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 28
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Again, November 30, 1857, the town "voted to choose a committee of three to build a lock-up for the detention of criminals, and that said committee be and are hereby author- ized to purchase or lease a lot of land within the limits of the Watch District." George B. Dunbar, Elisha H. Joslyn, and Lyman Clark were the committee, who proceeded to erect the same upon a lot of land purchased of W. Holliston Whit- man, a short distance south of Crescent Street. The building is built of brick, with cells fitted with iron bedsteads, bars, and bolts, in a durable form. The building is enclosed by a board fence, several feet high.
POOR.
" Rob not the poor because he is poor."
Until within a few years, it was the custom of the different towns of Massachusetts to "vendue the poor; " that is, to sell the support of the poor to the one who would do it the cheapest. The last vote we find on record in relation to sell- ing the poor in the town of North Bridgewater was April 1,
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1822, as follows: "Voted that all paupers who cannot by themselves or friends procure a home, to be put out at pub- lic auction or private sale, for one year from the 15th inst., the remainder to be provided for by the selectmen."
In 1830 the propriety of building a house for the use of the town, and to provide a place for the poor, was brought to the attention of the citizens in town-meeting April 1, 1822, and a committee appointed to examine and report concerning the expediency of purchasing a poorhouse. Mark Perkins, Caleb Howard, Esq., Eliphalet Kingman, Jonathan Cary, and Bela Keith, Esq., were the committee, who reported that the subject of purchasing a town-farm was worthy the attention of the town. Accordingly, April 4, 1834, Benjamin King- man, Micah Packard, and Abel Kingman were appointed a committee with full power to purchase a house and land for the use of the town's poor. April 25, 1831, a farm was pur- chased of Benjamin King, Esq., in the easterly part of the town, consisting of ninety-four and three quarters acres of land and buildings thereon, formerly known as the Deacon Jacob Fuller farm, for the sum of $2,625. A superintendent was appointed yearly to manage the farm, and take proper care of the poor. Deacon Jacob Fuller was the first person placed in charge. Theron Ames, Josiah Dunbar, Weston Simmons, Colwell, Jones, and the present superintendent, Howard, have had the management since the first. A board of faithful and trusty Overseers of the Poor are annually elected by the town, who have the general oversight of the poor and provide for their wants, and upon inquiry we are satisfied that the poor of the town are well cared for.
WARNING OUT OF TOWN.
The people in ancient days resorted to various means to prevent immigrants coming into town from becoming charge- able upon the public. A custom much in use in the town of
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HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
Bridgewater was to notify or warn the parties moving into the town " to depart hence." We insert a copy of one hand- ed to us, as a specimen of early notions : -
" Plymouth SS.
TO JOHN TILDEN, JOINER :
" By virtue of a warrant from the selectmen of the town of Bridgewater, you are requested to depart the limits of said town within fifteen days, you not having obtained leave of inhabiting the same.
" JONATHAN KEITH, Constable.
" November 25, 1789."
TOWN HOUSE.
The first town meeting in the town of North Bridgewater was held in the meeting-house of the First Congregational Church, in 1821. Since that time the meeting has been hol- den in the various public halls in the village. Several at- tempts have been made to see if the town would build a house suitable for holding town meetings. The first move in that direction was in 1843, as appears by vote of the town, De- cember 16, 1843. At a meeting held on that day to see if the town would purchase the Second Congregational Meeting- house, it was voted to choose a committee of three to con- sider of the matter, and report at a future meeting. Benjamin Kingman, Jesse Perkins, and Eliphalet Kingman were the committee. In 1847 the subject was brought before the town at a meeting held in May, at which it was voted to postpone building a town-house at present. Again, March 11, 1850, Bela Keith, Esq., Jesse Perkins, Esq., Col. Edward South- worth, Caleb Copeland, Marcus Packard, Isaac Hartwell, and Capt. Henry French were chosen a committee to procure a plan of a building, and the probable cost of the same, also the subject of purchasing a lot of land, and report at a future meeting. A report was made, and, September 6, 1850, the committee were instructed to purchase a lot of land of Wil- liam P. Howard, which was done. The lot situated opposito H. W. Robinson's store, corner of Main and Centre Streets,
1
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was purchased of Mr. Howard for the sum of $1,500. April 30, 1855, the town voted to authorize the selectmen to sell the town-house lot at public auction within thirty days. The lot was sold to Mr. David F. Studley and others for $3,050.
