USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 171
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1803
Hosea Kingman 4
1866
Adam Edson8
1775
Edward W. Hopkins 5 1879
Jael Edson8
1784
Oakes Shawl
1758
Joshua E. Crane, Jr.2.
1872
Bezaliel Shawl
1762
George Washburn 2. 1872
William Shawl 1762
John H. Washburn 6 1880
Seth Fobes? 1804
Noah Whitman?
1806
William H. Conant 1 1879
Cyrus Alden2
1807
Arthur C. Boyden 3 1876
Zedekiab Sanger1 1807
Wallace C. Boyden 3 1883
Ralph Sanger1 1807
Charles H. Reed 7 1868 1846.
1600
1875
9300
Jonathan Keith2. 1805
Hezekiah Hooper1
James Edward Leach? 1874
Richard Sanger1
1862 Nathan E. Willis 3
1825 ..
Lewis Roger Wentworth4 1882
David Benson 6 1875
Samuel Breck, Esq., a native of Boston, was edu- cated and fitted for college at the Bridgewater Acad- emy, graduated at Harvard College, and studied law with Zechariah Eddy. of Middleboro'. He practiced law at Braintree and at Taunton, and settled in Bridgewater in 1850, when he retired from the pro- fession. He was a man of superior intellectual powers, and an able writer and speaker. He was among the early pioneers in the organization of the Liberty party, and was active in the Republican party for a genera- tion. He declined political office. He died Sep- tember, 1876, aged sixty-nine years.
Following are given the names of the preceptors of Bridgewater Academy, founded 1799:
1823
816
HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.
emy, a gentleman of remarkable ability for the special work in which he engaged. In six years the school outgrew its circumscribed and inconvenient quarters, demonstrating the wisdom of its founders. In 1846 the State provided a new and commodious building of two stories, sixty-four feet by forty-two. The new building was dedicated with appropriate exercises Aug. 19, 1846 ; Hon. William G. Bates, of Westfield, and his Excellency, Governor George N. Briggs, de- livered addresses. Hon. Horace Mann, secretary of the Board of Education, was present on the occasion, and on the same day gave an address before the Normal Association at their convention at the town hall. The new building proved none too large, as the following term it was filled to overflowing.
The school continued under Mr. Tillinghast with success for thirteen years, when ill health compelled his resignation. His connection with the school was marked with self-forgetful devotion to the work, and his death, which occurred April 10, 1856, was deeply lamented by the wide circle of former pupils and by the citizens of the town, who ever have held him in grateful memory. He was born in Taunton, Mass., Sept. 22, 1804, and was the son of Nicholas Tilling- hast, Esq., a distinguished member of the Bristol bar.
The second principal of the school was Marshall Conant, who commenced his duties August, 1853, continuing his service seven years, until July, 1860, when his declining health compelled his resignation. His connection with the school was such as won the love and respect of his pupils, and drew from the board of visitors, in their report, the special acknowledg- ment of his skill as an instructor, his industry and fidelity, that secured and maintained the high regard of his pupils, as well as the entire satisfaction of the Board of Education. Mr. Conant was the courteous gentleman, the steadfast friend, the generous-hearted citizen, whose very presence was a perpetual benedic- tion. His death called forth most tender and appro- priate expressions of sorrow from the association of the school, as well as from the citizens of the town, where he was so much loved and respected.
Mr. George H. Martin, who for many years has been first assistant teacher of the Normal School and a resident of the town, is an agent of the Board of Education. He has a high standing as a teacher, and prominence as a citizen.
