USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Concord > The history of Concord, Massachusetts > Part 1
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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 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39
T
Gc 974.402 C74h v.1 1385514
M. L.
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00085 1235
R-974.4 H868C · THE
HISTORY OF CONCORD C
MASSACHUSETTS
VOLUME I COLONIAL CONCORD
BY
ALFRED SERENO HUDSON Author of "History of Sudbury, Mass." "The Annals of Sudbury, Wayland and Maynard." " History of the First Congrega- tional Church, Ayer, Mass." " Memoirs of Luther Blanchard, Fifer of the Acton Minutemen, April 19, 1775."
9600 THE ERUDITE PRESS Concord, Massachusetts 1904
Copyright, 1904, by ALFRED SERENO HUDSON
1385514
TO THE
Descendants of the Original Granters of Concord, AND OF OTHERS WHO EARLY WENT TO THE TOWN, AND BY THEIR TOILS AND PRAYERS CONTRIBUTED TO ITS ESTABLISHMENT AND PERMANENT SUCCESS, THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY THE Author.
PREFACE
The town of Concord is probably as attractive in histori- cal features as any in this country.
Its early connection with the American Revolution ; its association with the life and works of Emerson, Haw- thorne, Thoreau and other distinguished authors ; and its having formerly been the County Seat of old Middlesex all contribute to make the place notable.
It is thronged annually with thousands of visitors, some mere sightseers, some seeking inspiration from the shrines visited, some to say they have been to Concord.
The History of Concord written by Lemuel Shattuck and published in 1835, is not now easily obtainable. Only a few copies, if any, of the work of Charles H. Walcott, Esq., remain unsold ; and the historical sketches of Rev. Grindall Reynolds, D. D., and the Hon. John S. Keyes were written for the Histories of Middlesex County, which are too bulky and expensive for common use. Besides these standard works, nothing that we are aware of has been published of the town's consecutive annals, except occasional pamphlets and addresses. Because of these things we believe an available History may be desirable, and by the preparation of these pages we have sought to supply it.
The work is designed to be in two volumes; the first entitled Colonial Concord: the second, Provincial Concord.
Volume I includes the annals of the town from its origin in 1635, untill 1692, at which time the Massachusetts Bay Colony became a Province, together with brief biographical sketches of the original grantees.
Volume II. will include the annals from 1692 through the Provincial period to the close of the Revolutionary war.
Volume I is divided into two parts. The first contains the story of the settlement setting forth the leading facts in the town's history, so far as known, to the year 1655.
In this portion of the work the writer has employed both fact and fiction ; but in such a manner as to enable the reader easily to distinguish the one from the other. This
ii
Preface
method has been adopted because many of the early records were lost, and it is designed to supply the deficiency, as relates to manners and customs, by conjecture based on analogy as these were known to exist in other towns at the same time.
The second part is pure history. The facts are mainly given in chronological order and to a large extent set forth by copies of original records and ancient papers with refer- ences to the places where they are found.
A work on local history to be in the highest degree instructive should be more than a mere compilation of dates, statistics, and isolated facts, valuable only to anti- quaries and genealogists. It should have such a back- ground or setting of general history as will give the reader an intelligent understanding of the causes and results of the local events described.
For this reason, in instances where an occurrence is promi- nently connected with events in the country at large, the latter have been sufficiently described to show the relation- ship of one to the other.
No claim is made to great original research. The field of Concord history has been too carefully harvested in the past, to leave much opportunity for the gleaner to gather new sheaves, or to find much rich aftermath. , We have collected our material from every available source whether of records, manuscript, publication or tradition. We have avoided dogmatic assertion and have intended to state hypo- thetically whatever is doubtful or unsettled.
Prominent among the writers of local history from whom we have quoted are those of Lemuel Shattuck, Charles E. Walcott, Esq. Rev. Grindall Reynolds, D. D. Hon John S. Keyes, and Albert E. Wood. We have also received valuable suggestions from the late Alfred Hosmer, and are also indebted to the historian, Rev. G. M. Bodge, to the Littleton Historical Society, and others whose services have been kindly proffered and gratefully received.
111
Preface
That the work is free from errors it would be presump- tion to assert. No prudent writer of local history would make pretence to this. Neither do any who are charitably disposed and have had experience in the difficult work of the local annalist presume to judge the work of another from the standpoint of perfect accuracy. There are many sub- jects which will always be matters of doubt and controversy. Evidence considered admissible by some might be rejected by others ; and cases may occur when the evidence is consid- ered about equal on either side.
