History of Barnstable County, Massachusetts, 1620-1890, Part 38

Author: Deyo, Simeon L., ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: New York : Blake
Number of Pages: 1292

USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Barnstable County, Massachusetts, 1620-1890 > Part 38

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The school building at Buzzards Bay was enlarged during the year, at a cost of one thousand dollars, and a high school began Sep- tember 14, 1885, with thirty pupils, a portion of whom had formerly attended such schools in other towns. The expenditures of the year aggregated $3,650 for the common, and $970 for the high school.

The school year of 1886 was still more prosperous, the number of schools aggregating eleven-one high school, two grammar, six mixed and two primary. The high school had so increased in numbers, that the addition of a room for recitation purposes was made in the spring of 1887, in time to commence the spring term; and the employment of an assistant in this department was made imperative by the in- crease of patronage. The class of graduates for 1887 gave proof of the earnest application of the pupils, and the faithfulness of the teach- ers and school officers. This school, that three years before was deemed so doubtful an experiment by some, was now acknowledged of inestimable worth. The elevation of the standard in attendance is always an indication of advancement and improvement. The sup- ply of maps and other apparatus had been without stint, and the study of the science of physiology had at once been commenced, in obedi- ence to the law of 1885, and the best advice of the highest educators.

The liberal policy of the citizens in their school management had commenced a return of that reward due them for their wisdom. The legislature in its May session of 1888 distributed among the towns of the state $40,000 for the support of schools, under certain condi- tions, and the town of Bourne had become entitled to a liberal share. The appropriation for schools for 1889 was much in excess of the first year of the town; and the most excellent care bestowed by these citi- zens upon this important foundation, will result in a most beautiful and glorious temple. There are still eight districts-one at Catatimet, one each at Pocasset, Monument Beach, Bourne, Buzzards Bay, Head of the bay, Bournedale, and Sagamore, besides high and grammar schools, the entire system employing twelve teachers.

VILLAGES .- The present small villages of the town are the natural outgrowth of convenient places for post offices or stores while the cominunities were removed several miles from a greater centre. It has several of these, but Bourne (formerly Monument) has been chosen as the location of its office for the clerk and meetings of the selectmen. It is a pleasant village on the Monument river and con-

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HISTORY OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

tains some very pretty residences. The Perrys were the first settlers, as has been mentioned, and had stores here at an early date. Caleb Perry, grandfather of Mrs. Hiram Crowell, kept a small grocery store here, as early as 1810, on the knoll south of the river. About 1824 Elisha Perry built a house where Persia B. Harmon resides, and in a lean-to he had a store. Charles Proctor succeeded him, and in turn was followed by James Ellis, who came across to the north side of the river and engaged with Ellis M. Swift a short time. In 1847, when the Old Colony railroad made its advent into Bourne, Ellis M. Swift built a store next to the track, north side, where he continued the business until it was burned in January, 1854. The store was then rebuilt by Mr. Swift on its present site, and has been owned success- ively by him and his sons-William R., Seth B., Abram F. and Ordello R. Abram F. Swift built the store he now occupies, adjoining the depot, in November, 1877, to which he removed. Ordello occupying the former until 1888, when he was succeeded by F. C. Eldridge.

Monument post office was established here February 5. 1828, the mail being received from horseback riders until 1832, when a stage line was established. Elisha Perry was the first postmaster, with the office at his store. The office was kept by those succeeding him in the store, until James S. Ellis was appointed, September 23, 1845. Ellis M. Swift was appointed September 7, 1849, and removed it to the store across the river. Erastus O. Parker received the office on June 7, 1853, at the depot, where it was kept until 1872. Abram F. Swift, the present incumbent, was then appointed, and removed it to his store. The office in 1884 took the name of the new town.

The only lumber yard of the town is kept here by A. R. Eldridge. It was started in 1877 by Mr. Eldridge, and is along a wharf of the Monument river. Lumber and shingles are mostly brought from Maine, around the Cape, up Buzzards bay to the yard. The only public building is Welcome Hall. the property of a stock company of many members. Its erection, late in the year 1884, is largely due to the energy of Moses C. Waterhouse. It is situated on the south bank of the river, and is used by the town for occasional town meetings.

Ellis M. Swift was the first agent here for the Old Colony company in 1847, and was succeeded in 1853 by Erastus O. Parker, who moved to Buzzards Bay in 1872; then Abram F. Swift became agent. Late in the year 1877 the present station was erected on the site of the former.

