USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Bridgewater > Celebration of the two-hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, at West Bridgewater, June 3, 1856 > Part 10
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
153
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
the " Bridgewater Temperance Society," formed about forty years ago.
At this moment, a deep excitement pervades our country in relation to the subject of human slavery. Liberty of speech, and the "inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," are by many openly denied ; and Kan- sas, the very territorial centre of our Union, is now the great battle-field between justice and oppression. The question now is, Shall Freedom, with its attendant train of blessings, smile upon those lovely fields, and thereafter upon the as yet unsettled parts of our national domain ; or shall Slavery, with its legions of iniquities, blast the fair face of nature, and struggle to reach the summit of glory, unheeding the conse- quent tears, groans, and degradation of multitudes made in the image of God ?
For several years past, great efforts have been made to settle difficulties between nations by arbitration. Peace societies, and a convention of representatives from various civilized nations, have striven to hasten the reign of the Prince of Peace throughout the world. Disputes between nations, that, half a century ago, would have ended in the horrors of exterminating war, have, by such means, been amicably settled ; though the heart sickens to think of the dreadful woes inflicted by man upon his brother man, in the war just ended between Russia and the combined armies of England, France, and Turkey.
The sabbath school, an institution established. among us almost within the past generation, has been the means of great good in our immediate community, as well as through- out our country, and many parts of the civilized world.
Till within a recent period, the ancient township of Bridge- water continued under but one corporation. The large extent of territory induced our people, for greater convenience in municipal matters, to divide, in a friendly spirit, into four sister towns, each retaining Bridgewater as a part of its name.
20
154
BRIDGEWATER
We are still one in feeling, and rejoice in the good old name of Bridgewater. May the name of each remain unchanged so long as the Pilgrim stock shall last ! Like a watch-tower, may it ever diffuse the living flame of devotion to truth and duty !
As we with reverence now pass the old churchyards where "the rude forefathers of our hamlets sleep," so when, after the lapse of another century, you will, in the cemeteries on the shady hillsides of this our old home, gently pass by the moss-covered tablets indicating our last earthly resting- place, and as you decipher the names of the present actors in the drama of life, may you also read on the tablet of the heart the records of many lives that were " long because they answered life's great end "! While you will look back with a smile upon the foibles and unmeaning fashions of the pre- sent day, but with respect upon all efforts to reach a higher state of cultivation, moral and intellectual, may you realize, that, while customs change, Christian principle is ever the same, - that none " ever hardened himself against God, and prospered " !
As we are writing these lines on this, the great anniversary of our national independence, the notes of rejoicing at the good fortunes of the land, borne on each passing breeze, bring to mind the fact, that these municipalities are but parts of a stupendous whole ; that the weal or woe of one portion tends materially to affect that of all the rest.
The mightiest of questions are now presented to the indi- vidual and national conscience, surpassing any that have arisen within the memory of living men.
To the welfare of yourselves and your successors, we look with a solicitude we cannot express. In infinite wisdom, the Father of all the generations of man has concealed the future from our view. As on the tempestuous sea of life the bark shall sail freighted with the destinies of this people, may that
155
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
great chart which guided the Pilgrim Fathers ever teach you to avoid the rocks and shoals on which so many nations have foundered ! And that righteousness which alone exalts both individuals and nations, as it blessed our fathers, so may it bless our descendants through all future ages !
WILLIAM ALLEN. PAUL COUCH. JOSEPH KINGMAN. EDWARD SOUTHWORTH, jun. THOMAS CUSHMAN. ASA MITCHELL. DWELLEY FOBES.
EAST BRIDGEWATER, July 4, 1856.
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
" A MUSTER-ROLL OF THE COMPANY UNDER THE COMMAND OF CAPT. THOMAS MITCHELL (BELONGING TO THE REGIMENT WHEREOF THOMAS CLAPP, EsQ., IS COLONEL), THAT MARCHED, ON THE ALARM FOR THE RELIEF OF FORT WILLIAM-HENRY, IN AUGUST, 1757." *
Daniel Pettingal. Beriah Willis. John Bolton.
George Harris. Joshua Willis, jun.
Perez Waterman, jun.
Thomas Carr.
James Snow.
Robert Ripley.
Jonas Turner.
Benjamin Munk.
