USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Grafton > History of Grafton, Worcester county, Massachusetts, from its early settlement by the Indians in 1647 to the present time, 1879. Including the genealogies of seventy-nine of the older families > Part 23
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be corrupted, or even "imbubed with the motives, views and erotchets of that central power" (Board of Education). Of course a High School could not live in such a rank growth of weeds and tares, and it was not until after some private culture by Mr. Hunter, Elias White, and Alanson Wedge, who taught in the vestry, in what is now Samuel Flagg's honse, and in the " Arcade," that a second attempt was made to plant a High School. In 1849, $500 extra were appropriated to be divided and nsed as follows :- " $75 in the Centre, in Farnumn's, in New England Village; $37.50 in each of the other districts." Teachers were to be em- ployed with qualifications requisite " to teach history of the United States, surveying, geometry and algrebra." Either the teachers did not give satisfactory instruction in "survey- ing," or a "tidal wave " of economy struck the town, for the usual appropriation of $2,000 was cut down to $1,800 the next year, with no extra for " higher branches." In this same year (1849) the High School Association was formed, and the Academy-the present High School building-was erected and finished in 1850. Whenever there was a public High School at the Centre, the town rented this building until 1867, when it bought it. At other times private schools were maintained in it. For the next five years a small sum was appropriated annually " for High School pur- poses," to be expended in the three inain villages. T. R. Harrington, "a teacher of multiplied communications," will be remembered at Farnumsville ; Newell Wedge at New England, " a good teacher, though one not pained when he fell upon a slovenly exercise as some men would be," also Alfred P. Gage; at the Centre (Alanson G. Wedge, Acade- my), L. E. Shepard, Stephen E. Seymour, (C. P. Frost, Academy), and Dana J. Jocelyn, were the teachers. In 1856, the school was rotary. The term at the Centre was taught by George Mason, assisted by Miss Kate F. Leland ; at Farnumsville, by R. B. Hatch ; at New England, by W. F. Wheeler. The folly of a school on wheels was seen after
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a year's trial, and the next year, 1857, $800 were appro- priated " to expend where the general school committee saw fit." As far as is known advanced schools were held in the three villages in the winter, O. G. G. Paine teaching at the Centre. In 1858, an unsuccessful attempt was made to divide the appropriation, $600, and a regular High School was taught at the Centre by D. B. Hubbard, an excellent and thorough teacher, and Miss E. L. Biscoe ; both remained through the four following years. An advance school was supported one term at Farnumsville, C. W. Palmer, teacher, and at New England, taught by H. J. Crippen.
In 1859, the new method of choosing the committee for long terms was adopted, and Rev. O. Crane was chosen for three years, and Rev. T. C. Biscoe for two years. The re- port for this year says of the High School : "This has not been a favorite child with the town, but rather an unwel- come guest, to be tolerated as short a time as possible; and yet some have wished to entertain it around the town, and get as mnuch out of it as possible. The relation has been that of a step-mother who would not cherish and foster the child. Yet it has grown into form and comeliness of late, we judge, as the friends and foes have decided to let it have an abiding place and home.
We hope it will now be owned and loved and cared for as a veritable and worthy child. * * * One thousand dollars have been raised for its support the present year, and to the surprise and credit of all, there was no murmur- ing ; which indicated a reconciliation and acquiescence on the part of the people. The Grafton High School is an established institution."
But the struggle for existence was not yet over; the " reconciliation " was only a calm that precedes a storm; for at the March meeting of 1862, men with plenty of money, but having no children to educate, so far forgot their duty to their town as to vote "to abolish the High School." However, after " the reading of the Statutes," and from a
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wholesome fear of the law, the vote was reconsidered, and $800 were appropriated for the school. C. G. G. Paine an " earnest, efficient and faithful teacher," assisted by Miss Mary Paine, taught the spring term. In the fall, H. L. Reed, " an experienced, faithful and thorough teacher," was engaged. Mr. Reed remained until the spring term of 1869. Miss E. L. Biscoe was assistant. During these years the school was very prosperous and generously supported by the town. The report of 1865, says, " There never was a time before probably when so many were anxions to seeure the needed qualifications to gain adinission to the High School."
