USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Historical collections, Vol. I > Part 34
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The records of every town throughout the country bear ample evidence of a great similarity of sentiment upon this question.
Every town in Massachusetts followed the lead of Boston ; each had its committee, styled the "Committee of Correspon- dence, Inspection, and Safety." This committee was chosen in Dudley, June 30, 1774, consisting as follows : Captain John Conrtis, Lieutenant Timothy Foster, Joseph Vinton, Archibald Jewell, and Elisha Corbin.
On the 19th of September following, it is shown by the records that the town voted to add to the town stock of aminu- nition 100 pounds of powder, 400 pounds of lead, and ten dozen of flints. At the same time the town appointed Colonel Thos. Cheney, Jacob Warren, William Learned, and Ensign Jacob Chamberlain, to propose measures for our military officers. Also chose Colonel Cheney to represent the town in the Provincial Congress at Concord. This town had now entered earnestly into the spirit of the Revolution.
Another town meeting was held on the 28th of the same month, when the constable was instructed to collect the Lists, and keep the province money m his hands till further orders, and the town to hold him harmless. A committee was now raised "to settle and establish the minute-men."
At a meeting, held on the 17th of December, 1774, the town voted,
" To appropriate the province money in the hands of the collector to bny half a chest of guns and bayonets; to adhere to the doings of the
415
DUDLEY.
Grand Congress in all matters whatsoever; and to conform to the non- importation agreement."
Then chose a committee of nine :
"Major Learned, Joseph Vinton, Captain Morris, Joseph Upham, Cornet Day, Jacob Warren, Joseph Sabin, Captain Carter, and Ensign Jeffords, to see that the Grand Congress' resolves are carried into execution."
January 2, 1775, Colonel Thomas Cheney, moderator. Then chose Colonel Thomas Cheney, representative to the Provincial Congress, to be holden at Cambridge, on the 1st of February, and chose a committee to take charge of contributions for the poor of Boston and Charlestown; and the collector was directed to pay over the balance of province money to Henry Gardiner, of Stow.
May 29, 1775, Major William Learned was elected to rep- resent the town in the Provincial Congress, to be holden at Watertown, on the 31st inst .; and on the 3d of December following, a vote was passed,
" To instruct our representative to remonstrate with the honorable Continental Congress, that inasmuch as they have raised the wages of the officers of the Continental army, and not given any further encour- agement to the soldiers."
This town was not an exception in that love of country in the earnest efforts made for performing every duty. that rightfully belonged to its citizens in sustaining the great struggle for independence.
It is curious to note to what extent the interior towns re- garded this Revolutionary effort as a work of their own, and one that immediately concerned their own interests and future welfare.
Town meetings were frequent, at which both the acts of the Continental and Provincial Congresses were discussed and remonstrated against or opposed, accordingly as they were favored or disliked.
416
DUDLEY.
Up to September, 1774, it had been the custom to notify and warn all town meetings in his majesty's name; but, on the 12th of September, of that year, notice was directed,
"To all the freeholders and other inhabitants that are sixteen years old and upward to assemble in town meeting. But on the 27th of Sep- tember, 1776, notice was given in the name of the government and peo- ple of the State of Massachusetts Bay, to warn all the male inhabitants. except Indians and Negroes, that are twenty-one years and upward."
This last form of notice followed immediately after the Declaration of Independence.
It appears that Colonel Thomas Cheney, who had been conspicuous in the affairs of the town, now passed from public notice, and Jedediah Marcy was the rising man, who now be- came frequently moderator, selectman, treasurer, and repre- sentative.
On the 17th of July, 1766, the General Court in session at Salem, the council ordered :
" That the Declaration of Independence be printed, and a copy be sent to the minister of each parish, of every religious denomination within the State, and that they severally be requested to read the same to their respective congregations as soon as Divine service is ended, in the after- noon of the first Lord's day after they shall have received it; and after such publication thereof, to deliver the said declaration to the clerk of their several towns or districts, who are hereby required to record the same in their respective town or district record books; there to remain as a perpetual memorial thereof.
" (Subscribed) in the name of the Council, "R. DERBY, JUNIOR, President.
" A true copy, attest, JOIIN AVERY, Deputy Clerk, Salem, Massa- chusetts Bay. Printed by E. Russell, by order of authority.
