USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III > Part 151
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State Normal School .- The first Normal School estah- lished in Massachusetts, and the first school devoted exclusively to the education of female teachers, was opened at Lexington, July 3, 1839. This school was removed to West Newton, September, 1844; and was transferred to Framingham, December, 1853.
In 1852 the Board of Education, finding larger ac- commodations necessary than were furnished at New- ton, determined to build a new school-house, at Newton
or elsewhere, as eligibility of site, and offers of material aid, might afford the stronger inducement. A few of our public-spirited men made offer of a lot of land, which possessed singular advantages for such an in- stitution, and the town granted a liberal sum of mon- ey in aid, and the board decided to locate here. The site selected was on the northwest slope of Bare Hill commanding a wide and varied prospect, sufficiently elevated to insure pure air, and protected on the north by a beautiful grove of native trees, the grove being the gift of Wm. M. Clark.
As appears from the deeds, James W. Brown con- veyed to the Commonwealth two and one-quarter acres and ten rods ; Josiah Stedman, one and three- quarters acres and ten rods ; I. S. Wheeler, one acre and eighteen rods ; Wm. M. Clark, forty-four and one- third rods of land. These deeds bear date December 30, 1852, and are conditioned on the erection here and maintenance of a State Normal School.
The town voted to give to the State the sum of $2500 towards the erection of the building, on con- dition that the school should be established and con- tinued here. The Boston & Worcester Railroad corporation also contributed $2000 for the construc- tion of the building.
In the fall of 1854 a plan was matured by Eben S. Stearns, principal of the school, and the School Com- mittee of Framingham, for the organization of a model graded school, to comprise the pupils in the several schools in the Centre District, which should be under the joint superintendence of said principal and the School Committee, in which regular instruc- tion should be given by the advanced pupils of the Normal School, free of charge to the town. The plan was sanctioned by a vote of the town, and was tried for a single term. But, before its advantages and disadvantages were fairly tested, it was aban- doned.
In 1867 measures were taken for starting another model class, as a department of the Normal School work. In 1870 the building was enlarged, and a room fitted up expressly for a model school. The town furnished the room, and engaged to pay one- half the permanent teacher's salary. Each Normal scholar is required to give instruction here, for a cer- tain part of the senior year. It is nominally a town school, and under town supervision ; but practically is in charge of the principal of the Normal School. The pupils range from the lowest primary to the highest grammar grades, and are received from our own districts and from the neighboring towns, by con-
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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
sent of the School Committee. Tuition, is free. Here- tofore the town has paid $200 annually, but it is now paying $370 towards the support of the school.
The building occupied as a school-room since 1853 proving inadequate to the needs of the institution, the Legislature of 1888 made an appropriation for a new house. This was erected during the past year, at a cost of $100,000. Externally and internally, it com- bines good taste, elegance, and adaptation to the wants of a model Normal School.
The principals of the Normal School, since its re- moval to Framingham, have been, Mr. Eben S. Stearns, 1849-55; Mr. George N. Bigelow, 1855- 66; Miss Annie E. Johnson, 1866-75, and Miss Ellen Hyde, 1875 -. The regular course of study comprises two years, with provision for an advanced course of two years additional. Tuition is free to all who intend to become teachers in the public schools of the State. Total number of pupils who have been connected with the school to the close of the school year 1888 is 2486 ; number of graduates, 1640.
Town Library .- Mr. Barry says : "The last of the Common Lands (about 40 acres) was sold about the year 1785, and the proceeds appropriated to the pur- chase of a public library." Of the history of this library little is known. The books were kept in 1809, in the house of Martin Stone. In 1815, Rev. David Kellogg, Rev. Charles Train, Josiah Adams, Esq., Benj. Wheeler, Nathan Stone, Maj. Lawson Buck- minster, Jesse Haven, Col. Jonas Clayes, and others organized (or re-organized) The Social Library. This was managed by a board of five trustees, a clerk, treas- urer, and librarian : price of shares, $4; annual fee, 50 cents. Each proprietor was entitled to take out two volumes for the term of 60 days. No. of volumes in the library, 443, which was increased by gift and purchase to about 600. This society flourished for several years. In 1834 the proprietors and others formed The Lyceum Library, on much the same plan as the preceding. This was succeeded, after a few years, by The Framingham Library, which continued till the formation of the Public Library. In 1851, Lorenzo Sabine, Col. Moses Edgell, I. S. Wheeler, Benj. Yeaton and others organized The Reading Club, and fitted up a room which was supplied with the leading American and English magazines.
