USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > History of Chelmsford, Massachusetts > Part 43
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Daniel I. Moody
Jefferson Wheeler
Richard W. Dummer
Thomas Newell
George Brownell
William Merriam
James Chandler
Albigence W. Fisher
Seth Chandler
Samuel Fisher
Rufus Nichols
Samuel Fucham
Stephen Webster
Maynard Bragg
Nathan Oliver
William D. Mason
Grosvenor Buttrick
William Proctor
Caleb Marvel
Cyrus Oliver
Russel Robertson
CHELMSFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT, 1914.
Minot A. Bean, Chief Arthur House, Captain D. E. Haley, Lieutenant
Ralph P. Adams
Wilhelm Johnson
George M. Seeton
Ralph W. Emerson
Victor L. Parkhurst
Hosmer W. Sweetser
Moses C. Wilson
James S. Byam
John W. Wilson
Charles House
Walter Fletcher C. G. Nickles
Anslow Spaulding
Ralph Spaulding
Roy Bliss
Arnold C. Perham
Wm. Baker Fred Russell E. Ayotte
Chas. Balser
Geo. W. Pickard
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NORTH CHELMSFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT, 1915.
Chief, Joseph D. Ryan First Assistant, James P. Dunigan Second Assistant, John H. Butterworth
Some of the old leather fire-buckets, used a century or more ago, painted in oil, with name, number and ornamental scrolls, may still be seen in our old houses, hung up as reminders of bygone days and ways.
TITHINGMEN.
In 1675, Tithingmen were required diligently to inspect the manners of all disorderly persons; to reclayme them by private admonitions or to present their names to the next magistrate or commissioner. Tithingmen were required to have a black staff of two foot long, tipped at one end with brass about three inches, as a badge of their office. In the Town records, are these items: 1698, June 20. To John Kyder for tythin mens staues . £0:4:6 1732. To Ebenezer Parker constable for making a black
stafe £0:3:0
The brass knob on one end of this staff was used to waken men who fell a-dozing in meeting, by thumping them on the head, or to correct the wicked boys; the fox tail or rabbit's foot, some- times fixed on the other end, was gently brushed against the face of sleeping women. Ordinarily, two tithingmen were chosen; in 1815, twenty-one were chosen; in 1816, there were six tithing- men and eleven hog reeves. There must have been strong need of discipline in Chelmsford. No tithingmen were chosen after 1823.
SOME OTHER TOWN OFFICERS.
Sealers of leather, measurers of wool, packers of beef, sealers of weights and measures, surveyors of boards and lumber, inspectors of lime, cullers of staves and hoops, pound keepers and other public servants were chosen, as necessity or convenience suggested.
In 1817, ten measurers of wool were chosen. In 1800, the Town chose "a committee to stand in readiness to pursue thieves in this Town."
PUTTING OUT THE "CULLERS."
the 1 day of June 1676 the selecttmen made an Agreement with George biam to cleane the mettinghouse putt out cullers and Attend both Sabath and lecttur daies as formrly hee hath don and for the yeare inseweing hee is to have 50 shillens in Corne or Cattell to be paid halfe at the last of Nouember the other halfe
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HISTORY OF CHELMSFORD
at or before the last of June foloing. In 1678 he receued 52 shillings "in toune pay," i. e. produce or anything that passed current.
The "cullers" (colors) would be the British flag-the cross of St. George and the cross of St. Andrew-the cross of St. Patrick was not added until the union of Ireland with England and Scotland in 1801. The crosses of St. George and St. Andrew were united by James I in 1603. This was the first union jack, so called from his name, Jacques. At the death of Charles I, the union was dissolved, but the union flag was restored by Cromwell, who imposed the Irish harp upon its centre. This was removed by Charles II.
DIVINE WORSHIP.
Those who neglected to attend divine worship were dealt with as shown by the following:
Grand Jury Presentments. Sessions Oct. 4, 1692.
Witnesses Solomon Keys Senr Jno. Perram Sen.
