History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III, Part 106

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1278

USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III > Part 106

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" In the spring of 1862, when the National Capital was threatened by the approach of the Confederate troops, and the Governors of the loyal States were issuing their proclamations for men to go to its aid, the anxiety of the inhabitants of Holliston was so great that a messenger was dispatched on horse- back to Boston, to ascertain whether the Capital was taken or not. The messenger returned, riding into town just as the public services in the churches were concluded, and when he announced that the Capital was yet safe, cheer upon cheer rang out upon the still air of that quiet, beautiful Sunday afternoon, attesting the happiness with which the good news had filled the hearts of the people.

" It was voted July 22, 1863, unanimously, 'That the families of citizens of Holliston, whether alien or otherwise, who serve in the United States Army, either as drafted men or substitutes for drafted men, shall receive the same aid from the town treasury as

has been paid to the families of volunteers ;' also, ' To continue the same aid to the families of those who have fallen in the service of their country, as they have heretofore received from the selectmen, until March 1st next, unless their pensions are sooner re- ceived.' June 20, 1864, it was voted 'that the Town- Treasurer be hereby authorized to pay each volunteer or drafted man a sum not exceeding $125, whenever such volunteer or drafted man shall be called for to fill the quota of Holliston ;' also, 'voted that the town appropriate the sum of $3000 to pay soldiers en- listed under the last call for troops, dated March 14, 1864.' Another vote was passed the same day, viz .: 'To choose a committee of five to make provision for a suitable reception of the returoed soldiers belonging to Holliston.' June 18, 1866, the selectmen were in- structed, by vote of the town, 'to pay all volunteers who re-enlisted in the field for the credit of Holliston, who have never received a bounty, one hundred and twenty-five dollars, and to those who have received only a partial bounty, the balance sufficient to make that sum.'

"The whole number of soldiers from Holliston, counting both enlistments and re-enlistments, who served in the Federal Army during the Civil War, was three hundred and fifty four. Of these, sixty-six were natives of the town; and the names of fifty- three are upon the soldiers' monument as having lost their lives. Nine were captured and confined in Con- federate prisons, of which number five died. While the war was in progress, the people at home did not forget those who were in the field, and after some of the great battles committees were sent to the front to care for the well-being and comfort of the wounded.

" Just before the war commenced, Sewell H. Fisk, from Holliston, was driven out of Savannah, Georgia, with indignity, because he was from the North. He enlisted in Co. B, and went back with the army and died in the United States Hospital at Newark, N. J. Another soldier, Simon C. Marston, being left alone on guard at Brandy Station, saved the books of the Holliston Company from the rebels, who came up suddenly, by strapping them in haste upon his back and leaving with them."

This company was Company B, of the Sixteenth Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry, whose first colonel was the lamented Powell T. Wyman, of Boston, once a schoolmate of the writer of this article. He was killed in action at the battle of Glendale, Va., June 30, 1862, before he had been a year in service. This regiment was also called the Middlesex County Regi- ment. Co. B was organized in Holliston, and its first officers were James M. Mason, captain ; William A. Amory, first lieutenant; and Cassander F. Flagg, second lieutenant.

In 1866 the town appropriated $3000 for the pur- chase and erection of a soldiers' monument. It is a square, granite monument and stands in the south- east corner of the Central Cemetery, where it can

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS

plainly be seen from the main street. It consists of a base, ornamented pedestal and shaft. On the front side of the pedestal a flag is sculptured in relief, and on the opposite face is a shield with the following in- scription in small capitals :

" ERECTED BY THE TOWN OF HOLLISTON, IN MEMORY OF HER SOLDIERS, WHO DIED IN THE WAR FOR THE UNION, 1874."

On each of the remaining sides is a sword encircled with a wreath, also in relief. On the base of the monument are the following words :

" HONOR TO THE BRAVE."