John Doughty.
Daniel Littlefield.
Robert Leach.
Jonathan Randall.
Henry Chamberlain.
John Loring. James Allen.
Benjamin Mahurin.
Joseph Belcher. George Packard.
Timothy Hayward.
Edward Packard. Elisha Hooper.
Henry Washburn. Joseph Keith. Stephen Leach. Eliab Washburn.
Francis Goward. Hezekiah Mahurin. Timothy Fobes.
Robert Gilmore.
David Perkins, jun.
Samuel Packard, jun.
Joseph Samson.
Uriah Richard.
Gregory Belcher. Ebenezer Edson.
Ephraim Allen.
Abisha Leach.
Josiah Mahurin. William Barlow. Amos Hayward. Joseph Harvey. Isaac Lee. Jonathan Pratt. Josiah Leach. Moses Sash. Matthew Buck.
* The original "Roll " is now in an almost perfect state of preservation. - June 3, 1856.
The following is copied from " Boston News-Letter," Oct. 21. 1773 :-
" BRIDGEWATER, Oct. 13, 1773.
" Col. Edson's Regiment, consisting of nine foot-companies of this Town and two of Abington, was reviewed this day by his Excellency the Governor (Hutchin- son). His Excellency was met at the entrance of the Town by a number of the principal inhabitants, and conducted to the house of the Rev. Mr. Angier (John), near the place of parade. There were about seven hundred men in arms, and a greater concourse of people than has been known to have been in the Town upon any other occasion."
Jonathan Willis.
Eliphalet Cary.
160
APPENDIX.
The Review was on the " Common " at East Bridgewater. The Rev. John Angier owned and occupied the place now owned and occupied by James H. Mitchell, Esq., of East Bridgewater.
" MUSTER-ROLL OF THE LATE CAPT. JACOB ALLEN'S * COMPANY OF THE FIRST MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT OF FOOT IN THE SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES, COMMANDED BY COL. JOHN BAILEY; TAKEN FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, 1778."
COMMISSIONED.
Jan. 1, 1777
JONATHAN ALLEN, First Lieutenant.
" JOTHAN AMES, Second Lieutenant.
", ROTHEAS MITCHELL, Ensign.
Sergeants.
1. Amos Harden.t
2. Watson Babington.
3. William Latham.
Corporals.
1. Daniel Ramsdill.
2. Caleb Howard.
3. Solomon Conant.
Drum and Fife.
15. William Mattris.
16. Robert Robinson.
34. John Wilkens.
Privates.
18. Peleg Pendill.
1. Jolin Bolton.
19. David Poor.
2 .-
20. James Robinson, jr.
21. William Robbins.
22. Henry Richmond.
23. Rufus Robbins.
24. Enoch Stocken.
25. Enos Whitman.
26. Japhet Allen.
27. Elisha Curtis.
28. Brister Drake.
29. Michael Fitzgerald.
30. Silas Harris.
31. Abraham Perkins.
14. Jonathan Mehurin.
32. John Lope.
33. Micha White.
1. Eliphaz Mitchell.
4. Lot Dwelley.
5. Boatswain Duel.
6. Richard Farrington.
7. James Welch.
8. William Parsons.
9. Prince Hall.
10. March Lewis.
11. Thomas Latham.
12. William Fowller.
13. Reuben Mitchell.
17. Isaac Houghton.
35. James Ramsdill. 36. Sippeo Solomon. 37. Joseph Semore. 38. - # Wood.
3. John Clapp.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
WEST BRIDGEWATER.
First Congregational, Unitarian, founded 1656. No settled minister.
Baptist . .. Cochesett Village, founded 1781. No settled minister. Meth .- Epis., Cochesett Village, founded 1840. Rev. Edward B. Hinckley, Pastor. New Jerusalem founded 1847. No settled minister.
* Killed at the Battle of Stillwater, Sept. 19, 1777.
1 Killed at Kingsbridge, N. Y., July, 1781.
$ Name lost
APPENDIX. 161
BRIDGEWATER.
First Congregational, Unitarian . established 1716. Rev. John J. Putnam, Pastor.
Congregational, Trinitarian . . . established 1822. Rev. David Brigham, Pastor.
Cong., Trin., Scotland Village . . established 1833. Rev. Otis Rockwood, Pastor.