In 1854, James W. Clark, George Phipps, Charles Upham, Francis Jaques, Col. Moses Edgell and others started a movement which resulted in the establishment, April 9, 1855, of the Framingham Town Library. The books owned by the Framingham Library, and the periodicals held by the Reading Club, were generously given as a nucleus of the new Public Library and reading-room. The original town grant to the library was $1125. The books were kept in one of the lower rooms of the Town Hall. In 1857, Geo. Phipps made to the library a donation of $350. In 1865, James W. Clark made a donation of $300, and in 1873 a further donation of $500, to the library.
In 1873 Mrs. Eliza B. Eaton left to the town a legacy of $500, the income to be expended for the use of the library. Col. Moses Edgell, who died Feb. 8, 1875, in his will provided that the town should be the resi- duary legatee of his estate; and the sum thus accru- ing should be kept and known as the Edgell Library Fund, the income of which should be expended for the purchase of books for the library, works of art, and in defraying the expense of taking care of the same. This fund amounts to $47,000.
The present Library Building (known as " Memor- ial Hall," to commemmorate the soldiers who died in the late war) was erected in 1872-73, at a cost of $28,500.
In 1887 a donation of $3200 was made to the town by Mrs. George H. Gordon, and the Library building was enlarged by an annex to the book-room for the accommodation of new shelves, thus greatly increas- ing the capacity of the hall.
The annual appropriation by the town for the sup- port of the library, for many years, was $400, and one-half of the dog tax. Since the opening of the new Memorial Hall the appropriation has usually been $1200, and one-half of the dog tax.
Branch agencies for the delivery of books at Saxon- ville and South Framingham were established in 1874.
In 1871, George Phipps gave the sum of $3000, with which to purchase a bronze statue of "The Soldier," and 1881, George B. Brown donated $250, being one-half the cost of the granite pedestal on which the statue stands.
Number of volumes in the library, January I, 1889, 13,877.
GRADUATES .- The following is a list, substantially complete, of persons, natives or residents of Framiog- ham, who have received a collegiate education :
Phinehas Hemenway, H. U. 1730, Cong. min., Townsend, Mass,
David Goddard, H. I. 1731, Cong. min., Leicester, Mass.
Ehus Haven, II. U. 1733, Cong. min., Franklin, Mass.
John Swift, H. U. 1733, Cong. min., Acton, Mass. Nathan llaven, Il. U. 1737, died.
Joseph Buckminster, 11. U. 1739, Cong. min., Rutland, Mass.
Amariah Frost, H. 1. 1740, Cong. min., Milford, Mass.
John Mellen, II. U. 1741, C'ong. min., Sterling, Mass.
John Wilson, H. U. 1741, physician, Hopkinton, Muss.
Ebenezer Winchester, II. U. 1744, physician.
Samnel Ilaven, H. U. 1749, Cong. man., Portemonth, N. H. Jason llaveb, H. U. 1754, Cong. min., Dedham, Mass.
Moses Ilemeuway, H. U. 1755, Cong. min., Wells, Me.
John Haven, II. 1. 1757, teacher, Fram., Greenland, N. H.
Eliab Stone, H. U. 1758, Cong. min., Reading, Mass.
Mosea Adatus, Il. U. 1771, Cong. tuin., Acton, Mass.
John Reed, Y. C. 1772, Coug. min., West Bridgewater, Mass., D. D., M. C. 1794, six years.
Solomon Reed, Y. (. 1775, Cong. min., Petersbam, Mass.
Jonathan Maynard, H. U 1775, justice of peace, Frami.
Samuel Reed, Y. C. 1777, Cong. min., Warwick, Mass. Moses Haven, H. U. 1782, died.
Timothy Reed, D. C. 1782, lawyer, W. Bridgewater, Mass. Jacob Haven, HI U. 1785, Cong. min., Croydon, N. H. Joseph Bixby, Il. U. 1791, died.
Daniel Stone, 11. U. 1791, physician, Sharon, Mass.
Samuel Temple, D. C. 1792, teacher. anthor, Dorchester, Mass.
Joseph Locke, D. C. 1797, lawyer, Billerica, Mass.
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FRAMINGHAM.
