History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 83

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 83

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1 See " Lowell Contributions," etc., vol i. p. 254.

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

" Mills " in the spring of 1795. The canal was twen- ty-seven miles long, thirty feet wide, and three feet deep. It was navigable to the Charles River in 1803; but its income was absorbed for years in alterations and repairs, and no dividend was declared until 1819. The total cost of the canal was $1,164,200. From 1819 to 1843, dividends were paid, amounting to $504 per share. The receipts then fell below the expenses ; in 1851 the charter was surrendered, and in 1852 the canal was sold in sections, owners of adjoining lands being generally the purchasers. The charter was farther declared forfeited in 1859.

The Middlesex Turnpike was an enterprise of sig- nificance in its day, chartered in June, 1805. Its route extended from Tyngsborough to Medford and Cam- bridge. The line at first was to pass Billerica meet- ing-house; but, in 1806, the route was changed, by permission of the General Court, from a point in Bed- ford, crossing Nutting's Pond, to Buisket bridge in Tyngsborough. Some lack of friendly co-operation in Billerica may have influenced this change, and the managers were ambitious to make their great road as near an air-line as possible. Hills and ponds must not stand in their way, and they accordingly fol- Jowed a route straight through the town, crossing Concord River a mile above the centre bridge, and leaving the village as far one side. This line would attract very little local travel and support, and exper- ience soon proved that the visions of a great through travel and traffic were delusive. The canal and the railroad left little for the turnpike, and its charter was repealed in 1841.

The stages also entered largely into the life of that period. "The first stage-coach passed through Billerica about 1795. It was a two-horse, covered vehicle, owned and driven by Mr. Joseph Wheat, and ran from Amherst, N. H., to Boston and back again, once a week. It stopped at Billerica over-night, making the trip in about four days. The same team performed all the journey."1 The business increased. In 1803 the stage from Boston to Amherst set off from King's Inn every Wednesday and Saturday, leaving at 5 A.M. and arriving at 7 P.M., returning Mondays and Thursdays at the same hours. For several years before the opening of the railroad from twelve to sixteen stages passed daily through Billerica, Sun- days excepted. After work was begun on the new mills at East Chelmsford, in 1821, Mr. Richardson, who kept a hotel at the "Corner," sent a hack Mon- days and Saturdays to accommodate gentlemen who wished to connect with the Amherst stage at that point. Lowell could hardly be served in that way now ! All this staging and teaming made a demand for taverns, which were numerous and busy. There were two, and sometimes three, in the village: one or two at the Corner, and the Manning Tavern on the Chelmsford Road ; and these were not all. Men and

beasts must be provided for, and this provision often suggests Falstaff's "intolerable deal of sack," as one reads the items in old ledgers.

But canal and turnpike gave way to a more revolu- tionary improvement. The Boston & Lowell Rail- road was chartered in June, 1830, and opened June 25, 1835. But the benefit which the railroad brought to Billerica has been much less than it would have been if it had followed a more direct line, through Woburn, and passing between the village and Fox Hill. Such a route would have made the pleasant high lands on which the village is located a very ac- cessible and attractive suburb of Boston, and with the growth of both Lowell and Boston, Billerica might have shared. But some feared and repelled the railroad ; others, more sagacious, saw its benefits and sought its location on a more northerly route ; and the growth of the village has been hindered by its distance from the stations. Relief for this difficulty was sought in 1876, by the building of a narrow- gauge railroad from Bedford to North Billerica. It was opened with its two-foot track and two locomo- tives, in the autumn of 1877. The novelty of its nar- row track and cheap construction attracted much at- tention. For a few months the village had railroad connection with the cities. As a mechanical experi- ment the road was a success. But it soon struck financial rocks. Burdened with debt at the first, it was thrown into bankruptcy and sold out, its equip- ment being sold to a Maine company.

