History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 167

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 167

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C. O. Whitman, Ph.D .- The immediate predecessor of Mr. William E. Frost, as preceptor of the academy, was Dr. Whitman. After leaving Westford he held the position of sub-master in the English High School, Boston, three years, then studied three years in Leipzic, where he took the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Returning to America, he taught an- other year in the English High School, then accepted a Professorship of Zoology in the Imperial University of Japan, remaining there two years. He returned home through Europe, spending six months in study at the Naples Zoological Station, on the way. He then went to Harvard University for three years and finally published-jointly with Alexander Agassiz- "Embryology of Fishes." From Cambridge he went to Milwaukee, accepting the directorship of the Lake Laboratory, established there by Mr. E. P. Allis. He is at present Professor of Animal Morphology in Clark University, Worcester, Mass. He is also the editor of the Journal of Morphology, and director of the Marine Biological Laboratory at Wood's Holl, Mass. His appointment to the professorship at the university was made in August, 1889.

The place of preceptor is now filled by Mr. William Edwin Frost, a native of Norway, Maine. He was born December 6, 1842 ; graduated at Bowdoin Col- lege in 1870, and took charge of this academy, April 26, 1872, being the thirty-sixth in the line of pre- ceptors. He is a very careful and thorough teacher, and a most efficient disciplinarian. His work in the school has been excellent, and for seventeen years it has secured the just and hearty praise of all who have been familiar with his methods and witnesses of his achievements.

Previous to Mr. Frost's taking charge of the school, the only examinations of the classes were oral ones at the close of each term ; and as these were limited to one day's session, some of the classes were not ex- amined at all. The first change made in this matter was to have the oral examinations include all the classes, two and sometimes three days being devoted to this purpose. In order to secure greater care and thoroughness in the preparation of lessons, a system of written examinations was soon introduced in addi-

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tion to the oral oncs, three being held each term at regular intervals. The rank of each student and class is impartially made up from these examinations and kept on record. This judicious system of exam- ining and ranking the students has proved to be a strong incentive to faithful study, and has greatly im- proved the quality of the work done in the school.

No small acknowledgment of moed is due Mr. Frost as an educator, from the fact that, while he has sent quite a number of young men to college, every one he has fitted to enter such an institution has been received without a single condition, every one has passed successfully through the difficult and pro- tracted examinations.

Mrs. Helen Keith Frost, the wife of the preceptor, is a direct lineal descendant of Rev. James Keith, the first settled minister at Bridgewater, Mass. She is a graduate of the Maine Wesleyan College at Kent's Hill, Maine ; is interested in literary pursuits, and consequently assists the educational interests of the community and stimulates its literary activity.

The present lady assistant teacher is Miss Nettie M. Stevens, of Westford. She graduated at the academy in 1880 ; taught school a year in Lebanon, N. H .; went from there to Westfield, Mass., and entered the Normal School, taking the four years' course in one and one-half years, and receiving her diploma.

She then taught for a year or two, and in January, 1885, entered upon her work as teacher in the academy from which she had graduated five years be- fore. In 1877 she took the French course at the Amherst Summer School of Languages.

She is specially interested in botany. She has re- cently purchased a compound microscope, and is be- coming proficient in the preparation of slides, by which she studies the biology of animal as well as plant life.

LIST OF GRADUATES, 1872-1889.

College Preparatory Course .- Oscar Brinkerhoff, Forge Village, 1873 ; Edward H. Chamberlain, Westford, 1877; John O. Cumings,1 West- ford, 1873 ; Frederick A. Fisher, Westford, 1877 ; Fraucis A. Frost, Westford, 1889 ; Ida E. Leighton, Westford, 1877 ; Henry L. McClusky, Westford, 1889; Charles O. Prescott, Westford, 1873 ; Arthur G. Rob- bins, Carlisle, 1882 ; Nettie M. Stevens, Westford, 1880; Emina J. Stevens, Westford, 1882 ; Leonard W. Wheeler, Westford, 1882 ; Henry M. Wright, Westford, 1880.

