History of Barnstable County, Massachusetts, 1620-1890, Part 96

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 96

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).

The Satucket Lodge of Good Templars, organized in June, 1888, meet in Florence Hall, over C. F. Nickerson's store. The present membership is sixty-nine. The worthy chief templars have been Willie L. Killey, Ebenezar Weekes, 2d, and Albertus Small.

West Harwich is situated in the southwestern part of the town, and lies on both sides of the Herring river. The west part of the village is the most thickly settled. The people here were early engaged in the fishery, and most of the men are yet engaged in seafaring pur- suits. This part of the town was not very early settled, on account of its remoteness, and the difficulty of getting to the neighborhood. The first to settle within the town line, west of the river, so far as is now known, was William Chase, son of John Chase. He settled at the mouth of the river. He was soon followed by Samuel Smith, who erected a house near where Amos Smith's house stands, For some years these two settlers were the only residents the west side of the river. The early settlers on the east side were located in the Snow neighborhood. They were Benjamin Hall, who went to Connecticut;

RESIDENCE OF D. R. GINN, M. D., West Harwich, Mass.

GIN

GINN'S BAZAAR, Dennis Port, Mass.

لنسبة

859

TOWN OF HARWICH.

William Gray, who went to New York State about 1746, and Dea. Na- thaniel Doane, who settled upon Gray's farm, and his only son, Eli- jah Doane.

The building of the bridge over the river, near Job Chase's house, in 1804, and the throwing open a public way from the Dennis line to the bridge, in 1808, by Job Chase, sr., through his lands, aided much the growth of the place, especially on the west side.

Vessel building on the river and near its mouth commenced early after the beginning of the present century, and was continued at times until 1848. Among the number built, of which mention has been made, were the Hope and Polly, built for Job Chase, sr., in 1805; the Doreas, built on the east side of Herring river, by Patrick Kelley, in 1817; the Superb Hope, for Job Chase, jr., and Sears Chase, in 1824; the Experiment, for Isaac Bee, in 1830, near his house, and also the schooner Triumph, and the Job Chase, in 1848. The latter was a schooner of about seventy tons. It was built by Anthony Thacher for Job Chase, at a place on the west side of the river, south of Erastus Chase's house, called the "Snake Hole." This was the last vessel built in Harwich. Mr. Chase was actively engaged in the fishery dur- ing most of his life, as was his father, bearing the same name. He had a store for many years, near the river, a little to the eastward of Erastus Chase's store.

The post office here was established in 1827. The first postmaster was Elijah Chase, appointed January 6th, of that year. His successor was Samuel P. Bourne, appointed May 20, 1841. Mr. Bourne resigned in 1843, having been appointed cashier of the Falmouth Bank, and Anthony Kelley was appointed November 17. Mr. Kelley resigned in 1848, and was succeeded by David H. Small, appointed July 20. Anthony K. Chase, appointed December 23, 1856, succeeded Mr. Small, and was followed by Erastus Chase in 1861. Charles H. Kelley suc- ceeded Mr. Chase in 1885, and Henry C. Berry succeeded Mr. Kelley in 1889.

The only public house here for many years, was kept by Isaiah Baker. The site is marked by the house of James W. Eldridge, a few rods west of the Baptist meeting house. In 1SS1 Ozias C. Baker opened the Central House, which is now kept by him. In 1883, William P. Baker, his son, started a livery stable in connection with the hotel; and it is the terminus of his express and stage route from North Harwich railroad station through Dennis Port to this village.

Among those who have stores in the village, are: Erastus Chase, dealer in clothes and groceries; Henry C. Robbins, Davis Lothrop, jr., and C. H. Kelley.

The largest building in the village is Ocean Hall, near the Dennis line. This hall was erected in 1865, costing about seven thousand

-860

HISTORY OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

dollars. Bartlett White, of Yarmouth, was the builder. The first story contains the public hall, the second story is occupied by Mount Horeb Lodge, of Freemasons, and the Sylvester Baxter Chapter, and the third story is used for a dining room. The lodge room was fur- nished at an expense of about fifteen hundred dollars, and dedicated December 25, 1865. Rev. Dr. Quint, of New Bedford, delivered the dedicatory address.

