USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Billerica > Historical memoir of Billerica, in Massachusetts. Containing notices of the principal events in the civil and ecclesiastical affairs of the town, from its first settlement to 1816 > Part 3
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* It is ornamented with a handsome spire, and a clock, cost 500 dollars, made at Worcester, by Abel Stowell. It originally had 62 pews on the floor, and 26 in the gallery, which sold for 8504 dolls. 50 cts.
+ This amount is not specified in his Will, as it was the laft hequest, and depended upon the residue of the testators' estate, after the several legacies were discharged. Sept. 4, 1809, the town vo:ed to receive 1400 dollars of James Abbot, Executor, in full of the last bequest in the last will and testament of Dea. Jofhua Abbor.
amually applied to support a school, for disseminating a knowledge of church music and psalmody. These, with other acts of public and private munificence, will not permit the memory of the donor to sink into oblivion.
In the summer of 1811, the small pox made its appear- ance in the north part of the town. The cause from whence it originated, seems to be involved in mystery. It commenc- ed in the family of Asa Frost, and had communicated to several others, before the disorder was known. The alarm produced in the neighborhood, when the disorder was ascer- tained to be the small pox, can better be conceived than de- scribed. The consternation became general, and extended through the town, and to others in the vicinity, till a period was put to it by a general vaccination, which was effected in a few weeks. Of fifteen, who had the small pox, five persons fell victims to its malignity .*
On 1 November, 1813, the town voted to invite reverend Nathaniel Whitman to settle as a colleague with reverend Doctor Cumings. At the same time they voted $1000 for a settlement, and an annual salary of $500, so long as the pastoral relation, between the venerable Doctor Cumings and his people, should not be dissolved by death. Distant be the period when his life and usefulness shall terminate. Reverend Mr. Whitman accepted of their invitation, and was ordained, 26 January, 1814, it being on that day, fifty- one years after the ordination of his venerable senior. On this interesting occasion, reverend Ezra Ripley of Concord, moderator of the council, addressed the numerous assembly, convened to witness the solemn and important scene. Intro- ductory prayer was made by reverend President Kirkland of Cambridge ; sermon, by reverend James Flint of Bridge- water, from Colossians i. 28 ; consecrating prayer, by rever- end Ezra Ripley of Concord ; charge, by the senior pastor ;} right-hand of fellowship, by reverend Samuel Stearns of Bedford ; concluding prayer, by reverend Nathaniel Thayer of Lancaster. The unanimity and harmony, which prevail- ed in the settlement of a colleague, and in the measures pre- paratory for that event, afford evidence for believing that the Christian and benevolent affections will be mutually cultivat-
* The Small Pox prevailed in a few families in 1690, and three or four persons died.
? A lift of the publications of the venerable Doct. Cumings, will be found in the Appendix, Art. IX.
23
èd ; and inspire a hope that the connexion will be happy, as it may be lasting.
" Long may his light on earth be spar'd to shine."
Such have been the leading events in the civil and eccle- siastical affairs of Billerica, during a period of one hundred and sixty-three years. In tracing the progress of improve- ment, and in noticing the care and attention of the early settlers in transmitting their privileges to posterity, many emotions of pleasure have been realized. Though consid- erable perplexity and obscurity have occasionally arisen,* in the investigation of several important facts, the writer cher- ishes a hope that this humble effort of his researches will be found to contain nothing contrary to truth and impartiality.
Remarks on Health, Mortality, &c .- In general, this town may be said to have been healthy. Its elevated situation, doubtless contributes in some measure to the health of its in- habitants. In almost every situation, there are particular dis- tricts more favorable to health and longevity than others. The cause of this superiority is chiefly a free circulation of the air, uncontaminated with the noxious vapours and ex- halations, which destroy its purity in other parts. This town does not, however, claim a superiority above those situated in its vicinity. The first inhabitants partook liberally of their healthy situation, if we may judge from the small number of deaths, which occurred among them. Those, who came from England, as well as their immediate posterity, attained to con- siderable ages.t Of those, who may be termed early settlers, twenty-two upon an average attained to the age of 83. The ages of several others, who must have been equally advanced, are not noted. The number of deaths for thirty-nine years after the first records commenced, was 94. The births dur- ing the same period, were more than five times that number.
