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 25
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There were eight deaths of persons who had settlements in and been assisted by the town in 1878, to wit. :- Mrs. John Aldrich, Philena Daniels, Mrs. Harriet Robinson, Mary McFarland, Mrs. Abigail Phillips, Timothy E. Wheeloek, Joel Flagg, Fred. G. Plympton. The three last named died at the almshouse. Whole number of persons supported at the almshouse during the year, 19. Number of persons at the almshouse, seven. Whole number of weeks' board of paupers at the almshouse, 530. The cost of supporting paupers at the farm, including interest on farm, painting the almshouse and improvements on farm during the year, $3.35 per week. Whole number of tramps lodged and fed, 1,100 ; cost per night at tramp-house, 12} cents each.
Pine Grove Cemetery.
September 21, 1846, the town purchased of Ebenezer Leland three aeres and ninety-nine and nine-tenths rods for
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$106.96 for a cemetery in New England Village, and Albert Stone, Asa F. Smith and Austin Holbrook were chosen trustees.
October 8, 1849, the town purchased land for the cemetery of Ethan R. Thompson.
Riverside Cemetery.
The Riverside Cemetery, which contains eleven acres of land, was purchased on the Cold Stream Road, by the town in 1849. At the consecration of the cemetery the following programme was carried out :- Invocation and reading of the Scriptures, Rev. Mr. Whittemore; hymn, composed by Miss Elizabeth Bruce ; address, Rev. E. B. Willson of the First Congregational Society, from which we take the fol- lowing :-
" This enclosure we devote, to-day, to other purposes. We dedicate it to silence and repose. Here we have selected and made ready a spot for the burial of our dead, and to that sole and sacred use we consecrate it now. In mindfulness of that comiog and inevitable hour, when our dust shall return to its dust again, and the spirit unto God who gave it, we have sought out this solitude; and here, amid these shades and by this river's side, we have marked the places where the dust we wear, and the dust of those we love, may lie and mingle.
We deem this spot not ill-chosen for its purpose. It is withdrawn from the crowded thoroughfares of men. The din of business, the clamor of competition, the rush and hurry of men of care, will scarcely be heard in this distant retreat. The only prevalent sounds, which shall break its common stillness, shall be the soothing sounds of nature, -the notes of birds, the drone of insects, the voices of waters, the soft rustling of leaves, and the spirit-like whisperings of the wind among the pine-tops. Here quietness and peace shall reign, and nothing shall need to hinder the contemplation to which man is invited by the emblems of mortality about him. The language of nature is, indeed, the very speech of God its Author, and is, like Himself, perfect truth. It is when man is in his truest moods,-and these come never oftener than in his sorrows and self-communings,-that he finds himself most in harmony with nature, and most rejoices in her kindly and wholesome influence. Here, with the dead, with nature, and with God, will be found, we trust, that privacy and seclusion which are always so grateful to sensitive minds in the days of their sorrow."
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Conseerating prayer, Rev. T. C. Biscoe, of the Evangeli- cal Congregational Society ; hymn, entitled and altered,
" A resting-place we have sought for the dead,- Not where the busy world will daily tread, By dusty walks and noisy streets, but where The balmy breath of the free summer air Through these pines may softly sigh, as they wave Their evergreen arms o'er the new-made grave." etc.
