USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Acton in history > Part 3
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 (link on the Part 1 page).
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
The original deed to the town for the opening of Woodlawn Cemetery was given by Nathan Robbins January 16, 1737, and contained one-half an acre. The second deed was given by Joseph Robbins De- cember 11, 1769, a small tract adjoining southeast corner. The third deed was dated November 2, 1812; the fourth deed was dated January 1, 1844; the fifth deed was dated August 22, 1862. The present area (1890) is between eleven and twelve acres. The old- est date noticed upon any of the slabs is 1743.
In earlier times slabs were not erected-a simple stone marking the place of burial. Many have been buried here whose graves have no outward token of their locality. A recent careful count of the graves in this cemetery makes the number 1671, showing that here lie the remains of a population nearly if not quite equal to those above ground on the present limits of the town. The location is about midway between East Acton and the Centre, and easily reached by good roads leading from all the villages and the other portions of the town.
Within the memory of some now living, before the new road from the Centre was laid out and the only passage was by the present site of Mr. Moorhouse, winding through a continuous line of woods, growing darker till the gurgling waters of Rocky Guzzle were heard just as the grave-stones struck the eye, it re- quired more nerve than most boys and girls had in those more superstitious times to travel that way alone in the night or even in day-time. The hair would stand on end in spite of one's self as one reached the sombre retreat. Few were brave enough to pass that way to mill unattended unless necessity or the calls of love impelled.
With the more cheery aspect of the thoroughfares in later years and with the mind cleared of the ghost, stories, which, if heard, are discredited on the spot and expelled at once from the memory, one can travel that way and sing or whistle as he goes by, conscious of none but helpful companionship.
A few epitaphs on the tomb-stones are here given, which may be of interest. The oldest slabs of unique design have at the top the Latin words Memento mori, which means, remember that you must die.
Erected in memory of Mr. Josiah Hayward, who departed this life May 6, 1783, aged 76.
He was a gentleman of worth and integrity, lived much respected for his private, social and public virtues ; sustained divers civil offices with honor to himself and benefit to the community aud particularly that of
a representative for this town in the General Assembly, where be sbowed himself a warm friend of bis country.
His memory is precious with the friends of virtue, religion and man- kind.
He had life in his imagination and a good judginent, was a humble, patient Christian, ever ready to do good when he saw an opportunity.
Whoever you be that see my hearse,
-
Take notice of and leurn this verse,
For by it you may understand, You have not time at your command.
Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth, yea, saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them.
On the marble slab at the tomb of Rev. John Swift :
Rev. John Swift died November 7, 1775, aged 62 years.
He was ordained us the first pastor of the Congregational Church of Acton, November 8, 1738, and continued in this relation until death. He was a plain, practical and serions preacher and a faithful minister.
Memento Mori.
In memory of Major Daniel Fletcher, who departed this life Deceul- ber 15, 1776, in the 59th year of his age.
'Tis dangers great he lias gone through
From enemies' hands his God him drew
When fighting for that noble cause,
llis country and its famous laws. But now we trust to rest has gone Where wars and fightings there is none.
Here lies buried the body of Deacon Joseph Fletcher, who departed this life September 11, 1746, in the 61st year of his age.
Memento Mori.
This stone Is erected to preserve the remembrance of Deacon Samuel Hayward, and to remind the living that they must follow him. He died March 6, 1791, aged 78.
For many years he commanded the militia in this town. He was a kind husband and father, neighbor and a lover of his country, of good men, of religion and of the poor. The memory of such a man is blessed.
Erected in memory of Captain Stevens Hayward, who died October 6, 1817.
In memory of Deacon Jolin White, who died April 3, 1821, in his 53ª year.
Erected in memory of James Fletcher, who died December 9, 1815, aged 57, whose death was caused by the falling of a tree.
The rising morning don't assure, That we shall end the day, For death stands ready at the door, To snatch our lives away.
The following inscription is upon a large siab mounted in a horizontal position :
Sacred to the memory of Rev. Moses Adams, who was born in Framing- ham, October 16, 1749, graduated at Cambridge in 1771 ; was ordained in 1777, minister of the Church and congregation of Acton, and continued such till October 13, 1819, when he died on the 16th, which was the 70th anniversary of his birth.
