History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 54

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1534

USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 54

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Mills .- Dover has been and is largely an agricul- tural town, yet other interests at different times have been represented in the town. As early as March 10, 1796, a committee was chosen to view the ground for a new road from the house of Lieut. Lemuel Richards to Mill Creek, west of Noannet Brook, to the new slitting-mill, and October 24th of the same year voted to erect a bridge over the waste water running from the saw-mill belonging to Capt. Josiah Newell and George Fisher. In 1815 the first rolling-mill was built in Dover by a company of gentlemen belonging in Boston, Dover, and Medfield. They employed a millwright by the name of John- stone, an Englishman, who was smuggled into this country some years previously, it being against the laws of England that any skilled mechanics should leave it. This was the first rolling-mill built to run with one water-wheel in this part of the country ; two undershot wheels were formerly used, one for each roll, the rolls turning no faster than the wheels, perhaps ten times a minute, while this was a bucket-wheel thirty-six feet in diameter, the buckets being four feet in length, the water flowing over the top of the wheel. The speed of the rolls was increased to forty turns a minute. It had been thought impossible to run a mill for rolling iron with so small a supply of water, yet this mill was capable of rolling as many tons of iron in a year as other mills built at that time, driven by all the water in Charles River. Owing to the increased speed of the rolls, this mill was used for rolling iron some eight or ten years, when the com- pany failed and the land and buildings were sold. Nothing now remains but the stone foundations and wheel-shaft.

252

HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

For many years a mill for manufacturing sheathing | of roots and herbs, and even the English people paper has been in active operation on the former site of the slitting- and saw-mills, known as the Hill Paper-Mills, the business being done by Messrs. Hill & Sons.

In 1865 and for years previous cigars were manu- factured by Linus Bliss, but the business was not continued after his decease.

At one time a shoe-manufactory was started, but was soon abandoned.

Early Settlers .- Few towns in the vicinity have as fine scenery or more pleasant drives than the quiet little town of Dover. The old mill, with its broken dams, the little brook rippling through the dams and wheel-pit, and passing off under ground for a long distance, the foundation-stones of the various build- ings situated in the low valley grown up to wood and out of sight of human habitation, make it a romantic locality. The view of the Charles River valley, near Sherborn, or Farm Bridge, formed the scene of a fine painting by Inness.

A look from Pegan Hill well repays for the labor of reaching the summit, which is four hundred feet above tide-water.

Looking east upon a clear day, Bunker Hill Monu- ment can be seen with the naked eye. Turn to the northwest, and old Wachusett and the granite hills of Monadnock Mountains are in view. The Peterboro' Hills may be seen, and nearer, Nobscot and Good- man's Hills.

Pegan Hill was once the property of Wataspaquin, one of King Philip's tribe, and was left as a gift to his sons, Anthony, James, and Thomas.

be seen, and though their homes were rude and their ideas of life crude, it is evident their tastes were not wholly barbarous, as shrubs and clusters of rose- bushes are remembered by some of the oldest in- habitants to have been seen growing about their doors. And as we follow down the northwesterly side of the hill, and come to the site of the home of Deborah Comechos (now Mr. James Draper's home), and are shown fruit-trees that were planted and cared for by Indian women, we learn that it was not im- possible for these warlike people to be taught to love and follow the track of civilization. Hannah Dexter an Indian doctress, was celebrated for her knowledge

came many miles to consult this famous woman. She finally came to an untimely end, being burned to death Dec. 6, 1821. Her grandson, Joseph Purchase, being charged with the crime, was imprisoned, and died in the prison before the law was executed. Deacon Ephrahim, an Indian of good repute and Eng- lish habits, was deacon, with Col. John Jones, of Dover, for many years in (Parson Lothrop's) Rev. Stephen Badger's church of South Natick:

At a town-meeting in Natick, March 10, 1734-35, we find many of these Indians elected to fill town offices,-Thomas Peegun, moderator ; Deacon Joseph Ephrahim, Thomas Peegun, Josiah Speare, select- men ; Jeremiah Comecho, one of the constables ; Thomas Peegun, an assessor ; Nathaniel Coochuck, surveyor of highways ; Eleazer Annepogeni, Nathan- iel Coochuck, fence-viewers; and Thomas Peegun, sexton.

