USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > North Bridgewater > History of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, from its first settlement to the present time, with family registers > Part 26
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Even down to a late period, when people assembled for
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public worship, a guard was the first thing to establish, in order that they might not be suddenly captured.
We do not learn that the people of the North Parish were so much molested as in some other portions of the ancient town, for the reason the white people did not settle that por- tion to any extent till after 1700.
Mitchell, in his excellent " History of Bridgewater," says, " that the people displayed great courage and intrepidity during Philip's War, and were often advised to desert their dwellings, and repair to the sea-shore towns." They, however, resolutely kept their ground, and helped other towns to do the same. Whatever others may think, there is something sad in the reflection that the natives of these hills and valleys have disappeared, while at the same time we cannot regret that a Christian and enlightened people have taken the places of a barbarous and heathen race. The last vestige of the tribe that once travelled over the soil of Bridgewater has long ago disappeared.
" Alas for them ! their day is o'er ; Their fires are out on hill and shore."
SLAVERY.
It is difficult to fix the number of slaves that have been owned in the North Parish ; but however disagreeable it may seem to many, we have to record the fact that the "peculiar institution " did exist in the town previous to the Revolutionary War. It was not thought improper for the clergy, deacons, or physicians to hold slaves. Colonel Sim- eon Cary had a slave named "King Ring," of whom it is said "he whipped the apple-trees, to make them grow." He had children, -" Patience," "Jenny," " Mary," and "Fanny." Many persons are now living who can remember "Patience Ring," who always lived in the family of Colonel Cary, and his descendants.
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Another colored man lived nearly opposite the residence of the late Oliver Dike, who is said to have been a slave by the name of " Toby Tarbet."
We find in the records of the parish the names of sev- eral colored persons, who undoubtedly were servants in fami- lies, if not " slaves," as it was quite common for slaves to be known by one name only, like those we find in the list of marriages, as " Plato," " Pompey," " Nero," "Tobias " " Vio- let," and the like; and for a surname they usually took the name of their owner.
In 1780 the adoption of the State Constitution forbade traffic or ownership of colored people, and from that time all have been alike free. Those who were slaves generally re- mained with their former masters as a matter of choice, and many of them had large families.
Among the colored people in the town, we find the names of several persons whose descendants are not in the town, many of them having removed to other localities, as Calvin and Luther Jotham who removed to Maine, Thomas Mitch- ell, Amos Cordner, Moses Sash, Cuff Robin, Bennett O. Bat- ton, Henry Traveller, Elias Sewell, Boston Foye, Cæsar Easton, Cuffee Wright, Susannah Huggins, and Oxford, who were married while servants in the family of Daniel Howard, Esq., Segmo Scott, and Primus Freeman.
The number of colored persons in the town at different periods were as follows : in 1820, 23; in 1830, 40; in 1840, 22; in 1850, 30; in 1860, 32.
There is one family of these people who have become quite numerous, -the descendants of James Easton, who came from Middleboro' previous to the incorporation of the town. He had seven children, three of whom settled in this vicinity. Caleb married, and had six children, some of whom are now residents of the town .*
* See Genealogy of Families.
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The anti-slavery movement in this town did not meet with that favor which it received in many other places. It began by the circulation of tracts upon that subject, and with lec- tures by various persons, among whom were W. L. Garrison, Parker Pillsbury, S. S. Foster, C. C. Burleigh, and, later, Wendell Phillips and Frederic Douglas. These persons were the champions of the cause, and their efforts have, no doubt, produced some good results.
Political parties have changed from time to time, till, in the election of Gov. Andrew and Abraham Lincoln, the town has shown, by their votes, that they were in earnest in the cause of freedom.
TEMPERANCE.
Previous to 1800, it was a common custom to use liquors as a beverage ; and even till about 1830 it was the practice to have it at public gatherings, weddings, ministerial associa- tions, auctions, raisings, military parades, and such occasions were not complete without their punch.
It was also indispensable that those who acted the part of bearers at funerals should have something to stimulate or keep up their spirits. All the grocery stores in the country kept liquor for sale as much as they did molasses. Upon an examination of some of the old account-books of those that kept groceries, we found about one half the charges were for rum, gin, brandy, etc., which were included in the list of necessaries of life.