Mount Horeb Lodge of Freemasons was constituted, December 25, 1855. The following officers, representing the Grand Lodge, were in attendance: Sylvester Baxter, M. W. G. M .; Rufus S. Pope, D. G. M .; A. C. Nickerson, G. S. W .; H. W. Rugg, J. G. W. The marshal for the occasion was Anthony Kelley. The officers for the year ending December, 1856, installed were: Nehemiah D. Kelley, W. M .; Joseph K. Baker, S. W .; William E. Ansel, J. W .; Anthony Kelley, jr., secy .; Remark Chase, treas .; Samuel D. Chase, S. D .; Benjamin W. Eldridge, J. D .; and Anthony Kelley, marshal. The masters of the lodge have been: N. D. Kelley, Joseph K. Baker, Anthony K. Chase, Veranus Nickerson, Ozias C. Baker, Benjamin P. Sears, Abner L. Ellis, Luther Fisk, David Fisk, Erastus Chase. Sylvester Baker, Sylvester F. Baker, and Henry H. Fisk. The secretary of the lodge in 1889 was James B. Hopkins.

The Sylvester Baxter Chapter meets in Mount Horeb Lodge room. The charter bears date December 7, 1870. The principal officers the first year were: N. D. Kelley, H. P .; Joseph K. Baker, K .; Watson B. Kelley, sec. The principal officers of 1889 were: John E. Hamer, H. P .: Henry H. Fisk, K .; and Erastus Chase, S. Charles H. Kelley has been secretary during eleven years of the existence of the chapter. Besides the above, who acted as H. P. since the chapter was instituted, was Abiathar Doane. The members are scattered over the adjoining towns.

North Harwich is the post office designation of the village in the northwestern part of the town. This part of the town was early known, as here was built the first grist mill in the south part of the old town. It stood upon the Herring river, and was known as Hall's mill. The site is now marked by the Ryder's mill. It was owned by Samuel Hall, the first resident here, sometime before 1700. A short distance north of this mill, on the river, stood the cotton and woolen factory, removed from South Harwich in 1825, and again removed in 1851; and also the grist mill and mill for carding wool. The site of these mills is marked by Rogers' mill. Below Hall's mill, or " Mid- dle mill," as it was sometimes called, was Kelley's mill. Near the site of this grist mill, in 1867, was erected the tap and die factory, which was burned in December, 1868. Near by was shortly after erected the building for making safety sectional boilers, under the superin-

861

TOWN OF HARWICH.

tendence of B. F. Bee, the inventor, who also was superintendent of the tap and die factory. The village now contains two houses of worship and one school house. The railroad station for accommoda- tion of Dennis Port and West Harwich, is situated in the western part of the village.

Stores here were formerly kept by Ebenezar Kelley, Nathan Fos- ter, Sheldon Crowell and Elijah B. Sears. The present stores are kept by Richard Baker and J. C. Baker.

The first public house in this section of the town, so far as is now known, was opened here. It was first known as Downe's tavern, and afterward as Howes' tavern. The site is now marked by John E. Ry- der's house.

The Baptist meeting house stood in this place up to 1828, when it was removed to West Harwich. The old cemetery of this society is near the site of the meeting house. It has been enlarged, and is now occupied as the cemetery of the village.

The post office was established here in 1862, with Sheldon Crowell as postmaster. He was succeeded in 1867 by Elijah B. Sears, who was followed by Mrs. E. B. Sears. Mrs. Sears was succeeded by Jonathan Burgess. Joseph Raymond succeeded Mr. Burgess, and James C. Baker followed Mr. Raymond.

