USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Orange > History of North Orange, Massachusetts : including leading events from the first organization of Orange, 1781-1924. > Part 12
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Another man I see who lived nearly opposite, Moses Morton, a inan of honor and integrity, faithful in every thing he did, a constant attendant and generous contributor to this church and a man who commanded the honor and respect of the whole town. It was my pleasure to visit there often, prob- ably more often than any other place in town and thus I became acquainted and can speak with thorough knowledge and accuracy. About every child in this part of the town wore boots or shoes made by Moses Morton and I can
FIFTY-SIX
REAR OF WORRICK'S MILL-SHOW US A CITY CHARM LIKE THIS
testify to the wearing qualities, indeed, that was the greatest objection to them, for children occasionally want a new pair, but I never heard the parents complain.
Further down the street we came to a man of unquestioned integrity, kind, gentle, affable and in speech one of the most methodical, precise persons I ever knew, indeed this was his greatest and most important characteristic. I enjoy listening to any one whose every word and sentence is spoken with such exact- ness as to attract attention and command respect-such a man was Hillel Baker. He was postmaster for many years and when ealled to his eternal rest was mourn- ed by every one and his loss felt to be a publie calamity.
A little further down the street we see the busy, bustling merehant, N. L. Johnson, and his wife, both of whom were active, not only about home, but in every enterprise and gathering of a local character inaugurated. They were leaders in the social world. It was my good fortune to make my home with them one full year while I oceupied the position of clerk in their store and I want to testify today to the courtesy and kindness which they always aceorded me, making me feel perfectly at home and under great obligations to them, and it certainly is a great pleasure and privilege to have this opportunity to publiely express my appreciation of their many good qualities.
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I would not feel that I had done my full duty if I omitted the name of N. J. Blodgett from the list of those who were active in this little hamlet. For be it known that Mr. Blodgett had the enviable reputation of being the best blacksmith in any of the surrounding towns and people came from far and near to secure his services. Besides this he carried the Congregational society (as it were) on his shoulders, moving the chapel on to his own lot and earing for it, seeing that it had repairs when needed, furnishing fuel, lights, and even a pastor, making up any deficiency in running expenses himself, but this was not all that he was interested in. He kept abreast of the times by reading and study, indeed I can see him now sitting in Mr. Johnson's store, tipped baek
in a chair with his feet on the stove seanning the daily paper, oblivious to any thing that was going on around him or about him. He was also more than ordinarily musically inclined, a good singer and sang not alone, as some do, with the vocal organs, but his whole body was rising, swelling and swaying with the music as it changed in rhythm or volume-a man surely of many and varied characteristics.
I see another man, not so prominent in many ways as some, but one whom I had great respect for, because of his hospitality. His latch string was always out for the young people. They were always made welcome whenever oppor- tunity offered. I have enjoyed many a pleasant evening at the home of Nathan- iel Forrester. He was what you might term an emotional character. He had a tender spot in his heart as I noticed frequently when talking with him, tears coming to his eyes and then suddenly his countenance would change to joy and laughter, showing how easily he was affected for good or ill. At one time eroquet was the leading out-door amusement and the Park the favorite ground for it, a game he enjoyed in the extreme, and I see him now as he was wont to strike the ball, his left foot flying up as mechanically as thongh lifted by mach- inery. I enjoy thinking of and referring to these little incidents at these gather- ings and believe that they do us good and bind us more closely together.
One other person I wish to refer to who came among us later but who was here a long time occupying a prominent place as pastor at the chapel, Rev. Mr. Garman. It is only a year or two since he passed away. I refer to him not alone because of his prominence but he had one characteristie which I con- sider remarkable and one which we might any of us emulate with profit to ourselves and benefit to others. I refer to his disposition. I never remember seeing him ruffled no matter what the subject or with whom he was talking. I have myself diseussed with him many topics, such as politics, religion, tem- perance, etc., but always found him tolerable and truly placid, yet earnest. I believe there are enough good qualities in all the characters I have portrayed, if we eared to be influenced by them, to make us all better and happier and I trust this effort of mine has not been so worthless or uninteresting as to destroy the effect I had in mind, of calling to memory some of those who were onee active in this place and whose good works would serve to make us wiser and better.