In 1867, the town bought the Academy building, paying $3,500 for it. The summer term of 1868, was taught by C. W. Gray and Miss J. E. Warren. In the fall, Edward Malley came, who was an efficient teacher, and one kindly remembered by his pupils. Mr. Malley and Miss Warren remained until the end of the spring term, 1871. In this year the Grammar school was made a separate department, and the upper room of the High School building was fitted up for it ; Miss Warren, teacher. From this time the town has made an appropriation for the High and Grammar School combined.
Henry Tatlock was the next Principal ; an excellent scholar, an enthusiastic, competent teacher. Miss H. P. Dennis, Miss N. Maria Fernald, Miss L. M. Dodge and Miss J. E. Putnam, followed each other as assistants during the two years and a term of Mr. Tatlock's stay. In 1872, the committee devised and put in operation a systematic curri- culum. During the next year through Mr. Tatloek's efforts $600 were subscribed by the citizens ; this sum, with $300 generously voted by the town, was expended for the chemi- cal and philsophical apparatus, skeleton, heliotellns, maps, globes, etc. It was during this year also that the curriculum allowing " no optional studies during the first year " was
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revised, the present courses of study adopted, and the first catalogue published.
At the close of the school year the first pupil completing the new course of study, Miss Anna Pierce, was graduated, and received a diploma.
The fall term of 1873, was taught by W. T. Souther and Miss Julia E. Putnam.
A new Principal, Charles L. Clay, took charge of the school January 2, 1874, who with Miss Putnam as Assistant, conducted it to 1876. Through the efforts of the Principal, one of Miller's school pianos was purchased ; the sum paid for it, $315, was raised mainly through entertainments given by the school.
There were six graduates in 1874, one of whom, Alice Wing, entered Vassar College, and another Williams College, and two are teachers. Six graduated in 1875, two entered Williams College, and three are engaged in teaching. In 1876, the Principal, C. L. Clay, after holding the position for a period of two years, with commendable success in his work, sent in his resignation, which was accepted, and E. P. Barker, a graduate of Amherst, was employed in his place. Mr. Barker at once entered upon his work, withont friction in management, and " showed skill in organization as well as tact in seenring ambition for study." The teaching was thorough in all the branches. The assistant remained faith- ful in her work.
The school sent a sample of the work of each class to the Centennial Exposition.
During the end of the spring term of 1877, Mr. Edmund P. Barker was compelled to resign the principalship of the school in consequence of ill health superinduced by excess- ive study and hard labor brought to bear on his sehool work. The publie examination under Mr. Barker never appeared to better advantage; especially those classes in Latin, French and Mathematies were worthy of marked notice. The scanning of the Virgil class was taught with
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scholarly correctness. Upon the resignation of Mr. Barker, the committee received many applications, and after due deliberation, the present principal, Albert Warren, was selected.
Mr. Warren is a graduate of Yale College, besides bringing to his work the experience of seven years labor in the Spencer High School. The school accepted Mr. War- ren with a good grace, and he has labored ever since with commendable acceptance and faithfulness. His review exer- cises during each Monday forcnoon in general studies can- not be too highly valued, and show the good sense of a true teacher.
In a word, there is a substantial amount of work going on in all the departments, and the High School, as a whole, is highly creditable to the town of Grafton, and ranks among the best high schools of Worcester County.
Although the High School building is at the Centre, every year the town determines by vote, where the High School shall be held during the ensuing year. For the last four years the town has appropriated annually for the High and Grammar Schools $2,500.
Rev. Farrington McIntire's Family School.
This school was established in September, 1853, by Rev. Farrington McIntire, A. M., in the house now occupied by his son-in-law, John A. Sweetser, on Brigham Hill. The school was called a family school for boys, and Mr. McIntire had the sole charge. The school was started with two pupils, and during the five years of its existence there was an average attendance of twenty. During this time he had in all over one hundred different scholars. Mr. McIntire says : "I have the satisfaction of believing that I was of some use to them in various ways, for I am not aware that any ever fell below the standard which they had on coming under my instruction and influence. Some became mer-
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chants, some manufacturers, one has long been a sea captain on a large vessel and occupies a position of great responsi- bility ; in various walks of life they are all influential, good citizens, so far as I know." Mr. McIntire was greatly assisted a portion of the time by his sister, who had much to do in securing the usefulness and welfare of the school. The scholars were instructed in Latin, Greek and French as well as in the common English branches. In referring to Captain Wheeler's school and his own, he says : "And we both think, no doubt, that we were no small pillars in the great fabric of our national education and refinement; as it is a harmless mistake if we were not, I pray that we may be allowed to enjoy it, as we are growing old."
