History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 130

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1706

USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 130

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" Within this house shall mortal tongues Begin to chant immortal songs ; Whilst listening angels, hov'ring round, Join to prolong the sacred sound.

" Then let us lift our voices high, Let shouts of praise ascend the sky ; Loud let the solemn organ peal, Whilst we express the joys we feel.

" Great God of sov'reign power and grace, Oh, with thy presence fill this place ; This temple make (in mercy given) ' The house of God, the gate of Heaven.'"

6, sermon, by the pastor, Rev. John F. Norton, from the text, Psalm xi. 3, "If the foundation be de- stroyed what ean the righteous do?" 7, anthem ; 8, dedieatory prayer, by Rev. Daniel Huntington, of Campello ; 9, dedieation chant; 10, eoneluding prayer; 11, hymn, by Rev. Daniel Huntington, of the South Congregational Church, Campello, tune, " Old Hundred," by the congregation, --

" To Thee, Most Holy and Most High, Whom all the hosts of Heaven adore, Again we raise our earnest cry, Thy gracious presence to implore.

" Within these walls, oh, deign to dwell And here thy suppliant people meet, Oft as they come their wants to tell, Or lay their offerings at thy feet,

" Here let Immanuel's glory shine, And songs of grateful praise ascend ; While souls subdued by love divine, Beneath his golden sceptre bend.

" Nor here alone this grace be given ; Let all around thy glory sce ; Each house become a 'gate of Heaven ;' Each heart a living temple be."

Doxology.

" Praise God, from whom all blessings flow ; Praise him, all creatures here below ; Praise him above, ye heavenly host ; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."

12, benedietion.

The total cost of house, land, furniture, and organ, ineluding interest on borrowed money, up to the time of selling the pews (Jan. 10, 1851), was fourteen thousand nine hundred and thirty-five dollars. The amount obtained from the sale of pews was twelve thousand five hundred dollars, beside other pews taken soon after the adjournment of the sale, making

nearly enough to cover the entire cost to the society. Various donations were made to the society toward furnishing the house, amounting to four hundred and thirty-five dollars, from different individuals. The church and society paid two hundred dollars for a new collection of hymn-books for ehureh and chapel use, making about sixteen thousand two hundred dollars paid and pledged for future payment during the first year of its existence.

In 1866, extensive repairs and improvements were made, particularly in the audience-room ; the ceiling and walls were neatly frescoed, the singing gallery was lowered, new windows were put in, and the original pulpit replaced by platform furnishings of a more modern pattern. More than all, the pews on the main floor were rearranged, and twenty-four new ones were added, inereasing the number of sittings to about seven hundred. The expense attending these im- provements was not far from seven thousand dollars.

REDEDICATION .- The congregation worshiping with the Porter Evangelieal Church had so inereased during the past seventeen years since the last repairs were made, in 1866, that there was a long-felt need of enlarged accommodations. The sum of ten thou- sand dollars was subseribed for providing the same, and plans were elaborated and completed by the well- known church architect, T. M. Silloway, of Boston.

A new seetion was added in rear of the original edifiee, forty by sixty-eight feet in size, the transept projecting eight feet outward from the main building on either side, chiefly for architectural effeet. The new seetion, which in itself contains more than half as many square feet as the original structure, not only affords space for the introduction of over sixty addi- tional pews, but an opportunity of carrying out an improvement for a long time desired by many, viz., the transfer of the choir gallery to a position in the rear of the pulpit. Other improvements embraced in the plan were the topping out of the spire, which, sinee the day it had been so rudely assailed by the winds, had remained an ill-proportioned and unsightly stump, suggestive of amputated strength as well as of departed beauty. Enlarged and convenient vestry accommodations were also features provided for in the plans, and these, as they have been realized, are proving to be among the most valuable and most thoroughly appreciated of the acquisitions gained by the enlargement. To note in brief the results of the work which has been brought to completion, it may be said that sittings in the audience-room of the church will comfortably accommodate eleven hundred people ; the choir and organ have been moved to a better location, steam-heating throughout the building