The roadway was secured in 1884 by the Boston & Lowell Railroad, which laid out a route with better grades west of the village, and re-opened the road of standard gauge, giving the town facilities more per- manent and satifactory, under the stimulus of which, business and population are increasing.

John Parker built the first mill in town, on Content Brook, about 1660, and the mill at the falls of the Shawshin is mentioned in 1707. But the water power at North Billerica was first granted in 1708, to Chris- topher Osgood, and all later owners get their title from him.

He built and maintained a grist-mill and saw-mill. Thomas Richardson was its owner after the Revolu- tion, and the Middlesex Canal Company purchased of him, 1794, March 25th, the title, which was held for the use of the canal until 1851, September 22d, when it was sold for $20,000 to Charles P. and Thomas Talbot. These gentlemen were released, by vote of the town, 1864, March 7th, from the obliga- tion to maintain a grist-mill, contained in the Osgood grant, the towu judging, no doubt correctly, that the use of the water-power in their extensive manufac- turing would be a greater public benefit than the grist-mill.

Prior to this action the owners of the water-power had prosecuted successfully before the Legislature a contest with the towns of Wayland, Sudbury, Concord, Bedford and Carlisle, and the owners of meadows

1 " Bi-Centennial," p. 152 (note). '

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above, on the river. The latter had petitioned the Legislature, in 1859, claiming that the dam had been raised and was maintained at a height which dam- aged the meadows and reduced their value, and they asked for redress. A joint committee heard both parties at length, and the petitions, arguments and documents were published in a report (House Doc., No. 100, 1860). The general conclusion was that " the dam at North Billerica is not the only nor the chief cause of the wet state of the meadows above. The bars across the stream, especially the Fordway bar ; the weeds filling the channel in many places, often for long distances ; the discharge into the river during the summer of water stored in reservoirs and mill-ponds upon the Sudbury and Assabet and their tributaries, in their combined effect, do far more damage to the meadows than the Billerica dam." They say that the effect of the dam becomes appre- ciable at Robbins bar, and its entire removal would not affect the upper meadows; that effectual relief could come to the meadows only by reducing the dam thirty-three inches or more, cutting out the Fordway and other bars, deepening the shallow places, straightening the channel at some points, and keeping the river free from weeds. This programme was more extensive than the Legislature felt itself called upon to undertake, especially as it was proved that similar trouble and complaint had been chronic from the first settlement of the country.

In 1811 Francis Faulkner came from Acton and began the manufacture of woolen goods. It was the second enterprise of this class in New England, Abraham Marland being the pioneer, at Andover, in 1810. Mr. Faulkner soon purchased of the Canal Company the secondary water-privilege. He could draw water until it was "three- quarters of an inch below the top of the dam and flash-boards," when he must close his gates, under a penalty of one dollar for every half-hour they were left open. By his thrift, skill and enterprise Mr. Faulkner made his business very successful, and transmitted it to his sons. The firm-name is still J. R. Faulkner & Co., and his grandson, Mr. Richard Faulkner, is the agent now in charge of its business. From a modest begin- ning, with a single set of cards, the business has in- creased uutil the monthly pay-roll is about $2500.

Charles P. Talbot came to Billerica in 1839 and was soon joined by his brother, Thomas, in laying the foundations of their extensive and successful enter- prise. The dyewood-mill was their earliest undertak- ing, for which they hired a building of the Canal Company. In 1844 they bought the saw-mill of Nathaniel Stearns, on the northeast side, and used it for a dyewood business until it was burned, in 1853. They then sold this site to Mr. Faulkner, having pur- chased the prior and larger rights of the Canal Com- pany on the other side of the stream. There they rebuilt the dyewood-mill, which is still in vigorous operation ; and, in 1857, they built their woolen-mill.

This at first had eight sets of cards; six were added in 1870 and as many in 1880. Two hundred hands are now employed, and the monthly pay-roll is $7000. In 1849 the Messrs. Talbot began their chemical works, which were at first in a building near the depot, but removed later to their present location, sixty rods farther east, by the railroad. These now employ sixteen hands, and produce a daily average of five tons oil of vitriol, one ton of blue vitriol and as much muriatic acid.

