History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 166

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 166

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John Washburn was carly at Duxbury, and had an action in court in 1632. He and his sons, John and Philip, were included among those able to bear arms in 1643. He and his son John were original proprietors, and beeame residents of' Bridgewater in

1665. John, Jr., married a daughter of Experience Mitchell, 1645, and had John, Thomas, Joseph, Sam- uel, Jonathan, Benjamin, Mary, Jane, Elizabeth, James, and Sarah.

John (son of John, 2d) married Rebecca Lapham, 1679 ; had Josiah, John, Joseph, William, Abigail, and Rebecca. He died in 1724.

Thomas, son of John (2d), lived near the iron- works, Bridgewater, and had Nathaniel, Thomas, and Timothy, and five daughters, one of whoni, Eliza- beth, married Josiah Conant. Joseph, son of John (2d), married a daughter of Robert Latham. Samuel, son of John (2d), married Deborah, daughter of Samuel Paekard, and had Samuel (1678), Noah (1682), Israel (1684), Nehemiah, Benjamin, and Hannah. He died in 1720, aged sixty-nine years ; Israel, son of Samuel, married Waitstill Sumner, 1708, and had Sarah (1709), Deborah (1712), Seth (1714), and Israel. Israel (son of Israel) married Leah, daughter of Joshua Fobes, 1740; settled in Rayn- ham, and had Israel, Nehemiah, Seth, and Oliver.

Israel's sons were Israel, Sidney, Benjamin Ruel, Elihu Philander, and Eli K.

Israel Washburn was born in Raynham, in the old house which now stands, and where his brother, Eli K., lived and died. In the prime of life he removed te Maine, where he embarked in farming and trade as a country merchant. His sterling talents soon at- traeted attention, and he was ealled to stations of trust, representing his town in the Legislature and his eounty at the Senate board. Eight sons and three daughters were born to him, and under the guiding hand of such parents were educated for lives of usefulness. Three sons have been Governors of three different States, and have had seats in Congress for a long term of years All the brothers have beeu distinguished in their speeial eallings. One has been a major-general in the Union army, another an eleetor of President (Lineoln) from California, editor of the Alta California, United States minister to South America, author of the " History of Paraguay ;" one has been minister to Franee for seven years during the French-Prussian war. The seventh son is the fourth member of Congress. Three of these. brothers are graduates of Bowdoin College. Tlie posterity of John Washburn had reached more than five hundred in number forty years ago. The mar- riage of John Washburn, Jr., to a daughter of Ex- perience Miteliell, of the Pilgrims, transmitted some of the best blood in the colony to the Washburns. John Washburn, who donated the land to the First Congregational Society in 1717, was the same stock, residing in Bridgewater during his long life. The

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HISTORY OF BRIDGEWATER.

late Governor Emory Washburn and Governor Wil- liam B. Washburn. also John D. Washburn, are of the same lineage.