" Then follows the record on the books of this town, the Declaration of Independence.
"Signed, a true copy, attest, . "EDWARD DAVIS, Clerk."
In the year 1776 the General Court issued circulars to the several towns in the State to ascertain the sentiments of the people upon the propriety of the Legislature, as then consti-
417
DUDLEY.
tuted, in proceeding to form a constitution. This town acted upon the question at their meeting, on the 30th of September, of that year.
The vote was in the negative,
"For the reason that they now looked upon it. that the State had not at this time an equal representation."
In the year 1777 the price of labor and many articles of necessity being irregular, and in many instances exorbitant, the Legislature authorized towns to fix prices for labor, and such articles of necessity as they should judge proper.
In this town, on the 6th of March, 1777, the selectmen were authorized to establish prices in accordance with this law.
The articles named, and prices fixed for such, were as follows :
s. d.
"A day's labor from middle of June to middle of August, 3 0
In the other part of summer season, 2 3
In April, May, September, and October. 2 4
For the remainder of the year, 1 8
PRICES FOR ENTERTAINMENT FOR MAN AND BEAST.
For a meal of boiled or roasted victuals, 1 0
common pot-luck, 0 9
all other eating in proportion.
A mug of good flip, made of West India rum, - 1 0 66 New England rum, 0 9
All other liquors in proportion.
Good lodging for the night for one person, 0 3
For horse-keeping one night, or 24 hours, on best of English hay 1
0
" a yoke of oxen, same time 1
4
" shoeing a horse 5 6
" plain shoeing 1 3
" sharpening a plough 0 9
All other blacksmithing in proportion.
For wheat, 6s. 2d. per bushel ; and for rye, 4s. ; corn, 3s. ; white beans, Gs; oats, 1s. 3d. ; potatoes, 1s. in the autumn, and in the spring, 1s. 6d. ; flax-seed, 6s. 4d. ; English hay, best quality, for 100 lbs. 4
" fresh pork, well fatted, per lb. 4d. ; clear salt pork. 0 8
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DUDLEY.
s. d.
For best grass-fed beef, per lb. 3d. : new milk cheese - 0 6
good butter, by the firkin or tub - 0 10
" good lamb, per lb. 33d. : tallow, Sd. : good wool - 2 0
"' well-dressed flax, 1s. per lb. ; good stocking yarn, per lb. - - 6
0
" shoes for men, 8s. per pair ; ditto for women 6 0
" best tow cloth, per yard, 36 inches wide
3
3 4
" good yard-wide striped flannel, per yard - .. . . cotton and linsey cloth 3 4
3 .. deep blue all wool cloth -
12 0
.. raw hides, per lb. 3s. ; calfskins, per lb. - 0 sole leather, per lb. 1s. 4d. : curried leather in proportion."
To the selectmen were added, for the above committee of appraisers, for the prevention of monopoly and oppression, as styled, the following persons : Jedediah Marcy, Edward Davis, Joseph Healy, David Keith, and Nathaniel Healy, making a committee of ten, supposed to be the first in regard to dig- nity of character and good practical judgment.
At their meeting on the 25th of April, 1777, twenty pounds extra allowance for soldiers was voted as a bounty for enlisting : and on the 20th of May following Major William Learned and Edward Davis were elected representatives, and the following men were appointed to draft further instructions to our repre- sentatives : Captain John Courtis, Jacob Warren, Joseph Sabin, John Haskell, and Eleazer Jackson.
November 21, 1777, a vote was passed to recommend Jede- diah Marcy, Esq., " to the honorable council, for them (if they see fit) to appoint as a justice of the peace in our town."
August 17, 1779, Joseph Upham was elected a delegate to the convention, to meet at Cambridge, September 5, following, to assist in framing a constitution, and a committee was ap- pointed to prepare snitable instructions for his guidance.
On the reception of the bill of rights and draft of the con- stitution, a town meeting was called to act upon the same, May 19, 1780.
419
DUDLEY.
The separate articles were taken up seriatim, and discussed; some were accepted, while others were amended, giving evi- dence that great interest was manifested in giving a thorough examination into the character and effect of each.
The votes for governor were twenty-four for John Han- cock, and at same meeting $700 was voted for the town's quota of beef ; also voted to supply our quota of soldiers for the Continental army, with a bounty of £33 6s. Sd., payable quarterly during three years, and payable in silver.