English and Classical Course .-- Lillie B. Atwood, Westford, 1877 ; Carrie L. Adams, Chelmsford, 1887 ; Emma S. Abbot, Westford, 1882; Lucy K. Abbot, Westford, 1887 ; George G. Drew,1 Westford, 1879; Edea J. Drew, Westford, 1882; A. Mabel Drew, Westford, 1887 ; Addie M. Fisher, Westford, 1879 ; Clara A. Fisher, Westford, 1882; Lenie H. Fletcher, Westford, 1887 ; Julia E. Hall, Westford, 1889 ; Herbert V. Ilildreth, Westford, 1880 ; M. Luella Hutchins, North Billerica, 1887 ; Rosina Keyes, Westford, 1877 : James L. Kimball, Westford, 1880 ; De- lia Martin, Westford, 1878 ; Abby M. Pond, Dedham, 1873; Issie A. Parker, West Chelmsford, 1881 ; Albert E. Prescott, Westford, 1881 ; Carrie E. Read, Westford, 1879 ; Stella . E. Reed, Graniteville, 1880 ; Carrie M. Robbins, Carlisle, 1882; M. Dora Spalding, Westford, 1882 ; Minnie A. Wordeu, North Chelmsford, 1882 ; M. Ella Wiley,! Westford, 1882.

English Course .- Jobn C. Abbot, Westford, 1888 ; Willie F. Blodgett, Dunstable, 1888 ; Arthur D. Butterfield, Dunstable, 1888 ; Ella Bennett, Westford, 1883 ; Charles A. Chamberlin, Westford, 1889 ; John Fisher, Westford, 1887 ; Luanna W. Fletcher, Westford, 1883 ; Harrison O,

Hall, Westford, 1887 ; Charles D. Howard, Westford, 1889 ; Angusta G . Hutchlus, 'Chelmsford, 1889 ; M. Belle Parkhurst, Wost Chelmsford, 1881 ; Rena E. Prescott, Forgo Villago, 1888 ; Charles G. Sargent, Graniteville, 1888 ; Edith E. Walker,1 Burlington, 1879 ; Roy B. Wheeler, Westford, 1888; Clarence W. Whidden, Westford, 1881 ; Annie E. Wilson, Westford, 1888 ; J. Florence Wilson, Westford, 1888 ; S. Eva Worthen, Chelmsford, 1882; Walter C. Wright, Graniteville, 1883.

Many of the above graduates have taught in the schools of our town, or of other towns. We speak of a few of the graduates whose homes were in Westford : Frederic A. Fisher graduated from the academy in 1877, afterwards graduated at Bowdoin College, Maine, and acted as tutor there. He studied law as a profession, and is at present a successful lawyer in Lowell, but keeps up his interest in Westford. He is on the School Board, one of the Town Library Com- mittee, one of the committee for obtaining a pulpit supply in the Unitarian Society, and his influence for good is felt in many ways. Charles O. Prescott, a graduate of the academy in 1873, graduated at the Institute of Technology, receiving the title of B.S .; afterwards took a post-graduate course of three years ; then taught at Plymouth, at Knapp's School, for some years. He then went abroad, going nearly around the world, spending some time in Australia and the Old World ; he brought back much valuable informa- tion and many curiosities and works of art. Mr. Leonard Wheeler, Miss Emma J. Stevens, Miss Lillie B. Atwood, Miss Clara Fisher, Miss Rosina Keyes, Miss Delia Martin, Miss Carrie E. Read, Miss Dora Spaulding, Miss Ella Wiley, Miss Ella Bennet, Miss Luanna Fletcher, Miss Annie Wilson, graduates from the academy, have all taught in our town schools, and some are teaching at the present time.

James L. Kimball graduated in the class of 1880, and after studying one year at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, Lowell, entered the Institute of Technology, Boston, remaining three years. Choosing electricity as his specialty, he began working with "Thomson-Houston Electric Company" in 1886, and has been with the company most of the time since then. He has studied all branches of the work, and has been sent out by the company to oversee the planting of electric lines in different parts of the country. He is now in the Railway Department of the city office, Boston. He has invented an accessory for the electric-lighting apparatus, which is used quite extensively.

Henry M. Wright, another Westford boy, graduated from the academy in 1880, went to Bowdoin College, Maine, graduated from there in 1884, taught school in Wilmington, Vt., in the fall of 1884, then returned to Bowdoin and took a post-graduate course in chem- istry. After that he went to Hingham, Mass., as the principal of the High School, where he is still a suc- cessful teacher.

Albert E. Prescott, a graduate in 1881, has devoted his life to music. He is still taking lessons of the

1 Deceased,

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best masters in Boston, and is himself teaching scholars in all the surrounding cities. He kindly shows his interest in his old home by doing all he can to advance the musical interest here, whenever he can find time to do so, among so many urgent and pressing calls . elsewhere.