The third principal of the school is Albert G. Boyden, A.M., who was appointed August, 1860. The number in attendance in the fall of that year was sixty-seven. The following year the school building was enlarged by the addition of two wings, at a cost
of four thousand five hundred dollars. Under Mr. Boyden's charge the institution steadily grew in favor with the community, and the number of pupils so increased that at the end of ten years the Board of Education deemed it advisable to add a third story, at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars. The boarding-hall was erected in 1869, of size to accommodate fifty-two students, and was enlarged in 1873 to accommodate one hundred and forty students. The school building was again enlarged, in 1881, by adding a new chemical and physical laboratory, at a cost of eight thousand dollars, and in the fall of 1883 the students numbercd one hundred and eighty. Thus it will be noticed that the school grew and enlarged not only in numbers, but enlarged its course of study. Originally the course was but one year, and then increased to two years, and several years since an advanced course of four years was established for such as desired it. The number of pupils that have graduated since the school was established is 1793,-gentlemen, 604; ladies, 1189. The number of graduates from the four years' course is 62,-gentlemen, 41 ; ladies, 21.
The boarding-hall is under the charge of the prin- cipal, who resides in the house and boards with the students.
Albert G. Boyden, the present principal of the State Normal School, Bridgewater, was born at South Wal- pole on the 5th of February, 1827, and is the oldest of a family of three sons and three daughters. His father was Phineas Boyden, the youngest of the seven children of Phineas and Lydia Boyden, and was by trade a blacksmith. His mother was the second of the eleven children of Joseph and Asenath Carroll. Both families were reared in South Walpole. Both grandfathers were farmers, and long-lived, vigorous men. South Walpole was a thriving village near the head-waters of the Neponset River, on the turnpike from Boston to Providence, and midway between these two cities. The hotels upon the green and the three factories on the river made good business for the vil- lagers, and a good market for the neighboring farmers. Mr. Boyden spent most of his minority in his native village. From his early boyhood he was required to rise early and to be actively employed till bedtime. He was a leader in the sports of his fellows, and knew the products of all the fields, woods, and streams in the neighborhood of the village. He was trained to work upon the farm and shop, learning the trade of his father. He attended the district school summer and winter until ten years of age, and in winter till eighteen, and when nineteen attended the Adelphian Academy at North Bridgewater one term.
Hc became connected with the church in his native
B
I B
8
HISTORY OF BRIDGEWATER.
village at the age of thirteen, and at the age of four- teen he decided to be a teacher, and spent his even- ings in study. He taught district schools in the town of Foxborough the three winters before he was twenty- one, receiving wages sufficient to hire a man to take his place in the shop. On reaching his majority he had for his capital good health, the good habits which the excellent training of Christian parents had formed in him, the education of the district school, and his trade. After earning a part of the requisite funds, he entered the Normal School at Bridgewater, in Au- gust, 1848, paying the remainder of his expenses in taking care of the school-house and fires. Gradu- ating from the school July 3, 1849, he spent the next term in the school upon advanced studies. Taught school in Hingham six months, and was then assist- ant teacher in the Normal School with Mr. Tillinghast from August, 1850, to July, 1853, and with Mr. Co- nant the following term ; principal of the Bowditch English High School for Boys in Salem from Novem- ber, 1853, to March, 1856; associate principal in the Classical and English High School, Salem, from March to September, 1856; sub-master in the Chapman Grammar School, Boston, from September, 1856, to September, 1857; first assistant in the Bridgewater State Normal School, from September, 1857, to Au- gust, 1860, when he was appointed principal of the school, and received the honorary degree of A.M. from Amherst College.
The prosperity of the Normal School under Mr. Boyden's administration has been most flattering, and his long term of continuous service is emphatic testi- mony to his marked qualifications for the difficult and responsible duties. He still is blessed with the same vigor that he possessed twenty years ago, and as teacher, and as the prominent and much valued citi- zen, is held in the highest esteem. From the small institution, that was deemed by some a questionable experiment, Mr. Boyden has seen this school take rank among the first in this State for the special training of teachers.