John B. Fiske, D. C. 1798, lawyer, Now York. William Ballard, II. U. 1799, physician, Framingham. Moses M. Fiske, D. C. 1802, teacher, Nashville, Tenn. John Brewer, II. U. 1804, physician, Philadelphia. Jones Buckminster, Il. U. 1804, teacher, -, Teno. William Haven, B. U. 1809, died. William Katoo, W. C. 1810, Coug. min , Fitchburg, Mass. Joho L. Parkhurst, B. U. 1812, Cong. min , Standish, Me. Dana Clayes, Mid. C. 1815, Coog. min., Meriden N. IL. Juseph Bennett, H. U. 1818, Coog. min., Woburn, Mass. Jeremy Parkhurst, Y. C. 1819, physician, Philadelphia. Edward Frost, II. U. 1822, physician, Wuyland, Mass. locrease S. Wheeler, H. U. 1826, merchant, Framingham. Juhu T. Kittredge, A. (. 1828, physician, Framingham. Joshua T. Eaton, Y. C. 1830, Episc. clerg., Ohio and N. Y. l'eter Parker, Y. C. 1831, missionary to China, minister plenipotenti- ary, etc.
Elbridge Bradbury, A. C. 1831, Cong. min., Sandisfield, Mass. Abner B. Wheeler, HE. U. 1831, physician, Boston, Muss. Arthur S. Train, B. U. 1833, Bapt, min., llaverhill, Mass. Josiah Abbott, Y. (., 1835, physician, Hollis, N. II. Wm. J. Buckminster, 11. U. 1835, editor, Boston, Mass. Edward Stone, B. U. 1835, Unit. min., Norridgewock, Me. Edward Brewer, H. U. 1836, farmer.
Oliver J. Fiske, B. IT. 1837, Bapt, min., Tennessee.
Charles R. Traiu, B. U. 1837, lawyer, M. C., Boston, Mass.
Charles P. Johnson, A. C. 1839, lectorer, New York, James W. Brown, W. C. 1840, teacher, Framinghacı. Sumoer Clark, A. C. 1840, Cong. min. in New Hampshire. Benj. A. Edwards, B. U. 184I, Bapt. min., Bolton, MAS8.
Horace D. Walker, Y. C. 1841, Cong. min., Abington, Mass.
Addison Ballard, W. C. 1842, Presb. mio., Prof. Lafayette Coll., Easton, Pa., D.D.
Isaac F. Shepard, II. U. 1842, consul general, China. E. O. Haven, Wesl. U. 1842, Meth. Epiac. miu., bishop.
Samuel W. Eaton, Y. C. 1842, Cong. miu., Lancaster, Wis. Robert Gordon, II. U. 1843, lawyer, Framingham. Rufus F. Brewer, H. U. 1845, teacher, Framingham. C. C. Esty, Y. C. 1845, lawyer, M. C., Framingham. John Edmoods, Y. C. 1847, librarian, Philadelphia. George A. Hoyt, D. C., 1847, physician, Framingham. Ouslow Hemenway, B. U. 1848, died. David P. Temple, Y. C. 1851, teacher, York, Neb. Thomas G. Kent, Y. C. 1851, lawyer, Milford, Mass. F. C. Browne, H. U. 1851, ornithologist, Framingham.
Abner II. Wenzell, A. C. 1853, lawyer, Marlborough, Mass. Frederick Wheeler, H. U. 1854, Inwyer, Framingham. Dixi C. Hoyt, A. C. 1855, physician, Milford, Mass. George T. Iligley, A. C. 1857, lawyer, Asbland, Mass. Frederick A. Billings, A. C. 1859, farmer, Framingham. James H. Schneider, Y. C. 1860, teacher, Bridgewater, Mass. George Rice, Y. C. 1860, physiciao, Framiogham.
Harry B. Scott, H. U. 1860, colonel in late war, land agent Burling_ ton, Iowa.