The next most important manufacturing enterprise was begun soon after 1830, in the south part of the town, by Jonathan Hill, Esq. Its specialty was, and still is, a useful machine for splitting leather, invented and patented by Samuel Parker. This machine has had a very wide sale in this and other countries, being almost indispensable in the manufacture of leather. The business was sold, in 1853, to Charles H. Hill, who continues it with much success. In 1875 the value of the work done was $28,000.

In the east part of the town, where there had long been a saw-mill, on Content Brook, Theophilus Man- ning had also a grist-mill. He sold both, in 1825, to Dea. Aaron H. Patten, who began, in 1845, the manu- facture of cabinet-work. The business grew to con- siderable proportions, and Pattenville becanie a definite local name in town. The business reached a value of $20,000 to $30,000 per year, and was con- tinued by his sons ; but, in the financial depression of 1874-78 it suffered, and the shops were sold, in 1879, to Walter J. Pettingel!, who carried on business, making tanks, until the mill was burned, January, 1882.

Most recent is the growth of an extensive glue factory, which was commenced in 1867 by the Jaquith Brothers, near the old bridge of the Middle- sex Turnpike. It has been quite prosperous, doing a business amounting to nearly $15,000 annually. For many years the Winnings maintained a saw-mill on the brook running from Winning's Pond ; and there has long been a saw-mill, now owned by Mr. John O. Richardson, on Content Brook, near the railroad station at East Billerica.

LIBRARIES .- Billerica instituted the first "Social Library" in 1772, one of the earliest in Massa- chusetts, and a second was incorporated in 1807.

But it had long been felt that the provision for the needs of the town in this respect was inadequate ; and in 1880 the generous munificence of Mrs. Joshua Bennett laid the foundation for their better supply. A handsome building standing just north of the First Church, has been erected at her expense and dceded to the Bennett Public Library Association ; and her daughters, Mrs. Holden and Mrs. Warren, have con- tributed $2000 to its furnishing and the purchase of books. A fee of five dollars is received for member- ship, and twenty-five dollars constitutes a life member of the association ; but the use of books, without other privilege, is granted for the annual payment of one

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

dollar. The building contains a library, with capacity for ten or twelve thousand volumes, which may be doubled by the use of alcoves ; a reading- room, a committee room, and a handsome entrance hall and cloak-room. The reading-room is ornament- cd with a wide fireplace and beautiful mantel of unique design, contributed by William W. Warren, Esq., and the front of the building is enriched by a finc rose-window, the gift of Mr. Joshua Holden, Mr. William H. Osborn, of New York, also gave the lot on which the library stands. The town owes much to Mrs. Bennett and her family for this timely and good foundation. It must excrt a stimulating influence, and give a most generous culture to the coming generations who shall enjoy its privileges ; and will contribute much to the prosperity and attractive- ness of the town.

A similar service has been rendered at North Bil- lerica by the Messrs. Talbot; although the library which they have founded is intended primarily for their own employees, and its management is in their hands ; but its use for a small fee is open to all. They erected, in 1880, a building connected with their fac- tory, the second story of which is devoted to the library and reading-room. It is supplied with more than a 1000 volumes, a number which will be in- crcased and well used under the judicious care of the Talbot Library Association.

It is proper that record be made here of two his- torical incidents. In 1855 the town formally aud fitly celebrated the two hundredth anniversary of its foundation. The Rev. Joseph Richardson, of Hing- ham, a loyal son of the town, gave a historical oration, which was published, with other proceedings of the day, in a valuable pamphlet. The celebration had no little influence in awakening and stimulating the interest in the early life of the town, which has found expression in its repeated later action.