In Chelmsforth Sam. Varnum Sen. and Ezra Coburn for not attending the publick worship of god.
To ye Constable of Chelmsford.
Middx. s.s.
You are required in theire Majties Names to warn Samll Varnum and Ezra Coburn both of yor Town to personally appear at ye sessions of ye Peace to be holden at Charlestown bye Adjournment on ye 20th of Decembr Instant, then and there to answer to theire presentment by ye grand jury of ye said County of Middx for theire not attending the Publick worship of God and make return hereof under yr hand and faile not as you will answer the contrary at your peril.
Dated in Charlestown. Oct. 14, 1692 in ye 4th year of theire Majties Reign.
D. Curia Saml Phipps Clerk.
Item you are to warn Solomon Keys Senr & John Perram Senr. then and there to attend and give in Evidence in ye matter. Saml Phipps Clerk.
On the reverse of this is written:
desember 19, 1692 This may inform the honared Courte that the Constable of Chelmsford have indeuered to warn Sameull Varnum and ezra coborn to atend ther duty acording to the derection of this warant but could not come to speak with or se aighaer of the sayd persons by reson of an inar doer being shet
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and the string of the lach taken in but I red this warant in said varnum's house and left a coppy of it in the house. I have also warned Solloman Keyes sener and John perham sener to atend ther duty acording to this warant. Atest Andrew Spalding constabell for Chelmsford the mark of X Andrew spalding Constabel for Chelmsford.
Chelmsford
Desember the 20, 1692 Solloman Keyes sener and John perham se. being about sixty years of age doe testyfy hearby that Sameull varnum and Ezra Coborn have bin very remis in atending the publick worship on the sabath days Sameuell varnum have bin one sabath day at meeting at Chelmsford and one time on the sabath day at bilrica the sumer befoer the last and no moer that we could se or can heren by inquirey
Ezra Coborn have not bin at the publick worship of god on the sabath day not for one year past the date hearof.
Atest Solloman Keys sener John peram sener
On the reverse of this is written: Charlestown at ye Adjournmt Xbr. 20. 92. Sworn to by ye Evidences within in Court. Att. Saml Phipps Clerk warrent of Contempt to go out for ye offenders
A bill of charges for witneses in a mater consarning Sameuell Varnum and Ezra Coborns not atending the publick worship of god on the sabath days is as followeth
Solloman Keyes senear-six shilings John perham, sener six shilings
Chelmsford desember
Andrew Spalding constaball two shilings the 20, 1692.
SOME EARLY ILL BEHAVIOR.
The people of those early days were human, and had their differences and their failings, which might be enlarged upon, perhaps to the entertainment of the reader. But why seek to "draw their frailties from their dread abode?" Mortuis non conviciandum, et de mortuis non nisi bonum. It may be pardonable, however, to mention some things which the writer has discovered in the records, or which have been mentioned in genealogies by descendants of the persons concerned. A few early court records reveal the unlovely side of human nature. Mr. Fiske and Mr.
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HISTORY OF CHELMSFORD
Bridge had some weak parishioners, as well as some who did not care for their preaching. This is no more than might be said of any minister. Says Arthur Hildreth: When Richard Hildreth removed to Chelmsford in 1656 he was received into Mr. Fiske's church. He had a poor opinion of Mr. Fiske as a minister. He was used to better preaching in Cambridge. He expressed his opinion to Deacon Esdras Reade, who accused Hildreth, and the latter was summoned to appear before a committee, which he declined to do. In 1670, Hildreth and John Barrett obtained the signatures of those who desired the dismissal of Mr. Fiske. On a lecture day Hildreth brought the paper to Thomas Henchman, who "did manifest his utter dislike against it." At Town meeting, so the account goes, Hildreth spoke against the minister, and was cited to appear before the County Court at Cambridge on April 4th, to answer "for reproachful speech of the minister of Chelms- ford." Thomas Henchman and Abraham Parker were witnesses. Mention was made of the "very large speech" which Hildreth had made, and it appeared that his grievance was that the minister had prosecuted Josiah Fletcher, (or was it Joshua?) for a grave misdemeanor. The case seems to have come to nought. But such affairs must have stirred the community and furnished a subject for conversation, if not of controversy, among those who had not much to busy their minds.
