USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Princeton > History of the town of Princeton in the county of Worcester and commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1759-1915, Volume I > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
Rcf
No / 24 99,26
REE OF
PUBLIC LIBRARY
OMNIVM
LXxVIII
OF THE CITY OF
BOSTON
852 1878
PURCHASED FROM THE INCOME OF THE JOSIAH H. BENTON FUND
BOSTI PUB ! LIBRARY
Francis Everett Blake
HISTORY
OF THE
TOWN OF PRINCETON
IN THE COUNTY OF WORCESTER AND COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 1759-1915
BY FRANCIS EVERETT BLAKE
VOLUME I
.NARRATIVE
. .
PRINCETON PUBLISHED BY THE TOWN
1915
F7
March 4, 1912. - ART. 20. Voted to accept the Act of the present Legislature authorizing the town to use the funds obtained from the sale of the Meeting House Hill Land for the preparation of History of the Town, and if there is any remainder it shall be devoted to the Town Library. Committee appointed, J. D. Gregory, M. C. Goodnow, J. C. F. Mirick, Rev. C. E. Reeves.
" I have gon, and rid, and wrote, and sought and search'd with my own and friends' Eyes, to make what Discoveries I could therein. * * * I stand ready with a pencel in one hand and a Spunge in the other, to add, alter, insert, expunge, enlarge, and delete, according to better information. And if these my pains shall be found worthy to passe a second Impression, my faults I will confess with shame, and amend with thankfulnesse, to such as will contribute clearer Intelligence unto me."
Fuller's " Worthies of England," 1662.
1
-
Paper manufactured by the George W. Wheelwright Paper Company.
PREFACE
IN planning the publication of some historical sketches of the town of Princeton twenty-five years ago, it was found that, unfortunately, the town papers had shared the fate of those of many other towns, a large proportion hav- ing been lost in the past. There are no papers preserved of any kind bearing an earlier date than 1766. Of that date there is but one, and only twenty of a date earlier than 1770. The loss of these papers, and of the records of a few of the earliest town meetings, deprives us of much valuable information. As sources of information regarding the first settlement had evidently not been ex- hausted by the historians of the town a search was begun for items especially relating to the incorporation of the district and town, and for the names of the first residents, with the date of their settlement. The many references also to the "Farms" adjoining the East Wing of Rutland led to an investigation into their history and the origin of their titles.
These items have been gathered only after diligent search in the Archives of the State, the Journals of the General Court, the Worcester Registry of Deeds and of Probate, the Records of the County Courts, newspapers of the eighteenth century, and various other storehouses of his- torical treasures.
Although a few of the papers relating to the incorpora- tion of the district have been elsewhere published, it is deemed best to print all of the papers together, making a continuous narrative comprising all that can be obtained from public records.
Two histories of the town have been published, one by Charles Theodore Russell (1838), and one by Rev. J. L. Hanaford (1852), which, however, are largely taken up with an account of the ecclesiastical dissensions arising
iii
iv
Preface
from the relation established by law between town and church. The lapse of time, however, since the publication of these histories and the larger scope of the present vol- ume may fully justify its publication.
The preparation of this history, long delayed on account of the illness of the author, is due to his affectionate in- terest in his native town. This interest he has already exhibited by preparing for the New England Historic Genealogical Society a copy of the first Record Book of births, marriages and deaths in the town, and by repair- ing, arranging and classifying the town papers for the past one hundred years, making six large volumes which are now in the Goodnow Library, and also by preparing a Subject Index for the first book of Town Records.
The author's acknowledgements are due to his friend, Mr. Franklin P. Rice, for invaluable aid in arranging material for the press, and also to his friend, Mr. William A. Emerson, for similar aid in collecting and arranging matter for the genealogical record, thus enabling him to carry out his original intention of presenting the genealogy of every family of both past and present residents. With- out the aid of these gentlemen it would have been impos- sible to bring this work to completion. It gives him pleasure to express his appreciation of all that has been done for him by various persons in the way of help and encouragement in this enterprise, and he also admits his indebtedness to the curators of public records, whose uni- form courtesy has been extremely helpful.
