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 27
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
About the same period there was another band at the " West Shares," under the leadership of Ellis Packard, which continued about a year, and was then given up, some of its members joining the Centre Band. At the present time the united musical talent of the town is engaged in the origi- nal Brass Band.
The members of this band that joined the Twelfth Massa- chusetts Regiment received the highest praise from General Sherman ; and it is said that this was his favorite band, and was conducted under the leadership of William J. Martland.
THESPIAN SOCIETY.
In February, 1836, a company of gentlemen and ladies were organized into a society under the above name, for the pur-
331
MISCELLANEOUS HISTORY.
pose of giving dramatic performances. The orchestra con- sisted of fifteen members, and was under the leadership of Sihon Packard. The songs, duets, and choruses were of a high order, and were performed before crowded assemblies. A slight fee was asked, to pay expenses of scenery, and ex- penses only.
UNION MUSICAL ASSOCIATION.
About the first of May, 1864, a new musical association was formed under the above title, for the purpose of improve- ment in singing, practising choruses, oratorios, etc. It was regularly organized with a constitution and by-laws. The following were the officers: Henry W. Robinson, President ; Charles R. Ford, Vice-President ; F. A. Thayer, Secretary ; Sumner A. Hayward, Treasurer; James Porter, Librarian; Charles J. F. Packard, William H. Faxon, Samuel McLauth- lin, Thomas Leonard, S. Franklin Packard, D. B. Lovell, Trus- tees ; William H. Faxon, Musical Director.
BANK.
The business of the town of North Bridgewater had in- creased to such an extent, and the wants of the people were such, as to induce a few public-spirited individuals to petition the Legislature for a charter to do banking business, which was granted to Messrs. Bela Keith, Benjamin Kingman, and Jesse Perkins, March 28, 1854, with a capital of $100,000, divided into shares of $100 each. The bank was organized under the name of the North Bridgewater Bank, with the following officers ; namely, Martin Wales, of Stoughton, Presi- dent ; Rufus P. Kingman, Cashier ; Benjamin Kingman, Fred- erick Howard, Chandler Sprague, William F. Brett, Ebenezer Tucker, and Pardon Copeland, Directors. In 1857 Mr. Brett resigned his office, and in 1860 Elijah Howard, of Easton, was elected to fill the vacancy.
The first bills issued from this institution was September
332
HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
4, 1854, since which time it has been in successful operation, and has proved a valuable addition to the business facilities of the town, and a mark of the enterprise of her citizens. Previous to the establishment of this bank, the business peo- ple, wishing banking accommodations, were obliged to go out of town for the same.
At the time of writing this, most other banks in the coun- try are being changed into " National Banks," and the stock- holders of this institution are not in favor of changing; hence there is a prospect of its discontinuing business.
SAVINGS-BANK.
The beneficent spirit of the present age is in nothing more remarkably displayed than in the combined energy with which individuals of the highest rank in society are laboring to promote the welfare of the lower order. The advantages that have arisen, both to the individual contributors and the public, by these institutions have been great. The first attempt made to give effect to a plan for enabling the laboring poor to provide support for themselves in sickness, as well as old age, was in 1789. Again, in 1808, a bill was introduced in the " House of Commons," for promoting indus- try among the laboring classes, and for the relief of the poor, which was as follows, -
" Whereas, such of the laboring poor as are desirous of making out of their carnings some savings, as a future provision for themselves or their families, are discouraged from so doing by the difficulty of plaeing out securely the small sums which they are able to save ; and believing it would tend to pro- mote habits of industry and frugality, and encourage the poor to make a provision for themselves and their families, if an establishment was formed in which they might invest their money with security and advantage."
These institutions are in general intended for that class of poor but industrious persons who deserve help by endeav- oring to help themselves, the primary object not being for gain, but benevolence, and are for the benefit of the widow, the orphan, and the aged.
333
MISCELLANEOUS HISTORY.
Many a penny that is now safely deposited in the vaults of these savings institutions in the country might have gone where the possessor would never have seen them again ; for this reason savings-banks are a great blessing to the commu- nity.