In the development of the various industries of Bridgewater few are entitled to more prominence than Mr. Eleazer Carver, who was early identified with the improvement and manufacture of the cotton- gin. Mr. Carver was the son of Dr. Eleazer Carver, and was born in Bridgewater in 1785. With the limited advantages of his times, he made the most of his opportunities, and was able to gain what is con- sidered a fair common-school education. The place of his birth was near the works of Lazell, Perkins & Co., and amid such surroundings his attention was called to the mechanical industry there so prominent. He learned the trade of a millwright, which, with the increase of manufactures, gave promise of ready employment. His genius and energy, after completing his trade, inclined him to seek new fields of labor. The wild regions of " York State" and Ohio were open for the young adventurer. With such a kit of tools as he could carry with him, he made his way over the Alleghanies to visit his friends and ply his trade as best he could, for a time, and then pressed into the wilderness, reaching the Ohio River. With no steamboats or public conveyance, but with the self-reliance of a pioneer, he soon constructed a boat, or " duz-out," and, taking advantage of the current, he made his way to the Mississippi, along the banks of which were a few scattered settlements of frontiers- men and planters. His mechanical skill found em- ployment in constructing their rude buildings, and, in the region of cotton-planting, in repairing the cotton- gin, which, with the increase of the cotton trade, in consequence of its invention, was in general demand. Mr. Carver spent several years in the region of Natchez, and saw the vast productive resources of the great Southwest. It was here that he conceived the great improvement of the cotton-gin. After a most eventful and interesting experience incident to such a life and vocation, he returned to his native town with bis plans matured for the manufacture of the improved machine. It was upon his homeward journey in the saddle that Mr. Carver first saw the working of the primitive Whitney gin, and examined the model at Washington before the burning of the Capitol. In March, 1817, he formed a company under the style and name of Seth and Abram Washburn & Co., which, under the conditions of a new agreement, in 1819, was called Carver, Washburn & Co., and set up the cotton-gin business at the site near Carver's Pond. In 1820, Artemas Hale and Nathaniel Wash- burn became associated in the enterprise, the former

of whom was a valuable acquisition to the concern as clerk and business agent. In 1822, Solomon Wash- burn was admitted into the company. The business, which started with small capital, rapidly increased, until the Carver gin became the leading machine throughout the South.

The improvements which Mr. Carver made gave a new impulse to the great Southern industry, and but a few years later the Southerner in his pride was ready to crown it as " king" among the great products of the country. Mr. Carver spent much time in ex- periments upon the gin, and his inventive genius was most noticeable for more than a quarter of a century. The importance of this special branch of manufacture founded by Mr. Carver was not confined to his town or State, but its influence was world-wide in its sweep, carrying trade and commerce over many a sea. Cotton-factories sprang up as if by magic throughout New England, and contributed to the great prosperity of the country. Mr. Carver continued in the manu- facturing business until his firm was dissolved, in 1848, after a prosperous career. Subsequently he had an interest in the East Bridgewater Company, which he retained until near the close of his life. As a citizen Mr. Carver sought no prominent activity in public affairs, but was content with the retirement of his occupation and his study. In constant devo- tion to the development of his Southern interests, he manifested conservative views, and in all the relations of life, which he sustained with manly independence, he acquired the estecm of a wide circle of friends, and was adorned with the honor of his achievement. His only son, Joseph E. Carver, succeeded to the business of his father, and has been actively engaged in it for the past forty years, still connected with the Eagle Cotton-Gin Company. Mr. Eleazer Carver died in 1866, aged eighty-one years. His only daughter, Mary, is the wife of Mr. John C. Alden.

Among the men of Bridgewater who are pleasantly remembered for their many virtues and genial social qualities was Mr. Jonathan Cushing. He was a native of Boston, but came to Bridgewater when a boy, in 1800, and was educated at the academy. His first journey to the town was upon horseback with Miss Relief Jacobs, who was the mother of Charles Sumner. Miss Jacobs was learning the trade of a tailoress of Maj. Hartwell, and young Cushing, then fourteen years old, was put in her charge, and occu- pied the pillion with her in the journey from Scitu- ate to Bridgewater. After leaving the academy he engaged as clerk in the store of Nathan and Isaac Lazell, and subsequently married one of Esquire Lazell's daughters, 1809. He became a merchant in