This work has been written from the position of one who has great reverence for the religious faith of the fathers, and who recognizes in this faith a strong factor in whatever of greatness has accrued to us, as a Nation. And if bringing out the facts, many of which are too little known, shall lead to a higher appreciation of the fathers and of the faith that made them what they were, one great object of the author will be accomplished.
A. S. H.
THE BATTLE GROUND.
CONTENTS
PAGE
CHAPTER I.
A Traveler's Visit to an Early Homestead at Concord, Massachu- setts. Scene at a Settler's Fireside. Company Expected. Strange Sounds and Sights Talked about. Town Meeting Topics Discussed. Description of Concord in the Present. Objects of Historic Interest. The North Bridge. Houses of the Revolutionary Period. The Wright Tavern. First Parish Meeting House. Antiquarian House. Meriam's Corner.
I
CHAPTER II.
Places of Classic Interest. The "Old Manse." Home of Ralph Waldo Emerson. The "Orchard House." The "Wayside." Walden Pond. Thoreau's House. The Home of Frank B. Sanborn. Old Burying Grounds. Sleepy Hollow. Natural Objects.
9
CHAPTER III.
Origin of Settlement. Early Results. Erection of "Corn Mill." Meeting House. Parsonage. Resumption of Traveler's Narrative. Coming from Watertown. First Conference with the Concord Colonists. Visit to the Home of Willlam Hartwell. Indian Mis- sion Service at Nashawtuc.
CHAPTER IV.
Tahatawan's Wigwam. Supper Served by Squaws. Rev. John Eliot Preaching by Candlewood Light. Tribal Relations of the Mus- ketequids. Stone Relics and Sites of Indian Villages. Spread of Christianity among the Concord Aborigines. Nashoba. Exile of Christian Indians to Deer Island. Humane Efforts of John Hoar in their Behalf.
CHAPTER V.
Duck Hunting. River Scenery. Beaver Dam. Indian Granary. Sweating Pit. Mysterious Sight upon the Meadows. Arrival at the Manse.
ix 37
20
27
X
Contents
PAGE
CHAPTER VI.
Informal Talk Preparatory to Town Meeting. The Apparition. Exodus of Concord Settlers to Connecticut. Statement of Rev. Cotton Mather. Effect of the Exodus on the Laity. The Town Meeting. 45
CHAPTER VII.
Scene by the Wayside. Home of Timothy Wheeler. Evening Talk by the Fireplace. Statements of John Scotchford. Cause of the Settlement of Concord.
54
CHAPTER VIII.
Continued Account of Colonial Child Life. Synopsis of Events the First Year at the Musketequid Settlement. Purchase of Territory from the Indians. Plan of the Township. Names of the Original Grantees. Description of the Journey from Watertown to Concord. 60
CHAPTER X1.
Character of the First Houses. Food, Clothing, Occupation. Prepara- tions for Cold Weather. The Setting in of Winter. Trials and Amusements. The Coming of Spring. Scenes along the Muskete- quid. 69
CHAPTER X.
Capture of Fish. Breakfast Table of Timothy Wheeler. Morning Walk Through the Woods. Visit at the Simon Willard Homestead. Historic Sketch of Major Simon Willard. Description of Colonial Farm Houses. 78
CHAPTER XI.
Domestic Products. Reminiscent Effect of Madam Willard's Dutch cheese. Conversation upon Colonial Drinking Customs. Clerk of the Writs. Legal Fees. Furnishings of Early Farm Houses; Light- ing Appliances. Table Ware, Fireplace Utensils, Room Decora- tions. Class Distinctions. 87
CHAPTER XII.
Talk at Nashawtuc. Fire of Candle Wood. Nantatucket. Municipal management at Musketequid. Division of Concord into "quarters." Limits and Inhabitants. Committee on Rules regulating Highways and Bridges. Location of Homesteads. Early Roads. 96
CHAPTER XIII.
Sites of Ancient Highways. Their Reminiscent Character. Vestiges of Old Homesteads. Earth Dents. Traces of Old "Tavern Stand" Shoemaker's Shop, Laborer's Cottage, The Dame School. 104
xi
Contents
PAGE
CHAPTER XIV.
The Haunted House. Casting of the Yarn Ball. The "Witch Call". Adventurous Search for an Apparition. Explanations Relative to Houses said to be Haunted.
115
CHAPTER XV.