In the town of North Bridgewater, there are individuals that look to the interests of others as well as themselves, and having at the same time an eye to the interests of the community generally, they petitioned for an act of incorpo- ration as a savings-bank, which was granted to Messrs. Franklin Ames, Edward Southworth, and George B. Dunbar, April 24, 1851, under the name of the North Bridgewater Savings-Bank. The following were the officers of the insti- tution at the time of its organization in 1851 ; namely, Colo- nel Edward Southworth, President ; Franklin Ames, George B. Dunbar, Vice-Presidents ; Edward Southworth, Jr., Secre- tary and Treasurer ; Edward Southworth, Lorenzo D. Hervey, Henry V. French, Franklin Ames, Algernon S. Sylvester, Oakes S. Soule, George B. Dunbar, Edward Southworth, Jr., Trustees.
This institution under able management has been very successful, and productive of a great amount of good to the community. The amount of deposits for the year 1865 were about $160,000, which was invested in bank stock, real es- tate, public funds, and personal security.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Water is the grand agent that nature has provided for the extinguishment of flames, and the different ways and means for applying it with effect have been sought for in every civ- ilized country. In the absence of more suitable implements, buckets and other portable vessels of capacity at hand have always been seized to throw water upon fire, and when used with celerity and presence of mind in the early commence-
334
HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
ment of a fire, have often been sufficient ; but when a confla- gration extends beyond their reach, the fate of the burning pile too often resembles that of the ships of " Æneas."
" Nor buckets poured, nor strength of human hand, Can the victorious element withstand."
Hence the necessity of some device by which a stream of water may be forced from a distance on flames. Ingenious men of former days were stimulated to an unusual degree to invent machines for that purpose. The first machine used for throwing water upon fire was the common syringe. Fire was the most destructive agent employed in ancient wars ; hence every effort that could be made by ingenuity for pro- tection from the assaults of pitch, oil, and fire, that were thrown from the ramparts, was made.
The introduction of " fire-engines " was an important event in the country, and indicates a certain degree of re- finement in civilization and an advanced state of the me- chanic arts. If we review the progress of fire-engines in modern times, from the syringe to the splendid engine of to- day, we cannot fail to observe that progress marks the age. At first was used the single cylinder, then a double cylinder and air-chamber, which was first used in 1825 .*
FIRE-ENGINES.
The first fire-engine in North Bridgewater was purchased by subscription in 1827, and was owned by a private com- pany. The following is a copy of the original subscription paper : -
" This proposes a method for obtaining a fire-engine, to be kept near the road betwixt the Old Meeting House and Mr. Whitman's office, for the use of the inhabitants of North Bridgewater who are liable to suffer loss by fire. And to accomplish said object, twenty-three shares, valued at twenty dollars each, are offered to those who may feel interested to become proprietors
* The first fire-engine in use in this country was imported from Holland for the city of New York, in December, 1731.
335
MISCELLANEOUS HISTORY.
thereof. Each subscriber will annex to his name how many shares he takes, and if less than one, what part. And we, the subscribers, do severally feel under obligations to pay, agreeably to our subscription, to the proprietors, treasurer, or agent duly authorized by a majority of proprietors to receive their money, and procure their engine.
" North Bridgewater, February 10, 1827."
Subscribers' Names.
No. of Shares. Subscribers' Names.
No. of Shares.
Eliab Whitman One. Eliphalet Kingman . One half.
Nathan Perry ..
Bela Keitlı
Edward Southworth.
Ephraim Howard 66
Silas Packard
66
William Faxon 66
Jabez Field .
66
Nathan Jones 66
Benjamin Kingman
David Packard
John Wales
66 John Packard. 66
David Ames.
66
Nathaniel H. Cross
Micah Faxon.
Hiram Atherton
Azor Packard .One quarter.
Arza Leonard.
Josiah W. Kingman .. .
Azel Wood
Benjamin Stoddard.
Lemuel French
John Crafts
Zibeon French.
Thomas Wales .. . . Three quarters.
Perez Crocker
Nathaniel B. Harlow .. One quarter.
John Battles
Sidney Perkins
This engine was called the " Union No. 1," and was a bucket-tub to be filled by hand. The machine passed out of the proprietors' hands to the town, on condition that the town would put the engine in perfect order, and keep it in order for use at fires. They also furnished a hook-and-ladder car. riage, with fire-hooks, ladders, chains, etc.
The above constituted all the facilities for extinguishing fires previous to 1845. At that date, the town, finding the alarms of fire growing more numerous as new buildings were erected, and were so near together, " voted to procure two new and improved suction fire-engines." This vote passed February 9, 1846. The town appropriated $1,000, provided the citizens would subscribe $1,000 more. The subscription was promptly raised, and Benjamin Kingman and Amasa Edson appointed a committee to purchase the machines.
