USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Marlborough > Historical reminiscences of the early times in Marlborough, Massachusetts : and prominent events from 1860 to 1910, including brief allusions to many individuals and an account of the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town > Part 22
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In 1803, the school committee were chosen as regular town officers for the first time, the members elected being William Barnes, Moses Ames, Abraham Howe, Lovewell Brigham, Abner Goodell, Herman Stowe and Jacob Barnes, one for each school house. This, probably, was the origin of the quasi district system, so long in vogue here. Up to that time the town school had been kept on the traveling plan, a few weeks in each locality successively, and only male teachers employed. The first means ever employed in imparting knowledge to children, was the horn-book, a single printed page representing, in embryo, all that the Massachusetts statutes now designate by the phrase : "text books and supplies." It was a card set in a frame, having printed on it the Roman alphabet, capitals and small letters below the vowels; then the familiar ab, cb, ib, etc., the benediction ; the Lord's prayer, and on some, the
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Roman numerals. The whole was covered with a thin pellucid sheet of horn. A few years after the introduction of the hornbook, the Battledoor was published and met with such universal favor that over 100,000 copies were sold by one English firm. It contained three or four illus- trated pages which were folded together when not in use and fastened with a flap like an old-fashioned pocket book. The Scriptural Primer followed. In Boston, started the " Dame School," held at the house of some woman of respectability, possessed of enough knowledge to read the hornbook and make copies from it to write by; and that kept by the minister, were the only schools for a long period, and the alphabet and vowels on the hornbook, the only change from Scripture study which pupils were allowed.
As the teachers of Marlborough were generally members of the resident families, no instance in this place of injustice was ever cited as compared with that method of Apthorp Gould, master of the Boston school, among whose pupils were Emerson, Sumner, Winthrop, Adams, Beecher, etc. He would cane all those who hesitated in their recitations to the tune of his own rhymes :
" If you'll be good I'll thank you ; If not, young merry sir, I'll spank you. "
And away he would whirl them around and around while the blows would rain down unmercifully upon the back of the offender.
It was 150 years after the first school for boys was opened before girls were allowed to attend any public school, and then only an hour in the morning or at night when the boys were at home, and on holidays. It was 190 years before they had the same school privileges. They were first admitted to the grammar schools, but it was not until 1852 that the girls' High School was permanently established.
A thorough knowledge of sewing, knitting and especially spinning was considered of much more importance for girls than school lessons, and during the last half of the 17th century there was much public excite- ment over the latter accomplishment, prizes being offered for both quantity and quality. Maidens, rich as well as poor, appeared on Boston Common with their wheels and thus made spinning a holiday recreation.
The first school building built exclusively for girls was for a spin- ning school. It cost $15,000 and in 1757 was supported by a tax on coaches and carriages.
Women have never had an accomplishment since this one of long
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ago in which there was such a splendid opportunity for the display of beauty, grace and clothes. Probably Benjamin Franklin was not igno- rant of the fact, for in a letter to a niece who was called very beautiful, he wrote : "I have been contemplating making you a present and have about decided to send you a spinning wheel." And again he wrote with evident regret :
" Many estates are spent in their getting Since women for tea forsook spinning and knitting."
That supreme effort of youth, the sampler, was usually accomplished at the dame schools before a girl was 12 years of age, and furnished a better opportunity for individual taste and originality than did spinning, and today a sampler is considered one of the rarest possessions among the heirlooms which are carefully treasured and passed on. They were worked on a piece of homespun, coarse linen, and when finished were framed and hung in the most conspicuous places in the houses.
There came the time when a regulation was passed in Marlborough directing the committee to employ school mistresses. The first school mistress employed was Lucy, daughter of Winslow Brigham, who subsequently married Dea. Eli Rice. Later on it was voted that no scholar should be admitted to the woman's school under three years of age, and none to the man's school under four years of age. And further, that the school mistress shall not be allowed to cut any garment in school and no straw shall be worked in school.