Buzzards Bay is pleasantly situated on Bourne neck. It is the junction of the Woods Holl branch with the Cape Cod division of the Old Colony, and has advantages which could render it the first village in the town. This village site was originally the home farm of the Bournes, and from the home farm of Benjamin F. Bourne. deceased,

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the present lots were laid out. This gentleman had a store at his residence in 1807. It now contains over thirty residences, and the town meetings for elections and public business are held here. The first store here was opened in 1873, by Isaac Small, jr., which he occu- pied until it was burned, January 25, 1889. For four years previous to its burning, a store had been kept by David H. Baker. In March, 1889, Baker sold to Mr. Small, who is now the only merchant here. About 1875 he was appointed postmaster, which position he has since held, the office in its location following the changes of his store, and in its name that of the station in 1880.

Prior to the completion of the Woods Holl branch, Cohasset Nar- rows was a flag station, but in 1872 it became one of the most import- ant on the Cape. The present depot was built the same year, and C. S. Bassett was appointed agent.

There were no hotels here until 1872, when Erastus O. Parker built the Parker House, just north of the depot, and has since been its host. The same year Dr. John Garfield erected a hotel, the Monamet House, of which he was host two years, and was succeeded by L. H. Baker, R. P. Collins, and Mrs. Grey; and by Wesley B. Pierce for the last five years prior to 1889.

The Buzzards Bay citizens resolved to have a hall for their own and public use, and a stock company of one hundred shares at ten dol- lars each was decided upon. The stock was taken and on the 15th of April, 1879, the organization was perfected. The building, called Franklin Hall, is a wooden structure situated near the station.

Pocasset village is 34 miles south of the village of Buzzards Bay, and in the history of the town the locality is of much importance from its early settlement and prominence in the affairs of the old town of Sandwich. The name is a corruption of the Indian name Pough- keeste, and later Pokesit. Barlow's river runs southwesterly through this beautiful section into the bay, where a fine harbor is formed by Wenaumet neck on the north and Scragg's on the south. Red brook connects Handy's pond with the same harbor. Scragg's neck was formerly the property of the first parish of Sandwich, over which there was a controversy when Pocasset was instituted as a second parish. The name of the post office is Pocasset, although the name of the sta- tion was changed April 1, 1888, to Wenaumet-a name which, in time, the village of Pocasset will naturally assume.

The oldest industry here is the furnace and works on Barlow's river, which were built as a blast furnace in 1822 by Hercules Weston. It was sold in 1832 to Rufus Kendrick and John A. McGraw of Boston, and Branch .Harlow of Middleboro, who continued the business as the Pocasset Iron Company. Its furnaces were altered and stoves, kettles and hollow ware of various kinds were manufactured. Howard Perry

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HISTORY OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

purchased the property and it was burned during his ownership; but was at once rebuilt and passed into the hands of Blackwell & Burr of New York city, who, after an active business of several years, closed it in 1855. The first fancy top and bottom for an air-tight stove was cast at this furnace, Charles H. Nye making the patterns during his seventeen years of service as foreman of the works. It is just to men- tion that the merit of the products of this foundry has not been en- tirely superseded by the rapid progress of the age, for its wares are still in use; William Hewins, of Falmouth, now has a stove of the pattern mentioned in use in his parlor. The foundry was sold in 1880 to Henry S. Sterling, and was again burned in 1881. He rebuilt it, and upon his death in 1882 it passed to the ownership of the Tahanto Manufacturing Company, who changed its manufacture to fancy cast- ings. The Tobey Island Club purchased the premises and business, in 18SS, and leased to Mr. Jameson, who is making ornamental arti- cles of late devices, including bric-a-brac, bas-relief in bronze, statuary and plaques. A store was opened here during Mr. Perry's ownership of the furnace, and was practically a company store, conducted by George W. Ellis & Co., until the close of the furnace about 1855. Asa Raymond opened a store in 1844, which he has since successfully man- aged in an addition to his residence. Jesse Barlow has had a store since 1887 at the residence of Dea. W. A. Barlow.

A post office was opened here February 6, 1828, with Hercules Weston postmaster, succeeded April 16, 1834, by Howard Perry. Zebedee Green was appointed August 12, 1859, and was in turn suc- ceeded in 1862 by Asa Raymond at his store. Elisha H. Burgess was made postmaster April 1, 1SSS, and has the office at his store, where he has been in mercantile business eight years.