Instructors .- Albert G. Boyden, A.M., principal ; Franz H. Kirmayer, Latin and French; Arthur C. Boyden, A.M., mathematics, chemistry, etc .; Frank E. Murdock, physics and natural sciences ; William D. Jackson, mathematics and English literature; Eliza B. Woodward, drawing; Mary H. Leonard, language, geography, and astronomy; Isabella S. Horne, vocal culture; Clara C. Prince, music; Clara T. Wing, school of observation.
The following is a list of those connected with the Bridgewater State Normal School who served in the war of the Rebellion :
Officers.
Rev. James H. Schneider, teacher.
Samuel W. Clapp.
William H. Ward.
Jonathan Cass, M.D.
William A. Webster, M.D.
Nahumu Leonard.
Walter Gale.
George D. Williams.
Jairus Lineoln, Jr.
Hiram A. Oakman.
Leander Waterman.
Lewis G. Lowe.
J. F. Tourtelotte, M.D.
Johu W. Atwood.
G. Melville Smith.
Albert J. Manchester.
E. F. Spaulding, M.D.
William J. Potter.
Henry R. Lyle.
Joseph B. Read.
Wallace A. Putnam.
Lewis Whiting, M.D ..
Frederic C. Smith.
Edwin May, M.D.
Edmund Cottle.
Jabez M. Lyle.
Thomas Gurney.
Franklin Jacobs.
Isaac F. Kingsbury.
Albert Wood, M.D.
George L. Smalley, M.D.
Elbridge P. Boyden.
Edmund W. Nutter.
0. Balfour Darling.
William R. Crosby.
Benj. T. Crooker, M.D.
Benjamin W. Parsons.
Samuel P. Gates.
Albert E. Smith.
Howard Morton.
Wilmon W. Blackiner.
Nathaniel B. Hodsdon.
Thomas Conant, Jr.
Silas N. Grosvenor.
A. Judson Gray, M.D.
Warren T. Hillman.
A. Sumner Dean, M.D.
Joseph L. Loeke.
Virgil D. Stockbridge.
Brainard P. Trask.
William B. Grover.
Joseph W. Haywood, M.D.
Joseph Underwood, M.D.
Henry Manley.
Benjamin F. Sturbridge.
Elisha M. White, M.D.
George L. Andrews.
Peter C. Sears.
Sidney C. Bancroft.
Edward Southworth.
Carlton A. Staples.
Jacob P. Almy.
Edwin H. Keith.
Thomas S. Howland.
Ilenry Mitchell.
Beriah T. Hillman.
Ira Moore.
Samuel J. Bullock.
Privates.
Gustavus D. Bates.
George A. Wheeler.
George W. Dean.
Willard E. Clark.
H. Carlton Cbeever.
George T. Keith.
J. S. P. Wheeler.
Samuel P. Allen.
Edwin L. Hill.
Noahdiah P. Johnson.
Bernard Paine.
Oliver Howard.
Josiah R. Fletcher.
D. Swanson Lewis.
John Humphrey.
William A. Marshall.
Luther Rugg.
Lunas A. Mendell.
Simson S. Sanborn.
Webster H. Pieree.
Augustus Remick.
Henry L. Reed.
Fred. O. Ellis.
Hiram N. Walker.
George B. Hanna.
Charles H. W. Gould.
Elias V. Lyon.
Charles Record.
Franeis T. Crafts.
Charles F. Stuart.
John E. Bryant. Eben W. Fuller.
Abraham G. R. Hale. Mareellus G. Howard.
Henry C. Houghton. Albert E. Winship.
Charles W. McMahon. Emory G. Wetherbeee.
William R. Osbornc.
John D. Billings.
John W. Prentiss.
Darius Hadley.
Theodore Rodman.
Albert F. Ring.
Calvin Pratt.
The large number of pupils of this school that re- sponded to the call of their country in the war of the Rebellion reflects honor upon the institution. The love of country has ever had a prominent place upon its banncr.
52
817
Lewis H. Sweet.
818
HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.
