USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Historical collections: containing I. The Reformation in France; the rise, progress and destruction of the Huguenot Church. Vol I > Part 18
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"ALEXANDER CAMPBELL,
"EDWARD DAVIS, " EZRA BOWMAN, " WILLIAM PHIPPS."
The following are some facts relating to Colonel, afterwards General, Learned :
In 1775, immediately after the battle of Lexington, Colonel Ebenezer Learned, with his regiment, reported for service at Cambridge, and, with Colonels Prescott and Warren, was ordered to join General Thomas at Roxbury. How long Colonel Learned remained with the army at that time does not appear. He was, however, in the army in 1777, as briga- dier-general, and was present at the surrender of General Bur- goyne.
For reasons not satisfactorily known, General Learned then left the service and never entered it again. He was considered a brave and humane soldier. He survived the Revolution about twenty years, and was honored in civil life; but no
.
203
OXFORD.
monument commemorates his services, nor even indicates the time of his death or place of burial.
It is reported that Captain Stephen Barton stated that General Learned was buried in the old cemetery on Oxford Plain, and that his grave was near that of his father, Colonel Ebenezer Learned.
As in most towns at that period, some part of the people of Oxford were not favorably disposed toward the efforts for the Revolution ; but the records of the town show its promptness and liberality in aid of the cause.
In 1777 the town voted " to add to the bounty offered by the American Congress and this State, the sum of £14 to each man who shall enlist in the town as a private soldier for three years, or during the war, before any draft be made." At the same meeting, it was voted "to raise £1,000, to be as- sessed on the polls and real estate in the town, to complete the quota of soldiers now sent for to reinforce the Continental army."
In the same year the town voted to choose Daniel Griffith " to carry the evidence of those that may be proceeded with as being inimical to the United States of America, to the Court, as is by law directed." No number or name is re- corded, and no further record appears, touching this subject, of those opposed to the war or the American Union, for its efforts for independence.
In addition to various installments of money, clothing, and aid afforded to the families of soldiers in 1780, the town voted " to provide 5,760 pounds of beef for the army."
The numerous and heavy drafts for this cause rested heavily upon the people, as appears from numerous petitions for abatement of taxes.
In 1778 the town voted "concurrence with the Articles of Confederation proposed by the American Congress," and at the same meeting voted to " pay £800 into the State treasury."
In August, 1779, the town chose Ebenezer Learned, Esq., and
204
ENGLISH SETTLEMENT,
Ezra Bowman, delegates to the State Convention at Cambridge, to aid in forming a constitution of government for the State.
The first election of State officers was held, September 4, 1780. The votes polled were as follows :
For Governor,
66 66
- John Hancock, - 2 James Bowdoin, James Bowdoin, 10
66
66 66
Artemus Ward, 11 66
66 Senators,
- Edward Davis, 11
66 66
Seth Reed, 9
66
66
-
William Demmon, -
14
66
60 66
Moses Gill,
-
4
66 Councillors, - -
Israel Nichols, 9
66
66
William Payne, 10
66
66
66
- Jonathan Ward,
13
66
The doings of Oxford in regard to the Revolution is almost a duplicate of the acts of the other towns of the State, partic- ularly of those in its vicinity.
Their vigilance is shown by the choice of a committee in almost every town, called the " Committee of Correspond- ence, Inspection, and Safety," whose duty it was to keep the town informed of the movements of the American Congress, the State government, and that of other towns ; also, to keep watch of any parties inimical to the Revolutionary cause, and to report their names to a "Vigilance Committee " of the State, that they might be proceeded against if their conduct was worthy of notice.
THE OXFORD ARMY, UNITED STATES TROOPS.
In October, 1799, a detachment of the United States army, in the administration of the Federal government by President John Adams, was stationed at Oxford, under command of Colonel Rice .*
* This Colonel Riee was Nathan, son of Rev. Caleb Rice, the first settled minister in Sturbridge, a graduate of Harvard university, in 1773, and having served for a time in the war of the Revolution, he received a colonel's commission afterwards in the service of the United States, and, in 1798 and 1799, served in command of the troops here sta- tioned; afterwards removed to Burlington, Vermont, and died there about 1830.
21 votes.
66
Lieut. - Governor,
205
OXFORD.
They consisted of four regiments, and were encamped on the hill west of the present post-office.
In the following June they were disbanded. Nearly $100,000 in specie was disbursed here to the soldiers, and other expenses.
