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 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
The dwelling-house now occupied by Ezra Beaman was erected in 1764, by his father Ezra Beaman, Esq. It was built in a thorough and substantial manner, perfect and complete in all its parts, special care being exercised in selecting materials and in the construction, with reference to durability and permanence. It is now in a good state of preservation from its base to the top, clearly showing that with proper attention and care, it may remain another century as a memento of its original and venerable occu-
6*
66
pant, unless destroyed by some unforeseen casualty, of demolished by a ruthless hand, careing little or nothing for antique specimens of innate enterprise and adventurous, active energy. This ancient, noble structure, in its size, form and appearance, was probably at that time, with few exceptions, unsurpassed by anything of the kind in the adjacent towns or even in the county. If nothing further is to be done to perpetuate the memory of Major Beaman. the father and benefactor of this town, it is to be hoped that this specimen of early enterprise may be allowed to remain, and be carefully preserved to mark the residence of one, who by his own persevering efforts, arose to wealth and distinction, at the same time acquiring and exercising an influence justly belonging to a patriot aad public ben- efactor.
In 1794, the first meeting house in this town was erect- ed; and in 1831 it was destroyed by fire, caused by a stroke of lightning. At the raising of this house, a man whose name is lost, was suddenly killed. In 1832, threc commodious meeting houses were erected, belonging re- spectively to the Congregational, Baptist, and Liberal Societies. A convenient Hall has been erected at Oakdale, and is now occupied by the Methodist Society. A Chapel has also been erected in the central part of the town for the accommodation of the Catholic portion of the popu- lation.
In 1808, now 50 years since, there was but one church and religious society and but one clergyman in this town. To that society every family in the town belonged, and all taxable persons paid their legal proportion towards the support and maintenance of the ordinances of religion.
In 1818, George Merrifield, a lad nine years of age and brother of Charles Merrifield of this town, when sliding from a hay scaffold, came in contact with a hay-puller which entered his body and caused his death.
In 1855, Emmons Glazier, son of Jonas Glazier, was drowned here while bathing in the river.
There have been six deaths in this town, by suicide, within the last 50 years.
VARIOUS ITEMS.
At the time of the incorporation of the town of West Boylston, Jonas Temple and Thomas Keyes of Boylston, und Jonas Mason of Sterling, although included within the limits of the new town, were allowed, together with their estates, to remain connected with the respective towns to which they then belonged. This privilege so liberally granted them, they tenaciously adhered to until their decease, when their real estate came under the juris- diction of the town within the limits of which it was included.
Anthony Taylor, son of Eleazer Taylor, of Boylston, was born in 1749, came to West Boylston in 1808, where he resided until his decease which occurred in 1819, aged 70 years. He was a large, stout built man, and supposed by his contemporaries not to be surpassed in physical force and muscular strength by any man in New England. In early life, while in full possession of vigor and vivacity, he performed several extraordinary feats, the relation of which might seem to challenge the belief of the most cred- ulous. Yet the credibility of those who witnessed and have given an account of the wonderful exhibitions of power and strength manifested and put forth by this man, would render it quite certain, and perhaps beyond a rea- sonable doubt, that nothing more than the truth has been stated relative to him. An instance of the manifestation! of his extraordinary muscular power, was the lifting of a field piece, while with the army at Cambridge in 1775, with the intention of placing it upon his shoulder, which he probably would have accomplished had not those around him by their interference prevented, regarding such an ef- fort imprudent and hazardous. Other accounts relative to the developement of the uncommon physical force of this individual might be mentioned, having been received from reliable sources and corroborated by indisputable tosti- mony.
The number of deaths in West Boylston, from 1808 to
68
1858, was near 1100. During the twelve years previous to 1808, while the town was a precinct, the number of deaths was between 70 and 80. Much the larger portion of the mortal remains of those who have deceased in this town since 1796, are deposited in the public burying ground adjoining the Common.
There is a large buttonwood tree, venerable for age and appearance, standing by the roadside near the ancient Bea- man mansion house, planted there more than one hundred years ago by the elder Ezra Beaman while in his boyhood, being at the time but thirteen years of age. This relic of the early doings of him who once resided on those prem- Ises, may serve as a memento to awaken the memory rela- tive to the distinguished individual who possessed a larger share of energy, enterprise, and public spirit than any one else who ever resided in this town.