"' Much of this perplexity has arisen from the decayed and imperfect state of the early records, which, if not soon put in a better state of preservation, will be lost to posterity.
+ Besides those already mentioned, the ages of the foliowing persons are re- corded. Died, Nov. 22, 1683, Margaret Hill, 88; May 6, 1684, Ann Wilkin- son, who was born in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, 94; Feb. 8, 1692, Mary Chamberlain, 88 ; Sept. 3, 1698, Golden Moore, 89; May 24, 1700, Henry Jefts, 94; June 5, 1701, James Patterson, 68 ; June 15, 1704, John Trull, 70 ; May 31, 1706, William Chamberlain, 86, Dec. 28, 1717, Sarah Haws, 8.5 5 1726, Elizabeth Frost, 80: Oft. 9, 1743; Mary Tompson, 91.
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It does not appear that any correct records of deaths were kept from 1704 to 1784, a period of eighty years. From the account of deaths, kept by the reverend Dr. Cumings for 285 years, he infers that the instances of mortality in the course of 50 years, commencing with his settlement in 1763, amount to 1010; that the number of males is 478 ; that the annual average of deaths has been about 20 ; and that the ages of the several individuals collected into one sum, amount to 36,584 years.
The number of deaths, from July, 1784, to February, 1813, was 559, of which, 273 were males, and the aggregate of their ages amounted to 20,248 .* The number from 1 January, 1813, to 1 January, 1816, was 90. Males, 50 ; females, 40.
Baptisms and admissions to the Church. The number of Baptisms during half a century, from 26 January, 1763, a- mounted to 1460, of which, 45 were adults, and 703 were males. The number of persons who joined in fall commun- ion with the church, was 307, besides 199, who were received into covenant with it, upon their making a public profession of their Christian faith.t
* See appendix, Art. XIII.
Rev. Dr. Cuming's Half Century Sermon.
APPENDIX.
ARTICLE I.
THE following copy of this grant is taken from the town records, with some variations of orthography.
" At a General Court held at Boston, on adjournment, 14 June, 1642. All the land upon Shawshin river, and be- tween that and Concord river, and between that and Merri- mac river, (not formerly granted by this court) are granted to Cambridge, so, as that they erect a village there within five years, and so as that it shall not extend to prejudice Charles- town village, or the village at Cochittuate, nor the farms for- merly granted to the now Governor, of 1260 acres, and to Thomas Dudley, Esq. 1500 acres, and 3000 acres to Mrs. Winthrop ; and Mr. Flint and Mr. Stephen Winthrop are to set out their head line toward Concord."
That there were several grants to individuals before this was made to Cambridge, is evident, as is implied above. Mr. Dudley's farm, which consisted of 1500 acres, was laid out in twelve ten acre lots. Mrs. Winthrop's farm of 3000 acres, was at Wamesit, now Tewksbury, and extended from the Indian plantation, on Merrimac river, about 25 miles below the mouth of Concord river. The Church Farm, containing' 915 acres, lay upon Shawshin river, and extended from the bridge down the river, 349 rods. Harvard College Farm, lay upon Shawshin river, and contained 220 acres. Besides these, were Elder Richard Champney's Farm, and Major Daniel Gookin's Farm, which were situated within the an- cient limits of Billerica.
ART. II.
The second grant is expressed as follows :- " At a Gen- eral Court held at Boston, 10, 3m. 1643. Shawshin is grant- ed to Cambridge without any condition of making a village
D
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there. And the land between them and Concord is granted to them, all, save what was formerly granted to the Artillery Company, or others, provided the church and present elders continue at Cambridge."
ART. III.
GRANTS OF THE GENERAL COURT, to Billerica, in 1656.
At a General Court, begun 14 May, 1656. " In answer to the petition of several proprietors and inhabitants of Shaw- shin, humbly desiring a tract of land, lying near the farms of John and Robert Blood, and so along by the side of Concord river, &c. the Court grants their request in that respect, so as it hinders not former grants; and grant the name of the plantation to be called Billerica."
