USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Stoneham > Brief history of the town of Stoneham, Mass., from its first settlement to the present time > Part 1
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Gc 974.402 St72d 1781103
M. G.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02954 1627
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/briefhistoryofto00dean_0
A BRIEF
HISTORY
OF THE
TOWN OF
STONEHAM, MASS.
FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME :
WITH 3
AN ACCOUNT OF THE MURDER OF JACOB GOULD,
On the Evening of Nov. 25, 1819.
BY SILAG-DEAND
RY
1
Published by request.
BOSTON: PRINTED AT S. R. HART'S: 1843.
i
1781103
٤٠
Dean. Silas, 1-15 -1906.
A brief history of the town of Stoneham, Mass, from its first settlement to the present time: with an account of the murder of Jacob Gould. on the evening of Nov. 25, 1819. By Silas Dean ... Boston. Printed at S. R. Hart's, 18-13. 38 p. 197.
CRILF CARC
1. Stoneham, Mass .- Hist.
Library of Congress C 1.74.SSSD2
1 GC 974.402 st 72 d 1-11013 181% 34P.
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HISTORY &C.
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According to the best information that can be obtained, that tract of land included in what is now called Stoneham, was first settled about the year 1645. In the year 1640, four brothers, by the name of Holden, came over to this country from the county of Suffolk, in England. The fifth and youngest brother of the family remained in his native land. Three of the names of those who came to this country were Richard, Oliver, and Justinian. Oliver took up a perma- nent residence in the vicinity of what is now Charlestown Square. Many of his descendants are still living in that place. Justinian not being able to procure land to his liking, finally removed to what is now the town of Westminster, at the northern part of Worcester County. He took possession of that township, and lived there the remainder of his days. After his decease, a monument was erected to perpetuate his memory, and also stating the facts connected with his settle- ment in that township. His descendants still remain there, and are among the most wealthy and influential members of society. The fourth brother (whose name is not known) re- moved to the State of Connecticut, and nothing further is known with regard to him. It will be remembered that this town was at that time, (and indeed till the year of its incor- poration, which was 1725,) a part of Charlestown. Richard it seems concluded to remove to the northerly part of the town. The house which it is said he built and lived in, stood from 25 to 30 rods southwest from where the house of Nathan Bucknam now stands, at the southwest part of the town. From Richard Holden it appears all (in this imme- diate vicinity) of that name descended. Richard Holden's first child (whose name was Samtal,) was born in the year 1619. Asa Holden now living in this town, is a descen- dant of Richard, of the fifth generation. Asa Holden's grand-father being a grand son of Richard. I find an ancient
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stone in the burying yard with the following inscription ; " Here lies buried ye Body of Mrs. Anna Holden, wife of Samuel Holden, who departed this life June 1Sth, 1731, 'aged 72 years." 'This was evidently the wife of Richard's first son. According to the date of her death, she was born in the year 1659. As I have before stated, when the four brothers came to this country, which reason was that they might enjoy their religious sentiments unmolested, that the youngest brother remained in his native land. I am told that the Holden family were heirs to the estate of a rich lord, who was a bachelor. After the decease of this rich lord, the remaining brother took the property which they inherited, and with his family removed to this country, in 16-16. He purchased a large tract of land and settled in the State of Rhode Island. He made every effort possible (as has been rince ascertained) to find his brothers and give them their sev- eral portions, but all his efforts proved unavailing, and all his hopes of enjoying his new home and religious privileges, were soon blasted. In a few short months he sickened and died. All hopes of finding his brothers being given up, the disconsolate widow sold his estate, took all the property in her possession, (which was no doubt a very handsome sum,) and returned back to old England. Mr. George Piper, who lived in town a few years since, (an Englishman by birth,) stated that he was knowing to a large sum of money being deposited in a certain place near London or Liverpool, by the name of the Holden fund, which gives us reason to suppose that this was the very legacy left to this family; but which, if not called for after a certain length of time, would be appropriated by government, as they saw best.
