USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Holden > History of the town of Holden, Massachusetts, 1667-1941 > Part 1
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Gc 974.402 H69p 1131899
M. L.
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
/
1
Form 850W-5M
No.
Date
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01095 5497
Worcester Co.)
Mass
HISTORY OF HOLDEN
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2019
https://archive.org/details/historyoftownofh00prou
Florence Newell Prosty
FEB 2 6 1952
History of the Town of
HOLDEN
MASSACHUSETTS
1667-1941
By FLORENCE NEWELL PROUTY
45449
GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS
mass H 27 c
Published by the 200th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE for the Town of Holden
Printed by THE STOBBS PRESS, WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
1941
Copyright, 1942
Sion 1800& Star - 5.00
1131899 Foreword
N the preface to the first History of Holden, Dr. Damon writes, "If this effort shall assist a successor, or any among his fellow citizens, better to understand, or render more complete the history of his native town, it will be a sufficient and rich reward," and today, across the years, at the close of another century, we are deeply grateful to him for his painstaking recording of priceless historical facts, many of which, but for him would have been lost to our generation.
And again, for the second history of the town with its many pages of biography we owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Estes.
The data for the first part of this, the third history of Holden, has been taken largely from the Damon and Estes histories, Town Records and from Worcester libraries.
The history was written at the request of the Bicentennial Com- mittee who suggested including briefly, the substance of the two for- mer histories, omitting the biography contained in the latter and cov- ering the unwritten years since 1895.
This, I have endeavored to do, striving as far as possible to avoid the repetition of subject matter.
It has been a great joy to me to have had the privilege of com- piling these latest pages of our town history and I wish to express my sincere thanks to all who have contributed items of information, to Town Clerk, Walter W. Gleason for his assistance, and to the members of the History Committee who have had in their charge the task of arranging for the pictures, printing and sale of the his- tories : Harold B. Hunt, Rev. Robert L. Dutton, Mrs. M. Addie Holden, George C. Johnson, Miss Helen V. Savage, and to Mr. Milton F. Beecher of the General Committee who worked with members of the History Committee.
THE AUTHOR.
Contents
Page
FOREWORD
7
CHAPTER I-Early Town History
· 11
CHAPTER II-Early Wars
19
CHAPTER III-Churches
31
CHAPTER IV-Schools
57
CHAPTER V-Holden District Hospital
99
CHAPTER VI-Cemeteries
109
.
CHAPTER VII-Hancock Common
.
115
CHAPTER VIII-Celebrations .
117
CHAPTER IX-Forces of Nature
147
CHAPTER
X-Mills and Villages
153
CHAPTER
XI-Business in Holden
169
CHAPTER
XII-Hotels .
191
CHAPTER
XIII-Public Utilities
197
CHAPTER
XIV-Town Departments and Property
.
.
215
CHAPTER
XV-Organizations .
.
233
CHAPTER
XVI-Old Houses .
265
CHAPTER
XVII-Bicentennial Celebration
.
283
CHAPTER
XVIII-Military
.
307
CHAPTER
XIX-Vital Statistics
.
.
343
Illustrations
Facing Page
Florence Newell Prouty .
5
Elected Town Officers
17
Town Meeting Group 32 .
Trowel Club . 49 .
Abbott Tavern
. 64
Hancock Common
81
Present Hospital
96
.
. High School . 113
Bicentennial Committee
.
128
.
Holden Municipal Light Department .
.
145
Holden Fire Apparatus
160
Mrs. Holden in May 4th Costume
.
177
May 4th Service in High School
192
WTAG Station
209
State Police
224
Myrick Homestead .
241
.
Boyden Homestead .
256
.
Abbott House
273
Webb House .
288
Rogers House
305
Damon Memorial
.
·
320
.
·
Chapter I
Early Town History
The earliest known records concerning the lands which comprise the township of Holden are found in the history of the town of Worcester which was in- corporated June 14, 1722, and had originally its North and South halves.
