History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 101

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed. cn
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1226

USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II > Part 101

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These soldiers did valiant services at the Battle of Bunker Hill. They were in the regiment of Colonel Brewer, on the left of the American line to the north- erly of the summit. Their position was very much exposed ; a part of the line had not the slightest pro- tection. The only attempt that was made to construct a breastwork was by the gathering of some newly- mown hay that was scattered about the place ; but they were prevented from the completion of even such a slight brcastwork as this. The foc advanced and they were compelled to desist. But no exposure to the fire of well-disciplined, veteran troops, and no lack of breastwork protection led those brave Middle- sex colonels and companies to turn from or abandon this important position. Says Drake, "Brewer and Nixon immediately directed their march for the un- defended opening so often referred to between the rail-fence and the earthwork. They also began the construction of a hay breastwork, but when they had extended it to within thirty rods of Prescott's line the enemy advanced to the assault. The greater part of these two battalions stood and fought here without

cover throughout the action, both officers and men dis- playing the utmost coolness and intrepidity under fire." The same author also says of Gardiner, Nixon and Brewer, "Braver officers did not unshcathe a sword on this day; their battalions were weak in numbers, but, under the eye and example of such leaders, în vincible."

As the war progressed the east side soldiers still gallantly served. Captains Nathanial Maynard and Isaac Cutting each commanded a company in 1778, and in the muster-rolls presented to the town of Sud- bury, of that year, we have given by these captains 132 names.

INCORPORATION OF EAST SUDBURY .- In 1780 the town of Sudbury was divided, and the east side became East Sudbury. The proposition came before the town by petition of John Tilton and others, June 25, 1778, in the east meeting-house. "The question was put whether it was the minds of the town, that the town of Sudbury should be divided into two towns, and it was passed in the affirmative. And appointed the fol- lowing gentlemen to agree on a division line and re- port at the adjournment of this meeting, viz. : Colonel Ezekiel How, Capt. Richard Heard, Mr. Nathan Lor- ing, Mr. Phinehas Glezen, Mr. John Maynard and Mr. John Meriam." The committce reported that they were not agreed as to the line of division.

At a meeting held Jan. 1, 1779, the town appointed Major Joseph Curtis, Thomas Plympton, Esq., Mr. John Balcom, Capt. Richard Heard and Capt. Jona- than Rice to agree on a line of division. At the same meeting measures were taken to petition the General Court. Strong opposition at once manifested itself, and the town was warned to meet at the West meeting- house December 6th, -

" Ist. To choose a moderator.

" 2d. To see if the town will choose a Committee to act in behalf of this Town at the Great and General Court of this State to Oppose a Di- vision of sd Town, and give the Comtee So choscu Such Tustruction Re- lating to said affair as the Town may think proper, and grant a Suur of Money to Enable said Comtec to Carry ou Said Business."

The meeting resulted as follows :

"Ist. Chose Asahel Wheeler moderator.

" 2d. Colonel Ezekiel llowe, Mr. Wm. Rice, Junr. and Thomas Plymp- ton, Esq., a committee for the Purpose contained in this article, and granted the sum of three hundred Pounds to Enable their Comtee to Carry on said affair ; theu adjourned this meeting to tomorrow, at threc oclock, at the same place.

"Tuesday, Decemr 7th. The Town mnet according to adjournment, proceeded and gave their Comtee Chosen to oppose a division of this Town, &c., the following Instructions, viz. :

"To Colo. Ezekiel llowe, Thus, Plympton, Esq. and Mr. Rice, Jur., you being chosen a Comtee by the Town of Sudbury to oppose a division of sd Town, as Lately Reported by a Conitee of the Honle General Court of this State.

" You are hereby authorized and Instructed to preferr a Petition or memorial to the General Court in behalf of Said Town. Praying that the Bill for Dividing Sd Town May be set a fire or altred setting forth the Great Disadvantages the Westerly part of the Town will Labour under by a Division of said Town, as reported by sd Comitee, viz. : as said report deprives them of all the gravel, and obliges them to maintain the one half of the Great Causeways on the Easterly part of said Town not- withstanding the necessary repairs of the Highways on the westerly part of said Town are nearly double to that on the East.

"Said Report also deprives them of the Pond, it also deprives them

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WAYLAND.

of a Training-field thongh Given by the Proprietors of Said Town to the Westerly side for a Training-field for Ever.

" And further, as there is no provision made in said report for the Sup- port of the Poor in Said Town which will be a'verry heavy burthen to the West side of the Town as the report now stands. Also, at said ad- journment, the Town Granted the sum of three Hundred pounds, in ad- dition to the other Grant of three Hundred Pounds to Enable their Comtee to carry on said Petition.