N
Rosseter Jones.
Charles Packard. 66
Nathan Ilayward
336
HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
Previous to this time, the management at fires was under the direction of " fire wards " appointed by the town.
The two new engines were manufactured by Messrs. T. and E. Thayer, costing seven hundred and fifty dollars each, and were completed and received February 6, 1847. One of them was called " Protector," and was kept in the Centre Village; the other, called "Enterprise," was located at Cam- pello.
The present " fire department " was organized by an act of incorporation by the Legislature of Massachusetts, March 18, 1846, and at the time of the receipt of the two new engines, consisted of the following: one old engine, the " Union," Cap- tain Henry L. Bryant; " Protector No. 3," Captain B. P. Lu- cas, - motto, " We will endeavor;" "Enterprise No. 2," Captain Aaron B. Drake, - motto, " Always ready ; " one hook-and-ladder carriage with the fixtures, and one old and two new engine-houses.
In 1850 the town purchased a large engine of John Agnew, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, costing $1,700, which was called the " Protector No. 3." The old engine of that name was changed to " Relief No. 4," - motto, " Our aim, the pub- lic good." In May, 1853, a new machine was purchased by private subscription, by the name of " Independence No. 5," -motto, " Still live." About the same time, the " Relief En- gine No. 4" was sold to the town of Randolph, and located at South Randolph. In the fall of 1853, a new engine was pur- chased of L. Button & Co., of Waterford, New York, named " Mayflower No. 4," which name was changed to " Columbian No. 5," - motto, " On the alert."
In the spring of 1861, the town voted to sell " Protector No. 3," which was done during the year, by exchange with William Jeffers, of Pawtucket, for one of his engines, using the same name and number. In 1854 "Enterprise Engine No. 2" was transferred to the " West Shares," or North-West
ENTERPRISE
FIRE ENGINE HOUSE. - ENTERPRISE COMPANY No. 2 Campello.
FIRE ENGINE HOUSE. PROTECTOR COMPANY No. 3. Centre Village.
337
MISCELLANEOUS HISTORY.
Bridgewater, and the name changed to "Niagara No. 6." During that year a new engine was purchased of L. Button & Co., of Waterford, New York, to take the place of the old engine, adopting the same name, and was located at Cam- pello. In 1865 the "Niagara Engine" was sold to go to South Easton, and a new engine was purchased at Charles- town, named " Hancock No. 1."
At the time of writing the above, in 1865, the fire depart- ment of North Bridgewater consists of " Hancock Engine No. 1," Captain Isaac H. Hartwell, located at the " West Shares,"-motto, "Our aim, the public good ; " " Enterprise Engine No. 2," Captain William Stevens, located at Campello, - motto, "Always ready ; " " Protector Engine No. 3," Cap- tain Henry B. Packard, located in the Centre Village, - motto, " We will endeavor ; " " Columbian Engine No. 5," Captain E. Z. Stevens, also located in the Centre Village, - motto, “ On the alert; " and one hook-and-ladder carriage and three engine-houses .*
* On Saturday the 21st of October, 1865, the fire companies made a trial of fire-engines for a silver trumpet. " Protector " took the prize, playing horizon- tally 220 feet.
43
CHAPTER XVIII.
MISCELLANEOUS HISTORY -CONTINUED.
Burying-grounds. - Melrose Cemetery. - Hearse. - Town Pound. - Lock-up. - Poor. - Town House. - Telegraph. - North Bridgewater Gas Light Company. - Franklin Debating Association. - Pi Beta Society. - Library Association. - Agricultural Library Association. - Soldiers' Aid Society. - Freedmen's Relief Association. - Industrial Association. - Philomathian Association. - Massasoit Lodge of I. O. of O. F. No. 69. - Paul Revere Lodge of Freemasons. - Fires, Casualties, and Miscellaneous Events.
BURYING-GROUNDS.
I THE custom of burying the dead in public places prevailed among the most ancient nations. The Romans observed this custom in the earliest days, and in the more flourishing periods of the republic they burnt their dead, and only bu- ried their ashes in urns. The ancient Germans deposited their dead in groves, consecrated by their priests, and with the introduction of the Christian religion consecrated places of burial have been appropriated for that purpose, all over the world. Christians of all denominations are beginning to regard the burial-places of their friends with that reverence due to the departed.
