History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 73

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 73

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The fifth pastor, Rev. Oliver Cobb, D.D., was or- dained Feb. 5, 1799, and his pastorate over the church continued until May, 1827, when, by the ad- vice of an ecclesiastical council, a division was made, and that part which was connected with the Fourth Precinct of Rochester, and now known as the Con- gregational Church of Marion, took the name of " South Church" of Rochester, and retained Dr. Cobb as its pastor.

The number of admissions to the church during the ministry of Rev. Dr. Cobb, previous to 1827, a period of a little more than twenty-eight years, was one hundred and eighty-six. At the time of the division there was a total membership of one hundred and forty, fifty-seven of this number being united as the "South Church," and the remaining eighty-tliree members constituting the " First or Centre Church," connected with the First Parish of Rochester.

Rev. Jonathan Bigelow, the sixth pastor, and the first after the division, was installed over this church May 10, 1827, and was dismissed by council Aug. 29, 1849. During his ministry of more than twenty- two years one hundred and fifteen persons were re- ceived into the church, and at its close the number of members was eighty-five.

1 By J. S. Ryder.

334

HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

The installation of Rev. Eli W. Harrington, the seventh minister, occurred on the 19th day of June, 1850, and during his pastorate of eight years thirty- seven names were added to the church-roll. At the close of Mr. Harrington's ministry the church num- bered one hundred members, being the highest number attained since the division of 1827.

From Jan. 29, 1860, to July 7, 1861, Rev. Sum- ner Clark was the acting pastor. During this time no admissions were made.

Rev. Edwin Leonard, the eighth settled minister, was installed Nov. 24, 1861, and by council dismissed Jan. 1, 1868. The number of persons uniting with the church during the time of his ministry was twenty-six, and at the close of it the membership was ninety-five.

During the ministry of Rev. J. Wilson Ward, act- ing pastor, from Oct. 4, 1868, to November, 1870, nine members were received into the church.

The ninth settled pastor, Rev. Nelson Clark, was installed over this church and society Nov. 1, 1871, and dismissed Sept. 2, 1873. During this period nine admissions were made, and at its close the mem- bership was ninety-one.

From 1873 to 1878 the pulpit of the church was supplied with preachers too numerous to be here men- tioned by name. On May 5, 1878, the church and society invited Rev. William R. Joyslin to become the acting pastor, and which position he now continues to occupy, April, 1884. The whole number of ad- missions to the church since 1873 up to this time is twenty.

The first structure used for a place of worship stood on Little Neck, now in the town of Marion, near a large rock called " Minister's Rock," around which it is said the Indians used to engage in their noisy demon-worship. The next meeting-house was built in 1730 at Rochester Centre, close to and nearly op- posite the westerly entrance of the cemetery. The third meeting-house was built in 1769 a few rods northwesterly of the last named. The church edifice now in use was built in 1837. Through the munifi- cence of a noble-hearted member of the church it was, in 1878, thoroughly renovated and furnished at a heavy expense, making it in all respects a very comfortable and attractive place of worship.

Congregational Church, North Rochester.1- Contiguous portions of Rochester, Middleboro', and Freetown formed the parish, which in Middleboro' included that portion south of a line from Pocksha Pond due east to the town of Carver.

The church was organized in 1753. Rev. Thomas West was its pastor, and continued in that relation till his death. The church stood near the north- west angle of Rochester, on the lot south of the old burying-ground. In that ancient ground now covered with a stately growth of oak, on one of the moss- covered stones is the following inscription :

" Memento Mortis .- This stone is ereeted to the memory of the REV'D THOMAS WEST who died July 14, 1790, in the 82ª year of his age and in the 42d of his Ministry.

" Weep ye, my friends, for West is gone; His glass of time doth eease to run ; His aetive tongue and virtuous heart Have eeased to aet,-they've done their part. Although he's gone, he yet does live. He's now disrobed of earthly elay, And shines in one eternal day."