"Then the town by their vote dissolved this meeting."

But, notwithstanding the vigorous protest made by prominent citizens, their arguments did not prevail with the Court, and an article was passed April 10, 1780, which authorized a division of the town. A committee was appointed by the town to consider a plan for the division of property and an equitableadjust- ment of the obligations of the east and west parts of the town. At an adjourned meeting, held March 14th, the committee rendered the following report, which was accepted and agreed upon :

" We, the Subscribers, being appointed a committee to Join a Comtee from East Sudbury to make a Division of the Money and Estate belong- ing to the Town of Sudbury and East Sudbury, agreeable to an Act of the General Court Passed the 10th of April, 1780, for Dividing the Town of Endbury, proceded and agreed as followeth, viz. : that all the Money Dne on the Bonds and Notes, being the Douation of Mary Doan to the East Side of the River, be Disposed of to East Sudbury according to the will of the Donor. And the money Due on Bouds and Notes, given by Mr. Peter Noyes and Capt. Joshua Haynes, for the Benefit of the Poor and Schooling, be Equaily Divided between Each of the &d Towns, which Sum is 4_3 : 3 : 4. That all the Money Due on Bonds aud Notes for the New Grant Lands, or Money Now in the Treasury, or in Constables' bands, be Equally Divided between Each of Said Towns, which Sums are as follows, viz. :

" Dne on New Grant Bonds and Notes, 133 : 14 : 7

3110 : 10 : 7

Due from Constable, Due from the Town Treasurer, 348 : 6 : 5

" And that all Land that belonged to the Town of Sudbury, or for the benefit of the Poor, shall be Divided agreeable to the Act of the General Court for Dividing Said Town. And that the Pound and Old Bell, and the Town Standard of Weights aad Measures which belonged to the Town of Sudbury, be sold at publick vandue and the proceeds to be Equally divided between the towns of Sudbury and East Sudbury.

" Also, that the Town Stock of Arins and Amunition be Divided as set forth in the Act of the General Court for Dividing the Town of Sudbury. And if auy thing shall be made to appear to be Estate or property that should belong to the town of Sudbury before the Division of the above articles, it Shall be Equally Divided between the Town of Sudbury aud the Town of East Sudbury. Aud that the Town of East Sudbury shall Support aud Maintain as their Poor During their Life, the Widow Vick- ry and Abigail Isgate, And all Such Persons as have Gained a Residence iu the Town of Sudbury before the division of Sd Town, and shall here- after be brought to the Town of Sudbury or the Town of East Suubury, as their Poor Shall be Supported by that Town in which they Gained their Inhabitance. Also, that the Debts Due from Said Town of Sud- bnry Shall be paid, the one balf by the Town of Sudbury. and the other half by the Town of East Sudbury, which Sum is 2977 : 7 : 1.

" ASHER CUTLER ASAHEL WHEELER 1 Committee."

" THOR WALKER

ISAAC MAYNARU

" JAMES THOMSON

Other committees concerning the matter of divi- sion were appointed the same year. The assessors were to make a division with East Sudbury of the men re- quired of Sudbury and East Sudbury for three years ; also to make division of clothing, beef, etc., required of said town. A committee, April 23, 1781, made the following finantial exhibit :

" Due to Sudbury in the Constable's and Treasurer's bands

That the town bad to pay the sum of

£1487. 9.10 1661.19. 5

Sudbury's part of the Powder Their part of the Lead

their part of the Guns on hand

The old Bell, Pound and Town Standard of Weights and Measures sold for €1183.10 . 0

Sndbury's part of the above sum is 391.15. 0

Received of - money 27. 0.0 20.8 . 0

The charge of sale

The remainder to be paid hy the treasurer of E. Sudbury.

Money due to the town in Mr. Cutler's hands taken out of

the State Treasury for what was advanced by the Towu of Sudbury for the Support of Soldiers' families who are in the Continental Army. 1206. 2. 0."

In the division Sherman's Bridge was left partly in each town, and the river formed about half the town's eastern boundary.

Juue 19, 1801, Rev. Josiah Bridge passed away at the age of sixty-two. The following persons have served as his successors in the pastorate : Revs. Joel Foster, John B. Wight, Richard T. Austin, Edmund H. Sears, George A. Williams, Samuel D. Robins, James H. Collins, William M. Salter, Edward J. Young, N. P. Gilman, Herbert Mott.