Whether this was an advantage to the town, or not, is a question not easily solved. The quartering of troops among the citizens of towns has a corrupting influence, not to be compensated by money.
The raising of these troops and the expenses to the Federal government, by what was called, by opposing parties, "Adams- army," proved an unpopular affair for Mr. Adams' administra- tion, and, although a wise and very popular precaution, was made use of by his opponents to influence public opinion against him.
TERRITORY OF OXFORD.
By the survey made of the territory of Oxford, in 1688, the number of acres, as then stated, was 41,245. It then embraced what has since become Charlton, about a third of Ward or Auburn, and a large part of Webster.
In 1732 there was annexed to this grant a part of what was then known as " Oxford South Gore;" and, in 1735, another tract of land, on its south border, known then as the farm owned by Paul Dudley ; making its contents, at this time, fully 45,000 acres.
Its first dismemberment began with setting off the west part of its territory to form the town of Charlton in 1754. Then was taken a large tract on the north border, to form the town of Auburn, in 1778-about one third of that town. Thus, when this town was surveyed by the order of the Legis- lature of 1794, for the purpose of a map of the State, its con- tents then were only 17,336} acres. To this was added, in 1807, another large piece of the South Gore; and, in 1809,
206
ENGLISH SETTLEMENT,
twenty-six acres taken from Charlton, being part of land of Amasa Kingsbury, which increased her territory to about 18,000 acres, when the south part was taken to make, with a part of Dudley, the town of Webster, in 1832. This south part, taken for Webster, contained much of the most valuable water-power within its limits-that which was purchased in 1812 by Samuel Slater, as is more particularly described in the historical sketch of Webster.
By the operations of Mr. Slater, by erecting extensive cot- ton-mills, bleaching and dye works, and also mills for the manufacture of wool, it gave an increase of population, which induced Mr. Slater and Sons, and others, in 1830, to petition for a town, to include, with this part of Oxford, a part of Dudley, lying east of French river.
This effort for a new town was resolutely opposed by both the old towns, as taking from them their most valuable water- power, the principal reliance for an increase of their wealth and population. It was claimed, in the argument on the part of Oxford, that, should this petition be granted, it would re- duce her territory to about 15,000 acres, and take from her about 600 of her inhabitants. However urgent was the remonstrance by these old towns, it did not prevent the exchange of the name-Oxford South Gore-for the cele- brated name of Webster. The balance of Oxford North Gore was annexed to her territory, March 22, 1838.
TOWN HALL.
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OXFORD.
TOWN AND STATE OFFICERS.
TOWN CLERKS.
John Town, for years 1713 and 1714. Benoni Twitchell, for years 1715 and 1716. Richard Moore, for years 1717, 1718, 1719, 1720, 1721. John Comins, for years 1722, 1723. Richard Moore, for years 1724, 1725, 1726, 1727, 1728. Jonathan Ballard, for year 1729.
Richard Moore, for years 1730, 1731. Isaac Learned, for years 1732, 1733. Richard Moore, for year 1734. Israel Town, for year 1735.
Isaac Learned, for years 1736, 1737, 1738. Eleazer Ward, for years 1739, 1740, 1741, 1742, 1743, 1744, 1745, 1746. John Wilson, for years 1747 to 1775, inclusive, 28 years. Samuel Harris, for years 1776 to 1799, inclusive, 23 years. Jonathan Harris, for years 1800 to 1812, inclusive, 13 years. Archibald Campbell, for years 1813 to 1819, inelusive, 7 years. Samuel Smith, for years 1820 to 1824, inclusive, 5 years. Benj. F. Town, for years 1825 and 1826. Charles S. Prentice, for years 1827, 1828, and 1829. Benj. F. Campbell, for years 1830 to 1837, inclusive, 8 years. Sylvanus Harris, for years 1838 to 1842, inclusive, 5 years. A. G. Underwood, for years 1843 and 1844. Willard Benson, for years 1845, 1846, and 1847. A. G. Underwood, for years 1848 to 1854, inclusive, 7 years. Wm. E. Pease, for year 1855. George F. Daniels, for year 1856. William E. Pease, for year 1857.
REPRESENTATIVES :
Captain Richard Moore, 1721. Captain Ebenezer Learned, 1726. Captain Ebenezer Learned, 1730. Samuel Davis, 1743. Benjamin Davis, 1749. Colonel Ebenezer Learned, 1751. Duncan Campbell, 1752 to 1755, inclusive. Edward Davis, 1756 and 1757. Duncan Campbell, 1758.