The history of the Cemetery by Rev. Thomas C. Biscoe, was as follows :-
" The introduction into our country of rural cemeteries is of recent date; and Mount Auburn, in the vicinity of Boston, is believed to be the first of the kind among us. This enterprise, happily conceived and well executed, led the way to the establishment of rural cemeteries in the neighborhood of other cities and large towns. That the sentiments and feelings of our own community have been affected by this change in public taste, has been apparent, probably to all among us who have had their attention directed to the subject, in the growing disposition to ornament and improve the ' old burying-ground.' But this, though not, strictly speaking, all filled, yet has been so appropriated in lots to families which have lost one or more of their numbers, as rendered it necessary that new grounds should be provided. At a town meeting held September 24, 1849, a committee of thirteen were chosen to pur- chase a lot for a burial place ; which committee, after due examination, bargained with the former owners of the grounds, which we have since consecrated to the purposes of a rural cemetery. The land, thus secured, is in extent about eleven acres, and is situated on the Cold Stream Road, so-called. It is believed that no other lot could be found in our town, that embraces so many natural beauties of wood and water, hill and vale, together with the delightful prospect that may be enjoyed from many parts of the ground, that so peculiarly fit this for a cemetery. The substratum of the soil on the most of the grounds being gravel, and the whole free from any ledges of rock or boulders, is regarded as very favorable for the purposes of interment. It is doubtful whether an area of the same size can be found elsewhere in our town, that furnishes a greater variety of forest trees, than adorns the spot of our choice. The two ponds within the premises, besides furnishing the proprietors with a large amount of decayed vegetable matter, which will be just what is needed upon the grounds, will, when properly exca- vated and ornamented, add greatly to the beauty and interest of the scenery. We deem it a matter for congratulation, that so beautiful a spot has been found within so convenient a distance of our village.
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RIVERSIDE CEMETERY.
In accordance with the recommendation of the committee on the pur- chase of the lot, the town, on the 8th of October, A. D. 1849, made choice of five trustees or commissioners, who should have the care, superintendence and management of the cemetery; one to go out of office each year, and his place to be filled by a successor who . shall be chosen by ballot. The trustees fortunately secured the services of General Dearborn, of Roxbury, in the arrangement of the grounds ; who, with an experience in this particular department probably exceed- ing that of any other gentleman in this country, spent four days with ns, both planning and laying out the necessary avenues and foot-paths ; at the same time giving us such information as has been of much ser- vice to us in the improvement of the grounds. His labors and liberality will be held in grateful remembrance, as he declined all compensation for his services, except the payment of his necessary expenses. The avenues and foot-paths have been laid out in such a manner as to furnish easy access to all parts of the grounds ; while, at the same time, special regard was had to the development of the beauties of the place. The avenues are a little more than three-fourths of a mile in extent, and there is nearly the same length of foot-paths. These have all been named, and guide-boards have been placed at both ends of the avenues and paths. All the grounds have not, as yet, been lotted out; nor is it regarded as necessary, or even desirable, that they should be at present. But lots of different sizes have been laid out in different parts of the grounds, so as to afford all purchasers an opportunity to suit their taste and ability as to locality and size. And, if any individual wishes a lot in any part of the ground that is not surveyed, it has been decided by the trustees that he may have it, and of such a size as he may desire, provided it is not so laid out as to interfere with the appropriate ar- rangement of the adjoining lots. After much labor and expense, the ground was judged to be in such a state of preparedness for its destined purposes, as to warrant the trustees in fixing upon a time for its conse- cration as a rural cemetery. This was done by appropriate religious services on Tuesday, April 29. The day was a beautiful one, and pecu- liarly favorable for the services, which were attended by a large, atten- tive and deeply affected audience. The ground in all parts of the ceme- tery having been priced at two and a half cents per foot, the right of choice was disposed of at public auction; the choice-money amounting to nearly seventy dollars. At the time of sale, notice was given that, by vote of the trustees, after the expiration of fourteen days from the time of consecration the price of the lots would be raised to three cents per foot. Within that time seventy lots were sold. All lots that have been, or may be sold, are subject to such by-laws as the trustees have enacted or may establish to secure and promote the general objects of the cemetery. Thus, by a liberal outlay on the part of our town, the citizens may now, for a trifling sum, secure for themselves and their families a quiet resting-place in this pleasant ' garden of
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graves,' when death shall have severed the brittle thread of life. The lot seems so well designed to the purpose to which it has been devoted, that it would be difficult to name any particular that would have im- proved it to that end. Whether considered in reference to its position and accessibility ; the availableness of most of its surface for the pur- poses of interment, and of the remainder for ornament; the diversity and beauty of the grounds; its native and varied forest-growth, or the loveliness of the surrounding scenery ; it seems to be all that could be desired."