Previous to this date there have been found no rec- ords of any settlement in Worcester North half; al- though tradition describes an Indian path leading from Lancaster to Hadley passing through the northern part of this tract of land.
In May, 1667, the General Court of Massachusetts appointed Daniel Gookin, Edward Johnson, and An- drew Belchar a committee "to take an exact viewe" of lands lying in the vicinity of Quinsigamond Pond, and being about midway between Boston and Springfield.
In October, 1668, this committee reported finding the tract to be "conveniently situated, and well watered with ponds and brooks,-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.
That due care be taken by the committee, that a good minister of God's word be placed there as soon as may be; that such people as may be there planted, may not live as lambs in a large place."f
7 Lincoln's history of Worcester, P. 3
12
HISTORY OF HOLDEN
This report was approved and accepted by the Gen- eral Court. Another committee was appointed to carry its recommendations into execution.
"The persons who had obtained a grant of this tract of land from the General Court, did not consider their title as valid, until by purchase, it had been secured to them by the Indians, the original proprietors of the soil. On the 13th of July, 1674, John alias Horrasu- annoit, or Quiquonassett, Sagamore of Pakachoge, and Solomon alias Woonaskochu, Sagamore of Tataessit, together with the consent of their kindred and people, conveyed by deed the above mentioned tract of land to Daniel Gookin of Cambridge, Daniel Henchmen of Boston, and certain other persons, for and in consider- ation of £12 of lawful money, of New England cur- rency, or in full value thereof in other specie to be paid within three months after the date of the deed.
The Indians received, "two coats and four yards of trading cloth valewed at twenty-six shillings," as a pledge that the money should be duly paid.
Messrs. Gookin, Henchman, and others fully dis- charged their obligations to the Indians before the three months had expired, and came into possession of "the broken upland and woodlands, woods, trees, rivers, brooks, ponds, swamps, meadows, mineralls, or any other thing, or things, whatsoever, lying or being within that tract of land, contayning eight miles square or the contents thereof, to be layd out by ye said per- sons or their order in time convenient."
This extract from the first Indian deed describes the land comprising the entire townships of Worcester and Holden, before any portions were set off to form the towns of Auburn, Paxton, or West Boylston.
13
HISTORY OF HOLDEN
King Phillip's war and other events retarded the growth of this part of the Massachusetts colony.
This circumstance induced the General Court, at their session in October, 1682, to pass a vote render- ing "forfeit and lost" the grant of this tract of land, to Gookin and others, unless vigorous exertions were speedily adopted to advance its settlement. The gran- tees were urged to take immediate action to preserve their claims. It was found by estimation that about 480 acres of good meadow land were contained within the limits of this grant. An agreement was made, at a meeting of the Proprietors, April 24, 1682, to divide the whole township into as many lots as there were acres of meadow land : "200 for Planters; 80 for pub- lic uses and other specific appropriations, and the re- maining 200 to be laid out on the north extremity forming a division, afterwards known as North Wor- cester, and subsequently rendered permanent by the incorporation of Holden."
The dividing line between North and South Wor- cester was drawn during the year 1683 or 4.
In the Spring of 1723, Mr. Jonas Rice, had discov- ered limestone upon what was later the Bullard Farm. (See Note I.)
The lot of land, known upon the early records of the town, as the Lime Lot, (See Note 2) was sold in the
NOTE 1 It is thought that the site of this home referred to so fre- quently in early town history must have been on or near that of the James Horace Bullard house which stood on the northeast cor- ner of Shrewsbury and Bullard Streets until destroyed by fire some years ago. Mr. Bullard died October 16, 1930.
NOTE 2 The lime kilns were located near the West Boylston town line, "about sixty rods south of Timothy Parker's house." The ruins of this house may be seen on the northerly side of Shrews- bury Street between the WTAG station and Bullard Street.
14
HISTORY OF HOLDEN
year 1759, to Mr. Anthony Clark. A settlement in this vicinity is supposed to be the first settlement in Holden.