Bridges. Their Associations. Rules for the Care of Concord Bridges. The Historic "Old North Bridge". Its Environment. Graves of British Soldiers. The South Bridge. Its Sucessors. Other Bridges. 123
CHAPTER XVI.
A Sunday with the Settlers. Walk to Church. Description of the Meeting House. The Service. Colonial Church Edifices. Quaint Accompaniments. Early Ecclesiastical Objects, Customs, Influences. Their Value. Succession of Concord Meeting Houses. 130
CHAPTER XVII.
Visit to the Home of Goodman George Heywood. Talk with Miller William Buss. Ramble about the Mill Pond. Flint's Pond. His- tory of the Bulkeley Grist Mill. Succession of Millers. Stroll about Concord Center. Description of the Mill Pond. 151
CHAPTER XVIII.
Description of Village at Concord Center in Early Times. Streets. House Lots. Robert Meriam's Store. Street Scene. Tavern. Landlord William Buss. Rules and Regulations of Ordinaries. Old Time Taverns at Concord. 163
CHAPTER XIX.
The New England Village. Its Origin and Equipment. The Village Doctor. His Medicines and Charges. Early Physicians of Con- cord : Read, Prescott, Minot, Heywood. The Village Magistrate. Condition of Colonial Jurisprudence. First Lawyer at Concord. History of John Hoar. 175
CHAPTER XX.
Goodman Baker's Husking Party. Colonial Corn Fields. Invitations. Culinary Preparations. Red Ears. Social Sports. Fireside Talk ot the Old Folks. Sign seen by Betsey Billings. Origin of New England Witchcraft. Recital of Strange Event by Simeon Slowgo. Story of Tilly Temple. The Surprise. Early Judicial Attitude toward Witchcraft. Efforts of the Clergy for its Abolition.
188
xii
Contents
PAGE
CHAPTER XXI.
Return to the East Quarter. Forest Ride. Game Birds. Goodwife Hartwell's Kitchen. Cooking by the Fireplace. Evening Talk of the Farm Folks. Laws Relative to Domestic Animals. Historic Sketch of Hartwell Family. Visit at Home of Constable Thomas Brooks. His Official Duties. Rules Relative to Colonial Dress. Homestead of Goodman William Hunt. Early Military Matters. History of the Hunt Family.
200
CHAPTER XXII.
Visit at Goodman William Buttrick's. His History. Situation of his House. Reflections upon a Prospective Wedding. Historic Sketch of Thomas Brooks. Curious Laws and Customs relative to Mar- riage. Bachelors, Match Making, Widowers. Wedding Gifts. Attendance on "Lecture day" Service. Its Nature and Importance. Religious Character of the Colonists. Care of the Poor. Visit at the Home of Goodman Richard Rice.
212
CHAPTER XXIII.
A Wedding at the House of Goodman John Miles. Description of Bride's and Bridegroom's Dress. The Marriage Ceremony. Throwing the Garter. Situation of the Miles' Homestead. Historic Sketch of John Miles. . Visit at the home of Thomas Flint Esquire ; His Official Duties. As Assistant. As Commissioner. Early Colonial Law Books. Primitive Courts and Court Practices. Talk Relative to Servants.
222
CHAPTER XXIV.
Funeral at the House of a Cottager. Absence of Floral Tributes and Artificial Adornments. Sad and Simple Services. The Burial. The Procession to the Grave. Talk with the "Saxton" in the Burying Ground. Early Colonial Funeral Customs. The Bearers, Mort Cloth, Mourning Gloves, Scarfs and Rings. Grave Stones and Epitaphs. Start for the Flint Homestead. Evening Adventure by the Way. The Strange Surprise. A Pleasant Discovery. Enter- tained by Nantatucket and Tissansquaw.
CHAPTER XXV.
Arrival at the Flint Farm. Sunday Morning in a Home of Colonial Con- cord. Start for Meeting. Gathering of the Worshipers. Neigh- borly Inquiries. The Church Service. The Sermon. Singing. The Noon Intermission. Catechistical Exercise. Afternoon Service. Colonial Church Customs. Sacred Music. Succession of Singing Books. "Lining off". Triple Time. "Fuging." Pitch Pipes.
233
Contents
X111
PAGE
Introduction of Musical Instruments. Talk with Goodman James Hosmer. Conversation Relating to the Installation of Rev. Peter Bulkeley. Facts of History Concerning this Subject. 245
CHAPTER XXVI.