The above is the last we have heard in reference to erecting a town-house. A town of the size of North Bridge- water certainly ought to have a house of her own, and we doubt not the time is near at hand when she will have an edifice that shall be an ornament to the town.
TELEGRAPH.
The first electric current that passed through the town of North Bridgewater, on wires, was in 1856. The line was run from Boston to Myrick's Station, on the line of the Fall River Railroad. The proprietors were Messrs. Brewer & Bald- win. At first the nearest office to this town was at Bridge- water. A short time had elapsed after the completion of the wires when an effort was made to have an office established nearer to this town, and through the efforts of Franklin Ames, Esq., one was opened to the public May 6, 1856. The following is the first message to the citizens of the town, and was from the editor of the " Barnstable Patriot." to the ed- itor of the " North Bridgewater Gazette."
" To GEORGE PHINNEY :
" We congratulate you, and others of North Bridgewater, on the opening of a telegraph office at your place. I am happy to shake hands with you this P. M. God bless and prosper you. S. B. PHINNEY."
REPLY.
" To MAJOR PHINNEY :
"We receive your congratulations upon the occasion of opening a telegraph office here with heartfelt pleasure. May the connection this day effected between North Bridgewater and Cape Cod never be severed. With the hope that the Union may be preserved,
" I remain yours truly, " GEORGE PHINNEY."
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HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
NORTH BRIDGEWATER GAS LIGHT COMPANY.
During the year 1858 several of the citizens in the thick- est settled portions of the town began to discuss the subject of a better means of lighting their stores, factories, and dwelling-houses ; or, in other words, the people wanted " more light," and as is always the case, when people wish for light, it can be had. For this purpose a few public-spirited indi- viduals were called together July 22, 1859, to see what meas- ures it was thought best to adopt. Subscription papers were opened, and stock taken to the amount of $12,000, divided in- to shares of $100 each. A company was organized Septem- ber 5, 1859, with the following officers: William F. Brett, President ; David F. Studley, Treasurer ; Noah Chesman, H. W. Robinson, and Jonas R. Perkins, Esq., Directors.
FRANKLIN DEBATING ASSOCIATION.
A society was organized during the winter of 1836, with the above name, for the promotion of useful knowledge and debating.
The last question for discussion was, " Are dancing-schools, balls, cotillon-parties, etc., worthy the support and encour- agement of the community ?" The decision has not as yet come to the writer's notice.
PI BETA SOCIETY.
This society was established September 17, 1844, and was in active operation eight years. Its object was the mental improvement of its members, for the accomplishment of which, beside the literary exercises of its regular meetings, it had a reading-room, and a cabinet of natural history of nearly two thousand specimens, and a library of two hundred volumes, most of which were presented the first six months of its ex- istence. The society held weekly meetings, and had address- es from distinguished speakers from time to time. During
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the active term this society was in existence, it had gathered one thousand volumes, and ten thousand specimens of cabinet curiosities of various kinds.
The Messrs. Loomis, of the Academy, had the care of the society, it being connected with the Adelphian Academy.
The officers of the institution, in 1851, were Charles R. Ford, President ; Jacob Emerson, Jr., of Methuen, Recording Secretary ; John H. Bourne, of Marshfield, Corresponding Secretary ; Caleb Howard, Treasurer; Silas L. Loomis, Li- brarian; L. F. C. Loomis, Superintendent of Cabinet ; Jacob Emerson, Charles R. Weeden, Lavoice N. Guild, Prudential Committee ; besides many honorary members.
LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
Prior to the year 1847, the town of North Bridgewater had not enjoyed the privilege of many literary or scientific lectures or social gatherings. During the winter of that year, the principals of the Adelphian Academy, feeling an interest in the matter, and the want of some elevated and improving intercourse for the multitude of young people in the town, proposed and finally arranged a series of social levees or gatherings, composed mostly of members of the school. The exercises consisted of brief essays and addresses, inter- spersed with music and a season of social conversation.
This association was reorganized in October, 1851, or a new one formed under the above name; and a series of useful lectures was given by able lecturers, together with excellent musical entertainments.
NORTH BRIDGEWATER AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
An association under the above name was formed April 3, 1859, the object of which was to obtain a library of agricul- tural books, papers, etc., such as would tend to the improve- ment of agricultural pursuits. The following persons were
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HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
its officers : Chandler Sprague, Esq., President ; Isaac . Kingman, Vice-President ; Alpheus Holmes, Treasurer and Librarian; H. W. Robinson, Secretary.
NORTH BRIDGEWATER SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY.
Agreeably to a notice previously given, the ladies of the town, feeling a deep interest in the welfare of those who had gone forth to fight the battles of our country, met at the chapel of the First Congregational Church, and organized themselves into a society under the name of Soldiers' Aid Society, and made choice of the following officers: Mrs. George Wilbour, President ; Mrs. H. W. Robinson, Vice-Pres- ident ; Mrs. - Wheldon, Secretary and Treasurer; Mrs. Henry Howard, Mrs. A. Harris, Mrs. - Snow, Mrs. Elijah Tolman, Mrs. Darius Howard, Mrs. M. J. Clark, Mrs. Russell Alden, Directors.
The society held its meetings every Tuesday, in the En- gine Hall on Elm Street, for the transaction of business. The object of the society was the collection of clothing and packages, such as are needed by the soldiers, and forwarding them to their proper places. Much good has been already accomplished. During the first year of this society's exist- ence, the amount contributed in cash by the different socie- ties was $278.43. The amount of clothing and other _ goods sent to the Sanitary Commission at Boston amounted to $800, making a total of $1,078.43. During the year ending October, 1863, the amount of goods, clothing, sup- plies, etc., sent to the Sanitary Commission at Boston, was $827.45. The amount of cash contributed was $176.05, making a total of $1,003.50. During the year ending October, 1864, the amount sent to the Sanitary Commis- sion at Boston was $1,327.11. The amount of cash con- tributed in various ways, including the proceeds of the Sanitary Fair for Soldiers of $800, was $1,034, making
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a total of $2,361.11, making the handsome sum of $4,- 443.04 contributed for the benefit and relief of the sol- diers up to October, 1864.
FREEDMEN'S RELIEF ASSOCIATION OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
July 8, 1864, an association was formed under the above name, as an auxiliary to the National Freedmen's Relief As- sociation of New York City, having for its object the im- provement of the Freedmen of the colored race, by raising money, clothing, and necessary material for their relief, and teaching them civilization and Christianity, to imbue their minds with correct ideas of order, industry, economy, self-re- liance, and to elevate them in the scale of humanity by in- spiring them with self-respect. The following is a list of the officers : Augustus T. Jones, President ; A. B. Keith, Vice- President ; Mrs. E. L. Clark, Secretary ; Frances French, Treasurer ; J. R. Perkins, George Copeland, Capt. Henry French, Thaddeus E. Gifford, A. T. Jones, and A. B. Keith, Executive Committee.
NORTH BRIDGEWATER INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.
This association was organized in 1860, with the follow- ing officers : Chandler Sprague, Esq., President ; Isaac T. Packard, Secretary ; Lyman Clark, Treasurer ; Charles Gur- ney and David L. Cowell, Vice-Presidents.