Pleasant Lake is the post office designation of the settlement at, and near the west end of Long pond, and at Hinckley's pond. The first postmaster was Patrick F. Cahoon. He died a few years after his appointment, and Alvin H. Bassett, the present postmaster, was appointed. The Old Colony railroad passes through this place, and has a flag station near the post office. The people of this vicinity have a small house of worship, called the "Free Methodist Chapel," situ- ated on Queen Anne's road, so called, built in 1880, and a school house near by. Cranberry culture is the business the people are mostly en- gaged in. Here resides Alvin Cahoon, the first to experiment in cran- berry culture. It is also the residence of Cyrus Cahoon, a prom- inent cranberry grower, who early engaged in the business. This place was early settled. Among the first residents were Thomas Hinckley, Micah Philips, Reuben Philips, James Severance and James Cahoon .*

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Edward B. Allen, born in 1823, is the second son of James, grand- son of Seth, and great-grandson of John Allen. His mother was Bet- tie Baker. Mr. Allen followed the sea from 1837 to 1SS0, as master thirty-four years. He was married in 1846, to Mehitabel Doane. She died in 1878. They had four children: Susan D., Lora F., Ella and

-* Mr. Paine is not responsible for the remaining portion of this chapter .- Ed.

862

HISTORY OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

James E., who was lost at sea. Mr. Allen was married again in 1882, to Mary E. Phillips. Mr. Allen's grandfather, Seth Allen, was a rev- olutionary soldier. He was discharged in New York at the close of the war and walked home, with the other privates, arriving before the officers, who rode their horses. Mr. Allen has the wills of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather. John Allen gave five acres each, under and around their several dwelling houses, to his four sons: William, Seth, Paine and Elisha.

Mark Allen, the carpenter, born in 1846, is a son of William and Marana (Small) Allen, and grandson of William and Tabitha (Kelley) Allen. Since October, 1886, he has had charge of the Harwich town farm. He was married in 1876, to Lizzie, daughter of James Scott.

Joseph N. Atkins, son of Prince and Betsey (Nickerson) Atkins, and grandson of Thomas and Tabitha Atkins, was born in 1844. He fellowed the sea from 1855 to 1879, and since that time has been en- gaged in cranberry culture. He was married in 1869, to Clara, daugh- ter of Alvin and Clarissa (Young) Cahoon. They have two children: J. Berlie and Alice May.

James C. Baker, born in 1860, is a son of James, grandson of James and great-grandson of Anthony Baker. Mr. Baker is a machinist by trade. He opened a grocery store at North Harwich in 1886, and since 1888 he has been the postmaster there. He was married in 1886, to Annie L. Taylor. Their son, Benjamin, was born in 1887.

Joseph G. Baker, born May 23, 1842, is a son of Joseph O. and a grandson of Joseph, whose father was Anthony Baker. Mr. Baker has been a mariner since 1856, and since 1863 has been master. He was married in 1869, to Abbie F. Nickerson. They have five children: Orlando N., Abbie S., Josephine R., Phineas O. and Walter N.

Ozias C. Baker was a son of Isaiah and grandson of Isaiah Baker. He was married to Data K., daughter of Elijah Chase. She died in 1886, leaving one son, William P., born June 13, 1866, married in 1885, to Lura B. Bisbee, and has one son, Ozias C., jr.

Theophilus B. Baker, born in 1830, is a son of Joseph and Cather- ine (Ellis) Baker, and grandson of Anthony Baker. He was a mariner from the age of eleven to thirty-six years. He was married in 1852, to Camelia H. Allen. They have two children: Theophilus B., jr., and K. Florence.

Alvin N. Bassett, son of Ephraim and Reliance (Nickerson) Bas- sett, and grandson of Daniel and Joanna Bassett, was born in 1836. He followed the sea until 1878, and has since been engaged in cran- berry culture. He was married in 1858, to Emily, daughter of Pat- rick F. Cahoon. They have one son, Alvin H., who has been post- master, station agent and merchant at Pleasant Lake since 1883.

John F. Bassett, son of John A. and grandson of Josiah Bassett,

Obece Brookes In.

S63

TOWN OF HARWICH.

was born in 1856. He has been carpenter for the Old Colony Rail- road Company for two years. He was married in 1878, to Deborah, daughter of Carmi H. and Deborah Ann (Bassett) Nichols, who died in 1862. They have one daughter, Sarah J. Mr. Nichols married for his second wife Susan S., daughter of Josiah Bassett, jr. Mr. Nichols went to sea until 1872. Since 1873 he has been carpenter for the Old Colony Railroad Company.