Episcopal
founded 1747. No settled clergyman.
New Jerusalem . founded 1833.
Rev. Thos. P. Rodman, Pastor.
Catholic House erected 1855. Rev. A. L. Roache, Pastor.
EAST BRIDGEWATER.
First Congregational, Unitarian . . founded 1723. Rev. Joseph H. Phipps, Pastor. Union Society of E. & W. Bridgew. founded 1826. Rev. Philo B. Wilcox, Pastor.
Trinitarian Congregational
. founded 1849. Rev. Baalis Sanford, Pastor.
New Jerusalem .
founded 1834. Rev. Timothy O. Paine, Pastor.
Universalist .
founded .1834.
No settled clergyman.
Methodist-Episcopal
founded 1850.
Rev. Eli Strobridge.
NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
First Congregational, Trinitarian . founded 1738. Rev. Paul Couch, Pastor.
South Cong., Trin., Campello Vill., founded 1837.
Rev. David T. Packard, Pastor.
Porter Church, Trinitarian Cong., founded 1850. Rev. Charles L. Mills, Pastor.
New Jerusalem
founded 1827.
Rev. Warren Goddard, Pastor.
First Meth .- Epis. (West Shares) . . founded 1830.
Rev. A. B. Wheeler, Pastor.
Second Methodist-Episcopal
founded 1851. Rev. Robt. McGonnegal, Pastor.
Baptist
founded 1850. No settled clergyman.
Catholic
. founded 1853.
Rev. A. L. Roache, Pastor.
CENSUS OF 1855.
West Bridgewater.
Bridgewater.
East Bridgewater.
North Bridgewater.
Total.
Population .
1,734
3,363*
2,930
5,208
13.235
Americans
1,462
2.777
2,633
4,307
11,179
Foreigners
272
577
297
901
2,047
Unknown
9
9
Under 10 .
434
820
477
1,240
2,971
10 to 20.
345
610
564
1,030
2,549
20 to 30
311
585
574
1,123
2,593
30 to 40.
243
430
409
790
1,872
40 to 50.
159
343
259
451
1,212
50 to 60.
108
236
231
298
873
60 to 70.
80
184
158
170
592
70 to 80.
36
108
53
71
268
80 to 90 .
18
30
19
15
82
90 to 100 .
6
Age not stated.
13
6
18
37
No. Families
354
609
700
1,171
2,834
No. Dwelling Houses
301
539
581
979
2,400
No. Polls
437
750
810
1,425
3,422
Births
68
89
100
202
459
Deaths
31
41
30
88
190
Valuation
$652,880.00
$1,822,426.00
$1,206,940.00
$5,607.624.66
Whole Tax
4,373.25
9,246.71
8,819.69 2,500.00
36,183.77 .
Raised for Com. Schools
1,200.00
2,500.00
Square miles
16}
28 1-6
18 1-7
$1,925.378.66 13,744.12 3.500.00 19}
9,700.00 82 1-56
4
2
* Exclusive of 441 inmates of State Almshouse, the population is 2,922.
21
162
APPENDIX.
STATISTICS OF INDUSTRY IN 1855.
WEST BRIDGEWATER.
Furnaces for m. of hollow ware and castings, 4; hollow ware and other castings m'd., 295 tons ; val. of hollow ware and castings, $16,900 ; cap., $21,000; emp., 29.
Manufactories of shovels and spades, 1 (partly m'd. in this town, and finished in Easton); cap., $10,000; emp., 9.
Establishments for m. of wagons, sleighs, and other vehicles, 4; val. of wagons, &c., m'd., $4,680; cap., $1,800; emp., 8.
Cabinet manufactories, 1; val. of chairs and cabinet ware, $1,000; cap., $200; emp., 3.
Boots of all kinds m'd., 27,600 pairs; shoes of all kinds m'd., 141,700 pairs; val. of boots and shoes, $178,460; m. emp., 204; f. emp., 96.
Val. of straw braid m'd., and not made into bonnets and hats, $383,95; f. emp., 24. Charcoal m'd., 6,840 bush .; val. of same, $1,018.60; emp., 4.
Lumber prepared for market, 189,833 ft .; val. of lumber, $2,970.50; emp., 35, part of the time.
