USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Dracut > History of Dracut, Massachusetts, called by the Indians Augumtoocooke and before incorporation, the wildernesse north of the Merrimac. First permanment settlement in 1669 and incorporated as a town in 1701 > Part 10
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105
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PROVINCE LINE
1741 Mitchells Boundary Pine Latitude 42°-41'-50, 26" Longitude 71°-19' -- 22, 02"
On the west side is to be seen :
The Royal Decree Establishing the Northern Boundary of Massachusetts was dated Aug 5 1740 George Mitchell Located the Eastern Section
of the line and Richard Hazen the Western Section Mar. & April 1741
On the south side :
D Mass 1890 Henry Carter George Whitney
Edw. B. Savage Commissioners Nelson Spofford Surveyor 1825-7 Samuel Dana David Cummings Ivers Jewett Commissioners Butler & Varnum Surveyors.
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HISTORY OF DRACUT
On the north side :
P. N. H. 1890 John J. Bell
Nath1 H. Clark
C. H. Roberts Commissioners E. T. Quimby Surveyor. 1825 Samuel Bell Henry B. Chase Samuel Dinsmore Commissioners Elijhalet Hunt Surveyor.
From this monument to the sea, neat monuments were erected at the angles of the line and at road crossings and the rough stone posts removed.
The following year (1891), a survey was made of the western part of the line to the southwest corner of New Hamp- shire. The commissioners agreed to recommend to the Legisla- tures of their respective states the passing of an act accepting this line, which was the line run by Hazzen so far as could be ascertained, and establishing it as the future line of jurisdiction between the states. This action was taken and thus the controversy was brought to an end.
A portion of the report of the commissioners presented in 1899, at the close of the work, will convey the feeling of satisfac- tion which existed not only among the commissioners, but also among the people of the two states :
"In reporting the final termination of a long contention be- tween the two states lasting over two hundred years, it is gratify- ing to record the fact that the settlement of the disputed line is mutually satisfactory and has ended with the most harmonious
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ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PROVINCE LINE
feeling on both sides, in strong contrast to the bitter feelings which were engendered between the two Provinces at the be- ginning of the controversy."
EDWARD B. SAVAGE GEORGE W. CATE FRANK W. HODGDON Commissioners for Massachusetts."
This establishment of the Province line has been recorded for the purpose of showing why the former territory of Dracut was divided and why the Boundary Pine monument was located in its present position. It appears to be an appropriate chapter to place on record in the history of Dracut.
CHAPTER VI
EARLY WARS
IN 1754 commenced the war between France and England for the supremacy of North America. Canada was then in the possession of France, and that country, aided by the Canadian Indians, sought to invade the English Colonies on the south. On the continent of Europe both nations were engaged in war, with allies on either side. Peace was finally concluded in 1763, leaving the English in possession of Canada. In fighting the Indians, while military discipline was of great value, to be successful, a soldier must adopt the methods of the enemy to some extent. In King Philip's war the colonists learned the lesson of Indian fighting which, in the later wars against the French, was of great value to them, as the Indians were allies of the French. The Indians would never engage in battle if they could avoid doing so. Their manner of fighting was by the sud- den surprise, the treacherous ambush and the destruction of property. If the first rush was successful, a massacre followed ; if unsuccessful, they seldom rallied to a second attack. The colonists at first were not accustomed to such methods, but soon learned that to be successful they must adopt the Indian manner of warfare. Braddock endeavored to overcome them by the rules of war which had been successful while opposed to enemies, who also had military discipline, and his troops were helpless and de- feated. Washington, as his aide, knew how to oppose them and covered the retreat from the fatal field known in history as Braddock's Defeat.
When Samuel Varnum and Edward Colburn came from Ipswich, they were ignorant of the urgent need of protection against the roving bands of Indians, but after one or two attacks, they learned that garrison houses, stockades and soldiers were indispensable. These garrisons were recognized by the authori- ties as valuable for defence, and whenever assistance was re- quired, on account of a threatened invasion by the savages, the garrisons would be strengthened by men and provisions.