The first item we find recorded in regard to restricting the open sale of intoxicating liquors, was " to post the names of those who were reputed as 'drunkards,' or ' common tip- plers,' in the houses of those that held licenses for retailing liquor," which duty devolved upon the selectmen, as well as to forbid their selling to such persons.
Previous to 1820, licenses were granted by the " Court of
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Sessions " in each county to a certain number in each town to sell liquor, subject to the approval of the "Fathers of the Town." After that date, they were granted by the county commissioners.
The first effort we find recorded of an effort to stop the peddling of "ardent sperit," was October 8, 1800, when the parish, at a meeting held on that day, " voted that there be no sellers of liquor, and carts on the green, and that the par- ish committee see that the above order is complied with." This vote was passed for a special occasion, - that of the ordination of Rev. Asa Meech, October 15, 1800.
Again, September 23, 1812, the parish " voted that the par- ish committee keep the green clear of carts and sellers of lickers," etc.
February 5, 1813, a society was formed in Boston, under the name of "Massachusetts Society for the Suppression of Intemperance," the object of which was to discontinue and suppress the too free use of ardent spirit, and its kindred vices, profaneness and gaming, and to promote temperance and general morality. This society labored hard against the tide of public opinion till 1825, when the subject began to be discussed so freely that a still more efficient method was proposed, and new means were taken to spread the fear- ful effects of intoxication before the people.
A meeting was held by a few individuals during the year, which resulted in the foundation of the American Temper- ance Society, whose grand principle was abstinence from strong drink, and its object, by light and love, to change the habits of the nation, with regard to the use of intoxicating liquors. On the 13th of February, 1826, the society was regularly organized, officers chosen, and a constitution pre- pared.
This society employed agents to travel through the coun- try, preaching and delivering temperance lectures, arousing
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the people to the evil effects of liquor. Among those en- gaged in that calling, ivere Rev. Nathaniel Hewett, Rev. Joshua Leavitt, and Daniel C. Axtell. These men came to this town, and gave lectures, to arouse the people of the town to a sense of their responsibility, and which had its effect.
In 1829 we find the following on the records of the town, in answer to a call for a town meeting, " to see what meas- ures the town will take to prevent the too frequent use of ardent spirit."
March 9, 1829 " voted to raise a committee of twenty per- sons, to prevent the improper use of ardent spirit." The following persons were chosen as that committee : - ,-
Joseph Sylvester, Esq., Dea. Jonathan Perkins, Perez Crocker,
Darius Howard, Lieut. Ephraim Cole, Jesse Perkins, Esq.,
Isaac Keith,
Micah Shaw, Benjamin Ames,
Eliphalet Kingman,
Nathaniel Ames, Edward Southworth,
Deacon Jacob Fuller,
Ensign Mark Perkins, David Cobb,
Lieut. Isaac Packard,
Capt. Abel Kingman, Caleb Howard, Esq.,
Silas Packard, Esq., Joseph Packard.
Again, Monday, April 6, 1829, " voted to direct the select. men to post up the names of such persons as, in their judg- ment, drink too much ardent spirit."
Also, made choice of the following persons, to constitute a committee, to give the selectmen information of such per- sons as above named ; namely, -
Edward Southworth, Micah Shaw, Capt. Ziba Keith,
Thomas Wales, Isaac Curtis, Turner Torrey,
Martin Cary, Capt. Thomas Thompson, Mark Perkins,
Lieut. Isaac Packard, Lieut. Ephraim Cole.
Again, February 26, 1830, an attempt was made to reduce the number of persons licensed to sell liquor. The town " voted to leave the subject of licenses to the selectmen."
In 1840, the " Washingtonian Movement " commenced, which was started in Baltimore by a few individuals. At 41
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HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
this time, there was a complete overhauling of the temper- ance question. Speeches were made, picnics were frequent, and every effort made to induce people to join in the enter- prise. Societies were formed among the children, " cold water armies " were organized, who held meetings for mutual benefit and social intercourse.
Next came the " Maine Law," that originated in Portland, Maine, by Neal Dow. This caused a new movement among the temperance people. Votes were passed at nearly every town meeting to prosecute and bring to the law those who violated the same, by using or selling liquor.
March 15, 1847, the town "voted that the selectmen be instructed to take effectual measures to suppress the sale of ardent spirits, within the town."
