History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 147

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 147

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A journey from Brockton to Boston was the labor of two days with oxen and cart. The same journey is now performed in one day, and nothing thought of its being hard. It is one hour's ride in a steam train, and the trains run in such a manner that a person ean leave home after dinner, go to the city, and return in the evening train, and have several hours for business.

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704

HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

CHAPTER XX.

SLAVERY.

Ir is difficult to fix the number of slaves that have been owned in the North Parish; but, however disagrecable it may seem to many, we have to record the fact that the " peculiar institution" did exist in the town previous to the Revolutionary war. It was not thought improper for the clergy, deacons, or physicians to hold slaves. Col. Simeon Cary had a słave named King Ring, of whom it is said " he whipped the apple-trees to make them grow." He had children,-Patience, Jenny, Mary, and Fanny. Many persons are now living who can remember Patience Ring, who always lived in the family of Col. Cary and his descendants.

Another colored man lived nearly opposite the residence of the late Oliver Dike, who is said to have been a slave by the name of Toby Tarbet.

We find in the records of the parish the names of several colored persons, who undoubtedly were ser- vants in families, if not "slaves," as it was quite common for slaves to be known by one name only, like those we find in the list of marriages, as Plato, Pompey, Nero, Tobias, Violet, and the like, and for a surname they usually took the name of their owner.

In 1780 the adoption of the State Constitution forbade traffic or ownership of colored people, and from that time all have been alike free. Those who wcre slaves generally remained with their former masters as a matter of choice, and many of them had large families.

Among the colored people in the town, we find the names of several persons whose descendants are not in the town, many of them having removed to other localities, as Calvin and Luther Jotham, who re- moved to Maine, Thomas Mitchell, Amos Cordner, Moses Sash, Cuff Robin, Bennett O. Batton, Henry Traveller, Elias Sewell, Boston Foye, Caesar Easton, Cuffee Wright, Susannah Huggins, and Oxford, who were married while servants in the family of Daniel Howard, Esq., Segmo Scott, and Primus Freeman.

The number of colored persons in the town at different periods were as follows: in 1820, 23; in 1830, 40 ; in 1840, 22; in 1850, 30; in 1860, 32.

There is one family of these people who have become quite numcrous,-the descendants of James Easton, who came from Middleboro' previous to the incorporation of the town. He had seven children, three of whom settled in this vicinity. Caleb mar- ricd, and had six children, some of whom are now residents of the town.

The anti-slavery movement in this town did not mect with that favor which it received in many other places. It began by the circulation of tracts upon that subject, and with lectures by various persons, among whom were W. L. Garrison, Parker Pillsbury, S. S. Foster, C. C. Burleigh, and, later, Wendell Phillips and Frederick Douglass. These persons were the champions of the cause, and their efforts have, no doubt, produced some good results.

Political parties have changed from time to time, till, in the election of Governor Andrew and Abraham Lincoln, the town has shown, by their votes, that they were in earnest in the cause of freedom.

Temperance .- Previous to 1800, it was a common custom to use liquors as a beverage; and even till about 1830 it was the practice to have it at public gatherings, weddings, ministerial associations, auctions, raisings, military parades, and such occasions were not complete without their punch.

It was also indispensable that those who acted the part of bearers at funerals should have something to stimulate or keep up their spirits. All the grocery stores in the country kept liquor for sale as much as they did molasses. Upon an examination of some of the old account-books of those that kept groceries, we found about one half the charges were for rum, gin, brandy, etc., which were included in the list of neces- saries of life.

The first item we find recorded in regard to re- stricting the open sale of intoxicating liquors, was "to post the names of those who were reputed as ' drunkards,' or ' common tipplers,' in the houses of those that held licenses for retailing liquor," which duty devolved upon the selectmen, as well as to forbid their selling to such persons.

Previous to 1820, licenses were granted by the Court of Sessions in each county to a certain num- ber in each town to sell liquor, subject to the approval of the "Fathers of the Town." After that date, they were granted by the county commissioners.

The first effort we find recorded of an effort to stop the peddling of " ardent sperit" was Oct. 8, 1800, when the parish, at a meeting held on that day, " voted that there be no sellers of liquor and carts on the green, and that the parish committee sec that the above order is complied with." This vote was passed for a special occasion,-that of the ordination of Rev. Asa Mcech, Oct. 15, 1800.

Again, Sept. 23, 1812, the parish " voted that tlie parish committec keep the green clear of carts and sellers of lickers," etc.

