USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > West Boylston > Historical memorandum and genealogical register of the town of West Boylston, Massachusetts, from its early settlement to 1858; together with miscellaneous items and incidents > Part 1
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4825
Thomas M. Keyed.
West Boylston, 1861, C
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HISTORICAL MEMORANDUM
AND
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER
OF THE
TOWN OF WEST BOYLSTON,
MASSACHUSETTS,
FROM ITS EARLY SETTLEMENT TO 1858;
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TOGETHER WITH MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS AND INCIDENTS.
BY BENJAMIN F. KEYES.
WORCESTER : PRINTED AT THE SPY PRINTING HOUSE, 212 MAIN STREET. 1861.
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PREFACE.
The following brief Historical Memorandum and Gen- ealogical Register is intended to extend no further onward than 1858, or fifty years from the organization of the town of West Boylston, and 138 years from the time of the earliest settlement in the town.
The design of this Memorandum and Register is to bring to view the circumstances which led to the origin aud formation of the town, also to bring to the notice of present and succeeding generations those who first settled on these hills and in these valleys, thereby opening the way for further advancement and future prosperity. It is designed likewise to perpetuate the memory and recollec- tion of those, who, by their untiring and persevering ef- forts, amid opposition and resistance, eventually succeeded in establishing and organizing the town.
The few biographical notes in the genealogical sketch are designed merely as a deserved tribute to those who are thus noticed.
The miscellaneous items recorded may be thought of little consequence by some, while others may feel a deep interest in the incidents and occurrences related. It may be interesting to the inhabitants of West Boylston fifty years hence, who may in 1908 celebrate the centennial anniversary of the town, to know who were their prede- cessors, from whence they came, together with the particu- lar locality where they resided, and also, who may at that time be known as the lineal descendants of the early set- tlers. Many wish to know something of those who pre- ceded them in life, while others have a curiosity to trace
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back their lineage to the early settlement of the country, feeling a sympathy and respect for their progenitors, al- though they may long since have finished their earthly course. It seems necessary therefore that some notice or record of individuals, families and passing events, should be preserved and transmitted from one generation to anoth- er for the use and benefit of the living. There is pleas- ure and satisfaction in recognising our ancestors, and it would seem that fraternal feeling and filial gratitude alike demand a remembrance of our friends and relatives who have passed away from the world, and we should ever man- ifest a due respect and veneration for their memory and departed worth.
The Memorandum and Register was designed and writ- ten in 1858, while its publication has been delayed from an apprehension that it might not be useful or acceptable. But after further consideration it has been determined to give it publicity, trusting that whoever may chance to read it will pass lightly over its defects and incomplete- ness. B. F. K.
WEST BOYLSTON, March, 1861.
HISTORICAL MEMORANDUM
OF WEST BOYLSTON.
The town of West Boylston is situated 7 miles from the city of Worcester, and bounded on the east by Boyl- ston, on the north by Sterling, on the west by Holden, on the south by Worcester and Shrewsbury ; being about five miles in length from north to south, and about three and a half miles in width from east to west.
The natural position and scenery of the town is multi- form and somewhat romantic in appearance, diversified with hills and valleys, and in all directions interspersed with springs and streams of water suited to the wants and convenience of the inhabitants. The soil is generally fer- tile and productive, and when skilfully managed and properly cultivated, amply repays the enterprise and labor of the industrious husbandman.
The early settlers of West Boylston were a hardy, vig- orous race, social and benevolent in their feelings and habits, kind and generous to each other, hospitable to strangers, always making them welcome to such accom- modations and entertainment as their rude dwellings would afford. They were strongly attached to the princi- ples and customs of the pilgrim fathers, carefully observ- ing and sustaining the institutions of religion and learn- ing, habitually and conscientiously attending public wor- ship on the Sabbath, and having their children sufficiently educated to enable them to perform the common duties of social life. Their children also, like themselves, were carefully taught to cherish the principles and adhere to the customs so cautiously preserved and maintained by their progenitors, although later generations seem to have degenerated and departed to some extent from the
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course of their ancestors, and apparently lost that venera- tion and regard for their instruction and example which filial respect and a fond recollection might justly require from their successors and lineal descendants.
Jacob Hinds, Joseph Wooley, Ebenezer Frizzol, Benja- min Bigelow, Jonathan Fairbank, Aaron Newton, Ezekiel Newton, Edward Goodale, Stephen Belknap, William Whitney, Phineas Bennett, Jonathan French, Jonathan Lovell, and Josiah Wilder were probably the earliest set- tlers in this town. They came from the older towns be low and made an opening here. Others soon followed, thereby gradually increasing their numbers, thus cherish- ing the hopes and encouraging the prospects of the new settlers. The settlement of the town was probably com- menced in 1720, or soon after that time.