Old Landmarks .- The ancient house that fronts on Central Square, opposite the town hall, and now known as the Dr. Washburn house, has an interest- ing history. It was built by Rev. Benjamin Allen, the first minister of the parish (in 1717), and was occupied by him as the parsonage for several years. Subsequently it was purchased by Col. Josiah Edson, the Tory, who kept it as an inn. It was from this house that Col. Edson started upon a Sunday morn- ing, on horseback, to join the British never to re- turn. Subsequently the place was owned by Maj. Isaac Lazell and was kept as a tavern, and it was thus occupied from the days of the Revolution until 1825. The garden connected with the house ex- tended with offsets to the old store now occupied by Hooper & Clark. This house was headquarters on public oceasions, and had a traditional popularity for good dinners, that are still remembered by a few of our oldest citizens.
Maj. Lazell died in 1810, but his widow continued to occupy it until about 1833, when Capt. Abram Washburn purchased it. Dr. Nahum Washburn purchased it in 1840 and occupied it until his death, and it is still owned by his widow.
The old store of the Bridgewater Iron Company stands upon the site of the first store that we have any knowledge of in town. Col. Edson kept a store in a small building upon this site, and about the close of the Revolution Isaac and Nathan Lazell carried on business here, and in connection with the iron- works had a lively trade in old Jamaica and New England rum. The first store was moved to the old Shaw place, where it still is connected with that house. The present store was built in 1798, but has been several times enlarged.
Formerly the most antiquated and remarkable dwelling in the town was the Sloan house, originally built by Benjamin Hayward before 1700 and occu- pied by his son, Hezekiah, and by his son, Hezekiah, Jr., and Calvin Hayward, the father of Mrs. Sloan. The house was framed from the primeval oak, of a size that is usually used for ship timber. It was two stories front, and the floor dropped one step below the level of the ground. The large front rooms were for many years a museum of curious paintings that were made by Samuel Sloan. These rooms were filled with pictures, many of them por- traits of distinguished characters, most of them were painted from imagination. The landscape scenes with cattle, a death-bed scenc, and a view of winged spirits soaring heavenward were among the most remarkable. Mr. Sloan died some years before his wife, and the widow exhibited the paintings to erowds
of visitors for a fce during the last years of her life. Upon the death of Mrs. Sloan the paintings were sent to Ohio, where some relatives resided. The ancient house was demolished several years sinee, and nothing now remains but the ecllar to mark what was once one of the prominent and notable dwellings of the ancient town.
The store on the corner of Central Square and Broad Street, owned by J. E. Crane, was built by Edward Mitchell (who owned the adjoining Hale es- tate) in 1804. He sold out to James Allen and Mitchell Keith in 1814. Morton Eddy was the pro- prietor in 1821, and was connected with the store with but little interruption until 1845, since which time it has been occupied by J. E. Crane. The see- ond story was added in 1825. Seth Conant was the builder. It was moved back six feet in 1858, which much improved the narrow passage of the street at this corner.
The hotel on Central Square, kept by L. D. Mon- roe, was built by Maj. Johnson, of East Bridgewater, and was moved by Capt. Abram Washburn to the present site in 1827. Capt. Asa Pratt was the first landlord, and after a few years retired to the old Pratt Tavern, where he resided until his death. Uriah Sampson was for a number of years the popular land- lord. The stage lines that eentred here brought a goodly number of passengers, and the house had a lively business. Holmes & Eaton were the successors of Mr. Sampson for a few years, and Edward Mitchell was then at the head of the house for nearly fifteen years, adding a third story to it in 1846. Mr. Mitchell retired from the business in 1858.
The successor of Mr. Mitchell was Mr. Prouty. Theodore 'Gould followed Mr. Prouty and made some improvements, adding the piazza and veranda to the front. Josiah L. Bassett kept the house two years, and was succceded by N. H. Dunphe about 1866, who soon sold the house to Mrs. Hull, who kept it for six years, when Simeon Mitchell, the present owner, became the purchaser. Sinee that time Mr. Monroe has had charge of the house and has proved a very popular landlord. Since this house was ereeted every tree in sight of it upon the green has been planted, and the village has grown from a cluster of little more than a dozen houses to its present proportions.
