USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Historical collections, Vol. I > Part 42
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SABBATH EVENING, OCTOBER 30, 1864.
Rev. Tubal Wakefield led in the devotional services ; after which, the historical discourse was preached by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Reding, to a crowded congregation. The delivery occupied one hour and a quarter, and was heard by the audience with great satisfaction to its close.
The hymns on this occasion were those sung at the ordina- tion of the first pastor, viz., 720 and 1146 of the Psalmist, and hymn 92, book 1, of Watts', in the tunes of the former period -the style of singing fifty years ago-making the whole service of great interest to all present, and long to be remembered.
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WEBSTER.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHI, WEBSTER.
This religious denomination was first established here in the year 1823, in September, when the Rev. Elias Marble was their first preacher ; he continued his labors with this people two years. His successors have been as follows :
Rev. John W. Hardy, for 1825.
.. John W. Chase, 1826.
Heman Perry, “ 1827.
.. George Southerland, 1828.
" Isaac Bonny,
1829.
" John Lovejoy,
1830.
.. O. Robbins,
1831.
Peter Sabin, . .
1832.
Isaac Jenison,
" 1833.
Ira M. Bidwell,
1834.
Jonathan Cady,
* 1835.
Isaac Stoddard,
" 1836-'37.
.. Joseph A. Merrill,
" 1838-'39.
". Isaac Sanbourn, * 1840.
.. Abraham D. Merrill, ..
1841-'42.
.. Leonard B. Griffin, 1843-'44.
Mark Staple, 1845-'46.
.. Charles S. McRedding, 1847-'48.
Joseph W. Lewis,
1849-'50.
"' D. E. Chapin,
1851-'52.
.. Union Ward,
1853-'54.
Samuel Tupper,
" 1855-'56.
Jeremiah S. Haniford, " 1857-'58.
.. Abraham S. Dobbs,
1859.
Pliney Wood, ..
1859.
.. Joseph C. Cormack, 1862.
.. Cyrus L. Eastman, .. 1863-64.
James W. Murray, .. 1865.
" Edward S. Best.
1866-767.
.. Abraham O. Hamilton, “ 1868-'70.
Their first meeting-honse was erected in 1828, and dedica- ted in June, 1829. Their second, built in 1833, and dedicated, January 14, 1834; and their third house was erected in 1866, and dedicated, September 12, 1867.
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WEBSTER.
This church, it is believed, has been prosperous, and has secured, as parishioners, its full share of the population of this town ; but the particulars as to church members and general success have not been received.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCHI, WEBSTER.
The first service of this church and society was held in the evening, in the town-hall, at East Webster, July 18, 1869; it being the eighth Sunday after Trinity.
Service by the Rev. William Henry Brooks, D. D., rector of Grace church, Oxford.
Rev. Dr. Brooks continued to officiate in Webster, one service on each Sabbath, until the 1st of October following.
Under an invitation given him, September 27, 1869, he devoted his whole time to the ministry of this church from October 1st to April 1, 1870, and held two services on each Sabbath.
This church, not having any meeting-house of their own, held their services in such places, up to January 3, 1871, as could be conveniently obtained. These services have been held as follows: Their second service was held in Webster hall, depot village, in the evening of July 25, 1869; third service in the Methodist church, depot village, August 15, 1869; and on the 22d and 29th, same month, service was held in the Congregational church, depot village. From that time to Saturday, January 22, 1870, services were held in the town-hall, until that building was destroyed by fire.
A parish was formed here, January 3, 1870, with the name of the " Church of the Reconciliation."
January 23, 1870, service was held in the Webster hall, and on the 30th service was held in the Good Templar's hall, depot village, and continued to be held there until April 10, 1870, the Sunday before Easter, when service was held in the Congregational chapel, depot village, and was continued
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WEBSTER.
there until the church edifice of the society was occupied for public worship.
CHURCH EDIFICE.