There is standing at the present time, within the limits of the road and opposite the Beaman burying ground, near the residence formerly occupied by Ephraim and Silas Bea- man, a stately oak of venerable appearance and ancient growth, which should be permitted there to remain as a specimen of enduring permanence. Although there have been instances in this town of splendid and beautiful trees situated in special localities, having been unnecessarily lestroyed, it is hoped that such examples henceforth will be of rare occurrence.
MILITARY.
Benjamin Bigelow, one of the early settlers of this town, went as a soldier with others in 1745, and assisted in the reduction and capture of Louisburg and Cape Bre- ton, then belonging to France and considered as the Gi- bralter of America. The capture and possession of this place with its fortress was regarded as a highly important acquisition to the British crown. On his return from this expedition, Mr. Bigelow brought with him several articles
69
of iron manufacture, some of which are yet in use on the farm which he then occupied, and which is now in the possession of B. F. Keyes.
Ephraim and Ithamer Bennett, sons of Phineas Bennett, one of the early settlers of this town, enlisted as soldiers in the army which went to Ticonderoga in 1758, and at- tempted the reduction of the fortress at that place. They were in the so called " Morning Fight" that then occur- red, and which continued four hours, resulting in a disas- trous defeat. These two young men were both killed in that terrible conflict.
At the commencement and during the progress of the war of the American Revolution, the inhabitants of the district now comprising the town of West Boylston, were zealous and active in efforts to obtain and secure for them- selves and the Colonies, liberty and independence. Major Beaman was a prominent and leading spirit in this impor- tant and patriotic enterprise, while others around him were also firm and determined in favor of freedom and the rights of the people. On several special and import- ant occasions the citizen soldiers here turned out, readily leaving their families and business to engage in the service of the country, and that without pay or remuneration, other than the satisfaction of having promptly discharged their duty. During the continuance of the war, several men here enlisted and were joined to the regular army at different periods, all of whom, with a single exception, served out their time, returned home, and lived to enjoy the blessings and advantages resulting from the toils and suffering which they had bravely endured. Their names were Ezra Beaman, John Bixby, Jos. Bixby, Zachariah Child, Jos. Dwelley, Wm. Fairbank, Oliver Glazier, Benj. Hinds, Jr., Jason Hinds, Ebenezer Inglesby, Ebenezer Pike, Paul Raymond, Isaac Smith, John Temple, Nathan Wilder, and John Winn. These brave and patriotic men have all deceased, but their memories should long be cher- ished by a grateful people with feelings of respect and veneration. Several of them lived to receive from the country a pension, which their faithful services merited and to which they were justly entitled. Oliver Glazier who survived all the others, died in 1855, aged 92 years.
70
The first Military Company or Train Band in this town, was organized in 1801, consisting of the able bodied men between 18 and 45 years of age. This company then numbered about 50 men, and at the first election of officers, Silas Newton was chosen Captain ; Elijah Goode- now, Lieutenant ; Hiram Howe, Ensign. The following persons were severally and successively elected to the Cap- tainship of this company, from time to time, during the continuance of its organization, viz : Silas Newton, Elijah Goodenow, Levi Kilburn, Silas Dinsmore, Barak B. Fair- bank, Josiah P. Brown, Jonathan Plimpton, Jr., Peter Holmes, Levi Goodale, Ephraim Bigelow, Asa Bigelow, Dennis Harthan, Levi Pierce, Jr., Willard Worcester, Eb- enezer Fisk, and Ward B. Harthan. This company con- tinued some 30 years in an organized capacity, and then became extinct.
RIVERS AND BRIDGES.
There are two rivers running into this town, the Still- water from Sterling, and the Quinepoxet from Holden, forming a junction near the village of Oakdale, thence passing along through the central portion of the town to Boylston and Lancaster, continuing its course to Nashua, N. H., where it empties into the Merrimac.
There are four prominent bridges in the town ; two at Oakdale, one at Central Village, and another near the an- cient and well known Beaman situation.