Cataumet, or South Pocasset, as formerly known, is a mile to the south of Wenaumet station, on the Woods Holl branch of the railroad and on Red Brook harbor, in whose waters are found an ample supply of fish, giving employment to many of its citizens. The change of its post office April 1, 1888, to the name of Cataumet (from the har- bor at the southwest) and the naming of the station also, has entirely obliterated the old name. It is a pleasant little summer village en- joying all the facilities of land and sea. At an early day the stage line from Sandwich to Falmouth brought this vicinity in communica- tion with the outer world, but from 1870 to the establishing of a post office, their mail was supplied by Asa Raymond in his daily rounds. Alden P. Davis has been postmaster since the office was opened in 1884, and has been the station agent since 1885. David Dimmick kept tavern here many years where his grandson Frederick now keeps the Bay View House. This community was favored with a store prior to 1872 by Sylvanus E. Handy, succeeded by Alonzo S. Landers, who

RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM A. NYE, Bournedale, Mass.

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TOWN OF BOURNE.

built anew, and in 18SS sold to the present merchant, A. P. Davis, who erected a fine new store in 1889. Another little store has been kept here for the past five years by Reuben P. Lawrence. The oyster and fishing business is here, as elsewhere along the bay, a profitable industry, engaging many persons, the most prominent of whom we mention elsewhere.

Monument Beach is a summer resort between Buzzards Bay and Wenaumet station on the Woods Holl branch, and is now increasing in growth and importance more rapidly than any other village in Bourne. Its long rows of pretty residences, as seen from the bay or passing train, create within the traveler a desire to enjoy its loveli- ness. It has summer hotels and every convenience for recreation. It overlooks Back River harbor, with Tobey's island nestling in the bay opposite, and is one of the most picturesque spots along the bay coast of Bourne. Perez H. Phinney, who was made postmaster in 1878, keeping the office in a suitable building across the track from the depot, also fills the position of station agent. The growing import- ance of this romantic spot induced David H. Baker to erect a conven- ient building and open a store in the spring of 1889. There are many retired shipmasters here, enjoying the fruits of their perilous labors, concerning whom, as well as other prominent seafaring men, oyster men and artisans of the town, individual mention will be made in other sections of this work.

Bournedale, formerly called North Sandwich, is pleasantly situated in the north part of the town, in a valley through which the ship canal is surveyed. Burying hill, now the property of Francis H. Ellis, is here-a round, high knob of land which was the burial place of the Herring Pond Indians when the whites first came, and has been since the memory of the present residents, by whom no use of the hill has been made. Upon a plateau on its southern slope is the site of the church which was removed to the south part of the town, and at the base of the hill is the never-failing "Meeting-house spring." A flagstaff and seats crown the hill, and its commanding view leads the pleasure seeker and antiquarian to the summit. The fishi house of the town is located here, on Herring river, and is so constructed that the herring must pass through the narrowest possible limit for the stream, under the house, at which point large quantities are taken for food and bait. Just above, are the remains of the old grist mill of 1695, surrounded by a dam from which much important machinery has been propelled.

In 1821 a trip-hammer and axe factory was erected west of the old mill, of which the flume only remains. Prior to 1830 Thomas Swift and Mr. Fox built an addition to the old grist mill, which was used for manufacturing purposes, but was taken down. About 1836 the busi-

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ness of the nail manufactory, near by, required more room and other facilities, when E. Ellis & Co. erected the present building, leaving a portion of the old mill on the east. Deming Jarvis was the successor of Ellis & Co. He cut staves for the Boston and Sandwich Glass Com- pany and ran a saw mill until 1870. The only machinery now driven by the wheel is that belonging to the axe factory of Seth W. Holway, and the new drill factory erected in 1890 by William A. Nye.

The buildings and works of the Howard Foundry Company are just below Burying hill. This is the most important industry of this little village. Ephraim Ellis and Isaac Bent, in 1831, erected here suitable buildings on the river, where iron was rolled into plates and cut into nails. Ten cutting machines were used and many hands employed. N. Bourne Ellis purchased the interest of Mr. Bent in 1834 and this branch of industry was continued under the firm name of E. Ellis & Co. until 1838. The advent of puddled iron and the financial condition of the country after the trying ordeal of 1837 rendering the business unprofitable, the works were closed. Deming Jarvis and Clark Hoxie purchased the plant in 1840, con- verting it into a machine shop and foundry. Buildings was added to the north and south sides of the original building, and prior to 1850 the north building was burned, the evidences of which are still visible. The foundry was idle for a term of years and about 1870 was pur- chased by Ezra C. Howard, who continued it as a foundry, casting for cars and machinery. William A. Nye, who had been with his uncle, Mr. Howard, since 1871, leased the property May 1, 1884, and became its owner in 1885. Several competent workmen are con- stantly employed by Mr. Nye, who supplies the Keith Manufacturing Company, and large manufactories at Wareham with various neces- sary castings.