Mr. Perham, in his address at the 250th Anniversary, said: The first man who had crossed the river [Merrimack] and settled was John Webb, alias Evered, who was an interesting character. He had been a merchant in Boston, and owned the historic spot now known as the "old corner bookstore," on the corner of School and Washington streets, which had been the home of the brilliant, but ill fated, Anne Hutchinson.
After coming here, he built his house on the north bank of the Merrimack, below what is known as the Durkee place. Chelms- ford granted him land, laid out a highway for his accommodation, and bestowed offices upon him. He was chosen deputy to the General Court in 1663, 1664 and 1665, but, alas, for human frailty! during the latter session, he was convicted of unchaste conduct at the tavern of John Vialls where he was stopping. And this is the way that they dealt with such a lapse in moral conduct in those days. He was expelled from the General Court, fined £20, deprived of his offices, civil and military, and dis- franchised. The next year, Webb, having paid his fine, "& carried it humbly & submissively, & under a due sence of his sinne," the balance of his sentence was remitted. [The Court, however, declined to reinstate him in his military office of Captain, and the Town of Chelmsford was allowed to fill his place, May 23, 1666.]
"At a Court of Assize and generall gaole delivery holden at Charlestown, 26 day of January, 1696 in the eighth year of William III, the Jurors for our Sovereign Lord the King present That
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Edward Spaulding, Jun., on the 25th day of Nov. in the present year, 1696, * * * at or near the house of Cornett Hills, Innholder * made an assault upon Ezekiel Richard- son," with fatal result. Fourteen witnesses were examined. The Grand Jury answered "ignoramus."
In 1693, Moses Fisk, brother of John, the minister, sued Nat. Hill for intruding into property formerly owned by John, now by Moses. The plaintiff gained the case.
In the records of the Court of Assistants, on appeal from the Judgment of the County Court at Charlestown, in December, 1691, is the case of Richard Stratton vers. Hezekiah Gidley for illegally possessing himself of an house and land in Chelmsford. The jury found for the defendant.
Through neglect, or otherwise, town officials got into trouble. Chelmsford was more than once fined for not having a school.
1691, Dec. 22, the selectmen of several towns appeared according to summons, and were called upon to give an account why they had not made return of their making & Committing unto the Constable the last public assessment according to the direction of the Treasurer's Warrant.
Jerathmeel Bowers one of the Selectmen of Chelmsford refusing to give Bond for his Appearance at the County Court for Middx. to Answer his neglect in not making the last Public Assessment was sent to Prison. And upon his submission the next day was discharged.
[Court Records, Vol. VI, p. 209.]
1685, 2 ffebuary, the Selectt men of Chelmsford doe impose a fine of nineten shillens sixe pence on petter proctor for his Railing and abeuciue lanage Against and before the Selectt men.
In 1712, Captain Adams had some difference with the Town as to his town right, relating, no doubt, to his mills and water supply, and the case was decided in his favor.
1712. To the cort with Capt Adams as to his town Right Major
Barron Cornett Richardson and Willam fletcher .... £13:6:4. 1712-3, March 3, voted that the toune will stand a sute with Capt Adams as to his toune Wright which he hath sued the toune for.
Voted that tow men shall be chosen to answar to Capt Adams sumonce to the town about his Right. Moses Barron & Sergt William fletcher chosen to answer to Cap Adams at Charlestown Court.
1713, June 22, voted to Presente our Appeall with Capt Adams at the General Cort ensuing.
Voted to chuse three men to answar Capt Adams at the Superior Cort on our appeal.
Voted that Moses Barron, and William Fletcher and Jonathan Richardson be the agents for the town as to Capt Adams Cause at Cort as to our appeall.
