Town of Paxton, Massachusetts : 150th anniversary celebrated June 30, 1915, Part 1

Author: Paxton, Massachusetts
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Worcester, Mass. : Davis Press
Number of Pages: 98


USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Paxton > Town of Paxton, Massachusetts : 150th anniversary celebrated June 30, 1915 > Part 1


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One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary


TOWN OF PAXTON


MASSACHUSETTS


OR


Gc 974. 402 P2 8p 1729154


M. L.


450


REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION


ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01100 1838


One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary OF THE


TOWN OF PAXTONC


MASSACHUSETTS


Celebrated June thirtieth 1915


The Davis Press Worcester, Massachusetts


1917


1729154


INTRODUCTION


T HE first official act of the Town of Paxton toward celebrating the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of its incorporation was taken at the annual town meeting, March 2d, 1914. In the warrant for that meeting was this article:


"To see if the town will vote to appoint a committee to make arrangements for the celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town in 1915.


"Voted that the Selectmen be a committee to make arrange- ments for the one hundred and fiftieth celebration of the town and ' that they be authorized to petition the legislature for the privilege of raising money for same."


In January, 1915, the Board of Selectmen appointed the fol- lowing general committee of arrangements: Henry H. Pike, Charles F. Flint, Henry C. Eames, Herbert S. Robinson, Ellis G. Richards, William J. Woods, Henry L. Green, and Herbert W. Estabrook.


February 20th, 1915 the Committee of Arrangements met in the Town Hall and organized with H. S. Robinson, Chairman, and Mrs. Roxa H. Bush, Secretary and Treasurer. The committee voted to hold the celebration June 30th, 1915, although the actual date of incorporation was in February.


Further action of the Town was taken March 1st, 1915 where it was voted to appropriate the sum of four hundred dollars to defray the expenses of the celebration.


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COMMITTEES


COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS


Henry H. Pike


Henry C. Eames


Ellis G. Richards


Henry L. Green


Charles F. Flint


Herbert S. Robinson


William J. Woods


Herbert W. Estabrook


RECEPTION COMMITTEE


Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Pike Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Matthews


Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Graton Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Pike


Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Richards Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Derby


Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Dwyer Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Durgin


Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Whitney Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Crouch


Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Green Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Woods Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Clapp


Mrs. C. F. Flint Mrs. Stanley Race Mrs. N. M. Pratt


PARADE COMMITTEE Officers of the Grange Edwin F. Crouch, Chairman


CHIEF MARSHALL Frederick W. Flint


AIDES


Samuel L. Clapp


Chester M. Rossier


Edward L. Maccabee


Samuel Van Wyck


Sylvester L. Eames Philip A. Pike


USHERS


Lillian Van Wyck


Ruth Graham


Marion Durgin


Elsie Perkins


Ruth Potter


Evangeline Dugar


Irene Maccabee


Dorothy Ladd


DANCE COMMITTEE Officers of the Village Improvement Society Samuel L. Clapp, Chairman


FLOOR DIRECTOR - George W. Van Wyck, Jr.


THE CELEBRATION


JUNE 30TH, 1915


A BEAUTIFUL morning for the celebration of the one hun- dred and fiftieth anniversary of the settlement of the Town of Paxton, gladdened the hearts of the residents and the large number of visitors who were present. It was estimated that from 2000 to 3000 people were present during the day. The town was in gala day dress, the public buildings and many of the residences having been appropriately decorated under the direction of Mr. Campbell of the Atlantic Decorating Co. of Boston.


No fakirs were allowed on the grounds. The Firemen, La- dies' Social Union and S. P. Club sold light refreshments and souvenirs. A feature which proved to be of much interest to former residents was an exhibition of portraits of old time citizens, and antiques held in the vestry of the church. In connection with this exhibition was a sale of fancy articles by the Helping Hand Society. Here also was provided a book in which many visitors registered their names.