621

HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

has been provided, the main audience-room has been furnished throughout with new pews, pulpit furnish- ings. cushions, and carpets, and new and improved lighting fixtures have been introduced, while below there is a main vestry or lecture-room fifty-two by fifty-six feet in size, occupied also by the upper de- partment of the Sunday-school, newly furnished, and with sittings for six hundred. Opening out of this room, and connected with it by large sliding sashes, are two smaller rooms. one of which has been fur- nished as a ladies' parlor and the other fitted for the use of the primary department of the Sunday-school, for social purposes, and for the weekly prayer-meetings of the church. Contiguous to the above are other apartments used as kitchen, committee-room, etc. All are convenient and pleasant, and well adapted for use as work-rooms of the church.

The entire expense incurred to bring the work to completion. including the outlay for the new carpet, paid for entirely by the ladies, in addition to the one thousand dollars subscribed by them to the general fund, is, as near as can be ascertained, about seventeen thousand dollars. This is some six thousand dollars in excess of the amount pledged at the outset.

The house was rededicated on Wednesday evening, Dec. 26, 1883, marking a notable event in the history of the society. The exercises were witnessed by over one thousand persons.

The musical selections were prepared with special care, and were rendered in a way to indicate in an even more than usual degree the musical intelligence and skill of the choir, and the results of the careful training of Organist and Director Burrell. Perhaps these points were best shown on this occasion in the singing of Randegger's anthem, " Praise God," which was not only artistically sung, but was to the congre- gation the most impressive of the musical numbers in the order of services.

After the opening exercises, including the organ voluntary, the anthem "Come all ye Faithful," the reading of Scripture by Rev. John T. Blades, of the South Congregational Church, Campello, prayer by Rev. George E. Martin, of the First Church, and a fine rendering of Buck's paraphrase of the 46th Psalm by the quartette, a statement of the building com- mittee was read by A. T. Jones, Esq., giving a brief history of the church from its organization to the present time. Rev. Dr. Reuen Thomas, of Brookline, Mass., after a few congratulatory remarks to the peo- ple, preached the dedicatory sermon from the text, Matthew xxiv. 35. " Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away," which was an eloquent and forcible discourse.

The exercises of the evening closed with an anthem by the choir, the dedicatory prayer by Rev. J. C. Lab- aree, of Randolph, a hymn by the congregation, and the benediction by the pastor. The services were in all respects impressive and pleasing, and the very many friends of the Porter Society from other churches who came to participate in them joined in rejoicing and congratulations at an event which makes progress and growth in the work in which all are interested in common.

Organization of the church for 1884: Rev. F. A. Warfield, pastor ; Simeon Packard, Elbridge H. Packard, George C. Cary, Edmund W. Holmes, Jo- seph S. Smith, and Huram Wade, deacons ; George C. Cary, clerk ; Edmund W. Holmes, superintendent of Sunday-school.

Organization of the parish for 1884: Augustus T. Jones, Lucius F. Alden, George A. Perkins, parish committec ; Charles A. Noyes, clerk ; George H. Jameson, treasurer ; Joseph D. Parish, sexton.

There are 367 members of the church, 396 fami- lies, and 586 members of the Sunday-school connected with this church.

CHAPTER IX.

Capture of Louisburg-Treaty at Aix-la-chapelle-War re- newed in 1754-Attack on Nova Scotia by the Colonies- Crown Point-Niagara-List of Men in the Crown Point Expedition-Capt. Simeon Cary's Company-Capt. Josiah Dunbar's Company - Expedition against Canada - Capt. Lemuel Dunbar's Company-At Crown Point-Controversy between England and America-Acts of Trade-Sugar Act -Stamp Act-Tea Destroyed in Boston Harbor-Boston Port Bill-Preparations for War-Minute-Men-Company marched on Lexington Alarm-List of persons in the various Companies in the Service during the War-Shay's Rebellion -List of Soldiers called into the Service to quell the same at Taunton-War of 1812-Impressment of Seamen-Embargo -War declared by the President-Calls for Troops from Militia-Pay-Roll of Company from North Bridgewater, stationed at Plymouth.