On the sides of the shaft are carved the names of the soldiers of Holliston who lost their lives in the ilefence of their country. Those names are : M. Vose, F. Abbott, P. Harvey, C. C. Waite, S. H. Fisk, E. M. B. Perry, W. H. t'lough, H. A. Harris, J. Speakman, E. B. Currier, A. G. Hunting, C. II. Wheeler, M. McCor- mic, A. Adams, C. H. Cole, E. Leland, J. E. Dean, A. Goodwin, M. Slattery, F. B. Joslyn, J. H. Cooper, J. Hamilton, J. W. Slocum, W. G. Gaylord, G. E. Jenk- ins, H. F. Chamberlain, T. Lacy, C. Drury, L. Dickey, J. Reeves, F. W. Clapp, B. F. Hawks, H. S. Bailey, 1. Galvin, Jr., W. E. Lougee, J. S. Bullard, J. Galla- cher, E. S. Hutchinson, C. S. Watkins, F. Riley, P. Cary, Emerson Eames, B. L. Durfee, J .. M. Mann, C. II. Allen, William ('rowell, N. Brown, Jr., R. Feeheley, G. Holbrook, G. J. Walker, W. H. Goodwin, E. G. Whiting and W. B. Jennesson, fifty-three in all. There is also the record of the battles in which the soldiers from this town were engaged, viz : Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Cedar (trove, Petersburg, Andersonville, Richmond, Bull Run, Fair Oaks, Glendale, Malvern Ifill, Chantilly, Newbern, Manassas, Fredericksburg, Antietam and t'hancellorsville, twenty in number. An honorable record for the men of Holliston.

In connection with this subject, we may appropri- ately consider the Grand Army of the Republic, an outcome of the Civil War. The credit of originating the idea and plan of this organization is due to Dr. B. F. Stephenson, surgeon of the Fourteenth Illinois Regiment. In 1866 he conferred with Chaplain Rut- ledge, explained to him the design he had conceived, and together they drew up a list of by-laws, and April 6, 1866, they founded Post No. I of the State of Illinois. The order rapidly increased and spread over the country, and still continues to flourish. There are between seven and eight thousand posts at the present time, with a membership in August, 1890, of 455,510. National encampments are held an- nually ; that for 1890 assembling in Boston, where a whole week was given to meetings and festivities, and great enthusiasm prevailed among the thousands who were present from all parts of the country, and many even from the Southern States.

Post No. 6, of Massachusetts, was instituted March

10, 1867, at Holliston. A member 1 of this Post writes, "Among the institutions of Holliston which are widely useful, Post 6, G. A. R., deserves a prominent place. Its charities have been extensive, and its composition being such as to remove it both from the field of politics and sectarianism, it has been able to reach in an unobtrusive way many a sufferer and has brought comparative comfort to many a poor, but de- serving family. Its disbursements, since its organi- zation, have amounted to nearly $7000 ($12,000 in 1890). It has had a varying history. It has been burned out three times, but each time has arisen with its membership more firmly united, and with a stronger desire to fulfill the high purpose to which it is most sincerely consecrated.

"The relief committee of the Post has worked in entire sympathy with the town authorities, and has been an important auxiliary in the work of finding ont the needy and honestly paying the amounts voted year by year by the town. It is named the Powell T. Wyman Post, in affectionate remembrance of the first commander of the Sixteenth Regiment. It has for some years occupied a building on Green Street, owned by itself, and well deserves the respect which it enjoys in the community."

In 1890 this building was removed to Exchange Street, and was greatly enlarged and improved. The number of comrades in 1890 was fifty-two, and the Commander was D. F. Travis; 1. H. Carpenter, Senior Vice; O. L. Cutting, Junior Vice ; J. N. Fisk, Adjutant; and I. M. Hart, Quartermaster.

Several years after the foundation of the G. A. R., a new order called the Sons of Veterans, was institu- ted. It is composed of the sons of soldiers who served in the late war and received honorable discharge therefrom. The associations are called Camps, and Camp B. A. Bridges, (so called from late officer of Com- pany B, and Captain of Company E, Sixteenth Regi- ment Massachusetts Volunteers), No. 63, of Massa- chusetts, was organized May 5, 1865, The captain in 1890, was N. E. Bridges, and the number of members thirty-four. This Camp is armed.

The Women's Relief Corps, formed in 1881, is an auxiliary to the G. A. R., and assists the widows and children of soldiers, by supplies of clothing and mate- rials. It is also a general assistant to the Grand Army, in its work of benevolence. In 1890, Mrs. 'Z. Talbot is President, and Mrs. Lewis Bullard, Secre- tary.

Several societies for social and benevolent purposes exist in Holliston. The Mt. Hollis Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was chartered in 1865, or, ac- cording to their usage, February 14, A. M. 5865. The number of members at present is about cighty ; the lodge continues to prosper, and holds monthly meet- ings in Masonic Hall. The Worshipful Master in 1890 is H. C. Kingman.