Visit at the home of Goodman James Hosmer. Reflections upon the Settler's Fireplace. Invitation to Humphrey Barrett's Log Rolling. Situation of the Hosmer Farm. Outline of Hosmer History. The Old House Site. Scenes at the Log Rolling. Early Forestry. Care of Concord's Poor: Process of Clearing New Lands. Facts Rela- tive to the Barrett Family.
253
CHAPTER XXVII.
Invitation to visit the "Blood Farms." Homestead of a "Borderer" or "Outdweller". Pastoral Visitation with Parson Bulkeley and Dea- con Griffin. Religious Exercise at the house of Goodman Thomas Dakin. Use of Ardent Spirit. Possible Mistakes about Ministerial Drinking Habits. Social Standing of the Clergy. Safeguards against abusing Clergymen. Installation Dinners. Relation of Pastor to his Parish. The Dakin Family. Legend of Hidden Treas- ure. 263
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Early Record Relating to the Concord Plantation. Permission to Pur- chase Territory. Land Sale. Indian Deed. Depositions Confirma- tory of Title to the Township. Original Boundary. Additional Land Grants. Petitions to the General Court.
273
CHAPTER XXIX.
Land Allotments and Divisions. Early Records Relating to Real Estate. Public Reservations. Undivided Territory. Location of Land Tracts. Amount of Acreage. The grant of Thirty-one Acres to Rev. Peter Bulkeley. 282
CHAPTER XXX
Successive Ownership of Land Grants. Historic Sketch of the Major Simon Willard Farm at Nashawtuc. Change of Occupants of Old Estates. 292
CHAPTER XXXI.
Old Houses. The Elisha Jones House. The Block House. Hunt House. Abel Hosmer House. Wheeler House. Joseph Hosmer House. Woods House. Buttrick House. Barrett House. Old Manse. Wright Tavern. The Colonial. The Meriam, Tuttle, Fox, Brown, Heywood, Beal, Bull, and Alcott Houses. Ancient
xiv
Contents
PAGE
House Sites. Site of the Rev. Peter Bulkeley Parsonage. Site of the Major Simon Willard House. Deserted Districts and their Sug- gestiveness. 300
CHAPTER XXXII.
Development of the Settlement. Indications of Progress. Various Hindrances. Discouraging Report. Unsatisfactory Condition of the River Meadows. Measures taken for a Betterment of the Meadows. Unproductive Uplands. Emigration to Connecticut. The Town's Recuperative Energy. Condition in 1654. 316
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Death of Mr. Thomas Flint and the Rev. Peter Bulkeley. Departure from Concord of Major Simon Willard. Walcott's description of the Nature and Value of Major Willard's Public Services. Biograph- ical Sketches of Thomas Flint Esquire and the Rev. Peter Bulkeley. 321
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Settlement of Rev. Edward Bulkeley. Rev. Joseph Estabrook called as Colleague Pastor. Measures taken for their Maintenance. Bio- graphical Sketches of Rev. Edward Bulkeley. Peter Bulkeley Esquire. Acquisition of New Territory. Stow, Littleton, Carlisle and Acton. Iron Industry.
XXXV. 342
King Philip's War. Activity Preparatory to its Coming. The Part taken in the Conflict by Concord. Its Cause. The Havoc. Con- dition of the Counry at the Outbreak of Hostilities. The State of Society. The Town's Means of Defense. Its Militia, Its Garrison Houses. The Foot Company. The Troop of Horse. Means Pro- vided for the Relief of Refugees. Miscellaneous Military Matters. 342
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Authentic Account of the Hutchinson Expedition to Brookfield by Cap- tain Thomas Wheeler. The Ambuscade. The Attack. The Escape. The Siege of the Garrison House. Ephraim Curtis the Sudbury Scout. The Rescue by Major Simon Willard. 354
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Devout Nature of the "Narrative" by Captain Thomas Wheeler. Religious Character of the Colonial Soldiers. Instances of Alleged Divine Interpretation. Original Title of the Wheeler Document. Pacific Object of the Hutchinson Expedition. Preparatory Work by the Sudbury Scout. Salutary Effect of the Disaster. Biograph- ical Sketches of Captain Thomas Wheeler, Simon Davis, and Ephraim Curtis. Names of Soldiers Credited for Services about Brookfield.