GRAFTON GEOGRAPHICALLY AND GEOLOGICALLY.
CHAPTER SEVENTH.
CONTENTS :
The soil .- Chestnut, George's and Brigham Hills .- Blackstone, Assabet and Little or Quinsigamond Rivers .- Long Pond .- George's Brook. -The boundaries of the town .- Additions. - Gneiss and Peat.
G' YRAFTON is a most excellent township of land. The face of the town is hilly and uneven, and in general rocky ; but the soil is moist and strong, rich and very pro- ductive. It is good for Indian corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley and flax. The lands are naturally warm and not subject to frosts ; and as they are high and rocky, they are well adapted to orcharding and all kinds of fruit trees. There are three noticeable hills in town. The first to be mentioned is called " Chestnut Hill," as abounding in that sort of wood. This is situated but a little east of the Congregational meeting- house, and is the highest land in town, hiding it from West- borough. This is not large; the land is moist and good.
On the easterly side of the town lies "George's Hill," two miles and a half in length. It took its name from one George Misco, an Indian, who dwelt upon it. This is a hill of most excellent land, and there are a number of very fine farms upon it.
A third is denominated " Brigham Hill," from a number of that name who have lived upon it. This lies in the westerly part of the town, is high, about two miles in length; has upon it several excellent and large farms, though some
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parts of it are rough, broken lands. The general growth of wood is walnut, oak of all kinds, chestnut, some pitch pine, butternut, buttonwood, black and white ash, and birch. There is some pine plain land in the town near the rivers.
Blackstone River, from the north parish in Sutton, enters Grafton in the southwesterly part of the town ; this then becomes a large and beautiful river, and runs about three miles in the southerly part of Grafton, and then passes into Upton.
Little River or more properly Quinsigamond, being the outlet from the Lake of that name, runs along on the west side of the town, withiu about half a mile of the meeting- honse, and between that and " Brigham Hill," and about one mile and a half south from the meeting-house joins Blackstone River. This stream forms the beautiful lake known as Goddard's Pond, and also Flint Pond. There are eight bridges in town on this river.
Lake Quinsigamond or Long Pond is four miles in length between Worcester and Shrewsbury, and extends from this town on the south to West Boylston on the north. This is a beautiful sheet of water, having within its borders ten small islands.
On Blackstone and Little Rivers before and after the junc- tion, there are considerable bodies of good meadow, and rich interval lands. The River Assabet, which runs north- east and empties into the Merrimack, has its source in Grafton, abont one mile and a half northeast from the meeting-house. This passes through the northwest angle of Westborough into Northborough.
Besides these, on the west side of George's Hill, runs George's Brook, which rises in the northerly part of Grafton; this passes to the south. On this stream there are large and good meadows. There was no pond in town in 1793. Upon the several rivers and streams above-mentioned, there were at this time four grist-mills, several saw-mills, three trip- .
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hammers, and one fulling-mill. The town abounds with rivulets and springs of water. Bummet's Brook is in the northern part of the town and empties into Quinsigamond just below New England Village. There are three bridges on this brook, and also the same number on George's Brook, in town.
Blackstone River above referred to, which passes through this town on the southwest, is forty miles long, extending from Worcester to Providence. Upon the banks of this river probably more manufacturing is done than upon any other stream of equal size in the country. It has several tributaries in the town. This river was called by the Indians the Nipmuck River. There are three bridges on this stream in town.
The people subsist mainly by the cultivation of the soil, and they are amply recompensed for all their labor. They have the usual number of tradesmen, manufacturers and mechanics, etc .* In 1800, potash-making was carried on here quite extensively, as it was throughout the county.
In 1837, there were five cotton mills, 14,054 spindles ; 2,053,320 yards of cotton goods were manufactured ; valne, $278,014; males employed, 134 ; females, 226; one woolen mill, four sets of machinery ; 70,000 yards of cloth were manufactured ; value, $1,120,000; malcs employed, 34 ; females, 25. There were 18,672 pairs of boots, 671,538 pairs of shoes manufactured ; value, $614,141; males employed, 906 ; females, 486.