Tradition says that formerly the Indians were numerous in and about this town, having their wigwams and corn- patches on the interval and near the river, occupying the adjacent hills and plains as hunting ground, there being plenty of deer, turkeys, and other wild game, suited to their wants and necessities. Nearly all the natives had left this region previous to the settlement of the whites, in this immediate locality and adjacent vicinity. Although the early settlers built a garrison or block-house to which they could repair for the night as a place of security when danger was apprehended, yet they were never assaulted by the Indians, nor is it known that any attack or molesta- tion of the new settlers was ever contemplated by them.
The block-house was erected in the southerly part of the town near Stony Brook, and about 80 rods distant from the dwelling-house of E, F. Brigham. Specimens of antique relics of the aborigines have frequently been discovered and picked up, such as arrows, stone chisels, gouges, etc., clearly manifesting the native genius of these sons of the forest.
'The circumstances which ultimately led to the origin and formation of this town, were substantially as follows : The inhabitants of Boylston having determined to build a new meeting-house, the necessity and expediency of which was generally conceded, a difficulty arose in regard to its
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location, the majority choosing to erect it near the old house, while the minority, mostly from the west part of the town, strenuously insisted that it should be erected half a mile northwest of the old house. The majority resolutely persisted in their choice and determination, relative to the location of the new house, while the minority were equal- ly decided and unyielding in regard to their choice and pre- ference. It having become apparent that no compromise or mutual adjustment of the difficulty could be effected, the minority seceded, and being joined by several inhabitants from the adjoining towns of Sterling and Holden, formed themselves into a a society and proceeded to build a meet - ing-house for their accommodation and convenience, locat- ing it in the westerly part of Boylston, about three miles distant from the locality where the majority portion of the inhabitants erected their new meeting-house. Had there been at the commencement and during the progress of this controversy, more calm, deliberate consideration of the subject, and more pacific conciliatory feelings manifested, the disruption and division of the town might have been avoided and harmony preserved.
The new society having completed their place of wor- ship, it was solemnly dedicated by appropriate religious services, January 1, 1795. After the dedication of the meeting-house, a petition for an act of incorporation as a town was sent to the General Court, signed by ninety in- habitants of the towns of Boylston, Sterling and Holden. The petition had a hearing in 1796, but being strenuously opposed by the representatives from each of the towns where the petitioners resided. they only obtained leave to withdraw their petition, when they immediately sent anoth- er petition, asking to be incorporated as the second precinct of Boylston, Sterling, and Holden. This petition was also earnestly opposed, but in June, 1796, an act was passed in accordance with the prayer of the petitioners, and soon after a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the precinct was called, when an organization was effected by the choice of precinct officers, etc., as was provided for by the act of incorporation. In less than twelve years after the legal organization of this precinct or parish, it became a town by an act of the General Court, agreeably to a pe-
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tition of its inhabitants, taking the name of West Boyl- ston. The incorporating act is dated January 30, 1808. The largest part of this town was taken from Boylston, the other portions thereof from the towns of Sterling and Holden. That which was taken from Boylston, originally belonged to Shrewsbury, that from Sterling once belonged to Lancaster, that from Holden was formerly included in the township of Worcester.
At the time of the incorporation of West Boylston, it contained 98 dwelling-houses, and about the same number of families, with a little less than 600 inhabitants. The number of legal voters in the town at the first election of State officers, which occurred on the first Monday in April, 1808, was 105. The number of ratable polls was less than 160 but exceeded 150, which was the number then required to entitle the town to a representative to the Legislature. The whole number of votes cast at the first election held in this town in April, 1808, for governor, was 85, of which 66 were for Christopher Gore, 18 for James Sullivan, and 1 for Levi Lincoln. At the first election held in this town for the choice of a representa- tire to the General Court, on the first Monday in May, 1808, Ezra Beaman, Esq. was chosen without opposition. He was afterwards annually elected until his decease, hav- ing been chosen four successive times by his fellow towns- men to that responsible station.
In 1808, this town contained 60 farmers, some 10 or 12 mechanics, 1 clergyman, no physician, several laborers of various occupations, and but 1 person of foreign birth. There was 1 cotton mill, 2 grist mills, 2 saw mills, 1 clothier's mill, 1. tannery, 4 blacksmith shops, 1 cabinet maker's shop, and 2 book binderies. There were also 3 merchants occupying as many stores, and 1 tavern, hav- ing been kept by Major Beaman for more than half a century.
