History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 148

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 148

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Dr. Jonathan Porter Crafts was son of John and Olive (Porter) Crafts; born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Sept. 9, 1792 ; graduated at Brown University, Providence, R. I., in 1817 ; studied med- ieine, but never practiced his profession ; he died in 1822, aged thirty years:

Adolphus Kinsman Borden, M.D., was born in the town of Horton, Nova Scotia, Jan. 26, 1802. He was the oldest son of David and Elizabeth Borden, the former being a direct descendant from the Borden family who came to England from Normandy at the time of the conquest. He received his early educa- tion under private tuition, and came to the United States at about the age of nineteen years, where he took up his abode with his uncle, Samuel Borden, of Fairhaven, Mass. He soon afterwards went to East Bridgewater, Mass., where he commenced the study of medieine in the office of Dr. Hector Orr. Later

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

he studied in the office of the late Dr. Jacob Bige- low. of Boston, and after attending two courses of lectures at the Harvard Medical School, received his degree of MI.D. from that university August, 1824. He went to the town of Wareham, Mass., where he practiced his profession about one year, and then re- turned to East Bridgewater, where, on the twenty- second day of December, 1825, he was joined in mar- riage to Lucy Ann Lazell, daughter of Bartholomew and Betsey Brown, by the Rev. Richard M. Hodges. As a result of this union the following children were born to him : Elizabeth Kinsman (died in infancy), George Kinsman, Edward Adolphus, Mary Mitchell, and Henry Francis, the latter being a practicing phy- sician in the city of Brockton at the present time.

He removed to North Bridgewater (now Brockton), and commenced his career as a physician in that place by settling in that part of the town known as the West Shares (now Brockton Heights). About one year later he removed to the central part of the town- ship. His practice was extensive and successful, and he continned it without rest until within a few months of his death, which took place on Jan. 29, 1875, after severe suffering from a sub-acute abscess of the brain and meningitis. As a physician he was an acute and careful observer, a thorough believer in the methods of study as laid down by Lord Bacon, viz. : " obser- vation and induction." Always cool and cheerful in the sick-room, he was able to study his cases without any preconceived notion as to their nature, but ready to state them as he found their nature and extent to be. As a man, he was one of the kindest of hus- bands and fathers, sensitive in his nature, strong in his likes and dislikes, and quick to resent anything that tended to place him in the light of any character that was otherwise than honorable.

Abel W. Kingman, M.D., is son of Abel and Lucy (Washburn) Kingman, born in North Bridgewater, April 22, 1806; gradnated at Amherst College in 1830; commenced the practice of physician and sur- geon at North Bridgewater, where he resided till his death, which took place May 4, 1883. He was ap- pointed postmaster of Brockton during Buchanan's administration.

James F. Richards, M.D., is son of Col. Jason and Sophia (Forsaith) Richards, of Plainfield, Mass. ; was born July 16, 1832; taught school in Virginia ; studied medicine with Dr. Forsaith, M.D., of South Abington, Mass .; graduated at the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons of New York in 1859, and was a resident of Campello, enjoying a lucrative practice. He is now a resident of Andover, Mass.

Edgar Everett Dean, M.D., is a son of Charles

Dean, of Easton, Mass .; born Dec. 17, 1837; came to Brockton in June, 1861, and succeeded Dr. Alex- ander Hichborn in the practice of medicine. He re- ceived his early education in the district schools of his native town till he was fourteen years of age ; student at Bristol Academy from 1853 to 1856; studied medicine with Dr. Luther Clark, of Pinckney Street, Boston ; graduated at Medical School, Har- vard, March 6, 1861 ; practiced in Boston for a short time, and from thence to this city, where he enjoys a lucrative and successful practice.

Horatio Bryant, M.D., is son of Micah and Dru- silla (Harlow) Bryant; born in Plympton, Mass. ; fitted for college with Rev. Elijah Dexter, and at Amherst Academy ; entered Amherst College ; taught school at Castleton, Vt .; graduated at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y .; taught academy at Plainfield, N. J .; studied medicine at Yale College, where he graduated in 1839 ; he commenced practice as a phy- sician and surgeon at Blandford, Mass., where he re- mained several years. He married Lucretia, daugh- ter of Ebenezer Clark, of Conway, Mass., and has one daughter. He removed from Blandford to Cam- pello, Mass., about 1848. He now resides at Inde- pendence, Iowa.