March 10, 1848, “ voted, to choose seven persons to pros- ecute to conviction, if practicable, those that deal in intoxi- cating drinks."
April 10, 1848, in town meeting, Messrs. George W. Bry- ant, Esq., George B. Dunbar, and Alpheus Holmes were chosen a committee to draft a set of by-laws for the action of that meeting, and who submitted the following report ; namely, -
" Whereas it appears to the inhabitants, in town meeting assembled, that, in order to preserve the peace, good order, and internal police of the town, it has become necessary to avail ourselves of the advantage of making Town By-Laws for the suppression of intemperance, agrceably to authority vested by the Legislature of Massachusetts ;
" Therefore be it enacted by the town of North Bridgewater, in legal meeting assembled, Sec. 1. That no person within said town shall presume to be a retailer or seller of Cider, Strong Becr, Ale, Porter, or any other fermented liquors, in less quantities than twenty-eight gallons, and that delivered and carried away all at one time, under pain of forfeiting the sum of Twenty-Five Dollars for each offence. Scc. 2. All forfcitures incurred under the foregoing shall be put to such usc as the town shall from time to time direct."
March 19, 1849, a committee of seven were chosen to
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prosecute all violations of the liquor law, with unlimited au- thority.
March 11, 1850, at a meeting held this day, it was " voted that any person guilty of the violation of any law regulating the sale of spirituous or fermented liquors shall receive from the treasurer of the town the sum of twenty-five dollars for the expense attending said prosecutions, the same to be paid on application, after having been approved by the selectmen."
During the month of May, 1851, Rev. Henry Morgan came into town, and created no little enthusiasm throughout the town on the subject of temperance. His cause was the theme of conversation in the parlor, work-shop, and by the way. Parents, cousins, and friends joined in the work with children and youth. The clergymen, also, rendered valua- ble aid ; so that, when Mr. Morgan left town, it was with a cheerful heart, and a list of seventeen hundred signers to the pledge, which was more names, in proportion to the pop- ulation, than he had obtained in any other town.
Among those who were especially entitled to credit for being active in the labor of procuring signers to the pledge, were Gardner J. Kingman, Joseph Vincent, Ellis V. Lyon, Frederic Packard, Lucretia A. Drake, Alma F. Leach, Brad- ford E. Jones, Ellen A. Howard, Martha A. Packard, and Bethia Hayward.
The citizens of the town held a public meeting at Satuck- et Hall September 10, 1851. The meeting was called to order by George B. Dunbar, and Dr. Henry Eddy chosen president, and the following resolution was passed : -
" Resolved, That the friends of Temperance in this town are in favor of enforcing the law for the suppression of the sale and use of intoxicating drinks, now and always, by every means in their power, both legal and moral, and that, too, against the whims and moans of a conscienceless class. of persons, who are willing for a few dollars to scatter destruction amongst their fellow-citizens."
January 21, 1852, a mammoth petition, containing 120,000
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names in favor of the "Maine Law," was presented to the Legislature of Massachusetts. Many friends (one hundred and twenty-six) of the temperance movement, repaired to Boston, to join in a procession that was formed at Tremont Temple, to accompany the roll to the State House.
March 1, 1852, "voted to instruct our town representa- tive to vote for the bill to prohibit the manufacture and sale of intoxicating drinks, as originally reported to the Senate by the committee ; and that he also be instructed to oppose the sending of the bill to the people for their ratification.
A public temperance meeting was held at the vestry of the Methodist church August 9, 1852, Dr. Henry Eddy presi- dent, at which a committee of forty-two were chosen to inform of, and furnish evidence of, violations of the new and strin- gent law for the suppression of the sale of intoxicating liquors.
March 20, 1854, " voted to exclude alcoholic drinks from the fire department." Also, " voted that any member of the same that shall become intoxicated while on duty at a fire shall be excluded from the department."
SINCLAIR BAND OF HOPE. Established in 1858.
This association was under the direction of the superin- tendent of the Porter Church Sabbath-school, the object of which was to encourage the young to abstain from the use of intoxicating liquors, tobacco, and profanity.
NORTH STAR DIVISION NO. 88, SONS OF TEMPERANCE.
This division was instituted February 23, 1850, and was known by the above name. "The design of this associa- tion is to shield all classes from the evils of intemperance, afford mutual assistance in case of sickness, and elevate their characters as men." The charter of this association was sur- rendered December 4, 1863.