Town Hall .- The first town hall stood on the site of the New Jerusalem Church, and after being oecu- pied for a few years was sold, and the present town hall was built in 1843. David Bartlett was the builder. A portion of the roofing timbers fell when it was being raised, and several workmen had narrow escape from serious injury.
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819
HISTORY OF BRIDGEWATER.
The Beza Hayward house was built by the father of Beza Hayward, Nathan Hayward, 1715, and was occupied by Hon. Beza Hayward, a distinguished citizen, who was teacher, preacher, representative, senator, councilor, and register of probate. Judge Mitchell, the historian, was fitted for college in this house. It is situated in the northeast part of the town, and now owned by Sarah Turner.
The Shaw house, built by Rev. John Shaw in 1740, has been the home of five generations, and is still in good repair. It should be preserved as a memorial of its honored builder.
The Capt. Abram Washburn house, which was built in 1770, by Capt. Washburn, of Revolutionary fame, and was the home of his son, Capt. Abram Washburn, is situated on Central Square, and is now owned by Mr. O. B. Cole, the druggist.
The Withington house was built by Col. Josiah Edson, the Tory, for his son, Josiah Edson, Jr., about 1765 ; now occupied by A. F. Hooper.
There are fifty houses now standing in town that have been built one hundred years, each of which would furnish material for an interesting sketch, did space permit.
Journalism .- The first newspaper published in Bridgewater was issued from a building standing on the site now occupied by J. B. Rogers as a hardware- store, by Christopher A. Hack, and entitled We, the People. Its publication was commenced about the year 1835, and continued here about two years. No other enterprise in this line was projected until March 11, 1876, when Mr. Henry T. Pratt commenced the publication (in connection with a job-printing office established about that time) of a twelve-column weekly, called The Every Saturday. This enter- prise was received so favorably by the citizens that in December of the same year an enlargement was made, and the name changed to The Bridgewater Independ- ent. Under this head it was continued until June 3. 1880, when Mr. Pratt retired from the field, de- voting his attention to the job department. After a short delay it again became a candidate for public patronage, under the editorship of Mr. Joseph Tooker, who enlarged it to thirty-two columns, and continued its publication until Dec. 1, 1883, when Mr. James M. Coombs, of Middleboro', became its proprietor by purchase. A few months later a transfer was made to Mr. C. E. Linfield, who at present is conducting its publication.
In 1882, by an act of the Legislature, the Superior Court was permitted to hold one or more terms by adjournment annually in Bridgewater. The town made such preparation as was necessary for the ac-
commodation of the court at the town hall, which gave special satisfaction. Several sessions liave been held herc, and in case a half shire-town should be deemed advisable, the central situation of Bridge- water renders it probable that it may become ulti- mately the half shire of the county. The past few years have made many changes, and a large number of men of prominence have been removed by death. While we note these inevitable marks of time, it is pleasant to record the virtues of some who have left their impress as worthy of a place in the annals of the town. The town has never made that rapid growth that has distinguished the " North Parish" (now Brockton), but what the old town lacks in en- terprise and push is made up in the character and stability of its people. There has been much of im- provement to note within the memory of the middle- aged, and we predict for_the old town a steady onward progress in those qualities of loyal and patriotic citi- zenship that have distinguished her career during the past two hundred years.