Monday, July 18, 1870, it being the first anniversary of the first service in the parish, the corner-stone of the Church of the Reconciliation, Webster, was laid, in the absence of the bishop of the diocese, by the rector, Rev. William Henry Brooks, D. D. The form of prayer used on that occasion was the one set forth for use in the diocese by the present bishop, copies of which, in very neat pamphlet forin, were distributed among the audience. The book had on the third page a list of the officers of the parish.
A procession composed of the Sunday school, parishioners, citizens, visitors, choirs of the parish, and clergy, marched from the house of Samuel Slater, Esq., the junior warden, to the place where the church was to be erected ; in the pro- cession were borne the national flag, and a beautiful banner of white, on the front of which were suitable devices, and in gold letters the name, "Reconciliation;" and on the reverse was the date, in blue, shaded with vermilion, " July 18, A. D., 1869." Above the canvas fly, which was spread over the corner-stone to protect the clergy, choirs, and many others from the burning sun, was the name of the parish, and the date of its first service in ivy-leaf letters, with white roses in Gothic style, mounted on a white ground.
The 122d Psalm, " Lactatus Sum," was repeated alternately, the rector one verse, and the clergy and people another. The exhortation, collects, and Lord's prayer were said by the ven- erable Rev. E. M. T. Wells, D. D., of St. Stephen's house, Boston.
A lesson, Ezra III, 1-11, strikingly applicable, was read by Rev. Wm. R. Huntington, of All Saints, Worcester.
The following deposits put in a lead box were inserted in
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the granite corner-stone ; the list of articles being publicly read by the rector,
"Holy Bible; Book of Common Prayer; Churchman's Year Book for 1870; Journal of the 79th Convention of the Diocese of Massachusetts; Manuscript Historical Sketch of the Parish prepared by the Rector; Office used at the Laying of the Corner-Stone; List of the Officers of the Parish ; Blank Form of the Music in the Service of the Parish : Christian Witness and Church Advocate, for April 14, May 17, and May 26, 1870; Churchman, April 2, 1870; Church Journal, June 8, 1870; Webster Times, June 18, 1870; Report of Town Officers of Webster, for 1869-'70; Re port of School Committee of Webster, for 1869-'70; Worcester Daily Spy, July 16, 1870; Boston Morning Journal, July 16, 1870; Specimens of Fractional Currency."
The corner-stone having been lowered (by the contractor and builder, Mr. Benjamin Watkins, of Webster), into its proper place, the rector, striking the stone three times with a mason's hammer (a blow at the pronouncing of the name of each person in the Holy and Undivided Trinity), said :
" In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. I lay the corner-stone of an edifice to be here reared by the name of 'The Church of the Reconciliation,' and to be devoted to the service of Almighty God, agreeably to the principles of the Protestant Episcopal church, in the United States of America, in the doctrines, ministry, liturgy, rights, and usages."
The prayer,
" Blessed be Thy name, O Lord, that it hath pleased Thee to put into the hearts of Thy servants to commence the erection of a building in which Thy Holy Name is to be worshipped, and the message of reconciliation is to be proclaimed, and the means of grace are to be administered," etc.,
was said by the Rev. Thomas L. Randolph, of St. John's, Wilkinsonville.
The address, which was able and appropriate, was delivered by the Rev. Wm. N. Ackley, rector elect of Trinity, of New- town, Connectient.
The 470th hymn,
"() Lord of hosts, whose glory fills," etc.,
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was announced by the Rev. Samuel N. Spear, in charge of the new church enterprise in Fiskedale, and was sung to the tune of " Eisenach."
The services were conelnded by the Rev. James W. Clark, of St. Philip's, Putnam, Connecticut, who read the appointed collects, and prononneed the blessing of peace.
Then followed the most impressive episode in the events of the day. The als-basins having been placed on the corner- stone by the rector, the parishioners came forward and de- posited in them their free-will offerings, in sealed envelopes, to the church building fund, ranging from ten cents upwards, making in the aggregate the noble sum of four thousand six hundred and nineteen dollars and ten cents.