Feb. 5, 1813, a society was formed in Boston under the name of " Massachusetts Society for the

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705

HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

Suppression of Intemperance," the object of which was to discontinue and suppress the too free use of ardent spirits, and its kindred vices. profaneness and gaming, and to promote temperance and general morality. This society labored hard against the tide of public opinion till 1825. when the subject began to be discussed so freely that a still more effi- cient method was proposed, and new means were taken to spread the fearful effects of intoxication before the people.

A meeting was held by a few individuals during the year. which resulted in the foundation of the American Temperance Society. whose grand princi- ple was abstinence from strong drink, and its object, by light and love, to change the habits of the nation with regard to the use of intoxicating liquors. On the 13th of February, 1826, the society was regu- larly organized, officers chosen, and a constitution prepared.

This society employed agents to travel through the country, preaching, and delivering temperance lec- tures, arousing the people to the evil effects of liquor. Among those engaged in that calling were Rev. Nathaniel Hewett. Rev. Joshua Leavitt. and Daniel C. Axtell. These men came to this town and gave lectores to arouse the people of the town to a sense of their responsibility, and which had its effect.

In 1829 we find the following on the records of the town, in answer to a call for a town-meeting. " to see what measures the town will take to prevent the too frequent use of ardent spirit."

March 9, 1829, " voted to raise a committee of | internal police of the town, it has become necessary to avail twenty persons, to prevent the improper use of ar- dent spirits." The following persons were chosen as that committee: Joseph Sylvester, Esq., Darius " Therefore be it enacted by the town of North Bridgewater, in legal meeting assembled : Howard, Isaac Keith, Eliphalet Kingman, Deacon Jacob Fuller. Lieut. Isaac Packard, Deacon Jonathan "SEC. I. That no person within said town shall presume to be a retailer or seller of Cider, Strong Beer, Ale, Porter, or any other fermented liquors, in less quantities than twenty-eight gallons, and that delivered and carried away all at one time, under pain of forfeiting the sum of Twenty-Five Dollars for each offence. Perkins, Lieut. Ephraim Cole, Micah Shaw, Nathan- iel Ames, Ensign Mark Perkins, Capt. Abel King- man, Perez Crocker, Jesse Perkins, Esq., Benjamin Ames, Edward Southworth, David Cobb, Caleb How- ard, Esq., Silas Packard, Esq., and Joseph Packard.

Again, Monday, April 6, 1829, " voted to direct the selectmen to post up the names of such persons as, in their judgment, drink too much ardent spirit."

Also, made choice of the following persons, to con- stitnte a committee, to give the selectmen informa- tion of such persons namely : Edward Southworth, Thomas Wales, Martin Cary, Micah Shaw, Isaac Curtis, Capt. Thomas Thompson, Capt. Ziba Keith, Turner Torrey, Mark Perkins, Lieut. Isaac Packard, and Lieut. Ephraim Cole.

Again, Feb. 26, 1830, an attempt was made to re- 45

duce the number of persons licensed to sell liquor. The town "voted to leave the subject of licenses to the selectmen."

In 1840, the " Washingtonian Movement" com- menced, which was started in Baltimore by a few indi- viduals. At this time there was a complete overhaul- ing of the temperance question. Speeches were made, picnics were frequent, and every effort made to induce people to join in the enterprise. Societies were formed among the children, " cold water armies" were organ- ized, who held meetings for mutual benefit and social intercourse.

Next came the " Maine Law," that originated in Portland, Me., by Neal Dow. This caused a new movement among the temperance people. Votes were passed at nearly every town-mceting to prose- cute and bring to the law those who violated the same, by using or selling liquor.

March 15, 1847, the town " voted that the select- men be instructed to take effectual measures to sup- press the sale of ardent spirits within the town."

March 10, 1848, " voted to choose seven persons to prosecute to conviction, if practicable, those that deal in intoxicating drinks."

April 10, 1848, in town-meeting, Messrs. George W. Bryant, Esq., George B. Dunbar, and Alpheus Holmes were chosen a committee to draft a set of by- laws for the action of that meeting, and who submitted the following report, namely :

"WHEREAS, It appears to the inhabitants, in town-meeting assembled, that, in order to preserve the peace, good order, and ourselves of the advantage of making Town By-Laws for the suppression of intemperance agreeably to authority vested by the Legislature of Massachusetts;

"SEC. 2. All forfeitures incurred under the foregoing shall be put to such use as the town shall from time to time direct."

