USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Groton > Groton historical series. A collection of papers relating to the history of the town of Groton, Massachusetts, Vol IV > Part 17
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Concord & Worcester gaols are 65 feet long and 3 story high and Concord Gaol was never a quarter fill'd
Amherst Gaol built last Summer by said Park is only 32 feet long 24 wide He doubts not he can find stones in our environs that will do, he chooses to see & order the splitting stones in order for sledding home, for hewing with hammer
REV. SILAS HAWLEY.
THE following tribute to the memory of Mr. Hawley is taken from "The World's Crisis and Second Advent Mes- senger " (Boston), December 5, 1888, and was written by Luther Boutelle, formerly of Groton, but now of Chelsea. Mr. Hawley was the author of the paper entitled " Reminis- cences of Groton during the years 1839, 1840, and 1841," which appeared in Number XII. of the first volume of this Historical Series. See also Number IV. of the same volume for allusions to him.
"A GODLY MAN CEASETH."
I received from the Beaver Dam Citizen this announcement : " Rev. Silas Hawley, for many years a prominent minister of the Presbyterian church, died at his home in Beaver Dam, Wis., Nov.
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ELDER LUTHER BOUTELLE.
2, 1888, of kidney disease, aged seventy-three years." And as I was intimately connected with him in his work in Massachusetts, where he gave demonstration of his ability and faithfulness in the work of reformation in all its branches, it becomes my privilege and duty to chronicle a few lines to the memory of our departed brother.
Bro. Silas Hawley was highly intellectual, possessing rare ability to present, in lecture or sermon, his subject in an attractive and convincing manner, which could not fail to interest and draw his audience to him. In his public efforts he seldom used manuscript. He was studious, argumentative, logical, and persuasive, which gave him great power in his public labors. He had stirring energy in everything he set his heart upon, and his great heart was set on every good work. He was a radical reformer in the best sense of this word.
I first knew him as an anti-slavery lecturer. This subject he took hold of and presented with an energy becoming the horrors of holding and selling men in bondage. He was a Christian union defender, and by his efforts there was a large Christian convention of days held in Groton, Mass., where we both lived at the time. He was also an evangelistic revival preacher of great power in convincing and converting men from idols to the living God.
Finally he became a believer that the Lord was soon coming, when the judgment would sit, and rewards be given. And when the great tabernacle was erected in Boston by the Adventists he was invited and did preach the dedication sermon, which is still in print. This able defender of righteousness, whether civil or reli- gious, has fallen in death. He died in hope of a resurrection to life at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He sleeps a blessed sleep, and in full belief that as " Jesus died and rose again, even so them that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."
L. BOUTELLE.
ELDER LUTHER BOUTELLE.
THE following account of Mr. Boutelle, who wrote the tribute to Mr. Hawley just given, is found in "The Boston Traveler," May 4, 1896. The older people of Groton now remember him as a zealous advocate of temperance and other
1
234
ELDER LUTHER BOUTELLE.
social and religious reforms. He lived on Hollis Street, where he had a shoe-shop, and his house was a famous place of resort among the anti-slavery workers. More than fifty years ago he had established quite a reputation in the neigh- borhood as an earnest and eloquent speaker on all subjects in which he was interested.
NINETIETH BIRTHDAY.
ELDER LUTHER BOUTELLE, the veteran Advent preacher, is cele- brating the goth anniversary of his birth. His modest home at No. 175 Walnut street, Chelsea, is the scene of quiet festivity, and about 25 friends and relatives make up the party. Several promi- nent Adventists have called, and when the day is ended it will have been a happy one for the venerable elder and his good wife.
The old gentleman is in good health, although rather deaf. Regardless of this, he is an active preacher, and yesterday occu- pied a pulpit in Everett. He speaks with his old-time vigor and earnestness. A week before that he preached in Somerville. In fact, his voice is heard in some pulpit nearly every week.
The elder speaks clearly and his memory is something remark- able. Speaking of his life the elder said : " I was born in Town- send, Mass., May 4, 1806. My mother died at 83 years and my father within a few days of 94. They were among the most devoted Christians and were of the common condition of life.