1 (1. S. Wilder.

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HOLLISTON.

A lodge of the Sons of Temperance was formed here many years since. It was re-organized in De- cember, 1889, and now has about twenty members. The Worthy Patriarch is Albert E. Phipps.

Societies for the promotion of temperance have for a long time been present in Holliston, the first one having been organized as early as 1827, In 1876 the cause received a fresh impulse, and three societies were working in this direction. At the present time the efforts in this moral reform are conducted hy so- cieties auxiliary to the religious societies of the town, by the Sons of Temperance and by the Reform Club and its auxiliary, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, No. 15.

A lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows existed in the town some years, and many members of that order reside here at present. A re-organization or a new organization is contemplated in the near future.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians is a social and charitable society for the mutual aid of its members. There is a National, State and county organization, and each of them meets semi-annually. In this State there are from ten thousand to twelve thousand mem- bers, and in Middlesex County about thirty-eight hundred members. M. F. Coughlin, of Holliston, is the county delegate. The society in this town, Divi- sion No. 24, was chartered July 19, 1876, with twenty members. It holds meetings every Monday night in A. O. II. Hall, Forbes' Block, and has there a read- ing-room and billiard hall for the purpose of interest- ing its members. It always has from $500 to $1000 deposited in the bank, from which to draw its requi- sitions for aid. The president in 1890 is C. F. Dris- coll, and the secretary, John H. Coughlin, and the membership has increased to fifty.

A lodge of the Knights of Honor (No. 647) was or- ganized in Holliston June 5, 1877. It is a society for mutual benefit, and meets on the first Friday of each month in Masonie Hall. The number of mem- bers was fifty in 1880; it has now increased to eighty- two. William H. Smart is the Dictator in 1890.

February 18, 1884, Grange No. 115 of the Patrons of Husbandry was founded. It has attracted to its membership not only farmers and their families, but many others who are interested in its objeets. It is a social order for the mutual improvement of its mem- bers and the advancement of the interests of agricul- ture and horticulture, and persons of both sexes are admitted. It has proved to be a desirable organiza- tion, and has developed much latent talent among its members. Its meetings are held twiee in each month, and in the fall season it holds an annual fair. The number of members in 1890 was one hundred and forty, and the Worthy Master was J. B. Parkin.

July 4, 1876, the citizens celebrated the centennial anniversary of the independence of the nation in a highly appropriate and enthusiatic manner. Various committees were chosen, who made full preparations

for the event, and the celebration was a success and a pleasure to all. Salutes were fired and bells rung in the morning, a procession was formed and marched through the principal streets, and all then assembled in the Congregational Church. The exercises con- sisted of an invocation by Rev. J. Gill, prayer by Rev. G. M. Adams, reading of Declaration of Independence by Professor G. Y. Washburn, oration by Rev. Edmund Dowse, of Sherborn, and benediction by Rev. George F. Walker, then of Blackstone, a former resident of the town. Excellent singing was interspersed, in- cluding Whittier's Centennial Hymn.

At the conclusion of these exercises the procession was reformed and marched to Mt. Hollis Grove, where ample refreshments had been provided. The Hollis- ton Band then furnished music, and Hon. Alden Le- land, president of the day, introduced C. S. Wilder as toast-master, and many appropriate sentiments re- ceived responses from present and former citizens. Many buildings were decorated, and as a whole more elaborately than ever before in Holliston. Fire-works in the evening and music by the band closed the eel- ebration, which was a notable one and will be long remembered.

The 150th anniversary of the formation of the Con- gregational Church was celebrated Wednesday, June 1], 1879. The church was formed October 31, 1728, O. S., so that the exact anniversary, allowing for the change from old to new style, was November 11, 1878. The celebration was postponed to the more pleasant season of the year. In response to special invitation, a large number of the former members of the church and congregation returned to Holliston for the oeea- sion. Many were present also from the neighboring towns. The meeting-house was very fully and beau- tifully decorated with flowers, terns, evergreens, mot- toes and emblematic designs. All but one of the former pastors of the church now living were present, and that one responded by letter. Exercises were held both forenoon and afternoon, and a social re- union took place in the evening.

The historical discourse, delivered by the pastor, Rev. George M. Adams, was an exceedingly interest- ing and valuable paper, presenting facts and remin- iscenees of great importance for future reference, as the writer of this article has learned, during its prep- aration. This anniversary was an occasion of great interest to all who had ever been connected with the church or congregation.