Solomon H. Brackett, H. U. 1862, tencher, St. Johosbory, Vt. George F. Bemis, W. C. 1862, jeweler, Framiogham. Clark Carter, HI. U. 1862, Cong. minister, Lawrence, Mass. Frederick L. losmer, H. U. 1862, Unit, min. Edwin T. Horne, H. U. 1864, teacher, Boston, Mass. Edmund S. Clark, T. C. 1865, merchaot, Bostvo, Mass. Henry G. Blair, HI. U. 1866, druggist, Omaha, Neb. Charles H. Parkhurst, A. C. 1866, Presb. min., New York. John K. Brown, H. U. 1869, missionary, Harpoot, Turkey. Sidney A. Phillips, D. C. 1869, lawyer, Framingham. Walter Adams, Il. U. 1870, lawyer, Boston, Mass. Michael II. Simpson, HI. U. 1871, died in Italy. George D. Bigelow, D. C. 1873, lawyer, Boston, Masa. Ralph Stone, Il. U. 1873, lawyer, Buffalo, N. Y. Howard E. Parkhurst, A. C. 1873, professor of onisic. Arthur M. Clark, T. C. 1877, Rom. Cath. priest. Howard K. Brown, Il. U. 1879, lawyer, Boston, Mass. Frederick H. Ellis, II. U. 1879, lawyer, Boston, Mass. Sammel E. Somerby, H. U. 1879, lawyer, Bostoo, Mass. Fraok Simpsoo, Il. U. 1879, manufacturer, Framingham. Elizabeth B. Root, Wellesley Coll. 1880, teacher, Philadelphia. Emma C. B. Gray, Smith Coll. 1880, teacher.
Frank E. Rice, Y. C. 1882, civil engineer.
41-iii
Win. H. Thompson, A. C. 1882, teacher.
George M. Richardson, II. 1. 1882. Herbert A. Richardson, Il. U. 1882.
Charles F. Mason, II. U. 1882, burser of H. U. Arthur K. Stone, H. U. 1883, physician, Boston. George Potneroy Eastman, A. C. 1881, Cong. min.
Warren S. Adame, D. (. 1885.
Theophilus Huntington Root, IT. U. 1885, Coog. min. Gertrude llowe, Wellesley Coll. 1885, teacher.
Osgood Tilton Eastman, A. C. 1886, clerk, Kansas City, Mo.
Charles Albert Brown, H. U. 1886, merchant, New York.
Frank Alexander Kendall, H. U. 1886, architect, Boston.
John Mckinstry Merriam, H. U. 1886, lawyer, Boston.
Robert llogg, II. U. 1886, merchant, Boston.
William JJ. Fennessy, Montreal Coll. 1886, Cath. priest.
Edward J. Harriman, Il. U. 1888.
Linie W. Bridges, class of 1891, Smith College.
Frank F. Howe, class of 1892 in II. U.
Fanny Bigelow, class of 1892, Mt. Holyoke Coll.
Ethel D. Puffer, class of 1892, Smithi College.
Nettie M. C. Entwistle, class of 1893, Smith College.
ECCLESIASTICAL .- As stated in its chronological order, a church was organized in Framingham, Oc- tober 8, 1701, and Rev. John Swift (H. U. 1697) was ordained the first pastor. He died April 24, 1745. His successor, Rev. Matthew Bridge (H. U. 1741), was ordained February 19, 1746, and died September 2, 1775. During his pastorate, i.e., in the autumn of 1746, the Second Congregational Church was formed, and Rev. Solomon Reed (H. U. 1739) was ordained as pastor. He remained in office ten years, and soon after his dismissal the church disbanded. The snc- cessor of Mr. Bridge in the First Church was Rev. David Kellogg, (D. C. 1775 ; D.D. 1824). He was or- dained January 10, 1781, and continued in the pas- toral office till his death, August 13, 1843, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-seven years, nine months.
In his views of church polity, Dr. Kellogg was a thorough Congregationalist. Previous to his ordina- tion, on specific inquiries being put to him by the church, he announced his intention to conduct hini- self according to the Congregational principles of church discipline, as understood and applied by this church, from its earliest history, and gave his assent " to the Cambridge platform (eldership excluded), as the rule of ecclesiastical government, agreeably to the custom of these New England Churches."
" As a Congregationalist of the old school, he was settled in the Christian ministry ; and, to the princi- ples, usages and habits of thought of the times co- temporaneons with his settlement, he adhered to the last."-Barry.
In personal appearance Dr. Kellogg was more than ordinarily prepossessing. In stature he was above the medium height ; with a well-proportioned and mus- cular frame ; a fresh yet placid countenance ; strongly- marked features, expressive of an even temperament, good sense, decision and benevolence. His general bearing combined dignity with ease ; his step was firm, his presence commanding. He had the air of one who to native refinement added true culture and knowledge of the world. It was evident that he was conscious of a truthful and manly spirit ; and, with a sense of the high character of his profession, was
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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
united a genial nature, which found expression in those courteous manners by which he was ever so dis- tinguished. He was, in the best sense, a Christian gentleman of the old school.