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1713, November. Voted that the Selectmen shall deliver to Capt Adams his bond for the money be hired of the toune and take Recept of sd Adams for so much received of the toune toward paying sd. Adams for Damig Recouved of sd. towne Referring to towne Rights.
A Memorial of Jonathan Richardson and several others Inhabitants of Chelmsford, setting forth that Mr. Samuel Chamberlaine a Member of this House and Representative for the said Town of Chelmsford is a Person not of an Orderly and Sober Life and Conversation, as is more particularly mentioned therein, Praying that the said Mr. Samuel Chamberlaine may not be allowed the Dignity of Sitting or Acting as a Member of this Honourable House, for the Reasons therein mentioned. Read. And the Petitioners were admitted into the House, and were heard to inforce their Petition, and the said Mr. Samuel Chamber- laine was heard also in making his Reply thereto, and then the Parties withdrew, And Mr. Samuel Chamberlaine did also with- draw. And the House having entred into the Consideration of the subject matter of the said Memorial, Voted That the Memorial be dismiss'd.
[Printed Journal of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, June 15, 1725.]
SOCIAL DISTINCTIONS.
A hundred years ago, and indeed from the first, there were two distinct classes among the people here. The rich and in- fluential, and the poor and uneducated. The social distinctions which obtained in the Mother Country ruled also in the petty provincial life of Chelmsford. There were perhaps a dozen families here whose august heads wore powdered wigs, and whose inflated chests gave motion to ruffles and laces, whose hands were half covered by frills. The working people called them "grand folks." These formed the "society" of Chelmsford, and were assigned the best seats in the meeting house, where, in marked contrast, it was not uncommon on the Sabbath to see mechanics with leather aprons as part of their regular dress.
Parson Bridge was at home in the highest society of Boston and frequently entertained State officials, whose carriages, with crested panels, rolled up to his door or that of Colonel Stoddard.
In Colonial days few persons in Massachusetts had Mr. or Mrs. prefixed to their names. These were the titles of gentlemen and professional men and their wives. Graduates of Harvard college were given the title "Sir." Sir Weld was an early school- master in Chelmsford (1702). After receiving the degree of Master of Arts a man was called Mr. Goodman and goodwife were terms used in addressing persons of a lower condition, but who were not servants. In 1734 Ebenezer Foster was paid six shillings for digging a grave for "Goody Goold."
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It would be difficult to tell just which names to include among the upper class in Chelmsford in the old days, but besides the minister, doctor, lawyer and college graduate, were the families of the larger estates upon some of which their descendants have continued until recent days or do now continue; some who have disappeared, such as Freeland, Blodgett and Pitts. Freeland lived west of Robin's hill. The Fletchers were influential and wealthy. In the early days Thomas Henchman was perhaps the most important man; Colonel Stoddard at a later period. The Spauldings, Parkers, Proctors, Bickmans, Shedds, Marshalls, the Adams family, the Parkhursts and the Daltons. It is difficult to stop naming such families, for these are not all by any means.
The Minister, Doctor and Smith were the most important and useful persons in the Town, in the order named.
APPRENTICES.
Boys were commonly taught to follow their father's trade, or were apprenticed to some one else in order to learn a trade. Girls were also apprenticed. Sometimes both boys and girls were apprenticed without expecting to learn a trade. After the develop- ment of manufactures and commerce, and the opening of textile mills the young people began to leave the country districts for the mill towns, and the apprentice system fell into disuse. The law regarded slaves and apprentices as involuntary servants.
The following indentures will illustrate the custom of appren- ticing young people.
(Deeds are of two kinds, deeds poll and indentures-the former binding only one person or group of persons; the latter being a bilateral contract, two or more parties becoming mutually bound by it. Deeds of the latter sort were formerly written in duplicate on the same piece of paper or parchment which was then cut so as to separate them by an indented and irregular line, whereby their indentity could afterwards be established. Encyclopaedia.)
INDENTURE.
