USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Spencer > Historical sketches relating to Spencer, Mass., Volume II > Part 12
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At two o'clock in the afternoon the chairman of the commit- tee, Mr. John G. Avery, called upon Rev. Charles E. Sumner to lead in prayer, after which Mr. Avery in behalf of the Board of Trade Committee, extended a cordial welcome to the descendants and all others present.
He spoke of the generous provision of funds by Mrs. Phoebe Anna Bemis, whereby land about the site of the first frame house had been purchased of Walter C. Bemis for park purposes and which " we dedicate today."
Appropriate selections were sung by pupils of the Ninth grade under the direction of Miss Estelle Ward, Supervisor of Music in the public schools. Mr. Henry M. Tower then deliv- ered the dedicatory address as follows:
"One hundred and eighty years ago, on this tract of land, in a primitive log cabin, surrounded by the primeval forest, Samuel Bemis and wife dedicated a pioneer's home, and consecrated themselves to a life of endeavor, in harmony with divine law. It was here they reared their children, subdued the wilderness, over- came all obstacles of environment, climate, savages, and wild beasts, and wrought from the soil an abundance wherewith to supply the necessities of life. The gospel of honest toil they daily exemplified, and with exalted purpose pursued their work with unflinching devotion, until the consummation of their purpose was reached, and then, having become matured by discipline, like shocks of corn fully ripe, they were gathered to their home in the spirit world.
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"It is for their achievements that we esteem them; it is for what they did that we today dedicate these grounds and this monument to their memory. But this granite shaft and this spot. of earth can teach but little of value to us, unless we associate these objects with those who once lived here, become acquainted with their history, enter into sympathy with their lives, and find. in their deeds and example useful lessons for ourselves. We
PHOEBE ANNA BEMIS. (Photo by Currin.).
honor Samuel Bemis as the father and founder of the town of Spencer. He was here when the town had its origin, and when its future was uncertain. He was here and extended the hand of welcome to each succeeding settler.
"He saw from year to year its gradual development as a community, first as a part of Leicester, then as a separate pre- cinct, and then as a full fledged town having an independent gov- ernment such as we have today. His voice and his deeds were
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DEDICATION OF BEMIS MONUMENT
influential in building this structure, in establishing law and order, in sustaining morality and religion, in practicing industry, frugality and temperance, and for these acts he deserves to be honored, and we honor hint. Samuel Bemis and wife were wise master builders of the fireside, that cradle of virtue, that center of patriotism, that bulwark of liberty, and the example they set was followed by their children, men and women who established homes of their own, homes that were the abode of integrity and virtue, homes that were the abiding places of love, cherished as the brightest spots on earth, and homes that were vigorously de- fended with the musket, when the hour of conflict came.
"But beyond that, perhaps, the greatest practical lesson we can learn from their lives, is the example they set in every day putting forth their best effort. Theirs is the old story of the tal- ents illustrated by action. The human family cannot develop their natural ability, there can be no great unfolding or growth of substantial character without effort, constant, well directed, persistent effort, grappling with and mastering the difficult prob- lems of life, overcoming all tendencies that are bad and building up along every line that is good. The patliway of endeavor leads through evolution to development, victory and life. The path- way of indolence leads through inaction to inefficiency, paralysis, decay and death.
"The reason in many cases why sons are not the equal of their fathers in ability, is because they have been reared in tlie ener- vating lap of luxury, and have not passed through the same severe school of trial and discipline. So far as the human mind can comprehend the divine plan, men and women are placed in tlie world to begin, continue and end life with work, and as a result acquire growth and success. By this is not meant a suc- cess that can be counted in dollars, or that can be read only on the world's inscriptions of fame, but a larger and more valuable success, acquired in fulfilling the purposes of life, and gaining those choice qualities of mind and heart, which will qualify the soul for a fitting entrance into the future life.
