USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Fitchburg > Fireside legends : incidents, anecdotes, reminiscences, etc., connected with the early history of Fitchburg, Mass., and vicinity > Part 5
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
COL. WILLIAM F. DAY (1815-79).
Landlord at different times of the American, Fitchburg and Rollstone Houses- warm - hearted, genial, kind and obliging. Began hotel life as a bellboy with Mr. Young of Springfield, afterward of Young's Hotel, Boston.
224
STOP THEE
Gilbert
Old wood cut used on the handbills of the Thief Detecting society, a significant proclamation to thieves and a special terror to those on horseback. The society was organized in 1834 in Ashburnham, and included in its membership residents of Fitchburg and adjoining towns as well.
By permission of Sentinel Printing Company.
225
WILLIAM WINCH (1823-99).
More than fifty years a resident of Fitchburg, and an active worker in the cause of temperance.
LILLEY B. CASWELL.
Native of Fitehburg. Civil engineer, teacher, journalist. Author and publisher of History of Athol.
226
CHAPTER VI.
Peter Whitney-
OLD MEETING-HOUSES, CEMETERIES, ETC.
CCORDING to the records the first town meeting was held at the Hunt tavern March 5th, 1764. The first religious services were conducted the following winter at the same place by Rev. Peter Whitney the historian. The first meeting-house was built by the town, on land given by Thomas Cowdin for that purpose, at the cor- ner of Crescent and Blossom streets. A brick school house was afterward built on the spot, a portion of which still remains. This church was built piece by piece ; the town fur- nished the "stuff" and employed people to work on it, finishing part at a time. It was ready for occupancy in two years, but it was seven years before it was actually completed. It was built in the following order : The
227
frame was "boarded", the lower floor laid, the outside "finished", a place was made "for the minister to preach in", the pew-ground "dignified", and the house "seated"; the galleries and stairs made, the house "glassed", and finally "coloured". In dignifying the pews, the "highest payer on real estate" had the first choice.
One circumstance relative to the singing in the meet- ing-house at this period is related by Mr. Torrey and is worthy of reproduction in this book. "It was the practice pre- vious to this time in our churches to have the minister select and read the first hymn, as now, then the oldest deacon would read a line, which was sung by all who could sing sitting promiscuously in every part of the meeting-house, then another line was read and sung in like manner, and so on. In 1767 some bold innovator in psalmody made an effort to introduce something similar to our present mode of singing, together with some new tunes. These latter were quite incomprehen- sible to some veterans, whose sweet voices of fifty years standing were hushed in con- sequence, and the point was argued with exceeding warmth on both sides. Before coming to blows, however, a compromise was effected, whereby two-fifths of the singing was after the old style, to satisfy the aged people, while the taste of those who were pleased with the change was gratified by carrying
three-fifths of their point." In September, 1786, it was voted to build new meeting-house in the "center of the town, or the nearest convenientest place to the center." Unfortunately for Fitchburg, as else- where in New England, all matters of church and state were submitted to the combined wisdom of the inhabitants "in town meeting assembled " and the result of the struggle to find that unknown spot, the "nearest con- venientest place", lasted ten years. Ninety-nine town meetings were held
in which the subject was wrestled with, and so fiercely at times was the contest waged that spectators from other towns honored the gatherings with their presence. The inhabitants living on Dean Hill did not wait, but at once proceeded to build a church of their own. It was a plain, unpainted structure, was little used, and was finally left to decay, and for its shabby appearance received the appellation of the "Lord's barn". For some time previous to being taken down in 1826 it was used indiscriminately by different denominations and sects.
Mr. J. F. D. Garfield recalls a statement made to him regarding the substantial character of the frame of that building : The main timbers were of oak, twelve inches square, and when it was taken down Capt. Newton, a cotton manufacturer in Newton lane, procured two of the timbers to use in the construction of a lathe for turning shafting and other machinery for his mill. and for several years it would turn a longer piece of shafting than any other lathe in this section of the county.