In 1856, the Beaman bridge was rebuilt with stone, at an expense of about $4000, and is considered durable and permanent. It has three arches of sufficient capacity to take the water that passes along in the channel of the river. The committee chosen by the town to superintend the building of this bridge, were Addison Lovell, John Prentiss, and Samuel Lawrence.
In 1849, the Central Bridge was rebuilt in a thorough substantial manner, upon an improved plan, principally under the direction and superintendence of David C. Mur- dock. Chairman of the Board of Selectmen at that time, at an expense of about $900.
71
THE FARMING INTEREST.
The number of farmers in West Boylston at the pres- ent time (1858,) is 70, having slightly increased during the last 50 years. Although some advance has been made in the business of agriculture and the art of husbandry, yet it is doubtful whether larger quantities of grain and other valuable products are now produced, than there were 50 years ago. In 1808 and previous to that time, there were annually produced in this town, probably not less than 3000 bushels of rye, and perhaps about the same quantities of corn and oats. Most of the farmers produc- ed a sufficient quantity of wheat to afford a supply for their families. It was an occurrence almost unknown at that time, for a farmer to purchase a barrel of flour. During the winter season the farmers transported considerable quantities of rye meal to Boston, for which they received $1.25 per bushel, thereby realizing a fair profit.
Fifty years ago and previous to that time, large quanti- ties of cider were made in the town which was not often sold for less than $1.00 and sometimes for $2.00 or more per barrel, consequently it was a profitable production. It was then generally considered a necessary article for common use, and almost every family used several barrels annually. Most of the large farmers considered a cider mill to be a necessary appendage to their farm. and would feel themselves greatly deficient if not in possession of this convenience.
.
PECULIAR AND EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS.
The following peculiar and extraordinary events have occurred in by gone years, operating not only in this im- mediate locality, (West Boylston,) but were experienced and their effects felt generally throughout New England.
-
72
" The Great Earthquake," as it has been termed, hap- pened late in the evening of Nov. 18, 1755, and produced great alarm and consternation, its effects being very appa- rent and surprising. Dwelling houses were shaken so severely as to cause kettles and other things to rattle and make an unusual noise, dishes, plates, &c., falling from shelves, and beds on which people were sleeping, apparently rocking like a cradle. In the westerly part of this town a small piece of land settled down several feet, evidently in consequence of this occurrence, traces of it beiug yet visible.
The Hard Winter. The Winter of 1780 has ever been spoken of as " The Ilard Winter," by those who lived at that time, and others who have succeeded them. It was remarkable for the great depth of snow which lay upon the ground for a long while, and on account of the severe cold weather, which continued for several successive weeks. A snow of some depth fell in November before the ground was frozen, and remained through the winter. Towards the last of December, a snow storm occurred of several days continuance, and having subsided, the snow was ascertained to be five or six feet in depth, entirely covering the rocks, fences, &c., the roads being wholly im- passable and so remaining for several weeks. Oxen and horses were not used for a long time. Wood for the fire was cut from day to day in the lots, and drawn to the dwellings on hand-sleds, by men and boys wearing snow- shoes. By the same process grain and meal were trans- ported to and from the mill for family use. After the lapse of six or eight weeks the cold began to abate, the snow gradually settled down, and eventually vanished away, the ground immediately became dry and ready for cultivation. There was no rain after the ground was cov- ered in November, until the snow had entirely disappeared in the spring-a period of four or five months.
" The Dark Day," ever remembered and spoken of by those who witnessed it, occurred May 19, 1780. It was remarkable on account of its extraordinary appearance, filling the minds of the people generally with wonder and surprise. So strange and novel was the appearance on that day that many were struck with consternation, spending
73
the most of their time in conversation relative to this sin- gular phenomenon and what might follow it. Early on the morning of that day, the atmosphere had the appear- ance of being filled with dense fog of a yellowish hue, being in great commotion, apparently rolling about in large masses, constantly rising and moving along. So great was the darkness at mid-day that many families found it necessary to use lighted candles while they par- took of their dinner. The following night was as uncom- monly dark as was the preceding day. Nothing unusual followed this phenomenon.