A. E. Brooks. 1908.
John D. Flagg, son of Jonathan and Eunice Dana Flagg, was born in Tully, December 29, 1817. After his marriage to Margaret Barber, August 18, 1842, he lived for a while in Northfield. During this period he drove a four-horse team from Warwick to Boston to get provisions. Returning to North Orange, his efficiency in town affairs was recognized by his frequent election for selectman. In this eapacity he served the town for ten years. He was also assessor and overseer of the poor for many years; was census taker in 1865 and was sent as representative to the Legislature of Massachusetts in 1871. Mr Flagg's honesty and integrity were such that the town seemed to have lost something essential with his departure.
Merrill D. Herrick, chairman of the board of seleetmen of Orange died in March, 1904. He was nominated for selectman and overseer of the poor for the 25th time at the citizens' caucus on February 24, and he would have been elee- ted Monday by his usual large majority. Merrill D. Herriek was born in Royalston in 1844, the son of Marshall Herriek, and he spent his boyhood days working on his father's farm and attending school in his native town. When a young man, he went to the neighboring village of Blissville, in the town of Orange, where he found employment in the Harrington furniture shop, and he
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THE DANIELS HOME
also worked in woodworking shops in Tully. His health was never robust, and he gave up the shop and returned to farming and outside labor. He was well-known in eastern Franklin as an auctioneer. Mr. Herrick was first elected on the board of selectmen of Orange in 1877, and with the exception of two years he had served as the North Orange representative on the board since that time. He was of good executive ability, and while he faithfully represented his part of the town he enjoyed the reputation of being a level-headed town official, and had the distinction of receiving the largest number of votes ever given for a selectinan in Orange. He was an unassuming, genial and kindly man, honest, honorable and fair with every one, and was always ready to do a favor for any one who asked for it. During the time that he was selectman he was overseer of the poor, and the unfortunate of the town will miss a friend and a wise adviser. As the town alm shouse was in his part of the town he always attended the funerals of the inmates, and he looked after every detail of the serv- ice and burial, and saw that their last wishes were carried out to the letter. He visited the almshouse often, and he always had a word of cheer and encour- agement for the inmates, and his visits were looked forward to with pleasure. He loved Orange, and especially the part of the town where he made his home. He was active in the life of the village.
Of North Orange Birth
A Few Natives Who Have Won Success Abroad
Rev. Jonathan Forrester, D. D., a distinguished and able Universalist minister, was born December 8, 1824. He was the third child of a family of eight, and brother of Mrs. E. A. Gale. He left town to attend the High school
in Swanzey, N. H., and then entered the new Melrose seminary in West Brattle- boro, with Sumner Ellis and others from North Orange. He finished his edu- cation under "Father" Loveland of the Universalist faith, then residing in Weston, Vt. Here he met his future wife, Julia Baldwin. He entered upon his first pastorate at the age of nineteen, which was a union of two churches in Reading and Chester, Vt., which he supplied alternately. His following charges were at Randolph, Vt., Erie, Penn., Aurora and Chicago, Ill., Newark, N. J., and the last part of his life he spent in failing health at Athol and Warwick. In the latter place he died, and was buried in Tully cemetery. His second wife was Mary Bowen, of Aurora, and his third wife, Nellie Porter of Chicago. He had three daughters and two sons.
Rev. Sumner Ellis, D. D., the youngest of ten children, was born near the base of Tully Mt., May 17, 1828. He was a son of Seth and Susanna (Cheney) Ellis. His ancestors back to his great grandparents were farmers. With the exception of access to the library of Rev. Levi Ballou, then Universalist pastor, his opportunities for study were limited until the age of 18, when he attended New Salem academy, of which Rev. Levi Ballou was a trustee, for a year. The next year he was among the first students at the new Melrose seminary at West Brattleboro. Miss Mary Jane Morton, his future wife, was also among the students there. Mr. Ellis now preached in Guilford, the town adjoining the seminary. Four years later he began special preparation for the ministry under Rev. Hosea Ballou 2nd D. D., at Medford. Dr. Ballou was afterwards elected president of Tufts college. Two years afterwards, Mr. Ellis began his ministry in the First Universalist church, Boston. He was pastor at Salem, Lynn, Milwaukee, Wis., Dubuque, Ia., Chicago, Ill., and Newark, N. J. He wrote the life of Edwin H. Chapin, D. D., which is found in our branch library, also "At Our Best;" or "Making the Most of Life,"and "Hints on Preaching." In Chicago he married again, Mrs. A. M. Hall, a friend of his youth. They went abroad fifteen months and six weeks after their return he died January 26, 1886. He was buried in Tully cemetery. Edwin Ellis, late of Athol, was a brother of the above, and was long a successful and prominent business man in Athol, which town he represented in the legislature. He was born in 1822, and died in 1888. Ile served the town in many important offices.