The Old French War .- By a treaty made be- tween the English and French at Utrecht in 1713, the French had ceded the provinces of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland to Great Britain. The French, finding need of a fortress in that region, had built Louisburg on the Island of Cape Breton, at a cost of thirty thousand livres and twenty-five years of labor.

When the war of 1744 broke out between France, Spain, and Great Britain the New England colonies soon found the French made use of this fortress as a hiding-place for the privateers that annoyed their

622

HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

vessels. A naval force was got ready for sea. Four thousand three hundred and sixty-six men were raised from the various colonies, properly cquipped, and placed under the command of Governor Shirley, assisted by Commodore Warren, a British officer from the West Indies, who succeeded in the capture of the fortress after a sicge of forty-nine days. The town and island surrendered June 17, 1745. Noth- ing now occurred of importanee till the treaty made between England and France in October, 1748, at Aix-La-Chapelle. This war has been called, by way of distinction from a later one, the "Old Freneh War," or otherwise known as " King George's War."

Owing to the irregularity and torn condition of the rolls, and no record of the names of those who took part iu this expedition being on the old town records, we are unable to present their names.

French and Indian War .- By the treaty at Aix- La-Chapelle between the French and English, hostili- ties had ceased for a few years, although occasional depredations and incursions were made into the bor- der towns, rendering it necessary to keep up some of the garrisons ; and in many places people were obliged to go armed to their fields to work, for fear of Indian massacre and assault. The war was renewed in 1754, although it was not formally deelared till 1756.

Early in the year 1755 the colonies proceeded to attack the French at four different points,-Nova Scotia, Crown Point, Niagara, and Ohio River.

In these expeditions Massachusetts bore a promi- nent part, and contributed both meu and means to carry on the war. Wc find among the names of those that went from the North Parish of Bridgewater the following list. In a return of sick in Col. Pomeroy's regiment, at Lake George, Nov. 25, 1755, is the name of

Nathan Packard.

In the muster-roll of Capt. Joseph Washburn's company, on the Crown Point expedition, from Sept. 11 to Dce. 22, 1755 :

Lemuel Dunbar, sergt. Isaac Perkins, corp.

Joseph Cole, corp.

Also in Capt. Samuel Clark's company, on the Crown Point expedition, from Sept. 15 to Dee. 16, 1775 :

Zechariah Gurney.

In the muster-roll of Capt. John Clapp, in Col. Dwight's regiment, we find

Lomuel Dunbar, ensign. Benj. Southworth, corp.

Joseph Cole, sergt. Elisha Gurney, corp.

In camp at Fort Edward, July 26, 1756, in service from Feb. 18 to Nov. 15, 1756.

In the muster-roll of Capt. Simeon Cary's company, in Col. Thomas Doty's regiment, in service from March 13 to Dec. 11, 1758 :

Simeon Cary, capt. James Packard, Jr., sergt. Lemuel Dunbar, 1st licut.

Privates. .

Edmund Pettingill. Adam Kingman.

Isaac Packard, Jr. James Loring.

Isaac Fuller, Jr. Jonathan Snow.

Archibald Thompson, Jr. John Packard.

Abijah Hill.

Ephraim Jackson.

John McBride.

Lemuel Kingman.

Henry Kingman, Jr.

In the roll of Capt. Josiah Dunbar's company, in serviee from Feb. 14, 1759, to Dec. 28, 1760 :

Elisha Gurney, Ist lieut.

Privates.

Ephraim Cole. Abijah Hill.

The following is a list of men in Capt. Simeon Cary's company, in an expedition against Canada, in serviee from May 14, 1759, to Jan. 2, 1760 :

Simeon Cary, capt. Jonathan Snow, sergt.

Privates.