7
It is hoped that, while the older people may find much of interest in the perusal of these volumes, the younger people also may take pleasure in becoming acquainted with the early history of their town, and with the men who have been prominent in its affairs.
Francis Everett Blake
BOSTON, MASS., June 15, 1915.
CONTENTS
PAGE
PREFACE.
iii
CONTENTS .. V
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
ix
CHAPTER I
THE TOWN IN 1915. Situation and area. Surface. Wachusett Mountain. Ponds and Streams. Climate. Soil. Land and Agricultural Products. Natural Productions. Wild Animals. Population. Health. Manufactures. Other Occupations. Re- ligious Organizations. Schools. Public Library. Newspaper. Telephone. Electric Lights. Communication. Geology. Name. Town Appropriations 1914. Table of Aggregates. Town Assets.
I-7
CHAPTER II
THE EARLY PERIOD. District of Prince Town. The first settlement. Nipnet or Nipmug County. Indians. Exploration. A new way. Land Purchases. Nipmuck Territory. Purchasers. Indian Deed. Delay in Occupation. Queen Anne's War. Return of the settlers. Title Worthless. Name of Rutland. Name of Associates. The New Township. Proprietors. First Birth. Sales and Transfers. East Wing. Father Ralle's War. Massacre in Rutland. Renewal of Settlement. New Survey. Gift to Rev. Mr. Prince. Pro- prietors' Records. French War.
8-33
CHAPTER III
THE FARMS ADJOINING. Province Grants. Watertown Farms. Gard- ner's Farms. Edward Wilson. John Frost. Benjamin Hough- ton. Blagrove's Farm. Muzzy's Farm. Potash Farm. May- hew's Farm. Allen's Farms. Willard's Farm. Kneeland's Farm. Stevens' Farm. Johnson's or Hartwell's Farm. Joshua Wilder's Farm. 34-73
CHAPTER IV
EARLY INHABITANTS. The Early Settlers. Identity. Dates of Occu- pation. First Settlers. Doctor Harvey. A Protest. List of Settlers, 1761-1771. Census of 1790, valuation list U. S. Direct Tax, 1798. 74-91
V
vi
Contents
CHAPTER V
INCORPORATION. The District and Town. Petition of "The Farms" PAGE Protest. Rejoinder. Report. The Town. Boundaries No Town. Change of line between Westminster and Princeton. 92-108
CHAPTER VI
THE REVEREND THOMAS PRINCE. Town Name. Birth. The Old South Church. Ordination. Salary. Residences in Boston. Plan for the Day. Quality as a Minister. One Notable Incident. Liter- ary Ability. Publications. Earthquakes and Lightning Rods. Psalms. Rutland Lands. Gift for Services. Death. Preamble to Will. Prince Library. Life's Work 109-121
CHAPTER VII
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. First Difficulties, Meetings at Private Houses. Mr. Harrington's Sermon. The First Meeting House. Location. The Raising. Description. Dignifying the
Pew Ground. Protest. First Stove. Choir. Town Meetings. Horse Sheds. Church Organization. The Covenant, Princetown. Can- didates for Preaching. Rev. Timothy Fuller. Ordination. New Covenant. Gifts. Bible.