His remains were placed beneath this stone. In his person he was dignified and modest, in his intellect vigorous and sound, in his heart benevolent and devout. His preaching was plain and practical, and huls example added greatly to his power. The Scriptures were his study and delight, and while he exercised the protestant right of expounding them for himself, his candor toward the sincere who differcd from him was in the spirit of the Gospel.
'The good being whom he loved with supreme devotion was pleased to grant him many years of prosperity and gladness, and to add not a few of affliction and sorrow.
The first he enjoyed with moderation and gratitude, and in the last he exhibited the power of religion to sustain the practical Christian.
To his people and his family he was ardently attached and spent his life in exertions and prayers for their welfare, and they have placed this inscription to testify their reverence for his character and their love for his memory.
We cannot mourn the venerable shade whom angels led in trlumpb to the sklen while following sorrow halted at the tomb.
247
ACTON.
THE NORTH ACTON CEMETERY .- Its location is between three and four miles from Acton Centre, on the road to Carlisle on the left hand. It is a very old burying-ground of small area and contains about 100 graves.
A few of the epitaphs are given :
Sarred to the memory of Captain Samuel Davis, who died July 4th, 1800, aged 89.
Retire my friends, Dry up your tears, Here I must lie Till Christ appears.
In memory of - Davis, who died September 16, 1815, aged 72.
Beneath this stone Death's prisoner lyes, The stone shall move, The prisoner rise, When Jesus with Almighty word, Calls Ins dead saints
To meet the Lord.
Memento Mori. ·
Here lies buried the body of Deacon John Heald, who departed this life May 16, 1775, in the 82d year of his age. His wife Mary died Sep- tember 1, 1758, aged 61.
MOUNT HOPE CEMETERY, West Acton .- The West Acton Cemetery is gracefully located on elevated dry ground on the southern border of the village to the right as one pa-ses from West to South Acton. It was opened in 1848. It is regularly laid out ; has a new receiving-tomb and many modern slabs and sev- eral costly monuments of artistic design. It contains 271 graves and will have an increasing interest as the years go by.
THE BROOKS TAVERN .- Many now living can recall the gambrel roof two-story house at the foot of the hill, near where Mr. Moorhouse now lives, owned and occupied for many years by Mr. Nathaniel Stearns, the father of Mrs. Moses Taylor.
In the earlier days, before the present avenue and village at the Centre had been laid out, it stood as a conspicuous centre-figure facing the old meeting- house on the knoll, near where the school-house now stands.
The space between these two buildings was the Acton Common of ye olden time. Here were the military drills. Here were the town-meeting gather- ings. This Stearns house was the hotel of the sur- rounding districts, and was known as the "Brocks Tavern," from Daniel Brooks, who occupied it in 1762, and Paul Brooks afterwards.
When the new meeting-house of 1807 was raised it was necessary to send to Boston to engage sailors ac- customed to climb the perilous heights of a sea-faring life. They assisted in raising and locating the frame of the steeple. After the deed was accomplished they celebrated the exploit iu feasting and dancing at the " Brooks Tavern."
Could the walls of this tavern be put upon the stand, and could they report all they have seen and heard in the line of local history, we would have a chapter which would thrill us with its heroic, humor- ous and tragic details.
THE FLETCHER HOMESTEAD .- As we leave this enchanted spot wc notice the old stepping-stone of the meeting-house which Mason Robbins has erected in the wall at the right, and inscribed upon its broad face the memorial tablet of the bygone days. As we reach the house now owned and occupied by Mrs. Jonathan Loker, we see a lane to the left leading into the vacant pasture and orchard.
Pass into that lane for a few rods, and we reach tlic marks of an old cellar on the left. Here stood for many years, from 1794 on, the Fletcher home- stead, where James Fletcher, the father of Deacon John Fletcher, and his brother James and Betsey, the sister, lived during childhood up to the years of maturity. A few feet from this ancient cellar-hole to the west is the site of the first Fletcher russet apple- tree. Childhood's memories easily recall the ancient unpainted cottage, the quaint old chimney with the brick-oven on the side, and the fire-place large enough for the burning of logs of size and length, and in front to the southeast a vegetable garden un- matched at the time for its culture and richness, and a large chestnut-tree to the south, planted by Deacon John, in early life.