Samuel Cole. Joseph Pettingill.

Jesse Perkins.

Joshua Packard.

In the muster-roll of Capt. Lemuel Dunbar's eom- pany, stationed at Halifax, N. S., in service from Mareh 31, 1759, to Nov. 1, 1760, are

Lemuel Dunbar, capt. Eleazer Packard, drummer.

Privates.

Isaac Fuller. Seth Packard.

James Loring.

Jonathan Perkins.

Lemuel Kingman.

In Capt. Lemuel Dunbar's company, in service from April 18, 1761, to Jan. 14, 1762, we find the names of

Lemuel Dunbar, capt. Peter Dunbar, corp.

Privates.

Lemuel Fuller. Lemuel Kingman. Stephen Pettingill.

Adam Kingman.

Also in the muster-rolls of Capt. Lemuel Dunbar's company, enlisted for an expedition to Crown Point, in serviee from Mareh 4, 1762, to Dce. 5, 1762 :

Lemuel Dunbar, capt. Privates.

Hugh Carr.

Abijah Hill.

John Pratt.

Thomas Carr.

Lemuel Fuller.

Philip Roynolds.

Ephraim Groves.

We have thus far endeavored to present the names of all those who did service during the French wars. Doubtless many have served in these expeditions that are not on the rolls, or have entered other companies not belonging in the Bridgewater rolls.

623

HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

We can see, however, by the foregoing lists that the North Parish of Bridgewater (now Brockton) did her part in the service in which Massachusetts took the lead.

The Revolutionary War .- No period in the his- tory of the world is more interesting, or more full of moral and political instruction, than that of the Amer- ican Revolution. The controversy between Great Britain and the American colonies arose in regard to the right of Parliament to tax the colonies while they were not allowed the privilege of representation in that body. Parliament determined to make the ex- periment, which it did, and the result of which is familiar to all readers of history. The first of a series of oppressive acts was that known as the " Acts of Trade." that tended to destroy all trade with the col- onies. The second act required a duty to be paid into the English treasury on all sugar, molasses, indigo, coffee, wines, etc., that came into the colonies. This act passed April 5, 1764, and was called the "Sugar Act." 1

At the time of the passage of this act, it was re- solved to quarter ten thousand soldiers somewhere in America. Both of these acts were strongly opposed by the colonies, and laid the foundation for a still greater breach in the trade between the two countries. Trade in the colonies was principally confined to home productions, and the people determined not to import anything that it was possible to do without. Parlia- ment finding the source of income very small, sought for another way to raise funds.

On the 22d of March, 1765, the famous Stamp Act was passed, to go into effect on the 1st of No- vember following. This act required all colonial doc- uments, as bonds, notes, and deeds, to be written on stamped paper, and to bear the royal seal, or to be of no value.

A general burst of indignation followed the passage of this act. Legislative bodies passed resolves, and protested against the measure. Societies in great numbers were formed, called "Sons of Liberty," who determined to resist parliamentary oppression. People began to wear cloth of their own manufacture, and denied themselves of foreign luxuries. Economy be- came the order of the day, the excess of which was soon felt in England, as many manufacturers were idle for want of a market for their goods, and laborers began to feel the consequences of her folly.

The king and Parliament soon saw their error, and repealed this act March 18, 1766, at the same time declaring they had a right to tax the colonies when-

ever they " deemed it expedient," thereby intending not to give up their right to taxation, but only to change the form; for the next year they passed an act levying a duty on glass, paper, paint, tea, etc. This only created continued opposition, which was such that Parliament thought proper to repeal all former resolves in regard to taxation, reserving a small tax of threepence a pound on tea. The strong resolutions passed by the colonies not to import or consume tea finally deprived the English government of a revenue from that source, and an attempt was made to import it through the agency of the East India Company, who had a right to export teas to all ports free of duty. Several ships were sent to the large cities in America. Those sent to Boston were consigned to some of Governor Hutchinson's relatives. The inhabitants were determined it should not be landed, and it was not. It was thrown into the sea by a body of men disguised as Indians. As soon as the news of the destruction of the tea arrived in England, Parliament resolved to punish the devoted town of Boston. Next came the Boston Port Bill, forbidding the landing or loading of goods in the harbor, passed March 25, 1774.