Nearly the whole of his pastoral labors were with the people of this parish. He was very eccentric, yet earnest in his efforts. Prophecies were his special delight. A son of his, Rev. Samuel West, was at one time pastor of Hollis Street Church, Boston.

The next pastor was Rev. Calvin Chaddock, or- dained Oct. 10, 1793. He was finely educated and of great independence of mind. Soon after his set- tlement he conceived the idea of starting an academy and building up the place. Land was purchased, buildings erected, and the academy opened under favorable auspices. The school soon attained such a popularity that students were attracted to it from distant States. This enterprise involved Mr. Chad- dock in debt, trouble arose in the church, and at the close of his pastorate, in 1806, the school was discon- tinued. It was during this year his fellow-townsmen honored him by sending him as a representative to the General Court. When playing ball with the boys he would tell them to give a good one, and he would send it to the third heavens.

From this church he went to Hanover, and preached there twelve years.

The early records having been destroyed by fire, the date of the erection of the second house of wor- ship cannot be given. A portion of the parish wished it placed on the corner near to Stillwater Furnace, on land now owned by Luke Perkins. The timber was drawn there and preparations made to build. This movement was not at all pleasing to the Mor- tons, Haskells, and other families of that portion of the parish, so the timber was quictly conveyed to the lot on which the present building stands. This act caused a few to withdraw and join the Baptist Church at Rock, Middleboro'.

After Mr. Chaddock's departure the society began to decline, and finally regular services were abandoned.

1 By A. W. Bisbee, Esq.

335

HISTORY OF ROCHESTER.

The building had never been finished. In course of time the windows were broken. Owls and bats held possession by night. and when an occasional service was held, to the delight of the little ones, squirrels from the neighboring wood would leap on the beams overhead. Through public feeling and sympathy the house was rendered habitable, and Rev. Ichabod Plaisted, from Maine, " a blind preacher," commenced his labors April 1, 1827. He continued four years.

Samuel Utley was the pastor for two years, from 1833 to 1835.

Rev. Isaac Briggs was called in 1836 to be the pastor. The society now began to be in a flourishing condition. The commodious parsonage, owned by the society, was built the following year. A colored man, Ezekiel Turner, headed this enterprise. Through the efforts of Rev. Mr. Briggs money was raised by sub- scription and the present church edifice erected in 1841. Mr. Briggs closed his ministerial labors Nov. 7, 1858, having preached to this people twenty-two years. He was justly esteemed a good man, thor- oughly Calvinistic in his views, firm in the faith of his fathers, generous and kind. He was born in Halifax, Mass., May 7, 1775 ; was three times mar- ried; died in East Morrisania, Westchester Co., N. Y., Feb. 22, 1862, in the eighty-seventh year of his age.

By legislative act, June 18, 1825, Nathaniel Mor- ton, Job Morton, Caleb Briggs, Jacob Bennett, John Perkins, and their successors were chosen trustees of the Third Congregational Precinct in Rochester, Mid- dleboro', and Freetown.

Samuel Sprague, a resident of Fairhaven, and a member of the society, at his death, about the year 1825, bequeathed to the society fifteen hundred dol- lars, and directed the interest to be used annually for the support of the ministry. Ezekiel Turner and others, by bequests and gifts, have nearly doubled the original sum, all of which is known as the " Sprague legacy."

Since Rev. Isaac Briggs the pastors have been as follows: Otis Rockwood, Dec. 12, 1860, to Dec. 12, 1861; James R. Cushing, December, 1861, to 1868, seven years ; William W. Baldwin, Jan. 18, 1870, to Aug. 27, 1871; Lewis P. Atwood, 1875 to 1877 ; William Leonard, Sept. 1, 1877, to Sept. 1, 1881 ; Richard T. Wilton, Nov. 1, 1881, to Nov. 1, 1883; Henry J. Stone, Feb. 1, 1884.

Drowning Accident .- One of the saddest acci- dents which ever occurred in this section of the com- monwealth was the drowning of five young persons in Snow's Pond, April 21, 1883.