The task of the committees who served the town during these ten weary years was evidently a thankless one. Every means was used to center the town and ascertain that hitherto undiscovered point, the "nearest con- venientest place", time and again commit- tees interested and disinterested surveyed, planned and reported to the town, and the recommendations all were treated precisely alike,-as good for nothing. A sensible location was at last decided upon near where the present First Parish church stands, and in 1795-6 it was built. Mr. Torrey in 1836 says, "I have been informed that it was designed to have the house face directly down street and that the underpinning was set, but that the opposing faction mustered sufficient strength to have it faced directly to the south." It is
UPPER MAIN STREET, LOOKING TOWARD THE UPPER COMMON AND UNITARIAN CHURCH. Moulton, Photo.
230
RESIDENCE OF C. A. CROSS.
That portion of the upper common which shows in the foreground of the picture is very near the site of the second meeting house built by the town, now standing on the corner of Circle and Main streets. Moulton, Photo.
231
an interesting fact that the town at one of its meetings voted to build near the summit of Pound Hill, the geographical center of the town, but promptly rescinded the vote at its next meeting. The old pound remains to remind us of "what might have been ".
CENTER
e. TOWN
The meeting-house was modelled after that on the hill in Ashburnham. There were porches at each end with stairs leading to the galleries, and the pulpit, singers' seats and pews were after the usual pattern of that time. The west gallery was occupied by the women and girls, and the east by men and boys, the gallery sittings being free. The church pews were square and were furnished with narrow seats without cushions. The seats were hung on hinges, and so arranged as to be easily raised when the con- gregation stood during prayer time, and as it was the custom to raise these whenever the congregation stood up, and also rulable to let them fall
without regard to the noise at the close, the startling effect on weak nerves can better be imagined than described.
The singing was led for years by Cyrus Thurston. He taught singing school win- ters, and as he picked the best singers for his choir it was considered a great compliment for a person to be included in that number. William J. Merriam, Mrs. Dr. Peter Snow, Mrs. Solomon Pratt and Ebenezer Torrey were some of the more prominent singers. The organ was played by Aaron Litch, and the pitch-pipe, bass-viol, violins and bassoon were also used.
Up to the time of incorporation there had been no burying ground nearer than Lunenburg, seven miles distant. The first graveyard in Fitch- burg was back of the meeting-house, between Blossom and Mount Vernon streets, but on account of the ledge of rock it was found an unsuitable
place and the few bodies there were finally exhumed and placed in the cemetery on South street, the land for which was given by Deacon Amos Kimball "in consideration of his love and respect for the people of
Fitchburg." For a quarter of a century this was the only cemetery in town,
Memento Mori
Here lies the Body of Deacon Amos Kimball He departed this Life Ochr 6th
1774 in the 57th year of his Age.
IN Memory of Enfª Ephraim Kimball who deceas d Feb. 14 17 82. IN the 60 Year of his age.
and in it are the tombstones of many of the early citizens of prominence ; that of Rev. John Payson, the first settled minister, being the most notice- able on account of its size and position, resting horizontally on stone supports.
About the year 1800 a cemetery was located near the Dean Hill school house, which is now overgrown with trees. The easterly part of Mount Laurel cemetery was purchased soon after and additions have since been made so it now covers the entire hill overlooking the city. Forest Hill cemetery was laid out in 1856-7. St. Bernard cemetery is owned by St. Bernard Church, and has been in use for several years.
MASONIC.
The entire third and fourth floors of the Fitchburg Savings Bank building are occupied by the Masonic fraternity. Especially prepared for this purpose in its construction, they were first occupied in November, 1871, and form one of the finest suites in the state.
Aurora Lodge, which will soon celebrate its centennial, was instituted at Leominster June 9, 1801, and removed to Fitchburg March 17, 1845
Thomas Royal Arch Chapter (named after Isaiah Thomas of Worcester, whose autograph letter of permission for the use of his name is among its treasured relics), was instituted at Princeton Dec. 21, 1821, and removed to Fitch- burg Nov. 13, 1847.
Charles W. Moore Lodge was instituted Oct. 9, 1865.
Lady Emma Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, instituted May 10, 1889.
Nelson A. Seymour, Photo.