Rev. Levi Ballou, who for twenty-two years was pastor of the Universalist church in North Orange, had three sons born in this place: Hosea Starr of Brook- line, Rev. William, and Maturin of Maroncek in eastern New York. They have each risen in the world beginning with the Orange high school and Tuftscollege of which their unele was the first president. Maturin Ballou also graduated at Dean Academy, Franklin. He settled in New York state as a broker, where he has remained since. He married Miss Gately of Connecticut. They have no children. He is a devotee of golf and has won much renown as an expert.
Hosea S. Ballou graduated at Williston Seminary and studied abroad two years to prepare for journalism, but finding real estate more profitable he has since engaged in that business. He has a family of two boys. Ile is a very successful writer. In 1896 he wrote the life of Hosea Ballou, 2nd D. D. He is a member of three American historical societies as well as one in Paris.
Rev. William Ballou has spent his life in study and travel. After three years in the high school, one year in the Boston Latin school and two years in Tufts college, he retired to the Adirondack Mts. for recuperation. He spent nine years in the west, engaging in real estate in Devil's Lake, Minn., studying in Ann Arbor, Mich., and preaching in Fargo, N. D. He returned east taking a course of study at Cambridge after which he was settled as a pastor in the Universalist church in Amherst, Mass. Much to the regret of the people there he left for a winter in Europe. On his return he settled again in Fargo.
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1841
Hon. Percival Blodgett was born July 18, 1842. At the early age of 16 he left home to teach school. He was successful in this for some time in both Athol and Templeton. He entered Phillips Academy, Andover, which after a short course he was obliged to leave on account of his health. He then graduated 2 . at-a prominent business college in Boston, after which he entered the general store business in Templeton. He was chosen representative to the legislature, and then senator. He served as selectman for 21 years, and then declined continuance of this office, as he remarked "he thought it was about time when he had reached his majority." He also was one of the school committee for a similar period. He gave the site of the Templeton Inn, a lot costing $1000. The center of his activities of late has been the new electric road just com- pleted in Templeton. He was the one who started the project, and has also a money interest in it. For his first wife he married Miss Georgia Worrick, also a native of this place, and daughter of the late Philbrook Worrick. They had a daughter, Miss Grace.
Hon. Benjamin W. Mayo, Jr., was born on the farm here known to old residents by that name. He left town for Templeton where he worked in Hon. P. Blodgett's store. Hespent three years in the civil war. He finally settled in Turners Falls, where he is now living. He has been sent to the State legislature as representative. Ile has been postmaster and storekeeper for many years in Turners Falls.
Albee Smith, Esq. was born on the present Leon Lucier place. At the early age of 14, he entered Middlebury college, Vt. For a time his home was with his parents at North Cambridge, and then they moved to Chicago, where he married Miss Molly Mcclellan. They had six children. For many years he has prac- ticed law successfully in Minneapolis.
Dr. Jonathan Goodell was one of a large family of children born on the Goodell homestead here. Early in life he settled in Lynn as a physician, where for years he has had an extensive and lucrative practice.
Nathan Cheney was one of the large family of Cheneys born in the west part of the village. He went to Boston early in life and achieved success and wealth as a merchant. His daughter was Ellen Cheney Johnson, who became noted in the work of prison reform and died abroad about a year ago. Two of Nathan Cheney's brothers were Amos and French of Athol, whose children are living there to-day. The Cheney branch has many ramifications, and sev- eral of the family have become distinguished in different ways.
Athol Transcript. August 21, 1900.