The farm and homestead of Potter Conant, where Herbert Robbins now lives, on the cross-road, near Mr. Thomas Hammond's, was originally owned and occupied by James Fletcher, the father of Deacon John, and the birth-place of the latter. It was sold in exchange to Potter Conant, when Deacon John was four years old.
Thomas Smith, the father of Solomon Smith, died here in 1758. Solomon Smith, who was at the Con- cord fight, lived here at the time. His son, Luke Smith, was at Baltimore with his knapsack and gun, when the rioters mobbed the old Sixth on the 19th of April, 1861. Silas Conant lived here later. Betsey married a Mr. Shattuck, who moved to Landaff, N. H., and was the mother of Lydia Shattuck, the noted teacher at Mount Holyoke College. For forty-one years she was connected with the institution, as a pupil in the fall of 1848, and of late years has been the only instructor who had studied under Mary Lyon. She began to teach immediately after gradu- ation. She made a specialty of natural history studies and was an enthusiastic botanist. She was associated with Professor Agassiz and Guyot in fouuding the Anderson School on Penikese Island, and was largely instrumental in awakening the interest which led to the founding of Williston Hall at South Hadley. Last summer she was made professor emeritus and granted a permanent home at the college. She died at the college November 2, 1889, aged sixty-seven years and five months.
THE SKINNER HOUSE .- This structure, of which the artist has given a genuine and beautiful sketch, is located in the southeast corner of Acton. Its stands on rising ground, just off the main road, facing a striking landscape towards the west, which includes
248
HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the Assabet River, with Its picturesque scenery of banks, foliage and bridge. The artist stood with this view all in his rear, with what is embraced in the sketch in front. The house was built in 1801, by Mr. Simeon Hayward, the father of Mrs. Skinner. It was at the time one of the most costly and tasteful residences in the whole town and held that rank for years. Even at this late date it will stand criticism with many dwelling-houses more modern and expen- sivc.
That majestic elm which towers above the house on the right is a hundred years old, and is a fair spe- cimen of its cotemporaries distributed in all parts of the town. Without them Acton would be shorn of its distinguishing beauty. To the left is the carriage- house and in the background the barn.
This house took the place of the old one which stood just in the rear of this when Mrs. Skinner was born, August 14, 1796. Her grandfather, Josiah Hay- ward, moved on to this site in 1737, and had promi- mence in the early history of the town. He and his wife were allowed a seat in the first meeting-house in 1737, which was considered at the time a marked compliment to their intelligence and rank. On the south and east sides of the house are many thick trees to prevent accident in case of explosion at the powder-mills which are built a short distance away on the banks of the Assabet River.
Do not pause too long on the outskirts of this de- lightful homestead. A knock at the door will give you a welcome within. Here lives the oldest person in town,-Mrs. Mary Skinner. On meeting her, she takes you by the hand with a genial welcoming ex- pression of the face which puts you at ease and makes you glad that you came.
One needs not the painted miniature done on ivory when she was twenty-one years old to assure the beauty of her youth. There are in her aged coun- tenance no doubtful traces of that carly charm, which made her a most attractive maiden. This in- teresting old lady never tires in telling of the frolics and festivities of her girlhood day-, and the doings of the beaux and belles.
Do not miss the kiud offer of Miss Dole, the faith- ful attendant for years of the venerable Mrs. Skin- ner, to visit the spare parlons. Here, one may fairly revel among the old-fashioned portraits, curious- shaped dishes and antique furniture. In a corner of the parlor is a tiny piano of roscwood, with gilded finishing and ornaments madc eighty years ago. It still has the clear sweet tone of ye olden time. Un- derneath the key-board are three drawers to hold music, each with little gilded knobs, There is some
exquite music-copying which Mrs. Skinner d'd years ago. Also many pictures which she painted ; but the most interesting of all are the white satin shoes which she wore when she was married. On a little printed slip neatly pasted inside of one of them the maker's name is given, mentioning that he kept a variety store, and also that at his establishment cu,- tomers could have "rips mended gratis."
At the age of twenty-eight she married and re- moved to Andover, Mass., where her husband, Mr. Henry Skinner, was in business. She lived there about four years, but after the death of her husband and two children, who dicd within eleven days of each other, she returned to her home, which she left as a bride, and liere she has lived ever since. At the age of sixty-four she found it necessary to wear glasses, but only for a short time, and now has re- markable eye-sight. She keeps well informed through the daily papers, and sits up until a late hour to have the news read to her.