Benjamin F. Bee, son of Isaac and Mercy (Nickerson) Bee, and grandson of Isaac Bee, was born in 1825. and is a machinist by trade. In 1866 he built a shop near his residence. He has made several im- portant inventions, such as the safety section boiler. the relief tap, universal button fastener, a cranberry picker, and others. He was engineer in the Union navy from 1862 to 1865. He was married in December, 1848, to Amelia S., daughter of Zebina H. Small. They have had three children: Isaac N. (deceased), Benjamin F., jr .. and Amelia S.

Henry C. Berry, born in 1833, is a son of James and Basheba (Nickerson) Berry, and grandson of Judah Berry. He began going to sea in 1842, continuing until 1885, and was master twenty-six years. He was married in 1884, to Mrs. Marinda N. Berry, daughter of Free- man Smith.

OBED BROOKS, JR .- Beriah Broadbrooks, the ancestor of the Broad- brooks and Brooks family, was a settler after 1700. He was twice married. His first wife was Abigail Severance, daughter of Joseph and Martha Severance, to whom he was married November 17, 1700. She died about 1742. He died after 1762. He had, it is certain. nine children, viz .: John, Martha, Joseph, Beriah, Maria, Ebenezar, Wil- liam, Desire and Mary.

Ebenezar Broadbrooks, the son, born in 1717, married Lydia Smalley, daughter of Jonathan and Damaris Smalley, in 1747, and settled upon the spot where the house of the late Ezekiel Wentworth stands, where his father Beriah had resided. He removed in the latter years of his life to the house of his son, Ebenezar, standing a few rods eastward of the Brooks' mansion, on the south side of the« road, where he died in the eighty-sixth year of his age, April 20, 1802. His wife, Lydia, died March 3, 1802, in her seventy-eighth year. They were both members of the Congregational church, he uniting in 1766, the first year of Mr. Mill's pastorate. He had six children; Hannah, who married Daniel Chase; Ebenezar, born December 19, 1750; Eleanor, who married Benjamin Hall; Lydia, who married Nathaniel Robbins; Nathan; and Sylvia, who married first Nehemiah Nickerson, and 2d Benjamin Nickerson.

Ebenezar Broadbrooks, the son of Ebenezar and Lydia Broad- brooks, born in 1750, was a man of prominence. He was selectman

864

HISTORY OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

of the town twenty years, representative six years, justice of peace twenty-five years, postmaster sixteen years, and parish clerk and treasurer many years. He married Tamesin Hall, daughter of Seth and Elizabeth Hall, February 2, 1775. He first resided on the south side of the road where his father died; but building a house on the opposite side of the road, upon the farm he purchased of Samuel Ellis in 1798, he there resided until his death, which took place February 4, 1828. His wife, Tamesin, died January 1, 1828. Mr. Broadbrooks and family took the name of Brooks by legislative enactment in 1806. He was the principal merchant in town for many years before 1800. His children by wife, Tamesin, were: Naomi, who married Calvin Gifford; Ruth, who married John Hall; Obed; Roxana, who married Ebenezar Weekes, jr .; Asenath, who married Levi Snow; Tamesin, who died unmarried in 1807; Lucy, who married Enoch E. Harding; Ebenezar; Seth; and Sabra, who married Benjamin K. Hall.

