History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 151

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 151

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The first music-book in the country was brought by the Pilgrims, and entitled " Ainsworth Version of the Psalms." This gave way to the " Bay Psalm Book," the first book printed in America, which went through seventy editions, and in 1758 was revised and republished by Rev. Thomas Prince, of Boston.1

Previous to 1765 or 1770 there were no choirs in the churches, and as these were formed the custom of lining or "deaconing" the hymns grew into disuse, but not till after a great deal of determined opposition. The custom had been introduced by the Westminster Assembly of Divines, and hence could not easily be surrendered.

The first choir in now Brockton was established about 1801 under the leadership of Maj. Daniel Cary, a noted singer of that day. Previous to that time there were no seats specially provided for singers. Those persons who had thought of forming a choir in 1801 asked that seats might be provided for them.

Jan. 12, 1801, we find an article in the parish records for meetings as follows :

" To see if the parish will erect, or suffer to be erected, seats for the singers, in the front of pews in the front gallery." Jan. 19, 1801, " Voted to erect seats in the front gallery for the singers, in front of the front pews." Also, " Voted that the above seats for the singers be erected in a 'surkerler forme.'"

1 In 1690 there were but six tunes known in the province, namely, "Oxford," "Litchfield," "York," "Windsor," "St. David's," and "Martyrs," and no new tunes could be intro- duced without a vote of the church. The first tune-book espe- cially devoted to music was published by Rev. William Walter in 1721, and was the first music with bars printed in America.

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Maj. Daniel Cary, Moses Cary, and Col. Caleb Howard were " chosen a committee to git the above seats built." The above seats were specially set apart for the use of those who had become "larned" in the rules of " musick."

Oliver Bryant, Josiah Brett, Isaac Packard, John Field, John Cobb, and Luke Lincoln were " choristers" in the parish until the town was incorporated. Since that time, Thomas J. Gurney, then living in Abing- ton, was invited to lead the choir and teach them to sing, in 1829, who was the first person that received any compensation for services in singing. Com- mencing in 1829, Mr. Gurney continued to lead the choir and teach singing-schools until 1840, when he removed to Abington. From that time the choir of the First Church has been led by Mr. Seth Sumner, who became celebrated for his success in teaching singing-schools in the immediate vicinity, and Messrs. Isaac T. Packard, of this town, Whiting, Brown, and Appleton, of Boston, and Edmund Packard.

When the Porter Church was formed in the town, in 1850, Mr. Gurney was invited to take charge of their choir, which he continued to do till April 1, 1864, when he resigned. Mr. T. Emerson Gurney was organist at the Porter Church from 1850 to 1855 ; Mr. Joshua V. Gurney from 1855 to 1858.

The First Congregational Church had the first organ, in their old church, which was exchanged for a new one in 1854, for their new house. At one time there were four organs in the churches : namely, in the First Congregational Church, Porter Evan- gelical Church, Second Methodist, and the Catholic Church.

There was a musical society formed in the county of Plymouth, called the Old Colony Musical Society, which was for the benefit of singers throughout the county. Bartholomew Brown, Esq., was leader ; Rev. Daniel Huntington was president. This society fell through for want of support. Mr. Huntington was a man of fine musical talent, and did much to elevate the standard of church music in the first part of his ministry, when so little attention had been paid to rulable music.

The next musical club formed for the purpose of improving the singing was the Caleott Singing So- ciety, which was about 1827 or 1828, and included the four Bridgewaters. Rev. Daniel Huntington was their first president ; Nathan Lazell, of Bridgewater, was leader.

Next in order was the Union Harinonie Society ; that was in existence about 1835. From that time to the present it would be impossible to give a full detail of the various singing-schools, rehearsals, clubs,

etc. But probably no town in the county has given more attention to musie, or been more successful in the production of talented singers and highly enter- taining performances than Brockton. The church music of this city is of the highest order, and much time is devoted to the improvement of the singing throughout all the societies.

This town has sent forth some excellent teachers of music and performers of instrumental music, among whom are Thomas J. Gurney, T. Emerson Gurney, George T. Atherton, and William Faxon, who have made musie a profession.