All her near relatives are dead. Her father, Simeon Hayward, died June 5, 1803, when she was seven years old. Her son, Henry Skinner, born two :months after the decease of her husband, graduated from Harvard College before he was eighteen years old, in 1846-a civil engineer-died February 18, 1867. Her sister Betscy, who lived in the same house with her, with her husband, Rev. Samuel Adams, have both been dead for years. Betscy, when a young maiden, by the election of the ladies of Acton, presented to the Davis Blues an elegant standard and bugle. The address on that occasion was marked with sentiment and culture. It closcs in these words,-"Should ever our invaded country call you to the onset you will unfurl your banner and remem- ber that he whose name it bears sealed his patriotism with his blood."
Her attendant for years says Mrs. Skinner has a most lovely disposition. You allude to the many changes and trials her of life, and she says, "My life has been a favored one." She never speaks an unkind word, is never out of patience with persons or things. No matter what happens, it is always right-all right. She has been kind to so many. No one knows how many she has helped. No matter who comes with a subscription paper she listens patiently and gives
The young people for miles around used to meet at the wayside inn, where many a grand ball and party was given in honor of the lovely Jerusha Howe, the beauty of the town of Sudbury. Mrs. cheerfully. When subscribing to bcar the expense Skinner went to the dancing-school when eight years old.
of her husband's portrait and of the sketch of her historic homestead, she said, "I may not be alive when the picture is taken, but it may do some one some good."
In sickness her aim seems to be to relieve the care of attendance. Only yesterday she quoted the re- mark : Every person has three characters: 1. The one which their neighbors give. 2. The one which they themselves give. 3. The one which they really are. They all seem to be blended in one in Mrs. Skinner.
Mrs. Skinner has been for the larger portion of her
FMCL
SKINNER HOMESTEAD.
219
ACTON.
life a consistent member and liberal patron of the Acton Church. She gave the pulpit to the new niect- ing-house. Sitting in her cosy room, with its quaint ornaments and substantial furnishings, her white hands resting on her lap, she is a never-to-be-forgot- ten picture of serene, happy old age, while all about her there appears a peace above all earthly dignities -a still and quiet conscience.
THE OLD PARSONAGE .- Town Records, January, 1780 :
" Voted, that the select man appoint a town-meeting Tuesday, Jan. 25th, 1780, at one o'clock P.M., to see if the town will raise a sum of money to make good that part of the Rev. Moses Adams' settlement that is to be laid ont in building him a dwelling-house, and pass any other votes that may be thought proper when met Relating to settlement or the pay of the workers that have Don Labour on said house.
" Acton, Jan. 31, 1780."
The town being met according to adjournment by reason of the severity of the weather adjourned the meeting to the house of Caroline" Brooks, in order to do the business, and procecded as follows: On the second article it was voted "to allow the artificers that worked at Rev. Mr. Adams' house 15 dollars per day and ten Dollars for common Labour, 24s. per inile for carting."
" Voted, three thousand Pounds to make good the one Hundred Pound of Rev. Mr. Adams' settlement.
" Voted, three Thousand five hundred and sixty to Pounds to the Rev. Mr. Adams for his sallary this present year."
These figures show the depreciation of the currency during the Revolutionary period.
We proceed in our historic ramble, reluctant to part from the ancient "Knowl " where stood the First Church of Acton for threescore years and ten.
We drift on this tidal-wave of past reminiscences, and the drift takes us at once down the road a few rods to the northwest, where sits to-day so grace- fully the old parsonage of our fathers and grand- fathers and mothers and grandmothers of ye olden time. It faces the gentle slope in front to the south- east, looking towards the Hill of Zion on the " Knowl" and ye old Acton Common and the Brooks Tavern just beyond, now all gone to rest. It is a quaint old mansion, with a stately elm standing over it in all the majesty of years. The structure was built five years after the Concord Fight, 1780.
The side of the house faces the street and is three stories. Its front, built on a hillside, is half three and the other half two stories. A long flight of steps leads up to a large portico, which makes the front entrance overlooking the green fields and orcbards just beyond. The chimney rises in the centre of the roof some three feet high and six feet wide. Its four flues answer all household purposes. The lilac bushes and the yellow lily bed on the roadside, just outside the wall, are still flourishing as in the earliest recollec- tion of the oldest persons now living.