The civilization of these Indians was almost wholly due to the missionary labors of John Elliot, who was born in England in 1604, came to Boston in 1631, and on Nov. 5, 1632, was settled as teacher of a church in Roxbury. He soon became much in- terested to teach these aborigines the way of a better life. He was assisted by his eldest son, who was a minister in Newton, in his labors as missionary and in translating the Bible into the Indian tongue. The town of Natick (which signifies a place of hills) was granted to the Indian converts at the request of the Apostle Elliot, who sent petitions to the General Court in their behalf at several different times.

-- 1669 .- " The humble petition of John Elliot, in behalf of The Natick records relate laying out a road from Thomas Pegan, Jr.'s, house to Thomas Pegan, Sr.'s, house, on Pegan Hill. Thomas Pegan was an Indian who lived on the northwesterly part of the hill, well up towards the top, from whom it took its name (and was formerly written Peegun). The cellar-holes and the poor Indians of Natik, sheweth, That whereas this honored Court did appoint a committee to fix a line betwixt Dedham and Natik, bounding on each other, viz., the Worship- ful Mr. Ting, Mr. Jackson, Deakon Park, and Leiftenant Cook, of Boston, who took pains in it, and the record of their deter- mination is accepted and put into the Court records. Never- , theless, some of Dedham doc invade our line. Upon one side, places where his house and buildings stood are still to | they forbid the Indians to plant, take away theire raills, which they have prepared to fence theire corne fields, and on another side, they have taken away their lands and sold them to others, to the trouble and wonderment of the Indians, these are hum- bly to request this honored Court to impower the same worship- ful Committee, and request you once more to take pains, and goe to the place, wt. ye have allready done, and request our brethren of Dedham to be more quiet, and let us peacably injoy our owne. So committing this honored Court unto the Lord, and to the word of his grace, I remaine,

" Your humble petitioner, " JOHN ELLIOT."

Pegan Hill was the scene of a fierce controversy between the Dedham planters and the Indians, which did not cease until the year 1700. Sergt. Richard Ellis, of Dedham, obtained a grant of the south-

253

DOVER.

westerly part of it, and had his home erected upon it. Other portions by grant or purchase became the property of the Drapers, Battelles, and Hardings. But, through the efforts of John Elliot and the Indian preacher, Daniel Takawompbait, these strifes ceased, and it is hoped as they listened to the preach- ing of the Rev. Oliver Peabody and Rev. Stephen Badger that higher and better thoughts took the place of these discordant feelings.

Biographical Sketches .- John Jones, son of John and Mehitable Jones, of Weston, was born Oct. 30, 1716. He moved to Dedham (now Dover) in 1742. He settled on a farm on the banks of Charles River, a promontory in the northern part of Dover, near South Natick, which at the present time is owned and occupied by B. P. Cheney, Esq., as a summer residence. He was married to Hannah Morse, by Rev. Oliver Peabody, at Natick, Feb. 23, 1742-4. | He was one of the deacons of Rev. Stephen Badger's church, with Deacon Joseph Ephrahim, an Indian. At one time he was proprietors' clerk for Natick, and living, as he did, so near South Natick (the original Natick), he took an active interest in its welfare as Dedham. He was justice of the peace, and tried many cases and married many couples, a record of which he kept in a book now in the possession of his grandson, Amos Perry, of Providence. He was a that he had a wide circuit of that business. In 1762 he went to Maine to survey Mount Desert. He was many years clerk and selectman for the Fourth Pre- cinct, and the records of Dover show that he was a valued and useful citizen. He was famous for keep- ing records and dates. A small book kept by him now in the possession of his grandson, Elijah Perry, of South Natick, contains valuable records not to be found elsewhere. After a long and useful life he died on the farm where he first settled, Feb. 2, 1801, aged eighty-four years.

Rev. Morrill Allen was born on what is known as the old Allen farm, in Dover. Graduated at Brown Uni- versity, 1797. His health failing, he was advised to work on a farm. He settled in Pembroke, regained his health, and was considered one of the best farmers of Plymouth County. He early commenced collect- ing the seed of the white pine, bought cheap land, sowed the seed, and saw acres grow up to wood. He retained the charge of his parish to an advanced age. As an agriculturalist, a citizen, and a pastor he was highly esteemed.