Coming to this town towards the close of the Revo- Intionary War, he had the opportunity, and his char- acter and talents and purposes fitted him for a large and beneficent influence in shaping the course of local events. Unselfish, conservative, of broad views and lively sympathics, he was a power for good in all departments of the town's life.
Owing to a division of sentiment between the church and the parish in regard to Christian doctrines, in 1830, Dr. Kellogg and the majority of the church with- drew from the old meeting-house, and built a new one which was dedicated September 15, 1830 ; and the same day Rev. George Trask (Bowd. Col. 1826), was or- dained colleague pastor. Mr. Trask was dismissed April 6, 1836. The successive pastors of the church have been : Rev. David Brigham, (U. C. 1818), in- stalled December 29, 1836, dismissed May 9, 1844; Rev. Increase N. Tarbox, D.D. (Y. C. 1839), ordained November 22, 1844, dismissed July 2, 1851; Rev. Joseph C. Bodwell, D.D., (D. C. 1833), installed June 30, 1852, dismissed November 5, 1862; Rev. John K. MeLean (U. C. 1858), installed February 19, 1863, dismissed September 1, 1867 ; Rev. M. J. Savage, in- stalled January 23, 1868, dismissed April, 1870; Rev. Lucius R. Eastman, Jr. (A. C. 1857), installed June 8, 1871.
At the separation in 1830, the parish held the meet- ing-house; and the church connected therewith has been known as The Church of the First Parish. The pastors have been Rev. Artemas B. Mozzey (11. U. 1824), ordained June 30, 1830, dismissed May 18, 1833; Rev. George Chapman (H. U. 1828), ordained Novem- ber 6, 1833, died in office June 2, 1834; Rev. William Barry (B. U. 1822), installed December 16, 1835, dismissed December 16, 1845 ; Rev. John N. Bellows, ordained April 15, 1846, dismissed 1849; Rev. Jos- eph 11. Phipps, ordained 1849, dismissed 1853; Rev. Samuel D. Robbins, installed 1854; dismissed 1867 ; Rev. H. G. Spaukling (H. U. 1860), installed 1868, dismissed 1872; Rev. Charles A. Humphreys (II. U. 1860), installed November 1, 1873.
First Baptist Church in Framingham .- The earliest denominational effort in this town by the Baptists, was made about the time when Rev. Mr. Reed re- signed the charge of the Second Congregational Church, and by persons who had been connected with that church. This was probably in the spring or summer of 1757. Elders Whitman Jacobs and Noah Adams, from Connecticut, preached here; and in 1762, Mr. Jacobs administered baptism to four persons. A Baptist Society appears to have been organized that year, which supported preaching part of the time. Between 1762 and 1792 about thirty persons were baptized in Framingham; but there is no evidence that they were constituted into a church. In 1809,
there were but five Baptist professors here, viz., Rev. Charles Train, Benj. Haven, the wife of John Fiske, the wife of Moses Fiske, and the wife of Amasa How. In 1810, Elder Grafton baptized two persons; and in 1811 Mr. Train baptized five. August 4, 1811, a church was organized under the name of " The Baptist Church of Weston and Framingham." A powerful revival commenced in this church, and spread through the town in 1814-15, as the result of which about fifty were added to the church. In the fifteen years while this church continued a branch of the Weston church, the numbers added were 177 by baptism, and 32 by letter. May 3, 1826, this church became a distinct body, with 119 members.
The First Baptist Society in Framingham was in- corporated June 22, 1812.
Preachers and Pastors .-. Mr. Joseph Byxbe, Jr., who lived on the Hopkins (T. B. Wales, Jr.) place, was probably the first stated preacher. Others were, Nathaniel Green, who lived and died in Leicester ; Simon Snow, of Upton, preached here and at Weston two or three years, afterwards became a Congrega- tionalist, and died at Thomaston, Me .; Noah Alden, of Bellingham, was here in 1773; Elisha Rich, a gun- smith, lived in town for a time, and preached regu- larly on the Sabbath ; removed to Chelmsford, and thence to the West; Edward Clark supplied the desk from 1780 to '90; removed to Medfield, but returned in 1801, and preached till the settlement of Mr. Train. Rev. Charles Train (11. U. 1805), was ordained Janu- ary 30, 1811 ; dismissed September 1839. Rev. Enoch Hutchinson was installed August 24, 1840 ; dismissed January 8, 1841. lle was a college graduate, and distinguished scholar in the Arabic language and literature. Rev. James Johnston preached from June 27, 1841, to August 10, 1845. Rev. Jona. Aldrich (B. U. 1826) commeneed his labors September 27, 1846, and resigned April 3, 1851. In this time he baptized eighty persons. Rev. Wm. C. Child, D.D., a gradu - ate of Union College, was pastor from May 1, 1851, to April 1, 1856. During his pastorate fifty-three per- sons were baptized. Rev. Joseph A. Goodhne (D. C. 1848), was here, 1859 to July 31, 1862. Rev. A. W. Carr succeeded, and remained till November 1, 1865.