Near 4000 acres of land, in North Worcester was transferred from company stock to private individuals, many living in Boston and vicinity.
The Winthrop family of Boston owned extensive tracts of land in North and South Worcester, and no proprietor was more active in promoting the welfare of North Worcester than Col. Adam Winthrop of Boston.
"To facilitate settlements and raise the value of land- ed property, the proprietors* appointed a committee to lay out four public roads, 6 rods wide, from the centre of North Worcester, in such ways as would be most serviceable to the said half part and the towns ad- joining.
"These public roads were laid out previously to any portion of the township becoming the private property of individuals."
"At a general meeting of the citizens of North and South Worcester, held March 3, 1740, it was voted that the North half part of the township be set off a dis- tinct and separate town, if an act to that effect could be obtained from the General Court." This first peti- tion was not granted but tAn Act of Incorporation passed the General Court, Jan. 2, and was signed by His Excellency, Governor Belcher, Jan. 9, 1741, and in the 14th year of the reign of George II.
This act having been passed, the North half of Worcester became a distinct and separate town "by the
* The last meeting of the Proprietors was held September 7, 1844. The last recorded act was the appointment of a chairman De- cember 26, 1853.
t Act of Incorporation. Note B. Damon History, Page 67.
15
HISTORY OF HOLDEN
name of Holden, with all the powers, privileges, and immunities which the inhabitants of other towns with- in this Province do, and by law ought to enjoy."
Holden derived its name from the Hon. Samuel Holden, a prominent merchant of London, member of Parliament, and a leading director of the Bank of England.
A friend and correspondent for more than forty years of Dr. Benjamin Coleman of Boston, "Mr. Holden furnished abundant proof of his desire to pro- mote the cause of evangelical piety in this country.
"Dr. Coleman received from him 39 sets of Baxter's practical works, in four massive folios, to be distributed among the churches of New England."
Holden Chapel, at Cambridge, was the gift of his widow and daughter, and "numerous theological works were presented by them to the first Pastor of the Church in Holden, and to his successors."
"By an order of the General Court issued March 26, 1741, John Bigelow, a principal inhabitant of Holden, was authorized to assemble the legal voters, at some convenient place, for the choice of Town Officers. The citizens assembled in obedience to that order on the 4th of May, and Town Records, Vol. I, p. 2, read as follows ---
At an annual meeting in Holden on Monday ye fourth day of May, Anno 1741, Mr. Simon Davis, chose Moderator of said meeting. Simon Davis, John Bigelow, and Cyprian Stevens chose Select-men. Cyp- rian Stevens chose Town-Clerk-Sworn. Jonathan Lovell chose Constable for the East-end-Sworn. James Smith chose Constable for the West-end-Sworn. Sam- uel Clark, Samuel Pierce, and Samuel Heywood, chose
16
HISTORY OF HOLDEN
Assessors-Sworn. William Nickols chose Town-Treas- urer-Sworn. Abraham Newton chose Tything-man- Sworn. James Gray, Jotham Bigelow, and David Brown chose Fence-Viewers. Jotham Bigelow chose Clerk of the Market-Sworn. James Grey, and Samuel Bruse, chose Hog-reeves-Sworn. Joseph Wooley and Abraham Newton chose Field-drivers-Sworn. Samuel Heywood chose Sealer of Leather-Sworn. James Cald- well and John Childs chose Deer-reeves-Sworn. John Bigelow and Joseph Hubbard chose Surveyors of Highways-Sworn. Simon Davis chose Grand-Jury- man."
In two weeks another meeting was called for the transaction of town affairs.
Six votes are recorded upon the town books as hav- ing been passed on that occasion.
"I. Voted to have ye gospel preached in said town.
2. Voted to have ye gospel preached six Sabbaths for- ward after the next Sabbath.
3. Voted that Samuel Pierce, William Nickell and Thomas McMollen be a committee to provide a minister and a place for his Entertainment.