Edward H. Chamberlin, a graduate in 1877, is a successful practicing physician in Chelmsford, Mass. Miss Nettie M. Stevens, a graduate in 1880, is now the assistant principal in the academy. Some of the later graduates are now pursuing courses of study in col- lege : Francis A. Frost is in Bowdoin, Maine; John C. Abbot and Charles G. Sargent in the School of Technology, in Boston, Mass. ; Lucy Abbot in Smith's College, Northampton, Mass. ; Julia E. Hall in Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass. ; Mabel A. Drew in the Normal School, Bridgewater, Mass. ; Roy Wheeler in the Commercial College, Lowell, Mass. Harrison C. Hall with the firm of N. Boynton & Co., manufacturers and dealers in cotton, duck and cord- age, Boston, Mass., is becoming a successful business man. Others are successful in other occupations ; and all these graduates, whether from Westford or other towns-so far as we can learn-have become honorable men and women, worthy of their alma mater.

Microscopy .- In this connection, it may not be wholly inappropriate for the writer of this historical sketch to speak of a course of study in which he has been specially interested, viz., microscopy. As it has been his purpose to write of any such thing concern- ing others, he takes the liberty of speaking of this most fascinating field of scientific research. And as this history will probably be read by some who are not acquainted with the microscope or the many uses to which it is applied, it may be well to state that magnifying glasses have been used for hundreds of years, even as far back as the philosophers of Greece.

Valuable discoveries were made by using only a drop of water as a magnifier; but it has been only within the last fifty or sixty years-since the con- struction of the achromatic lenses-that the instru- ment has been of scientific importance.

The compound microscope is now an instrument of the highest optical perfection, and has been brought np to its present efficiency by the united labors of men who have given their lives to its improvement. Devised in its compound form about 200 years ago, it was long considered an ingenious toy ; and though it gave wonderful revelations to the scientist when- ever nsed, it was generally considered a thing to amuse his leisure hours and not of any practical utility. The past few years have changed all that, and the time has gone by for it to be considered a "plaything" alone, as it is now conceded that even a moderate knowledge of any one of the physical sciences is possible only by its aid. What the telescope is to the heavens, the microscope is to the earth, with this difference, however : that where the telescope reveals

one fact the microscope reveals a thousand. It is but a truism, now, to say, that a good microscopical outfit is of the utmost importance in scientific investigations, for in many of them it has proven itself of the greatest utility. Some of our sciences have been made possi- ble only by its aid,-e. g., biology would never have been known without it; for it was by the glass that the cellular structure of the plant and theanimal were discovered, as well as the "streaming of the proto- plasm." The latter can be seen only by an excellent objective, and not even then without careful manipu- lation. No student, now, expects to attain even a moderate excellence in botany, without some kind of a magnifier, while the biological study of plants can be carried on by a good compound microscope. Biological investigation is now one of the most fas- cinating of scientific pursuits, and it must look to the compound instrument for whatever triumph it expects to achieve in the future. The microscope furnishes men with a second sight, and whoever uses it acquires a double power over nature. The geologist, the chemist, the mineralogist, the anatomist and the botanist have all found the microscope necessary to any complete knowledge of their all-absorbing re- searches. It is applied now in forensic medicine, and has aided in determining the guilty as well as in lib- erating the innocent. The germ theory of disease is a result of careful microscopical investigation and ex- periment, and has been placed among the verities of science. To the teacher, the glass has proved itself, in many circumstances, a valuableaid in fixing the at- tention of the pupils upon the wonders of the invisi- ble world, which has been proven larger, even, than the world we can see with the unaided eye. The results of its use has surpassed the widest stretch of imagina- tion,-no one twenty-five years ago would have deemed it possible to discover all that is well known to-day. It is said that, " No one, who possesses even a pocket microscope of the most limited powers, can fail to find amusement and instruction even though he was in the midst of the Sahara itself. There is this great advantage in the microscope, that no one need feel in want of objects as long as he possesses his instru- ment and a sufficiency of light." By its aid, new lives have been discovered in the sand beneath our feet, in the drop of water from a stagnant pool, and in the very air we breathe; and every one of these lives is a link in the chain of existence. By the multiplicity of lives discovered a new " classification" has been made imperative, several times, in natural history.