Obed Brooks, son of Ebenezar and Tamesin Brooks, was born Jan- uary 27, 1781, and married for his first wife, Sally, daughter of Eben- ezar and Barbara Weekes in 1807. She died December 21, 1836. He married for his second wife, Asenath, widow of Captain Theophilus Burgess, June 23, 1839. He died August 4, 1856. His children by wife Sally were: Sidney, born November 14, 1807, died July 11, 1809; Obed, born August 21, 1809; Roxana, born March 5, 1811, married Stephen G. Davis; Sidney, born April 5, 1813, who married Susan S. Whittaker, and died in Boston, March 25, 1887; a daughter January 10, 1816, died January 24, 1816; Harriet N., born May 10, 1817, died April 3, 1876; Tamesin; and a son, Gem, born February 3, 1821, the latter of whom died soon; Henry Cobb, born May 16, 1824, died in Boston, May 28, 1886, a well known merchant; Sarah Godfrey, born January 27, 1827; and a daughter born November, 1832, who died soon after. By his second wife, Asenath, he had one son, Horace, who was lost at sea while master of the bark Aurelia, in 1874, leaving a wife and children. Of the members of Mr. Brooks' large family only Miss Tamesin and Sarah G. Brooks survive. Like his father, Mr. Brooks was a man of prominence. He held many official positions in the town and county. He was town clerk and treasurer twenty-six years, postmaster from 1821 to 1856, justice of the peace thirty-five years, and many years inspector of the port of Harwich. He was county commissioner from the establishment of the office in 1828 to 1837. Mr .. Brooks and wife, Sally, were both members of the Congregational church. In politics he was of the Jeffersonian school, as was his father.

Obed Brooks, son of Obed and Sally Brooks, whose engraved like- ness appears on the opposite page, was born in Harwich, August 21, 1809. Deciding upon entering the mercantile business, he went to

T'TT -

1 1

865

TOWN OF HARWICH.

Boston in April, 1826, and entered as a clerk, the store of Thompson & Willey, No. 57 Long wharf. With them he remained until 1830, when he became a deputy wharfinger, on Long wharf, under Elijah Loring. Here he remained until 1831, when he entered business at No. 57 Long wharf, with Thomas Rand, under the firm of Rand & Brooks. They dissolved partnerships in 1833, when Mr. Brooks returned to his native village, and entered his father's store, and com- menced business under the firm of Obed Brooks & Co. He relin- quished the business in 1856, to become the cashier of the Bank of Cape Cod, just established, and also treasurer of the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank then going into operation. Mr. Brooks retired from his position in the former, which had now become the Cape Cod National Bank. in 1865, and from his position in the latter in 1880. He was appointed one of the commissioners to examine Cape Cod harbor in 1852, and the same year by Governor Boutwell, was appointed commissioner of the Mashpee Indians.

He was elected in 1852 town clerk and treasurer, but held the offices only one term. He was postmaster four years, succeeding his father in 1854. He held the offices of justice of the peace and notary public many years. He was the efficient clerk and treasurer of the Congregational society for nearly a quarter of a century. In all the movements for public improvements in the town he took an active part. The erection of the church edifice in the village, in 1832, and its renovation in 1854, the establishment of the two banks in 1855, and the extension of the railroad from Yarmouth were largely due to his influence, and determined and persistent effort.

He married for his first wife Miss Clementine Guigon, daughter of Peter Guigon at Boston, January 22, 1836. She was a native of Montauban, France. She died at Harwich, June 14, 1847. For his second wife, he married Susan Dodge of Harwich, daughter of Dr. Franklin Dodge. His daughter, Mary Frances, born September 13, 1837, married Rev. James McLean in 1864, and died in the same house in which she was born, October 9, 1887, leaving five children: Helen C., James Walter, Henry B., Lewis G. and Ralph D. Mr. Brooks died November 18, 1882.

Freeman E. Burgess, son of Freeman E. and Theresa (Small) Burgess and grandson of Michael Burgess, was born in 1836, and be- gan going to sea at the age of seven years. From 1857 to 1879 he was master mariner. He was married in 1857 to Laura F., daughter of Joseph C. and Betsey Berry of Harwich.

Rufus P. Butler® was born in 1843. He is the eldest son of Lor- enzo' and Mary Ann (Pease) Butler and grandson of Freeman® (Daniels, Gamaliel', John3, Captain John', Nicholas Butler'). Mr. Butler followed the sea from 1857 to 1887 in the fishing and merchant

866

HISTORY OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

service, excepting three years (1864-5-6), when he was in the United States navy. Since 1887 he has been a fruit grower and farmer. He was married in 1873 to Huldah P., daughter of Isaac G. and Huldah Eldridge. Their daughter is Sarah E. S.