During this same year, July 19, 1879, the public library commenced its existence. The plan of form- ing a town library originated with Elias Bullard, Esq., who in his will left $1000, under certain con- ditions for that purpose. Seth Thayer, Esq., then contributed $500, and several others lesser sums. The town appropriated $500 at first and have since granted $400 annually for its support. The library is kept in the town-house and is opened for use during the after- noons and evenings of Wednesday and Saturday of

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

each week. It is found to be a very popular institu- tion. Miss Josephine E. Rockwood is and has been the librarian.

The charge of this Library is committed to six trus- tees, two of whom are annually chosen by the town for three years. Portraits of Elias Bullard, Esq., Mr. Seth Thayer and Rev. George M. Adams, D. D., adorn the walls of the room, that of Esquire Bullard having been presented by his daughter, Mrs. Robert R. Bishop.

The Holliston Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated and carried on business for about twenty years. William R. Thayer, O. B. Bullard, A. N. Currier and Thomas E. Andrews were its man- agers at different dates. It closed in 1862, and the insurance was transferred to George B. Fiske, who is, and has been for many years, an agent for several companies of that kind. A Loan Fund Association also existed here many years ago.

Mr. John N. Fiske, a native of the town, has for many years been established as a job and manufac- turing printer, and employs steam as a motive power. His work is good and tasteful. Mr. Fiske has also been the enumerator of the census of 1890.

No newspapers are printed in the town. But an edition of the Framingham Gazette, called the Hollis- ton Transcript, is furnished weekly to the eitizens. The Milford Daily News is also sent here regularly. Of both of these newspapers James F. Fiske is the correspondent, and also of the Boston Globe. Mr. Fiske has been a reporter for many years. He has also been town treasurer, and was postmaster for seventeen years, the longest term of service of any person in that office. He was succeeded, July 12, 1886, by Frank Cass, who remains postmaster in 1890.

There is a good variety of stores in Holliston, suf- ficient for supplying the wants of the people, both in health and in sickness.

A " History of Sherborn and Holliston," with gen- eulogies, by Rev. Abner Morse, was published in Bos- ton in 1856.

It is said that Rev. Timothy Diekenson (1789-1813) wrote a pamphlet history of Holliston, extending to his day.

Rev. Mr. Fitch's eentury sermon (1826), Rev. Dr. Dowse's centennial address (1876) and Rev. Dr. Adams's historieal discourse (1879), all contain valu- able points concerning the history of the town.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

HENRY BULLARD.

Henry Bullard is a direct descendant of Benjamin Bullard, one among the first planters of Water- town in 1630, and who drew land there in 1637 and 1614. His son Benjamin settled in the extreme

southern part of Sherborn prior to 1658, a portion of his farm being within the bounds of Medway (now Millis).

Henry is the son of Titus and Esther Bullard and was born, at his present residence, July 13, 1815. His grandfather, Henry, born in 1749, settled here in the southeast part of Holliston and built the present house; so that Mr. Bullard is of the third generation occupying the homestead. A large farm is attached and it has been successfully carried on by the subject of this sketch.

After acquiring an education in the common and high schools of that day, Mr. Bullard served as a teacher in this town and in Framingham. That he was successful may be inferred from the fact that he was invited to take charge of the High School in Framingham. He was obliged to deeline, however, as he had an engagement to enter business in Hollis- ton. He afterwards conducted business in a store for three years in Cincinnati, Ohio, and for eight years in Medway, Mass. Then the declining health of his mother called him home, and he has since resided on the farm. He married Bethia S. Wheeler, of Med- way, about fifty years since, and they have had seven children, all of whom are still living. Mrs. Bullard, a most estimable woman, lived to a good age and passed to a higher life in 1890, heloved and lamented by all.

Mr. Bullard has been a selectman of Holliston for five years, during four of which he was chairman of the board. He has been the first vice-president of the Holliston Savings Bank from the time of its organization, and has also been a trusteeand member of the Investment Committee of that institution. He is an owner of real estate in Holliston, Framingham and several other towns, and devotes a considerable part of his time to its care. He is a member of the Holliston Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry.

APPLETON BULLARD.