Fannie P., aged twelve years, Isabelle R., aged ten years, and Charles H. F. Church, aged eight years,

Ella Rounseville, aged nineteen years, Albert Rounse- ville, aged eleven years, and Minnie Phipps, aged twenty-three years, started on a May-flower excursion. About 10.30 A.M. they arrived at the borders of Snow's Pond, a body of water covering nearly one hundred acres, and situated two miles northwest of Rochester Centre. Not being successful in their search for May-flowers, they determined to visit an island in the stream. For this purpose they em- barked in a boat called the " Rebecca," an unsafe craft, nine feet long, two feet eight inches wide, and ten inches deep, and commenced paddling for the island, a distance of nearly one hundred and twenty- five feet. Ella and Fannie were in the bow, Albert and Charlie amidships, paddling, and Minnie and Isabelle were in the stern. A breeze was blowing quite strong from the northwest, causing the over- loaded boat, when about half-way across, to roll and ship water. The occupants becoming frightened moved to one side, and instantly the boat capsized, plunging all of them in the water.

Miss Rounseville, daughter of Alden Rounseville, was a young lady whose many pleasing traits endeared her to all her acquaintances. She was nearly at the close of a second year at the State Normal School at Bridgewater, and had been at home on a week's va- cation, intending to return on Monday. Miss Phipps, daughter of John W. and Nancy Phipps, lived at the home of her uncle, Garrison Blackmer. Her father lost his life while serving his country during the Re- bellion. She was a member of the class of 1878 of the New Bedford High School, and was held in high esteem by those who knew her. Fanny R., Isabelle R., and C. H. F. were the only children of Charles H. F. and Cornelia R. Church. The funeral services were held on Monday, April 23d, at the Congregational Church, Rochester Centre, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Joyslin, assisted by Rev. H. C. Vose, of Marion, Rev. Mr. Bell and Rev. E. M. Wilson, of Long Plain.

The remains were placed at the foot of the altar, bearing the floral tributes of loving hands. After the services nearly fifteen hundred persons viewed the remains and witnessed the sad and unusual spec- tacle of four hearses moving slowly through the town and bearing to their last resting-place the remains of the deceased.

Military.1-The following is a list of those from this town who held offices in the local militia :

Colonels .- Charles Sturtevant, from Jan. 4, 1797, to 1800; Noah Dexter, from 1812 to Aug. 5, 1812 ;

1 Contributed by Gen. E. W. Peirce.

336

HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

David Hathaway, from 1826 to 1829; John H. Clark, from Dee. 8, 1829; Abial l'. Robinson, from May 7, 1834, to 1837.

Lieutenant-Colonels .- Ebenezer White, from 1775 to 1781 ; Charles Sturtevant, from May 1, 1794, to Jan. 4, 1797; Noah Dexter, from June, 1809, to 1812; Ebenezer Barrows, from 1826 to 1827 ; John H. Clark, from 1827 to Dee. 8, 1829; Gilbert Hathaway, from 1839 to April 24, 1840.

Majors .- Edward Winslow, from an early and un- known date; Elisha Ruggles, from 1787 to 17 -; Charles Sturtevant, from 179- to May 1, 1794; Roland Luee, from July 22, 1800, to 1806; Noah Dexter, from 1807 to June, 1809; Nathaniel Has- kell, from 1814 to 1821; David Hathaway, from Oet. 10, 1823, to 1826; John H. Clark, from 1826 to 1827 ; Abial P. Robinson, from 1832 to May 7, 1834 ; Charles H. Clark, from May 7, 1834, to 1836; Gilbert Hathaway, from 1837 to 1839; Roger L. Barstow, from 1853 to 1858.

Part of a company of cavalry for several years ex- isted in town, and of which Nathaniel Haskell, John Bennett, Ira Clark, and James H. Clark were sue- eessively commanders, Capt. Haskell being promoted to major of the cavalry battalion.