Rev. Arthur S. Train, D.D. (B. U. 1833), was in- stalled in 1866, and died in office January 2, 1872. Rev. W. P. Upham commenced his labors October 1, 1872, and resigned in 1877. Rev. George E. Leeson (B. U. 1874) was ordained July 29, 1877 ; died in office August 20, 1881. The present pastor, Rev. Franklin Hutchinson, was born in West Iloboken, N. J., Au- gust 26, 1853; edueated at N. Y. University, and Union Theol. Sem., class of 1881; ordained June 18, 1882.
The First Methodist-Episcopal Church .- A move- ment to establish this denomination in this town was made in 1788.
Probably Lieut. Jona. Hill became acquainted with the tenets and methods of the denomination
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when in the army near New York, in the Revolution- ary War; at which time Francis Asbury, the first bishop of the church in the United States, was actively at work in that region.
The first class consisted of Jona. Hill (leader), Benj. Stone, Isaac Stone and their wives, and Matthew Stone. They first met for religious worship in the dwelling-house of Benj. Stone. This was one of the earliest-if not the earliest-church of the order, gathered in Massachusetts. The records of the old Needham Circuit do not extend back of 1791; and there is no doubt that the Saxonville Class helped to make up the reputed number of thirty-five members,
For several years the church in this town was visited by various preachers, viz .: John Hill, Bishop Asbury, Jesse Lee, Ezekiel Cooper and George Picker- ing, through whose missionary zeal Methodism was firmly established in New England.
For thirty-five years the growth of Methodism in town was slow, and confined to a few families. In 1825 Mr. Lewis Jones, who was an earnest man and a successful worker in the denomination for a third of a century, gathered a class at " The Corners," north of Saxonville, of which he was appointed leader. The names of the members of this class are as follows :
Lewis Jones, Sarah Stone, Catherine Hill, Persis Hill (afterwards Eaton), Joseph Potter, Jane Walker, Joseph Moulton, Olive Moulton, Hannah Stone, Betsey Eatou, Luther Underwood, Walter Stone, Eliza Stone, Pamelia IIill, L. Dudley, Sallie Flagg, Eliza Belcher, Elbridge Bradbury, Betsey Bailey, Roxana Godenow, Elenor Godenow, Lewis Dudley, Patty Dudley, Ann Moulton, Abagail Bradbury, Wil- liam Dudley, Susan Stone, Sally Underwood, Fisher Ames, L. Ames, M. Eaton and Jenny Eaton.
A meeting-house was erected at the Corner in 1833- 34, and a society was duly organized during the last- named year.
A prominent and worthy member of the church dur- ing this comparatively early period of its history was Jotham Haven, a local preacher, father of the late Bishop E. O. Haven.
During the single decade that the society continued to worship in the church at the " Corners," it enjoyed only a scant prosperity. The Conference preachers who served it were C. Virgin, Peter Sabin, N. B. Spalding, Paul Townsend, Thomas W. Tucker, George Pickering and Willard Smith. The society, in the year 1842, considering themselves financially too feeble to support a Conference preacher, Rev. L. F. Frost, then teaching in Wayland, near by, was en- gaged to supply the pulpit, which he did most accept- ably.
In 1844, for the better accommodation of people living around the factories, the church was removed to the village.
In 1880 the present tasteful and commodious house of worship was erected, at a cost, including the land, of about $10,000. It was dedicated January 5, 1881.
The Saxonville Religious Society was incorporated February 22, 1827, and a meeting-house was built the same year. Religious worship was at first conducted by ministers of the Unitarian denomination, and sub- sequently for a time by the Methodists and others. A Congregational Church was organized May 26, 1833, which later took the name of the Edwards Church in Saxonville.
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