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EARLY WARS
The first Dracut settler to hold a military office was Edward Colburn, who, with Samuel Varnum, settled in this vicinity in 1669. He held the office of corporal. In the war known as the French and Indian War, Dracut men participated, although there was not a sufficient number to form a company, but one was formed from several adjacent towns. It consisted originally of sixty members, but only forty-seven were mustered in by the enrolling officer. Nineteen were enlisted men, twenty-two were hired, and six were impressed. The list included men from Dunstable, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Dracut, Billerica, Bedford, Westford, Wilmington, Groton and Townsend in this state, and "Derryfield," "Souhegan West" Hollis, Peterboro and London- derry in New Hampshire. One from Mutilone, which town is not identified.
This list is in existence but Dracut and Chelmsford names only will be mentioned. The list bears the following title :
"A list of Captain Jonathan Butterfields Mens Names ages Places Born Place of Rezedents Occupation Dated at Fort Edwards July ye 26 A. D. 1756.
Capt. Jonathan Butterfield 43 Chelmsford Dunstable Hus- bandman.
Levtt Stephen Adams 42 Chelmsford Dunstable. Husbandman. Sergant Robert Butterfield 40 Chelmsford Westford Hus- bandman.
Corpril Benjamin Butterfield 20 Chelmsford Chelmsford Hus- bandman Inlisted.
Corpril John Warren 23 Chelmsford Chelmsford Husbandman hired.
Drumer Charles Barrons 26 Chelmsford Chelmsford Cooper hired.
Nathaniel Butterfield 45 Chelmsford Chelmsford Husbandman hired.
William Bowers 19 Chelmsford Chelmsford Labour Inlisted. Zebulun Buttman 19 Beverly Chelmsford Cordwainer Inlisted. Edward Colburn 30 Dracout Pelham Husbandman hired. Ezekiel Cheevers 21 Salem Dracut Labour ImPrest.
Simeon Cory 27 Chelmsford Chelmsford Husbandman hired. James Dutton 27 Chelmsford Chelmsford Husbandman hired.
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HISTORY OF DRACUT
Ambroes Emery 18 Dracut Dracut Husbandman hired. Stephen Farnum 55 Andover Dracut Husbandman Inlisted. Nathaniel Langley 18 Chelmsford Chelmsford Laboure Inlisted. Isaac Proctor 18 Chelmsford Chelmsford Lahoure Inlisted.
The name of the town following age of soldier gives his birth- place and the second is his place of residence. Of this number Edward Colburn, the great grandfather of the writer, was a great grandson of Edward Colburn, who came from Ipswich. Ezekiel Cheever was a member of the Cheever family, who for many generations lived on the road from Dracut Center to Methuen, represented in later years by two sisters, the last of whom, Hannah Cheever, died at the Cheever or Stickney farm in 1895. Ambrose Emery was born in 1738, in Dracut, and was the son of James and Ruth. He married July 17, 1762, Katharine Foster of Pelham, N. H. Stephen Farnum was born in Dracut, January 19, 1734, son of Stephen and Hannah and died at Lake George, September 1, 1756. The Farnum family left town probably near the close of the Revolution. Zebulun But- man enlisted from Chelmsford, but became a resident of Dracut. His children were born during the years between 1769 and 1777. He appears to have resided near Loon Hill on the Kelley farm. In 1770, he sold 100 acres to James Kelley, and in 1777, 60 acres to Asa Barker, which was afterwards owned by William Malone, who gave the name to the hill. We have reason to suppose that Capt. Butterfield's company was engaged in the expedition against Crown Point in 1758. Among some old papers in the possession of the writer, is the following receipt:
"Camp at Lake George ye 19 of october 1756 Then Re- ceived of Edward Colhurne Teen Shillings In Full of all Acounts nots Bills Dues Debts Demands whatsoever from the Beginning of the world to this Present Day as Wittness my Hand SAML. AYER."
Another proof of the presence of the company at Crown Point is found in an old letter which, for more than 160 years, has been preserved. It is brief, but, no doubt, brought comfort to the soldier in the distant camp. It is written by Hannah
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EARLY WARS
(Butterfield) Coburn to her husband, Edward. It was written before envelopes were known and with the address was written on a single sheet of paper. It is addressed :
"To Mr. Edward Coburn in the Army against Crown Point under Capt. Jonathan Butler. (Butterfield)
Pelham July the 30 1756
Loving Husband these are to Let you know that I am well and our Children are well But Benjamin has had the fever ager but he is Better and all our Relations are well Blessed be God for it. Hoping that these will find you well I have Received two Letters from you and I Should be Glad to hear from you and to know How you fair I Should be Glad you would take the first opportunity to Send me a Letter ware you are and wot you are a Doing and wether there is any Hops of your Coming Home So No more at Present but I Remain your Loving and affec- tionate Wife until Deth.
