History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 170

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 170

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).

The lodge has occupied the hall in Wilber's brick building, and is in a prosperous condition.

Fire Department .- Bridgewater has an efficient fire department. Its organizatiou has existed about forty years. It has had two engines which were worked by hand,- the " Veto" and " Ousamequin." The last named has done good service for more than twenty-five years, while the little " Veto" was in use for about forty years, doing good service on many occasions. November, 1883, the department took a fresh start, and the purchase of a splendid steam fire- engine of the most approved style, viz., " Silsby, No. 6," marked a new era in fire-extinguishing apparatus in town. Sixteen hundred feet of new hose, with a quantity of old that is in good condition, enables this engine to throw a stream nearly a quarter of mile from the source of supply. The fire district has a good brick engine-house that accommodates two en- gines, and, with a convenient hall, is in most respects entirely satisfactory.

The following is the list of officers for 1884 : Da- rius C. Foard, chief engineer ; Henry Miller, James Hunter, John A. Winslow, assistant engineers ; Ed- ward Sawyer, foreman ; Van R. Swift, Jr., engineer ; Van R. Swift, treasurer; George M. Hooper, clerk. The original officers chosen Oct. 7, 1844, were Ar- temus Hale, chief engineer ; Artemus Hale, Jr., clerk ; Philip D. Kingman, Eli Waslıburn, Axel Dearborn, George W. Bates, assistant engineers.

The vote for Governors in different years has been as follows :

1822. John Brooks, 248; William Eustis, 80.

1823. Harrison G. Otis, 254; William Enstis, 161.

1824. Samuel Lathrop, 143; William Enstis, 118.

1825. Levi Lincoln, 174,

1826. Levi Lincoln, 166; Samuel IInbbard, 37.

1827. Levi Lincoln, 127; Samuol Hubbard, 9. 1828. Levi Linooln, 119.

1829. Lovi LinooIn, 180; Marens Morton, 6.

1830. Levi Lincoln, 220; Marous Morton, 11.

1831. Levi Lincoln, 219; Marous Morton, 15.

811

HISTORY OF BRIDGEWATER.

1832. Samuel Lathrop, 164; Levi Lincoln, 82; Marcus Mor- ton, 18.

1833. John Q. Adams. 175; John Davis, 64; Marcus Mor- ton. 42.

1$34. John Bailey, 153: John Davis, 74; Marcus Morton, 12.