Thadeus Allen was born in Dover, May 14, 1786, and spent his youthful days upon the ancestral farm. He occasionally taught school, and during his prepara-

tion for college resided for a time at Hanover, N. H., acting as amanuensis to Professor Shurtleff, of Dart- mouth College, who gave him valuable aid in his studies. He graduated at Brown University in 1812. Soon after leaving college he entered upon prepara- tory medical studies, but owing to impaired health was induced to enter trade with his brother Timothy, and the firm of Timothy and Thadeus Allen was es- tablished, who carried on an extensive wholesale pro- vision business for some years in Boston. This enterprise ultimately failed, and Mr. Allen organized a private school in 1820, which he conducted for many years. He was an excellent Greek and Latin scholar, and very successful in imparting his knowl- edge to others. For many years he privately prepared students for college, and gave private instruction to persons whose political or other duties claimed higher qualifications than their previous education had given them. In the year 1857 he represented in part the city of Boston in the Legislature, and was for many years a member of the school committee of that city.

Mr. Allen was thrice married. His first wife, Clarisa Bullard, of Needham, lived but a few months. Again, in 1816, he married Ann, widow of Joseph Hunt, and daughter of John Bullard. By this mar- riage there were four children,-Joseph Hunt, James surveyor, and many of his sketches remain to show | Woodward, Clarisa Bullard, and Elizabeth Carter.

Mr. Allen was married to his third wife in 1834, Sophia B., widow of Joseph Frothingham, who lived to make his home pleasant for nearly fifty years. There were no children by this marriage, but she proved a true and loving mother to the children of the former marriage.

In political events he took a deep interest, and was a close and critical student of American political his- tory. He was remarkable for his erect form as he walked the streets at ninety years of age. He passed quietly from life aged ninety-six years. His wife survived him but a few hours, and they were borne in company to the shades of Mount Auburn.

The father of Mr. Allen's second wife, John Bul- lard, was closely connected with that famous ride of Paul Revere.

The "Sons of Liberty" was an organization em- bracing the most active spirits in fostering the Revo- lution. Mr. Bullard was an active member, and a steadfast friend of Paul Revere. His stable and grounds occupied the present site of Bromfield Street, and the " Old Province House," opposite the head of Milk Street, was the Governor's residence. It was natural for the Governor's groom to spend many a leisure hour among the horses in the neighboring

254

HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

stable. One day just after dinner he was there, and remarked, "There'll be trouble to pay to-morrow." " What's up ?" was the careless inquiry of Mr. Bul- lard. " Why, the troops march to-morrow with three days' rations." Mr. Bullard became somewhat ner- vous, and asked the groom if he would not finish the horse he was currying, as he had forgotten an errand on his way from home. "Certainly," was the reply ; and Mr. Bullard sped, not to Revere's work-shop, lest it arouse suspicion, but visited another "Son of Liberty" and sent him to Revere (who had been selected for the duty), with the authentic message that the British were intending a raid upon the pro- vincial stores at Concord. " It must be so, if Bullard told you, and I'm off at once," said Revere. Hence the famous ride.

Fisher Allen was born in Medfield, on the Allen , ever he undertook. He was justice of the peace, and homestead. When a young man he moved to Dover and bought a farm bordering on Charles River, near Sherborn. He married Rachel Smith, of Medfield. They passed their lives in this quiet home, command- ing the love and respect of all who knew them. He died June 21, 1842, aged ninety-five years.

Noah Fiske was born in Holliston, Mass., but spent the greater part of his life in Dover. He was a schoolmaster in his early days, but for several years kept a store in the west part of the town. He was town clerk of Dover many years. He possessed many traits of character worthy of imitation. Few excelled him in kindness of heart, honesty, and un- selfishness. He seemed to have no part or interest in the great bustling world, where greed and inordi- nate ambition take possession of men, but his life was rather an example of " doing unto others as we would that they should do to us." He was re- markable for his entire satisfaction with life and the rulings of Providence, giving daily testimony that he believed all things were ordered for the best. This was surely exemplified in his life, that " an honest man is the noblest work of God."

and events many years, telling who preached on cer- tain Sabbaths, what the text was, and would often repeat accurately sermon and prayer after the min- ister. He died Sept. 6, 1856, aged eighty-two years. His quiet courtesy and respectful manner endeared him to all, but he was the most beloved by those who knew him best.

Daniel Mann was born in Dover, March 23, 1777. He resided in the eastern part of the town, where he owned a large tract of land and several houses. He was public-spirited, always ready to aid every good cause. He was especially interested in getting the railroad through the town, and spent liberally of time and money to secure it. He married Rachel Allen, May 20, 1802. His energy of character and up- right business principles made him successful in what- for many years held many offices of trust in the town. He died March 4, 1859, aged eighty-one years.