Some persons have supposed that the first person that took up a residence in town, was a Scotchman named Hay, but if the record kept by Asa Holden be correct, which I cannot doubt, as he has the date of births down to himself, then it is certain that Holden was here previously. Hay was the first at the centre of the town. The circumstances of Hay's coming to this country were as follows : he was bound out as an apprentice in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, but being dissatisfied with his situation, he resolved on leaving his master. He accordingly took passage for this country on board a vessel bound for Salem. On arriving at Salem, being
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unable to pay his passage, which must have been consider- able at that time, the Captain of the vessel sold or bound him out to a man in Lynnfield, to work till he should pay his pas- sage, which was something like six or seven years. After serving out his time he concluded to come into this vicinity and settle down. He commenced his first labours by clearing up the ground about what is now called Cobble Hill. It is stated that he carne over from Lynnfield with his axe and gun, stopping for a few days only at a time, and lodging in a build- ing, or hut which stood on or near the spot where the house of Reuben Locke, Jr. now stands. It appears that he stood somewhat in fear of the Indians, although he purchased his land of them, at the rate of two coppers per acre.
I shall now give an account of the ancient buildings, together with some incidents connected with the inhabitants who dwelt in them. Richard Holden it will be remembered located himself a short distance southwest from Nathan Bucknam's. About twenty rods southwest from his house, another house stood for several years occupied by a family named Howe. About 15 rods west from Nathan Bucknam's, a house formerly stood owned by Samuel Holden. In this house Asa Holden, now living, was born. It is but a few years since this house was taken down. On the southwest side of Bear Hill, a house stood many years since, owned by a man named Spring. The land in that vicinity still retains that name. A little further to the north or northwest there stood a building, as a cellar hole at present shews. Who lived in it, or when it was inhabited is not at present known. Still farther to the north a building stood occupied by a man named Parker. This house was at length removed to the southeast part of the town, was repaired, and occupied by Thomas Vinton, during his life time. At the present time occupied by Reuben Waitt. About 100 rods northwest from Nathan Bucknam's, a house stood many years ago, occupied by a man named Hadley. who married one of Richard Hol- den's daughters. Anthony Hadley, who died several years since, at an advanced ago, is said to have been a member of that family. It may be well to state the circumstances con- nected with the settlement of the first person by the name of Hadley in this town. A man by the name of Gould, living at or near the place where Thomas Gould now lives, on a
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certain morning during the first settlement of the town, while at his barn at a very early hour, a man approached him, stark naked, told him he came over to this country on board a war ship. The night previous he had deserted from the ship, and being fearful that his clothes might retard his escape, or the procuring of them cause some alarm, he left the vessel in a state of nudity. He also stated to Gould that if he would. provide him with clothes, and afford him means for keeping himself secreted till after the vessel left Boston, he would work for him a sufficient length of time to satisfy him for all the trouble he might be at. The proposal was agreed to, and by this means Hadley took up his abode in this town, and from him all of that name now living in town descended.
Richard Holden's farm originally included the land owned by Spring, Parker, Howe, and Hadley, before mentioned. It took in the land of Jesse Dike; it also took in the Hill farm, (the house standing on said farm is at present occupied by A. C. Butterfield and Benjamin Wheeler, and is owned by Warren Sweetser,) and the two farms of Messrs. Chamber- lain and Haggett, situated in Woburn.
The house of Jesse Dike is said to have been built by a man named Hadley. It was afterwards occupied by the father of Capt. James Steele. A few rods northwest from said Dike's house, there formerly stood a building owned by a Mr. Knight, a tailor by trade. Richard Holden's land is supposed to have extended as far north as where the saw mill owned by David H. Burnham, now stands. On this water privilege there formerly stood a grist mill. I am told that a deserter from some war vessel, had secreted himself under the floor of this mill. The British soldiers, who were sent to take him entered the mill. It seems they were pretty well satisfied that he was there concealed. They walked the floor, stamped, being enraged no doubt, while he was protected from their vengeance by only the thickness of the board of' plank of which the floor was made. He however providen- tially eluded their grasp. A house stood near the mill occu- pied for many years by a man named Gould. An old fire- place was dug up there a few years since, while preparations were making for the laying of a wall.
