USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Hardwick > History of Hardwick, Massachusetts, with a genealogical register > Part 1
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Gc 974.402 H22p 1136990
M. L.
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
(o.) 3 1833 01068 4196
27
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofhardwic00paig_0
Lucius R. Paige
HISTORY
OF
HARDWICK.
MASSACHUSETTS.
WITH A
FORT WAYS
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.
BY COUNTY, AND.
LUCIUS R. PAIGE.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOSTON: HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY. New York : 11 East Seventeenth Street. The Riverside Dress, Cambridge. 1883.
COPYRIGHT, 1883, BY LUCIUS R. PAIGE.
The Riverside Press, Cambridge : Printed by H. O. Houghton and Company.
1136990
To
THE MEMBERS OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY, AND OF THE
NEW ENGLAND HISTORIC GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY, This Walume
IS DEDICATED BY ITS AUTHOR,
THEIR ASSOCIATE.
PREFACE.
FROM an early period I have been deeply interested in the history of Hardwick, and in the genealogy of its inhabitants ; - the more deeply, doubtless, because my own ancestors were among the early pioneers, were actively engaged in the manage- ment of public affairs and by numerous intermarriages were connected with so many of its families. Although I have been a non-resident and comparative stranger for more than fifty-six years, my attachment to my native town has never grown cold ; but its rocks and hills are still viewed with almost childish de- light, whenever I visit them, and many of my old friends, though personally departed, are represented by worthy descendants, who are beloved for the fathers' sake. As I had opportunity, from time to time, I have gathered and preserved historical materials, intending to embody them in a permanent form. Other and imperative engagements intervened, and prevented the execution of my purpose until now : so that what I originally designed to be my first literary labor, of any considerable magnitude, has become absolutely the last ; for at the age of eighty-one years it is altogether too late to commence another task requiring much time for its completion.
The materials embraced in this history were gathered from various sources ; among the most important of which were the Records of the Proprietors, of the Church, and of the Town, of Hardwick, including the Registry of Births and Deaths by the Town Clerk, and of Baptisms from the beginning, and of Deaths since 1789, recorded by the several Pastors of the Church, and supplemented by inscriptions on monuments and head-stones in the several cemeteries. Besides these, I consulted such printed
vi
PREFACE.
authorities as were within my reach, including files of newspapers ; the manuscript records of the General Court ; the vast collection of original papers in the Archives of Massachusetts ; the Court Records, and Registries of Probate and of Deeds in several coun- ties, - not only in Worcester, but in Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable, - and the records of many towns in those counties, from which came so many of the early inhabitants of Hardwick ; and also the records of Bennington and Barnard in Vermont, which towns were originally settled by emigrants from Hard- wick. Besides all this, I have thoroughly explored more ancient burial-places, both in Massachusetts and Vermont, than I can easily enumerate. Notwithstanding the expenditure of so much time and labor, however, I am conscious of many deficiencies, for which I am not wholly responsible ; they are attributable rather to the neglect of parents to record the birth of their children, and of survivors to record the death, or to erect even the most humble memorial, of the departed.
It will be observed that, both in the History and in the Gene- alogical Register, some family names occur much more frequently than others, notably the names of Allen, Paige, Robinson, Rug- gles, and Warner. The reason is twofold: first, the families bearing these names were among the very earliest in the town, and with the exception of the first named were from the begin- ning to the present time among the most numerous ; and second, for the first hundred years they were more constantly and prom- inently than others engaged in the management of municipal affairs.
It will also be observed that my attention has been devoted chiefly to early events in the history of the town, and that com- paratively few recent occurrences are mentioned. The reason is, that I desired to revive and perpetuate the memory of what might otherwise fade entirely from remembrance and pass into oblivion. The current events of the day are fresh in the minds of the living, and are not liable to be soon forgotten. In like manner, I have mentioned some organizations which formerly existed here, such as the Social Library and the Masonic Lodge, because they are wholly of the past, so far as this town is con-
vii
PREFACE.
cerned, and have left no visible trace behind them (unless the painted device on the ceiling of the Ruggles Hall remains percepti- ble) ; and have omitted special notice of living organizations, such as the Library recently established under the patronage of the Ladies, which is already a treasure, and which gives promise of still greater usefulness ; and of the High School, or a school equivalent to a High School, which is understood to be now in successful operation. I have not even ventured to prophesy the future establishment of a school of the highest grade, and of a Free Public Library, with funds for their perpetual maintenance, - a " consummation," not only "devoutly to be wished," but not impossible of accomplishment. One of the living organiza- tions, however, deserves a conspicuous place in a history of the town, namely, the Grange. But I had no materials for an ac- count in any degree adequate to this institution, representing, as it does, one of the most important branches of industry ; and I considered it more proper to be silent than to speak without knowledge. The Grange is too well known, both at home and in all the region round about, to suffer from this omission of notice.