The interest felt by the people of this town for doing their full share in providing their quota of soldiers and provision for carrying on the Revolutionary war, did not abate in the least, although the hardships and expense were great for them in their limited condition.
September 4, 1780, chose a committee to supply our quota of soldiers for the Continental army, and to pay the men a bounty of £33 6s. 8d., to be paid quarterly ; provided they serve three years they shall be entitled to the whole sum.
On the 2d of April, £100, silver money, and on the 2d of July following, £300, silver money, was raised for supply of soldiers. A committee was chosen to arrange a plan for the settlement of debts payable in paper money. This arrangement referred to the great depreciation of paper money compared with the value of silver.
In the year 1781 the town meetings began to be warned "In the Name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," as the phraseology.
Peace having been restored in 1783, there was but little for many years to attract remark in the affairs of this town, be- yond the ordinary management of its corporate affairs.
The movement for a parish. taking land from its west border, excited their attention. This continned at intervals from 1800, until a considerable tract of its territory was taken for a part of the land which, in 1816, formed the town of Southbridge.
420
DUDLEY.
But this town was more largely shorn of its territory in the forming of the town of Webster in the year 1832, taking a large tract of land from its east border. These drafts upon its territory, and building up populations and thriving towns on both sides, has affected much the business formerly at- tracted to its center, Dudley Hill, interposing a serious ob- stacle to its growth and prosperity. Its principal water-power was the two rivers ; the Quinebang, passing through its west border ; and the French river, passing through the cast part, now the dividing line between this town and Webster.
The population of Dudley is given at different periods, as follows :
In 1765, 748; in 1790, 1,114; in 1800, 1,140; in 1810, 1,226; in 1820, 1,615; in 1830, 2,155; in 1840, 1,352; in 1850, 1,446; in 1860, 1,736; in 1870, 2,388.
The territory taken for Southbridge was sparsely settled, and was not perceptibly felt, as the improvement of the water- power on the east part was fast adding to both wealth and inhabitants.
But taking this east section to aid in forming Webster was such a draft upon its resources for population, that it did not recover its former highest number of inhabitants until the cen- sus of 1870. It has a valuable water-power in the north part of its territory, which, by its improvement, did considerable in adding to its numbers ; but these mills having been destroyed by fire, and not at present rebuilt, has had an effect upon its growth.
The last decade of the census, ending in 1870, has shown a marked increase in its population. This is the result of new enterprise connected with the two old manufacturing estab- lishments on its east border ; the Merino factory, formerly so-called, and that heretofore known as the Nichols factory, both having passed into new hands, and the business much enlarged.
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421
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Furthermore, the water-power of the Quinebang, within the limits of the west part of its territory, has, to some extent, been brought into use, and has taken the name of West Dudley, giving evidence of further and more extensive im- provement. This section of Dudley has risen into notice through the extension of a branch of the Boston, Hartford, and Erie Railroad, up the valley of this river, to Southbridge.
The chief reliance for an increase of the wealth and popu- lation of this town is its water-power; that of the French river, upon its east border ; the Quinebaug, on the west ; and the ponds that supply the power of the works, formerly the Tufts' Manufacturing Company.
This power fully occupied (which is now favorably lo- eated by railroad facilities, and likely to be used), a further and much enlarged population would be the result, adding to the value of its farm lands, and giving a support to trade and mechanical industry far beyond the present state of such industries now existing within its limits.
Another branch of industry in this town, heretofore com- manding but moderate attention, is capable of being produc- tive of much wealth and prosperity to its inhabitants, if con- ducted with skill and enterprise. This is the extensive bed of granite that underlies a large section along the central north border of its territory. These quarries have been worked from an early period in the history of this place, but not with that skill and enlarged ability which the present railroad facilities would permit. These, no doubt, at no very distant time, will command far greater attention than at any former period, and will prove a source of advantageous industry, as well as bringing increase of population.
SCHOOLS.
Schools were neglected at first by the pioneer inhabitants of Dudley, as shown by her early records. It was about 29
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DUDLEY.
seven years after the town was incorporated when the first school was opened by its authority. This, no doubt, was in consequence, in some degree, of the very scattered situation of the first settlers, extending from the east to the west borders.