"I was a twin brother of Calvin - Luther and Calvin - while Ebenezer, the only other boy, was four years younger. My health was poor in my youth. I went into a shoeshop at Groton, Mass., in March, 1825. In 1830 [October 14] I was married to Miss Hannah Conant of Townsend. At this time I was actively interested in the total abstinence movement, and it was at about that time that the old ironclad was brought into Salem harbor and fired a bomb into Deacon Giles' distillery. That event caused tremendous excite- ment and was the basis for several legal threats. Then came the slavery question, and I at once became an abolitionist. During all these years I made no confessions of religion, because I had noue to confess, though I was at all times a church-going man.
"Our home at Groton soon became an anti-slavery hotel. Here Mr. Garrison, Oliver Johnson, Fred Douglass and other leading anti-slavery men came, for Groton had become a noted place for abolition, and my heart and band were in the work. The first speech in America of George Thompson of England was made in
235
MILITARY WARRANT.
Groton. [See the first volume of this Historical Series, No. IV., p. 13.] These things led me to give more attention to religion, and I was soon converted, and united with the Congregational Church. I shortly afterward began to preach, but not as a regular clergy- man. Then I had a call to Grafton, Vt., and went there. Advent- ism then claimed me and has ever since. Soon I went into the States of Connecticut, New Hampshire and Massachusetts as an evangelist.
" A few years later I was very sick, but was miraculously restored to health."
Elder Boutelle has attended the Alton Bay camp meetings for 31 consecutive years. He says that he has always preached as an evangelist. "That is the best method of preaching," said the old gentleman. "The Methodists are getting out of it, and that is a bad sign for the Methodists."
MILITARY WARRANT.
THE following copy of a warrant was made by me more than a year ago, though I do not know now the ownership of the paper : -
To quarter master John Russel of Littelton
You are hear by Directed to see that all the Troppers in Littelton vnder my Command and Amos Russel of haruard be warned to appear in the Training field in Groton on Tuesday the Tenth Day of october Next at Ten of the Clock in the fore Noon with arms and amonision Compleat according to Law together with your Self Thear to attend Such millatery orders and Instructions as you shall Receive from your Commanding officers and make Return of this warrant with your Doings thear on to my Self at or before the Day aboue sd Sr the Reason I Troubel you with the warrant Is because I Do not Know wheather ive hane a Corporal in Littelton.
Dated at Groton Sep th 25 1749
ir
[Addressed] To quarter master John Russell in Littelton
Tho' Tarbell Cap'
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236
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS TO IMPORTANT BOOKS, ETC.
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS TO IMPORTANT BOOKS, ETC.
IN the Boston Public Library is a small volume entitled : "The Vocal Companion, and Masonic Register. In Two Parts." (Boston, 1802.) On pages 21 and 22 of the second part is a list of the officers of St. Paul's Lodge, Groton, to- gether with the names of eighteen subscribers to the work who belonged to the Lodge. The list of officers and sub- scribers is given below.
See Volume I. (No. XVI. page 11) of this Historical Series ; Volume II. pages 67, 274, 372, and 382; and Volume III. page 474, for other references to Lists of Subscribers, etc.
ST. PAUL'S LODGE. Groton.
R. W. OLIVER PRESCOTT, M. W. TIMOTHY BIGELOW, S. W.
W. JAMES PRESCOTT, J. W. THOMAS GARDINER, Tr. JOHN WALTON, Sec. DAVID LAWRENCE, S. D.
SAMPSON WOODS, J. D.
JONATHAN LORING,
JOSEPH S. EMERSON, S Stewards. JOHN WILLIAMS, Tiler.
No. of Members 42.
Subscribers.
St. Pauls Lodge, Wallis Little, P. M. Oliver Prescott, jun. James Brazer, Robert Dawes, Sampson Woods, Abel Boynton, Joseph F. Hall, Jacob Welsh,
2
B. W. Parker, Isaiah Leighton, James Levi, jun. John Cumings, Martin Jennison, Thomas Gardner, Jonathan A. Newell, John Walton, John Raymond.
237
SELLING ICE IN GROTON.
SELLING ICE IN GROTON.