An old tavern sign showing Lord Cornwallis and Sir Charles Paxton shaking hands across a table, bearing the inscription "Pax- ton Inn" and on the reverse side the words, "Our good cheer makes enemies friends, " was hung from the flag staff of the Paxton Driving Club, which was formerly the Paxton Inn.


THE PARADE


At 11.30 o'clock the parade of decorated vehicles formed at Main and Grove Streets and marched along the state road to the home of Henry C. Eames, then countermarched around the Com- mon to the schoolhouse where it was disbanded. The parade was headed by Chief Marshall Frederick W. Flint and aides, followed by Battery B Band.


In the line were the following: Carriage driven by Arthur W. Dwyer in which rode these Veterans of the Civil War: William


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ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY


THE PARADE


M. Warren, Austin E. Skiff, Henry H. Bush, Leander T. Kirby, and George H. Sherman of Paxton; Edward D. Bigelow of Wor- cester; James Holmes of Spencer; and William Keep of Hartford, Conn.


Sulky decorated with mountain laurel in which were Milton Ladd and Meredith Bartlett dressed in Colonial costumes.


Float decorated with white bunting and pink roses represent- ing the Helping Hand Society, driven by Daniel W. Graton. On the float were ladies dressed to represent these nations: Japan, Mrs. C. A. Kilton; Sweden, Mrs. H. P. Matthews; France, Mrs. E. G. Maccabee; America, Miss Nellie Supernor; and American Indian, Mrs. F. L. Durgin. Religion was represented by Mrs. J. N. Peck. Others on the float were Mrs. D. W. Graton, Mrs. R. A. Race, Mrs. Alfred Maccabee and Mrs. Evelyn Gleason, car- rying appropriate banners.


Escorting this float was Miss Ruth Kohlstrom, riding a white horse, impersonating Joan of Arc.


Float decorated in white bunting and laurel entered by the Town of Rutland. Seated on a dais was Mrs. Mabel R. Prescott representing the Town of Rutland. Around her were Helen F. Rauser, Mary Rice, Alice I. Goldfinch, and Myrne L. Miles rep-


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OF THE TOWN OF PAXTON


AND


RUTLAND PRIZE FLOAT


resenting the towns of Paxton, Barre, Hubbardston and Prince- ton, respectively; these four towns having once been a part of Rutland. In the center of the float was Joseph E. Ware imper- sonating Father Time, while standing in front of him was Ruth Forbush representing Progress. Near her were Catherine D. Putnam, representing Manufactures; Esther Pierce, Health; Marjorie Peebles, Agriculture; and Ruth M. Temple, Recreation. Seated on the rear of the float were Bernard I. Welsh dressed in Indian Costume, Charles E. Carroll as Continental Soldier and Ludovic Hanff as Civil War Veteran, representing the three stages of American History.


A float decorated with bunting, flags and sheaves of grain, driven by Henry C. Eames was entered by Paxton Grange. Seat- ed on the float were Geraldine Woodward representing Liberty; Catherine Clapp, Ceres; H. Elizabeth Phelps, Pomona; and Dorothy Bejune, Flora.


Glad Hill Farm, G. A. Rossier, Proprietor, entered a unique float which represented a miniature barn, in which were four


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ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY


RUTLAND GRANGE FLOAT


young cattle being cared for by Frederick and Charles Stevens, Stuart Catherwood, and Francis Lombard. The lettering appear- ing on either side of the float was appropriately done with milk bottle caps.


Another unique feature of the parade was the model of the famous "Brick Steamer" entered by the S. P. Club, driven by Master William Trum, dressed in sailor costume.


Paxton Fire Department was represented by the chemical wagon decorated in red, white, and blue, bearing the motto, "We go where Duty calls," in charge of Chief Arthur F. Stevens.


Umbrella phaeton decorated with white bunting and pinks, driven by Mrs. H. S. Robinson accompanied by Alice M. Hazard of Boylston.