The singing by the choirs of the declaration of David, " All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee," after the gifts offered so willingly had been received, was as beautiful in melody as the words are instruc- tive in their teaching.
So impressive were the services, that although the heat was intense, the interest of the large assembly continned unabated to the last.
The choirs, in addition to what has been described, sung very finely, " Jerusalem, the Golden," to the tune of "S. Sal- vatori;" the anthem, "Landate Nomen;" and the Alleluiatic sequence, " The Strain Upraise of Joy and Praise."
After the conclusion of the ceremonies, the reverend clergy, invited guests, and parishioners, by invitation, pro- ceeded to the mansion of James H. Howe, Esq., senior warden, where they were hospitably entertained with an elegant collation.
The lot on which the church was erected was purchased for the parish, and generously presented to it by William S. Slater, Esq.
The building committee consisted of the rector, the senior
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WEBSTER.
warden, and the donor of the lot; the architects being Messrs. R. & R. Upjohn.
The church is constructed of wood, in the Gothic style, with triplet windows in the chancel and over the entrance porch ; and in the transepts to have sittings for 300 persons, with provisions for easy enlargement, when desired. The height of the spire is fifty-two feet.
The interior is to be finished with chestnut; its extreme length is seventy-seven feet ; and width, forty-four feet six inches.
By contract, this church edifice was to be finished, ready for occupancy, November 1, 1870. It was dedicated, January 3, 1871. The ceremonies were under the charge of the Right Rev. Bishop Martin Eastburn.
The Rev. William Henry Brooks was called by the church- wardens and vestrymen to the rectorship, March 19, 1870, and gave his acceptance on the 26th following. Rev. Dr. Brooks was a graduate of the Theological seminary of the Protestant Episcopal church of Virginia, July 15, 1852 ; was ordained deacon, by Right Rev. William Meade, D. D., in Christ church, Alexandria, Virginia, July 16, 1852, and ordained priest by the Right Rev. Alfred Lee, D. D., in St. Thomas' church, Newark, Delaware, January 13, 1855. He came from the Episcopal church of Oxford to take charge of this church.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
This church and society was organized, June 13, 1838. Previous to this time the members of this congregation worshiped with the Baptists.
The withdrawing and forming this separate body, was a serions draft upon both the society and church of that denomi- nation ; also upon their Sabbath school, which required several years to replace.
But both societies now are well sustained, and exhibit evidence, in all respects, of prosperity.
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WEBSTER.
REMARKS.
Of the inhabitants within the territory now Webster, before the appearance of Mr. Slater in this field of his successful en- terprise, the most influential in the west part, bordering on, and in the vicinity of the French river, were a numerous family by the name of Wakefield, descendants of Joseph Wakefield, one of the early settlers of the town of Dudley. His son, Solomon, was a Baptist preacher, and one of the pioneers of that denomination, particularly in this eastern part, now a part of Webster. And later, at the organization of the Baptist church here in 1814, it will be noticed that several of his descendants were prominent members. They controlled the principal part of the water-power upon said river. Solomon Wakefield, had deceased, at the time of Mr. Howard's first purchase here (in behalf of Samuel Slater) of his descend- ants-William, David, and Joel Wakefield, and Gibbs Dodge, who were the principal parties interested in this water-power at this time.
But above them on this river, had been incorporated in the year 1812, (the same year that Mr. Slater began his operations in the east part), a manufacturing company before referred to, styled "The Village Cotton, Wool, and Linen Mann- facturing Company," which name was changed in the year 1814, to the style of "The Village Factory Company," as related in the historical sketch of Dudley. Besides the foregoing, Luther and Stephen Bartlet, were men of prominence in this vicinity ; while at the east village the most enterprising men were Elijah Pratt, Asa and Samuel Robinson, John and Alanson Bates, and several by the name of Kingsbury, all being men of considerable character and standing, maintaining good moral, social, and religions society. But, after the year 1812, the Village Factory Company introduced a considerable increase of population along the French river, by the influence of Dr.
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WEBSTER.