March 19, 1849, a committee of seven were chosen to prosecute all violations of the liquor law with un- limited authority.

March 11, 1850, at a meeting held this day it was " voted that any person guilty of the violation of any law regulating the sale of spirituous or fermented liquors shall receive from the treasurer of the town the sum of twenty-five dollars for the expense attend- ing said prosecutions, the same to be paid on applica- tion, after having been approved by the selectmen."

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

During the month of May, 1851, Rev. Henry Morgan came into town, and created no little enthu- siasm throughout the town on the subject of temper- ance. Ilis cause was the theme of conversation in the parlor, workshop, and by the way. Parents, cousins, and friends joined in the work with children and youth. The clergymen, also, rendered valuable aid ; so that, when Mr. Morgan left town, it was with a cheerful heart, and a list of seventeen hundred signers to the pledge, which was more names, in pro- portion to the population, than he had obtained in any other town.

Among those who were especially entitled to eredit for being active in the labor of procuring signers to the pledge, were Gardner J. Kingman, Joseph Vin- cent, Ellis V. Lyon, Frederic Packard, Lucretia A. Drake, Alma F. Leach, Bradford E. Jones, Ellen A. Howard, Martha A. Packard, and Bethia Hayward.

The citizens of the town held a public meeting at Satucket Hall, Sept. 10, 1851. The meeting was called to order by George B. Dunbar, and Dr. Henry Eddy chosen president, and the following resolution was passed :

" Resolved, That the friends of temperance in this town are in favor of enforcing the law for the suppression of the sale and use of intoxicating drinks, now and always, by every means in their power, both legal and moral, and that, too, against the whims and moans of a conscienceless class of persons who are willing for a few dollars to scatter destruction amongst their fellow-citizens."

Jan. 21, 1852, a mammoth petition, containing one hundred and twenty thousand names in favor of the " Maine Law," was presented to the Legislature of Massachusetts. Many friends (one hundred and twenty-six) of the temperance movement repaired to Boston, to join in a procession that was formed at Tremont Temple, to accompany the roll to the State- House.

March 1, 1852, " voted to instruct our town rep- resentative to vote for the bill to prohibit the manu- facture and sale of intoxicating drinks, as originally reported to the Senate by the committee, and that he also be instructed to oppose the sending of the bill to the people for their ratification."

A public temperance meeting was held at the vestry of the Methodist Church, Aug. 9, 1852, Dr. Henry Eddy, president, at which a committee of forty-two were chosen to inform of, and furnish evidence of, violations of the new and stringent law for the sup- pression of the sale of intoxicating liquors.

March 20, 1854, " voted to exclude alcoholic drinks from the fire department." Also, " voted that any member of the same that shall become intoxicated

while on duty at a fire shall be excluded from the department."

SINCLAIR BAND OF HOPE (established in 1858) .- This association was under the direction of the super- intendent of the Porter Church Sabbath-school, the object of which was to encourage the young to abstain from the use of intoxicating liquors, tobacco, and pro- fanity.

NORTH STAR DIVISION, NO. 88, SONS OF TEM- PERANCE .- This division was instituted Feb. 23, 1859, and was known by the above name. "The design of this association is to shield all classes from the evils of intemperance, afford mutual assistance in case of sickness, and elevate their characters as inen." The charter of this association was surren- dered Dec. 4, 1863.

FRATERNAL LODGE, No. 24, INDEPENDENT OR- DER OF GOOD TEMPLARS .- This organization was instituted Sept. 28, 1860, under the above name, the object of which was similar to the North Star Division.

There was another division of the Sons of Tem- perance in the town, called the Crystal Fount Divi- sion, in 1847, which is not in existence at the present time.

Another organization, known as the Eagle Wing Division, No. 109, was instituted at Campello, Jan. 1, 1861, which lived only a short time.

Aug. 14, 1863, the State of Massachusetts was divided into thirty districts, and in each was formed a District Temperance Union. Such an one was formed, including North Bridgewater East, and West Bridgewater, Lakeville and Carver, and was known as the Old Colony District Temperance Union. George B. Dunbar was vice-president, and Rev. William A. Start secretary and treasurer.

We have thus far seen that the movements of the temperance cause in Brockton are not unlike those in most country towns. There have, at different times, been various temperance organizations, both among the adult population and the children, but the partic- ulars of which are not at hand. It is to be hoped that the efforts to restrain the frec use of intoxicating liquors may still continue as in times past, that the bancful effects of intoxication may not increase, but grow beautifully less.