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Boston, and was associated with Nathaniel Fisher Ames, and for many years carried on a successful business in the West India goods trade, and as agents of the Braintree Cotton-Gin Company. Mr. Cushing retired from business in 1842, and lived in quiet ease and independence at his pleasant home on Main Strect until his death, November, 1877, at the age of ninety-two years. He was esteemcd for the many amiable and manly qualities that lend grace and lustre to a refined citizenship. His only daughter is the wife of Charles M. Recd, Esq., of Bridgewater. Rev. David Brigham, son of David, was born in Westboro', Mass., in 1794, and graduated at Union College in 1818, and studied theology with Nathaniel Emmons, D.D., of Franklin, and Rev. Dr. Jacob Ide, of Medway, and was ordained Dec. 29, 1819, over the Second Church in Randolph (now Holbrook), where his pastorate continued until 1836. Dec. 29, 1836, he was installed over the Hollis Evangelical Church, Framingham, where he remained seven and one-half years. 1845, April 23d, was installed as pastor of the Trinitarian Congregational Church, Bridgewater, where he continued until Dec. 31, 1858. Mr. Brig- ham subsequently supplied the churches at Falmouth, Plymouth, and various places until the infirmities of age disqualified him for that service. Hc married Elizabeth H. Durfee, of Fall River, who was born 1796. Both are still living in Bridgewater. Their children are Elizabeth Durfee, 1821 ; David Sewell, 1823; Lucy Harrington, 1827 ; Charles Durfee, 1831; Thomas R., 1834; Martha A., 1837; Mary A., 1839. Mr. Brigham was regarded as an able and faithful minister, and his theological views were esteemed as especially sound by his denomination.

L Rev. Ebenezer Gay is a lineal descendant of John Gay, who came to this country in 1630 in the ship " Mary and John," of the seventh generation. He was born in Walpole, Oct. 11, 1792, entered Harvard College in 1810, and graduated in 1814. In a class of sixty-two who graduated with him but three were living in 1880. He studied theology with Rev. Joshua Bates, of Dedham, was ordained over the church in Stoughton in 1818, continuing five years, when doc- trinal dissensions were the cause of his asking a dis- mission. Mr. Gay was called to Scotland, Mass., in 1823, where he had a prosperous ministry for about fifteen years. Subsequently the church removed to the Centre of Bridgewater, built a new church, in which he preached until 1842, when at his own request he was dismissed. He remained a resident of Bridgewater, supplying the churches in the vicinity, temporarily and statedly, for twenty-five years. His interest in education was manifested in special labor

upon the school board of the town and as a trustce of the academy for a generation. As a prcacher, Mr. Gay ranked among the ablest of his denomination, and his catholic spirit opened the pulpits of the Unitarian Churches in the vicinity, where he fre- quently preached with acceptance. Hc removed from Bridgewater in 1876, and has since resided at Tomp- kins Cove, N. Y., with his youngest son, Rev. Eben- ezer Gay, Jr. He still retains his mental vigor, but great age has withdrawn him from active life.

/ Dr. Theodore Edson was born in Bridgewater, Aug. 24, 1793, and was the son of John Edson, and brother of the late John Edson. He was educated at the Bridgewater Academy, and graduated at Har- vard College in 1820, with honors. His self-reliance prompted him to gratify an early desire to enter the ministry, towards which his deep religious convictions seemed to point. , He took a theological course, and was ordained a deacon of the Episcopal Church in 1822. On the 6th of March of that year he went to Lowell, and conducted the first religious service at that place since the days of Eliot. A church was extemporized under the direction of Mr. Boot, the pioneer manufacturer, and Mr. Edson was engaged as permanent pastor. In 1825 a new church was erected, under the patronage of Mr. Kirk Boot and Mr. Patrick T. Jackson, and consecrated by Bishop Griswold, who, at the same time, ordained Mr. Edson as the pastor. With marked success in his work, Dr. Edson witnessed the rapid growth of the rising city, and for twenty years devoted himself to philanthropic and mission work, in connection with his parish. In 1844 he established the " Rector's Library," which was a blessing to the church and to that growing city. Subsequently he was active in cstablishing St. Ann's Church. In 1875 he saw the realization of his hopes in the erection of St. Mary's Orphanage, and the fol- lowing ycar saw it organized under the statutes. He was not only the first minister of the city, but the leader in educational enterprises for two generations. For many years he was trustee of Trinity Church, Bridgewater. He died, greatly beloved and lamented, June 25, 1883.