The "R. Map," or " Ruggles Map," sometimes mentioned in the History, and much more frequently in the Genealogical Register, is a Map of the Town drawn by Gardner Ruggles, Esq., and lithographed, about fifty years ago, indicating the po- sition of the several houses and their distance from the Common.
I gratefully acknowledge the uniform kindness and courtesy of the gentlemen having custody of the records and archives which I have had occasion to consult, and of the Town Clerks and nu- merous individuals of whom I have sought information, not otherwise to be obtained. My special thanks are due to Albert E. Knight, Esq., the veteran Town Clerk of Hardwick, not only for the facilities granted to me, when making personal investi- gations, but for promptly and patiently answering my multitu- dinous inquiries, and performing much labor on my behalf. I also cherish a grateful remembrance of one of his predecessors in office, Dr. Joseph Stone, for his kindness, assistance, and encour- agement, many years ago.
viii
PREFACE.
I should be unpardonable if I did not acknowledge the public spirit and generosity of the Town, which has caused this History to be published, and has placed a portion of the edition at my disposal, notwithstanding my willingness to furnish the manu- script without any compensation whatever. In justice to the Town, I here insert a certified copy of the vote authorizing the publication : -
" At a legal meeting of the inhabitants of Hardwick, Nov. 7, A. D. 1882, on motion of Hon. William Mixter, the following vote was unanimously passed : That the Town cause to be published four hundred copies of the History of Hardwick, written by Lucius R. Paige, D. D., of Cambridge, at an expense not exceed- ing sixteen hundred dollars, and that Mr. Paige retain fifty copies for his own use, for his labor of love in writing the History of his native town, and that the expense of publishing the above History be paid out of any money belonging to the Town. Voted, that the Selectmen be instructed to sell copies of this History, when published, to any who desire them, at four dollars per copy. A copy from the Records. Attest, ALBERT E. KNIGHT, Town Clerk."
A final word in regard to this work. I have spared no reason- able exertion to secure accuracy ; yet the universal experience of authors admonishes me that undoubtedly some errors, perhaps many, have escaped correction, and I bespeak the forbearance of the reader. For the rest, I have not aimed at brilliancy, partly because it was beyond my reach, and partly because I consider it to be unsuited to sober history. If lack of vigor and spright- liness be regarded as a serious fault of style, I may plead in ex- tenuation, as in the Preface to my History of Cambridge, and with additional force, that although many of my materials were gathered long ago, I was obliged by other engagements, literary as well as secular, to postpone their final arrangement for publi- cation until impaired health and the infirmities of age became uncomfortably manifest.
- ---------
CAMBRIDGE, March, 1883.
LUCIUS R. PAIGE.
--
CONTENTS.
INTRODUCTORY.
Location. Boundaries. Soil. Hills. Ponds. Rivers. Brooks. Cli-
PAGE
mate. Longevity of inhabitants
1-3
CHAPTER I.
Indian occupation. Indian fortress. King Philip. Indian hostilities in Plymouth and Bristol Counties. Sanguinary conflict at Winni- misset. Quabaog destroyed. Report by Ephraim Curtis concerning the Nipmucks. Capt. Edward Hutchinson's commission and death. Capt. Thomas Wheeler's narrative. The Indians abandon their stronghold at Winnimisset. Personal encounter between Capt. Elea- zar Warner and a Canada Indian
4-14
CHAPTER II.
Purchases of Indian titles. Indian deed. The Proprietors petition the General Court to confirm their title. The Representatives grant the request, but the Council non-concur. First settlement at the " Elbows." Title partially confirmed. Purchase and settlement of Leicester by the same proprietors. Associates admitted. Claim by Hendrick Kekquoquau. Answer by proprietors 15-28
CHAPTER III.
Names of Proprietors. Executive Committee. Gratuities. Arrange- ment of lots. Settlers to share the expense of surveying, and to aid in erecting a meeting-house and maintaining a minister. Additional grant of land. First settler. Other settlers admitted. Mill lots. Access of inhabitants in 1736. Incorporation as a district. First officers. Rev. Timothy Ruggles. Incorporation as a town. First town officers. Act of incorporation
29-43
CHAPTER IV.