A similar event was the celebration held, 1876, July 4th. The centennial year of the United States naturally awakened renewed interest in historical subjects and led to many local commemorations. The Rev. Elias Nason responded effectively to an invitation of citizens to give a historical oration in Billerica ; and the day will be long remembered by those who shared in the festivities in the beautiful grove south- east of the middle bridge. This oration also, with other record of the day, has been published.

That the contributions of Billerica to the popula- tion of the country have been large and valuable, is suggested by the fact that all families bearing the names of Farmer, Jefts, Kidder, Kittredge, Pollard, Shed and Toothaker, whose lines in this country go back to 1700, find their American progenitors in Bil- lerica. Not less numerous or important arc the branches here found of the Crosby, Danforth, Farley, French, Frost, Hill, Manning, Parker, Patten, Rich- ardson, Rogers, Stearns and Whiting families; while to enumerate the significaut names of families simply

less numcrous would be to repeat most of the names from the pages of the Genealogical Register. Any just presentation of this subject would develop facts of which the town might be proud. She has never been populous ; but her sons and daughters abroad are many.

The list of Billerica graduates from colleges and professional schools is as follows :

David Abbot, II. C., 1794 ; Henry Blanchard, M.D., 11. C., 1834 ; An- drew Bowers, 11. C., 1779 ; Rev. Benjamin Bowers, H. C., 1733 ; Benja- min F. Bowers, M.D., Y. C., 1819 ; Rev. James Bowers, H. C., 1794 ; Josiah Bowers, M.D., Y. C., 1816 ; Josiah Bowers, M.D., Philadelphia, 1854; William Bowers, M.D., II. C., 1769 ; Rev. Thaddeus II. Brown, Y. C., 1860; Oliver Crosby, H. C., 1795 ; William Crosby, H. C., 1794 ; llenry Cumings, II. C., 1795; Georgo Faulkner, M.D, 11. C., 1844; Joseph F. Hill, H. C., M.D., 1830 ; llenry B. Judkins, Law Department 1I. C .; Jonathan Kidder, II. C., 1751; Rev. Joseph Kidder, Y. C., 1764 ; James Lewis, D. C., 1807 ; Dauiel Parker, B. C., M.D., 1833 ; Frederic A. Parker, M.D., H. C., 1813 ; Rev. Abel Patten, D. C., 1827; George H. Preston, H. C., 1846; Rev. Joseph Richardson, D. C., 1802; Artemas Rogers, H. C., 1809 ; Micajah Rogers, H. C., 1817 ; Rev. Thomas Skil- ton, H. C., 1806; Rev. Benjamin A. Spaulding, 11. C., 1840; Rev. Jo- siah Stearns, H. C., 1751 ; Rev. Timothy Stearns, A. C., 1833; Augustus Whiting, H. C., 1816 ; Rev. John Whiting, H. C., 1685; Joseph Whit- ing, H. C., 1690.

The record of the legal profession in Billcrica is brief: William Crosby, 1800, Samuel Dexter, Timo- thy Farnham, Joseph Locke, 1801-33, Marshall Pres- ton, about 1820-49, George H. Whitman, 1849. Of course, in the absence of lawyers who were such by profession, other well-informed citizens have often been called to aid their neighbors in legal matters. So much of this service devolved upon some of them that practically it would be just to mention, in this connection, such names as Jonathan Danforth, Jo- seph Tomson, Oliver Whiting, Joshua Abbott, Wil- liam Stickney.

PHYSICIANS .- Benjamin Atherton, 1739 ; Josiah Batchelder; ITeze- kiah Bickford, 1851-61; William Bowers, 1820 ; Thaddeus Brown, 1839 ; Frank E. Bundy, 1864-66; Timothy Danforth, 1792; Josepli Foster, 1810 ; Samuel Frost, 1717 ; William Grey ; Joseph F. Hill, 1849 ; J. W. Hood ; Charles E. Hosmer, 1874-89 ; Zadok Howo, 1857 ; Wmn. H. Hub- bard, 1877 ; Isaac Hurd 1778- (?), in Concord, 1844 ; Jacob Kittredge, 1800-15; John Kittredge, 1714 ; John Kittredge, 1756 ; Rufus Kittredge ; Albert C. Lane, 1879 ; - Mauning; Augustus Mason, 1844-54, in Brighton, 1882; George A. Munroe, 1866-77 ; Daniel Parkor, 1840-89 ; Roger Toothaker, 1745; Roger Toothaker, 1759; William Wilkins, 1789-1807.