"So far as we can discern, Samuel Bemis and wife embodied in their lives the chief virtues, and were examples of consistent practice worthy of all emulation. And it may well be said of them in the paraphrased language of England's greatest poet, "They who did the best their circumstances allowed, did well, acted nobly; angels could have done no better.' When the old Israelites had crossed the Jordan, and reared on its opposite bank a heap of stones taken from the bed of the river, it was done that all generations following might see that memorial, and have the story told them of the great deliverance of their fathers from the hand of Pharaoh. So here are memorial stones erected to com-
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IN HONOR OF SAMUEL BEMIS THE SECOND BETTLER OF SPENCER BRANDSON OF JOSEPH BEMIS WHO CAME FROM ENGLAND AND SETTLED AT WATERTOWN IN 1840, IN 1721 NEAR THIS MONUMENT NE BUILT A'LOG CABIN ANO LATER THE FIRST FRAMCO HOUSE IN TOWN. HE WAS A MAN OF COURAGE, FORTITEDE AND FIDELITY, AND BY MIN, INDUSTRY ACQUIRED A HAKOSOME ESTATE. HE REANED A FAMILY OF EIART CHILDREN WHO WITH NUMEROUS DESCENDANTS HAVE BORNE AN HONORABLE PHẠT IN THE TONNE NIC TORY- FOX HIN MANY VIRTUES AHO FER WHAT HE INO IN LATINA THE FOUNDATION DE A PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY, MIG RANE WITH THAT OF HIỆ MIỆT, SARAN BARNARD, IO GELD IN GRATEFUL NEMEMENARSE BT THIS MEMORIAL 4 . 1M.
SAMUEL BENIG DICO IN TỪTẾ, COCA -4 KHỆ WAU QURICO IN THE DLO CƯỢCTERY WHERE
EMIS
SAMUEL BEMIS MONUMENT.
(Photo by Currin.)
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memorate achievements of our early pioneers that are worthy of remembrance, and of being repeated to the young of each suc- ceeding generation.
"Samuel Bemis and wife were types of workers that have made our nation what it has been, and today is, a conquering nation, a nation of intelligent and skillful mental and physical workers. In the past, kingdoms and empires have arisen and flourished, but getting away from the divine system have become corrupt, and have been overthrown by some more virile and worthy power. And so we know not how long this republic of ours shall endure, but we trust through the wide diffusion of knowledge that our people may not only understand, but practice wisdom, so that our integrity and power shall remain unimpaired as long as civilization shall last. And we hope that will be as long as the sun in his daily rounds shall shine, or the moon shed her sil- very light on this park, and on these memorial stones, so that as one factor in our system of education they may for all time teach lessons which will better prepare the living to serve their day and generation, and help maintain forever this republic in its purity and strength.
"We live in deeds, not years; In thoughts, not breaths; In feelings, not in figures on a dial. He most lives, who thinks most, Feels the noblest, acts the best."
The monument was veiled by the Stars and Stripes and at a given signal Roger E. Bemis and Florence L. Bemis, children of Walter C. and Nellie M. Bemis, grandchildren of the sixth gen- eration from Samuel Bemis, drew the folds of "Old Glory" aside while Miss Gertrude Smith sang the "Star Spangled Ban- ner." *The recitation of a poem followed, written for the occa- sion by Mrs. Nellie Thayer Bemis, and entitled "Our Ancestors." It was delivered by Master Everett Morse, also a grandchild of Samuel Bemis of the sixth generation. The afternoon exer- cises closed by all present singing "America." The remainder of the day was spent in renewing old acquaintances and in visit- ing historical sites.
In the evening exercises were held at the town hall before a gathering of about five hundred people. * The historical address as prepared by Henry M. Tower was read by Dr. E. W. Nor- wood.
Dr. Norwood at this time paid Mr. Tower a well deserved compliment upon his recent book, both for the historical informa- tion it contained and for its literary merit. No one could have been better fitted than Mr. Tower to undertake this work, he being a descendant of Samuel and Sarah Bemis and having not
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(Photo by Craig.)
only collected a great store of his- torical matter, but also had the courage to assume the risk and ex- pense of publishing a thorough work, containing an unusually large number of illustrations.
A solo, " My Native Land," was sung by Miss Ethel Bemis of Worcester, daughter of Edgar W. and Minnie Rice Bemis; piano ac- companiment by Mrs. George H. Burkill, all descendants of Samuel Bemis. The pupils of the Ninth grade rendered a musical selection and the festivities of the day closed with "America."
A very pleasant feature of the evening was the acting as ushers of the young women descendants of Samuel and Saralı Bemis. Their names are as follows: Mrs. E. J. Starr, Mrs. L. H. Bacon, Misses Bertha M. Bemis, Anna J. Bemis, Alice Bullard, Florence Howland, Anna L. Curtis, Emma Bemis, Ida B. Tower, Mabelle A. Clark, Sue Morse, Minnie Howe, Marion Jones, Amy J. Bemis, Ina F. Capen.