364
XV
Contents
PAGE
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Removal of the Christian Indians from Nashoba to Concord. Indian Mission Work. The Establishment of Christian or Praying Indians in Villages or Towns. The Character and Conduct of the Chris- tian Indians. Their Fidelity and Service to the English. Rules for their Restraint. Humane Act of John Hoar. Circumstances Ex- planatory of Harsh Treatment of the Christian Indians by the Col- onial Communities. Historic Sketch of Indian Mission Work at Nashoba by Herbert Joseph Harwood of Littleton. Disposition of the Nashoba Territory.
377
CHAPTER XXXIX.
The Narragansett Campaign. Its Object and Nature. Names of Con- cord Soldiers. Company in which they Served. The Officers. Return of Order of Concord Committee of Militia. Object of the Expedition. The Swamp Fort. The Wintry March from Dedham Plain. The Fight. Description by Rev. G. M. Bodge. Casualties to the Concord Soldiers. Burial of the Dead. The Return March. Comments on Criticism of Conduct of the Campaign. Account of Petitions for Land Grants. Concord Names in List of Land Claimants. The "Long" or "Hungry "March. Authentic Account of the Swamp Fight by Capt. James Oliver.
393
CHAPTER XL.
The Advance of the English to the Nipmuck Country. Movement of Canonchet. Indian Depredations in the Spring of 1675-6. Their Descent upon Concord Villiage. Isaac and Jacob Shepard slain. Mary Shepard made Captive. Place of the Tragedy. Description of the Event. The Escape of Mary Shepard. The Removal of the Nashoba Indians from Concord. Sketch of Capt. Samuel Mosely. His Antecedents. Character of His Soldiers. 409
CHAPTER XLI.
Movements of the Indians after the Narragansett Campaign. Expedi- tion into the Nipmuck Country. Dismissal of Soldiers from Gar- rison Houses. The Disastrous Results. Advance of the Indians to the Eastward. The Alarm. The Starting of Relief Companies. Soldiers from Boston, Watertown and Concord. Capt. Samuel Wadsworth's Command. His Arrival at Marlborough. The Return to Sudbury. The Ambuscade. The Wadsworth Fight at Green Hill. The Forest Fire. The Rout. Escape to the Mill at Hop Brook. Burial of the Slain. The Woodland Grave. Siege of the Haynes House. Attempted Rescue by the Concord Men. Am- buscade of the Concord Soldiers. The Route Taken to Sudbury.
417
xvi
Contents
PAGE
CHAPTER XLII.
The Attack Upon Lancaster. Capture of Mrs. . Mary Rowlandson. Efforts for Her Release. Heroic Services of Thomas Doublet or Nepanet. Humane Work of John Hoar, Esq. The Process of Ransom. Extracts from the Book of Removes. Rowlandson Rock. 438
CHAPTER XLIII.
List of Names of Concord Soldiers in King Philip's War. Miscellaneous Services of the Town. Incidental Hardships. The Loss of Men. Biographical Sketches of the Killed and Wounded. 452
CHAPTER XLIV.
Historical Sketches of Major Simon Willard, Lieut. Edward Oakes, Lieut. Simon Davis, Capt. Thomas Brattle. 463
CHAPTER XLV.
Changed Condition of the Colony at the Close of King Philip's War Process of Recuperation. Erection of a New Meeting House. Evangelical Character of the Concord Church. Progress in Educational Affairs. Early Circulating Library. Donation of Land by Capt. Timothy Wheeler. Real Estate Transactions. Adjustment of Riparian Rights of the Bulkeley Mill Privilege. Settlement of the Controversy Concerning the Blood Farms. His- torical Sketch of the Blood Family. Indian Deeds in Confirmation of Old Titles.