1835. Edward Everett, 168 ; Marcus Morton, 69.

1836. Marcus Morton, 190; Edward Everett, 92.

1837. Marcus Morton, 152; Edward Everett, 183.

1838. Marens Morton. 156 ; Edward Everett, 166. 1839. Edward Everett, 207; Marcus Morton, 196.

1840. John Davis, 244; Marcus Morton, 219. 1841. John Davis, 214; Marcus Morton, 192.

1842. John Davis, 225; Marcus Morton, 225.

1843. George N. Briggs, 226; Marcus Morton, 200. 1844. George N. Briggs, 225 ; George Bancroft, 163.

1545. George N. Briggs, 193 ; Isaac Davis, 142.

1846. George N. Briggs, 200; Isaac Davis, 107.

1847. George N. Briggs, 181; Caleh Cnshing, 104.

1848. George N. Briggs, 215 ; Stephen C. Phillips, 152.

1549. George N. Briggs, 201 ; Stephen C. Phillips, 121.

1850. George N. Briggs. 212; Stephen C. Phillips, 116 ; George S. Bontwell, 90.

1851. Robert C. Winthrop, 266; George S. Boutwell, 125; John G. Palfrey, 114.

1852. John H. Clifford, 278 : Horace Mann, 120; Henry W. Bishop, 104.

1853. Emory Washhorn, 256; Henry Wilson, 110.

1854. Henry J. Gardner, 304; Emory Washburn, 99.

1855. Henry J. Gardner, 254; Samuel H. Walley, 87.

1856. Henry J. Gardner, 297 ; Erasmus D. Beach, 90 ; George W. Gordon, 37.

1957. Henry J. Gardner, 175 : Nathaniel P. Banks, 108.

1558. Nathaniel P. Banks, 130; Erasmus D. Beach, 76.

1859. Eliphalet Trask, 152; S. C. Bemis, 106.

1860. John A. Andrew, 264; Amos A. Lawrence, 208. 1:61. John A. Andrew, 149; Isaac Davis, 176.

1862. John A. Andrew, 235; Charles Derens, 215. 1863. John A. Andrew, 187 ; Henry W. Paine, 130.

1864. John A. Andrew, 311; Henry W. Paine, 181. 1865. Alexander H. Bullock, 151; Darius N. Couch, 137.

1866. Alexander H. Bullock, 197; Theodore H. Sweetser, 75. 1867. Alexander H. Bullock, 228 ; John Quincy Adams, 249. 1868. William Clafflin, 300; John Quincy Adams, 169. 1869. William Claflin, 206; John Q. Adams, 153. 1870. William Claflin, 170 ; John Q. Adams, 133.

1871. William B. Washburn, 156; John Q. Adams, 197. 1872. William B. Washburn, 264; Francis W. Bird, 126.

1873. William B. Washburn, 124; William Gaston, 108. 1874. Thomas Talbot, 221; William Gaston, 256.

1875. William Gaston, 216; Alexander HI. Rice, 175.

1876. Alexander H. Rice, 355 ; Charles Francis Adams, 288. 1877. Alexander H. Rice, 213; William Gaston, 204.

1878. Thomas Talbot, 358 ; Benjamin F. Butler, 150 ; Josiah G. Abbott, 93.

1879. John D. Long, 319; Benjamin F. Butler, 132; John Q. Adams, 116.

1880. John D. Long, 366; Charles P. Thompson, 280.

1881. John D. Long, 188; Charles P. Thompson, 118.

1882. Benjamin F. Butler, 287; Robert R. Bishop, 294.

1883. George D. Robinson, 354; Benjamin F. Butler, 283.

Politically the town for thirty years has generally been Republican, but it has, by disagreement on the part of the Republicans, frequently chosen Democratic representatives.

The first Republican representative chosen was Mr. Asahel Hathaway, who was elected in 1850, serving in the Legislature for 1851 ; casting his vote for Charles Sumner, who was elected by the Legislature by one majority for the first time as United States senator.

There have been some instances of majorities for the Democratic candidate for Governor. In 1875, William Gaston, Democrat, had 216 votes, and Alex- ander H. Rice, Republican, 175 ; and the following year Mr. Rice received, 355 ; and Charles F. Adams, 288.

In 1878, Thomas Talbot, Republican, received 358 votes, and Benjamin F. Butler, Democrat, 150 ; J. G. Abbott, Democrat, 93.

In 1879, John D. Long, Republican, received 319, and B. F. Butler, Democrat, 132; John Q. Adams, Democrat, 116.

In 1882, Robert R. Bishop led B. F. Butler seven votes only.

In 1883, George D. Robinson had 354 votes, and B. F. Butler 283.

TOWN CLERKS.

Col. Josiah Edson was clerk a few years previous to 1745, and was the only clerk of the original town who resided in the South Parish.

Artemas Hale, 1822, '23, '25, '26, '27, '28.

Nathaniel Washburn, 1824.

Holmes Sprague, 1829, '30, '31, '32, '33, '34.

Mitchell Keith, 1835, '36, '37, '38, '39, '40, '41, 42, '43, '44, '45, 46.

Lewis Holmes, 1847, '48, '49, '59, '60, '61, '62, '63, '64, '65, '66, '67, '68, '69, '70, '71, '72.

Calvin B. Pratt, 1850, '51, '52.

Daniel Mitchell, 1853, '54.

Joshua E. Crane, 1855, 56, '57, '58, '73, '74.

Henry T. Pratt,- 1875, '76, '77, 78.

Edward A. Hewett, 1879, '80, '81, '82, '83, '84.

REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT FROM 1632 TO 1822.

