USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > West Boylston > Historical memorandum and genealogical register of the town of West Boylston, Massachusetts, from its early settlement to 1858; together with miscellaneous items and incidents > Part 5
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OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. From 1808 to 1835 the Selectmen had the oversight of the paupers of West Boyls- ton. Since 1835, Overseers have been chosen who have had the charge and direction of those supported at the expense of the town. The following persons here named have been severally and successively chosen Overseers of the Poor from 1835 to 1858 :
Joseph White, Francis Davis, Ephraim Bigelow, Andre Taft, Cephas Muzzy, Waldo Winter, Benjamin Smith, Windsor Morse, Thomas White, Jr., Cicero Hinds, E. M. Hosmer, Henry Holt, Levi Goodale, Charles Goodale, J. H. Moore, John Lawrence, R. C. Toombs, James Fisk, L. M. Hosmer, L. M. Harris, Aaron Goodale, Levi Stur- tevant, Moses Fisher, S. H. Smith, J. C. Lovell, C. C. Cutting, E. F. Brigham.
ASSESSORS. The following persons were chosen and served as Assessors for the town of West Boylston, one or more years from 1808 to 1858 :
R. B. Thomas, Silas Newton, Moses Perry, Barnabas Davis, Jacob Hinds, John Temple, Hiram Howe, Ezra Beaman, Jr., Thomas Keyes, Levi Kilburn, John Read, B. B. Fairbank, Ezra Bigelow, Ezekiel Peirce, Jacob Peirce, Alpheus Fisher, Francis Davis, J. W. Fairbank, Joseph White, Levi Peirce, Jr., Asa Bigelow, A. E. Win- 5 %
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ter, Cicero Hinds, Amos Child, Jr., James Lees, D. C. Murdock, W. P. Howe, E. M. Hosmer, Francis Flagg, Samuel Lawrence, Brigham Prescott, A. F. Knight, F. L. Cutting, Elias Davis, David Read, O. B. Sawyer, Henry Holt, Jonathan Peirce, Horatio Houghton, Addison Lov- ell, S. H. Smith, L. M. Harris, Uriah Fairbank.
TOWN TREASURER. The office of Town Treasurer of West Boylston has been successively held from 1808 to 1858, by the following persons, viz :
Ezra Beaman, Ezra Beaman, Jr., Barnabas Davis, Jon- athan Plimpton, Andre Taft, Francis Davis, John Lees, Seth White, Thomas Holmes, Ezekiel Peirce, A. E. Win- ter, E. B. Newton, Moses Brighan, Samuel Brown, E. W. Holbrook, Dennis Harthan, O. B. Sawyer.
REPRESENTATIVES. West Boylston has been entitled to one Representative each year since her incorporation as a town, and has been represented from 1808 to 1858 as follows :
Ezra Beaman, 4 years ; Barnabas Davis, 6 years ; Jo- seph Hinds, 5 years ; R. B. Thomas, 5 years ; Silas New- ton, 1 year: Thomas White, jr., 1 year ; Silas Walker, 1 year ; B. F. Keyes, 1 year; Levi Pierce, jr., 1 year ; Dennis Harthan, 1 year ; Samuel Brown, 1 year ; Brigham Prescott, 3 years; Addison Lovell, 1 year ; Amos Child, jr., 3 years ; Eli W. Holbrook, 2 years ; E. M. Hosmer, 2 years ; O. B. Sawyer, 1 year; D. C. Murdock, 2 years.
DELEGATES TO STATE CONVENTIONS.
In 1820, a State Convention was held in Boston for the purpose of revising the Constitution of Massachusetts .- Robert B. Thomas was chosen delegate to the aforesaid Convention from West Boylston, and accordingly repre- sented the town on that occasion.
In 1853, a second State Convention was held in Boston for the purpose of further revising the Constitution. Rev. Joseph W. Cross was chosen a delegate from this town to said Convention and performed the service for which he was appointed.
DELEGATES TO THE COUNTY CONVENTION OF 1812.
At a legal town meeting in West Boylston, held in July, 1812, Joseph Hinds, John Temple, and William Fairbank,
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were chosen delegates to the County Convention then soon to be holden at Worcester, to take into consideration the situation of the country in consequence of the war then existing between the United States and Great Britain, and to adopt such measures as circumstances, the exigences of the times, and the public good might seem to demand .- They accordingly attended the Convention and participated in its proceedings.