Political Differences. Mr. Fuller's Reply. Action of The Town. Suit against the Town. Supplies. Ineffectual Efforts. Stocks. Rev. Thomas Crafts. Rev. Joseph Russell. New Meeting House. The Raising. Decoration. Stove. New Meeting House Committee's Report. Rev. James Murdock. Rev. Samuel Clarke. Presbyterian Church. Rev. John P. Cowles. Union Congregational Church. First Parish. Rev. Elijah De- mond. Third Edifice. Succeeding ministers to 1915. The Baptists. The Baptist Church. Methodist Church. The Universalists. ... 122-178
CHAPTER VIII
TOWN GOVERNMENT. First Town Meeting. Lost Records. A Pro- test. Subsequent Town Meetings. Protest. List of Selectmen, 1760 to 1915. Town Clerks. Treasurers. Representatives. As- sessors. Moderators. Constables. 179-199
CHAPTER IX
EDUCATION. Requirement. First Schoolmaster. School Districts. Families of Early Settlers by Districts. Schools in Private Houses. Centre District. School Houses. Stoves. Centre District Di- vided. Care of the Schools. Instructions to School Committees. Expenses. Distinguishing Terms. Teachers. Boarding of Teachers. English and Classical Schools. High School. School Superintendents. School Committee 200-217
vii
Contents
CHAPTER X
MILITARY HISTORY. French and Indian War. Revolutionary War. Minute Men. Training Band. Records of the Military Company in Princeton. Capt. Boaz Moore's Company. List of "Lexington Alarm " Men from Princeton. List of soldiers buried in Princeton. Pensions. Act of 1818. Town Military records 1774-1814. Letter of Capt. John Jones to his Wife Mary in Princeton. Petition of former British Soldiers to be Naturalized. Muster Roll of Capt. Andrew Whitney's Company. How I found Oliver Mosman. The Shays Rebellion. Capt. Abraham Gale. Capt. Henry Gale; his Arrest, Trial, Conviction and Sentence to Death. Reprieved and Pardoned. List of Rebels taking the Oath of Allegiance. Treat- ing. Mexican War. Civil War. List of Soldiers in the Civil War. John D. Mirick Post, G.A.R. List of Princetown Soldiers who Died in the Service, 1861-1865. 218-269
CHAPTER XI
BIOGRAPHY. Hon. Moses Gill. Gill Mansion in Princeton. Robbery of Plate. Funeral. Inventory of Personal Estate. Ward Nicho- las Boylston. David Everett. Edward Savage. Daniel Davis. Edward Augustus Goodnow. 270-301
CHAPTER XII
DIARY KEPT BY ELIZABETH FULLER, DAUGHTER OF REV. TIMOTHY FULLER OF PRINCETON. Family of Rev. Timothy Fuller. Reun- ion at the Old Homestead in Princeton. 302-323
CHAPTER XIII
WACHUSETT LEGENDS. Mount Wachusett. Lucy Keyes, the Lost Child of Wachusett. Robert Keyes. Loss of the Child. Disre- garding Tradition. Petition for Relief. Rejection. The Letter of 1827. Variation in Name. Tilly Littlejohn. Chronology of Tilly Littlejohn. Analysis. Redemption Rock. Mt. Adams Cel- ebration. Whittier's Poem: Monadnock from Wachusett. . 324-349
CHAPTER XIV
MISCELLANY. Princeton as a Summer Resort. Wachusett House. Prospect House, now the Princeton Inn. Mountain House. Grand View House. Mt. Pleasant House. Howard House. Harrington Farm. Pratt's Cottage. Woodland Cottage. Grimes House. Pine Hill House. Fernside. Summit House. Innholders and Taverns. Old Stores. Town Hay Scales. Market Wagons. Stage Lines through Princeton. Postmasters and Post Offices.
PAGE
viii
Contents
PAGE
List of Princeton Post Offices in the United States. Railroads. Telephone Service. Ice Business in Princeton. Street Lighting. Cemeteries. Distances from Princeton Centre. Chair Manufac- turing in Princeton. Roper Lumber and Box Company . 350-374
CHAPTER XV
GLEANINGS. Freemasonry. Good Templars. Ancient Order of United Workmen. The Washington Benevolent Society. The Princeton Dramatic Club. Lyceum. Princeton Club. Princeton Farmer's Club. Princeton Grange No. 74. Patrons of Husbandry. Sana- torium. Flora of Princeton. Birds of Princeton. Bibliography of Princeton. Letters relating to Early Records of Rutland.
Goodnow Memorial Building. Bagg Hall. Historical Data. .. 375-414
415-428 INDEX
.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Frontispiece
FRANCIS EVERETT BLAKE
PRINCETON FROM EAST JONES HILL.
opposite page I
PRINCETON FROM THE OLD WACHUSETT HOUSE
5
WACHUSETT FROM NEAR RESIDENCE OF T. H. SKINNER ..