707

HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

CHAPTER XXI.

PHYSICIANS.

Dr. Philip Bryant-Dr. Peter Bryant-Dr. Luther Cary-Dr. Issachar Snell-Dr. Elisha Tilson-Dr. Ziba Bass-Dr. Na- than Perry-Dr. Jonathan P. Crafts-Dr. Henry F. Borden -Dr. Adolphus K. Borden-Dr. Abel W. Kingman-Dr. James F. Richards-Dr. Edgar E. Dean-Dr. Horatio Bry- ant-Dr. Thomas Stockbridge-Dr. James Easton-Dr. Na- hnm Smith-Dr. E. R. Wade-Dr. Henry Eddy-Dr. James L. Hunt-Dr. Silas L. Loomis-Dr. Lafayette Charles Loomis -Present Physicians.

DR. PHILIP BRYANT was born in Middleboro', Mass., in December. 1732. He lived some time with his father in Titicut (Teightaquid), a parish formed of part of Middleboro' and part of South Bridge- water. With his father, he removed to North Bridge- water (now Brockton), concerning which he was wont to say that he remembered the time when a greater part of it was thonght quite unfit for the purposes of settlement. He studied medicine with Dr. Abiel Howard, of West Bridgewater, whosc daughter he married. He was a man of great bodily activity, a calm and even temper, healthful habits, and kindly manners. He continued to practice medicine with much success to a very old age, which was terminated by his death, which took place February, 1817, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was buried in the small graveyard near the westerly portion of the Agri- cultural Society's grounds.

Dr. Peter Bryant, son of Dr. Philip Bryant, was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Aug. 12, 1767. This man early distinguished himself by his love of study. In his frequent visits to the house of his grandfather, Dr. Abiel Howard, of West Bridge- water, he found, in a library well stocked for that time, the means of gratifying his thirst for knowledge. He studied medicine and surgery, completing his course with Dr. Lewis Leprilete, a French physician of emi- nent skill and a celebrated surgeon of Norton, Mass. He then removed to Cummington, in the western part of Massachusetts, which was just beginning to fill up rapidly with settlers from the eastern counties of the State. Here he established himself as a physician, and married a daughter of Ebenezer Snell, Esq., also a North Bridgewater family.

For several years he represented the town of Cum- mington in the Legislature of the State, and in the latter part of his life held a seat in the Senate. While in the Legislature he took a prominent part in bring- ing forward and passing laws still in force to raise the standard of medical education in the State. In poli- tics he belonged to the Federal party, whose doctrincs

and measures he supported with zeal. He wrote for the county paper-Hampshire Gazette-certain hu- morous poems of a satirical cast, the design of which was political. With these he took great pains, pruning and retouching them, and polishing and in- vigorating the lines. His scholarship, though not extensive, was remarkably exact. He had, subse- quently to his settlement in Cummington, made a voyage to the Indian Ocean, and passed six months in the Isle of France, where he acquired the French language, and preserved his familiarity with it for the rest of his life. He was a surgeon of great dexterity, firmness of hand, and precision in his operations ; in private life amiable and much beloved. His life was closed in consumption the 19th of March, 1820. William Cullen Bryant, Esq., the well-known Ameri- can poet, was his son.

Luther Cary was son of Zachariah and Susannah (Bass) Cary, and was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), May 30, 1761 ; married Nabby, daughter of Benjamin King, of Raynham, Mass .; studied medicine with Dr. James Freeland, of Sut- ton, Worcester Co., Mass., 1782 ; appointed justice i of the peace June 8, 1800, justice of peace and of quorum Aug. 23, 1804, and justice of the Court of Common Pleas for Oxford County March 30, 1805. He first resided at Sterling, Mass .; removed from there to Williamsburgh, Mass., from which place he removed to Turner, Oxford Co., Me., April 2, 1798. He was an excellent physician, had a very extensive practice, and was very successful ; raised up a large and respectable family, the most of whom are now living, one, a clergyman, residing in Iowa.

Issachar Snell was son of Issachar, Esq., and Mary (Keith) Snell; was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Mass., June, 1775 ; graduated at Harvard College in 1797 ; studied medicine and became an eminent physician. He had given especial attention to surgery, and had practiced as a physician previous to his removal to Winthrop, Me. He had performcd the operation of lithotomy with great success, and soon gained a large practice in town, especially among those that emigrated from Bridgewater, Mass., of whom there were not a few. His success as a surgeon gave him such celebrity that he was often called to the neighboring towns, many miles away from his home, to perform operations. To the great regret of the people of Winthrop he removed to Augusta, Me., in 1828, where he continued to practice till his death, which took place very suddenly, in 1847, aged seventy- two years and five months. He was a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society.