Town Hall, Warren Block and Unitariau Church Destroyed by Fire.
One of the largest and most destructive fires that ever visited Grafton, occurred early Thursday morning, Septem ber 11, 1862, destroying Warren Block, the Unitarian Church (Rev. W. G. Scandlin's), the Town Hall, the adja- cent buildings, and a large amount of personal property. The fire originated in the Protective Union store in Warren Block, soon after midnight, extending to the other buildings before it could be checked. The Union store was con- pletely burned out. Loss, $4,000 ; insured for $3,000. The store of J. H. Wood & Co., dry goods dealers and merchant tailors, in the same block, lost all its contents, valued at $5,500 ; insured for $3,500. Warren, Conant & Co., shoe manufacturers, succeeded in removing some of their stock from the basement and first floor. The town safe, contain- ing all the archives and documents of the town, in an ad- joining room, fell through into the cellar, but not a leaf of its contents was injured. On opening it everything was found safe. A. L. Hawes, jeweller, occupied the next store. His goods were partially saved. The hall occupied by tlie Odd Fellows and Freemasons, and a large hall used by the Methodists for a church, were both consumed. Warren Block was situated on the north side of the Common, and was owned by Capt. Jonathan Warren. Its cost was $12,- 000, and it was insured for $8,000. The Town Hall, with the Unitarian Church in the second story, was only a few feet distant. The carpets were removed, but the building was
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FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
consumed. The church was insured for $3,000. The entire loss was estimated at $50,000 or $60,000.
Free Public Library.
The citizens of the town are primarily indebted to their worthy townsman and fellow-citizen, Joseph Leland, Esq., for his timely and voluntary gift for the establishment of this public institution, which is of such general and decided utility. But for his practical sagaeity in devising, and his liberality in endowing it, upon such conditions as almost to compel the co-operation of the town in promoting its efficiency, years might and probably would have elapsed before either public or private generosity would have sup- plied the means for carrying into effect so desirable an enter- prise. But with the donation of $1,000 from Mr. Leland,* increased in a generous spirit, in accordance with his sug- gestion, by the appropriation of a like sum by the town, the institution was at once placed on a stable foundation, and its trustees proceeded to render its funds available to the pub- lic. Dne acknowledgment should be made to the old Graf- ton Lycenm, and the Farmers' Club, whose stockholders cheerfully contributed the libraries of those organizations, containing many choice books, to constitute a part and to circulate with this. To enable the transfer to be made, that the trustees might thus guard against purchasing books sure
* In a communication to the Selectmen, dated November 3, 1866, after alluding with tender words to this, the place of his nativity, and to the desire he felt to promote its prosperity, he says :- " I have thought that the establishment of a free public library and reading-room would con- duce as much as any other plan that could be arranged by which I might evince that interest, and leave some evidence of my desire to elevate and improve the rising generation. I have therefore concluded to offer the town of Grafton the sum of one thousand dollars, trusting that the town will contribute an equal amount, which would place the library on a sure footing."
On the 26th of the same month the town accepted the offer, and ap- propriated an equal amount for the end proposed.
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to become available to the library in time, some little delay was occasioned in their action, and yet the result showed that such delay was wisdom and economy in the end. The reading-room, provided for by the terms of the donation, was first opened to visitors January 28, 1867, while the library, owing to the delay above alluded to, and in procur- ing cases, preparing books for circulation, and other inter- ruptions, was not made accessible to the public until April 24.