A Severe Frost occurred on the night of May 17th, 1794, causing great damage and loss to the farmers in con- sequence of its destructive effects upon grain, fruit, &c., not only in this immediate vicinity, but also throughout a large portion of New England. The day preceding was unusually cold, and during the night the surface of the ground was frozen, and in many localities; ice was formed on water an eighth of an inch in thickness. The spring was early and unusually forward. The farmers had large quantities of winter rye growing upon their lands, which at this time looked remarkably well, and seemed to prom- ise an abundant crop. It had already attained its full height, and was in bloom, but was so severely frozen that on the next day being thawed by the rising sun, it fell to the ground, and was entirely destroyed. A second growth sprung up but produced no grain of any value, being en- tirely blasted. Indian corn having been planted early, was up and looked well, and although much frozen, was not materially injured. Apples at this time, in some localities, were nearly as large as full grown cranberries, and with very few exceptions were wholly destroyed, and most other kinds of fruit also shared the same fate.
Drought of 1805. During the summer of 1805, a drought was experienced in this vicinity and other portions of New England, probably of greater severity than has occurred since that period, or for many years previous. On the tenth of June of that year, the rain fell in torrents during the day, thoroughly soaking the ground and filling the streams with water to overflowing, producing the great- est freshet which happened throughout the year. From
7
74
that time there was no rain hereabouts until the last day of July following, when a small cloud came over late in the afternoon, raining moderately twenty or thirty minutes. The drought continued with increased severity until Sep- tember, when frequent showers occurred, sufficient to moisten the ground and revive drooping nature, thereby dissipating the alarm and gloomy forebodings then exten- sively prevalent. During this season of drought the pas- tures and other grass lands became sere and destitute of any thing green, affording but a scanty subsistence for cattle, sheep, &c. In some localities grasshoppers became so numerous as to devour and destroy every kind of vege - cation that came in their way, causing great injury and damage to grain, fruit, and other productions of the soil, resulting in loss to the farming interest, and consequently to the community.
A Total Eclipse of the Sun, visible in this vicinity and adjacent parts of the country, occurred June 16, 1806 ; probably the most remarkable one in its appearance and effects, that has occurred for a hundred years. The day on which this phenomenon happened, was fair and pleas- ant, the atmosphere still and serene, and the sky cloudless, thus affording ample opportunity for notice and observation. This eelipse occurred in the forenoon, the middle being between eleven and twelve o'clock. The sun was in total obscuration about two minutes, when nature assumed the appearance of evening, the fowls hastened to their roosting places, apparently overtaken by surprise, the chill of even- ing was felt, and stars were distinctly visible to the eye of the observer. The greatest splendor of the scene was the suddenness of total obscuration and afterwards the sudden and precipitant rush of the sun into open day. As a whole the scene was sublime and magnificent, and highly grati- fying to the many who beheld it.
The Great Blow, as it has generally been termed, occur- red Sept. 23, 1815, was severely felt in this vicinity, and throughout a large portion of New England. It was de- structive in its effects, causing much damage and loss to the community. Extensive quantities of wood and timber were blown down, many valuable fruit trees were turned over and destroyed, apples, pears, peaches, &c., were
. ...
4
:5
nearly all blown from the trees, almost entirely covering the ground in orchards and other localities where fruit trees chanced to stand. In many instances sheds and small buildings were blown down and demolished, and wooden fences generally shared the same fate. Traces of' this tempest are yet to be found in some places, and prob- ably will be visible for years to come. This was undoubt- edly the greatest and most extensive tornado that has occurred in this region since the settlement of New Eng- land.