Dr. Elisha Tillson resided in Brockton a short time

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

only ; married Molly, daughter of Capt. Zebedee Snell, Sept. 2, 1792, and had one son, Elisha Snell, born in 1794; married Betsy Chandler, of Easton, 1819.

Ziba Bass, M.D., was son of Edward Bass. He was born in Braintree, May 28, 1774 ; studied medi- eine with Dr. Ebenezer Alden, of Randolph, Mass., and commeneed practice in North Bridgewater (now Brockton) about 1800 under the most favorable au- spices, with the fairest prospects of usefulness to his fellow-men. He was a man of very pleasing address, of an affectionate and amiable disposition, and gave unwearied attention to the welfare of his patients. His assiduity in search of knowledge, and his con- stant and undeviating fidelity in all the duties of his profession, won the affeetion and established the eon- fidence of a numerous elass of the community in the cirele of his acquaintance; but he was suddenly called, soon after commencing in life, from his earthly labors, leaving a weeping multitude to deplore his loss. The following is on his tombstone :

" Erected to the memory of Dr. Ziha Bass, who died Septem- ber 23, A.D. 1804, in the thirty-first year of his age, giving full proof that usefulness was his grand object in life. He was a pattern of modesty, temperance, fidelity, prudence, economy, and uprightness, and died in hope of eternal rest and glory. Hence the following appropriation : 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors ; and their works do follow them.' "

Dr. Nathan Perry. This good man was born in Norton, May 27, 1776 ; was educated in the common schools of his native town, never having received a college education ; pursued the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Isaac Fowler, of Rehoboth, Mass., and Dr. Ebenezer Alden, Sr., of Randolph, both of whom were physicians of eminenee in their day, and accustomed to the instruction of young men. Having completed his pupilage, Dr. Perry commeneed praetiee in Reading, Mass., 1802 or 1803, where he acquired a good reputation and a competent share of employment. On the death of Dr. Ziba Bass, which took place Sept. 3, 1804, at North Bridgewater (now Broekton), on the recommendation of his instructor, and by the solicitations of many respectable eitizens of that town, he was induced to change his residence, and take the place of his deceased friend. He was immediately introduced into a wide circle of praetiee, and during a period of nearly thirty years was the principal physician in the town. At length, in con- neetion with reverses in his worldly circumstances and the loss of most of the members of his family by death, his spirits became depressed and his mind impaired. Subsequently he suffered from paralysis,

and never fully recovered the perfect exercise of either his bodily or mental powers ; consequently, during the last twenty-five years of his life, he relinquished to a great extent the active duties of his profession. In 1823 he became a fellow of the Massachusetts Medi- cal Society by election, and a retired member in 1830. He was a good physician, a man of sound judgment and sterling integrity, always pursuing the course he judged to be right, whatever might be the conse- quences to himself. In early life he made a public profession of his faith in Christ, and his character was in perfect harmony with his profession. He died peacefully in a ripe old age, more from the debility ineident to deeay of his vital powers than from any manifest disease. Such was Dr. Perry, a good man and a worthy citizen. He closed his earthly career Sabbath morning, Aug. 16, 1857, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, leaving behind a memory cherished with affectionate regard by those who have shared his friendships and benefited by his eounsels.

The following incident in relation to Dr. Perry is found in Clark's "History of Norton :"

" About the year 1792, Nathan Perry, afterward Dr. Perry, of North Bridgewater, then a youth of some sixteen years of age, was one day passing by Judge Leonard's deer-park, in Nor- ton ; he playfully reached his hands through the fence and took hold of one of the old huck's horns, and for some time an- noyed him in that way. At length the deer got out of patience, broke away from his hold, and quite unexpectedly leaped over the fence, seven or eight feet high, and made a furious attack upon young Perry, throwing him upon the ground ; hut, very for- tunately, the horns of the enraged deer, instead of striking his hody, passed down on each side of it. While in this position Na- than grasped the horns of the buck, and succeeded in preventing him from doing any injury till his brothers, Gardiner and Al- vin, with one of Judge Leouard's men, came and rescued him from his perilous situation."

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History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 147

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