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORD, &c.
THE CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY.
The original church (Congregational) in West Boyls- ton was formed in 1796, consisting of 33 members, em- bracing widely different opinions relative to religious doc- trine. The majority favored Armenian sentiments, while the minority were decidedly Calvinistic. Rev. William Nash, the first minister, favored the Armenian side, and on that account was opposed at the time of his settlement by the Calvinistic portion of the church and society, who were never satisfied with his preaching and ministerial labors. In 1802, religious conference meetings were orig- inated and regularly held on the first Thursday of each month, by a respectable portion of the church, the meet- ings being open to all who wished to participate in them. This movement received no favor from Mr. Nash, although repeatedly consulted and urged to afford aid and assistance in its origin and eventual progress. These meetings werc sustained, although Mr. Nash and the majority of the members of the church declined to countenance or assist in promoting the object in any way whatever.
In 1809, the first religious revival in this town occurred, and continued with increased interest for several months. It caused much excitement and encountered severe oppo- sition, although a large portion of the people were favora- bly affected thereby. During this revival season many persons became interested, were hopefully converted, and
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afterwards professed religion, some joining the Congrega- tional church, while others united with the Baptists.
The Congregational church and society, during the last 40 years, have been favored with several interesting sea- sons of special religious attention, resulting in the hope- ful conversion and addition of many persons to the church.
The first meeting-house (Congregational) in West Boylston, was dedicated to the service and worship of Al- mighty God, January 1st, 1795. A sermon was preached on the occasion by Rev. Daniel Grosvenor of Paxton .- After that period several candidates were successively em- ployed to preach until March, 1797, when Mr. William Nash from Williamsburg and a graduate of Yale College, received a call from the church and society to settle with them as a preacher of the gospel, with a stipulated annual salary of $333.33, which invitation he accepted, and was accordingly ordained the 11th day of October of that year. The church and society in extending the invitation to Mr. Nash to become their minister were not altogether united. In his answer of acceptance, Mr. Nash speaks of " the want of entire unanimity", and further says, " those gentlemen to whom my services have not been so accepta- ble as I could wish, I respect." He continues, " In act- ing agreeably to their own best judgment, they have exercised a right which belongs to every christian, and ought not on that account to receive the censure or disaf- fection of any."
The opposition to Mr. Nash came from those who ad- hered to the Calvinistic faith, and supposing him to cherish sentiments decidedly antagonistic to their views, believed it to be their duty to oppose his settlement with them in the ministry. The minority for the time quietly submitted to the wishes of the majority, and for several years " kept the unity of the spirit, not by an entire union of opinion, but in the bond of peace."
Although the feelings of disapprobation of the senti- ments and services of Mr. Nash seemed for a while to be dormant, yet they were never extinguished, but remained smouldering, preparatory for an explosion when the pres- sure should become sufficiently intense. In 1812, the disaffection toward Mr. Nash had become so great that an
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attempt was made to dismiss him. In 1814, his health became seriously impaired, rendering him unable to preach or discharge other parochial duties. In 1815, he was dis- missed at his own request, and his connection with the society formally dissolved by a mutual council, in accord- ance with the conditions of his settlement. After the dismission of Mr. Nash, various gentlemen were succes- sively employed to preach as candidates until 1820, when Marshall Shedd from Newton, received a call to settle, with an annual salary of $600, which he declined to accept.
In December, 1820, Mr. John Boardman from New- buryport, a graduate of Dartmouth College, was invited to settle here in the ministry, with an annual salary of $500, by a vote of 65 to 28, which invitation he accepted and was ordained as pastor of the Congregational church and society, February 28th, 1821. In 1834, Mr. Board- man was dismissed at his own request, and afterward set- tled in East Douglas where he died in 1842, in the merid- ian of life.
In September, 1834, Rev. Elijah Paine, a native of Ashfield, and who had been a settled minister in Clare- mont, N. H., was invited to become pastor of the Con- gregational church and society in this town, with an annual salary of $600. Hle accepted the invitation and was in- stalled the 3d day of November, in that year. Mr. Paine died suddenly, Sept. 14th, 1836, aged 38 years.
In 1837, Mr. Brown Emerson of Harvard, was ordained as successor of Mr. Paine, having received a call from the church and society, with an annual salary of $600. Hc was dismissed at his own request, Nov. 6th, 1839.