The operations of both departments of the institution during the first year were in a high degree satisfactory, having more than equaled the most sanguine expectations of those charged with their immediate oversight. Under the accommodating and careful management of Mr. White, the librarian, both seem to have been centres of increasing interest to visitors, and the number of those who are dis- posed to avail themselves of such means of entertainment and culture is rapidly enlarging. Records kept by the librarian for a few weeks after the reading-room was opened, showed that an average of twenty-six persons made it a daily resort for reading, which is perhaps not an over- estimate of the number of those who have continned to frequent it, even since the library with its more varied and substantial treasures of information has been competing with it for popular favor. Here are at all times to be found the leading monthly, and several of the popular weekly publications of the country, whose racy and instructive con- tents deserve, and would doubtless receive, far more attention from many, especially ladies, if its location was more retired and favorable for the legitimate use and purposes implied in its name. To many who have had occasion to resort to it, either for reading or study, it is manifest that other and larger accommodations are, to say the least, very desirable. A space equal to that now given to both the library and reading-room, and free from the intrusion of all foreign interests is required for the convenient arrangement and
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FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
most profitable use of the magazines and papers now taken and desired by the reading public. But until the town shall deem it expedient to provide more ample quarters, or some generous donor, prompted by the laudable desire to confer a lasting benefit upon the community, shall appear, to offer the means for the ereetion of a building for the exclusive use of the library, this department must more than share with that the inconvenience of too contracted and ill-suited apartments. Though no public notice of the open- ing of the library was given, and therefore the faet was not generally known, yet a very respectable number of readers began, at once, to draw books from its shelves. This class continued steadily to increase, though much more rapidly during the latter part of the year, until the number of volumes delivered per week was about 300. The entire number delivered from April 24, 1867, to the first Wednes- day in February-when the books were called in for examina- tion-a period of about nine months, was 5,311, and to 482 different persons ; not a single volume during this time was missing. The trustees reported :-
" The books are generally in good repair, and show careful usage on the part of most of those who have drawn them. We wish the young especially, and all who are permitted to share the gratuitous privileges of the library, to remember the cost of books, and that all wauton or careless defacing of the property of the town is an index of the culture and public standard of morals among ns, and of necessity is a discredit to the town.
The public library has now become an institution of the town. Some pecuniary outlay, as contemplated by the legislature, will be necessary to continue it in a creditable condition, and the trustees hope such a. sum will be cheerfully appropriated, believing that no expenditure of the same amount in any other manner will conduce more to the general welfare."
In 1868, nine thousand six hundred and thirty-six volumes were taken from the library by six hundred and forty-six different individuals. At the examination of the library on the first Wednesday in February, but one volume was miss- ing, showing great eare both on the part of the librarian
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HISTORY OF GRAFTON.
and that of the people in their general use. Twenty-three volumes of magazines and reviews were bound ; while it was found necessary to re-bind twenty-six volumes worn by their frequent use. The reading-room was liberally provided with a good selection of our periodieal literature and the use of the same gave unquestioned evidence touching the want which this publie provision meets.
At the annual examination of the library by the trustees, in 1869, it was found, from the report of the librarian, J. W. White, that 9,188 volumes had been taken from the library, by seven hundred and four persons,-an inerease of fifty-eight over the number who availed themselves of its privileges in the preceding year. One volume was damaged beyond possibility of return. One other volume-" Freaks of Fortune"-was taken from the library without being charged. So that, in three years, one book has been de- stroyed, one carried out of town, and two lost, without leaving any trace as to their direction,-revealing care com- mendable in the highest degree.
The library is under obligations for books presented by Hon. J. D. Baldwin, Hon. George F. Hoar, and from the family of the late Hon. William Brigham. Two hundred and twenty volumes were added during the present year, at a cost of $312.10. Thirty volumes of magazines and reviews were bound. Twenty volumes were re-bound. Whole num- ber of volumes belonging to the library at date, about 1,951.
The reading-room was well provided with periodieal litera- ture, and, if we may judge by its use, fully appreciated.
The whole number of volumes taken from the library during 1870, was ten thousand five hundred and eighty-two, or one thousand four hundred more than the previous year. The number of persons taking books was seven hundred and eleven, or six more than last year.
The number of volumes added to the library for the same time was three hundred and six, or nearly one hundred more than the preceding year. The number of volumes in the
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FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
library during 1871, was two thousand four hundred and twenty-three. Number of volumes added within the year, about one hundred and fifty. Number of volumes taken from the library during the same time, eleven thousand four hundred and seventy-five, or nearly one thousand more than last year. Number of persons who have drawn books, seven hundred and thirty, or about twenty more than the previous year. Number of books charged but not yet returned, three. Number of books taken from the library since its founda- tion neither charged nor returned, four, or less than one for each year.