Rev. Isaac Dunham, son of Isaac Dunham, was born in Plymouth, Jan. 30, 1813, and married Mar- bra S. Brown, daughter of Rev. Parley Brown, of Douglass, Mass. He was ordained May 29, 1835, in Dennis, Mass., in which town he preached ten years, and thereafter in Pelham, N. H., five years ; Dux- bury, Mass., ten years; Westport, Mass., ten years ; Taunton, Mass., five years ; when from ill health he resigned, and removed to Bridgewater, serving for four years as chaplain of the Massachusetts Senate.

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HISTORY OF BRIDGEWATER.

For the past three years he has supplied various churches as his health permitted. Mr. Dunham has sustained a high reputation as au earuest and faithful minister of the gospel. He has one son aud one daughter. the latter the wife of Rev. Mr. Hill, of Lynn. He lost one son in the service of his country in the late war of the Rebellion.

Hon. Elijah Hayward. who died at McConnelsville, Ohio, Sept. 22, 1864, was a native of Bridgewater, and the eldest son of Elijah Hayward. He was born Nov. 17. 1786, and was educated by Hon. Beza Hay- ward. and at the academy. He was in early life en- gaged in mercantile affairs, and went to England iu pursuit of business. He returned to his home with his plan of life chauged, and engaged in the study of law with Judge Nahum Mitchell. He subse- quently was admitted to the bar, and went to Ohio, where he became distinguished in his profession. He was not only a diligent student of law, but was prom- inent in historical investigation, and was in the latter part of his life engrossed in his favorite antiquarian and genealogical pursuits. He made frequent visits to his native town, and was greatly esteemed for his many superior qualities. He ever retained his love for the Old Colony, and was widely known and re- spected.

Rev. Samuel T. Livermore was born March 16, 1824, and is the son of Abel and Deborah Livermore, of German, Chenango Co., N. Y. At the age of six- teen he left home with the determination of obtain- iug an education, and by his labor earned money to procure books for that purpose. He taught school in 1841, and in the summer of 1842 pursued his studies at Cortland Academy, at Homer, N. Y., and subsequently taught school at Virginia, near Bowl- ing Green, and at Cincinnatus in the winter of 1844- 45. He entered college at Madison University, Hamilton, N. Y., graduating in 1850. He then spent two years at Rochester Theological Seminary, and was ordained as pastor of the Baptist Church at Livonia, N. Y., October, 1852, retaining the pastor- ate four and a half years. In 1853 he was married to Melvina T. Brown, daughter of Capt. William Brown, of Fall River. His second pastorate of five and one-half years was at Cooperstown, N. Y., where he published a history of Cooperstown and Cooper. He was next settled at Lowville, N. Y., where he re- mained five years, after which he spent several years in the life insurance business and as superintendent of agencies. In 1870 he moved his family from Al- bany, N. Y., to Bridgewater. In 1874 he became pastor of the church at Block Island. While there he published the history of Block Island. During 1881

and 1882 he was engaged on the " Biographical Cy- clopedia" of Rhode Island, published by J. H. Chee- ver, Esq., by subscription, at twenty-five dollars per copy, in one volume. Among the articles which he pre- pared for this work may be mentioned the sketch of the life of Hon. William Beach Lawrence, of Newport.

Dr. Calvin B. Pratt was a graduate of Amherst College (1832), and of Dartmouth (N. H.) Medical College. He practiced medicine for several years at Hanover, Mass., and settled then in Bridgewater, and continued the practice of his profession until his deatlı, which occurred Aug. 25, 1862. He was regarded as a physician of good judgment, and possessed those qualities that endeared him to his patients and all with whom he associated. His election to the State Legislature and to various elective offices in the town, is evidence of the esteem in which he was held by his fellow-citizens. He married Mary, daughter of Mr. Jacob Perkins, and had two sons, Henry T. and Calvin Pratt, M.D., and two daughters, Mary Barton and Sarah. Dr. Pratt was most warm-hearted and sympa- thetic in his nature, and exemplified the best traits of the good physician. His death was most sincerely mourned, and the town regarded his demise, while hardly past the prime of life, a public loss. His second son, Calvin, inherited the best traits of his honored father, making choice of the same profession, and is settled in his native town with a successful practice. His youngest son, Jonathan Washburn, is also a phy- sieian, and is connected with the Massachusetts Gen- eral Hospital, Boston.

