough : but, after all, I declare to you, that your twenty nine
sermons have expressed the result of all my reading, experience, and
reflections, in a manner more satisfactory to me, than I could have
done in the best days of my strength.'^
' One of his parishioners addressed the minister thus: 'Well, Mr, Bancroft, what do
you think the people of the old society say of you now ?' ' Something good I hope,'
was the reply. ' Why, they say, it is time to let you alone, for if they find fault with
you, you do not regard it, and if they praise you, yoti do not mind It, but keep steadily
on in your own way.'
2 The publications of Dr. Bancroft are the following : 1. Sermon at the ordination of
Rev. Samuel Shtlltlesworth, June 23, 1790, at Windsor, Vt. 2. Sermon before the
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, June 11, 1793, at Worcester. 3. Sermon on the ex
ecution of Samuel Frost, for murder, July 16, 1793, at Worcester. 4. Sermon at the
installation of Rev. Clark Brown, June 20, 1798, at Brimfield. 5. Eulogy on General
Washington, Feb. 22, 1800, at Worcester. 6. Election Sermon, May 27, '1801. 7.
Address, on the importance of education, at the opening of a new building al Leicester
Academy, July 4, 1806. 8. Life of Gen. Washington, Worcester, 1807. 8vo. pp.
652, Stereotype, Boston, 1826. 2 vols. 12mo. 9. Sermon at the ordination of Rev.
Nathan Parker, Sept 14, 1808, al Portsmouth, N. H. 10. Sermon before Society for
promotion of christian knowledge, piety and charity. May 29, 1810, at Boston. 11.
New Year's Sermon, Jan. 6, 1811. 12. Nature and worth of Christian Liberty, ser
mon, June 28, 1816, at Worcester, with an appendix, containing the history of Consoci
ation ; 2 editions. 13. Duties of the Fourth Commandment, sermon, Jan. 1817, at Wor
cester ; 2 editions. 14. Vindication of the result of a mutual council at Princeton,
March, 1817, 15. Discourse on Conversion, April, 1818. 16. The Leaf an emblem of
Human Life, sermon on the death of Mrs. Mary Thomas, Nov. 22, 1818. 17. The Doc
trine of Immortality, Christmas sermon, 1818. 18. Sermon at the installation of Rev.
Luther Wilson, June 23, 1819, at Petersham, 19, Sermon before the Convention of
Congregational Ministers, June 1, 1820, 20, Sermons on the Doctrines of the Gospel,

204 REV. AARON BANCROFT. [1836.
On the 31st of January, 1836, Dr. Bancroft delivered a discourse
on the termination of fifty years of his ministry, afterwards printed
in compliance with the request of the society, with interesting and
valuable historical notes. ' If the question of improvement has re
spect to the members of the Society,' he says, ' who are the individ
uals to whom I can appeal 1 They, who with me began their course
of Christian improvement are removed from life ; but one man re
mains, of those who invited me to settle with them as their minister ;
and but two women now live, who at that time were heads of fami
lies. I am the oldest man in the parish, with one exception, and his
connection with us was but of yesterday. I have been longer in a
married state with one wife, than any other living member of our
community. I have outlived my generation ; and in the midst of
society may be considered a solitary man.'
Doct, Bancroft, was member of the Board of Trustees of Leices
ter Acadeniy for thirty years, and long its President ; President of
the Worcester County Bible Society ; of the American Unitarian
Association, from its organization in 1825 to 1836 ; and of the
Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, Piety, and Charity;
Vice President of the Worcester and Middlesex Missionary Soci
ety, afterward merged in the Evangelical Missionary Society ; and
Worcester, 1822, 8vo, pp. 429. 21. Mediation and ministry of Jesus Christ, sermon
Aug. 15, 1819, at Keene, N. H. 22. Moral purpose of Ancient Sacrifices, of the Mo
saic Ritual, f\nd of Christian Observances, sermon, Aug, 15, 1819, at Keene, N, H, 23
Sermon at the installation of Rev. Andrew Bigelow, July 9, 1823, at Medford. 24, Du
ties of Parents, sermon, Aug, 10, 1823, al Worcester, 25, Sermon before the Auxilia
ry Society for meliorating the condition of the Jews, April 23, 1824, at Worcester, 26
Sermon at the funeral of Rev, Dr, Joseph Suipner, Dec, 30, 1824, 27, Sermon on the
death of Prest, 4ohn Adams, July 19, 1826. 28. Sermon on Hie Sabbath following the
ordination of Rev, Alonzo Hill, April 8, 1827, 29, Sermon at the dedication of the
New Unitarian Mpeting House, Aug, 20, 1829, 30-1-2. Sermons in Liberal Preacher ;
Office of Reason in the Concerns of Religion, July, 1827. Female Duties and Trials,
August, 1828, Importance of Salvation, August, 1830, 33, End pf the command
ments, sermon in Christian Monitor, 34, A Glance at the past and present stale of
ecclesiastical affairs in Massachusetts, in Unitarian Advocate, Jan, 1831. 35. Moral
Power of Christianity, in Western Messenger, i. 350, 36, Se^mon on Ihe termination
of fifty years of his ministry, Jan, 31, 1836,
Dr, Bancroft was married lo Lucretia, daughter of Judge John Ctiandler, Oct, 1786,
1797, A clock for the tower was presented by Isaiah Thomas, Esq, to the Second
Society, and an elegant folio Bible in two volumes, for the pulpit, by his lady. In 1817,
the same liberal individual made a donation of two cups for the communion service :
the old furniture of the table was given by the church to the Evangelical Missionary So
ciety, lo be by them bestowed on some new church gathered under their auspices,
1829, A donation of a baptismed basin was made by F, W, Paine, Esq, 1332, Na
thaniel Maccarty, Esq. bequeathed to the church ^ 75.

1812,] FIRST BAPTIST SOCIETY, 205
of the American Antiquarian Society, from 1816 to 1832 : Fellow
of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and member of
other societies. His long continued and persevering exertions in
the cause of education, contributed greatly to the introduction and
establishment of the improved school system of the town. In 1810
he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Harvard Uni
versity, The oldest clergyman in the county of Worcester, and one of the
most aged ministers of Massachusetts, Dr, Bancroft continues to of
ficiate in the pulpit. May that period be yet far distant, when biog
raphy shall speak fully of the merits of his works, the worth of his
character, and the virtues of his life.

CHAPTER XII.
First Baptist Society, Formation 1812, Rev, William BenUey, Articles of Faith,
Rev, Jonathan Going, Rev, Frederic A, Willard, Rev. Jonathan Aldrich, Elm
Su-eet Society, 1836, Calvinist Society, Separation from first church, 1820, For
mation of Society, 1822, Rev, Loammi I, Hoadley. House and Fund bestowed by
Hon. Daniel Waldo. Rev. John S. C. Abbott. Rev. David Peabody. Catholic
Society, 1834. Rev. James Fitton. Methodist Episcopal Society, 1834. Protestant
Episcopal Society, 1835. Rev. Thomas H. Vail. Union Society, 1836.
Previous to 1795, there were three persons, only, of the Baptist
denomination in Worcester. i In the spring of that year, James
Wilson, Esq.,2 emigrating from Newcastle upon Tyne, in England,
took up his residence here. During the long period Intervening be
tween 1795 and 1812, meetings for religious worship were sometimes
held in his own house, when the casual visits of teachers offered op
portunity of obtaining the ministration of instructors of the order.
"Those of similar sentiments were successively removed by death ;
their places were not filled : and for a time he remained the solitary
advocate and supporter of those views of Christian ordinances as
serted by the church with which he was united. But, although alone,
' Dr. John Green, son of Thomas Green, founder of the Baptist church in Leicester,
Mr. Amos Putnam, an aged member of the church in Charlton, and Mrs. Dolly Flagg, a
female advanced in years, connected with the first Baptist church in Boston.
' James Wilson, Esq. Postmaster of Worcester from 1801 to 1833, deacon of the
first Baptist church here from its foundation, removed, with his family, to Cincinnati,
Ohio, in 1833.

206 FIRST BAPTIST SOCIETY. [1813.
he cherished the leading purpose of his life, and became the founder
of the Baptist society. By his zealous and persevering exertions,
an association was formed under favorable circumstances. Some
discourses of Dr, Austin, on national and state fasts, gave offence to
many of the eldest parish. The facilities for procuring ministers
had increased. Accessions of numbers were derived from the
swelling population. In 1812, lectures and devotional exercises
were had, regularly on the Sabbath, and on other days of the week,
in different places of the town. The Hall in the School House of
the Centre District, was rented, and opened for stated worship on
the Lord's Day, July 30, 1812. Opposition gave that excitement
desirable to strengthen and cement union, even if higher feelings had
not rendered the connection of the associates permanent. On the
28th of September, Elder William Bentley, on the unanimous re
quest of the members of the association, entered into an engage
ment to preach for them on a salary of $300 per annura, and an al
lowance of four Sundays of the year for visits. The sura appointed
for his corapensatlon was defrayed by the contribution of individu
als, parties to an agreement to pay the amount in proportions fixed
by the terms of their subscriptions. On the 5th of November, a
a meeting of those who held church merabership was had, and it
was voted, ' to form a church, by the name of ' the Baptist Church
in Worcester,' and the following confession of faith was adopted. '^
' As the church of Christ is made up of a number of persons, who
are renewed by divine grace, and united in the fellowship of the Gos
pel ; and as that fellowship consists in a unison of sentiments, inter
est and affection ; and as two cannot walk together, except they be
agreed, we think it our duty to make the following declaration of
our views of divine truth : for the satisfaction of any who may wish
to unite with us in church fellowship; which declaration is as fol
lows :
'We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were
written by men divinely Inspired, and that God requires of us, to be
lieve in, and embrace thera as our only rule of faith and practice,
and that araong others they contain the following all iraportant truths.
' 1. The existence of one only, living, and true God, infinite in all
excellence, iramutable, eternal, self sufficient, and independent, who,
created all things, and who upholds, governs, and disposes of them
for his own glory.
' The same articles had been adopted by the First Baptist Church, in Portland, Maine,

1812,] ARTICLES OF FAITH, 207
' 2. That in one God there are three persons, the Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost ; the same in essence, and equal in every divine perfec
tion. ' 3. That all God's works of creation, providence, and grace, ever
have been, still are, and ever will be accomplished, according to his
own will; which he purposed in himself before the world began.
'4. That man was created holy, but, by wilfully violating the law
of his Maker, he fell from his first rectitude ; and as Adam was the
father, and representative of all his posterity, we, in him, became
wholly defiled and dead in trespasses and' sins ; so that by nature we
are indisposed to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil : and are
children of wrath, and subjects of death, and of all other miseriesj
temporal, spiritual, and eternal,
' 5. That the only way of salvation from this state of guilt and con
demnation, is, through the righteousness, and atonement of Jesus
Christ, who as the good shepherd, laid down his life for his sheep ;
that he might redeem them from all iniquity, and purify to himself a
peculiar people zealous of good works : and those only who receive
the gift of repentance and faith in hira, will be finally saved by the
atonement. ' 6, That all, who ever have been or will be brought to repentance
and faith in the gospel, were chosen in Christ to salvation, before the
foundation of the world ; and that, in consequence of the eternal
love of God to them, through the atonement, the Holy Ghost is sent
to effect the work of regeneration in their hearts, without which re
generating influence, none would ever repent or believe.
' 7. That the perfect righteousness of Christ, which he wrought out
by his obedience and death, is reckoned or imputed to those who be
lieve, as the alone matter ofthelr justification.
' 8, That nothing can separate true believers frora the love of God,
but they will be kept by his power, through faith unto salvation.
' 9. That the only proper subjects of the ordinances of baptism
and the Lord's Supper, are professed believers in Christ ; and that
baptism is properly administered, only by immersing the whole body
in water, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost : and is
by Scripture example, a prerequisite to communion at the Lord's
table. ' 10. That the true church of Christ on earth, is made up of those,
who are renewed by grace, partake of the Spirit of life in Christ
Jesus, united in the fellowship of the truth, and are as lively stones
built up in a spiritual house, to offer spiritual sacrifice, holy and ac-

208 FIRST BAPTIST SOCIETY. [1812.
ceptable to God by Jesus Christ. That the only officers to be or
dained in the church, are Bishops or teaching Elders, and Deacons.
That those officers have no more power to decide matters for the
church than any other members. Yet we believe, so far As their
gifts and graces may enable them to lead the church to a right judg
ment according to the Scriptures, we are to submit to them, for they
watch for our souls, as they that must give an account in thS day of
judgment. ' 11. That God hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the
world in righteousness, by Christ Jesus, and that the bodies of both
the righteous and the wicked, will then be raised from their graves
and ao-ain united to their souls, and appear before God to be judged
according to the deeds done in the body ; at which time the wicked
will be sentenced to endless punishment, and the righteous be re
ceived into eternal glory and happiness, where they will be ever with
the Lord.'
The 9th of December was fixed for the constitution of the church,
the reception of fellowship from others, and the installation of the
pastor elect. The use of the old south meeting house was formally
solicited, and obtained from the selectmen and assessors. The cler
gymen of the first and second societies were courteously invited to
attend on the occasion. On the evening previous to the ceremonies,
a note was sent by Dr. Austin, refusing to be present ; declining to
countenance proceedings which, in his view, indicated hostility ta
union, and interference with endeavors to promote the kingdom
of Christ in the world ; declaring that Mr. Bentley, 'originally exci
ted by some, seconded by others, whose sectarian zeal carried them
beyond a regard to several of the primary precepts of the Gospel, had
commenced, and was prosecuting apartizan warfare against the har
mony and prosperity of the church and congregation under his care ;'
complaining that the occupation of his pulpit would be 'against full
expression of personal feeling, the rights of the christian ministry, the
order of Christ's house, and the laws of the land :' and expressing
• determination not officiously to interrupt,' and ' wish not to be inter--
rupted, in the prosecution of a work, consigned to him, as he hoped,
by the Redeemer of Zion.' This communication rendered a change
of place necessary. Application was made lo Dr. Bancroft for leave
to occupy his desk, which was freely given, and the exercises of in-"
stallation were in the meeting house of the second parish. The first
church in Providence, and the churches in Leicester, Charlton, Graf-

1812,] REV, WILLIAM BENtLEY, 209
ton, and Sutton, by their elders or delegates were represented in
council. Discourses were preached, in the forenoon, by the Rev.
Joseph Cornell, and in the afternoon, by Rev, Stephen Gano of Prov
idence, The right hand of fellowship was tendered by the latter
elder. The church, at this tirae, nurabered fourteen males, and
fourteen females, among its members.
The erection of a meeting house was commenced. May 29, 1813,
It was placed on the slight eminence, eastward from the burial place,
adjoining the coramon. The site Was purchased for the considera
tion of § 100, by subscription of the church, and conveyed to their
comraittee, in trust for the society. The building was corapleted,
Dec. 13, of the sarae year, at an expense of $ 2459, principally de
frayed by the sale of pews. It was dedicated, Dec. 23, 1813, when
a serraon was preached by Elder Bentley.
Elder Williara Bentley first followed the business of a baker in Bos
ton, He received ordination, and settled In the ministry, at Tiv
erton, R, I, Well fitted to be the pioneer of a religious enterprise,
he was called thence by the society founded in Worcester, in its in
fancy. He removed to Wethersfield, in Connecticut, after a few
months : was pastor of the church there : and has since been much
employed in missionary exertions.
On the 30th of June, 1815, Mr. Bentley asked and received dis
mission. On the third of November following, the Rev. Jonathan
Going accepted a call to settle as successor, on a salary of $ 400 an
nually. Having been previously ordained as a minister of the Gos
pel, there were no public cereraonies on assuming the office in Wor
cester, The stipend was increased by occasional grants. In 1819,
it was $500 : in 1820, $600 : the next year, $550 : from 1823 to
1826, the original compensation of $ 400 was paid ; afterwards $ 500,
An act of incorporation was obtained, June 8, 1819, and the first
raeeting of the parish held, August 16, under the warrant of Hon,
Daniel Waldo,
In April, 1831, the Rev, Mr, Going had leave of absence from
parochial and pastoral duties, to enable him to prosecute a journey
to the West, for the restoration of health, and for missionary labors.
In January, 1832, he requested dismission. During a ministry of
sixteen years, the society had increased from a handful to a large
congregation. The connection of pastor and parish had been one of
uninterrupted harmony. The intimation of his intention to removey
was received with ' an expression of regret by words and tears, that
circumstances had led to this result,' ' Do you then,' he says, in a
27

210 FIRST BAPTIST SOCIETY, [1831.
communication to the church, ' ask me, why leave us? My answer
is ; not that I love the Baptist church and society in Worcester less ;
but that I love the body of Baptists, and the multitudes who are des
titute in the United States, more. During my whole ministry, I
have felt constrained by a sense of duty, to devote much attention to
works of religious charity, and, especially, for several years past,
more time than is consistent with the highest advantages of a partic
ular church. Besides, I have felt a deep solicitude, for some years,
in the moral condition of the West, And my late tour has settled
that solicitude, in full conviction of my duty to devote myself to the
interests of home missions, particularly, in. the Valley of the Missis
sippi, Plainly, a mighty effort must be made ; and by the body of
evangelical christians in the Atlantic States ; and made soon; or
ignorance and popery, heresy and infidelity, will entrench thera*
selves too strongly to be, repulsed. And, in that case, it is morally
certain, that our republic will be overturned, and our institutions^
civil and religious, will be demolished,' , , , ,' To the existence and
success of the projected Baptist Home Mission Society, it is indis-'
pensable, that the whole time and energies of some man should be de-"
voted ; and our friends, whose opinions ought to determine questions
of this sort, have said this work belonged to me.'
In complying with the request of Mr, Going, and dissolving his
connection, church and parish strongly expressed affection for his
person, respect for his character, and gratitude for his services.
The Rev, Jonathan Going, was born at Reading, in Windsor
county, Vt, March 7, 1786, After brief attendance on the common
schools of a country then recently planted, he commenced prepara
tions for college, in 1803, at the academy of New Salem, Mass ; en
tered Brown University in 1805 ; graduated in 1809 ; and read di
vinity with the late president of that institution, the Rev, Dr, Asa
Messer. In May, 1813, he received ordination, as the first settled
minister of Cavendish, in his native county, where he resided until
December, 1815, He then assumed the pastoral charge of the Bap
tist church in Worcester, which was retained for sixteen years. In
January, 1832, it was resigned, for the purpose of accepting the of
fice of Corresponding Secretary of the American Baptist Horae Mis*
sion Society, He has since resided in the city of New York, in the
discharge of its duties.
In the early part of his ministry here, Mr, Going instructed the
Latin Gramraar school during one year. In the arduous labors
which matured the improved system of education, and superintend-

1832,] REV, J, GOING, REV. F, A, WILLARD. 211
ed its operations in elevating the comraon schools of the town to high
excellence, he bore active and efficient part. The registers, indica
ting the degree of fidelity in the teacher and assiduity of the pupils,
were introduced by him. One of the first Sabbath schools of the
county was established, under his direction, in the Baptist society
in Worcester,
Mr, Going received the degree of Master of Arts, at Brown Uni
versity and the University of Vermont, in 1818 ; and that of Doctor
of Divinity from Waterville College, Me, in 1832, In addition to
the preparation of reports, addresses, and papers for periodicals, he
has been, two years, editor of the American Baptist, a religious news
paper published weekly in New York,
The paternal ancestors of Mr, Going, were from Scotland : the
maternal, from England, Robert Going, or Gowing, came from
Edinburgh, settled in Lynn, Mass, at an early period, and was admit
ted freeman, in Dedhara, Mass, in 1644, The father of the subject
of this notice, Capt, Jonathan Going, born in Lunenburgh, Mass,
1761, and still living in the state of New York, married Sarah Ken
dall of Dunstable, Mass. in 1785.1
The Rev. Frederic A. Willard, who had supplied the pulpit three
months previously, was elected pastor, without dissenting voice, Jan
uary 2, 1832, and a salary of § 500, was voted. The first Baptist
church in Boston, the churches of Leicester, Spencer, West Boylston,
Grafton, Sutton, Northampton, and the Newton Theological Sem
inary, attended in council at the ordination, on the 18th of the same
month. The Scriptures were read by Rev. John Green, of Leices
ter ; the introductory prayer offered by Rev. Otis Cor'.verse of Graf
ton : the sermon preached by Professor Henry J. Ripley of the Sem
inary in Newton : the church and people addressed by Rev. Jona
than Going : the right hand of fellowship offered by Rev. William
Hague of Boston : and the concluding prayer made by Rev, John
Walker of Sutton.
Regarding the evils of intemperance, and its desolating effects
on the happiness of individuals, public and private virtue, and the
welfare of the community, it was declared. May 22, 1834, to be the
strong and deliberate conviction of the church, that the time had ar
rived, when no professed disciple of Christ, could manufacture, buy,
sell, or use, ardent spirit, as a drink, without being guilty of iraraor-
ality, and violating his profession as a christian : and it was resol-
' Rev. Jonathan Going married Lucy Thorndike, of Dunstable, Mass. August 1811.

212 FIRST BAPTIST SOCIETY. [1835.
ved, that entire abstinence from the manufacture, use, and sale of
this article, should be an invariable condition for membership and
good standing, i '
The father of Rev. Frederic A. Willard, Benjamin Willard, former
ly of Lancaster, an elder of the Baptist Church, now resident in
Northampton, personally conducted the early literary education of
the son : the closing portion of studies preparatory to entering col
lege,, was pursued under the direction of Rev. Abiel Fisher, then
of Bellingham, Mass. He graduated at Amherst college, 1826.
During the year following, Mr. Willard was connected with the Clin
ical School of Medicine, at Woodstock, Vt : in 1827, was matricu
lated as member of the Newton Theological Institution, and receiv
ed professional diploma in 1830. In 1831, an appointment by the
trustees of Waterville College in Maine, to the Professorship of Chem
istry was declined. After leaving his official station in Worces
ter, he accepted an invitation to become pastor of the first Baptist
church, in Newton, Mass, where he now resides.^
On the 30th of July, 1835, Mr. Willard resigned his office. On
the 17th of October following, the Rev. Jonathan Aldrich was elect
ed his successor. The annual salary has been $ 700,
The services at the public recognition of this gentleman, Oct,
27, 1835, were : reading of Scripture by Rev, George Waters of
Holden : prayer by Rev, Charles O, Kimball of Methuen : sermon
by Rev, Baron Stow of Boston : charge by Rev. Abisha Sampson
of Southborough : hand of fellowship by Rev, Frederic A, Willard :
address to the church and society by Rev. Charles 'Train of Framing-
hara : prayer by Rev. John Walker of Sutton : benediction by Rev.
Mr, Aldrich,
Rev. Jonathan Aldrich, son of Asquire Aldrich, a worthy farm
er of St, Johnsbury, Vt, prepared for college in the Academy of
Peacham, Vt. and under the tuition of Rev. Mr. Fisher of Belling
ham : received his degree from Brown University, 1826 : pursued
theological studies in the Newton Seminary : was ordained at Ded
hara, Mass, in December, 1827, where he remained nearly three
years ; installed at Beverly, Mass, May 1830 : and at East Cambridge
in June 1833,3
' Oct, 2, 1827, A bequest of glOOO was made to the society by the last will and tes
tament of Mr. John Goodale, who died May 2, 1827, aged 82, and it was voted lo erect
a monument lo his memory, wilh a suitable inscription.
2 Mr. Willard married Mary, daughter of Seth Davis, Esq. of Newton, May 1, 1835,
3 Mr, Aldrich married Catherine P, daughter of Mr, Asa Lewis, formerly of Boston,
since of Worcester, April 2, 1828.

1819.] CALVINIST SOCIETY. 213
It had been considered expedient to form a second society. Mr.
John Flagg, Isaac Davis, Esq, and Deacon Daniel Goddard, were
incorporated, April 6, 1836, with their associates and successors, as
proprietors of the Elm Street Baptist meeting house, A site was pur
chased for the building, westward from the Worcester House, Af
ter the destruction of the place of worship of the first Baptist church
by frre, the members of the new association reunited with the origin
al parish, in rearing another edifice on the spot before occupied with
that which had been burned,
CALVINIST SOCIETY,
About the period of the settlement of the Rev, Mr. Goodrich, dif
ficulties arose in the first parish, increased. and extended upon the sep
aration of Rev. Dr. Austin, and by the disciplinary raeasures institut
ed against the disaffected. Deacon David Richards, and four other
members, retired from the watch of the church, and from the sup
port of the society, and on the 16th of January, 1819, asked to be
dismissed and recommended to other churches. The request was
granted, so far only as related to dismission, but recomraend ation
was refused. Five applicants, at the same time, for similar purposes,
had leave to withdraw their petitions. Nine individuals more,
soon after, united with the former, in soliciting the dissolution of
their relations, and the customary credentials of good standing, with
the expressed intention of forming a new society. The reason as
signed by all, in substance, was, that they could not experience edifi
cation and improvement frora the rainlstrations of the pastor. The
church declined corapliance with the request. Those who consid
ered themselves aggrieved by its decision, iraraediately invited an
ecclesiastical council, to consider their situation, deterralne the pro
priety of establishing a separate and distinct church, and effect its
organization if deeraed expedient. By their ministers and delegates,
the Old South Church in Boston, and the churches of Charlestown,
Northbridge, Millbury, Upton, Ward, and Sutton, met, on the 17th
of February, 1819, The Rev, Jedediah Morse was elected moder
ator. Their result recomraended those who had already been dis
missed, to the fellowship of churches, to which they were afterwards
united. The council paused here, and awaiting further light from
future events of Providence, adjourned their session, but were not
again called to assemble. On the 18th of March succeeding, sev
enteen persons asked dismission and recommendation. The first
church proposed to submit the regularity of their anterior proceed-

214 CALVINIST SOCIETY. [1822.
ings, and the propriety of granting the pending application, to the
decision of a mutual council, which was declined. It was subse
quently voted, that the church did not feel able to comply with the
request, nor willing to reject it, but were in doubt, and wished for
advice. A final answer was waived ; the merabers did not renew
their petition, but joined the Baptist Society in April, although they
continued to commune with the first church. On the 2d of June,
1820, acting on the principle, that uniting and worshiping with ano
ther denomination, and withholding pecuniary support, was virtual
separation, it was declared, that the individuals not dismissed, had,
by their own acts, cut themselves off from the privileges of the first
church. Thus parted frora all relations with any religious associa
tion, they invited an ecclesiastical council, which convened, Aug. 16,
1820, frora the churches in Franklin, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton,
Wrentham, Ward, and Park Street in Boston. Rev. Nathaniel Em
mons of Franklin, was elected moderator. The result, expressed
approval of constituting a regular church from the applicants, and
it was accordingly organized, i
Subsequently, proposals were made by the first church, on condi
tions which were considered exceptionable, to submit to a mutual
council the whole subject of the subsisting difficulties. Conferen
ces were held by committees of the two bodies, terminating, after
long negotiation, in the conclusion, that it was possible only to agree
to remain separate.
On the 8th of February, 1822, a meeting of the Calvinist church,
and of those associating with them for religious purposes, was held,
for the organization of a society, according to the laws of the Com-
raonwealth. Daniel Waldo, David Richards, Williara McFarland,
John W, Hubbard, Moses N, Child, Sarauel Taylor, Benjarain God
dard, and Jonas Parker, bound themselves, to defray, out of their
private property, the expenses of supporting public worship for five
years, deducting such suras as might be voluntarily contributed by
others. Regular worship was commenced, on the first Sabbath of April,
1822, in the Court House, The pulpit was supplied by Rev, Thom
as J, Murdock, then late of Portland ; Mr, Washington Smith of
Hadley, since ordained in St, Albans, Vt ; Mr, Elam Clark, after-
1 Full narrative of the proceedings, elaborate discussion of their regularity and am
ple exposition of the views of the contending parties, are contained in the series of pub
lications enumerated on page 189. The whole are contained in an octavo volume in
the Library of the American Antiquarian Society.

1822,] REV, LOAMMI IVES HOADLEY, 215
wards settled in Providence, R, I ; Mr. Joseph Torrey of Salem, sub
sequently minister of Royalston, Vt. and thence called to be Profes
sor of Languages in the University of Vermont.
The Rev. Loammi Ives Hoadley preached his first sermon to the
congregation, Oct. 20, 1822, under an engagement for two or three
sabbaths. He was afterwards induced to remain, reserving liberty
to retire at pleasure. In March, 1823, he was invited to Taunton.
The church immediately requested his permanent settleraent as their
pastor. The concurrence of the society was given to this call, on
the 14th of April following. The stated salary was $ 800 : and pro
vision was made, thatpastor or parish might dissolve the contract, af
ter one year's previous notice of desire to separate. The ordination
services took place October 15, 1823. The introductory prayer was
oflFered by Rev. Joel Hawes of Hartford, Conn : the sermon preach
ed by Rev. Lyman Beecher of Litchfield, Conn : ordaining prayer
made by Rev. Edmund Mills of Sutton, moderator of the council :
the charge delivered by Rev. Elisha Fiske of Wrentham : the right
hand of fellowship presented by Rev. Baxter Dickinson of Long Mea
dow : the address to the people was by Rev. William B. Sprague of
West Springfield : and the concluding prayer by Rev. Benjamin
Wood of Upton.
A comraittee of the first church had appeared before the council,
instructed to object to proceedings conforming to the request of
' those persons styling themselves the Calvinist Church.' Most of
them, it was stated, in a protest offered by the chairman, held such
attitude, that they could not, with propriety, ibe recognized as a reg
ular church of Christ : they were considered as under censure :
having rejected proposals of settling controversy by the intervention
of mutual council, they could not, consistently with the objects of
discipline, be held in fellowship, collectively or Individually, until
proofs of penitence for the fault of separation, or the judgment by
which they had been sent forth should be overruled by a competent
tribunal. The council determined, that the official result constitut
ing the Calvinist church, was evidence of its regular existence ;
disclaimed authority to reverse the acts of the ecclesiastical body
for its organization ; and declined receiving the remonstrance.
A meeting house had been erected by the Hon. Daniel Waldo, at
the cost of about 8 14,000, on Main street. The dedication was
had on the same day with the ordination, and the society reraoved
from the Court House, to their permanent place of worship. Selec
tions from the Scriptures were read by Rev. Benjarain B. Wisner of

216 CALVINIST SOCIETY. [1825.
the Old South church in Boston ; prayer offered by Rev. Samuel
Green of the Essex street church in Boston ; and the sermon deliv
ered by Rev. Dr. Samuel Austin, then of Newport, R. I.
The house, and the land upon which it was built, were conveyed,
July 9, 1825, by Mr. Waldo, for the use and benefit of the church
and society. A donation of five thousand dollars was added to this
great benefaction. The income and interest were secured to be ap
propriated towards the payment of the salary of such pastor as should
have been elected, ordained, and settled, conformably to the rules
and usages of congregational calvinlstic churches and societies in
this Commonwealth, ' The Trustees of the Parochial Funds of the
Calvinist society in Worcester,' were incorporated, Feb, 2, 1827, by
an act of the legislature, to hold the property upon the trusts declar
ed in the instruments of conveyance. Vacancies in the corporation
are filled by the votes of owners of pews.
On the 28th of June, 1828, several of the most honored among the
calvinlstic clergymen of Massachusetts, visitants of the town on oc
casion of special devotional exercises, in view of the difficulties so
long existing, and of their .unhappy consequences to the parties and
the cause of religioh, by letter of advice, expressed the opinion, that
the controversies should, without delay, be adjusted. Although they
considered the doings of the First church, in the discipline of the
persons organized as the Calvinist church, and those of the latter
association, in rejecting proposals for a mutual council, as errone
ous, and not, in all respects, in accordance with strict ecclesiastical
rule, yet, they considered, that each might, consistently with duty,
acknowledge the other as a church of Christ, In compliance with
their earnest recommendation, on the following day, the members of
both churches united in participating the sacrament of the Lord's
Supper, as a public testimonial of intention to reestablish arid main
tain christian fellowship.
The illness of Mr, Hoadley, requiring temporary relinquishrrient of
labor, his request for dismission was granted, June 5, 1829, and the
sum of $ 500 voted, to aid him in defraying unavoidable expenses
while seeking means of support in some mode less detrimental to
health than ministerial duties.
The Rev. Mr, Hoadley, a native of Northford, New Haven coain-
ty. Conn, graduated at Yale College in 1818, and studied at the The
ological Seminary, in Andover, with which he was connected after
his removal from Worcester, He now resides in Charlestown, Mass.
On the 9th of December, 1829, the Rev, J. S. C, Abbott accept-

1812,] REV, JOHN S, C, ABBOTT, 217
ed the unanimous invitation to become successor to Mr. Hoadley,
with a salary of $ 900. The churches of Millbury, Paxton, Leices
ter, Hartford, Shrewsbury, Holden, West Boylston, Sutton, Boyls
ton, Ward, Cambridge, Cambridgeport, Grafton, the church in the
Theological Serainary at Andover, the Old South and Union church
es in Boston, the Presbyterian church in Millbury, and the First
church in Worcester, were represented in the ordaining council,
January 28, 1830. These were the exercises : prayer by Rev. John
Nelson of Leicester ; serraon by Rev. Joel Hawes, of Hartford,
Conn.; ordaining prayer by Rev, Samuel Green, of the Union
church, Boston ; right hand of fellowship by Rev, Neheralah Ad-
aras, of Cambridge ; concluding prayer by Rev, John Boardman, of
West Boylston,
The articles of faith, originally adopted in 1820,were copied from
those of the first church. In 1831, a confession, more brief in form
and simpler in language, expressing, substantially, the sarae views of
Christian doctrine, was adopted.
' 1. We believe that there is one God, the Creator, and rightful
disposer of all things, existing as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and
that to these three persons, as the one God, all divine perfections
are to be equally ascribed.
' 2, That the Bible was given by inspiration of God, as the only
unerring rule of faith and practise,
' 3, That raanklnd are fallen frora their original rectitude and are,
while in a state of nature, wholly destitute of that holiness which is
required by the divine law,
' 4, That Jesus Christ, the Eternal Word, became man, and by
his obedience, sufferings, and death, made an atonement for the sins
of the world,
' 5. That they, and they only, will be saved in consequence of the
merits of Christ, who repent of sin and believe in him.
' 6. That although the invitations of the gospel are such that all
who will may come, and take of the waters of life freely : yet the
wickedness of the human heart is such, that none will come, unless
drawn by the special influence of the Holy Spirit.
' 7, That the sacraraents of the New Testament are Baptism and
the Lord's Supper : baptism to be administered only to believers and
their households, and the supper only to believers in regular church
standing, '8, That God has appointed a day in which he will judge the
28

218 CALVINIST SOCIETY. [1835.
world, when there will be a resurrection of the dead, and when the
righteous will enter on eternal happiness and the wicked will be sen
tenced to eternal misery,'
In consequence of the earnest exertions of philanthropists to pro
mote temperance, the church, Feb, 28, 1833, by resolutions, de
clared, that dealing in ardent spirits was considered an immorality ;
and that it was the duty of the members to abstain totally from the
use and traffic, except in case of necessity and as medicine.
The health of Mr, Abbott declined, and he was compelled to so
licit dismission, January 17, 1835. The records bear testimony of
the reluctance with which both church and parish acquiesced in the
dissolution of a connection of uninterrupted harmony, and to their
deep sense of the merits of their pastor.
The Rev, John Stevens Cabot Abbott, second son of Mr, Jacob
Abbott, was born in Brunswick, Maine. Having resided with his
father's family in Hallowell, he entered Bowdoin College 1821, and
they returned to dwell in the place of his, nativity. He graduated
in 1825, and was assistant teacher in the Academy at Amherst,
Mass. during the succeeding year. The regular course of studies
was pursued at the Theological Seminary in Andover, and soon af
ter leaving that institution, he was invited, in 1830, to Worcester.
His fidelity, social, moral, and, religious worth, talents, and use
fulness, secured affection as they commanded respect. Impaired
health rendered it necessary to ask dismission, to the great regret of
his people. Having partially recovered, he was installed pastor of
the Eliot church, in Roxbury, Nov. 25, 1835, where he now resides.
In the spring of 1833, Mr. Abbott published ' The Mother at
Home,' and in November of the sarae year, ' The Child at Horae.'
Both these works have been republished in England, and have pas
sed through numerous editions here. In September, 1836, ' The
Path of Peace' was Issued from the press. He has also, printed, two
or three smaller works without his name.i
In May 1835, Rev. David Peabody, the present clergyman, was
elected pastor, and a salary of $ 1000 annually granted. At the
installation, July 15, the exercises were these : record of the proceed
ings of the council read by the scribe. Rev. William P. Paine of Hol
den ; introductory prayer by Rev. David Perry of HoUis, N. H ;
I Mr. Abbott married Jane Williams Bourne, daughter of Abner Bourne, Esq. of Bos
ton, Aug. 17, 1830. Four of the brothers of Mr. Abbott are in the ministry, or nearly
closing 'h^ir preparatory studies.

1834.] CATHOLIC society. 219
serraon by Rev. Dr. Thomas II. Skinner, of the Theological Insti
tution at Andover ; installation prayer by Rev. John Nelson of Lei
cester ; fellowship of the churches by Rev. Wlllicam P. Paine of Hol
den ; charge by Rev. Osgood Herrick of Millbury ; address to the
l-iople by Rev. John Wilde of Grafton; concluding prayer by Rev.
E ijah Paine of West Boylston.
Rev, David Peabody, born in Topsfield, Essex county. Mass,
graduated at Dartmouth College, 1828 : commenced his theological
studies in the institution at Andover, Mass. which were completed
at the Union Seniinary, Va: and was first settled over the First Con
gregational church in Lynn, Mass. Nov. 15, 1832.^
Nineteen members of the church, considering the rapid increase
of the population" of the town and the necessity of providing greater
facilities for public worship, asked to be dismissed, for the purpose of
forming a third orthodox congregational society. Consent to their
request, Jan. 8, 1336, was accompanied with the expression of chris
tian sympathies, and of an earnest desire that the Great Head of the
Church would bless and prosper thera, and the enterprise in which
they were engaged. ROMAN CATHOLIC SOCIETY.
When the Blackstone Canal was comraenced, many catholic em
igrants were brought into the vicinity. Religious exercises were oc
casionally held during the construction of that work. In 1834, the
Rev. James Fitton comraenced visiting the town, once each month.
In April of that year, the catholics in Worcester, were four families
and about twenty un.married persons. To afford them the means
of assembling for divine worship, he laid the foundations of a small
church on Temple Street, July 7, 1834. The execution of great
undertakings of public improveraent, and other causes, have since
greatly increased the number. Accessions of individuals, uniting
themselves to the society, and coming frora other places, rendered it
necessary to enlarge the church. Those who attend its services
from Worcester and its vicinity are ne.arly three hundred.
The Rev. James Fitton, is a native of Boston, His early studies
were pursued in that city until 1812, when he visited Canada,to ac-
' Mr. Peabody married Maria Brigham of Cambridgeport, Sept. 11, 1831. His
father, John Peabody, descended in the fourth generation from Francis Peabody, who
derived family ancestry from Wales, emigrated about 1680 from England, and became
a land holder in Topsfield. The name was anciently -written Pabodie.

220 "¦ METHODIST SOCIETY, [1834,
quire the languages and other branches of education, under private
tuition. Returning to Boston, he studied theology with the Rt, Rev.
Bishop Fenwick. In December 1827, he was ordained, and appoint
ed to official duty in the church of the Holy Cross. In 1828, he
held the twofold office of pastor and teacher to the Indians of Maine.
He was, in 1830, designated as pastor of Trinity Church in Hart
ford, Conn, and employed in that city, and on missionary circuits
through the neighboring country for the distance of an hundred
miles, till a church and resident minister were obtained in New Ha
ven, and an assistant in Hartford, Soon after, his monthly visits to
Worcester began, and, in May 1836, he removed to this town.
Since his residence here, Mr, Fitton has established two schools,
one in the basement of the church for children, the other for high
er branches of education, for boys exclusively, called Mount Saint
James Seminary, on the ancient Pakachoag hill,i
METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY.
The Methodist Episcopal church in Worcester was commenced
in the winter of 1834. Eight or ten persons who had become inhab
itants of the town, attached to the Methodist institutions, formed a
class, according to the regulations of that denomination. In the
spring of the same year, with their associates, they organized a re
ligious society for the purpose of supporting public worship.
The use of the Town Hall was obtained for meetings. The Rev.
J. A. Merrill preached for the first three months. At the June ses
sion of the New England Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
church for 1834, Rev. George Pickering was stationed in Worcester,
and continued in the pastoral charge of the society for one year.
He was succeeded by Rev. John T. Burrill, who still continues to
officiate as the regular minister.^
» The works translated .and compiled by Rev. Mr. Fitton, beside a number of pam
phlets, are: Youths directory: Boston. 18mo. pp.250: Triumph of religion : Bal
timore. 2vols:18mo: History of Palestine : Baltimore. 2 vols. ISmo: Compan
ion to the Sanctuary : Hartford. 18mo. pp.220.
'^ The Catholic, Methodist, and Episcopal Societies, embracing the distinctive gener
al tenets of the denominations to which they severally belong, have no articles of faith
peculiar to the individual local churches.
A summary of the doctrines and discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the
United States, will be found in the appendix to Kay's edition of Buck's Theological Dic
tionary. As tlie Methodist ministers cannot retain the particular stations assigned, for a longer
period than two years, the connection of those gentlemen who have visited the society
here, has not been considered sufficiently permanent to justify biographical notice.

1835.] EPISCOPAL SOCIETY. 221
Liuring this period, the society has increased with rapidity. They
have now about one hundred church members, and a numerous con
gregation. In September, 1836, a house for worship was erected
on the street called Columbian Avenue,
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL SOCIETY,
The establishment of an Episcopal Society in Worcester, had been
frequently subject of consideration with those directing the domestic
missionary organization of the church, in Massachusetts. No dis
tinct effort for its accomplishment was made, until the close of 1835,
The first regular services according to the liturgy of the Protestant
Episcopal church, were perforraed by Rev. Thomas H. Vail, on the
13th of December of that year. Since that time, they have been
continued in the South Hall of the Town House. At the comraence-
ment, only two families were known to be attached to the society.
Twelve were connected with it, in September 1836 : the communi
cants were about sixteen. The rite of baptism had been adminis
tered, once privately, twice publicly, and there had been one confir
mation. Wardens and vestry, officers corresponding to the deacons and
trustees of congregational societies, have not yet been elected, A
subscription of 8 6000 was raised in Worcester for the erection of a
church, in March and April, 1836. The execution of the work
was suspended, on account of disappointment in obtaining aid from
abroad, but measures are in progress to procure the construction of
an edifice for worship during 1837.
The Rev. Mr. Vail was born in Richmond, Va. where he resided
until 1822. Subsequently, his home was in Norwich, Conn, until
his removal to Worcester. He graduated at Washington College
Hartford, Conn, in 1831 : was afterwards connected with the Gener
al Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in the city of New
York, four years : was ordained deacon by Bishop Brownell, in New
Canaan, Conn, in July 1835 : and officiated a short time, in Phila
delphia and Boston, under temporary arrangements,
UNION SOCIETY,
In the Autumn of 1834, meetings were held, preparatory to the
formation of a third orthodox society. In December, it was resolved
to take measures to erect a building for worship, and subscriptions
for that purpose were obtained. On the 11th of March, 1835, the

222 UNION SOCIETY, [1835.
Proprietors of the Union Meeting House were incorporated. Pro
ceedings for the organization of a church, commenced, Dec, 25,
1835, Members of the First and Calvinist Churches united in ad
opting the following confession of faith,
' 1, We believe in one God, who possesses in an infinite degree,
all natural and moral perfections : who is the creator, upholder, and
governor of the universe, who is revealed to us as Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost.
' 2. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa
ments, were written under the inspiration of God, and clothed with
divine authority, and are a perfect rule of faith and practice.
'3. We believe that mankind are fallen from a state of rectitude,
and are, while in a state of nature, wholly destitute of that holiness,
which is required by the divine law.
' 4. We believe that all who are saved, will be saved by the sov
ereign mercy of God, through the atonement, which was effected by
the obedience, sufferings, and death of Christ.
' 5. We believe in the necessity of regeneration, through the Holy
Spirit. I ' 6. We believe there are properly belonging to the Christian re
ligion two, and only two, sacraments. Baptism and the Lord's Sup
per, ' 7, We believe that God has appointed a day, in the which he
will judge the world in righteousness, when the dead shall arise from
their graves, and, together with the living, shall stand before the
judgment seat of Christ, and be adjudged, the righteous to everlast
ing life, and the wicked to shame and everlasting contempt,'
An ecclesiastical council convened, agreeably to the letters missive
of Alfred D, Foster and others, a coramlttee of invitation, Feb. 3,
1836, from the churches in Hubbardston, Leicester, Rutland,
Shrewsbury, East Douglas, Holden, Paxton, Boylston, West Boyl
ston, Oxford, Eliot church in Roxbury, and the First and Calvin
ist churches in Worcester,
Twenty seven individuals had been dismissed and recommended
from the First church, and nineteen frora the Calvinist Church,
Sixty three persons in all, were constituted the Union Church. The
public exercises were thus assigned : introductory prayer by Rev.
John Boardraan of East Douglas : serraon by Rev Josiah Clark of
Rutland : constituting of the church by Rev. Samuel Gay of Hub-

1836.] UNION SOCIETY. 223
bardston : consecrating prayer by Rev. John S. C Abbott of Ro.\-
bury : right hand of fellowship by Rev. John Nelson of Leicester :
the Rev. Rodney A. Miller of Worcester, and Rev. George Allen
of Shrewsbury, administered the Lord's Supper.
The first meeting of the Union Society, in its parochial capacity,
was convened, on the warrant of Emory Washburn, Esq. March 5,
1836. The dedication of the meeting house took place July 6, 1836 : the
invocation of the Divine Presence was by Rev. Jonathan Aldrich of
the first Baptist church : lessons from the Scriptures were read by
Rev. David Peabody, of the Calvinist church : the dedicatory pray
er was offered by Rev. George Allen of Shrewsbury : a sermon
preached by Rev. John Nelson of Leicester ; and the exercises con
cluded with prayer by Rev. John T. Burrill of the Methodist church.
The Rev. Jonathan Edwards Woodbridge was invited to settle as
pastor, August, 1836.

The following list shows the succession of Deacons of the Churches. The dates pre
fixed indicate the time of election to office.
FIRST CHDKCH.
1716. . . Daniel Heywood. 1791. Nov. 15. John Chamberiain.
1716. . . Nathaniel Moore. 1797. Oct. 19, Leonard Worcester.
1748. Jan. 14. Jonas Rice, jun. 1801, Nov. 23. David Richards.
1748. '• " Thomas Wheeler, 1807. June 18. Moses Perry.
1751. Dec. 16. Jacob Chamberiain. 1812: April 16. John Nelson.
1751. " " Samuel Miller. 183.3; Jan, 30. Lewis Chapin.
1783, Nov, 5, Nathan Perry, 1833, " " Moses Brigham,
1783, " " Thomas Wheeler, SECOND CHUKCH,
1786, May 17, Samuel Bridge, 1817, Oct. 3i Jeremiah Robinson.
1786. '• " David Bigelow. 1827. Oct. 29. Benjamin Butman.
1799. Sept. 7. Nathan Heard. 1817, " " Alpheus Merrifield,
1807, June 29, William Trowbridge. BAPTIST CHUKCH,
1812, Dec, 4, James Wilson, 1822, March. Daniel Goddard.
1822. March. Nathaniel Stowell. 1836. May. Zebina E, Berry,
CALVINIST CHUKCH,
1824. June 11. Samuel Taylor. 1830. Nov, 10. John Coe.
UNION CHURCH.
1836, Feb. 23. Moses Perry. 1836. Feb. 23, Ichabod Washburn.
1836. " " Alfred D. Foster.

The nunabers of communicants, September, 1836, as they are stated by the Clerks,
are as follows :
First church, about 350 Baptist church, 434 Methodist church, about 100
Second church, about 150 Calvinist church, about 200 Union church, 63

224

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES,

CHAPTER XIII.
Professional Men,' Biographical notices of the Practitioners, Counsellors and Attor
neys at Law, and Physicians, before and since the Revolulion.
The professional gentlemen who - have been or are resident in
Worcester, have been arranged, in the following pages, as nearly as
possible, in the order in which they comraenced business here, with
out regard to age, standing, or other principle of priority. Those
in practise in September, 1836, are distinguished by italics.
The capital letters following the names, are the initials of Har
vard and Brown Universities, Yale, Dartmouth, Williams, Union,
Bowdoin, and Andherst Colleges, LAWYERS,^
Joshua Eaton was the first lawyer of Worcester, in point of time.
He was born in that part of Watertown, now Waltham, Dec, 15,
1714, The only son of honest and well respected parents, who be
stowed upon hira a liberal education, with the sole view to prepara
tion for the ministry, after graduating at Harvard University, in 1735,
he disappointed their hopes and wishes, by preference of the legal to
the clerical profession. The novicate was short in early times. Hav
ing spent two years with Judge Trowbridge, in the study of the law,
Mr. Eaton commenced the practise in Worcester, in 1737, not long
after the establishment of the county. Simplicity and sincerity uni
ted in his character with ardor and zeal : at the foundation was a
> Notices of the clergymen of the town should property be inserted in the division of
biography. The connection of the lives of the pastors with the history of their parishes
is so intimate, that it has been deemed most convenient to place the brief memoirs of
the ministers with those of the societies of their settlement,
2 In compiling the sketches of lawyers, much has been derived from the excellent
address to the Bar of Worcester County, Oct, 2, 1829, by Joseph Willard, Esq. some.
time of Lancaster, now of Boston. Higher authority could not be desired, than the
antiquarian accuracy and fidelity of the author of that production. The reader will find
occasion to regret, that the classic elegance of his composition could not be adopted
as easily as the materials gathered by his diligence have been appropriated.

JOSHUA E.\TON. 225
substratum of pious devotion pervading his whole life, He acquir
ed the reputation of a faithful and honest practitioner. Although his
talents could not entitle him to eminence, he obtained extensive em
ployment. While his worldly prospects grew brighter, his attention
was awakened to his spiritual condition, and prospects of higher use
fulness opened. The captivating and energetic eloquence of White-
field diffused a contagious enthusiasm on religious subjects. The
spirit was imbibed by Eaton, and cooperated with his own inclina
tions and the recollections of the earnest desires of his parents, to
induce hira to abandon the profession he had adopted, and to seek
the service of the altar. After five years practise at the bar, he cora-
menced the study of theology. The fervor of his exercises was deem
ed fanatical, and he incurred the censure of the church in Worces
ter, Feeling aggrieved by their disciplinary raeasures, redress was
sought by appeal to an ecclesiastical council. In a private diary is
entered, under date Oct. 23, 1743, ' This day detained frora the house
of God, and I think to forbear preaching any more, until after the
council. I hope I even long again to go up to the house of God,
and to tread his courts.' Three days were dedicated by hira to fast
ing, humiliation, and prayer, on account of the difficulties. The
troubles of his spirit were at length reraoved, by his restoration to
christian coraraunion. It was noted, Nov, 25, ' The church was pleas
ed to restore me to christian privileges without any acknowledg
ment, and gave as a reason for what they had done in censuring me,
that they looked upon me, as being actuated by an overheated brain.'
The next Sabbath he resumed his clerical occupation, and preached
so acceptably in the South Precinct of Leicester, now the town of
Spencer, that he was soon after invited to settle there, aud ordain
ed, Nov. 7, 1744. Zeal in the performance of duty overcame infir
mity of body, and habitual depression of mind. The enjoyments
and honors of his former situation never elicited regret for deser
tion. He writes, Feb. 7, 1744, ' Attended court at Worcester upon
business : but, oh I the tumult, and dissipation, and snares, that attend
the courts. I think, I would not return to the practise of the law
on any consideration.' A faithful ministry was finished by death,
April, 1772. The fragments of his diary are replete with indications
of deep humility, ardent piety, and conscientious regard to duty.
The successive decease of his children and consort, th& sufferings of
long sickness, and the afflictions of his lot, exemplified his resigna
tion and patience. After his death, a volume of plain and judicious
discourses, not remarkable either for brilliancy or force, were pub-
29

226 LAWYERS.
lished by his friend. Rev. Eli Forbes of Brookfield, who pronounced
his funeral discourse, and received the custody of his papers.^
Stephen Fessenden, a native of Cambridge, was graduated at
Harvard University in 17L17, studied with Judge Trowbiidge, and
probably succeeded Eaton in the practise of the law in Worcester.
Specimens of instruments drafted by him, exhibit remarkable neat
ness and accuracy, A crowd of irregular practitioners, pressing into
business, seem to have cut off his supplies, and finally driven him
away, ^
Joseph Dyer was a person of another description. Not bred
to the profession, he came here in 1736, and commenced business as
office and shopkeeper. Law aud merchandise he treated as equal
ly matters of trade. With some Ingenuity and acuteness, he fell, at
length, victim to the litigious spirit he encouraged in others. Having
worked himself into the belief of the validity of a peculiar view of
the qualifications of voters, the opposition of others to his own con
struction, produced a degree of monomania. It was his pleasure to
interpose exceptions to all municipal proceedings until he became
the comraon nuisance of the Inhabitants. For more than twenty
years he protested either verbally or in writing, against acts specially
or doings generally of the town. No taxes could be collected frora him,
unless by levy of warrants of distress on his chattels. Year after year,
the people resolved to sustain their officers in the execution of coer
cive process for payment of his share of common charges. At length,
it seems to have been determined to silence the voice of continual re
monstrance, and subdue resistance to legal assessments, by depriva
tion of liberty. In 1759, Dyer was committed to the comraon jail, for
neglect to discharge a fine incurred by absence from a military mus
ter, nominally of £ 16 in the depreciated currency, really of small
amount in specie. The remedy was ineffectual. He entered his
cell protesting against the law, its process, and the prison. Protest
ing he would never come out by submission to the payment of a far
thing, he settled himself down in the house of the government as
a home. His beard, permitted to grow unshorn , gave film the aspect
of an ancient philosopher in retirement. The little emolument of
professional business, and the Income of the shop managed by his
family, gave food for his subsistence. Two years went by, and the
citizens, alarmed lest his obstinacy should bring upon them the sup-
' The biographical sketch prefixed to this volume, and Willard's Address,have furnish-
«d materials for this notice, » Willard's Address, 61.