Benedict, Dana A. and William Braman, and Jason Waters, although in 1824, at the time of their sale to Slater and Howard, their business in manufacturing had proved unsue- cessful, which led to the transfer of the estate to the parties as before related.
WOODSTOCK ACADEMY-ADDITIONAL IHISTORY.
The first academy in Windham county was organized at Plainfield, in the year 1770. This institution gave a stimulus to the people of Woodstock to found one among themselves, to be equal, if not superior in all its parts.
This spirit formed a crisis in the year 1800, when several prominent and noted men of the place determined to under- take the duty of procuring the necessary funds for the erection of a suitable building for the school. Among these persons most conspicnous were Rev. Eliphalet Lyman, late the pastor of the Congregational church here, for forty-five years ; Colonel Samuel MeClellan, who served as an officer in both the last French war and that of the Revolution; James and John McClellan, sons of the latter, and the late General David Holmes.
A subscription paper was drafted, when Rev. Mr. Lyman headed the list by a subscription of one hundred dollars, with the understanding that thirty-two others should contribute as much, or such an amount should be subscribed ; the sum re- quired being subscribed, a building committee was appointed, and, during the year 1801, what is now the old academy structure was erected. The original proprietors were Col. Samuel Mcclellan and his two sons, James and John ; Eli- phalet Lyman, William Bowen, Parker Comings, Nehemiah Child, Ebenezer Smith, William Potter, Hezekiah Bugbee, Benjamin Lyon, Ebenezer Skinner, and Amos Paine.
Rev. Mr. Lyman officiated in laying the corner-stone. The date of this service has not been seen, but the dedication
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service was performed in the Congregational church, on the 4th of February, 1802.
Addresses were made by John McClellan, Esq., and by Rev. Eliphalet Lyman. The following is a part of the address by Mr. McClellan:
" The event of establishing a seminary of literature in this place, equal if not superior to any other which has hitherto been erected, must create sensations of pleasure to those who feel interested in the welfare of mankind; and as we have met on this occasion to dedicate the building appropriated for that purpose, it may be pleasing, and perhaps useful, to spend a few moments in contemplating the advantages of an early education.
"The educacion of children and youth is one of the highest and most important duties of mankind."
In closing, he said :
" We wish to promote, as much as our means will afford, a useful education among the rising generation, and to bring all necessary educa- tion home to our doors. We are happy to meet and felicitate one another that our unanimity and exertions have produced so much, and that a school is now established.
"And while we dedicate the building, and publish to the world our design, we doubt not but that kind friends will fully co-operate with us in our good intentions.
" And we reflect with pleasure, that many may receive the benefit of an enlightened education here, and thereby become useful and respect- able in their generation."
Mr. Lyman remarked that
" Virtue and morality were indispensable to a good education; that children should be taught to live a respectable and useful life; and that it should be the ambition of all present to be called the patrons of science, general knowledge, virtue, and that which tends to the support of the most valuable interests of the community."
Then, turning to the principal of the institution, he said :
"I do, therefore, on this occasion, in the name of the trustees, and with the approbation of the proprietors, commit to you, Mr. Williams. the key of the academy, and the office of preceptor."
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WEBSTER.
The exercises closed with prayer, by Mr. Lyman, the pastor.
The academy was open the 5th inst. following.
TEACHERS.
The names of persons who have been teachers in the old academy are as follows :
Thomas Williams, the first teacher, is now, 1873, living at Providence, Rhode Island, at the age of 94; was a graduate of Yale college in the year 1800, and is now the oldest living graduate of that institution. He was preceptor only three months.
At the termination of this session a charter was secured from the General Assembly of the State, by the efforts of John McClellan, Esq., as has been related in the historical sketch of Woodstock; this addition being there omitted for want of the facts since obtained.
Hezekiah Frost, the second teacher, began on May 4, 1802, and continued to May 4, 1803. He was a graduate of Yale in 1802, and received for the year a salary of $400. He married Esther Clark, one of his scholars, and settled as a lawyer in Sawyer, Maine, where he died in 1827.
