USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 150
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149 | Part 150 | Part 151 | Part 152 | Part 153 | Part 154 | Part 155 | Part 156 | Part 157 | Part 158 | Part 159 | Part 160 | Part 161 | Part 162 | Part 163 | Part 164 | Part 165 | Part 166 | Part 167 | Part 168 | Part 169 | Part 170 | Part 171 | Part 172 | Part 173 | Part 174 | Part 175 | Part 176 | Part 177 | Part 178 | Part 179 | Part 180 | Part 181 | Part 182 | Part 183 | Part 184 | Part 185 | Part 186 | Part 187 | Part 188 | Part 189 | Part 190 | Part 191 | Part 192 | Part 193 | Part 194 | Part 195 | Part 196 | Part 197 | Part 198 | Part 199 | Part 200 | Part 201 | Part 202 | Part 203 | Part 204 | Part 205 | Part 206 | Part 207 | Part 208 | Part 209 | Part 210 | Part 211 | Part 212 | Part 213 | Part 214 | Part 215 | Part 216 | Part 217 | Part 218 | Part 219 | Part 220 | Part 221 | Part 222 | Part 223 | Part 224 | Part 225 | Part 226 | Part 227 | Part 228 | Part 229 | Part 230 | Part 231 | Part 232 | Part 233 | Part 234 | Part 235 | Part 236 | Part 237 | Part 238 | Part 239 | Part 240 | Part 241 | Part 242 | Part 243 | Part 244 | Part 245 | Part 246 | Part 247 | Part 248 | Part 249 | Part 250 | Part 251
Ancient Order of United Workmen .- CAM- PELLO LODGE, No. 30, organized July 8, 1881. Char- ter members: J. N. Reed, P. M. W .; Jesse H. Averill, M. W .; William H. Carpenter, F .; L. D. Doten, O .; H. F. Paekard, R .; Eugene B. Estes, F .; Augustus Davenport, R .; M. L. Keene, G .; Frank W. Osborne, I. W .; J. H. Miles, O. W .; Albert P. Hardy, Frans L. Braconier.
" Eternal Truth, Justice, Honesty, and Mutual Aid."
This organization is established "for the encour- agement and support of brothers in sickness, out of employment, or on travel, to the amount of two thousand dollars. For the practice of charity, the inspiration of hope, and the protection of all good." Constituted by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Caleb H. Sprague, G. M. W .; Hugh Doherty, G. R. ; July 8, 1881.
Junior Order United American Mechanics .- SATUCKET COUNCIL, No. 6. This council was in- stituted at James' Hall, by officers of the State Coun- cil, Tuesday, Feb. 1, 1881. There were about thirty members present, and others proposed to join. The following is the list of offieers :
C., Morton F. Perkins ; V. C., E. Bradford South- worth ; R. S., Zephaniah T. Sherman ; Asst. R. S., W. Herbert Morton ; F. S., A. N. Ward ; Treas., Edgar S. Willis ; C., A. E. Davis ; W., F. W. Os- borne; I. S., J. A. Fisher ; O. S., F. F. Horton.
United Order of the Golden Cross .- GARFIELD COMMANDERY, No. 158. This commandery was in- stituted by J. H. Morgan, Deputy Grand Commander of Massachusetts, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 1881. The objects of this order are to unite fraternally all acceptable persons for social pleasure and improve- ment ; to give moral and material aid, by encourage- ment in business and aid when in distress, and pro- vide a fund for the family of a deceased member. The following were the officers for 1881 : N. C., N. S.
B
719
HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
Reed ; V. C., Joseph M. Poole; P., R. H. Harlow ; K. of R .. L. F. Bird ; Treas., Henry M. Littlefield ; F. K. of R., W. A. Broderick ; H., Allison Howes ; W. of I. G., Mrs. L. F. Bird; W. of O. G., J. H. Jameson ; P. N. C., G. A. Joy ; M. E., J. E. Bacon.
Odd-Fellows' Relief Association .- The object of this society is mutual benefit and assistance in case of sickness.