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ENGLISH SETTLEMENT,
Edward Davis, 1759, 1760, 1761, 1763.
Joseph Wolcott, 1764, 1765, and 1766.
Edward Davis, 1767, 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771.
Captain Jeremiah Learned, 1772 and 1773.»
Captain Ebenezer Learned, 1774.
Edward Davis, 1775.
William Campbell, 1776.
Edward Davis and William Hancock, 1777.
Captain William Hancock, 1778.
Edward Davis, 1779 and 1780.
Ebenezer Learned, 1783. Jeremiah Learned, 1784 to 1793, inclusive, 10 years. James Butler, 1794 and 1795.
Sylvanus Town, 1798 to 1801, inclusive, 4 years.
Sylvanus Town, 1803 to 1806.
Abijah Davis, 1807 and 1808.
Abijah Davis and James Butler, 1809.
Abijah Davis, 1810 and 1811.
Abijah Davis, 1813 to 1819, inclusive, 7 years.
Abijal Davis, 1821.
Richard Olney, 1826.
Jonathan Davis, 1827 and 1828. Same and Richard Olney, 1829.
Ira Barton and Alex. De Witt, 1830.
Ira Barton and Alex. De Witt, 1831.
Ira Barton and Alex. De Witt, 1832.
Stephen Barton and Benj. F. Campbell, 1836.
Sylvanus Harris and Francis Sibley, 1838.
Sylvanus Harris and Francis Sibley, 1839.
Ebenezer Rich and Alex. C. Thurston, 1840. Ebenezer Rich and Alex. C. Thurston, 1841. Emory Sanford, 1842. Israel Sibley, 1843. Jasper Brown, 1844. Erastus Ormsbec, 1845.
David Barton, 1846.
Jonas Bacon, 1847.
Paul Perkins, 1849. David Wait, 1850. Albert A. Cook, 1851.
Thomas Appleby, 1852. Emory Sanford, 1853. David Barton, 1854.
James M. Sanford, 1855.
209
OXFORD.
George W. Hartwell, 1856. Lament B. Corbin, 1857. Ira Merriam, 1859. Seth Daniels and Geo. Hodges, 1860. Moses Stone, 1862.
MEMBERS OF STATE SENATE.
Ira Barton, Esq., 1833 and 1834. Alex. De Witt, 1842, 1844, 1850, and 1851. A. G. Underwood, 1855. Nathaniel Eddy, 1860.
MEMBERS OF CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.
Ebenezer Learned and Ezra Bowman, 1799. Richard Olney, 1820. Alexander De Witt, 1853 and 1856.
OXFORD BANK.
Incorporated, February 8, 1823 .- Capital, $100,000.
First Board of Directors.
Jonathan Davis,
Richard Olney,
Aaron Tufts, Jeremiah Kingsbury,
Andrew W. Porter,
Daniel Tourtellot,
Henry Sargent, Joseph Thayer.
Nathan Hurd,
First President, Jonathan Davis,
Elected March 13, 1823.
Second 66
Richard Olney,
Oct. 7, 1833.
Third 66 Aaron Tufts,
66 Oct. 3, 1836.
Fourth 66 Alex. De Witt,
Nov. 20, 1843.
Fifth
John Wetherell,
July 31, 1848.
Sixth 66
John Jewett, 66
Oct. 1, 1849.
Seventh 66 Emory Sanford, 66
Oct. 12, 1857.
Eighth Charles A. Angell, 66 Oct. 17, 1864.
First Cashier, Sumner Bastow, 66 March 13, 1823.
Second 66 Alvan G. Underwood,
Nov. 17, 1845.
Third 66 W. Olney, 66 May 28, 1855.
The Oxford Bank changed into a National Bank, January 28, 1865.
210
ENGLISH SETTLEMENT,
Present Board of Directors.
Alexander De Witt,
Samuel C. Paine,
Emory E. Harwood,
Allen L. Joslin,
Chas. A. Angell,
OXFORD, October 23, 1872.
Emory Sanford, Benjamin A. Corbin, James B. Campbell, S. Wm. Smith,
CHAS. A. ANGELL, President. W. OLNEY, Cashier.
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES.
THE OXFORD CENTRAL COTTON AND WOOLEN MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OXFORD.