At the north of this, the Scotchman Hay is said to have been owner of the lands. He probably owned as far north as
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where the schoolhouse in District No. 1 now stands. At the north of Scotchman Hay's a man named Gerry, owned the lands. The circumstances of his coming to this country are as follows. He came over in a Man of War, acting in the capacity of a boatswain. At Boston, he fell in company with Hay, came out and surveyed the land ; being pleased with the prospect of taking up his residence here, he returned to Boston, got permission to return here and live, with the prom- ise that if ever called for to go on an expedition against the enemy, (the French,) he must go. To this Gerry consented. The house in which he lived stood a few rods north from the house of Benjamin Gerry. He became acquainted with a young lady in Boston, whom he married and brought to this place. Gerry is said to have been a man of great courage. The following incident will prove it to be the fact. At that time this country was inhabited to a considerable extent by wolves. On a certain day, Gerry was out either for labor or business. He called upon a family, living upon or near where the Almshouse now stands, about dusk. It was thought rather dangerous for him to return home ; however, having an axe with him, he proceeded homeward, but before proceeding far, he came in contact with a number of wolves. He braced himself against a large tree and pitched battle with his antagonists, the neighbors heard the conflict, notwith- standing he was left to conquer or die. He conquered, and returned home. In the morning he went to the place where he fought, and there found that he had killed no less than four wolves, the fifth had walked off, leaving blood to show that he had also been wounded. The bounty on wolves was at that time about £4 each. Gerry remained here for many years, but was called upon to fulfil his engagements, made previously to settling here. He left his wife and children, never to return ; as it is said he fell during an engagement with a foreign enemy. He had several sons. One settled in this town, another went to Harvard, and another to Marble- head. Elbridge Gerry, formerly Governor of this State, and Vice President under Mr. Madison's administration, is said to have been a member of this family:
The house now owned and occupied by Capt. Rufus Rich- ardson, was built many years ago, and formerly owned by a man named Wiley ; afterwards occupied by the father of
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Benjamin Gerry. The house owned by Elijah Richardson was formerly known as the Matthews place. It is thought to have been built about 70 years since. An ancient building formerly stood a few rods to the northeast of this ; and for a considerable length of timc was supposed to be haunted. A family lived there at that time. At the season of harvest- ing a quantity of pumpkins were carried into the garret ; one evening while the father was absent, and the mother with the children and other members of the family sat by the fireside, a noise was heard ; something appeared to be coming down stairs. It came stamp, stamp, down the garret stairs ; it then came to the entry stairs, which led to the lower door, and with increased force, came pound, pound, into the entry be- low. There the noise ceased. The affrighted family waited with great anxiety for the return of the husband and father. When he returned the news was communicated to him. He repaired to the entry when on opening the door a good lusty pumpkin was reposing on the floor. Whether the house was ever afterwards haunted, is not known. The house of Oliver Richardson has also been built for 70 or SO years. A few rods to the northeast there formerly stood an ancient building occupied by the father of Oliver Richardson, I am told he kept bachelors' hall for many years. Something like 70 or 80 rods northeast from this, a cellar hole shews that a building once stood there ; and still further to the north, on the north side of the road, leading from the house of Caleb Wiley, to Mr. Leathe's in Woburn, there stood an ancient building called the old Farm House. For some length of time a negro named Simon Barjana, lived in the house. He was a shoemaker by trade, and Mr. Elijah Leathe, who was a neighbor to him, sometimes employed him to make shoes for him. On one occasion Mr. Leathe purchased a side of up- per leather and also a side of sole leather ; he carried them to Simon, requesting him to make him a pair of shoes. The shoes were made to order. Mr. Leathe did not take home his leather with him, but left it till he should want another pair of shoes made. When his family were again in want of more shoes, he repaired to Simon, told him he wished for a pair, stating the size &c. Simon immediately replied that he had no ludder. No leather, says Mr. Leathe, why did I not leave leather with you. Simon immediately replied, O
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yes, massa Leathe, but ludder no hold out. The fact was he had shod his children from time to time as they needed; to be sure the ludder had held out pretty well for Simon, but it fell short indeed as far as Mr. Leathe was concerned. Simon had several children; I see the record of three baptized by Rev. Mr. Carnes, second minister in this town, viz : Abigail, Hannah, and Isaiah. His wife's name was Hannah. She was frequently called old Hannah Qut. She is said to have been part Mulatto and part Indian blood. Simon was purely Negro, I believe ; though it is stated that his wife said on a certain occasion that he was nothing but a brown Englishman.