Early arrangement concerning meeting-house, minister, schools, high- ways, and pound. Cattle. Deer. Destructive birds and beasts. Squirrels. Beaver-dam. Land bank bills. Province tax. Cart-way across Great Meadow Brook. Pauper. Inhabitants on the east side
X
CONTENTS.
of Ware River desire to be set off. Excise Bill. Proprietors' meet- ings established at Hardwick. Proprietors' Records. Advent of Brigadier Ruggles. Highways. Lottery. Fair 44-50
CHAPTER V.
Emigration to Bennington, Vt., with personal notices. Emigration to Barnard, Vt., with personal notices. Perils encountered by the pio- neer emigrants) 51-57
CHAPTER VI.
American Revolution. Taxation without representation. Stamp Act. Congress at New York. Brigadier Ruggles, its President, refuses to sign its petitions; his reasons therefor unsatisfactory to the Represen- tatives, who reprimand him, but satisfactory to his townsmen. Riot in Boston. The town refuses, but afterwards consents, that the dan- age may be paid "out of the Province Treasury." Brigadier Rug- gles stands alone in opposition to a bill ostensibly designed to encour- age domestic manufactures, and renders his reasons publicly. The town instructs its Representative in 1773 to stand fast in defence of its chartered rights and privileges. Final departure of Brigadier Ruggles from Hardwick. Form of association, prepared by him. His letter of explanation. He refuses to bear arms against his coun- try, and retires to Nova Scotia. Post of honor assigned to him in an act of banishment. His death, public services, and character. Anecdotes 58-81
CHAPTER VII.
Committee of Correspondence. County convention. Courts of law obstructed. New organization of militia, and officers elected. Min- ute men. Alarm list. Provincial Congress. Constables indemnified. Contribution to Boston sufferers. Tories treated with neglect, dis- armed, confined, and advertised as public enemies. Temporary State Government organized. Few Tories in Hardwick. Sharp controversy with one of the number, settled by appeal to the Gen- eral Court. The conflict succeeded by peace. Anecdote 82-106
CHAPTER VIII.
i
Declaration of Independence recorded by the Town Clerk. Paper money. Heavy taxes. Financial distress. Stay law. Scale of Prices. Abortive attempts to make paper equal with gold. Protest against a proposed bill for refunding the public debt. Scale of De- preciation. The town approves the Articles of Confederation of the United States, and almost unanimously rejects a Form of Constitu- tion proposed by the General Court. Eccentricities of the Town Clerk. Delegates elected to a Constitutional Convention. The pro- posed Constitution accepted, but various important amendments suggested. Subsequent Constitutional Conventions 107-118 -
xi
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX.
The Shays Insurrection. Public and private debts excessive. Debtors become desperate, and forcibly resist payment. Demagogues stimu- late the popular discontent, which results in open rebellion. The town proposes a Convention at Worcester in 1782, and elects dele- gates. Conventions in 1786. Grievances. General Warner dis- charges one of his aids, on suspicion of disloyalty ; he promptly re- sponds to the Governor's order for the protection of the Courts at Worcester, but is unable to rally a sufficient force. The Courts pre- vented from sitting at Worcester and at Springfield in September, and again in December. Troops raised by enlistment. Hardwick Company. Attack on the Arsenal at Springfield. Defeat of Shays; he is pursued by Lincoln, in a terrible night's march, from Hadley to Petersham, where the Insurgents are utterly routed. Oath of al- legiance taken by many Hardwick men. Some of the more active partisans abscond. One of the most prominent is arrested, convicted of treason, and sentenced to be hung, but fully pardoned, and re- ceives tokens of public approbation. Other pardons. The Shays cause popular, having a majority in Hardwick and generally through- out the western counties; even in the House of Representatives a majority favor it. Its advocates afterwards become good citizens,
119-142 but never friendly to a strong government
CHAPTER X.
Boundaries. Additions and diminutions of territory. Incorporation of New Braintree and of Dana. Annexation of the Gore, now included in Gilbertville. Four bridges across Ware River. Roads hilly, and difficult of construction. Sixth Massachusetts Turnpike. Ware River Railroad. Massachusetts Central Railroad. Pounds. Pau- pers. Town farm. Proposal to maintain State paupers. Slavery. Town House. Bell. Burial-places. Epitaphs 143-172
CHAPTER XI.