Band Music .- About the year 1840, a few indi- viduals met together for the purpose of drill and practice in musie upon various brass instruments, drums, etc., under the lead of Samuel M. Holmes, under the name of the North Bridgewater Brass Band. They met every week or oftener for practice, and were very successful, so that after a time they were engaged in all the surrounding places to play upon publie occasions, and their fame soon spread abroad, and it is at present one of the best bands of the kind in that section. A large delegation of this band joined the Twelfth Massachusetts Regiment in the Rebellion of 1861.

Soon after this band was formed, another was or- ganized at Campello, under the lead of Martin L. Keith. The following persons were among the mem- bers of that band, namely : Charles P. Keith, Theo- dore Lilley, Sylvanus Keith, Albert Keith, Bela B. Hayward, Jarvis W. Reynolds, James C. Snell, Thomas French, Lucius Hayward, and Harrison Bryant. This company continued only about six months, when some of the number joined the Centre Band.

About the same period there was another band at the " West Shares," under the leadership of Ellis Packard, which continued about a year, and was then given up, some of its members joining the Centre Band.

The members of this band that joined the Twelfth Massachusetts Regiment received the highest praise from Gen. Sherman, and it is said that this was his favorite band, and was conducted under the leader- ship of William J. Martland.

Campello Brass Band .- The Campello Brass Band was organized Aug. 7, 1877, with the following seventeen members : Fred. H. Packard, D. Carey Keith, Myron L. Keith, O. Hayward, H. A. Monk, John Monk, Frank Monk, C. E. Packard, D. C. Berry, J. B. Pratt, Frank Alden, A. J. Guild, H. N. Hunt, Frank Brown, Myron Thomas, Lyman Carlson, T. H. Loring. Mr. S. C. Perkins, of Brock- ton, was engaged as leader and teacher, and for about 1

B P

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

two months regular meetings were held. The ma- jority of the players were young and inexperienced, several of them knowing nothing of reading music, and meeting with unforeseen difficulties, the interest died out. and from Nov. S. 1877, to May 17, 1878, no general gathering of members took place. About the latter date, however, Mr. George E. Kinsley was employed to direct them, and a good number of the original company, with others who were unwilling to see the experiment end in failure, commenced a sec- ond series of meetings for practice, which has been continued with pleasant results. The membership comprises the following players : William Swanson, 1st E-flat cornet ; Otho Hayward, 2d E-flat cornet ; Arthur Peckham, 1st B-flat cornet ; Lyman Carlson, 2d B-flat cornet ; Frank Alden, 1st B-flat clarionet ; M. L. Keith, solo alto ; John Monk, 1st alto ; Wen- dell White, 2d alto; Daniel Berry, 1st tenor ; Aug. Hellburg. 2d tenor ; Andrew Guild, baritone ; Frank Brown, trombone; Charles Martin, tuba ; Corydon Andrews. E-flat bass ; Frank Monk. E-flat bass ; Mel- vin Washburn, bass-drum; Norman Cobb, snare-drum; William Joyce, cymbals.

Thespian Society .- In February, 1836, a' com- pany of gentlemen and ladies were organized into a society, under the above name. for the purpose of giving dramatic performances. The orchestra con- sisted of fifteen members, and was under the leader- ship of Sihon Packard. The songs, duets, and cho- ruses were of a high order, and were performed before crowded assemblies. A slight fee was asked, to pay expenses of scenery, and expenses only.

Union Musical Association .- About the 1st of May, 1864, a new musical association was formed, under the above title, for the purpose of improvement in singing, practicing choruses, oratorios, etc. It was regularly organized, with a constitution and by-laws. The following were the officers : Henry W. Robinson, president ; Charles R. Ford, vice-president ; F. A. Thayer, secretary ; Sumner A. Hayward, treasurer ; James Porter, librarian ; Charles J. F. Packard, Wil- liam H. Faxon, Samuel McLauthlin, Thomas Leon- ard, S. Franklin Packard, D. B. Lovell, trustees; Wil- liam H. Faxon, musical director.