THE custom of selling ice from house to house in the village of Groton has sprung up within the last thirty years. During my boyhood the tavern keepers and some of the farmers throughout the town had small ice houses in which each winter they stored a supply of ice. In this way they pro- vided for themselves, and occasionally for their neighbors, an article of luxury, now considered almost a necessity ; and in case of sickness no family was ever refused a large cake.
In the year 1868 Winslow Parker Nudd, whose farm was situated half a mile beyond Cady Pond, on the Great Road to Boston, began in a small way to sell ice from a wagon in the village ; and he continued the business for nine years, retailing annually on an average one hundred and fifty tons cut from the pond. On November 2, 1877, he disposed of the place to Nathaniel G. Marshall, of York, Maine, who bought it for his son, Samuel Bradford Marshall, now deceased, the latter following the same business for ten years. In 1887 Parker Fletcher had the farm, and in 1888 a Mr. McMann, and each winter they laid in a stock of ice, which was retailed during the warm months. In the early summer of 1889 the place was sold to William Harvey Whitehill, who has since continued in the business, cutting about seven hundred tons of ice annually, and selling it in the village. He is the eldest child of David and Mary Calista (Orr) Whitehill, and was born at Groton, Vermont, on April 26, 1853. He has the distinc- tion of being, probably, the only native of the Green Moun- tain Groton who ever became a resident of the Middlesex County town of that name. In 1883 he came from Vermont to West Groton, where he lived for four years, and then re- moved to Ayer where he remained for two years ; and since June, 1889, he has resided on this farm.
For six or eight years before 1895 Parker Fletcher cut ice from an artificial sheet, - situated very near Cady Pond, and just north of it, - which was formed by damming up the water running from various springs on his farm. From this source he laid in an annual supply of five or six hun-
2 38
LIST OF MARRIAGES FROM THE CONCORD RECORDS.
dred tons, which he retailed among customers. During the year 1895 Mr. Fletcher bought out the business of Mr. White- hill, -- who kept the right to supply ice to certain large cus- tomers, such as the Groton School, etc., - so that now he controls the traffic in the village.
LIST OF MARRIAGES FROM THE CONCORD
RECORDS.
THE following list of marriages is taken from " Births, Mar- riages, and Deaths" of the town of Concord, Massachusetts, printed in the year 1894. To a large extent these facts sup- plement the Groton records. The broad-faced figures after each paragraph indicate the page of the volume where the entries are found.
John Greene of Groton, & Mary Pierce of Watertowne, were joyned in marriage by ye same Minister [Joseph Estabrook] De- cember 25, 1688. 27.
John Stone & Sarah Farnsworth both of Groton were Joined in marriage by Justice Minott Decemb' ye 7th 1698 46.
Jonas Prescote of Grotton & Thankfull Wheeler of Concord were marryed by ye Rever"d m' Joseph Estabrooke Octob' ye 5th, 1699. 50.
Thomas Chamberling & Abegail Nuttin of Grotton were marryed by Justice Minott August ye 16th, 1699. 52.
Dan" Power of Groton & Elizebeth Whitcomb of Lancaster were marryed by Justice Minott Aprill ye 8th day, 1702. 54.
Moses Barron of Grotton & Sarah Power of Grotton were mar- ryed by Justice Minott Aprill y" Sth, 1702. 54.
Joseph Blood of Grotton & Hanah Sayer of Lancaster were mar- ryed by Justice Minott Aprill ye 15th, 1706. 66.
Thomas Foster of Billericah & Hiphzebeth Sautle of Grotton were marryed by Justice Minott August ye 24th, 1706. 66.
Benjamin Lakin & Elizebeth Lakin both of Grotton were marryed by Justice Minott Septemb' ye 23d, 1706. 66.
Sam" Warner & Hanah Cady both of Grotton were marryed by Justice Minott Octob' y' 15th, 1706. 66.
Jsaac Parker & Ruth Blood both of Grotton were married together by Justice Minott Decemb'ye 16th, 1708. 71.
239
LIST OF MARRIAGES FROM THE CONCORD RECORDS.