Firewood prepared for market, 985 cords; val. of firewood, $4,633,50; emp., 57, part of the time.
Sheep, 11; val. of all sheep, $33; wool produced, 61 lbs.
Horses, 144; val. of horses, $9,194. Oxen, over three years old, 151; steers, under three years old, 21; val. of oxen and steers, $8,821. Milch cows, 347; heifers, 63; val. of cows and heifers, $13,346.
Butter, 20,588 lbs .; val. of butter, $5,147. Cheese, 5,590 lbs .; val. of cheese, $698.75. Honey, 174 lbs; val. of honey, $35.34.
Indian corn, 192 acres; Indian corn, per acre, 28 bush .; val., $5,386.
Wheat, 3 acres; wheat, per acre, 163 bush. ; val., $125.
Rye, 28 acres ; rye, per acre, 15} bush; val., $666.
Barley, 9 acres; barley, per acre, 19 8-9 bush .; val., $179.
Oats, 55 acres; oats, per acre, 22 7-55 bush .; val., $791.05.
Potatoes, 133 acres; potatoes, per acre, 87 bush .; val., $8,703.
Beets, and other esculent vegetables, 8 acres ; val., $690.
English mowing, 953g acres; English hay, 8442 tons; val., $16,995.
Wet-meadow or swale hay, 858 tons; val., $8,580.
Apple-trees, 7,980; val. of apples, $3,424.50.
Pear-trees, 356; val. of pears, $53.75.
Cranberries, 86 acres; val., $969.35.
Beeswax, 3 lb; val., $1.
Establishments for in. of boot and shoe boxes, 1: cap., $3.000; val. of boxes m'd., $4,000; cmp., 3.
Val. of vanes m'd., $4,000; cap., $1,500; emp., 3.
Onions, turnips, carrot, and beets raised, 1,380 bush .; val., $690.
163
APPENDIX.
BRIDGEWATER.
Rolling, slitting, and nail mills, 4; iron m'd., and not made into nails, 1,000 tons; val. of iron, $80,000; machines for m. of nails, 52; nails m'd., 62,500 casks; val. of nails, $250,000; cap., $77,000; emp., 207.
Forges, 2; iron m'd., 70 tons; val. of iron, &c., $10,500; cap., $6,000; emp., 20. Furnaces for m. of hollow ware and castings, 1; hollow ware and other castings
m'd., 600 tons ; val. of hollow ware, &c., $40,000; cap., $18,000; emp., 30. Paper manufactories, 2; stock made use of, 270 tons ; paper m'd., 210 tons; val. of paper, $30,000; cap., $18,000; emp., 20.
Establishments for m. of chaises, wagons, sleighs, and other vehicles, 2; val. of vehicles m'd., $5,800; cap., $2,000; emp., 7.
Establishment for m. of soap, 2; soap m'd., 25,120 gals; val. of soap, $2,540; cap., $1,500; emp., 3.
Tin-ware manufactories, 1; val. of tin ware, $500; cap., $500; emp., 2.
Establishments for m. of cotton gins, 1; val. of cotton gins m'd., $14,000; cap., $30,000; emp., 40.
Boots of all kinds m'd., 600 pairs; shoes of all kinds m'd., 166,000 pairs; val. of boots and shoes, $125,700; m. emp., 55; f. emp., 35.
Bricks m'd., 3,000,000; val. of bricks, $12,000; emp., 30.
Charcoal m'd., 63,600 bush; val. of same, $4,000; emp., 20.
Lumber prepared for market, 900,000 ft .; val. of lumber, $7,600; emp., 30.
Firewood prepared for market, 2,217 cords; val. of firewood, $6,651; emp., 30.
Horses, 229; val. of horses, $16,472. Oxen, over three years old, 151; steers, under three years old, 18; value of oxen and steers, $7,557. Milch cows, 444; heifers, 51; val. of cows and heifers, $14,228.
Butter, 25,836 lbs; val. of butter, $6,459. Cheese, 6,670 lbs; val. of cheese, $834; Honey, 130 lbs; val. of honey, $26.
Indian corn, 283 acres; Indian corn, per acre, 29 bush .; val., $8,136.
Wheat, 1} acre; wheat, per acre, 16 bush .; val., $48.
Rye, 57 acres; rye, per acre, 11 bush .; val., $857.