Dr. Nahum Washburn, who was the pioneer in the practice of dentistry in Southeastern Massachusetts, was the third son of Solomon Washburn, of Bridge- water, and of a family of nine sons and two daughters. Dr. Washburn was fitted for college at the academy in Bridgewater, and graduated at Dartmouth College in 1832. He early disclosed a taste for scientific study, and made choice of the profession of medicine, becoming a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society in 1835. He subsequently studied dentistry, and settled in Bridgewater, where he had an extensive practice for forty years. His native genius and skill won for him a reputation that extended to distant towns and cities, and he received the patronage of distinguished persons, even from beyond the limits of the State. With untiring industry he made himself master of his profession, while his rare conversational gift dissipated much of the dread that usually sur- rounds the dentist's ehair. His inventive genius pro- dueed most of the delicate instruments used in his profession, and a mill for grinding rock crystal for the manufacture of .teeth. He was a close observer and

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HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

an enthusiastic lover of nature, which rendered his companionship entertaining and instructive. His de- fective vision compelled the relinquishment of his profession about ten years ago, but his mental vigor was unabated, and his declining years were spent in the quiet of his historic home, surrounded with family and friends, in whose society he ever had the highest interest. He was never an active participant in public affairs, but was thoroughly informed upon the leading questions of the day, while his shafts of wit and sar- casm were never withheld against the follies of the times. His death took place Dec. 28, 1883, at the age of seventy-seven years.

, John Ames was one of the original proprietors of Bridgewater, and married Elizabeth Hayward in 1645. He was a man of large estate, but having no children deeded his property to his nephew, John Ames, son of his brother William, of Braintree, and to the sons of his said nephew. He died in 1689. John, nephew of John, married Sarah, daughter of John Willis, and came to Bridgewater (West Precinct) in 1672. Dr. Nathaniel Ames, a grandson of John, was born July 22, 1708, was distinguished as a mathematician and as the maker of almanacs, publishing his first in 1725 ; these were published regularly by himself and son until 1765. He removed to Dedham, and was father of the distinguished Fisher Ames, who gradu- ated from Harvard College in 1774. The late Oliver and Oakes Ames, of Easton, were descendants from the same ancestry.

Hon. Lloyd Parsons, a native of Middleboro', was a resident of Bridgewater for thirty years, and well known for his many excellent traits of character. He was for many years agent of the Eagle Cotton- Gin Company, and traveled widely through the South. He was a gentleman of most courteous manners, of clear intellect, which was recognized by his townsmen in calling him to various places of responsibility. He was identified with the Republican party, and for two years represented the town in the State Legislature. Subsequently he was State senator for two years, serving his district with acceptance and ability. He was for several years president of the Bridgewater Savings-Bank, which office he held at the time of his death, in 1882, and also trustec and treasurer for a time of the Plymouth County Agricultural Society. For many years he was a leader in musical circles, possessing rare and discriminating taste for that de- lightful and elevating science. His death was deeply lamented by the wide circle of his acquaintance, and by Fellowship Lodge of F. and A. M., of which he was a Past Master. His age was sixty-six years.