The officers of this association are as follows : Joshua M. Jenney, President ; Rufus E. Packard, Vice-President ; George C. Holmes, Secretary ; Elmer B. Hayward, Treasurer ; Joshua M. Jenney, Charles M. Holbrook. George C. Holmes, Rufus E. Packard, Richard H. Aldoes, Elmer B. Hayward, William E. C. Thomas, Directors.
Knights of the Maccabees .- This order was first introduced into Canada, where it was instituted and organized Aug. 7, 1878, the object of which is " Brotherhood, and to make provision for deccased members." A "Tent" in Brockton was organized May 26, 1879, with the following officers :
F. M. Tinkham, Excellent Sir Knight Gen. Com .; Rev. S. M. Beal, S. K. Gen. Com .; A. M. Turner, S. K. Lieut. Com .; W. A. Broderick, S. K. Prelate ; E. S. Willis, S. K. Record Keeper ; N. J. Spinney, S. K. Finance Keeper ; L. S. Hamilton, S. K. Sergt. ; C. H. Saunders, S. K. M. at A. ; Alva N. Ward, S. K. M. of G .; T. J. Lee, S. K. 2d M. of G .; James Foley. S. K. Sentinel ; Thomas G. Palmer, S. K. Picket.
Members : George G. Whitten, E. E. Willis, H. L. Willis, C. H. Chase, C. H. Holt, L. W. Hamm, A. C. Gardiner, F. E. Osborne, I. S. Foster, E. Bradford Southworth, L. F. Champion, E. C. Holmes, W. B. Packard, Denton Crane, W. H. Rounds, G. D. Jones, Chester Peckham. This society had a short existence.
United Fellowship .- STAR COUNCIL, No. 16, or- ganized Sept. 18, 1882. William F. Jones, P. D .; Dr. E. Arthur Dakin, D. ; Dr. William P. Chisholm, V. D .; Charles W. Kingman, C .; Charles D. Fuller- ton, Sec .; William S. Noyes, Treas. ; Mary Smith, I .; E. Bradford Jones, G .; Eunice Blanchard, W .; O. S. Sweetser, Minerva Chisholm, Mary C. Puffer, Trustees; C. S. Simpson, Hattie S. Faxon, Emma Blanchard, Jessie Crooker, Fannie D. Leonard, Mary L. Packard, W. F. Jones, Social Committee; E. E. Kent, O. S. Sweetser, N. Hayward, Committee on Hall ; Dr. E. Arthur Dakin, and Dr. William P. Chisholm, Medical Examiners. The object of this society was social and mutual aid, and had but a short existence.
American Legion of Honor .- EXCELSIOR COUN- CIL, No. 16, was instituted April 24, 1879. Officers : |
Baalis Sanford, C .; Dr. William Richards, V. C .; Lucius F. Alden, O .; Col. John J. Whipple, P. C .; Rev. Z. T. Sullivan, C .; George T. Prince, Sec. ; William Keith, Col .; Edward O. Noyes, Treas .; S. F. Cole, G .; William F. Field, W .; George R. Thompson, S.
Members : Eli A. Chase, William Keith, George C. Holmes, C. D. Fullerton, John J. Whipple, Daniel S. Tolman, Hamilton L. Gibbs, S. Frank Cole, A. Eliot Paine, Edward O. Noyes, W. J. Jenks, John B. Tobey, John O. Emerson, Baalis Sanford, Jr., Lucius M. Leach, Otis Cobb, Henry Thompson, George M. Skinner, Daniel T. Burrell, Rufus L Thatcher, W. B. Foster, George E. Bryant, Josiah R. Drew, George T. Prince, Elmer W. Walker, Na- thaniel T. Ryder, William F. Field, John Kendall, Solomon Leighton, Walter Bradford, Dr. William Richards, Horace B. Rogers, John N. Reed, Thomas W. Childs, George W. Stevens, Melctiah Tobey, Charles E. Ripley, Milliard H. Poole, Z. T. Sullivan, William H. Tobey, Lucius F. Alden, George M. Copeland, George H. Jameson, George R. Thompson, Frank L. Boyden, Rufus E. Packard, James Porter, Elijah Hamilton, Abbott W. Packard, Albert F. Small, John A. Jackson, C. Frank Copeland, Elmer Fullerton, David Brayton, Charles Tolman, Harrison C. Thomas, Metcalf B. Sumner.
Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Massachusetts .- FLETCHER WEBSTER POST, No. 13. This post was named in honor of the colonel of the Twelfth Regiment of Massachusetts Volun- teers, in which there were a large number from Brockton in the army.
It was organized July 1, 1867, with the following charter members : Urialı Macoy, James A. Packard, Amasa S. Glover, Ephraim Tinkham, E. Z. Stevens, Howard Keith, Charles L. Sproul, Asa F. Crosby, George W. Andrews, Thomas Doyle, Herbert Phil- lips, Clarence E. Hartwell, L. B. Andrews, William F. Robinson, J. T. Lurvey.
A. S. CUSHMAN. [L.S.]
Officers for 1884 : George A. Grant, C .; Frank W. Luce, S. V. C .; John A. Hall, J. V. C .; William R. Bunker, Adjt. ; Fred. Hanson, Q. M .; A. Eliot Painc, Surg .; F. M. Shaw, Chap. ; Frank L. Boyden, O. D .; Elijah Thompson, O. G.
Following are the names of the executive officers of the post since its formation :
Term of Office. Commander.
Adjutant.
1867 . Uriah Macoy.
C. E. Hartwell.
1867 . A. B. Holmes.
E. T. Cowell.
1868 ... A. B. Holmes.
J. P. Chipman.
1869 George W. Leach.
Charles W. Mitchell.
1870 George W. Leach.
Charles E. Osgood.
1870 Ezekiel Packard.
Charles E. Osgood.
.
720
HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.
'Terin of Office. Commander.
Adjutant.
1871 George W. Leach.
Thomas Clarkson.
1872 . Georgo M. Skinner.
Charles E. Osgood.
1873 .. George M. Skinnor.
Charles E. Osgood.
1873 .. Ilenry A. Willis.
Charles D. Packard.
1874 William II. Wade.
Charles D. Paekard.
1874 Geo. H. Fullerton.
W. W. Kidder.
1875
George M. Skinner.
W. W. Kiddor.
1876 W. W. Kidder.
Henry R. Brosing.
1877 W. W. Kidder.
Henry R. Brosing.
1878 W. W. Kidder.
IIenry R. Brosing.
1879 Alfred C. Monroe.
Edward A. Trask.
1880
Alfred C. Monroe.
W. R. Bunker.
1881 Alfred C. Monroe.
W. R. Bunker.
1882 Alfred C. Monroe.
W. R. Bunker.
1883 .. . George A. Grant.
W. R. Bunker.
All but four of this list are still living.
The post have assisted at the following ceremonies and celebrations : Dedieation of soldiers' monument at Boston, Sept. 17, 1877 ; dedieation of soldiers' monument at West Bridgewater, July 4, 1879; dedi- eation of soldiers' monument at Easton, May 30, 1882; Webster eentennial at Marshfield, Oet. 12, 1882.
MEMORIAL TO THE PATRIOTIC DEAD, WITH THEIR RESTING-PLACES.
UNION CEMETERY.
Charles E. Atherton.
George E. Allen.
Thaddeus Keith.
W. A. Allen.
M. M. Keith.
James F. Andrews.
George W. Leach.
Lyman Allen.
J. Leavitt.
John Burns.
Fred Moan.
Thomas B. Broadhurst.
R. E. Matthews.
H. A. Barnes.
H. Henry MeClue.
J. N. Brett.
Charles E. Nelson.
George F. Bunker.
Henry F. Nash.
Willard Bryant.
Charles E. Osgood. S. T. Paekard.
J. W. Crosby.
Richard Packard.
- Crapo.
Morrill Perkins.
Frank Dunbar.
W. F. Packard.
Frank Drake.
George F. Paekard.
Leander Durant. -- Randall.
IIenry Edson.
Dixon Rochester.
Josiah Edson.
Gardner Reynolds.
Walter T. Fuller.
W. F. Robinson.
Charles Faunce. John S. Stoddard.
Asbury Foss.
Charles Strummett.
D. F. Fullerton.
John Sanford.
B. N. Gardner.
Frank Sanford.
Albert D. Hunt.