Jason Park, then a young man, was assistant teacher, but was afterwards known as Rev. Jason Park, the much-respected pastor of the Congregational church and society at South- bridge, for a period of sixteen years.
Rev. Aaron Dutton, of Gilford, also a graduate of Yale, was the third preceptor. His sons and grandsons have been distinguished men ; one is a prominent lawyer in Cincinnati ; another has been judge and governor of this State; another a minister in Ashford ; and still another a great revivalist preacher. His wife was assistant teacher.
Seth Norton, of Framingham, a graduate of Yale of 1804,
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WEBSTER.
was the fifth preceptor. He afterwards became professor of languages in Hamilton college, and died in 1818.
Phineas Lyman Tracy, a graduate of Yale, in 1806, was the preceptor, for the years 1806 and 1807; at this time Deacon Jedediah Morse, the grandfather of Professor S. F. B. Morse, wrote Rev. Benjamin Trumbull, with reference to the academy, saying: "The school has generally been under the instruction of a preceptor recommended by the president of Yale col- lege, and has as yet received no grants, but the proprietors have discharged all obligations above receipts.
The next teacher of whom anything is known was Rhinaldo Burleigh, who taught from 1810 to 1813. He was born in Ashford, and at the age of five had one of his arms cut off in a cider-mill. He fitted for college and graduated in 1803. He was a good teacher, and the school flourished under his charge. The exhibitions of this period were exciting events, and mi- merously attended ; the teachers and scholars forming in line marched to the church ; after several declamations, and per- haps orations, plays were enacted by many students, male and female taking parts. George MeClellan, afterwards the cele- brated surgeon of Philadelphia, father of General George B. Mcclellan, maintained conspicuous parts at this time.
In 1810 the town voted to give their bonds, amounting to $1,206.65, to the proprietors of the academy, the interest to be used for continuing the schools, and admitting any of the youth of the town to six weeks' tuition annually. These bonds, some five years afterwards, were canceled and returned to the town.
Elisha Gallup taught the summer term of 1813.
Nathaniel Allen, a graduate of Yale college, taught the next winter, and had only ten scholars. Mr. Allen, Dr. Marcy, and Ephraim Houghton, went the next year to Harvard Medical school, the only students from Connecticut.
The teachers, from the years 1814 to 1818, were Andrew
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WEBSTER.
and Archibald Burgess. They were from Canterbury, gradn- ates of Yale college; and were regarded as good teachers.
From 1820 to 1843 there are no records; and, according to reports, there was but little interest felt for this institution by the citizens of the town. A portion of that period the school was abandoned. In 1822 there were two schools. Elias Skinner taught a school for boys, and Miss Caroline Dutch for girls. After this, several parties were engaged, but the length of time or when, does not appear.
Among those who were here in that period, were Elihu Morse, Thomas Jefferson Forbes, of Maine; Nathaniel Mills, of Thompson; Theodore Weld, who had lived in Danielson- ville; and Welcome Wilmoth, of Thompson, who remained here three years, and was regarded a good teacher. Evans Malbone Johnson, taught in 1834. He was at the time studying for the ministry, and afterwards became an Episcopal clergyman.
He established the Episcopal church at Brooklyn, Con- necticut, and there married Grace Malbone. He removed to Brooklyn, New York, and became rector of St. John's Church, and died there, a man of wealth, a few years since. Johnson street, in that city, was named in his honor.
Abraham Hazen Robinson, of Yale college, was preceptor, from August, 1835 to July, 1836. He afterwards studied medicine at Dartmouth college. It is also stated that Rev. Erastus Dickinson taught here, in 1833, for a time; also, Miss Lucy Brigham, of Grafton, Massachusetts, taught about that time ; and Edwin E. Bliss, now president of a college in Syria (who had seven brothers, all missionaries), was a teacher here.
In 1843 the academy building was renovated and put into complete order by Henry C. Bowen.