Jonathan Whittcom and Deborah Scripter both of Groton were married by Justice Minott Septem' 4 day 1710 76.
Nathanil Blood and Hanah Chattuck both of Groton were married by Justice Minott Decem' y" 25 day 1710 76.
Ephraim Satle and Abigail ffarnsworth of Groton was married by Justice minott Aprill 10 : 1713 83.
Jonathan Kemp of Chelmsford & Sarah Gilson of Groton were married by Justice minott November 19: 1718 96.
Joseph Farnsworth of Groton & Rebeckah Gibson of Sudbury were married by Justice Minott May ye 4th : 1727 106.
Ezra Farnsworth and Abigail Pierce both of Groton were Married by Justice Flint September : 19: 1733 131.
Nathan Wood Jun. & Ann Parker both of Groton were Married by Justice Minot November 27 1754 191.
Ebenezer Parker of Groaton & Susanna Soper of Concord ware
Married by Rev" m' [Daniel] Bliss May 10 : 1762 214.
John Robbins & Sarah Gilson both of Groaton ware Marred by Thomas Whiting aug" 2 : 1763 214.
David Archabald & Hannah Patch both of Groaton ware Marred by Thom' Whiting Esq Novem1 9 : 1769 222.
Ephraim Robbins of Grotton and Thankfull Ball of Concord was Joined in Marriage by Eph" Wood Esq' Dec' ye 19th. 1777 241.
Thomas Bond of Groton and Esther Meriam of Concord was Joined in Marriage by the Revd m'. Joseph Penniman March ye. 15th. 1777 252.
Sam'. Bowers of Groton & Lucy Allin of concord were married by Jnº Cuming Esq'. April 24. 1786 255.
Amos Davis of Groton & Hannah Barrett of Concord were married by Rev. E. Ripley, Sept. 29, 1798. 362.
Daniel Brooks of Groton & Rebecca Harrington of Concord were joined in marriage, by Abiel Heywood, just. Pacis, January 28th, 1808. 364.
Jacob Hosmer of Groton & Catharine Wellington of Concord were married by rev. E. Ripley Jan. 9, 1809. 367.
William Ward of Groton & Rebecca Barrett of Concord were married by the Rev. Ezra Ripley, Mar. 6th, 1817. 371.
Rev. Charles Robinson and Jane Park, both of Groton were married by Rev. Dr. Ezra Ripley July 31, 1827. 377.
Samuel II. Warner of Groton & Lydia M. Hardy of Concord were joinedin marriage by Rev. Barzillai Frost March 1", 1838. 382. [Marriage Intentions. ] John S. Roby of Concord & Hannah Whitman of Groton, Oct. 25, 1810 388.
240
NAMES FROM CHURCH MANUALS.
Eliab Bolton of Groton & Dorcas Farwell of Concord, Sept. 18, 1821 390. Levi Burgess, Jun. of Concord & Lucy Lewis of Groton, Nov. 5, 1825 391.
Ira Brown of Concord & Frances M. Eaton of Groton, Apl. 1, 391. 1827
Thomas S. Farnsworth of Groton &' Harriet HI. Lawton of Con- cord Nov. 7, 1835 393.
Charles Bartlett of Concord & Nancy Fuller of Groton, Nov. 25, 396. 1849
[Married] Alvan Davis (age 31) & Elizabeth Lawrence (age 27) both of Groton, Aug. 31, 1849 408.
Sally Lawrence, dau'. of Wido. Lawrence of Groton died Octº. 19, 1805. [aged 18. ch. rec.] 327.
NAMES FROM CHURCH MANUALS.
THE following list of persons is taken from various Church Manuals, under the several dates when as members they were either admitted or dismissed. The title of the Manual is also given, and the page on which the record is found.
October, 1817, Obiah Ross.
March, 1838, Sophia E. Reed.
" A Brief History of the First Baptist Church in Boston, with a List of the Present Members " (Boston, 1839), pages 22, 33.
January, 1833, Ezra Farnsworth [afterward dismissed to Park Street Church].
" The Articles of Faith and Covenant of the Bowdoin Street Church, Boston : with a List of the Members " (Boston, 1837), page 38.