S. A. Smith.
Ilarry Hunt.
A. A. Spaulding.
Goorge E. Holmes.
L. M. Hamilton.
William Stevens. George H. Story. J. S. Tannatt.
Alex. Hitchborn.
L. P. Howard.
Albert Thompson. George Thompson. Franklin Ward.
Orrin O. Holmes.
Willis Whipplo.
Waltor Holmes.
IIenry L. Winter.
Ellis Howard.
Richard Wilbur. John W. Filoon.
ST. PATRICK'S CEMETERY.
Christopher Brannigan.
David McGuire.
Philip Burns.
David Murphy.
Patrick Collins.
Patrick McIntee.
Timothy Connolly.
John MeIntee.
James Donahue. Michael MeDonald.
Philip Donahue.
Edwin McGrane.
E. Duvire.
Thomas Monahan.
Michael Early.
William O'Brien.
William Flannigan.
D. O'Brien.
William Griffin.
Timothy Regan.
James Grady.
Philip Russell.
J. Hannigan.
P. Riley.
T. J. Kneeland.
John Sullivan.
Thomas Malony.
OLD BURIAL-GROUND.
Caleb Badger.
Daniel W. Ross.
CEMETERY ACROSS THE RAILROAD.
Austin Paekard.
George A. Perkins.
Charles T. Packard.
THOMPSON'S CEMETERY.
William Shepson.
Fred. Robinson.
MELROSE CEMETERY, BROCKTON HEIGHTS.
A. G. Drake. Augustus Hall.
A. J. Frost. C. H. Phillips.
Frank Goodwin. Hiram Thayer.
E. L. THAYER'S CEMETERY.
Joseph C. Estes.
Thomas Dean.
CEMETERY AT MARSHALL'S CORNER.
Clarence Calkins. Nathan Paekard.
David W. Graves. Daniel W. Willis.
ha
Arthur IIumphries. George H. Willis.
John R. Mills. Galen Manley.
George W. Pope.
Stillman Dunbar.
J. H. Packard.
Sons of Veterans .- JAMES A. GARFIELD CAMP, No. 17. Original members : Frederie C. Parker, Charles A. Dustin, George L. Tilton, E. H. Tilton, Edward E. Tilton, Fred. W. Doane, Martin T. Paekard, Wil- liam C. Andrews, Fred. S. Alden, Linus H. Shaw, Norman B. Shaw, Rufus E. Tilton, Frank E. Shaw, Charles MeElroy, C. A. Sturtevant, Samuel Shaw, Arthur P. Holmes, Harry H. Willis, George Loring.
The above-named persons, together with thirty-one others, were mustered into the order of Sons of Vet- erans Feb. 19, 1883. Voted to surrender charter and apply for admission to the " Sons of Veterans of the United States of America," May 16, 1884. Con- stituted a eamp of the "Sons of Veterans," to be known as Gen. James A. Garfield Camp, No. 17, located at Brockton.
Officers for 1884: S. Osear Martland, Capt .; L. Warren Howard, First Lieut .; Charles E. Sturtevant, Second Lieut .; George Tilton, Chap .; Charles F. Cole, Surg .; George Parker, Q. M.
Rooms in Grand Army of the Republic Hall, Ryder's Block, Main Street.
R
Eli
Su-
El H 01
H
Pr
P
fe
DA
CT
5 3 .2
D
D
C
th
J. Johnson.
H. M. Jackson.
A. S. Hamilton. John E. Hollis.
L. F. Kingman.
Horace Clark.
HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
721
Woman's State Relief Corps, Department of Massachusetts, auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic : S. Agnes Parker. A. H. Dickerman, M. Ada Pratt, Ellen F. Holmes, Margaret Hanson, Susie Trask, Bessie F. Hunt, M. Estes, Ellen Parks, Elizabeth Tribou. Augusta Hunt, Hattie A. Porter, Flora B. Palmer, Sarah E. Osborne, Minnie F. Estes, Susan E. Hall, Amy E. Hall, Mary F. Southwick, Eliza M. Holloway, Eva T. Porcheron, H. A. Graut, Hattie A. French, Phebe M. Gibbs, Sarah B. Kidder, Olive M. Henderson, Mary E. Davenport, M. T. Hollis.