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Of the 105 legal voters at the April election for State officers in this town in 1808, 94 have since deceased, and 11 yet survive ; of those who have deceased, 79 have died in this town, and 15 elsewhere ; of those who yet survive, 5 reside in this town, and 6 elsewhere. Of the 105 vot- ers, 97 were at the head of families, while 8 were either
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connected and associated with families, or in the employ of some of the inhabitants.
The following are the names of the legal voters at the first elections for town and State officers, held in West Boylston, in March and April, 1808 :
Ezra Beaman, Jabez Beaman, Ezra Beaman, Jr., Silas Beaman, Abel Bigelow, Levi Bigelow, Stephen Bigelow, Dennis Bigelow, Stephen Brigham, Edmund Brigham, Jo- siah P. Brown, Zachariah Child, Amos Child, Barnabas Davis, Elias Davis, Reuben Dinsmore, Silas Dinsmore, Joseph Dwelley, William Eames, Levi Eames, William Eames, Jr., Samuel Estabrook, Jabez Fairbank, Lemuel Fairbank, Seth Fairbank, William Fairbank, Alpheus Fairbank, Jabez Fairbank, Jr., Davis Fairbank, Barak B. Fairbank, Amos Fairbank, John Fisher, Oliver Gale, Ol- iver Glazier, Jason Glazier, Moses Goodale, Aaron Good- ale, Paul Goodale, Peter Goodale, Aaron Goodale, Jr., Abel Goodale, Levi Goodale, Jason Goodale, Elijah Good- enow, Ephraim Hadly, David Harthan, Jacob Hinds, Jo- seph Hinds, Abel Holt, Abiel Holt, James Holt, Jonas Holt, Alvan Howe, Hiram Howe, Timothy Johnson, Reu- ben Keyes, Thomas Keyes, Jr., Levi Kilburn, Asa Lovell, Amos Lovell, Amos Lovell, Jr., Samuel Mason, Daniel Mason, Ezra May, Calvin Maynard, Asaph Merrifield, Louis Merrifield, Israel Moore, Joel Moore, Asa Moore, Joseph Morse, Sylvanus Morse, Artemas Murdock, Joshua Murdock, William Nash, Silas Newton, Ebenezer Painc, Moses Perry, Joseph Perry, Oliver Peirce, Levi Peirce, Hollis Peirce, James Peirce, Jacob Peirce, Jonathan Plimp- ton, Jonathan Plimpton, Jr., Brigham Prescott, John Prescott, John Reed, Thaddeus Shattuck, Walter Shat- tuck, Isaac Smith, John Smith, Simon Stone, John Temple, Isaac Temple, William Thomas, Robert B. Thomas, Aaron Thomas, Peter White, Joseph Whittaker, Reuben Wilder, Ebenezer Willington, John Winn, William Winn.
At the time of the incorporation and organization of this town in 1808, there were nine persons who were each at the head of families but were not legal voters in conse- quence of their not possessing the specific qualifications required by the State Constitution to entitle them to the
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elective franchise. The names of these persons were Abiel Boynton, Benjamin Carroll, John Dinsmore, Simeon Farr, Thomas Hatherly, Benjamin Keyes, Jeremiah Morse, Daniel Prouty, and Nathan Wilder. Of these, seven died in this town and two in distant parts of the country.
At the first town election in West Boylston, held on the first Monday in March, 1808, the following town offic- ers were chosen, viz : Silas Beaman, Moderator ; Robert B. Thomas, Town Clerk; Ezra Beaman, Jonathan Plimp- ton, William Fairbank, Silas Beaman, and Amos Lovell, Selectmen ; Robert B. Thomas, Silas Newton, and Moses Perry, Assessors ; Ezra Beaman, Esq., Treasurer; Silas Beaman, Constable.
GENEALOGICAL SKETCH
Of those individuals who were householders and legal vot- ers in West Boylston, in 1808, the time of the organ- ization of the town, and others who were resid- ents and also legal voters but had no respon- sible connection with any of the fami- lies of the town.
ABREVIATIONS .- Ch. for children, dau. daughter, s. son, m. married, b. born, d. died.
BEAMAN, EZRA, Esq., more generally known as Major Beaman, was the eldest son of Jabez Beaman, was born in Bolton, October, 1736. Jabez Beaman having purchased a large tract of land in this town, then belonging to Shrewsbury, situated on each side of the Nashua River, removed here with his family in 1746.