475
1
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
THE MINUTE MAN
Frontispiece
PAGE
The Battle Monument
V
The Battle Ground
ix
The Virginia Road
xix
Old Map
xxi
Fireplace in the Meriam House Kitchen
I
Graves of British Soldiers
5
The Old Manse
9
South Bridge
I3
Residence of Frank B. Sanborn
13
Emerson's Grave
17
Hawthorne's Grave
17
The Public Library
19
Main Street, Opposite Public Library
19
The Old Burying Ground
2 I
The Concord River, From Nashawtuc Hill
27
Egg Rock
37
Tablet Marking The Site of The Peter Bulkley Parsonage
45
Tablet Marking Site of Concord's First Town House
45
Meriam's Corner
55
Ralph Waldo Emerson, portrait
61
The Home of Ralph Waldo Emerson
69
The Library of Ralph Waldo Emerson
79
Tablet of First Parish Meeting House
87
Centennial North Bridge
97
The Old Malboro Road
105
Birthplace of Henry D. Thoreau
115
The North Bridge
123
First Parish Meeting House, 1712
131
Doolittle Picture of Concord Fight
151
Residence of Mr. Woodward Hudson
163
Henry D. Thoreau, portrait
175
The Thoreau House
189
xvii
Illustrations
XV111
PAGE
Home of Henry D. Thoreau at Walden Pond
201
Thoreau's Cove at Walden Pond
213
Grave of Henry D. Thoreau
223
The Grave of John Jack
233
Nathaniel Hawthorne, portrait
245
The Wayside, Home of Nathaniel Hawthorne
253
Frank B. Sanborn, portrait
263
First Parish Meeting House
273
Provincial Store House
283
The Antiquarian House
293 301
The Elisha Jones House
317 321
Hillside Chapel
327
Grave of Louisa Alcott
327
The Orchard House, Home of the Alcott Family
333
The Block House
343
The Old Barrett House
355
Main Street Burying Ground
365
Doolittle Picture, A View of the Town of Concord 1775
377
The Wright Tavern
393
Old Middlesex Hotel
409
Concord High School
417
Tablet, Egg Rock
439
Tablet on Battle Lawn
439
Concord High School, 1865
453
The Old North Primary School House
453
Site of Willard House
465
Concord Square, 1903
475
Concord Square, 1840
475
A. Bronzon Alcott, portrait
Louisa May Alcott, portrait
THE VIRGINIA ROAD.
PARTI
The South part of New-England, as it is Planted this yeare, 1634.
cochcore
the full
CamperaleRD
Pieghechewanck.
River
the falls
undin the Buy
Hutton
Acomentions
quanscade
Strabery Banke
Parafcaruque Bruce
Pifsaconava Sagamore
the bores head
Demacooks
of Shoulds
(A) Sagamore A/Máticomen
(Anafhey!
quefun
43
Ugowam
Menmack River
Aliftich pond
Solom
Wenn quom
Soyamore
Gilead Spott pund
James
north Harbor
Harbor
Dumiforet
Nahart poynt
Charles 10
pull m paint
Mysachurch's Bayu
twoce ye
Roxbury
Male con payne
with Conchafest
Alaponfett CR
wnt a
Menaraqued
Cap Cada
Greenes Harbor
Here Plymouth
new plymouth
Boye
Wests harbor
The great Baye
manokrok Sagamore
Narroganfetts Bay
North
West
East
Elizabeths gle
South
315
ponds
ford
C. Anm
Cap.Am.
Mulhetaquick
Owater Toune
New town
toane
Muday Ro
Story CR
Dorchester
Charles R
Mount wollaston 0
stronin form Or
Sitteate
River
Chicatabat Sagome
Nova
Narraganfetts R
& plymouth
9 Camilo
penticket
Horne
STORY
OF THE
SETTLEMENT
OF
CONCORD, MASS.
1635-1654
-
--
1
-
FIREPLACE IN THE MERIAM HOUSE KITCHEN.
COLONIAL CONCORD
CHAPTER I.
A traveler's visit to an early homestead at Concord, Massachusetts - Scene at a Settler's fireside - Com- pany expected - Strange sounds and sights talked about - Town Meeting topics discussed - Descrip- tion of Concord in the present - Objects of Historic Interest - The North Bridge- Houses of the Revolutionary Period - The Wright Tavern - First Parish Meeting House - The Antiquarian House - Meriam's Corner.
T HE fire flickered and the sparks flew up the broad chimney, as a traveler sat on a fall evening before the half burnt backlog, in Goodman Hartwell's snug farm-house in Concord town about two centuries and a half ago.
It was evident from the appearance of things that com- pany was expected, for besides the usual oaken settle and chairs there were standing about sundry stools and a long, low bench. Presently a sound was heard at the door as if some one were fumbling for the latchstring, and as it opened several neighbors entered and also Goodmen But- trick and Heald from the North quarter and Miles and Dakin from the South. A little later, Parson Peter Bulke- ley arrived with the Gobble boys who had come from down by the river bay in an oxcart, and having overtaken the minister had brought him along.
While waiting for others to come, various subjects were talked about, among which were some strange noises which
2
Colonial
Goody Dean said she "heerd near the buryin ground." Some said they were made by an earthquake, others sug- gested a landslide, but these explanations did not satisfy Duty, who declared that "the sounds ware above the airth, not under it nor inside it. Besides," said she, "the milk has soured twice sence I heerd them so I think the cows heerd them too fur they feed there."
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