MELVINA A. BEALE, Department Secretary. FLETCHER WEBSTER RELIEF CORPS, NO. 7, OF
THE CITY OF BROCKTON.
BY SARAH E. FULLER, Department President. CAMBRIDGE, Oct. 28, 1879.
Present officers, 1884: Mrs. Sarah W. Murdock, Pres. ; Mrs. L. Annie Grant, S. V. P .; Mrs. Eva C. Porcheron, J. V. P .; Mrs. Helen R. Bird, Sec .; Mrs. Hattie A. French, Treas .; Mrs. Harriet B. Shaw. Chap. ; Mrs. Bessie I. Hunt, Con. ; Mrs. Emily Mayer, G.
Brockton Soldiers' Aid Society .- Agreeably to a notice previously given, the ladies of Brockton, feeling a deep interest in the welfare of those who had gone forth to fight the battles of our country, met at the chapel of the First Congregational Church, and organized themselves into a society under the name of Soldiers' Aid Society, and made choice of the following officers: Mrs. George Wilbour, presi- dent ; Mrs. H. W. Robinson, vice-president ; Mrs. Clara C. Wheldon, secretary and treasurer ; Mrs. Henry Howard, Mrs. A. Harris, Mrs. - Snow, Mrs. Elijah Tolman, Mrs. Darius Howard, Mrs. M. J. Clark, Mrs. Russell Alden, directors.
The society held its meetings every Tuesday, in the Engine Hall, on Elm Street, for the transaction of business. The object of the society was the collec- tion of clothing and packages, such as are needed by the soldiers, and forwarding them to their proper places. Much good was accomplished by them. During the first year of this society's existence, the amount contributed in cash by the different societies was $278.43. the amount of clothing and other goods sent to the Sanitary Commission at Boston amounted to $800, making a total of $1078.43. During the year ending October, 1863, the amount of goods, clothing, supplies, etc., sent to the Sanitary Commission at Boston was $827.45, the amount of cash contributed was $176.05, making a total of $1003.50. During the year ending October, 1864, the amount sent to the Sanitary Commission at Bos-
40
ton was $1327.11. The amount of cash contributed in various ways, including the proceeds of the Sani- tary Fair for Soldiers of $800, was $1034, making a total of $2361.11; the handsome sum of $4443.04 being contributed for the benefit and relief of the soldiers up to October, 1864.
Freedmen's Relief Association of Brockton .- July 8, 1864, an association was formed under the above name as an auxiliary to the National Freedmen's Relief Association of New York City, having for its ob- ject the improvement of the freedmen of the colored race, by raising money, clothing, and necessary mate- rial for their relief, and teaching them civilization and Christianity, to imbue their minds with correct ideas of order, industry, economy, self-reliance, and to elevate them in the scale of humanity by inspiring them with sel -respect. The following was a list of the officers : Augustus T. Jones, president ; A. B. Keith, vice-president ; Mrs. E. L. Clark, secretary ; Frances French, treasurer ; J. R. Perkins, George Copeland, Capt. Henry French, Thaddeus E. Gifford, A. T. Joncs, and A. B. Keith, executive committee.
Franklin Debating Association .- A society was organized during the winter of 1836, with the above name, for the promotion of useful knowledge and dc- bating. The last question for discussion was, " Are dancing-schools, balls, cotillion parties, etc., worthy the support and encouragement of the community ?" The decision has not as yet come to the writer's notice.
Pi Beta Society .- This society was established Sept. 17, 1844, and was in active operation about eight years. Its object was the mental improvement of its members, for the accomplishment of which, beside the literary exercises of its regular meetings, it had a read- ing-room, aud a cabinet of natural history of nearly two thousand specimens, and a library of two hundred volumes, most of which were presented the first six months of its existence. The society held weekly meetings, and had addresses from distinguished speak- ers from time to time. During the active term this society was in existence it had gathered one thou- sand volumes and ten thousand specimens of cabinet curiosities of various kinds.
The Messrs. Loomis, of the academy, had the care of the society, it being connected with the Adelphian Academy.