54
PETITION FOR INCORPORATION
96
REV. THOMAS PRINCE
109
TITLE-PAGE OF DISCOURSE BY REV. TIMOTHY HARRINGTON
I22
PRINCETON CENTER FROM WACHUSETT HOUSE
170
SIGNATURES OF TOWN CLERKS
19I
PRINCETON SCHOOL HOUSES - 1797-8-1906.
216
SIGNATURES OF TOWNSMEN IN 1776
221
LIEUT .- GOV. MOSES GILL
270
RESIDENCE OF MOSES GILL
271
SARAH (PRINCE) GILL.
272
REBECCA (BOYLSTON) GILL
273
WARD NICHOLAS BOYLSTON
278
EDWARD SAVAGE
294
SARAH (SEAVER) SAVAGE AND EDWARD SAVAGE
296
EDWARD A. GOODNOW.
299
PRINCETON CENTER AND WACHUSETT
325
THE NINE O'CLOCK MAIL. 362
PRINCETON VILLAGE FROM THE EAST
369
CEMETERY AND THE OLD POUND
369
TOWN HALL AND GOODNOW MEMORIAL BUILDINGS.
403
ix
PUN LIBRARY
-
PRINCETON FROM EAST JONES HILL
-- -
HISTORY OF PRINCETON
CHAPTER I
THE TOWN IN 1915
Situation and Area. Princeton, a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, is situated about forty-eight miles north of west from Boston, fourteen miles north of Wor- cester, and about ten miles southwest from Fitchburg. It is bounded on the north by Westminster, on the east by Leominster and Sterling, on the south by Holden and Rutland, and on the west by Rutland and Hubbardston. The township is north of the center of the County, and about equi-distant from its eastern and western boundaries, and occupies a nearly central position in the State as measured from Cape Cod to New York. Its geographical position is (at Wachusett Mountain) 42º 29' 21-21" north latitude, 71° 53' 33-885" west longitude. Its present area is about 23,000 acres or 36.5 square miles.
Surface. The general formation of this locality is rugged and uneven, with abrupt elevations and depres- sions in general, and exceptional plains and meadows, giving diversity and natural beauty to the scenery. The principal hills are Little Wachusett, about 1560 feet, and Pine Hill 1440 feet, both situated in the northerly part of the town, the southern portion being lower with more meadow land.
Wachusett Mountain, the principal elevation and most striking natural feature in the town, rises to a height of 2018 feet. This is in the extreme northerly part, near the boundary line of Westminster. With the exception of the
I
2
History of Princeton
range in the westerly part of the State, of which Mt. Grey- lock is the main eminence, Wachusett is the highest eleva- tion within its boundaries, and its isolation affords from the summit an unobstructed view over a large part of Massachusetts and some portions of adjoining states. The ocean at Boston, the Green Mountains in Vermont, and elevations in New Hampshire are visible in clear weather, while the surrounding country within a radius of seventy- five miles is spread before the observer. The ascent to the summit is easy, both by carriage road and paths, and the mountain top is visited by large numbers during the sum- mer season. A good hotel is maintained here during the warmer months of the year. The mountain, including a tract of 3000 acres, was made a State Reservation April 17, 1900, by Act of the Legislature.
Ponds and Streams. On account of the elevation of the township there are no streams of considerable volume in Princeton. The waters have their origin on the height of the land near the mountain, and flow east and west. South Wachusett Brook is perhaps the most important stream, and with Cobb Brook flows into Quinapoxet Pond at the southeast corner of the town. This pond is the largest body of water wholly within the town limits. Wachusett Pond at the north lies mostly in Westminster. East Wachusett Brook is joined with Babcock Brook and flows into Still River, which runs on the boundary line between Princeton and Sterling for about 600 rods. Other small streams flow into Ware River at the southwest, and this continues to the Connecticut. Woodward, Wachu- sett, Jones, Turkey Swamp, Baker's, Sawin and Gardner meadows are the principal marshy tracts. The area of the meadow land in the town is estimated at 822 acres.