HANNAH COBURN."
The Benjamin to whom reference is made was then nine years of age, being born in 1747 and died about 1835. He was a soldier of the Revolution twenty years later. His granddaughter, Harriet Newall Coburn, was the wife of the late Josiah Gates of Lowell. When the British soldiers, with 1200 Provincial troops under the command of General Braddock, with George Wash- ington as his aide marched through Pennsylvania in July, 1755, to attack the French forces at Fort Du Quesne, there was a Dracut soldier in the ranks, Ensign Thomas Hildreth.
We will include in the list of the soldiers of the Colonial war the name of Primus Lew, a colored man. He entered the service at Groton as musician, and served in the French and Indian War. His home was then at Groton, but later in life he removed to Dracut. He married November 5, 1743, a mulatto named Marguret, and among his children was one Barzilla, a fifer in
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HISTORY OF DRACUT
the Revolution. Barzilla's grandson, Adrastus, will be remem- bered as a resident of Pawtucketville. In Massachusetts archives are to be found Dracut men in Capt Aaron Willard's company :
Edward Bird (servant to John Sherburn)
Daniel Clough John Cheever
Nehomiah Flint (minor) Joseph Parker (son to Timothy)
In the list of members of the company of English soldiers who were engaged in the affair in Acadia in 1755, we find Simon Wood of Dracut, born August 31, 1733, son of Benjamin and Mary Wood. Also names of others who cannot be identified.
Daniel Clough Joseph Emery
Joseph Treadwell
John Emery
Francis Knowlton Anthony Emery
Richard Barron
The names of Barron and Emery are found in the records of Dracut in the Colonial and Revolutionary wars but have disappeared, while the names of Clough and Wood have their representatives in Dracut at the present time. Joseph Tread- well came from Ipswich, and in 1752 purchased 100 acres of land. This included the farm now owned by Hon. Arthur W. Colburn. He evidently resided here but a short time. Two ex- peditions were sent out during the year 1755, and in both there were soldiers from the New England towns. In 1690, Thomas Richardson, who married Hannah daughter of Edward Colburn, was a soldier in Capt. Samuel Gallup's expedition against Canada which was unsuccessful.
The Colonies acknowledged dependence on the English Gov- ernment and whenever called upon, were expected to take their part in the war. The "taxation without representation" and kindred acts of oppression had not yet raised in the Colonies the spirit of rebellion. In these earlier wars they were being fitted for the long struggle which within the next few years was to commence, and the Revolutionary war was fought and won largely by men who had learned their lesson in the camp and on the battlefield during the Colonial wars.
DEACON JEREMIAH VARNUM
(See Page 422)
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EARLY WARS
The central expedition was despatched to capture Crown Point and Ticonderoga, in which Capt. Butterfield's company served as already noted. The eastern expedition, in which were the eight men whose names were recorded and who were in Col. Winslow's Expedition, was designed to destroy Acadia. This was part of Nova Scotia at the eastern extremity of the Bay of Fundy.
"In the Acadian land on the shores of the Basin of Minas Distant, secluded, still the little village of Grand Pre' Lay in a fruitful valley."
[Longfellow's "Evangeline."]
Before the arrival of the Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1620, the French had settled on the Island of Cape Breton and Nova Scotia. In 1713, Nova Scotia was ceded to Great Britian by the treaty of Utrecht, and in 1730 the people became the acknow- ledged subjects of that country with the condition that they should be permitted to retain their established form of religion and be exempt from service in any war between England and France, and they were known as "French Neutrals."
The English government considered them a source of danger and took measures to deport them. This they accomplished with a cruelty and inhumanity that has remained as a reproach to Great Britian since that time.
"The French force in Nova Scotia being subdued, a diffi- cult question occurred, respecting the disposal of the inhabitants. Fearing that they might join the French in Canada, whom they had before furnished with intelligence, quarters and provisions, it was determined to dispose them among the English Colonies. Under this order nearly two thousand miserable occupants of a sterile soil, and yet attached to it, and so loyal as to refuse to take the oath of allegiance to the King of England, were driven on board the British shipping, and disposed among the English Colonies." (Goodrich's History.) Without previous notice of an invasion the men were seized and confined in the church build- ings, while the soldiers plundered the houses. Families were separated and deported to different parts of the country as far apart as possible. About one thousand were landed in Massa-
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HISTORY OF DRACUT
chusetts, who were for a time dependent on charity. "I know not if the annals of the human race keep the records of sorrows so wantonly inflicted, so bitter and so perennial as fell upon the French inhabitants of Acadia." (Bancroft's Hist. of U. S.)