This company was incorporated, October 17, 1814. The names of the corporators were Daniel Fiske, John Hudson, William S. Fiske, Henry G. Learned, Joel and Daniel Eddy, Amos Hudson, Ezra Lovell, and Sylvanus Pratt, with the name of the Oxford Central Manufacturing Company, for the purpose of manufacturing cotton and woolen cloth and yarn, in the said town of Oxford, with the right to hold and possess real estate not exceeding $50,000, and personal estate not exceeding $100,000, for the carrying on the said business in the said town of Oxford.
THE OXFORD COTTON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OXFORD.
This company was incorporated, June 13, 1815. The names in the Act of Incorporation were: Charles Cleveland, Jacob Rich, Joseph Stone, William P. Ryder, Sylvanus Coburn, Jonathan Rice, Benjamin Eddy, Samuel Waters 2d; Israel Stone, Junior, Thaddeus Hull, Sylvester McIntyre, Elijah Waters, Jerah Stone, William Hull, and Elijah Rich, for the purpose of manufacturing cotton yarn and cloth in the town
211
OXFORD.
of Oxford, with the right to hold and possess real estate, $30,000, and personal estate, $50,000.
THE OXFORD WOOLEN COMPANY, OXFORD.
The mill originally built by this company, located on the border of French river, about a mile west of Oxford village, was erected in 1824. The names of these proprietors were Lyman Tiffany, of Boston; Richard Olney, Stearns De Witt, Alexander De Witt, Samuel Dowse, and a Mr. Morgan, of Oxford.
THE OXFORD THREAD FACTORY, OXFORD.
The purchase of real estate, land and water power, was under date of June 24, 1823, and the work for erecting this mill was then immediately commenced. The four De Witt brothers were the proprietors-Captain Stearns De Witt, Hollis De Witt, Archibald De Witt, and Colonel Alexander De Witt.
MILLS AT NORTH OXFORD.
There is a large granite-mill for the manufacture of wool, founded by Abisha Learned, Esq., and several cotton-mills, all erected nearly thirty to forty years since, but with many valuable additions and improvements which, at this time make this part of the town one of its most enterprising sec- tions. The exact history of these mills, and the names of most of the original founders, have not been ascertained.
These mills are supplied with their water-power from the sources of the French river that come down from Leicester.
ECCLESIASTICAL.
CHAPTER IV.
THE CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY.
THE acts relating to this society are included with the records of the town affairs up to the year 1813 ; as, by law, this was the recognized society of the town, and the sup- port of the minister and the expenditure for the erection of the meeting-house, and incidental charges connected there- with, were items of taxation, the same as the support of schools and roads, and assessed upon all the real and personal property of the town. This mode of supporting religious affairs was very proper so long as there was but one faith and religious sentiment among the citizens of the town ; but, as there arose a difference of religious sentiment, this plan of support became odious, by compelling many to pay for the support of a faith opposed to their religious belief.
Besides the spirit of oppression which this compulsory law produced, it was in violation of the spirit of the great central principle which was the foundation of the Reformation-free- dom of thought, and the right of private judgment.
The Legislature, through a period of more than 100 years, had attempted to remedy this obnoxious law, and had passed a number of acts as reliefs ; but these acts were but palliatives, not satisfactory to those who felt themselves wronged, and deprived of those inalienable rights belonging to all members of the common body politic-a perfect equality before the law.
214
ENGLISH SETTLEMENT,
In time, the oppressive spirit of this law induced many con- scientious persons of the standing order of faith, to oppose its execution, and some societies of that order voluntarily relin- quished all right of taxation, except upon the property of those who agreed with them in religious sentiment, and who assented to such tax.
It was found by experience that the principle of voluntary support was all that was required, and that the societies that had adopted this mode were abundantly successful in their efforts.
Finally, the people of Massachusetts were relieved of this oppressive law-the relic of a past and bigoted age-in the year 1833, by an act placing all religious denominations upon an equality of rights in matters of faith and practice .*
The Congregational Society of Oxford came into the volun- tary mode of religious support in 1813. At this time they formed a constitution and by-laws for the management of the affairs of the society, which was offered for the signatures of such as professed the faith of this denomination, and were willing to join in its support. They found no difficulty in enrolling members; very soon over 100 families appended their signatures, assenting to the voluntary principle.
The first minister under this new organization was the Rev. David Batcheller. He was installed in 1816. Peace and prosperity attended his ministry. The church was much increased and strengthened by his judicious and faithful labors. But his pastorate was short. He died in 1822.
In 1823 a call was given to the Rev. Ebenezer Newhall, and accepted. He was ordained in December of the same year.