Grafton, though not a large tract of land, has an excecd- ingly rich and good soil, and the inhabitants have become wealthy by tilling it. In former times the town was greatly benefited by the travel through it. Grafton is forty miles from Boston, to the southwest. It is thirty-four miles from
* Eight groceries, three drug stores, three provision stores, one law- yer, three hotels-Grafton Hotel, Quinsigamond House, Farnumsville Hotel, one tailor, four currier shops, five manufactories of boots and shoes, one bakery, one emery-mill, five cotton-mills.
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Providence, to the northwest, and eight from the Court- house in Worcester, a little to the south of cast. " In the elevated region, east of Connecticut river, a large number of villages have been built upon heights commanding wide horizons ; and some of these, being in a superior style of architecture, are most attractive objects to the distant trav- eler. What, for instance, can be a finer object, than the beautiful village of Grafton, seen at a distance of six or eight miles ! "*
Since its incorporation one-half a mile of land was taken from Shrewsbury and added to Grafton, on the north, and about half a mile of Sutton, on the south, was annexed to it; so that Grafton is now five miles in length, from north to south, and four in width, from east to west. This town is bounded on the north, by Shrewsbury ; on the east, by Westborough and Upton ; on the south, by Upton and Sut- ton ; and on the west, by Sutton.
By an act of the Legislature of March 22, 1838, " that tract of incorporated land, called Grafton Gore, south of Lake Quinsigamond, bounded west by Worcester, south by Millbury, east by Grafton, and north by Shrewsbury," was annexed to and made part of the town of Worcester, which extended the territory of that city to the limit it now pre- sents in that direction.
Gneiss abounds here in large quantities.t This differs from granite only in having a slaty structure, and occupies more of the surface of the town than any other rock. Large beds have been quarried here, and much of the stone can hardly be distinguished from granite, even by the gcologist.
Schistose gneiss also abounds here. This is probably the most common variety of gneiss. The structure is foliated like that of mica slate. It passes frequently into mica slate by the disappearance of the feldspar.
* Professor Hitchcock's Geology. t Ibid.
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GRAFTON GEOGRAPHICALLY AND GEOLOGICALLY. ·
Laminar gneiss is found here. In this variety the differ- ent ingredients occupy distinct layers. This rock is com- posed of alternating layers of gneiss and mica slate.
Sienitic gneiss is met with abundantly here. This is quar- ried for building purposes. This rock is a granitic gneiss, composed almost entirely of quartz and feldspar, through which are disseminated numerons black crystalline masses of hornblende, which have a parallel arrangement.
The south part of the range of gneiss, east of Worcester Valley, extends from Worcester to Grafton in a southerly direction, several degrees west, with a dip of from 45 de- grees to 90 degrees west. There is also a small range which extends from this place to Upton, in the following direction : Southeast and northwest ; northeast, small.
Peat is also found in large quantities here. Various causes are in operation to produce an accumulation of mud upon the bottoms of ponds, lakes, estuaries, etc. In this mud various aquatic plants will take root, and by their decay will swell the deposit. At length the pulpy mass nearly reaches the surface, when sphagnous and other mosses take root in it, along with numerous other plants, and by their gradual decomposition the pond becomes converted, in the course of ages, into a swamp or marsh. This is the simple account of the origin of peat, the value of which for fuel is generally known.
MISCELLANEOUS.
CHAPTER EIGHTH.
CONTENTS :
Population .- Wealth .- Principal business .- The Currying business .- The old Indian burying-ground .- Post-offices and postmasters .- Newspapers. - Blackstone Canal .- Boston and Worcester Railroad. -Providence and Worcester Railroad .- Grafton Centre Railroad .- Buildings .- Powers murder .- Grafton Bank robbery .- Old burying ground .- Poor farm .- Pine Grove Cemetery .- Riverside Cemetery. -The great fire .- Public Library .- Sabbath-schools .- Fire depart- ment .- Societies, etc .- First National Bank .- Grafton National Bank .- Savings Bank. - Stages .- Telegraph. - Political .- Oldest road. - Grafton's Centennial Celebration .- Fiftieth anniversary of the Ladies' Sewing Circle .- Sketch of Saundersville, and Esek Saunders and family .- Business at New England Village, Centre- ville, Fisherville and Farnumsville .- Lawyers .- Physicians .- Col- lege graduates.
Population.