JAMES PUTNAM. 227
port of himself and his children, held a meeting to consider his situa
tion, and proposed to release the two thirds of the fine given by the
statute to the corporation, if the residue was paid. The offer was re
jected. Three years longer. Dyer persisted in remaining under con
finement, probably sweetening the solitude by the compilation of a
dictionary of the English language, afterwards published. A sub
scription was raised, against his will, by the charitable ; the sura ne
cessary for liberation was advanced, and he was told that he was free.
The habit of resisting was so inveterate, that he objected to this be
nevolence, refused to remove from his rooms, and was, at length,
only ejected by force. Dyer left the jail, as he entered it, protesting
against the right to put him in or out. The first use of liberty, was
to commence a suit against the keeper for false Imprisonment : the
failure of the action contributed to the recovery of mental sanity,
impaired on a single point only. He afterwards removed to New-
fane, Vt.i
In the same low class of pettifoggers, was Nathaniel Greene, a
shopkeeper, who attended courts, made writs, drew wills and deeds,
and did business in the humbler walks of the profession, from 1746,
to 1760.
James Putnam, H. U. 1746, attained and deserved the highest
rank of professional distinction. He was born in that part of Salem,
now Danvers, in 1725, studied with Judge Trowbridge, and com
menced the practise of the law in Worcester in 1749. Strong na
tive power was increased by extensive acquirement and unwearied
cultivation. His ability and learning soon gave him a flood of
clients, and enabled hira not only to contest, but to hold, posses
sion of the best business, while Trowbridge, Hawley, Gridley, Pratt,
and the other celebrated counsellors who attendedjthe terms of our
courts, were corapetitors. The highest encoraium which can be be
stowed upon professional qualification, was pronounced, in after life,
by an associate, who well knew his worth ¦? 'Judge Putnam was an
unerring lawyer ; he was never astray in his law. He was, I am in
clined to think, the best lawyer of North America.' His argu
ments were marked by strong and clear reasoning, logical precis
ion and arrangement, and that sound judgment whose conclusions
were presented so forcibly as to command assent. A well read law
yer, skilful pleader, safe adviser, and successful advocate, his exten-
' Ebenezer Dyer is mentioned in Thomson's Gazeteer of Vermont, as one of the first
settlers of Newfane in 1766, He was probably son of Joseph,
2 Cited in Willard's Address, 61,

228 LAWYERS.
ding fame gave him wide sphere for action and usefulness. Retain
ed in Middlesex and Hampshire, he attended the courts of those
counties constantly, and, in important cases, assisted in those of Suf
folk, where then, as now, the best talents of the state were gathered.
At a time when military rank was given as the real distinction of
merit, and had not become worse than an empty title, he was Col
onel of a regiment. When Jonathan Sewall was raised to the bench
of the Court of Admiralty, James Putman was appointed his suc
cessor, as Attorney General of the province. When the revolution
comraenced, having given the whole weight of his high character
and great influence, to sustain the royal government, he was com
pelled to take refuge in Boston,
He accompanied the British army to New York ; thence he went
to Halifax, and embarked for England in 1776, where he remained
until the peace of 1783, In 1784, he was appointed meraber of the
Council of New Brunswick, and Judge of the Suprerae Court of that
province. In the discharge of the duties of his judicial office, he
obtained the highest praise which human ambition should desire,
that of inflexible justice. The sternness and austerity of official
demeanor, and the r€served habits of social life were relieved by
flashes of wit which are described as irresistible. He resided in the
city of St. John, and retained the office of Judge till his death, Oct.
23, 1789.
Among those who received legal education from him, were Pres
ident John Adams, Joshua Atherton of Lancaster, Rufus Chand
ler, and Nathaniel Chandler of Worcester.
Rufus Chandler, H. U. 1766, son of the second judge John
Chandler, was born at Worcester, May, 18, 1747, and died in Lon
don, Oct. 11, 1823. He studied with James Putnam, was admitted
to the bar in 1768, and practised in Worcester until the Courts were
closed, in June, 1774. Inheriting the loyalty of the family which
shared so freely in the bounty of the king, he left the country on the
commencement of hostilities, and resided in England as a private
gentleman. He was more remarkable for accuracy and method, than for high
mental endowments. Fidelity in business, and purity of life, secur
ed the confidence of his clients. He was economical in his habits
from principle, and most punctiliously neat in personal appearance.
Levi Lincoln, born May 5, 1749, was third son of Enoch Lin
coln, a strong minded and substantial farmer of Hingham, meraber
of the revolutionary committees, and frequently representative of that

LEVI LINCOLN. 229
town. Unable to afford liberal education to all his children, and
unwilling to bestow peculiar advantages on one, the son was bound
apprentice to an ironsmith.i Indications of talent, and of strong in
clination for literary pursuits, were early exhibited. While he yet
wrought at the anvil, he indulged the taste for reading in the hours
allotted for sleep, and devoted a portion of the night to the study of
the Latin and Greek languages. Sedate and thoughtful manner, and
diligence and capacity in the acquisition of knowledge. Interested
others in his welfare. Assistance and encouragement were derived,
from Mr, Lewis, long master of the Grammar School, and from the
Rev, Dr. Gay, for whom his pupil cherished enthusiastic veneration.
As the love of literature increased, he abandoned the forge, and after
six months preparation, entered Harvard University, where he was
graduated in 1772, Originally intending to adopt the clerical pro
fession, his purpose was changed by an accidental visit to the courts,
when the eloquence of the elder Adams threw its power over the
pending cause. He commenced the study of law with Daniel Farn-
ham. Esq, in Newburyport, where he staid a year, and then coraplet
ed his noviciate in the office of Joseph Hawley of Northarapton, dis
tinguished as jurist, statesman, and patriot. In April, 1775, he
marched as volunteer with the minute men to Cambridge : as the
emergency of danger which called for the service had passed, and
the army settled down in their entrenchments for protracted siege,
he returned ; was admitted to practise in regular course in Hamp
shire, and immediately established himself in Worcester. A wide
and clear field for the exertion of talent was presented. The prin
cipal men of the county had espoused the cause of the royal gov
ernment, and been driven from their homes, or deserted their coun
try. Two lawyers only remained at the bar when the temples of
justice were reopened, in 1775, after having been closed by the tu
mult of arms for a year,^ Decision of character and energy of pur
pose, capacity to lead and popular address, soon gave him prominent
station. Introduced into extensive business, he still devoted his tal
ents to the cause of independence, and immediately becarae an ac
tive member of the committees of the revolution. Animated appeals
to patriotism in written addresses, and printed communications to
' Jeremiah Lincoln of Hingham, who had been a soldier in the French wars, and esca
ped from the massacre of Port William Henry, He died at Lunenburg, Mass. Anoth
er of his apprentices. Dr. Peter Hobart of Hanover, left his work shop for the Universi
ty. Solomon Lincoln's History of Hingham, 90, 127,
*The late Judge John Sora^ue of T.anpaster and Joct'"- i^'-' — - ^^ " — '"eld.

230 LAWYERS.
the newspaper of the town, attest the ardor of his devotion and the
powerful expression of his pen. When the courts commenced, after
their suspension, in Dec. 1775, he was appointed Clerk. In Jan.
1777, on resigning, he was coramissioned by the executive councd,
Judge of Proliate! and held the office till 1781, when it was relin
quished, in consequence of Interference with professional engage
ments. In 1779, he was specially designated to prosecute the claims of gov
ernment to the large estates of the refugees, confiscated under the Ab
sentee Act : and was Commissioner tt) expedite the payment of the
Continental tax. He was delegate of the town to the convention in
Cambrido-e for framing a state constitution. In Feb. 1781, he was
elected by the Legislature, under the Confederation, representative in
the Continental Congress, but the honor was declined. In 1783, he
was called by the Supreme Court to the degree of Barrister at law, a
judicial distinction only conferred on himself and Judge Sprague in
the county, after the revolution.'- In 1796, he was representative in
the General Court: in 1797, meraber of the Senateof the Coramon-
wealth ; and exerted strong influence in the legislative action, par
ticularly in the modification of the judicial and school systems. In
the autumn of 1800, although his democratic principles were known
to be opposed to those of a raajority of the electors, he was returned
representative to the seventh Congress, and was chosen to supply
the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Hon. Dwight Foster
at the then next session. He was selected, soon after taking his seat,
by President Jefferson to form one of his cabinet. On the 5th March,
1801, he was appointed Attorney General of the United States, and
was provisional Secretary of the State, until the arrival of Mr. Madison
at the Federal city, in May following. The duties of the former charge
separating him from his family, it was resigned, after nearly four years
service. ' I received last night,' writes Mr JeflTerson, Dec. 28, 1804,
' your letter, proposing to resign your office ; and I received it with
real affliction. It would have been my greatest happiness, to have
1 The follovring precept is an example of the form in which the honorary legal distinc
tion, now obsolete, was conferred.
To Levi Lincoln, of Worcester, Esquire, Greeting. We, well knowing your ability,
learning, and integrity, command you, that you appear before our Justices of our Su
preme Judicial Court next to be holden at Boston, in and for our county of Suffolk, on
the third Tuesday of February next, then and there, in our said Court, to take upon you
the state and degree of Barrister at Law. Hereof fail not. Witness William Cushing
Esq. our Chief Justice at Boston, this 25lh day of December, A. D. 1783, and in the
eighth year of our independence. By order of Court. Charies Cushing, Clerk.

LEVI LINCOLN. 231
kept together to the end of my term our executive family ; for our
harmony and cordially have really made us but as one family. Yet,
I am a father, and have been a husband. I know the sacred duties
which these relations impose ; the feelings they inspire ; and that
they are not to be resisted by a warm heart. I yield, therefore, to
your wishes. You carry with you, my entire approbation of your
official conduct, my thanks for your services, my regrets on losing
them, and my affectionate friendship.' In the spring of 1806, he
was elected member of the Council of Massachusetts. In 1807, and
1808, he was Lieutenant Governor of the Commonvvealth. On the
decease of Gov. Sullivan, in Dec. 1808, he discharged the duties of
Chief Magistrate for the remainder of the terra of office. He was
nominated for election as Governor, in 1809, but, in the revolution
of party, his competitor. Gov. Gore, prevailed. He afterwards de
clined being candidate, when the ascendancy of the political princi
ples to which he adhered, would have rendered success more sure.
In 1810 and 1811, he was again councillor. In 1811, he was ap
pointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
' You will see,' writes President Madison, ' by the commission which
will be forwarded from the Department of State, that I have taken
the liberty of nominating you to the Senate as successor to Judge
Cushing, notwithstanding your remonstrances against a recall in
to the national service. I was induced to this step, not only by my
personal wishes, but by those of others, between whom and yourself
exists all the reciprocal respect that can add weight to them, and par
ticularly by their persuading themselves, that your patriotism would
acquiesce in an appointment, however contr-ary it might be to your pre
vious inclinations. I venture to flatter myself that in this we may not
be disappointed : and that, in every event, you will regard the liberty
I have taken in imposing the dilemma upon you, with the Indulgence
due to my motives, and to the great esteem and sincere friendship of
which I pray you to accept my renewed assurances.' Weakness of
siofht, terminating in almost total blindness, rendered it necessary to
decline even such solicitation, aud to retire from public life.^ Par
tial restoration of vision, enabled him to resume the cultivation of
the farm and the classical studies, both objects of passionate attach
ment, and among the fields and with the pages of his favorite Latin
'Mr. Jefferson writes; 'be assured your place is high among those whose remem
brance I have brought with me into retirement and cherish with warmth. I was over
joyed when I heard you were appointed to the supreme bench of national justice, and
as much mortified when I heard you had declined.'

232 LAWYERS.
authors, to alleviate the infiwnities of decaying health and pressing
age. He died, April 14, 1820, aged 71,
' For a period of nearly forty years,' says Mr, Willard, ' he was
in active life, and bore leading part araid vast and iraportant chan
ges in our community, such as none of the present generation can
be called on to witness. He was, without question, at the head of
the bar, from the close of the Revolution till he left our courts at the
commencement of the present century. His professional business
far exceeded that of any other member of the bar. He was retained
in every case of importance, and for many years, constantly attend
ed the courts in Hampshire and Middlesex, [and frequently those of
the neighboring states.] His great command of language, his pow
er in searching out the truth from unwilling witnesses, in analysing,
arranging, and presenting to the mind the evidence of the case, ren
dered him a highly popular advocate, and gave hira great success in
jury trials. Wide reading and extensive practise constituted him a
learned jurist,' The arbitrary encroachments of the royalist clergy
men, claiming the sovereign right of veto, were successfully resisted
by him. His love of religious freedom, broke through the ecclesias
tical usurpations of early time, and contributed to establish the con
flicting interests of church, parish, and minister on sure distinctions.
The fetters of negro bondage were broken in Massachusetts, by the
decision, in a case, in which his whole energies were exerted, that
the relation of master and slave could not justify assault. The ' Far
mer's Letters,' published in 1800, and 1801, were widely circulated,
produced powerful sensation in the political world, and busied the
press, for a long time, with efforts to answer their arguments, and
personal attack on their author.
He was one of the original raembers of the American Academy
of Arts and Sciences, Trustee of Leicester Academy, first President
of the Worcester Agricultural Society, and associate of many useful
institutions. It is not for the partiality of filial reverence to attempt to deline
ate the private character of a venerated sire. All that is permitted
by the plan of this work, is to indicate the public and professional
standing of our citizens, where neither space nor ability afford hope
of doing justice to their merits.
William Stearns, H. U 1770, was born in Lunenburg, Mass.
He first comraenced the study of divinity, and preached for a short
time, but was not settled as a clergyraan. He then devoted himself
to the law, was admitted to practise, Dec. 1776, and established

EDWARD BANGS. 233
himself in Worcester. During one year he was connected with
Daniel Bigelow, Esq. in the publication of the Massachusetts Spy.
His professional business was considerable until his early death, in
1784. He possessed good sense, respectable learning, lively wit,
and much kindness of feeling.
Edw.\rd Bangs was born In'Harwich in the county of Barnstable,
Sept. 5, 1756. He prepared for college at Dummer Academy, in
Newbury, under the instruction of the celebrated Master Moody,
and entered Harvard University, in 1773. He remained in Cam
bridge during the spring vacation of 1775, when the British troops
marched to Concord.. On the 19th of April, as soon as intelligence
of the hostile movement was received, he hastily equipped himself
from the armory of the college company, repaired to the scene of
action, and fought gallantly during the day. He saved the life of a
British soldier, severely wounded, who had been overtaken in flight,
and was about to be sacrificed to the vengeance of his captors. The
events of the war dispersed the students, and interrupted, for a time,
the course of instruction. Mr. Bangs continued his studies at horae,
until the halls were again opened. He graduated in 1777, in the
sarae class with the late Rufus King, James Freeman, William Bent
ley, Thomas Dawes, and others, who became eminent as learned
divines, or able civilians. He immediately entered the office of
Chief Justice Parsons at Newburyport, and was admitted to the bar,
in Essex, in 1780. The same year, he removed to Worcester, and
commenced business in partnership with William Stearns. This con
nection continued about two years. After its dissolution, he pursu
ed the profession alone, and with good success. When the insurrec
tion broke out, he engaged with great ardor in defence of the con
stitution. His pen was exerted in the cause of order with ability. In
January, 1787, he joined the army of Gen. Lincoln, as a volunteer.
In that brief campaign, he suffered so much from exposure and hard
ship, that his health was impaired, and the foundation of disorders
laid, from which he never recovered. In 1805, he formed a part
nership with William E. Green, who had just removed from Grafton
to Worcester, which subsisted until 1811. He was appointed Attor
ney of the Commonwealth for the County of Worcester, on the resig
nation of Hon. Nathaniel Paine, by the Court, and soon after reap
pointed by the Govenor and Council, Oct. 21, 1807. He was re
moved to the bench, as Associate Justice of the Court of Common
Pleas for the western circuit, Oct. 8, 1811, on the first organization
of that court. This office he retained till his death, June 28, 1811*,
at the age of 62, 30

234 LAWYERS.
He was representative of Worcester, in the General Court, from
1802 to 1811 inclusive : for many years one of the board of select
men ; was on many important committees ; and sustained various
town offices. Without seriously Interrupting his professional avo
cations he took a prominent part in political transactions. In 1801,
he was nominated for member of Congfess from Worcester south dis
trict, but declined the honor. During the stormy period of party
controversy, he was induced to become a candidate for the same-sta
tion, but his corapetltor was elected.
He practised successfully, as a lawyer, for thirty years. He was a
good classical and general scholar, and possessed taste for mathe
matical science. Deep and conscientious regard to sincerity and
truth was manifested in his whole transactions. However errone
ous he might have been considered, by those who differed from him,
none doubted his honesty. He was of ardent teraperaraent, and
warm in attachment to friends, and the opinions or party he adopted.
His love of nature was enthusiastic, and he contemplated her works
with Intense admiration. His leisure was devoted to the cultivation
of a garden, ornamented with singular elegance, and filled, by his
care, with rare exotics, beautiful native plants, and choice fruits.
He possessed taste for poetry. Although he did not distinguish
himself for that talent, some of his compositions were extensively
circulated in the journals of the day, A humorous song, called ' the
Somerset on shore, ' attained considerable degree of popularity.
His odes for public festive occasions were of respectable merit,^
William Sever, H, U, 1778, son of Hon, William Sever, was born
1 Edward Bangs m, Hannah Lynde, d, of Joseph Lynde, Esq., sometime of Charies-
town, afterwards of Worcester, Sept. 18, 1788. He left two children. 1. Edward
Dillingham. 2. Anna L. b. 1800 : d. Feb. 14, 1823.
The ancestor of the family was Edward Bangs, a native of Chichester in England,
who arrived in Plymouth in July, 1623, by the Ann, the third ship which brought the
pilgrim emigrants, having been preceded by the Mayflower and the Fortune, In the
division of the live stock, to 12 companies, that to which Edward Bangs belonged re
ceived ' the great white backed cow, which was brought over wilh the first in the Ann ;
also two she goats.' In 1627, he was member of a commission wilh Gov. Bradford, to
make a new division of lands. He was a shipwright, and is said to have superintended
the construction of the first vessel built at Plymouth. He removed wilh Gov. Prince,
and others to Eastham, in 1644, where he died in 1678, a. 86. 2. His son Jonathan,
born al Plymouth, 1640; m. Mary Mayo, July 16, 1664; d. at Harwich, now Brews
ter, 1728, 3. Edward, son of Joiialhan, b. at Easlham, Sept. 30, 1665: d. May 22,
1746, 4, Edward, son of Edward, b. 1694; d. June. 3, 1755. 5. Benjamin, son of
Edward, b, 1721 ; m. Desire Dillingham, d. 1769. He was father of Judge Edward
Bangs, Farmer's Genealogical Register, Willard's Address, 90. MS. of Edward
D. Bangs, Esq.

LAWYERS. 235
in Kingston, in Plymouth county. He studied with Levi Lincoln,
sen. was called to the bar in 1781 : practised two years in Kings
ton : in 1785, reraoved to Worcester: where he died, October 31,
1798, leaving the reputation of fine talents, which with greater as
siduity, might have given high professional distinction.
Nathaniel Paine, H. U. 1775, son of Hon, Tiraothy Paine of
Worcester, studied with Hon, John Sprague of Lancaster, Irarae
diately upon admission, Aug. 1781, he commenced practise in Gro
ton, Mass. and after four years residence there, returned to Worces
ter. He succeeded Daniel Bigelow, Esq. as County Attorney. In
1798, 1799 and 1800, he represented the town in the Legislature.
He was appointed Judge of Probate, Jan. 24, 1801, and held that
office thirty five years. His resignation was accepted Jan, 18, 1836,
Timothy Green, B. U. 1786, a native of Worcester, was son of
the first Dr. John Green, and grandson of Hon. Timothy Rugo-les.
He studied with Levi Lincoln, sen. and practised two years in Wor
cester. He then removed to the city of New York, where he enga
ged successfully in land trade. After a visit to the South, his pre
parations had been completed for an overland journey home, when
he was prevailed on to take passage by sea. He embarked, in 1812
on board a privateer built vessel at Charleston, in company with
Mrs. Alston, the accomplished lady of the governor of South Caroli
na, and daughter of the celebrated Aaron Burr. The ship sailed,
and no tidings of her fate were ever afterwards heard.
Joseph Allen, H. U. 1792, eldest son of Hon. Joseph Allen, born
in Leicester, commenced practise in Worcester, removed to Wes
tern, Mass. now Warren, where he remained to 1805. He after
wards went to Charlestown, N. H. and died in that town.
Samuel A. Flagg, H. U. 1794, was born in Mendon, Mass :
studied with Hon. Nathaniel Paine : established himself in Worces
ter, 1797, and died here, March 5, 1825, aged 50,
Andrew Morton, B. U. 1795, of Freetown, Mass. studied with
Levi Lincoln, sen : practised in Worcester from 1802 to 1804 :
then settled in Hampden, Maine, where he died, Oct. 26, 1805.
Francis Blake, H. U, 1789, fifth son of Joseph Blake, was born
October 14, 1774, His father, a native and eminent merchant of
Boston, for several years anterior and subsequent to the coraraence-
ment of the revolution, was engaged in extensive trade in Rutland,
Mass. and reraoved to Hinghara, in 1779. His son, was in the prin
cipal school of the town, then under the tuition of Rev, Joseph
Thaxter, afterwards clergyman of Martha's Vineyard, and distin-

236 LAWYERS.
guished for the eloquence of his address in prayer on the semi-cen
tennial anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill, Under the instruc
tion of this gentleman, of his successor, Mr, Howard, and of Dr.
Barker, he was fitted for college. Although prepared for admission
to the freshman class at the age of eleven, he did not entei; the Uni
versity until 1787. After having graduated, he read law with the
Hon. John Sprague, and was twenty years of age when called to the
bar in 1794. He comraenced practise in his native town of Rut
land, and his fine genius soon raised him to high professional stand
ing. In 1802, he reraoved to Worcester. In 1810, 1811, he was
in the Senate of Massachusetts. In 1816, he was appointed Clerk
of the courts, and held that office until his death, Feb. 23, 1817.
The highest efforts of the great advocate rear no enduring raonu-
ment to his narae. The reputation of his eloquence is entrusted to
the generation that witnesses its display. Few memorials of the
splendid talents of Mr, Blake survive, except in the admiration of
his cotemporarles, An Oration at Worcester, July 4, 1796; an
exaraination of the constitutionality of the embargo laws ; and an
oration at Worcester, July 4, 1812, are the only publications which
preserve permanent testimonials of magnificent intellectual action,
Plis character is thus delineated by the elegant writer so often quo
ted. ' Mr. Blake possessed all the constituent properties of a great or
ator. He was of an ardent temperament, the usual companion of
fine intellect, and of a character that dwelt with satisfaction and de
light upon whatever was lofty and honorable. His was the nicely mod
ulated voice, all whose cadences were rausical ; and though like the
harp of Memnon, in unrestrained inspiration, they sometimes breath
ed wildly, they breathed eloquently. His was the classic elegance
of language, poured out in rich profusion frora a never falling source.
His was the vivid imagination, that threw over all, the crimson flush
of light, and dazzled by its brilliancy. He brought to his aid the
advantages of wide reading, and commendable scholarship, that ser
ved to Increase his power of expression. He was often vehement and
impassioned, and that, probably, was the prevailing tone of his elo
quence, especially when he detected and brought to light the hidden
things of chicanery and deceit ; but his vehemence and his warmth
never caused him to forget himself, nor to lose that harmony and
raeasure of expression that were peculiarly his own,' ^
Levi Thaxter, of Hingham, son of Jonathan Thaxter, studied
with Levi Lincoln, sen, comraenced practice in Worcester in 1803,
' Willard's Address, 98.

LEVI LINCOLN, 237
He was the first cashier of the Worcester Bank, which office he re
signed in 1805, and removed to Watertown, where he now resides.
He was Senator of Massachusetts from 1822 to 1826,
Levi Lincoln, H. U. 1802, son of Levi Lincoln, sen. of Wor
cester, read law in the office of his father, then Attorney General of
the United States, and necessarily absent in the discharge of official
duty. He was admitted to the bar in 1805, and commenced prac
tice here. In 1812, he was member of the Senate of Massachusetts,
and drew, and with Hon. Benjamin Crowninshleld, presented, the
ansvyer of that body to the speech of Gov. Strong. In 1814, he was
elected to the House of Representatives, and prepared and offered
the protest of the minority against the act authorizing the famous
Hartford Convention. In succeeding years, frora 1814 to 1822, he
represented the town, with the exception of three intervals, when he
declined being candidate. In 1820, he was in the convention to
revise the state constitution, and afterwards one of the Commission
ers, under the act for the separation of Maine, to make partition
and apportionment of the public property. In 1822, he was chosen
Speaker of the House of Representatives, when a majority of that
assembly differed frora his political sentiments. He was Lieutenant
Governor, in 1823, and, in February, 1824, appointed Associate
Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, In April, 1825, upon the
nomination of the two great parties, he was Governor of the Common
wealth, and continued in this office by nine successive reelections,
until, having declined being candidate, he retired upon the induction
of his successor, in January, 1835, In February of that year, he
was elected to supply the vacancy in the representation of the dis
trict, occasioned by the transfer of Hon, John Davis to the Execu
tive Chair, and, in November following, was chosen member of the
twenty fourth Congress,
The degree of LL, D, was conferred upon him by Williams Col
lege and by Harvard University. He was for several years mem
ber of the Board of Trustees of Leicester Academy, some time its
Treasurer, and afterwards President : President of the Worcester
Agricultural Society from 1823, Fellow of the Araerican Acaderay
of Arts and Sciences, raember of the Board of Overseers of Har
vard College, and Councillor of the Araerican Antiquarian Society,
William E, Green, B. U, 1798, son of the first Dr. John Green,
studied with Judge Edward Bangs, was adraitted in 1801, and practic
ed in Grafton to 1805. He then returned to Worcester, and was in
partnership with Mr. Bangs until the appointraent of that gentleraan

238 LAWYERS.
to the bench in 1811, and afterwards, until 1817, connected with
Edward D. Bangs, Esq.
Joseph B. Caldwell, H. U. 1802; son of- William Caldwell,
Esq. sheriff of Worcester County from 1793 to 1805, was born in
Rutland ; studied with Hon. Nathaniel Paine ; practiced in Grafton
to 1809 ; Worcester in 1810 ; Rutland to 1812. He returned to
Worcester in 1813, and died here in that year.
Samuel M. Burnside, D. C. 180.5, son of Thomas Burnside, was
born at Northumberland, Coos co. N. H. His early education was
in the comraon schools of a new planted country, except nine raonths
at an academy preparatory to admission at college. After having
graduated, he passed two years in superintending a female acaderay
at Andover, Mass. In October, 1807, he coramenced the study of
law in the office of Hon, Arteraas Ward, the present Chief Justice
of the Court of Common Pleas, No one was more able or willing
to afford aid to his students. Familiar acquaintance with the prin
ciples of the coramon, merchant, and statute law, unsurpassed skill
as conveyancer and special pleader, with uniform kindness and
liberality, justified their affectionate reverence for the character of
that able jurist and excellent man. His business was immense.
He was, consequently, much from home at this period, and his
pupils were left to follow principally the dictates of their own judg
ment in regard to their course of reading, Mr. Burnside was admit
ted to practise in March, 1810, and was first sworn at the bar of the
Supreme Judicial Court upon examination, being one of the few
persons who have been suffered to pass to that court without having
previously been admitted at the lower tribunal. He commenced
business in Westborough in the spring of 1810. In the autumn of
that year, he removed to Worcester, and has since resided here.'
' His father, Thomas Burnside, was a descendant of that colony of Scots, settling in
the north of Ireland about 1650, many of whom emigrated to New England in 1719.
Among them, was Rev. James McGregoire, his maternal grandfather, ordained first min
ister of Londonderry, 1719, who died March 5, 1729, leaving three sons; 1. David
succeeding in the ministry in 1737; 2. James, who became raerchant in Londonderry;
and 3. Alexander, who settled in Warwick, R. I. Susannah, only daughter of Alexan
der, on the death of her father, was adopted and educated by her uncle James, himself
childless ; inherited with her brother his considerable estate ; and married Thomaj
Burnside, Thomas Burnside was brought up in Londonderi;y as a merchant; took active part
in the French wars from 1755 to 1763; was in many bloody battles on the frontier; and
fought by the side of Wolfe on the plains of Abraham, On the restoration of peace he
was engaged several years in mercantile pursuits. He yielded to the flattering over
tures of Gov, Wentworth, to establish settlements in the northern parts of New Hamp
shire, within the valley of the Connecticut, whose fertile intervals had been traversed in

NEWTON. ELIOT. HEYWOOD. 239
Rejoice Newton, D, C, 1807, a native of Greenfield, Mass. son of
Isaac Newton, coramenced his studies with Hon. Richard E. New-
comb at Greenfield, which were concluded with Hon. Elijah Mills,
at Northarapton. He was admitted attorney in Hampshire county,
in 1810 : immediately formed connection in professional business
with Hon. Francis Blake of Worcester, which continued until April,
1814. On the decease of Williara C. White, he was appointed Coun
ty Attorney, having discharged the duties a year previous. This of
fice he resigned in 1824. He represented the town in the General
Court in 1829, 1830 and 1831, and was elected Senator of Massa
chusetts in 1834. Since 1826, he has been connected in business
with William Lincoln.
James Eliot. He was Representative in Congress from Ver
mont from 1803 to 1809. He was invited to Worcester to assurae
the editorial inanageraent of the Spy, In October, 1810, which he
relinquished in February following, and soon after removed. He
has since been Clerk of the Courts of Windham County, Vt. and
resides at Newfane.
Levi Heywood, D. C. 1808, son of Seth Heywood, was born in
Gardner, Mass. June, 1784. The study of law, commenced with
Hon, Nathaniel Paine of Worcester, was finished with Hon, Elijah
Mills of Northampton, Admitted to the bar in 1811, he began prac
tise here in that year. In October, 1818, he removed to Plnckney-
vllle, Louisiana, where he engaged in teaching school. Having kept
an office in New York for a short period, he became Principal of the
Acaderay in Hackensack, N. J. He again reS|Uraed practise in the
city of New York, where he died, Nov. 22, 1832.
his military campaigns. Animated by a bold spirit of enterprise, he left lucrative busi
ness and devoted friends, removed sixty miles above Haverhill, then the most northern
settlement, into the wilderness, inhabited only by the red man lis ancient proprietor, and
became the first planter of Northumberland, then called Stoninglon. For two or three
years, he had no neighbor within sixty miles, and no direction to an English village but
the line of spotted trees. In 1775, while busied in the labors of harvest, a friendly Indian
came running into the field in urgent haste, to warn him lo flee for life, assuring him
that a body of hostile savages were wilhin two or three hours march. Immediately, he
and his family were on horseback, hastening to a place of safety. The mother, then
unaccustomed lo hardship, rode wilh her infant in her arms, swam her horse across the
Connecticut in the flight, and after extreme difficulties reached Haverhill in safety.
Within the short time mentioned by his savage friend, the house, buildings, and crops
of Mr. Burnside were destroyed by the enemy. Undiscouraged by such perilous escape,
with the courage of a soldier, he soon returned to his desolated farm, and until the close
of the war, divided his time between the peaceful avocations of the husbandman, and
the martial enterprises required for the defence of the country. He died Nov, 3, 1798.
MS. of S. M. Burnside, Esq.

240 LAWYERS,
William Charles White, player, poet, advocate, and author, pos
sessed versatility of talents, which gave some distinction in each of
his various occupations. His father, Williara White of Boston, ex
tensively engaged in commerce and trade, destined his eldest son to
mercantile pursuits. His education for business was comraenced,
as the clerk of Mr, Joseph Cooledge, and diligently followed for a
few years. At length, avocations raore congenial to the taste of the
young raan, seduced his attention frora the eraployments of the coun
ting house, and the journal and ledger gave place to books of light
er literature. In 1796, at the age of nineteen, he had written ' Or
lando', a tragedy, subsequently printed with the head of the author.
The father, a formal and coriect person, devoted to practical mat
ters, seems to have contemplated the Intellectual acquisitions of his
son with little satisfaction, i Of the theatre, he entertained pro
found horror, regarding its pretensions to be the school of virtue as
the mask of profligacy, and its occupations as the lowest degradation.
His mortification was extreme, on finding the attachment of young
White for the drama,, growing into a passion, too strong to be con
trolled by reason, and when excited by opposition, becoming so in
tense as to affect the sanity of mind and health of body. In the
winter of 1796, the elder White found it necessary to raake a long
visit in the city of New York. He writes to a friend at horae, ' Wil
liam had, for some time, discovered his propensity for theatric exhi
bitions, and by all opportunities, I discountenanced in him this in
ordinate passion. During my absence frora Boston last summer,
he wrote a play, which, on my return, sorae of the family mentioned
to me. Although I was not pleased with his study and writings in
this style, yet I supposed it a good opportunity to turn his attention,
and destroy gradually his predilection for the stage. About a month
previous to my leaving Boston, he grew sick, and was, apparently, in
a decline, I was very anxious, and postponed my journey for sorae
time, A few days before I left home, he seemed to be in better spir
its, and declared himself to feel essentially better than he had been,
and when I came away, opened hiraself, in a very dutiful and respect
ful manner, by observing, that his illness arose frora his insatiable
thirst for the stage, but that his resolution had gained the ascendan
cy of his desires, and entreated rae not to have the least uneasiness
respecting him in that particular, for he had determined not to give
way to that inclination,' However sincere was the promise, it was
' ' A son his father's spirit doomed to cross.
By penning stanzas while he should engross, '

WILLIAM C. WHITE. 241
soon broken. The conflict of filial duty with passionate desire v/as
so violent, as to bring its victim to the verge of distraction. Unable
to resist his dramatic love, he made his first appearance at the Fed
eral Street Theatre, Dec. 14, 1796, in the character of Nerval, in
the tragedy of Douglas, and was received with great applause, by an
audience of indulgent friends. In a letter of apology, written the
ne.xt day, to his father, he says, ' I am sorry I was compelled by vi
olence of inclination, to deviate from ray promises to you ; but life was
one series of vexation, disappointment and wretchedness. Pray let
this consideration have some weight with you. But, for Heaven's
sake, for your own sake, and for my sake, do not tear me from a pro
fession, which, if I am deprived of, will be attended with fatal con
sequences.' Never did parent mourn more inconsolably for the worst
follies or darkest crimes of his offspring, than did the father of the ac
tor, over this example of perversity in his family. His epistles are
filled with expressions of distress, so extravagant, that they are only
redeeraed from being ludicrous, by the deep sorrow they breathe. He
thus addresses the tragedian : ' Dear William I for so I will still call
you : my beloved son ! stain not the memory of your amiable and ten
der mother by your folly : break not the heart of your father ; bring
not down his gray hairs with sorrow to the grave : but rouse your
self, from this seeming state of insanity. , , , Your youth will ex
cuse you for once  But, for God's sake, and every thing you
hold dear, I pray you to refrain , and be not again seen on a common
stage,' The temporary success of the aspirant for theatric fame, al
leviated the sufferings of the distressed parent, and he reluctantly
yielded to the advice of friends, and consented that Charles might
occasionally tread the boards, but only in the elevated walks of tra
gedy. ' Let me enjoin it upon you,' he writes, ' never to appear, no,
not for once, in any comic act, where the mimic tricks of a monkey
are better fitted to excite laughter, and where dancing, singing and
kissing, raay be thought amusement enough for a dollar. No, Will
iam, I had, much as I love you, rather follow you to the grave, than
to see you, and myself, and my family, so disgraced.'
Mr, White appeared as Orlando, in his own tragedy, Dec, 20 ;
Tancred, in Thompson's Tancred and Slgisinunda, Jan. 2, 1797,
Romeo, in Romeo and Juliet,, Feb, 6 : and Octavian, in the Moun
taineers, April 7, on the Boston stage. The ebb of popular favor ef.
fected, what parental admonition and entreaty failed to accomplish.
Controversy with the manager arose ; the appjause which followed
his first efforts grew fainter : the fit of romantic enthusiasm exhausted
31

242 LAWYERS.
itself: and the earliest exertion of reflection, resulted in the determi
nation to adopt the profession of the law. In July, 1797, he enter
ed the office of Levi Lincoln, sen. in Worcester, as a student. In
July, 1800, he removed to Providence, where he completed his pro
fessional noviciate, under the instruction of Judge Howell. When
admitted to practise, in Rhode Island, in September following, a
partnership was proposed by that gentleman, on terms which were
declined. Mr. White opened an office in Providence, but did not
obtain employment or fees.
The want of business led directly to the want of money. The
pressure of pecuniary embarrassment drove him again to the stage,
in New York. ' On the 19th of January, 1801,' says Dunlap,i 'Mr.
White, a young man from Worcester, Massachusetts, was brought
out with some promise of success, in Young Nerval. Curiosity was
excited, and a house of $ 614 obtained. He had performed in Bos
ton, when quite a boy, with that applause so freely, and often so in
judiciously bestowed on such efforts : had since studied law, and
was at this time a tall, handsome youth ; but not destined by nature
to shine  He attempted Romeo, and gave hopes of improve
ment, but much improvement was wanting to constitute him an ar
tist.' He played Alonzo in Columbus; Aimwell in the Beaux Strat-
agera : Theodore in the Court of Narbonne ; Elvirus in the Chris
tian Suitor : and Altaraont in the Fair Penitent. In the play of ' the
Abb6 de I'Ep^e,' he failed altogether in the part of St. Alme, was
hissed, and withdrawn by his own consent, as it was announced to
the public, on ' finding the character too difficult.' About this time,
was begun and nearly completed, a drama, with the title, 'the Con
flict of Love and Patriotism, or the Afflicted Q,ueen,' still preserved
in manuscript, and never finished. A visit to Richmond, Va. where
he played a few nights, was crowned with such success, that he con
templated devoting life to the theatre. The reverse of fortune in
some of his efforts, again cured the dramatic mania. In the summer
of 1801, he returned to the bar, and established himself in Rutland,
in Worcester cOunty, where sorae of his relatives then resided, and
where his father, who had been unfortunate in business, soon after re
moved. He was married to Tamar Smith, daughter of a respectable
farmer of that town. The degree of eminence and emolument he
attained as counsellor, did not content his ambition, and he souo-ht
wider field. In May 1809, he had contracted to compile ' a Com-
' History of the American Theatre, 281, 286.

WILLIAM C. WHITE. 243
pendium of the Laws of Massachusetts,' printed in the sarae and the
next following year ; a work useful at the day of its publication, but
soon rendered useless by revisions of the statutes. More industry
than talent was required for the corapllation. ' To superintend the
execution of this work, Mr. White reraoved to Boston in 1810, and
formed a professional connection with David Everett, Esq. of brief
continuance. On the resignation of Judge Bangs, in 1811, he was
appointed County Attorney which office he retained till his death.
He established himself in Grafton, in 1812: the next year, he resid
ed in Worcester. In 1814, he removed to Sutton, where he married
Susan Johannot, daughter of Dr. Stephen Monroe, August 13, 1815.
He returned to Worcester, in 1816, and died May 2, 1818. He
had been long in declining health. An organic disease, the dropsy,
during the last years of his life, spread ' mortal paleness ' over his
countenance. Through his whole career, the suppressed love of the drama was
working on his mind. The Clergyman's Daughter, a play founded
on McKensie'sMan of the World, was first presented on the Bos
ton stage, Jan. 1, 1810, and obtained remarkable success. In De
cember of that year, he produced the Poor Lodger, a comedy, adopt
ing the incidents of Miss Burney's novel of Evelina. Mr. White
was a frequent correspondent of the National jEgis, while that pa
per was under the direction of the late Francis Blake, and afterwards
became editor. In 1813, he published a pamphlet in vindication
against the charge of apostasy from democratic principles. His
odes and poetical productions obtained some celebrity. ^
He possessed that high grade of talent, which is called genius. In
his addresses at the bar there were passages of splendid eloquence :
but they were unequal : although parts were strong, they were not
connected with logical method and clearness. His taste was refined
and correct. Greater constancy and perseverance might have raised
1 The severe but witty comment of a distinguished jurist on this work was, that it re
sembled the tessellated pavement in Burke's description, ' here a litUe black-stone ;
there a little while.'
2 MS. of Samuel Jennison, Esq. White MSS. in Am. Anllq. Society's Collections.
The publications of William Charles White are these ; 1. Orlando, or Parental
Persecution : tragedy ; Boston, '1797, 12mo : 2. The Clergyman's Daughter; tragedy :
Boston, 1810, 12mo: 3. The Poor Lodger : comedy: Boston, 1811, 12mo: 4. Compen
dium and Digest of the Laws of Massachusetts : Boston, 1809-10, 2 vols, 8vo: 5.
Avowals of a Republican: Worcester, 1813, 8vo: 6. Oration: Rutland: July 4,
1802; 7. Oration; Worcester, July 4,1804; 8. Oration before the Bunker Hill As
sociation : Boston, July 4, 1809 : 9. Oration ; Hubbardston, July 4, 1810.

244 L.AWYERS.
him to high rank in any of the departments of forensic exertion, lit
erary eflfort, or dramatic exhibition.
Samuel Brazer, son of Sarauel Brazer, was born at Worcester,
in 1785. His early education was received in the coramon schools.
He was placed in a store in Boston, preparatory to engaging in
mercantile business. Discovering no aptitude for the employment,
and a decided Inclination for literatlon avocations, he was sent to
Leicester Acaderay to be prepared for college. There he remained
long enough to be fitted for the junior class of Harvard University ;
but owing to some difficulty with the Instructor, who often felt the
lash of his playful satire, he failed of being presented for admission.
Although overfond of arauseraent, apparently idle in habits of study,
and foremost iii schemes of frolic, he easily took and maintained
the highest place of his class in the academy. Disappointed in
going to college, he entered the office of Hon. Francis Blake, The
tone of party politics, was, at that time, high and angry. With
characteristic impetuosity he rushed into the midst of the conflict,
and became one of the most distinguished contributors to the Na
tional .(Egis, established in support of Mr. Jefferson's administra
tion. The literary department of that print derived aid, in verse
and prose, from his pen, in many essays and poetical papers distin
guished for facility, point, and caustic vein of humor. He was fre-
qtiently called on to deliver political orations on public anniversa
ries, and acquitted himself with great reputation. The first effort
of this kind, was an Address in coraraeraoratlon of the purchase of
Louisiana, in 1804, at the age of eighteen, which was extremely
popular with his party friends. He entered into the practise of the
profession in New Salem, Mass. But he did not love the law, and
the enjoyments of festivity seduced him from the pursuit of that
distinction his talents would have won. In 1812, he was resident
in Worcester. Subsequently he removed to Baltiraore, Md, where
he conducted the newspaper called the Baltiraore Patriot, Its edi
torial articles, during his connection, indicate his industry and con
sistency, and are marked by the vigor of his nervous style. He
died in that city, Feb, 24, 1823,
Enoch Lincoln, [B, C. 1821, A. M.] son of Levi Lincoln, sen.
was born at Worcester, Dec, 28, 1788, He entered the Sophomore
class of Harvard College in 1806. One of those unhappy commo
tions, which have disturbed the repose of the ancient seat of learn
ing in Cambridge, occurred in 1808, and he voluntarily withdrew

ENOCH LINCOLN. 245
from the University during his senior year. His professional stud
ies were pursued in the office of his brother, Levi Lincoln. He was
admitted attorney in 1811, and comraenced business in Salera, Mass.
In 1812, he returned to Worcester, and practised here until the
spring of 1813, when he settled in Fryeburg, Maine, While resident
there, he published ' The Village,' a poem descriptive of the beauti
ful scenery of the faiiest town on the stream of the Saco, of the wild
and romantic region around, and of the social condition of the" pop
ulation of the youthful state. In 1815, he was appointed deputy by
Hon. William P. Preble, then District Attorney of the United States,
In 1819, he was elected to Congress, and removed to Paris, the cap
ital of the county. He continued to represent the district of Oxford,
in the national legislature until 1826. He was elected Governor of
Maine for three years succeeding that date, with the approbation of
the two political parties, and with uninamlty almost unprecedented in
times of feverish excitement. In the spring of 1829, he declined
being again candidate, intending, in retlrempnt, amid the pursuits
of agriculture dear to him from education, in the cultivation of the
natural sciences, with the flowers and fields he loved, and the litera
ry avocations he delighted to follow, to seek means of usefulness and
happiness. In the autumn, induced by ardent desire to promote the
cause of education, he visited Augusta, to address the Female Acad
emy, founded there by a philanthropic citizen. Suffering from se
vere sickness, the performance of the task exhausted his strength)
and he became a martyr to the effort. He retired from the exer
cises to the house of a friend, where he died, three days after, Oct.
11, 1829, at the age of forty years.
His proclamations were marked with purity and expansive liberali
ty of sentiment, and terse felicity of expression. Official correspon
dence, vindicating, with decision and dignity, the rights of the state,
was published araong the documents of the contested north eastern
boundary. His contributions to the press were characterized by sin
gular elegance of style, masculine energy of thought, and compre
hensive views. An extended work. Illustrative of the history and
resources of Maine, was left unfinished, in manuscript.
In his moral constitution there were elements brighter than gifts
of genius. Overflowing kindness of disposition, ready to do good
to every human being, was associated with rectitude of judgment,
and united to qualities giving fo benevolence its highest value. The
stedfast sense of justice was never debased by personal Interest or
feeling, or darkened by sectarian or party prejudice. Manly intre-

246 LAWYERS.
pidity, fearing nothing but the consciousness of doing wrong, was
unshaken by the dread of undeserved censure or popular excitement.
Edward D. Bangs, [H. U. 1827, A, M.] son of Hon. Edward
Bangs of Worcester, studied with his father, and, on being admit
ted to practise in 1813, entered into partnership with William E,
Green, which continued four years. In 1816, 1817, 1820, and 1824,
he was representative of the town. In 1824, he was appointed suc
cessor to Rejoice Newton, as County Attorney, and soon after, was
elected Secretary of the Commonwealth. The duties of this office
were discharged for twelve years with fidelity and ability which com
manded the respect, and courtesy and urbanity securing the good
will of all. Mr. Bangs declined reelection, in January, 1836, on ac
count of the impaired state of his health. i
John Davis, Y, C, 1812, son of Isaac Davis, of Northborough,
Mass, (a respectable farmer, and for more than forty years deacon of
the church of that town,) studied with Hon, Francis Blake, came
to the bar in Dec, 1815, and established himself in Spencer, in the
county of Worcester, a place then of small business, and affording
narrow sphere for the exertion of talent. In May 1816, he remo
ved to Worcester, and soon attained high professional eminence.
From 1824 to the time of the appointment of Levi Lincoln to the
bench of the Suprerae Court in 1825, he was partner of that gefttle-
man; afterwards connected with Charles Allen, Esq. frora 1825, to
1831 ; and subsequently with Emory Washburn, Esq. to 1834.
In the autumn of 1824, he was chosen Representative of the south
district of Worcester county in the Congress of the United States,
and held his seat by successive reelections until January 1834. He
was distinguished as the advocate of the ' American System ' of pro
tection to horae industry : his speeches on the bill to increase the du
ties on wool and woolens of 1827 ; on the Tariff bill of 1828 ; upon
the bill for the more effectual collection of Imposts of 1830 ; and in
answer to Mr, MpDuffie of South Carolina in 1832 ; were widely cir
culated in newspapers and pamphlets. In 1830, he was appointed
by the Executive, speaial Agent, to attend at Washington, the ad
justment of the claim of Massachusetts for services, rendered by her
troops during the war with England, He was elected Governor of
the Commonwealth, for the year beginning January 1, 1834, and re-
1 The unwearied kindness of Mr, Bangs, in full and frequent communications, and in
permitting free access to the rolls and files among the precious treasures of the past
heretofore in his official custody, has essentially aided in the preparation of this work
and deserves the most grateful acknowledgment.

LAWYERS. 247
elected for the succeeding political term. In 1835 he was chosen
by the Legislature, Senator of the United States for the period ex
piring in 1841. He received the degree of LL. D. frora Harvard
University, in 1834. He was elected President of the Worcester
County Historical Society in 1826, and Vice President of the Amer
ican Antiquarian Society in 1832.
John W, Hubbard, D, C. 1814, son of Roswell Hubbard, was
born at Brookfield, Vt. and adopted and educated by Rev. Samuel
Austin, his relative by marriage. His professional studies were pur
sued partly with Gov. Van Ness, at Burlington Vt. and partly with
Samuel M. Burnside, Esq. Frora his adraission to the bar in 1817,
until his death, September 17, 1825, he practised here. He possess
ed a strong and well cultivated mind, and had given evidence of tal
ents and acquirements, which, with health and longer life, would
have ensured distinction.
Pliny Merrick, H. U. 1814, son of Hon. Pliny Merrick, of Brook
field ; studied with Levi Lincoln ; opened an office in Worcester,
after admission to the bar in 1817; practised here to May 1818 ; in
Charlton, Mass. for three months following ; in Swansey, Bristol
county, to Aug, 1820 ; and in Taunton, where he was partner of
Hon, Marcus Morton, during one year, to 1824. In June of the lat
ter year, he removed to Worcester ; on the 6th of July, 1824, was
appointed County Attorney, by Gov. Brooks, succeeding Edward D.
Bangs, Esq. ; and Attorney for the Middle District, by Gov. Lincoln,
May 24, 1832, upon the organization of the criminal courts distinct
frora the civil tribunals. He represented the town in the Legisla
ture in 1827; and in 1827, 1828, 1829, 1835, was one of the board
of Selectraen.
Austin Denny, son of Daniel Denny, was born in Worcester,
Dec, 31, 1795. Although possessing a vigorous constitution, an
accident at early age, occasioned a painful disease, which followed
him to a premature grave. He graduated at Yale College in 1814,
and comraenced the study of law in the office of Hon. Nathaniel
Paine. The malady preying on his systera, deprived hira of the
use of his right arm, and so debilitated another member* that the
exercise of walking was attended with difficulty. Fortitude and per
severance mitigated the pressure of misfortunes so severe. In De
cember, 1817, he was admitted to the bar of the Court of Common
Pleas, and commenced practise in-Harvard, in this county. In 1819
he returned to Worcester. For several years he was editor of the
Massachusetts Spy, and in 1823, established the Massachusetts Yeo-

248 LAWYERS.
man, and continued proprietor and conductor of that print until his
decease, July 1, 1830,
He was a well read lawyer, industrious and faithful in the trans
action of business, and a vigorous and able writer, ' Of his intel
lectual powers,' says one who knew him well, ' the distinguishing
feature was clearness and strength of comprehension. His views
were distinct, his knowledge exact, his reasonings just and candid,
his expressions forcible and pertinent. Of his mind, the moral char
acteristic was purity. He was not one of the few, who cOuld aston
ish by the vastness of the efforts, or the splendor of their achieve
ments, He belonged to a larger, and not less useful class, who give
life and health and vigor to society, by bringing to its service prac
tical talents, useful knowledge, and blameless morals.' ^
Cliarles Allen, [Y. C. 1836, A. M.] son of Hon. Joseph Allen,
born in Worcester, Aug. 9, 1797, entered Yale College, but soon
withdrew from that Institution. He studied with Sarauel M, Burn
side, Esq. ; was admitted in August, ]818; and practised in New
Braintree to July, 1824. In that year, he removed to Worcester,
and was partner of Hon. John Davis to 1831. He was elected
representative of the town in 1829, 1833, and 1834; of the Board
of Selectmen in 1832 ; and Senator of the Commonwealth, in 1835,
1836. Alfred Dwight Foster, H. U. 1819, son of Hon. Dwight Foster,
born in Brookfield, studied in the office of Samuel M. Burnside, Esq,
was admitted in 1822, and resided in his native town to 1824, He
settled in Worcester in 1825, was professional partiier of Mr, Burn
side, until 1827, and has since retired frora practise. He was rep
resentative in 1831, 1832, 1833, and selectman in 1832, He has
been one of the Trustees and Treasurer of the State Lunatic Hos
pital from 1833,
. William S. Andrews, H. U. 1812, son of William Andrews, born
in Boston, studied at the Law School in Litchfield Conn,, and with
Hon, Francis Blake, He was in business in iSpencer, Mass, in 1817;
afterwards practised in Maine ; and in Worcester in 1824 and 1834,
He is now resident in Boston, and has been author of several theolog
ical treatises,
Isaac Davis, B, U, 1822, sOn of Phinehas Davis, was born in North
borough, Mass ; studied with Hon. John Davis; and settled in Wor
cester, upon being adraitted in 1825. He was one of the Visitors
' Massachusetts Spy, July 7, 1830.