Of a necessity a post office was established here and we hear of Mason White as postmaster in 1837, receiving mail from Sandwich, succeeded by Nathan B. Gibbs, July 22, 1845. When the railroad came in 1847, Charles Bourne was appointed station agent, and in April, 1849, as postmaster, which positions were filled by him and his daughter Lucy until a few years ago. William A. Nye and Edward S. Ellis served a short time each and the present incumbent, Frederick A. Boswell, in 1884 assumed the care of both.

Before the term of Mason White as postmaster, this part of the town, according to the government records, was supplied by mail from an office called Buzzards Bay, which was established here Feb- ruary 7, 1831, with Henry Gibbs, postmaster. He was succeeded in March of the same year by Bethuel Bourne, who held the office until its name was changed to North Sandwich, July 11, 1837.

Sagamore, the flourishing village formerly known as West Sand-

FMG

RESIDENCE OF HON. ISAAC N. KEITH,

Sagamore, Mass.

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TOWN OF BOURNE.

wich, is on the line of the proposed canal, and has one of the tribu- taries of Scusset harbor to afford power for manufacturing purposes. It contains about sixty residences and business places, and is one of the prettiest rural villages of the town. Nearly all the site on which it is built was once the farm of the pioneer Thomas Burgess, who lived just east of the village on the north side of the present county road and opposite the present residence of John P. Knowlton. A de- pression in the old orchard marks the spot where. in 1637, he built his residence.

This point was early a favorite resort for fishermen, and in 1695 the resort called " Tom Swift's " was famous. He was allowed by the selectmen to keep an ordinary, and that implied the right to keep everything but dry goods.

The most important enterprise here is the Keith manufacturing works, for the building of freight cars of the box and flat pattern. The Old Colony, the Boston & Maine. and other roads use the cars manufactured here. This business is the outgrowth of a shop for a wheelwright and blacksmithing business, erected in 1829, by Isaac Keith, father of the present owner, on the dam adjoining the building that contains the present engine and machinery. This led to a ma- chine shop and forge in which, in 1849, a large business was done manufacturing tools for use in the California mines. Hiram T. Keith, in 1861, became a partner with the father, and in 1867 Isaac N. Keith became interested, and they purchased the business, in 1869, of the father, who died in 1870. In 1882 Isaac N. Keith became sole owner and proprietor, and in 1887 added the buildings at the north-the workshop 56 by 120 feet and the paint shop 40 by 175-all covered with a strong truss roof of the Monitor pattern. In the various build- ings fifty experienced men find employment. The requisite power has increased with the works and is now supplied from an eighty horse power engine. The lathes, planers, trip-hammers and other machinery are of the latest and best manufacture, indicative of the superior work of the plant. Mr. Keith, whose time has been recently absorbed by legislative and other duties, has an efficient foreman in B. F. Bray.

Stores were kept here early, and in those daysstore and post office were generally together. We find Benjamin Burgess engaged in a store where Hiram Crowell lives soon after the war of 1812. Here was kept the post office established January 1, 1825, and receiving mail by the Plymouth stage. Isaac Keith was made postmaster No- vember 17, 1836, purchasing the business of Mr. Burgess, and con- tinued the post office there. Charles H. Burgess was appointed postmaster September 26, 1840, and also took the business. He was succeeded in the store by Asa Besse, who after a few years moved

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HISTORY OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

away. Later Hiram Crowell started store again where Benja- min Burgess had kept, but after a few years discontinued. Paul Crowell also had a store quite early, and continued until his death. Levi Swift opened a store in the old school house by the Methodist Episcopal church soon after 1870. In 1885 he sold to N. H. Knowlton, who moved to the present store near the depot. Mr. Knowlton sold to B. B. Abbe & Co. in 1888, and they to the present firm of Crosby Bros. & Co. in June, 1889.

The post office on May 9, 1853, was put in the care of Isaac Keith, who was postmaster and agent of the railroad company until his death in 1870, when Isaac N. Keith was appointed postmaster and station agent, which offices he nominally continues. The present fine depot, which is also the office of Isaac N. Keith, was erected in 1887.