Dr. Thomas Stockbridge was born in Scituate, Mass .; came to Brockton about 1837, and practiced as a physician several years, until he removed to New York ; he continued his practice in that city till about 1855, when he returned to Brockton, and continued to practice as before till his death, which took place Jan. 14, 1863.

Dr. James Easton was in practice for some time.

Dr. Nahum Smith was a botanic physician in the town for many years, till he removed to Haverhill, Mass.

Dr. E. R. Wade came to Brockton about thirty- five years since, and was a botanic physician.

Henry Eddy, M.D., came to Brockton as a physi- cian from Guilford, Conn. He was formerly an Or- thodox clergyman ; settled in East Stoughton, Mass. ; he died several years since.

Dr. James Lewis Hunt was born in Jay, Essex Co., N. Y., Nov. 27, 1817 ; educated at Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, N. H., and graduated at Dart- mouth College, Hanover, N. H., in 1842; attended medical lectures at Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio ; graduated at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, in 1851; married Miss Maria Baldwin, of Medina, Ohio, Sept. 11, 1850 ; practiced medicine at Belle- vue, Ohio, Plymouth, Mass., and Brockton ; removed from the last-named place but a few years since, and now resides at Painesville, Ohio.

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Dr. George B. Cogswell had an office in Wheeler's Block in 1859, where he remained but a short time.

Dr. Alexander Hichborn had an office in the vil- lage, and practiced as a physician till 1861, when he enlisted as a captain in Company F, Twelfth Regiment, Col. Fletcher Webster ; afterwards became surgeon in the army.

Silas L. Loomis, A.M., M.D., was born in North Coventry, Conn., May 22, 1832; son of Silas and Esther (Casc) Loomis ; educated at the public schools of his native town till fourteen years of age ; studied six months at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., three years at Holliston, Mass .; graduated at Wes- leyan University, Middletown, Conn., at the age of sixteen ; taught school; elected teacher of Mathe- matics and Natural Sciences at Holliston Academy in 1839; held that position during preparatory and part of his collegiate studies; in connection with his brother, established the Adelphian Academy in North Bridgewater (now Brockton) in 1844, of which he was associate principal for ten years; was elected member of the American Association for the Ad- vancement of Science in 1853, at the Cleveland meet- ing ; principal of Western Academy, Washington, D. C., 1856 ; graduated Doctor of Medicine, George- town College, 1856 ; accepted the appointment of chief astronomer of the United States Lake Survey Expedition in 1856; published the " Normal Arith- metic" and " Analytical Arithmetic" in 1859 ; clected professor of Chemistry, Physiology, and Hygiene of Georgetown College in 1861, and the same year was elected president of the Washington Scientific Asso- ciation ; in 1862 was appointed assistant surgeon U. S. A., and accompanied the Union army of Gen. McClellan from Fortress Monroe to Harrison's Land- ing, and afterwards stationed at the United States general hospitals; in 1863, elected to the chair of Chemistry and Toxicology, Medical Department, Georgetown College, and has written various articles upon medical and scientific subjects, many of which are highly recommended by the press and distinguished men of all classes.

Lafayette Charles Loomis, A.M., M.D., born in North Coventry, Conn., July 7, 1824; son of Silas and Esther (Case) Loomis; he was educated at the public school till the age of thirteen ; studied at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., and at Hol- liston, Mass .; graduated at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., in 1844 ; he commenced teach- ing in the public schools at the age of fifteen, which he continued to do winters through his academic and collegiate studies ; in connection with his brother, cs- tablished the Adelphian Academy in North Bridge-

water (now Brockton) in 1844, of which he was as- sociate principal till 1851; afterwards principal of Irving Institute, Tarrytown, N. Y., in 1852-53; elected professor of Rhetoric and Natural Science in Wesleyan Female College, Wilmington, Del., in 1853; professor of Moral and Mental Philosophy in 1854, which chair he held till his election as president of the college, in 1857. Several articles appeared in the National Magazine during that time. He was elected a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1856. In 1857 clected president of the Delaware State Teachers' Association. In 1858 he published " Mizpah, Prayer and Friendship," a devotional work of great merit ; removed to Washington, D. C., and established the Lafayette Institute, a seminary for young ladies; ed- ited " Mrs. Thomas' Travels in Europe, Egypt, and Palestine" in 1860 and in 1861; wrote upon various subjects ; graduated Doctor of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Department, Georgetown College, in 1863.