" In answer to the petition of the inhabitants of Billerica, this court doth grant to the town of Billerica, eight thousand acres of lands, for the ends desired, in any place or places that are free and not capable of making a town, provided that the said lands be laid out before the next court of election, and the inhabitants of Cambridge do accept thereof, and dis- engage the lands desired at Billerica ; and also, that the town of Billerica be settled with twenty families, at least, within three years, that the ordinances of God may be settled and en- couraged, in the said place of Billerica. And it is ordered, that Major Willard, Captain Edward Johnson, Mr. Edward Jackson, or any two of them, with Thomas Danforth, or any other Surveyor, shall lay the same out at the petitioners'. charge, making return at the next Court of election."
ART. IV.
SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, AND POPULATION. SCHOOLS.
The first notice in the records of a school in town, is in 1679, when Joseph Tompson was chosen school- master by the selectmen. He continued an instructor of youth many years, and was employed as late as 1711. Iņ
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1718, and about that time, schoolmasters were chosen or ap- pointed by the selectmen, and had an annual stipend of {.35. A committee was annually chosen to direct the affairs of the school, and order where they should be taught. The town is divided into ten wards, or districts, of which, two some under the appellation of grammar schools. These dis- tricts are designated as follows : first centre, second centre, third centre, first east, second east, north, south-west, Shaw- shin, north and south-west. The two last are west of Con- cord river.
LIBRARIES.
There are two libraries in town, besides Dobson's edition of the Encyclopedia, which, with the supplement, is a valuable source of information and instruction. The first Social Library in Billerica was instituted in 1772. It was among the first instituted in the Commonwealth.
The second Library was incorporated in November, 1807, by the name of the " Second Social Library." " Both togeth- er contain a large and valuable collection of books."*
POPULATION.
The number of inhabitants of Billerica in 1790, was 1200, in 1800, 1383, in 1810, 1289. The number of free white males, according to the census of 1810, was 623, and of females 664. Of the former, 183 were under ten years of age, 108 of ten and under sixteen, 117 of sixteen and under twenty-six, 97 of twenty-six and under forty-five, and 118 of forty-five and upwards. Of the latter, 176 were under ten, 103 of ten and under sixteen, 116 of sixteen and under twenty-six, 139 of twenty-six and under forty-five, and 130 of forty-five and upwards. The number of polls in 1810, was 316. The number in 1815, was 251. In 1800, Billerica ranked as the ninth town in population in the county of Middlesex.
* MS. letter of Dr. Rufus Kittredge, April 5, 1816.
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ART. V.
PASTORS OF THE CHURCH IN BILLERICA, With the times of their ordination, removal, and death.
I. SAMUEL WHITING, A. M. ordained, 11 November, 1663 ; died, 29 February, 1713, Æt. 80 .*
II. SAMUEL RUGGLES, A. M. ordained, 19 May, 1708 ; died, 1 March, 1749, Æt. 67.
III. JOHN CHANDLER, A. M. ordained, 21 October, 1747 ; dismissed, 5 June, 1760 ; died, 10 Nov. 1762.
IV. HENRY CUMINGS, D. D. graduated at Harvard Col- lege, 1760 ; ordained, 26 January, 1763.
V. NATHANIEL WHITMAN, A. M. graduated at Har- vard College, 1809 ; ordained, 26 January, 1814.
DEACONS OF THE CHURCH.
Died. Age.
Joseph Tompson,
13 October, 1732. 93.
James Frost,
12 August, 1711. 74 .*
Joseph Foster
December, 1721. 75 .*
William French,
30 September, 1723 55
John Sheldon,
27 .August, 1724. 64
William Patten,
5 October, 1730. 60
Joseph Davis,
30 September, 1747. 80 .*
Joshua Abbot,
11 February, 1769. 84
Samuel Whiting,
4 November, 1772. 70.
William Stickney,
27 August, 1781. 76.
Ralph Hill,
13 February, 1789. 82.
Joshua Davis,
18 February, 1777. 63.
Joshua Abbot,
8 August, 1807. 84.
William Tompson,
2 September, 1806. 83.
Timothy Danforth,
21 June, 1792. 63.
Oliver Crosby.
Ebenezer Pemberton,
resigned.
Samuel Whiting.
Joseph Locke.
Jeremiah Patten,
21 January, 1815.43.
* The ages of those with this mark, are stated from the best evidence which could be obtained.
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ART. VI.
A LIST OF THE NATIVES OF BILLERICA, Who have received a public education.