SOLDIERS OF 1812 .- The following meu were vol- unteers in the War of 1812: Abel Heard, James Draper, Rufus Goodnow. The following men were drafted : Reuben Sherman, Daniel Hoven, John Palmer. The first served, the last two procured the following substitutes: Cephas Moore, Jonas Abbot.

June 1, 1814, the frame of a new meeting-house was raised. The structure was completed January 19th and dedicated January 24, 1815, on which day Rev. John B. Wight was ordained. This building is the one now in use by the First Parish or Unitarian Church. Before the erection of this meeting-house there was a prolonged discussion as to where it should be placed. It is stated that a seven years' contest preceded the decision, and that on thirty-four occa- sions the question was discussed as to which side of the brook the building should stand on. About the time of the completion of the new meeting house the old one was conveyed to J. F. Heard and Luther Gleason, who were to remove it and provide a hall in the second story for the free use of the town for thirty years. It was known for many years as the old Green store. It is the first building easterly of the Unitarian Church, and now the summer residence of Mr. Wil- lard Bullard. The land on which the old meeting- house stood was sold to Mr. James Draper, who about 1840, erected a new building on a part of the same, which contained a Town Hall, school-room and ante- rooms for the use of the town. The building cost $1700, and was first used for town-meetings November 8, 1841, and served the town for that purpose till the erection of the new building in 1878.

In 1835 the town took the name of Wayland, after President Francis Wayland, of Brown University, and the generous donor to the Public Library. In 1851 an invitation was extended to Dr. Wayland to visit the place, which was accepted August 26th of that year. The occasion was observed in a marked

142 lbs.

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

manner by the people who assembled together to wel- come him.

FORMATION OF THE EVANGELICAL TRINITARIAN CHURCH .- May 21, 1828, a new church was organized called the Evangelical Trinitarian Church. The fol- lowing are the names of the original inembers: Wil- liam Johnson, Edward Rice, Ira Draper, Esther Johnson, Nancy Rice, Ruth Willis, Susan Roby, Susan Grout, Eunice Rutter, Sophia Moore, Betsey Allen, Elizabeth Shurtliff, Martha Jones, Eliza New- cll, Martha Carter, Fanny Rutter, Sophia Cutting, Abigail Russell.

The February previous to the act of church organi- zation, a hall, belonging to Luther Gleason, was made use of for religious purposes. The first preaching service was held by Rev. Lyman Beecher. Subse- quently the tavern hall was engaged. for religious meetings, in which there was preaching by various persons. Very soon efforts were put forth for the erection of a chapel, which was completed by May 21, 1828, at which time it was dedicated. In 1834 and 1835 funds were collected for building a meeting- house; $3000 was secured and the house was soon ereeted. S. Sheldon, of Fitchburg, was the builder. Some of the material grew in Ashburnham, and was hauled in wagons a distance of forty miles. The building spot was given by Samuel Russell. The house was dedicated July 22, 1835, and four days afterwards no bill relating to the work remained un- paid. The bell, which weighed 1100 pounds and eost $400, was procured in 1845. It was subsequently broken, and in 1874 was re-cast. The following is the succession of pastors, with the date at which their service began : Revs. Levi Smith, June, 1828; La- vius Hyde, July 22, 1835; John Wheeloek Allen, December 29, 1841 ; Henry Allen, September 30, 1852; Adin H. Fletcher, -; Henry Bullard, October 1, 1863; Ellis R. Drake, November 10, 1868; Truman A. Merrill, April 27, 1873 ; Robert F. Gordon, settled November, 1888. The parish connected with the new church was organized April 5, 1828, at the house of William Johnson, and was called the Evan- gelical Society of East Sudbury.

THE CIVIL WAR .- In the great Civil War the town of Wayland took an active part. Repeatedly, her quota was made up wholly or in part of her sub- stantial citizens. The total number of men furnished for these quotas was 129, of which seventy were from Wayland. Of this latter number, twelve were killed in battle or died in the service. The patriotic senti- ment of the town was of a fervid nature, and found expression from time to time in a way to enkindle enthusiasm and encourage enlistment. Men left the farm and the work-shop. The young men turned from the quiet of the ancestral homestead to the tu- mult of the camp and the stirring scenes of the front. Some of these soldiers suffered the privations of the shameful and pestilential " prison pens " of the South ; some came home wounded to die; and some found a

soldier's resting-place on the soil they sought to save. Not only did the men well perform their part during the war, but the women also wrought nobly. They were organized as a "Soldiers' Aid Society " and "Soldiers' Relief Society," and furnished such sup- plies for camp and hospital as their willing hearts and hands could contrive and furnish. Clothing, medi- cine and miscellaneous articles were generously con- tributed, and the soldiers of Wayland had substantial reasons for believing that their friends at home were not forgetful of them. The total amount raised by the town's people for recruiting purposes was $18,000. The following is a list of Wayland men who were either killed in battle or died of wounds or siekness :