A company of light infantry was raised in 1849, and James H. Look commissioned eaptain. He was sueeeeded by Roger L. Barstow in 1851. This eom- pany belonged to the Third Regiment of light in- fantry, then commanded by Col. Eliab Ward, of Middleboro', and in the Second Brigade, Massaehu- setts Volunteer Militia, then under Brig .- Gen. Henry Durham, of Abington.

While Marion and Mattapoisett remained as parts of Rochester the town eould properly lay elaim to considerable eommereial enterprise, two hundred and fifteen workmen being at one time engaged in ship- building.

Whaling was also earried on and the making of salt. At one time about sixty sail of merehant and eoasting vessels were owned here.

What by many was believed to have been the most valuable private library in the State was owned by Rev. Thomas Robbins, formerly a settled elergyman in that part of Rochester now Mattapoisett. This library consisted of about three thousand volumes and four thousand pamphlets. He also had an extensive collection of eoins, manuseripts, ete.

Rochester company of "minute-men" that re- sponded to the first eall, April 19, 1775 :

Commissioned Officers.

Edward Hammond, captain ; Josiah Burgess, lieutenant; Tim- othy Ruggles, ensign.

Non-Commissioned Officers.

William Nyo, Jonathan King, Stafford Hammond, Sylvester Bates, sorgeants; Church Mendall, Elisha Briggs, David Snow, William Crapo, corporals.

Privates.

Ichabod Nye.

Nathan Perry.

.William Randall.

Isnae Washburn.

Nathan Savery.

Japhet Washburn.

-Bassett. Caleb Combs.

Richard Warren.

Joseph Hammond.

Nathaniel Ryder.

Benjamin Haskins.

George Hammond.

Jobn Briggs.

Josepb Clark.

Elijah Bates.

Shubael Hammond.

David Bates.

Rufus Bassett.

Daniel Mendall.

Jonathan Clark.

Samuel Snow.

Lemuel Caswell.

Natban Sears.

Nathan Nye.

Nathaniel King.

Seth Mendall.

Weston Clark.

Moses Bates.

Robert Rider.

Consider King.

Silas Bassett.

Hathaway Randall.

Ebenezer Foster.

Seth Hathaway.

George Clark.

Elijab Caswell, Jr.

William Hopper ..

Rochester second foot company of militia that re- sponded to the " Lexington alarm," April 19, 1775 :

Nathaniel Hammond, eapt.

Benjamin Dexter.

Nathaniel Briggs, lieut. Daniel Hammond.

John Briggs, sergt.

- Briggs.

Lemuel Le Baron, sergt.

Samuel Sampson.

Inerease Clapp, corp.

Ichabod Clapp.

Samuel Jenness, eorp.

Joshua Allen.

Jobn

John Allen, Jr.

Charles Sturtevant.

Jobn Clark.

- Sturdevant.

Hosea Bolles.

--- Hammond.

John Keen.

Joel Ellis.

Joseph Wing.

Nathaniel Sears.

Ebenezer Hammond.

Joseph Haskell (2d).

Elisha Briggs.

(Sce roll at State-House.)

The Fourth Regiment in Seeond Brigade, Fifth Division, that from about the eommenement of the war of the Revolution embraced all the militia eom- panies of Middleboro', Rochester, and Wareham, were divided in the days of gerrymandering (see order of Governor and Couneil, at the State-House, Boston, Jan. 15, 1812), and the companies of Rochester and Wareham set off, and, with those of Carver, made a new and distinct regiment, of which Maj. Noah Dex- ter, of Rochester, was elected and commissioned lieu- tenant-colonel commandant ; Benjamin Ellis, of Car- ver, major, and Asa Barrows, appointed adjutant. This was disbanded by order of the Governor and Couneil, Aug. 5, 1812, and the companies of Roeh- ester and Wareham set baek to the Fourth Regiment, then commanded by Lieut .- Col. Abial Washburn, of Middleboro'; Levi Peiree, of Middleboro', being se- nior or first major, and Samuel White junior major.