The Y. B. Club entered a wagon decorated in red and white, driven by Ernest Eames, in which rode Alice Northridge, Fannie Clapp, and Edna Catherwood.


Float decorated in pink, yellow and white entered by Rutland Grange. On this float were Mary L. Moulton, Barbara E. Wil- liams, and Gladys E. Hill dressed in appropriate costumes rep- resenting the Graces.


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Paxton Village Improvement Society was represented by an old stagecoach driven by Merton Stone. Riding on the coach were Mrs. D. N. Wentworth, Herbert Wentworth, Lillian Van Wyck, Marion Durgin, Roy Wentworth, Leroy Pierce, Ernest Maccabee, and Nelson Willis.


Float decorated in purple and white representing a tea-room was entered by the Ladies' Social Union. These members dressed in white were seated at a table: Mrs. E. R. Lombard, Mrs. G. A. Rossier, Mrs. L. S. Clapp, Mrs. W. L. Maccabee, Mrs. Margaretta Catherwood, and Miss Rena Robinson. The float was driven by Sumner Foskett.


Wagon decorated in red, white and blue bunting in which were Carl B. Eames and family of Worcester.


Decorated automobiles were entered by Camp Pike, Camp Rita, Charles W. Eames and the Equal Franchise Club containing members from the surrounding towns.


In the business section of the parade was an automobile ad- vertising "Stovink" and "Shuink" from Johnson's Laboratories; Team representing Elys-Elyn Farm, E. G. Richards, Proprietor; Team from Sunset Farm, Henry L. Green, Proprietor; Wagon containing vegetable washer, invented by E. J. Matthews, and team representing Muir's Laundry of Worcester.


Mr. Joseph P. Shea of the Paxton Driving Club offered a silver cup, suitably inscribed, for the best decorated vehicle in the parade.


The judges, Walter E. Clark of West Boylston, David Davis of New York City, and Ernest C. Howard of Bellows Falls, Vt., awarded the prize to the float entered by the Town of Rutland.


12.00 m. DINNER. Served in Banquet Hall by Frank N. Ensworth of Worcester.


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ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY


Verse


TOWN HALL


PROGRAM OF AFTERNOON EXERCISES


The exercises of the afternoon were held in the auditorium of the Congregational Church, which was very prettily decorated in light blue and white, with palm leaves and gilt wreathes on the gallery front. American flags were draped above the rear of the platform, over the portrait of Charles Paxton, for whom the town was named.


It is worthy of note that the Rev. George G. Phipps, who composed a poem which he read at the Centennial celebration of Paxton, was present on this occasion and read another poem composed for this 150th celebration. The Anniversary Hymn was also composed by him as will be noted in the program. A brother, Rev. William Phipps, was also present and responded to the same sentiment that his father responded to fifty years ago. Their


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OF THE TOWN OF PAXTON


father, Rev. William Phipps, was pastor of this church twenty- nine years from 1840 until 1869.


Owing to ill health, Charles F. Flint was unable to deliver the address of welcome and it was given by his son, Frederick W. Flint.


SCRIPTURE READING Rev. Geo. G. Phipps


PRAYER


Rev. F. J. Fairbanks, Royalston


HYMN-(Composed by Rev. G. G. Phipps)


MUSIC- Battery B Band


ANNIVERSARY HYMN (Tune, Duke St.) God of the Centuries that are But as a fleeting day, to Thee, Thou guidest the most distant star, Yet canst in love our Father be.


The dust of Time's swift chariot wheels Rises in clouds that dim our sight,- But blest with gifts of faith, one feels That God controls and all is right. This town is but a grain of sand Upon the shore of life's wide sea, Yet lies within Thy mighty hand Precious as Orient pearl might be.


A century and a half has flown Since first its life began to be, That life, O God, Thy care has known, And heart-felt praise we offer Thee.