4. Voted to have a wrigting and reading school kept in sd town voted to have it Three months to begin at the first of September next the persons hereafter named were chosen a committee to provide a Schoolmaster viz. Cyprian Stevens and Samuel Thompson.
5. Voted to build a surficant pound in said Town- voted that all persons in sd Town come to the age of sixteen years shall attend the work of erecting said pound on the Twenty-fifth day of May or pay ten shillings per man.
MEMORIAL HAT 1836-1941
-
ELECTED TOWN OFFICERS
17
HISTORY OF HOLDEN
6. Voted that fifty pounds be raised to defray charge of preaching and schooling. This meeting dis- solved."
CHANGES IN TOWN BOUNDARIES
"The Legislature several times set off small portions of the territory of Holden to the neighboring towns.
Thus, a long strip on the east was bestowed on West Boylston. In 1796, the inhabitants of what is now West Boylston, unable to get incorporated as a town, became, for the sake of convenience of worship, the Second Precinct of Boylston, Shrewsbury and Holden. January 30, 1808, this division became permanent by the incorporation of the town. To the dowry of her new neighbor Holden contributed a strip of land about five miles long, one hundred rods wide at the southern end. February 13, 1804, six men, John Davis, Ebene- zer Boynton, Nathan Harrington, Samuel Harrington, Micah Harrington and Ephraim Harrington with their polls and estimates were set off to Paxton, and April 9, 1838, part of the farm of Samuel D. Harring- ton, containing about ten acres, was also set off to Paxton.
On the other hand, March 19, 1831, a tract of land belonging to Hezekiah Bent, amounting to one hun- dred and thirty-five rods, was set from Paxton to Holden. These changes from one town to another ac- count for the present irregularity of the boundary, which was originally straight."
Chapter II
Early Wars
Early in the history of the town there were wars and rumors of war.
Edward Everett said, "Between the years 1755 and 1763 the people of Massachusetts performed an amount of military service, probably never exacted of any other people, living under a government professing to be free. Not a village in Massachusetts, but sent its sons to lay their bones in the West Indies, in Nova Scotia, and the Canadian Wilderness."
Although muster rolls are incomplete, we know that Holden sent out a full quota of brave patriots, and at least one, Sergeant Ephraim Bennett, died in service on the Crown Point Expedition in 1755.
From the original muster rolls and other war records in the State archives Dr. Damon "copied the names of such persons as engaged in the French and Indian War and who were drafted from Holden :-
William Fisher, Richard Flagg, Samuel Boyd, and Peter Nutten, enlisted into the company of Capt. Ben- jamin Flagg of Worcester, to strengthen the forces sta- tioned at Lake George.
Henry Rice, Job Harris, Samuel Estabrook, John Murphey, Jedediah Estabrook, (son of Samuel Esta- brook) Samuel Hubbard, Jr., Samuel Bigelow, John Woodward, Samuel Thompson, and Ebenezer Fletcher, enlisted into the company of Capt. John Chandler, for the invasion of Canada.
In an expedition to Crown Pt., the following per- sons served under Capt. Fletcher, of Rutland, viz.,
20
HISTORY OF HOLDEN
Ebenezer Fletcher, Ist Lieut., Ebenezer Fletcher, Jr., 2nd Lieut., Samuel Estabrook and son, Job Harris, Samuel Hubbard and John Murphey, Privates," and doubtless many others whose names were not recorded.
On August 19, 1758, "A muster Roll of a Detach- ment of men from Capt. John Bigelow Company of Holden who marched from Holden to Sheffield being 113 mile out," is given as follows: John Bigelow, Cap- tain, Samuel Hubbard, Ensign, John Child, Sergeant, Joseph Greenwood, Sergeant, Isaac Smith, Sergeant, Simon Davis, Sergeant, William Flagg, Corporal, Moses Wheeler, Corporal, Ebenezer Fletcher, Gideon Fisher, Samuel Thompson, Thomas Dryden, William Barber, Benjamin Allen, Job Harris, Ebenezer Good- now, Jedidiah Estabrook, Isaac Thompson.