Residing in the South Parish.

Josiah Edson, 1692, '98, '99, 1714, '35, '36, '39, '43, 45, '46, '50, '51, '52, '53, '54, '66, '67, '68, '71, '73.

David Perkins, 1692, '94, '96, 1704, '05, '06.

Samuel Edson, 1697, 1713.

Edward Fobes, 1702, '03, '08, '09, '11, '12, '15, '22.

William Brett, 1707.

Richard Davenport, 1719, '20, '24.

Joseph Keith, 1726.

John Alden, 1729.

Nehemiah Washburn, 1730, '42.

Edward Mitchell, 1769, '70, '74, '75, '76, '77.

Eliphalet Carey, 1776.

Thomas Hooper, 1776.

Nathan Mitchell, 1778, '80, '81, '83, '84, '85.

Simeon Dunbar, 1791.

Beza Hayward, 1792, '95. ,

Daniel Mitchell, 1706, '07, '10, '11.

Daniel Crane, 1812, '13. Caleb Cary, 1812. .

812

HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Noah Fearing, 1816. Artemas Ilale, 1825, '27, '28, '37, '41. Avery Fobes, 1828. Nathan Lazell, Jr., 1829, '31. Solomon Alden, Jr., 1829. Holmes Sprague, 1831, '32, '33, '34. Samuel Leonard, Jr., 1832, '33, '34, '44.

Philo Leach, 1835, '36.

Dion Bryant, 1835, '36. Nahum Stetson, 1837, '38, '39. John A. Shaw, 1838, '39, '40, '51.

Ebenczer Gay, 1842. Stetson Raymond, 1843.

Samuel Leonard, 1844. Spencer Leonard, Jr., 1846. Thomas Cushman, 1848, '49. Asahel Hathaway, 1850. Van R. Swift, 1852, '77. Elbridge Keith, 1855, '57. Joshua E. Crane, 1856, Mitchell Hooper, 1860. Simeon Perkins, 1861, '67. Joseph E. Carver, 1862, '63.

Lucius W. Lovell, 1865.

Lloyd Parsons, 1869, '70.

Southworth Harlow, 1871.

Lewis Holmes, 1872.

Philo Keith, 1874.

Ambrose Keith, 1875. Lewis G. Lowe, 1876. George P. Harden, 1878. Arthur Hooper, 1880.

Charles M. Reed, 1882.

SELECTMEN FROM 1822 TO 1884.

Silvanus Pratt, 1822, '23, '24, '25. Alfred Whitman, 1822, '23.

Jonathan C. Keith, 1822, '23, '24, '25.

Caleb F. Leonard, 1824, '25, '26, '27, '28, '29.

Solomon Alden, Jr., 1826, '27, '28, '29, '30, '31.

Solomon Hayward, Jr., 1826, '27, '28, '29.

Spencer Leonard, 1830, '31, '32, '33, '34.

Abram Washburn, 1830. Isaac Fobes, 1831, '32, '33, '34. Seth Washburn, 1832.

Zephaniah Fobes, 1833, '34, '35, '36, '37, '38, '39, '40, '41, '42, '43, '44, '45, '46.

Philo Leach, 1835, '36, '37, '38, '39, '40, '41, '42, '43, '44, '45, 46, '47, '48, '49, '50, '51, '52.

Virgil Ames, 1835.

William Dunbar, 1836, '37, '38, '39, '40, '41, '42, '43, '44, '45, '46, '47, '48, '49, '50, '51, '52, '53.

Aretas Fobes, 1847, '48. Ebenezor Pratt, 1849, '50. Van R. Swift, 1851 to 1884 inclusive. Cyrus Benson, Jr., 1853, '54. Philander Leach, 1854. Spencer Leonard, Jr., 1855 to 1884 inclusive. Elbridge Koith, 1855 to 1865 inclusive.

Isaac S. Wilbar, 1866, '67, '68, '70, '71, '72, '73, '74, '75, '76, '77. Sumuner Keith (2d), 1869.