Present Physicians .- Among the present practi- tioners of medicine of Brockton are the following : Henry F. Borden, George E. Freeman, E. A. Dakin, James C. Swan, A. Eliott Paine, E. A. Chase, S. J. Gruver, J. E. Bacon, Bradford Allen, Benedict Donnovan, Chauncy M. Marston, W. P. Chisholm, Daniel A. Dimock, Fred. A. Ripley, E. E. Dean, Henry G. Ford, T. F. Roche, E. H. Sprague, Bar- tholomew W. Taber, Miss Ellen R. Blackwood, Mrs. J. D. Wheeler (cclectic), Mrs. M. R. Stebbins, Fred. Crockett (magnetic).

Roland Hammond and Jesse H. Averill are located in Campello.

Dr. Henry F. Borden is the son of Dr. A. K. Borden, one of the oldest physicians of the past gen- eration, and was born and educated in his native town, and is a successful member of the profession.

Dr. James C. Swan is the son of Dr. Caleb Swan, of Easton, born of a family eminent for their skill as physicians, and it would be strange indced if the son should not inherit some of the skill and success for which his father was noted. Although born in Easton and settled in West Bridgewater, yet he has a large and lucrative practice in Brockton, and has become one of the leading physicians in the county.

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

CHAPTER XXII.

Burying-Grounds-Melrose Cemetery-Hearse-Town Pound -Lock-Up-Poor-Town House-Telegraph-Telephone --- Stages-Post-Office, Public Blocks, Halls, etc.

Burying-Grounds .- The custom of burying the dead in publie places prevailed among the most an- cient nations. The Romans observed this custom in the earliest days, and in the more flourishing periods of the republic they burnt their dead, and only buried their ashes in urns. The ancient Germans deposited their dead in groves consecrated by their priests, and with the introdnetion of the Christian religion conse- erated places of burial have been appropriated for that purpose all over the world. Christians of all denominations are beginning to regard the burial- places of their friends with that reverence due to the departed.

Few evidenees of a more refined sentiment can be found more marked than the selection of beautiful and choice grounds for the final resting-place of their friends. The onee cheerless and gloomy aspect of our old burying-grounds has become attractive by the removal of all noxious weeds, thistles, and briers, and the yards neatly laid out with walks "round about."

In the early settlement of the country burying-lots were selected more with regard to convenienee than for looks. Now beautiful spots of ground are selected in retired localities, in some shaded grove, or in some rural locality. Costly monnments are erected with- ont regard to expense. Formerly, after the bodies were buried, the eare of the grave ceased. Now neat headstones are erected, and beautiful flowers are kept in bloom over the remains of loved ones.

Probably the first burial-place in Brockton was that situated on the westerly side of the main street, leading from the Centre to Campello, and but a short distance from the residence of the late William Tribou. These grounds are of small size, and contain one tomb, and that of ancient date. In this yard many of the headstones are broken, or rough and ir- regularly placed, and some covered with moss, ren- dering the names quite illegible. This yard shows how little regard so many in the community pay to the final resting-place of their friends. It would seem as though the friends and posterity of those buried there would try to improve a spot so exposed as that, on one of the public streets of the town. A few trees set out would change the appearance very 'much, and a trifling expense in rearranging might make it quite attractive. We hope ere long to see some improvements in that direction.

Another yard was situated nearly opposite the Salisbury House, Campello, which was a very small family yard belonging to a few individuals. The first person buried there was Jonas Keith, the former owner of the land, who died of the smallpox. The occupants or proprietors of this lot have removed the remains of their friends to the new Union Cemetery. There was a family tomb in the yard belonging to the heirs of the late Simeon Keith. This lot was small, and sitnated quite near many houses, and was in so exposed a condition that it was given up as a burial-place several years since.

There is still another quite large burying-ground at the north end of the Centre, forming the corner of Main and Ashland Streets. This is an old yard, and is well filled with graves. How long this has been used for the purposes of burial we have no means of knowing. It is, however, one of the oldest in the town, and, like the first mentioned, needs care and some expense to make it attractive. There is one tomb in this yard erected by Col. Caleb Howard.