October, 1836, John Willcutt, "from Church in Groton."
"The Articles of Faith and Covenant of the Pine Street Church, Boston : with a List of the Members " (Boston, 1833), page 29.
October, 1836, John Willcutt, dismissed March, 1848.
November 4, 1853, Helen E. Eaton.
" Articles of Faith and Covenant of the Berkeley St. Congregational Church, Boston : with a List of its Members. 1868." (Boston, ISGS), pages 45, 57.
January, 1840, *Miss Emily Dutton.
"Confession of Faith, and Covenant, also a Brief History of Union Church, Essex Street, Boston " (Boston, 1852), page 50.
241
BIRTHIS.
July 5, 1846, Elmira Rice.
April 7, 1850, Elizabeth P. W. Hildreth.
" A Brief Sketch of the History of the Boston Society of the New Jerusalem, with a List of its Members " ( Boston, 1857), pages 24, 25.
September 6, 1840, Sally Gallot, " dis. to ch. in Groton."
March 3, 1850, E. P. Livermore, " w. of O. W., fr. Groton, absent."
" Manual of the Church of Christ in Framingham, Mass., Organized October 8, 1701 : including the Confession of Faith, Covenant, Standing Rules, List of Officers and Members, and Historical Notes " (Boston, 1870), pages 78, Sı.
January 2, 1853, Patrick Driscoll, " Union Ch., Groton."
" The Confession of Faith and Covenant of the Mount Vernon Congregational Church in Boston, Mass. Organized June 1, 1842 " (Boston, 1857), page 47.
September, 1858, Mrs. Anna M. Pollard, " Union Church, Groton." January, 1863, Mrs. Mary F. Kelly, "Union Ch., Groton."
" The Articles of Faith and Covenant of the Shawmut Congregational Church, Boston. With a List of the Members " (Boston, 1865), pages 30, 33- April 1, 1860, Nathaniel Livermore.
" A Sketch of the History of the Boston Society of the New Jerusalem, with a List of its Members " (Boston, 1863), page 59.
BIRTHS.
THE following record is found among the Suffolk Court files in Boston, but does not appear in the town book : -
william holdin the Son of william holdin and Elizabeth his wife was born february 19th 1728 a True Coppey from Groton book of Records
attest Tho' Tarbell Town Cl Clerk
December 9th 1751
About a Fortnight before [August 14] at Lancaster, a new-born Son of Dr. Stanton Prentice was baptised at the Rev. Mr. Harring- ton's Church, by the Name of JAMES OTIS.
" The Boston Weekly News-Letter," September 1, 1768.
For a notice of the marriage of Dr. Prentice to a Groton woman, who was the mother of this son, see the third volume (page 71) of the Historical Series.
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LIST OF DEATHS.
LIST OF DEATHS.
In Groton, N. H. the 20th Nov. last, Mr. Samuel Blood, aged 67 years, a soldier of the revolution, and formerly of Groton, Mass. "Columbian Centinel" (Boston), February 3, 1830.
In this city, 4th inst, after a lingering and distressing illness, Miss LYDIA CHAPLIN. The Funeral will take place on Tuesday morning, at 11 o'clock, from her late residence, 268 Washington street. Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend. Services by Rev Mr Clark, of Trinity Church.
"Daily Evening Transcript " (Boston). February 5, IS.18.
In New-Castle, (Me.) Mr. Moses Crage [Craig], formerly of Gro- ton, ÆEt. 63.
"Columbian Centinel," October 10, 1807.
In Brooklyn, L. 1., urth inst, at the residence of her son (Alfred P Dix), Mrs. Benjamin P. Dix of Groton, Mass.
" Boston Daily Advertiser," November 15, 1869.
At Groton, widow Mary Dodge, 98.
"Christian Register and Boston Observer," August 29, 1840.
In Groton, 2d inst. Mr. John Driscoll, formerly of Boston, a worthy and respected citizen, æt. 55.
"Columbian Centinel " (Boston), April 5, 1820.
At Groton, CH. ELDRIDGE, Esq Act. 55. "Columbian Centinel," December 1, 1798.
In Groton, Mass. Sept. 2, Capt. Zacharias Fitch, aged 86.