Union Musical Society, organized April 6, 1869. Sumner A. Hayward, president ; Ziba C. Keith, vice- president ; Charles J. F. Packard, treasurer and li- brarian ; Hiram Wilde, of Boston, musical director. Consisted of about two hundred members. Met Friday evenings in the vestry of the First Church.

Brockton Temperance Union .- Rev. Samuel L. Beal, Prest. ; Mrs. L. B. Willis, David Seabury, Vice- Pres. ; Mrs. W. W. Packard, Sec .; W. A. Broderick,

Treas. ; Eleazer Cole, Marshal ; George W. Easton, Lewis Ford, Mrs. F. E. Osborne, F. C. Gardner, Mrs. H. L. Collier, Alpheus Holmes, N. J. Spinney, Ex- ecutive Committee ; Mrs. W. W. Packard, Mrs. F. E. Osborne, Mrs. G. V. Scott, Mrs. F. L. Stone, Miss Mary Anna Gardner, G. V. Scott, Frank E. Johnson, N. J. Spinney, Frank Lincoln, Entertainment Com- mittee.

This Union was organized by Rev. C. M. Winches- ter, Oct. 9, 1875, who was, by its constitution, made its perpetual president, and who, until February, 1877, managed its affairs. On the 17th of that month Rev. S. L. Beal was chosen president ; Rev. C. M. Win- chester, vice-president ; R. F. Eaton, Miss Eva M. Bates, Herbert L. Willis, secretaries ; Thomas Keith, organist. Music, readings, speeches, temperance dis- cussions, and kindred exercises formed the basis of the meetings, which attracted a large number of young people, and the signatures to the pledge amounted to three hundred and fourteen, and a membership of two hundred and fifty-five was secured under and during Mr. Winchester's management.

On the 3d of February, 1877, Mr. Winchester, being about to leave town, resigned, and on the 17th of the same month a committee consisting of Lewis Ford, Mrs. W. W. Packard, Mrs. L. B. Willis, and C. F. Woodbury, were elected, Feb. 10, 1877, to ra- vise the constitution. On the 17th a new constitu- tion was adopted, among which are the following ar- ticles :

" Ist. The object of the Union shall he the reformation of any and all persons who sell or use intoxicating drinks, and to help each other to watch and guard against the encroachments of a common foe. We will diligently lahor, using such lawful means and measures as may seem to us most effective in creating a healthful public sentiment which shall rout this monster enemy, Intemperance, from our firesides and social circles, the Church and the State. And while we deem it important to guard against any partisan or sectarian feeling or discussion in our deliberations, we helieve it the right and privilege of any one to proclaim against any and everything standing in the way of the onward inarch of the cause we have espoused. And weinvoke the help of Almighty God that we may be enabled to attack the enemy whenever or wherever we may find him, without fear or compromise.

"2d. Any person may become a member of the Union hy assenting to the constitution, taking the pledge, and paying the sum of twenty-five cents, each mnemher contributing to the funds of the Union from week to week, as his or her means will allow.

" 3d. Pledge: I solemnly promise, with the help of the Lord Jesus Christ, that I will not make, buy, sell, or use any spirit- uous or malt liquors, wine, or cider as a beverage. And I will use my best endeavors to induce all others to form and keep the same good resolution."

At this meeting the following officers were chosen : Rev. S. L. Beal, president ; William E. Houghton,

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Mrs. Fannio Winchester, Mrs. Clara Packard, C. F. Woodbury, treasurer; H. L. Higgins, marshal.

For some reason the Union met at Concert Hall, Nov. 30, 1879, when the Union was dissolved, as ap- pears by the following resolution, which was adopted :

" Resolved, That in view of the present condition of the Tem- peranee cause in our midst, and in view of the importance of concentrated effort, we, as a society, disband, hoping by oneness of action in the general movement already inaugurated in Broekton to effect the more speedy triumph of our cause."

A committee, consisting of W. A. Broderick, Lewis Ford, and Mrs. W. W. Packard, were appointed to settle the affairs of the Union.

Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Brockton. - This association was organized Feb. 28, 1878. The first meeting was held in the Methodist Church. The following were the officers : Mrs. E. Bailey, president ; Mrs. A. Gurney, secretary ; Mrs. Alden Gushee, Mrs. E. Bailey, Mrs. H. Merritt, Mrs. E. Holmes, vice-presidents.

" The chief object of this nnion shall be to inaugu- rate effective measures whereby the traffic in intoxi- cants shall be banished from among us."

Meetings are held weekly in Joslyn's block.

Chrystal Rock Juvenile Templars .- Corrinne Holmes, C. T. ; Herbert Dalton, V. T. ; Ruth Loth- rop, C .; Charles Fanning, S .; Minnie De Neves, A. S .; Walter N. Foss, F. S .; William Moors, T .; Lina Macoy, W .; Walter Packard, D. M .; Sumner Cobb, R. H. S .; Herman Davenport, L. H. S .; Leonard Stearns, P. C. T.

St. Patrick's Total Abstinence Society .- This is the title of a new organization formed in the inter- ests of the temperance cause. The principal and leading spirit in this movement was Rev. Patrick H. Clark, an assistant curate (now in the West) in St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, of which the Rev. Thomas B. McNulty was the pastor, now a resident in the West. His earnest efforts in this direction, and in promoting the welfare of the young people of Brockton, are well remembered by all those with whom he became acquainted. The officers were Rev. Patrick H. Clark, president; Daniel Conelly, vice- president ; John J. Morton, recording secretary ; Mat- thew Morris, financial secretary ; Patrick Kent, treas- urer ; Arthur Diamond, Charles L. McCann, Patrick Gilmore, Joseph Murphy, T. J. Smith, directors.

St. Patrick's Total Abstinence Cadets is a col- lection of two hundred or more boys under fifteen years of age who signed the pledge to abstain from all intoxicating liquors until they arrive to the age of twenty-one years. They were organized on Sunday, May 15, 1881, by Father Doherty.

Independent Order of Good Templars .- TEMPLE LODGE, Campello, instituted Aug. 7, 1871. First officers : William H. Rounds, W. C. T .; Elena Ma- coy, W. V. T .; George II. Haven, W. C .; S. Nellic Foss, W. S. E. C .; Nathan H. Washburn, W. A. S .; Joseph R. Reach, W. F. S .; Edmund B. Fanning, W. Treas. ; William H. Thayer, W. M .; Lydia C. Daven- port, W. D. M .; Emily C. Wood, W. I. G .; George C. Sawyer, W. O. G .; Mary G. Washburn, W. R. H. S .; Rebecca M. Davenport, W. L. H. S .; George Churchill, P. W. C. T. George P. Hawkes, G. W. S., George S. Ball, G. W. C. T.

Good Samaritan Society .- This was an organi- zation established October, 1876, in the interest of general reform work, particularly temperance, lectures, and entertainments, literary and musical ; a reading- room was established, and regular club meetings were held in the reading-room on Wednesday evenings. The different religious societies have kindly co-oper- ated in their efforts at reform work of every kind with this society. The society had the names of over six hundred on their pledge, very few of which have ever been violated.

A similar organization was established at Campello, doing the same kind of work, having the same object in view, viz., that of general reform work, in which political or sectarian discussion is prohibited by their constitution.

The Swedish Benevolent Society of Brockton, organized Jan. 3, 1882 .- The aim and object of this society is to promote friendship and true patriotic love between all of Scandinavian birth or nationality, to encourage virtue and honesty, to promote honor for ourselves and our native and adopted countries, to advise and assist each other in need and sickness, ac- cording to circumstances governed by a code of by- laws adopted by this society Jan. 11, 1882.

The following are the officers of the society, elected March 29, 1882 : Frank H. Lawson, president ; So- phia Johnson, Andrew Benson, vice-presidents ; G. H. Olstrom, secretary ; Charles Hellberg, assistant secretary ; A. J. Rydqvist, treasurer ; Hugo Sletten- green, Gus. A. Hellberg, Sigrid Wennström, recep- tion committee; Martin Löfstrom, musical director. Meet in Clark's block the second and fourth Wednes- days of each month, at eight o'clock P.M.