A new belfry was built, the old one becoming unsafe. The academy was re-opened in 1844, with John T. Averill, a graduate of Dartmouth, as teacher ; that antum he had 126
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WEBSTER.
scholars. He remained four years, and was a good instructor. In the spring of 1844 the Hutchinson family gave a concert here, when the receipts were given for the benefit of the acad- emy, and resulted in the purchase of a chemical apparatus. The elm-trees in front of the academy were set there this year by the teacher and scholars. Also, the first printed catalogue was issued in 1844 ; it contains a wood-cut of the academy, drawn by Miss Maria Lyman, a granddaughter of Rev. Eliphalet Lyman. Mr. Alden Southworth was preceptor in 1845, and sustained a good reputation as teacher. Elias B. Hillard taught here in the summer term in 1848; following him came James W. Patterson (a graduate of, and afterwards a pro- fessor in, Dartmouth college), who continued the next three years ; Miss Edna Dean Proctor being his assistant. . Mr. Patterson was an excellent teacher, and increased the number of scholars to one hundred. Besides holding many political offices in New Hampshire, his native State, he has represented that State in the house of representatives at Washington, and is now a senator from that State in Congress. Rev. Jonathan Curtis, and Rev. Louis Gano, were the next teachers. The Rev. J. R. Davenport followed in 1851, and proved a good teacher.
Then were teachers here, E. D. Rawson and his brother Henry; Rev. George N. Webber, professor of intellectual philosophy in Middlebury college ; John M. Wolcott was preceptor in 1854-'55 ; Henry C. Parker, now a lawyer in Worcester, Massachusetts, succeeded ; and then came Edward Conant, John Holmes, and J. M. Manning, a graduate of Brown university, who taught in 1860.
Then after three years' suspension came George N. Hopkins, another graduate of Brown university.
Next were John A. Corbin and Miss Rosa Palmer, who continued the institution for a period at their own expense, but were not very successful.
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WEBSTER.
In 1868 a proposition was made to place the academy on an independent and permanent basis, and for that purpose to establish a fund, which, it is understood, has been fully accom- plished, and now exceeds $15,000.
The teachers since have been Messrs. Burnett, Cook, and Davison, who have advanced the school in numbers, discipline, and scholarship. To-day Woodstock academy is among the first, in all its appointments, in the State of Connecticut.
From the time of the first opening of this academy there have been 41 preceptors during a period of 21 years; 38 males and 3 females ; and of the 38 males, 31 were college grad- nates : 14 from Yale college, 5 from Amherst, 4 from Brown, 3 from Dartmouth, 1 from Bowdoin, and 4 unknown.
Among the scholars of distinction who received instruction here, may be named, in part, Hon. William L. Marey, gov- ernor of the State of New York, and secretary of the United States ; Commodore Morris, of the United States navy, a native of this town ; General William Eaton; lientenant- governor Stoddard, of this State; Dr. George Mcclellan, of Philadelphia; Dr. Samuel Mcclellan, his brother ; Hon. Aaron Skinner, mayor of New Haven, one of the most popular mayors of that city ; Judge Young, David and the Hon. Pres- cott Hall, Rev. Willard Child, D. D., Rev. Alvin Bond, D. D., and Louise Chandler Moulton and Edna Dean Proctor, both well known in literary circles ; Charles E. Burleigh, the abolitionist and temperance advocate; and his brother, William H. Burleigh, the poet. The new academy was dedicated, Thursday, August 21, 1873. The building is stated to have cost $22,500. When ready to receive its fixtures and furni- ture, the funds raised for completing the building, $15,372, had more than been expended ; and, after consultation in the board of trustees for devising means, under some despondeney as to securing the necessary funds to carry out the design, to compare with the fine and well-adapted building, then in
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order to receive the internal preparation, suitable for opening the school favorably,-when Heury C. Bowen, Esq., who it ap- pears has at all times led in this affair, as well as others in this his native town, generously proposed to take upon him- self the expense of fitting and furnishing the building, in every way to compare with the structure itself and its pleasant surroundings.