Climate. The climate of Princeton, while not varying in great degree from that of the average of central Massa- chusetts, is, perhaps, from the elevated situation, more pronounced in alternation of heat and cold and in the extreme degrees of its temperature. The winters are bleak, with high winds, while the extreme heat in summer of the
3
The Town in 1915
lower townships is here tempered with refreshing breezes. Although trying to some constitutions, in general it can be said that the atmosphere is pure and bracing, and con- ducive to good health and longevity. The yearly rainfall is about forty inches; the temperature is about 45° average for the year; 22° in the winter, 65° in the summer.
Soil. A large portion of the surface of the town is to-day uncultivated, and some of the original tillage land has been abandoned to nature or the mere raising of grass or to grazing. The causes which have affected the farming interests throughout New England have operated here with effects in strong contrast to those of fifty and one hundred years ago. The elevated situation of much of the land, as well as intractable soil, together with sharp alternations of temperature, made the cultivation of the more susceptible products difficult, and called forth the energies of a former generation, representatives of an element rare at the present time. Half a century ago many fine farms were tilled in the more favorable locations, and a few are maintained at present. Many of the abandoned farmsteads are now occupied by summer residents, and fine buildings have been erected for occupation during the warmer season.
Land and Agricultural Products. The last state census (1905) gives the valuation of farm and agricultural prod- ucts as follows: land, $327,943; buildings, $223,139; machinery and implements, $35,674; domestic animals, $114,770; fruit trees and vines, $22,553; mines, quarries, etc., $880 = $724,943.
Agricultural Products: dairy, $72,433; poultry, $9,892; meats, $1688; animal products, $14,612; cereals, $300; fruits, berries and nuts, $7,804; hay, straw and fodder, $85,690; vegetables, $7,540; wood products, $22,368; food products, $1,773 = $224,543.
Natural Productions. These do not vary in great degree from those of the larger tract of central Massachusetts, except that perhaps in the generally elevated situation of this town some of the flora and less hardy vegetable pro- ductions are not found. The pine, chestnut, maple, oak,
4
History of Princeton
walnut, birch, ash and beech are among the trees growing here. Most of the common wild flowers are found in great profusion, the mayflower and the mountain laurel being abundant.
Wild Animals. The larger wild animals of the earlier period have been exterminated, but the smaller common pests exist - the catamount, skunk, woodchuck, fox and the smaller rodents. Rattlesnakes are rare, but black snakes and the common striped snake are found. The ponds and streams are so few that fish are not abundant. The common birds are in evidence and are migratory as in other parts of Massachusetts.
Population. The number of inhabitants in Princeton has in general declined since 1840, from 1,347 in that year to 904 at the last census. Of this, 238 males and 203 females are single, and 206 males and 193 females married. There are 246 families in the town. The legal voters number 241.
Health. The statistics compare favorably with those of other towns in Massachusetts.
Manufactures. There are five manufacturing estab- lishments in the town - four private, and one incorporated. The amount of capital invested is $90,150; value of stock used, $37,372; value of goods produced, $113,097; persons employed, 76; wages paid, $26,023; salaries, $2,580.
Other Occupations. There are 99 persons engaged in agriculture; 30 in transportation; 91 laborers; 18 in trade; Io in government employ; 277 in domestic service; and 22 in professional occupations.
Religious Organizations. Only one church, the Con- gregational, is now in existence.
Schools. There are six schools maintained, at an ex- pense of $4,722. The Superintendent is paid $300 for services in the Town. Number of school children, 135; number of teachers, II.
The Public Library contains 6,201 volumes; value, $4,000. The endowment is $7,000, and the income $360.
BOS PUI LIBRARY
VIEW OF PRINCETON CENTER FROM THE OLD WACHUSETT HOUSE
5
The Town in 1915
The value of the building is $25,000. Salary of Librarian, $115.
Newspaper. There is one newspaper The Laborer's Friend published in town.
Telephone service places the town in possession of local and outside communications.
Electric Lights are in operation in the streets, and are supplied to private residences.
Communication. The Peterborough and Worcester Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad passes through the southwestern part of the town.