The object of this association is for the encouragement of the mechanic arts, agriculture, and horticulture. On ac- count of the rebellion of 1861, this association has not made rapid progress, and their plans were suspended for a while. In October, 1863, a new board of officers was chosen, and we hope they may meet with all the encouragement that is needed to make it a valuable addition to the town. The fol- lowing are the present board of officers : John S. Eldredge, President ; H. W. Robinson and Dr. L. W. Puffer, Vice-Pres-
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HISTORY OF NORTH BRIDGEWATER.
idents ; David L. Cowell, Secretary ; Charles Sprague, Esq., Treasurer.
PHILOMATHIAN ASSOCIATION.
The above is the name of an association connected with Mr. S. D. Hunt's Academy, the object of which was mutual improvement. It was formed in 1855, soon after he opened his school, and was in existence till the close. Weekly meet- ings were held by the members, at which exercises, consisting of debates, declamations, lectures, essays, critiques, and the reading of a paper published monthly by the association, was read.
MASSASOIT LODGE OF I. O. OF O. F. NO. 69.
This Lodge was instituted in June, 1846. Of this organ- ization we have no particulars from which to write. Among the members of the society were the following persons, who held some office at its beginning: Robert Smith, Waldo Bradford, James F. Packard, Cephas W. Drake, Ellis Pack- ard, Samuel Webster, Lorenzo D. Hervey, Lorenzo Dilling- ham, T. S. Mitchell, and Aaron B. Drake.
PAUL REVERE LODGE OF FREEMASONS.
This Lodge was instituted February 4, 1856, and is in a flourishing condition, with a prospect of extended usefulness under its excellent officers. The original petitioners were Lucien B. Keith, George Clark, Lorenzo D. Hervey, Robert Smith, Alexander Hichborn, Jonas R. Perkins, Esq., Augustus Mitchell, David Cobb, Thomas May, Samuel Howard, and Hiram Packard.
The following were the officers at the formation of the society : -
Lueien B. Keith, Worshipful Master. Alexander Hichborn, Junior Deacon.
George Clark, Senior Warden. Robert Smith, Treasurer.
Lorenzo D. Hervey, Junior Warden. Jonas R. Perkins, Secretary.
Augustus Mitchell, Senior Deacon. Iliram Packard, Senior Steward.
Thomas Mayhew, Tyler.
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The foregoing comprise all of the prominent benevolent and literary associations or organizations, which we have pub- lished somewhat at length, that the reader may see what kind of material the town is made of, and to what extent the tastes of her citizens have been led in literary enterprises. There have been at different times various other societies in exist- ence for a shorter or longer term that have not been men- tioned, as they did not make great progress, nor continue any length of time. We are happy to notice that, as the population increases and new-comers settle in the town, there has been somewhat of an increase in literary pur- suits, and greater attention paid to educational matters.
FIRES.
1804. Dwelling-house of Issachar Snell destroyed by fire.
1816. Dwelling-house of Arza Keith partially burned, caused while making varnish in one of the rooms. Mr. Keith was injured by inhaling smoke, from the effects of which he never recovered.
1818. Barn belonging to Charles Keith destroyed by fire.
1819. Barn belonging to Oliver Leach struck by lightning and destroy- ed by fire.
1836, March 6. Dwelling-house formerly belonging to Rev. Daniel Huntington, and occupied by Dr. A. K. Borden and George H. Brown, de- stroyed by fire.
1846. Cabinet shop belonging to Howard & Clark destroyed by fire.
1847, January 30. Dwelling-house belonging to Freeman Dexter de- stroyed by fire at half-past five o'clock A. M. (a very cold morning).
1847, March 11. Shoe manufactory of William French partially de- stroyed by fire, about five o'clock A. M.
1847, March 19. Store owned by George Clark destroyed by fire at eleven o'clock P. M. Also, a dwelling-house belonging to Micah Packard nearly consumed at the same time.
1847, September 26. Dwelling-house belonging to Nathan Hayward, slightly damaged by fire at four o'clock A. M.
1848, March 1. Edward E. Bennett's dwelling-house slightly damaged.