The officers of the institution, in 1851, were Charles R. Ford, president; Jacob Emerson, Jr., of Methuen, recording secretary ; John H. Bourne, of Marshfield, corresponding secretary ; Caleb Howard, treasurer ; Silas L. Loomis, librarian ; L. F. C. Loomis, superintendent of cabinet ; Jacob Emerson, Charles R.
126
T
722
HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.
Weeden, Lavoice N. Guild, prudential committee, be- sides many honorary members.
Philomathian Association .- The above is the name of an association connected with Mr. S. D. Hunt's academy, the object of which was mutual improvement. It was formed in 1855, soon after he opened his school, and was in existenee till the close. Weekly mectings were held by the members, at which exercises, consisting of debates, declamations, lectures, essays, critiques, and the reading of a paper published monthly by the association, was read.
Alpha Epsilon Literary Society .- Organized April 14, 1874. This society is composed of gradu- ates of the high school of Brockton, associated for literary exercises and as a debating club. The first five members at its organization were Frank E. Pack- ard, Frederic R. French, Benjamin W. Cobb, Arthur E. Kendrick, and Loyed E. Chamberlain. The meet- ings of this society are held in the high-school room, on Tuesday evenings, and are well attended. Here follows a list of the earlier members : Frank E. Pack- ard (1874), B. W. Cobb (1875, deceased), Fred. R. French (1874), A. E. Kendrick (1875), L. E. Cham- berlin (1875), James Poyntz (1875), W. C. Keith (1875), Edgar B. Stevens (1875), E. Kingman, Jr., H. C. Severance (1876), J. E. C. Lagergreen (1876), S. E. Foss (1875), John Gilmore, Jr. (1876), George Woodward, E. L. Emerson (1877), Charles F. Jen- ney (1878), J. Robert MeCarty (1877), C. H. King- man (1877), W. S. Bennett (1878), Edward T. Ford (1878), Horaee Richmond, H. N. Packard, E. H. Foss, H. I. Mitchell, A. C. Gill, Willie E. Porter, George H. Bryant, W. J. Keith (1878), Fred. K. Tribou, R. E. Brayton, W. F. Brooks.
In 1880 the number had reached thirty-five mem- bers. Social entertainments are held yearly.
Brockton Athenæum (organized 1884) .- This so- ciety meets twice every month for literary improve- ment and progress of the arts, sciences, and promotion of thinking, and the consideration of current ques- tions of the day.
Officers : Loyed E. Chamberlain, Esq., president ; Charles E. Robinson, vice-president; Warren A. Reed, secretary and treasurer.
Members : E. Bradford Jones, Dr. Henry H. Filoon, Albert F. Poole, Herbert H. Chase, Henry C. Gurney, Henry T. Anglim, Waldo V. Howard, Frank G. Jaeger, William E. Beals, William F. Joncs, B. Frank Simmons, B. Ellis Eaton, William J. Loheed, George C. Howard, Russell S. Beale, Frank A. Dun- ham, C. E. Small, Eliot L. Packard, Emil A. Lager- green.
St. Patrick's Literary and Benevolent Society
was organized in 1871 for the purpose of rendering assistance to sueh of its members as might be needy, and also furnish reading matter for such as desired it.
Libraries .- The first publie or social library in Brockton was raised by subseription about 1781, and was kept for most of the time in private houses. The last librarian was Col. Edward Southworth, and the library was given up.
In 1842 the Legislature appropriated fifteen dollars for the use of every school district in the common- wealth that should raise an equal amount for the pur- chase of a school district library. With this encour- agement many of the districts raised the requisite amount and purchased libraries. They are now, how- ever, nearly laid by.
At a regular town-meeting, held March 30, 1857, the town "voted to purchase a town library, the amount not to exceed $1400, or one dollar on every poll paid in the town." For this purpose the follow- ing committee were chosen, namely, Edward South- worth, Jr., C. C. Bixby, Dr. Alexander Hichborn, David L. Cowell, Ellis Packard, Jonas R. Perkins, Lucius Gurney (2d), Jonathan White, and M. L. Keith, who proceeded in the selection and purehase of such books as were thought suitable to the wants of the community. The library was well selected, and consisted of many of the best works extant. Many persons, not wishing that the town should have any library, raised an opposition to the plan, and as the result the town "voted, May 1, 1857, that all books, effects, and appurtenances of the Town Library be placed in the hands of the selectmen, to be disposed of in the best manner for the interest of the town." And in accordance with these instruc- tions the selectmen sold the library of books, that cost eleven hundred and eighty-three dollars, to an association called the North Bridgewater Library Association. The price for the entire lot was six hundred dollars.