234
+4
Pilgrimage, Jerusalem Commandrry
SALEMI
June Omeuly-thin, 1900
Singh de Payer mmanocy.
JERUSALEM COMMANDERY, NO. 19, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR. INSTITUTED OCT. 13, 1865. O. W. Leighton, Salem Willows Studio, Photo.
235
CHAPTER VII.
REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD.
HE eventful 19th of April found Fitchburg prepared for action. The alarm gun was fired in front of Deacon Kimball's store (near the Cushing mill) and here the minute-men assembled, and being joined by several volun- teers about fifty men proceeded at once under command of Captain Ebenezer Bridge, and a large baggage wagon well filled with provisions was immediately sent after them, under the care of Thomas Cowdin, Jr. Finding their services not immediately needed most of these men returned and the provisions remaining were sold, and the proceeds, $48.50, was given to Rev. John Payson, on the principle no doubt that what was not wanted by those who fought should go to one who prayed earnestly for our success. As near as can be learned about thirty were constantly in the army from Fitchburg during the war.
The only Fitchburg soldier killed dur- ing the war was John Gibson. Two others of the Gibson family, Jonathan and Nathaniel, were in the service. They were at the battle of Bennington, and one of their descendants carried at the Bennington centennial celebration, a hessian drum captured at the battle. This drum is now owned by Francis Boutwell of this city.
Mr. Alonzo P. Goodrich has a list of minute-men copied from a paper or ce in the possession of his grandfather, Deacon David Goodrich.
It would seem that soon after Capt. Ebenezer Bridge's company left for Lexington another followed under command of Ebenezer Woods as captain, Kendall Boutell, Ist lieutenant, Asa Perry, 2d lieutenant, Joseph Adams and Reuben Gibson, sergeants.
--.
HOME OF CAPT. EBENEZER BRIDGE.
On what was known as the Crown Point road on that portion now known as the Richardson road-about midway between the present Ashby and Fisher roads. Fairbanks Photo.
237
The following brief sketches will be of interest in this connection : Capt. Ebenezer Bridge was born in Lexington, married Mehitable Wood of Lunenburg, 1663, the year before Fitchburg was incorporated. He served through the war and left the service with the title of colonel. He died in 1823. His Fitchburg residence was on the "old Crown Point road" between the present Fisher and Ashby roads. I am informed that he left Fitchburg about the close of the war, but the grave of one at least of his children is in the old cemetery, bearing date as late as 1781. Beneath the record of death, (a son of 3 years, ) the stone bears these lines :
" Fresh as ye morn ye summer rose Hangs withered ere its noon ; We scarce enjoy ye balmy gift
But mourn ye pleasure gone."
Near the entrance of the Mount Laurel cemetery lie the remains of Gen. James Reed. He was colonel of the second New Hampshire Regiment at Bunker Hill, his position at that fight being at the rail fence. From sickness contracted while in the service he became totally blind. In 1798 he came to reside in Fitchburg. purchasing a house standing next above our present City Hall. Before coming here he had buried his wife, (while resid- ing at Keene, N. H.) Miss Mary Farrar, a Fitzwilliam school-teacher, in her spare hours used to go in to read to the general and she finally became his second wife. After their marriage he and his wife used to ride on horseback, the general's horse being guided by a strap leading to the other horse's bit. Gen. Reed died in 1807 and was buried with military honors. In
the funeral procession the widow rode upon her horse, while the general's horse with empty saddle walked at her side, guided as usual by his mate. A granddaughter has recently presented to the state of New Hampshire a portrait of the general, which hangs in the State Capitol at Concord. The faithful engraving given above was made from a copy kindly furnished by Mr. J. F. D. Garfield.
The burdens of the Revolutionary war pressed heavily, but in addition to these Fitchburg was visited with a small-pox epidemic, which was then JOSIAH FAIRBANKS considered one of the most dreadful of maladies. LANCASTER Dr. Thaddeus McCarty, the first physician of DIED MARCH2TH177.7 Fitchburg, in connection with Dr. Israel Atherton of Lancaster, established a hospital on Buck Hill, so called, and labored incessantly to alleviate the sufferings of the victims and allay the fears of those who were well ; for which they were rewarded by the charge of introducing the disease into the place for the purpose of increasing their business. Of the large number of patients from this and adjoining towns it is not known that more than five died, these were buried at the edge of the wood and one headstone, at the grave of Josiah Fairbanks of Lancaster, was erected.