Rev. Joseph . W. Cross, who had been settled in Box- borough and dismissed, was installed pastor of the Con- gregational church and society in this town, March 11th. 1840, with an annual salary of $700.
THE BAPTIST SOCIETY.
About 70 years ago, a Baptist clergyman from abroad, of reputable character and standing, on one or two oc- casions, preached at the house of David Goodale in this town, being probably the first minister of that denomina- tion that had ever preached here. It has been said by
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those who were in attendance at the time, that his labors were able, effective, and well received, producing a good impression upon the hearers. Not long after this time, another minister of the same order preached at Mr. Good- ale's to a respectable audience, which was edified and much interested. After this time it is not known that any Bap- tist minister preached in this town until the spring of 1810, when Elder Luther Goddard of Shrewsbury, was in- vited by a member of the Congregational church, to attend a religious meeting at the Centre School-house in this town. He cordially accepted the invitation and preached on that occasion, and also on a similar occasion not long afterward. Probably the year 1810 is the period from which to date the origin of the Baptist denomination in West Boylston, which has gradually increased until it has become an efficient church and society.
In 1813, the Baptists formed a society in this town, but had preaching only a part of the time for several years - In 1819, a Baptist church was organized here, consisting of about 50 members, and since that period the church and society have sustained and enjoyed the regular preach- ing of the gospel. They have also been favored with several seasons of special religious interest, resulting in the hopeful conversion and ultimate accession of a large number to the church.
The following ministers have been successively pastors of the Baptist Church in this town since 1819, viz : Rev. Nicholas Branch, Rev. Allen Hough, Rev. C. C. P. Crosby, Rev. Abiel Fisher, Rev. Joseph G. Binney, Rev. Lorenzo O. Lovell, Rev. Sewall S. Cutting, Rev. Leonard Tracy, Rev. Kazlett Arvine, Rev. Timothy C. Tingley, Rev. Zenas P. Wild, Rev. Geo. R. Darrow.
THE LIBERAL SOCIETY.
The Liberal Society in this town at the commencement of its existence, was composed of those who seceded from the Congregational Society, in consequence of the settle- ment of a minister who held and preached Calvinistic sentiments.
The history of the origin and formation of this society is substantially as follows :- In 1815, the connection exist-
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ing between the Rev. Mr. Nash and the Congregational church and society, was dissolved at his own request, after which the majority of the society manifested an unyielding determination to have Unitarian preaching, and eventually to settle a minister of that stamp ; while a majority of the Church and a minority of the Society were opposed to every movement having a tendency in that direction. The exertions put forth to effect the favorite and anticipated result eventually proved an entire failure.
The committee for supplying the pulpit, after having employed several Unitarian candidates to preach, inadver- tantly procured one of the Orthodox stamp, who made a favorable impression, thus entirely changing the feelings and course of many of the people, thereby giving the Or- thodox the ascendency, which, after much effort and perse- vering exertion, resulted in the settlement of a minister embracing evangelical sentiments. The opposition event- ually seceded and formed a new Society, taking the name of The First Liberal Society in West Boylston. This So- ciety at the present time (1858) has little more than a nominal existence. Most of the prominent original mem- bers have deceased, and the society has had preaching during the last few years only a portion of the time.
THE METHODIST SOCIETY.
The Methodists have also a Church and Society at Oak- dale, where they enjoy the stated ministrations of the gospel, attended with apparent benefit and success. Re- spectable numbers attend meeting here on the sabbath, and considerable interest is manifested by the people for the support and maintenance of the institutions of religion among themselves.
In former years, dissension and animosity prevailed to some extent between the several religious societies in this town, but during the last 20 years very little denomina- tional feeling has been manifested, while harmony and fraternal intercourse have generally been in the ascendent.
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PHYSICIANS IN WEST BOYLSTON.
Dr. Amariah Bigelow was the first resident physician in this town. He settled here as a practitioner in 1780, or about that time, and died suddenly in 1787.
Dr. Uriah Bigelow from Weston, settled here as a phy- sician in 1788, and afterwards went to central New York, where he died at an advanced age.
Dr. Nicholas Jenks from North Brookfield, settled in this town as a physician in 1809, and after a residence of ten years, went to Southbridge.
Dr. John M. Smith settled in this town as a physician in 1819, and resided here fifteen years, then went to Southbridge, where he died in the meridian of life.
Dr. Jacob Moore settled here as a physician in 1828 and died in 1831. He was a young man of amiable character and of much promise relative to the future.