LAWYERS. 249
of the Military Academy at West Point in 1833 : Vice President of
the Massachusetts Sabbath School Union from 1832 ; of the Mas-
sachusetls Baptist Convention from 1833: of the New England
Sabbath School Union from its organization in 1835 : and President
of the Board of Trustees of the Worcester Manual Labor High
School from 1834.
Tlwmas Kinnicutt, B. U. 1822, son of Thomas Kinnlcutt, was
born in Warren, R. I; studied with Hon. Francis Baylies at Taun
ton, Mass; at the Law School in Litchfield, Conn; and with Hon,
John Davis; and practised in Worcester from 1825, He was in the
House of Representatives of Massachusetts in 1835 ; Trustee of the
State Lunatic Hospital in 1835, 1836 ; and Selectman in 1836,
William Lincoln, H, U. 1822, son of Levi Lincoln, sen,
Richard H, Vosb, B, C, 1822, born at Augusta, Maine, son of
Solomon Vose, Esq. grandson of Rufus Chandler, studied with Levi
Lincoln and Hon. John Davis, practised here about a year in part
nership with Pliny Merrick, Esq. and removed to Augusta in 1824.
Christopher Columbus Baldwin, son of Eden Baldwin, was
born in Templeton, Mass. August 1, 1800; entered Harvard Uni
versity in 1819 : and withdrew from that institution, with many of
his classmates, May 1823. He entered the office of Levi Lincoln and
Hon. John Davis, and on the retirement of the former from the bar
completed his legal studies with the latter gentleraan ; was admitted
in June 1826, and comraenced practise in Worcester, In May 1830,
he removed to Barre, Mass, and in November following, to Sutton,
Mass. where he formed a connection with Jonas L, Sibley, afterwards
Marshal of Massachusetts, In the autumn of 1831, he was elect
ed Librarian of the American Antiquarian Society, and relinquish
ed a profession he never loved. The duties of this office were dis
charged with singular zeal and fidelity. While on a journey for the
recovering of impaired health, and with the purpose of exploring the
mounds and memorials of the perished nations of the West, he was
killed, in Norwich, Ohio, by the overturn of a stage coach, August
20, 1835, at the age of twenty five years.
He possessed lively wit, antiquarian taste and knowledge, kind
ness of disposition and benevolence of feeling, and remarkable sin
cerity and simplicity of character.
In the autumn of 1825, Mr, Baldwin became one of the editors
and proprietors of the Worcester Magazine and Historical Journal,
published by himself and Williara Lincoln, in monthly numbers, du
ring a year, forming two octavo volumes. He furnished the history
32

250 LAWYERS.
of Templeton, many essays, biographical sketches, and selections
of revolutionary papers, for that work.
Isaac Goodwin, son of William Goodwin, long postmaster, and
cashier of a bank in Plymouth, was born in that ancient town, June
28, 1786, Educated in the coraraon schools, he early entered the
office of Hon. Joshua Thoihas, a counsellor of good reputation, and
was admitted to practise in 1808, He opened an office in Boston,
but removed, August 16, 1809, to Sterling, in Worcester county.
There he remained to April, 1826; then he became resident in
Worcester, where he died, of dropsy of the heart. Sept, 17, 1832,
One nurtured fast by the pilgrim's rock, on the soil they first trod,
could not fail to imbibe the antiquarian's love of old times. Such
taste, combined with studious habits and facility in the acquisition
of knowledge, led hira to familiar acquaintance with the traditionary
lore and recorded narratives of New England's history. Diligent
inquiry into the origin and progress of our social and beneficent
institutions, with lively interest in their objects, enabled him to
extend their usefulness. Readiness in assuming and transacting
business of a public character, made him a. valuable member of the
community. Writing with ease and grace, he was frequent con
tributor to the periodical press; The general view of the county,
and the detailed account of Sterling, in the Worcester Magazine of
1826, were from his pen. He published ' The Town Officer,' in
1826, which has been through three editions ; and ' The New Eng
land Sheriff' in 1830; useful compilations of the duties of munici
pal and civil officer^. Of the many occasional addresses delivered
by hira, the following were printed : address before the Araerican
Antiquarian Society, Aug. 24, 1820 : address before the Worcester
Agricultural Society, Oct. 13, 1824 : Oration on the one hundred
and fiftieth anniversary of the destruction of Lancaster by the In
dians, Feb, 21, 1826,
Emory Washburn, "W, C, 1817, son of Joseph Washburn of Leic
ester ; studied with Nathaniel P, Denny, Esq, and Bradford Suraner,
Esq, in his native town ; in the Law school of Harvard University;
and with Charles Dewey, Esq, then of Williarastown : and was adrait
ted attorney at Lenox, in March, 1821, He practised at Charlemont,
in Franklin county, for six months ; in Leicester, to March, 1828 ;
and since in Worcester,
In 1826, he was representative of Leicester, Master in Chancery
from 1830, and Trustee of the State Lunatic Hospital in 1836.
Edward J. Vose, B. C. 1825, brother of Richard, studied with

LAWYERS. 251
Hon. John Davis and Charles Allen, Esq, was admitted in 1828,
opened an office here in 1829, and died June 1831.
Henry Paine, son of Hon. Nathaniel Paine of Worcester, entered
Yale College in 1820, but soon left that institution on account of ill
health ; studied with Samuel M. Burnside, Esq ; and was admitted,
and began practise here, in June 1827.
WilUam N. Green, son of William E, Green, a native of Wor
cester, pursued his professional studies with Samuel M, Burnside
Esq. and commenced practise here in 1828.
William M, Towne, A. C. 1825, son of Hon, Salem Towne, born
in Charlton, Mass. studied with Hon, John Davis and Charles Allen,
Esq : and comraenced practise here in 1828. In 1834, he forraed
a partnership with Joseph W. Newcorab ; and in the autumn of 1835,
relinquished the profession, and engaged in manufactures.
Jubal Harrington, B. U. 1825, son of Fortunatus Harrington, born
in Shrewsbury, Mass. studied in the Law School at Northampton,
Mass. under the instruction of the late Hon. Samuel Howe and Elijah
H. Mills, and with Pliny Merrick, Esq. He coramenced practise
here in 1828 ; was editor of the ' Worcester Republican ' from the
establishment of that print, March 4, 1829; representative in 1831,
1832, and 1836 ; and postmaster from Nov. 9, 1833.
Charles G. Prentiss, born in Leominster, Mass. was son of Charles
Prentiss. He studied with Rejoice Newton, and practised in Ox
ford, Worcester county, from his admission in 1821 to 1829. He
then removed to Worcester, and has been towntreasurer from 1832.
Otis C. Wheeler, son of Daniel G. Wheeler, born in Worces
ter, studied with Hon. John Davis and Charles Allen, Esq. and was
admitted to the bar in 1830. Consumption had fastened upon him,
and he died, of that disease, while on a journey, at St. Augustine,
Florida, Feb. 6, 1831, aged 23.
Daniel Henshaw, H. U, 1807, son of Col, William Henshaw,
born in Leicester, Mass, studied with Hon, Nathaniel Paine ; prac
tised at Winchendon, in Worcester county, to 1830 , in Worcester,
during the succeeding year ; removed to Boston in 1832 ; and after
wards to Lynn, Mass,
David T. Brigham, U. C, 1828, son of Edmund Brigham ;
born in Shrewsbury, Ma.ss ; studied with E, C, Southerland of Or
ange county, N, Y ; and Pliny Merrick, Esq ; was admitted and be
gan business here in 1831,
Maturin L. Fisher, B, U, 1828, son of Rev, Lewis Fisher, born at
Danville, Vt, studied with Isaac Davis, Esq ; was admitted 1831 ;

253

LAWYERS.

and entered into practise here. Since the decease of Mr. Baldwin
he has been acting Librarian of the Araerican Antiquarian Society.
George Folsom, H. U. 1822, of Saco, Maine, studied with Ether
Shepley, Esq. and commenced practise here in 1832.
Benjamin F. Thomas, B, U, 1830, son of Isaiah Thomas, jun.
and grandson of Dr, Isaiah Thomas ; studied in the Law School of
Harvard University, and with Pliny Merrick, Esq, and was admitted
to practise in 1833,
Edwin Condnt, H. U, 1829, son of Jacob Conant, born in Ster
ling, Mass, studied with Rejoice Newton and William Lincoln, and
at the Law School in Cambridge ; practised in Sterling to 1833 ;
and since in Worcester,
Jesse W. Goodrich, U, C, 1829, son of Jesse Goodrich, born
in Pittsfield, Mass ; studied with Jonathan Jenkins of Rensselaerville
N, Y ; and R, M. Blatchford in the city of New York. In 1833,
he was adraitted at the bar of Worcester county, and forraed a co
partnership with David T, Brigham, which continued to June, 1836,
Abijah Bigelow, D. C, 1795, son of Elisha Bigelow, born in West
minster, Mass ; studied with Hon. Samuel Dana in Groton ; and for
a short time with Hon. Samuel Dexter in Charlestown : and practis
ed in Leominster to 1817, On the decease of Hon, Francis Blake,
he was appointed Clerk of the Courts, which he resigned in the spring
of 1834, and opened an office in Worcester,in connection with George
Folsom, Esq, This partner-ship continued about a year,
Mr, Bigelow was meraber of the House of Representatives in the
11th and 12th Congress, from 1810 to 1813,
Ira Barton, B, U, 1819, born in Oxford, Mass ; studied with Sam
uel W, Bridgham, Esq. in Providence, R. I ; Suraner Bastow, Esq ;
in Sutton ; Levi Lincoln in Worcester ; and in the Law School at
Cambridge ; and practised in Oxford to 1834, He represented that
town in the Legislature of the Commonwealth, in 1830, 1831, 1832 •
and was Senator of Massachusetts in 1833, 1834, In 1834 he re
moved to Worcester, and, in Jan, 1836, was appointed Judge of Pro
bate for the county of Worcester, on the resignation of Hon. Nathan
iel Paine,
George W. Richardson, H, U 1829, son of John Richardson, now
of Newton, born in Boston ; studied with John H. Richardson, Esq,
and Pliny Merrick, Esq : was admitted, and began practise here in
1834. Andrew Jackson Davis, son of Phinehas Davis, born in North
borough, Mass; studied with his brother, Isaac Davis, Esq. and af-

LAWYERS. 253
ter admission to practise, in September, 1834, was connected in
business with hira for a year.
Daniel Waldo Lincoln, H. U. 1831, son of Levi Lincoln, born in
Worcester, studied with Rejoice Newton and William Lincoln, and
was admitted to practise in 1834.
Joseph W. Newcomb, W. C. 1825, son of Richard E. Newcomb,
born in Greenfield, Mass. studied with his father and with Rejoice
Newton and Williara Lincoln, practised in Templeton to 1830;
Salisbury, Mass. to 1834; and since in Worcester. He removed to
New Orleans in the autumn of 1836.
William Pratt, B. U. 1825, son of Col. Nymphas Pratt, born in
Shrewsbury, Mass ; studied with Pliny Merrick, Esq ; and practised
in his native town, until April, 1835 ; when he came to Worcester,
and formed professional connection with Mr. Merrick.
Andrew D. McFarland, U. C. 1832, son of William McFar
land, born in Worcester, in 1811, studied with Hon. John Davis and
Emory Washburn, Esq. ; coramenced practise here in 1835; and
died in Worcester, June 23, 1836.
John H. Richardson, H. U. 1825, brother of George W. Rich
ardson, born at Concord, Mass. studied with Hon. Levi Thaxter of
Watertown, Hon. William Prescott and Franklin Dexter, Esq. of
Boston ; and comraenced practise in Newton, Mass. He reraoved
to Worcester, April, 1836, and entered into partnership with his
brother. George Ticknor Curtis, H. U. 1832, son of Benjamin Curtis
of Boston, born in Watertown ; studied in the Law School at Cam
bridge ; in the offices of Wells and Alvord at Greenfield ; and of
Charles P. Curtis in Boston ; was admitted in Suffolk, August,
1836, and established himself in Worcester soon after.
PHYSICIANS.
It is not now practicable to trace with exactness the succession
of physicians of the town. Of the professional life of the early med
ical raen, no public record remains : of their personal history, little
has been preserved. The few memorials of their useful labors
which can be gathered, are derived principally from tradition. The
following list, accurate so far as it extends, cannot be considered
full or complete.
Robert Crawford, was probably the first practitioner of medi
cine in Worcester. He emigrated from Ireland with the colony of
Scottish extraction, planting here in 1718. From his employment

254 PHYSICIANS,
in the military expeditions of the period, in the capacity of surgeon,
it may be inferred that he sustained respectable professional stand
ing. William Crawford, united the clerical and medical offices, and
served in the French Wars, sometimes as chaplain and sometimes
as surgeon. He was in the campaigns in Nova Scotia and on the
northern frontier, ^
Samuel Breck, son of Rev. Robert Breck, second minister of
Marlborough, who married Elizabeth Wainwright of Haverhill, in
1707, was probably here in 1730, He too was surgeon in the prov
incial army. He reraoved to Windsor, Conn, about 1747, and died
in Springfield, Mass, in 1764,
Nahum Willard, son of Col, Abijah Willard, of Lancaster, was
born, April 22, 1733, and probably settled here about 1755. He
was surgeon of Capt, Goodwin's corapany, raarching with Col,
Chandler's Regiraent for the relief of Fort William Henry in 1757 :
and was in extensive practise. He removed to Uxbridge, Mass, af
ter the revolution, and died there, April 26, 1792, aged 59,
John Green, (sen,) son of Dr, Thomas Gieen,^ was born at Lei-
1 A branch of the Crawford family, was early settled in that part of Rutland called
Dublin: several brought testimonials of tneir church fellowship in Ireland. Hon" Wil
liam H. Crawford, formerly Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, and Judge
of the Supreme Court of Georgia, is said to have descended from the planters of Rut
land, Reed's Rutland, 155.
" Thomas Green, ancestor of a family distinguished through successive generations
for medical skill, was a native of Maiden, Mass. The surgeon of a British ship, a cas
ual visitor of his father, probably gave direction to the taste of the son, by the donation
of a volume on medicine. Active, energetic, and enterprising, he set forth into the wil
derness to seek fortune, wilh the outfit of an axe, a gun, a cow, and his whole library of
one book, and became an early settler of the plantation, called by the natives Towtaid
by the English Strawberry-bank, now Leicester. His first dwelling was formed under
a shelving rock, which stretched a natural roof over his cabin. The severe labor of
hewing away the forest brought on a fever, Feeling the premonitory symptoms of the
disease, he provided for subsistence during impending sickness in the solitude by tying
the calf of the single animal he owned, near his primitive habitation, and when the
mother returned to feed her ofispring, he was enabled to obtain the nourishment feeble
condition prevented him from seeking abroad, and thus, alone, and unassisted, he pre
served a valuable life through severe illness,
The Indians were near neighbors of the white settler. From their communicated know
ledge of roots and herbs, from the science drawn from a few books, and, more than all,
from the action of a vigorous mind, he soon became skilful as a physician. While he
exercised the cure of bodies, he assumed the care of souls, as clergyman, an union of
professions not remarkable in early times. His success as a preacher, was scarcely less
considerable than his reputation as doctor. A respectable Baptist society was gathered,
and a meeting house built, through his agency. A life of persevering industry and ex
tensive usefulness, terminated, October 25, 1778, at ihe age of 73 years, Thatcher's
Medical Biography, 274, Washburn's Leicester in Wor. Hist, Mag. ii, 92,

WILLIAM PAINE, 255
tester, Aug, 14, 1736, Educated by his father, and Inheriting pe
culiar talents, he came into the profession early, and settled in Wor
cester, about 1757, Tradition bears ample, though very general, tes
timony of his worth. Fortunate adaptation of natural capacity to pro
fessional pursuits, gave an extensive circuit of employment and high
reputation. Habits of accurate observation, the action of vigorous
intellect, and the results of experience, seem to have supplied the
place of that learning, deriving its acquirements frora the deductions
of others, through the medium of books. Enjoying great esteera for
skill and fidelity, hospitality and benevolence secured personal re
gard. He was a leading and influential whig, raember of the revo
lutionary committees, representative in 1777, and selectman in 1780,
He died Oct, 29, 1799, aged 63 years,i
Elijah Dix, son of James Dix of Waltham, studied with the elder
Dr. Green, and coramenced practise about 1770, Managing exten
sive concerns, and having much employraent as physician and drug
gist, he was in active business raore than thirty years. He died at
Dixmont, Me, June 7, 1809,
William Paine, H, U, 1768, eldest son of Hon, Timothy Paine,
was born in Worcester, June 5, 1750, One of his early Instructors
was President John Adams, who taught a school while reading law
in the office of James Putnam, His medical studies were under the
direction of the late venerable Dr. Edward A. Holyoke, at Salem.
After the usual period of novitiate, he corainenced practise here, in>
1771. A partnership was forraed with Drs. Levi Shepherd and
Ebenezer Hunt of Northarapton, for the sale of drugs and medicines,
and the flrst apothecary's shop of the county opened here, about 1772.
For the purpose of facilitating the negotiations of this business
abroad, and of perfecting his raedical education. Dr. Paine visited
Europe, long previous to the commencement of hostilitios. Sail
ing frora England, in the spring of 1775, he found, on his arrival at
Salem, that war had broken out. The proceedings of the revolu
tionary tribunals, were summary. On the evidence that he was an
absentee, he was denounced as loyalist. Return to his family and
home being precluded, he took passage back to Liverpool, designing
to avail himself of the advantages and means of improvement af
forded by foreign institutions, until the conflict should terminate.
His property, thus abandoned, suffered confiscation, and his name was
inserted on the list of those designated as enemies of their country,
' Dr, Green married Mary Osgood, and afterwards Mary, daughter of Brigadier
Timothy Ruggles, who died Jime 16, 1814, aged 74 years.

256 PHYSICIANS,
After a year's attendance on the hospitals, having received the
diploma of Doctor of Medicine from Marischal College, Aberdeen,
Nov, 1, 1775, as the contest still continued, he accepted the commis
sion of Apothecary to the forces in America, entered the army m
that capacity, and served in Rhode Island and at New York. In
January, 1781, in attendance on his patient. Lord Wlnchelsea, he
again crossed the Atlantic, Driven from her course by storms, the
ship entered the port of Lisbon, After some stay there, he went
to England, and in October, was admitted licentiate of the Royal
College of Physicians, and, for a long time, his name was enrolled
among those of the practitioners of London. Returning to New
York, in March, 1782, he was appointed by Sir Guy Carlton, in
October following. Physician to the army, and soon was ordered to
Halifax, where he remained on duty, until the troops were reduced,
in 1783, when he was disbanded on half pay. In June, 1784, he
took possession of Le Tete Island, in the Bay of Passaraaquoddy,
granted by the government for services, and erected a house, with
a view to permanent residence. The solitude of the wild situation
not proving agreeable to, his farally, he removed, and entered into
practise in the city of St. Johns. In 1785, he was elected raeraber
of the assembly of New Brunswick, from the County of Charlotte ;
and appointed Clerk of that body. The office of deputy, was con
ferred by his friend, Gov. Wentworth, Surveyor General of the
King's Forests, and retained until the summer of 1787, when, by
permission from the War Office, he went to Salem, With good
professional business, and occasionally writing marine policies there,
after the death of his father, July 17, 1793, he returned to his native
place, and occupied the paternal estate until his decease, April 19,
1833, at the age of 83 years.
Dr, Paine was fellow of the American Acadgmy of Arts and Sci
ences, and rnember of the Medical, Agricultural, Linnean, Essex
Historical, and American Antiquarian, Societies, He possessed
extensive professional learning and refined literary taste, and was
equally respected as a physician and citizen,
Joseph Lynde, son of Joseph Lynde, i born at Charlestown, Mass,
Feb, 8, 1749, coramenced practise about 1774, and was for a time
1 Joseph Lynde, H,U, 1723, born at Charlestown, Mass, Jan, 7, 1703, married Mary
Lemmon, Feb. 24, 1736. After ihe destruction of Charlestown by the British troops in
1775, he resided in Worcester till his death. Four of his daughters married here : 1,
Sarah, b, Feb, 21, 1743, m. Andrew Duncan ; 2. Dorothy, b. May 23, 1746, m. Dr.
Elijah Dix : 3, Elizabeth, b, Oct. 1, 1756, m. Theophilus Wheeler, Esq. d. March 7,
1833: 4. Hannah, b. July 4, 1760, married Hon. Edward Bangs, d. Sept. 10, 1806.

THADDEUS MACCARTY. 257
connected with Dr, Dix ; superintended the Hospital for the small
pox in 1775, and had the reputation of a first rate physician and an
excellent man. He removed about 1783, and established hiraself
as druggist in Hartford, Conn, and died in that city, Jan, 15, 1829,
aged 80.
Among other physicians in practise here before the revolution were
these : Ebenezer Whitney, in the inventory of whose estate,
March 7, 1744, the library is appraised at 4s. 6d, and the drugs at
£6. 18s, : Zachariah Harvey, whose medical title is preserved on
the records, with the fact that he slew sixty seven rattlesnakes in
1740 : John Fiske, who died here in 1761 : Thomas Nichols of
Danvers, who came frora Sutton about 1765, and died Dec, 17,
1794, at the age of 82 years : William and George Walker, sons
of that Capt, John Walker, who commanded a company of foot in
the provincial service during the French wars.
Thaddeus Maccarty, Y, C. 1766, son of Rev. Thaddeus Mac
carty, was born in Worcester, Dec. 19, 1747. Under the instruc
tion of Dr. John Frink of Rutland, an eminent physician of the
county, he received his medical education, and commenced practise
in Dudley, in 1770, entering into partnership and extensive business
with Dr, Ebenezer Llllie. On the termination of three years, this
connection was dissolved. Removing to Fitchburg, Mass. he found
there full and laborious employment. The small pox made fearful
ravages in the country about this period. Dr, James Latham, man
aged this terrible disease, once the scourge of the race, with great
safety in the Suttonian method. i To acquire the art of resisting the
prevalent malady, in 1775, Dr, Maccarty left his family, repaired to
a hospital in Great Barrington under the superintendence of this
practitioner, and learned the mode of cure by suffering its operation.
In the following year, having obtained the right to extend the rem
edy, and the license required by law from the Court of Sessions, with
' The remedy was kept secret by tho inventor. Dr. William Sutlon, of Surry, in Eng
land, except from those who purchased knowledge. Il Is hinted in a publication of the
time, that, in obtaining his patent, he veiled his discovery by a false specification. Dr.
Latham, surgeon in his majesty's 8th regiment of foot, partner and agent of Sutlon, who
introduced the system in America, resided at Livingston Manor, in New York. He
licensed physicians to administer the medicines prepared and furnished by himself
within certain towns and llmils, they contracting to pay over to him one half of all mon
ies received, until his portion should amount lo three hundred pounds, and afterwards,
one third of all further sums obtained in the business; and covenanting not to attempt,
by analysis or otherwise, lo discover the composition of the medicines. Difiefent inno
cent drugs were mixed in the preparation, to defeat any examination which might be
made. MS. of John W. Stiles, Esq.
33

258 PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Israel Atherton of Lancaster, he conducted a hospital in Fitch
burg, with such success, that of eight hundred patients, five only
were lost by death. The earnest solicitations of his father, the
venerable clergyman of Worcester, then fast declining to the grave,
induced the son, at great sacrifice, to return to his native town, in
June, 1781, In June, 1785, he was elected Fellow of the Massa
chusetts Medical Society. Not receiving adequate patronage here,
and his own health being much impaired, he took up his permanent
residence in Keene, N. H, in June, 1789, and engaged in mercan
tile business, practising physic occasionally. In the spring of 1793,
he again made use of Dr, Sutton's raedicine, in a small pox hospital at
Charlestown, N, H, In 1796, he applied Dr, Perkins' once famous
Metallic Tractors, vyith singular efficacy. For some time, wonder
ful cures were wrought, and these fanciful agents, in his hands, en
joyed signal reputation, But the warm faith so essential to their
usefulness subsided, and the Tractors sunk beneath the merciless
satire of Fessenden. In February, 1797, Dr. Maccarty was cora
missioned Justice of the Peace for the County of Cheshire, and in
February, 1802, of the Quorum, and officiated extensively in the
capacity of magistrate. He was Chairman of the Selectmen of
Keene for many years. He died in that town, Nov, 21, 1802,^
John Green, the second of like name and fame, born in Wor
cester, March 18, 1763, came to the practise of medicine at the early
age of eighteen years, ' From his childhood,' writes his biogra
pher,^ 'the natural bias of his mind led him to that profession,
which, through life, was the sole object of his ardent pursuit. To
be distinguished as a physician, was not his chief incentive. To
assuage the sufferings of humanity by his skill, was the higher mo
tive of his benevolent mind. Every duty was performed with deli
cacy and tenderness. With these propensities, aided by a strong,
inquisitive, and discriminating mind, he attained to a preeminent
rank among the physicians and surgeons of our country.' It has been
the high privilege of few of our community to enjoy so much of con
fidence and respect; to be so loved while living, and so mourned
when dead. A life whose events were acts of usefulness, skill, and
1 Dr. Maccarty married Experience, daughter of Thomas Cowdin, Esq. of Fitchburgh,
Jan. 1775; she died at Worcester, Jan. 29, 1789. His only daughter married, Nov.
1801, John W. Stiles, Esq. sometime of Templeton, who died at Worcester, Sept. 1836.
Although ihe Rev. Thaddeus Maccarty had a numerous family of fifteen children,
there now survive of his posterity only one grand child, two great-grandchildren, and
three great-great-grandchildren, » Hon ,01iver Fiske in Thatcher's Medical Biography,

OLIVER FISKE. 259
charity, affords few incidents for narrative :, it was terminated Aug,
11, 1808.
Samuel Prentice, a man of talents and eminent as surgeon,
came from Stonington, Conn, in January, 1783, A Medical Soci
ety was formed in the County in 1785, but not sustained. Of this
association he was Secretary, He removed to Keene, N, H, about
1786 ; and afterwards settled in Saratoga, N, Y,
Oliver Fisk,e, H. U, 1787, son of Rev. Nathan Fiske, was born
in Brookfield, Mass. Sept. 2, 1762. His early education was superin
tended by his father, whose productive farm, during most of the
revolutionary war, was, from necessity, principally confided to his
management. In the sumraer of 1780, a requisition for recruits was
made. The quotas of men, had, thus far, been furnished without
compulsory process ; but levies had been so frequent, that none
would enlist freely, at a season so busy. The company, then com
manded by the late Major General John Cutler, was ordered to meet
for a draft. Exempted, by the courtesy extended to clergymen, from
military duty, and never having been enrolled, Dr, Fiske offered
hiraself as volunteer, with the approbation of his father, who ap
plauded the patriotic spirit, while the personal sacrifice it involved
was severely felt. Animated by the example, the requisite number
came from the ranks on the parade. The regiraent, in which they
were embodied, was ordered to West Point, and was stationed in the
vicinity of that post, at the defection of Arnold and the capture and
execution of Andr6, On being discharged, he returned to the farm,
and was employed in its cultivation until the close of the war, in
1783, when he entered Harvard College, At the breaking out of
Shay's Insurrection, he was instrumental in reorganizing the Marti-
Mercurian Band of the University, in obtaining an order frora Gov.
Bowdoin for sixty stands of arms at Castle William, and was second
officer of the company,. When the Court commenced at Concord,
he was the organ of a petition frora this corps, to march in support
of government, which was properly declined by the authorities of the
institution. In the winter vacation of 1786-7, he took a school at
Lincoln, but hearing of the threatened movements of the malcontents
to stop the judicial tribunals at Worcester, he procured a substitute
to assume his engagement, exchanged the ferule for appropriate
weapon, and hastened to this place. Finding the enemy dispersed,
and the troops on their way to Springfield, he set out to visit his
father. On the heights of Leicester, the report of Gen. Shepherd's
Artillery diverted him from his course. Uniting himself to a body

260 PHYSICIANS,
of light horsemen, then on their route, he joined Gen, Lincoln's
army. When the rebellion was suppressed, he resumed his studies^
without censure for the long absence, and graduated in 1787. After
the usual preparation, under the tuition of Dr, Atherton, of Lan
caster, he commenced business in this town, in October, 1790, He
was active in forming a County Medical Association, and in obtain
ing the establishment of the present district organization of the
Mass, Medical Society, Soon after the formation of the last named
body in the second raedical district, he was elected President, and
held the offices of Councillor and Censor until he retired from the pro
fession. In February, 1803, he was appointed special Justice of the
Court of Comraon Pleas, During five years succeeding 1809, he
was member of the Executive Council, The comraissions of Jus
tice of the Peace, of the duorura, and throughout the Common
wealth, were successively received, and the latter has been renewed
to the present time, Dr, Fiske was Corresponding Secretaryjjf the
Linnean Society of New England in 1815 ; of the Worcester Agri
cultural Society from 1824 ; and Councillor of the American Anti
quarian Society, He was Register of Deeds during the triennial
term from 1816 to 1821, Frora this period; an increasing defect in
the sense of hearing, induced him to retire from busy life, and devote
himself to the pursuits of horticulture and agriculture, those employ
ments, in his own graceful language, ' the best substitute to our
progenitors for their loss of Paradise, and the best solace to their
posterity for the evils they entailed,' The results of that taste and
skill in his favorite occupations, early imbibed, ardently cherished,
and successfully cultivated, have been freely and frequently commu
nicated to the public in many essays, useful and practical in matter,
and singularly elegant in manner.
John Green, B, U, 1804, son of the second Dr, Green, born in
Worcester, studied with his father, and succeeded to his practise in
1807, He has received the degree of M, D, from Harvar-d and
Brown Universities, and been Councillor and Censor of the Mas
sachusetts Medical Society, President of the Worcester District
Medical Society, and Councillor of the American Antiquarian
Society, Benjamin Chapin, son of Thaddeus Chapin, was born at Wor
cester, May 29, 1781, He studied with the second Dr, John Green,
and first entered into practise in Marlborough, Mass, In 1808, he
returned, was elected town clerk from 1818 to 1833, and died here
Jan, 15, 1835, aged 54 years.

PHYSICIANS, 261
Benjamin F. Heywood, D, C, 1812, son of Hon, Benjamin Hey
wood, a native of Worcester, attended the lectures of Dr. Nathan
Smith in the raedical schools of Dartmouth aud Yale Colleges, receiv
ed the degree of M, D, at the latter institution in 1815, and formed
partnership in practise with Dr, John Green, which continued twenty
years. He is Councillor and Cen.sor of the Massachusetts Medical
Society, Oliver Hunter Blood, II. U. 1821, son of Gen. Thomas II.
Blood of Sterling, was born at Bolton, Mass. His studies were pur
sued with Dr, Lemuel Capen in Sterling, and in the Medical Insti
tution of Harvard University, where he received his degree in regular
course. He practised in Worcester from 1825 to 1828 : resided in
Brookfield, Mass. from April, 1829, to Feb, 1831, when he returned
to Worcester,
John Simpkins Butler, Y, C. 1825, son of Daniel Butler, born in
Northampton, Mass. ; pursued his professional studies in the Medi
cal College in Boston, and the Jefferson Medical School in Philadel
phia, and received the degree of M. D. at the latter institution, in
1828, He comraenced practise in Worcester in 1829,
George Chandler, son of Maj, John Wilkes Chandler, born in
Porafret, Conn., pursued his preparatory studies in Brown Univer
sity and Union College, read medicine with Dr. H. Holt, and
received the degree of M. D. at Yale College, March 4, 1831 ;
commenced practise in Worcester, Nov. 3, 1831 ; and since March
28, 1833, has resided in the State Lunatic Hospital, in the capacity
of Assistant Physician and Apothecary.
Samuel Bayard Woodward, [Y. C. 1822, M. D.] son of Dr.
Samuel Woodward, i an erainent physician of Torringford, Conn, is
a native of that town. Having received good acaderaic education,
he pursued raedical studies, and entered into practice, with his
father, in his birth place, Reraoving to Wethersfield, Conn, in No
vember, 1816, extensive engagements of business attended his high
professional reputation. During his residence there, he was elected
Secretary of the Connecticut Medical Society, Vice President of
the Hopkins Medical Association, and one of the Medical Examin
ers of Yale College. In 1827, he was appointed Physician of the
' Dr. Samuel Woodward, born at Watertown, Conn. 1750, was not only distinguished
in his profession, but in political life. From 1800 to 1810, he was the candidate of the
democratic party, then a minority, for member of Congress ; was long member of the
Legislature of Connecticut; and, for many years, as the oldest representative, ' father
of the house,' He died, Jan, 26, 1835, aged 84,

262 PHYSICIANS,
State's Prison in Wethersfield, and held the office six years. In the
spring of 1832, he was chosen Senator in the Legislature of Con
necticut frora the first district. In th6 foundation of the Retreat' for
the Insane, at Hartford, he bore leading part. One of the first by
whom the project of that noble charity was presented to the public,
by his efforts, the funds of the Medical Society of the State were
bestowed for this most worthy purpose. Of the committees to ob
tain subscriptions, to assist in the foundation of the institution,
determine its location, and superintend the erection of buildings,
and one of the Visitors, the great weight of his personal exertions
and Influence were devoted to, its prosperity.
By a selection most fortunate for Massachusetts, Dr, Woodward
was appointed Superintendent of the State Lunatic Hospital, and
becarae resident in Worcester in January, 1833,^ bringing to that
establishraent, on its coramencement, those high qualifications de
sirable for its success.
Since his residence here he has become member of the Massa
chusetts Medical Society, of the Ohio Historical, Philo.sophlcal and
Medical Society, President of a Temperance Society, and connect
ed with other literary, medical, and useful associations.
The heavy and increasing labors of his official situation, preclude
him from exercising, beyond the walls of the hospital, except in con
sultation, the skill and experience acquired by wide practice. Yet the
relation he holds, justifies, while his high character renders desira
ble, the claim, to number among our physicians, one of whose name
any community might be proud,
Aaron Gardner Babcock, son of Amos Babeock, born at Prince
ton, Mass; studied with Dr. Chandler Smith in that town ; attended
the lectures, and received raedical degree at Bowdoin College, in
1830 ; commenced and continued business in Holden for three suc
ceeding years ; and began practise here, in May, 1834,
William Workman, son of Daniel T. Workman, born in Col-
raine. Mass, studied with Dr, Seth Washburn at Greenfield, and
Dr, Flint at Northampton, and received the degree of M, D, at the
Medical College of Harvard University in 1825, He practised in
Shrewsbury from 1825 to 1835, and in April of the latter year, re
moved to Worcester.
> On the removal of Dr. Woodward from Wethersfield, a card was transmitted to him,
subscribed by 670 persons, expressing warm personal regard, high respect for his tal
ents, worth and usefulness, and the sincere regret, which would be understood by all
who enjoy his acquaintance, for his departure. Mass. Spy, Jan. 16, 1833.

PHYSICIANS. 263
Chandler Smith, son of Calvin Sraith, born in Peru, Berkshire
county, studied with Dr. John M. Smith of West Boylston, received
his professional diploma frora the Berkshire Medical Institution in
1825 : and practised in Princeton, Mass. from Nov. 1826, until his
removal to Worcester in June, 1836.
Among the physicians since the revolution, not included in the
foregoing list, were : George Holmes Hall, a native of Medford,
who practised herp nearly three years from 1783, married a daugh
ter of Gardner Chandler, and removed to Brattleborough, Vt. where
he remained in his profession and in the business of apothecary :
Samuel Willard, of Harvard, who was resident of this town about
two years after 1790 : and John Homans, afterwards of Brookfield,
now of the city of Boston, who was of Worcester a few inonths in
1815. • The kindness of that accurate antiquarian, the Rev. Dr. T. M. Harris, by a com
munication since the last sheet went through the press, has furnished materials for cor
recting and extending the very brief notice of Dr. Dix, on page 255.
Doct. Elijah Dix, was bom al Watertown, Aug. 24, 1747. Enjoyingfew advantages
of early education, such was his desire to become qualified for respectable station in so
ciety, that, when a young man, he went to live w*iih the Rev. Aaron Hutchinson of Graf
ton, engaging to do sufficient work for him to pay for board and insti-uclion. Wilh
this excenlric man, who was a thorough scholar, he made good proficiency in the ele
ments of literature and science. His circumstances in life precluding the altalnment of
collegiate education, he entered himself as medical student with Dr. John Green. On
commencing the practise of the profession in Worcester, he connected with it an Apoth
ecary's store, having been qualified for this business by being some time wilh Dr. Wil
liam Greenleaf of Boston, and by careful atlenlion to the most approved Dispensato
ries. In the spring of 1784, having unsetded accounts with Dr. , Sylvester Gardner
who went, at the commencement of the revolution, from Boston to England as a loyal
ist, Dr, Dix, wilh an honorable sense of responsibility, made a voyage thilher, wilh the
means to liquidate the outstanding claims. An adjustment was efi*ected to the mutual
satisfaction of the old friends. The visit afforded opportunity, not only of enlarging his
knowledge of mankind, but establishing correspondence, for trade, with the houses of
eminent chemists and druggists in London. Besides a choice assortment of medicines,
he brought back some valuable books and philosophical and chemical apparatus. Re
turning to Worcester, he formed the plan of an Academy here, and uniting with him a
number of gentlemen, the institution was commenced, and for some time flourished. At
tentive to public improvement, he was the first lo set trees himself, and induce others to
plant them, on the borders of Main Street, He was one of the most efficient and zeal
ous promoters of the Worcester and Boston Turnpike, a work affording, at the period
of its establishment, great facilities to travel. Having built a house in Boston, and a
store for wholesale di-uggist's trade, he removed there in 1795. After that pari of Dor
chester, now South Bostonj was set off from the metropolis, and connected with it by a
bridge, he erected there an edifice, with furnaces and ovens, for refining Sulphur, and a
laboratory for clarifying camphor, and other preparations, proofs alike of chemical sci
ence and energetic spirit.
He was of strong natural powers of mind, of active industry and ardent enterprise.
As a physician, skill, improved by study , observation, and experience, rendered his ser
vices useful and successful, MS. of Rev, T. M. Harris.

264 GRADUATES OF COLLEGES.

CHAPTER XIV.
Graduates of Colleges, and natives of the town who have received liberal education.
Disllnguished citizens. John Chandler. Capt. Jonas Hubbard. Col. Timothy Big
elow, Col. Ephraim Doolitlle. David Thomas. Benjamin Heywood. Joseph
Allen. Isaiah Thomas. ,
Joseph Allen is the first person borne on the records of Harvard
College frora Worcester. His father was the Rev. Benjarain Allen,
an early settler, to whom land was granted at the south east corner
of the town. He was born Feb, 14, 1720, entered the University,
but was not graduated, and, it seems, died early,
Timothy Paine, H, U, 1748, son of Hon, Nathaniel Paine of
Bristol, R, I. removecl to Worcester at the age of eight years, and
was long one of our most respected and useful citizens. Soon after
leaving college he was engaged in the public service. The number
and variety of offices he heldj exhibit the estimation in which he stood.
He was Clerk of the Courts from 1750 to 1774 : Register of Pro
bate from 1756 to 1767: Register of Deeds from 1761 to 1778 :
Member of the Executive Council of the Province from 1766 fo
1773 ; in 1774, was appointed one of this Majesty's Mandamus Coun
cillors, a station which was declined in corapliance with public will
expressed in the manner related in preceding pages : Selectman
from 1753 to 1763, and from 1765 to 1774 : 'Pown Clerk for ten
years from 1733 : and Representative in 1788 and 1789,
Solid talents, practical sense, candor, sincerity, affability, and
mildness, were the characteristics of his life, which closed July 17,
1793, at the age of 63 years,
Rufus Chandler, H, U, 1766. See Lawyers.
Samuel Willard, H. U. 1767, son of Dr. Nahum Willard, born
April 13, 1748, studied medicine with Dr. Israel Atherton of Lan
caster, and established himself in Uxbridge in 1770. He was par
ticularly distinguished for his treatment of the insane, i
I He married Olive, daughter of Rev. Amariah Frost, of Milford, by whom he had
two sons: 1. Abijah, born Feb. 16, 1782, practised medicine in Uxbridge, and died
April 12, 1816. 2. George, physician in Uxbridge, and representative of that town in
the Legislature. Levi Willard, brother of Samuel, son of Nahum, born in Worcester,
Nov. 24, 1749, studied wilh his father, and went into the practise of medicine and sur
gery in Mendon J acquired good reputation in both departments ; and died there Dec.
11, 1809.

GRADUATES OF COLLEGES. 265
William Paine, H. U. 1768. See Physicians.
Nathaniel Chandler, H. U. 1768, son of Hon. John Chandler,
born Nov. 6, 1750, a student of James Putnam, was called to the
bar in 1771, and commenced business in Petersham, which he con
tinued until the courts were closed. Almost necessarily a royalist, he
became a refugee, and, for a time, commanded a corps of volunteers
in the British service. From New York he went to England,
Returning, in 1784, he engaged in trade in Petersham. Sickness
compelled him to relinquish the shop. He removed to Worcester,
where he died, March 7, 1801.1
Samuel Paine, H. U. 1771, son of Hon. Timothy Paine, born
Aug. 23, 1754 ; was associated with his father as Clerk of the Courts
and Register of Probate, before the revolution. He left the country,-
and visited New York, Nova Scotia, and England. He received
a pension of ,£84 per annum, from the British government, as an
American Loyalist. After the war he returned horae, and died in
Worcester, June 21, 1807.
William Chandler, H. U. 1772, son of Hon. John Chandler,
born Dec. 5, 1752, left the country at the commencement of the
revolution, and remained with the British during that contest. He
returned, and died in Worcester,
James Putnam, H, U. 1774, son of James Putnam, Esq, born
Nov, 16, 1756, retired to Nova Scotia immediately after leaving the
University ; became a favorite with the Duke of Kent ; accompanied
him to England, obtained the office of Marshal ; was raember of the
household of his patron, and one of the executors of his will,
Daniel Bigelow, H. U, 1775, son of Daniel Bigelow, was born
April 27, 1752. After leaving college, he instructed the town
school to the spring of 1776. Then he forraed connection with
Williara Stearns, Esq. in the publication of the Spy, On the return
of Mr, Thoraas from Salem, in 1777, the newspaper was surrender
ed to its original proprietor. He then entered the office of Mr,
Stearns, as student at law, was adraitted June, 1780, and opened an
office in Petershara, where he died Nov. 5, 1806. He was repre
sentative of that town from 1790 to 17i95; senator of the county
from 1794 to 1799 ; meraber of the executive council in 1801 ; and
was successor to Judge Sprague and predecessor of Judge Paine,
as county attorney .^
Nathaniel Paine, H, U, 177.5. See Lawyers.
Samuel Chandler, son of John Chandler, born Feb. 25, 1757,
' Willard's Address, 77. » Willard's Address 88.
34

266 GRADUATES OF COLLEGES/
was merchant, for some tirae connected with his brother Charles in
Worcester, afterwards engaged in trade in Putney, Vt. and was in
extensive business. He died Oct. 26, 1813, in Woodstock, Vt. He
entered Harvard College in 1771, but soon left the University,
Timothy Bigelow, H, U, 1786, was born in Worcester, April
30, 1767, His father. Col, Tiraothy Bigelow, engaging in the pri
mary movements of the revolution, was sOon called into military
service. The early education of the son, necessarily devolving on
maternal care, was comraenced in the public schools of his native
place. This then imperfect source of instruction was soon disturbed
by the troubles of the times, and he entered the printing ofliice of
Isaiah Thomas, where he was occupied during two years, ^ The
passion for books and the strong love of literature, were manifested
amid the employments of the press, by the devotion of leisure hours
to the acquisition of the elementary branches of English, and the
rudiments of Latin, In 1778, he was placed, as pupil, under the
charge of the Rev, Joseph Pope of Spencer, The spring of 1779
found him in the quarters of the Continental Army, posted to watch
the British forces on Rhode Island, gaining the manly accomplish
ments a camp affords, and enjoying the frank courtesies of military
life. When the regiment of Col, Bigelow marched south, he re
turned to his home, and pursued his studies for two years under the
kind superintendence of Benjarain Lincoln, son of the revolutionary
general, then student at law ; and when this gentleman left Worces
ter, they were continued, under the direction of another law student,
of great eminence in after life, the late Hon, Samuel Dexter, who
accompanied his scholar, and presented hira for admission at the
University, in 1782, In college, Mr, Bigelow took prominent rank
in a distinguished class,^ excelling in the exact sciences, and par
ticularly in matheraatics. Leaving Cambridge, he adopted the pro
fession of the law, and entered the office of Levi Lincoln, sen.
When the insurrection broke out, in 1787, he joined the army and
aided in sustaining the governraent against the wild designs of its
1 Hon, Benjamin Russell, long editor of the Columbian Centinel, and Senator and
Councillor of Massachusetts, was apprentice of Mr, Thomas, while Mr, Bigelow was in
the printing oflSce, Warm friendship arose, and was cherished, between these gentle
men, until the death of the latter,
2Among his classmates, were the late lamented Chief Justice Parker, Christopher G,
Champlin, U. S. Senator from Rhode Island, Thomas W.Thompson, U. S. Senator fron»
New Hampshire, Alden Bradford, Secretary of Massachusetts, John Lowell of Roxbury,
and William Harris, President of Columbia College, With such competitors, excellencs'
was high merit.

TIMOTHY BIGELOW, 267
internal enemies. When a company of colonists was formed, by
Gen, Rufus Putnam, from the inhabitants of Worcester and Essex,
for the first settlement of Ohio, he entered into the plan of emigra
tion, but was reluctantly induced to relinquish the execution by
doraestic considerations. Admitted to the bar in 1789, he com
menced, in Groton, Mass. the practise of a profession, whose duties
and labors were sustained, for raore than thirty years, by a constitu
tion never robust, against the pressure of bodily infirmity. In 1806,
he removed to Medford, and while resident there had an office in
Boston. His business was widely extended. Attending the courts
of Middlesex and Worcester, and those of Hillsborough and Merri
mack, N. H, he became one of the prominent counsellors at the
bar of Suffolk, and, in the latter years of his life, was retained in
many of the important causes in Essex and Norfolk, Among able
competitors and eloquent advocates, the broad range and multipli
city of his engagements, are Indications of standing not to be mis
taken, A fluent speaker, well versed in his profession, enjoying the
reputation of a good general scholar, he possessed the nobler merit
of high moral and religious principles,
Mr, Bigelow early entered the Legislature of the Comraonwealth,
From 1792 to May, 1797, he was representative from Groton : dur.
ing the four succeeding years. Senator : in 1802, Councillor : in
1804, he was again elected representative : for eighteen ensuing
years was returned member of the House ; in 1805, he was chosen
its Speaker ; and in 1808 and 1809, and subsequently, frora 1812 to
1819 inclusive, presided over this branch of the legislative depart
ment with signal ability and popularity. Entering warmly into.the
politics of the times, and entertaining the views of the opponents of
the policy and measures of the General Administration, he was a
prominent member of the Federal party; and in December 1814, as
delegate from Massachusetts, attended the Hartford Convention, with
his colleagues, Hon, George Cabot, Hon, Harrison G, Otis, and Hon,
Williara Prescott, of Boston, i In 1820 he was at the Council board ;
but, before the term had expired, he had ceased from earthly cares
and laid down the burdenof mortality. He died at Medford, May
18, 1821, aged 54 years.
Endowed with ready apprehension, of active and inquisitive mind,
gathering knowledge with remarkable facility, exact method and
system enabled him, under the pressure of a load of labors, to com
pass a vast amount of reading. Exploring almost every branch of
• Of this famous political assembly, Hon. Daniel Waldo of Worcester, was a member.

268 GRADUATES OF COLLEGES,
liberal science, he was peculiarly conversant with Theology, Resting
on scripture truth as the basis of faith and the guide of practise, the
better to resolve the dubious texts of the Bible, in his latter years, he
added to familiar acquaintance with Greek, sufficient proficiency in
Hebrew, to enable him to read the Old and New Testaments in their
original languages. With rare colloquial talents, he freely poured
forth the stores of diversified information, and the treasures of re
tentive memory, enlivened by Illustrative anecdote, and a vein of
sparkling humor. He was member of the American Acaderay, and
Vice President of the American Antiquarian Society, ^ He was
active in establishing aud conducting, the association of the ' Mid
dlesex Husbandmen,' Taste for Horticulture, led hira to execute a
systematic plan of ornamental gardening around his home, which
his liberal spirit made the seat of hospitality, and where were exer
cised the social and domestic virtues, rendering his private life as
excellent, as his public course was eminent.^
Thomas Chandler, H, U, 1787, son of the third Hon, John
Chandler, born Jan, 11, 1768, was raerchant, and died her€,
Gardner L. Chandler, H. U, 1787, son of Col, Gardner Chand
ler, born Nov, 29, 1768, studied law with Levi Lincoln, sen, and dis-
povered distinguished talent and capacity for a profession, which he
soon abandoned, and devoted himself to merchandise, in Boston.
Joseph Allen, H. U. 1792. See Lawyers.
William Dix, H. U, 1792, son of Dr, Elijah Dix, born July 25,
1772, studied, medicine with Dr, Waterhouse in Cambridge, and
1 While Free Masonry was in its palmy state in New England, Mr. Bigelow presided,
for two triennial terms, over the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and, in that capacity,
with a spendid cortege of craftsmen, in 1808, made a journey to PorUand, to instal the
officers of the Grand Lodge of Maine.
* Hon. Timothy Bigelow married, Sept. 1791, Lucy, daughter of Judge Oliver
Prescott ol Groton, one of the founders of the American Academy and of the Mass.
Medical Society. His children were : 1. Katherine, m. Hon. Abbott Lawrence of Bos
ton. 2' Andrew, settled in the ministry, first in Medford, afterwards over the first Congre
gational Church, in Taunton. 3. John Prescott, Secretary of the Commonwealth. 4.
Edward, residing at Medford: 5, Helen: 6, Francis, merchant in Boston . 7, Eliza
beth Prescott, living at Medford,
The publications of Hon. Timothy Bigelow, were: 1. Oration before the Phi Beta
Kappa, July 21, 1796, at Cambridge : 2. Funeral Oration on Hon. Samuel Dana, April 4,
1798, at Amherst, N. H. ; 3. Eulogy on Washington, Feb. 11, 1800, at Boston : 4. Ad
dress before the Washington Benevolent Society, April 30, 1814, at Boston.
The materials for this sketch have been derived from a Memoir, kindly furnished by
the Rev, Andrew Bigelow. Could the pen of that ripe scholar and elegant writer have
been borrowed, ample justice might have been rendered to the worth of his father.
In the Centinel of May 19, 1821, is a tribute to the memory of Mr. Bigelow, traced by
his early associate, Maj. Russel], with the glowing pen of friendship.

GRADUATES OF COLLEGES. 269
took his medical degree in 1795, when he delivered an inaugural
dissertation on dropsy, which was printed. He died at the island of
Dominica, in the West Indies, April 4, 1799.
Elijah Dix Gref.n, B, U. 1793, son of the second Dr. John Green,
born July 4, 1769, was physician in Charleston, S. C. where he
died. Sept, 21, 1795,
Samuel Brown, H. U. 1793, born Dec, 9, 1768, was son of Luke
Brown, commenced the study of physic with the elder John Green,
which was completed with Dr. John Jeffries, to whose daughter he
was united in marriage, and established himself in Boston. An
inaugural dissertation on the bilious malignant fever, July 10, 1797,
of extraordinary merit, gave hira, at once, distinguished reputation,
well sustained by rare skill and science. As a testimonial of appro
bation of the high merit of his essay, a silver plate was bestowed by
the Massachusetts Medical Society, of which he was meraber, A
disease of the knee so Impaired his constitution, that he submitted
to the amputation of the limb. The result did not restore health.
He died, at Bolton, Aug, 4, 1800, while on a visit to his mother, who
had married William Osborne, an Innkeeper of that town,^
Asa McFarland, D, C, 1793, son of James McFarland, was
born April 19, 1769. He was tutor in Dartmouth College two
years ; and appointed Trustee of that institution ; which office he
resigned in 1821. He was ordained minister of Concord, N. H.
March 7, 1798, officiated twenty seven years, and died, Feb. 18, 1827.
He was President of the N. H. Domestic Missionary Society, and
connected with many other charitable associations. The Doctorate
of Divinity was conferred upon him by Yale College, under the pres
idency of the venerable Dr. Dwight, in 1809, ^

^Luke Brown, grandfather of Dr. Samuel, removed from Sudbury about 1750, opened,
and long kept, a public house, north of Lincoln square, near the site of the ancient jail,
and acquired wealth by speculation in wild lands. While on a journey to New York,
undertaken for negocialing the purchase pf a township in Vermont, now Newfane, he
contracted the small pox, and died, soon after his return, April 14, 1772, aged 58. He
was succeeded in the business of innkeeper, by his son Luke, who died Nov. 6, 1776,
aged 31, leaving four sons, Luke, Arad, John, and Samuel.
2 The ancestor of this family here, was Daniel McFarland, who emigrated from Ulster
in Ireland in 1718, His son Andrew, grandfather of Asa, left three sons ; William and
James, both dying at Worcester ; and Daniel, who removed to Pennsylvania, about the
commencement of the revolution, and settled on the Monongahela, where his descend
ants remain, Duncan, brother of the first Daniel, planted in Rutland. By his last will,
Aug. 14, 1746, he devised ' to Daniel, my well beloved son, whom I likewise constitute,
make, and ordain my sole executor, the one half of all my lands that I enjoy at present,
on the strict condition that he will never marry Betty Harper.'

270 GRADUATES OF COLLEGES.
John Curtis Chamberlain, H. U, 1793, son of John Charaber-
lain, born, June 5, 1773, read law with Hon, Benjamin West of
Charlestown, N. H. was adraitted to practise in 1796, opened an
office in Alstead, and held prorainent place at the bar of Cheshire
county. He was representative in Congress from 1809 to 1811, In
1826, he removed to the Western part of the state of New-York, and
died at Utlca, Nov, 15, 1834, at the age of 62.
Luke Brown, H. U. 1794, son of Luke Brown, jun. born Nov, 29,
1772, read law and entered into its practise in Hardwick, Mass.
where he married a daughter of Gen, Jonathan Warner, and for a
tirae pursued the profession with indifferent success, but he soon
abandoned his office,
Henry Vassall Chamberlain, son of John Charaberlain, born
Jan, 11, 1777, entered Harvard College in 1794, He withdrew from
the University, studied law with Hon. Nathaniel Paine, and with his
brother, John C. Chamberlain, was adraitted in 1801 at the tar of
Cheshire, N, H, practised in Farmington, Me, a few years ; about
1810, removed to the South, and has resided for twenty years in
Mobile, Ala. where he has acquired wealth and reputation. He has
there held the offices of Port Warden, Alderman, SheriflT of the
County of Mobile, Judge of the Orphan's Court, and Chief Justice
of the Court of Common Pleas. ^
William E. Green, B, U, 1798, See Lawyers,
Moses Miller, B, U, 1800, son of Moses Miller who married
Sarah Gray, born Nov, 23, 1776 ; was fitted for college, principally
in the town school, under the instruction of Mr, Andrew Morton,
He was tutor in Brown University three years, while acquiring the
ological education, and was ordained minister of Heath, Mass,
Dec, 26, 1804, where he has since remained sole pastor of the
Congregational Society, ?
Tyler Bigelow, H, U, 1801, son of David Bigelow, studied
law with Hon, Timothy Bigelow, in Groton, opened an office in
1 His only child, Henry Chamberlain, a lawyer of good standing, has been member
of the legislature of Alabama,
2 The Rev. Mr. Miller, married Bethiah, daughter of Dr. Samuel Ware, of Conway^
and has had nine children, of whom six are living. The oldest son was member of
Amherst College in Sept. 1836. His grandfather, Moses, was for many years, deacon
of the old South Church in Worcester, held many civil offices in the town during the
revolution, was a man of firm patriotism, unusual soundness of judgment, strict integrity,
and liberal benevolence. His great grandfather, was a soldier of Capt. Church in the
Indian wars, was wounded severely, and carried a musket ball received, in fight, to his.
grave.

GRADUATES OF COLLEGES, 371
Lfsorainster, and removed to Watertown, Oct, 4, 1804, where he has
since resided, having received ample share of the confidence of cli
ents and the eraoluraent of the profession, i
William Fitz Paine, son of Dr. William Paine, born Nov. 2,
1783, entered Harvard College in 1797, but withdrew ; engaged in
commerce; went abroad, and resided during several years at Port
Louis, in the island of Mauritius, and since 1821, at Batavia in
Java. Levi Lincoln, H. U. 1802. See Lawyers.
Daniel Waldo Lincoln, H. U. 1803, son of Levi Lincoln, sen.
born March 2, 1784, read law with his father, established himself
in Portland, Me. was appointed by Gov. Sullivan, County Attorney
of Cumberland ; was In practise in Boston from April 1810, to July
1813; resumed business in Portland ; and died April 17, 1815, at
the age of 31 years. An Oration delivered at Worcester, July 4,
1805, and one before the Bunker Hill Association, July 4, 1810, are
the only printed memorials of the splendid genius he possessed.
Levi Chamberlain, son of John Chamberlain, entered William's
Collecre in 1804, but after two years, took up his connections with
that institution, and became student at law, first in the office of his
brother John, and afterwards in that of Levi Lincoln ; came to the
bar in Worcester, Dec. 1813: practised in Fitzwllllam and Keene,
N. H. : was Clerk of the Courts, and County Attorney of Cheshire :
and from 1821 to 1833, meraber of the Legislature of New Hamp
shire, as representative and senator.
John Green, B. U, 1804, See Physicians.
FredericW. Paine, [H. U, 1819, A,M.] son of Dr. William Paine,
entered Harvard College in 1803, but soon left the University for
commerce. He was Representative in 1829 : chairman of the Board
of Selectmen in 1831, and President of the Worcester County Mu
tual Insurance Company from 1832.
John Nelson, W. C. 1807, son of Deac. John Nelson, born in
Hopkinton, Mass. becarae resident here at an early age. He studi
ed with Rev, Dr, Austin, and was settled in Leicester, March 4,
1812.2 1 The ancestors of this family of Bigelow, came to Worcester from Watertown.
David Bigelow, father of Tyler, an ardent whig, was member of the revolutionary com
mittees, and delegate to each of the Conventions, at Concord, Cambridge, Boston, and
wilhin the county, in which the town was represented, from 1774 to 1789. In the con
vention of 1787, to consider the Federal Constitution, he voted with the minority from
jealoasy of delegated power. He died May, 1810, aged 80,
2 Of this gentleman a notice was inserted in the note lo page 190,

272 GRADUATES OF COLLEGES,
Alexander Reed, D. C,,1808, son of Deac. Ebenezer Reed,
born at Milford, Mass. July 10, 1786, became an Inhabitant of Wor
cester with his father, (who died here May 21, 1823, aged 82,) in
1794. Under the tuition of the celebrated Dr, Nathan Smith, he
studied medicine, received raedical diploma in 1811, and has since
practised in New Bedford, Mass, The degree of Doctor of Medi
cine was conferred by Yale College, in 1816. Dr. Reed has been,'
for several years, the oldest councillor of the Mass, Medical Society
for the Bristol county district.
Gardner Burbank, B. U. 1809, a native of that part of Sutton,.
now Millbury, was son of Elijah Burbank, who came to Worcester
about 1798 : he studied law with Hon. Francis Blake : was admitted
to the bar : but immediately engaged in the manufacture of paper,-
and in 1835 removed to Sharon, Vt,
Thomas Gardner Mower, H. U. 1810, son of Thoraas Mower,.
studied medicine with Dr. Thoraas Babbet of Brookfield ; received
the degree of M. D. frora the University of New York ; entered the
array as surgeon in 1813 : served in the campaigns on the Canadian
frontier during the war with England : and has since resided in the
city of New York,
Benjamin Franklin Hevwood, D. C, 1812, See Physicians,
John Brazer, H, U, 1813, son of Samuel Brazer, succeeded Got.
Edward Everett as Latin Tutor in Harvard University, in 1815 ;
was Professor of the Latin language in that institution, frora 1817 to
1820 : and was ordained Pastor of the North Church, in Salem, Nov.
14, 1820. He was elected Fellow of the American Acadeniy, in
1823 : one of the Overseers of Harvard University, in 1829 : and
received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from that college, in 1836.
Daniel Knight, B, U, 1813, son of Edward Knight, studied
law with Levi Lincoln, practised in Spencer, and afterwards in Lei
cester, where he died, Aug, 16, 1826,
George Allen, Y, C, 1813, son of Hon, Joseph Allen, studied
theology with the Rev, Dr, Andrew Yates, Professor in Union Col
lege, and was ordained minister of Shrewsbury, Nov, 19, 1823,
Henry Elijah Dix, H. U. 1813, son of Dr, Elijah Dix, born
Feb, 6, 1793, studied raedicine with Dr. John Warren of Boston,
entered the United States Navy, and died in the Hospital atf Nor
folk, Va, Jan, 21, 1822,
Austin Denny, Y, C, 1814, See Lawyers,.
Stephen Salisbury, H, U, 1817, son of Stephen Salisbury,
studied law with Sarauel M, Burnside, Esq, and was admitted to the
bar, but did not enter into the practise of the profession.

GR.4DUATES OF COLLEGES. 273
Francis Arthur Blake, H. U. 1814, son of Hon, Francis Blake,
born in Rutland, April 4, 1794, but early resident here, adopted
the profession and entered the office of his father, Adraitted to the
bar in 1817, he settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, removed to the city of
New York in 1823, where he died March 22, 1824, Immediately
after a favorable exhibition of talent as counsel in the trial of a capi
tal case,
George Bancroft, H. U. 1817, son of Rev. Dr, Aaron Ban
croft, visited Europe in the autumn of 1818 ; was two years in the
University of Gottingen in Germany, where he was admitted Doctor
of Philosophy : spent 1-5 or 18 months in a tour on the continent;
was tutor In Harvard College from 1822 to 1823 ; afterwards open
ed a high school at Northampton : and has resided for some years
past in Springfield. In 1834, he published the first volume of the
History of the United States : and has been greatly distinguished as
a fine scholar and elegant writer.
Baxter Perrv, H. U. 1817, son of Deac. Moses Perry ; born
April 16, 1792 : studied theology in the Andover Seminary ; settled
in the ministry at Lyme, N. H. ; where he died, Jan. 18, 1833,
Robert Treat Paine Fiske, H. U. 1818, son of Dr, Oliver
Fiske, is now practising physician In Hingham, Mass.
William Lincoln, H. U, 1822. See Lawyers,
Clark Perry, H. U. 1823, son of Deac. Moses Perry, studied the
ology at Andover, and was ordained at Newbury, Mass. Oct. 1828.
David Periiy, D. C, 1824, son of Deac, Moses Perry, of the
Andover Theological seminary, was settled as clergyman, in Cam
bridgeport, in 1829,
Isaiah Thomas, H. U. 1S25, son of Isaiah Thoraas, jun. has been
proprietor and editor of the 'American,' a newsj)aper in Cincin
nati, Ohio, and merchant of that city; and is now resident in New
York. Andrew Bigelow, son of Walter Bigelow, entered Harvard
College in 1825, but was compelled to leave his class by ill health.
He became assistant instructor at Garrison Forest Acaderay, and
died, at Worcester, April 1, 1826, aged 24.
Benjamin F. Thojias, B. U. 1830. See Lawyers,
William S. Lincoln, B. C, 1830, son of Levi Lincoln, read
law with Rejoice Newton and Williara Lincoln, was admitted At
torney in 1833, and has since been in the profession in Millbury,
Mass. Daniel Waldo Lincoln, H. U. 1831, See Lawyers.
35

274 GRADUATES OF COLLEGES.
Harrison Gray Otis Blake, H. U; 1835, son of Hon. Francis
Blake, is student of theology in the Divinity School at Cambridge.
Henry Bigelow, H. U, 1836, son of Lewis Bigelow, is student of
medicine. John Healy Heywood, H. U. 1836, son of Levi Heywood,
is engaged in Instruction.
Henry Smith, B. U. 1836, was licenced to preach, and is minister
of the Baptist persuasion. ^
distinguished citizens.
John Chandler, The ancestor of that branch of the Chandler
family furnishing so many men of distinction in the ante revolu
tionary history of the county, was William Chandler, admitted
freeman in 1640, who died at Roxbury, June 19, 1641, His son
John, inherited the patrimonial estate, and resided in that tovvn until
1686, when, with a company of neighbors, he emigrated, and
founded a plantation at Woodstock, whleh was included in the gov
ernment of Massachusetts, until its inhabitants revolted to Connec
ticut in 1748, depriving our Commonwealth in after time, by their
rebellion, of jurisdiction over a fair territory, and of citizens, except for
this disloyal act, of most excellent character. He was deacoii of
the first church gathered there,
' The following young men from Worcester, arc under graduates of the several Col'
leges, September, 1836,
In Haev.ihd University ; John Weiss, son of John Weiss; Sehior: Pliny Earle
Chase, son of Anlhony Chase ; Samuel Jenniso'i, son of Samuel Jcnnisoii ; John
Waldo Lincoln, son of Levi Lincoln ; Leri Lincoln Newton, son of Rejoice Newton j
Sophomores. John Chandler Bancroft Davis, son oi' John Davis } Benjamin Hey-
wood, son of Dr. Benjnmiii F. Heyuood; Freshmen.
In Yale College. Edivin Osgood Carter, son of Ellas Carter; of ihe Junior class.
In Amherst College. Samuel Austin Taylor, son of Samuel Taylor: Nahum
Gale, sou of Nahum Gale ; Seniors : Horace T. .Blake, son of Jason Blake : Thomas
Allen Gale, son of Nahum Gale ; Juniors: Cliarles Gleason, son of Jonathan Gleason;
Sophomore: Sumner Clark, son of Isaac Clark, Samuel Ingersoll Goddard, son of
Perley Goddard ; Harrison Olis Hoioland, son of .Soulhworih Howland : Freshmen.
In Western Reserve College ; Elias E. Carter, son of Ellas Carter, Fresh
man. Among the names of those reglslered on the Records of Harvard UMlvcr^Ily as of
Worcester, are Josiah Salisbury, 1798 : James PuUi.nm, 1808 : Charles S Pulnam, 1814
and Francis E. Putnnm, 1813; They weie not naih'cs of the town, nor long resident
here. Among others from Worcester, who enlcred liial College, but soon vviihdicw to
other pursuits, or by reason of ill healih, nol noticed In ilie text, are these : John Patch,
1791 . Joseph Dix, 1794 ; Nathaniel A. Paino, 1809 : William J. Seaver, ISIO : Gard
ner Paine, 1815 : George Lincoln, 1832 : and James F. Gleason, who died, Aug. 17,
1834.