But school districts were soon established, and the inhabi- tants here have not been behind those of the other towns in this vicinity in providing schools for their children. The recent efforts of this town to sustain the academy here, is not only commendable, but shows the wisdom of the people in · giving to it all the advantages to town scholars of a high school, by a free access to all prepared to receive its benefits.
The name by which this town was incorporated came from the Dudley family, the first English proprietors of this terri- tory, as has been before stated, who were descendants of Governor Thomas Dudley, one of the patentees of the Massa- chusetts colony.
The following are some of the principal town officers :
TOWN CLERKS.
COMMENCING FROM FIRST ORGANIZATION.
1732.
John Lillie, 3 years.
Amasa Nichols, 2 years.
Jonathan Newell.
Rufns Davis, 6
Benjamin Conant, 26
William Hancock, 12
Ezra Conant, 6
Morris Learned, 7 66
Jedediah Marcy, 1
Abiel Williams, 3
Edward Davis, 18
Baylies Knapp, 2
John Eliot Eaton, 1
Elisha Williams, 2
John Chamberlain, 17
Augustus L. Allen, 2
Aaron Tufts, 1
Samuel Healy, 10
423
DUDLEY.
CHAIRMEN OF SELECTMEN.
Joseph Edmonds, 7 years.
Aaron Tufts, 15 years. George Robinson, 2 ..
Ebenezer Edmonds, 1
Thomas Learned, 1 Jepthah Bacon, 5 William Windsor, 1
John Vinton, 1
Benjamin Conant, 13
John Brown, 5
John Lillie, 1
John Eddy, 6
William Hancock, 4
66
Joseph Sabin, 1
66
Joel Barnes, 1
Phineas Mixer, 6 66
George A. Tufts, 1 Chester Clemans, 1
Ebenezer Bacon, 2 66
Jedediah Marcy, 11
Morris Learned, 5
William Learned, 3 44
Baylies Knapp, 1 6.
Edward Davis, 3 ..
Theodore Leonard, 1
Jonathan Day, 22
. .
Asa E. Edmonds, 3
John Warren, 3
..
Moses Barnes, :2
٠٠
Isaac Lee, 1
Reuben Davis, 1
John Chamberlain, 5
Henry H. Stevens, 1
These officers extend only to the year 1852.
NICHOLS ACADEMY, DUDLEY.
This institution was founded by Amasa Nichols, Esq., an intelligent and enterprising gentleman, for many years a mer- chant and active business man of this town. He was a native of Thompson, Connecticut, where he was born, April 2, 1773. . He married in Dudley, Sally, eldest daughter of John Eliot Eaton, a noted physician of the town. Their children were all born here as follows:
Emeline born
Lucilla
Lucian
died, July 7, 1808. " June 28, 1811. " Nov. 7, 1822.
Frederick " June 20, 1808. Sally May 19, 1813.
Mrs. Nichols died at Dudley, April 14, 1814; he removed from the town about 1835, and died at West Scituate, Massa- chusetts, July 17, 1849, aged 76 years.
He erected the first academy structure in 1815, entirely at
4 .
Joseph Upham, 5
424
DUDLEY.
his own expense. It was built with the greatest economy at a cost of about $10,000. This building was not fully fin- ished ; but while preparing for painting and completing some fixtures, it took fire, and was entirely consumed.
This sad occurrence and severe loss to Mr. Nichols, was noticed in the National .Egis, published in Worcester, as follows :
"BURNING OF NICHOLS ACADEMY AT DUDLEY.
"On Thursday, April 11, at about 3 o'clock, P. M., the large and ele- gant building, erected and owned by Amasa Nichols, Esq., in the center of the town of Dudley, and designed for an academy, was consumed by fire.
"In less than one half hour after the fire was discovered the building was burned to the ground.
" The structure contained twelve large rooms for the use of the school and steward, with a spacious chapel above the same, with galleries and a stage for speaking; the whole admirably calculated for exhibitions and the accommodation of such an institution; for beauty and novelty it exceeded any building in this part of the country.
"The carpenters' work and lathing had been nearly completed ; one room only had been plastered, in which the school had been commenced and kept one quarter, which ended the Friday previous; and after a vacation of three weeks was to have been continued, the prospects for which were encouraging to Mr. Nichols, and bid fair to be highly bene- ficial to the community.
"The loss sustained by Mr. Nichols can not be much less than 010,000, which alone he has to bear, unless a generous public should feel charitably disposed to contribute to his relief."