* This credit is due to Rev. Thomas Whittemorc, D. D., for his services in the Massa- chusetts Legislature, as chairman of a special committee, moved by him, for effecting a change in the "Bill of Rights," or constitution of that State. This was in 1831. He continued as chairman in 1832 and 1833 of same committee, and finally effected this change by " an act," which passed both houses, and approved by the people, giving per- fect religious liberty to all denominations.
215
OXFORD.
The following year the society was reorganized, under an act of the Legislature of that year, relating to freedom in public religious worship.
Under this reorganization the society has transacted its affairs to the present time.
During Rev. Mr. Newhall's ministry the society erected a new meeting-house. The funds for this purpose were obtained principally by voluntary contribution; the parties subscribing formed a society or corporate body by said act of Legislature, and the meeting-house was erected by this society, and became their property as proprietors, when finished. The whole cost was assessed upon the valuation of the pews in the same by an estimate according to favor in their location. Then the pews were all sold by public auction, for a choice, thus reim- bursing the subscribers to the building fund, and placing the house in the hands of the purchasers of the pews, who be- came sole proprietors of the house.
This new house was dedicated the 3d of November, 1829. An appropriate sermon was delivered by Mr. Newhall, on the occasion, from the text, Psalms CxxxVII, 5.
Nearly a year before this Mr. Newhall's health became so feeble that he was unable to supply the pulpit, and for many Sabbaths provided preaching by others. In this affliction he received the sympathy and aid of his people.
That his people loved and respected their pastor, there is ample evidence.
A special meeting was called in September, 1828, to unite in some suitable manner to give expression to their sympa- thies in his behalf, when the following vote of the society was passed :
Voted: "That the society raise, by subscription, the amount of $64, as remuneration to Mr. Newhall for money expended by him for the support of preaching during his illness."
Mr. Newhall's health, though somewhat restored, continued .
216
ENGLISH SETTLEMENT,
feeble ; and he was led by this, and other circumstances, to seek a dismission, and was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council, June 13, 1832.
It is pleasant to revert again to the evidence on record of the continued affection, both of the society and the church, toward their afflicted pastor. At his dismission the society voted :
" That, in consideration of the past services of the Rev. Mr. Newhall, and of the respect the society bear towards him, that his salary be paid him for six additional months; he to render such ministerial service, during said time, as may suit his convenience."
The church put on record the following, viz .:
Voted, unanimously: "That this church expresses to the Rev. Eben- ezer Newhall their full approbation of him as an exemplary Christian, as a discreet, affectionate, and faithful Christian pastor."
Mr. Newhall was succeeded, in 1832, by the Rev. Loren Robbins, who was ordained in December of the same year.
In 1836, June 8, Mr. Robbins was dismissed by the same council that installed his successor, Dr. Bardwell. There were, on the catalogue of the church, 270 members at this time.
In 1726 Samuel Hageburn, one of the proprietors of the English settlers of the town, left, by will, fifty pounds for the use and benefit of the church, in manner as they might think best for any pious use.
The avails of this bequest have been, in part, expended from time to time, as appears from the records, for the bene- fit of needy members, for incidental traveling expenses of the pastor and delegates on church business, for books in the church library, and for furniture for the communion service.
In 1836 the church voted to appropriate what remained of the Hageburn fund to the erection of a vestry, for the use and under the direction of the church, provided a sufficient
OXFORD. 217
amount should be raised by subscription, in addition, to effect the object.
At a subsequent meeting of the church it was
Resolved : "That the sum of $300 (it being the full amount of the Hageburn fund remaining in the hands of the church), be applied to the building of a vestry."
About $300, in addition, was raised by subscription for the object, and the vestry was erected.
In 1853 the proprietors of the meeting-house
Voted : "That the house be removed from the middle of the street, where it then stood, to the spot where it now stands; and also, that the church have permission, at their own expense, and for their own purposes, to place a basement story under the same, when removed."
This basement was fitted up by the avails of the old vestry and other grants of the church, together with subscriptions, at an expense of $1,589.50. It is now the exclusive property of the church.
In 1857 a successful effort was made to transfer the owner- ship of the meeting house from its original proprietors to the First Religious Society. A large portion of the proprietors liberally gave in their pews ; and one individual, in addition to relinquishing two or more pews, gave $500 to aid in pur- chasing of those who were unable or unwilling to relinquish their property to the society without pay.
The effect of this measure gave general satisfaction. The slips are now rented annually to the highest bidder. The finances of the society are far less complicated, and its present state is peaceful and prosperous.
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