Dr. Peter Snow, the successor of Dr. McCarty, was for forty years the leading magistrate and also the leading physician in town. Dr. Jonas Marshall settled here soon after the Revolution, and died here venerable in years and honored as a physi- cian. It is related that during the reign of martial law in Fitchburg, during the Shay rebellion, that a company of soldiers, stationed here to seize persons suspected of being Shayites "sought" for Dr. Jonas Marshall, but he eluded his pursuers by secreting himself in the closet under the stairway in the hall of the Upton tavern.
4
L.
UPTON TAVERN VIEWS.
Fairbanks Photo.
1. Original Upton tavern from southwest. 2. Southeast view with porch addition; now the residence of Charles L. Fairbanks. 3. Dining-room and open fireplace. 4. Front hall and closet under stairs where Dr. Jonas Marshall was secreted. 5. Parlor corner and Franklin stove. 6. Andrew Jackson Dean, last surviving child of Capt. Francis Dean, now in his 84th year.
240
CHARLES L. FAIRBANKS.
Connected with the coal business in Fitchburg continuously for more than forty years. Served the city as councilman 1873.
CHARLES C. WALKER.
In Fitchburg since 1866. Many years in company with Nat Cowdin in the manufacture of soap. Served in Co. D, 2d Mass. Infantry. Past Commander G. A. R. Alderman 1897-99.
241
BIRDSEYE VIEW OF NEW STREET, SPRING OF 1900.
242
ARCH BRIDGE OVER THE NASHUA AT NEW STREET
PUTNAM MACHINE SHOP INTERIORS, 1869. Moulton, Photo.
243
JOHN PUTNAM (1810-88).
Native of Peterboro, N. H. Firm of J. & S. W. Putnam, in Fitchburg 1838-58; connected with the Putnam Machine Co. from its organization in 1858 to time of his death.
SALMON W. PUTNAM (1815-72).
Native of Hopkinton, N. H. Firm of J. & S. W. Putnam, in Fitchburg 1838-58; organizer of Putnam Machine Co. in 1858, and president to time of his death.
The firm of J. & S. W. Putnam, founders of the iron business in Fitchburg, came here in 1838, hired a room 20x30 feet in the old Burbank paper mill, then owned by Alvah Crocker, and began in a small way an industry that has since then become so large and important as to give to Fitchburg the name of the "Machine City."
RESIDENCE OF THE LATE SALMON W. PUTNAM, WALNUT STREET. Laura P. Stewart, Photo.
245
i
SALMON W. PUTNAM. Vice- President Putnam Machine Co. Alderman 1881-82, 1895-96.
HENRY O. PUTNAM. Treasurer Putnam Machine Co. School Committee 1878-92; Alderman 1883-85, 1891.
S. W. Putnam Sons.
CHARLES F. PUTNAM.
President Putnam Machine Co. Alderman 1877-78.
GEORGE E. PUTNAM (1854-92). General superintendent Putnam Machine Co. Graduate of Michigan University Law School.
S. W. Putnam Sons.
ABOLITION OF THE GRADE CROSSING AT PUTNAM STREET, SHOWING WORK AT DIFFERENT STAGES. The five larger views were taken by S. W. Putnam, 3d, the ten smaller by Charles F. Putnam.
248
CHARLES H. BROWN.
Came to Fitchburg in 1849. Of the firm of J. & S. W. Put- nam & Co, for ten years; engaged in the machinery business for himself in 1859, inventing and manufacturing the Brown engine.
JOHN Q. WRIGHT.
Member of the firm of J. & S. W. Putnam & Co. 1854-58; with Putnam Machine Co. 1858-86. Served the city as alder- man 1873, the first year under the city government.
Moulton, Photo.
RESIDENCES OF S. C. WRIGHT AND JAMES L. CHAPMAN, 1878.