Few evidences of a more refined sentiment can be found more marked than the selection of beautiful and choice grounds for the final resting-place of their friends. The once cheerless and gloomy aspect of our old burying-grounds has become attractive, by the removal of all noxious weeds, thistles, and briers, and the yards neatly laid out with walks " round about."
In the early settlement of the country, burying-lots were selected more with regard to convenience than for looks. Now beautiful spots of ground are selected in retired locali- ties, in some shaded grove, or in some rural locality. Costly
338
339
MISCELLANEOUS HISTORY.
monuments are erected without regard to expense. For- merly after the bodies were buried, the care of the grave ceased. Now neat headstones are erected and beautiful flowers are kept in bloom over the remains of loved ones.
Probably the first burial-place in North Bridgewater was that situated on the westerly side of the main street, leading from the Centre Village to Campello, and but a short distance from the residence of the late William Tribou. These grounds are of small size, and contain one tomb, and that of ancient date. In this yard many of the headstones are bro- ken, or rough and irregularly placed, and some covered with moss, rendering the names quite illegible. This yard shows how little regard so many in the community pay to the final resting-place of their friends. It would seem as though the friends and posterity of those buried there would try to im- prove a spot so exposed as that, on one of the public streets of the town. A few trees set out would change the appearance very much, and a trifling expense in rearranging might make it quite attractive. We hope ere long to see some improvements in that direction. ·
Another yard is situated nearly opposite the Salisbury House, Campello, which is a very small family yard belong- ing to a few individuals. The first person buried there was Jonas Keith, the former owner of the land, who died of the small-pox. A long time since many of the occupants or pro- prietors of this lot have removed the remains of their friends to the new Union Cemetery, leaving but few now buried in the yard. There is a family tomb in the yard, belonging to the heirs of the late Simeon Keith. This lot is situated quite near many houses and is in so exposed a condition that it will probably be given up as a burial-place ere long.
There is still another quite large burying-ground at the north end of the Centre Village, forming the corner of Main. and Ashland Streets. This is an old yard, and is well
340
HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
filled with graves. How long this yard has been used for the purpose of burial, we have no means of knowing. It is, however, one of the oldest in the town, and, like the first- mentioned, needs care and some expense to make it attrac- tive. There is one tomb in this yard erected by Col. Caleb Howard.
There is also another yard near the residence of the late Ezekiel Merritt. This is probably quite an old spot, and is not much used of late, very few families being interested in the lot.
Following Belmont Street to the west till we come near the mill, at Tilden's Corner, on Liberty Street, we find a neat little yard, fenced with a substantial stone wall, with but a few graves in it, and those that are there seem to exhibit some care.
We find another small burying-ground on Pleasant Street, near the residence of Charles T. Reynolds, in which are but a few graves.
There is also a yard in the easterly part of the town, on Pine Street, and near the residence of the late Samuel Pack- ard, in very good order.
On Summer Street, near the residence of John Thompson, is another small yard, enclosed with a substantial stone fence, in which are several graves of comparatively recent date.
MELROSE CEMETERY.
Travelling on the road from North Bridgewater to Stough- ton, on the Taunton Turnpike, we find a moderate size spot of ground set apart for burial purposes, under the above name. In the yard is one tomb belonging to the heirs of the late Capt. Lemuel Packard. This yard has the appearance of neatness, and is a very desirable location for a cemetery,
In 1848 Messrs. Chandler Sprague, Esq., and William F. Brett purchased a lot of land, containing about fifteen acres,
341
MISCELLANEOUS HISTORY.
of Azel Packard, extending from Centre Street, on the north, to Crescent Street, on the south, and bordering upon Sprague's Pond on the west, for the purpose of a cemetery. The land was divided into lots, walks, and avenues, and sold to various individuals for burial purposes.
The following persons were organized into a corporation under the name of Union Cemetery, Oak Grove, of North Bridgewater, April 27, 1849 ; namely, Benjamin Kingman, George B. Dunbar, Abel Kingman, George W. Bryant, David Howard, Chandler Sprague, Francis M. French, Robert Smith, Lorenzo D. Hervey, William P. Howard, Edward Southworth, Jr., Charles S. Johnson, and William F. Brett.
The cemetery was consecrated by appropriate exercises, May 21, 1849, at which Rev. Daniel Huntington, of Campello, delivered an able address appropriate to the occasion.
There is also another cemetery on the north side of Court Street, near Perez Southworth's, containing about three acres, which is occupied by the friends of the Catholic persuasion, under care of Rev. T. B. McNulty, called St. Patrick's Cem- etery.