The soldiers who enlisted in this expedition from the New England towns were not responsible for this outrage. The objects of such expeditions are kept secret and the blame must be placed on those who are their authors.
"On the 5th of September, 1755, four hundred and eighteen heads of families were summoned to meet in the Church of Grand Pre'. The same order had been given throughout the towns of Acadia. The anxious farmers had all obeyed. Colonel Winslow commanding the Massachusetts troops repaired thither with great array. 'It is a painful duty which brings me here' he said 'I have orders to inform you that your lands, your houses and your crops are confiscated to the profit of the Crown, you can carry off your money and your linen on your deportation from the province.' The order was accompanied by no explana- tion nor did it admit of any. All the heads of families were at once surrounded by soldiers. By tens and under safe escort they were permitted to visit once more the fields which they had culti- vated, the houses in which they had seen their children grow up. On the 10th, they embarked passing on their way to the ships be- tween two rows of women and children in tears. The young people had shown a disposition to resist, demanding leave to de- part with their families. The soldiers crossed their bayonets. The vessels set sail for the English Colonies dispersing over the coast the poor creatures they had torn away from all that was theirs; many perished from want whilst seeking from town to town their families removed after them from Acadia, the charity of the American colonists relieved their first wants. Some French Protestants who had settled in Philadelphia after the revocation of the edict of Nantes, welcomed them as brothers, notwithstanding the difference of their creed; for they knew all the heart rending evils of exile." (Guizot's History of France.)
A place has been reserved in this history for a record of the exiles of Acadia as the men of Dracut bore a part in the de- portation although no blame can be attached to their actions, as the object of the expedition would be kept a secret. It is to
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EARLY WARS
the credit of the town of Dracut that a helping hand was ex- tended to those whose lot it was to seek shelter and assistance here.
THE ACADIANS IN DRACUT
Dispersed among the settlers on the coast of New England and the Colonies, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean further south, it was only by assistance rendered by the people of the towns that these unfortunate refugees were prevented from perishing by starvation. The Landerie family was assisted by the town of Dracut, as entries in the town records show: "Oet 29 1756 Then the French Family being nine in Number Came to Dracutt and abode at the House of Mr. John Taylor and Mr. Ephraim Curties till the Tenth Day of October 1757 for Sub- sisting of them for that Space of time £14-1-5-3 and allowed by the General Court."
There are four more entries relating to the same subject and of a similar nature, giving account of expenses incurred and dates on which services were rendered, the last one being August 15, 1761. They showed no disposition to depend on charity, but rather were willing to support themselves, but lacking tools and materials all necessary means of support must be furnished by the town. The money expended by the town was refunded by the General Court. November 27, 1761, the Treasurer of the town, Major Samuel Varnum, was ordered to "pay Peter Landara £1-4s what it cost them to the Doctor." February 14, 1758, an order was given to pay Ephraim Curtis for material for the subsisting of the French "fammilies." Ephraim Curtis lived at the old house on what was once the Joel Fox farm, now owned by Moses Daigle. The town books record several orders given the Treasurer for money for their support. A sample of these orders is given.
For paying Isaac Fox for making a loom for the French and other materials for the "Support of the said French."
To Nathaniel Fox for Provition for the French Family.
To Aaron Coburn for pork.
To Nathaniel Jones 8 shillings for 62 shad.
To Ephraim Hildreth for a foot wheel.
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HISTORY OF DRACUT
To William Hildreth for "grane."
To Samuel Varnum for an ax and pair of cards.
To Ephraim Curtis for house room and hauling wood. To Josiah Richardson for one cow.
In 1761, an article was inserted in the warrant at the annual meeting : "To see if the town would give the French family the cow that was purchased for their use." It was voted not to give them the cow. An order was issued to pay Samuel Coburn for "hous room and grane." He was a son of Dr. Samuel, who lived on Varnum Avenue, and we infer that the "hous room" was in that vicinity. John Taylor, who furnished lodgings for them, lived at the Samuel Worcester place, now the home of D. Sted- man Fox. Samuel Coburn also furnished "meet and pastering and wintering the French cow."