At the death of Jabez Beaman, which occurred in 1757, Ezra, his eldest son became proprietor of the homestead, where he ever afterwards resided until his decease, which took place June 4, 1811, in the 75th year of his age. In 1758, he m. Tersis, dau. of Dea. Cyprian Keyes, of Boyl- ston, with whom he lived about 30 years ; she d. in 1788, aged 49 years. Their ch. were Jabez, Ezra, Levinah, Persis, Betsey, and Eunice. He was again m. to Mary
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Boylston of Charlestown, who survived him and d. June 6, 1813, aged 62 years.
Major Beaman was endowed by nature with a strong mind, possessing a remarkable spirit of enterprise, togeth- er with great energy and resolution, which enabled him to devise and execute various schemes and plans, not only for his own emolument and prosperity, but also for the inter- est and advantage of the community around him. His de- signs seldom failed to result auspiciously and in accord- ance with his desires and anticipations. Major Beaman possessed and held a large amount of real and personal estate, thereby constituting him the wealthiest man who has ever been an inhabitant of this town. Although it may in truth be said that West Boylston eventually be- came a town almost wholly in consequence of his great exertions and untiring efforts, and that he laid the founda- tion for its future growth and prosperity, and, although he did more to promote the general interest thereof, than all others associated with him, yet very little, if anything, of ad- equate importance has been done, (aside from a common tombstone erected at his grave,) either by individual citi- zens or the town as a testimony of his extensive usefulness and great worth as a citizen and public benefactor, or for the perpetuation of his memory as one of the most distinguish- ed and influential inhabitants of the town and community in which he resided. At his decease his remains were in- terred in the family burying ground, devoted to that use more than fifty years previous, by his father, Jabez Bea- man, whose remains were also deposited there. This con- secrated spot is situated half a mile east of the old Bea- man mansion, near the public road leading to Boylston, and is enclosed by a stone wall built in a neat and sub- stantial manner. Major Beaman was not only an active, leading man in the immediate vicinity where he resided, but sustained a prominency and wielded an extensive and controling influence in the community at large. When- ever a project of a public nature having the benefit of the community as its object was originated and brought up for consideration, he was at once consulted as to its impor- tance and practicability, when his judgment and expressed opinion generally had the effect to cause the adoption and
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consumation of the scheme, or its rejection and final aban- donment, thus clearly demonstrating and unmistakably manifesting the high estimation in which he was held by the leading and prominent portion of his fellow citizens, on account of his sound judgment and practical wisdom. It is a fact, that in justice to him ought to be recorded, that several of the public roads in this vicinity were pro- jected by him, and although encountering severe and de- termined opposition, yet through his unyielding and per- severing efforts they were eventually established, and became highly useful and beneficial.
Major Beaman was a patriot, a firm and ardent friend of his country, being one of the active and unflinching spirits of the American revolution. He early took a de- cided stand against tyranny and oppression, taking up arms in favor of the rights of his country, himself march- ing to the battle field to resist the encroachments of the enemy. He was with the American army at Cambridge in 1775, and performed a conspicuous part during that memorable period. He was ever ready to render aid and assistance in any emergency, not only by his influence, but when circumstances required, he promptly devoted his time, his property, and his personal exertions, for the pur- pose of sustaining and pushing forward the severe and arduous struggle for American Independence then in prog- ress. Thus it would seem that he was one with many others who had virtually pledged their lives, their proper- ty. and their sacred honors in favor of obtaining and se- curing liberty, justice, and equal rights to themselves and their posterity. He was a member of the Congregational Church in West Boylston, and contributed liberally for the support of the ordinances of religion.
BEAMAN, JABEZ, eldest s. of Ezra Beaman, Esq., b. in 1764, and d. in 1812, being 47 years of age. He m. Mary, dau. of Jonathan Bond of Boylston, who d. soon after their marriage. . He resided on the homestead dur- ing the whole period of his life, assisting his father in the various departments of business, connected with his ex- tensive farming operations, etc.
BEAMAN, EZRA, JR., youngest s. of Ezra Beaman, Esq., was b. December 27, 1770. After the decease of his fa-
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ther which occurred in 1811, he became the proprietor of the homestead, and still continues to be the owner and occupant thereof, being now 87 years of age. It is a re- markable incident and of rare occurrence, that this ancient establishment, has now been held and occupied by father and son, each bearing the same name, during a period of more than 100 years. Mr. Beaman is the proprietor and holder of a large amount of real estate, being so located and its soil and scenery being such, as to render it ex- tremely valuable. He has ever cherished a filial respect for his honored father, and yet speaks of him with that deference and regard which true greatness and other valu- able traits of character he possessed, justly deserve from his immediate descendants and others who were conver -. sant with him. This ancient and time honored establisli- ment still presents in many respects the same general ap- pearance as when Major Beaman left it, nearly 50 years ago.