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FRATERNAL LODGE NO. 24, I. O. OF GRAND TEMPLARS.
This organization was instituted September 28, 1860, under the above name, the object of which was similar to the North Star Division.
There was another Division of the Sons of Temperance in the town, called the Crystal Fount Division, in 1847, which is not in existence at the present time.
Another organization, known as the Eagle Wing Divi- sion No. 109, was instituted at Campello, January 1, 1861, which lived only a short time.
August 14, 1863, the State of Massachusetts was divided into thirty districts, and in each was formed a District Tem- perance Union. Such a one was formed, including North Bridgewater, East and West Bridgewater, Lakeville, and Car- ver, and was known as the Old Colony District Temper- ance Union. George B. Dunbar was Vice-President, Rev. William A. Start, Secretary and Treasurer.
We have thus far seen that the movements of the temper- ance cause in North Bridgewater are not unlike those in most country towns. There have, at different times, been various temperance organizations, both among the adult population and the children, but the particulars of which are not at hand. It is to be hoped that the efforts to restrain the free use of intoxicating liquors may still continue as in times past, that the baneful effects of intoxication may not increase, but grow beautifully less.
SABBATH-SCHOOLS.
The first Sabbath-school in the North Parish commenced in May, 1818, through the efforts of Mrs. Huntington, the wife of the pastor. The school consisted of one hundred and seven girls and seventy-eight boys. These were divided into classes of from four to eight persons, according to their ages, the males under the care of teachers of their own sex, and
1
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HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
the females under teachers of their sex, the whole number under the direction of the superintendent. The time allotted for the school was during the intermission between the morning and afternoon services on the Sabbath, and was usu- ally one hour long.
The books in use during the early part of its existence were the New Testament, "Emerson's Evangelical Prim- er," and " Hymns for Infant Minds." Most of the scholars, during the first term, were well versed in the Primer, and in addition to that, for the first sixteen Sabbaths, they had committed 32,674 verses of Scripture, and 27,300 verses of hymns, which were recited.
As further specimens of individual diligence on the part of the younger members of the school, we publish the follow- ing: -
A girl eight years of age, recited 402 verses of Scripture, and 236 verses of hymns. Another girl, ten years of age, recited 1,408 verses of Scripture, and 1,464 verses of hymns. Another, eleven years of age, recited 995 verses of Scripture, and 1,558 verses of hymns Another, thirteen years of age, recited 1,885 verses of Scripture, and 1,000 verses of hymns. Another girl, seven years of age, recited 2,191 verses of Scrip- ture, comprising the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, and nine chapters of Luke, besides 287 verses of hymns. It is with pleasure we record of this little girl that, when a pecuniary reward was presented her by a relative for her exemplary diligence, she generously sent the amount, by the hand of her pastor, to the treasurer of the American Board of Commis- sioners for Foreign Missions, for the education of heathen children. Another girl, five years of age, recited the whole of " Assembly's Catechism," with proofs, 12 verses of Scrip- ture, and 100 hymns.
The first term of the Sabbath-school closed with public religious exercises on the day of the annual meeting of the
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Bridgewater Evangelical Society. The sacred music on the occasion was performed principally by the scholars.
There are at the present time schools connected with all the churches in the town, together with extensive libraries of well-selected books.
MUSIC.
According to a universal custom in early times, there was nothing but congregational singing. Tunes were few, and for want of books the exercises were read a line at a time, and then all would join in singing; then the good deacon would read another line, and thus the service was " dea- coned " through the whole of the verses.
The first music-book in the country was brought by the Pilgrims, and entitled " Ainsworth Version of the Psalms." This gave way to the " Bay Psalm Book," the first book printed in America, which went through seventy editions, and, in 1758, was revised and republished by Rev. Thomas Prince, of Boston .*
Previous to 1765 or 1770, there were no choirs in the churches, and as these were formed, the custom of lining or " deaconing " the hymns grew into disuse, but not till after a great deal of determined opposition. The custom had been introduced by the Westminster Assembly of Divines, and hence could not easily be surrendered.
The first choir in the North Parish was established about 1801, under the leadership of Major Daniel Cary, a noted singer of that day. Previous to that time there were no seats specially provided for singers. Those persons who had thought of forming a choir in 1801 asked that seats might be provided for them.