In 1826, certain enterprising citizens realizing that the district school did not meet the wants of the people, obtained a charter and established an academy. The year following the building was erected, Messrs. Silas Gates and Abraham Gates having each given one thousand, it was named Gates' Academy. This flourishing school later fell into a decline, but in April 1833, Mr. O. W. Albee took charge under rather discouraging circumstances. On the first day in the forenoon he had only two pupils. Daniel Waldo Stevens and John Carver Alden. In the afternoon Miss Ann Bucklin made her appearance to the pleasure of all. After this Mr. Albee brought the school up to a better condition which lasted until the free High School arose and the academy ended for all time.
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GATES' ACADEMY,
MARLBOROUGH.
The next Term in this Institution will commence on Tuesday, Sept. 8th, 1835. The branches taught are French, Latin, Greek, the English branches taught in our most approved schools and Mathemat- ics. Scholars can be provided with board in the same house with the preceptor, or in private families, at from $1,25 to $1,50 per week. The school at present is under the superintendence of Mr. O. W. ALBEE, whose ability and success as a Teacher has more than equalled the highest expectations of his employers, and parents may rely upon having every attention paid to the moral, as well as intellectual culture of their children.
TUITION.
In English, per term, from $2,00 to $4.00 Languages, do. $4,50.
S. F. BUCKLIN, S. M. ALDEN, BENJ. W. HILDRETH,
Committee
Marlborough,
The following homestead was lately purchased by Mr. John A. Frye to make room for "The Preston." As we have said, Benjamin Rice used to keep store at the corner near the Miles house until his father's death, when he sold his place and moved on to his father's farm. At the north corner of the above place there was a gate to the lane, now Lincoln street, which led to his father's house, the same house now the "Marl- borough Hotel." Dea. Benjamin had six children, three sons and three daughters, of whom Persis married Rev. Seth Alden who died in the pulpit of the West church one Sabbath morn while preaching his sermon. Susan Rice married Lewis Bigelow who lived on Pleasant street where now resides E. O. Brigham, son of William Pitt Brigham, who married Hattie Johnson, daughter of Benjamin Johnson. Benjamin Rice was deacon in the West church, Justice of the Peace and was called a very smart man.
Otis Morse, a direct descendant of Joseph Morse, of the Farms, bought this place later on, and at his marriage to Clarissa Williams,
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DEA. BENJAMIN RICE OR OTIS MORSE HOMESTEAD.
came here to live and here was born to them William Morse, who mar- ried Maria, daughter of Lambert Bigelow. William entered business with his father-in-law, and at the latter's death became senior partner of the firm. William Morse was a man of high integrity and respected by all. Quiet and politically unambitious, the only public position that he would accept was that of trustee of the Marlborough Savings Bank, and as one of the Directors of the First National Bank, holding the last position for many years until the time of his death. He built the house on Pleasant street where now resides Mr. Howard Fletcher a prominent citizen connected with the S. H. Howe Shoe Co. and member of School Board, and his wife who is president of the Woman's Club. Here were born William's two sons who succeeded him in business, the late highly respected and lamented William L. Morse who was Representative to General Court and one of the Directors of the First National Bank, Trustee of Marlborough Savings Bank and chairman of School Com- mittee. He married Ellen Spaulding of New Hampshire, who with one daughter, Pauline, now survives him, and E. Irving Morse, junior partner of the firm of Morse & Bigelow, a Director of People's Bank, Trustee of Savings Bank and President of the Union Club. He married Hattie Randlett, of Northboro ; children, Robert and Howard, both Harvard students.
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CHAPTER XV.
111
STATE ARMORY, LINCOLN STREET ERECTED IN 1905.
The Spanish-American War of 1898 lasted for less than four months, yet was a notable international conflict. The revelation of Spanish cruelty in Cuba aroused our people and Congress to declare armed intervention. The North and South, capitalist and laborer rallied around our President to support him in his righteous position. Spain was disciplined and taught by young America that her despotic yoke over a suffering people could surely be lifted by a nation brave enough to fight ever for principle and humane purpose. The destruction of the battle- ship Maine February 15, 1898, became one of the moving causes of the war, and when her sad fate became known in Marlborough, Co. F, 6th
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Regt., was more than ready for action. When on April 24, 1898, Capt. Thomas E. Jackson received orders to assemble the company to take the first train next morning for South Framingham, every man was found present, armed and equipped. After some delay and waiting for definite orders, the company started for camp with full list of soldiers and a wait- ing list of 185 enlisted men, some of whom enlisted in the 5th and 8th Regiments, also in the Marine Corps and Navy.