"Columbian Centinel " (Boston), September 9, 1820.
At Cape Henry, Hayti, Mr. Walter Gardner, midshipman in the U. S. navy, son of Thomas Gardner, Esq. of Groton, Mass. aged 22.
"Columbian Centinel" (Boston), April 22, 1820.
In Groton, John Gragg, aged 22 years.
" New-England Galaxy " (Boston), February 22, 1822.
In this town [Boston], . . .; Mr. Jonas P. Hildreth, of Gro-
ton. In attempting to pass from Long-wharf to Carver's-wharf, on the ice, he fell into the water, and was drowned.
"New-England Galaxy " (Boston), February 22, 1822.
In Groton, Dec. 20th, [ 1842.] Mrs Sally Hobart, 41.
"Christian Register and Boston Observer," January 21, 1843.
At Fitzwilliam, N 11, 3d inst, Mrs Polly Kilbourn, relict of the late Wm Kilbourn of Groton, and formerly of Fitchburg, Mass, 81.
" Boston Evening Courier," October 7, 1859.
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LIST OF DEATHIS.
In Groton, Mrs. Lucy, wife of the late James Lewis, Esq. aged 63
"Christian Register " (Boston), January 24, 1829.
A daughter of Hezekiah and Anna (Whiting) Crosby, of Billerica, who was born on November 10, 1765.
At Groton, on Tuesday last [September 16], Mr. Stephen Mun. roe, aged 66.
"New-England Palladium & Commercial Advertiser " (Boston), September 23, 1817.
In this town, Miss Emma, daughter of Mr. Nutting, of Groton, aged 19 y.
"The Independent Chronicle " (Boston), October 24, 1805.
At Groton 23d ult, Mrs Eliza, widow of the late Eri Parker of Littleton, 53.
" Boston Evening Courier," January 3, 1860.
In Groton, 11th inst. much lamented, Mr. Benjamin Richardson, aged 20, son of Alpheus Richardson, Esq.
"Columbian Centinel " ( Boston), June 23, 1819.
At Groton, 12th inst, Mrs LUCY ROCKWOOD, widow of the late Dea Samuel Rockwood, 91.
"Daily Evening Transcript " (Boston), May 17, 1848.
In Groton, very much lamented, Deacon Samuel Rockwood. He was a most excellent man and truly valuable citizen.
"Columbian Centinel & Massachusetts Federalist " (Boston), July 4, 1804.
At Groton, 14th inst., Mrs Sybil Tarbell, widow of the late Mr Benjamin Tarbell, 98.
"Christian Register and Boston Observer," March 24, 1838.
In Dover, Mass. widow Mary Williams, aged 81, formerly of Groton.
"Christian Register " (Boston), June 19, 1830.
In Groton, Mr. Luther Woods, son of Col. Sampson Woods, aged 29.
"" Columbian Centinel " (Boston), March 24, 1821.
In Williamsport, Penn. Mr. Philip Woods, a native of Groton, Mass. and formerly proprietor of the Boston Museum. His death was occasioned by being thrown from his wagon in passing over the Alleghany Mountain.
"Columbian Centinel" (Boston), January 5, 1828.
A son of Abel and Anna Woods, who was born on August 16, 1774.
GROTON HISTORICAL SERIES.
VOL. IV., No. III.
MAJOR SAMUEL LAWRENCE. - DR. NEHEMIAH ABBOT. - INSCRIBED POWDER-HORNS. - WORCESTER SOCIETY OF ANTIQUITY. - THE OLD) STAGE-COACHES OF GROTON, - MISS MARY S. BRAZER. -- BENTLEY FAMILY. - BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. - CHICOPEE-ROW SCHOOL. - DISTRICT SCHOOL, NO. 5. - A LIST OF CIVIL, OFFICERS. - DAVID PRESCOTT. - REV. JOIN BARNARD. - A CORRECTION. - HARD COAL. - GROTON NINETY YEARS AGO. - TWO THOROUGH- FARES TO BOSTON. - HON. GEORGE S. BOUTWELL. - REV. CORT- LAND U [W]. SHATTUCK. - MRS. BETSEY SPALTER. - THE WESTERN SOCIETY OF MIDDLESEX HUSBANDMEN. - JOHN M. L. BABCOCK. - THE SHAYS REBELLION. - JUDGE SEWALLY'S DIARY. - SONS OF THE REVOLUTION. - MOSES HERRICK. - LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS TO IMPORTANT BOOKS, ETC. - OBITUARY NOTICES. - LIST OF MAR- RIAGES. - BIRTH. -- LIST OF DEATHS.