Though cruel wars o'erwhelm the world And devastations vast ne'er cease Rejoice that here no bombs are hurled,- Our Country knows the boon of peace. God of the bright advancing years, Bless with Thy love this ancient town :- Spite of all adverse fate, or fears, Our Paxton's future richly crown.


ADDRESS OF WELCOME


Rev. Geo. G. Phipps. Charles F. Flint, Paxton C. B. Perry, Millbury


HISTORICAL ADDRESS


POEM SENTIMENTS


Rev. G. G. Phipps, Newton Highlands H. S. Robinson, President of the Day


1. THE DAY WE CELEBRATE


Our little Paxton this day closes its century and a half of life; in the coming half century may its march be thus ever onward, its humble place in the ranks of the Old Bay State never deserted; its marching music ever thus the Voice of the Centuries.


Response by Atty. Herbert C. Lakin of New York City


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ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY


2. PAXTON, THE HOME OF OUR EARLY DAYS


May its remembrance be as dear to those who shall come after us as it has been to ourselves.


Response by Rev. Wm. Phipps, Waterbury, Conn.


3. "LEST WE FORGET"


Willard Duncan Howe, New York City


4. RUTLAND


Though Paxton was originally set off from Rutland and Leicester, not yet is she in the least "set off" from their neighborly good-will and affection.


Response by W. C. Temple of Rutland


5. THE CHURCH AND SABBATH SCHOOL


The safeguard of the present and future, as they have been of the past; may the sacred care and love of coming generations ever protect and sustain their interests.


Response by Rev. Otis Cole of Haverhill


6. TENOR SOLO


Charles A. Grosvenor, Worcester


7. A VOICE FROM THE HUB


One of our sons, ministering many years to the sick and helpless, has paused to speak to us today.


Response by Dr. Herbert B. Howard, Boston E. P. Keep, Auburn


8. POEM


9. THE TOWN OF LEICESTER


Though she could afford to give up her rights to our lands, not yet can she to our waters; yet, on the bosom of the streams that rise among our hills, would we ever float down to her kind wishes of peace and prosperity.


Response by Atty. H. O. Smith, Leicester George Maynard, Worcester


10. POEM


11. WORCESTER


Nestled closely to her, as we are, on these grand old hills, we predict for our future, a continuation of the city to our midst.


Response by Daniel W. Lincoln, Worcester


12. OUR FATHERS AND MOTHERS


Sowers of good seed by the fireside, they have thereby given sons and daughters to their Country and to God :- May their dear memory and love be ever green as the pines upon our hilltops. Response by Walter E. Clark, West Boylston


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OF THE TOWN OF PAXTON


4


CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH


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ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY


-


-


13. THE LADIES OF PAXTON


Blossoms of our Century Plants: May the fragrance of their mem- ory be dispensed through all the century to come.


Response, Poem, by Mrs. Fannie Phipps Clark, Waterbury, Conn.


14. WORCESTER-The City down below us


Response by Arthur E. Gray, Worcester


15. THOSE TO THE MANOR BORN


Wherever in the "wide wide world" they pitch their tents, still may they ever be in heart not far from Home.


Response by Gilbert G. Davis, Worcester


16. THE NATIVES OF PAXTON


Though so unfortunate as to have been allowed no choice as to birthplace, yet will Paxton never be sorry that their parents chose for them, and chose so wisely.


Response by Rev. Henry Streeter, Bristol, Indiana


17. FINAL TOAST


The two hundredth anniversary of the Town of Paxton. Let those here who may survive to see it not then forget to call forth from their long memory, this charge; bear down our salutations and good wishes to the joyful 1965.


Response by the Band and united singing of "Auld Lang Syne" By Mr. Grosvenor and Congregation


RESIDENCE OF CHARLES F. FLINT


Erected in 1748 by Abraham Smith who was first Representative to General Court from Paxton. Mr. Flint was the fifth generation of his family to occupy this house.