Meeting-house and ministry. Mr. Ephraim Keith. Church organized. Rev. David White ordained. First meeting-house. Sharp contro- versy concerning the location of the second meeting-house. Unwil- lingness to contract debts. People seated anew in the meeting- house. Deacon Paige absents himself from the communion, and is censured. Ecclesiastical council. Deacon Paige resigns office, and unites with the church in Petersham. Deacon Robinson resigns office and becomes a deacon in the Separate Church. Changes in the manner of singing, and also in the versions of the Psalms sung. Deacon Allen absents himself from the communion, alleging a lack of discipline in the church, but is afterwards pacified and returns to his official duty. Third meeting-house a magnificent structure. Abortive attempt to settle a colleague pastor. Death and character of Rev. David White and of his wife. Deacon Allen elected mod- erator of the church. Attempts to settle a pastor. Rev. Thomas Holt ordained. Confession of Faith and Covenant. Rev. Mr. Holt
xii
CONTENTS.
appeals in vain for an increase of salary; his dismission and subse- quent labors. Pastorate of Rev. William B. Wesson. Division of the original parish. The Congregational Society settle Rev. John M. Merrick and Rev. John Goldsbury; afterwards unite with the Universalist Society. New meeting-house. Pastors. The Calvin- istic Society settle Rev. Martyn Tupper. Confession of faith.
Meeting-houses. Pastors. Deacons
173-220
CHAPTER XII.
Separate Church. Reasons for separation. Early separatists. Cove- nant. List of members. Removal to Bennington. The original separate church in Hardwick becomes the First Congregational Church in Vermont. Baptist Society. Early members. Corpora- tors. Meeting-houses. Pastors. Deacons. Universalist Society. Petition for incorporation. Corporators. Pastors. Deacons. Amal- gamation with the Congregational Society. Methodist Society. Meeting-house. Trinitarian Congregational Church. Munificent Benefactors. Pastors. Deacons. Meeting-house. Catholic Church. Meeting-house. Priest 221-237
CHAPTER XIII.
Graduates. Clergymen. Lawyers. Physicians. Poets. Poetry.
Schools. Early teachers. Appropriations. School-houses. High School. Social Library. Early Proprietors. Catalogue of books. Mount Zion Lodge. Original members. Removal to Barre. Mas- ters. Post Offices and Postmasters. Post-riders and mail carriers. Centennial Celebration 238-262
CHAPTER XIV.
French War. Brigadier Ruggles. Muster Rolls. Revolutionary War. Minute Men. Major General Warner. Lieutenant Colonels Rice and Sears. Muster Rolls. Descriptive Rolls. Petition of Shearjashub Goodspeed. War of 1812. Abortive attempt to enlist volunteers. Political celebration of independence. Oration. Toasts. War of the Rebellion. Hardwick soldiers. Officers of Militia . 263-293
CHAPTER XV.
Population. Tax in 1776. Valuation. Manufactures and agricultural products. George H. Gilbert Manufacturing Company. Furnaces. Forge. Paper Mills . 294-311
CHAPTER XVI.
Councillors. Senators. Representatives. Delegates to Congresses and Conventions. Justices of the Court of Common Pleas. Justices of - the Peace. Moderators. Selectmen. Assessors. Town Clerks. Town Treasurers 312-319 --
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER 321
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HISTORY OF HARDWICK.
-
INTRODUCTORY.
Location. - Boundaries. - Soil. - Hills. - Ponds. - Rivers. - Brooks. - Climate. -- Longevity of Inhabitants.
THE town of HARDWICK is situated very near the territorial centre of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the western border of Worcester County, and midway between the States of New Hampshire and Connecticut. It is bounded on the south by Ware; on the west by Ware, Enfield, and Greenwich ; on the northwest by Dana; on the northeast by Barre; and on the southeast by New Braintree, from which it is separated by Ware River, except at the southerly end of the line. Like many other towns, its boundaries have several times been changed, and its territory enlarged or diminished, as will hereafter be described. It now contains about 21,000 acres, of which, with the exception of a few ponds and a somewhat plentiful supply of rocks, almost every inch is improved or improvable.
The description given by Whitney in 1793 is substantially cor- rect at the present time : "The town is of a good form and shape, being nearly square. The face of the town is rather rough, hilly, and uneven, although there are no very great and remarka- ble hills.1 The soil is in general deep, loamy, and very fertile.
1 There is one high hill at the south the east, Monadnock on the north, and on end of the town, called McDougal on the the west the mountains beyond Connecti- cut River. In the early part of the cen- tury this was a favorite resort. On the very pinnacle a tower was erected, about twenty feet in height (whose stone foun- dation still remains in place), on which a choice company of young men and maid- ens were accustomed to assemble on sum- mer afternoons and moonlight evenings, and make the air resound with music, map, but generally known as Bugle Hill, which affords excellent pasturage. About three quarters of a mile north of the Com- mon is Poverty Hill, so called, perhaps, on account of its unproductiveness. From the summit of this hill, though not greatly elevated above the surrounding highlands, a very extensive and magnificent land- scape is visible, embracing Wachusett on
1
2
HISTORY OF HARDWICK.