BEAMAN, SILAS, Esq., s. of Ephraim and grandson of Jabez Beaman, was b. in 1765 and d. in 1811, being 46 years of age. He m. Persis, dau. of Rev. Asaph Rice of Westminster, and resided with his parents. At the de- cease of his father which occurred in 1805, he became the legal proprietor of the homestead, continuing his residence thereon until his own decease. His wife survived him, and d. in 1815, aged 46 years.
Mr. Beaman was a large athletic man, more than 6 feet in height, and when in the vigor and maturity of life, weighed more than 300 pounds. He had the advantage of a good education together with superior native talents which qualified him to act in the various departments of life advantageously to himself and beneficially to the com- munity. . He was distinguished and highly esteemed as a school teacher, being eminently qualified therefor. So far as literary attainments were necessary he was well fitted for that department, possessing a thorough knowledge of the rudiments of education. He also possessed the very important faculty of governing a school without resorting to harsh or severe measures, his word or command al- ways had a controlling influence, causing immediate sub- mission to his wishes and requirements. He commenced
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school teaching when 16 years of age, and was thus em- ployed during the winter seasons for twenty-five years, always succeeding to the general satisfaction of his schol- ars and employers. Mr. Beaman's residence was three- fourths of a mile east of Major Beaman's place, on the road to Boylston. It is now the residence of Charles H. Baldwin.
BIGELOW, ABEL, s. of Dea. Amariah Bigelow, b. in 1755, and married Martha, dau. of Capt. Joseph Bigelow, in 1778. 'They had seven ch., six of them living to ma- ture age. He d. in 1821, being 66 years of age. His wife survived him, and died in 1848, at the age of 95 years. Mr. Bigelow was a farmer, and for many years managed an extensive farm with profit and success. His residence was situated half a mile south of the Common between the roads leading to Worcester and Boylston.
BIGELOW, LEVI, s. of Dea. Amariah Bigelow, b. in 1765, and d. in 1833, being 68 years of age. After he had passed the period of his minority, in consequence of a severe sickness, he was frequently subjected to a state of mental derangement, thereby causing much trouble to his friends and the community. During the latter portion of his life he resided with John Temple of this town, as a constant and faithful laborer, and having become free from paroxisms of mental aberation, he finished out his life a quiet and useful citizen.
BIGELOW, STEPHEN, only s. of Capt. Joseph Bigelow, b. in 1760, and d. in 1×39, being 79 years of age. He in. Rachel, dau. of William Pike of Framingham, who survived him, and d. in 1855, being 87 years of age. They had 6 ch. who all lived to mature age. He was a farmer, resided half a mile west of the Common, on the road leading from the West Boylston Railroad Station, to the south end of Malden Hill. His only son, Joseph Big- elow, now resides on the same premises, being the legal proprietor thereof.
BIGELOW, DENNIS, eldest s. of Abel Bigelow, b. in 1779, and d. in 1851, aged 72 years. He m. Cynthia Fletcher from Lancaster, who is yet living. After the de- cease of his father, he resided with his mother, occupying that portion of the homestead which she received as a
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dowry, together with what he received as his share of his father's estate. He had two ch. who survived him.
BRIGHAM, STEPHEN, was born in 1740, or near that time, and d. in 1812. He was m. early in life, had sev- eral ch., and resided two miles south of the Common in this town. He was the proprietor and occupant of a large farm, and although not one of the wealthiest citizens, yet independent and free from pecuniary embarrassment. He came from Westboro' in the early part of his life and set- tled in this town, where he resided until his death.
BRIGHAM, EDMUND, S. of Stephen Brigham, b. in 1769, and d. in 1841, being 71 years of age. He m. Mary, dau. of Nathaniel Brooks of Worcester, and had several ch. She d. in the meridian of life. He afterward m. the wid- ow of Jonathan Plimpton, Jr., who survived him and d. in 1857. Mr. Brigham settled on the homestead with his father at whose decease he became the legal proprietor of the premises and continued the occupancy thereof for sev- eral years, when he sold out and relinquished the business of farming, in which he had been engaged from his earli- est years.
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