I. Graduated in 1685. * John Whiting, A. M. son of reverend Samuel Whiting, was born, 1 August, 1664. He was ordained at Lancaster, about 1691 ; was killed by the Indians, 11 September, 1697, Æt. 33.
II. 1690. * Joseph Whiting A. M. who graduated this year, is supposed to have been brother of the preceding. If this supposition is correct, he was born, 7 February, 1669, and died, 6 September, 1701, Æt. 32.
III. 1751. * Josiah Stearns, A. M. son of John Stearns, was born, 20 January, 1732. He was ordained in 1758, at Epping, N. H. where he died in 1790, Æt. 62.
IV. 1751. * Jonathan Kidder, A. M. son of Thomas Kidder, Esq. was born, 26 March, 1728. He was a school- master many years in his native town, where he died, 18 March, 1805, Æt. 77.
V. 1764. Joseph Kidder, A. M. son of Capt. Enoch Kidder, was born, 18 November, 1741. He was ordained at Dunstable, N. H. in 1767.
VI. 1769. William Bowers, A.M. son of Capt. William Bowers, was born, 20 April, 1744. He is a practitioner of medicine in his native town.
VII. 1779. Andrew Bowers, A. M. son of Capt. Jo- siah Bowers. He was Representative several years to the General Court of N. H. from Salisbury, where he resides.
VIII. 1794. *David Abbot, A. M. son of Mr. David Abbot, was born, 18 December, 1770, and died, 9 April, 1804, Æt. 33.
IX. 1794. James Bowers, A. B. son of Capt. Josiah Bowers. He was ordained over the Episcopalian Society at Marblehead.
X. 1794. William Crosby, A. B. son of Mr. Hezekiah Crosby. He was a Councillor at Law several years, and is now a Senator of the Commonwealth and Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, Third Eastern Circuit.
XI. 1795. Oliver Crosby, A. M. son of Major Oliver Crosby, is an Attorney at Law, Justice of the Peace and re- sides at Dover, N. H.
#
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XII. 1795. Henry Cumings, A. M. son of reverend Henry Cumings, D. D. is an instructor of youth in the State of New-Hampshire.
XIII. 1802. Foseph Richardson, A. M. son of Mr. Jo- seph Richardson, graduated at Dartmouth College, and is settled at Hingham. He is author of the American Reader and several valuable publications.
XIV. 1809. Artemas Rogers, A. B. son of Mr. Josiah Rogers, is an attorney at law at Henniker, N. H.
XV. 1813. Frederic Augustus Parker, A. B. son of John Parker, Esq. is a student of medicine.
All the preceding received their education at Harvard College, excepting Rev. Joseph Richardson.
Under Graduates at Harvard College.
SENIOR-Augustus Whiting, son of Samuel Whiting, Esq. JUNIOR-Micajah Rogers, son of Mr. Josiah Rogers.
At Brown University, R. I.
FRESHMAN == Benjamin Bowers, Jun.
, ART. VII.
TOWN CLERKS
Of Billerica, from A. D. 1657, to 1816.
Years in office. Years in office:
John Parker,
William Stickney, 12.
William Tay,
1. Joshua Abbot, 15.
Jonathan Danforth,
20. William Bowers, 1.
Samuel Manning,
8. Oliver Crosby,
14.
Joseph Tompson,
9. James Abbot, 1.
John Stearns, 2. Jacob Richardson, 5.
Oliver Whiting,
17. Blaney Abbot,
5.
· John Needham,
2. Jeremiah Patten, 4.
Benjamin Tompson,
4. Jeremiah Farmer, 2.
Joshua Abbot,
31. Samuel Whiting .*
Chosen in March, 18:6.
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ART. VIII.