Barley, 3} acres; barley, per acre, 24 bush .; val., $80.
Oats, 129 acres; oats, per acre, 23 bush .; val., $1,898.
Potatoes, 157 acres; potatoes, per acre, 86 bush .; val., $6,786.
Onions, 1 acre; onions, per acre, 380 bush .; val., $190.
Turnips, cultivated as a field crop, 4} acres; turnips, per acre, 325 bush. ; val., $450. Carrots, ¿ acre; carrots, per acre, 416 bush. ; val., $62.
Beets, and other esculent vegetables, & acre; val., $42.
English mowing, 1,540 acres; English hay, 1,128 tons; val., $20,304.
Wet-meadow or swale hay, 414 tons; val., $4,140.
Apple-trees, 9,299; val. of apples, $3,902.
Pear-trees, 1,180; val. of pears, $128.
Cranberries, 14 acres : val., $520.
Establishments for m. of shingle and box-board mills, 1; mills m'd., 12; val., $4,000; cap., $3,000; emp., 5.
EAST BRIDGEWATER.
Rolling, slitting, and nail mills, 1; iron m'd., and not made into nails, 1,000 tons; val. of iron, $70,000; machines for m. of nails, 29; nails m'd., 24,000 kegs; val. of nails, $96,000; cap., $50,000; emp., 75.
Forges, 1; wrought iron m'd., 468 tons; val. of bar iron, &c., $32,760; cap., $2,000; emp., 5.
164
APPENDIX.
Furnaces for m. of hollow ware and castings, 1; hollow ware, &c., m'd., 100 tons ; val. of hollow ware, &c., $7,000; cap., $8,000; emp., 8.
Establishments for m. of machinery, 1; val., of machinery m'd., $10,000; cap., $8,000; emp., 10.
Establishments for m. of steam-engines, 1; val. of engines, $51,000; cap., $50,000; emp., 35.
Tack and brad manufactories, 2; tacks and brads m'd., 450 tons; val. of tacks and
brads, $70,000; cap., $15,000; m. emp., 56; f. emp., 12; no. of tack machines, 76. Brass foundries, 1; val. of articles m'd., $600; cap., $500; emp., 2.
Saddle, harness, and trunk manufactories, 2; val. of saddles, &c., $2,000; cap., $1,400; emp., 2.
Establishments for m. of boats, 1; boats built, 6; cap., $300; emp., 1.
Establishments for m. of chaises, wagons, sleighs, and other vehicles, 3; val. of vehicles m'd., $4,000; cap., $1,700; emp., 6.
Establishments for m. of firearms, 1; val. of firearms, $1,000; cap., $800; emp., 1. Tin-ware manufactories, 2; val. of tin ware, $4,000; cap., $1,500; emp., 5.
Establishments for m. of cotton gins, 2; val. of cotton gins m'd., $85,000; cap., $84,000; emp., 60.
Boots of all kinds m'd., 3,120 pairs; shoes of all kinds m'd., 442,200 pairs; val. of boots and shoes, $399,200; m. emp., 235; f. emp., 134.
Bricks m'd., 500,000; val. of bricks, $2,500; emp., 9.
Val. of snuff, tobacco, and cigars, $4,400; m. emp., 5; f. emp., 2.
Val. of mechanics' tools m'd., $3,000; emp., 2.
Lumber prepared for market, 608,000 ft .; val. of lumber, $6,530; emp., 21.
Shingles m'd., 379,000; val. of shingles, $947.50.
Firewood prepared for market, 2,175 cords; val. of firewood, $6,990; emp., 7.
Sheep, 11; val. of sheep, $33; wool produced, 36 lbs.
Horses, 214; val. of horses, $19,250. Oxen, over three years old, 104; steers, under three years old, 33; val. of oxen and steers, $6,121. Milch cows, 359; heifers, 63; val. of cows and heifers, $14,246.
Butter, 22,752 lbs .; val. of butter, $6,825.60. Cheese, 4,310 lbs .; val. of cheese, $603.40.
Indian corn, 2092 acres; Indian corn, per acre, 30 bush .; val., $7,046.48.
Wheat, 3} acres; wheat, per acre, 20 bush .; val. $130.
Rye, 334 acres; rye, per acre, 20 buslı .; val., $997.50.