All these measures that were passed by Parliament did not intimidate the Americans, but served to strengthen their firm purpose not to submit to their oppression in any form.

When the Legislature of Massachusetts met at Salem in June, 1774, a meeting of delegates from all the colonies was proposed, which soon after met at Philadelphia, Sept. 4, 1774, when a declaration of rights was agreed upon.

At this time everything assumed the appearance of opposition by force. Fortifications were thrown up in Boston by Gen. Gage, who had been appointed Governor by Parliament. The Provincial Congress met at Concord, Oct. 11, 1774, where measures were taken for arming the whole province. Twelve thou- sand men were ordered to be raised, and to hold themselves in readiness at a moment's warning, and were called " minute-men." Companies were formed through all parts of the country. Provisions and military stores were collected at various places, par- ticularly at Concord. Gen. Gage, wishing to destroy the means of carrying on the war by the provincials, detached Lieut .- Col. Smith and Maj. Pitcairn, April 18, 1775, to proceed to Concord for the purpose of destroying the military stores which he had learned had been stored there. Information having been sent in advance to Concord of their movements, the people flew to arms, and marched in small squads to where they were needed.

1 The tax on rum was ninepence ; molasses, sixpence per gal- lon ; and sugar, five shillings per hundred.

624

HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Ebenezer Warren.

Jacob Edson.

Job Bryant.

Thomas Pratt.

Mannassch Dickerman.

Also Capt. Robert Orr's company, Col. John Bailey's regiment, who marched from Bridgewater in consequence of the Lexington alarm :

Daniel Cary, one month and one day in service.

Luko Packard, one month and one day in service.

Capt. Robert Webster's company, Gen. Pomeroy's regiment :

Asa Packard, fifer, in service three months and twelve days from April 27, 1775.

We find in the roll of Capt. Nathan Mitchell's company, that marehed from Bridgewater in conse- quenee of the Lexington alarm, the 19th of April, 1775, the name of

Jonathan Cary, in service eleven days.

Again on the 23d of April, 1775, the Provincial Congress resolved to raise thirteen thousand five hun- dred inen from Massachusetts immediately, the term of service to be eight months. Among these we find the following companies :

A muster-roll of Capt. John Porter's company in Col. Paul D. Sargent's regiment :

Term of service.

John Porter, captain .......... June 29 to August, 1775.

Isaac Fuller, sergeant ......... July 7

Uriah Southworth, corporal .. June 29 66

Ezekiel Washburn, corporal .. June 29

Samuel Cole, drummer ....... July 7

Luther Cary, fifer. .. June 29

Daniel Ames, private ......... July 7

Ebenezer Edson, private ..... June 30

Benjamin Fuller, ...... June 30

William Shaw, ... .... June 27

Josiah Hayden, eapt.

William Packard, eorp.

Nathan Paekard, Ist lieut.

Timothy Ames, corp.

Zachariah Gurney, 2d lieut.

Jeremiah Beals, corp.

Reuhen Paekard, sergt.

Eleazer Cole, drummer.

Joseph Cole, sergt.

Silvanus Paekard, drummer.

Henry Kingman, sergt.

Privates.

Simeon Alden.

Micah Gurney.

Noah Ames.

Anthony Dike.

M. W. D.

John Ilayden, captain ..

Zechariah Gurney, first lieutenant .. 3

Joseph Cole, ensign .. 3

Simeon Brett.

Oliver Howard.

Eleazer Cole, sergeant ..

Samuel Brett.

Bela Howard.

Ephraim Groves, sergeant. 3

Seth Bryant.

Simcon Keith.

Job Bryant, corporal ..

William Cole.

Lemuel Paekard.