In 1872, the trustees adopted a card system of drawing, instead of a plan, in which this library was almost alone, of going to the shelves and drawing for oneself, thereby keep- ing the books in better order, by less handling. Blank cards were furnished, free of cost, to every one eligible to the library ; the method of using them was very simple, and was explained by the librarian. It was advisable for families to provide themselves with the published catalogues and addendas, which were obtained of the librarian at a merely nominal charge. From these, or from mannseript catalogues found in the reading-room, selections were made. For variety, for scope, for valne, either in the range of the more strictly entertaining and transient, or in that of a standard and permanent literature, our library will favorably compare with that of any town of an equal population, and in which a similar library has been sustained for an equal length of time. The number of volumes in the library at this date is two thousand six hundred and seventy-three. Added dur- ing the year, two hundred and seventy-four volumes; taken ont within this time, ten thousand one hundred and thirty- two volumes, by six hundred and seventy-six persons; num- ber of books charged but not returned, six ; number of books taken from the library since its organization, neither charged nor returned, nineteen.
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HISTORY OF GRAFTON.
The volumes added this year, 1873, numbered one hun- dred and eighty-seven. Persons taking them out, six linn- dred and seventy-four ; volumes taken out, nine thousand four hundred and sixty ; books charged but not returned, twenty-six ; books unaccounted for since the founding of the library, sixteen; number of volumes in the library, two thousand eight hundred and sixty.
The additions of new works for 1874, three hundred and fifty-eight volumes, besides twenty-four volumes replaced, making the whole number of volumes purchased within the year three hundred and eighty-two ; the number of persons taking books, seven hundred and eight; the number of volumes taken, eleven thousand four hundred and forty-five ; the number of volumes charged but not returned, two ; the number of volumes unaccounted for, five ; the whole num- ber of volumes in the library, three thousand two hundred and fifty. On the first of December, James W. White, who had held the office of librarian from the foundation of the library, was compelled by failing health and numerous duties, to tender his resignation to the board; in accepting it the trustees recognized the unfailing fidelity and courtesy with which he fulfilled its duties. The trustees secured as Mr. White's successor, the services of Mr. D. W. Norcross, whose well-known thoroughness and method were a guaran- tee for a like trustworthiness for the future.
Number of volumes added in 1875, two hundred and twenty-six; number of volumes replaced, twenty-nine ; making a total purchase of two hundred and fifty-five volumes, with an aggregate of volumes in the library, at this date, of three thousand four hundred and sixty-two. Twelve thousand two hundred and forty-five volumes liave been taken out, by seven hundred and seventy-five persons ; volumes taken out and not returned, none; unaccounted for, one ; new patrons, one hundred and fifty-four.
Number of volumes added in 1876, eighty-seven; replaced, seventeen ; purchased, one hundred and four; in the library
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at this date, three thousand four hundred and forty-five ; taken ont, fourteen thousand six hundred and eighty-three ; number of persons drawing books, six hundred and sixty- eight ; not a volume unreturned or missing ; number of new members, one hundred and ten ; total number of members to this date, one thousand three hundred and seventy. In addition to the aggregate of volumes in the library there is a large number of pamphlets, as well as of State and other valuable papers.
Number of volumes added in 1877, one hundred and thirty-nine ; replaced, thirteen ; purchased, one hundred and fifty-two ; in the library at this date, three thousand five hundred and eighty-two ; taken ont, thirteen thousand four hundred and six ; number of persons taking books, six hun- dred and fifty-seven ; new members, fifty-six ; total member- ship, one thousand four hundred and twenty-six ; one volume is charged and not returned ; four volumes are unaccounted for. Since the organization of the library, and in accord- ance with the vote of the trustees to gradually lessen the circulation of a given line of fictitious works, one hundred and thirty volumes have been withdrawn from the library catalogue. The trustees made the following suggestion :-
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