There is also another burial-ground near the resi- dence of the late Ezekiel Merritt. This is probably quite an old spot, and is not mneh used of late, very few families being interested in the lot. The grand- father of William Cullen Bryant and others of the Bryant family lie buried here.

Following Belmont Street to the west till we come near the mill at Tilden's Corner, on Liberty Street, we find a neat little yard, fenced with a substantial stone wall, with but a few graves in it, and those that are there seem to exhibit some care.

We find another small burying-gronnd on Pleasant Street, near the residence of Charles T. Reynolds, in which are but a few graves.

There is also a burying-ground in the easterly part of the town, on Pine Street, near the residence of the late Samuel Packard, in very good order.

On Summer Street, near the residence of the late John Thompson, is another small yard, inclosed with a substantial stone fence, in which are several graves of comparatively recent date.

Melrose Cemetery .- Traveling on the road from Brockton to Stoughton, on the Taunton turnpike, we find a moderate-size spot of ground set apart for burial purposes, under the above name. In these grounds is one tomb belonging to the heirs of the late Capt. Lemuel Packard. This yard has the appear- ance of neatness, and is a very desirable location for a cemetery.

In 1848, Messrs. Chandler Spragne, Esq., and William F. Brett purchased a lot of land containing about fifteen acres, of Azel Packard, extending from

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Centre Street on the north to Crescent Street on the south, and bordering upon Sprague's Pond on the west, for the purpose of a cemetery. The land was divided into lots, walks, and avenues, and sold to various individuals for burial purposes.

The following persons were organized into a cor- poration under the name of Union Cemetery, Oak Grove, of North Bridgewater, April 27, 1849, namely : Benjamin Kingman, George B. Dunbar, Abel King- man, George W. Bryant, David Howard, Chandler Sprague, Francis M. French, Robert Smith, Lorenzo D. Hervey, William P. Howard, Edward South- worth, Jr., Charles S. Johnson, and William F. Brett.

The cemetery was conseerated by appropriate cx- ereises May 21, 1849, at which Rev. Daniel Hunting- ton, of Campello, delivered an able address appropri- ate to the oceasion.

There is also another cemetery on the north side of Court Street, near Perez Southworth's, containing about three aeres, which is occupied by the friends of the Catholic persuasion, under care of Rev. T. B. MeNulty, called St. Patrick's Cemetery.

Hearse .- In the early history of towns we find it was customary to carry the remains of departed friends to the grave upon a bier made for that pur- pose. It was usually carried upon the shoulders of men selected for that service, who were called bear- ers. Upon the introduction of carriages an effort was made to proeure a hearse to take the plaec of the bier.

In a warrant calling a meeting of the North Parish in April, 1818, we find an article "to see if the parish would build, or cause to be built, a hearse or dceent carriage to earry the dead to a place of inter- ment, and a building to keep the same in." " Voted not to act upon the article."

Judging by a vote passed in November, 1828, we should suppose that a hearse and house were built by private enterprise. The vote is as follows : " Voted to accept of the hearse and house as pre- sented by the proprietors to the town of North Bridgewater, and that said town will pay the balance due to Captain David Ames for building said house, amounting to fifty-two dollars."

The house stood on the old church green until Aug. 10, 1835, when the parish voted to have it removed on account of building the parsonage house.

Nov. 4, 1850, a committee was chosen to-day to repair the old or build a new hearse. Franklin Ames, Eliphalet Kingman, and Rucl Richmond were the committee. A new hearse was procured during the year, and is the one now owned by the town.

March 18, 1788, at a mecting held this day in the North Parish "to sce if the parish will vote to purchis a burying cloath, and choose a man or men to purchis the same," it was "voted that the precinct committee purchis a burying cloath, and they use their Discresion in that afair."

Town Pound .- In the early settlement of the towns throughout the province swine were allowed to run at large, upon their being properly yoked, between April 1st and October 15th, and "ringed in the nose all the rest of the year," under a penalty of sixpence each. Also all sheep running at large, and not under a shepherd, between May 1st and October 31st to a fine of threepence each. The several towns could, by vote of a majority, allow them to run at large, but when they voted not to have them run there was need of a place to put those who should violate the law and break into corn-fields or private inclosures. In 1698 a law was passed requiring towns to make and keep a pound, as follows :

" That there shall be a sufficient pound or pounds made and maintained, from time to time, in every town and precinct within this province, in such part or places thereof as the select- men shall direct and appoint, at a cost and charge of such town and precinct, for the impounding or restraining of any swine, neat cattle, horses, or sheep as shall be found damage-feasant in any corn-field or other enclosures; or swine, unyoked or un- ringed, neat cattle, horses, or sheep going upon the common, not allowed to feed there by the major part of the Propriety," etc.