In 1761, it was voted to give Lieut. John Varnum £2-13s-4ª for what he gave the French family, about the time they moved to Dunstable. It would appear that by this removal the family was separated, a part remaining in Dracut, for six years later it was voted "to give the French family viz. Sarah, Marey and Betty Landre those three of the French family that Belong to the town of Dracutt twelve Dollars to transport them to Quebek the money to be put in Peter Frys hands overseer of the Poor of Salam not to be used until they actually go off and pay their passage." At the time of their departure the funds in the treasury must have been low as it is stated in the record that for that reason the town borrowed £3-13s-8d of Peter Fay with which They were enabled to journey to "Quebek."
At the Curtis house where they resided for a time, certain articles have been found by later occupants which were used by these people. This briefly is the account of Dracut's partici- pation in this event which has been the basis of the beautiful poem written by the New England poet, entitled, "Evangeline," who "sat by some nameless grave and thought in its bosom He was already at rest and she longed to slumber beside him."
CHAPTER VII THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
T HE peace which followed the signing of the treaty between England and France was of brief duration. England's attitude towards the colonies was of such a nature that it caused great dissatisfaction. The Governors of the colonies appointed by the crown were little in sympathy with the American people, and often disposed to be arrogant and oppressive. The war was commenced to maintain the rights of the people of America and not with any expectation of withdrawal from the Mother Country. Those men who fell at Lexington and Bunker Hill never suspected that those conflicts would lead to the establish- ment of a republic. But as the war was waged from year to year, it became evident that there could be no peace unless the colonies received their freedom. The causes of the war are well known and need not be repeated here, but the part which Dracut took was creditable to the town. A study of statistics will re- veal the fact that no town or city in the thirteen colonies sent to the war a greater number of men to the proportion of its in- habitants than Dracut. The total number of soldiers from this town, so far as known, was 439; the number of inhabitants in- cluding women and children was about 1100.
Many of these had served in the Colonial Wars and the peculiar nature of Indian fighting had made them self-reliant, courageous and resourceful. But the need of military organi- zation and military training was realized, and Dracut men were taught the rules and regulations which relate to military life. They were proficient in marksmanship for their safety de- pended on their skill in the use of the musket to protect their families from the assaults of the Indians, and their flocks from depredation by wild animals ; but, in addition, military discipline was needed.
Mr. F. W. Coburn in his "Battle of April 19, 1775," re- ferring to this need of organization says: "If he (Lieut. Col. Smith) entertained any idea of surrendering, though I have no
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HISTORY OF DRACUT
evidence that he did, he must have realized the hopelessness of that, for no one seemed to be commauding the multitude before him, beside him, and behind him. They constituted a large circle of individuals, but made no attempt to stay his march or guide it in any way. They just followed along, seemingly intent only on hunting down the King's soldiers. Had some master mind been in charge of the patriot army, Smith's entire force could easily have been taken prisoners. But this was the first day of the war and was only a contest between soldiers and citizens." Had this occurred later, when Washington had assumed command, the result of the battle would have been more disastrous to the British.
During the period immediately preceding the Revolution, train bands were organized, which added greatly to the effi- ciency of the American soldiers, but as the exercises were to a great extent marching and countermarching with sham battles on the training field, the men had much to learn when real fight- ing commenced. The train bands were known in England a century before the Revolution, having been introduced by James I.
"John Gilpin was a citizen Of credit and renown A train band captain eke was he Of famous London town."
The commencement of the war brought into service the successors of the train bands, viz., the militia and minute men. The definition of the term "militia" is given in the Am. Enc. Dictionary as "The civilian military force of the nation consist- ing of citizens trained to arms, and subject to be called forth to enable the executive to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrection and repel invasion. They are not a standing army, in the sense of being continually under arms, but are subject to the call of the President in the event of war. The organization is generally spoken of as The National Guard."
The Minute Men were more independent bodies of soldiers, they were expected to be ready at a minute's notice, which gave them their name, and as signals were agreed upon by the dis- charge of muskets at night, the hanging of lanterns in belfries
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THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
"One if by land and two if by sea"
and the swift riding of horsemen to alarm the members, the name, Minute Men, was rightly applied to them. The responses were immediate, farm work was abandoned and saw and grist- mills left in charge of those who were not able to endure the hard- ships of war. Haste was urgent, the liberties of the people were in danger and the Minute Man must do his duty :
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