The Fourth Regiment was reorganized in 1826,

337

HISTORY OF ROCHESTER.

and the field-officers in this new regiment were filled by electing and commissioning three Rochester gen- tlemen, namely, David Hathaway, colonel ; Ebenezer Barrows, lieutenant-colonel ; and John H. Clark, major. Dr. Thomas E. Gage, of Rochester, was ap- pointed adjutant.

Col. David Hathaway was born in Freetown, Sept. 24, 17SS. He was a son of Gilbert Hathaway, of Freetown, and wife (Mary Evans). Gilbert and Mary were married Nov. 24, 1779. She was born Feb. 12, 1751. She was a daughter of David Evans, Jr., and wife (Anna Weaver), of Swansey, who were married Nov. 29, 1745. Anna was a daughter of Benjamin Weaver, of Swansey, and wife (Ruth Shef- field). Benjamin and Ruth were married April 11, 1723.

Ebenezer Barrows was promoted to lieutenant- colonel from the office of captain of the light infantry company then existing in that part of Rochester now Mattapoisett. He resigned, and was succeeded as lieutenant-colonel by Maj. John H. Clark, who finally succeeded Col. Hathaway in the command of the regiment, Dec. 8, 1829.

The first election for the choice of field-officers for this regiment was held in 1826. Maj. John H. Clark was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in place of Ebenezer Barrows. Sept. 11, 1827, was the time set for the election, to be held at the house of Elisha Ruggles, innholder, but this was countermanded in brigade orders of Sept. 7, 1827, and Maj. Clark was not pro- moted until some time after.

Lucius Downs succeeded John H. Clark as major, and was in turn succeeded by Stillman Shaw. This Fifth Regiment existed but a few years, when it was disbanded, and the companies of Rochester and Ware- ham again became a part of the Fourth Regiment, and thus continued until the abolition of the old militia system by an act of the Massachusetts Legis- lature, April 24, 1840.

The following is a list of justices of the peace and coroners, and date of appointments :

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

Ebenezer White, Oct. 31, 1775.

David Wing, Aug. 28, 1775. David Nye, May 17, 1787. Elnathan Haskell, May 28, 1787. Abraham Holmes, March 2, 1789. Nathan Willis, March 4, 1800. Nathaniel Hammond (3d), Feb. 19, 1805. Nathaniel Ruggles, Jan. 26, 1810. Elisha Ruggles, May 5, 1810.

Gideon Barstow, Jr., Feb. 22, 1811.

Caleb Brigge, Feb. 22, 1811. Elijah Willia, Feb. 22, 1811. Peleg Whitridge, May 8, 1812.

Charles J. Holmes, Feb. 15, 1814.

Micah H. Ruggles, Jan. 31, 1815. Thomas Bassett, Jan. 30, 1816.

Charles Sturtevant, Jan. 30, 1816. Joseph Meigs, Feb. 3, 1816. George Wing, Feb. 5, 1822. James Ruggles, April 16, 1822. Jesse Martin, May 26, 1823. Joseph Look, May 26, 1823.

Philip Crandon, Feb. 17, 1824.

Lothrop Perkins, Feb. 17, 1824.

Butler Wing, Jan. 7, 1825.

William Le Baron, July 1, 1825.

George King, Jan. 24, 1829. Theophilus Pitcher, Jr., Feb. 1, 1831.

David Hathaway, Jan. 12, 1836.

Walton N. Ellis, Jan. 12, 1836.

Joseph Haskell, Feb. 7, 1837.

Joseph W. Church, April 11, 1839. Theophilus King, July 25, 1839. Noah C. Perkins, Feb. 17, 1841.

Amitta B. Hammond, March 6, 1841.

Rogers L. Barstow, Jan. 14, 1843.

Benjamin F. Barstow, Feb. 12, 1851.

James H. Look.

George Peirce. Thomas Ellis.

CORONERS.

Nathaniel Haskell, March 1, 1794.

Peleg Whitridge, Jan. 26, 1802.

Nathaniel Haskell, Jr., June 17, 1815.

REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT.1 John Hammond, 1718.