Not long has it been since the hydrozoa and polyzoa were classified, while the diatoms are yet causing much discussion. But one of the great benefits re- sulting from its use comes from the relaxation it gives to the tired men of business, to the teacher weary from the school-room, and to people who are ill and confined to the chamber-relaxation, rest and material for after-thought as well. What more help-

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ful occupation to the aged one who is "tenting on the beach," awaiting the summons from the other shore, than studying the works (as well as the Word) of Him who made all things, and which he may be permitted to study with better facilities by and by. Surely, in the word and works of God we have enough to enlist all our powers in eternity as well as in time.

The writer has received such stimulus and instruc- tion from this study that hc, without any reserve, can recommend it to the attention of all. Very few are so poor that they cannot possess some kind of a mag- nifying power, and by its use knowledge shall be dis- covered everywhere it is sought, and often where it is least expected. The writer has endeavored to follow the trail of investigation as well as to find some new beauties and truths of his own, and he has not been disappointed. With 1800 microscopical slides, cover- ing pretty well the different fields of research, be is never at a loss for instruction and amusement, for such a recreation enlarges the armamentarium of the mind and increases the furniture of the soul. He has thirty different species and varieties of fresh-water sponges, as well as a good collection of insects mounted by himself, and by exchange he has received 400 histological and pathological slides, illustrating nearly every appearance the normal and abnormal tissues of the human body assumes. The work is not difficult, and he knows of no branch of science that will give such large returns for the time employed, as microscopy.

Social and Public Library .- "It is now eighty-five years since the establishment of a library in this town. It was at first the effort of a few benevolent men to secure a wider diffusion of knowledge among the peo- ple by means of good books ; but that early inception has widened into a large and useful public library. Evidently these men took a just view of the needs of society, and it is gratifying to be able to point to the result of their wise forecast and philanthropy. The following document makes known their purpose in their own words :

"' WESTFORD, 14th February, 1797.

" ' We the subscribers, Inhabitants of the Town of Westford, feeling ourselves willing to promote Literature and useful knowledge among ourselves and our families, think it for the benefit of us, and for the Town in general to establish a Social Library to be put under such rules and regulations as shall appear to be the most beneficial to the subscribers ; and it is proposed that two dollars shall constitute a sbare to cach mem- ber tbat sliall subscribe that sum, and so in proportion to those that shall subscribe for a greater sum ; and we pledge ourselves oach of us severally and Individually to pay all the monies that we subscribe for, on the first Monday in April next ensuing, when there shall be a gen- eral meeting of the subscribers at the house of Mr. Samuel Wood at 6 o'clock afternoon, at which time there will be appointed a Committoe to receive the subscription monoy and to purchase such Books as shall ho most likely to suhserve the purposes aforesaid, and to act upon all other matters that sball come before us.'

"According to agreement the subscribers held a mect- ing at Mr. Wood's tavern, April 3, 1797, at which Zaccheus Wright was chosen moderator, and Caleb Blake clerk. Rev. Caleb Blake, Col. Zaccheus

Wright, Jamcs Prescott, Jr., Francis Leighton and Ebenczer Prescott were appointed 'to draw up rules and laws for the intended Library in Westford.' At an adjourned meeting held at Mr. Samuel Adams', May 8th, the subscribers 'voted to accept the Rules and Regulations that have been drawn up by the committee ;' and elected James Prescott, Jr., Rev. Caleb Blake and Dr. Charles Proctor, directors ; and Richard Kneeland, librarian and treasurer. The ' preamble' to the code of laws recites that ' the sub- scribers, being desirous of increasing their own infor- mation and promoting useful knowledge in the com- munity, especially among the rising generation, agrce to form themselves into a society under the name of the Westford Library Company ;' and the rules state that 'the Library shall consist of fifty shares at least, and shall always be kept in the town of Westford.'

"The first assessment was paid by thirty-six persons on forty-nine shares; and the second by thirty-one persons on forty-one shares. The first book on the list was Ferguson's 'Roman Republic,' in three vol- umes. A printed catalogue, issued in 1816, gives the titles of 102 books in 179 volumes. In 1801 a vote was passed 'that the members of said Company shall be hereafter called and known by the name and style of "the proprietors of the social library in the town of Westford."' With the exception of the year 1800, Zaccheus Wright was president down to the year 1806, when Francis Leighton was chosen, who died the same year and was succeeded by Issachar Keyes.