.Dr. Sherman Smith settled here as a physician after the decease of Dr Moore. then went to Walpole, N. H. where he afterwards died suddenly.
Dr. Samuel Griggs settled here as a physician in 1832, and remained in this town some fourteen or fifteen years, then went to Westborough where he now resides.
Dr. Ephraim Lovell is a native of this town, and settled here as a physician in 1841, and still remains here.
Dr. George W. Warren settled here as a successor to Dr. Griggs, and still continues his residence here as a practising physician.
Dr. Isaac Chenery settled in the easterly part of Holden, adjacent to this town, in 1770 or about that time, where he resided until his decease in 1822, being in the eighti- eth year of his age. He was distinguished on account of his skill and sound judgment, and also for his moderate demands upon his employers for medical attendance. He obtained the confidence and respect of the community around him, including the population of this town. The people here became so attached to Dr. Chenery, and so highly appreciated his practice, that younger physicians who made the experiment of locating here, failed to obtain sufficient encouragement to remain permanently.
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PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENT IN W. BOYLS- TON FROM 1803 TO 1858.
During the last fifty years, much has been done to pro- mote the prosperity and improve the condition and general appearance of this town. Within the last fifteen years the Worcester and Nashua Railroad has been built. pas- sing directly through the town, affording such convenience and accommodation to the inhabitants as in no other way could be secured. At the West Boylston station, a dis- tinct and delightful view of a large portion of the town presents itself to the eye of the observer, often attracting the special notice and attention of the passing stranger.
The several Manufacturing Establishments in West Boylston present a thrifty and flourishing appearance .- Much taste and skill are discernable in the location and construction of the several manufactories, and in laying out and building up the villages connected therewith. The scenery about them is pleasant and delightful and cannot fail to attract the attention of every observer.
That which first meets the eye when viewing the prem- ises of the Beaman Manufacturing Company, is the artifi- cial pond filled with water for the operation of machinery. This pond was originally designed and built by Major Beaman, sixty-five years ago, for the purpose of operating a gristmill. It has been recently enlarged, and now pre- sents a sublime and magnificent appearance. The trees and railing about this pond, and elsewhere in the vicinity, contribute essentially to the beauty and splendor of the village. The proprietors of this establishment have made large expenditures for the purpose of rendering it commo- dious and valuable as well as pleasant and attractive. The property of the corporation is estimated at more than $100,000.
The West Boylston Manufacturing Company at Oakdale, together with the village connected with it, is pleasantly and commodiously situated, exhibiting neatness and order in its position and arrangement. This establishment has long been mostly under the superintendence and direction of 6
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Dea. Joseph White, who is one of the proprietors, and has devoted much time and attention to the promotion of its prosperity and success. The farm belonging to the com- pany is a specimen of good husbandry, having by proper care and judicious management become fertile and produc- tive.
The Central Manufacturing Establishment is conven- iently located near the centre of the town and in the vicin- ity of the railroad station. The scenery about this es- tablishment consists mostly of trees of various kinds planted by the proprietor, E. W. Holbrook, and presents a tasteful appearance, and a few years hence will probably exhibit a degree of beauty and splendor which will attract the notice of strangers and others who may chance to view the same.
The Manufactory at Harrisville has a substantial and enduring appearance, being built of stone. This establish- ment exhibits apparent thrift and enterprise, and speaks favorably of the industry and perseverance of the proprie- tors.
The public roads in various parts of the town are to some extent adorned with trees, mostly elm and maple, pianted by enterprising individuals, not only beautifying their localities but also affording convenience and comfort ro the passing traveller, protecting him from the scorching rays of a meridian sun, during the summer months of the year.
There are now standing in different sections of the town, not only within the limits of the highways but also on adjoining localities, several large majestic elms and other trees of original growth, which it is hoped will long be permitted to remain as objects of splendor and attraction. It would seem ruthless indeed, and exhibit an utter desti- tution of that good taste and generous feeling which ought cver to be cherished, to allow these monuments of individ- ual protection and care to be destroyed.
Within the last few years there have been erected in this town two large buildings, which are occupied as Boot Manufactories ; one near the Railroad Depot and the other on the opposite side of the river near the brick meeting house. A considerable amount of business is done at each
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of these establishments. A large quantity of boots are annually manufactured at Oakdale village in this town ; there are also several shops in the town where boots are manufactured to some extent. A large number of persons are here actively engaged in this business, profitably alike to themselves and their employers.