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ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY


RESOLUTIONS ON THE DEATH OF CHARLES F. FLINT


Whereas, an All Wise Father has taken to Himself, from our midst, a Christian Gentleman, one who held offices in Town and Church with honor, one who living in the homestead of generations of ancestors inherited honorable traits of character.


Whereas, our Committee desire to make mention of the worthy address of Welcome prepared by him for the one hundred and fiftieth celebration of the Town which we appreciated as well as the interest in the preparations.


Be it resolved to extend to the Widow and Son, our tender sympathy in their loss with the assurance that we mourn his departure from this life.


Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the family, and also placed on record.


(Signed) H. S. ROBINSON, R. H. BUSH,


H. H. PIKE, H. C. EAMES.


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OF THE TOWN OF PAXTON


CHARLES FREDERICK FLINT


Born, April 18, 1857


Died, July 2, 1915


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ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY


RESOLUTIONS ON THE DEATH OF CHARLES B. PERRY


Whereas, our Heavenly Father has taken from us a man of worth, of intellectual attainments, an able attorney, and a man of affairs generally,


Whereas, realizing the great effort it must have cost our dear Friend, our Committee desire to express our gratitude for the very able historical address delivered by him, June 30th, 1915, at the one hundred and fiftieth celebration of the Town of Paxton.


Be it resolved to extend to the widow our sympathy in her bereavement, with the assurance that our Town, his boyhood home, for which he retained a fond remembrance, is a loser in that he exhibited toward it a charitable and kindly assistance in Town affairs.


Resolved, to send a copy of these resolutions to the widow and place on record.


With sympathy and respect,


(Signed) HERBERT S. ROBINSON, ROXA H. BUSH, HENRY H. PIKE, HENRY C. EAMES.


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OF THE TOWN OF PAXTON


CHARLES B. PERRY


Born, August 29, 1858


Died, October 13, 1915


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ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY


ADDRESS OF WELCOME By CHARLES FREDERICK FLINT


I AM both honored and happy in discharging the duty de- volved upon me today of extending to this assembly, in behalf of our citizens, a hearty welcome.


Here a decade previous to the revolution, one hundred and fifty years ago, our fathers planted the foundation stone's of our municipal existence as a town by the act of incorporation.


You have come with us to celebrate this day. I welcome you one and all, and congratulate you upon the favorable cir- cumstances under which we meet.


It is particularly fitting that we should pause for a moment upon the vantage ground of our one hundred and fifty years and look back across the intervening space to the distant point, when the journey began. To look back not with regret as upon a finished yet incomplete career, but to look back for encourage- ment, to estimate progress, and to contrast the dim uncertain future with the real and substantial attainments which Paxton can this day call her own.


We know not what the future has in store. No human hand may part the curtains that hang before us; but whether there be prosperity or adversity in our pathway, duty remains the same. If our town is to maintain a reputation for high character and lofty achievement, it will be through the co-operation of all her citizens of every class and party.


Beyond a doubt the founders of Paxton were rare men and well deserve a grateful remembrance. It would be strange indeed if there had not arisen among us a desire, stronger than mere curiosity, to know what manner of men were these, our fathers, what hardships they bore and what purposes were theirs when they founded this town. A simple and almost instinctive query, but how great labor is imposed upon him who would answer it.


Generations have passed away leaving behind them such scanty records as the stern practical business of the age permitted


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OF THE TOWN OF PAXTON


and from this miscellaneous mass comes the material to build up our ideas of these men and their times.


I think we may say that Paxton has thus far proved her right to exist, and in a good degree, has fulfilled her mission.


If indeed, the men and events that have marked our history as a town in the past could be reviewed here in detail, I doubt not we should all feel that they compare at least favorably with other of our larger and older towns.


However this may be, one hundred and fifty years ago, our town, originally a part of Rutland and Leicester, was incorporated and received the name it still bears and to one and all, whether kindred in near or remote degree, whether friends of her infancy, her youth or her womanhood, Paxton extends her tenderest and most cordial greeting and bids you welcome at this birthday fes- tival.