" His persevering exertions for two years past in an undertaking for the benefit of the rising generation give him a peculiar claim upon the generosity of a benevolent public.
" DUDLEY, April 15, 1816."
Much sympathy was expressed at the time to Mr. Nichols for the great loss he had sustained by the destruction of this beautiful edifice, and it was hoped that by circulating subscrip- tion papers (which was done soon after in this and adjoining towns), he would be relieved, to a large extent, from this burden. As it was known that Mr. Nichols designed to re- build and that material would be accepted, a large portion of
425
DUDLEY.
the amount subscribed was made payable in such material ; the full amount of the subscriptions has not been ascertained, and it is supposed that this paper, with many others that re- lated to the expense of the original, and the rebuilding of the second structure, have been lost, destroyed, or remained with the other papers of Mr. Nichols' estate, and not made public. But from the best information obtained, the subscription did not exceed $1,000, or rather fell short of that sum.
Mr. Nichols had already sustained heavy losses by invest- ments in the cotton manufacturing business in the east part of the town, yet, with a perseverance worthy of much praise, he proceeded with the work of rebuilding, and, in the latter part of the year 1818, had finished the outside of the new building, except painting, and fitted up a school-room and opened a school.
The following is the act of incorporation :
"AN ACT TO ESTABLISHI NICHOLS ACADEMY IN THE TOWN OF DUDLEY.
"SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That an academy be, and is hereby established in the town of Dudley, in the county of Worcester, by the name of " Nichols Academy, " for the promotion of piety and virtue, and for the instruction of youth in such languages, and in such liberal arts and sciences, as the trustees, hereinafter provided, shall order or direct.
" SEC. 2. Be it further enacted, That Jonathan Davis, Amasa Nichols, Benjamin Russell, John Spurr, John Brown, Isaiah Rider, Luther Ammi- down, John Kettell, and Benjamin Gleason, Esqs. ; Rev. Thomas Jones, Rev. Hosea Ballou, Rev. Paul Dean, Rev. Edward Turner, Dr. Dan Lamb, and Dr. Abraham R. Thompson, be and they are hereby established a body corporate, by the name of the trustees of Nichols Academy ; and they and their successors shall continue a corporation by that name, for- ever, with power to have a common seal ; to contract, to sue or be sued, and prosecute or defend suits by their agent or agents appointed for that purpose ; to receive by gift, grant, donation, or otherwise, any lands, tenements, or other estate, real or personal; to hold or improve the same; to lease, exchange, sell, or convey the same, for the benefit of said academy, by deed or deeds, duly executed by their treasurer, or other officer or agent, being thereunto authorized by the said corpora-
426
DUDLEY.
tion ; provided that the annual income of the whole estate of said cor- poration shall not exceed $6,000.
"SEC. 3. Be it further enacted, That the said trustees shall have power, from time to time, to appoint a clerk, who shall be under oath, and a treasurer, who shall give bonds for the faithful discharge of his trust, and such other officers and instructors of the said academy, as the said trustees may judge needful and proper; and also to determine the time and place of their meetings, the mode of warning the same, or electing officers or trustees, and of transacting all other business; and to ordain necessary and reasonable orders, regulations, and by-laws for the instruc- tion and government of the said academy, not repugnant to the laws of this commonwealth.
" SEC. 4. Be it further enacted, That when any of the said trustees shall die, or resign, or by age, infirmity, or otherwise become incapable of discharging his said trust, in the judgment of the major part of the said trustees, the survivors may fill such vacancy by electing a successor.
"SEC. 5. Be it further enacted, That the number of the said trustees shall not at any time be more than fifteen, nor less than nine, five of whom shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; and all questions shall be decided by the votes of the major part of the trustees present ; and, in case of an equal division, by the casting vote of the pre- siding trustee.
"SEC. 6. Be it further enacted, That Jonathan Davis, Esq., he and he is hereby authorized to appoint the time and place of the first meeting of the said trustees, and give them notice thereof.
"Passed, June 18, 1819."
Soon after the act of incorporation was obtained. Mr. Nichols conveyed the building and land, by deed of trust, to the trus- tees and their successors forever for the purpose of a seminary of learning, providing that if the trustees should fail for six consecutive months to maintain the school, the estate should revert back to the grantor.
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