Calvin Richards, son of Calvin and Lucinda Rich- ards, was born in Dover, Sept. 29, 1807. When a young man he engaged in business in Boston, but his health failing he returned to his native town. After the decease of his father he purchased the old home- stead, where he resided until a year previous to his death, when impaired health compelled him to lessen his cares and the farm, which had always belonged in the family, passed into other hands. He married Lucy M., daughter of Daniel Mann, May 27, 1841. He was always interested in the growth and welfare of the town, and was untiring in his effort to aid every plan towards its advancement. He was greatly inter- ested in the education of the young, and served many years as superintendent of the public schools and in the Sunday-school of the church to which he be- longed. He held many positions of trust, both public and private, in the town, and was twice chosen by his townsmen to represent them in the Legislature. His benevolence, sound judgment, and integrity of char- acter commanded the respect of all. His power of harmonizing opposing elements was unusual. He died Oct. 4, 1873. " Blessed are the peacemakers."

Fisher Tisdale was born in Dover, in 1774. Few men commanded more respect or affection from the people. He never married, but found great pleasure Josiah Newell was born in Needham, but moved to Dover in 1801, and spent the greater part of his life there. He married Betsy Mann, of Dover, sister of Daniel, Simeon, and James Mann. Their family consisted of nine children (three died in infancy), and six arrived to manhood and womanhood. Mr. Newell owned the water-power in the east part of the town, and for many years was engaged in rerolling Norway iron for Boston, New York, and Philadelphia markets, and was also largely engaged in the manufacture of in storing his mind with knowledge from the best authors. A pleasant word and smile were his greet- ings for all. He was a constant attendant at church, and led a consistent Christian life. The music to him was no pastime, but a devotional exercise in which he always took part until age disqualified him ; then his attitude, folded arms, and bowed head showed his interest in music as in prayer. " Faith- ful to duty" was his watchword through life. IIe was blessed with a rare memory, remembering dates . cut nails. He was a very charitable man, an excel-

255

DOVER.

lent neighbor, and largely interested in the religious pressed it, "Not that he loved the town less, but the church more." interests of the town. Both he and his wife were for many years worthy members of the Unitarian Church. He died, after a short illness, Sept. 25, 1877, leaving a widow to mourn his loss, and many friends to rejoice that he had lived. They were noted for their regularity in attending divine services. Josiah Newell, Jr., his oldest son, engaged in mercantile business in Boston, died in Elijah, son of Elijah and Mary Perry, of South Natick, was born Nov. 14, 1807. Married Mehitable, daughter of Deacon Jonathan and Mercy Battelle, Nov. 29, 1832. He moved to Dover and purchased 1849, aged forty-five years. His youngest son, J. M. Newell, was a very successful merchant in Boston. He died on the passage to Italy, hoping by the sea voyage to regain his impaired health. The four re- the " Battelle" farm in 1840, where he resided maining brothers and sisters reside in Newton.

Mr. Newell died at the age of eighty-four years, and with his wife and oldest son are buried in the Dover Cemetery. They are lovingly remembered by many who do not forget their virtues.

twelve years. He took an active interest in town and parish affairs, serving as superintendent of the Sunday-school, leader in the choir, and holding many offices of trust in the town. He called the first meeting to encourage a railroad through the town, and for several years was one of its directors.

Frederic Barden was born in Dover in 1806. At the age of seventeen he commenced his work in life | He was the first to take action that led to the or- ganization of the Norfolk Agricultural Society, and for some years was one of its leading officers. He was justice of the peace, and represented the town in the Legislature in 1846. He has been and is trustee for several trust estates. He is largely inter- ested in ancient records, and the choice and valuable collection of past events show clearly that he has inherited largely the traits of his grandfather, Col. John Jones.