The home-coming of *Hon. George W. Bemis of Independence, Iowa, to Spencer, renewed a love for his native town and ancestors. A love that could be expressed in no broader way than by the erection on the Samuel Bemis lot of a monu- ment to his paternal ancestor, Capt. Edmund Bemis, who served in the early colonial wars and rendered distinguished service by discovering a way to utilize spiked cannon.
This monument is a plain granite shaft standing on a sub- stantial base and bears on its face a bronze tablet with this inscription: " This memorial is in honor of Captain Edmund Bemis, son of Samuel Bemis, founder of Spencer. He settled near this place
DEDICATION DAY AT BEMIS MEMORIAL PARK.
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EDMUND BEMIS MONUMENT.
(Photo by Currin.)
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in 1750, served in the French and Indian wars, was a lieutenant at the reduction of Louisburg in 1745, and captain of a Spencer company in the expedition to Crown Point in 1755-6. He ren- dered the Massachusetts colony distinguished service by discover- ing a way to utilize spiked cannon. Born at Watertown, 1720; died at Spencer, 1810. Erected by his great grandson, George W. Bemis of Independence, Iowa., A. D. 1901."
Through the efforts of Mr. John G. Avery two large cannon on trunnion beds mounted on granite blocks have been placed
A TYPICAL LOG CABIN,
Showing hexagon end enclosing the fireplace. Photographed by H. M. Tower at Pine- hurst, N. C.
either side of the monument. These guns are typical of the val- uable service Capt. Edmund Bemis rendered his country and were loaned by the United States government to the town of Spencer for this purpose.
From a small beginning, the thought of a memorial stone has resulted in Bemis Memorial park. Mrs. Phœbe Anna Bemis, in memory of her husband, Chandler Bemis and his brothers and sisters, indicated a broad and lovable nature by providing funds to purchase the land for said park, and further of furnishing the means for making many improvements thereon. She wished to act the part of those who had gone before and do what they
DEDICATION OF BEMIS MONUMENT
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THE HOWE FAMILY AT THE DEDICATION OF THE BEMIS MONUMENT.
I. MRS. CORNELIA HAWKINS, of Springfield, daughter of Amasa, brother of Elias Howe Jr. 2. MRS. JANE CALDWELL, of New York City, daughter of of Elias Howe Jr. 3. MRS. FANNIE BARRI, of Springfield, sister of Elias Howe Jr. 4. MRS. LYDIA HOWE LUKE, of West Newton, daughter of Tyler Howe. 5. MRS. LORINDA LUKE BLISS, of West Newton. 6. MASTER TYLER HOWE BLISS, of West Newton. 7. JOHN AMEE, of Cambridge, married Jennie Teele, daughter of Eliza Howe Teele and granddaughter of Amasa Howe Sr. 8, Mrs. Jennie Amee. 9. CHARLES TEELE, of Cambridge.
(Photo by Craig.)
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might have done had they lived. Yet with a natural modesty and reticence she wished to do all this and have her plans remain unknown. This the committee deemed inadvisable, therefore the name of our benefactress is given. By her direction a substan- tial stone wall has been built along the entire boundary of the north side. The old barn cellar filled in (one in no way connected with the Bemis history), much grading done, and in the spring
SARAH ANN HOWE,
Daughter of Elijah Howe and sister of William and Tyler Howe, aunt to Elias Howe Jr., and great granddaughter of Samuel Bemis Sr. She was born in Spencer, April 9, 1812; died in Brooklyn, New York, April 14, 1880. She mmarried Allen Newhall of Spencer in 1830. In the sphere of woman's work she was as expert as her brothers in their chosen fields of labor. Beside this she was a woman of such loveable traits of char- acter that her memory is today affectionately revered by all who knew her.
of 1902, a coping with iron railing placed around the historic cel- lar of the Amasa Bemis Sr., old-time tavern, said cellar in time to be converted into an old-fashioned flower garden.
A granite stone, part of the underpinning of the "Old Hos- telry," has been lettered to perpetuate its history, and placed across the corner near the cellar to be used as a seat by those visiting the park. A boulder has been raised on the site of the first frame house in Spencer, and bears the date 1726. All the expense for these improvements has been borne by Mrs. Bemis.
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It seemed wise that the park should have the supervision of the descendants and such as are interested in local historical matters. An organization was effected consisting mostly of the original Board of Trade committee with additional members chosen by Mrs. P. A. Bemis. This Board of Trustees was legally incorporated January 8, 1902, under the laws of Massachu- setts, as the Bemis Memorial Park Association. The corpora- tion is to care for and beautify the park as opportunity and funds allow.