The real significance of war dawned upon the people of Marlborough when they awoke April 25, 1898, and saw the members of Co. F, 6th Regt., hurrying toward headquarters at the Armory with sober but determined expressions. The orders to assemble were answered by 54 men and three officers. Saturday, May 7th, the departure of Co. F from the city for Camp Dewey, drew forth the largest crowd of people that has ever been on the streets of Marlborough. Flags, bunting, cheers and God-speeds, bells ringing from churches and engine houses, locomotives whistling and the booming of cannon over all. As the uniformed ranks passed City Hall, Mayor Hoitt, members of the city council with the clergy, gave the boys in blue a warm and kindly reception. In address- ing the officers and members of Co. F the Mayor said : "I speak of you as good soldiers-where there is truth there is no flattery. Good soldiers are made of good citizens and as citizens I know you. Go, boys, and fight for the cause which is right! Fight for the city which has not only rocked your cradles, but prospered your manhood !" A most pleasing sight was at the High School common where the school child- ren were marshalled under the direction of their teachers. Each pupil bore a flag and waved their colors enthusiastically as the parade came down Main street.
Never in the history of Marlborough has such a large crowd assembled around the station as was there to see the train pull out. It was difficult for the company to make its way to the train ; 15,000 people saw the company leave for Camp Dewey, and volunteers of Co. F. will long remember the send-off their city gave them. The evening before they left, a mass meeting was held, and city hall crowded. Mayors, the clergy and prominent citizens were present and tremendous applause greeted the volunteers and the various speeches of those called upon. Among the latter was the late William S. Frost, who in his remarks told of the war meetings thirty-seven years ago, remarking that every ex-soldier knows how the members of Co. F feel. "We sorrow with you, we rejoice with you and we are proud of it because we can't help it. It makes no odds whether you see fighting or not, you are entitled to honor just the same. "
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Great enthusiasm and generous contributions to the company were made freely from right and left. Hundreds of dollars were given by the city and by individuals who were stimulated by patriotic enthusiasm. A beautiful silken flag was presented by a prominent shoe manufacturer [Mr. John A. Frye ] ; another [Mr. Louis A. Howe] offered to pay all' letter postage from the boys while on duty, depositing at once a sum of money with Postmaster Fay as guarantee ; this last manufacturer also- sent the appreciative boys a box of fine pebble grain shoes ; a well known! merchant [E. L. Bigelow] furnished tobacco to Co. F and pledged not only to hold position for the clerk who was enlisting, but, if necessary, to provide provisions for his family while the war lasted. From the same firm [Morse & Bigelow] were presented 84 cards, one for each member of the company, each one of the cards being good for one dollar in any goods handled by the firm.
We quote the following short tributes to the three first officers of Co. F. "The record of Capt. Jackson of Co. F, 6th Regt., is one that reflects a great deal of credit upon himself and no small amount of credit on this city. He has had a long and honorable military career, but his record as captain of Co. F is one that should be the source of much satis- faction and pride to him. It was during the late war that he won the golden opinions of his superior officers who were not backward in com- plimenting him and his officers. His discipline was administered with justice, firmness and kindness. He commended what was good and reprimanded what was bad. He had no sympathy with inexcusable inefficiency. The accounts of the company were faultlessly kept, and all in all, our local company through the efforts of Capt. Jackson and his company, was a credit to the city. Capt. Jackson was beloved, honored and obeyed by his men. "
"Franklin G. Taylor, 1st Lieut., enjoys an unwonted degree of popularity among all classes. He enlisted in Co. F, May 24, 1888. Has been corporal, sergeant, paymaster sergeant ; was elected 2d Lieut. 1894 and 1st Lieut. 1897; a hard and earnest worker and enjoys the confidence of both his superior officers and men. From the beginning of the war between the United States and Spain, he was indefatigable in assisting Capt. Jackson in placing Co. F on a war basis."