HEARSE.
In the early history of towns, we find it was customary to carry the remains of departed friends to the grave upon a bier made for that purpose. It was usually carried upon the shoulders of men selected for that service, who were called bearers. Upon the introduction of carriages, an effort was made to procure a hearse to take the place of the bier.
In a warrant calling a meeting of the North Parish in April, 1818, we find an article " to see if the parish would build, or cause to be built, a hearse or decent carriage to carry the dead to the place of interment, and a building to keep the same in." "Voted not to act upon the article." Judging by a vote passed in November, 1828, we should .
342
HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
suppose that a hearse and house were built by private enter- prise. The vote is as follows : "Voted to accept of the hearse and house as presented by the proprietors to the town of North Bridgewater, and that said town will pay the bal- ance due to Captain David Ames for building said house, amounting to fifty-two dollars."
The house stood on the old church green, until August 10, 1835, when the parish voted to have it removed, on account of building the parsonage house.
November 4, 1850, a committee was chosen to-day, to re- pair the old or build a new hearse. Franklin Ames, Elipha- let Kingman, and Ruel Richmond were the committee. A new hearse was procured during the year, and is the one now owned by the town.
March 18, 1788, at a meeting held this day in the North Parish, " to see if the parish will vote to purchis a burying cloath, and choose a man or men to purchis the same," it was " voted that the precinct cormittee purchis a burying cloath, and they use their Discresion in that afair."
TOWN POUND.
In the early settlement of the towns throughout the prov- ince, swine were allowed to run at large, upon their being properly yoked, between April 1st and October 15tlı, and " ringed in the nose all the rest of the year," under a penalty of sixpence each. Also all sheep running at large and not under a shepherd between May 1st and October 31st, to a fine of threepence each. The several towns could, by vote of a majority, allow them to run at large ; but when they voted not to have them run, there was need of a place to put those who should violate the law, and break into cornfields or private enclosures. In 1698 a law was passed requiring towns to make and keep a pound, as follows: -
" That there shall be a sufficient pound or pounds made and maintained,
343
MISCELLANEOUS HISTORY.
from time to time, in every town and precinct within this province, in such part or places thereof as the selectmen shall direct and appoint, at the cost and charge of such town and precinet, for the impounding or restraining of any swine, neat cattle, horses, or sheep, as shall be found damage-feasant in any cornfield or other enclosures ; or swine, unyoked or unringed, neat cat- tle, horses, or sheep, going upon the common, not allowed to feed there by the major part of the Propriety," ctc.
In accordance with the above requirement, the town of Bridgewater maintained a town pound from its first settle- ment, and when it was divided into precincts, each precinct was required to erect one within their limits. The North Parish, being a law-loving and law-abiding people, erected one upon or near the meeting-house green, which remained till 1828, when, by vote of the town of North Bridgewater, it was removed. April 7, 1828, the following record appears on the town books: "Voted to accept the offer of Benjamin Kingman, which is to furnish the town with a pound for forty years, and remove the stone of the pound for his own use as a compensation."
Since that time Mr. Kingman has furnished the same ac- cording to agreement.
When the lands of our fathers were wild and unfenced, the " cattell," " hoggs," " sheap," and " hosses " were allowed to run at large in the fields and roads, and then the cattle were usually marked in some way, generally by a slit in one or both of the ears, and the marks were recorded upon the rec- ords of the town, and a bell was also attached to their necks. The hogs were either "yoaked" or had "wrings" in their noses to prevent their doing damage, and the sheep wore yokes also ; the horses were fettered with a chain passing from one ankle to another, that they might be taken at pleasure.
As the country became settled, people began to fence their lots and farms, and swine were placed in small pens, the sheep placed in folds, and the cattle enclosed in lots used as pas- tures.
344
HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
LOCK-UP.
The next thing in order should be the lock-up. Provision having been made for penning cattle and other animals, there was also a need of some place in which persons com- mitting crimes, and who could not take care of themselves, could be placed for safe-keeping, or be kept until they could have a trial.
The number of such persons was very few previous to about 1852, when the town voted to provide a place for the safe-keeping of criminals. The first place provided was the building that had previously been used as a hearse-house, which was fitted for that purpose, and used till 1857, when the town voted to dispose of the lock-up, and provide a suit- able place for the safe-keeping of criminals upon the town- farm.
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.