Avery F. Hoopor, 1878, '79, '80, '81. Robert C. Breck, 1882, '83, '84.

TOWN TREASURERS FROM 1822-84.

Artemus Halo, 1822, '23, '25, '26, '27, '28. Nathaniel Washburn, 1824.

Holmes Spraguo, 1829 to 1834 inclusive.

Mitchell Keith, 1835 to 1846 inclusive.

Lewis Holmes, 1847, '48, '49, '59, to '66 inclusive.

Calvin B. Pratt, 1850, '51, '52.

Daniel Mitchell, 1853, '54.

Joshua E. Crane, 1855, '56, '57, '58.

Van R. Swift, 1867 to 1880 inclusive. Edward A. Ilewett, 1881 to 1884 inclusive.

MODERATORS OF ANNUAL MARCH MEETING FROM 1822 TO 1884.

Nathan Mitchell, 1822.

Bartholomew Brown, 1823.

Seth Washburn, 1824, '31.

Daniel Crane, 1825.

Holmes Sprague, 1826.

Salmon Fobes, 1827.

Avery Fobes, 1828. Calvin Washburn, 1829.

John A. Shaw, 1830.

Nathan Lazell, Jr., 1832, '33.

Artomus Hale, 1834, '37, '42, '45, '46.

Philo Leach, 1835.

Isaac Fobes, 1836.

Dion Bryant, 1838, '39, '43, '52. Samuel Leonard, 1840, '44, '49.

Nahum Stetson, 1841.

Philip E. Hill, 1847. Calvin B. Pratt, 1848.

Spencer Leonard, Jr., 1850, '54, '55, '56, '57, '58, '61, '62, '63, '64, '65, '67, '68, '69, '71, '72, '73, '74, '79.

Baalis Sanford, 1851. Caleb S. Hunt, 1853. Van R. Swift, 1859, '66,' 70, '75, '76, '77, '78, '80, '81, '82, '83, '84.

Joshua E. Crane, 1860.

Public Library .- The citizens of the town take much interest in the Public Library, which has been collected and installed in a convenient structure by their own efforts, instead of, as is generally the case, by bequests or large donations. A meeting was held May 31, 1878, in answer to a call of the Decoration-Day Committee, which stated that it was proposed to see what could be done " to express with reverence our gratitude that we are still a nation ; to declare our conviction that the names of those whose lives were sacrificed should be held in respect forever ; to teach coming generations that patriotism is honored in America." This meeting adopted a resolution in favor of the erection of a memorial building, and for more than a year plans for enlisting the earnest co-opcra- tion of the citizens were maturing. Meanwhile some public-spirited persons were busily engaged in estab- lishing a library, by raising a popular subscription, securing the volumes held by several organizations, and obtaining the adoption by the town of by-laws governing the creation and operations of a board of trustees. The library, consisting of less than three thousand volumes, was opened in hired quarters in July, 1879, and was moved into the Memorial Build-

813

HISTORY OF BRIDGEWATER.

ing on its completion, in 1882. It now has five thou- sand two hundred volumes. This building, erected according to plans made by Messrs. Rotch & Tilden, architects. Boston, was begun in June, 1881, and was

BRIDGEWATER LIBRARY.

dedicated May 30, 1883. It is a substantial brick structure of one high story, with freestone trimmings, having a central entrance, with open vestibule, in the walls of which are placed tablets of Tennessee marble, bearing the names of thirty-six deceased soldiers. The interior contains three spacious rooms, of which the largest is the book-room. The two rooms in front are on either side of the entrance, are used as a reading- room and museum respectively ; the latter room con- taining many objects of great historic value. The total cost of building and land was $14,481.19, of which the town appropriated $9057.15, and the re- mainder was obtained from private donations, fairs, and other sources.

The board of trustees are Rev. Theodore F. Wright, president ; Edwin H. Keith, vice-president; Miss Car- oline Sampson, secretary ; Avery F. Hooper, treas- urer ; and George M. Hooper, George H. Martin, Gustavas Pratt, Van R. Swift, and Mary H. Keith. Librarian, Lucia L. Christian, who is assisted by Charles H. Sampson.