" Frank E. Moore, 2d Lieut., was paymaster sergeant on Colonel Parsons' staff for three years ; elected 2d Lieut. of Co. F 1897, is popular with officers and men. He had charge of transportation arrangements of his company from the beginning of the Spanish war."
Following is the list of members of Co. F, 6th Mass. Infantry and
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U. S. V., who enlisted for two years and went to camp at South Fram- ingham, May 6, 1898 :
Capt. Thomas E. Jackson
Ist Lieut. Franklin G. Taylor
66 Charlie Deloy*
2d Lieut. Frank E. Moore
66 Martin E. English*
Ist Sergt. Lucius P. Haywood
Jeremiah Frazel
Q. M. Sergt. Harold B, Chamberlain
66 Thomas F. Glynn*
Sergt. Charles W. Holbrook
.. Alva Goodkin*
Charles I. Lincoln*
66 Aaron W. Hosmer
66 Frank L. Best
Corp. Walter A. Wood
Warren E. Hapgood
Everett C. Howe
Jessie L. Howe*
Henry M. Chamberlain
Charles F. Harrington*
Arthur B. Hersey
Irving 1. Johnson
66 Walter A. Clisbee
Lester O. Keith
66 Charles H. Perry
John W. Kellette
S. Wright LePage
William J. McCarthy
Charles F. McCarthy
Mus. Charles H. Small
Albert E. Miles
Fred H. Mills
James J. Martin
Albert H. Merritt
Ernest D. Marshall
Carlton A. Newton
John V. O'Brien
Dennis W. O'Brien
Harry C. Perry*
Eli Brodeur
66 Ralph A. Parker Frank Pritchete
. James W. Barry
66 Patrick F. Burns*
S. Walter Rogers Walter H. Readio
John O. Cole
66 John P. Colleary
John J. Sullivan*
Walter Cowen
Ardeen Swartz
Arthur W. Clapp
William F. Trowbridge
66 Dolor O. Delude
66 David Dupree*
Priv. Cornelius Dunn*
66 Ira J. Haines
Edwin E. Haight
66 George B. Herrick
Ernest A. Howe
Elton E. Howe
Henry Simard
George W. Higgins
Thomas L. McDormand
Harold A. Leonard
James A. Harris
66 Elden L. Holt
Frank E. Cutter
Isidore I. Vigeant
Wagoner, Charles R. Craig
Artificer, Willis H. Paige Cook, Alfred E. Bill*
Priv. William J. Angell
Clifton R. Berry
Frank W. Buck
Alma Bertrand
66 John A. Ward
*Rejected at camp.
Roster of F Co., 6th Mass. Infantry U. S. V., that went from camp at South Framingham, May 20, 1898 :
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Capt. Thomas E. Jackson
Priv. James A. Harris
George B. Herrick
2d Lieut. Frank E. Moore
Ernest A. Howe
Ist Sergt. Lucius P. Haywood
66 Everett C. Howe
Q. M. Sergt. Harold B. Chamberlain
Fred W. Howe
Sergt. Charles W. Holbrook
66 Elton E. Howe
Aaron W. Hosmer
Arthur B. Hersey
Frank L. Best
66 Chester W. Hunt
Walter A. Wood
66 James P. Hutch
Corp. Warren E. Hapgood Henry Simard
66 Thomas G. Hutch
George W. Higgins
Thomas L. M. McDormand
Edmund G. Knight
66 Elden L. Holt
6. Lester O. Keith
Mus.
66 Harold A. Leonard Charles H. Small Isidore I. Vigeant
Ernest D. Marshall
Artificer, Willis H. Page
66 Leander Melanson
Wagoner, Charles R. Craig
66 Fred H. Mills
Priv. William J. Angell
. . Albert E. Miles
66 Mason S. Allen
William F. McCarthy
6.