W ITHIN the last fifty years the population of this town has increased surprisingly. In 1765, there were 371 males, 371 females, colored 21; houses, 109; families, 109. According to the Colonial census in 1776, it had advanced to 861. By the first United States census, under the gov- ernment, in 1790, there were 872. By the second census, in 1800, there were 985. In 1810 the population was re- duced to 946. In 1820 there was a population of 1,154, three times as many as in 1765, fifty-five years before. Since 1820, the increase has been very rapid. In 1830, the whole number of inhabitants, according to the census taken
40
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that year, was 1,889 ; in 1840, it was 2,943 ; in 1850, 3,904; in 1860, 4,317 ; in 1870, 4,594. In 1875, the population diminished over 150 on account of the business depression, and was 4,442. In 1875, the number of dwellings was 716, and number of families 951.
According to Mr. Brigham, the population in 1835 was 3,036.
Wealth.
An almost uninterrupted increase of the population and business of the town, since the present century, has vastly increased its wealth. Some judgment of this inerease may be formed by comparing the taxes of 1832 and of 1860. In 1832, the sum assessed for town purposes was only $1,950. But in 1860, the sum total assessed for all pur- poses, State, county and town, was $11,626.81.
In 1860, the personal property assessed was $536,213 The real estate 1,054,772
Total valuation $1,590,985
Whereas the total valuation in 1832, was 890,958
Showing a gain in 18 years of $700,027 The total valuation in 1865, was $1,777,973
In 1772, Grafton paid £2, 17s., 3d. of the State tax; in 1778, £2, 15s., 3d. ; in 1782, £2, 10s., 5d. ; in 1786, £2, 12s., 6d .; in 1793, there were 237 polls in town, and they paid £2,8s., 3d., 3q.
Principal Business.
The original settlers were doubtless principally employed in the tilling and cultivating of the soil, for which each re- ceived his proportion of the seven thousand five hundred acres purchased of the Indians. At the present day (1879) the employment pursued, more than any other, is work upon leather.
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CURRYING BUSINESS.
The Currying Business.
The principal business carried on in the Centre is currying leather and mannfacturing boots and shoes. Jonathan Warren bought out the tannery on North street, in the year 1820, and began currying in what is now known as " the Old Red Shop," and lie was also extensively engaged in the manufacture of boots and brogans, which business he ear- ried on nntil the year 1870. Mr. Warren died in Deeem- ber, 1875.
R. E. Warren began currying in 1830, and continued in the business up to 1869, employing from eight to twelve persons.
Messrs. E. B. & A. M. Bigelow began currying in 1832, in the shop next to the Baptist Church, which building they occupied for four years, when they built the shop now oc- cupied by A. & A. Bigelow, where they eurried and also manufactured boots and shoes until about the year 1861, when the company dissolved, and each one engaged in busi- ness on his own account for several years.
B. K. Moulton also did quite a business at currying, mov- ing from Dudley to this place in 1851, and continued in the business np to 1871, in the shop owned by R. E. Warren, on North street.
John Whitney began in the business in 1836, and con- tinued it on Sonth street np to 1870.
George W. Estabrook came to this town from Woreester, in 1851, and entered at once into the employ of B. K. Monl- ton, where he remained seven years. In 1858 he formed a co-partnership with Hiram Fernald, and engaged in curry- ing in a building above the engine-house, on North street, until 1863, when the business was conducted in his name alone by his son Frank, until February, 1874, when the business was discontinned, he being engaged by a wholesale leather house in Boston as salesman, where he has since been located.
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Messrs. Estabrook & Stratton began currying in 1862, and remained in the business up to the death of Mr. Esta- brook, which occurred in the year 1865. Mr. Stratton car- ried on the business for a number of years after the death of his partner, and has a shop on North street at the present time, but he is not doing any business in it.
J. W. Mckenzie began currying in 1863, and is still en- gaged, to a small extent, in the business on North street, and he is also starting the manufacture of boots and shoes on a small scale.
Thomas Hall began currying several years ago, in a shop in the rear of Mr. Mckenzie, on North street, where he is in the business at present. He employs about ten men, and has steam power.
L. W. Dodge began the currying business on his own ac- count in 1837, on North street, and stocked a tannery in Otis, Mass., for a number of years, and also one in the town of Weston, Vt., for several years, and curried his own stock up to the year 1872, when he built liis new shop on North street, in the rear of A. & A. Bigelow's. In June, 1868, his son, Joseph A. Dodge, was admitted as a partner under the firm name of L. W. Dodge & Son.
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