* In 1690 there were but six tunes known in the province ; namely, " Oxford," " Litchfield," "York," "Windsor," "St. David's," and " Martyr's," and no new tunes could be introduced without a vote of the church. The first tune-book, especially devoted to music, was published by Rev. William Walter, in 1721, and was the first music with bars printed in America.
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HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
January 12, 1801, we find an article in the parish records for meetings as follows : -
" To see if the parish will erect, or suffer to be erected, seats for the singers, in the front of pews in the front gal- lery." January 19, 1801, " voted to erect seats in the front gallery for the singers, in front of the front pews." Also, " voted that the above seats for the singers, be erected in a ' surkerler forme.'"
Major Daniel Cary, Moses Cary, and Colonel Caleb Howard were " chosen a committee to git the above seats built." The above seats were specially set apart for the use of those who had become " larned " in the rules of " musick."
Oliver Bryant, Josiah Brett, Isaac Packard, John Field, John Cobb, and Luke Lincoln were " choristers " in the parish until the town was incorporated. Since that time, Thomas J. Gurney, then living in Abington, was invited to lead the choir and teach them to sing, in 1829, who was the first person that received any compensation for services in singing. Commencing in 1829, Mr. Gurney continued to lead the choir and teach singing-schools until 1840, when he removed to Abington. From that time the choir of the First Church has been led by Mr. Seth Sumner, who became celebrated for his success in teaching singing-schools in the immediate vicinity, and Messrs. Isaac T. Packard, of this town, Whiting, Brown, and Appleton, of Boston, and Edmund Pack- ard.
When the Porter Church was formed in the town, in 1850, Mr. Gurney was invited to take charge of their choir, which he continued to do till April 1, 1864, when he resigned. Mr. T. Emerson Gurney was organist at the Porter Church from 1850 to 1855; Mr. Joshua V. Gurney, from 1855 to 1858.
The First Congregational Church had the first organ, in their old church, which was exchanged for a new one in
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1854, for their new house. At the present time there are four organs in the churches; namely, in the First Congre- gational Church, Porter Evangelical Church, Second Metho- dist, and the Catholic Church.
There was a musical society formed in the county of Ply- mouth, called the Old Colony Musical Society, which was for the benefit of singers throughout the county. Bartholomew Brown, Esq., was leader ; Rev. Daniel Huntington was presi- dent. This society fell through for want of support. Mr. Huntington was a man of fine musical talent, and did much to elevate the standard of church music in the first part of his ministry, when so little attention had been paid to rula- ble music.
The next musical club formed for the purpose of improv- ing the singing was the Calcott Singing Society, which was about 1827 or 1828, and included the four Bridgewa- ters. Rev. Daniel Huntington was their first president; Nathan Lazell, of Bridgewater, was leader.
Next in order was the Union Harmonic Society, ' that was in existence about 1835. From that time to the present, it would be impossible to give a full detail of the various singing-schools, rehearsals, clubs, etc. But probably no town in the county has given more attention to music, or been more successful in the production of talented singers and highly-entertaining performances, than North Bridgewater. The church music in this town is of the highest order, and much time is devoted to the improvement of the singing throughout all the societics.
This town has sent forth some excellent teachers of music and performers of instrumental music, among whom are Thomas J. Gurney, T. Emerson Gurney, George T. Ather- ton, and William Faxon, who have made music a profes- sion.
42
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HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
BAND MUSIC.
About the year 1840, a few individuals met together for the purpose of drill and practice in music upon various brass instruments, drums, etc., under the lead of Samuel M. Holmes, under the name of the North Bridgewater Brass Band. They met every week or oftener for practice, and were very successful ; so that after a time they were engaged in all the surrounding places to play upon public occasions, and their fame soon spread abroad, and it is at present one of the best bands of the kind in that section. A large delegation of this band joined the Twelfth Massachusetts Regiment in the rebellion of 1861.
Soon after this band was formed, another was organ- ized at Campello, under the lead of Martin L. Keith. The following persons were among the members of that band ; namely, Charles P. Keith, Theodore Lilley, Sylvanus Keith, Albert Keith, Bela B. Hayward, Jarvis W. Reynolds, James C. Snell, Thomas French, Lucius Hayward, and Harrison Bryant. This company continued only about six months, when some of the number joined the Centre Band.
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