Officers for the year 1902: John G. Avery, president; Henry M. Tower, vice-president; Dr. A. A. Bemis, secretary; Geo. A. Craig, treasurer; executive committee : Dr. E. W. Norwood, Henry Bemis, Joel S. Bullard, E. Harris Howland, Walter C. Bemis.
Under Article VIII, Section 4 of the By-Laws of the asso- ciation, is the following: "The name of any person contributing
THE BEMIS ELM.
The original log cabin of Samuel Bemis was built near this tree in 1721.
twenty-five dollars or more to the association for any of its uses and purposes, shall be entered on the records as a benefactor of the association." The following have been elected as benefactor members : Mrs. Phœbe Anna Bemis, Spencer; Mr. George W. Bemis, Independence, Iowa; Mrs. Lydia Howe Luke, West New- ton, Mass.
The Bemis family in its direct and collateral branches is said to represent several millions of dollars. It is therefore hoped and expected by the trustees that the benevolently inclined and well-to-do among them will in the future either by direct dona- tion or by bequest contribute of their wealth for the purpose of erecting a primitive log cabin on the memorial grounds for occu- pancy by a care-taker, or for other purposes, also for erecting a monument to the fourteen members of the family who served in
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the Continental army and for embellishing the park in order to make it an attractive resort for descendants and friends of this old historic family for all time to come.
*Mr. H. M. Tower's historical address may be found on page 35, " Historical Sketches relating to Spencer, Mass.," Volume I; Life of Hon. George W. Bemis on page 159, and the poem, "Our Ancestors," written by Nellie Thayer Bemis, on page 32 of the same book.
The David Knapp Place.
In the northwest corner of the pasture west of Ruel's pond and the Wire Village road, is the cellar of a house built by David Knapp in 1747. He is said to have been both farmer and black- smith, and later removed to another part of the town. Who suc- ceeded him in the occupancy of this place is not now known, but the children of the family in summer time used to attend the vil- lage church, going barefoot as far as the north road now called Pleasant Street. In those days shoes were said to have been too expensive to be worn all the time, so in this case they were carried in the hand until a main highway was reached, where out of consideration for an appropriate appearance before the public, shoes were put on.
The road or cart path in those days that led to the Knapp home was by way of Grant Street. Near its intersection with Pleasant Street, stood a small boulder and using this for a seat these children here put on their shoes when going to church and took them off when returning from church. The rock may now be seen opposite its original location, in the bank wall on the east side of the road.
THE OLD GUILFORD HOMESTEAD AT SOUTH SPENCER
Dr. Jonas Guilford Sr., in his day, was one of the strong and influential men of the town and built at South Spencer the man- sion house shown in cut, which afterwards came into possession of his son Asa, and was for many years known to citizens now
JONAS GUILFORD OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
living as the Asa Guilford place. The house has long since been torn down and a more modern dwelling erected which is now the property of Mr. Plouff.
Dr. Guilford built this house in the early years of the last century, probably between 1803 and 1805. In its environment it
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(Phata by Lyford,)
THE ASA GUILFORD PLACE, SOUTH SPENCER,
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GUILFORD HOMESTEAD
made one of the most picturesque farmhouse scenes in town. The lumber was all cut on the farm and the doctor paid out for labor, and hardware wrought from iron by the village blacksmith the sum of twelve hundred dollars. At this time the purchasing power of a dollar was far greater than it is today. Dr. Guilford died at this place July 17, 1809, aged fifty.
Dr. Jonas Guilford Jr. succeeded to his father's practice and lived at the old homestead, where most, if not all, his children were born, a family of girls. Such men as Charles E. Denny, David Prouty, Asa T. Jones and John G. Avery sought wives and found them in this family.
Dr. Jonas Guilford Jr., however, finding his location some- what undesirable from a business standpoint, early purchased a farm at the Center, afterward known as the Baxter Clark place, where he continued practice until late in life.