M. C. O. F. (ST. THOMAS COURT, No. 29) or- ganized and constituted on Thursday evening, Feb. 17, 1881, in Hibernian Hall, by the Worthy High Chief Ranger Sullivan, of Boston, with the following officers : Patrick Gilmore, C. R .; Daniel Connolly, V. C. R .; James P. Conley, R. Sec .; Philip Mc- Donald, F. Sec .; Patrick McCarthy, Treas. ; Thomas

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

J. Smith, S. C .; Thomas Nolan, J. C. ; John Mor- ton, I. S .; David Burke, O. S .; Charles L. Mc- Cann, James Dorgan, Patrick Brennan, Trustees ; Benedict Donnovan, M.D., Physician.

The Massachusetts Court, Order of Foresters, above named, is similar in its objects to the Knights of Honor, one thousand dollars being secured to the heirs of the deceased member or whoever is designated. There were about thirty members belonging to this organ- ization, who met in Hibernian Hall twice every month. The name of " St. Thomas" was given in honor of Rev. Thomas B. McNulty, who has for a long time been the pastor of St. Patrick's Church.

Sanctuary Society is composed of several hundred female members. and through their personal efforts have collected a large library. Any person belong- ing to the Catholic Church can have the books on payment of one cent per day for each book taken.

Ancient Order of Hibernians (DIVISION No. 1) organized Jan. 9. 1875. Officers for 1884 : Florence McGill, Pres. ; Michael O'Neil, Vice-Pres. ; John Kenny, Sec .; T. F. Connelly, Fin. Sec. ; Michael Casey, Treas.

Spiritualist Society .- A society under this name has been organized in 1884, having the following offi- cers, viz. : Rev. Samuel L. Beal, Pres. ; William Os- borne, Vice-Pres. ; James A. Kent, Sec. and Treas. ; Theodore Loring, Charles Delano, W. Dickerman, and James A. Kent, Exec. Com. ; Mrs. M. A. Dicker- man, Mrs. Rogers, and Mrs. Arabel Ames, Aud. Com.

Society of Progressive Spiritualists .- A society with the above name was organized on the seventh day of April, 1878, with officers as follows: H. F. Bird, Pres. ; Dr. F. Webster, Vice-Pres .; E. G. Sparrow, Sec .; Nelson Huckins, Treas. ; Nelson Huckins, Dr. F. Webster, and A. Ames, Trustees ; L. W. Hill, Collector. Meetings in Cunningham Hall.

The Woman's Mission Society is connected with the Congregational Churches of the city. President, Mrs. Albert Keith ; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. George E. Martin, Mrs. F. A. Warfield, Mrs. John T. Blades ; Secretary, Mrs. George C. Cary ; Treasurer, Miss Mary K. Keith; Executive Committee, Mrs. C. Bradford, Mrs. O. Crossman, Miss Cornelia Eddy, Mrs. S. Foss; Collectors, Mrs. Jane P. Recd, Mrs. Minot Niles, Mrs. Charles Curtis, Mrs. Almiron Leach, Miss Annie Moors, Miss Mary C. Keith.

Brockton Woman's Suffrage Association .- On Monday, Oct. 2, 1876, the friends of female suffrage met in Lower Music Hall, David L. Cowell, Esq.,

presiding, to listen to an address by Miss Matilda Hindman, after which a form of constitution was presented, which set forth the objects of this organi- zation, whose principles may best be told in the two following articles :

" 1st. Believing in the natural equality of the two sexes and their consequent right to equal elective and legal privileges, and in the wrong inflicted upon women by withholding the same, resulting in incal- culable loss to society, the undersigned agree to unite in an association to be called 'The Brockton Woman's Suffrage Association.'

" 2d. The object of this Association shall be to effect by moral and political effort, changes in public sentiment, resulting in the acknowledged right of suffrage for women, and placing her in all respects on an equal footing with man."