James F. Barry
Charles F. McCarthy
66 Clifton R. Berry
Carlton A. Newton
66 Alma Bertrand
John V. O'Brien
Eli Brodeur
Dennis W. O'Brien
Frank W. Buck
Ralph A. Parker
John O. Cole
Charles H. Perry
John P. Colleary
66 James G. Patterson
Walter H. Cowern
66 Frank Pritchette
Henry M. Chamberlain
66 Walter H. Readio
Walter A. Clisbee
S. Walter Rogers
6. Frank E. Cutter
Walter T. Redding
66 Arthur W. Clapp
Thomas T. Ryan
66 Dolor O. Delude
66 Frank D. Stumpf
Jeremiah Frazel
Ardeen Swartz
66 John J. Grady
66 William F. Trowbridge
66 Harmisdas Goulet
John A. Ward
Ira J. Haines
66 William S. Wadden
Roster of volunteers for Co. F, 6th Mass. Infantry, U. S. V., who joined the company at camp Algier, Virginia :
Priv. Riley A. Berry
David H. Bishop
Amos Bonin
H. Wallace Burhoe
Priv. Frank Chartier
66 Edmund F. Clements
George E. Cutler
66 Michael E. Colleary
Edwin E. Haight
S. Wright LePage
James J. Martin
66 Irving F. Johnson
John W. Kellette
Ist Lieut. Franklin G. Taylor
292
Priv. Wilmont F. Dooley
Priv. Edward Lovely
Frank T. Estey
Timothy McGee
Fred W. Estabrook
66 Thomas F. Mullen
Arthur C. Faulkner
Joseph O'Clair
William E. Fay
66 Fenny Palody
John F. Greene
Henry T. Rowles
John W. Grover
Harry C. Rowles
66 Wilfred Gour
6 Harry C. Ruggles
66 Ernest D. Howard
Louis Sassville
Robert E. Lee
66 Harry A. Taylor
Dosithe Lafoy
66 Harry R. Willard
Louis L'Heureux
Irving C. Wright
Although not on the list we should not forget the name of Marl- borough's only staff officer, Harry C. Hunter, who was Hospital Steward on Colonel Parsons staff during the last year of his connection with the Sixth Infantry, and held a similar position with the Sixth Mass., Volun- teers, and attended to his professional duties in an exemplary manner.
At last came the welcome news of the surrender of Cervera. Thirty- seven men who enlisted in Co. F, Sixth Mass. Regulars, returned to this country. Two brave boys laid down their lives, Willis H. Page who died on the transport Lampassas and was buried at sea, and Ernest D. Marshall, the first American soldier to be buried in Porto Rico, whose body was a year later brought to Marlborough. Besides these, some of the company went to the hospital at Porto Rico, and some returned home ill from fever and malaria from which they died later on. But the Marl- borough boys did their duty, until there was no more fighting to be done. In less than four months the well directed energies of President Mckinley had secured freedom for Cuba ; and in the successful termination of the war with Spain, Co. F, Sixth Regiment, did well their part ; true to the last to the American flag.
The Davis Guards, Co. F, Sixth Regiment Infantry, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, take their name from Captain Isaac Davis, who com- manded a company of Minute men in the battle of Lexington, April 19, 1776. Captain Davis was killed in this battle, being the first American officer killed in the Revolutionary War. The present company was organized at Acton, Massachusetts, April 21, 1851 ; removed to Marl- borough, Massachusetts, December 18, 1873, and claim to be the lineal descendants of Captain Isaac Davis's company, which after his death served through the war, and have retained their organization in a more or less unbroken line to the present day, having been finally incorporated in
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the famous "Old Sixth," which made the memorable march through Baltimore in 1861. In 1898 also, this regiment was the very first one ready for service ; was in the line of reserve during the battle of Santiago, and participated in the battles of Guanica and Yauco Road, in Porto Rico. The Davis Guards are somewhat proud of the fact that they are the only military organization from the old Bay State, which visited the Jamestown Exposition, and thus, in a measure, represented the State there. They were tendered a reception at the Massachusetts State Build- ing. The commanding officer of the company, Captain Franklin G. Taylor, was entertained at dinner by Colonel Philip Reade, 23d Infantry, U. S. A., who highly complimented the captain upon the personnel, appearance and discipline of the company.