Liberty Hall was erected in 1879, and has a seating capacity of 250. The building committee was Nathan Nye, Hiram Crowell, I. N. Keith, H. T. Keith, J. P. Knowlton, Seth F. Swift, William R. Gibbs and B. B. Abbe.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Benjamin B. Abbe, born in 1841 in Boston, is a son of Alanson Abbe. His mother was Hepzibah, daughter of Benjamin Burgess, who was born in 1778, and died in 1864. He was a son of Elisha and Hannah (Nye) Burgess, and was a merchant in Boston from 1816 until his death. Mr. Abbe was brought up by his grandfather Bur- gess, his mother having died when he was a babe. He has been a permanent resident of Sagamore since 1864. He was married in 1863 to Emma, daughter of William Burgess. Their children are: Benja- min B., jr., Frank G. and Mary E. Mr. Abbe owns some of the real estate which was bought by Thomas Burgess in 1637, and which has continued in the family since that time.

Abbott L. Aldrich, son of Wellington Aldrich, was born in 1849 in Dover, N. H. He bought the Red Brook property and Red Brook wharf at Cataumet in 1885, and in April, 1889, he came to make his permanent residence here. He was in a restaurant in Boston seven years. He was an actor for nine years when a young man. He was married in 1877 to Mary C. Abbott. They have three sons.

Herbert C. Ames, the youngest son of Cephas I. Ames, was born in 1855 in Barnstable, and is a carpenter by trade. He was married in 1880 to Mattie, daughter of William Ellis. They have two daugh- ters.

Laureston E. Ames, born in 1839 at Nantucket, is also a son of Cephas I. and grandson of Isaac Ames. His mother was Rhoda H., daughter of Samuel Nickerson. He was at sea from 1851 to 1869. He came to Buzzards Bay in 1873, where he has been engaged with

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the Old Colony Railroad Company since that time. He was married in 1860 to Ann Herring. Their children are: Elmer E., Cephas E. and Geneva E. One daughter died.

Nathaniel Atwood, born in Wellfleet, is a son of Eleazer and grandson of Nathaniel, whose father was Eleazer. His mother was Betsey D. Harding, who was the mother of fifteen children, of whom nine are living. Mr. Atwood came to Buzzards Bay in 1877, where he has since been engaged in the oyster business. His wife was Louisa A. Newcomb.

Zamira J. Avery, born in 1849, is a son of Gilbert E. and Reliance (Taylor) Avery, grandson of John, and great-grandson of Joshua Avery. He is a moulder by trade, but since 1886 he has been en. gaged in the meat business at Pocasset. He was married in 1871 to Deborah F. Adams, who died in 1877. He was married in 1878 to Sarah F. Pulsifer. They have two sons: Watson E. and Francis B.

David H. Baker, born in 1833 in Dennis, is a son of Hiram and grandson of Zenas Baker. His mother was Rebecca, daughter of David Howes. He was at sea fifteen years. In 1868 he came from Dennis to Bourne, where he was a farmer for eighteen years, when he sold his place for a club house, and he has been a merchant since that time. He was married in 1855 to Amanda M. Bassett, who died in 1887, leaving five children.

Joshua H. Baker, born in 1842 in West Dennis, is a son of Hiram and Rebecca (Howes) Baker. He was a seafaring man until 1867, when he came to the town of Bourne, and since 1875, has lived at Buzzards Bay. He was appointed justice of the peace in 1885. He was married in 1875 to Alice F., daughter of Oliver C. Wing. Their two children are: Lila May and J. Arthur.

Captain George W. Bacon. son of Owen and grandson of Jabez Bacon, was born in Hyannis in 1825. His mother was Abigail (Burse) Bacon. He was master of vessels most of the time from 1847 to 1886. During his early seafaring life he shipped in sailing vessels, and was captain at the age of twenty-two. In 1861 he began steamshipping for United States transports, and later was coast pilot from the Brooklyn navy yard. He was on several ships, including the Colorado, the Despatch, the Wabash, and the monitor, Dictator, in which he went from New York to Key West in February, 1869. In the convoy with the monitor was the Juniata, man of war. A heavy gale was encountered off Savannah and the Juniata put in to Tiba Roads, Savannah. The captain tele- graphed to Washington that she had lost the monitor. He received a telegram to return, saying that the monitor had arrived in Key West all right, and ordering the captain of the Juniata to proceed there with all haste and report to the captain of the monitor. Captain Bacon re- turned to New York, and most of the time since has been employed

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History of Barnstable County, Massachusetts, 1620-1890, Part 38

Author: Deyo, Simeon L., ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: New York : Blake Number of Pages: 1292

Author: Deyo, Simeon L., ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: New York : Blake
Number of Pages: 1292