The town is under special obligations to Rev. T. F. Wright for services rendered in behalf of the library, which is so much valued by the intelligent citizens.

Schools and School Teachers .- Mr. Nathaniel Willis, brother of Deacon John Willis, was, with his brother, an original proprietor of Bridgewater, and with the title of Mr. on the record must have been a distinguished citizen. He is said to have been the first schoolmaster in town. His estate was settled in 1686.

1663. "The colony courts proposed to the several townships in its jurisdiction, as a thing that ought to

be taken into serious consideration, that some course be taken in every town that there be a schoolmaster set up to train children in reading and writing."

1670. A law was enacted " freely granting all such profits as may or shall accrue annually to the colony from fishing from nets or seines at Cape Cod, for mackerel, bass, or herring, to be improved for and towards a free school in some town in this jurisdic- tion, for the training of youth in literature, for the good and benefit of posterity." The school was established at Plymouth, and was supported by the Cape Cod fisheries for six years.

1694. Nathaniel Brett was chosen schoolmaster.

1696. The town gave liberty for the school to be kept in the meeting-house, provided that if any damage comes to the meeting-house by any of the scholars, the parents or the masters of said scholars are to make it good.

1698. The town agreed upon providing four school-dames for the several quarters of the town, to instruct small children in reading.

1700. Thomas Martin, schoolmaster, " came out of England," introduced by Goodman Snell.

Joseph Snell, schoolmaster, 1735, graduated at Harvard ; a lifelong teacher.

1717. " The town passed a clear vote to raise forty pounds the ensuing year, upon the whole town, for a schoolmaster's salary, and, what is required more, to procure a preaching schoolmaster."

1721, March 1. The selectmen agreed with Mr .. Nicholas Henabry, to be the town schoolmaster, for twenty pounds a year and his board.

1746. "Chose a committee, of which Capt. Josiah Edson was one, to consult what method may be most beneficial to the town in improving of the school for the future."

March 28, 1744. It was voted to advise the select- men to sell the land that Josiah Edson gave to the town, for the use of the grammar school.

1756. Dr. Abiel Howard was chosen grammar schoolmaster, to teach all grammar scholars at the expense of the town that shall be sent to him. Ap- propriated £66 13s. 4d. for schools.

1775. Wages of grammar schoolmasters, according to custom, twenty-four pounds.

John Porter (3d) was a graduate of Yale (1770), son of Rev. John Porter, of North Precinct ; was a schoolmaster and a major in Revolutionary war ; died in West Indies.

Sarah Brett, a school-dame, 1753.

Beza Hayward, preacher, teacher, representative, senator, register of probate, graduated at Harvard, 1772.

814

HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

1772. Joseph Snell was a schoolmaster of the grammar school ten weeks, boarding himself; was paid £7 5s. 7d. He graduated at Harvard, 1735; died 1791, aged eighty-seven years; engaged in no other profession ; lived in the North Parish.

1773. William Snell, grammar school master thir- teen weeks in the South Parish, was paid £6 7s. 8d. 1773. William Snell was schoolmaster in East Parish twelve weeks, and was paid £5 15s. 4d.

1771. Dr. Jonathan Cranc, a graduate of Harvard College, was schoolmaster, and also during several succeeding years kept school in the South and West Parishes. His large farm was what now comprises the estate of the late Seth Washburn and Virgil Co- nant.

" To the Selectmen :

" Att Bridgewater, ye 15th day of November, 1763, the sub- seribers pray that you order that Mr. Joseph Snell may be im- proved as a Grammar School master for the North Precinct, their part of said school this year."

Signed by John Porter, the minister, and twenty others.

1767. Benjamin Edson and twelve others pray the selectmen that William Snell and Jedediah South- worth, who were nominated to do the service of schoolmaster, neither of whom are likely to be satis- factory to them, be dropped, and that Joseph Snell be allowed to keep the grammar school.