Barley, 64 acres; barley, per acre, 25 bush .; val., $195.41.
Oats, 292 acres ; oats, per acre, 25 bush .; val., $371.87.
Potatoes, 2523 acres; potatoes, per acre, 100 bushi .; val., $25,250.
Turnips, cultivated as a field-crop, 6} acres; turnips, per acre, 300 bush; value, $780.
Carrots, 4 acres ; carrots, per acre, 400 bush .; val., $960.
English mowing, 1,314} acres; English hay, 728} tons; val., $14,570.
Wet-meadow or swale hay, 510 tons; val., $5,100.
Apple-trees, 8,042; val. of apples, $1,657.
Pear-trees, 1,021; val. of pears, $173.
Cranberries, 7 acres; val., $250.
Establishments for in. of boxes for packing boots, shoes, tacks, and brads, 2; val. of boxes m'd., $15,450; cap., $9,100; emp., 9.
Establishments for m. of cap tubes, 1; tubes m'd., 4,800,000; val. of tubes, $4,800; cap., $3,000; emp., 3.
Nurseries, 2; val. sold, $2,000; cap., $4,100; emp., 3.
Establishments for m. of patterns, 1; val. of patterns m'd., $2,000; emp., 1.
165
APPENDIX.
NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
Musical-instrument manufactories, 2; val. of musical instruments m'd., $8,780; cap., $2,000; emp., 9.
Daguerreotype artists, 1; daguerreotypes taken, 800; cap., $450; emp., 1.
Brush manufactories, 2; val. of brushes, $8,000; cap., $3,000; emp., 11.
Saddle, harness, and trunk manufactories, 1; val. of saddles, &c., $6,000; cap., $2,000; emp., 4.
Establishments for m. of chaises, wagons, sleighs, and other vehicles, 3; val. of carriages m'd., $5,200; cap., $1,600; emp., 8.
Establishments for m. of soap and tallow candles, 2; soap m'd., 280 bbls .; val. of soap, $1,120.
Chair and cabinet manufactories, 1; val. of chairs and cabinet ware, $20,000; cap., $10,000; emp., 32.
Tin-ware manufactories, 2; val. of tin ware, $13,000; cap., $4,600; emp., 7.
Boots of all kinds m'd., 66,956 pairs ; shoes of all kinds m'd., 694,760 pairs; val., of boots and shoes, $724,847; m. emp., 692; f. emp., 484.
Val. of building stone quarried and prepared for building, $500; emp., 4.
Val. of blacking, $8,000; emp., 4.
Val. of blocks and pumps m'd., $50; emp., 1.
Val. of mechanics' tools m'd., $2,540; emp., 44.
Lasts m'd., 40,000; val., $10,000.
Luinber prepared for market, 213,000 ft .; val. of lumber, $32,025.
Firewood prepared for market, 3,348 cords ; val. of firewood, $13,796; emp., 60.
Sheep, 5; val. of sheep, $10; wool produced, 20 lbs.
Horses, 343; val. of horses, $29,880. Oxen, over three years old, 74; steers, under
three years old, 26; val. of oxen and steers, $5,760. Milch cows, 420; heifers, 36; val. of cows and heifers, $17,068.
Butter, 20,075 lbs .; val. of butter, $5,018.75. Cheese, 6,505 lbs .; val. of cheese, $650.50. Honey, 620 lbs .; val. of honey, $155.
Indian corn, 216 acres; Indian corn, per acre, 28 bush .; val., $6,075.
Rye, 25 acres ; rye, per acre, 15 bush .; val., $567.
Barley, 7 acres; barley, per acre, 23 bush. ; val., $240.
Oats, 20 acres; oats, per acre, 19 bush .; val., $225.60.
Potatoes, 310 acres ; potatoes, per acre, 90 bush .; val., $27,667.
Turnips, 5 acres ; turnips, per acre, 200 bush .; val., $250.
Carrots, ¿ acre; carrots, per acre, 400 bush .; val., $50.
Beets, and other esculent vegetables, 20 acres; val., $5,000.
English mowing, 1,550 acres; English hay, 1,266 tons; val., $25,320.
Wet-meadow or swale hay, 375 tons ; val., $3,750.
Apple-trees, 7,700; val. of apples, $3,000.