. Benjamin Corliss, sickness ; Sumner Aaron Davis, killed in battlo; George Taylor Dickey, sickness ; William Dexter Draper, wounds and sickness; Elias Whitfield Farmer, sickness ; William Thomas Harlow, sickness ; Edward Thomas Loker, Andersonville Prison ; John Mellen, killed in battle ; James Alvin Rice, killed in battle ; Hiram Leonard Thurston, sickness ; Alpheus Bigelow Wellington, killed in battle ; James Dexter Loker, sickness.

The town has honored her soldiers by the publiea- tion of a volume, giving a biographical sketch of each, with an outline of his military service. The book is entitled "Wayland in the Civil War," and is dedi- cated as follows : "To the Heroic men whose deeds are here recorded, whether returning in the glory of victory from battle-fields or leaving their bodies in honored graves."

RAILROADS .- In 1869 the Massachusetts Central Railroad was chartered, and Oct. 1, 1881, regular trains ran over the road. May 16, 1883, the ears eeased run- ning, and commenced again Sept. 28, 1885, under the management of the Boston and Lowell Railroad. Re- cently the road had come under the control of the Boston and Maine Company, and excellent accom- modations are afforded. There is a tastily built depot at Wayland Centre, kept in an exceptionally orderly manner by the station agent, Mr. Frank Pousland, who has thus officiated for the company since the opening of the road.

The town subscribed for three hundred and twenty - five shares of the stock. Mr. James Sumner Draper was one of the original directors and an early and earnest promoter of the road. Subsequently, litiga- tion occurred between the town and the Railroad Com- pany concerning the former's liability to pay the full amount subscribed for the stock, the objeetion of the town being that, because of the circumstances of the road, a fair equivalent had not been received for the inoney demanded.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES .- Wayland has the honor of establishing the first Free Public Library in the State. It was founded in 1848, and opened for the delivery of books Ang. 7, 1850. The first funds were given by Francis Wayland, D.D., late Professor of Brown University, who offered $500 in case the town would raise a similar sum. It was voted to accept of the proposition of Dr. Wayland, and $500 was raised by subscription and given to the town to meet the stip-

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WAYLAND.

ulated condition. The library was kept in the old Town Hall till the completion of the new one, when it was removed to the commodious apartment pre- pared for it in that building. It is stated that the difficulties incident to the establishement of this library were, through the agency of Rev. J. B. Wight, the cause of such legislative action as enables any city or town to establish and maintain a library for the free use of the inhabitants at public expense.

In 1863, James Draper, deacon of the first Church in Wayland, gave $500 as a permanent fund, the in- terest of which was to be expended annually in the purchase of books for the library.

Prior to the establishment of this library the peo- ple of East Sudbury believed in the benetits of a free use of good books by the community. As early as April 6, 1796, what was called the "East Sudbury Social Library Association " was formed. It had thirty-two original members, who paid a member- ship fee of $4, with annual assessment of twenty-five cents. In 1832 the library contained 227 volumes, and was kept at the private houses of the successive librarians. When Rev. J. B. Wight came to Way- land he made a collection of moral and religious books for the free use of the citizens, which increased to 300 volumes. The books were kept first at Mr. Wight's house, and afterwards at the Unitarian meeting-house; 71 of the books are now in the Town Library. In 1845 the town procured a small library for each of the six school districts, for the use of schol- ars and others. These libraries contained about 60 volumes each. In 1851, by vote of the town, they were placed in the Town Library.

NEW TOWN HALL .- In 1878 a new Town Hall was erected. The plan was made by George F. Fuller, of Boston, and William R. Stinson, of Malden, was the contractor. The building cost $9700. It was com- menced in May, completed October 26th, and dedi- cated Dec. 24, 1878. The address was given by Mr. Elbridge Smith, a native of Wayland, and principal of the Dorchester High School.

BURYING-GROUNDS .- The first burial-place is on the north side of the road leading to Sudbury Centre, and about a half-mile from the railroad station. It has the general appearance of an old-time graveyard. The wild grass covers the toughened and irregular sod, and the uneven surface of the ground indicates that it was long, long ago broken by the sexton's spade. These indications of the existence of old graves are correct. It was the burying-ground of the settlers, and here-

" Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap, Each in his narrow cell forever laid, The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep."