George Chipman was an old teacher for a genera- tion, and was the author of a school-book, and con- tinued in service until about 1840.

Capt. Benjamin Snell was a schoolmaster for many years, and was noted for his corporeal powers, which gave him a prestige where military discipline was re- quired.

Thomas Cushman, who was a soldier of 1814, was a school-teacher for a quarter of a century. Hc still lives to note the changes in all the methods of educa- tion now in vogue, and is still much interested in his- tory and antiquarian researches.

Leander A. Darling has been a teacher for twenty- eight years. He is a graduate of the normal school, and has been a successful teacher, having spent sev- eral years in the South, and is now a teaclicr in Bridgewater.

Philander D. Leonard, an carly graduate of the normal school, has been a teacher for thirty years, and for many years a member of the school com- mittec.

The present board of school committec consists of Dr. Samuel H. Worcester, Philander D. Leonard, Rev. Charles W. Wood.

Educational .- Of the villages of New England

which are renowned for their sylvan charms, Bridge- water may well be regarded as one of the most at- tractive. The majestic clm, the graceful maple, and all the variety of trces that adorn the public square and the various streets, are ereditable to the taste and foresight of the past generation, which for this bless- ing conferred should be held in grateful memory. The town early displayed a commendable public spirit in beautifying the village, and Maj. Isaac Lazell and his heirs gave the land, not only for the public square, but for the site of the academy so long as it is occu- pied by that institution. In educational enterprises the town took a prominent place, and secured by its liberal gifts the establishment of the County Academy in its centre, in 1799. This high estimate of the importance of intellectual culture was largely attribu- table to the influence of the early ministry of the town, and, prior to 1800 the South Parish had fur- nished twenty-three graduates for Harvard College. The original academy was located upon the present site of the hotel, and was burnt in 1821, rebuilt near the present site the following year. It continued to hold an important place under the preceptorship of Mr. John A. Shaw and others, and sent out its quota to the several colleges during the succeeding genera- tion. In 1868 the academy was rebuilt at a cost of twelve thousand four hundred and fifteen dollars by private subscription, five of the leading citizens sub- scribing one thousand dollars each, and twenty others gave from one hundred to five hundred dollars for this purpose. Notwithstanding this manifestation of interest in the time-honored institution, the town in its municipal capacity declined any aid or encourage- ment. The trustees of the academy, in view of the law compelling towns of this size to maintain a high school, procured an act of the Legislature relieving it from such obligation on account of facilities afforded by the academy. A plan was submitted to the town by which the scholars of proper advancement could be instructed in a high school course under the direc- tion of the school committee, at a saving of at least one thousand dollars per annum to the town, while the scholars would have had not only an ordinary high school course, but would have been fitted for college if they desired. This proposition was favored by many leading citizens, but the proffered privilege was declined. Had the proposition been accepted it would have been not only a saving of a large sum of money to the town, but would have enabled us to look with pride upon an act to foster an institution that had conferred such lasting benefits, and whose name was historic. The town established a high school in ae- cordance with the statute, and that course so affected

815

HISTORY OF BRIDGEWATER.

Close of Office.

1800. Rev. Zedekiah Sanger, Harvard. 1802

1802. Zechariah Eddy, Brown 1803

1803. John Reed 1804

1804. William Simmons 1805

1805. Richard Sanger 1810

1810. David Reed, 1812

1812. Zedekiah Sanger

1815

1815. Levi Leonard

1817

1817. Edward A. Lummus 1818

1818. Jonathan W. Waldo 1819

1819. William Farmer.

1820

1820. Samuel Barrett, Harvard.

1821

1821. Benjamin F. Farnsworth.

1823. John A. Shaw, Harvard

1824

1824. Wendell B. Davis.

1825

1825. John A. Shaw

1831

1831. Lewis Washburn

1832

1832. John A. Shaw.

1841

1841. John A. Shaw

1842

Josiah Edson1 1730

John A. Shaw1 1811

Benjamin Willis1 1,40

Seth Alden?, 1814

Sylvanus Conant1. 1740

Leri W. Leonard1 1815

Timothy Alden1 .. 1762

Zebulon L. Shawl 1815

Perez Fohes, LL. D.1

1762

Theodore Edson1 1822

John Shawl

1772

Zephaniah A. Bates1 1824

Beza Harward1

1772

Benjamin Willis2

1825

Jonas Whitman$ 1772

Horatio Alger1 1825

Martin Kinsley!