As a matter of fact, this company has a record of efficiency that can- not be equalled in the State. For several years, or since Captain Taylor has taken command, they have maintained their maximum strength, with generally a number of recruits on the waiting list, and they never fail to have 100 per cent present for duty at all inspections. Undoubtedly their present state of efficiency is due to the untiring efforts of Captain Taylor, ably seconded by his lieutenants Elden L. Holt and David H. Bishop, all three being veterans of the Spanish War. The company made the trip to Jamestown, with a fund accumulated by their own efforts, and representing much hard work and self denial, asking no aid from the State whatever. They also made a trip to Washington, attending the inaugu- ration of President Taft, and taking part in the inaugural parade.
Thursday evening, May 17, 1910, word reached Marlborough from the Irvington Street Armory, Boston, that Capt. Franklin G. Taylor had been elected Major. The fire alarm was rung to call together the members of the Company, who under command of Lieuts, Holt and Bishop, attired In uniforms, and preceded by a drum corps, marched to the station just before twelve o'clock to meet him on his return. Con- spicuous in the procession was a white charger which, as the Captain made his appearance and was given cheer upou cheer, he mounted amid the blazing of red fire and the beating of drums. The ovation was a complete surprise, and after responding briefly to the men, they marched to the Armory where a reception was given Capt. Taylor and lunch was served.
Roster of the Davis Guards, Co. F, Sixth Regiment Infantry, . M. V. M :
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Capt. Franklin G. Taylor Ist Lieut. Elden L. Holt
2nd Lieut. David H. Bishop Ist Sergt. Arthur N. Payne
Q. M. Sergt. Harry C. Perry
Domingue, Leonard
Dion, Nelson J.
66 Finneran, Harry F.
66 Fay, Herbert H.
Griffin, Henry E.
Corp. Joseph S. Mckenzie
66 Hanlon, Robert
Robert E. Green
66 LaPlante, Joseph L.
Burtis H. McGinnis
Libby, Clarence L.
George H. Cadieux
66 John E. Gorman
66 Manning, John H.
.. William H. Stiles
MacCabe, Jerome
Musician, Emile J. Dufresne
MacCauley, Isaac F.
Eugene G. Mantha
66 McCauley, John P.
Cook, William C. D'Amico
66 McDonough, Edward
.. Nichols, Edward C.
66 O'Leary, Peary W.
66 Pluff, Lewis E.
Perry, Francis A.
66 Babcock, Fred D.
Bissionette, Eugene L.
.. Russell, Everett F.
Brigham, George C.
Sherman, John
66 Baker, Rolan H.
66 Taylor, Rowland H.
66 Brigham, Thomas B.
Thomas, Clarence A.
66 Chisholm, Archibald J.
Temple, Keeneth E.
66 Cheney, Royden B.
Thomas, Harold L.
66 Cavanaugh, James J.
Wall, Henry F.
66 Chartier, George J.
Cavanaugh, Michael
Priv. Whitney, Raymond L.
Dwyer, Thomas A.
Dakin, Irving H.
Daoust, Samuel
Sergt. Aaron W. Hosmer
Ardeen Schwartz
Warren L. R. Cushing
66 Eli C. Benway
66 Lusignan, William
Harry M. Whitcomb
Artificer, Arthur E. Powers Priv. Aldrich, Fred W.
Akroyd, Ralph L.
Potts, John H.
66 Wright, William H.
Passing up Mechanic street, we come to the home of Martin Rice who was a shoemaker by trade. Shoemaking now, is vastly different from those early days when the farmers carried their hides to the tanners to be made up into leather of various kinds ; sole, cowhide, kip and calf. Then it was taken to the shoemaker's shops with the owner's name marked on each roll and when boots and shoes were wanted they would take the measure and make them from their own materials. Martin Rice was a pleasant man and loved to joke with the boys, one of whom one day brought him some shoes to be repaired which looked quite red. "Ah, my boy," said Mr. Rice, " you burnt these with hot grease." " No,
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