"In 1853 the town chose a committee 'to report a plan for establishing a Town Library and ascertain- ing at what price the Social Library can be purchased.' There is no hint on the town records of any report from that committee. The matter was again brought before the town in 1858, November 2d, when a com- mittee was appointed 'to see if any measures can be adopted by which a Town Library can be established and the Proprietors' Library merged in the same.' March 7, 1859, this committee made report as follows :

" 'Your committee met the committee chosen hy the Proprietors on the 4th of February, 1859, and after an interchange of views on the subject-matter, received from said committeo the following propositions :

"'Ist. Said Inhabitants shall annually expend iu tbe purchase of books for said Library a sum of money not less than thirty dollars.

"'2nd. Said Inhabitants shall provide. furnish and keep in good order a suitable room in the middle of said Westford where said Library shall be kept under the charge of a suitable Librarian.

"'3rd. Said Iuhabitants shall make suitablo and proper regulations respecting the preserving, keeping in repair, and loaning the books in said Library.

"'4th. Whenever said Inhabitants shall refuse to make the appropria- tion before mentioned, said Library shall revert back to said propriotors or their heirs.

"' And your committeo recommend the acceptance of the above propo- sitions.

"' THOMAS RICHARDSON,

"' D. C. BUTTERFIELD, .

""' P. CHAMBERLIN.'

"On the same day the town voted to accept the re- port, and chose Leonard Luce, Sherman D. Fletcher and Elbridge G. Parker to carry the vote into effect. Upon these conditions the Social Library came into

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the possession of the town as a gift, and became in fact and of right a town library.

" About thirty-two years ago a collection of books was made, called the Agricultural Library, consisting of one hundred volumes. The funds were obtained by subscription, each person paying three dollars. This also passed into the hands of the town some teu years ago, and was merged in the Public Library. This library is now kept in a commodious apartment in the Town Hall. Three directors, chosen annually, have the entire management of it."

The annual appropriation of the town for new books is about three hundred dollars. The number of volumes at present is 6150. In 1886 the library was enriched by a legacy of $1000 from Mr. Stephen S. Stone, a native of Westford, but for many years a resident of Revere, Massachusetts. In 1887 the li- brary received another legacy of $1000 by the will of the late Augustus K. Fletcher, of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, a native of Westford. Owing to some in- formality in the execution of the will on presentation for probate it was declared void. But the legacy was paid from her own share of the estate by Mrs. Fletcher, out of respect for the wish of her husband, and in full sympathy with his purpose.

TOWN-HOUSE. - The present town-house was erected in the autumn of 1870, and on "February 4, 1871, the town appropriated six hundred dollars for furnishing the town-house. The house was dedi- cated March 3, 1871, at which time the address was given by Rev. George H. Young, then minister of the First Parish. Prayer was offered by Rev. E. R. Hodgman. The chairman of the building commit- tee presented the keys, after a brief speech, to the chairman of the Board of Selectmen, who responded, and the building passed into the possession and under the control of the town."

In 1880 the building was remodeled at a cost of $3663. A new front and tower were put upon the building; a gallery was made over the front entrance, and fifteen feet were added to the rear. There are four ante-rooms. and the edifice is now very con- venient for all the purposes required by the town. One of the large lower rooms has been used by the Town Library.

" It was deemed fitting that the completion of the remodeled and renovated building should receive some public recognition, and accordingly a celebra- tion was arranged for Thursday, December 9, 1880, which was largely attended by the citizens of West- ford and of the adjoining towns. Governor Long was invited to be present, and an address was deliv- ered by Rev. Edwin R. Hodgman, by invitation of the committee of arrangements. The address related to the early history of the town. Governor Long, in his address on the occasion, recalled the remark of John Adams, that 'the four corner-stones of the Commonwealth are the town, the church, the school and the militia,' and said that all were fittingly rep- 45-ii

resented in this celebration. He congratulated the citizens of the town on the evidences of growth and improvement, not only in material things, but in culture and refinement, and he called attention to this wonderful growth all over our country. But while we congratulate ourselves on the progress we are making in tangible things, he said the best pro- gress is, after all, in those principles which have been referred to in the address as possessing and animating those who founded our New England municipalities. Brief addresses were also made by George A. Marden, of Lowell, and Allan Cameron, of Westford. Music was furnished by the Dunstable Cornet Band."

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History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 167

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