Nathan E. Willis, son of Nathan and Rebecca

Dean Willis, was born in Bridgewater July 12, 1838; was educated at Bridgewater Academy, and at the State Normal School; graduated at Amherst College (1862), and was teacher of the high school at Wey- mouth, and subsequently of the high school at Jamaica Plain, and later was appointed sub-master of the English high school, Boston. In 1872, on account of his wife's health, he resigned the position in Bos- ton, and went South, where he was ordained as a minister of a colored church in Marion, Alabama. Here for two years he was engaged in teaching and in Christian work, with a devotion that reflected the spirit of the true missionary of the cross. Thus en- gaged, he was on his way to renew his labors among a benighted people, when, within a few hours' ride of his destination, he and his wife met with a tragic death by railroad accident. He died Sept. 21, 1874, and his wife survived but a few days. Mr. Willis' life was a remarkable example of devotion to duty, and his memory is cherished as a marked instance of self-sacrifice among the poor and lowly. Memorial services of the most deeply interesting character were held at the church in Bridgewater, in which the scholarly, Christian character of the devoted couple was most touchingly delineated by Rev. H. D. Walker and Rev. George W. Hosmer. Mr. Willis left one son, who escaped death in the accident that was fatal to his parents.

Lewis Holmes, son of Joseph Holmes, of Plymouth, was born Sept. 17, 1806; settled in Bridgewater in 1834, and for twenty-five years was in trade as a merchant in the village; was elected town clerk and treasurer in 1847 to 1850, and again town clerk from 1859 to 1873, and again treasurer from 1859 to 1867. He was appointed postmaster in 1862, and has held the office to the present time; was a member of the Legislature in 1873; justice of the peace from 1862 to the present time; and trial justice ten years. He was active in the early anti-slavery cause, and called the first meeting in the interest of that cause in 1839. His service as postmaster has been such as has won the popular favor of the citizens, and his kind and accommodating spirit is likely to direct that office until age and infirmity disqualifies him from its duties. Mr. Holmes has ever taken a lively interest in public affairs, and has been a pronounced Repub- lican in politics since the organization of that party. His health is still vigorous for one of his advanced age. Few men have so long been identified with the affairs of the town, and none could more faithfully fill the place which he has so long occupied as post- inaster.

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HISTORY OF BRIDGEWATER.

Berkley. Mass., was born in that town July 9, 1823. His education was received in the public and private schools of his native town, and at the age of sixteen years he was placed in the office of a commission merchant in New York City. In 1844 he became associated with his uncle, Morton Eddy, a merchant in Bridgewater, and continued in that relation for four years, wheu Mr. Eddy retired from the business. Since 1848, Mr. Crane bas carried on the store busi- ness alone. He was early active in politics, and cast his first vote in 1844 for the candidates of the Lib- erty party, having been present at the organization of that party in Boston. Mr. Crane was subsequently active in the local political organizations, and was a delegate to the Worcester Convention that organ- ized the Republican party, at which Judge Charles Allen presided. For about twenty years he was chairman of the Republican town committee, and for many years was a member of the State Repub- lican Committee. He was elected representative to the General Court in 1856, and was the candidate for re-election in 1857. In 1861, upon the breaking out of the Rebellion, when party lines were in a measure dissolved, he was chosen senator from the South Plymouth District, and was again elected by almost a unanimous vote the following year, the Democracy of the district making no nomination against him. He participated in two elections of Charles Sumner to the United States Senate by the Legislature, and served on tbe Committees on Claims and on Mercantile Affairs and Insurance. Mr. Crane served the town for ten years as town clerk and treas- urer, being first elected in 1855. For thirty years he has been connected with the Plymouth County Agricultural Society in various capacities, and was for a number of years treasurer and a member of the board of the trustees. He delivered the histor- ical address on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the society, Sept. 30, 1869. For the past twelve years he has been chairman of the board of trustees of the Bridgewater State Work-House, and for nearly twenty years has been a member of the board of trustees of the Bridgewater Academy, being active in the erection of the present school building. Mr. Crane has long been actively identified with the Central Square Church, and was chairman of the building committee when the present church edifice was erected, in 1861.

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History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 166

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