Cold Summers. During the last fifty years, or from 1808 to 1858, several seasons have occurred which were rather cold and consequently unfavorable to agricultural pursuits. The coldest and most unpropitious season was that of 1816, it being unusually cold from the commence- ment to the end of the year. During the summer months there was very little warm weather, and many days were so cold as to render the clothing of winter convenient and necessary. In June of that year, spots on the sun were distinctly visible to the eye, the atmosphere frequently presenting a thick, dusky appearance, like that of a severe winter's day, the cold at the same time being so severe as to make it pleasant and desirable to sit by a fire. It was frequently so cold as to render it uncomfortable to labor in the field. One farmer in this town (West Boylston, ) on one of those cold days in the latter part of June, being busily engaged in ploughing a piece of land, actually left the field and turned out his team, then retired to his house saying it was so cold he could not stand it to follow the plough. During the summer there was a scarcity of feed in the pastures, and not more than half the usual crop of hay was cut from the mow-lands. So scanty was the crop in some cases, that hay was taken from the field and sold for $25 per ton. Many farmers disposed of a portion of their cattle the best way they could for fear of starvation. Indian corn was mostly spoiled by the autumnal frosts, very little of it being fit for use. English grain being better adapted to a cold season, was heavy and good, and a fair crop was generally obtained by the farmer.
In 1832, the season was colder than usual. During the night of the last Wednesday in May of that year, snow
76
fell in this region so as to entirely cover the ground, and remained through the next day, it being so cold as to pre- vent thawing, but no damage was caused thereby. Indian corn on low land was mostly spoiled by the early frosts of autumn, while on more favorable localities it ripened and produced an abundant crop of hale heavy corn.
Remarkable Longevity. Mrs. Sarah Goodale, relict of Edward Goodale, one of the early settlers of this town, was born in Marlboro' in 1714, and died here in 1810, being in the ninety-seventh year of her age. She was the oldest person who has died here since the settlement of the town, having been a resident here nearly 80 years. She was a robust, vigorous woman, industrious and frugal, being well qualified for the station she occupied in life. When about 40 years of age, Mr. Goodale died leaving six young child- ren, (five sons and a daughter,) with their mother, to get along in the world the best they could. The mother be- came the guardian of the children, assuming the direction and management of them until they arrived at the age when they might legally act for themselves. She retained the farm in her possession, and by her industry and econ- omy attended by the blessing of God, she was enabled to award to each of her children their just proportion of their father's estate, at the time when they became legally enti- tled to assume the possession thereof, while at the same time herself had become the bona fide owner of the home- stead. These children all lived to old age, and in their turn manifested a filial respect for their honored mother by extending the same dutiful care to her during the latter portion of her life, which she bestowed on them while in their childhood and early years. She was a professor of the Christian religion and always apparently acted in the fear of God and in accordance with the principles of " the Higher Law." During her life, she manifested a firm faith and confidence in Christ as her Savior, and conse- quently her death was peaceful and happy. Her children survived her and afterwards died as follows :
Moses died in 1815, aged 75 years ; Elizabeth died in 1837, aged 96 years ; Aaron died in 1817, aged 74 years ; Paul died in 1828, aged 81 years ; David died in 1832, aged 82 years ; Peter died in 1854, aged 82 years. These 1834
children were early taught to regard and observe the prin- ciples and customs of the puritans, and manifested through life a becoming respect and veneration for the instruction received from an affectionate, devoted parent. They were also professors of the Christian religion.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THOMAS KEYES, JR.
Thomas Keyes, Jr., was born April 20, 1802, and died Oct. 30, 1831, at the age of 29 years. He was the sec- ond son of Thomas and Lydia Keyes, of West Boylston, and grandson of Thomas Keyes who settled here in 1767. He was a member of the Congregational Church in this town. The following biographic sketch is taken from " The Young Mechanic," for April, 1832. The writer of the sketch was then and is now a citizen of Boston, as indicated by the signature :
THOMAS KEYES, JR.
It is a pleasing task, to follow through all the mazes, and to dwell upon the incidents connected with the rise of an ingenious man, however he may have been favored by circumstances, or assisted by fortune. If we dwell with pleasure upon the character of such a man, with what sensations must we trace the rise and progress of that man, who, imitating the course pursued by Franklin, Ferguson, and Simpson, rises from obscurity by his own efforts, without the advantages of education, the assist- ance of fortune, or the advice of friends, and beats out a path which those in better circumstances would scarcely attempt to follow. That the life of a mechanic, distin- guished for his perseverence and application, and with all. a native of our own states, will be interesting, (at least to mechanics,) I will not question. It indeed must be a source ofinterest to any one, to see an individual of their
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.