Geology. The foundation of the soil in Princeton is gneiss, one of the primary rocks of the earth's surface. This rock is composed mostly of quartz, mica and feldspar, with a lesser admixture of iron, which presents in places a rusty appearance. Otherwise stated, the formation is a coarse or uneven granite, the main constituents of which are silica, alumina and potassium. There are some evi- dences of slate formation in places, sand and other debris of alluvial action are evident in the lowlands, while boulders and relics of the drift period are abundant.
Name. The town received its name in 1759 from the Rev. Thomas Prince of Boston, a distinguished divine and writer who was born in Sandwich, Massachusetts, in 1687 and died in Boston in 1758. Mr. Prince was one of the proprietors of the tract, and was interested in the formation and settlement of the town.
6
History of Princeton
TOWN APPROPRIATIONS, 1914
Highways and bridges
$6,450.00
State road.
1,150.00
State road extension.
700.00
Schools .
5,525.00
Salary of Superintendent
300.00
Transportation .
600.00
Medical inspection
75.00
Salaries of Town officers.
1,000.00
Fire department
500.00
Support of poor
700.00
Care of cemeteries
150.00
State aid .
350.00
Interest on debts and loans
900.00
Salary of Librarian. 115.00
Observance of Memorial Day
100.00
Gypsy and brown tail moth extermination
300.00
Street lights.
750.00
Board of health.
200.00
Total, including other expenses.
$21,639.00
TABLE OF AGGREGATES
I. Number of residents assessed on property, individuals 221, all others, 45, Total 266.
2. Number of non-residents assessed on property, individuals 107, all others 47, Total 154.
3. Number of persons assessed on property 420, poll tax only, 133, Total 553.
4. Number of male polls assessed, 284.
5. Tax on each male poll, $2.00.
6. Value of assessed personal estate, excluding resident bank stock, $583,042. Resident bank stock, none. Total $583,042.
7. Value of assessed real estate buildings, excluding land, $534,525. Land, excluding buildings, $367,561. Total, $902,086.
8. Total valuation of assessed estate April 1, 1914, $1,485,128.
9. Tax for State, County and Town purposes, including overlaying: On personal estate. $9,620.19
On real estate. 14,884.42
On polls. 568.00
Total
$25,072.61
7
The Town in 1915
TABLE OF AGGREGATES, Continued
10. Rate of total tax on $1000, $16.50.
II. Number of horses assessed, 272.
12. Number of cows assessed, 599.
13. Number of sheep assessed, 19.
14. Number of neat cattle other than cows assessed, 274.
15. Number of swine assessed, 47.
16. Number of dwelling houses assessed, 250.
17. Number of acres of land assessed, 21,423.
18. Number and value of fowls assessed, No. 4,027, value, $2,416.
TOWN ASSETS
Amount remaining in General Fund. $3,092.25
Deducted from appropriations
18,546.75
County tax
1,974.00
State tax.
4,287. 50
State highway tax.
157.96
Overlay
106.40
Total.
$25,072.61
Moth tax
673-43
CHAPTER II THE EARLY PERIOD
District of Prince Town. On October, 1759, certain tracts of land known as Rutland East Wing, and Water- town Farms, as well as others in Worcester County, Mass- achusetts, comprising about fifteen thousand acres, were, by Act of the General Court, made a District, to which the name of Prince Town was given. This allotment, with sev- eral additions made at later times, formed the present town of Princeton. At the time this Act was passed the storm and stress period of the early settlement of New England had passed. The fierce conflicts with the aborigines had ended in the triumph of the white man, and in the fierce struggles with the forces of nature the powers of sturdy humanity and of civilization had prevailed. The territory now included within the boundaries of this town was one of the few tracts in the State which was unoccupied at that time.
Princeton, in its early history, can present little to dis- tinguish it among the groups of older townships by which it is surrounded, its existence as a municipality cover- ing a period only of a little more than one hundred and fifty years. The stories so often repeated in the histories of the older towns of the State, of the methods and habits of colonial life, the struggles for existence against the forces of nature and the attacks of a savage foe, with provisions for the security of property and rights against the encroachments of power, have little place in the annals of Princeton, which attained its corporate existence after the greater part of Massachusetts had been alloted and secured, and after the period of Indian warfare had passed.
The settlement of this and other places at this time was
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.