The lands produce all kinds of grain in sufficient plenty for the inhabitants ; but they are best adapted to grass and pasturage. Here vast quantities of butter and cheese are made, and most ex- cellent beef fatted for the market. All kinds of fruit-trees flour- ish here." 1
With the exception of the manufacturing village at Gilbert- ville, Hardwick remains an almost exclusively agricultural town. A less quantity of grain, however, is raised now than formerly, and more attention is devoted to the production of hay, milk, but- ter, and cheese. The more general use of horses instead of oxen for farm-labor has also somewhat diminished the quantity of " beef fatted for the market."
The township is well watered. Near the southwest corner is Muddy Pond (through which Muddy Brook passes), formerly, and perhaps now famous for its abundance of fish ; and on the . northwest border, but now wholly included in Dana, was the even more productive Pottapaug Pond, fed and drained by Swift River. Though the pond is now severed from the town, Swift River still flows across its northwestern corner, furnishing water-power to Southworth's saw-mill and manufactory of powder-kegs, at the place marked " Wardwell's Mills " on the Ruggles map. On Ware River, which forms almost the entire easterly boundary of the town, there is a very valuable water-privilege at Gilbertville, and another, less powerful, at the paper mill near Barre, marked " N. W. Mills " on the Ruggles map. On that map are also de- lineated four brooks, all flowing in a southeasterly direction into Ware River, and on all of which, except perhaps the first named, are mill privileges of greater or less value : - namely, Board Meadow Brook, Moose Brook, Great Meadow Brook, and Muddy Brook. Besides these, there is another of considerable size, some- times called Fish Brook, between Moose and Great Meadow brooks. Living springs abound throughout the town.
The climate of Hardwick is eminently favorable to health and long life. In the Registration Report for 1877, published under the supervision of the Secretary of State, is an abstract, exhibit- ing the number of deaths registered " for the thirteen years, 1865- 1877," together with the proportion of deaths to the whole pop- ulation. The ratio of "Deaths to 100 persons living " in the
both sacred and secular. They called the hill " Mount Pleasant," an appellation which it richly deserves, and which ought to be perpetuated. The few survivors of
that company are widely scattered abroad ; but they cherish a vivid remembrance of " auld lang syne."
1 Hist. Worcester County, p. 175.
---
3
INTRODUCTORY.
entire Commonwealth was 1.77; the same ratio in the town of Hardwick was 1.03, - less than three fifths of the general aver- age. Only five towns in the State exhibited a less number of deaths in proportion to their living population. This result may be attributed partly to the skill of the physicians ; but doubtless it is chiefly due to the clear air and the fresh breezes which sweep over the hills, dissipating and expelling the malaria, and purifying the atmosphere. Very seldom has any epidemic proved destructive in this favored place. The canker-rash, indeed, in 1803, made sad havoc among the children ; and a malignant fever proved fatal to many adults in 1814 ; but generally the inhabit- ants have been preserved from "the pestilence that walketh in darkness," and from " the destruction that wasteth at noonday."
In very few towns has so large a proportion of the inhabitants attained the allotted age of threescore years and ten. Before the year 1789, the registry of deaths does not indicate the age of the deceased, with only two exceptions ; but during that year a new system was adopted. If I have counted correctly, the whole num- ber of deaths registered from
August 12, 1789, to December 31, 1881, is . . 2,222
The number under 70 years is . 1,708
The number from 70 to 80 years is 253
The number from 80 to 90 years is 202
The number from 90 to 100 years is 58
The number over 100 years is . 1
Hence it appears, that of the whole number who deceased in Hardwick during a period somewhat exceeding ninety-one years, nearly one fourth part (23} in every 100) attained the age of 70 years ; more than one ninth part (11§ in every 100) reached 80 years ; one in every 37§ survived 90 years; and one1 com- pleted the full century.
1 The records and a headstone indicate a second centenarian ; but the age is over- rated.
1
CHAPTER I.
INDIAN HISTORY.
Indian Occupation. - Indian Fortress. - King Philip .- Indian Hostilities in Plymouth and Bristol Counties. - Sanguinary Conflict at Winnimisset. - Quabaog destroyed. - Report by Ephraim Curtis concerning the Nipmucks. - Captain Edward Hutchinson's Commission and Death. - Captain Thomas Wheeler's Narrative. - The Indians abandon their Stronghold at Winnimis- set. - Personal Encounter between Captain Eleazar Warner and a Canada Indian.
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