1778

Daniel Leach2 1830

1855. Frederick Crafts, Brown

1861

Zephaniah Willis1

1778

Nenemiah Lovell2 1833

1861. Edward H. Cutler, Brown 1864

1864. Horace M. Willard, Brown 1870

1870. Charles C. Woodman, Dartmouth 1872

1872. Cyrus Jordan .. 1873

1873. Joshua C. Crane, Jr., Brown 1875

The annual money appropriations for schools have been as follows :

Year.

Amount.

Year.

Amount.

1822

$1350

1857 to 1862

$3000

1823

750

1863

2500

1824

750

1864

3500

Ephraim Keith1 1762

Edward E. Hobart 1 1875

750

1865

3500

1826 ..

750

1866

4200

1827 ..

1000

1867

6500

1828 to 1839

1000

1868.

7000

1840

1132

1869.

8100

1841

1132

1870.

8400

1842

1400

1871,

8600

1843

1600

1872.

8400

1844

1600

1873.

S800

1845.

1600

1874.

9000

1847.

1600

1876 ..

9300

1848.

2000

1877.

9100

1849

2000

1878.

9100

1850.

2000

1879.

7800

1851

2000

1880.

8600

1852

2000

1881

8750

1853

2000

1882

8950

1854

2500

1883.

9150

1855.

2500

1884.

9150

1856 ..

3000

The State Normal School .- The State Normal School, which is widely known as an institution for the training and preparation of teachers, was estab- lished in Bridgewater, Sept. 9, 1840. The town was liberal in its aid of the enterprise, and granted the use of the town house for six years, and also granted further aid for a library and apparatus, while the lead- ing citizens, appreciating the value of such an institu- tion, contributed individually in its behalf. The school opened with twenty-eight pupils, twenty-one of whom were ladies. The first principal was Nicholas Tillinghast, a graduate of West Point Military Acad-

! Harvard University.

? Amherst College.

5 Columbia College.

" Massachusetts Agricultural College.

7 Norwich University.

2 Brown University.

4 Dartmouth.

8 Yale.

Date of Appointment.

the patronage of the academy that the trustees deemed it prudent to suspend that school. The academy building has for the past seven years been rented to the town for the high school, which has been well sustained. The fund of the academy is small, amount- ing to but five or six thousand dollars, but ultimately it is hoped will become sufficient to enable the school to resume its place among the classical institutions of the commonwealth.

College Graduates .- The following are the names of those who have had a collegiate education in the South Parish, or what is now Bridgewater :

Graduated.

1841. Rev. E. Gay and F. G. Pratt

1842. Francis G. Pratt 1843

1843. F. G. Pratt and Eben, Kimball 1844

1844. Rev. Theophilus P. Doggett 1846

1846. Baalis Sanford, Brown 1850

1851. Ephraim M. Ball 1851

1851. Matthew W. Spear. 1852

1852. Nathaniel W. Metcalf

1854

1854. Willard Merrill and Mr. Small

1855

Thomas Perkins1

1779

Lorenzo O. Lovell2 1833

James Allen1

1785

David Perkins2

1834

Seth Pratt1.

1785

Giles Leach3

1822

Nathan Hayward1 1785

Ephraim Fohes3

1830

Kilborn Whitman1

1785

Daniel Crane2 1796

Jonathan Leonard1. 1786

Oliver Hayward1 1804

Benjamin Whitman2 178S

1789

Calvin B. Pratt2.

1832

David Leonard -.

1792

James E. Leach?

1848

Zenas L. Leonard2 1794

1800

Andrew Bates 1

Gaius Conant2.

1800

1862

Nathan Fohes2

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History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 170

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