This Indenture Witnesseth that Andrew Bettey of Chelms- ford in the County of Middlesex in the Province of the Massa- chusetts Bay in Newingland, Wever, hath putt his son Andrew Bettey Apprentice to Samuel Adams of the sd Chelmsford in the County and Province aforesd., yeoman, and Esther his wife, to serve them from the Day of the date hereof for and during the full term of four years next ensuing. During all which Time the sd. Apprentice his sd. Master and Mistress faithfully shall serve, their secrets keep, their lawfull commands gladly everywhere obey. He shall do no damage to his sd. Master & Mistress, nor see it done by others without letting or giving notice thereof to his sd. Master & Mistress. He shall not wast there goodes nor lend
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them unlawfully to any. He shall not commit fornication nor contract matrimony within the sd. Term. At Cardes, Dice or any other unlawfull game he shall not play. whereby his sd. Master or Mistress may be damageed with there own goods or the goods of others. He shall not absent himself Day nor Night from there service without there leave, nor haunt taverns and ale houses. but in all things be have himself as a faithfull apprentice ought to do during sd. term. And the sd. Master and Mistress shall teach or cause him to be Instructed so as to Reed well and Write and Cypher, if capable of Lerning, and provide for him sufficient meat, drink, apparrel, washing and lodging, both in sickness and in health, fitting for an apprentice during sd. term, and at the end of sd. term of time to give to the sd. apprentice two goode sutes of apparrel (i. e.) one sute new, fitt for Sun Days, the other fitt for the working days, and also to give the sd. apprentice Thirteen pounds, six shillings and eight pence, lawfull mony at the end of sd. term of time. And for the trew performance of euerry of the sd. Covenants and agreements either of the sd. parties bind them selves to each other by these presents.
In Witness where of they have interchangably sett there hands and seales this second day of January, anno Domini, 1758, and in the thirty-first year of his Majesties Reign, &c. Signed Sealled and Delivered His
in the presence of us James Heywood Sarah Heywood
Andrew A Bettey (seal) Mark Andrew Bettey (seal)
ANDREW BATTIES'S INDENTURE OF ABIGAL DUTTON.
This Indenture made the twelfth Day of January Anno Domini one thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Seven; Witnesseth that we Ephraim Spaulding, Oliver Barron, Aaron Chamberlin, Gentlemen Joseph Peirce Junr. and Joseph Adams Junr. yeomans All of Chelmsford in the County of Middlesex, Selectmen of the sd. Town of Chelmsford and overseers of the poor of the Said Town; by and with the Assent of two of his Majes- ties Justices of the peace for the Sd. County, whose Names are here unto Subscribed, have put and placed, and by these presents, do put and place Abigal Dutton, a poor Child of the said Town, Daughter of James Dutton late of Chelmsford aforesd. Deceased; Apprentice to Andrew Batties of Sd. Chelmsford yeoman; and to Mary Batties his wife, with them to Dwell and serve from the Date hereof. Untill the Said Apprentice Shall accomplish her full age of Eighteen years; Dureing all which term the said Appren- tice her said Master and Mristress faithfully Shall Serve in all Lawfull Business according to her Power; witt and ability; and honestly orderly and obediently in all things Demean and Behave herself towards her said Master and Mristress, and all theirs Dureing the Said term; And the Said Andrew Batties
A GLIMPSE OF HEART POND
No. 24
BAPTIST CHURCH, SOUTH CHELMSFORD
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for himself, his Executors and administrators; doth covenant and Grant to, and with the Said Selectmen and overseers of the poor, and Every of them, their and Every of their Executors and Administrators and their, and Every of their Successors in the Said office; for the time being by these presents; that he and the Said Mristress Shall use the Utmost of their Endeavours to teach and Instruct; or cause her sd. apprentice to be Instructed in Reading &c .; and to teach and Instruct her in the Art, and Business of Spinning, and all other Common houshold work of womens Imployments; and also to provide for the Said Ap- prentice, Sutable and Sufficient meat, Drink, Apparrel, washing, and Lodging, in Sickness and health Doctering, Nursing &c, in case of Sickness, fitting and Sutable for an Apprentice Dureing the Said term; And at the End of the Said term of time to give and deliver to her the Said Apprentice two Good Suits of Apparrel; the one Sueite New, fitt for Sundays; the other Suite Good, fitt for working days; In Witness whereof the Parties first above Named to these present Indentures, their hands and Seals have Interchangably Set the Day and year first above written
Signed, Sealed, and delivered his Andrew A Batties (seal) Mark
in presence of us Samuel Howard
Silas Richardson
Middlesex S. S. Chelmsford January 16th. 1767
We Oliver Fletcher & William Stickney Esqrs. two of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for the County of Middlesex within mentioned do hereby-Declare our Assent to the putting forth, and Binding out the within Named-Abigal Dutton Apprentice to the Said Andrew Batties according to the Intent and Meaning of the Indenture within written
Oliver Fletcher Wm. Stickney ? Just. Pacs.