Moses Taylor, Esq., has done a great service to the future public by purchasing this estate and restoring the faded tints of early days-green blinds, light yel- low, the main color of the house, with white trim-
mings. It is now presentable to the eye of the anti- quarian, and even to the modern critic.
When laying out the new sidewalk leading up to the village, Mr. Taylor said : "Spare the lilac bushes and lily-bed. They shall remain for old memory's sake. I used to go by these loved relics in school- day times, and they are to me now even dearer and sweeter than when a boy."
Mrs. Adams, the wife of Rev. Moses Adams, the second minister, a very energetic lady and a notable housekeeper, kept store in the basement story. Keep- ing store, added to her maternal duties, as the mother of three sons and three daughters, house-work, spin- ning, weaving, knitting and cheese-making, to say nothing of parish duties, must have made for her a busy life, and this part of the house at least must have been a lively centre for the earthly activities of the parsonage. The upper part of the house was the scene of the pastor's private study, aud contained rooms neatly furnished for those times and ever ready to receive guests from abroad.
Rev. Moses Adams, the first pastor occupying this house, had been selected with great care. In May, 1776, the town chose a committee to take advice of the president of the college and the neighboring ministers and to engage four candidates to preach four Sabbaths each in succession. One of the four was Moses Adams. He, like his predecessor, Rev. Mr. Swift, was a native of Framingham. He was born October 16, 1749, and graduated at Cambridge, 1771. On the 29th of August, 1776, it was voted "to hear Mr. Moses Adams eight Sabbaths longer on probation," and on the 20th of December "to liear Mr. Moses Adams four Sabbaths longer than is agreed for."
In the mean time the church had appointed the 2d day of January for a fast, and had invited the neighboring ministers to attend on the occasion. On the 8th day of January they made choice of Mr. Adams to take the oversight and charge of the church. The choice was confirmed by the town on the 15th of the same month. At an adjournment of that meeting, on the 17th of March, an offer was made of £200 settlement and £80 salary in lawful money, according 68. 8d. per ounce. It was also voted to pro- vide him with fire-wood the first year after his settle- ment. The invitation was accepted, and Mr. Adams was ordained on the 25th day of June, 1777, then in his twenty-eighth year.
He was the only child of respectable but humble parents. By the death of both parents he became an orphan at the age of seven years. The property left him was sufficient, with economy, to defray the ex- pense of a public education. The first years of his ministry were attended with considerable pecuniary embarrassment, for, although precaution was taken to make the salary payable in silver, yet the value of that compared with the necessaries of life very con- siderably decreased.
250
HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The promptness and spirit with which the people of Acton met the calls of the Government for the support of the war rendered them less able to pay their minister. His settlement had been relied on to meet the expenses of building a house, which a young and increasing family made a matter of necessity. The settlement was not wholly paid for several years. The subject was agitated at two meetings in 1781, and in February, 1782, the selectmen were directed to pay the remaining balance.
In 1783 Mr. Adams, in a communication which is recorded, made a statement of £123, which he con- sidered his due for balances unpaid of his three first years' salary, accompanied by an offer to deduct £43 if the remainder should be paid or put on interest. It is not certain whether this was a legal or merely an equitable claim, but the town promptly acceded to the proposal. In justice to the town it should be observed that so far as it regards their pecuniary dealings with their two first ministers a liberality and sense of justice is manifest, with few exceptions, from the beginning to the end of the records. There were other negotiations in regard to the salary. It was all, however, in perfect good feeling and in accordance with the respect and affection which existed between Mr. Adams and his people through the whole period of his long ministry of forty-two years.
He died on the 13th of October, 1819, and was bur- ied on the 16th, which was the seventieth anniversary of his death. birte
In consequence of his request in writing-which was found after his decease-no sermon was delivered at his funeral. To anticipate the silent tear was more to him than the voice of praise. He had days of pros- perity and he knew how to enjoy them. He witness- ed seasons of sorrow and bore them with rare equa- nimity. In public duties, in social intercourse, in the schools, in the transactions of private life, he carried himself with a genial but serene self-poise commanding universal confidence, veneration and love.
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.