at the " Old Mill," in his native town, where for several years he conducted successfully the rolling- mill and nail-factory. In 1840 he removed to New- ton Upper Falls and bought out the iron-manufac- turing business of David Ellis, father of the Rev. Drs. Rufus and George Ellis, of Boston, where he continued the business during his life. This busi- ness he managed with excellent skill and judgment. He was careful, energetic, and enterprising ; prudently economical in his own business, but liberal to the | poor, and gave generously to charitable objects. Prompt and exact in all money and business trans- actions, men soon learned to rely upon his honesty and rejoice in his friendship. Twice Mr. Barden represented his townsmen in the Legislature. He did not seek public notoriety, but was foremost in all that pertained to the permanent good of his fellow-citizens. Politics to him was a field for use- fulness, not an open sea for pillage. He was the graduate of no college, except the university of ex- perience, but he possessed the dignity of common sense and integrity, and was a vigilant guardian of the public welfare. . His life seemed admirably balanced with good sense and Christian principles. He always showed a special interest in the Bible, and was a member of the Channing Religious Society almost from its establishment, and at the time of his death a deacon of the church. Mr. Barden married in early life Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Josiah Newell, of Dover, who was his companion and co-worker in all labors of love and charity. Although they were never blessed with children of their own, they took the children of others to their hearts, and thus kept the freshness of young love. The love for their native town never diminished, and as he gave liberally to the library and church, it was, as he ex-

Miss Mary Perry, a sister of Elijah, was one of the early teachers in the Dover schools, teaching several successive summers, while her brother Leonard taught the winter terms. She was identified with the church choir, and was one of the few who labored to estab- lish a Sabbath-school at that time. She is lovingly remembered by some of her pupils to the present time.

George Chickering, son of Jesse and Dorcas (Smith) Chickering, was born Dec. 25, 1791. Married Han- nah Guild, Nov. 30, 1826. Mr. Chickering devoted his life to agriculture and the public interests of his native town. By his thrift and industry he amassed a large property, and was for many years treasurer of the town, discharging his duties with faithfulness and exactness. He was a calm, deliberate, and re- served man, of few words, but of good judgment and great decision of character. His fellow-townsmen learned to respect his integrity and honest purpose. He died Sept. 25, 1857, aged sixty-five years. His eldest son, George Ellis, still retains the ancestral home.

Luther Richards was born in Dover, April 27, 1809, and was a prominent citizen of his native town. He was superintendent of the Unitarian Sunday- school, one of the selectmen, and town clerk for many years. In 1853 he was a member of the Constitu-

256

HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

tional Convention. During the last years of his life he resided in Boston, where he was engaged in the leather business. He died July 1, 1874, aged sixty- five years. He was an honest, kind-hearted, and public-spirited man.

Abner L. Smith, son of Ebenezer and Rebecca Smith, was born in Dover in 1823. Mr. Smith always resided

Conclusion .- It is not difficult to imagine why in his native town. He was chairman of the board of | Dover was called Springfield Parish more than a cen- selectmen nine years, was at one time assessor and member of the school committee, was constable twenty years, and town clerk seventeen years. In 1869 he represented the towns of Dover, Needham, and Med- field in the General Court. He was a quiet, unassum- ing man, discharging all his duties with scrupulous care and fidelity. He was a most useful and respected citizen. tury ago, when at the present time sixty buildings are supplied with pure spring water, which gushes forth from Pegan and the neighboring hills. It is esti- mated by good judges that there are at least thirty- five other springs of never-failing water, some of which yield a large supply, and are conveniently sit- uated for easy transportation by rail to Boston and adjoining cities.

Melancthon Smith, a brother of Abner L., was for many years a successful dry-goods merchant of Boston, and was at the head of the famous firm of Smith, Sumner & Co., importers, who kept in the old Bowdoin block on Milk Street, corner of Hawley. Mr. Smith amassed a large fortune, and resided at Jamaica Plain, where he died July 10, 1861, honored and respected by all who knew him.

William F., another brother, born in 1826, left home at the age of sixteen years and went to Boston to learn the trade of a mechanic. He was apprenticed to Jabez Coney, and during his five years of appren- ticeship paid the strictest atttention to his duties, and soon become a proficient in all the details of the pro- fession. From Boston he went to Springfield, Mass., | and was employed as a draughtsman in building cars and engines for the Springfield Car and Engine Com- pany. Mr. Smith moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1849, and was employed by Messrs. Harbeck, Stone & Witt as master-mechanic in the construction of the Cleve- land, Columbus and Cincinnati Railroad, and after the building of the road he was continued master- mechanic by the directors until within a few months of his death. He was also a partner with Messrs. Carpenter & Wasson in the Fulton foundry at that time. Mr. Smith was an unpretending man, but possessed of wonderful abilities as a mechanic and car- builder, to which profession he devoted an unlimited amount of study. He died at Cleveland in 1878, much respected by the profession and beloved by a large circle of friends.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 54

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1534

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1534