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ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY


HISTORICAL ADDRESS By C. B. PERRY, Millbury


T INLIKE the distinguished historian of the Centennary of this Town I cannot claim it as my birthplace but I am not with- out some claim of right to address you as a Paxton man for in 1815 my great-grandfather purchased 120 acres of land most of which now lies under the waters of one of the reservoirs of the City of Worcester, and here he lived many years; my grandfather sang in the choir in this very church; here my parents passed their last years; here I passed the happy days of youth and in the vestry below cast my first vote; made the choice of the profession by which I gain a livelihood, formed lifelong friendships, and on this anniversary day so full of delightful memories I return to lay my tribute of love at the feet of dear old Paxton. Like many a town in our commonwealth, Paxton may be likened to the eddy in the ever widening stream of growth and progress. Though a part of the mighty stream it has not partaken of its onward progress to the extent that has fallen to the lot of many another community, yet in all its history its citizens have done their full part in the progress of the national life. Its sons and daughters in the days of national need and in days of peace have contributed their share to the uplift of the State and nation. "Into that fathomless sea whose waves are years," have sunk the founders of this town but we recall today with gratitude and honor their earnest work in founding this community. In what follows it may appear that I have drawn largely from the work of my predecessor, but by personal search of the town records, colonial laws and other matter have verified each step indepen- dently. My personal recollection of Paxton covers half a cen- tury. When a small boy I made many visits to this place with my father who worked for the firm of Lakin and Bigelow, whose bootshop stood near the residence of C. A. Kelton. We lived then in the northern part of Leicester. Since that time I have travelled somewhat extensively both in this country and in


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OF THE TOWN OF PAXTON


foreign lands but I never prepared for any of these journeys with quite the happy excitement I felt when given permission to ride with my father to Paxton. The store then kept by Nathaniel and William Clark was always visited and a long stick of red and white striped candy was given me which I took home and made to last several days. What banquet ever equalled it! But enough of personal recollection for the present. Within the sheltering arms of Cape Cod Peninsula the Mayflower cast anchor safe from the buffeting surges of the wintry sea. In its little cabin gathered the members of the Pilgrim band and drew up and adopted that remarkable compact which enunciated those vital principles which from time to time have been embodied in the preambles of State and National constitutions. This compact so simple in language and so forceful in matter is worthy of being repeated.


"We do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one another, covenant and combine our- selves together into a civil body politic for our better ordering and preservation and the furtherance of the ends aforesaid: and by virtue hereof, to enact, constitute, establish and form such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony."


Three hundred years with all the changes they have seen have not taken away from it a single bit of its importance. Upon such principles the Puritans on their triple hills and the Pilgrims at Plymouth founded their Commonwealths and continued them until these colonies were erected into the Province of Massachu- setts Bay in 1692. The change made in the colonial charters at that time was the first overt act of infringement by the British Government upon American liberty which resulted in the war of the Revolution and the establishment of the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. As became a Christian people, the title of the early settlers to their lands was obtained by purchase and not by conquest. Seventy-two years after the date of the first settlement of Plymouth that colony had increased


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ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY


to 7000 persons occupying 17 towns, and Massachusetts Bay Colony had a population of 40,000 persons in 55 towns.


In accordance with this policy of our forefathers on the 27th day of January, 1686, Colonel Joshua Lamb of Roxbury and others purchased of certain Indians a tract of land 8 miles square called Towtaid, lying near Worcester, which purchase was con- firmed by an order of the General Court passed on the 15th day of February 1713 on condition that "within seven years time 50 families settled themselves in as defensible and regular way as the circumstances will allow on part of the said land and that a sufficient quantity thereof be reserved for a gospel ministry and schools. The town to be named Leicester and to belong to the county of Middlesex."




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