MISCELLANEOUS.
FIRE, that devouring element, has occasionally broken over the restraints of caution and care, and done its fearful work here. The first destructive fire which is known to have occurred in this town, one in which was involved the most serious and awful consequences, was the burning of the dwelling house of Josiah Wilder, situated in the north part of the town, on or near the spot where the house now occupied by John Bruce and son stands. This fire occurred in January, 1740. About the middle of the night, Mr. Wilder and his wife were aroused from sleep, their house being on fire ; the flames had already made such progress as to compel them to leave the house as speedily as possible. Mr. Wilder rushed out, siezed an axe, cut a hole through the side of the burning house near the bed where his son Asa lay, and pulled him out thereat. while the room was full of fire and smoke. He wasnearly suffocated and badly burned, but soon recovered. Mrs. Wilder, in haste to make her escape, inadvertantly opened the cellar door, and with a child in her arms, plunged into the cellar, where they perished. Three other children also perished in this dreadful conflagration. Abner, the eldest son, was fortunately from home at the time, staying at a neighbors for a few days, and consequently escaped this calamity so fatal in its effects.
On the 6th of May, 1770, the dwelling house of Capt. Joseph Bigelow, situated near where the house of Jonas Muzzy now stands, a short distance west of the common, took fire by a spark from the chimney alighting on the
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roof, and the house with a portion of its contents was entirely consumed. This fire occurred on the sabbath while the people were generally gone to meeting three miles distant, and only Mrs. Bigelow with the younger children of the family were at home ; consequently no seasonable effort could be made to extinguish the fire.
In 1842, a dwelling house belonging to Liberty Dins- inore and Mrs. Olive Whitney, situated near the brick meeting house, was burned with a portion of its contents.
In 1848, a dwelling house belonging to Luther Eames and occupied by him, situated in the southerly part of the town, took fire on the roof and was mostly consumed, with some portion of its contents.
In 1853, the Valley Hotel, situated near the Beaman place, belonging to Elias Davis and occupied at the time by James E. Wood, was destroyed by fire with a part of its contents.
A few years since, a dwelling house belonging to Charles Fairbank, and 30 years ago the residence of Hiram Howe, situated in the northerly part of the town, then unoccupied, was entirely consumed by fire, supposed to be the work of an incendiary.
August 23d, 1831, the Congregational Meeting-house then standing on the common, was set on fire by a flash of lightning, and entirely consumed. The fire took in consequence of shavings being carelessly left under some part of the flooring at the time the house was erected.
In 1801, a grist-mill belonging to Micah Harthan, and the fulling-mill adjoining belonging to Peter White, with most of their contents, were entirely destroyed by fire. Another mill upon an improved plan, was immediately erected on the same spot, and also burned in 1847, then belonging to Amos Child and G. W. Dinsmore. Another building standing near, and formerly eccupied as a cloth- ier's shop, was also burned at the same time. Still anoth- er grist-mill, more valuable and commodious, in connection with a shop for mechanical purposes, has since been erect- ed and put in successful operation on the same premises by Ruel G. Cowee. It is hoped that this valuable build-
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ing will never fall a prey to the same devouring element which consumed its predecessors.
In 1825, the blacksmith shop situated near where the Central factory now stands, then belonging to Ezekiel Peirce, and occupied by him as a scythe manufactory, was entirely destroyed by fire.
Within the last 20 years three valuable cotton manufac- tories have been destroyed by fire in this town, and others erected in their stead.
During the last 50 years, 4 barns have been burned, ? by lightning and 1 by an incendiary.
In 1790, there were four families in this town and nearly in the same neighborhood, whose children then living amounted in the aggregate to 45, all of whom, with two exceptions, lived to mature life, were married, and had from five to ten children each. Four of the original num- ber are now living.
Sarah Hartkan is the oldest person now living in this town. She was the eldest child of Micah Harthan, was born January 19, 1763, being now 95 years of age. She was born in Lancaster, where she resided 18 years; then resided in Sterling five years ; afterwards in Boylston 22 years ; and during the remainder of life to the present time, her residence has been in West Boylston. During 60 years of the first part of her life she resided successive- ly in each of the four towns just mentioned, not changing her residence or leaving the place of her nativity. Since that time she can hardly be said to have left the homestead, still living with one of the family descendants and within a short distance of the very place where she commenced life.
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