In accordance with the above requirement the town of Bridgewater maintained a town pound from its first settlement, and when it was divided into precincts cach precinct was required to creet one within their limits. The North Parish (now Broekton) being a law-loving and law-abiding people, erected one upon or near the meeting-house green, which remained till 1828, when, by a vote of the town of North Bridge- water (now Brockton), it was removed. April 7, 1828, the following record appears on the town books: " Voted to accept the offer of Benjamin Kingman, which is to furnish the town with a pound for forty years, and remove the stone of the pound for his own use as a compensation."

Mr. Kingman furnished the same according to agreement.

When the lands of our fathers were wild and un- fenced, the "cattell," "hoggs, "sheap," and " hosses" were allowed to run at large in the fields and roads, and then the cattle were usually marked in some way, generally by a slit in one or both of the cars, and the marks were recorded upon the records of the town, and a bell was also attached to their necks .. The hogs were either " yoaked" or had " wrings" in their noses to prevent their doing damage, and the

hereby a within th Dunbar committe lot of la short dis ing is bu steads, b ing Was There is in the c the poli Poor of the d the pour the one we find town of · Voted friends tion or the rema In 1 the use the poo mens in examine purcha Howard

sheep m a chain might be As the fence the small pe inclosed Lock- lock-up cattle an place in could not safe-keep The to about place for provided used as : pose, an. pose of the safe- Again a commi tion of c

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

sheep wore yokes also ; the horses were fettered with a chain passing from one ankle to another, that they might be taken at pleasure.

As the country became settled, people began to fence their lots and farms, and swine were placed in small pens. the sheep placed in folds, and the cattle inclosed in lots used as pasture.

Lock-up .- The next thing in order should be the lock-up. Provision having been made for penning cattle and other animals, there was also a need of some place in which persons committing crimes, and who could not take care of themselves, could be placed for safe-keeping, or be kept until they could have a trial.

The number of such persons was very few previous to about 1852, when the town voted to provide a place for the safe-keeping of criminals. The first place provided was the building that had previously becn used as a hearse-house, which was fitted for that pur- pose, and used till 1857, when the town voted to dis- pose of the lock-up, and provide a suitable place for the safe-keeping of criminals upon the town farm.

Again. Nov. 30, 1857, the town " voted to choose a committee of three to build a lock-up for the deten- tion of criminals, and that said committee be add are hereby authorized to purchase or lease a lot of land within the limits of the Watch District." George B. Dunbar, Elijah H. Joslyn, and Lyman Clark were the committee, who proceeded to erect the same upon a lot of land purchased of W. Holliston Whitman, a short distance south of Crescent Street. The build- ing is built of brick, with cells fitted with iron bed- steads, bars. and bolts, in a durable form. The build- ing was inclosed by a board fence several feet high. There is now a regularly organized police established in the city. and a lock-up was made connected with the police-station.

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 selling the poor in the town of Brockton was April 1, 1822, as follows : ". Voted that all paupers who cannot by themselves or friends procure a home, to be put out at public auc- tion or private sale, for one year from the 15th inst., the remainder to be provided for by the selectrnen."

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 citi- zens in town-meeting, and a committee appointed to examine and report concerning the expediency of purchasing a poor-house. Mark Perkins, Caleb Howard, Esq., Eliphalet Kingman, Jonathan Cary,

and Bela Keith, Esq., were the committee, who re- ported that the subject of purchasing a town farm was worthy the attention of the town. Accordingly, April 4, 1831, Benjamiu Kingman, Micah Paekard, 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 two thousand six hundred and twenty-five dollars. A superintendent was appointed yearly to manage the farm and take proper eare of the poor. Deacon Jacob Fuller was the first person placed in charge. Theron Ames, Josiah Dnubar, Weston Simmons, Col- well 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 we are satisfied that the poor of the town are well cared for.

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History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 148

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