The first allusion to events leading to the Revolu- tionary War was found in the church records in the hand-writing of the pastor. '1768, October 12, Ob- served as a Day of Fasting and Prayer on account of the Aspects of divine Providence in our public affairs.
"By consulting Provincial history, the cause is read- ily apparent why a day of fasting and prayer was ob- served. October Ist numerous companies of British soldiers had been stationed in the city of Boston."
"A town meeting of the citizens of Boston was held November 2nd, 1772. A large committee-James Otis, chairman-was appointed on the motion of Samuel Adams. This committee was instructed to state the rights of the colonists and this Province in particular, as men, as Christians, and as subjects; to communicate and publish the same to the several towns in the Prov- ince and to the World, as the sense of this town, with the infringements and violations thereof that have been,
21
HISTORY OF HOLDEN
or from time to time, may be made; also requesting each town a free communication of their sentiments on the subject. The letter of correspondence to the several towns, closes with these words, 'Let us consider, breth- ren, we are struggling for our best birthrights and in- heritance, which being infringed renders all blessings precarious in their enjoyment, and consequently trifling in their value. Let us disappoint the men, who are raising themselves on the ruin of this country. Let us convince every invader of our freedom, that we will be as free, as the Constitution of our fathers recognized will justify.' "
A pamphlet containing the resolutions of this meet- ing and the appeal of the committee was printed and extensively circulated through the colonies, but par- ticularly in the towns and Province of Massachusetts Bay.
The public mind was aroused. The resolves of the Boston Patriots were cordially responded to from the most retired villages in the Province.
The citizens of Holden passed fourteen resolutions, t making known in the most unequivocal language, their sentiments."
The first one of these reads as follows :
"I-Resolved that Liberty both Religious and Civil is a most Precious and Inestimable gift of the Great and Glorious Creator of all things granted to all Ra- tional Creatures neither can any Person or Persons in- nocently give or sell it away from himself anymore than he can take it from another."
These resolutions were signed by the committee, John Child, Jonathan Wheeler, Andrew Smith, James
+ Town Records, Vol. 1.
22
HISTORY OF HOLDEN
Davis, and being "put to Vote" were passed in the Affirmative.
War came, and Holden furnished a company of seventy men, ready to leave their homes, at the first alarm.
"Nearly one tenth of the entire population was pre- pared to engage in service.
During the progress of the war, drafts were made for soldiers from Holden to serve at various military stations in the Northern States. Wherever troubles ex- isted or dangers were apprehended, thither marched soldiers from this town." (See Military)
"Only one person was killed in actual service, Thomas Heard, who fell near Saratoga, N. Y.
Moses Wheeler, and Jeremiah Fuller died at Valley Forge, Penn., having suffered most intensely from cold and hunger."
In the long days of the struggle, Holden became a refuge for the Tories, who fled from Worcester and fortified themselves for a time on Stone House Hill.
"Captain George Webb was the only commissioned officer in the Continental service from Holden. At the time of his enlistment he was not an inhabitant of the town. He came with his family to this place during the war. Captain Webb was a fearless soldier, and a high spirited officer. Whenever an enterprise requir- ing bravery and skill was to be undertaken, Washing- ton and Lafayette knew Captain Webb to be a man to their minds."
The first lines of a letter from General Lafayette to Captain Webb reads as follows :
"Dear Sir, Your successful scarmish-Has afforded me the greatest pleasure and I request you will receive
23
HISTORY OF HOLDEN
yourself and present to your company My best thanks on the occasion."
In his company, Deborah Sampson, a young Ameri- can girl, served as a Continental soldier for nearly three years, and bore while in service, the name of Robert Shurtlieff.
"She performed the duties of every station assigned to her, with punctual exactness, fidelity and honor."