250
S. C. WRIGHT (1816-80)
Came to Fitchburg in 1851. Partner in firm of J. & S. W. Putnam until 1863; later in the machinery business with J. L. Chapman and others. Superintendent of Fitchburg Machine Works at time of death.
RESIDENCE OF JAMES L CHAPMAN,
in
1900
CHARLES BURLEIGH (1824-83).
Native of Waterville, Me. Inventor of the Burleigh rock drill. With J. & S. W. Putnam 1850-69; Burleigh Rock Drill Co. from 1867. Interested in various railroad and manufactur- ing companies.
JOHN BURNEY (1829-1900).
Native of Carlisle, England; came here 1854. With Putnam Machine Co. about thirty years. At one time president Union Machine Co ; interested in many manufacturing enterprises. President Common Council, Alderman, and prominent Mason.
LOUIS DEBLOIS BARTLETT (1825-98).
Native of Marblehead. Machinist and inventor; twenty-six years with Putnam Machine Co. Director Rollstone bank ; trustee and on investment committee Worcester North Savings Institution ; trustee Public Library at time of his death.
CHARLES W. PUTNAM.
Native or Fitchburg, son of John Putnam. Foreman of the tool department of Putnam Machine Co.
A. D. WAYMOTH.
For more than fifty years a manufacturer of machinery in Fitchburg. Inventor of the Waymothjlathe.
RICHARD A. LEONARD.
Manufacturer of packing boxes. Connected with the Buck- cye Mowing Machine Co. in Fitchburg from 1869-77. Served the city six years in the Common Council, Representative 1886.
HENRY THRASHER.
Forty-one years a resident of Fitchburg. Served the city as Councilman 1891, Alderman 1892-93, and as Representative 1896-97.
SEWELL G, CUSHING.
Thirty-eight years in Fitchburg; twenty-five years in wood- turning business. Served in Co. H, 4th Mass. Heavy Artillery. Representative 1900.
255
A. H. BURGESS.
Native of Grafton, Vt. Druggist. Common Council 1891, 1893-95, president the last three years; Water Commissioner since 1896; Representative to the Legislature 1898-99.
DR. D. S. WOODWORTH.
Native of Greenfield, Mass. Practicing physician in Fitch- burg since 1876. Served several years as City Physician, mem- ber of School Board, president Common Council. Actively identified with Masons, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias.
256
CHARLES HENRY COMEE (1840-78).
WasZfor nine years in Vermont & Massachusetts railroad office as clerk for Supt. Ruggles, and Assistant Superintendent of the Fitchburg railroad from 1874 to time of his death. Although a young man, he was one of the most active railroad men in this part of the country.
OTIS T. RUGGLES (1829-77).
Was Superintendent of the Vermont & Massachu- setts railroad from 1851 to 1874, when it was merged into the Fitchburg railroad. While Mr. Ruggles was Representative to the Legislature the last appropria- tion was made for the completion of the Hoosac Tunnel.
257
DR. PETER S. SNOW (1792-1884).
Eldest son of Dr. Peter Snow, who succeeded Fitchburg's first physician, Dr. McCarty. Was for many years a member of the School Committee.
DR. OSMON L. HUNTLEY (1819-56).
Was demonstrator of anatomy at Vermont Medical College in 1842; a practicing physician in Fitchburg from 1842 to the time of his death.
258
DR. THOMAS R, BOUTELLE (1795-1869).
Practiced in New Braintree and Leominster, came to Fitchburg in 1833. During the Rebellion was chairman of the relief committee of the town and labored incessantly for the comfort of soldiers' families.
DR. THOMAS S. BLOOD (1810-89)
First dentist to settle in Fitchburg, came here in 1840. Identified with temperance work and educational affairs,
259
DR. JONAS A. MARSHALL (1800-87). Forty years a physician here, and twenty-four successive years town clerk.
DR. ALFRED MILLER (1815-77).
Native of West Westminster, Vt. Practicing physician in Fitchburg from 1862; fifteen years coroner of Worcester County. Fifteen years School Committeeman; two years in Legislature.