JOHN CHANDLER. 275
John Chandler, son of Deacon John Chandler, and Elizabeth
Douglas his wife, the first known~in any public capacity in our annals,
was born in Woodstock. He possessed strong natural powers, and
with slight advantages of education, rose to distinction in the civil,
military, and judicial departments of government. On the erection
of the County of Worcester, he was appointed first Judge-of Probate,
first Justice of the Courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions,
and Colonel of the regiment of militia ; offices, which he retained
till his death, in 1743. He was Representative in the General Court
from Woodstock, where he resided, and member of his Majesty's
Council. John Chandler, named on our records the first, son of John
Chandler and Mary Raymond of New London, Conn, his wife,
born at Woodstock, Oct. 10, 1693, removed to Worcester in 1731,
and was Clerk of the Judicial Courts from that date to 1754; Re
gister of Probate to 1754 ; Register of Deeds to 1762 ; Sheriff from
1751 to 1762; Selectman from 1732 to 1736 and, from 1741 to
1754; and Representative from 1735 to 1740. On the decease of
his father, he succeeded to the higher offices of Judge, Colonel, and
Councillor. His talents were rather brilliant and showy than solid
or profound. With manners highly popular, he possessed cheerful
and joyous disposition, indulging in jest and hilarity, and exercised
liberal hospitality. While Judge of Probate, he kept open table, on
court days, for the widows and orphans who were brought to his tri
bunal by concerns of business. He died at Worcester in 1763.
John Chandler, son of the last mentioned John, and of Hannah
Gardner, described as 'daughter of John Gardner, Lord of the Isle
of Wight, in the Province of New York,' born, Feb. 26, 1720, as
he succeeded to the military, municipal, and some of the judicial
offices of his father, inherited the characteristic traits of his ances
tors. He was cheerful in temperament, engaging in manner, hos
pitable as a citizen, friendly and kind as a neighbor, industrious
and enterprising as a merchant, and successful as a man of business.
Leaving the country at the commencement of the revolution, he
sacrificed large possessions to a chivalrous sense of loyalty. In the
schedule exhibited to the British Commissioners appointed to adjust
the compensation to the Americans, who adhered to the royal gov
ernment, the amount of his real and personal estate which was con
fiscated, is estimated at £ 11,067, and the losses, of the income of
offices, from the destruction of business, and by other causes, at near
ly ^6,000 more. So just and moderate was this computation ascer»

276 CAPT. JONAS HUBBARD.
talned to be, at a time when extravagant claims were presented by
others, that he was denominated in England, ' the honest refugee.'
He died in London in the autumn of 1780.
Captain Jonas Hubbard. The "son of an early settler, he was
born in Worcester. Previous to the revolution, he was engaged in
the cultivation of his patrimunial estate, and in the management of
extensive concerns of business. The first sounds of coming war
found him an Ensign in one of the three mililla companies of the
town. A few months before hostilities commenced. Captain Pv,ufus
Chandler, a decided royalist, afterwards a refugee, and an active
and influential man, paraded his troops before some British officers
who had visited him from Boston, and boasted to his guests of that
loyalty among his men, which the king vainly expected would sus
tain his assumptions of power amidst a bold and intelligent yeoman
ry, knowing their rights and willing to defend them.
When the volunteer company of ininute men was raised, Hubbard
was elected Lieutenant, and actively participated in the evening
drills, after the labors of the day were over, and in the preparations
made by the busy industry of the martial spirit of the times, for
immediate action.
Soon after this gallant corps marched to Cambridge, he was ap
pointed Captain. When the expedition through the Kennebeck
wilderness, against Quebec, was planned, volunteers were enlisted
from the army at large. The object of the service^ or the destina-
tination of the troops, was known only to the superior officers. It
was understood that it would be attended with danger, labor, and
suffering. Hubbard, brave and energetic, did not shrink from peril
or hardship in the cause to which he had devoted himself, and, at
his own request, was appointed to the command of a company, in
|the detachment of Arnold. While the troops halted at Fort Wes
tern, on the Kennebeck, he wrote to his wife, in terms worthy of a
patriot martyr : ' I know not if I shall ever see you again. The
weather grows severe cold, and the woods, they say, are terrible to
pass. But I do not value life or property, if I can secure liberty for
my children.' Captain Hubbard shared in the extreme sufferings
of the march, and probably more than his proportion, as acting
under a commission, among those who had no reverence for artificial
distinctions, beyond that yielded to the legitimate authority of cour
age and wisdom.
On the arrival of Arnold before Quebec, the golden opportunity
when he might have entered its gates triumphantly was lost. The

COL. TIMOTHY BIGELOW. 277
attack was made by the way of the lower town, at midnight of the
last day of December, 1775, in a fierce tempest. In storming a
barrier, Capt. Hubbard fell, at the head of his company, severely
wounded. Respected for his fearless intrepidity and loved for his
personal worth, his men wished to remove him to a place of shelter
from the fast falling snow, and of safety frora the vollles of balls
poured down from the ramparts. But he peremptorily refused. ' I
came here to serve with you, I will stay here to die with you,' were
his last words to a comrade who survived. Bleeding and stretched
on a bed of ice, exposed to the bitter influence of a winter storra,
life soon departed. It was a glorious time and place for the gallant
soldier to yield up his breath, beneath the raasslve walls of the Ira-
pregnable citadel, with the death shot flashing fast, and the thunder
of battle swelling round hira.
The history of raany families of New England is told in that of
Capt. Hubbard. The ancestor, hardy and enterprising, went out
from the cultivated country to redeem new tracts frora the waste.
The father, aniraated by a noble patriotism, exchanged the sickle
for the sword, the peaceful pursuits of agriculture for the privations
of military life. The sons, inheriting his adventurous and manly
spirit, emigrated to Maine, where the eldest ranks among the foun
ders of towns. 1
Col. Timothy Bigelow, was born in Worcester, August 12,
1739. His father, Daniel Bigelow, was of that class of substantial
farmers who have been distinguished here for independence, good
sense, industry and probity. ^ The youngest son, the subject of this
sketch, was first apprenticed to a mechanic trade, and afterwards
prosecuted the business of a blacksmith with diligence ^ He was
' Gen. Levi Hubbard, the first settler of Paris, in Maine, has borne many offices wilh
honor. He was representative ofOxfurd District, in Congress, from 1813 lo 1815.
' Daniel Bigelow married Elizabeth Whitney, and wiih his wife moved from Water-
town to Worcester, and resided in that part of the town then called Bogachoag, now
Ward, where he died at the great age of 92 years. He had five children, David, Na
thaniel, Daniel, Timothy, and Silence ; the latter, was for many years a school mis
tress; the former, wilh a single exception, have been before mentioned. His
paternal ancestors early emigated from England. Tho first recorded notice of
any of the family in this country, is of John Bigelow, an inhabitant of Watertown, who
in 1636, served as Grand Juror, al a term of the Court held at Newlown, now Cam
bridge. He was possessed of extensive tracts of land, cultivated a farm, and 'was well
to live.' The name was formerly written Biglo, by corruption from Bedloe, the more
ancient orthography.
3 He built a forge before the war on the south side of Lincoln Square, After relum
ing from the army, he erected a triphammer and other iron works, on the site of the
Court Mills, now owned by Stephen Salisbury, Esq.

278 COL. TLMOTHY BIGELOW.
soon ranked among the most energetic and prosperous of the young
men of the village. With strong native power, and shrewd ob
servation of men and things, he labored to supply the want of the
advantages of education': he collected a small but well selected li
brary, became acquainted with some of the best English authors,
and gained the art of speaking with directness and force, and of
writing with point and accuracy. These acquisitions were soon
called into full exercise. As the clouds of the revolution gathered,
he was placed in prominent position among the whigs of the town.
Our best educated and most influential men were decided tories.
Mr. Bigelow, espousing with ardor the opposite party, as early as
March 1773, was elected of the local Committee of Correspondence,
and. In December, organized the Political Society. i Meetings of
these bodies were often held at his dwelling, and measures were
there concerted in secret, which broke the control of the adherents
of the king. The recital of his exertions would be but repetition of
the narrative of that struggle between the patriots and royalists, with
which he was Identified, already spread through forraer pages. The
bold and then treasonable resolutions of the town, in 1774, were re-
slsted'in the public, meeting of the Inhabitants by Col. Putnam, who
remonstrated against the adoption,' in an appeal of solemn and lofty
eloquence : they vPere sustained vigorously, by Mr. Bigelow, and
carried triumphantly. From that day the ' sons of liberty' were
victorious, where torylsm had possessed its strongest hold in the in
terior. Member of the faraous 'Whig Club' assembling in Boston,
he was associated with Warren, Otis, and other eminent movers of
the springs of 'rebellion.' He was delegate in the Provincial Con
gress during its first and second sessions.^ When the company of
Minute Men was formed, he was chosen, by unanimous vote, to be
its commander. Under his unwearied Instruction, this corps attained
such excellence In military exercises, as to draw from Washington,
on the first review, the expression ' this is discipline indeed.' On
the day preceding the Concord fight, he had been engaged in prep-
ar,ations for the reraoval of the military stores to a place of safety,
and returned, in good time to place himself at the head of his men,
^hen they took up the line of raarcli, on the 19th of April, 1775. Ar-
• An account of this society and of the political exertions of Col. Bigelow will be
found In the sixth and seventh chapters of this work.
2 Col. Bigelow, wilh other leading whigs, desirous of the establishment of a press in
Worcester, had made proposals to Isaiah Thomas to issue a newspaper here. An ar
rangement was effected for this purpose at the commencement of 1775. The removal
of the Spy from Boston, took place immediately after the battle of Lexington.

COL. TIMOTHY BIGELOW. 279
riving at Cambridge, on the following day, he joined the army, as
Captain, and soon after, by commission from Congress, was pro
moted to the rank of Major. In September 1775, he engaged, as
volunteer, in the expedilion against Quebec. Had that winter march
through the wilderness been the exploit of a Grecian phalanx, or
Roman legion, the narrative of sufferings and dangers, severe as
were ever endured or encountered, would have been celebrated in
song and story. One of the three divisions penetrating through the
forest, by the route of the Kennebeck. was commanded by Major
Bigelow. 1 In the attack on Quebec, during the night of theSlbtof
December, in the assault on the fortress, exposed to a sho>ver of
balls frora the barriers and ramparts, he was made prisoner, and re
mained in captivity until the sumraer of 1776. An exchange hav
ing been negoclated, he returned, and was soon after called into
service \vith the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The comniksslon of
Colonel was received, Feb. 8, 1777, and he was appointed to the com
mand of the I.5tli Regiment of the Massachusetts line in the Con
tinental Army, then forming, principally of the men of Worcester
county. Remaining in Worcester, until the ranks were filled and
the new troops drilled, he marched to join the Northern Army under
Gen. Gates, and arrived on the scene of action in season to assist in
the capture of Burgoyne. With his regiment, we afterwards trace
him, at Saratoga, in Rhode Island, at Verplank's Point, Robinson's
Farms, N. J. Peekskill, Valley Forge, and West Point. A braver
band never took the field or mustered to battle High character for
intrepidity and discipline, early acquired, was maintained unsullied
to the close of their service.
After the army was disbanded. Col. Bigelow was stationed for a
tirae at West Point, and afterwards assigned to the comraand of the
national arsenal at Springfield. When he left rallitary life, it was
with the reputation of a raerltorlous officer, but with straightened
purse. The pay of the soldiers of freedora had been irregularly
1 During a day's hall of the troops, on this memorable march, Major Bigelow as
cended a steep and rugged height, about 40 miles northwestward from Norrldgewock,
in Somerset County, Maine, for the purpose of observation. This cinlnence still bears
the name of Mount Bigelow.
A faithful and most interesting narrative of the campaign against Quebec, was pub
lished by Jiihn Joseph Henry, a soldier in the expedilion, afterwards President of the
Second Judicial Dlslricl of Pennsylvania : the journal of Major Return J.Meigs is
printed in 2 Mass. Hisl. Coll. ii. 227 : some original lellers of-Arnold, are Inserted in the
Maine Historical Society's Collections, i. 341. From these sources may be derived fuli
detail of the memorable expedition.

280 COL. TlirtOTHY BIGELOW.
advanced, in depreciated currency, i and large arrears were with
held. With a frame, physically impaired by long hardship, toil, and
exposure, with blighted worldly prospects, with -the remains of pri
vate property considerable at the outset, but seriously diminished by
the many sacrifices of his martial career, he returned to his home.
With resolute spirit he set to work to repair his shattered fortunes,
and resumed the old occupations of the forge and work shop. But
times had changed since the fires of the furnace had been last kind
led. If the products of his skill were in as quick demand as in
former days, responsible customers were diminished. Hard money
had ceased to circulate; credit existed only in name; and public
confidence was destroyed. Change too had come over the war
worn veteran hiraself The stirring occupations of the field, the habits
forraed by eight years of active service, the tastes acquired by
residence in the camp, and action in the exciting events of the revo
lution, and disuse of old avocations, had produced inaptitude for a
course of business so long discontinued. Still, he bore up against
circumstances of discouragement, and contrived to maintain his
family in corafort and in respectable position. With others, he
obtained a grant of a township of land in Vermont, containing
23040 acres, Oct. 21, 1780, upon which he founded a town and be
stowed the name of Montpelier, now the capital of the State. A
severe domestic affliction, in 1787, the loss of his second son, Andrew,
who fell' a victim to rapid consumption, uniting with other disap-
pointraentB, depressed his energy^ and cast over his ralnd a gloom
presaging the approaching night of premature old age. He died
March 31, 1790, in the 51st year of his age.^
> The following extracts of a letter from Mrs. Bigelow to her husband, Feb. 26, 1780,
show the depreciated stale of the currency.
'On account of the heavy fall of snow, there is not a possibility of gelling wood from the
farmal present, no one who does nol live on the great road can bring any with a sled.
The common price '\s fifty dollars, and it has been sold for fifty six dollars the load.'
. . 'The money you sent me was very acceptable, for I was In debt for Andrew's pair of
shoes, forty dollars ; and also for some mending in the family, which made the account
alinosl seventy dollars. I paid the servant, ffty eight dollars for what money he had
expended on the road [In a journey of about GO miles.] A bushel of malt now sells for
thirty dollars, and a pound of hops for six dollars.'
2 Col. Bigelow married Anna Andrews, a young orphan lady of Worcester, born
April II, 1747, and al the time of her marriage, July 7, 1762, heiress of a fortune consid"
erable in those days. The union was a love match, and was conlracled al Hampton'
N. H. the GretnS Green of the Old Bay Slate. She died at Groton, July, 1809. She
was the oiily child of a connection formed under somewhal romantic circumstances.
Her father, Samuel Andrews, at a late period of youth, having fitted himself for college,
and passed the customary examination, was admitted to Harvard University, Return-

COL, EPHRAIM DOOLITTLE 281
Col, Bigelow was of fine personal appearance. His figure was
tall and commanding. In stature he was more than six feet in
height. His bearing was erect and martial, and his step was said
to have been one of the most graceful of the array. With taste for
military life, he was deeply skilled in the science of war, and the
troops under his command and instrtiction, exhibited the highest
condition of discipline. He possessed vigorous intellect, ardent
temperament, and a warm and generous heart.
Col. Ephraim Doolittle. Although Worcestei' was not the
place of the birth or decease of this gentleraan, his long residence
here entitles us to claim him among our citizens. From 1760 to
1772, he was an inhabitant, and during that period was engaged in
business as a merchant. In 1763, he was selectman : in 1766, rep»
resentatlve. Taking active part in the political transactions of the
times, he was placed on iraportant rauniclpal coraraittees. Frora the
commenceraent of the difficulties preceding the revolution, he was
a decided and ardent whig. In 1772, he removed to Petersham ; in
December of that year, he reported a spirited answer to the circular
frora Boston, distributed through the country. In 1773, he was se-
lectraan, and representative in the General CoUrt. The year follow*
ing, he was delegate to the Provincial Congress convened at Concord.
He was elected captain of a company of militia by the town, in the
autumn of 1774, and soon after was colonel Of the regiment of mi
nute men in the county. The troops under his comraand marched
on the 19th of April, were mustered into service, and stationed in
ing to visit his friends, before commencing his classes, he saw and became enamored of
Anna, youngest daughter of James Rankin and Rachel Irving, his wife, emigrants from
Ireland wilh the Scotch Presbyterians of 1718. His suit, prosecuted wilh ardor and as
siduity, was sucfcessful, and the bridal was soon solemniied. Abandoning the plan of
obtaining a liberal education, he purchased and cultivated a small farm on the western
shore of Quinsigamond. Diligence, prudence, and sobriety, brought the reward of
prosperity. He removed to the village, erected a house on the site of the jail, lately
pulled down, eslablLshed a t&nnery north of the bridge on Lincoln square, and in 1749,
built the old Bigelow mansion, opposite to the Court House, on the spot where the large
brick dwellings of Stephen Salisbury, Esq. now stand, whert he died. On his decease,
the estate descended lo his only ditughler Anna.
Col. Bigelow had six children, 1. Nancy ; born Jan. 2, 1765, married Hon. Abraham
Lincoln, long Selectman and Representalive of the town, and Member of the Council
at the tinie of his death, July 2, 1824. 2. Timothy : b. April 30, 1767, (See page 266.)
3. Andrew, b. March 30, 1769, d. Nov. 1787. 4. Lucy: b. May 13, 1774: m. Hon_
Luther Lawrence, formerly of Groton, now of Lowell. 5. Rufus : b. July 7, 1772 : he
was merchant in Ballmiore, and died unmarried in that city, Dec. 21, 1813. 6. Clara: b
Dec. 29, 1781, m. Tyler Bigelow, Esq. of Watertown.
The materials for this sketch have been derived from an excellent memoir of Col.
Bigelow, kindly communicated by the Rev. Andrew Bigelow of Taunton.
36

282 HON. DAVID THOMAS.
Cambridge, On the organization of the army, he retained his rank
in the Massachusetts line. His regiment was engaged in the battle
of the 17th of June, Col, Doolittle being confined to his bed by an
accidental injury, they were led by Major Moore of Paxton, who
found a soldier's honorable grave on Bunker Hill,
For raany years he was chairman of the comraittee of correspond
ence of Petersham : in 1778, of the comraittee reporting against the
forra of constitution proposed by the general court, and alraost una-
nlraously rejected by the people : in 1779, delegate in the convention
at Cambridge, to frame a new consltution. He participated in al
most every act of a public character in Worcester and Petersham,
during his residence in either town.
Soon after the close of the war, he removed to Shoreham in Ver
mont, where he remained until the period of his decease; in 1802,
at an advanced old age.
He was more distinguished for sound judgment and accuracy,
than brilliancy or extent of talent ; for the scrupulous practise of com
mon virtues, rather than the exercise of extraordinary powers,
A curious implement was invented by hira, to supply the defi-
"cientsy of muskets in the armament of his regiment. When the long
shaft, of heavy material, was held levelled towards an advancing ene
my, two stout blades, eight inches long, united to a strong head, pro
jected forward like the prongs of the hay fork : two other blades of
equal length extended laterally, and another was turned downwards,
to give a descending blow. Five little swords, whetted on both edges,
were thus provided, to attack an assailant on any exposed point. The
handle was lined, for two or three feet from the end, with sharp steel
plates set in the wood, to defend it from sabre cuts, and to lacerate
the hand which should grasp the weapon to wrest it from the owner.
The lower extremity terminated in a rounded iron point, to be fixed
in or against rampart or masonry. The forraidable instrument of
warfare, after short trial, was laid aside.
Hon. David Thomas. About 1718, David Thomas, an emigrant
from Wales, arrived in Worcester, purchased, cleared, and after
wards cultivated, a tract of woodland on the surarait of Tatnuck hill,
in the western part of the town, where he lived to a good old age.
Land and name were inherited by his son David, born in 1740, who
bestowed the latter on his son, David, the subject of this notice, born
in Worcester, June 11, 17C2. From the early age at which the chil
dren of New England begin their lessons of ir.dustry until fifteen,
he labored on the farm, attending in winter the common school of

HON. BENJAMIN HEYWOOD. 283
the district. In 1777, he served as a volunteer, with the troops rais
ed for the relief of Rhode Island ; at one time for the term of three
months ; at another for two. Soon after, he was bound apprentice to
the shoemaker's trade. In 1781 the town was required to furnish twen
ty nine soldiers for the army of the revolution, and the inhabitants
were divided into the sarae number of classes, each to furnish, pay,
and maintain one man during three years, Mr. Thomas entered into
an agreement with Capt. Palmer Goulding, with whom he lived, and
who was head of a class, to cancel the indentures, and enlisted in
the service as a soldier for that class. He joined the fifth Massa
chusetts Regiment, under Col. Rufus Putnam, at West Point, and
was appointed to be corporal : on the preliminary articles of peace
being signed, he was traiisferred to the third regiment of the state
line, and promoted to be Serjeant. When the array was disband
ed, he returned to Worcester. His residence in his native place
was short. In the spring of 1784, he eraigrated to Salera, in Wash
ington county. New York, and engaged in agriculture, as a day la
borer. Industry, frugality, and capacity, earned their just rewards.
He was enabled to become the owner of the farm upon which he had
hired. Military offices were showered fast upon hira. He rose,'step
by step, through the gradations of captain, major, colonel, andjbrig-
adier, to the rank of Major General of a division of militia. Civil
honors flowed scarcely less rapidly. He was magistrate, county
judge, and representative in the state legislature many years. In
1800, he was elected representative in Congress, when New York
was entitled to ten merabers only, frora a district composed of the
counties of Washington, Saratoga, Warren, Essex, Clinton, and
Franklin. This office he held until 1808, when he was appointed
Treasurer of the State of New York, and, ex officio. Commission
er of the Land Office, and trustee of Union College. To discharge
these duties, it becarae necessary for hira to reraove to the city of
Albany. There he resided until 1813, when he resigned all public
trusts, in consequence of domestic troubles. After his retirement
to private life, he removed to Providence, where he remained till his
decease, in 1834, at the age of 72.
Hon. Benjamin Heywood was son of Phinehas Heywood, a
respectable farmer of Shrewsbury. At the common age, he was
bound apprentice to a house wright. Having completed the term pre
scribed by his indentures, he began business as carpenter, and work
ed at that trade one or two years. Love of letters, and confidence of
capacity for usefulness, induced him to throw aside the hammer and

284 HON, BENJAMIN HEYWOOD,
phisel, and devote himself assiduously to preparations for collegiate
education. He entered Harvard College in 1771, There is cofem-
porary evidence of his sobriety of conduct, diligent application, and
proficiency in mathematical science.
The martial spirit pervading the country, penetrated even the seats
of learning. The young men of the institution, formed a military
company, under the designation of the Marti-raercurian Band, a
name descriptive of the union of the soldier and scholar in its ranks.
Mr. Heywood was ensign of this corps, on the nineteenth of April,.
1775, and, with some of his comrades, participated in the perils of
that memorable day. Amid the tumult of arms, the quiet pursuits
of literature were suspended; the students were dismissed, and the
halls occupied by troops. The senior class, of which Mr. Heywood
was member, did not again retiarn to the seminary, althougl^ their
degrees were conferred in course,
Mr. Heywood immediately entered the service of his country, and
received the ccjnmission of Lieutenant, in May, 1775. In 1776, he
was promoted to the rank ojF Captain, which he retained through the
whole war. His habits of order and accuracy qualified him for the
office of paymaster, to which he was soon appointed and attached
to Col. Nixon's regiraent.! He was at -tl.e capture of Burgoyne, par
took of the sufferings, and shared in the victories of the army, during
the long period of its service, When the soldiers were about to be
disbanded, a dangerous state of feeling arose. The tedious post
ponement of payments meritoriously earned, the pressure of want,
and the anticipation of future poverty, excited discontents, artfully
fomented by inflammatory publications. Gen. Washington, apprehen
sive of serious violence from exasperated troops feeling the injustice
of the country and conscious of the power of numbers, discipline and
arms, to avenge, if not redress, the real or supposed wrongs, con
vened an assembly of the officers, addressed them on the disastrous
consequences of the course to which they had been directed, and
left them to their deliberations. Gen. Knox, Col. Brooks, and Capt,
Heywood, were appointed a committee, to consider and recommend
proper measi\res to be adopted in the impending crisis. By their
prudence and energy, the rising disorders were quieted.
Another proof of the confidence of his companions in arms in the
honor and capacity of Capt. Heywood, was his election on a commit-
> The entire series of rolls and accounts of his ofGce, preserved in the Am. Ant. Soci
ety's Collections, afford proof of his fidelity in this trust.

HON. JOSEPH ALLEN. 285
tee to adjust the acounts of the officers and soldiers of the Massachu
setts line. He was associated with Major Fernald, Capt. Hull, and
Capt. Learned. The duty of the committee led to long negoclation
with the Legislature of the state, resulted in provision for equitable-
settlement, and was concluded by voluminous reports, prepared by
Capt. Heywood.
\yhen the army was disbanded, he was retained, for some months,
in the office of the General Superintendent, and afforded valuable
aid in arranging the complicated concerns of the department char
ged with the settlement of the affairs of the war.
After the restoration of peace, he returned to his home, and mar
ried an adopted daughter of Mr, Nathaniel Moore, an early settler
and respectable farmer of Worcester, Activity of disposition, and
facility in business, enabled him, in addition to the management
of a farm, to devote much time to the concerns of his neighbors, and
to public affairs. The reliance on his integrity and good judgment,
was testified by frequent selection as arbitrator, executor, and guar
dian. In 1802, he was appointed Judge of the Court of Coraraon
Pleas, and held that office until Sept, 1811, when, by a new ar
rangement of the judicial system, the seats of all the judges of that
tribunal were vacated. For many years he was an acting magistrate
of the county, and meraber of the Board of Trustees of Leicester
Academy, He was twice chosen an elector of President and Vice
President of the United States, By the General Court, he was ap
pointed Trustee of the Hassanameset Indians : and was an officer
of raany charitable and religious associations.
He died Dec, 6, 1816, aged 71, leaving the reputation of unstain
ed Integrity and extensive usefulness,'
Hon, Joseph Allen, a native of Boston, was born Sept, 2,
1749.2 Attending through the regular term of seven years, from
the age of seven to that of fourteen, on the Graramar School, he
' These facts have been derived from the venerable Dr. Bancroft^ to whom the men of
Worcester have been indebted for many an obituary memorial of their fathers. The no
tices of our distinguished citizens from his pen, have been remarkable for felicitous
expressions, fidelity, accurate discrimination, and all the excellences of biography.
Benjamin Heywood married Mehitable Goddard, d. of Elisha Goddard of Sutlon.
Their children were, 1. Mehitable: 2. Nathaniel Moore, merchant, b. July, 1788 : m, Car-
oliue Sumner of Boston, Sept. 16, 1816 ; died at Richmond, Va: 3. Elizabeth: 4. Ben
jamin Franklin, physician in Worcester; m. Nancy Green, d. of Doct. John Green of
Worcester : 6, Joseph : 6, Lucy; b, April, 1796 ; d, Nov, 1796 : 7 Nancy ; b, Feb,
7,1798; d, Aug, 30, 1814.
'His father, James Allen, a merchant of Boston, married the sister of Samuel Adams

286 HON. JOSEPH ALLEN.
was a favorite pupil of the celebrated master Lovell, About 1770,
after regular mercantile apprenticeship, he entered into business in
Leicester. A firm whig, he was active in the preliminary move
ments of the revolution, and with Col, William Henshaw, Col.
Thomas Denny, and other patriotic citizens of the place of his res
idence, drafted, circulated, and supported, the spirited resolutions,
memorials, and addresses of the citizens in their primary meetings,
and conventions.! Soon after the change of the government he was
appointed, in 1776, to succeed Levi Lincoln, sen. as Clerk of the
Courts, and reraoved to Worcester. The duties of this office he
discharged for thirty three years with singular accuracy ahd fidelity.
It was relinquished in 1810, against the wishes of the judiciaroffi-
cers. He occasionally accepted those public honors conferred as
testimonials of esteem and confidence. On the death of Mr. Up
ham, he was chosen Representative to the 11th Congress, and at
the expiration of the term declined reelection. From 1815 to 1818,
he was of the Executive Council : and twice of the College of
Electors of President. One of the founders and patrons of Lei
cester Academy, he was long Treasurer of the corporation, and was
first President of the Worcester County Bible Society. ' His mind
and manners,' writes one of the best of our , portrait painters of
character, ' were alike formed on the best models ; in addition to
his classical attainments he was distinguished for that politeness and
graceftdness of deportment, which was, in sorae degree, peculiar to
the men of his generation. Through his whole course, strict integ
rity ,2 unblemished honor, and undisguised detestation of whatever
1 A little circumstance, illustrative of the influence of the unsettled condition of the
times on the relations of private life, is related. At one time, Mri Allen had his knap
sack packed wilh the soldier's blanket, and his trunk wilh his nuptial suit, uncertain
whether he should be earliest called to the bridal or the battle.
2 The following example may serve as illustration of his honorable sense of integrity,
more scupulous than is usually found among men. In the negociation of business, Mr.
Allen had become indebted to John Smith, 2d Lieutenant of Capt. Bigelow's company
of Minute men. The account was deliberately adjusted, the balance carefully ascer
tained to the mutual satisfaction of both parlies, payment made, and full and ample
discharges given. Some years after, when Smith was passing through town, he was
met by Mr. Allen, who informed him that he had then recently discovered an error in the
setllement favorable to himself, which he desired to correct by a further payment. The
creditor, declaring his entire satisfaction with the former computation, and his conviction
that no mistake could have occurred, declined an examination. Wilh reluctance, he was
induced to review the accounts, and on revision, still expressed content. Mr. Allen
then explained to him, by reference to the scale of depreciation, that he had received a
less amount than he was entitled to have, and delivered to him the sum of money, which
be long refused to believe he had lost ou the original liquidation.

ISAIAH THOMAS. 287
was base and unworthy, were predominant traits in his character.
A native generosity of disposition prompted him to deeds of benefi
cence. He was familiar with the best English writers, and had
stored his mind with their beauties, which his refined and discrim
inating taste taught him to appreciate with singular accuracy and
apply with the happiest effect,' He died Sept, 2, 1827, aged 78.
IsAi.iH Thomas, 1 a native of Boston, was the descendant of an
cestors of good repute, emigrating frora England, soon after the
foundation of the town, and engaging in mercantile business. His
father, Moses Thomas,^ soldier, raariner, trader, and farmer, at dif
ferent periods, after sharing and escaping the perils of the unfortu
nate expedition against Cuba, in 1740, when pestilence destroyed
most of the provincial forces spared by the sword, lived a few years
on Long Island. Revisiting his early home, reverses of fortune
wasted his share of a good Inheritance. Driven abroad, he died in
North Carolina, about 1752, leaving a widow in destitute condition,
with five small children. The energy and fertility of invention, so
often manifested by females in similar circumstances, soon provided
resources for the support of her farally. The profits of a little shop,
added to the other gains of industry and ingenuity, and the savings
of frugal thrift, afforded comparative comfort aud Independence,
She was, at length, able to purchase a small estate in Cambrido-e,
afterwards lost, on sale, by the depreciation of the continental cur
rency, 3
The youngest son, Isaiah, was born Jan, 19, 1749; at the age of
1 In the History of Printing, i. 368, is a narrative of the life of Mr. Thomas from his
own pen. In the Massachusetts Spy, April 13, 1831, are published portions of an ad
dress, containing beautiful delineation of his character, delivered by Isaac Goodwin,
Esq. before the American Antiquarian Society, and transferred to the 2d volume of
their Transactions. The first writer was under the restraints imposed on the autoblog-
rapher ; the last, felt those resting on the public speaker. Neither space nor ability permit
the attempt here, to do justice to the services of one of our most eminent cilizens. The
duty of rasing worthy memorial, remains for more fortunate hands. The materials of
the notice of Mr. Thomas in these pages, are taken from the memoirs before menlioned.
The few facts which have been added, are stated on the aulhorilyof his personal relation,
were obtained from the diaries of interleaved almanacs, or are derived from official
papers. 2 The earliest of the name, mentioned by John Farmer, the most faitbful and accu
rate of the antiquarians of the age, in his Register of the First Settlers, is Evan Thom
as, vinler, of Boston, admitted freeman in 1641, who died Aug. 25, 1661. George Thom
as, and Rebecca his wife, had three sons: 1. Peter, b. Feb. 6, 1G82; 2. George, b.
March 16, 1585 ; 3. Maveric, b, March 19, 1694, Peter, the eldest, was a merchant in
Boston, and acquired good estate : his children were ; George, Peter, Elias, Moses, men
lioned in tlie text, Mary, Mercy, Elizabeth, and William, who lived to mature years,
3 She married a person named Blackman, and died Jan, 17, 1798, aged 73 years.

288 ISAIAH THOMAS,
less than six yfears, he was bound apprentice to Zechariah Fowle, a
printer of single sheets, small tracts, and pamphlets, described in
the History of Printing, as honest, but eccentric, irritable, effemi
nate, and better skilled in domestic cares than the mysteries of the
printing house. It Teflects no credit on the sense Or taste of the
master, that the first essay of his almost Infant workman, who re
quired the elevation of a high bench to reach the case, should have
been directed to the composition of a licentibus ballad, ^ The pu
pil, deprived of the usual advantages of schools and of good instruc
tion in the art, was compelled to rely on his own resources to supply
the deficiencies of education. Earnest desire of improveraent found
or made the way. A tattered dictionary and ink stained bible were
the whole library of the office. Two or three books, purchased with
the savings of trifling perquisites, and a few more borrowed from
•friends, were added to this slender collection of literature. Diligent
study and persevering assiduity, enabled hira, unassisted, to pdssess
hiraself of the elementary branches of learning, and to acquire such
facility of expression as tO be able to put his thoughts in type with
out the aid of writing, and the expertness in printing which made
hira principal raanager of a business extended under his supervis
ion. After eleven years of apprenticeship and eraployment with
Fowle, Mr, Thoraas went to Nova Scotia and entered the office of
Anthony Henry, proprietor of the Halifax Gazette, the governraent
paper, a g6od huraored and indolent man. The willing assistant
was allowed to assume the manageraent, Althbugh Henry's labors
were dirairtished, his responsibilities directly increased. It was the
period of the Stamp Act, and the Boston boy brought with him the
spirit kindled in his birth place. The appearance of an article in
opposition to the obnoxious tneasure which roused the colonies to
resistance, was followed by citation before the authorities, and Hen
ry escaped punishment, only on the ground that the paragraph had
been inserted by his journeyman without his knowledgCi On the
repetition of the offence, the young man himself Was called before
the Secretary of the Province, and received repritnand, admonition,
and threats, alike ineffectual. Not long after this interview, the
whole year's stock of paper arrived from England, stamped accor
ding to the act : by night, the brand of oppression was cut off from
1 The composing slick first used by Mr. Thomjts, Sin impression of ' The Lawyer's
Pedigree,' and the very press upon which it was workedj which afterwards sent out the
glowing words of the patriots of the Revolution, were given to the Antiquarian Socie
ty by its founder, and have been scrupulously preserved, in accordance with his wishes.

ISAIAH THOMAS. 289
the sheets : the effigy of the comraissioner appointed to collect the
irapost, was found suspended from the gallows. The very correct
opinion prevailed, that Mr. Thomas was principal in these and oth
er acts of defiance of governraent. The sheriff, sent for the purpose
of intimidating the young printer by threats, or extorting confes
sions, was met with so much firmness and intrepidity, that the fruit
less mission was abandoned, i
In March, 1767/ Mr, Thomas went from Nova Scotia to Ports-
rnouth in New Hampshire, and four raonths afterwards, returned to
the employment of Fowle in Boston. Active and enterprising spirit
led him to accept the invitation of a ship master to try the fortune
of a voyage to Wilmington in North Carolina, Negotiations for an
establishment there were frustrated, and he embarked for the West
Indies, intending to seek passage thence to London. Ag^in his ex
pectations were defeated, and he repaired to Charleston in^South
Carolina, After a residence of two years, with impaired health, he
retraced his steps, and came again to the horae of his fathers. En
tering into partnership with Zechariah Fowle, they published a little
newspaper, discontinued in December of the same year. The con
nection was of brief duration. In was dissolved in three months,
and Mr, Thomas, having purchased the printing apparatus, issued
another, paper, bearing the name of its predecessor, ' The Massachu
setts Spy,' March 7, 1771. The early professions, of neutrality in
the great contest then impending, could not long be maintained
against the decided inclination of the conductor to the popular cause,
and the print soon became the leading advocate of whig principles;
Managed with great ability, in some departments, by Mr. Thoraas
himself, the strongest of the patriot writers gave the power ofthelr
pens to its support, and the Spy became the favorite channel for the
diffusion of high toned sentiment. Its influence was felt and feared
by the royalists, and they endeavored to avert the danger of a free
press. Overtures to the editor, with promises of honors, office,
^ The Philadelphia Journal arrived, dressed with mourning pages ; decorated wilh
death's heads, crossed bones, and other emblems of mortality ; and announcing its own
decease, by a complaint called the Stamp Act. To imitate this patriotic typography re
quired no little boldness. It was done by Mr, Thomas, with equal courage and adroit
ness. The columns of the Halifax Gazette were surrounded wilh heavy black lines ;
the title was surmounted by the skull ; a death's head placed as substitute for stamp;
and' a large figure of a cofiBn'laid at the end of the last page ; accompanied by the fol
lowing notice: 'We are desired, by a number of our readers, lo give a description of
the extraordinary appearance of the PennsylvaniaJournalof ilie 30th of October [1765.]
Wo can in no beller way comply wilh this request, than by the exemplification we have
given of that Journal iu this day's Gazelle,'
37

290 ISAIAH THOMAS.
patronage, and reward, on espousing the cause of government, vCere
rejected, and threats of vengeance for resistande, disregarded. A
man too independent to be bought by gain or controlled by power,
must be crushed. The debt contracted for the purchase of the es
tablishment was suddenly and sternly demanded : the aid of friends
discharged the sura and defeated the atterapt to ruin by pecuniary
pressure. The publication of a bold essay, written by Joseph Green
leaf, with the signature of Mucins Scaevola, afforded pretext for
fresh persecution. Mr. Thomas was suraraoned to appear before
the Governor and Council. Obedience to the executive mandate,
three times repeated, was as often fearlessly refused. Hutchinson
was too good lawyer to issue process for compulsion, where no au
thority existed for its execution. The punlshraent of the offender,
was entrusted to the judical arm, and the Attorney General direc
ted to institute prosecution for libel. Indictment and information,
though pushed forward by the united efforts of the officers of the
crown, alike failed. The Spy held on its way, vindicating the lib
erty of the press and of the citizen, against ministerial usurpation.
Renewed atterapts at coertion, only served to call forth testimonials
of the ardent interest felt by the leading men of the times for the
welfare of the establishment, and pledges of protection and defence, i
Such course, rendered Mr, Thomas obnoxious to the administra
tion. His name was placed on the list of the suspected : his prin
ting house received the honorary appellation of ' sedition factory,'
and threats of personal violence were frequent in the mouths of
the soldiery. Having been solicited by the whigs of Worcester, to
establish a newspaper, he made contracts and sent out proposals for
subscriptions in February, 1775 ; and with the assistance of Col. Big
elow, under the care of Gen. Warren, he privately conveyed a press
and cases of types, over the river to Charlestown, thence transported
to this town, a short time previous to the Lexington Fight. The
movements of the British troops for ah expedition into the country,
being discovered, Mr. Thoraas was active in spreading the alarra, and
at day break of the memorable 19th of April, joined the militia in
arms against the ' regulars.' Laying aside the musket after the fight,
to put in action a more powerful engine of freedom, and journeying
almost all the next night, he reached Worcester the following day.
The first printing done in any inland town of New England, was
' It is slated, by Mr. Goodwin, that the celebrated James Olis, ' then withdrawn from
active life in consequence of the malady which prostrated the energies of his mighty
mind,' proffered bis professional services to Mr, Thomas.

ISAIAH THOMAS. 291
performed in Worcester. The Spy reappeared, after a suspension of
three weeks, May 3, 1775, and was distributed by posts and mes
sengers. The publications of the Provincial Congress were execu
ted here, until presses were put in operation in Cambridge and Con
cord, the places of its session.
Although the acquisitions of five years toil had been abandoned to
be plundered, with the exception of the little reranant saved by the
fortunate arrangements of early removal, the better capital of indus
try, capacity, and enterprise, was undiminished, and was brought in
to full exertion. He was appointed Postmaster, by Benjarain Frank
lin, Sept. 25, 1775, and the commission was renewed for triennial
terms, by Ebenezer Hazard, Sarauel Osgood, Timothy Pickering,
and Joseph Habersham, the heads of the departraent in succeeding
years. In 1776, having leased his property to Messrs. Bigelow and
Stearns, and afterwards to Anthony Haswell, he went to Salem.
While on a visit here, the declaration of independence was received,
and first read to the citizens, by Mr. Thoraas, July 14, 1776, from
the porch of the Old South Church. Returning for permanent res
idence, in 1778, he resumed the management of the Spy. At that
period, trade was disordered ; in the fluctuating currency, the repre
sentative paper had no constituent specie ; raanufactures were in
infancy ; materials were deficient ; difficulties sprang up on all sides ;
and the print was only sustained through the war, by the unyielding
resolution of the proprietor.! "pjie restoration of peace opened the
channels of commerce ; new types and apparatus were obtained, and
his business expanded itself on a great scale. Uniting the employ
ments of printer, publisher, and bookseller, establishing the first
bindery and building the second paper mill in the county, the re
lations of a business which may well be called vast, as they extend
ed to alraost every part of the union, were conducted with that sys
tematic and methodical arrangement which gave successful action
to the coraplex machinery. At one period, under his own personal
direction and that of his partners, sixteen presses were in constant
motion, seven of them working here; three weekly newspapers and
^ ' In the indulgence of a peculiar poetical fancy his papers were generally ornament
ed with curiously significant devices and appropriate mottos. In 1774, they bore a dra
gon and a snake, the former representing Great Britain, and the serpent this country.
The latter was separated into parts to represent the different colonies. The head and
tail were furnished wilh stings for defence against the dragon, which was placed b the
posture of making attack. The device extended the \Vhole width of the paper, wilh
the motto over the serpent, in large capitals, Joinordie.' Goodwin's Memoir in Mass.
Spy, April 13, 1831,

292 ISAIAH THOMAS,
one monthly magazine, issued : and five bookstores in Massachu
setts, one in New Hampshire, one in New York, and one in Mary
land, almost supplied the literary sustenance of the community. One
of the most liberal publishers of the age, he produced and distribut
ed works, whose titles formed a voluminous annual catalogue. The
great folio edition of the bible in 1791, illustrated with the copper
plates of native artists, was unrivalled, at the period, for neatness, ac
curacy, and general elegance and excellence of execution ; the whole
types for smaller copies of the Holy Scriptures were kept standing
and often used.
Previous to the revolution, Mr, Thoraas commenced the Essex
Gazette, at Newburyport, in 1773; in January of the next year, he
began the Royal American Magazine, the last of the periodicals of
Boston under the provincial governors. After the war, in 1793, he
founded the Farmer's Museum, enlivened with the spirit of Prentiss,
Dennie, Fessenden and the coterie of wits gathered at Walpole,
N, H. ; established the Farmer's Journal in Brookfield, Mass, in
1799; in connection with Ebenezer T, Andrews, junior partner of
a house existing thirty one years, he printed the Massachusetts Mag
azine, in Boston, from 1783 to 1,795, The Spy was suspentled, in
consequence of the resemblance of an Excise Act to the Stamp du
ty, for two years. The Worcester Magazine, in 1787, and 1788,
supplied the place of that paper. Mr. Thomas was partner of Dr.
Joseph TriimbuH, in the business of druggist in this town for some
time after Aug. 31, 1780.
In 1802, Mr. Thoraas relinquished a prosperous business at Wor
cester, to his son Isaiah, and retired from the pressing cares of wide
concerns to the enjoyment of fortune honorably won and liberally
used. The evening twilight of a day of intense activity was not given
to the repose of idleness. Enjoying personal acquaintance with
some of the early conductors of the press in this country, familiar
by their narrations with their predecessors, himself a prorainent
actor through an iraportant period, greater advantages could not
have been desired for the undertaking, on which he entered, of com
piling the annals of American typography. 'The History of Print
ing,' published in 1810, in two octavo volumes, bears internal evi
dence, in the fulness and fidelity of its narrative, that neither toil,
research, nor money was spared for its preparation. Containing
notices of the antiquities and progress of the art, the biography of
printers and newspapers, the work received the approbation of criti-

ISAIAH THOMAS. 293
clsm, and the rank of standard authority. While this good enter
prise advanced, Mr. Thoraas had gathered rare treasures pf litera
ture and rich relics of the past. Collected, they were of inestiraa-
ble value : each fragment, if dispersed, would have been desirable,
but less precious than if fixed in its place, as a connecting link of the
chain o.f events. With an elevated benevolence, contemplating ii)
expanded view, all the good the present may bestow on the future,
he associated others with himself, and became the founder of th?
American Antiquarian Sopiety. The gift of his great collections
and library, the donation pf land, and of a spacipus edifice, an un
ceasing flow of bounty in continuous succession of benefactions,
and ample bequests for the perpetuation and extension of the bene
fits he designed to confer on the public and posterity, are enduring
testimonials of enlightened liberality. The institution will remain,
an imperishable monument to his raeraory, when the very raaterialp
of the hall reared by his generosity shall have crumbled.
While his private charity relieved the distresses, his public muni
ficence promoted the improvements of the town. The site of the
County Court House was bestowed by him ; and the building and
avenues on the front constructed under his uncorapensated direction.
No inconsiderable share of the cost of enlarging the square at the
north end of Main Street, and erecting the stone bridge, was given
by him. The street bearing his own name, and the spot where the
brick school house has been built, were his benefaction to the mu
nicipal corporation. In the location and execution of the Boston
and Worcester Turnpike, an enterprise of much utility at the pe
riod, he assisted by personal exertion and pecuniary contribution,
and few local works for the comraon good were accomplished with
out the aid of his purse or efforts.
In 1814, he received the honorary degree of Master of Arts from
Darmouth College : that of Doctor pf Laws was conferred by Al
leghany College in 1818. He was raeraber of the Historical So
cieties of Massachusetts and New York, and of numerous Philoso
phical, Huraane, Charitable, and Typographic associations. The
appointraent of Justice of the Court of Sessions was raade by Gov.
Gerry, Feb. 21, 1812 : the office was held until June 7, 1814^
when it was resigned. He was President of the Antiquarian So
ciety from its foundation to his decease, April 4, 1831, at the age
of 82 years.
While the institution of Freemasonry was prosperous. Dr. Thom
as attained its highest honors and degrees, and was long presiding

294 PUBLIC OFFICERS,
officer of the Grand Lodge and Chapter of Massachusetts, He at
tended and bore part in most of the consecrations, installations, and
high festivals of the association in the state, during his active years,
The'lncldents of the life of Dr. Thoraas have occupied broad space
in these poor annals His memory will be kept green when the re
collection of our other eminent citizens shall have faded in oblivion.
His reputation in future time will rest, as a patriot, on the manly in
dependence which gave, through the initiatory stages and progress of
the revolution, the strong inifluence of the press he directed to the
cause of freedom, when royal flattery and favor would have seduc
ed, and the power of government subdued its action ; as an antiqua
rian, on the minuteness and fidelity of research in the History of
Printing ; as a philanthropist, on the foundation and support of a
great national society, whose usefulness, with the blessing of Provi
dence, will increase through distant centuries,'

There have resided in Worcester, eighteen settled Clergymen :
two Barristers : sixty four Counsellors and Attorneys at Law : and
thirty one Physicians, Fifty-nine of the natives of the town have
received education in the colleges. Of those born here, fifteen
Physicians, twelve lawyers, and ten Clergymen, have gone out to
other places of settlement and professional employraent.
• Moses Thomas; father of Dr. Isaiah Thomas, married Fidelity Grant of Rhode-
Island: Their children were : 1. Elizabeth, born on Long Island, who mariied and
went to the. West. Indies : 2. Peter, who resided at Hampstead, L. I, 3. Joshua, b,
at Boston, March 3, 1745; in. Mary Twing of Brighton, and resided in Lancaster:
4. Susannah, married Tour times: last to Capt, Hugh McCullough, of Philadelphia:
surviving him, she died Feb. 28, 1815, a. 69 : 5. Isaiah, b. Jan. 19, 1749.
Dr. Isaiah Thomas, married Mary, d. of Joseph Dill, of .the Isle of Bermuda, Dec,
25, 1769 : Their children were, Mary Anne, b, March 27, 1772: was three times mar
ried ; last to Dr, Levi Simmons: 2. Isaiah, b. at Boston, Sept. 5, 1773; m. Mary
d. of Edward Weld of Boston : he was educated as a printer, and succeeded his
father in business ; he removed to Boston, where he died, June 25, 1819, His chil
dren were : 1. Mary Rebecca, m. Pliny Merrick, Esq. of Worcester : 2. Frances
Church, b. Aug. 12, 1800 ; m. William A. Crocker of Taunton. 3. Augusta Weld, b.
Aug. 1, 1801 ; d. Aug. 19, 1822, at Taunton: 4, Caroline, b. Sept. 26, 1802; m. to
Samuel L. Crocker of Taunton. 5. Hannah Weld, m. June 14, 1825, to Samuel L.
Crocker of Taunton ; d. November 22, 1827 ; 6. Isaiah, b. Dec, 11, 1804 ; d. Oct,
14,1805; 7. Isaiah, merchant in New York: 8, William, merchant in Boston: 9,
Edward Weld, b, Feb, 15, 1810: d. Oct. 5, 1810 : 10. Edward Isaiah, merchant in
New York : 11, Benjamin Franklin, lawyer in Worcester.
Dr, Thomas was married a second time to Mrs, Mary Fowle, d. of William Thomas
of Boston, b, June 9, 1751 ; d, Nov, 16, 1818, aged 67 ; and again married, Aug, 10,
1819, to Miss Rebecca Armstrong of Roxbury.

PUBLIC OFFICERS, 295
Worcester has furnished good proportion of those who have held
civil and judicial offices.
Of the natives or citizens of the town, previous to the war of in
dependence, were : one Attorney General of the Province : three
members of His Majesty's Council : one Mandamus Councillor :
three Judges of the Court of Coraraon Pleas : two Judges of Pro
bate : three Clerks of the Courts : four Treasurers and four Sheriffs
of the County : one Judge of the Supreme Court of New Bruns
wick : one Councillor, and one Clerk of the Assembly of that Pro
vince. Since the Revolution there have been ; two Governors of Mas
sachusetts and one Governor of Maine : two Lieutenant Governors :
two Speakers of the House of Representatives : six Councillors and
eleven Senators of Massachusetts : two Senators of New Hamp
shire : one Secretary of the Comraonwealth ; one Treasurer of New
York : one Attorney General of the United States : one acting Se
cretary of State : one Senator and eleven Representatives In Con
gress : one elected raeraber of Congress under the Confederation:
one appointed Judge of the Suprerae Court of the United States who
declined the coramission : one Judge of the Supreme Court of Mas
sachusetts : three Justices of the Court of Common Pleas of this
state and one of Alabama ; three Judges of Probate and one Judge
of the Orphan'-s Court of Alabama : two Justices of the Court of
Sessions : two County Commissioners : eight Clerks of the Courts
and eight County Attorneys : one District Attorney ; two Sheriffs
and three Treasurers of the County : five Justices throughout the
Commonwealth ; thirty-eight Justices of the Quorum ; and eighty-
one Justices of the Peace. ^
> This estimate of the ofEces of the worthies of Worcester, accurate so far as it ex
tends, is necessarily imperfect. Many emigrants from this town, who have held honor
able stations In other states, have nol been Included In the enumeration.
Of those natives of the town, not educated in the colleges, who emigrated, and
practised as Physicians, before unmenlioned, were : Samuel Rice of Athol, son of
Samuel Rice: William Young. of Ipswich, son of William Young : Jacob Holmes
of Leicester, son of Jacob Holmes; William Barber of Mason, N. H. son of James
Barber : and James McFarland of Rutland, son of James McFarland.

296

STATISTICS AND HISTORY.

CHAPTER XV.
Education. Common Schools. Centre District Schools. Private Instruction. Blan-
ual Labdr High School. Mount St. James Seminary,
When the original committee of settlement secured the support
of the worship of God, they raade provision for the education of
youth; At their first meeting, in 1669, when the untrodden wilder
ness spread over the territory of Worcester, it was agreed that a
lot of land should be ' appropriated for the maintenance of a school
and school master, to reraain for that use for ever.' In the contract
with Daniel Hertchman, in 1684, this determination was affirmed;
and it was enjoined, ' that care be taken to provide a schoolraaster
in due season.' When surveys were raade, after the permanent set
tlement, a tract of forty acres was granted for the promotion of this
object. The oiTteumstanc^g of the first planters long prevented the com
mencement of public instruction. The earliest municipal action
on the subject,' was April 4, 1726. In pursuance of a vote of the
town, ' the selectraen agreed with Mr. Jonas Rice to be schoolmas
ter, and to teach such children and youth as any of the Inhabitants
shall send to hira to read and write, as the law directs,'i until the
15th of Deceraber, On the expiration of this terra, it was pe
remptorily voted ' that the town will not have a school,' The pe
riod succeeding the commenceraent of the last century has been well
1 The Great and General Court of the Colony, in May 1647, staling as inducement,
that, ' Il being one chief project of Satan to keep men from the knowledge of the
Scriptures, as in former times keepingthem in tinknown tongues, so, in these latter times,
by persuading from the use of tongues, that so at least the true sense and meaning of
the original might be clouded and corrupted with false glosses of deceivers : to the end
thai learning may not be buried in the graves of our forefathers, in church and com
monwealth, the Lord assisting our endeavors,' ordered that every township wilhin the
jurisdiction ' after the Lord hath increased them to the number of fifty householders'
should maintain a common school, and each town of 100 families should keep a gram
mar school, A penalty W neglect of these wholesome provisions, for quaint reasons,
was established in 1671, increased by the statute of October, 1683-,

SCHOOLS. 297
described by one of the most discriminating of our local antiquari
ans, i as the • dark age' of Massachusetts, Every hand was busy
in converting the forest into farms. A fluctuating currency scarcely
served for the supply of the necessities of life. The planters of
Worcester, feeling the burden of sustaining elementary education
without iraraediately realising the resulting benefits, failed to give
practical operation to the enlightened views of the founders. In this
respect they could have shown the example of elder and raore weal
thy neighbors in extenuation of the negligence. Few towns about
that tirae, escaped fine for contempt of wholesome laws. The grand
jury admonished Worcester of its omissions of duty by present
ment, and the sum of £'l 8s. 6d. was raised in 1728, to defray the
charges of a prosecution, for want of schools, suspended on promises
of amendment, Benjamin Flagg, directly after, was employed as
schoolmaster, and<£14 granted for the annual stipend. In April,
1731, considering ' that many small children cannot attend in the cen
tre of the town by reason of the remoteness ofthelr dwelling places,
and to the Intent that all may have the benefit of education,' districts
were forraed. Division lines, drawn from the middle of each exte
rior boundary, separated the town into north, south, east and west
quarters, surrounding the central territory. The mild sway and
cheap services of females were sought, and the selectmen instructed,
' to procure a suitable number of school dames, not exceeding five,
for the teaching of small children to read, to be placed in the sever
al parts, as may be most convenient, and these gentleworaen to be
paid such sum, by the head, as they may agree.' The terror of the
law, in September following, produced a vote, ' to maintain a free
school for a year, and to be a moving school into the several quar
ters.' In August, 1732, Mr. Richard Rogers was engaged as teach
er, and continued in that relation about eight years. The instruc
tor of those days was migratory, revolving in his circuit round a cen
tre not then fixed to a particular location. Directions similar to this
of 1735, abound; 'Voted, that Mr. Richard Rogers repair to the
house of Mr. Palmer Goulding, there to keep school till further or
ders ' The inconvenience of temporary arrangeraents, induced the
inhabitants, after long consideration and debate, and great doubt of
the expediency of the raeasure, to resolve. May 15, 1735, ' that a
school house be built at the charge of the town, and placed in the
centre of the south half, or as near as may be with conveniency,
havino- regard to suitable ground for such a house to stand on, where
' Lemuel Shattuck, Esq, in the History of Concord.
38

298 SCHOOLS.
land may be purchased, in case it falls on any particular property,
provided the purchase may be made on reasonable terms.' The sur
veys of Col.. John Chandler, coraraissloned to,measure under these
instructions, and afterwards employed with new directioiis to find
the Intersection of a central line with the country road, not having
indicated acceptable points, after five years of deliberation, it was de
termined to ' set up ' the first school house of Worcester ' between
the Court House and bridge, below the fulling mill,' An humble
edifice was reared at the north end of Main street, and nearly in the
middle of the present travelled way, 24 feet long, 16 feet wide, and
with posts 7 feet high, which remained beyond the close of the rev
olutionary war. In 1740, £100 was granted for the support of
schools, one half to be appropriated for the centre, and the other half
divided among the quarters, ' provided the body of the town keep a
grammar school the whole year, and save the town from present
ment, and the skirts do in the whole have twelve months schooling
of a writing master,'
It had been well and wisely ordered by the fathers of New Eng
land, that each municipal community of sufficient ability, should af
ford to youth the means of acquiring the languages. The salutary
effect of this regulation was little appreciated, and waS even regard
ed as oppressive, in times less enlightened than the present. In
1766, the representative was instructed to endeavor, ' that the law
requiring a Latin Gramraar School, be repealed, and that not raore"
than one such school should be kept in a county,' and, in 1767, to
use his exertion to relieve the people frora the great burden of sup
porting so raany schools of this description, ' whereby they are pre
vented frora attaining such degree of English learning as is necessa
ry to retain the freedora of any state,'
The lower schools seem to have been sustained by liberal appro-
priaticftis. In 1769, there were eight districts; the apportionment
of the tax, of £79 17s, in that year throws some light on the popu
lation and resources of the divisions.
Old Names. Sums. Old Names, Sums,
Centre, £19 Is. Stone's, ,£8 5s,
Tatnick, 10 10 Stowell's, 8 3
Bogachoag, 8 8 Curtis's, 7 11
Smith's,. 9 8 Flagg's, 7 11
The sums raised by taxation for schools in different years, varied
with the fluctuation^ of the currency to such extent that it is difficult
to estimate accurately the real amount of expenditure. In 1727, the

SCHOOLS. 299
taxwas£1610s.: in 1730, £25: in 1740, £ 100 currency : in 1750,
£46 10s; in 1760, £75: in 1780, £76 16s: in 1770, £3000 in
continental bills.
It is not possible now to collect a perfect list of the school mas
ters previous to the revolution. The figures prefixed to the names
of the gentlemen mentioned below, show the time when their in
struction corameijced, 1725, Jonas Rice. 1729, Benjamin Flagg.
1732, James Wyman, Richard Rogers. 1733, Samuel Boutelle,
Nathaniel Williams. 1738, Samuel Marsh. 1739, James Durant.
1744, James Varney. 1752, Henry Gardner, 1755, John Adams, i
1757, John Young, 1758, William Crawford, 1760, Micah Law
rence, After the revolution, in 17S5 and 1788, the town was presented by
the grand jury for the neglect of its graramar school, and when it
was maintained, it appears to have travelled around the centre, in
the circle of districts, until 1808, when it became stationary.
In 1800, school houses were built in the several districts under
the direction of a comraittee. The following table shows the di
mensions, position, and cost of each.