HOMES, SCHOOLS.
There were few painted houses, even one hundred years ago. Red ochre was cheap and some used it. An article in Rees's Cyclopædia claims that in most cases the use of paint accelerates the destruction of every species of wood to which it is applied.
Families were large, and lived entirely upon farm products. Everything used on the farm and in the home was made there as a rule, and brewing, baking, spinning and weaving were household industries, also the making of tallow dips, the curing of meats and preparing other articles of food. Where there were smooth board floors they were sanded, and sometimes fancy figures were marked out upon them. It was not uncommon on large farms to have a tanning vat, a forge, a carpenter's bench, and other useful adjuncts. Cider mills were numerous. In Chelmsford a dozen might be
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counted within a mile. Cider and rum loosened tongues, which were sometimes not as civil as they are now. The minister had occasionally to take cutting jokes and allusions.
The first settlers in Massachusetts were well educated; the next generation had little opportunity for learning; and although schools were made compulsory in towns, the common people received a scanty education, compared with that of today.
Some of the farmers could read and write with difficulty. There were some who made their mark instead of signing their names. When they were boys they had sat in school and whittled the desk or planned practical jokes. Part of the year at least the farmers had more leisure in the early days, and it was not unusual for eight or ten of them to gather in some neighbor's kitchen and talk most of the morning.
The early schoolhouses were so built as to need no modern system of ventilation. There were no clapboards on their sides; one could almost thrust one's hand through the wall. The stove in one of them, a century ago, is described as built of brick, with a sheet iron top, and in it cord wood was stood on end to burn. The ink often froze. Quill pens were used, and there were frequent requests: "Teacher, mend my pen! Teacher, mend my pen!" Children were not trained in personal neatness, as they are now, and conditions were unsanitary; they went barefoot six or seven months in the year. When the children went to meeting, they walked barefoot, carrying their shoes (and stockings if they had any) in their hands until quite near the meeting house, when they would stop by the wayside and put them on. This saved shoe leather. Great economy was necessary in everything. It was not uncommon in the cold winters for a child to come into school with a frozen ear or nose, which an application of snow would generally relieve. Eighty or a hundred years ago there was often five feet of snow on the ground; people would have sometimes to tunnel through a drift to get out of the door in the morning. Sometimes there would be a crust on the snow that would almost hold up a horse. Teams would go across lots, or brush would be stuck along the sides of the roads for guides. Ox teams would come at night to take the children home from school. The hungry youngsters might find their mother drawing the luscious bean pot from the brick oven, with the brown bread of rye and Indian. When not in school, children had to be useful. One boy remembers how he used to get up at 2 o'clock in the morning to drive a load of wood from District No. 5 to Lowell over Pine Hill (there was no Littleton road then) in time to meet the mill operatives who came out for breakfast, to sell his wood, and get home again by half-past nine, then go to Westford and load up in the afternoon for the next day. Nobody burned coal in those days. There was plenty of wood. Pine and chestnut trees, as big around as hogsheads, were split up for cordwood.
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