The older part of this cemetery lies near or beside the county highway, and may be the half-acre bought of John Loker for a burial-place. Tradition says that prior to the selection of this spot a few interments were made just over the hill to the north, where tra-

dition also states that there was an Indian graveyard. These traditions have perhaps some confirmation in the fact that on the northern hillside remains of human skeletons have been exhumed. An old citi- zen, Mr. Sumner Draper, states that in his boyhood, when men were at work in the gravel pit in what was known as the " old Indian graveyard," he saw bones which they dug up, that he thought belonged to several human skeletons, and that he had himself in later years dug up a human skull. He also stated that there were two or three flat stones on some graves, which he believed were without any inscrip- tion, and that he thought some such stones were re- moved from the spot long ago. .

The town owned thereabouts two or three acres of land, which was generally known as the "old Indian graveyard." But if this land was reserved by the settlers for a burial-place, it was not long made use of; for the southerly slope was soon set apart for this purpose, and has continued to be used for more than two centuries and a half. Additions have repeatedly been made to this latter portion, as the generations have passed away, and new graves have been opened to receive them ; and thus has the slow, solemn march of that silent company been moving over that midway space, until the two portions are almost joined. Be- sides the age of the yard, there are other things that make it an interesting spot to the inhabitants of Wayland. Within its enclosure stood the first meet- ing house. Here lie buried the bodies of those who bore the name of Goodnow, Curtis, Grout, Rutter, Parmenter, Rice, Bent, and others of the early grantees, besides still others of Sudbury's most promi- nent citizens before the division of the town. Be- cause of the interest that thus attaches to the place, we will give the inscriptions on some of the older gravestones which lie along the common highway.

MEMENTO MORI.

" Here lyethe remains of Ephraim Curtis ESQr who departed this lyfe Novr the 17th A D 1759 in the 80th Year of his age. He was a Loving Husband and a Tender Parent a faithful Friend, as a Justice of the Peace he Hon'd his Commission by adhering steadily to the Rules of Justice. he was Major of a Regiment, in which Office he conducted in such a manner as gave General Satisfaction. He was many years Rep- resentative in the General Court, a lover of True Piety, belov'd by all that knew him and Equally Lamented at his death."

" Ilere learn the end of man Know that thy life is but a span."

On this gravestone is a skull and crossbones.

" In memory of Capt. Joseph Smith Who died March 9th 1803, aged 87 years.

" Farewell my dear and loving wife Farewell my children and my friends Until the resurrection day."

Probably the captain of the east side militia.

"Here lyest ye Body of Mra Abagail Paris wife to M' Samuel Paris, who departed this life Febry ye 15th 1759 in ye 55th Year of her age."

Probably the wife of the son of Samuel Paris of witchcraft fame.

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

" Here Lyes ye Body of Mrs. Pationco Browne wife to Majr Thomas Browne Aged 69 years. Died Angst ye 15, 1706."

Major Thomas Browne was a very prominent Sud bnry citizen.

"In memory of Mr. Joseph Rutter, who died Doc. 19th 1781 in ye 78th year of his ago.

"Down to the dead, all must descend, The saints of God must die. While Angels guard their souls to rest, In dust their Bodies lie.

" Erected in memory of Mary Rutter wife of Mr. Joseph Rutter who died Sept 20md A. E 82."

Joseph Rutter was a descendant and probably grandson of John Rutter, builder of the first meeting- house, which stood just beside where the remains of Joseph Rutter now lie.

" MEMENTO MORI.

In memory of

Mr. Thomas Bent who died Wed- nesday morning July the 26th 1775.

Mrs. Mary Bent wife of Mr. Thomas Bent who died Wednes- day morning July ye 26th 1775 ÆEtatis 57.

ÆEtatis 69.

Our term of time is seventy years An age that few survive

But if with more thau common strengtlt

.To eighty we arrive

Yet then our hoasted strength de- cays,

To sorrow turns and pain

So soon the slender thread is cut And weno more remain "

Two notable stones are those that mark the graves of Capt. Edmund Goodnow and wife. They are in a horizontal position, and just east of the old meeting- house site. The inscription is rudely cut, and in the language of other years. It is as follows :

YE- DUST-

" HEARE-LYETH- PRETIOUS- NT-

OF-TIIAT-EMENANT-SARVA

OF-

GOD-CAP-EDMUND-GOODENOW- YEARE- WHO-DIED-YE-77- OF-HIS- AYGE-APRIL-YE-6-1688."

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History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 101

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed. cn Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1226

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed. cn
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1226