Appleton Bullard was born in Medway, Mass., March 17, 1804, the son of Malachi and Polly (Little- field) Bullard. Ile was the third child, Elias Bullard, Esq., of Holliston, being the first, and Rev. Malachi Bullard, of Winehendon, the second. A younger brother, Hartwell, resided in Westborough. At the age of about thirty years Mr. Bullard was married to Hepzibah L. Harding, of Medway, and settled in Holliston. While here he was a prominent citizen, held in much esteem by the people of the town. He was seleetman, assessor, overseer of poor, and in fact held most of the town offices at one time or another.

About 1854 he returned to Medway about the time of the decease of his father and mother (who died nearly at the same time) and took charge of the farm at the homestead. lle there remained during the rest of his life, and also held all the town offices there. But be died in Holliston, suddenly, at the residence

Henry Bullarde

Appleton Buller

Elias "ulland.

M. A. Harriman riman

2. Talbots

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HOLLISTON.

of his brother Elias, and within two or three hours of the death of the latter, November 2, 1875. Mrs. Bul- lard remained in Medway until four or five years since, when she removed to Metcalf's Station, Hol- liston.

Mr. Bullard was a member of the Congregational Church for many years. He was a carpenter and worked at that trade both in Medway and Holliston. He assisted his father in building the Congregational Church in Holliston in 1822, and he built churches in Millis, West Medway and Bellinghanı.

ELIAS BULLARD.1

Elias Bullard was born in Medway December 31, 1799. He was the son of Malachi and Polly Bullard, and was the oldest of six children. He early mani- fested a fondness for books, and, determining to fit for college, was placed by his father under the charge of Rev. Dr. Jacob Ide, of Medway, with whom he pursued his preparatory studies. He entered Brown University in 1819, and gradnated in 1823. He studied law with Elijah Morse, Esq., of Boston, and upon being admitted to the bar, commenced practice in Holliston, October 7, 1826. It had been his intention to loeate in Boston, but a decided indication of lung difficulty, with hemorrhages, compelled him to follow the advice of his physician, and seek a location fur- ther inland. He remained continuously in Holliston in the practice of his profession until his death, a period of forty-nine years. He was the first lawyer to settle in the town, and no other one settled there during his life.

During this long period of professional labor, Mr. Bullard transacted the business of a wide circle of clients, and maintained the constant respect of all who knew him. His advice was sought on account of the fairness of his mind and the soundness of his judgment ; and the confidence of the community was reposed in him to an unusual degree. He was dis- posed towards the peaceful settlement of controversy, and much litigation was tranquillized and stopped, by his calm and restraining influence, before it was en- tered upon. As might have been expected, he was frequently called to act in positions of pecuniary trust and responsibility.

He faithfully performed bis part in town affairs, and took interest especially in the schools, serving many years upon the School Committee. He three times represented the town in the Legislature-in 1834, 1835 and 1870. In the latter year he was the senior member, and called the House to order. In his address npon that occasion he spoke of the great changes which had taken place in the more than a generation since his first session.

He was largely concerned in the building of the Milford brauch of the Boston and Worcester Rail-

road through Holliston, and was counsel for the cor- poration in the matter. He was throughout life a constant reader and a studious man, was considerate and mindful of the rights of others, and broad and tol- erant in his views and conduct. He was a great lover of home. Ile married Persis Daniels, of Sherborn, who survived him, and of this union were born two children -Mary Helen, who also survived her father, the wife of Robert R. Bishop, of Newton, and Josephine Dan- iels, who died before his decease, the wife of Dr. Daniel W. Jones.

Mr. Bullard died November 2, 1875, lamented in the town, and in surrounding towns, to an extent which seldom occurs. He was a member of the Con- gregational Church in Holliston.

MOSES A. HARRIMAN.

Mr. Harriman was born in Bridgewater, N. H., May 3, 1812. Before he came to Ilolliston in 1835, he was a school teacher in the State of Ohio, and also resided in Natick, Mass., where he worked in making shoes for Henry Wilson, afterwards distin- guished as a Senator and Vice-President of the United States. After removing to Holliston, he lived at first in the west end of the town with Amasa Forristall and made "brogans." In the year 1839 he purchased the Austin Bellows estate in East Holliston, built or en- larged the shop there, and commenced the manufac- ture of shoes and boots. This business he contiuned during the whole remainder of his life, devoting the greater part of the time to the manufacture of boots, in which he had quite a considerable trade.

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History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III, Part 106

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co Number of Pages: 1278

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1278