The first post-office in Billerica was established Oc- tober 7, 1797. The postmasters, with date of their appointment, have been :

Jonathan Bowers, October 7, 1797; William Richardson, May 26, 1824 ; Marshall Preston, January 11, 1826 ; John Baldwin, Ir., October 16, 1849 ; William H. B'anchard, Juno 11, 1855 ; William Blanchard, April 4, 1857 ; Benjamin L. Judkins, April 27, 1859; Charles Il. Parker, May 8, 1862 ; Bernard M. Cann, Soptember 21, 1866 ; Franklin Ja- quith, Jr., July 15, 1867; Charles H. Parker, Juno 5, 1873.

North Billerica .- Joseph A. Burt, January 26, 1852 ; James Faulkner, July 26, 1855 ; James Whittemoro, May 25, 1866 ; Hiram C. Brown, March 25, 1878.

East Billerica .- Peter B. Bohonan, December 21, 1877.

South Billerica .- Georgo W. Hill, March 4, 1878 ; Mary E. A. Libby, December 13, 1878.

The population of the town at different periods is a subject of interest, but thic material for estimates at first is scanty. In 1659 tlicre werc twenty-five families ;

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four years later the number had nearly doubled ; but for the next twelve years there was small increase, ex- cept as children multiplied in the homes already formed. The tax-list for 1679 has only forty-seven names, but that for 168S has seventy-three names, showing that a new impulse had followed the anxie- ties of Philip's War, and, in spite of the Indian perils of the time, the progress continued, and, in 1707, the number of polls was 140.1

The tax-list for 1733 includes 228 names, but, in 1735, when Tewksbury had been taken out, the num- ber was only 187, which, in 1755, had increased to 206. In 1765 a careful enumeration was made, show- ing for the first time the exact population, when this town had 1330. Only seven towns in Middlesex County then exceeded Billerica. In 1776 a census gave Billerica a population of 1500, and the tax-list for the same year contained 273 names. In 1778 there were 286 polls, but, in 1781, they had fallen to 271 polls, a decrease more than explained by the loss of the Carlisle names, in 1780. Assuming an equal number of polls and names on tax-list, and that the proportion of this number to the whole population in 1776 was the same in 1687, 1733 and 1755, we reach this estimate for the periods named, the decades after 1790 being supplied by the United States Census, and the years 1855, 1865 and 1875 by the State Census.

1688, 401 ; 1707, 769 ; 1733, 1252; 1735, 1028 ; 1755, 1132 ; 1765, 1332 ; 1756, 1500; 1790, 1191 ; 1800, 1383 ; 1810, 1289 ; 1820, 1380 ; 1830, 1368; 1849. 1632 ; 1850, 1646; 1855, 1772 ; 1860, 1776 ; 1865, 1808 ; 1870, 1833 ; 1575, 1881 ; 1860, 2000; 1885, 2161 ; 1890, 2369.

The fact is significant that after 1800 there was no increase for more than thirty years; and it seems to confirm the opinion that the Middlesex Canal, by preventing the use of the water-power, exerted an un- favorable influence upon the progress of this town. A similar result has followed the deflection of the railroad line so far from the centre of the town.

A census taken in 1754 brings out the curious fact that Massachusetts had 2717 slaves. Of this number Billerica had eight, of whom five were females. In 1880 the census reports nine colored persons; but they are not slaves.

Other details of the census are interesting, and a summary of them follows. The details of the census for 1890 are not yet available.