Richard Field, corporal

3 1

Simeon Brett, private.

Luther Cary,

Southworth Cole, "

Nathan Edson.

Joseph Reynolds.

Thomas Crafts,

Barnabas Edson.

Joseph Sylvestor.

Anthony Diko,

Armoror. ..

William French,

3 3

Mieah Gurney,

Jonathan Paekard,

Richard Field.

John Thompson.

Ephraim Groves.

Enos Thayor.

Oliver Paekard, Thaddous Pratt, 66

John Gurney.

Ezekiol Washburn.

Josoph Snoll,

Ephraim Cole.

Jonathan Packard.

Sylvanus Packard, drummer.

Jonathan Cary. Jonathan Perkins, Jr.

Daniel Diekerman.

Jonas Reynolds.

1 3 1 Daniel Diekerman, private

Fohes Field. Charles Snoll.

Mark Ford.

Uriah South worth.

Daniel Ames.

Robert Howard.

Japhet Beal.

Daniel Howard.

No man of this company received any guns, bay- onets, cartridge-boxes, or elothing, excepting what he provided himself with.

A complete list of men in Capt. Josiah Hayden's company, in Col. John Thomas' regiment, to Aug. 1,1775 :

When the Baitish troops arrived at Lexington, about five o'clock on the morning of the 19th, they were met by a small band of militia, paraded in front of the village church. Maj. Piteairn rode up to them and bade them disperse, which command was followed by a scattering fire, and a general skirmish ensued, in which eight men were killed and several wounded. The main body of the troops passed on to Concord, where they arrived soon after sunrise, and a fight known as the " Concord Fight" took place. At Lex- ington was the first blood shed in defense of the lib- erty of the people, and immediately on the departure of the troops from that place, by an arrangement pre- viously made, the committees of safety throughout the whole country dispatched messengers on horse in every direction, so that by evening every town within one hundred miles was informed that the war had commenced. The news was scattered throughout the towns by guns being fired, and other signals being given, so that people in the remote sections of a town were soon aware that they were needed. The news of this battle arrived in Bridgewater early in the day, and before sunset the company had collected and were ready for a mareh.

After a long and laborious search among the Revo- lutionary rolls, we have found the following names of those who have taken part in the Revolutionary war from North Bridgewater. The first we find is the company of minute-men that marched on the 19th of April, 1775, on the occasion of the Lexington alarm.

List of Capt. Josiah Hayden's company in Col. Bailey's regiment of minute-men, April 19, 1775:

625

HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

In Capt. Daniel Lothrop's company, in Col. John Bailey's regiment, for eight months' service, from May 3. 1775, were the following :

Term of Service.

Ephraim Jackson .. Three months.

Ebenezer Dunbar. .One month.

Adam Howard. .Three months and six days.

Nathan Leach. One month and two days.

Daniel Packard One month and two days.

Matthew Pettingill. . One month and two days.

A muster-roll of Capt. Frederick Pope's company (eight months' service) to Aug. 1, 1775 :

Eleazer Snow, enl. June 25, 1775. Mannasseh Dickerman, enl. June 24, 1775. Eleazer Snow, enl. June 27, 1775.

Names of men enlisted in Capt. Thomas Pierce's company of artillery, in Col. Knox's regiment, for service at Roxbury, Dec. 16, 1775 :

Elijah Packard. Jonathan Packard.

An exact roll of Capt. Elisha Mitchell's company, in Col Simeon Cary's regiment, that marched April 2, 1775 :

Joseph Cole, lieut. Joseph Snell, corp.

Samuel Cole, drummer.

Privates.

Daniel Ames. Ichabod Packard. .

Jonathan Cary, Daniel Cary.

Josiah Packard. Thomas Craft.

Simeon Keith.

Luke Packard.

Jonathan Keith.

Capt. Eliakim Howard's company, in Col. Edward Mitchell's regiment, that was ordered to march to the service of the United States, March 4, 1776 :

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History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 130

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & co. Number of Pages: 1706

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1706