GROTON, MASS. 1806.
GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS, 1896.
HISTORICAL SERIES, VOL. IV., No. III.
MAJOR SAMUEL LAWRENCE.
THE following article on Major Samuel Lawrence, written by a great-granddaughter, Miss Emily Seaver, of Rutland, Vermont, was printed in " The American Monthly Magazine" (V. 107-110) for August, 1894, where it appears in connec- tion with a similar sketch of Colonel Timothy Bigelow, of Worcester, under the heading of "Two Revolutionary Sol- diers." It is a just tribute to the memory of a Revolutionary hero, and gives an interesting account of certain events in his life. He ended his days at Groton, on November 8, 1827, surrounded by a large family of children, whom he lived to see grow up and prosper.
SAMUEL LAWRENCE.
The following is a brief account of two soldiers of the Revolu- tion, written not because they were distinguished or great, but just because they were examples of the spirit and tone of the com- mon people, for the time has passed away forever when History concerned herself only with the heroic deeds of kings and knights and lords, and we realize that we can best understand any great struggle by the record of the popular sentiment ; by the sacrifices the common people were willing to make for it. Of the two por- traits in this sketch, one is that of a farmer, a true son of the soil, the other a mechanic in what was then the first town of importance in Massachusetts. Unlike in all other circumstances, yet animated by the same spirit of patriotism, with " unfailing loyalty they gave all they had to give to the cause of their country's independence."
246
MAJOR SAMUEL LAWRENCE.
Samuel Lawrence was the son of Captain Amos Lawrence, and descended from John Lawrence, who came over from England about 1630. John settled originally in Watertown near Boston, but after- wards removed to Groton, about thirty miles inland, and was one of the original proprietors. Many of his descendants of the eighth generation are still living there. Samuel was born April 24, 1754. He was consequently just twenty-one at the commencement of the War of Independence. The news of the Concord fight reached Groton about ten o'clock on the morning of the eventful 19th of April. Samuel was a corporal in one of the Groton companies of Minute Men, and as he was plowing his father's field in the sweet April sunshine, his neighbor, General Oliver Prescott, rode up, shouting, " Samuel, the British are coming ; notify your men !" Leaving the plow and mounting the general's horse, Samuel made a circuit of seven miles, calling on all the men of his company, and returned to his father's house in fifty minutes. The company met at the church, where a brief religious service was held, arms and ammunition were distributed, and at one o'clock the two Groton companies and the Pepperell company were on the road and marched with all possible dispatch to Concord and Lexington. They were, however, too late to take part in the battle, and so marched on to Cambridge, where were the headquarters of the American Army, and that night, which marked the commencement of the siege of Boston, the Middlesex companies were on duty guarding the roads which led to the town. And now the militia from far and near flocked to Cambridge. Most of the farmers, hastening from the fields, brought nothing with them but their guns and the clothes they had on. It was, therefore, a welcome sight when, as soon as he could collect a wagonload of provisions, Captain Amos Lawrence drove to the lines with welcome stores for his son and neighbors. The Middlesex regiment was commissioned May 26, and he was orderly to its commander, Colonel Prescott. The regiment took an active part in the battle of Bunker Hill. Ensign Lawrence was near Dr. Joseph Warren when he was shot. Captain Farwell, of his company, was severely wounded, and he himself received a wound in the arm, while a bullet passed through his hat. Hlad he been a little taller it would have passed through his brain. Ensign, afterwards Adjutant, and then Major Lawrence, remained in the Army for more than three years, his regiment being in active service all the time in Massachusetts and New York, where he was on General Sullivan's staff ; in New London, and, finally, at the
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