INDIANS. Within the original limits of Billerica lived a considerable number of Indians. The Pawtucketts at Wamesit and its vicinity, contained in 1675, about 250 souls. They had formerly been estimated at 3000. The right of the Indians to the township of Billerica, seems to have been partially acknowledged by the English, as we find the inhab- itants obtained a purchase from them in 1684. The Indians, however, appear to have retained a part of Wamesit, which bordered on Mrs. Winthrop's farm of 3000 acres. At this place they had a praying town, which, in 1674, according to Gookin's Collections, contained 15 families, and 75 souls. They inhabited a small tract of land on the east side of Concord river, and bordering on Merrimac river. The divisional line between them and the English, I am informed, extended from Merrimac river, about half a mile below the mouth of Concord river, on a direct line to Concord river, two miles from its mouth. Their plantation was separated from the English by a ditch, which may be seen at this day. Within these limits, is a hill, called Fort Hill, lying nearly parallel with Concord river, on which are the remains of their fortification. It seems that the Indians at this place, were in some degree civilized. They here attended to the cultivation of their land ; planted apple-trees in the manner of the English, some of which remain, but have become incorporated with the trees of the forest. The names of several Indians are preserved in the records of Billerica. Capt. Danforth had one in his family of the name of Warrick, in the capacity of a servant, who died, about 1686.
ART. IX.
List of the Publications of reverend Dr. Cumings.
SERMONS.
1. On the day of Public Thanksgiving, 27 November, 1766.
2. On the dav of Thanksgiving, 23 November, 1775.
3. A sermon preached at Lexington, on the 19 April, 1781. 4. On the General Election, at Boston, 28 May, 1783.
5. On the day of National Thanksgiving, 11 December 1783.
6. At the ordination of reverend Phinehas Wright, at Bolton, 26 October, 1785.
7. On Natural Religion, 28 June, 1795.
8. On Thanksgiving Day, 15 December, 1796.'
9. On Thanksgiving Day, 27 November, 1798.
10. At the ordination of reverend Caleb Bradley, at Fal- mouth, 9 October, 1799.
11. Eulogy on Gen. George Washington, 10 January, 1800.
12. On the Public Fast, 9 April, 1801.
13. Charity Sermon, at Roxbury, 21 September, 1802.
14. An Half-Century Sermon, 21 February, 1813.
15. Right Hand of Fellowship, annexed to the sermon, preached at the ordination of reverend Elijah Dunbar, at Peterborough, N. H. 23 October, 1799.
16. Charge, annexed to the sermon, preached at the ordina- tion of reverend Wilkes Allen, at Chelmsford, 16 Nov. 1803. 17. Charge, annexed to the sermon at the ordination of his colleague, reverend N. Whitman, 26 January, 1814.
ART. X.
The following information, respecting some others of the early settlers is given, as it may be gratifying to their de- scendants.
Fohn Stearns was one of the earliest inhabitants. He married Mary Lathrop, of Plymouth colony. He died, 5 March, 1669. John Stearns, his son, was the first person born in town, on record. His birth occurred the second week in May, 1654. In this town, he passed his days and died, 26 October, 1728, at the age of 74. His long continu- ance in several offices, of a civil and military kind, affords a proof of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow- citizens. From him descended reverend Josiah Stearns of Epping, N. H. Isaac Stearns, Esq. and reverend Mr. Stearns of Bedford.
John Baldwin, the ancestor of those of that name in Bil- lerica, obtained a grant of land from the town in 1657. His sons, three in number, settled in town. He died, 25 Septem- ber, 1687.
James Kidder, an inhabitant as early as 1656, was one of the selectmen six years. He died prior to 1678. He had nine sons, of whom three, James, Enoch and Ephraim, set- tled in town. His posterity are very numerous.
Roger Toothaker was admitted an inhabitant, 9 November, 1660. Tradition says he was a physician, and came from England, though it is probable he was not regularly bred. A medicinal herb, called Alexander, [Hipposelini] which
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which he is said to have brought with him from England, and planted on his farm in this town, continued to flourish till within a few years. His son, grand-son, and great-grand- son, all of the same name, have the appellation of physicians.
Thomas Patten, was son of William Patten of Cambridge, who appears to have been one of the original settlers. The former died, 16 January, 1689, aged 5+, leaving four sons.
Fob Lane was from England. He lived in that part of the town which is now Bedford. Major John Lane, probably his son, represented this town in the General Court, one or two vears, and died, 17 January, 1715.
Fohn Levistone, whose family suffered so severely from the Indians, was from Scotland, and settled in town about 1681.
Thomas Pollard emigrated from Warwickshire, in Eng- land. He was son of William Pollard, who was a glover, of the city of Coventry, in Great Britain .* He became an in- habitant about 1692, and died, 4 April, 1724, leaving ten sons.