Pear-trees, 818; val. of pears, $100.
Cranberries, 16 acres; val., $3,200.
Beeswax, 100 lbs .; val., $73.
Bakeries, 1; flour consumed, 200 bbls .; val. of bread m'd., $5,000; cap., $4,000; emp., 6.
Establishments for m. of shoe boxes, 1: val. of boxes m'd., $1,500; cap., $1,000; emp., 1.
Val. of boot-trees and forms m'd., $2,000.
Peat, 500 cords ; val., $2,000.
Swine raised, 526; val., $4,208.
166
APPENDIX.
HOUSES OF WORSHIP AND TOWN-MEETINGS.
The first house of worship, in ancient Bridgewater, was built of logs, about the year 1660. It is supposed to have stood near the site of the dwelling-house now occupied by Mr. Simeon Dunbar, in West Bridgewater.
The second honse was erected in 1674, in the square directly opposite where Major Jarvis D. Burrill now lives. The dimensions are noticed in Judge Wash- burn's Address. The Building Committee were Nicholas Byram, John Washburn, Samuel Allen, John Ames, Deacon John Willis, and Goodman (Samuel) Edson.
The third meeting-house, near the centre of Bridgewater, -a view of which is placed at the beginning of this pamphlet, - was built, in 1731, on the site of the second. The Building Committee were Jonathan Hayward, jun., Israel Packard, Thomas Hayward, 3d, Ephraim Fobes, and Ephraim Hayward. The house was fifty feet long, thirty-eight wide, and twenty-two high, and entirely covered with shingles. Eleven places for pews were sold for one hundred and forty-three pounds ten shillings ; and, also, a pew was built, on the left side of the pulpit, for the use of the minister's family. The body of the house was furnished with long seats instead of pews. The edifice was three stories high, with two galleries, one above the other, on three sides.
In 1767, the "balcony " was repaired, and a new spire erected upon it, and provision was made for hanging a bell which was purchased the same year. This was the second bell hung in the town, the North Parish having purchased one in 1764. This building was used as a house of worship for seventy years, till the erection of the fourth house on land bought of Gamaliel Howard, near the orchard of Jonathan Copeland.
In 1802, the West Parish voted to give the town of Bridgewater the old meeting- house, the third, and the land on which it stood, for the purpose of holding town- meetings, so long as they should keep the house in repair. The belfry was then taken down, and town-meetings were accordingly held in that house till the division of the town in 1822. The building was taken down in 1823, having served the pur- pose of a town-house ninety years.
The old " Double-Decker " was an object of interest to persons of all ages. It was the great focus of the several parishes; and the exciting debates during the war of 1812, and the amusing incidents connected with the house, are fresh in the minds of many of the older residents among us. Soon after the building began to be used solely as a town-hall, a magazine was built in the north-west corner of the upper gallery; and the ammunition of the town was brought from the " Old Powder House," and stored, to the great delight of the boys, who used to find here ample materials for the manufacture of " plummets," which were to grace their writing-books at the winter school. On the division of the town, the remaining warlike materials were distributed among the four towns.
The Selectmen, for many years previous to the separation, were Mr. John Willis, of the West; Mr. Silvanus Pratt, of the South; Capt. Ezra Kingman, of the East; and Capt. Abel Kingman, of the North.
167
APPENDIX.
Of the seven Town Clerks, from 1656 to 1822, a period of a hundred and sixty- six years, Capt. Eliakim Howard was the last, having served forty-three years. It was the practice, for a long series of years, after the citizens had assembled in town-meeting, for the Selectmen to deputize two of their number to go to the house of Rev. Dr. Reed, and escort him to the town-house, where the venerable man preceded the business of the day with prayer.
The number assembled was sometimes so great, that it was found almost' im- possible to declare a vote, on some important question, within the house; and the company adjourned to the street, where, after a careful array of lines along the road leading to the north, the yeas taking the east side, and the nays the west, the whole sometimes reaching Mr. Gamaliel Howard's corner, a decision of the question was obtained. The highest number of votes ever cast in the house was nine hundred and six.
Usually, after a town-meeting was over, the proceedings of the day closed with a wrestling match: the Parishes challenging each other, frequently the North and East being arrayed against the West and South.
THE END.
1362
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.