Old names.

New names.

Feet square.

Expense.

Tatnick Quarter,

2,

25,

$270 27

Jones's,

3,

24,

270 27

Burbank's,

5,

22,

247 75

Baird's,

6,

22,

247 75

Gates's,

7,

20,

225 22

Fisk's Corner,

8,

22,

247 75

Burntcoat Plain,

9,

22,

247 75

Thaxter's,

10,

18,

202^70

Provision was made for the erection of two houses, not less than
22 feet square, in the centre, then containing one third of all the
minors : one was built at the corner of the old burial place, and the
other opposite to the building then the Unitarian Church, now the
Franklin House.
Prudent and able committees have been elected annually by the
town, who have had the supervision and visitation of the common
schools in the manner directed by the statutes.
The following statements illustrative of the condition of the schools,
and the expenses of education, are derived principally frora the re
turns in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth,
' Afterwards President of the United States. He was certainly employed ene yoar,
»nd probably more, while student al law wilh James Putnam.

300 SCHOOLS. 1834, 1835, 1835,
Nuraber of School Districts, 12, 12, 12,
Number of minors in all the districts, 2509, 2666, 3041,
Males from 4 to 16 attending schools, 675, 622, 570,
Females, . 494, 501, 636,
Average attendance in days, 924, 859, 1010,
Nuraber attending private schools. 111, 100,, —
Winter Schools, months, 96, 100, 88,
Summer schools, months. 111, 103, 87,
Instructors, Males, 12, 14, 11,
Eieraales, instructing, 20, 21, 19,
Wages, average by raonths. Winter, $ 17, $21, —
Suraraer, 8 9 J, $16*, —
Board per week, males, 8 2 i, $ 2 4, $ 2 ,
Amount raised for schools by tax, $ 5535, 8 5500, $ 6270,
Expenses for furniture, 8 500, $550, $550,
Tuition in private schools, $2023, 8 1500, §1500.
The monies granted by the town for the support of schools are dis
tributed thus : from the whole tax is first deducted the amount as
signed for the grammar school : as an equivalent for the school being
kept within the centre, the other districts receive two hundred and
fifty dollars, equally divided : the residue of the whole sum is then
apportioned according to the rainors. The raode of distribution will
be seen from the following table : six columns, after the first, show the
nuraber of persons under twenty one years of age ;' the six last the
sum given to each district, in the year marked at the top of the
column.

Minors.

Monies,
No.1331.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835.
1835. ,
1831.
1832,
1833,
1834.
1835,
1835.
1 1068
1164
1256
1360
1524
1815
§978 ,^1012
S1039
gl299
iim g]6io
2 151
145
135
146
138
144
156
149
134
152
' 'l49
155
3 200
227
221
225.
232
293
210
220
205
237
234
292
4 98
112
96
103
83
104
118
12(5
102
121
98
118
5 105
103
108
111
106
99
1^3
112
112
123
120
113
6 81
72
66
70
73
71
99
85
77
89
89
88
7 66
78
73
84
112
101
86
83
83
102
125
115
8 138
88
102
104
98
93
138
99
107
121
112
108
9 95.
75
81
75
72
90
96
88
89
94
'88
105
10 62,
69
59
56
55
42
62
74
71
79
82
61
11 64
51
55
'69
65
59
60
76
58
79
73
77
12 —
69
104
117
108
129
—
74
108
134
122
141
2108
2244
2366
2509
2666 3041
2125
2197
2195
2545
2697
3043
CENTRE SCHOOL DISTRICT. 301
The following gentlemen, among others, have been employed in
instruction here since the revolution, most of them in the Grammar
School, Dr, Amasa Dingley, who died in New York : Rev. Thaddeus M.
Harris, long clergyman of Dorchester : Thomas Payson, afterwards
teacher in Boston, and now of Peterborough, N. H. : Roger Vose,
counsellor at law in Walpole, N. H. : Silas Paul, sometime in the
practice of the law in Fitchburg : Andrew Morton, lawyer, who
died at Hampden, Me : Calvin Park, Professor in Brown University :
Isaac Gates, afterwards of the United States army : Samuel Swan,
practising law in Hubbardston : Rev. Nathan Parker, late of Ports-
raouth, N. H. : Dr. Jacob Bigelow, physician of Boston : Rev.
John Nelson, of Leicester; Nathari Guilford, of Lexington, Ken
tucky : Ebenezer D. Washburn, of Mobile, Alabama : Levi Hey
wood : Rev. Jonathan Going, now of the city of New York : Jona
than Smith, now of Bath, N. IJ. . John Reed, son of John Reed,
of Worcester: Thomas Fiske, who died at Ch.arleston, S. C. : Ben
son C. Baldwin, who died at Milford : Leonard Worcester, late
teacher in Newark, N. J. : George Folsom, now of New York,
Charles Thurber, B. U. 1827,- son of Rev. Laban Thurber, born
in Brookfield, the present master of the Latin School, was elect
ed to that ofiice, March 27, 18;:2, The English School of the Dis
trict, is under the charge of Warren Lazell, son of Deacon Daniel
Lazell, of Mendon, who was chosen as instructor, Feb. 23, 1828,
Albion P. Peck, son of Dr. Gustavus D. Peck, of Milford, was elect
ed master of the second English School, June 22, 1835. ^
CENTRE SCHOOL DISTRICT,
One of the earliest steps in the progress of the Improveraent of
education in the Centre District, was in 1752, when the town, by
their votes, consented, ' that the inhabitants of the centre, extend
ing one mile and a half around the school house, should have allow
ed them their proportion of money for the support of schooling, pro
vided they do, bona fide, keeep a gramraar school the whole year :
and if their proportion of money will procure a master more than
twelve weeks, the usual time, they have of late had schooling, then
any person may have liberty to send children afterwards.' About
' The compensation paid to the instructor of the Grammar school, is ,^900 ; of the Eng
lish school ,^700 : of the second school g400, annually : of the Apprentices school ^32
monthly: of the Female High school $5, 60 : of the Primary, Infant, and African, schools
53,60, by the week : the assistants are paid at the rate of gl the week.

802 CENTRE SCHOOL DISTRICT.
this period, a school house, with two rooms on the floor, was erect
ed by James Putman, John Chandler, and other public spirited in
dividuals, 1 and the deficiency of the grants for the support of in
struction was supplied by subscriptions. In 1769, the town gave to
the proprietors of the graramar school, £6, ' they engaging that the
school shall be free, for all persons in the town desirous of learning
the languages.'
All minor objects gave way to the Intense Interest and exhausting
necessities of the revolutionary contest; its stern excitement divert
ed attention, and Its exigencies absorbed the whole available resourc
es of the people : all improvements were neglected ; and education
sunk low amid political commotion. When peace revisited the land,
an effort was raade for the establishment of a system, perfected in
after years, which might afford to the children of each citizen good
and thorough education in their own homes. An association was
forraed for erecting a school of high grade, with the real merits,
though without the ostentatious name of academy. In 1784, Eli
jah Dix, Joseph Allen, Levi Lincoln, Nathan Patch, John Green,
John Nazro, Palmer Goulding, and others, uniting in a joint stock
company, procured a lease of the land on the west side of Main
street on which the Centre School House now stands, and that buil
ding was erected in front of the position it now occupies. A con
veyance of the lot was obtained, Sept. 29, 1787. The property had
been divided into 100 shares, and each (iroprletor, by the terras of
the deed, was to hold an araount of Interest in the estate proportion
ate to his contribution for the purchase, under llraitations securing
the appropriation to the purposes of the fund.
Two schools were opened in the new house by the proprietors ;
one for the common elementary studies. Under Mr, Brown ; the oth
er for the highest branches of acaderaic education, called ' The Sera
inary,' under the tuition of Mr, Thoraas Payson, For a tirae they
were sustained with great spirit. The quarterly examinations, with
the attraction of dramatic exhibitions, were attended by a numerous
audience. In Aug. 1787, the tragedy of Cato was played by Mr.
Brown's scholars, with brilliant success ; rivalled by the pupils of the
serainary, in October following, by the recitation of original orations,
forensic discussions, poems, and dialogues in Greek and Latin,
' This humble one slory edifice was placed near the east side of Main street, south
of the termination of the Boston Rail Road, and surrounded wilh trees. During the
revolution, it was converted into a dwelling, and remained, until modern improvement
swept away the ancient house and the venerable elms that embowered its lowly roof.

CENTRE SCHOOL DISTRICT. 303
As the children of the subscribers were removed to the colleges,
or the preparation for professions or active business, the warm in
terest of the parents in the institutions declined, and with it the
schools gradually sunk from the high ground on which they had been
placed. In May 1799, the building was advertised for sale at pub
lic auction, and in July 1801, purchased by the inhabitants of the
Centre District frora its owners, at the cost of ^950, including the
expense of repairs.
In the summer of 1823, a vigorous effort was made for the renova
tion of the decayed systera. Dr. Bancroft, foremost in every good
word and work, Jonathan Going, earnest and ardent in the promo
tion of improveraent, Sarauel M. Burnside, author of the school
law of 1827, Levi Lincoln, Otis Corbett, and Samuel Jennison,
were the frainers of that plan, whose successful operation has given
occasion for just pride in the excellence of the schools of the district.
These gentlemen, from a committee ' to consider the interesting
questions regarding the good of our children in the acquisition of
knowledge,' submitted a report, Aug 22, 1823, published and dis
tributed to all the families. They declare their opinion, that for
several years, the schools had generally fallen below the common
standard, and would not bear comparison with many of the immedi
ate neighborhood. The evils so long endured; they attributed to
false economy, in the employment of 111 paid and incompetent teach
ers. The remedy was suggested, in the arrangement soon after adopt
ed, and since continued, with the slight modifications pointed out by
experience or required by the alteration of social condition. It was
urged on the inhabitants, ' as they regarded parental obligations, as
they loved their offspring, as they estimated their responsibility to
God and their country, to cooperate unitedly and individually in the
attainment of the great object.' The appeal was not in vain. The
recommendations were confirmed, and liberal grants made for their
execution. On the 31st of Dec. 1823, the first Board of Overseers
was elected. They were Aaron Bancroft, Jonathan Going, Aretius
B. Hull, Loamral Ives Hoadley, Levi Lincoln, John Davis, Theoph
ilus Wheeler, Otis Corbett, Enoch Flagg, Benjarain Chapin, Sam
uel M. Burnside, and Frederic W. Paine ; the heavy duly of carry
ing into operation the measures proposed, and sanctioned by the votes
of the district, was devolved upon and faithfully discharged by them.
The statement of the present condition will show the extent ofthelr
arduous and meritorious exertions, and the amount of resulting good.
Resort to the contingent aid of voluntary contribution having been

304 CENTRE SCHOOL DISTRICT,
found ineffectual and feeble, authority was obtained from the Legis
lature, Jan. 27, 1824, to bring the steady support of taxation for the
support of schools. An additional act, Feb, 1826, authorized the
notification of meetings, by an advertisement, signed by a majority
of the overseers, posted on the raeeting houses seven days previous,
A board of-twelve persons, annually elected, have the duty of as
certaining the qualifications of teachers and the attainments of schol
ars ; prescribing the course of instruction ; establishing proper reg
ulations; Investigating all complaints of parents, pupils, or instruc
tors; of the disbursement of tiionies; the examination and supervis
ion of the schools ; and of reporting in writing on the progress made
during their term of office.
Ten permanent schools are arranged in regular gradation, and
kept through the year, with such vacations only as the convenience
of the teachers may require, or the discretion of the board permit.
Of the lowest grade are, the Infant Schools, first opened, in 1830,
receiving children at the earliest age at which they can derive bene
fit frora public instruction.
Next are the North and South Primary Schools, receiving their
pupils by proraotion from the Infant schools.
The pupils, when qualified, are advancedio the two Boy's English
Schools, and to the Second Female School.
Highestin rank, is the Female High School, corresponding with
the Latin Grammar School, to which promotions are raade frota the
Primary schools.
There is an African School, for children of color, established in
1828, where all the usefiil branches of education are taught.
A school, first opened in 1828, has since been annually kept during
the winter months, for apprentices and clerks, and such other boys
as can attend only through a part of the year.
The instructors are required to keep a register, exhibiting an ac
count of the conduct and proficiency of every pupil during each day.
Monthly visitations are made by the overseers, and each scholar is
then subjected to exaraination, and report of the result made to the
board, at their stated meetings on tlie first Monday of every, raonth.
It was originally proposed, that all the schools subject to the vis-
itorial direction of the overseers, should be under the superinten
dence of the Grararaar raaster, with the view, that sorae competent
person, professionally devoted to education, should bestow that con
stant attention on the execution of the details of the systern, which
men engaged in the cares and occupations of life, could not give

CENTRE SCHOOL DISTRICT. 305
hour by hour. Dr. Bancroft, the enlightened friend of youth, repor
ting for the committee of 1823, writes, ' the whole will form but
one school, under the general superintendence of the board of over
seers, and children will be advanced from class to class till they
reach the highest. And in order to give strength and unity to the
system, your committee are convinced, that the grammar master
ought to have the superintendence of all the schools in the Centre
House, and that the pupils should be classed under his direction in
such manner as to make the most economical use of time without
reference to the particular school to which they belong. ' Difficul
ties resulting frora the separate policy of the town and district, pre
vented the effect of an arrangement so judicious in its principle.
The following table exhibits the condition of the schools of the
district in the month of Sept, 1836,
Schools, Teachers. '^°'^ Boys.. Girls, to to to °^^''
^°- 6, 10, 15, 15-
Latin Grammar, Charles Thurber, 40 40 0 0 0 29 11
Female High, Eliz. B. Hamilton, 38 0 38 0 1 32 5
Second Female, Jerusha Knight, 49 0 49 0 8 41 0
Boy's English, Warren Lazell, 50 50 0 0 9 39 2
Second Boy's, Albion P, Peck, 53 53 0 0 24 29 0
North Primary, Lois W, Harrington,63 0 63 0 40 23 0
South Primary, Caroline M, Corbett,55 55 0 0 45 10 0
North Infant, Mary S, Ward, 75 39 36 33 42 0 0
Central Infant, Abigail Pratt, 80 46 34 39 41 0 0
South Infant, Martha S. Hamilton, 53 29 24 23 30 0 0
New South Inf t, Rebecca S, Goes, 34 16 18 8 25 10
African, Hannah C. Perrin, 22 9 13 5 16 10
A recommendation n;iade by Dr. Bancroft, was adopted, Feb. 23,
1825, and it was ordered ' that at two o'clock of the afternoon of the
Saturday which closes the scholastic year, a public address be annual
ly delivered in one of the houses for public worship, by some person
appointed by the board ; the prominent objects of which shall be, to
illustrate the importance of good education and the best method of
acquiring and extending such an education ; and give to the district
asserabled a just view of the manner in which their schools are and
should be conducted. Let this address be followed by prayer. Let
proper measures be taken to insure a full audience frora the District,
and let the pupils of each school be seated together, with their teach
er at their head. Further pageantry, the coraraittee think, would be
unnecessary and useless.' The beautiful thought of its benevolent
39

1825,

Aaron Bancroft,

1831,

1826,

Samuel M. Burnside,

1832.

1827,

Jonathan Going,

1833.

1823,

Isaac Goodwin,

1834,

1829,

Alonzo Hill,

1835,

1830,

Isaac Davis,

183p.

306 PRIVATE INSTRUCTION.
author has had that observance which its origin deserved. Among
the most interesting of festivals, has been the long procession of chil
dren, going up to the church, each April, vvith the plain and un
ostentatious simplicity, the founder of the ceremony designed, to hear
the words of good counsel or admonition.
Those named below have made addresses on these occasions,
Alfred D, Foster,
John S, C. Abbot,
Frederic A, Willard,
Stephen Salisbury,
Ira Barton,
William Lincoln,
Such are the brief outlines of the plan, affording instruction from
its lowest eleraents to its highest branches, beginning at the alpha
bet, advancing by regular gradations to the raore elevated depart
ments of learning, and affording to every citizen of the district the
means of giving to his children all the education necessary for ad
mission to the Universities, or desirable for the commencement of
the engagements of business,
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION.
Although munificent grants sustained the great system of the com
mon schools, instruction alike of lower and higher grade than they
afforded, was required and has been supported at private charge, or
undertaken by individual enterprise.
On the last day of March, 1791 , Mr, Thomas Payson advertised
his intentions to open a serainary for young ladles, ' as soon as the
roads were raore settled,' His experiraent was brief, and probably
unsatisfactory to himself
Miss Hannah Spofford comraenced a school on the sarae plan, in
May, 1804. Her proposals afford data for estimating the extent of
female accorapllshraents deemed desirable at that period, and the
cost ofthelr attainment, Reading, plain sewing and marking, were
taught, for the compensation of two dollars the quarter : embroidery,
ornamental work on muslin, writing, arlUimetic, grararaar, rhetoric,
and the art of corapositlon, could be gained for three dollars : paint
ing in water colors and crayon, and filagree work, were charged at
four dollars for the same period.
Mrs, Nugent, succeeded this lady, adding in the Academy she
opened in 1805, the exercises of geography, tambour, work, land
scape painting, and music.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 307
Other Instructors were here in later years. In 1823, an Acade
my for the instruction of youth in the highest branches of education,
was comraenced by the Rev, Benjarain F. Farnsworth, and contin
ued about a year. A building was purchased, by an association,
incorporated March 10, 1832, as the Proprietors of the Worcester
Feraale Academy, and a school was kept by Mrs. A. M. Wells, dur
ing a year, and subsequently by Mr. John Wright. The corporation
was afterwards dissolved and the edifice sold.
Instruction of the most excellent cast has been given to young la
dies, by Dr. John Park, for twenty years a teacher of distinguished
reputation in Boston, who removed from that city to this place, in
1831. His classes have been so limited, as to admit of that oral com
munication which best imparts knowledge, and of the direct influ
ence of a gifted mind, rich in learning and experience, to form pure
raoral and strong intellectual character.
In the spring of 1836, a school of high grade for young ladies was
comraenced by Mr. Robert Phipps, which has been successfully con
tinued. In Septeraber, the pupils were 35. '
SUNDAY SCHOOLS,
Before 1816, beside the public religious Instruction, there were
recitations in a catechism prepared by Dr. Bancroft, after the stated
lectures, by the children of the second parish. In May, of that year,
a class of 25, soon increasing to 60, was forraed by the Rev. Jona
than Going, in the Baptist society, and one of the first of the Sab
bath Schools within the county of Worcester was established. Al
most simultaneously the systera which is exerting a happy influence
on moral condition, was adopted by the first parish, and has been ex
tended to the other societies.
The number of scholars connected with the several churches, is
stated in the latest published reports, as follows :
First Parish, 300, Calvinist; Society, 235,
Second Parish, 170, Union Society, 162,
Baptist Society, 250,
The schools are generally under the direction of societies formed
for their support, and are furnished with useful libraries collected by
voluntary contributions,
WORCESTER MANUAL LABOR HIGH SCHOOL,
At a meeting of a few individuals desirous of founding an insti
tution for education in the interior, under the patronage of the Bap
tist denomination, in March, 1832, it was determined to raise $5000,

308 MANUAL LABOR HIGH SCHOOL.
as a foundation fund. This sum was obtained, by subscriptions,
principally within the county, and it was resolved, that the school
should be placed in Worcester, A Committee was elected to effect
the design, consisting of Isaac Davis and Otis Corbett of Worces
ter, Edward Phillips of Sturbridge, and Otis Converse, of Grafton.
The details of the plan were wisely left to their discretion, under
the general direction that the instruction should be of the first order ;
that strict moral and religious character should be attained ; and that
every facility should be afforded for productive labor, to the end that
education should be good, but not expensive.
Araong the raost influential and zealous in the forraatlon, devel
opment, and execution of this project, was Isaac Davis, Esq. who
has been the President, and one of the most devoted in personal and
pecuniary exertions, to the promotion of the prosperity of the Insti
tution. In November, 1832, a tract of twenty nine acres of land was pur
chased at the price of $75 the acre, and another lot of thirty one
acres for $65 the acre, about half a mile south of the village. The
academic buildings were erected in 1833, at the expense of about
$10,000, The trustees were incorporated Feb, 28, 1834, with full
powers of visitation and government.
On the dedication of the serainary, June 4, 1834, an address was
delivered by Rev, Frederic A, Willard, and religious exercises per
formed by Rev, Abiel Fisher, The school went into operation with
about 30 scholars, under tlie superintendence of Silas Bailey, B, U.
1834, The second term, Amos W, Stockwell, A, C, 1834, was em
ployed as assistant, succeeded the third terra by Mr, Rhodes B. Chap
man, who resigned in the fall of 1836, and Hervey S, Dale,, B, U.
1834, was appointed teacher.
The institution has a library of about 500 volumes, and a philo
sophical and matheraatical apparatus, was presented by Stephen Sal
isbury, Esq. one of the trustees.
The studies pursued, are gtamra^r, geography, rhetoric, book
keeping, arithraetlc, algebra, geometry, surveying, the languages, in
tellectual and natural philosophy, and chemistry. The academic year
is divided into four terms, of eleven weeks each, coraraencirig on
the first Wednesday in September, December, March, and June ;
and each followed by two weeks of vacation. The charge of each
term, for tuition in English studies, is $5, and in the languages, $7 :
for rent of room and furniture, $2, Board in coraraons is furnished
at the actual cost: the aggregate expenditure for provisions, ser-

MOUNT ST. JAMES SEMINARY. 309
vants, and other necessary payments, being divided proportionably
araong the scholars.
It was the original design, not only to afford the means of the ac
quisition of knowledge by teachers, library, and apparatus, but to
furnish such employment as would promote the health of the stu
dents, while it enabled them to defray some part of their expenses.
During the period of agricultural operation, this has been provided.
The farm and garden are cultivated by the students : if the full labor
of a man is performed, eight cents the hour is allowed for the ser
vice, and the same ratio of compensation is adopted for less work,
A report of the principal, in the autumn of 1835, states, that many
of the students have been enabled to pay their tuition, and some, by
industry, had discharged the bill for board ; and adds, that those who
had given evidence of the greatest improveraent, on a then recent
examination, had spent a portion of alraost every day in active labor.
The want of funds has yet prevented the erection of buildings and
accuraulation of capital, necessary for establishing branches of man
ufactures and mechanics, affording useful occupation during the in
clement season.
The number of students in 1836, was 135 : among them, 18 from
Worcester, The officers are : Isaac Davis, President : Otis Cor
bett, Secretary : Ichabod Washburn, Treasurer : Silas Bailey, Prin
cipal: Hervey S, Dale, Teacher: Joel Marble, Steiuard: Rev, Abi
el Fisher, Joseph White, Rev, Otis Converse, Rev, Frederic A,
Willard, Stephen Salisbury, Otis Corbett, Isaac Davis, Edward Phil
lips, Samuel D, Spurr, Pearley Goddard, Daniel Goddard, Ichabod
Washburn, Joseph Converse, Joseph T, Everett, Trustees.
MOUNT ST, JAMES SEMINARY,
This institution, of very recent origin, was founded by Rev,
James Fitton. Its buildings are situated on the northern slope of
Pakachoag Hill, and are connected with a farm of about sixty acres
of land. The government is vested in a President, Principal, and
Prefects, of the Catholic denomination. The course of instruction
comprises the branches of practical education which qualify youth
for usefulness in the business of life. Pupils of the age of eight
years are adraitted. Frora the elementary studies of reading, writ
ing, and grammar, they may proceed through courses of arithmetic,
bookkeeping, geography, astronomy, history, and composition.
There are two scholastic terms in the year ; one frora Septeraber to
March, the other from March to the middle of August : the first

310 POPULATION.
followed by one week, and the second by two weeks, of vacation.
In the published statement, the expenses of support and tuition are
estimated at eighty dollars per annura.
The present officers are Rev, Jaraes Fitton, President, and Jo
seph Brigden, Principal,

CHAPTER XV,
Population. Emigration. Mortality. Valuation. Taxation, Support of the Poor.
Communication. Stages. Manufactures. Trade.
Population. Until within a few years, the inhabitants of Wor
cester have been principally employed in agriculture, and the pop
ulation has increased slowly but gradually, until the commencement
of works of internal improveraent and the establishraent of manu
factures, which have given great and rapid accessions of numbers.
The tables below show the numbers' in the different years ex
pressed.

1790.

1800.

1810.

1820.

Age.

Male; Fera

1. Male. Fem.

Male. Fem.

Male.

Fem.

Under 10 years

J

— —

350 428

337 355

479

344

From 10 to 16,

494 —

178 162

186 182

171

188

Prom 16 to 26,

601 —

277 230

262 283

403

312

From 26 to 45,

- 949

213 245

242 234

319

325

45 and upwards, -

- —

175 170

207 531

218

270

Total,

1095 949

1193 1135

1234 1343

1490

1439

1830.
Age.
Male.
Fem.
Tol.
Age. Male.
Fem.
Tot.
Under 5 years.
300
280
580 From 40 to 50, 155
156
311
From 5 to 10,
218
218
436
50 to 60, 83
95
178
10 to 15,
188
209
397
60 to 70, 44
71
115
15 to 20,
258
229
487
70 to 80, 43
38
81
20 to 30,
537
428
965
80 to 90, 8
10
18
30 to 40,
260
251
511
90 to 100, 0
3
3
2094 1978 ¦ 4072
The number of free blacks in 1777, were 10: in 1790, 51 : in
1800, 83 : in 1810, 88 : in 1820, 95 : in 1830, 90.
EMIGRATION. 311
In 1820, there are, returned as engaged in commerce, 1 : agri
culture, 218 : manufactures, 126 : foreigners, 19,
The whole population In different years was as follows :
Y'ears, 1763, 1776. 1790. 1800. 1810, 1820. 1825. 1830. 1835. 183G.
Pop, 1478 1925 2095 2411 2577 2962 3650 4172 6624 abt 7500
Emigration. The enterprise of the citizens of Worcester, and
the want of profitable employraent of Industry at home, has, at dif
ferent periods, led her natives to seek fortune in regions deemed more
propitious. About 1730, a colony of the presbyterian planters went
out to Worcester in New York. Soon after the war of the revolu
tion, the town of Paris, in Maine, was founded by Levi Hubbard, and
the brothers of the Stowell farally, joining with him, have been araong
the useful and honored of the inhabitants of that town. Many oth
er of the young plantations of that state derived accessions of num
bers and worth from our community. Col. Josiah Brewer was the
first settler of Curaraington in Hampshire Co. Mass, Col. Timothy
Bigelow, in 1780, became grantee of Montpelier : Col. Ephraim
Doolittle, long resident here, commenced the cultivation of Shore
ham : and Windsor, Chester, and Woodstock, all in Vermont, re
ceived additions from our citizens. Some were in Col. Putman's
expedition of 1787, to build cities in the then far West, and raany
went, after the war of 1812, to new lands. The county of Wor
cester has been like a hive of population, sending out swarras in all
directions. The town has borne full share in this contribution to the
good of others. The biographical notices of former pages show a
portion of the talent thus bestowed.
Mortality. The favorable local situation of the town, the salu
brity of the climate and healthful occupations of the people, have
rendered the visitations of epidemic disease unfrequent.
Before the small pox had been disarmed of its fearful power of
destruction, during the period when it spread over the country, hos
pitals were established in the town, to which whole farailies resorted
for inoculation, in preference to awaiting the danger of taking the
disease the natural way. This malady prevailed generally in 177G,
when the deaths here were 76,
In 1796, the dysentery prevailed, and between July and Novem
ber, 44 children under five years, and 15 persons over that age, died
here of that complaint. The number of deaths in that year, was 80 :
the average of five preceding years had been 24,
In 1810 and in 1813, a very malignant fever raged and created

312 MORTALITY.
great terror in the county, - Its destroying effect, though severe, was
less fatal here than in other towns.
The bills of mortality have been Imperfectly kept until recently.
The following tables, collected with great labor, exhibit accurate re
sults through the period they comprehend.

Years. Under

1
to

5
to

10to

20to

30
lo

40
lo

50
to

60 to

70 to

80 to

90 to

Un
known

Tot.

1.

5.

10.

20.

30.

40.

50.

60.

70.

80.

90.

100.

1816

2

3

0

1

2

2

2

2

2

4

2

0

1

23

1817

3

5

4

4

5

5

4

2

3

4

3

1

6

49

1818

1

6

0

2

7

3

4

3

6

2

0

2

7

43

1819

4

5

1

2

8

2

1

3

3

3

3

2

14

51

1820

2

2

2

2

5

5

2

3

2

4

0

3

7

39

1821

3

2

0

2

4

2

3

1

8

3

0

0

7

35

1822

2

5

1

3

5

7

1

4

6

1

1

1

2

39

1823

3

6

2

4

4

4

4

3

2

2

3

0

20

57

1824

0

2

1

1

1

6

3

5

10

1

-2

1

5

38

1825

3

4

1

0

1

4

3

3

3

2

1

0

18

43

1826

4

5

1

5

5

6

2

4

3

3

0

0

22

60

1827

3

5

I

1

5

3

1

1

1

4

6

1

14

46

1828

7

5

0

0

4

6

1

2

5

4

6

0

15

55

1829

5

11

2

2

4

1

5

.4

5

2

3

0

5

49

1830

8

5

2

4

12

9

4

4

8

5

6

2

2

68

1831

9

6

10

3

10

5

5

5

4

10

7

0

0

74

1832

10

10

7

5

10

5

10

3

5

3

0

1

2

71

1833

14

13

1

3

8

1

11

4

4

2

7

0

0

68

1834

21

15

4

I

4

9

5

4

6

5

3

0

10

87

1835

20

10

5

10

12

10

4

5

6

2

3

1

17

105

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr

. May

'. June. July, Aug, Sep, Oct. Nov. Dec, Total

,

1807

10

4

4

3

2

1

2

5

5

4

2

6

48

1810
0
0
3
5
7
5
3
4
5
4
1
2
39
1815
2
1
3
3
4
1
2
0
2
5
3
6
32
1820
6
5
2
1
4
1
2
3
5
5
2
3
39
1825
2
7
2
1
2
3
2
3
6
6
1
8
43
]
1830
5
7
9
4
4'
4
8
8
7
8
1
3
68
1831
8
6
5
3
3
3
6
4
2
10
6
14
70
1832
4
6
7
7
6
4
7
7
8
2
10
3
71
1833
7
8
7
I
4
5
3
8
12
7
4
2
68
1834
8
8
4
7
3
5
9
11
5
10
7
10
87
1835
10
9
12
8
7
3
6
10
11
15
5
9
105
The deaths in other years, so far as the raeans of asqertainlng the
nurabers are preserved, were : in 1775, 22 : in 1776, 76 : in 1778,
39 : in 1779, 21 : in 1780, 17 : in 1781, 24 : in 1782, 31 : in 1783,
28 : in 1784, 38 : in 1791, 22 : in 1792, 26 : in 1793, 23 : in 1794,
IS : in 1795, 33 : in 1796, 80 : in 1797, 28 : in 1808, 39 : in 1809,
29: in 1811, 32: in 1812, 21 : in 1813, 70: in 1814, 42.
VALUATION.

313

The ratio of deaths to population in 1830 was 1 in 61: 1831, 1 in
61 : 1832, 1 in 65 : 1833, 1 in 70 : 1834, 1 in 80 : 1835, 1 In 63.
There have been a few instances of extraordinary. flongevity,
John Young died June 33, 1730, aged 107: Sylvia, an African fe
male. May 22, 1804, a. 105 : Kesina Harris, Oct. 27, 1832, a. 102.'
Valuation. The following estimates of the principal articles of
property are compiled from the returns of the assessors in the of
fice of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. On these documents
the valuation of the state in successive years has been founded. Al
though the results cannot be considered precisely correct, they ap
proximate near to accuracy.

1781.

1791.

1801.

ISU.

1821.

1831.

Buildings, Barns,

207

218

S56

310

371

450

Houses,

216

244

278

330

384

521

Shops,
11
16
18
71
, 86
123
Other Buildings,
32
49
130
146
291
372
Cider,
No, of barrels.
2063
2478
2999
3334
2114
—
Grain,
Barley, bushels,
—
—
359
289
625
575
Corn,
—
—
13350
14112
17813
22272
Oats,
—
—
6165
7228
11784
17645
Rye,
—
—
4813
4164
572C
4261
Wheat,
—
—
482
238
287
39
Hay,
English, tons.
—
—
1464
1683
2500
4249
Meadow, ,
—
—
1393
1417
1204
1431
Land,
Tillage, acres.
1034
1193
1395
1745
1962
1925
Mowing,
1074
1253
1754
2362
2882
3932
Meadow,.
1606
1574
1814
1856
1844
1751
Pasture,
2881
4199
7469
7794
10560
10262
Wood,' '
14912
12213
5114
4874
3421
3730
Unimproved,
—
—
4246
3918
1293
1072
Unimprovable,
—
2166
907
316
857
72
Covered by water.
—
—
90
396
388
448
roads.
—
—
420
444
450
489
Live Stock, Cows and steers, 778
1089
10C3
1050
1101
1822
Horses,
277-
319
390
321
314
434
Oxen,
365
407
513
391
488
614
Swine,
212
671
687
565
717
698
Ratable Polls,
389
486
520
519
643
]109
I Josiah Pierce, who died in 1806, a. 85, left 14 children, 77 grand children, and 35
great grand children. Keslah Nichols died 1807, leaving 152 lineal descendants: 7
children, 52 grand children, 86 great grand children, 7 great great grand children. Col.
Benjamin Flagg, died Nov. 1819, aged 95, leaving 4 children 42 grand children, 83
great grand children.
2 In 1781, 1791, the woodland and unimproved land are not distinguished.
40
314 TAXATION.
The ratable polls have numbered as follows, in years not includ
ed in the tables.
Years, 1777, 1778. 1780, 1793. 1803, 1813, 1823, 1833. ' 1834, 1835.
Polls, 438 440 460 490 508 599 715 1300 1312 1683
The aggregate value of the property of the town is inserted in a
column below.
Taxation, The following statement will furnish a comparative
view of the sums raised for.public expenses in different periods. In
addition to the town taxes for the support of schools, large^ums are
assessed in the Centre District.
Years. Total ' Total High- School
Valuation. Taxes. ways. Tax,
1800, $296542 $3017 S1500 81628
1805, 443760 2130 2000 1300
1810, 1476383 3213 2000 1500
1815, 1776635 4580 2000 1500
1820, 2015750 4715 2000 1700
1825. 2437550 6215 2000 2000
1830. 2747800 8073 2000 2700
1835, 3667250 15986 2500 3600
1836, 3990950 24047 6700 5200
The expenditures of the town during the year ending in March,
1836, were, as stated in a report : for highways, $2445 : repairs of
bridges, $104: new roads, $965 : schools, $3472: fire departraent,
$800: new engine house, $1200: principal and interest of town
debt, $3379: lighting streets, $341 : poor establishment, $140.4:
poor not at the poor house,, $453 : compensation to assessors, $170 :
burials, $216 : amounting, with sorae contingent expenses, to $15698.
Of this sura, $527 has been repaid by allowance for support of
state paupers i and $341 from other towns, from' individuals, or from
pensions. Support op the Poor. In the early years of the town, the
charges for supporting those who by infirmity or misfortune were
destitute of the means of subsistence, were inconsiderable. There
was a general equality of pecuniary condition, and that common
prosperity and Independence resulting frora industry, frugality and
temperance, which either prevented Indigence or relieved its wants.
Those who needed aid, were sustained by the charity of neighbors,
more blessed with worldly goods, freely contributing for their cora
fort. The first tax assessed for the support of the poor, seems to have
been as late as 1757, when £5 4s. were appropriated for that use.

PuWic
i^'orship.

County Tax.

Slate ;
Tax.

Ratable Polls.

$808

8151

$962

530

'875

238

1171

540

1195

297

1049

518

1443

219

1325

641

2604

983

1181

626

2458

485

^ —

881

4868

1295

619

1018

5480

1564

—

1570

6435

1564



1683

SUPPORT OF POOR. 315
In 1763, it was voted, ' that a suitable workhouse be built for placing
therein all persons that are, or may be, to be supported by the town,
to be under the direction of the selectmen.' In 1772, a building,
for the sarae purpose was erected on Front street, 40 by 18 feet in
dimensions, at an expense of .£70. Little charities were often be
stowed on the meritorious, so small as to be meraorials of the com
passion, rather than the munificence of the public. In 1766, £6
were raised, to be disposed of in transporting a sick female to Staf
ford, and supporting her there while using the medicinal waters of
the spring, ' she being one of the poor of the place, and laboring
under great infirmity.' In 1784, the selectmen were empowered
' to procure an anvil for Cato Walker, and lend it to him, or let him
it during their pleasure.' In 1807, it was determined to build an
Alms House of brick, but after land had been purchased for the
site, and materials for the structure, the plan was abandoned. Un
til 1817, the poor were supported by contracts with the highest bid
der at public auction, in the manner usual in the country towns.
In that year, the Jennison farm, situated on the great road to Bos
ton, bordering on the upper end of Quinsigamond Pond, was pur
chased, with its comfortable mansion, for $5500, and a permanent
home provided for the aged and infirm of our indigent citizens.
This establishment, under the supervision of the selectraen, is con
fided to the charge of a Superintendent, constantly residing with his
faniily in the house, upba a salary of $350 annually, with board and
rent, conducting the cultivation of the land, and ralnistering to the
comfort of the numerous dependents placed by the swelling popu
lation and peculiar local situation of the town under his charge, as
well as exercising good discipline over those committed by public
authority to this institution, as a workhouse.
A building has been erected, affording suitable accommodations
for the insane, and a hospital is to be established for relief frora the
occasional visitation of contagious disorders.
The following statement exhibits the condition of those supported
by the charity of the town for two years.

Males,Females,
Whites,
Blacks, From 80 to 90 years of agp,
Above 90 years of age.

1834.

1835.

42,

58

27,

23

63,

7.>

6,

6

6.

6

6,

6

316 COMMUNICATION,

Intemperate,

25,

28

Married,

24,

31

Born in Worcester,

31,

33

Foreigners,

9,

24

Unable to read or write.

5,

4

Blind,

2,

2

Idiotic, \

5,

5

Insane,

4,

2

Whole number.

69,

81

The annual taxes for the support of the poor frora T762 to the
revolution, would average £'30.
Communication. Prior to 1755, there was a raail between Bos
ton and Philadelphia. A letter sent from one city to the other, was
then three weeks on its way, and the writer could not have obtained
an answer in less than about seven weeks, A great reform took
place in that year, and the speed was so accelerated, that the mails
were delivered in fifteen days, so that the reply to the letter could bev
received in a raonth from its date. The first stage on the route
from Boston to New York, set up by J. and N. Brown, started
June 24, 1772, and was intended to run once a fortnight. In the
Boston Evening Post, July 6, 1772, patronage is solicited, and it js
promised ' that gentleraen and ladies who choose to encourage this
new, useful, and expensive undertaking, may depend upon good
usage, and that the coach will always put up at houses on the road
where the best entertainment is provided.' Notice was given, that
' the coaches will leave New York and Boston, on their next trip, on
Monday, July 13, and arrive at each of those places on Saturday
the 25th,' occupying thirteen days in going frora one place to the
other. The raail stage now goes from Boston to New York in 34
hours, and to Philadelphia In 44 hours, A person might reach the
forraer city in 24 hours by public conveyance.
The stage was not continued to the revolution. In 1774, the only
regular communication of the town, was by a post, going once a
week between Hartford and Boston, and occupying six days in the
journey. At that time, the malls were carried on horseback in sad
dlebags, James Adams, who died at Charlemont, at advanced age,
and a Mr. Hyde, were long employed on this route, and went through
Shrewsbury, Worcester, Leicester, and Springfield,
Soon after the removal of the Spy to Worcester, Mr, Thomas
made extensive arrangements for its distribution. In June, 1775,
a post rider setoff each Wednesday at noon, who, by hard traveling

COMMUNICATION. 317
arrived at Cambridge the next forenoon, and at Salem by night.
Returning, he left Watertown as soon as Edes and Gill's Gazette
was published on Tuesday, and reached Worcester in the evening.
On Wednesday, a post started for Providence, and came back on
Saturday, The first Post Ofiice of the town was established, Nov, 15, 1775,
under the charge of Isaiah Thoraas, receiving and forwarding one
mail from the west on Tuesday evening, and one from the east on
Friday morning. Nathaniel Maccarty, who had been apprentice to
Mr. Thomas, carried papers and letters to Fitchburg every Wednes
day, thence distributed through the north part of the country.
The condition of the roads rendered traveling slow, difficult, and
dangerous, and intercourse was laborious, tedious, and expensive.
The mails were transmitted, as almost all passing was performed, on
horseback, A journey of an h,undred railes was a matter of greater
preparation,' apprehension, and toil, than one of a thousand would
be now. There were few vehicles of any description. The first
pleasure carriage which was in the town, is said to have been a
chaise, owned by Daniel Waldo, sen., a merchant of Boston, who
after residing sorae time in Lancaster, removed to Worcester in 1782,
The first effort to establish a stage, appears, from an advertise
ment, June 13, 1782, stating, that ' a gentleman in Boston, having a
genteel coach and a span of horses, would be willing to be concern
ed with some tiusty person capable of driving a stage between Bos
ton and Worcester.' The proposal was not accepted. But the pro
ject of making a regular communication did not long slumber. Le
vi Pease, then of Somers, Conn, and Reuben Sikes,i then of Suf-
^Levi Pease, sometime of Somers, Conn, afterwards of Boston, became an inhabi
tant of Shrewsburv, where he died Jan. 28, 1S?4, aged 84. During the revolution, he
served under Gen. Thomas, in the Northern deparlment, and In supplying the army
with provisions, was often exposed to great danger find hardship. His aclivity and
fidelity recommended him to Gen. Wadsworlh, and he was employed in useful service,
connected with the operations of Ihe South. He kept tavern for some lime in Somers,
afterwards In Boston, and finally went to Shrewsbury, where he afterwards resided.
He was the original projector, for some time the sole proprietor, and long a principal
owner, of ihe stages between Boston and New York. He entered on the enterprise
not only unassisted, but discouraged by his friends ; the scheme was considered vision
ary and ruinous ; and the most judicious, regarded it as being at least a century In ad
vance of the public wants.
Reuben Sikes, born in Somers, Conn, July 16, 1756, went to Hartford In 1783, and
after about two years residence removed to Wilbraham, where he lemalned about ten
years : was sometime of SufBeld,Conn. and in May 1807, came to Worceslcr, aud was
long proprietor of the hotel, now the Exchange Coffee House. Although much younger
ty^n Capt, Pease, the industry, perseverance and enterprise, which marked his charac-

318 COMMUNICATION,
fields ' having furnished themselves with two convenient waggons,'
began a business, Oct, 20, 1783, which became most extensive. One
waggon started from the sign of the Lamb in Boston, every Monday
morning, at 6 o'clock, and stopped for the night at Martin's, in North
borough : on Tuesday, going through Worcester, it rested at Rice's
in Brookfield : on Wednesday, it advanced to Pease's, in Somers :
and on Thursday reached Hartford, The other leaving Hartford at
the same time, and stopping at the sarae houses, arrived in Boston
in four days. Passengers were carried for 4d, the mile, Mr. Thora
as remarks, in the Spy of Oct. 30, ' Should these waggons be en
couraged, it will be of much advantage to the public, as persons who
have occasion to travel between, or to, or from, either of the places,
may be accommodated on very reasonable terms, and will not have
the trouble and expense of furnishing themselves with horses.'
They were encouraged, and the enterprising. proprietors, personally
acting as drivers and conductors, set about improvements of their
accommodations, and arrangements. In May, 1784, they purchased
new carriages : Pease, going from the Lion, in Marlborough street,
Boston, lodged atFarrar's in'Shrewsbury, and the next day exchang
ed passengers at Spencer with Sikes, who returned by the route of
Springfield to Hartford. The customers found their way to New
Haven, and thence took sloop navigation to New York, Industry,
frugality, devotion to business, and sagacious manageraent, soon
made the waggoners and stage drivers, wealthy proprietors and great
mail contractors. They entered into an arrangement with Talmage
Hall and Jacob Brown, of Hartford, to extend the stage communi
cation to New Haven, in Nov, 1784, ^
ter, rendered him fit assistant in the execution of a plan, in ils origin bold and hazar
dous. He was extensively engaged in the establishment and management of stages,
and after the rellroment of his partner, was one of the largest proprietors of that prop
erty in New England. He died August 19, 1824, aged 69, nol long after his associate.
2 The tollowing Interesting memoranda, transcribed from the New York Daily Adver
tiser, of 1833, differ somewhat from the account in the text.
'In the year 1786, the first stage carriage that ever was established on the great
post road betw;een New York and Hartford, was set up by Jacob Brown, then a resi
dent of Hartford, In the slate of Connecticut, and commenced running between Hart
ford and New Haven. It was a carriage somewhat resembling the coaches of later
times, but far Inferior lo most of them in workmanship and appearance, and was drawn
by one pair of horses, which performed the whole journey through from one town to
the other. The route was upon what is calledthe middle road, that is by Berlin, Wal-
lingford, &c. and the journey occupied the day. At that time, tor a large part of the
year, a great proportion of travelers from the Eastward tO the cily of New York, took
passage al New Haven, on board the sloops which plied between the two ports, and
thus finished their journey by water. The passages varied according to wind and

COMMUNICATION. 319
In Jan. 1786, the energetic founders had established a line of
stages frora Portsmouth to Savannah, transporting the several mails.
Frora Boston to Hartford, coaches left the inn of Levi Pease, op
posite the Mall, every Monday and Thursday morning, at 5 o'clock:
went to Worcester on the first day : on the next day to Palmer :
on the third to Hartford : and in three days more arrived at New
York. This was the winter arrangement : in summer, the stages
run with the mall three times a week, ' by which means,' say the
owners, ' those who take passage at Boston ^in the stage which sets
off on Monday morning, may arrive at New York on the Thursday
evening following, and ail the raails during the season will be but
four days from Boston to New York.;' and a letter adds, ' by this
unparalleled speed, a merchant may go from Boston to New York,
and return again in less than ten days ; which is truly wonderful.'
The advertisement proceeds to remark, that ' it is the most conve
nient and expeditious way of travelling that can be had in America,
and in order to render it the cheapest, the proprietors had lowered
their price frora 4d. to 3d. the ralle, with liberty to passengers to
carry 14 pounds weight of baggage.' In July, 1788, notice was
given by Levi Pease, that after great expense and fatigue, he' had
conipleted the line of stages from Boston to New York ; that the
carriages which before were heavy and uneasy, had been hung upon
springs, and would not fatigue more than a coramon coach : and
that to Nov, 1, there would be three stages a week, and frora that
date to May 1, two the week.
Frora this time onward, the speed of traveling and its facilities
were increased almost beyond measure.^
weather, from twelve hours to three days. A considerable part of the road between
New Haven and New York, along the shore of the Sound, was extremely rough, rocky,
and uncomfortable, and in fact in some places almost impassable for wheel carriages.
After Brown's carriage had run for a year or two, or perhaps more, a man of the name
of Hall petitioned the legislature of Connecticut for the exclusive privilege of running
stage carriages on the road from New Haven through that slate, to Byram river,
which was granted, and the stages were established, qind run for a number of years,
when they passed inlo other hands. Not far from the same time an exclusive privilege
of running stage carriages fiom Hartford lo the Massachusetts line, between Suffield in
Connecticut and West Springfield In Massachusetts, on the great post road lo Boston,
which then passed in that direction, was granted by the legislature of Connecticut to
Reuben Sikes, w/ho for many years, in connection with Levi Pease, of Shrewsbury In
MassachuseUs, and probably with others, kept up the line through lo Boston.'
1 The improvement in the rate of motion in England, has been as great as in the
United Slates. An advertisement of stage coaches in the Newcastle Courant, of 1712,
says, * All that desire to pass from Edinbro' to London, or from London to Edinbro',
or any place on that road, let them repair to Mr, John Bailie's at the Coach and Horses,

320 COMMUNICATION,
It would not be useful to detail further the steps in the progress
of a branch of Iraprovement, whose course may be so easily traced
by inspection of the newspapers.
Stages were placed on alraost every road. The lines which cen
tred at Worcester, and went out and returned here in 1825, before
canal or rail road affected this raode of conveyance, are thus enu
merated : there were sia.ges, daily to Boston, Hartford, and New
York, and to Oxford : three times a week, 5 lines to Boston ; 1 to
Providence ; 1 through Hardwick to Northampton ; 1 through Brook
field to the same town ; 1 to Springfield ; 1 to Keene ; 1 to East
Chelmsford; 1 to Southbrldge ; 1 to Dudley; tioice a week,\here
was a line to Providence ; and there were weekly lines to Athol, to
Richmond, N. H. and to Ashburnham. Post riders carried raails
twice a week to Pomfret, Conn, and weekly to Thompson, Conn. :
others without mails went to Concord, Charlton, and Oxford.
In 1831, it was estimated that the average amount of traveling
in stages .between Boston and Worcester, was equal to 22300 pas
sages per annum, for which the lowest price of fare was two dol
lars, and the shortest time six hours.
The subjoined list exhibits an account of the different lines of
stages in September, 1836, and the nuraber of times each arrives
and departs weekly,
Slage lo Weekly,

Boston, ¦

Mail,

7

it

Accommodation,

3

li

Springfield Mall,

3

Hartford,

Southern Mall,

7

il

Treraont Line,

6

ti

Citizens,

6

it

Telegraph,

6

Providence,

6

Lowell,

6

Norwich,

6

Stage to
Springfield,

Weekly. 6

Northampton,

6

Amherst,

6

Keene,

6

Brattleborough,

, 6

North Brookfield, 3

Barre,

3

Greenfield,

6

Millbury,

12

Leicester, 12
The stage books gave the total receipts of three lines for the year
ending April 1, 1835, thus : from Worcester to Springfield $8,699 :
to Northampton $13,086: by the way of Amherst $3,131 : amount-
al the head of Cannongale, Edinbro', every other Saturday, or to the Black Swan, in
Holborn, every other Monday ; at both of which places,. thej- may be received in a
stage coach, which performs the whole journey in thirteen days, without any stoppage,
if God permits, having 80 able horses to perform the whole stage.' A late English
paper slates that the Mail coach from Edinburgh to London has been through in 40
hours.

MANUFACTURES. 321
ing in the whole to $24,915. It was estimated that the number of
passengers annually carried between Worcester and Hartford was
30,000. Manufactures, Before the revolution, and for a long period af
ter its conclusion, the manufactures of the town were very incon
siderable. Works for making potash were first established in the north part
of the town, about 1760 : buildings for similar purposes were plac
ed on Linc,oln street, by John Nazro, about ten years after : four
more were erected at much later periods ; but all have long since
been destroyed.
The distillation of rye, to an extent not only sufficient for horae
consuraption, but affording sorae surplus for exportation, was early
coramenced, but was not successful.
In 1780, an association was formed, for the purpose of spinning
and weaving cotton. In February, it was stated in the Spy, that a
subscription was making for defraying the expense of a jenny, Mr.
Thomas announces, under date April 30, that ' on Tuesday last, the
first piece of corduroy made at the manufactory in this town was
taken from the loom. Good judges speak highly of it, as superior to
English, The carding machine, which is a great curiosity, as well
as is the spinning machine, has been completed some tirae. In a
little time it is hoped, the corduroys, jeans, &c. raade in this town
will be sufficient to supply the country,' The proprietors, it is said,
in Deceraber, ' had lately erected buildings, and taken other meas
ures to carry on business extensively, A large quantity of fustian,
jean, and corduroy are for sale now, lasting longer, and retaining
color and beauty better, than the foreign,' These articles with the
addition of federal rib and cotton,' were advertised by Samuel Bra
zer, in May, 1790, The site of the establishraent was on the stream
a short distance below the Court Mills, Want of profit or persever
ance, induced the owners to forego their brilliant anticipations, and
the manufactory edifice, reraoved to Main street,was long after known
as the ' Green store,'
Paper was made by Mr, Thomas in 1794, on the Blackstone Riv
er. The mill then erected was afterwards leased and finally sold
to Elijah Burbank, and the business, continued by hira until 1834,
has since been extended by the Quinslgaraond Paper Company.
A card manufactory was commenced by Daniel Denny in 1798.
Peter and Ebenezer Stowell, in Oct. 1804, comraenced weaving
41

332 TRADE, ,
carpets and plaids, and at one time, had six looms of their own in
vention and construction in operation. They pursued, at the same
time, the business of printing calicos, and built shearing machines,
superseded in use, in later days, by those of more perfect operation.
Abel Stowell, carried on a very extensive manufacture of tower and
church clocks, and many now reraain to attest the value of his han
diwork, and mark the hours of the present generation.
In 1803, Joshua Hale began the carding of wool in the south part
of the town, and in 1810, erected a cotton factory, which, though
of hurable extent in comparison with the immense structures of the
mill owners of the valley of the Blackstone, was considered a great
enterprise a quarter of a century ago.
During the last t^n years the water power of the town has been
made to have more than double the former capacity, by the establish
ment of reservoirs, and is susceptible of being increased to great ex
tent by the same means.
There are now 2 mills manufacturing broadcloths : 6 making sat
inets : 1 for cotton sheeting and shirting : 2 for satinet warps : 1
for pelisse wadding : 2 for paper. There are 7 extensive establish
ments for building machinery : one wire factory : an iron foundry:
and manufactories, of sashes, doors and blinds ; of lead aqueduct
pipe : of paper hangings : of cabinet furniture : of chairs : of brush
es : of trunks and harnesses : of ploughs : of hats : of shoes : of
watches : of umbrellas : of cutlery : of piano fortes ; and many other
articles of utility or ornament. The amount of production in the
different branches of manufacturing industry is very great, and con
stantly increasing.!
Trade, Where almost every hand and head is busy in some
branch of industry, and employraents are raultlplled and various, it
has been found impossible to state in figures the amount of capital
employed, or the precise results on general wealth.
Some aid is afforded in estimating the amount of business by the
annual receipts of the Post Ofiice, They are returned as follows :
Years, 1825, 1826, 1827. 1828. 1829. 18.30, 1831. 1832. 1833. 1834, 1835, 1836,
Receipts, ,g713 844 961 1008 1141 1332 1338 1469 1743 2063 2294 2827
The number of dwelling houses, stores, and factories, erected in
the town, within the two last years, has been estimated to exceed
I An effort has been made to ascertain the amount of manufactures of the town : but
sufficient information has not been obtained lo make an estimate with accuracy. . Some
details in relation to manufactures, trade, and business, will be found in the appendix.

MEDICAL SOCIETY. 323
three hundred : the stores and warehouses actually occupied are
upwards of ninety :
The principal articles of import are grain, flour, lumber, coal,
salt, lime, gypsura, oil, iron, lead, hardware, dry goods, groceries,
paints, dye stuffs, cotton, and wool : of exports, ship timber, bricks,
machinery, wooden ware, castings, cotton and woolen goods, paper,
shoes, chairs.