The house occupied by Caleb Wiley, has been built for many years. An ancient building formerly stood a short dis- tance to the northeast, occupied by a family, said to have been murdered by the Indians. The inhabitants were alarmed in- mediately after the murder, and repaired to the house; being armed, they proceeded in search of 'the murderers ; about 1-3d of a mile west from the house of Caleb Wiley, they dis- covered an Indian near a rock; they fired upon and killed him ; they also found seven packs near him, from which cir- cumstance it is supposed that six more were in company with him. An old building formerly stood a few rods east of the house now owned and occupied by Widow Mirandi Rich- ardson. The year when it was built is not known. An an- cient building also stood on the spot where the house of Ephraim Pierce now stands. In this building the father of Mr. Pierce lived many years. The mother of Mr. Pierce it will be remembered was formerly the wife of Mr. Ashael Porter, of Woburn. Mr. Porter lived in Woburn. On the morning of the ever memorable 19th of April, 1775, he was desired by a neighbor, Josiah Richardson, to proceed with him towards Lexington, (about 3 o'clock, A. M.) Somewhere on the way they discovered some British Regulars. Porter and Richardson were also seen by the Regulars, and were taken by them. Richardson requested permission to return, and was told by the individual to go to another person, who would no doubt give him a release ; but in case the second person he went to told him to run he was by the first ordered not to run ; being informed that if he did run he would be shot. Rich- ardson did as he was told to do ; and though he was told to run, he walked away, and was not injured. The reason why
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he was ordered to run was this : that the guard might think him a deserter, and thereby, in the discharge of their duty, shoot him. Mr. Porter not being apprised of their artifice in telling him to run, got permission in the same way of Rich- ardson. Having liberty to go, he set out upon the run ;- on getting over a wall a short distance off, he was fired upon and received his death wound. His bones now lie in Lexington, with the seven who fell on that morning, while defending their rights as freemen.
The old building now owned by Elias P. Bryant, and oc- cupied by Phineas Green, was formerly owned by Nathan Simonds. When it was built is not at present known. The old building which stood something like 60 rods south from Benjamin Gerry's, was occupied for many years by David Gerry. It was burnt down about 12 years since.
On the top of Farm Hill, at the northwest corner of the land now owned and improved by B. F. Richardson and B. F. Fay, there stood a building many years ago, occupied by a man named Grover Scolley. A rock near that place, is at present called Scolley's rock ; from the fact, it is said; of Scol- ley's being in the habit of going out early in the morning and sitting upon it, whether for the purpose of meditation or to view the surrounding scenery, I cannot tell.
The building which goes by the name of the Old Office, has been standing for a great number of years. How it re- ceived its present name is not known ; but if the receiving and drinking of rum within its walls, in by-gone days, could give it this title, it has surely, with great propriety, been con- ferred upon it. The house in which Capt. David Hay kept tavern for many years, and also his successor, David H. Burnham, is one of the oldest buildings in town. Capt. Hay for many years had a negro servant named Daniel Kingstone. When slavery was abolished in this State, Kingstone was set at liberty, with the rest ; but unlike some of his southern brethren, who take their liberty without permission, he chose to spend the remnant of his days with his old master. The house now occupied by John Wheeler, . and owned by Dea. Reuben Richardson, was built about the year 1776, by Mr. Thomas Fosdick, of Charlestown. The house occupied by the widow of the late Capt. Jonathan Hay, was built in the year 1725. The bricks used in building this house were
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drawn over the eastern ridge of Farm Hill, as a road led that way previous to the building of the turnpike which was about 38 years"since. In the house before spoken of the old Scotch- man Hay, breathed his last. The building he lived in pre- vious to this stood a few rods to the south. He died in 174S, being in the 91st year of his age.
During his life time he is said to have married no less than five wives. At the last marriage ceremony, (which took place after he was seventy years old) he is said to have displayed his youthful buoyancy, by dancing on the occasion. About a quarter of a mile east from the house of Widow Hay, on the road leading to South Reading, a house once stood, occupied by a man named Damon, who was a blacksmith, and shovel maker by trade. The house occupied by Walter Blaisdell, (known as the Hay Place,) has been built about 33 years. The building owned by the town, and used as an almshouse, has been standing for a great number of years; it was for- merly owned by Mr. John Cutler. Mrs. Cutler, who outlived her husband by several years, bequeathed to the church the sum of $100, the interest only to be spent annually for the benefit of the needy members of the Church. The house of John Jenkins, is an ancient building and probably has stood for more than a hundred years.
The house of the late Daniel Gould, Esq. has been built for many years ; though from its external appearance, having been many times repaired one would suppose that it was not of long standing. An old building formerly stood where the house of Capt. Buck now stands, known as the Bryant Place. Mr. William Bryant states that for three or four generations, back from his father, one or more of the family were black- smiths and shovel makers by trade.