"The citizens of Holden entered into a Solemn cov- enant to sustain the committee, chosen to watch for the public safety, and voted that such persons, as refused to unite with them should have their names published in the Boston Gazette as enemies of their country. The town, also, voted that every blacksmith, shoemaker, miller and housewright do not directly do or cause to be done any sort of business, in their respective occu- pations for any of those persons, who would not sign the covenant, which was to be lodged at John Abbots, one month, for the inhabitants of Holden to sign.i
This decided movement was not regarded as suf- ficient for the general good. To prevent monopoly upon such articles as were considered the necessaries of life, the Selectmen, and Committee of Safety were empowered by an Act of the Provincial Congress to establish ultimum prices."
The Damon and Estes histories give in part a "List of Prices to a Number of articles as agreed upon" from Town Records, Vol. 2, pages 40, 41.
Dr. Damon writes : "Among papers belonging to the Rev. Mr. Avery, I have found a small memorandum book, which contains some entries of peculiar interest. The book bears the date 1782. That was a period of
+ Town Records, Vol. 2, Page 15, Jan. 3rd, 1775.
24
HISTORY OF HOLDEN
great distress among the people. The war had been long. Money was scarce, and it was with some diffi- culty that Mr. Avery received his annual salary. His parishioners, however, were disposed to share with their pastor the good things of life:
"Memorandum of gifts received. Of Dea. Hubbard, a piece of beef ; a pail of soap; a loaf of bread; a few candles; 2 quarts of milk ; a cheese and 4 lbs. of butter. Of Mr. Abbott, a piece of beef and of pork, also a spare rib; 3 candles; some malt and a piece of bread, also two wash tubs, and 30 nails, and a few hops. Of Lieut. Hubbard, a piece of beef, a cheese and some malt. Of Mr. Ebenezer Estabrook, a leg of pork. Of Dea. Fiske, a piece of beef, Jan'y 5th. Of Capt. Sam- uel Hubbard, a leg of pork and a spare rib, Jan'y 6th. Of Mr. Howe, a piece of pork, Jan'y 6th. Of Mr. Cheney, a cheese and some sausages. Of Mr. Josiah Cheney, Jr., some beans. Of Mr. Jona. Rice, a leg of pork. Of Mr. Winch, a piece of fresh meat-lamb. Of Capt. Davis, a cheese and some sauce- Of Aaron Wheeler, a broom, soon after I came to my house. Of Moses Smith, 2 dozen candles, some butter. Of Mr. Dryden, 1/2 doz. pigeons."
"The ladies of that day were equally thoughtful in regard to the wants of the Parish Priest. Of Mrs. Ben- jamin Flagg, a cheese, of Mrs. Fisk. a lb. of combed flax. Of Mrs. Elisha Hubbard, some flax. Of Mrs. Potter, some butter and a broom. Of Mrs. Newton, a piece of veal and a calf's head. Of Mrs. Holt, some cloth for a shirt. Of Mrs. Mead, some butter, apples, potatoes. Of Mrs. Heard, a loin of veal."
"The most abundant evidence might be adduced, to show, that the people of Holden unitedly, cordially
25
HISTORY OF HOLDEN
and manfully engaged with their fellow countrymen in the war of the Revolution. The trials, hardships, and dangers of eight summer and eight winter campaigns had not quenched the ardent love of liberty in the bosoms of colonists, who could say, 'We are two mil- lions, one fifth fighting men. We are bold and vig- orous, and we call no man master.'t
"It is not a point of uncertain conjecture, but of sober history that the principles of liberty set forth in the Declaration of Independence, had previously been a subject of discussion in almost every village through- out the thirteen colonies. A rough block of granite may be squared and polished, but that block was gran- ite before the stone hewer's tool and the burnisher's instrument prepared its surface. The fourteen resolu- tions passed by the citizens of Holden, and similar passed by other towns, contained the elements after- wards combined in that memorable document of State, in which the people of this land declared themselves- Independent, Free and Equal. Taking the proceed- ings and resolves of the inhabitants of this town as evi- dence of the actual state of things among the colonists, no candid man can rise from their perusal without the impression upon his mind that each village must have had its Jefferson, Adams, Sherman, Franklin, and Henry."
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