Asa Guilford, son of Dr. Jonas Sr., then took the farm at South Spencer, which he continued to occupy until his removal West. He is said to have been a well-to-do farmer and money- lender while living here and to have amassed wealth rapidly by fortunate investments in his adopted state. His genealogy is as follows: Asa Guilford, born in Spencer, August 17, 1802, mar- ried in 1837 to Mary Adams of Brookfield, who was born March 31, 1804. They lived in Spencer until May, 1867, and then removed to Minneapolis, Minn., where they resided the rest of their lives. Asa Guilford died Sept. 3, 1891. Mary Guilford died Aug. 31, 1884. Children: Jonas Guilford, born Sept. 17, 1839; Mary Ann Guilford, born Oct. 19, 1844, died Aug. 8, 1851;
Jonas Guilford, son of Asa, was born in Spencer, Sept. 17, 1839; fitted for college at Spencer High school and Leicester acad- emy. Graduated at Amherst college in 1864. The same year he spent a short time in the army of the Civil War, being a mem- ber of Company F, 60th Massachusetts Volunteers. He gradu- ated from the Albany Law school in 1866, and commenced the practice of his profession in St. Louis, Mo., the same year. In 1867 he removed to Minneapolis, Minn., where he has been in the practice of his profession since that date. Mr. Guilford has three children, a son practicing law, another medicine in Minne- apolis, while a daughter is a recent graduate from a Minnesota college.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF LADIES' CHARITABLE SOCIETY
BY MRS. J. W. TEMPLE AND READ AT THE CELEBRATION OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
In 1810 the A. B. C. F. M. was organized. Sixteen years later in 1826 the American Home Missionary society followed. The missionary spirit of those days must have been awakened in our own town, for midway in the years intervening between the beginnings of these parent societies, the society whose history I am asked to chronicle, was begun. On May 21, 1821, a num- ber of young ladies met at the house of Dea. Wm. White (the house now owned and occupied by Wm. O. Watson) and organ- ized a society under the name of "The Female Literary and Charitable Society." Its object was two-fold, for not only was missionary work to be done but also intellectual exercises were combined. In those days literary privileges were few and scanty, so while the hands were busy with charitable work, one of the number read aloud an original composition or some selec- tion chosen by the president.
It would seem that from the first this society was considered as a child of the church by the importance attached to its work. The work of the first year was preparing a box to send to the American Board. The box was packed May 4, 1822, at the house of Dea. White and a sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Phelps of Brookfield to a large audience. The next year, after packing a box at Dea. White's for the American Education Society, the anniversary sermon was preached in the church by Rev. Dr. Nelson of Leicester. There is no record as to the num- ber of years this practice was continued, but each year boxes were sent away, varying in value from $35 to $115, besides assist- ance rendered to individuals in town. As time passed on the responsibilities of maturer life claimed more time and the mem- bers felt obliged to give up the literary part of their work, as the record says," hoping to accomplish more good, although sacri- ficing much intellectual enjoyment." In 1828 this change was made and from that time until 1862 the society was continued without material change, meeting at the houses of members in
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different parts of the town. The meetings at the farm houses three and four miles from the village were often as fully attended as those in the village.
At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion the hearts of all loyal citizens turned to caring for and ministering to the needs of the soldiers. This society united with the other churches and formed the Soldiers' Aid Association, in which all the people of the town joined, and many boxes and supplies were forwarded to the army. In 1867, there being no farther need of its work, the Soldiers' Aid Association was given up
SYBIL (UNDERWOOD) GREEN. Born in Spencer, March 7, 1797; died October 14, 1872.
and the ladies of our church reorganized this society, taking the name of The Ladies' Benevolent Society. For three years meetings were held through the summer in the vestry once in two weeks.
In 1870 the Society resumed the name of The Female Charitable Society and changed the place of meeting to the Y. M. C. A. rooms in Bank block, then newly fitted up. One year only were meetings held there. From 1871 to 1881 meetings were held at the houses of members as invited, with attendance varying from fifteen to fifty. It was the early custom to begin the season's work in April or May and continue until
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October. For several years meetings were suspended during the heat of the summer, thus making a break which seemed to de- tract from the interest in the work.
At the annual meeting in April, 1881, it was voted to change the time of meeting from the summer to the winter months. During the summer of this year alterations were made in the church, giving a ladies' parlor and kitchen. These were fur- nished by the ladies at an expense of $318, and on Dec. 14th, 1881 were used for the first time. Thirty-five sat down to the
HANNAH (NYE) GROUT,
Born in New Braintree, December 10, 1801; died in Spencer, October 10, 1886.
first supper served in the parlor. In 1885 still further improve- ments were made in the church building by which a smaller ves- try was added, since which time that room has been used and supper served to numbers varying from fifty to one hundred and sixty-five. In 1892 the constitution was revised and some slight changes made.
The records of the early years of the society are incomplete. Of some there are no records and of some the amount of work is not given. But each year something has been done. In 1871, at the close of the fiftieth year of the society, it was recorded that
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