CHAPTER XVI.
Societies and Institutions. Medical District Society. Antiquarian Society, AgriiMl-
lural Society. Historical Society, Atheneum, Banks. Insurance Companies.
Savings Institution, Various Associations, Military Companies. Newspapers
and Periodicals,
Many of the societies meeting, acting, and having a kind of resi
dence here, belong to the county or country, rather than the town :
yet, they are so closely connected with Worcester, that they could
not properly be passed by in its history,
Worcester Medical Society, A medical association was first
formed in the county of Worcester, August, 1784, of which Dr,
Sarauel Prentice was Secretary, but it soon died, leaving no records
for the historian.
The Mass, Medical Society, intended to produce that harraony
and mutual effort necessary to elevate the profession to the standing
and usefulness which the interests of the coraraunity required, failed
of its object, by the limitation of its merabers to eighty in Massa
chuseUs and Maine, and the restriction on their consultations with
any, except those who obtained the qualifications they required. By
the exertions of Dr. Oliver Fiske, the most respectable and influ
ential physicians of the county asserabled, and formed the Worces
ter Medical Society, Dec, 18, 1794, Dr, John Frink of Rutland,
was elected President, and Dr. Fiske of Worcester, Secretary.
At an early meeting, a petition was preferred to the Legislature for
incorporation, referred to a joint comraittee of physicians, and re
sulted in an arrangement to enlarge the numbers of the general
society, and a proposal to create district associations. This systera,

824 ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY.
removing the evils which had been felt, and mutually satisfactory,
was carried into effect, and on the 26th of Sept. 1804, the Worces
ter District Society was organized. The succession of Presidents
has been as follows : 1794, John Frink : 1804, Israel Atherton :
1806, Oliver Fiske : 1807, Thomas Babbitt : 1813, Abraham Has
kell : 1814, Jonathan Osgood : 1820, Abraham Haskell : 1825, Ste
phen Bacheller : 1830, John Green.
The Society have a very valuable library of about 400 volumes
of works of professional use.
The American Antiquarian Society. This institution, having
for its object, the collection and preservation of materials for the
history of the western continent, was founded by Isaiah Thomas,
LL, D, In the preparation of his work on printing, he had
gathered the relics of the departed centuries, with curious illustra
tions of the literature of former times, at an expense few antiqua
rians could have bestowed, and with diligence and care none other
would have devoted. Feeling the good the experience of the past
may convey to the future, it was liis design to save the seeds of
knowledge gathereti in successive centuries, to yield their increase
in those which may succeed : and by perpetuating the meraorials of
the present, to enable other generations to become wiser and happier
by the experiments of their predecessors. Connecting with hiraself
many friends of Improvement and lovers of history, an association
was formed by his exertions, incorporated by the Legislature of
Massachusetts, Oct, 12, 1812, The centre building of Antiquarian
Hall, erected at his expense, in 1820, with the land on which it
stands, was presented by him to the society. The first volume of
transactions, relating principally to the fortifications, mounds, and
antiquities of the extinct nations of the west, was published, in 1820,
at his charge. On his decease, by munificent bequests, he provided
for the support of the institution he had established, and for the
promotion of its great purposes. In the second volume of transac
tions, published in Sept, 1836, are inserted, an extended and pro
found dissertation on Indian history and languages, by Hon. Albert
Gallatin, and the Memoir of the Christian Indians, by Daniel Goo
kin, so frequently referred to in former pages. The Library, esti
mated to contain 12,000 volumes, includes the collections of Mr,
Thomas, a large portion of the books of the Mathers, many in the
German language bequeathed by Dr, Bentley of Salem, a vast mass
of tracts and manuscripts, and the best series of American newspa-

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 325
papers preserved in the country. There is a valuable cabinet illus
trative of antiquities and natural history. Two stated meetings of
the society are held annually ; one in Boston, on the old election day
in May ; the other for the election of officers, in Worcester, in Oc
tober, on the anniversary of the landing of Columbus. The nura
ber of Araerican members is limited to 140 ; many distinguished
foreigners are enrolled on the catalogue by honorary elections. The
funds, amounting to about $22,000, are appropriated to the support
of a librarian, the purchase of books, the exploration of antiquities,
and the other specific purposes designated by the munificent donor.
The institution has been managed on the most liberal plan : its col
lections have been kept open to the public freely, and have been
much frequented by strangers and scholars. ^
Worcester AoRicitLTURAL Society. This most excellent in
stitution' was incorporated, Feb. 23, 1818."^ At the' first meeting,
March 11, 1818, for the purpose of forming a fund to be sacredly
appropriated for the promotion of agriculture, the contribution of
five dollars was required frora each raeraber on adraission. In
December following, Levi Lincoln, Daniel Waldo, and Edward D.
Bangs, were appointed a committee, to ask for legislative bounty,
who presented a petition at the next session. In consequence of
this application, and other similar memorials, the Act of Feb. 20,
1819, granted frora the state treasury, to each agricultural society,
8200 annually for six years, for every thousand dollars of funds they
had raised : with the limitation, that the sum thus drawn, should not
exceed $600 the year. The full amount of the munificent appro
priation of the governraent, since extended for a longer period, has
been received by the association, and an araount nearly equal dis
tributed in prerainms, or applied to the payment of necessary charg
es. The exhibitions of cattle and manufactures, in the month of
' These officers have been elected : Presidents ; 1812, Isaiah Thohias : 1831, Thomas
L. Winthrop. Vice Presidents ; 1812, William D. Peck : 1813, William Paine : 1816,
Aaron Bancroft, Timothy Bigelow : 1821, DeWit Clinton : 1828, Thomas L. Winthrop ;
1831, John Davis, Joseph Story. Treasurers; 1813, Levi Lincoln: 1814, Isaiah
Thomas, jr. : 1819, Nathaniel Maccarty: 1829, Samuel Jennison. Corj-esponding Se
cretaries ; 1812, Thaddeus M. Harris : 1814, Samuel IU. Burnside: 1816, Abiel Holmes:
1826, William Lincoln, for domestic correspondence : 1832, Edward Everett, for
foreign correspondence.
The late C. C. Baldwin, was librarian from April 1832, to fiis death in August 1835.
Maturin L. Fisher, has been acting librarian since that date.
2 Before the revolution, cattle fairs were held annually at Hardwick. The Shrews
bury Agricultural Society, and the Brookfield Association of Husbandmen, preceded
the society of the county.

326 HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
October, beginning in 1819, have been since continued with increas
ing interest. The festival has given one quiet spot among the con
flicts of excited times, where all sects and parties have met to unite
their efforts for the common good. Addresses on these occasions
have been delivered by the following gentlemen :
Years. Years.
1819, Levi Lincoln, 1828, William S, Hastings,
1820, Lewis Bigelow, 1829. William Lincoln,
1821. Jonathan Russell, 1830, Ira Barton,
1822, Nathaniel P, Denny, 1831, Oliver Fiske,
1823, Oliver Fiske, 1832, Waldo Flint,
1824, Isaac Goodwin, 1833, Solomon Strong,
1825. George A, Tufts, 1834, Charles Allen,
1826, Emory Washburn, 1835, Stephen Salisbury,
1827, Pliny Merrick, 1836, James G, Carter,
The amount of funds and of monies paid as premiums", in years
ending with the annual meeting in April, are as follows :
Years, 1820. 1826, 1827. 1828. 1829. 1830. 1831, 1832, 1833, 1834. 1835. 1836.
Funds, g2955 4636 4880 5100 5378 5739 6036 6645 6942 7352 7683 7938
Premiums, ^434 492 687 536 414 417 391 464 476 476 480 494
The following officers have been elected ; Presidents, 1818, Levi
Lincoln, sen : 1820, Daniel Waldo : 1824, Levi Lincoln : Treas
urer, 1818, Theophilus Wheeler : Cor. Secretaries, 1818, Levi Lin
coln : 1824, Oliver Fiske : Recording Secretaries, 1818, Abraham
Lincoln : 1819, Edward D, Bangs : 1823, William D, Wheeler ;
1834, Charles G, Prentiss : 1836, Edwin Conant,
The Worcester Historical Society, incorporated Feb, 19,
1831, was forraed for the purpose of collecting and preserving all
materials necessary for compiling a full account of the history, sta
tistics, and geography of the county. It requires, as evidence of
qualification for membership, the publication of sorae work, or sorae
practical exertion in aid of these objects, Hon, John Davis has been
president since the organization, i
1 The Centennial anniversary of the erection of Worcester county, was celebra
ted by this society Oct. 4, 1831, ' The first Court of Common Pleas was opened Aug.lO,
1731 ; and the Supreme Court of Judicature was held Sept. 22, 1731. Il was deemed
equally proper to commemorate either of the leading events of the first year of the
century. Having regard to the attendance of the citizens, and from other considera
tions, the first day of the session of the Supreme Judicial Court in 1831 was selected,
and the centennial anniversary of the sitting of that tribunal was commemorated, on
Tuesday, Oct. 4, although the date was not precisely coincident wilh the return of the
judicial term. TheAddress was delivered by Hon, John Davis, and, with a particular
account of the ceremonies, is deposited in the Am, Antiquarian Society's Collections.

BANKS, INSURANCE. 327
The Worcester County Atheneum, was incorporated, March
12, 1830, with- the intention of forming a full library for general
use. Thirty four proprietors purchased shares, at the price of twen
ty five dollars each, subject to an annual assessment of two dollars.
About 3000 volumes of works of general literature have been gath
ered, making a foundation for an extensive collection in future time.
The library is now kept in one of the rooms of Antiquarian Hall,
appropriated for the purpose.
The Rev, George Allen has been President : Frederic W. Paine,
Treasurer : and William Lincoln, Secretary, from the organization.
The Worcester Bank, was originally incorporated with a cap
ital of $200 000, March 7, 1804, and its charter has been renewed
in 1811 and 1831, The first President was Daniel Waldo, sen,
chosen 1804, who declined the office in October following, when
Daniel Waldo was elected his successor, and has since been at the
head of the institution. The Cashiers have been : 1804, Levi Thax
ter : 1806, Robert Breck Brigham : 1812, Samuel Jennison,
The Central Bank, was incorporated March 12, 1828, with a
capital of $100 000, Benjamin Butraan was President to the au-
turan of 1836, when Thoraas Kinnicutt was elected. The Cashiers
have been ; 1828, Otis Corbett : 1829, George A, Trurabull : 1836,
William Dickinson,
The Quinsigamond Bank, chartered March 25, 1833, has a cap
ital of $100 000, . Its Presidents have been : 1833, Alfred D, Fos
ter : 1836, Isaac Davis, Charles A, Hamilton has been Cashier,
The Citizens Bank was Incorporated, April 9, 1836, with
8500 000 capital, and went into operation in October following,
Benjamin Butman is President, George A, Trumbull, Cashier, and
Rhodes B, Chapman, Accountant,
The Worcester Mutual Fire Insurance Company, was in
corporated, Feb, 11,1823, Its powers are vested in a president,
treasurer, secretary, and eight directors, elected at the annual meet
ing on the second Wednesday of Deceraber, The following has
been the succession of the principal officers : Presidents ; 1824,
Rejoice Newton : 1831, Frederic W, Paine : Secretaries ; 1824,
Henry K, Newcomb, William D, Wheeler : 1827, Isaac Goodwin :
1832, Anthony Chase,

323

MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANIES.

The table below shows the extension and progress of its business.

Years.1824.1825,

Amt. each
year.
$153815 179786

Total amt.
insured.
$153815 333601

Premiums received.
$2169 86
2675 56

1826,
1827,

190304
135800

523906
659706

2845 00
2159 34

1828.

157643

817350

2374 71

1829.

188009

1005359

3190 28

1830.
1831.

180353
372352

1185712
1404249

2880 86
4653 90

1832.

478482

1702994

5973 43

1833,

701933

2214623

9343 75

1834,

583449

2662272

8403 90

1835,

778642'

3283270

10750 62

Expenses,

Losses,

Cash Funds,

$610 79

—

—

392 65

—

—

295 90

—

—

394 "60

—

—

317 27

$1800

—

414 83

415

—

499 80

2414

—

637 49

1000 $15885 11

808 00

325

21991 80

935 35

4850

26400 24

838 80

430

34904 31

1132 40

374

46603 50

As the association is formed for mutual security, and not for prof
it, there are strictly speaking no dividends. The average of amounts
returned to the insurers on the expiration of policies, have been ; in
1831, 77i cents of each dollar paid as premium : in 1832, 82h,: in
1833, 81i : in 1834, 83i : in 1835, 90i,

The Manufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
founded on that principle of giving mutual security expressed by
its name, was incorporated Feb, 25, 1834, Two millions of dollars
were subscribed and are held as a fund, liable to assessment for loss
es. The company commenced business, Aug. 5, 1834, by issuing
policies on the property of manufacturing establishments. By an
act additional to the charter, the corporation were authorized to ef
fect Insurance ori buildings, public and private, except dwelling hous
es not connected with manufactories, within the United States.
The statements below include the business of years ending Oct. 1.
Years, Insured; Premiums, Expenses, Losses. Cash funds,
1834, $331222 $3318 _ _ _
1835. 2063301 22352 $3140 ' $6712 $16160
1836. 5000000 48126 3016 19100 30686
The dividends of returned premiuras in 1835, were 55J: in 1836,
65i, The concerns are raanaged by a president, twelve directors,
and a secretary. The forraer and latter have been these : Presi
dents; 1834, David T. Brighara : 1835, Harvey Blashfield : Secreta
ries; 1834, Edward H, Heraenway : 1835, Sarauel Allen,
There is an agency of the Springfield Insurance Corapany in
Worcester.

SAVINGS INSTITUTION. 329
The Worcester County Institution for Savings, was in
corporated February 8, and organized April 17, 1828. A presi
dent, secretary, treasurer, twelve vice presidents, and twenty four
trustees, chosen at the annual meetings, have the general charge of
the institution, and make examination of its concerns by monthly
committees. The funds are loaned and Invested by aboard selected
by the trustees. The statement annexed, shows the condition of
this most useful institution in years terminating in April.
18i9. 1830, 1831. 1832. 1833. 1834. 1835. 1836.
Depositors, 105 251 - 400 678 913 1128 1442 1860
Deposites, .$6263 13645 32032 68994 109983 151797 202477 276388
It appears from the annual returns made to the Secretary of the
Commonwealth, that the whole expenses of the Institution, during
the current year, when the funds have Increased to nearly $300000,
were $641, only. From the commenceraent, not a dollar of the
investraents have been lost.
Daniel Waldo has been President, and Samuel Jennison, Treas
urer, from the organization. Isaac Goodwin was Secretary to Au
gust, 1832, and William Lincoln has held that office since.
The multitude of unchartered associations is too great for sepa
rate enumeration. There are societies for the promotion of sabbath
schools-; of temperance ; of missionary purposes ; of raoral reforra ;
of education; of charity ; of science: there are others for mutual
protection against the calamity of fire; for punishing depredations
on orchards and gardens: for the prevention and detection of theft;
for improvement in music, and for many other benevolent or Useful
purposes. Among these, the Bible Society and the Lyceum are
probably the only ones requiring particular notice.
The Auxiliary Bible Society was organized Sept. 7, 1815,
The settled ministers of the gospel in the county, of every denom
ination, are entitled to merabership ex officio. The payment of one
dollar annually constitutes a meraber while the contribution is con
tinued, and of ten dollars gives the privileges for life. So well have
the people of the county been supplied with the sacred Scriptures,
that during the first ten years of its existence, the society, furnishing
the indigent in a population of about 80000 gr at uitiously, and seek
ing for those who were destitute, had distributed only 740 bibles,
and 77 testaments. During this period, about $2000 had been col
lected. In 1822, the association having become a branch of the
42

330 WORCESTER LYCEUM.
American Bible Society, paid over $500 in one sum, and subse
quently transferred to that noble institution a fund of $1000, which
had been invested on interest. Within the last period often years,
increased population and accessions of foreigners have rendered the
distribution of the scriptures greater, and the better means and
deeper interest of the charitable in the objects of the society swell
ed the donations, Frora the latest annual report which has been
published it appears, that, for the year ending Oct, 1, 1834, the re
ceipts were $2353 : the araount paid to the national society for the
purchase of books $334 : and as free gift $1722 : the nuraber of
bibles issued were 267, of testaments 683, ^
Worcester Lyceum, This society was formed Nov, 4, 1829,
for mutual instruction and improvement. The management of the
common concerns is confided to a president, treasurer, secretary,
and an executive committee of eight members, elected by ballot,
at the annual meeting, first held in November, and recently on the
last Thursday in March, Lectures are delivered on each Thurs
day evening during the months from October to March. Occasional
courses on the sciences, have been given by distinguished teachers.
During the first years of the association, classes were formed among
the members for acquiring practical knowledge, and their exercises
were pursued with pleasure and benefit.
Membership is gained by any person of good moral character,
on the payment of one dollar, at the commenceraent of the year ;
by those from eighteen to twenty one, on the annual contribution of
seventy-five cents ; and any one between the ages of twelve and eigh
teen years, on the deposit of fifty cents, becoraes entitled to all the
advantages and means of iraprovement of the institution.
The Lyceum is possessed of a good chemical apparatus, and a
well selected library of about 500 volumes, beneficially and exten
sively used by the young artizans and operatives of the village.
By a provision of the constitution, no alienation of the property is
to be made : to secure its preservation during any suspension of the
society, the selectraen are authorized to deposit the collections with
some incorporated literary institution of the town, to be held in trust,
and transferred to some new association for similar purposes,
'The Presidents have been; 1815, Joseph Allen; 1822, Aaron Bancroft: 1824,
Jonas Kendall: 1827, Levi Lincoln: 1834, John Davis. Treasurers, ISlSi, Benijamia
Heywood: I8I7;, Samuel Allen : 1820, William Jennison : 1824, Charles Allen: 1830,
Benjamin Butman. Secretaries, 1816, Nathaniel Thayer ; 1818, Lemuel Capen 1 1819,-
Joseph Allen, of Northborough ; 1829, George Allen ; 18S2, Alfred D. Foster,

MILITARY COMPANIES, 331
The nuraber of members in 1830, was 276: in 1831, 126; in
1832, 191: 1833, 171: in 1834, 181 -in 1835, 190, But these
numbers do not indicate the attendance ; the great hall of the
Town House has been thronged with a continually increasing
crowd : and the institution, sustained by popular favor, has been an
example of the successful diffusion of learning by the cheapest
possible medium of comraunicatlon.
The officers have been these : Presidents ; 1829, Jonathan Go
ing ; 1832, John Park ; 1836, Alfred Dwight Foster. Secretaries;
1829, Anthony Chase ; 1832, Horatio L. Carter ; 1833, Warren
Lazell. Military Companies, Soon after the garrisons of the first plan
ters, forraed frora the neighborhood, ceased to be kept, a military
company was forraed to act against the Indian enerales, who had
united themselves with the French, and retiring to a distance, made
frequent invasions, Daniel Heywood was elected and long remain
ed captain. There are some slight traces of its existence, in 1725,
but it cannot be certainly stated that it began so early. In 1760,
there were two bodies of railitia, one nurabering 59, and the other
48, under Capt. John Johnson and Capt. James Goodwin.
About 1783, the Worcester Artillery was formed, of volunteers,
and Williara Treadwell 1 elected Captain. This corps, the oldest
of the martial associations of the town, is now commanded by Capt,
Josiah G. Perry, and has two six pounders granted by the state for
its use.
The Independent Cadets, under Capt, Thoraas Chandler, was
formed during the vvar with France in 1798, and on its conclusion,
was disbanded.
The Worcester Light Infantry paraded for the first tirae, in May
1804, under Captain Levi Thaxter, The commanding officers
have been, Levi Thaxter, Enoch Flagg, William E, Green, Isaac
Sturtevant, John W, Lincoln, Sewall Harailton, John Coolidge,
1 Major William Treadwell, one of the most gallant of the officers of the army of the
revolution, entered the service at an early age, and was distinguished for lion hearted
courage. He had an enthusiastic love of danger. Twice, when bis own division was
at rest he obtained leave of absence and joined another corps on the eve of battle.
While the shot of the enemystrnck around him, the testimony of a cotemporary stales,
he would consider with the most deliberate coolness the direction of his own guns, look
over the sights lo give the best aim, and after the discharge, spring upon the cannon lo
see the effect. He retired, with honorable scars and rank, to a condition of poverty,
that drove him to despair, and died, broken hearted, April 14, 1795, aged 46.

332 NEWSPAPERS.
Samuel Ward, Artemas Ward, John Whittemore, Charles A, Ham
ilton, William S. Lincoln, Charles H. Geer.
The Worcester Rifle Corps, established in 1823, was disbanded
in 1835,
The numbers doing duty in volunteer companies during 1835 and
1836, has been about 50 : there are two large companies of railitia
with a force of more than 200 men.
newspapers and periodicals.
The IVJassaciiusetts Spy, established in Boston by Isaiah Thora
as, in July, 1770, was first issued in Worcester, May 3, 1775, and
has preserved the series of its nurabers unbroken to the sixty fifth
volume and year of its existence, having long since reached the
venerable rank of the oldest^ paper in Massachusetts, where the prin
ting of newspapers began, Daniel Bigelow and William Stearns,
two gentlemen of the legal profession, became lessees, June 27, 1776 :
finding the labors inconsistent with their appropriate business, they
transferred the right of publication to Anthony Haswell, afterwards
conductor of the V^erraont Gazette, Aug, 14, 1777, The press was
resumed by Mr, Thomas in June, 1778, and retained until 1802,
when it was resigned to Isaiah Thoraas, Jr, After some changes
of ownership, in 1819, it was purchased by Wiljiam Manning and
Georo-e A, Trurabull, and in 1823, John Milton Earle became ed
itor, and has since continued the principal or sole proprietor.
The Massachusetts Herald or Worcester Journal, a
small paper of four quarto pages, \*'as issued by Isaiah Thomas, Sept,
6, 1783, and intended by the publisher, as a Saturday abridgment of
his larger sheet. The advertisement states 'that if it should fail of
being properly nurtured by the public, it will, as it is a rib taken
from the Spy, he again replaced, without murmur or complaint.'
Public patronage did not sustain the undertaking, and it was aban
doned after the fourth number.
American Herald and Worcester Recorder, The Herald,
which had been published in Boston during seven preceding years,
was removed to Worcester, Aug, 21, 1788, and issued on Thursdays,
by Edward Eveleth Powers, who united the trade of a bookseller with
that of printer. The paper was decorated with an agricultural de
vice, and bore the motto, ' venerate the plough '; professed perfect
impartiality in politics ; promised intelligence in rural economy ;

NEWSPAPERS. 333
and was marked by no distinct character : after two years and two
months, it was discontinued.
The Ixdependent Gazetteer, the fourth newspaper of Wor
cester, vi'as commenced Jan. 7, 1800, and published by Nahum
Mower, and Daniel Greenleaf, until the 7th of October succeeding,
when the partnership of the proprietors was dissolved, and the pub
lication was continued by the latter, through two years. When this
period was completed, the list of subscribers was transferred to the
conductor of the Spy.
The Natioxai. jEgis, was established in support of the policy of
Mr. Jefferson, amid the fiercest warfare of the great parties organized
at the commencement of the piesent century. Subscriptions were
obtained among the ardent politicians in the vicinity and in Boston,
amounting fo about 81200, for the purchase of a press and printing
materials.! Proposals, bearing internal evidence of the aiithorshlp of
Hon, Francis Blake, were sent out Sept, 8, 1801, detailing the, plan
afterwards executed in spirited manner by himself and others; the
paper was to be devoted to the defence of the national administra
tion, and unceasing opposition to its enemies ; the last page, called
' the Olio,' was assigned as a separate department for literary essays,
and selections. The first number appeared Dec. 2, 1801, Deriving Its
narae from the arms of Minerva, the front exhibited the figure of the
mythologlc goddess of wisdom, grasping the spear in one hand, and
resting the other on the shield, bearing the device of the gorgon's
head, wreathed with olive branches, Mr. Blake, as editor, gave
high character to the print, and many of the ablest writers of the
county cooperated with its gifted conductor, to Influence and di
rect public sentiment. This arrangement continued until 1804,
when Mr. Blake retired. In December, 1805, the whole property
was attached under a claim growing out of debts of the printer,
Samuel Cottlng, and the publication suspended. The democratic
citizens, roused to exertion, procured new apparatus, which they
vested in trustees, and the ^gis again appeared, Feb. 19, 1806, in
deplorable dishabille for a time, but soon regained neatness and beau
ty. A new calamity occurred to Interrupt its prosperity. On Sun
day the 6th of July, during the hours of worship, a part of the types
were removed, and the sheets. Impressed on one side, carried away by
'Among the subscriptions were these : Benjamin Austin, ,51160 : James Sullivan, ^100:
James Prince, ,gl00: Jonathan L. Austin, ,gl00 ; Levi Lincoln, sen. glOO: William
Eustis, .^45 : William Jarvis, ^45.

334 NEWSPAPERS.
Cotting, who, on the next Wednesday, in bis individual capacity,
sent out the paper in handsome form, while the trustees of the
subscription fund vi^ere scarcely able to communicate their misfor
tune. A curious state followed, realizing the confusion of external
identity, imagined in the Comedy of Errors', Two papers were
published in the sarae town, on the same day, claiming to be ' the
true yEgis.' A contest painful to retrace ensued, disturbing the re
pose of the village, proceeding alraost frora words to blows in private
discussion, and furnishing subjects for judicial investigation. The
good sense of the coraraunity, for a time amused by the bitter feel
ing of the combatants, and the personal insult degrading pages which
should have been devoted to common improvement, at length, acted
on the source of the coramotion, and after a few raonths of infamous
existence, the false print disappeared.
After some changes, the .^gis, in 1807, went into the hands of
Henry Rogers, then late of Hartford, who was publisher until the
close of 1824, when Charles Griffin became partner with him. In
July, 1833, it was united with the Yeoman, and became merged with
that print not long, after, i
The Massachusetts Yeoman was commenced Sept, 3, 1823,
by Austin Denny, Esq, who continued to be sole or principal editor,
proprietor, and publisher, until his decease. It was Issued on Satur
day, In July,- 1833, it was united with the ^gis, and in January fol
lowing, the title was changed and the existence of the paper ceased.
The Worcester Republican was established in 1829, by Jubal
Harrington, and has been under themanageraent of that gentleman,
except during short intervals.
The Worcester Palladium succeeded to the'.^gls and Yeo
man. It was commenced in January, 1834, and has continued un
der the editorial care of Mr, J, S. C. Knowlton,
» Among the editors of the .^gis, at different periods, were Francis Blake, Edward
Bangs, Levi Lincoln, Samuel Brazer, William Charles White, Enoch Lincoln, Edward
D. Bangs, Pliny Merrick, William Lincoln, Christopher C. Baldwin, William N, Green,
A paper borrowing its descriptive appellation from the worst of reptiles, the Scorpi
on, came out July 26, 1809, and on successive Wednesda3'S, without the name of printer
or publisher, resembling those abusive periodicals serving as safety valves to convey
away the fermenting malignity of base hearts. Its existence was evidence of the un
limited freedom of the press, and ils speedy suppression, an instance of the power of
public opinion to restrain its licentiousness, and of the healthy tone of moral sentiment
amid the violence of party hostility, crushing the slanderer under the'weight of general
contempt.

PERIODICALS. 335
The Worcester Weekly Magazine, An act of Massachusetts,
March, 1785, imposing a duty of two thirds of a penny on newspa
pers, and a penny on almanacs, which were to be stamped, was so
unpopular from its very narae, that it was repealed before it went
into, operation, and as a substitute, for the purposes of levenue, a tax
was levied on all advertiseraents inserted in the public journals. This
was regarded by Mr, Thoraas as an undue restraint on the press.
He suspended the publication of the Spy during the two years the
act was in force, and printed a periodical in octavo form, with the
narae at the head of this article, beginning in the first week of April,
1786, and ending the fourth volume on the last of March 1788,
The Worcester MjVgazine and Historical Journal, was
published by William Lincoln and Christopher C, Baldwin, in 1825
and 1826 : the numbers of the first volume were issued twice a
month, and those of the second once a month : It was Intended to
contain a particular history of each town of the county. Notices
of Templeton, Sterling, Shrewsbury, Leicester, Northborough,
West Boylston, Paxton, and Lancaster, and a general view of Wor
cester county, were furnished by different writers. At the expira
tion of a year the work was discontinued.
The Worcester Talisman, a literary and miscellaneous journal,
consisting principally of selections, was published on Saturday, du
ring the year after April 5, 1828, on an octavo sheet, forming one
volume, by Messrs, Dorr and Howland, and was continued to Oct,
15, 1829, in quarto forra, by John Milton Earle,
The Family Visitor, a religious quarto, was published weekly
by Moses W. Grout during a few months of 1832 ; but was soon dis
continued, 1
* Printing was formerly carried on by Isaiah Thomas to an extent, which, relatively lo
the general state of business at the period, was immense, and would be considered as
great, even in comparison wilh the rapid publicalion of recent years. Seven of his
presses were worked under his immediate direction, and the number of persons employ
ed by him, in paper making, printing, binding, and the branches of bookmaking and sel
ling, was about 150. There are in 1836, four printing offices.
The books belonging to the societies and associations, number about 20,000 volunaes :
probably those in private libraries would exceed 50,000 volumes.
The number of newspapers and periodicals circulated in the town, is greater than the
whole amount printed in the state before the revoldlion. In no community are the fa
cilities of instruction and information greater 5 and there can be few where they are bel
ter improved.

336

TOPOGRAPHY AND HISTORY.

CHAPTER XVII.
Situation, Boundaries. Extent. Divisions. Streets and Roads. Turnpikes.
Blackslone Canal. Rail Roads. Public Buildings. Public Lands. Burial Places.
Face of the Town. Ponds. Streams. Hills. Mines and Minerals,
Situation, Worcester, the shire town of the county, is situated
40 miles westward frora Boston, 40 N. N. W. from Providence, 60
miles E. N. E. from Hartford, about 50 miles from Northarapton,
the nearest point on Connecticut river, and 394 from Washington.
From the boundary of New Hampshire, in the shortest direction, the
town is distant abotit 30 miles ; from that of New York, about 70 ;
from Rhode Island, about 20 ; from the tide waters of Boston Har
bor, about 40 miles. Lines drawn on the map, intersecting each
other at Worcester, Boston, and Providence, would form a triangle
almost equilateral. The north latitude of Antiquarian Hall, ascer
tained by Robert Treat Paine, Esq. is 42° 16' 9" : the west longitude,
computed froni observation on the annular eclipse of the sun in Feb
ruary, 1831, by that gentleman, in degrees, is 71°, 49', in time, 4h.
47m. 16s,
The elevation above the ocean, as estimated by the engineer of
the Blackstone Canal, at Thomas street, near the centre of the vil
lage, is 451 feet : the elevation of Main street above Charles street
in Boston, is stated by Mr. Fessenden at 4^6 feet.
Boundaries and Extent. The town is bounded, on the North
principally by Holden, touching at the northwest corner on Paxton,
and at the northeast extremity of the line, on West Boylston ;
East by West Boylston and Shrewsbury, and for a short distance
at the southeast corner by Grafton : South, by Millbury and Ward :
West, by Leicester, and at the southwest corner borders on Ward,
The area contained within these lines, is about thirty six square
railes ; or more exactly, 22842 acres : about 600 acres are covered
with water ; 700 used for roads ; 1925 are estimated to be occu-

DIVISIONS. 337
pied as tillage ; 5683 as raowlng ; 10262 as pasture ; 3730 with wood ;
and about 1000 are uniraproved.
Divisions, The town is separated into twelve school districts,
having perraanent boundaries : the centre is marked 1 : directly
west is that designated 2 : next south of this is 3 : the others are
numbered in regular succession, circling around the centre district,
with the exception of 12, which was forraed by partition of an orig
inal district, and lies between those distinguished as 9 and 10, dis
turbing the syrametry of the arrangement.
The principal village, so surrounded by hills that it is scarcely
seen by the stranger until he enters its streets, has extended but lit
tle south of the territorial centre on which the founders seem to have
designed it should be planted. The description of Dr. Dwight, ^
about 1812, has not ceased to be correct : ' the houses are general
ly well built : frequently handsome : and very rarely sraall, old, or
unrepaired. Few towns in New England exhibit so uniform an ap-
jiearance of neatness and taste, or contain so great a proportion of
good buildings, and so small a proportion of those which are indif
ferent, as Worcester,'
Villages have grown up around the manufacturing establishments.
New Worcester is situated on the road to Leicester : Trowbridgeville,
on the road to Oxford : South Worcester on that leading to Ward : the
Quinsigamond Village on the Millbury road : Adams Square upon
the old road to Lancaster : Northville on the road to West Boylston.
Streets. The most ancient passage way through the town is
Main street, used in 1674, and constantly travelled over since 1713,
It is still the principal avenue of the town, extending about a mile
from north to south. It is broad and planted with fine shade trees^ ^
Nearly cotemporary with the permanent settleraent, was the es
tablishraent by use, of a road from the Meeting House to Pine mead*
ow, now Front street ; of a path to the first burial place, over a
1 Dwight's Travels, ji 366. Letter xxxvi.
2 The time when these beautiful ornaments of the village were first set, appears from
an ordinance for their protection, April 7, 1783 : 'Whereas, a number of persons have
manifested a disposition to set out trees for shade, near the meeting house, and else
where about the centre of the town, and the town, being very desirous of encouraging
such a measure, which will be beneficial as well as ornamental ^ Voledj that any person
being an inhabitant of this town, who shall injure or destroy such trees so set out, shall
fay a fine not exceeding 20s. for every oflience to the use of the poor.' Other and more
strict municipal regulations have from time to time been adopted for their preservation;
43

338 STREETS, TURNPIKES,
part of Summer street ; and the Lancaster way, through Lincoln
street. The roads now Salisbury, Pleasant, Green, and Grafton
streets, existed at a very early period.
Mechanic street was laid out in 1787, In 1806, Isaiah Thomas
made and gave to the inhabitants the street called by his name. It
was planted through its whole length with poplars, perhaps fortunate
ly destroyed, soon after, by some malicious person, ^
Most of the other streets have been opened within the last five or
six years by individuals at their private expense, as the increasing
population has rendered it desirable to occupy their lands for buil
dings. The length of roads within the, town in 1826, was equal to 82
miles and 88 rods, At present the extent would exceed 100 miles.
Turnpikes, At the beginning of the century, great improve
ments were made in internal coramunication by the establishment
of these highways, A corporation was chartered for building a
turnpike to Stafford, in Connecticut, Feb, 15, 1806 : and March
17, 1806, the Worcester turnpike was Incorporated, It was a fa
vorite principle with the engineers of that time, that roads must be
carried on a straight line between the points to be connected, with
out any deviation from the direct course to conform to the undula
tion of the surface. On this plan, the turnpike to Boston, going out
frora the north end of the village, went through a considerable em
inence by a deep cutting, passed a deep valley on a lofty embank
ment, ascended the steep slope of Millstone hill, crossed Quinsig
amond by a floating bridge, and climbed to some of the highest el
evations of the country it traversed, when inconsiderable circuit
would have furnished better and less costly route. These under
takings, of great convenience and utility in the period of their con
struction, have been more beneficial to the public than the proprie
tors. The Worcester and Fitzwllliara Turnpike, incorporated June
' The following memoranda from the interleaved almanacs of Isaiah Thomas, Esq.
show something of the customs of the time. '1806. October 6, Finished work on the
new street. The selectmen came and surveyed it and laid it out in form. The Light
Infantry company, under arms, commanded by Capt. Flagg, marched through il, halt
ed on the bridge, and discharged three vollies. The gentlemen of the street prepared
a large tub and two pails full of excellent pzmcA, and the selectmen, at the request of
those present, and in conformity to their own proposal, named the street Thomas street.
The Infantry company had as much punch as they chose to drink, aud all present.
Three cheers were given, and the company marched off.'

BLACKSTONE CANAL. 339
15, 1305, was not completed : the Worcester and Sutton, March
3, 1810, and Worcester and Leicester, Feb, 29, 1812, were not com
menced, Blackstone Canal. The project of opening a navigable com
munication from the waters of Narragansett bay in Rhode Island, to
the centre of Massachusetts, through the valley -of the Blackstone,
first engaged public attention in 1796. The author and patron of one
of the earliest attempts to connect the interior with the seaboard, by
a water highway, was the late John Brown, of Providence, The
whole weight of his wealth, intelligence, and zeal, were lent to the
enterprise. Public meetings were held, and warm interest in the
undertaking excited. In Rhode Island, a charter was obtained.
The petition of inhabitants of Worcester county, praying for incor
poration for the opening of ' inland navigation from the navigable
waters near Providence, to the interior parts of Worcester county,
and if feasible, to Connecticut river,' was presented at the May ses
sion of theGeneral Court of the Commonwealth, in 1796. At the
same tirae, a counter plan, which had the effect, if not the intent, of
defeating the forraer, was started, of constructing a canal from Bos
ton to the Connecticut river ; the application for the Providence ca
nal was refused, and the projectors, left without power to execute
the work, were compelled to abandon the undertaking. Surveys
were soon after raade for the Massachusetts Canal, under the direc
tion of Gen. Henry Knox, and with their conclusion terminated the
exertions of the subscribers.
In 1822, by a general movement, the plan was revived and sub
scriptions opened for a survey, completed in October, of the same
year. Acts of incorporation were obtained for distinct companies
in each state, subseqently united, July 5, 1825, under the name of
the Blackstone Canal Corapany, In 1824, the excavation was com
menced in Rhode Island ; in 1826, the first earth was removed in
Massachusetts, near Thomas street. The first boat which passed
through the whole extent, arrived at the upper basin, Oct, 7, 1828.
Three Comraissioners had been elected in each state, acting in
cooperation during the constrlictlon : on the union, the sarae gen
tleraen w^re elected on one board : they were Edward Carrington,
Moses B. Ives, and Stephen H. Sraith of Providence, John Davis,
John W. Lincoln, and Sylvanus Holbrook of Massachusetts. For
some tirae past, Thoraas Burgess has had the sole direction. The ex
pense of the work was about $750,000. Of this amount more than

^40 RAILROADS,
half a million of dollars was paid by the citizens of Rhode Island,
and the work, projected by the intelligence was principally executed
by the capital of our sister state.
The canal has been more useful to the public, than to the owners :
the amount of transportation, however, has increased.
The Boston and Worcester Rail Road was incorporated,
June 23, 1831, The road, extending 44 miles eastward, is laid
with a single track of edge rails, on cast iron chairs, resting on
wooden sleepers, bedded in trenches filled with stone. The cost
of construction has been $1500000, including land, labor, cars,
engines, and buildings. Passenger cars, go in each direction,
three times dally during the warm months, and twice in the cold
season, except on Sundays, The time is from 2i to 3 hours, inclu
ding stops at ten places : the fare has been $1 50, but in the autumn
of 1836, was raised to $2, The freight of merchandize from Bos
ton to Worcester, by the ton, is $3 50 ; from Worcester to Boston
$3. A branch rail road is soon to be laid to Millbury,
About a mile from the depot on Main street, the road passes
through a deep cutting of the slate rock about 30 feet in its greatest
depth, and extending about 30 rods. The strata are almost per
pendicular, and were removed from their beds by a laborious pro
cess of blasting.
The Norwich and Worcester Rail Road Company was
incorporated March 26, 1833, • A charter had been previously ob
tained in Connecticut, for the rout? within her jurisdiction, at the
May session, 1832, By an act of this Commonwealth, April 10,
and of that state. May 1836, the two companies were united, Frora
Norwich to Worcester is 58 miles ; to Boston 102, The work of
construction is now advancing. The capital stock is $1500000.
The Western Rail Road Corporation was established, March
15, 1833, for the purpose of building a rail road frora the western
termination of the Boston and Worcester Rail Road to Connecti
cut River in Springfield, and thence across the stream to the wes
tern boundary of the state, where it will connect with rail roads in
progress, one to Albany, one to Troy, and one to Hudson, The
stock of $3000000 has been subscribed, two thirds by individu
als, and one third by the state, and a portion of the road located.
I A statement of ihe amouixt of transportation by the Canal and Rail Road, will b.e
found in the appendix.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 341
Public Buildings, It is a curious circumstance that the earli
est provision for the erection of any county building, in a commu
nity of raoral, orderly, and religious habits, should relate to the con-
fineraent of malefactors.
At the first raeeting of the Court of General Sessions of the
Peace, Sept, 2, 1731, it was ordered, that a prison should be built,
and that, with his consent, the house of Williara Jennison,'- should
be used as a teraporary gaol : a suitable cage was to be built in the
back part, and the liberties of the yard were to extend 20 feet on
the south side and east end.
In February following, the court ordered, ' that in lieu of the pris
on before appointed, the cage so called, already built, be removed
to the chamber of the house of Daniel Heywood,^ and be the gaol
until the chamber be suitably finished for a gaol, and then the cham
ber be the gaol for the county, and the cage reraain as one of the
apartraents,' Here the prisoners were confined until they were
placed in the building, erected in 1733,^ 41 feet long, 18 feet wide,
with 8 feet studs : the prison part was 18 feet square, made of white
oak timber, set with studs, 4 Inches thick and 5 inches broad, and
floored, roofed and celled with two inch plank spiked together, A
dungeon was stoned under : the other end, finished as a dwelling
house, became jiart of the Butman tavern, and was destroyed by fire
Dec, 23, 1824.
In 1753, a new gaol was built a few rods south of the forraer pris
on, 38 feet long, 28 feet wide, with 7 feet posts. The south end
was studded with joist six inches square, set five inches apart, and
filled between with stone and raortar. The top, sides, and floor,
were covered inside and out, with oak plank, fastened with a pro
fuse use of iron spikes, and doors, windows, and partitions were heav
ily grated.
Notwithstanding these precautions, for security, raany effected
escape, and the wooden gaol becoraing too infirra for the confinement
of dangerous persons, a structure of massive granite, 64 by 32 feet,
three stories in height, was ordered to be erected in Dec. 1 784, on
land granted by the Cbmraonwealth, and ,£500 were appropriated
for the expense. This was completed Sept. 4, 1788, and Mr, Thom
as remarks, ' this is judged to be at least the second stone building
of consequence in the Comraonwealth ; none being thought superior
1 Occupied by Dr, Oliver Fiske in 1836, ^ Pari of the buildings of the Central Hotel,
3 On land of Stephen Salisbury, Esq, east of the south extremity of Lincoln street.

342 COURT HOUSE,
except the Stone Chapel in Boston : that is built of hewn stone ;
the stones of this are mostly as they were taken from the quarry.
The master workraan, Mr, John Parks of Groton, has acquired great
credit for the ingenuity and fidelity with which he has executed the
work, A great saving must be experienced from the new bujlding,
as, without some convulsion of nature, it is hot probable that it will
need any repairs, excepting the roof, for two or three centuries.'
And he adds ' that the capaciousness of the building will make it
answer for a work house, and save the county the expense of erect
ing one,'
The course of nature went on undisturbed, but the increase of
crime and the improvements of discipline, prevented the permanen
cy which was expected by the founders. The ' capaciousness ' was
insufficient for modern use, and in April 1835, the gaol vs^as transfer
red to the House of Correction : the land and buildings were sold,
and the prison demolished.
Court Houses, It was ojrdered, August 8, 1732, that a suitable
and convenient court honse be built on land given by William Jen
nison, Esq, and a committee was instructed to inform those ' who
had an interest in lands in the county, and especially in the town of
Worcester, which, by that town's being made the shire town, are
greatly advanced, of the court's intention ; and to know what any of
them will be pleased to give towards building and adorning the house,'
This building, placed very near the site of the present edifice, was
of wood, 36 feet long, 26 feet wide, with 13 feet posts. Until its
corapletion, courts were held in the meeting house. The address of
Chief Justice John Chandler, of Woodstock, delivered Feb, 8, 1734,
at the opening of the Courts of General Sessions and Common
Pleas, published in the Boston Weekly Reheasal, Feb, 18, 1734,
shows the ideas of beauty and magnificence entertained in that pe
riod. Taking occasion to speak from ' some instances of the Divine
Providence remarkably favorable to us,' he says, ' It demands our
observation and acknowledgment, .... that we are now entered
into a new and beautiful house, erected purposely for the reception
and entertainment of the courts, which for the future are to be held
within the same, at the occurring seasons thereof : an article that
I know not the like in any county within this province, so soon af
ter the constitution thereof, it being but about thirty months since
we held our first court,' , . , , ' It is our duty on this occasion,

COURT HOUSE, 343
.... very thankfully to acknowledge the good hand of God's Prov
idence upon us, who has stirred up and opened the hearts of sundry
worthy gentlemen, some of whom live in other parts of the province,
to be benefactors to us, by assisting us in our infant state to erect
and beautify so agreeable a house as we are in the possession of, and
which exceeds so raany others in the province built for the like ser
vice, in the capaciousness, regularity, and workraanship thereof: so
that those who have business to be transacted here, raay now and
hencefortli, be suitably and conveniently accoramodated with room,
while they attend the courts, without intruding on that which we have
been necessitated to use hitherto, though designedly built for anoth
er purpose. To God, be the glory ascribed, as the unmerited eflfects
of the Divine Favor to us : notwithstanding which, our benefactors
and their benefactions, should be very gratefully remembered by us,'
After a few years, the edifice thus coraraeraorated, was found to be
too small for the purposes of its erection, and a new court house
was ordered to be built March 16, 1751, of greater dimensions. It
was 36 feet by 40 in size, and after being the temple of justice forty
years, was converted into a dwelling house, and still stands at the in
tersection of Franklin and Green streets.
The increasing business of the county requiring larger accommo
dations, the present court house was commenced in 1801 and open
ed Sept, 27, 1803,1 The lower story is appropriated for county of
fices : the next contains the court room and lobbies for jurors.
The following inscription on a silver plate inclosed in a leaden
1 In the charge of Chief Justice Robert Treat Paine, Sepl. 27, 1803, to the grand ju
ry, he says, ' We meet you wilh great pleasure at this first opportunity of our assembling
with you to attend the administration of justice wilhin the walls of this magnificent
buildmg. On this occasion, we can but recollect what has been said, that when the pro
posal, in 1731, was made, in General Court, for erecting this County, some great
politician of that day, [Gov. Hutchinson,] objected lo it, because, from the then ap
pearance of the country, it must be a great length of lime before it would be an object
for county jurisdiction; and that there are some now, who well remember when the
territory which composes this county, was, in many parts, but thinly inhabited, and but
just emerging from a wilderness stale of uncultivated roughness : and until our happy
revolulion look place, its appearance was but small in comparison of what we now be
hold. The grandeur of this building is a striking proof of that prosperity of the inhab
itants, which flowed from the fruitful fountain, the revolution, and the good government
and wholesome laws consequent upon it. And we also, can but consider it as strong
evidence of the good disposition of the inhabitants, respecting social and political regu
lations ; of Iheir determination to support the constitution and government of this Com
monwealth and the due administration of justice among them ; seeing they have made
such ample provision therefor. May these walls remain consecrated to the pure admin
istration of Justice ; here may the injured always find redress, the oppressed be reliev
ed, and the disturbers of public peace and welfare be brought to condign punishment,'

344 HOUSE OP CORRECTION,
box, with several ancient silver coins of Massachusetts, (shillings
and sixpences,) and some raodern money, was deposited in a cavity
cut for the purpose in the lower corner stone of the hewn under
pinning on the south east,
' The corner stone was laid Oct, 1, 1801, by Isaiah Thoraas, Esq,
who with William Caldwell, Esq, Sheriff of the County, and Hon,
Salem Towne, were appointed a committee for building and com
pleting this (now intended) Court House, The old Court House
now stands two feet southeast from this spot, 1801.'
William Lancaster of Boston, was employed as master workman
of the exterior, and Mr, Baxter, of the interior.
The cost of the court house, furniture for the public offices, and
brick walls of the yard, with a part of the stone walls, iron railings,
and embankraents in front, was $17830 : an additional allow
ance was made to Mr, Baxter, and the whole charges when cora
pleted were about $20000,
The County House op Correction, first occupied in November
1819, is situated east of the village, and not far from the Hospital,
The front of the building, a large and handsome structure 53 by 27
feet, is occupied by the keeper's family, except the north side of the
basement, where 3 cells are appropriated for solitary imprisonment,
and the punishment of the refractory", fortunately but little used.
The part used for confinement is in the rear of the keeper's apart
ments. The plan of construction first adopted was found to be
bad : the rooms were large, and several convicts were, from neces
sity, placed together : so that Sometimes, novices in crime were as
sociated with vetei^an offenders, and the establishment, with all vigi
lance and fidelity of supervision, was more the nursery of vice than
the school of reformation. Impressed with the evils of this arrange
ment, the County Commissioners, in 1832, directed an alteration in
conformity with a plan subraitted by the Overseers, resembling that
of the State's Prison in Charlestown, The whole interior was
taken down, and another building erected within the exterior walls,
divided into 40 cells, each 7 feet by 3 1-2 feet in size, 7 feet high,
receiving -light through iron doors properly made for the purpose,
opening into the area around, which is warmed by stoves. In the
basement are three other rooms for confinement, and on the same
floor with the kitchen is the sleeping apartment of the assistant keep
er, placed so as to afford hira Inspection of the area in front of the
cells, and security frora injury by the prisoners in case of revolt.

LUNATIC HOSPITAL. 345
In April 1835, a part of the, building was appropriated for the
county gaol ; and the two upper stones of cells, vvith the rooms
Hbove and below the kitchen, were occupied for that purpose. A
brick building, 40 feet by IG, iu the yard, connected with the house,
furnishes work shops in the two lower stories : the third story, havino-
6 rooms, i.s used for the confinesnent of females. Thaie is, also a
wooden buildini:, which has been used for \5orkian; stone. By a
recent order of the County Commissioners, all per.sons confined in
the House of Currectiou, able to labor, are to-be constantly employ
ed according to their ability : if not acquainted with any mechanic
trade, they work at the shoe business. Under this system, it is prob
able, the convicts wijl not only be able to remunerate the expense
of their support, but may form habits of industry and derive moral
improvement. The following statement shows the condition of the House of
Correction during years, each ending in November,
1833.
Coramitted for crime, 5
for correction, 58
Discharged in the year, 48
Remaining Nov. 1, 15
Among those now in the establishment, are 3 lunatics sent from
the hospital, and 5 insane persons supported there by their friends
with the consent of the Commissioners.
John F. Clark has been keeper from the commencement : Nathan
Heard and John W, Lincoln, are overseers.
LuN.iTic Hospital. This monument of the enlightened chari
ty of the government of the state, is situated on a beautiful eminence
eastward of the town. The buildings of the west front, erected in
1831, consist of a centre, 76 feet long, 40 feet wide, and four stories
high, projecting 22 feet forward of the wings which extend to the
north and south ninety feet each on the front and 103 feet in the rear,
are 36 feet wide, and three stories high. This arrangement was
adopted, so as to secure free communication with the central struc
ture,, occupied by the superintendent, steward, attendants, and do-
mestitjs, and to permit the ventilation and lighting of tlie long ha'Is
reaching through the wings. The range.'; of ap-irtmerifs Tor the in
sane, 8 feet by ]0, have each a tvindovv, vvitii, the upper sash of ci.st
iron and lower sash of wood, both glazed; on the exterior of the
wooden sash is a false sash of iron, corresponding in its appearance
44

1834.

133.5.

18S5.

15

11

14

57

62

53

54

56

63

18

17

21

346 CHURCHES.
and dimensions, but firmly set into the frame, giving the reality of
a grate without its gloomy aspect. In 1835, a building 134 feet
in length and 34 feet in width was attached to the southern extrem
ity of the hospital, of equal height, and extending eastward at right
angles with the front ; in 1836, another edifice of the same
magnitude, was placed at the north end. Three sides of a great
square are now enclosed by these immense structures of brick. Pro
vision is made for the diffusion of heat, the circulation of air, the
supply of water ; and the most judicious regulations promote the
health and comfort of the inmates.
In this hospital, those are placed under restraint by public
authority, who are so furiously mad, that their liberty would en
danger the safety Of the coraraunity. To feel its value, one tnust
have heard the chained raaniacs howling in the dungeons of the
coramon gaols, in frantic excitement and hopeless misery, and seen
the quiet of the great establishment where the insane receive every
alleviation of their mental diseases, which fit accommodations, re
medial treatment, and high skill can bestow.
The institution has been under the superintendence of Dr, Sara
uel B. Woodward since its coraraencement. Its statistics are fully
detailed in the reports annually made by the Trusteees to the Legis
lature. Churches. The first house appropriated for public worship, was
built like the log huts of the planters, and placed near the intersec
tion of Green street by Franklin street, about 1717,
In 1719, a -raeeting house was built, under a contract with Mr,
Constable, as architect, on the site of the present South Church,
It was of respectable dimensions, but had no tower. At first, the
area of the interior, floored, but otherwise unfinished, was occupied
by benches. In 1723, a pulpit was set up, and the space divided
into long seats ; and soon after, galleries were provided.' In 1733,
it was voted ' that the front of the gallery, the pulpit, and pillars,
be colored and varnished, and the outside of the doors and windows ;
and the town thankfully accepts the <£8 offered by Col, Chandler,
towards the same ; and being inforraed that' Daniel Gookin, Esq,
has been pleased to say, he would give soraething to said work, vo
ted, that a committee be desired to know of hira what he will give
towards said coloring and varnishing.' In 1743 a spire was erected.
In 1763 the Old South Meeting House, was built, 70 feet long,
55 feet wide, with 28 feet posts, at the expense of ^1542, There

CHURCHES. 347
were 61 square pews on the lower floor. That esteemed the best,
on the west side of the pulpit, and directly under it, valued at £9,
was assigned to Hon. John Chandler, as an acknowledgment of his
donation of i£40 towards erecting the church. The highest price
paid for pews was £9, the lowest £4 10s. In front of the pulpit,
were two long pews, one for the deacons, the other for aged per
sons ; and along the head of the central aisle, were seven slips, for
the free seats of men and women, placed on opposite sides. There
were three porches, at the south, east, and west entrances, and a
tower on the north surraounted by a spire, 130 feet high.
In the day of small things, the purchase of a bell was an impor
tant matter. After many conferences, the town and county united
their funds for the purpose, and in May 1739, it was agreed, that the
town would pay ,£60 towards procuring a bell weighing not less than
300 pounds, and half the expense of a frame for hanging it near a
sraall tree, a little north of Capt. Daniel Heywood's, about midway
between the meeting house and court house, ' to serve the tovvn as
well as the county.' In 1740, difficulties arose in completing the
arrangements : the partnership was dissolved : the town paid £140
pounds for the whole bell, and it was placed in the steeple.
The belfnow used, cast by Revere and Sons, in Boston, in 1802,
weighing 1975 pounds, bears this inscription
' The living to the church I call.
And to the grave I summon all.'
The tower clock was made by Abel Stowell, in 1800.
The Old South C/turch has been enlarged, and is now 90 feet
long, and 55 wide, having a vestry at the south end.
Unitarian Clinrch. The first Meeting House of the Second
Congregational Society, near Antiquarian Hall, on Summer street,
was built by Ignatius Goulding and Elias Blake, on land given to
the parish, June 16, 1791, by Charles and Samuel Chandler. It
was a plain and neat edifice of wood. A bell was purchased, and
a tower clock presented by Isaiah Thomas, Esq. both removed, and
still used on the new church. i
The new brick meeting house on Main street, was erected at an
expense of about 813,000, on land purchased of Isaiah Thomas,
Esq, at the cost of 84000,1 The foundation was laid August 11, 1828,
1 The following inscription was deposited under the corner slone of its foundation.
This house was erected by the Unitarian Congregational Society, Worcester, for
the worship of the one God, through the mediation of Jesus Christ. Foundation laid
August 11, 1823, John Quiney Adams, President of the United Slates. Levi Lincoln,

348 PUBLIC BUILDINGS,
when an address was delivered by the Rev, Mr, Hlll,i and religious
services performed by the Rev. Dr. Bancroft,
This building is 75 feet from east to west, and 68 feet from
north to south : the walls 31 feet in height, and the tower, sur
mounted by a cupola, 125 feet high. The floor is divided into 104
pews. It was dedicated Aug. 23, 1829. The highest price paid
for pews was $337, the lowest $80, This church has an organ
purchased for $2000,
The Calvinist Church, on Main street, built in 1823, and en
larged in 1834, is 93 feet by 57 :¦ the height of the spire 130 feet.
There are 94 pews on the floor, which have been sold from $116
to $200 each. An organ has lately been purchased for 81700.
The Union Church, on Front street, built in 1836, is 90 by 54
feet in size, including a vestry, with a spire 130 feet high. The or
gan cost $1200.
The Baptist Church, east of the common, rebuilt in 1836, is
79 feet long, 50 wide, and has a spire 138 feet in height.
Christ Church, on Temple street, built in 1836, the Catholic
place- of worship, is a neat structure of the Grecian Doric order,
64 feet by 32, fronting to the south.
The Methodist Cliurch, on Columbian avenue, built in 1836, is
66 feet long and 48 feet wide, with a spire about 100 feet high.
The Centre School House, on Main street, built in 1792, is
about 60 by 30 feet, and its four apartments are occupied by the
primary and female school, of the district.
The Brick School House, on Thomas street, built in 1832, 67
by 30 feet, is appropriated for the Latin graramar school, and high
er boys schools-
The Town Hall, a neat brick building of fine architectural pro
portions, built in 1825, at an expense of about $10,000, is 54 by 64
feet. The basement is occupied for keeping fire apparatus, and for
stores, A large hall on the first floor is Used for town meetings, re
ligious exercises, and public lectures. There are two spacious and
neat halls on the second floor. An address was delivered at the
dedication, May 2, 1825, by Hon. John Davis,
Governor of Massarhu-^cUs. Rev. Aaron Bancro''!, D. P. and Rev. Alonzo Hill,
Pastors. Frederick W. Paine, Esq Rejoice ^'ewlon, Esq , Deac. Alpheus Merrifield-,
Col. Samuel Ward, Capl. George T Rice, Capl. Lewis Barnard, Pliny IMerrick, Esq,
Buildin ' Committee, Elias Carter, Peler Kendall, Master Builders, .•
1 Published in tl.e National Mgts, August 13, 1828.