Of the name of Parker, there appears to have been several, who received grants of land, viz. John, James, Joseph, and Robert. John we have already noticed. Robert belonged to Cambridge. Benjamin Parker, his son, resided in Billerica.
Of the name of French there were four -- William and John; mentioned page 4 ; Joseph, who was accepted an inhabitants 8 December, 1662. He was son of John French of Cam- bridge, and was born about 1638. Yacob, who was one of the selectmen, and died, 20 May, 1713.
John Bracket was son of Capt. Richard Bracket, and died, 18 March, 1686.
Thomas Carrier, alias Morgan, an emigrant from Wales, was not at first accepted as an inhabitant, and a petition was presented to the county court against his admission. The witchcraft delusion in 1692, involved his family in the greatest distress. Richard Carrier, his son, (born in this town, 16 Ju- ly, 1674,) was one of the witnesses against Mr. George Bur- roughs. His wife was arrested on suspicion of witchcraft, had a trial before the court at Salem, was condemned, 5 Au- gust, and executed on the 11th, among the unhappy victims at Salem village. The confession of his daughter, Sarah Car- rier, a child about seven years old, before' Major Willard, is given by Hutchinson, vol 2, page 44, first edition. It appears that he had left town, before his family was involved in this sad catastrophe, and had settled in Andover, or in its vicinity.
MS, letter of Thomas Browne of Astley Hall, Warwickshire.
E
.
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ART. XI.
CATALOGUE OF THE NAMES
In Billerica, from the date of incorporation, 1655, to the year 1700; to which is annexed the number of births un record of each name, from the former period, to 1 January, 1816.
* Alden,
1
Frost,
90
* Patterson, 13
Bacon,
33
*Gorton,
4
* Perry,
L
Baldwin,
120
*Grimes,
4
Pollard,
78
Blanchard,
61
*Hale,
-
*Poulter,
8
*Bracket,
19
*Hamlet,
5
Richardson,
149
*Brooks,
6
*Hides,
2
Rogers,
94
Browne,
80
Hill,
135
*Rofs,
18
*Butler
2
Holden,
6
Sanders,
74
*Carrier,
5
Hopkins,
16
*Sharp,
3
*Chamberlain,
50
*Hubbard,
-
Shed,
118
*Champney,
5
*Hunt,
49
*Sheldon,
14
*Corneal,
10
Jefts,
37
Stearns,
104
Crosby,
194
*Kemp,
24
*Tay,
6
Danforth,
143
Kidder,
100
* Tompson,
20
Davis,
42
*Kinsley,
* Toothaker,
28
*Ditson,
31
Kittredge,
72
Trull,
39
*Dunkin,
7
* Lane,
28
Walker,
70
Durant,
47
Levistone,
54
*Web,
2
*Dutton,
42
Manning,
75
Whiting,
69
*Farley,
57
Marshall,
54
*Wilkinson,
Farmer,
86
*Meades,
1
* Wilson,
46
*Farr,
1
*Muore,
*Whwaker,
*Fassett,
6
Needham,
44
*Willowes,
*Fitch,
8
*Page,
13
Foster,
43
Parker,
57
Total,
3186
French,
182
Patten,
76
The above may be considered the ancient names of Billerica, of which nearly one half are to be found there at this period. Some families, of names mentioned in the preceding Table, were detached from this town when Bedford and Tewksbury were incorporated. Some of these names are extinct in Billerica, bt are still found in those places. Of those. who became inhabitants after the commence- ment of the last century, the most prevailing names are, Abbot, Beard, Bowers, Dows, "Hall, Jaquith, Kendall, *Lewis, *Osgood,
* Those names, having this mark above and in the table, are extinct in town. A few other names, than those in the table, are found in the records prior to 1700. These are Bird, Bly, Cary, Daniel, Deane, Ellis, Fisher, Fox Gofte, Gould, Gurney, Hassell, Jaquish, Lewis, Muzzey Osborn, Plumb, Scott, Sol- lindine, Tuder, Willice. But no birth of either of these names occurs prior to 1700. The most of them were only temporary residents.