1848, March 23. House of Edward J. Snow slightly damaged.
1848, March 30. Woods near Benjamin Eaton's burned.
1848, May 1. Woods near Thomas Wales's burned.
1849, July 28. A carpenter-shop owned by Charles S. Johnson, about three o'clock P. M. ; his dwelling adjoining narrowly cscaped destruction.
1850, February 6. Ruel Richmond's whcelright shop consumed by fire 45
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at three o'clock A. M. Weather severely cold ; engines could not work well ; thermometer 6° below zero.
1850, April 2. Barn belonging to Silas Packard burned at three o'clock A. M.
1850, April 15. Building owned by S. & G. Manly, at eleven o'clock P. M., was totally destroyed.
1850, August 6. David Ford's barn struck by lightning and destroyed about three o'clock P. M.
1850, October 11. Lucius Keith's periodical depot damaged by fire.
1850, October 11. Tailor shop owned by W. F. Brett nearly destroyed, about four o'clock A. M. Also a building occupied by W. E. Skinner.
1851, June 29. Store of Messrs. Brett & Kingman, in Kingman Block, badly damaged by fire about three o'clock A. M.
1852, April 9. Barn on the John Tilden farm consumed about eight o'clock A. M.
1852, May 30. Pine Grove, a short distance south of the Centre Village, was burned. Buildings were saved with difficulty.
1852, May 30. Baptist Chapel damaged by firc.about $1,000, at half- past eight o'clock P. M.
1853, March 30. Dwelling-house near " Keith's Mill " partly burned ; formerly occupied by Zenas Packard.
1853, March 31. The last and boot manufactory owned by Chandler Sprague, Esq., and formerly known as the " Old Cotton Factory," was to- tally destroyed by fire at half-past three o'clock A. M. Loss, $4,000.
1853, May 23. Stable belonging to Nathaniel Snow, in the Pine Grove, was destroyed about four o'clock A. M.
1853, May 23. The steam mill connected with the furniture manufactur- ing establishment of Josiah W. Kingman, at Campello, took fire about a quarter to one o'clock P. M., communicating with the lumber yard and build- ings around, destroying the dwelling-house of Mr. Kingman, stable, warehouse, and finishing shop, three workshops belonging to the same, also the dwell- ing-house owned and occupied by Anson Morse, dwelling of David Allen, meeting-house, and fire engine-house belonging to Enterprise Engine Com- pany No. 2. Many other buildings took fire from these, but, by the prompt and energetic working of seven different engines, were saved from the de- vouring element. The loss by this fire was estimated at about $50,000, with a very small insurance, a severe loss to the village, besides throwing a large number of workmen out of employment.
1853, May 24. Barn belonging to Turner Torrey, in the west part of the town, was burned in the evening.
1853, June 9. Barn belonging to John Thompson, together with fifteen tons of hay. Loss, $1,000.
1853, September 29. The building owned by Rev. A. B. Wheeler, and occupied by C. C. Bixby, F. & HI. Baylies, and S. W. S. Howard, partially burned.
1854, May 22. House owned and occupied by Jarvis W. Reynolds slightly burned.
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1856, January 4. The dwelling-house of Dwight E. Hale was partially burned.
1856, September 8. The building known as the Unitarian Church, own- ed by Major Nathan Hayward, totally destroyed about one o'clock P. M.
1856, September 9. Barn and shop of Daniel McIntec, with two horses, were destroyed.
1856, October 5. The grocery store near the depot in the village, occu- pied by William II. Pierce, partly destroyed between two and three o'clock A. M.
1856, December 22. Ara Snow's house slightly burned.
1857, January 8. Dwelling-house owned by C. J. F. Packard partially burned. Loss, $300.
1857, November 26. Shoe manufactory of Martin L. Keith & Co., at Campello, slightly damaged by firc. Damage, $100.
1857, December 17. A small building owned by the heirs of Maj. Nathan Hayward, situated in the T'ilden District. Loss was small.