This constitution was adopted, and twenty five names placed upon the list of members. The officers elected were Mrs. Lydia B. Willis, president ; Mrs. Milley Estes, Lewis Ford, Rev. S. L. Beal, Mrs. Jason Packard, vice-presidents ; Richard Humphrey, treasurer ; Rev. C. M. Winchester, secretary. The president, treasurer, secretary, Edward E. Bennett, and Ellen Slade constitute the executive committee.

Enterprise Association, Campello .- This is an association of persons leagucd together for the pur- pose of beautifying and ornamenting the village with shade and ornamental trees, and otherwise improving the appearance of that portion where they reside, and in which they have a deep interest.

Campello Sportsmen's Club .-- Several parties in- terested in shooting and practice in glass-ball matches met together and formed a club under the above name. President, Henry F. Thayer ; Treasurer, Frank P. Keith ; Secretary, J. D. Fiske. The secretary, treas- urer, president, Howard P. Keith, and J. E. Carr, were executive committee. Members: Henry F. Thayer, Frank P. Keith, J. D. Fiske, J. E. Carr, Howard P. Keith, Manuel P. Nevis, Charles E. Tribou, Charles E. Martin, Paul Hartwig, Henry B. Wood, Alton M. Thayer, Charles J. Turner, Walton E. Keith, Joseph A. Jennings, Harry A. Copeland, Stephen M. Thresher, W. Dexter Pierce, William F. Ryder, Japhet B. Packard, L. Sumner Packard, Warren R. Thayer, Edmund Baker, O. G. Tinkham.

The ground used for practice by the club was a lot east of the river at Campello, on land belonging to Nathan Keith.

City Bicycle Club is the largest organization of the kind in Southeastern Massachusetts. It was formed in 1881. President, William Briggs; Captain, George P. Johnson ; Secretary and Treasurer, Fred.

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

M. Bixby. Their present headquarters is in Theatre Building, East Elm Street, which was opened to their use Jan. 1, 1883. Starting with fourteen original members, it has increased to forty, and growing in numbers.

This city has two other clubs, the " Brockton" and " Union."

Brockton Bicycle Club, organized June 1, 1879, twenty-two members. William H. Bryant, president ; Fred. B. Howard, secretary and treasurer; F. H. Johnson, captain.

Brockton Fanciers' Club was formed Nov. 11, 1878. It is an association of persons interested in the improvement of poultry, pigeons, and pets, etc., and in holding exhibitions for the purpose of encour- aging the special raising of the best varietics. Pres- ident, William Rankin ; Vice-President, J. W. Free- man ; Corresponding Secretary, Abbott W. Packard ; Recording Secretary, R. W. Shaw ; Treasurer, W. F. Field ; Executive Committee, Bradford Wild, G. T. Randall, W. H. Sylvester, L. A. Tower, of Brockton, and Ozias Millett, of South Abington.

Fire Department .- Water is the grand agent that nature has provided for the extinguishment of flames, and the different ways and means for applying it with effect have been sought for in every civilized country. In the absence of more suitable implements, buckets and other portable vessels of capacity at hand have always been seized to throw water upon fire, and when used with celerity and presence of mind in the early commencement of a fire have often been sufficient, but when a conflagration extends beyond their reach the fate of the burning pile too often resembles that of the ships of "ÆEneas,"-

"Nor huekets poured, nor strength of human hand,

Can the victorious element withstand."

Hence the necessity of some device by which a stream of water may be forced from a distance on flames. Ingenious men of former days were stimu- lated to an unusual degree to invent machines for that purpose. The first machine used for throwing water upon fire was the common syringe. Fire was the most destructive agent employed in ancient wars, hence every effort that could be made by ingenuity for protection from the assaults of pitch, oil, and fire, that were thrown from the ramparts, was made.

The introduction of fire-engines was an important event in the country, and indicates a certain degrec of refinement in civilization and an advanced state of the mechanic arts. If we review the progress of fire- engines in modern times, from the syringe to the splendid engine of to-day, we cannot fail to observe that progress marks the agc. At first was used the

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History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 151

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