The 2000 inhabitants of the town in June, 1880, were grouped in 449 families, who lived in 436 houses. There were 1662 over ten years of age, of whom 46 could not read and 56 could not write; of the latter, 51 were foreigners. The nativity stands thus: Native born, 1552; foreign, 448; born in Massachusetts, 1237; New Hampshire, 133 ; Maine, 73; Vermont, 56; other States, 53; British America, 67; Ireland, 226; England, 118; Scotland, 20; other countries, 17.

This sketch may fitly conclude with

BILLERICA IN THE REBELLION .- Of the part which this town took in the War of 1812, and in the Mexi- can War, the town and State archives contain no record. Probably Billerica had soldiers in both, but the number was small, and the scenes of action were too remote to leave any distinct impression. Far otherwise was it in the great Secession contest. When the life of the nation was assailed by the Southern up- rising, the people all felt the blow and the danger, and the towns asserted their vital relations to the con- flict as they did in the Revolutionary contest, to the disturbance of British councils. No one who expe- rienced it can ever forget the thrill of patriotic emo- tion which went through the North when Sumter was assailed and President Lincoln called for seventy-five thousand volunteers to defend the Union. Public meet- ings, enlistments, and aid societies and labors en- grossed the public mind. In Billerica the town hall was thrown open, the church bell, aided by the drum and an old ship-gun, sounding the call to meetings for action and organization. John A. Burrows and Charles N. Fletcher were the first soldiers mustered from Billerica. The number increased rapidly. Richardson's Light Infantry, of Lowell, afterwards the Seventh Light Battery, and the first three years' company in the field from Massachusetts visited the town for a reception and a drill ; as did a rifle com- pany. Albert E. Farmer, who was taken prisoner at Bull Run and died in Richmond, was the first soldier from Billerica to fall. In 1862, after the defeat of McClellan, the call for troops was responded to by a town-meeting and the offer of a bounty for enlist- ments. They were easily obtained, and the town's quota was mustered into the Thirty-third Regiment. An interesting meeting was held in the town hall the night before their departure. A call for nine months' men followed, and after the supposed quota had been filled it was found that more men were needed, and town-meetings and bounties were again called into requisition. In the summer of 1863 came the first draft, with but small results from this town. In the autumn efforts for volunteers were renewed, and a con- siderable number of veterans, whose three years' term would expire in 1864, re-enlisted "for the war." These brave men, who after so long and severe a term of service were ready to rededicate themselves to the great work, should be held in especial honor, and their names can be traced in the list below. In the summer of 1864 came a second draft quite as meagre in results as the first, for only two men from Billerica were accepted. Other calls were filled by such volun- teers as could be secured in town or beyond, and large bounties were paid. The town was represented in army and navy by 173 men, whose names are recorded in the "History of Billerica."

The news of victory and peace filled the land with joy in the spring of 1865, and though a deep shadow followed with the assassination of the beloved Lin- coln, the substantial fruits remained. The returning

1 Collections : American Statistical Association, pp. 146, 150, etc. 23-ii

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veterans were welcomed on the Fourth of July at a picnic in thic grove by Concord River, near the middle bridge. The exercises were hearty and impressive, including an address of welcome by Dr. Frank E. Bundy. In farther testimony to the valor of her sol- diers and the memory of hier dead, the town lias crected an appropriate monument. It stands upon the Common, a shaft of white granite, six feet square at the base and twenty-five feet high. The shaft is crowned with the figure of a soldier, in easy position, with musket at rest. In raised letters are inscribed the names "Petersburg," "Gettysburg," "Newbern," " Lookout Mountain," "Bull Run," "Chancellors- vilie," "Baton Rouge " and "Cedar Mountain." A carved eagle surmounts a shield, and upon the pedes- tal is the inscription : " Billerica to her heroes, in grateful recognition of that steadfastness of purpose, devotion to principle, loyalty to country, and trust in God, which enabled men to die for Liberty and Union." On the east and west sides are the names of twenty dead soldiers :

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History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 83

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