This furnishing consists of desks, seats, and settees of modern style ; a valuable clock and piano; at a total cost of between four and five thousand dollars.
After the conclusion of the addresses, on the occasion of the dedication, Henry C. Bowen arose and made some spirited remarks, stating that the financial affairs showed a consider- able debt, and appealed to their generosity to add to their past contributions, and thus relieve the same of any incum- brance.
The result was a very liberal contribution on the spot, as follows :
WV. D. Carroll, $10; Joseph McClellan, $50; John Paine, $10; George A. Penniman, $10; Mrs. P. Skinner, $2; A. A. Carroll, $10; W. P. Snow, $10; E. M. Armes, $5; AAsa Lyman, $20: Clara A. Armes, $5: A. B. Cooley, $5; Henry E. Bowen, $50; Harrison Johnson, $20; S. B. Collins, $500; A. B. Dyke. $100: J. F. Russell, $10; A. C. Andrews, $10; George Spalding, $10; James Collins, $10; P. N. Boutelle, $10; Minnie Palmer, $5; Frances M. Lyman, $10; Sarah T. Lyman, $25; D. T. Lyman, $50; Lewis Williams, $50: Lucius Fitts, $25; Jane (. Weaver, $5; cash, $8.32; Mrs. C. P. Briggs, $50; R. T. Town, $30; John O. Fox, $150; Hiram Dewing, $100; D. Blackmar, $20; James Gor- don, $10.
These several subscriptions amounted to $1,420. The pre- vions subscriptions were in all $15,372, making the total build- ing fund to this date, $16,792. Showing still a debt of about $1,500. Considering, however, the large sums raised for the permanent fund, construction account, and furnishing-about $38,000, this balance is but a small item. The whole is a
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grand result of the liberal efforts of the people of this town, and a good example for the community around them.
The present instructors are
Mr. William E. Davidson, A. B., principal; Miss Elizabeth R. Beach, assistant-principal; Miss M. Jennie Atwood, second assistant-principal ; Miss Mary E. Langdon, teacher of instrumental music; Mr. J. Astor Broad, teacher of vocal music.
In a letter from Dr. Oliver Wendell Hohnes, read on this occasion, he gave an account of a school kept here by Thaddeus Mason, Esq., found among the papers of his father. It com- menced, November 10, 1729, and continued to April 1, 1730. The names of his scholars were as follows:
John Chandler, Gardiner Chandler, Mary Chandler, Esther Chand- ler, Moses Lyon, Nehemiah Lyon, Joshua May, Caleb May, Stephen May, Thomas May, Benjamin Sanger, John Sanger, David Holmes, Josiah Holmes, Caleb Johnson, Peter Johnson, Nathaniel Payson, Asa Payson, Joseph Bartholomew, John Bartholomew, Samuel Bartholomew, Jede- diah Bartholomew, Daniel Abbot, Joseph Abbot, Nehemiah Bugbec, Zeruiah Bugbee, Eleanor Bugbee, Joseph Barnard, Samuel Barnard, Ebe- nezer Barnard, Abner Barnard, Edward Morris, Isaac Morris, Grace Morris, Bethiah Morris, Joshua Tucker, Benjamin Tueker, Joseph Wil- son, Jacob Wilson, Manasses Hosmer, Uriah Hosmer, Joseph Hosmer, Nathaniel Child, Henry Child, Benjamin Child, Jesse Carpenter, Benja- min Carpenter, Joseph Carpenter, Daniel Marscroft, Jacob Marscroft, Darius Sessions, Josiah Cummings, Daniel Davis, Ebenezer Smith, Nathaniel Henry, James Levens, Silas Bowen, Oliver Barrett, Peter Morse, Nathaniel Ainsworth, Isaac Hemenway, Benjamin Thayer, Samuel Lillie, Isaiah Tiffany, Ebenezer Phillips, Eunice Draper, and Nathaniel Sanger.
In the list in manuscript, was written opposite the name of David Holmes, " My Honored Father," by Dr. Abial Holmes, father of O. W. Holmes.
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