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Ruggles, Sprake, Stickney, Spalding and "Tarbell. The numbers of births on record, of these several names, and all others not compre- hended in the above table, amount to 949, which, added to the num- ber in the table, make the whole aggregate of births on record to be four thousand, one hundred and thirty five. It is not to be inferred that this is the whole number of births in town since its first settle. ment, as it is very evident that a large number is not recorded. Though it is of obvious importance, that they should be recorded, and notwithstanding a law, annexing a penalty for neglect, is in force,. yet many of our citizens are totally regardless of the former, and with impunity incur the penalty of the latter.
ART. XII.
TABLE OF BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS, IN BILLERICA,. For fifty-one years, commencing A. D. 1654.
Bths. Mar. Deaths.
Bths. Mar. Dths.
Bths. Mar. D .:
1654
3
1
0
1
1672
13 3
5
1690
14
3 6
55
2
1
0
73
11
2
3
9I
16
3
56
2
1
1
74
14
5
8
92
13
14
57
2
0
0
1
0
76
15
1
7
94
19
-
10
59
5
1
2
1
1
78
14
4
5
96
24 18
-
3
62
9
8
4
1680
25
2
7
98
24
8.
63
8
1
2
81
14
7
4.
8
1
21
-
43
66
11
4
1
84
14
2
6
2
'24
5
5
67
13
3
5
85
14
2
5
3
30
6
8
68
15
2
6
86
21
5
4
69
13
6
3
87
18
-
6
1670
19
3
9
88
17
-
4.
758 119 238
71
23
1
7
89
19
5
4
95
14
6 13
61
3
3
0
79.
17
0
3
97
22
-
64
16
3
1
82
12
2
5
1700
16
-
2°
65
13
3
1
93
24
1
1 70
93
19
6
77
17
6
6
1660
8
99
20
6
6
The preceding Table of Births, Marriages and Deaths, excepto. ing from the year 1693 to 1702, inclusive, is copied from a record, made by Capt. Jonathan Danforth in the most ancient book of Births, &c. in Billerica. The number of marriages against those years having a dash, is not noted in said record.
1149142
58
4
4
75
16
36
ART. XIII.
A TABLE, exhibiting a view of the ages of those, who died from July, 1784, to February, 1813. BY REV. DR. CUMINGS.
9I were under one year ; 65 between 1 and 5
23 between 5 and 10
21
50
55
11
10
15
23
55
60
21
15
20
15
60
65
26
20
25
36
65
70
22
25
30
31
70
75
15
30
35
32
75
80
17
35
40
42
80
85
23
40
45
18
85
90
19
45
50
8
90
95
.
ART. XIV.
The following document contains the report of the committee and the order of Court thereon.
"" Anno Regni Regis Galielmi decimo tertio. At a great and Gen- eral Court, or Assembly for his Majestys' Province of the Massa- chusetts Bay, begun and held at Boston upon Wednesday, 28 May, 1701.
WHEREAS Major Jonathan Tyng, Major James Convers and Capt. Benjamin Garfield, a committee, appointed by the General Court at their session in May, 170C, to view and settle the lines be- tween the town of Billerica and the farms of John and Robert Biood, and the towns of Concord and Chelmsford, have reported their do» ings therein as followeth-That is to say, that as well as by their own view of the lines, court grants, and deeds produced to them, as on hearing of what was offered by the agents of the several towns, they find the land of Billerica bounded by the line of Chelmsford northward, beginning at Pawtuckett stake, so called, by Concord river, where Chelmsford and Billerica and the Indians do meet ; then Chelmsford line runneth south, forty.tk.ee degrees west, to a pillar of stones ; then it runneth south, seventy nine degrees west, three hundred and thirty-two pole, which reacheth unto Major Willard's farm, to a great heap of stones in Chelmsford line ; then the Major's farm runneth southwardly, forty six degrees west, one hundred and sixteen pole to a little white-oak ; then it runneth south, forty.one- degrees west, three hundred eighty and four pole, which reached to a marked pine in Concord village line, near to a place called Berry corner ; then it is bounded southward by a line which was run by the above said committee, betwixt the Bloods and Billerica, which ran from a pine called Allias corner, south, eighty and five degrees west, one hundred seventy and four pole, which reached unto Con. cord line. Again, it is bounded north-east and south east, east and south-east by Concord river.
" Resolved, That the said Report be accepted and approve ed, and the boundaries and lines of the towns and lands above named settled accordingly. ISAAC ADDINGTON, Secretary."
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