The Patriarch of North Orange
This book would be incomplete without some reference to John C. Holston, properly called the Patriarch of North Orange. Mr. Holston died February 18, 1923 at the age of 100. Had he lived until the 21st of June he would have been 101. For 15 years he had made his home with his son, John D. Holston. On his 100th anniversary there was a notable gathering at the home when patriotic organizations in Orange and friends throughout the district gave him a reception which was keenly enjoyed by him and his well-wishers. He retained all his mental faculties at that time. It was a festive occasion with a family dinner at noon and the reception following in the afternoon. Remarks were made, reminiscences told and the songs which Mr. Holston liked so well, sung with the same spirit, if less vigor and adherence to the key, as in the days gone by. Bouquets of beautiful roses, over 100 in number, a large birthday cake and the warmest of greetings contrived to make the event a fitting testimonial to his long life and
JOHN HOLSTON AND THE HOLSTON HOUSE. THE HOUSE ONCE SERVED AS A TOLL GATE
as it proved, a final farewell. Many will remember with what pleasure they grasped his hand as he sat upon his bed and greeted the hundred or more who braved a "pouring" rain to do him honor.
Mr. Holston was a unique and interestinge haracter, a sturdy son of the old school which thought for itself and spoke as it thought. He was one of those rugged types who seemed to thrive on labor and up to the age of 90 never flinched at a day's work. He was not unlike the proverbial hickory nut in his physical and mental make-up, a rugged New Englander, the like of which is pictured in book and drama. Mr. Holston had a war record of which he had reason to be proud.
Born at Portland, Me., he began his notable experiences at the age of three by shaking hands with Gen. Lafayette, being held in his mother's arms at the time. That he should have had fighting instincts was natural because his grand- father, William Hance, was so keen on doing his part in the country's fight for liberty that he walked from Portland, Me., to Boston, a distance of 150 miles, to take part in the Battle of Bunker Hill. He continued to fight throughout the Revolution, serving with distinction. The Civil war had scarcely broken out when John Holston, on March 10, 1862, enlisted for service in Andrews' Sharp- shooters, attached to Co. 1, 15th Massachusetts regiment. He saw serviee under Gen. McClellan, taking part in the bloody battles of Yorktown, West Point, Fair Oaks, Savage Station, White Oak Swamps, Malvern Hill, second Bull Run, South Station and Antietam. In the latter battle he received wounds which incapacitated him for further service and which troubled him during the remainder of his life. It was a thigh wound and as a result, his legs became so impaired that during the last few years of his life they had become useless.
In the battle of Antietam he fell within the rebel lines, shot through the thigh, and lay on the ground for three days and two nights. Except for aid from a Confederate officer who gave him water and bound a towel around his leg to stop its bleeding, he was left to die, considered too far gone even to be taken prisoner. On the third night, however, the Confederates retreated, and he was rescued by the Union forces and carried to a barnyard where he was left eight days. He was finally taken to Frederick City and thence to Washington, where
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he was placed in an old meeting house which had been converted into a hospital. While at Washington it was his fortune to find the rebel officer among a large number of prisoners who were brought in and he seized the opportunity to repay him for kindness received on the battle field of Antietam.
After the war Mr. Holston located in Wendell where he carried on a farm for 41 years. For 28 years under Governors Bullock, Washburn, Ames and Green- halgh he served as justice of the peace, marrying 19 couples in that period. Mrs. Holston, whose maiden name was M. Maria Jackson, died in 1907 at the age of 77. When Mr. Holston went to live with his son in North Orange, the latter's wife's mother, Mrs. Alsamena Dudley, was also living there. She died at the age of 95 years and nine months, the two elderly people having enjoyed the comforts of their children's home together for seven years. Mr. Holston had voted for 20 presidential candidates, the first being cast for Henry Clay at Fry- burg; Me. He had always voted the straight Republican ticket which he often contended was "good enough" for him. Although Mr. Holston was unable to get about during the past two or more years of his life he retained his mental capacities almost to the very last, finding much enjoyment in reading and eon- versing with people. He always liked a good joke and knew how to tell one, a fact which served to make him a good entertainer.