Bridgewater has a traditional reputation for a love of music, and for many years sustained an organiza- tion which was highly creditable to the taste and skill of those connected with it. The " Bridgewater Sing- ing Society" was organized about 1830, and held regular meetings for many years. It was led for many years by Mr. Martin Shaw, and among those active in its history were Capt. Edwin Keith, Caleb Christian, Philo Keith, Asa P. Keith, Seth Pratt, Jr., Lloyd Parsons, Solomon Keith, E. H. Keith, Fred. Crane, Soranus and Lewis Wentworth, Simeon D. Wood, Calvin B. Pratt, Dr. Samuel Alden, Morton Eddy, Williams Latham. The Boston Academy's Collection of Choruses, and like compositions, were sung with a spirit and power now quite unknown in this vicinity, sustained by a full orchestra of stringcd and reed instruments. The science of music was en- couraged in quite early times by some of the citizens, and in the latter part of the last century Lewis Edson, born in this town (1748), was the author of the tunes " Bridgewater" and "Lenox," that have been long admired by lovers of sacred psalmody. Mr. Edson removed to New York State, where he died in 1825.
Maximilian Hall was a teacher of music and an organist for forty years in town. He was a bachelor, a native of Raynham, and died Nov. 1, 1867, aged seventy-seven years.
Bridgewater has for nearly three generations been distinguished as an educational centre, and is sur- passed by few towns in the commonwealth in its nat- ural attractions. For many years there has been special care bestowed in adorning the strects with
820
HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.
shade-trees. The square in the centre is handsomely inclosed with a stone and iron fence, and the cxuber- ant foliage that graces its walks adds a charm to the neighborhood. The public buildings and private residences, though modest and unpretending, have an air of neatness and good taste. The hotel fronting upon the green is pleasantly situated, affording a comfortable home for transient visitors. The public library, town hall, academy, normal school, and five churches in the central village are the chief public buildings. In its early settlement it had an estab- lished character for the promotion of religion and sound learning. Good order and sobriety have ever prevailed, and the Pilgrim name has been held with reverence and veneration. The cherished institutions planted by the fathers have been sustained and per- petuated by their posterity, and their influence is re- flected in the character and intelligence of the people. Possessed of such an inheritance, may no cloud ob- scure the bright future, and may the kind Providence that was so the guide of our fathers preserve and transmit still richer legacies to our children's children.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
NAHUM STETSON.
Nahum Stetson is a descendant in the seventh generation from Cornet Robert Stetson, of Scituate (1634), one of the most noted and valuable men in Plymouth Colony, and who held many offices of re- sponsibility and trust. The line is Cornet Robert 1, Robert 2, Isaac 3, John 4, Abisha5, Abisha6, Nahum 7.
" The Stetson name stands deservedly high in the esteem of the public, and it is believed none, with the same advantages, can present a greater array of men of worth and influence. The family has been a noted one from the fact that its members have been very extensively engaged in the iron business ('1720. The town of Scituate granted two acres of land on Indian Head River to Joseph Barstow and Benjamin Stet- son for accommodation of a forge and finery.'-Ex- tract from Records), and yet rank among the fore- most of those in this business in Plymouth County, or even in Massachusetts. Few families, probably, have been more noted for mechanical ingenuity, and some of its prominent members hold important posi- tions as superintendents of forges and rolling-mills. Mr. Abisha Stetson (who died in East Bridgewater), his son, Nahum Stetson, the family of Mr. Dyer Robinson, of Taunton, which is connected with this,
and Mr. Jonathan Stetson have been names well known to the business community, and for activity and enterprise have few superiors."
Abisha Stetson (sixth generation) was born in 1794, and died in 1842. He began life a poor boy, and learned the millwright's trade, in company with Jacob Perkins. Afterwards they became connected in busi- ness, and, for many years, until his death, were part- ners in the house of Lazell, Perkins & Co. Mr. Stetson, in company with his brother, Jonathan, and Mr. Perkins, started the Marshfield Cotton-Factory, and afterwards he was manager of a similar factory in East Bridgewater. For many years he had charge of a blast-furnace and cotton-factory in Kingston. He was agent of the cotton-factory in Hanson, also of the Anchor Works. He was extensively known, possessed great business energy and capacities, and held an honored place among his associates. His children were all by his first wife, Alice, daughter of Ezra Allen, whom he married in 1794.
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