260
DR. ALFRED HITCHCOCK (1813-74).
As a practitioner of medicine and surgery he had no pcer in this vicinity. Nearly one quarter of his time during the war was given to the care of sick and wounded soldiers in the field and at home.
DR. GEORGE D. COLONY (1821-98).
A physician in Fitchburg from 1861. Long a member of School Committee and trustee of Public Library; Councilman 1876-77. Vestryman or warden Christ church from 1863.
261
STEPHEN W. DOLE (1818-81).
Was a blacksmith the greater part of his life in Fitchburg. Eight years foreman of the blacksmith shop, Fairbanks scale works, St. Johnsbury, Vt.
ABEL F. ADAMS (1800-69).
One of the most successful farmers of his day in Fitchburg. His farm buildings were at the head of Blossom street, the street having since been extended through his farm.
262
CHARLES FESSENDEN (1812-84).
Carriage and harness maker in Fitchburg for nearly fifty years, most of the time on Academy street. Prominent Mason and Odd Fellow, and active in temperance work.
DANIEL MESSINGER.
Settled over one hundred estates and assisted in settlement of seventy-nine others. Served town seven years as Assessor, five years as chairman of the board; many years assessor in the C. C. church
263
DR. THOMAS PALMER. Born in Fitchburg, June 26, 1820. A dentist 1844-49 in the Tolman house. Since that time at his octagon residence.
I! SE.BROWN ... DOSTON -.
DR. THOMAS PALMER'S OCTAGON RESIDENCE And office, erected winter of 1848-49.
1
PEARL HILL FROM BLOSSOM STREET.
Moulton, Photo.
265
-
CHARLES ADAMS PRIEST (1832-87).
Founder of the C. A. Priest Lumber Co. President Worces- ter North Agricultural Society, and a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity.
LUCIUS ALDRICH (1820-83).
Prominent contractor and builder. Eight years chief of Fire Department, Water Commissioner, Selectman, Councilman and Alderman. Many of the public buildings were built by him.
266
DAVID FLINT McINTIRE (1812-87).
Came to Fitchburg in 1835. Merchant, landlord, and many years in the lumber business. Auctioneer for nearly fifty years, and few knights of the hammer officiated so long or so well.
CHARLES J. BILLINGS (1822-96).
Came to Fitchburg in 1845. Served the Fitchburg Bank as clerk, teller, cashier and vice-president; treasurer Fitchburg Savings Bank 1872-94. Prominent Odd Fellow and Mason.
267
-
JAMES F. STILES.
Senior merchant in Fitchburg. Worked for T. C. Caldwell 1841-44, since which time has been in business for himself.
A. R. ORDWAY.
Native of Fitchburg. Engaged in the flour and grain busi- ness in 1848, and in the coal business in 1881. Served the town as Selectman, Overseer of Poor, and the city as Alderman.
168
JOHN LOWE.
For more than half a century engaged in the dressing and selling of meats. Had a market in basement of the building corner of Main and Blossom streets previous to 1860.
ORIN M. LOWE.
Firm of Lowe Bros. & Co. Was with his father much of the time previous to that. Was Councilman in 1889, and Alderman in 1900.
269
ASA S. LAWTON (1829-1900).
Real estate agent in Fitchburg from 1865. Served as Coun- eilman and Alderman, and was a member of the Odd Fellows.
JOSEPH L. PERKINS (1828-90).
In Fitchburg from 1870. In partnership with Asa S. Law- ton in the real estate business from January 1, 1872.
270
ROBERT LAWTON.
Succeeded to Asa S. Lawton real estate business. In Fitch- burg since 1891. Alderman in 1899.
GEORGE H. RANDEL.
Thirty years in the market business in Fitchburg. Served in Co. A, 3d Vermont Volunteers. Two terms as colonel of Third Regiment, Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F.
271
NATHAN TOLMAN (1797-1853).
For many years engaged in the iron business. One of the first deacons in the Trinitarian church.
TOLMAN & PROCTOR, DEALERS IN IRON, ROLLSTONE BLOCK, FITCHBURG.
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.