The Sentinel Elm
The fair lands of Greece never boasted of a better example of beauty and grandeur among its druid forests than Sentinel Elm, the old guardian of the northern hills of Orange. This heroic, and beautiful tree has stood from time beyond recall, gloating in its supremacy as monarch of its own territory and watching over the landscape as a fond mother would watch and eare for her children. People for miles around look to this old landmark with pride and rever- ence, rejoicing in its stateliness and ealling attention to it with a fondness border- ing on relationship. It is the only tree of similar proportion standing on one of the highest elevations in the vicinity, in fact one of the grandest views in New England can be obtained here. It commands a sweep of 150 miles and can be seen from a distance of 20 miles. In spite of storm and tempest it has stood its ground, a rugged old settler of the "northern hills." No matter in what direction one may travel, this tree can always be seen and as one native of North Orange remarked, he had lived 75 years and had never succeeded in getting out of sight of it. Another said he had to go to the Civil war to get out of its sight. According to records of ownership of the land, Silas Marble, on September 14, 1770, bought for 200 pounds a farm of 130 acres consisting of lots 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, on West Pequoiag Hill. The Sentinel Elm stands on what was lot number 7; the Rowe place on what was lot number 9. People from all seetions have viewed it with wonder and delight, and photographs from every conceivable angle have been taken.
The old landmark is beginning to show its age but in spite of the faet that its branches are fewer and its bark has assumed a shaggy condition, it continues to have the same stately appearance and to attract people who chance to go through this section of the country. Historieal legends have been asso- ciated with the tree and it is probably true that it served as a look-out against the approach of hostile Indians on more than one occasion, if actual combat did not occur within its view.
Long may it stand, an example as it were of the rugged character of North Orange and its citizenship.
SIXTY
Tully It. from North Orange, Mass.
"TULLY, BELOVED OF OLD" NEVER FADES FROM OUR PICTURE OF DREAMS
North Orange, The Beautiful
By SARA E. RICH
Beautiful for situation Our town sits amid green hills fair,
With her peaceful homes scattered about her, Gleaming white through the summer air
So still, in the wavering sunshine. You may hear in the town below The whistle of mills, or of steam cars As they noisily come and go. Oh, you in the crowded city, In the sun's fierce, blistering heat
Do you think of the hills of North Orange With their shadows, cool and sweet?
You can see the gleam as the morning sun On the spire of the old church shines. You watch the billowing hilltops Where the purple shadows lie
Far away to where mighty Monadnock Stands 'gainst the northern sky.
On the east the sparkle of waters And Tully beloved of old
Keeping watch o'er the waking and sleeping- Oh,-you do not need to be told. Can you look on a fairer valley Than stretches away on the west When the setting sun in its glory Calls a weary world to its rest?
And from Sunset Rock you'll remember The wonderful afterglow Filling the sky with its radiance In the evenings of long ago.
"Where'er I go, what'er my lonely state, Yet grateful memory shall linger here."
INDEX
Origin . . .. First Meeting House The Meeting House Bell
6
Annexation of a part of New Salem
23
7
New Town House.
24
10
History of Tully
24
Organization of the District of Orange
12 Third Congregational Society
29
Boundaries of the District
12 Change of Name.
30
First Settlers.
13
North Orange Geography
31
First District Meeting and Election of Officers
13
Schools
36
Money raised for a Training-field
15
Some College Graduates.
36
Roads and Bridges.
15
Library
Mills .
16
Tribute to Mrs. F. E. Goddard
37 39
First Election of Representative
16
Four Taverns
44
Shays' Rebellion .
16
The Common
46
Currency .
17
Industries
46
Perambulation.
17
Social Organizations
47
Subdivision into Districts and Inhabitants of Each District
19
Memories of the Morton Home
50
Purchase of Burial Cloth and Hearse
19
Selectmen
51
First Methodist Class
19
Members of Massachusetts Legislature
51
"Friends" or "Quakers"
19
51
Stories of Old Times
Military History . .
Politics
Temple Family
54
Care of the Town Poor
20
Ellis Family
55
Incorporation of the Town
20
Some of the Town Worthies
56
First Town Meeting
20
A Few Natives Who Have Won Success Abroad
58
Erection of Franklin County
21
The Patriarch of North Orange
59
Petition for a Post Office
21
21 The Sentinel Elm
60
Tornado of 1821
20
17
Cemeteries . . .
28
974.4 N.O
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