Two Scotchmen formerly lived in that section of the town, named Dunton, and Ingerson. Dunton was a trumpeter. and belonged to the troop company then in this vicinity. He is said to have adopted the practice on certain occasions, (when the Indians were committing their depredations in the neigh- borhood) of putting his trumpet out at one of the windows of his house and playing, in order to alarm them. A house stood, during the first year of the settlement of the town, on the spot where the house of the late Daniel Gould, Esq. now stands. In this house one of his ancestors lived by the same
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name, Daniel Gould. He held the office of cornet in the troop company, amounting to about the same as that of ensign in a militia company. On a certain morning, wishing to call the members of the company together, for the purpose of going to capture and destroy some Indians, if possible, he discharged the contents of a pistol into the upper part of his house, a wad it is supposed set the building on fire and reduced it to ashes. Several individuals at that period lived in the north- east section of the town denominated squatters. This name has particular reference to those individuals who in the early history of this country were in the habit of clearing up a small patch of ground where it should convene them. Some- times they would remain, purchase the land, and also buy several acres adjoining. But they were generally under the necessity of soon leaving their temporary abodes. In a south- erly direction from the house of Israel Newell, there was formerly a tan yard, some remains of which may be seen at the present day. The house of Daniel Green, is one of the oldest buildings in town. This was formerly called the Souther place.
I find a record made by Rev. James Osgood, first minister of this town, of a church meeting being held at the house of Mr. Souther, Nov. 2d, 1731. The house now owned by the Misses Newhall, was occupied by Rev. Mr. Osgood ; when it was built I am unable to say. An ancient building for- merly stood a few rods east from the house of Wm. A. Rowe, and was taken down by him in the year 1812. Still farther to the east, he states, a building once stood. This part of the town was settled at an early period. Mr. Rowe states that he found but a few years since, a living spring of water ---- with a tub in it; none of the inhabitants knew any thing with regard to it. The tub was about four fect from the sur- face of the ground, and was found in ground previously sup- posed to be destitute of springs.
An ancient building also stood where the house of Reuben Locke now stands, which was taken down about the year 1820. This house and that of Mr. Jenkins were both built in one year. About fifty rods north from Mr. Locke's a house formerly stood, on what is now called Spring Hill. The name of the man who lived there, is said to have been Kibby. An excellent spring of water on the north side of the hill is
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called Kibby spring. The house of the late Capt. Daniel Green was built about sixty years since. An ancient building is said to have stood a few rods farther to the east, in which Elder Daniel Green lived the last part of his life time. He was elected Elder of the Church about the time of the settle- ment of the Rev. Mr. Carnes, which took place in the year 1746. Elder Green formerly lived in a building which stood a short distance southwest from the house of Joseph Vinton. This building or one standing not far from it, was called the Wilson House, and was afterwards moved and placed upon a cellar a few rods south or southeast from the house of E. H. Stevens ; it was taken down by Major Jesse Green something like 30 years since. The house of Joseph Vinton has been built about 56 years. The building formerly standing on this spot was destroyed by fire. The house of Doct. Levi Gould has been built for several years. The building first occupied by the Vintons, stood nearthis. The house of John and William Green has been built about forty years. Previous to the building of this, an ancient building stood about 30 rods to the northwest, used as a garrison, at the time of the conquest be- tween the first settlers and the Indians. The house occupied by the widow of the late Jonathan Green is supposed to have been built about the year 1700. Jonathan Green, who lived in this house was one of the first settlers. When he first moved into this house he used the cast part of it for a stable. This man, woman, child and horse, all lodged under the same roof. Green was also a member of the troop company; and often went to Groton and vicinity, as that was a great place for the destruction of the Indians by the carly settlers. The house now occupied by Widow Johnson has stood for a great number of years. Also the house occupied by Mr. Holt. This was formerly owned by Mr. Thomas Green, previous to that by a Mr. Knight. In this house a negro named Cato died many years ago. Cato was the son of Simon a negro servant of Dea. Green. I am told that for some years before his death, he lived during the summer season in the first school- house ever built in town, which stood something like 15 rods southeast from Jacob Gould's. The house of Nathaniel Stevens was built many years since by a man named John Wright, of Charlestown. A short distance northeast from the house of said Gould a building formerly stood owned by
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