1857, December 21. Railroad depot took fire from the telegraph. Dam- age was slight.
1857, December 30. The saw-mill belonging to Messrs. Thomas & Wel- eome Howard nearly consumed.
1859, January 22. House on Ashland Street, belonging to heirs of Maj. Nathan Ilayward. Damage, $200.
1859, September 8. Dwelling-house and stable of Marcus Packard, on Mount Ashland, about eleven o'clock A. M. Loss, $9,000. Also, a lot of wood near by, caused by sparks from the same.
1859, September 2. The musical instrument manufactory owned by Ca- leb H. Packard, at Campello, occupied by A. B. Marston, destroyed.
1859, December 12. House owned by Henry Baylies. Loss, $800.
1800, January 11. Varnish factory near Ephraim Brett's house. Loss, $500.
1860, January 25. Barn belonging to John Reardon, at one o'clock P. M.
1860, April 2. An old building on Pond Street. Loss, $100.
1860, April 8. An old building corner Centre Street. Loss was small.
1860, October 19. Barn belonging to William F. Brett, containing thirty- two tons of hay and one cow, destroyed at twelve o'clock at night. Loss, $700.
1860, October 27. House belonging to Orren Bartlett partially burned. Loss, $500.
1860, November 7. Hall belonging to Baker & Kingman destroyed at half-past eleven o'clock P. M. Loss, $9,000. Insured for $6,000.
1860, November 8. Steam-mill of Howard & Clark slightly damaged by fire.
1860, November 29. Small dwelling-house owned by Benjamin Kingman, near " Keith's Mill, " destroyed by fire.
1860, December 30. Tailor shop occupied by Daniel Logue, and owned by Tyler Cobb, partially destroyed by fire.
1861, March 2. Barn belonging to Galen Packard, together with one
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horse and three cows, destroyed by fire about five o'clock. A. M. Loss, $600. No insurance.
1861, March 11. Shop occupied by Alexander Chaplin slightly damaged.
1861, May 8. Store belonging to Col. E. Southworth partially burned. Loss, $300.
1861, June 21. House of John MeCullough. Loss, $300.
1861, July 6. House belonging to Franklin Keith partially destroyed. Loss, $600.
1861, November 29. House belonging to Moses W. Hancock slightly damaged by fire.
1862, January 2. Store belonging to Daniel Hayward partially burned. Loss, $450.
1862, February 1. Store belonging to Charles Curtis partially destroyed.
1862, May 14. Barn, shop, and wood-house, together with three cows and a ealf, belonging to Galen Warren, destroyed by fire. Loss, $1,000.
1862, June 14. Barn, three cows, and two tons of hay belonging to Edward E. Bennett destroyed.
1862, June 16. House of Sylvester Cotter partially destroyed. Loss, $500.
1862, August 17. House belonging to Clark Paul. Loss, $200.
1863, September 30. Barn and shop of William Gegin destroyed. Loss, $700.
1863, November 26 (Thanksgiving morning). House and barn belong- ing to the heirs of Jesse Perkins, together with two cows. Loss, $1,500.
1863, December 4. House of Davis S. Packard slightly damaged by fire. 1864, July 8. Barn belonging to Henry Edson destroyed.
1864, July 31. Barn belonging to Alvin P. Kingman destroyed at eight o'clock A. M.
1864, August 11. Barn belonging to Dea. John W. Hunt destroyed at half-past four o'clock P. M. Loss, $200.
1864, August 14. Barn belonging to Marcus Holmes destroyed at balf-past eight o'clock P. M. Loss, $500.
1864, August 16. House belonging to Hugh Burke destroyed at eleven o'clock P. M. Loss, $600.
1864, September 3. Lot of wood owned by Rufus S. Noyes. Loss, $200.
1864, September 15. House in the north-east part of the town destroyed by fire. Also a barn.
1864, October 10. House owned by S. & G. Manly, on Cottage Street, destroyed by fire. Loss, $400.
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