North Bridgewater Library Association .- This association was formed by a few individuals for the purpose of holding a library. It was organized under a statute made for such purposes July 11, 1858. Each member paying five dollars becomes a stockholder, and an additional one dollar annually en- titles him to all the rights and privileges of a member of the association. It has over two thousand volumes, and is in a flourishing condition. The officers at the organization of the association were David L. Cowell, president ; Rufus L. Thatcher, vice-president ; Au- gustus Hayward, secretary; David F. Studley, treas- urer ; Henry A. Ford, John L. Hunt, Alpheus Holmes, Charles B. Crocker, Darius Howard, Edward
tea
di
th
of
B
pu F
cla th
SU
P
S
TH
L D W
of K
SO
to
th
723
HISTORY OF BROCKTON.
Southworth, Jr., Lorenzo D. Hervey, Charles Curtis, Jr., Washburn Packard, directors.
Library Association .- Prior to the year 1847 the town of North Bridgewater liad not enjoyed the privilege of many literary or scientific lectures or social gatherings. During the winter of that year the principals of the Adelphian Academy, feeling an interest in the matter, and the want of some elevated and improving intercourse for the multitude of young people in the town, proposed and finally arranged a series of social levees or gatherings, composed mostly of members of the school. The exercises consisted of brief essays and addresses, interspersed with music and a season of social conversation.
This association was reorganized in October, 1851, or a new one formed under the above name; and a series of useful lectures was given by able lecturers, together with excellent musical entertainments.
North Bridgewater Agricultural Library As- sociation .- An association under the above name was formed April 3, 1859. the object of which was to obtain a library of agricultural books, papers, etc., such as would tend to the improvement of agricul- tural pursuits. The following persons were its officers: Chandler Sprague, Esq., president ; Isaac Kingman, vice-president; Alpheus Holmes, treasurer and librarian ; H. W. Robinson, secretary.
Brockton Public Library .- The city has a good public library in Satucket Block, corner of Main and Elm Streets, containing upwards of eight thousand volumes. The committee of the library are Warren L. Copeland. David L. Cowell, Loring W. Puffer, De Witt Clinton Packard, Preston B. Keith, Jonathan White, Edward Parker, Jr., Alfred Laws, W. W. Wilkins. Myra F. Southworth, librarian ; Lizzie H. Williams, assistant librarian.
Sabbath-Schools .- The first Sabbath-school in Brockton commenced in May, 1818, through the efforts of Mrs. Huntington, the wife of the pastor. The school consisted of one hundred and seven girls and seventy-eight boys. These were divided into classes of from four to eight persons, according to their ages, the males under the care of teachers of their own sex, and the females under the care of teachers of their sex, the whole number under the direction of the superintendent. The time allotted for the school was during the intermission between the morning and afternoon services on the Sabbath, and was usually one hour long.
The books in use during the early part of its exist- ence were the New Testament, Emerson's " Evangeli- cal Primer," and " Hymns for Infant Minds." Most of the scholars, during the first term, were well versed
in the primer, and in addition to that, for the first sixteen Sabbaths, they had committed thirty-two thou- sand six hundred and seventy-four verses of Scrip- ture, and twenty-seven thousand three hundred verses of hymns, which were recited.
The first term of the Sabbath-school closed with public religious exercises on the day of the annual meeting of the Bridgewater Evangelical Society. The sacred music on the occasion was performed princi- pally by the scholars.
There are at the present time schools connected with all the churches in the town, together with extensive libraries of well-selected books.
Music .- According to a universal custom in early times there was nothing but congregational singing. Tunes were few, and for want of books the exercises were read a line at a time and then all would join in singing ; then the good deacon would read another line, and thus the service was "deaconed" through the whole of the verses.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.