BURIAL PLACES. 349
Antiquarian Hall. The centre building erected by Isaiah
Thomas, in 1819, is 46 feet long aud 36 feet wide, with a cupola.
Wings were extended in 1832, each 23 feet long and 21 feet wide.
Worcester Cou.\ty Manual Labor High School. The
Academy building is of brick, two stories in height, with a base
ment, and is 45 feet by 60 in exterior dimensions. The first story
affords a convenient recitation room, and a chapel which may
contain two hundred persons. The upper floor is divided into
twelve rooms; one for the instructors; one for library and appara
tus; and ten, neatly furnished, for the accommodation of students,
A mansion with proper out buildings has been erected in the vi
cinity of the Acaderay for the residence of the superintendent and
students. Public Lands. The lands granted for the support of schools
and the ministry by the proprietors, were sold, frora time to tirae ; the
proceeds invested : and the interest, and finally the principal, applied
to the purposes of the original appropriation.
The land near the raeeting house was early reserved for a train
ing field, and has remained open for military exercise and public ex
hibitions. The location of the Norwich Rail Road across this
tract, will impair its use as a square, and leave no spot of the Cora
mon territory susceptible of being converted into an ornamented
ground for the use of the crowded population,.
August 27, 1733, the proprietors voted 'that 100 acres of the poor
est land of Millstone Hill, be left common for the use of the town
for building stones, ' A subsequent grant was raade of the territory
to Daniel Heywood. The Sapreme Court have determined, that a
perpetual interest in the land for the limited use of taking stone,
passed to the town by the first grant ; and the fee of the soil, subject
to this use, to the grantee, by the second. ^
Burial Places, The most ancient burial place of Worcester
was north of the intersection of Thomas street with Summer street.
It is now included in the enclosure around the brick school house,
• and the children of the present generation frolic over the remains
of those whose gtaves were earliest made. Rachael, daughter of
John and Jean Kellough, was the first person who died in the town,
Dec. 15, 1717, The number of deaths which occurred frora that
1 Inhabitants of Worcester vs. William E. Green. Pickermg's Reports, ii. 425..

350 FACE OF THE TOWN.
date to the time when another cemetery was occupied, were 28.
Among them were some of the founders and first settlers. They
were laid beneath old oaks, which long shadowed their place of rest.
The burying place bordering on the coramon, was opened in 1730,
when Ephraim Roper, accidentally killed in hunting, was interred
there. ' When this became too populous for new occupation, anoth
er place of sepulture was provided in 1795, on Mechanic street, and
now adjoining the Boston Rail Road. In 1828, a tract of eight acres
was purchased on the plain, east of Washington square, which has
since been divided by the rail road, A tract of about 20 acres,
half a mile westward of the village, was purchased in 1835, laid
out as a cemetery, and is to be ornamented with a belt of shade
trees. There -is a grave y aid between South Worcester and New
Worcester, ^
Face of the town. The whole surface is undulating, swelling
into hills of moderate acclivity, with gentle slope and beautifully
rounded outline. From the eminences, the prospect is of the wide
spread and highly improved fields of a fertile soil. Better descrip
tion cannot be given of the valley of Worcester, than by adopting the
words of a writer of high authority. ' Apart from human culture,' says
Prof Hitchcock, ' this geographical centre of Massachusetts would
present no very striking attractions to the lover of natural scenery.
But this valley possesses precisely those features which art is capa
ble of rendering extremely' fascinating. And there is scarcely to be
met with, in this or any other country, a raore charming landscape
than Worcester presents, from almost any of the moderately elevat
ed hills that surround it. The high state of agriculture in every
part of the valley, and the fine taste and neatness exhibited in all
the buildings of this flourishing town, with the great elegance of
many edifices, and the intermingling of so raany and fine shade and
fruit trees, spread over the prospect beauty of a high order, on vyhich
the eye delights to linger. I have never seen in a coraraunity of equal
extent, so few raarks of poverty and human degradation, as in this
valley : and it is this aspect of comfort and independence among all
classes, that enhances greatly the pleasure with which every true
' The burial places have been heretofore enclosed wilh rude fences, and overgrown
with wild grass and briars. That strange taste, which disgraces the living, by placing
senseless or inappropriate inscriptions on the monumental stones of the dead, has rare
ly left examples of its perversity here. Nor are there epitaphs distinguished by any
singular merit, worthy of being transcribed.

PONDS AND STREAMS. 351
American heart contemplates this scene : since it must be consider
ed as exhibiting the happy influence of our fiee institutions. 'J
Ponds and Streajis. Along the eastern boundary of Worces
ter, and partly withiu its territory, lies Ctulnsigamond Pond, sorae-
tiraes called Long Pond, a beautiful sheet of water, which, in any
other country, would be dignified with the name oi lake. It extends
from north to south, in crescent form, about four miles in length, pre
senting, by reason of disproportionate breadth, the appearance of a
noble river, with bold banks, covered with wood, or swelling into
green 'hills. There are twelve islands, varying in extent frora a few
square rods of surface to many acres. Some of them, of slngtdar
beauty, are still clothed vvith their original forests. At the south
end, the waters, with those of Half Moon, Round, and Flint's Pond,
which are connected with Q.uinsigamond, flow out in a southeaster
ly direction into the town of Grafton, forming the stream anciently
called 'Nipnapp River,' now the Little Blackstone, a principal trib
utary to the main stream. When the Blackstone Canal was con
structed, the ponds were raised by a dam, and made a reservoir for
that work. 2
The southern part of Quinsigamond and most of its fair islands,
lie within the limits of Shrewsbury. The northern part is princi
pally in Worcester. ^
North Pond, situated in that part of the town indicated by its
' Report on the Geology of Massachusetts, 100.
^ An estimate of the quantity of waler contained in this reservoir, between high and
low water mark, exhibiting the extent of surface, has been kindly furnished by Henry
Snow, Esq. of Shrewsbury, raade from actual admeasurement by that accurate surveyor.
Low waler is estimated al 2 feel 10 inches above the bottom of thefloom al the Irish
Dam, for all v\aters below the neck of Quinsigamond, and 1 fool 6 inches above the
bottom of the floom at that point, for all above.
Surface.
acres. r<jds.
Above the old Road, 28 120
Quinsigamond, 437 06
17 31
Half Moon Pond, I'l 155
" 2 00
Flooded Meadow and River, 202 18
Round Pond, 6 60
Flint's Pond, 45 117
" 36 125
Making 99579135 cubic feet, rejecting minute fractions. About 21 millions of cubic
feet cannot be drawn down by reason of the back water from the pond of the New
England Village Factory.
3 A full description of this Fond will be found in Ward's History of Shrewsbury, in
Worcester Magazine, ii. 8.

Dei
feet.

pth. inches.

Cubic feet.

2

0

2504700

3

3

61871398

2

3

1746415

3

3

2149126

2

3

196020

2

4

20542714

3

3

so-ieeo

3

3

6500717

2

0

3204382

352 PONDS AND STREAMS.
name, lies principally in district No. 12, and is the reservoir of the
summit level of the Blackstone Canal., It is the source of the stream
called in the old records, Diuson's, Mill, and Bimelick Brook, which
passes through the village on its way to join the Blacksitone River,
The original sutface has been estimated at 3D acres : the dams and
embankment raised around, now extend it to about 2'JO acres.
Bladder Pond has the shape described by its appellation. It is
situated on the northeast, part of Chandler hill, and contains five
or six acres. The surface has been gradually diminishing, as the
roots of vegetation have stretched themselves over its waters, form
ing a floating belt around, on which it would be dangerous to tread.
These are all the natural ponds within the territory of Worcester,
Many have been created, by artificial means, for manufacturing pur
poses. The valley of Worcester is drained through the channel of the
Blackstone River, which is divided into branches, themselves subdi
vided. Intersecting the whole territory with veins of water, so that
there is scarcely a farm which has not rill, rivulet, or brook, within
its boundaries. Beginning at the southwest corner of Worcester,
we meet the Kettle Brook, flowing southwardly into Ward, and af
ter a little progress further, we strike the main stream into which this
brook empties, returning to the north, and called on the ancient re
cords French River, till it reaches New Worcester ; there it receives
the waters of Tatnuck Brook and of Beaver Brook, both coming
from Holden, and joining together before they unite to the river.
After their junction the ilver flows eastward about a mile and a half,
and was called Halfioay River, to the point were it receives the
stream named on the proprietary records, usually Mlill Brook, some
times Danson's Brook, and very rarely Bime'.ick- This tributary,
receiving Weasle Brook soon after it flows out from its source in
North Pond, goes in a southerly direction through the village, from
the junction, the main stream swelled to a considerable volume, some-
tlraes having the appellation of Nipmuck River, but usually called
Blackstone, flows by a southeasterly course into Millbury.
Among the tributaries of Mill Brook, near the town. Pine Meadow
Brook, bringitig water frora Bladder Pond, a minute stream, falls in
near the Brewery ; and Bear Brook, scarcely larger, fl:)Ws back of
the brick school house on Thomas street.
Hills. Along the western boundary of the town, extends a
chain of rounded highlands, the seat of Indian villages of yore.

MINES. 353
called by the natives Tataesset, and now known as Tatnuck. In the
north part of the town is Winter Hill in district No. 10 : 3Iount
Ararat beyond North Pond in district No. 12, and the ridge form
ing the northern wall of the valley, named on the records Indian
Hill. Millstone Hill, northeast from the town, is an immense
quarry of granite, presenting a remarkable geological structure of
layers spread over each other in circular forra like the coats of an
onion. Chandler Hill, lies east of the town, and Oak Hill, south
east. Nearly south, and forralng one margin of the valley of the
Blackstone, is Sagatabscot, where Jonas Rice first built. Opposite,
and across the river, is the huge mound of Pakachoag Hill, ex
tending far into Ward. Wigtvam Hill, is a rounded eminence on
the western shore and near the head of Quinsigamond.
Mines and Minerals. About the middle of thelast century, a
mania for mining prevailed, almost as ruinous as that for speculation
an hundred years later. Tired of the slow process of acquiring wealth
by cultivating the surface of the earth, its possessors were enticed
to dig into its bosom for treasures. The precious raetals were the ob
jects of the search, and raining operations,,began alraost siraultaneous-
ly in Worcester, Sterling, Templeton, and many other towns of the
county, terrainated, from want of science and skill, in total failure.
In 1754, a vein of metal which was supposed to be silver, was dis
covered near the head of the valley, about a mile north of the town,
A company for exploring the spot was formed by some of the most
substantial inhabitants. Furnaces and sraelting houses were erect
ed, and a cunning German employed as superintendent. Under his
direction, a shaft was sunk 80 feet perpendicularly, and a horizon
tal gallery extended about as far through the rock, which was to be
intersected by another shaft, comraenced about six rods north of the
first opening, Araong the masses, which within a few years laid
around the scene of operation, were specimens of the ores con
taining a minute portion of silver, specks of copper and lead, much
iron, and an extraordinary quantity of arsenic. When struck against
steel, a profusion of vivid sparks are thrown out, and the strong and
peculiarly disagreeable odor of the latter mineral emitted. On the
application of heat, this perfume increases to an overpowering ex
tent. The company expended great sums in blasting the rock, rais
ing its fragments, and erecting buildings and machinery. While the
pile of stones increased, the money of the partners diminished. The
furnaces in full blast, produced nothing but suffocating vapors,curllng
45

354 MINES AND MINERALS,
over the flames in those beautiful coronets of smoke which still at
tend the attempt to melt the ore. The shrewd foreigner, in whose
promises the associates seem to have placed that confidence which
honest men often repose on the declarations of knaves, became satis
fied that the crisis was approaching when it would be ascertained
that the funds were exhausted, and that stone and iron could not be
transmuted to gold, Sorae papers which exist, indicate, that he pre
tended to knowledge in the occult sciences as well as skill in the
art of deception. However this may be, he assured the company,
that the great enemy of man had been busy in defeating their exer
tions, making his presence redolent in the perfumes of sulphur and
arsenic. He obtained the sura of $100 and raade a journey to Phil
adelphia, to consult with a person experienced in mines and their
daemons, for the purpose of exorcising the unsavory spirit of the
crucible. He departed with a barrel full of the productions of the
mine, but never returned to state the results of his conference. The
proprietors abandoned the work, when they were waked by the re
ality of the loss from the dream of fortune, and afterwards destroy
ed the records of their credulity,
A much more valuable source of wealth is in the Anthracite Coal.
A deposit of this mineral exists about two railes northeast frora the
town. It was long converted into a paint, under the name ot Black"
Lead., and furnished a cheap and durable covering for roofs and for
the exterior of buildings exposed to the weather. In 1826, it was
partially explored and began to be worked by Col, Amos Binney.
It was found to be a valuable combustible, suitable, even in the im
pure state presented by the upper strata, for furnaces and places
where intense heat and great fires were required. Engagements
of business, and local circumstances, Induced him to suspend the
prosecution of the undertaking. Since his decease, the mineral,
which might be made to give motion to the wheels of manufacturing
and mechanic Industry to unllraited extent, has been perraitted to
rest undisturbed in its bed.
The rock in which the Worcester Anthracite occurs, is terraed
by Prof Hitchcock, an Imperfect kind of mica slate, and called by
Humboldt, transition mica slate, having a moderate dip to the north
east. Although the coal Is considered by him, as inferior to that of
Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, its specific gravity is greater than
that from those states. He expresses the opinion that ' it will be
considered by posterity, if not by the present generation, as a treas
ure of great value,' and adds, ' I can hardly believe, that a coal.

MINERALS. 355
which contains probably not less than 90 per Centura of carbon,
should not be eraployed, in sorae way or other, as valuable fuel.' ^
Beds of clay are abundant. In the north and west parts of the
town about four millions of bricks have been made frora this raaterlal
during the year,
Soapstone of good quality has been discovered, and a narrow vein
was worked, in the south east part of Worcester, though [not with
success. Pots of this material, used by the Indians for^cooking,
are sometimes turned up by the plough.
Peat is found in raany meadows, and as the supply of wood is
diminished, may be advantageously used as fuel,
Araong the rainerals of scientific interest are ; Idocrase, accorapa-
nled by small, pale, green crystals of Pyoiene, Epidote, and Garnets
of a wine yellow color : Asbestus, Amianthoid, Plumbago, and veins
of Pyritous Iron were found in working the coal mine : Carbon
ate of Iron, Arsenical Sulphuret of Iron, massive and crystalized,
and Sulphuret of Lead, were once abundant around the old silver
mine. Made soraetlraes occurs in argillaceous slate.
The quarry of granite on Millstone hill, has furnished building
material for a century, and the excavation now extends over two or
three acres. The rock is coraposed almost entirely of gray quartz
and white foliated feldspar, with very little mica, and differs only
from the sienite of Glulncy in the absence of hornblende. The only
distinct example of apparent stratification of granite found in the
state, by Prof Hitchcock,"^ was in this locality, and from the strata
conforming on all sides to the slope of the knd, being horizontal
at the apex, and extending over the sides in concentric flakes, he
infers that the hill is an enorraous concretion. The rock Is cross
ed by natural seams, dividing it into layers nearly parallel at the
quarry, from one foot to two feet in thickness, and easily split by
wedges. The surfaces are blackened with iron, which forms a crust
on the exterior, called by the workmen ' the bark ' : from the ad
mixture of the same metal in the composition, the faces of the blocks
when cut, becorae discolored on exposure to the weather.
A quarry is extensively worked on the south end of Sagatabscot
hill, called the ' South Ledge.' The rock is of light color, of the
geological character of Granitic Gneiss, entirely free from iron,
wrought with facility, and often beautifully veined. The hewn fronts
of buildings of this raaterlal on Main street, would advantageously
corapare in elegance with the raarble edifices of the cities.
' Report on the Geology of MassachuseUs, 55. ' ib, 462,

356

MISCELLANEOUS.

Joshua Child

1737

Solomon Johnson

1742

Elijah Cook

1742

Joshua Eaton

1742

CHAPTER XVIII.
Municipal Officers. Selectmen. Clerks. Treasurers, Representatives, Fire De
partment. Fires apd accidents by lightning.
Selectmen chosen since 1722.'
Nathaniel Moore 1722,25—30, [32—35, 40
Nathaniel Jones 1722, 23
Benjamin Flagg 1722, 23, 26, 28,
[34, 35, 37—40, 43—51
Jonas Rice 1722, 24, 28, 30, 32,
[34, 35, 38, 40
John Gray 1722, 24
Henry Lee 1723
John Hubbard 1723
Benjamin Flagg, jr, 1723,25, 30— [32
Gershom Rice 1724,27,31,33,36, [39, 46
James Taylor 1724, 26, 35, 39
Daniel Heywood 1724, 26, 27, 29,
[31, 34, 35, 38, 40, 42—46, 48—53
Moses Leonard 1725, 26
James McLellan 1725
James Holden 1725, 29, 30, 33, 36
William Jennison 1727—31, 33,
[35, 37, 38, 41
1728 1729
1731, 37, 41, 43
1732, 36, 39, 41
1732, 36, 41
1733—35,37—40, [42—53

James Rice
Zephaniah Rice
Palmer Goulding
James Moore
John Stearns
John Chandler

'Thomas Wheeler 1743—45, 49—
[51, 53, 73, 74, 79
John Chadwick 1744, 45
Daniel Ward 1746—47
Joshua BigeloTv 1747, 67—73, 75,
[78
James Boyd 1747
Thomas Stearns 1748
John Chandler, jr, 1748—59, 61— [73
Daniel Ward 1752, 53
Elisha Smith 1752
John Curtis 1754, 55, 60
Nathaniel Moore, jr. 1754
Jonathan Lynds 1754
Timothy Paine ' 1754—63, 66—74
John Boyden 1754, 65
Gardner Chandler 1754—56
Tyrus Rice 1755
Israel Jennison 1756 — 58, 61

Gershom Rice, jr.

1736

Josiah Brewer
William Young
Asa Moore
Daniel Boyden
James Goodwin
James Putnam

1756, 62, 63
1757, 74—77
1757—62 1759, 62
1759 1760

' When this mark — is placed between the dales, it indicates that the person was
elected iu the successive years between one and the other.

.MUNICIPAL OFFICERS.

Jonathan Stone 1760, 67, 68, 72,
[75—77
Jacob Chamberlain 1761
Ephraim Doolittle 1763—66
Samuel Miller 1763—65, 75, 81, 82
Jacob Hemenway ] 704
Pahner Goulding 1764, 65, 71
Samuel Mower 1765
Josiah Pierce 1765, 74 — 76
Samuel Curtis 1766, 75, 90—94
Benjamin Flagg 1766—77
Micah Johnson 1769
Nathan Baldwin 1770
David Bigelow 1776, 77, 79, 80,
[83, 84
Nathan Perry 1777,81—83,85—89
Benjamin Stowell 1777
John Kelso 1777
Ebenezer Lovell 1778, 79, 84
Robert Smith 1778, 79
WiUiam Stearns 1778, 79
Nathaniel Brooks 1778, 79, 84
John Green 1780
Jonathan Rice 1780
Joseph Barber 1780
Edward Crafts 1780
William McFarland 1781, 82
Samuel Brown 1781, 82
John Gleason 1781, 82
Joseph AUen 1783
Joseph Wheeler 17a3, 87— 91
Samuel Brooks 1784—93
Daniel Goulding 1784, 95, 96, 98
John Chamberlain 1785—95, 97,
[98, 1801, 02
Jesse Tail 1785, 86
Daniel Band 1785—89
Samuel Flagg 1790—1805, 1807
Benjamin Heywood 1792—97, 99,
[1800
Nathaniel Paine 1794—1802
Phineas Jones 1796, 97
David Andrews 1798—1802
Ephraim Mower 1799—1810,15— [17

Edward Bangs 1803—1808
Joseph Holbrook 1803—1806
Nathaniel Harrington 1803—1809
Nathan White 1806—1819
Thomas Nichols 1808—1815
Abraham Lincoln 1809—1824
William Eaton 1810—1813, 20—
[22, 25—28, 30
John Gleason 1811—1815
William Chamberlain 1814, 22— [24
Nathaniel Stowell 1816—1821
John Flagg 1816—1820, 24, 27,
[28, 33, 34
Peter Slater 1818—1821
George Moore 1821-23
John Gleason, jr. 3 822—25
Edward D, Bangs 1823, 24
Joel Gleason 1824
Otis Corbett 1825, 26, 30
John W, Lincoln 1825, 26, 33— [35
Daniel Stone 1825, 26
PUny Merrick 1827—29, 35
Thomas Chamberlain 1827—29
Frederic W, Paine 1827, 31
Benjamin Butman 1828, 29, 34, 35
Alpheus Merrifield 1829—32
Lewis Chapin 1829, 35, 36
Asahel Bellows 1830
Lewis Barnard 1830
Henry Heywood 1831, 32
Benjamin Flagg 1831
Luther Burnett, jr, 1831
Charles Allen 1832
Guy S. Newton 1832—35
Jonathan Harrington 1832, 33
Alfred D, Foster 1833
Samuel B, Thomas 1834
Simon S, Gates 1835, 36
Ebenezer L, Barnard 1835, 36
Thomas Kinnicutt 1836
Artemas Ward 1836
E. H. Hemenway 1836
Thomas Harback 1336

358

MUNCIPAL OFFICERS.

Town Clerks since 1722.

1722 1723
1724172917301731
1753
17541764
1768 1775
177817801780

1722
17231724
17251726
1727
17291731
1732173617371739
1741
175217601761

Jonas Rice,
Benjamin Flagg.
Jonas Rice.
Zephaniah Rice,
Benjamin Flagg,
Jonas Rice,
Daniel Heywood
Timothy Paine,
John Chandler,
Clark Chandler.
Nathan Baldwin.
William Stearns,
Nathaniel Heywood.
Joseph Allen.

1781 Daniel Goulding.
1783 William G, Maccarty.
1783 Daniel Goulding.
1787 Theophilus Wheeler.
1792 Daniel Goulding.
1796 Leonard Worcester, protem.
1797 Daniel Goulding.
1800 Oliver Fiske.
1803 Daniel Goulding.
1808 Enoch Flagg.
1816 Levi Heywood.
1818 Benjamin Chapin.
1833 Samuel Jennison.
1836 Charles A, Hamilton.

Toion Treasurers since 1722,

Daniel Heywood.
Hemy Lee.
Daniel Heywood.
Nathaniel Moore.
James Taylor,
Henry Lee,
Nathaniel Moore.
Williain Jennison.
Daniel Heywood.
Gershom Rice, jr.
Palmer Goulding.
Benjamin Flagg,
John Chandler.
John Chandler, jr.
John Curtis,
John Chandler, jr.

1775 Nathan Perry.
1778 John Green.
1780 William Gates.
1783 Nathan Perry.
1790 Samuel Flagg.
1791 Benjamin Heywood.
1795 Samuel Chandler.
1798 Oliver Fiske,
1799 Theophilus Wheeler.
1803 Samuel Flagg.
1808 Levi Lincoln, jr.
1815 James Wilson.
1829 Samuel Jennison.
1830 Asa Hamilton.
1832 Charles A, Hamilton.
1833 Charles G. Prentiss.

Represcrptatives
Nathaniel Jones 1727
William Jennison 1728—30
Benjamin Flagg 1731,43, 44, 46— [51
John Chandler, jr. 1732—35, 38,
[39, 52, 53
John Chandler 1736, 37, 40, 42,
[63—65

chosen since 1727.
Timothy Paine 1755—57, 59—62, [88, 89
Palmer Goulding 1741
Ephraim Doolittle 1766, 67
Joshua Bigelow 1768  74
Ebenezer Lovell 1777
David Bigelow 1777
John Green 1777

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

359

Ezekiel How 1777
Samuel Curtis 1778—85, 1802—
[1804, 1806
Samuel Brooks 3786, 87
Samuel Flagg 1790—98, 1805, 07

Levi Lincoln, sen,
Nathaniel Paine
Edward Bangs
Ephraim Mower
Nathan White
Abraham Lincoln
William Eaton
Levi Lincoln, jr.

-98, 1796
1799—3801 1803—11
1806—3830
3808, 3812—15
3809—38233811—1813
3834—37,20,22
Edward D. Bangs 1830, 37, 20, 24
William Eaton 3822—25, 27—30
Samuel Harrington 3823
Otis Corbett 3824, 26—28, 30, 31,
[35
John W. Lincoln 1824—26, 32— [34
Samuel M, Burnside 1826
Pliny Merrick 1827
Rejoice Newton 1828—30

Benjamin Chapin
Charles Allen
Frederic W, Paine
Alfred D, Foster
Jubal Harrington
Lewis Chapin
Winsor Hatch
Silas Brooks
John Flagg
Thomas Kinnicutt
Thomas Chamberlain
David T, Brigham
Samuel B, Thomas
Thomas Harback
Benjamin Goddard, 2d,
Benjamin Flagg
William Lincoln
Guy S, Newton
John Coe
David Wadsworth
Ebenezer L, Barnard
Edward H, Hemenway

1829
1829, 32, .33
1829
1831—34 1833, 35
1832, 33
1832, 33
1832
3833, 34
3834, 36
1834—36 1834
18341835
1835, 36
18.35
1835, 36
1835
1836
1836 18361836

Fire Department, By the Act of Feb. 26, 1835, accepted by
the town, a fire departraent was established iu Worcester. Eno-i-
neers are appointed by the selectraen, who are authorised to exercise
the sarae duties in relation to engine raen as the selectmen before
possessed, and the same power as to the extinguishment of fires be
fore belonging to firewards.
The Department was organized in May, 1835 : nine engineers,
and three assistants were appointed. There are six fire companies,
attached to as many engines, vvith these numbers, names, and sta
tions : 1. Hero, at Quinsigamond Village : 2. Rapid, at New Wor
cester : 3, Despatch, at Lincoln Square : 4. Torrent, at the Tovvn
Hall: 5. Extinguisher, in Goddard's Row : 6. Lafayette, on Colum
bian Avenue. The Hook and Ladder company, have their appara
tus on the coramon, Isaac Davis, Esq, is chief engineer.

FIRES, AND INJURIES BY LIGHTNING,
1767, May 25. The dwelling house of Mr. Jaraes Barber, and
all his goods were consumed. The fire was occasioned by a defect
of the oven.

360 FIRES.
1778, Feb. 21, A fire broke out in the house of Francis Cut
ting, but being timely discovered, was extinguished,
1782, Nov, 2, The Blacksmith's shop of Ebenezer Chapin, was
burnt, 1784, July 10, The house of Bezaleel Stearns, in the Gore,
was entirely destroyed. The owner was at work in the fields at a
distance; his wife, having put fire in the oven, went out on a visit to
a neighbor. On her return, dwelling, furniture, clothing, and every
article of property had disappeared, and nothing but ashes remained,
1786, Jan. 26. The house of Capt. Sarauel Flagg, on the site of
that owned, Sept. 1836, by Hon. Charles Allen, was burnt to the
ground in the night : the furniture was saved, but many articles of
wearing apparel consumed. At this time there was no fire engine
in town.
1791, July 4. The Pearlash works of Messrs, Chandlers, on the
farm, in 1836, of Abiel Jacques, Esq, took fire by reason of the
excessive heat in the furnace the day preceding, but the progress
of the flames was arrested without great injury,
1793, Jan, 4, The weaver's shop of Cornelius and Pe^er Stow
ell, with more than 2000 yards of cloth, and the stock for 700 yards
more, were consumed. The loss was estimated at ,£300,
1798, March 19. The Hatter's shop of Jacob Harrington was
discovered to be on fire. A brand had been left standing ; being
separated by burning, it fell on the floor, and coramunlcated flaraes
to the roof, which were subdued by great exertions.
1799, June 26. During a severe tempest, resembling in violence
the hurricanes of the West Indies, the lightning struck a building
directly back of the Court House, then occupied- by Isaiah Thomas,
in which were stored the types for the 12mo, edition of the Bible,
The electric fluid, in four distinct veins, pervaded the whole struc
ture, splintering spar and stud, scattering bricks and raortar, and
bursting away boards, laths, and plastering.^
1801, May 22. In the immediate vicinity of the former injury,
the lightning struck a large elm tree, close by the residence of
Judge Edward Bangs, on Main street, owned in 1836, by Isaac Da
vis and Williara Pratt. One streara, descending frora the tree, en
tered the house, broke two looking glasses, and the furniture, and
passed through an apartment in which were seven persons, without
doing thera hurt. Another branch went to the adjoining house, and
' A detailed account of the effects of this accident will be found in the Mass, Spy,
July 3 aud July 10, 1799,

FIRES. 361
a female was rendered apparently lifeless for some tirae by its effects.
The third vein went down the trunk of the tree and expended its
force in the earth,
1805, Aug, II, The Court House, of loftier elevation than eith
er of the buildings in the near neighborhood which had been struck,
at length experienced a visitation of the same calamity. The light
ning touched the front pediment, threw off" the shingles, shivered
the diamond glass of the large eastern window, shattered the Vene
tian blind, and splintered the style of the great door,
1805, Nov, 6, The hatter's shop of Nathaniel Mower, on the
site occupied in 1836, by the block of stores of Hon, Daniel Waldo,
was destroyed by fire,
1811, May 20, A dwelling house of Silas Bigelow was burnt.
1815, Jan, 12. The loss occasioned by the burning of the car
ding factory of Earle and Williaras, on the site of the Court Mills,
was estiraated at 84000,
1815, Feb. 18, The most destructive conflagration experienced
in this town, broke out on the west side of Main street, araid the
violence of a severe storm, when the depth of snow, strength of
wind, and intensity of cold, cooperated to render the efforts to arrest
its progress unavailing. The house, store, and merchandize of Sam
uel Brazer, and the dwelling house, bake house, and out buildings
of Enoch and Elisha Flagg, were consuraed. The aggregate loss
exceeded $10000. The inhabitants subscribed $2700, and $1800
were contributed in other places for the relief of the principal suf
ferers, 1816, Feb, 15, A house, wheelwright's shop and barn of Na
thaniel Flagg, 2d, and the store of Jonathan Knight, at Adams
square, were burnt. Loss, $2000.
1821, May 2. The house of Daniel Chadwick, about three quar
ters of a ralle north from the court house, was struck by lightning.
The fluid descending by the chiraney, killed a dog on the hearth,
but the inraates of the dwelling escaped uninjured,
1824, Dec, 24. The old Brown & Butman tavern house, north
of Lincoln square, which had been unoccupied for three or four
years, and then belonging to Stephen Salisbury, Esq, was set on
fire by an incendiary, in the night, and destroyed,
1825, May 7. A large blacksmith's shop of Levi Howe, was
burnt, and a loss of $800 occasioned,
1825, July 4. The new two story dwelling house of Moses Whip
ple on Grafton street was struck by lightning and consumed, with
46

362 FIRES,
part of the furniture and the joiner's tools of its owner. An appren
tice who was working in a room occupied as a carpenter's shop, was
stunned by the shock, and on recovering, found the apartraent en
veloped In flaraes. Loss $ 1500,
1827, Feb. 28, The lower paper mill of Elijah Burbank, about
50 feet in length, was set on fire by the spontaneous c6rabustlon of
cotton waste, and the upper story, with a large quantity of stock des
troyed. Loss I 500.
1827, April 11, The joiner's shopof Zenas Studley on Prospect
street, was burnt on Sunday afternoon. A barn adjoining was des
troyed, and the dwelling house of Mr. Stowell, near by, injured.
Loss $ 1500.
1829, July 30, A barn of John and Abel Flagg, in District No,
6, was set on fire by lightning, and consuraed, with the whole crop
of hay and a valuable horse,
1830, Feb, 6, On Saturday evening, the dwelling house and
Etore of Oliver Harrington in New Worcester were burned,
1830, Sept, 5. On Sunday raorning, about 3 o'clock, a fire broke
out in the store in Goddard's block, occupied by George M. Rice
& Co, The interior, and the goods, insured for $6000, were burned.
The damage to the building was about $ 600,
1831, Jan, 7. The hatter's shop of J, P. Kettell & Co, was set
on fire : loss $ 200,
1831, Aug, 19. The two story house and barn of William Stowell
in'New Worcester were burned.
1832, March 11. A dwelling house on Mechanic street, owned
by Luther Burnett, was set on fire, and destroyed. Loss $700.
1834, Jan. 27, The dry house of the woolen factory of W. B,
Fox & Co, took fire, but was extinguished. Loss about $500,
1834, Sept, 11, The house, bake house, and barn, of Andrew
March, at the corner of Main and School streets, took fire about
midnight, and were destroyed. Loss $ 3500,
1835, Feb, 5, A sraall Factory in the southwest part of the
town, belonging to Ira Byrant, was burnt. Loss $ 1500,
1836, May 21. About 1 o'clock of the morning, flames broke
out in the Baptist Meetinghouse, and spread so rapidly, that in lit
tle more than half an hour not a stick of timber of the church was
left standing. The origin was attributed to an incendiary.
Other inconsiderable fires, and accidents by lightning, have oc
curred : but the principal are enumerated.

363

APPENDIX,

[See page 2,]
i. petition for a plantation at (juinsibamond.
October 8, 1665.
To the right worshipfull Governor, the deputy Governor, together with
the worshipfull Magistrates, and the Deputies, assembled in General Court
at Boston, 11th Oct, 1665, The petition of Thomas Noyse, John Haynes,
Josiah Haynes, of Sudbury, and Nathaniel Treadaway, of Watertown,
Humbly Sheweth, That your Petitioners, having purchased several par
cels of land without the limits of any Plantation, in the Wilderness, lying
to the Westward of the Plantation called Maurlborrow, and the sayd lands
being to the quantity of about five Thousand acres, by reason of distance
from any plantation, is not so profitable to your petitioners as it might bee,
and whereas, the sayd lands do ly in a very convenient place for a planta
tion, and other lands lying adjoining thereto, sufficient to make a planta
tion, which will be very beneficiall to the countrey, lying in tlie new and
most direct way to Connectequot, neare unto Quansigamug Pond, and will
be a meanes to advance the worth and benefitt of your Petitioner's lands,
and make them more usefull to themselves, and more beneficiall to their
posterity, which are many, the lands being very good, were they in a way
of improvement, and divers friendes and neighbors being very desirous to
enter upon the same, to whom it will probably be very beneficiall :
Your Petitioners, from these and equivalent consideracons, are ani
mated and inoouraged to petition this honored Court, seriously to weigh
the premises, and doe humbly intreat and desire, if in your wisdomes you
shall see meet, a grant of a plantation, there to be sett up, and for that
end, to appoint a committee to view the same, and lay out the bounds
thereof, and for the settlement of it, which wee hope will bee both accept
able and beneficiall to the whole ; and your Petitioners, as in duty bound,
shall ever pray, &c,
Thomas Noyse, Josiah Haynes,
John Haynes. Nathaniel Treadaway.

[See page 2,]
II, ORDER OF the GREAT AND GENERAL COURT,
October 11, 1665,
Thia Court, understanding by the Petition of Thomas Noyes, John
Haynes, Josiah Haynes of Sudbury, and Nathaniel Treadaway, of Water-
town, hereunto affixed, that there is a meete place for a Plantation, about
ten miles fi-om Marlborow, westward, at or neer Quansetamug Pond,
which, that it may be improved for that end, and not spoiled by grantinge

364 APPENDIX,
of farms, in answer to the forsaid petition. This Court doth order, that
there should be a quantitie of eight miles square layd out and reserved
thereabout, in the Court's dispose, for a plantation, for the encouragement
of such persons as shall appear, any time within three years from the date
hereof, beeing men approved of by this Court ; and that Capt, Edward
Johnson, Lieutenant Joshua ffisher, and Lieut, Thomas Noyes, shall, and
hereby are appointed and empowered to lay out the same, and to be payd
by such persons as shall appear within the terme above expressed. The
Deputies have past this with refference to the consent of our honored
Magistrates hereto. William Torrey, Clerk.
11. 8. 1665,
The Magistrates consent to a survey of the place petitioned for, and
that Captaine Gookin doe joine with those mentioned of our brethren the
deputies, and make return of their survey to the next General Court of
Elections, who may take order therein as they shall see meete, their bre
thren the deputys hereto consenting. Edw'd Rawson, Sect'y.
Consented to by the deputies. William Torrey, Cleric.

[See page 2,]
iii. order of the great and general court.
May 15, 1667.
Whereas, this Court, upon the petition of Ensigne Thomas Noyes and
Others, did nominate and appoint Capt. Gookin and some other Gentlemen,
to view a place about tenn miles westward fi:om Marlborough, at or about a
place called Quansigamon Ponds, and to make report to this Court whether
the place was capable of making a plantation, (as it is informed to be),
which work hitherto hath been neglected, through the death of Thomas
Noyes and other impediments : It is therefore ordered by this Court, that
Capt Daniel Gookin, Capt, Edward Johnson, Mr, Samuel Andrew, Mr.
Andrew Belchar, senr. or any three of them, be desired and impowered as a
committee, to take an exact view of the said place, as soone as conveniently
they cann, and to make a true report to this Court, whether it be capable to
make a village, and what number of familyes (they conceive) maybe there
accommodated. And if they finde it fitt for a plantation, then to offer
unto this Court some meete expedient how the same may be settled and
improved for the public good ; and this Court doth prohibit the laying out
of any grants in the sayd place until the Comittee have made returne,
which the Court would have donne by ye next session of this Court if it
may be.

[See page 10,]
iv, first indian deed,
July 13, 1674.
Bee it known to all men by this present writing, tliat Wee, John, alias
Horrawannonit, or Q,uiquonassett, Sagamore of Pakachoge, and Solomon,
alias Woonaskochu, Sagamore of Tataessit, together with the consent of
our kindred and people, and for and in consideration of twelve pounds of
lawful money of New England, or the full value thereof, in other specie,
to our content, within three mouths after the date hereof, well and truely to

ANCIENT PAPERS. 365
be paid, and satisfied, and pt whereof, viz. two coats and four yards of
trading cloth, valewed at twenty six shill. wee do acknowledge to have
received in hand, as earnest, of Daniel Gookin senr. of Cambr. Esqr. and
of Daniel Hmchman, of Boston, Brewer, in behalf of themselves and
Capt Thomas Prentice, and Lt Richard Beers, and the rest of the Genii.
Court's Comittee, appointed for the management of a new plantation
granted by the said Court, conteyning eight miles square, or the contents
thereof, being to the westward of Marlborough, near Q,uansiquamond
Ponds, and on each side of the Roadway leading towards Connecticott ;
Now know yee, yt wee, ye sd. Jno. and Solomon, Sagamores aforesaid, and
upon the terms aforesaid, have bargained, sold, aliened, enfeeoffed, and
confirmed, unto the ye sd Daniel Gookin, Thomas Prentice, Daniel Hinch-
man, Richard Beers, and ye rest of the people admitted, or to be admitted,
by ye sd comittee to be inhabitants of yt new plantation, and to their heirs,
exectitors, admrs, and assigns for ever, in fee simple, all and every pt of
our civill or naturall right, in all and singular the broken up land and
woodlands, woods, trees, rivers, brooks ponds, swamps, meadows, miner-
alls, or any other thing, or things whatsoever, lying and being within that
tract of land, conteyning eight miles square or the contents thereof, to be
layd out by ye sd persons or their order in time convenient To have
and to hold the premises, and every pt thereof, unto them the sd Daniel
Gookin, Thomas Prentice, Daniel Hinchman, and Richard Beers, and all
ye rest of ye sd Inhabitants admitted or to be admitted planters there,
and unto ym and yr heirs forever, freely and absolutely, without any lett,
molestation, or disturbance, of us, or any of our kindred or people, or any
claiming by, from, or mider us, for evermore, as our heyrs or assigns ; and
wee do promise, upon the finishing ye payment to make full and ample
deeds and writings for the same, according to law. In witness of the
truth hereof, wee ye sd John and Solomon, alias Horrowanonitt and Wo-
oannaskochu, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this thirteenth day
of July 1674.
Signed, Sealed and ^ goio^on, alias Woonnasakochu, seal and mark.
ueliverea m me > j^j^^ ^^^^^ Hoorrawanwit, mark and seal.
presence of us, ) '
Onnamog, his mark, Sagamore of Occonomesett,
Namphow, bis mark, sagamore of Wamesett
Joseph Thatcher, of Chabanakonchoie, his mark,
Nosannowitt, his mark, Noah Wiswall, present
Full payment rec'd August 20, 1676, D, Gookin,
This Deed acknowledged by the Sagamores, before Daniel Gookin,
Sen, Assist July 13,
Entered, 9, 2. 83 by Thomas Danforth, R,

[See page 19.]
v. order of council to capt. edward hutchinson.
July 27, 1675,
The Council, beeing informed that the Narraganset Indians are come
down with about 100 armed men into the Nipmuck Country, Do order you,
Capt Edward Hutchinson, to take with you Capt Thomas Wheeler, and
his party of horse, with Ephraim Curtis for a guide, and a sufficient inter
preter, and forthwith to repaire into those parts, and there labour to get a
right understanding of the motions of the Narraganset Indians and of the
Indians of Nipmuck, and for that end to demand of the leaders of the

366 APPENDIX,
Narraganset Indians an account of the grounds of their marching in that
country, and require to understand the orders of their Sachems: And al
so, to demand an account of the Nipmuck Indians, why they have not sent
down their Sagamore, according to their promise unto our Messenger,
Ephraim Curtis, And further, let them know that we are informed, that
there are some among them, that have actually joyned with our enemies
in the murder and spoile made upon the English by Philip. And that Ma
toonus and his complices, who have robbed and murdered our people about
Mendon are now among them, And that we require them to deliver up to
you, or forthwith bring into us, those our enemies, otherwise we must look
at them to bee no friends to us, but ayders and abbetors ; and unto all
these things you shall require their expresse answer ; and as soon as you
have dispatched this affayre, you are to return home and give us an account.
So desiring the Lord's presence with you, and in the prosecution of this
affair, if you should meet with any Indians, that stande in opposition to
you, or declare themselves to be your enemy, then you are ordered to in-
gage with them, if you see reason for it, and endeavour to reduce them by
force of arms.

[See page 19.]
vi. order of council,
Sept, 15, 1675,
At a meeting of tJie Council, Sept the 35, 1675, It is ordered by the
Council, that Ephraim Curtis, hath hereby liberty, togetlier with such
other English men as he shall procure, provided they be not less in num
ber than thirty men well armed, the said Curtis with his company aforesaid,
are allowed to gather and improve for their own use all the Indian Corn of
the Indian Plantations of Pakchooge, Maanexit, Senexit, Noobsquesit,
Quanatioke, and Quatoositt, belonging to our enemies the Indians that
are fled, provided aliwais, they do not disturbe the praying Indians of Has
sanamesit, Chabannokonkon, Manchage, Q,uantisit, and Magunkoog, that
now are at Naticke, to gather and improve the Indian Corne growing upon
those places, or any other Indian Plantations belonging to our Enemies,
that are not above mentioned, alotted, and appointed for the sd, Curtis and
the English with him to improve, which the Council granted to the sd, In
dians by a former order.
By the Council, Edw. Rawson, Sect'y,

[See page 21,]
vii. orders and instructions for capt. joseph sill.
November 2, 1675.
1, You are to take charge of the Souldiers raised from Charlestown, Wa
tertown, and Cambridge, which are about sixty men, and being fitted and
furnished with Armes, Amunition, and Provision for a week, you are to
march away forthwith to Naticke, and there take such trusty Indians
guides, with you, as Corporal Whatson hath prepared for tliat purpose, and
then march away, with all convenient speed, to Hassanamesit, an Indian
Plantation, near Nipmuck river, from whence you are to send intelligence
unto Capt, Daniel Henchman, who with his Company is to march to Men
don, informing him that you are ordered to join with him tojpursue the

ANCIENT PAPERS. 367
Enemy, whom we hear is come down to a place called Pakachooge,
about 7 miles from Hassanamesit Northwest, and hath killed and sur
prised some of our neighboring Indians that were gathering Corn there,
and as we have ground to fear hath lately attacked Marlborow,
2, Being joined with Captain Henchman, you are to be under his order,
and jointly to seek out for the Enemy at the said place, or any other place
where you can understand he is ; and if you meet the Enemy you are to
use your best skill and force to supprise, seize, kill, and destroy the Ene
my, and to rescue and relieve any of our friends, either English or Indians,
tliat are taken or injured by him,
3, You are to be very carefuU to send forth Scouts before you, to discover
the Enemy's quarters, and if it may be, to come upon him in the Night.
4. You are carefully so to march the men in the woods, that if it be pos
sible to avoid, or shun, or search well before you go too near, all such
places as Swamps or Thickets, where the Enemy use, with subtilety to lurk
in Ambushment
5. You are in all your attempts and enterprise, to have your eyes and
hearts lifted up to God in Christ Jesus, who is the Lord of Hosts and God
of Armies, that he will give his presence with you, and assistance unto
you, and your Company, in all your undertakings : not trusting or relying
upon the arm of flesh, but upon the living Lord alone, from whose gra
cious blessings and presence all good comes.
6. And you are carefully so to demean yotn:self, in your consultation,
that you may give your Souldiers a good example in piety and virtue, and
so govern the Souldiers under your command, that your Camp may be holi
ness to tlie Lord : and to this end, you have the Military laws printed and
published, which are for your rule and direction in that matter.
7. If you find a considerable quantity of Corn at Pakachooge, ifyou
can save it, we give it you and your Souldiers, together with Capt Hench
man and his Souldiers, for Plunder ; so desireing the ever living Lord God
to accompany you and your Company, with his gracious conduct and pre
sence. And that He will, for Christ's sake, appear in all the mounts of
difficulty, and cover all your heads in the day of Battle, and deliver the
blood thirsty and cruel Enemy of God and his People into your hands, and
make you executioner of his just indignation upon them, and return you
victorious unto us who commit you and your Company unto God, and re
main. These orders and instructions by the Council. E, 'R, [Edward Rawson,]
November the 2d— 1675.

[See page 28,]
VIII, second INDIAN DEED.
February 12, 1677,
Bee it known to all men by these presents, yt we, Anthony, alias Wun-
aweshawakum, and Abagail his wife, only Daughter and Heyr of Pannasu
net, late of Quansicamund, deceased ; also Nannuswane, widdow a.nd
relict of the said Pannasuned ; also Sasomett, and Quassawake his wife,
sister to the said Pannasunitt, for and in consideration of full satisfaction
in trucking cloth and corn, paid to and received by us, from Daniel Gookin,
Esq, Capt Thos, Prentice of Cambr, and Capt Daniel Henchman of Bos
ton, pd unto us and each of us, have bargained and sold, aliened, enfe
offed, and confirmed, and by these presents do bargaine, sell, alien, enfe-
offe, and confirm, unto the said Daniel Gookin, Thomas Prentice, Daniel

368 APPENDIX.
Henchman, for ye use of themselves, and all other their partners and as
sociates yt are and shall be admitted Inhabitants and planters, upon a
township granted unto ye sd Daniel Gookin, Tho, Prentice, Daniel Hinch
man, by a General Court of Massachusetts, at a place between Marlborough
and Brookfield, called by the Indian Name Q,uansicamond Ponds, contein-
ing ye contents of eight miles square, with all the lands, woods, meadows,
watercourses, mineralls, or any other matter or thing, within the said tract
which in naturall right belonged tq us, or any of us, and posses'd of, by the
said Pannasunet, Sagamore, or his heirs or kindred wtsoever: To Have and
To Hold all the lands, both woodland and brokenup lands, and all ye ap
purtenances, as aforesaid, to ym the said Daniel Gookin, Thomas Pren
tice, Daniel Henchman their heirs and associates, yt shall and may duely
and legally possess and sett down upon their lands and plantation, and to
their heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, for evermore, and the said
Anthony, alias Wannoshaauhannitt, and Abagail his wife, daughter and
only heir to Panasunet, and her mother Nannaswane, and Sasuet and his
wife. Sister of Panasunet, being all Indians, and Natives, and Inhabitants,
they and their ancestors, of that place and tract of land at Quansicamond
Ponds, have good and just naturall right and interest in the said land, and
do freely and absolutely sell and alien all the premises aforesaid, unto the
said persons and their heirs forever, warranting ye lawful sale herein
made, for us our heirs, executors and administrators, or from or by any per
son wtsoever. In witness -whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and
seals, this sixth day of the 12th Mo. 1677.
Signed, Sealed and
delivered in presence
of us,
John Elliott,
Natlianiel Gookin,
Waban, his mark.
James Speen.
Simon Betoghom.
This deed acknowledged by all ye subscribers, and sealed this 6. of
Pebr. 1677, before me, Daniel Gookin, Senr. Assist
Entered, 9. 2. 83, by Tho, Danforth R,

[See page 29,]
IX. ORDEP,. OF THE GREAT AND GENERAL COURT.
1679.
For the greater comfort and safety of all people who are intending to
resettle the villages deserted in the late war, or the planting any new
plantation within this jurisdiction. It is ordered by this Court and the
authority thereof, that no deserted town or new plantation shall be inhabi
ted, till the people first make application unto the Governor and Council,
or to the County Courts within whose jurisdiction such plantation is, and
the Council or County Court are hereby ordered and empowered, to ap
point an able and discreet committee, at the charge of the people intending
to plant, which Com, are ordered and empowered to view and consider
the place or places to be settled, and give directions and orders in writing,
under their hands in what form, way, and manner, such town shall be set
tled and erected ; wherein they are required to have a principal respect
to nearness and conveniency of habitation for security against enemies, anti
more comfort for christian communion and enjoyment of God's worship,

Anthony, Signed and Sealed.
Abagail, Signed and Sealed.
Nanswan, Signed and Sealed.
Sasomet, Signed and Sealed.
Q,uasonoit,Signed and Sealed.

VOTES. DANIEL SIIAYS.

369

and at s^ chPI "^'^''^ J" ^<^J^ooh, ^r^A civility, with otlier good ends ;
suchoidP^nn^d ''/''''"^''y'="j°y"'^'' to attend and put fn practise
nenal^v nf n^P If J,""' ^'/'^"'^ ^" S^^^" ^^ ^"^'^ com.nittee, upon the
?hemhVn,.?p^^^T'''n P""","^' *^"" '" ^^^ Country, to be inflicted upon

[See page 154.]
X. VOTES IN WORCESTER FOR. GOVERNOK Candidates I<iiicoIii Ocriy
(joryr<Oeny V^ainnrn
Dcxler I >exlrr
Dv'xier
Dearborn
C'rovvninsh
CrowiiinshEuslisEustis Euslis
Eustis
Eu.siis
LincolnLincoln Lincoln
LincolnLincoln Lincoln
Lincoln
Lincoln Davis
Davis Everett
EveretJ.

SINCE 1780.

Date.

Cand'id'Ue.

s.

Caiididates.

Date.

17S0

Hancock

5S

!5o\\'<:loIn

20

13(19

nsi

Hancock

48

Bowdoin

01

1310

17.12

Hancock

29

ro\v.loin

14

1311

17;;.3

Hancock

49

Bowdoin

ULI

1312

17SJ,

Hancock

30

Bowdoin

il

1813

173.)

Bowdoin

^0

Dana

33

1814

17oii

Bowdoin

lo

Cu.^hing-

02

1815

17S7

Hancock

111

Bowdoin

C7

1316

17:;y1789

Hancock
Hancock

92
78

Gerry
Bowdoin

3737

1817
1818

1730

Hancock

.51

Bowdoui

20

1819

1791

Hancock

68

Dana

01

1 820

1792

Hancock

24

Phillips

13

1321

1793

Hancock

31

Gerry

31

1S22

1794

Adams

63

CushinffGerry

38

1323

1795

Adams

70

04

1824

179G

Samner

102

Adams

42

1825

1797

Sumner

83

Sullivan

37

1826

1798

Sumner

81

Gill

01

1827

1799

Sumner

119



1828

1800

Gerry

140

S'ronj

35

1829

1801

Gerry

127

Strong

59

1830

1802

Gerry

14-1

Strong

88

1831

1803

Gerry

151

Strong

101

1832

ISOi

Sullivan

150

Strong

8l5

1333

1805

Sullivan

194

Strong

109

1834

1806

Sullivan

219

Strong

135

!R.'J5

1807

Sullivan

221

Strong

134

18S6

1808

Sullivan

213

Gore

1C2

c

22]
220 210
241
Tii235 22fi
2-19
238
ckl 235
iold 2.30234191191
266
298284 201 327 161
203 303
299 361
478
532 446 577

'andidates. Gore
Ciore Gore
Strong
Stcoog Strong.Strong
Brooks
Brooks Brooks
BrooksBrooks
Brooks OtisOtis
Lathrop
BlortoDLloyd JarvisMorton.Morton Morton
Morton Morton
MortonBlorton
Morton Morton

147142137165 175194
201202 191
174 184
158166182182
222 0940
06 12IS
142107148152
160
291
317

XI.

[See page 151.]
NOTICE OF TAKIEL SHAT.?.

[It was accidentally stated in the nola to page 151 that a sketch of the life of this indi
vidual would be found in the Appendix. Tiie necessity of performing a promise in
advertently made, is the only reason for its appearance here.]
This individual acquired an unenviable notoriety which imparts some
degree of interest to the incidents of his life. He was born in Hopkin
ton, in 1747 ; the son of parents not in affluent circumstances, he worked
with Mr. Brinley, a respectable farmer of Framingham. The activity and
energy of his youth promised at maturity more desirable elevation than
he attained. That his education wa? neglected, is apparent from his offi
cial letters, bidding defiance alike to government, grammar, and good spell
ing. Just before the revolution, he removed to one of the towns beyond
Connecticut river, and afterwards resided in Pelham. When the war com
menced he entered the army at the age of twenty eight, with the rank of
Ensign, in Capt. Dickinson's company, in Col. Benjamin Ruggles Wood-
bridge's regiment His ambition, activity, and the plausible manners
47

370 APPENDIX.
covering the want of acquirements, joined with personal intrepidity, ob
tained promotion, and in 1776, he was appointed lieutenant in Col. Var-
num's regiment At a time when the line peculiarly needed reenforce
ment, he was detached on the recruiting service, with the promise of some
suitable reward for the enlistment of twenty men. For this purpose he
visited his native state, and his unwearied exertions were crowned with
ample success. When the complement assigned to him was filled, a plan
suggested itself for grasping honor and pay at once. Finding tlie pulse of
patriotism beat high, and the young men of New England were ready to
devote themselves for their country, he continued his enlistments. Insinu
ating g,ddress and bold representations, produced impressions of his ability
and influence, easily turned to his own advantage, and by holding out expec
tations of indulgence to those who should serve under his cornmand, a com
pany was raised, on the condition that he should be their captain. With
these men he returned to the camp, where they were mustered. When
the inspector was about to distribute them to different corps. Shays pro
duced the enlistment papers; pointed to the condition which held them
to serve under himself alone ; and requested the appointment of Captain.
The necessity of the times prevented the sacrifice of so many recruits, and
after indignant remonstrances, it was deemed expedient to yield to his de
mands. "The commission was promised, and issued afler long delay, in
Sept 1779, to relate bacjt to Jan. 1, 1777. Such is the account tradition
gives of his military rank. The honors, ill won, were not long worn. He
was discharged Oct 14, 1780, at Newark, in New Jersey, from Col. Rufus
Putnam's regiment.
The deficiency of honorable sentiment in his mental constitution, may
be inferred from a characteristic incident Lafayette had presented, in
1780, to each of the American officers under his immediate command, an
elegant sword. Such pledge of regard from the patriot chief, a soldier
with a spark of generous feeling, would have cherished as his dearest pos
session, and transmitted to his posterity as an heirloom of inestimable
value. Shays sold the gift of his commander for a few dollars.
Afler being disbanded, he retired to Pelham, and lived in obscurity.
Bankrupt in fortune and in fame, Shays was ready to embark on the flood
of any desperate adventure. Without the energetic decision or enlarged
conceptions, the strong spirit or the bold daring, which befit a leader, by
some accident, he was elevated to the command of the insurgents. Of
capacity too humble to direct the movements of an army in those moments
when the force of talent makes itself felt by triumphant results, and turns
even obstructions into encouragements, he was weak, vacillating, and ir
resolute. It was providential that the physical power of the arm of rebel
lion had so feeble a head to direct its blow.
With the first shade of adversity, he made indirect overtures to the
agents of government, to abandon his comrades to their fate, on assurance
of personal safety: and when his base propositions were rejected, and
promises of indemnity and pardon were offered to his followers, his per
suasions induced them to reject the proffered mercy and retain the arms of
hopeless controversy, to purchase by their sacrifice security for himself.
When the insurrection was crushed, he retired to Vermont After the
lapse of a few years, the general of the rebellion, passed through the
streets of Worcester, which he once entered at the head of an army, and
received assistance from those whose homes he had threatened with deso
lation. At length he removed to Sparta, in New York. As a pensioner of the
United States, he derived his daily bread from, the government, whose
forces he had encountered in arms. Declarations filed ip the department

DANIEL SHAYS. 371
of war by himself, show that his family consisted of an aged wife, and
that he lived in extreme poverty. He died, Sept, 29, 1825, aged 78. i
However much the honor and integrity of Daniel Shays were question
ed, his courage was never disputed. He was in the battle of Bunker's Hill,
at the capture of Burgoyne, and at the storming of Stony Point ; was under
Lafayette, and did good service in many bloody encounters. A severe
wound, received during tlie revolution, was honorary testimonial of intre
pidity. When Shepard and himself met at Springfield, the former ad
dressed him by the title of general : Shays instantly demanded an expla
nation, declaring he claimed no rank but that of captain, and added, laying
his hand on his sword, that if different designation was given, he should
consider it insult, and would exact immediate satisfaction on the spot
An aged inhabitant of Hopkinton, who was schoolmate of the rebel
captain,' states that he was born on the farm in that town, still called the
' Shays place,' situated on Saddle Hill, about two miles west of the meeting
house ; that he made his home there principally, until he removed with his
father, to a place beyond Connecticut river, which, as is supposed, was
Great Barrington. The estate where his early youth was passed, has long
been deserted as a human habitation, and the forest which has overgrown
the forsaken orchard is interspersed at regular intervals, with aged apple
trees. An estimable and respected clergyman relates, that soon after he began
to preach as a candidate, he was employed at Pelham: on the first Sun
day of his visit there, he observed a very well dressed gentleman, with a
military air, enter the meeting house : immediately, every pew door from
the bottom to the top of the aisle was thrown open, and he was received
with the most respectful salutations : this distinguished person was Daniel
Shays, who had just returned to that town, with the pardon of the govern
ment, and lived upon the west side of the east hill. The next day, Shays
called on the clergyman, and held long discourse about his labors and
sufierings. He said he had been entirely deceived in respect to the feel
ings of the people : that he received assurances if he would collect an
hundred men, and march in any direction, multitudes would flock to his
standard. Relying on these representations, he began his march with a
small force, but found he produced little sensation and that few joined him :
at night, he thought it necessary to preserve the appearance of military
organization and to mount guard, and ordered a man to stand sentry ; ' no
I won't' was the reply to the commander, ' let that raan, he is not so sick
as I be' : the seconti man refused, desiring him to take another who was
stronger, and the chief of the insurrection found himself without authority
at the head of a tumultuary army.
A soldier of the rebellion, who had fled from Springfield to Pelham with
out stopping and hid his gun under the barn floor, asked Shays why he
did not stand his ground ? the reply was ' you know, if I had, I must have
stood alone.'
The clergyman describes Shays as an agreeable and intelligent per
son, and the day he spent with him as one of the most interesting of his
life. These particulars have been obligingly communicated by Samuel B.
Walcott, Esq. of Hopkinton.
• He married Nancy Haven, a widow. The schedule of his propertjr in 1820, filed
in the pension office, exhibits a condition of almost utter destitution. It is as follows :
1 mare, K25 • 1 old saddle, g2 501 : bridle, 50 : 1 old cutter, gd : I old axe, 62 i
cents • 1 hoe, 62 i cents : 1 table gS : 3 chairs, gl 12 J ; 1 old scythe and snath, 1 12 4:
1 old pail, 12 J cents : 1 large bible gl : amounting to g40 62.