CYRUS CAHOON, Esq., whose engraved likeness is presented on the opposite page, was born in the eastern part of Harwich January 21, 1810. His business career was commenced on the seas at the age of eleven years. By activity and perseverance he soon rose to the command of a vessel, but after many years in seafaring business he retired and engaged in business at home, in which he has been very successful. The cranberry culture has engaged his attention since 1847, the year in which he began to set vines, and by close attention he has become one of the most successful cranberry growers in the county. Besides attending to his cranberry land he has found time to devote his attention to other affairs. He was for many years in the wood business, a number of years an auctioneer, real estate agent and justice of the peace, and was for twenty-one years officially con- nected with the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank. He was one of the commissioners appointed in 1871 to examine and define the boundaries of all lands rightfully held by individual owners in the town of Mashpee, and properly describe and set forth the same in writing, with authority to divide and sell at public auction the com- mon lands, excepting meadow and hay land; also one of the commis- sioners appointed in 1878 to divide the proceeds of the sale of public lands of said town among those entitled to the same, and also one of the commissioners appointed in 1882 to divide the meadow and hay ground among those desiring portions, and sell the remaining portion at public auction, and divided the proceeds among those entitled to receive the same. He has now retired from business life, in which he has been so long actively and successfully engaged.

Mr. Cahoon married Lettice Cahoon, daughter of James and Let- tice (Bassett) Cahoon, July 20, 1830. To them have been born nine children, viz .: Cyrus, who died in infancy; Lettice M., born July 26, 1833, who married Joshua Maker; Cyrus C., born October 24, 1835, who married Mary Walker of Brewster November 28, 1856; Cyrenius B., born November 30, 1837, who married Lucy F. Snow of Brewster, and died January 1, 1860; Clement A., born May 25, 1839, who mar- ried Emma L. Rodman, July 31, 1865; Chester F., born January 29, 1841, who was lost overboard from the ship Amos Lawrence off Cape Horn, October 18, 1860; Letitia P., born March 21, 1845, and Lucretia D., born June 19, 1848, who married Paddock Small, April 7, 1880, and died June 29, 1889. Mrs. Cahoon, the mother, born January 9, 1808, and the only living member of her father's large family, yet survives in feeble health.

Cyrus bation N

867

TOWN OF HARWICH.

Mr. Cahoon is descended from William Cahoon, an early settler of the town, who resided near or on the spot where the house of the late Allen Kenney stood, and who died in 1768, leaving his wife Sarah and five sons and four daughters. His youngest son, Reuben, born about 1737, had two sons, Jesse and John. Jesse Cahoon, his son, born March 10, 1763, married Thankful Bassett of Chatham in 1781, by whom he had seven children. After her death he married the widow of his brother John, and resided in South Barnstable, where he died in June, 1830. His second son, Simeon, born January 14. 1785, married Priscilla Linnell, daughter of Thomas of Orleans, Janu- ary 21, 1802, and had seven children. Their third child and second son is the Cyrus Cahoon of this sketch.

Emulous A. Cahoon, born in 1848, is a son of Alvan and grandson of James and Lettice Cahoon. He has three brothers and one sister: Samuel S., Benjamin G., James F. and Clara. Mr. Cahoon followed the fishing business until 1876, and since then has been engaged in cranberry culture. He was married in 1876, to Lucy F., daugh- ter of Eben Eldridge, jr. They have two children: Eva A. and Herbert R.

Patrick H. Cahoon, born in 1843, is a son of Patrick F. and Anna (Small) Cahoon, and grandson of James Cahoon. Mr. Cahoon is en- gaged in cranberry culture and land surveying. He married Eliza K. Paine, who died leaving two children: Clenric H. and Oscar J. His second marriage was to Carie A. Woodward. They have two children: Harry S. and Eliza E.

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.

History of Barnstable County, Massachusetts, 1620-1890, Part 96

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