372

BLACKSTONE CANAL.

XII. STATEMENTS IN RELATION TO THE TRADE, MANUFACTURES, EMPLOY
MENT AND BUSINESS OP WORCESTER.
Trade. The following excellent abstract of the transportation on the
Blackstone Canal, stated in tons, has been prepared by Mr. Eddy, the col
lector, and was pohtely furnished by Thomas IJurgess, Esq. of Providence.

To

1831.

13.32.

1833.

18,34.

1835.

Worcester

4300

4400

4663

5336 .

4694

Millbury

876

1140

1316

1533

1375

Grafton

968

1019

1174

909

736

Northbridge

1026

020

1280

428

534

Uxbridge

964

U84

1069

1497

1534

Millville

601

.555

610

252

295

Blackstone

986

844

540

528

339

Waterford

386

660

540

469

120

Woonsoket

3139

3304

2564

1168

1965

Manville

377

193

366

71

417

Albion

225

l.)6

149

12

291

Kelly's

275

37

—



35

Lonsdale

402

1800

1274

558

807

From

Worcester
808
890
848
826
739
Millbury
360
223
171
187
183
Grafton
289
-I.jS
236
110
158
Northbridge
1621
1821
1208
542
233
Uxbridge
1755
3276
1500
2617
1470
Millville
04
52
221
5
15
Blackstone
279
105
245
226
127
Waterford
11
59
60
64
5
Woonsoket
291
259
135
86
303
Manville
10
C3
—
 ,
61
Albion
23
20
1
1
41
Kelly's
99
298
191

255
Lonsdale
—
6
134
79
51
The amount of tolls collected
on the Blackstone Canal has been as follows :
In 1828
$1000,00
In 1833
$17545,10
In 1829
8606,00
In 1834
16464,45
In 1830
12016,82
In 1835
14433,08
In 1831
14944,67
In 1836
11500,00
In 1832
18907,45
The following
are the principal articles transported
on the Canal.
Years. Coal.
Iron.
Cotton.
Wool.
Corn.
Salt.
Tons.
Tons.
Bales.
Bales.
Bushels. Bushels.
1834 2759
635
3829
2100
24098
19631
1835 3148
840
3590-
3151
8618
18223
1836 3044
567
3494
2048
25174
11095
Flour.
Molasses.
Oil.
Gypsum.
Leather.
Wood.
Barrels.
Gallons.
Gallons.
Tons.
Tons.
Cords.
1834 21158
68549
49957
—
364
1500
1835 16278
58323
43137
. —
292
825
1836 10025
22389
39024
582
220
1185
RAIL ROAD. 373
Boston and Worcester Railroad. The following statement of
the business of this road has been communicated by Nathan Hale, Esq.
From July 1 to Dec. 31, 1835, the receipts were as follows :
For Transportation of passengers ,'^72912,12
Freight " 18828,21
Net income 51272,67
The whole number of passengers conveyed on the road within the six
months, was 72558, making the average of 460 the day : of these, 37700
travelled over the whole road, and the remainder were taken up or set
down at one of the stopping places between Worcester and Boston. The
number of trips was ; with passengers 757, in the average time of 2h. 50 m.;
and with freight cars, 533.
The whole amountreceived from Dec. 1, 1835, to Dec. 1, 1836, was
For conveyance of passengers $118233,44
Freight 59836,93— $17807,37
The freight carried out from Boston, was 5771 tons : brought in,
1190 tons.
The passengers to and from the places mentioned below, in the same
period, were, Brighton and Angler's corner 3219
Newton 403
Needham and Natick 1061
Framingham and Hopkinton 3424
Southborough and Westborough 2807
Grafton 2771
Worcester 11161—24847
A large amount of fare was taken in the cars where the places were not
entered. The number of stores in Worcester, in 1836, was as follows : For gro
ceries 16 : dry goods 16 ; crockery 2 : hardware 3 : iron I : wool 3 : flour
and grain 4 : coal 2 : provisions 4 : fruit and confectionary 6 : drugs and
medicines 4 : dye stuffs 2 : books and stationery 3 : music and umbrellas 1 :
hats and furs 5 : shoes and leather 6 : dresses and millinery 5 : jewelry
and watches 4 : cabinet furniture 2 : carpet warehouses 2 ; drapers and
tailor's shops 5.
There are 4 banks : 3 insurance ofEces : an insurance agency: and 4
printing offices.
A statement of the condition of the manufactures and mechanic indus
try of any town, exhibiting the aggregate amount of capital invested, the
number of hands employed, the sums paid for labor, and the annual
quantity and value of production in each department, would be alike
interesting and useful. For the purpose of presenting this view of the
prosperity of Worcester, circular letters were distributed among those en
gaged in different branches of business, soliciting information. Acknow
ledgments are due to several gentlemen, who kindly furnished full an
swers to the inquiries : but, unfortunately, some have felt reluctant, even
for such general purpose, to communicate facts : and many, under the
pressure of their engagements, have not found time for any reply. The
results obtained were so incomplete, that in forming an estimate of the
whole, it would have been necessary to substitute conjecture for certainty,
in filling up many intervals. As the whole value of such statistics de
pends on that degree of accuracy which it was impracticable to attain,
after much labor and trouble bestowed by others, the compiler has been re
luctantly compelled to leave the accomplishment of an object so desirable,
to those who may be more fortunate in their efforts for obtaining materials.

J74

EXECUTIONS. FESTIVALS.

XIII. EXECUTIONS.
As Worcester has been the seat of the Courts of justice, these dread
ful exhibitions have taken place here. The following are all the execu
tions which have occurred within the county since its foundation : 1737,
Nov. 26, Hugh Henderson, alias John Hamilton, for Burglary : 1768,
Oct 20, Arthur, a negro, for Rape : 1770, Oct. 25, William Lindsay,
for Burglary : 1778, July 3, William Brooks, James Buchannan, Ezra
Ross, and Bathsheba Spooner, for the murder of Joshua Spooner of Brook
field: 1779,Nov.ll,< Robert Young, for Rape: 1783, June 19, William
Huggins and John Mansfield, for Burglary : 1786, Aug. 17, Johnson
Green, for Burglary : 1793, Oct. 31, Samuel Frost, for the murder of
Elisha Allen of Princeton : 1825, Dec. 7, Horace Carter, for Rape.
No one of these criminals were natives of Worcester, and but three were
born within the county.

XIV. FESTIVALS. FOURTH OF JULY.
The anniversary of national independence has usually been celebrated
in this town. The gentlemen named below have delivered orations : the
addresses of those designated by a star, have been printed.

1791

*Edward Bangs.

1816

*John Davis.

1795

*Joseph Allen.

1817

*Pliny Merrick.

1796

*Francis Blake.

1818

*Austin Denny.

1797

*01iver Fiske.

1819

*Edward D. Bangs.

1798

*Samuel Austin.

1820

Charles H. Warren.

1799

Pelatiah Hitchcock.

1822

Jonathan Going.

1800

*Edward Bangs.

1823

Francis B. Stebbins.

1801

*Isaac Story.

1824

William Lincoln.

1802

*Zephaniah S. Moore.

1825

Richard H. Vose.

1803

John W. Caldwell.

1826

Charles Allen.

1804

*William Charies White.

1827

Thomas Kinnicutt.

1805

*Daniel Waldo Lincoln.

1829

John Davis.

1808

*Estes Howe.

1830

Peter C. Bacon.

1810

*Levi Heywood.

1831

Samuel M. Burnside.

1811

*Samuel Brazer.

Edwin Conant

*John W. Hubbard.

1832

George Folsom.

1812

*Francis Blake.

1833

*Edward Everett

*Enoch Lincoln.

1834

Franklin Dexter.

1813

Thomas Snell.

1835

[Boston & Worcester Rail

1814

*Rejoice Newton.

Road opened.]
Edwin A. White.
1836
Benjamin P. Thomas.
1815
*Peleg Sprague.
375

INDEX.

[As the table of contents indicates the principal subjects, the index relates cliieflv to-
the names of persons mentioned in the work. The rolls of minute men on page 109
and lists of municipal officers ou pages 366, 7, 8, are not included.] '

Abagail, Indian, 28, 367.
Abbott, Rev. J. S. C. 216, 218, 223, 306.
Abercrombie, Rev. Mr. 47, 193.
Act, banishment, 120.
Adams Pres. John, 176, 203, 228, 255,
299 : Rev. Zabdiel, 165, 197, 198, 202:
William 12: Aaron, 46 : Rev Nehemi
ah, 217 : James, 316.
^gis. National, 155, 243, 244, 333, 348.
Aldrich, Rev. Jonathan, 212,223.
Allen Hon. Joseph, 122, 134, 285, 330 :
Rev. Benjamin, 46, 264 : Rev. Isaac,
199 : Joseph, 235, 268, 374, 121, 128,
196,302-, Georg^e, 191.223,272,327,
330 : Charles, 218, 326, 330, 360, 374 :
Joseph, 264: Samuel, sen. 330: Sam
uel, jr. 327 ; Rev. Joseph, 330.
Alston, Mrs. 235.
Amherst, Gen. 65.
Andrews, Samuel, 2, 31, 364; William S.
248.
Anniversary, Cenieama\, 58, 326.
Anthony, Wannashawakum, 28.
Appleton, Professor, 170, 173,
Army, last requisition for men,123 : Orga
nization, 109 : Oxford, 154.
Arnold's Expedition, 113.
Artillery, Regiment, 110, 117 : Company,
152, 167,331.
Associations, 329.
Atheneum, 327.
Atherton, Thomas, 33 : James, 39 : Is
rael, 258, 264, 324 : Joshua, 228.
Athol, petition, 136.
Atwood, Pbil\p, 8, 11,14,29.
Austin, Rev. Samuel, 174, 182, 183, 186,
187, 206, 208, 213, 216, 374: Benjamin,
333 : Jonathan L. 333.
Avenue, Columbian, 31, 42, 221.
Avery, Rev. Joseph, 190.
B
Babbit, Thomas, 324.
Babcock, Aaron Gardner, 262.
Bacheller, Stephen, 324.
BaUey, Silas, 308, 309.
Baird, Daniel, 109, 139 : Thomas, 161.
Baker, Justice, 144.
Baldwin, Nathan, 69, 76, 79, J26, 176 :
Christopher Columbus, 219, 325, 334,
335 : Benson C. 301.

Ballantine, Lt. Col. John, 40, 46.
Ball, James, 162.
Bancroft, David, 65, 101 : Rev. Aaron,
154, 180, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201,
203, 285, 303, 325, 330, 208, 305, 306,
348 : George, 273 : Moses, 162.
Bangs, Judge Edward, 149, 163, 155, 196.
233, 334, 360, 374 : Edward D. 158,
238, 246, 325, 325, 334, 374.
Banks, 327.
Barber, Joseph, 121 : John, 161 . Wil
liam, 296 : James, 359.
Barbour, Robert, 48.
Barnard, Rev. Thomas, 197 : Lewis,
348.
Barrett, Thomas, 39.
Barron, John, 46 : Benjamin, 46.
Barristers at Law, 230.
Barton, Ira, 252, 306, 326.
Bathj, John, 48.
Baxter, Mr. 344.
Bayley, Silas, 80.
Beavers, 13.
Beamis, Joseph, 12.
Beecher, Rev Lyman, 215: Edward, 191.
Beers, Lt. Richard, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 32, 365.
Belchar, Andrew, 2,3, 364 ; Gov. 59, 168.
Bellows, Benjamin, 39.
Bemis, John, 29.
Bentley, Elder William, 206, 209 : Dr.
William, rSalem,] 233, 324.
Betoghom, Si'mon, 28, 368.
Bigelow, Joshua, 12: Joshua, 67, 71, 78
80, 84, 98: David. 46, 121, 122, 128 :
Col. Timothy, 76, 78, 80, 102, 108, 109,
196, 113. 277, 311 : Hon. Timothy, 149,
266, .325: Daniel, 162,233,235,265,277,
332 . Abijah, 252: Tyler, 270 : Andrew,
273 : Henry. 274 : Dr. Jacob, 301 : Si
las, 361, 366 : Mary, 162 : Andrew,
268, 281 : Lewis, 326 : Silas, 366 : fam
ily, 271.
Bimelick Brook, 31, 352.
Binney, Thomas, 46.
Blacks, free, 310.
Blair, Abraham, 48, 49.
Blake, Francis, 236, 333, 334, 374 : Joseph,
236 : Francis Arthur, £73 : Harrison
Gray Otis, 274 : Elias, 347.
Blashfield, Harvey, 327.
Blood, Oliver Hunter, 261.
Boardman, Rev. John, 217, 222.

376

INDEX.

Bogachoao-, 17.
Bond, William, 33.
Boston, 1, 113, 133: Executions in, 27:
Pamphlet, 75.
Boundaries, 336.
Bounties, IU, 118, 121, 122.
Bourne, Rev. Shearjashub, 166 : Hon.
Melatiah, 166.
Boutelle, Samuel, 299.
Boydeit, Daniel, 161.
Brant, 194.
Brattle, Capt. 23.
Brazer, Rev. John, 199, 272 : Samuel,
321, 361 : Samuel, Jr. 244, 334, 374.
Breck, Dr. Samuel, 173, 264.
Brewer, Col. Josiah, 311.
Brigden, Joseph, 310.
Brigham, Samuel, 12: David T. 261, 328.
Robert Breck, 327.
Brookfield, 15, 16, 19, 22, 23.
.Bi-oo/c, Mill,31,43, 352.
Brooks, Major General, 144.
Brook, Keule, 352: Tatnick, 352: Bea
ver, 352 : Weasle. 352 : Pine Meadow,
352: Bear, 352: Mill, 352.
Brown, Thomas, 8, 12, 29, 33, 44, 46 :
Lieut. Luke, 65 : Luke, 270: Ichabod,
44,46: Capt. 106: Samuel, 2b9 : Ja
cob, 318 : J. & N. 316 : John, 339.
Bryant, Ira, 362,
Buildings, Public, 341.
Bull, Isaac, 33.
Burbank, Gardner, 272 : Elijah, 321,362.
Burnside, Samuel JI. 238. 303, 306, 325,
374.
Burgess, Thomas, 3.°9, 372.
Burnett, Luther, 362.
Burr, Hon. Peter, 169 : Rev. Isaac, 167,
192 : Rev. Aaron, 170.
Burrill, Rev. John T. 220, 223.
Bush, Ahiel, 39.
Jiuiler, James, 46 : John Simpkins,
261.
Butman, Benjamin, 327, 330.

Cabot, George, 267.
Cadets, Independent, 331.
Caldwell, William, 48, 49 : William,
Sheriff, 153, 238, 344 : Joseph B. 238:
John W. 374.
Calicos, printing, 322.
Caiy, James, 39.
Cambridge, 1.
Campbell, Rev. Mr. 171 : William, 80,
100, 110: John, 172, 173.
Canada, Philip visits, 22.
Canal, Blackstone, 339, 372.
Cannon, 113,331 : long iron, 42.
Capen, Rev. Lemuel, 330.
Carriel, Nathaniel, 80.
Carrino-ton, Edward, 339.
Carter, Elias, 34-8 : Horatio L. 331 :
James G, 326.
Carpets, Weaving, 321.
Catholic Society, 219.
Chahanakonkomon, Dudley, 11, 16, 17,
367.
Chadwick, Capt. David, 119: Daniel, 361.

Chamberlain, Dea. John, 179 : John Cur
lis, 276: Henry Vassall, 270: Levi, 271
Chandler, John, 274: Major Gardner, 65,
98,99: Clark, 91, 111: Col. John, 6l'
63,54,275,346,347: Hon. John, 58
179, 275 : Capt. Thomas, 163, 331: Na
thaniel, 111, 228, 265: Thomas, 268
Gardner L. 268 : Rufus, 120, 228, 264,
276: George, 261: William, HI, 120]
265: Samuel, 153, 347,265 : Hon. John
276, 342 • Charles, 266, 347.
Chapin, Thaddeus, 162 : Benjamin, 162,
260, 303 : Ebenezer, 360 : Eh, 162.
Chaplin, Rev. Ebenezer, 183.
Chapman, Rhodes B. 308, 327.
Chase, Elijah, 43 : Anthonv, 327, 331.
C/iiW, Jonathan, 63: Moses N. 214.
CAwrcA. Indian. 17: Covenant, 171,183,
196,206,217,222.
Churches, 346 : Deacons, 223: Communi
cants, 223.
Citadel, 30, 31.
Clapp, Vame\. 80.
Clark, John, 48, 192: Rev. Josiah, 222 :
Elam, 214 : Joseph, l62 : John F. 345.
Clerks, Town, 358.
Clothing, requisition, 120.
Clocks, tower and church, 322, 347.
Codman, Rev. Dr. 191,
Coes, Rebecca S. 305.
Communication, 316.
Conant, Edwin, 252, 325, 374.
Concord. 1, 19.
Cowrress, Provincial, 98, 100, 101: Cotin-
iv, 118.
Co;mtrticK( River, 23; Road, 7, 12, 23-
Constilution, 122, 123, 168.
Convention, 132, 138; County, 119, 133.
Converse, Rev. Olis, 211, 308, 309: Jo
seph, 309.
Cooke, Gov. 117.
Coohdge,^o\ln, 157,331.
Corbett, Olis, 303, 308, 309, 327 : Caro
line M. 305.
Corbin, James, 34.
Corduroy, manufactured, 321.
Cornell, Rev. Joseph, 209.
Corn, 21, 27.
Corps, Rifle, 332.
Correction, County House, 344.
Cotting, Samuel, 333.
Council, order, 365,367.
Counsellors, Mandamus, 94.
Country, Nipmuck, 16, 20, 365.
Countii, 101, 102, 133: incorporated, 58.
Court', Indian, 18 : order, 363, 364, 368.
Courts, First, 68.
Coiuden, Thomas, 65.
Cowell, John , 33.
Covenant, solemn league, 92.
Crawford, John, 51 ; Robert, 48, 51, 253 :
William, 66, 264, 299.
Crafts, Edward, 97, 110: Thomas, 110.
Crane, Benjamin, 12.
Crosbee, Benjamin, 43 : Joseph, 46.
Curtis, John. 12, 65 : Samuel, 76, 126,
132, 162: Ephraim, 4, 5, 7, 9, II, 14,
19, 20, 43, 45, 161, 365, 367: Capt. 155:
George Ticknor, 255.

INDEX.

377

Cushing, Judge, 78 : Col. 142.
Cushman, Josluia, 182.
Cutler, Capt. 23.
Cutting, Francis, 360. D
Dale, Hervey S. 308, 309.
Damond, John, 8.
Dana, Richard, 8, 12, 29 : Joseph, 8 ; Ja
cob, 12 : William, 97, 110.
Daniel, James, 33.
Danson, George, 32, 46.
Davis, Ebenezer. 133: John, 59, 246,303,
325, 326. 330, 339,348, 374: Isaac, 213,
248, 306, 308,309, 327, 359: Andrew
Jackson, 2.32.
Dawes, Thomas, Zo3.
Day, Luke, 117.
DeBernicre, Ensign, 106.
Deeds, Indian, 10,28, 364, 367.
Denny, Thomas, 93: Austin, 247, 272,
334, 374 : Daniel, 321 : Nathaniel P.
326.
Depreciation, scale of, 125.
Dexter, Hon. Samuel. 266.
Dickinson, Rev. Baxter, 215 ; William,
327.
Dingley, Dr. Amasa, 301.
Districts, School, 297, 298, 299 : Centre
School, 301.
Divisions , 337.
J>ix, Elijah, ioD, 263, 302 : William, 268 :
Henry Elijah, 272.
Doolitlle, Ephraim, 62, 69, 71, 80, 176,
281,311.
Dorr .^ Hmcland, 335.
Dribler, Tom, 24.
Dudley, William, 40, 46 : Gov. 41.
Duncan, John 48.
Dunlop, Rev. I\Ir. 194,
Durant, James, 299.
Dutton, James, 33.
Dici'rht, Brigadier, 61.
Dyer, Joseph, 176, 226.

Eames, Gershom, 12 ; Thomas, 22, 26.
Earle, John iMillon, 332, 336.
Earle Sf Williams ,361.
Eaton, Benjamin, 32 ¦ Joshua, 224.
Education, 296.
Elder, William, 91, 162: John, 162.
Eliot, Rev. John, 16, 17, 18, 28, 179:
John, 46, 368. : James, 239.
Emerson, Mr. 173.
Emigrants, Scotch, 47, 191, 238.
Emigruliori. 311.
Emmons, Rev. .Nathaniel, 183, 214.
Encumpiment, British, proposed, 107.
Euslis, WWUam, 333.
Evans, Israel, 182.
Everett, Joseph T. 309: Edward, 325,
374.
Excise. 62, 335.
Executions, 374, .Military, 27-
Exports, 323.
Extent of the town, 336.
48

Factory, Cotton, S22.
Faith, articles, 171, 183, 196, SOS,
217; 222.
Farnham, Daniel, 229.
Farrand, Andrew, 48.
Farnsworth, Benjamin F. 507.
Fay, John, 12, 29: Capt. 110: ReT.
Warren, 191.
Fessenden, Stephen, 225.
Field, John, 56.
Fii c Department, 359.
Fires, and injuries bv Lightnin?, 559.
Fisher, Joshua, 2 : Rev. Abiel, 308, 309 :
Maturin L. 251, 325.
Fist, David, 11 ;32.
Fiske, John, 257 : Rev. John, 191 : Rev.
Nathan, 259: Jonathan, 162: Rev.
Elisha, 215- Dr Oliver, 259, 323, 324,
326,374: Robert Treat Paine, 273.-
Thomas, 301.
Fitch, James, 31: Daniel, 34: Ebene
zer, 182.
Fitton, Rev. James, 219, 220, 309.!
Fitzgerald, Rev. Edward, 166, 191.
Fiajg, Michael, 12; Miscal,29: Rich
ard, 44, 62 ; Benjamin, 46, 67, 69.
89, 108, 109, 297, 299, 313; Benjamin jr.
51, 55, 58, 109, 119, 313; Asa, 65:
John, 213, 362: Abel, 362 : Samuel
A. 235: Samuel, 146, 149, 360:
F.noch, 154, 303,331, 3C1 : Elisha,
361: Ebenezer, 178; Mrs. DolW,
205; Nathaniel, 2d. 361.
Fletcher, hcn'}amin, 46 ; Samuel, 53.
i^H!i(,John, 11 ;Rev. Abiel, 182: Wal
do, 326.
Folsom, George, 252, 301, 374.
Forbush, James, 48.
Forbes, Rev. Eli, 226.
Fort, o\d Indian, 13: Tory, 93.
Fortresses, ancient, 31, 42.
Foster, Hon. Dwight, 153, 230 : Alfred
Dwight, 222, 248, .306, 327, 330, 331.
Fox, William B. 362.
Foxcraft. Francis, 38.
Fowle, Zechariah, 288, 289.
Freeman, James, 233.
Frink, Dr. John, 323,324.
Fulham, Francis, 50.
Fvller, John, 80.
Furgerson, James, 43.

Gage, Gov. 98, 101, 107; Address to,
99, 101.
Gale, Abraham, 139, 142 : Henry, 151.
Gallatin, Albert, 324.
, Gano, Eov. Stephen, 209.
Gaol, 341.
Gardiner, Henry, 105.
Gardner, Nathaniel, 170 ; Rev. Andrew,
164: Henry, 299.
Garrisons, 13, 36, 43.
ea(£s, William, 109, 117: Isaac, 301.
Gay, Rev. Dr. 229 : Rev. Samuel, 222.

378

INDEX.

GtecKecr, Independent, 333.
Geer, Charles H. 332.
George, Isaac, 33.
Glasford, James, 48.
Gleason, Thomas, 45 : Benjamin, 61.
Goddard, Benjamin, 214 : Perley, 309:
Daniel, 213,309.
Gojje, Rev. Joseph, 189.
Gooda!e, John, 212.
Goodvoin, Isaac ,250, 305, 325, 327, 329 :
James, 65, 331.
Goodrich, Rev. Charles A. 188, 189,
213 : Rev. Samuel, 189 : Jease W.252.
Gookin, Daniel, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 26, 29, 31, 32, 33,
324, 364, 365, 367 : Sheriff Daniel,
346; Samuel, 11 : Nathaniel, 28, 368.
Going, Rev. Jonathan, 209, 210, 301,
303,306,307,331,374.
Gowing, Robert, (see Going,)211.
Gorham, Capt. 20.
Gore, country, 161.
Goulding, Peter, 33,46: Daniel, 149,
155, 166: Palmer, 44, 297, 302: Ig
natius, 347.
Graham, Duncan, 48.
Graves, Samuel, 157.
Graj/, John,46, 51: William, 43: Rob
ert, 48 : Matthew, 48.
Green, Thomas, 254 ; John, 205, 254
John, 258 : John, 260, 271, 302, 324
Elijah Dix, 269: Timothy, 161, 236
William E. 233, 237, 270, 331 : Doct,
[Ward,] 145: WilliamN. 251, 334
Rev. John, 211 ; Rev. Samuel, 216,
217.
Greene, Nathaniel, 227,
Greenleaf, William, 140 : Joseph, 290.
Grievances, complaints, 132, 134.
Griffin, Charles, 334.
Grout, Moses W. 335.
Grover, Lyman, 8 : Stephen, 8 : Thom
as, 8, 12, 14 : Lazarus, 8.
Groves, Thomas, 29.
Guilford, Nathan, 301.
H
Hadley, ^3, 38.
Hairgatt, Thomas, 43, 46.
Hague, Rev. Williain, 211.
A?aii-, Edward, 63.
Hale, Joshua, 322 : Nathan. 373.
Hall, Willis, 133: Rev. David. 169:
Thomas, 11, 12, 14, 29, 33; George
Holmes, 263: Talmage, 318.
f/aii, Town,44. 348 : Antiquarian, 336,
349
Hambleton, James, 48.
Hamilton, Micah, [Moses] 149; Sewall,
157, 331: Elizabeth B.306 : Martha S.
306:CharlesA.327, 332.
Hancock, John, 101.
Harris, Rev. Thaddeus, M. 199, 263,
301,325: Clarendon, 44; William,
63; Kesinah, 313.
Harvey, Zachariah, 257.
Harrington, Capt. Nathaniel, 156 ; Rev.

Timothy, 197, 202 : Jubal, 251, 334 :
Lois W. 305: Jacob, 360: Oliver,
352.
Hart, James, 161.
Haskell, Abraham, 324.
Hassanamisset, [Grafton] 16, 18, 21,
23, 27, 48, 366, 367.
Hastings, Simeon, 157 : William, 325.
Haswell, Anthony, 332.
Hawes, Rev. Joel, 216, 217.
Hawley, Joseph, 229 : Capt. Elisha, 61.
Haynes, John, 2, 33, 34, 363 : Josiah,
2, 363 : David, 42.
Hazeltine, Simeon, 142.
Headly, Benjamin, 39.
Heard, Nathan, 167, 345.
Hemenway, Jacob, 63 i Edward H
328.
Henchman, Daniel, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 21
23, 26, 29, 30, 32,33,46, 296,365,
365,367 : Nathaniel, 32, 44.
Henry, Anthony, 288.
Henshaw, Daniel, 251 : Williara, 80,
99 : Joseph, 98.
Herald, Mass. 332 : American, 332.
HerricJc, Rev. Osgood, 219.
Herbert^ Jean, 63.
Herscy, William, 8.
Heywood, Daniel. 42, 46, 57, 62 164
331, 341, 349 : Josiah, 46 : Phinehas,
80: Nathaniel, 117 : Levi, 239 301
374; Benjamin F. 251, 272: Hon'
Benjamin, 283, 284, 330 : John Healy,
274: Phinehas, 283: Benjamin, 163.
Hilliard, Rev. Timothy, 197.
Hill, Rev. Alonzo, 199, 306,348.
Hills, 352, 363 : Pakachoag, 32, 38 353 •
Wigwam, 17, 28, 353; Sagatabscot, 35,
41, 43, 353 : Stone House, 95 : Mill
stone, 349, 363 : Indian, 353.
Hitchborn, Col, 141.
Hitchcock, Pelatiah, 374.
Hoadley, Rev. Loammi Ives, 215, 215,
.¦303.
Hoar, Dr. Leonard, 11, 46.
Holbrook, Capt. 23 : Abel, 119 : Sylva
nus, 339.
Holden, Samuel, 161 : John, 112 : JameB
51, 55.
Holden, [town,] 6, 30, 161.
Holland, John, 53.
Holman, Col. 117,
Holmes, James. 44, 45 , Jacob, 295 •
Rev. Abiel, 325.
Holyoke Dr. Edward A. 255: Rev. Ed
ward, 170.
Homans, John, 263.
jHbne«(«s, celebrated papers, 131.
Hoorrawannonitt, Sagamore, 10 17
364. ' '
Hopkins, Rev. Samuel, 183.
Hospital, Lunatic, 160, 345.
Houses,43 : Court,342, 361 : School,348.
Houghton, John, 49.
Howard, Rev. Simeon, 197.
Howe, Thomas, 36, 38, 40, 42, 46 • Ki
tes, 374 : Joel, 143, 148 ; Levi, 361.

INDEX.

379

Hubbard, John; 57 ; Jonathan, 44 : Jo
nas, 103, 109, 113, 276 : John W. 187,
214, 247, 374 : Levi, 277, 311.
Hull, Rev. Aretius B. 189, 303.
Himt, Ephraim, 34 : Dr. Ebenezer, 255.
Hutchinson, Gov. 69, 78 : Capt. Ed
ward, 19, 365 : Elisha, 39.
Hyde, Mr. 316.

Imports, 323.
Indian, War, 14 : Tribes, 16: Settle
ment, 17 : Hostilities, 19, 34, 35, 37,
38,51,57, 164
Indians, 13, 16, 22 ; Nipmuck tribe, 18,
22 : Narragansetts, 322, 365 ; Massa
chusetts, 16 ; Pawtuckets, 16 : Mo
hawks, 16 ; Pequots, 16: Norwich, 34.
Destroyed, 27.
Independence, 114, 121, 291, 374.
Infantry, Light, 331 ; Resolutions, 154 :
March to Boston, 157.
Insurance Company, Mutual, 327 : Ma
nufacturers, 328 ; Springfield, 328,
Insurrection, 130.
/ues, Moses B, 339.

Jacques, Abiel, 350.
Jarvis, William, 333.
Jeffries, Dr. John, 269.
Jenkins, Joel, 12, 29.
Jennison, William, 60, 156, 341, 342:
William, 330: Rev. Samuel, 166:
Samuel, 303, 325, 327, 329.
Jewett, Ivers, 162.
John, Sagamore,10, 17, 19,24, 25, 25, 37.
Johnson, Edward, 2, 3, 4, 364; John, 52,
155, 331 ; Joshua, 91.
Johnston, Rev. Williara, 192, 193.
Jones, Nathaniel. 46, 67 : Noah, 55 :
Phineas, 51,149.

Kellocrg, Joseph, 61 ; Elijah, 182.
Kellough, Rachael, 349
Kelso, Hugh, 48. John, 84, 93.
Kendall, Jonas, 3.30 : Peter, 348.
Kettell, John P. & Co. 362,
Kimball, Charles O. 212.
Keyes, John, 36, 59.
King, Rufus, 233 : Peter, 46,
Kinnicutt, Thomas, 249, 327, 374.
Kirkland, Rev. John T. 199.
Knapp, Henry, 46 - James, 46, 61.
Knight, Daniel, 272: Jerusha,305: Jo
nathan, 361 ; Edward, 97.
Knowlton, J. S. C. 334.
Knox, Gen. Henry, 339.

Lafayette, 370; visit, 158.
Lancaster, William, 344.
Lancaster, 16, 18, 22, 34.
ian& Public, 349,
Latham, Dr. James, 257.
Lathrop, Rev. John, 197.
Lawrence, Micah, 299 . Abel, 67 ; Mr.

17S,
La:ell, Warren, 301, 305, 331.
Lebere, Monsieur, John; 63.
Lee, Samuel, 8 : Henry, 44, 46.
Legislature, removal, 139.
Leonard, Jacob, 33, 46 : Moses, 44, 45,
55, 57 ; Isaac, 46.
Lellers, Farmers, 232.
Levenz, Goodman, 34'.
Lewis, Mr. 229.
Lexington alarm, 108.
Lillie, Dr. Ebenezer, 257.
Lincoln, Benjamin, 101, 148, 149, 150:
Levi, sen. 122, 128. 151, 196, 198,
228, 230, 235, 302, 306, 333 : Levi, 158,
237, 271, 303, 325, 326, 330, 334 ; John
W. 167, 331, 339, 345 ; Daniel Waldo,
[Son of Levi, sen.] 271,374 ; Enoch,
2-11, 33^1, 374; William, 249, 273, 306,
325, 326, 327, 329, 334, 335, 374 ; Abra
ham, 158, 326 ; Daniel Waldo, 263,
273 ; William S, 273, 331.
Livermore, Daniel, 146 ; Moses, 80.
Loan, 119,
Longevity, 313.
Lorthog,' Robert, 48.
Lovell's war, 50.
Lovell, Ebenezer, 93, 109, 119.
Lyceum, 330.
Lynde, Joseph, 33, 256.
Lynn, inhabited, 1. M
Maanesit, 16, 367.
Maccarty, Capt. Thaddeus, 174 ; Rev
Thaddeus 108, 173, 174, 176, 180, 194,
257; Nathaniel, 317,325; Doct. Thad
deus, 257.
Magazines, 335 : Historical Journal, 335 :
Worcester Weekly, 335.
Maiden, 1, 3, 51.
Manchaog. 16, 17, 367.
Manning, William, 332.
Mumifactures, 321.
Manufactory, card, 321.
Map, first, 14.
Maquas, or Mohawks, 16.
Jl/arW(;,Jonathan, 46 ; Joel,309.
March, Andrew. 362.
Marlborough, I, 3,T,10,U, 15,17, 18,
20, 22, 23, 27, 38, 40.
Marsh, Samuel, 170, 173,299.
Marietta, Ohio, 182.
Mason, Hugh, 2 , Mrs. Mary, 36. ,
Massachusetts Fort, 61.
Mather, Rev. Richard, 179.
Matoonus, 14, 18, 25, 26.
Mayhew, Rev. Jonathan, 173.
Mattamuck, 24.
Mc Clentick, John, 48.
A/cJ'arZand, William, 214: James, 178,
295 ; Andrew, 46, 48 ; Daniel, 65 : Asa,
269 i Andrew D. 263.
Mc Gregoire, 'Rev. Mr. 48: James, 48,
Mc Han, William, 48.
Mc Konkey, John, 48: Alexander, 48.
Mc Lella.n, James, 48, 61, .55.
Meadow, Pine, 4, 30, 33, 3,37.

380

INDEX.

Meeting first Town, 50.
Meeting Houses, 6, i5, 164, 198,209, 213.
216, 219, 221, 346, 362 : presbyterian,
191, seating, 180.
Mendon, 15„ 25.
Merrick, Pliny, 247, 326, 334, 348, 374.
Merrill, Rev. J. A. 220.
Merrifield, Alpheus, 348.
Meyling, Simon, 8, 11, 12. 14, 29.
Miller, Isaac, 43, 46 : Rev. Rodney A.
190, 223 : Moses, 270.
Mills, 31, 32, 43.
Mills, Rev. Edmund, 189, 215.
Mines and Minerals, 353.
Minute Men, roll, 109.
Minot, Stephen, 46, 160.
Minzies, John, 178.
Moody, Master, 233.
Moore, Deacon Nathaniel, 41, 44, 51 \65,
57, 164, 223 : Nathaniel, 42 : Isaac, 91 :
Maj. William, 282.
Morse, Rev. Jedediah, 213.
Morion, Andrew, 236,301.
Mortality, 311.
Mount Bigelow, 279.
Mosely, Capt. 23, 27.
Mower, Thomas Gardner, 272 : Nathan
iel, 361; Ephraim, 155: Nahum, 333.
Murdock, Rev. Thomas J, 214.
Murray, John; 98, 102. N
Nannaswane, 28, 357.
Nashaway, 18, 23, 24.
Nashobah, 24, 27.
Natick, 27, 367.
Nazro, John, 302.
Nehemiah, son of Matoonus, 25.
Nelson, Rev. John, 189, 190, 217, 219,
223, 271,. 301.
Neutrals, French, 52.
Newbury, Trial, 11.
Newcomb, Joseph W.253 : Henry K. 327
Newhall, Jonathan, 66.
Newport, contribution, 120.
Newton, Rejoice, 239, 327, 348, 374.
Nichols, Thomas, 155, 257.
Nipmucks, 16, 19, 22.
Norton, John, 9.
Northville, 337.
Nosoonowit, 11, 365.
NoweU, Increase, 1, 2.
Noyes, Thomas, 2, 3, 4, 5, 363, 364.
Nugent, Mrs. Academy, 306.
Numphew, Sagamore, 10, 365.

Occonomesset, Marlborough, 10 ; Orthog
raphy, 10.
Officers, Public, 294, 295.
Oliver, Judge Peter, 78, 86.
Onnomog, Sagamore, 10, 365.
Orchard, first, 46 : Apple Trees, 27.
Osgood, Jonathan, 324.
Otis, Harrison Gray, 267 : James, 290.
Oulton, John, 43, 46.
Oxford, 34., 35.

Page, insurgent 141.
Paine Timothy, 67, 94, 126, 196, 235, 254-
Nathaniel, of Bristol, 39, 264- Dr'
William, 91, 120, 255, 266, 325 : Samtt:
el Clark. 65 : Wilham, of Boston 46
Samuel, 110, 111, 265: Henrv 251 • Na '
thaniel, 233, 236, 266 : Wdl am Fitz"
271: Frederic W. 204, 271 303 32?'
348; Rev. William P. 218, 219 judte
Robert Treat, 343; Rev. Elijah' 219
Pakachoag, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18 'l9 in
21,22,23,24,25, 38, 353,367 :'Jl^g":
Palmer, Thomas 43, 46;
Pamaquesset, 6.
Panasunet, Sagamore, 28, 367.
Paper, manufacture, 43, 301.
Park, Dr. John 307, 331 : Calvin 30*
Parks, John, 342. ' "'¦
Parker, insurgent, 141.
Parker, Jonas ,214 : Rev, Nathan, 301
PansAes, 163, 194, 205,213, 221
Parmeter, George 36, 38, 45
Patch, Nathan 302.
Paul, John 12, 27 ; Silas 301
Pawtucket, Tribe, 16.
Payson, Thomas, 301, 302, 305.
Peables, John 48: Robert, 48: Patrick^
48. '
Peabody, Rev. David, 218, 219, 223: Mr.
Pease, Levi, 317, 319.
""willfarD-.L'"^''"'^^"-"-'"- Pequots, 16.
Perrin, Hannah C. 305.
Perry, David, 218, 273: John, 39 • Bax-
'?'? -Z^ ¦f^'^^^K 273 : Ebenezer, 39 : Jo
siah G, 331.
Peter, Indian, 24.
Phillips, Edward, 308, 309 ¦ Mr 170
Phipps, Robert, 307.
Pickering, Rev. George, 220.
Pierce, josiah, 82, 84, 89 92 313
Places, Burial, 45, 349. ' '
Plain, Raccoon, 32.
¦ Po«s, ratable 313,314.
Ponds and Streams, 351.
Pond, Enoch, 182.
Poor, 314.
Pope, Rev. Joseph, 256.
Population, 45, 310.
Post-office, 205, 317, 322.
Potatos introduced, 48
Po(«s/i works, >321.
Pottoquam, iSinion, 24.
Powers, Edward, Eveleth 332
Pratt Thomas; 8 : Silas, 61 ; ' William',
2j3; Abigail, 305. '
Prentfce, Capt. Thomas, 4, 6 7 8 9 11
12 23, 26 29, 32, 33, 34,' 46, .365, 357
John, .d3, 172 : John, [Marblehead] 99
Samuel, 269, 323. -"
Prentiss, Charles G. 251, 326
Prescott, William, 267.
Prices of articles, 117, 122.

INDEX.

381

Prisoners, British, 113, 156.
Prince, James, 333.
Provender, John, 8. 12, 14.
Psalms, Version, 179.
Puffer, Rev. Reuben^ 189.
Funkapuug, 27. '
Putnam. Col. James, 64, 67, 91, 98, 102,
111,120,327: James, HI, 265 : Amos,
205 : Gen. Rufus, 267.
a
Quabaog, 14, 15, 16, 19, 23.
Quantisset, 16, 367.
Quassawake, 28. 367.
Quebec, Expedition, 113.
Quinsinuiiond. 2, 4. 7, 14. 16, 17. IS, 22,
23. 27, 23, 32, 43, 160, 351, 363, 368 :
Orthography, 2. R
Rail Road, Boston and AVorcesler, 340,
374: Norwich and Worcester, 340:
Wesiern. 340.
Reed, William, 8 : Christopher, 32 :
Alexander, 272 ; John, 301.
R^^^ulators. 138.
Representatives, 358.
Revolution, American, 67.
Rice, Jonas, 40, 41 ,43.46, 49, 60, 58, 296,
299: Josiah, 46: Ephraim. 46 ; Ger
shom, 40, 41, 45, 49, 50, 52, 61 : Eph
raim, junr. 46 : James, 44, 45: Adoni
jah, 40, 61, 62 ; Joshua, 43, 45: Moses,
44,51,56: Peter, 49 ; Tyrus, 62: Aaron,
63; Timothy. 113 : Jonathan, 92, 97,
128, 149: Elisha, 45; IMatthias, 161:
Zebediah, 51; Samuel, 53, 295; George
T. 348 : George 31. 352 ; Lt. Col. 154:
Families. 41.
Jiic;iarrfs.Joseph,8: John, 8; David, 213,
214.
Richardson, Thomas, 161 : Mr. 166 :
George W. 262 : John H. 253.
Riplfu. Rev. George, 199 : Henry J. 211.
JJ.ft/-", Fort, 30, 31 : Nipnapp, 2, 351 :
Blackslone, 3.52: Nipmuck, 352:
French, oo'z : Hallway, 34, 362.
Road, Connecticut, 12, 23, 43 : Leices
ter, 42 ; Lancaster, 12, 42 . Boston,
42; .\ipmuck, 12: Country, 12, 44.
Roads, 337.
Roberts, Abner, 61.
Robinson, Thomas, 80.
Rocks, Rattlesnake, 47.
Rogers, Mr. of Littleton, 170 ; Richard,
297,299: Henry, 334.
Ropes, Judge, 7P.
Roper, Ephraim, 51,63,360.
Rosbury, George, 33.
Rowland, William F. 182.
Ruggles, Hon. Timothy, 59, 63, 72, 98,
102, 235.
Russell, Jonathan, 326.

Sachem, Sam, 24:
Sagatabscot, 35, 35, 353.
Salem planted, 1. 49

Salisbury, Stephen, sen, 75, 84, 101,277:
Siephen, 272, 306, 308, 309, 326, 361.
Salter, Enos, 33.
Samuel, Indian teacher, 10.
Sampson. lU-v. Abisha, 212.
Sasomet. 28, 367.
Savingn Institution. 329.
iSuH'zycy, Joseph, 39: lilias. 39 : John, 39.
School. Manual Labor High, 307, 319.
Schools, '2'J6 : Centre, 301 ; Sunday, 307.
Scots, Colony, 47.
Selectmen, 356.
Seminary, 302: Mount St. James, 220,
309
Serjent. Digory, 32, 35 ; ftlartha, 35, 37,
46 ; John, 37; Thomas, 37 ; Daniel, 37:
Mary, 37,
Seltlemenl, first, 11 ; second. 28 ; third, 40.
Sever, William, 234; Samyel, 39.
Shattuck, iu^urgeni, 141 ; Daniel, 37, 51.
Shaw, John. 12.
Ww//5, Daniel, 141, 146, 143, 149, 150,
161,369.
Sherman, John, 80.
Shepard, Alexander,132 : Dr. Levi, 255:
Gen 149
Sites. Reuben, 317, 319.
Si//, Capl, 21, 23, 366.
Situation of the town, 336.
Skinner, Thomas, 8, 29 ; Rev. Thomas
H.219.
Smith, John, 45; John, 76, 109 ; Thomas,
39; Chandler, 262,203; John HI. 262.
Henry, 274: Capl, (Barre) 135, 137 :
Stephen H. 339 : Jonathan, 301: Kev.
Mr. 189; Wasliington, 214.
Snell, Rev. Thomas, 190, 191, 374.
Snow, Henry, 351.
Society, .American Political, 76 ; Agricul
tural, 325 : Antiquarian, 293, 324.
Societies. Religious, 163, 194, 195, 205,
213, 219. 220, 221 ; Medical, 323. His
torical, 326: An.xiliaiy Bible, 329,
Soldiers, number, French wars, 66 : rev
olutionary. 128.
Speen, James, 18, 28, .368,
Spa/oj-ti, Hannah, 306.
Sprague, Rev, William B. 215; Hon.
John, 235, 236 ; Peleg, 374.
Spring, Rev. Samuel, 183.
Springfield, 7.
Spurr, Samuel D. 309.
Stji/, Mass, 41, 91. 92,99,111,115,121,
125, 152, 2.33, 239, 247, 265, 273, 287,
289,318,332,336, 360.
S(/«are,Adams, 42, 337, Lincoln, 42, 277.
Stage, first eflbrt to establish, 317.
Stages, Lines, 320.
Stanton, John, 149.
Starkey, John, 8.
Stearns, Daniel, 63 ; .lohn, 46, 62 ; Dr.
Samuel, 145, William, 121, 128,232,
265,332: Bezaleel, 360.
Stebbins, Francis, 374.
Stevens, Benjamin, 170, 173.
Stockwell, Amos W. 308.
S/one, Jonathan, 69,71,39,92,97, 101,
103,119,178; Rev. Micah, 171,190,
191.

INDEX.

Slory, Rev, Daniel, 182 : Joseph, 326 ;
Isaac, 374.
Stow, Rev. Baron, 212,
Stowell, F.benezer, 321 ; Peter, 321, 360;
Abel, 322. 347; Cornelius, 126,360:
William. 362: Benjamin, 65: Leonard
W. 362.'
Streets, 337.
Strong, Solomon, 325.
Studley, Zenas, 362.
Sturtevant, Isaac, 331.
Sumner, Kev. Joseph, 183,190.
Sulliran, James, 151, 333.
Sulton, Dr. William, 2.57.
Swan, William. 178; Samuel, 301.
Swillaway. Henry. 8.
Switcher, W^igglesvvorth, 58.
Swqueakeag, [Northfield,] 6.
Sylvia, African, 313.

Talisman, Worcester, 335.
Tataesset, 10, 17, 37, 363.
Tatnuck, 17.
7'avern, First, 44; Sun, 144, U. S.
Arms, 136, 139, 143, 152: King's Arms,
94,115; Jones'. 106: Hancock arms,
145, 145 : Brown and Butman, 341,
361.
Taxation, 314.
Taylor, Othniel, 75 ; Samuel, 214 : Rev.
Nath. W. 189: William, 12, 29, 38 :
Hon. William, 40, 46: James, 44, 46.
Tea, 74, 126.
Tenney. Rev. Caleb J. 188.
Tewksbury, Thomas, 8.
Thaxter, Levi, 235. 327, 331.
Thatcher, Joseph, I I .
Thayer, Rev. I)r. Nathaniel. 199, 330.
Thomas, Isaiah, 92. 107, 115, 123, 153;
159, 196, 204. 287,291.294,316,324,
325. 332, 335,'338, 344, 347, 349, 360 :
Moses. 287, 294: Isaiah, jr. 273.292,
325, 332 ; Benjamin F. 252, 273, 374 :
David, 282.
7Viomas,(Indian,) 21,22.
Thornington, James. 48,
Thornton, Thomas, 8 : Theophilus, 8 :
Matihew, 48.
Thurber, Chaile.s, 301,306.
Toasts, 4lh of Julv, 115.
Tomlin. Matihew,'33 : Isaac 33.
Tom, Capt 26.
Tomlinson, llev. Daniel. 190.
Torrey, Joseph, 215 : William, 9.
Totman, Jabez, 161.
Toume, William M. 251: Salem, 157,
3-14.
Townsend, Penn, 33.
Trade. 322.
Train, Rev. Charles, 212.
Travelling, 320,
Treadaway, Nathaniel, 2, 363 ; Jonathan,
8, 12.
Treadwell, William, 110, 149, 152, 331.
Treasurers, Town, 358.
Trees, apple, 27.
Tree, Richard, 29.

Trowbridge, (Judge) 78, 80, 224, 225,
Trowbridgeville, 337.
Trumbull, Dr. Joseph, 292 : Geor£-e A.
327 332
Tufts. George A. 326.
Turell, Daniel 33 : Mr. of Medford, 170.
Turnpikes, 338.
Tyler, John. 80.
Tyng, Jonathan, 46, 54.
U
Unadilla, Colony, 193.
Upham, Phineas, 8, 11, 14, 20: John, 29 :
Joshua, 73.
Uppanippaquem, 24.

Fai/, Rev. Thomas H. 221.
Valuation, 313.
Varney. James, 299.
Village, Quinsigamond, 337.
Villages, Nipmuck, 15 : Manufacturing,
Visitor, Family, 335.
Vose. Richard H. 249 : Edward J. 260-
Roger, 301.
Votes, for Governor, 154, 359.
W
V'ahan, Thomas, 24, 28, 368.
Vvabquisset , 16.
Wachuset, 22, 23, 37.
Waentug, 16.
IFai,!r'i/, Joseph, 12, 14.
Waldo. Cornelius. 43, 46 : Daniel, 209,
214, 216, 267, .325, 326, 327, 329 : Dan
iel, sen. 145,317, 327.
Walker, Nathan, 80: Adam, 111, 120
John, 62 ; William, 2.57; George, 257
Nalhaiiicl,48; Rev. John, 2ll, 212
Cato, 315.
Walcott, Samuel B. 371,
Walley, Mr. 173.
Wallis, James, 161.
Wamessit, 10. 27.
Wannashawakum, 28, 367.
Wanna shannohannawit, 28.
War, Queen Annu's, 35: French, 51:
Prisoni-rs, 156.
Ward, town. 6, 16,17. 161-
Ward, Gen. .Arlemas, 81, 135, 138: Ar
temas 2iid, 332 : ,s<ainuel, 65 ; Obadiah,
43,45: Richard, 43, 45: Hezekiah, 61:
Daniel, 44: Elisha, 38: William, 39
.59; Nahum, 59; Uriah, 51,53: Jona
than, 109: Mary S.305: Samuel, 332,
348.
Warner, Gen. 141, 145, 149.
Washington, visit 152 : funeral honors,
164, '
Washburn. Capt. Seth, 109, 144 . Dr.
Seth, 262: Ichabod, 309 : Emory, 223,
250, 326 : Ebenezer D. 301 ,
Waters, Rev. George, 212.
Watertown, 3\) 32, 33 : occupied, 1.
Wattasacompanum, 16, 18, 21, 26.
Way, Lancaster, 44.

INDEX.

383

Weii, Benjamin, 12,29,
Weeks, William, 33
Wells, Mrs. A. M. 307.
Weshakim, 16, 23, 24.
Wesson, Silas, 113.
Wether!)y, John, 36.
Wheeler, Thomas, 19, 366 : Adam, 134,
135, 141, 142: Isaac, 46; John, 39:
William D. 326, 327 ; Theophilus, 149.
303, 326 : Joseph, 128 : Otis C. 251.
Whipple, Moses, 361.
lV7iiie,Rev Thomas, 167: Wm. Charles,
270, 334, 374 : Joseph, 309 : Ebenezer,
66 : Justin, 63; Nalhan, 155: Edwin A.
374.
^Mdtefield, 167, 168, 225.
Whitcomb, Jonathan. 39 : Ephraim, 53.
Il7ii(i«^, Joseph, 190
Whitney, Ebenezer, 257: Samuel, 97;
Joshua, 84, 120.
Whittamore, Pelatiah, 8 : Daniel, 8: John,
332.
Wliitllesey, Rev. Mr. 189.
Wio-glesworlh, Dr. 170.
Wvde, Rev John, 219.
Wilder, John, 8 : Joseph, 68 : Josiah,
59.
Wildes, Edward, 8.
iriies, Richard, 39.
Will, Mulatto, 32.
Willard, Nahum, 65, 254.
Willard, Samuel. 59, 263, 254 : Rev.
Frederic A. 211,212,306, 308, 309:

Josiah, 59 : Abel 98 : Joseph, 224 :
Maj. Simon, 20.
Williams, Rev. Mr. 170, 173, 183: Na
thaniel, 299 : John, 142.
Wilson, James, 205.
Wing, John, 32,34,43.
Winthrop, Adam, 33, 34,40, 45,57, 160:
Hon, Thomas L. 325.
Winslow. Gen John, 62.
Wisner, Rev. Benjamin B. 215.
Woodard, Jonas. 161.
Woodstock, 16, 34, 58, 274.
Woodbridge, Jonathan E. 223.
Woodward, Snmne\ B. 261,346.
Woonaskochu, Sagamore, 10, 18, 364.
Workman, William, 252.
Wood, Rev Benjamin, 189, 215.
Woods. Jo.seph, 63, 117.
Worcester, Leonard, 301.
Worcester, 32, 160 : County, 60, 58:
North, 30, 160 : New, 44, 337 : South,
337.
IT^;-iif/i/, Samuel, 51,54,55, 66: John,
307.
Wyman, Ross, 102 : James, 299.

Yeoman, Massachusetts, 247, 334.
Young, Henry, 19 : William, 48, 75, 76,
82. 114, 295 : John, 49, 299, 313 : Da
vid, 49: Rev. Alexander, 199: Dr.
David, 149.

CORRECTIONS.

' Reader, Carthagena was of the mind that unto those three things which the ancients
held impossible, there should be added this fourth^ lofind a book printed without erra
ta. It seemSj the hands of Biiareusj and the eyes of Argus, will not prevent them.'
Mather's Magjtalia.
Paofe

1

Line 10 for

'region,'

read

country.

4

29

Miadsold, '

had sold their lands.

17

17

'Eastern,'

Western.

99

23

' ubjoined,'

subjoined,

149

24

'Micah,'

Moses.
191
6
'1821,'
1819.
219
35
' 1812,'
1822.
230
28
'seci-eiary of the,'
secretary of.
237
26
' 1835,'
1834.
238
1
' 1817,'
October 9, 1816.
244
7
'literatlon,'
literai-y.
245
21
'1824,'
1823.
22
' 1825,'
1824.
23
' 1825,'
1824.
247
23
' Gov. Broc
iks,'
Gov. Eustis.
249
17
' 1824,'
1825.
34
' twenlv,'
thirty.
251
21
' 1832 and 1835,'
1836.
261
32
'1816,'
1810.
300
13
'2,'
Leominster.
301
8
' Fitchburg;
;
13
' Lexington,
'. Ky.'
Chwinnati, Ohio.
The words Pakachoag, and Hassanamisset, sometimes erroneously appear with
slight variations from this orthography.
Some errata too obvious to escape attention, or too slight to deserve notice^ are not
indicated in the above list.
3 9002 00508 9918

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