Samuel Prince, 1721.

Thomas Dexter, 1722, '34, '37, '38.

Joseph Benson, 1723, '24, 26.

Thomas Turner, 1725, '29.

Joseph Benson, 1727.

Benjamin Hammond, 1728, '33, '35.

Samuel Sprague, 1730.

John Freeman, 1731, '32, '39, '40, '41, '43.

Timothy Ruggles, Jr., 1736.

Noah Sprague, 1742, '50, '56, '57.

Elisha Barrows, 1744, '45, '52, '54, '55, '64, '65, '66, '67.

Samuel Wing, 1746, '48, '51, '58.

Nathaniel Ruggles, 1759, '60, '61, '62, '63.

Samuel Sprague, 1768, '69, '70, '71, '72.

Lieut .- Col. Ebenezer White,2 1773, '74, '75, '76, '77, '78, '79, '80, '81, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86.

Nathaniel Hammond, 1787.

Abraham Holmes, 1787, '88, '89, '90, '97.

Ebenezer White, 1791, '92.

Nathaniel Sprague, 1793, '94, '95.

Nathan Willis, 1799, 1804.

Elisha Ruggles, 1800, '01, '02, '03.

Gideon Barstow, Jr., 1805, '06, '08, '09, '10, '11.

Rev. Calvin Chaddock, 1806.

Caleh Briggs, 1810.

Jesse Haskell, 1810, '16.

Thomas Bassett, 1811. Elijah Willis, 1811.

1 Compiled by A. W. Bisbee, Esq.

2 Unanimously chosen the fourteen elections. He was lieu- tenant-colonel Fourth Regiment, Plymouth County Militia.

338

HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY.

Samuel Winslow, 1811. Elisha Ruggles, 1814. Abraham Holmes, 1814, '15.

Charles J. Holmes, 1816, '17, '19, '20, '24, '26, '27, '32, '33. Joseph Meiggs, 1816, '21, '22, '29, '30, '31.

Philip Crandon, 1823, '33. Gideon Barstow, 1825.

· Wilson Barstow, 1829, '30. George King, 1829, '30. Eben Holmes, 1829, '30, '32. Amith B. Hammond, 1832, '33, '55. Theophilus King, 1833, '35, '36, '37.

Malachi Ellis, 1834.

Benjamin Barstow (2d), 1834.

Zacheus M. Barstow, 1835, '36, '37, '38. Joseph Hammett, 1835.

William Scars, 1835.

James H. Clark, 1838, '39.

Isaac Smith, 1838, '39. Samuel Sturtevant, Jr., 1839, '40, '41.

James Ruggles, 1840, '41.

Silas B. Allen, 1842, '43.

Loring Meiggs, 1842, '43.

George Bonney, 1844, '45.

Nathan Cannon, 1844, '45.

Nathan S. Clark, 1846, '47.

Solomon K. Eaton, 1846, '47.

John H. Clark, 1849, '50.

John A. Le Baron, 1851, '52.

William Sears, 1853.

Thomas Ellis, 1854.

G. B. Blackmer, 1856.

David Lewis, 1859, '62.

Israel F. Nickerson, 1865.

Thomas Ellis, 1868.

George W. Humphreys, 1871.

John S. Ryder, 1874. Judah Hathaway, 1878.

Isaac F. B. Perry, 1882.

NOTE .- In years not given the town either neglected, voted not to send or has sent (since 1856) with other towns.

Military Record .- List of soldiers furnished by Rochester, Mass., during the war of the Rebellion : 1 Three Years' Service.

George H. Clark. William T. Bryant.

Enos Bolton.

Thomas A. Cushman.

William T. Comstock.

John W. Phipps.

William H. H. Chase.

George B. Ashley.

John A. Fuller.

Henry C. Kingman.

David Ryder.

Nehemiah D. Davis.

Joseph F. Ryder.

Willard E. Clark.

Charles Ricketson.

Charles M. Maxim.

George H. Randall.

Martin S. Tinkham.

Nine Months' Service.

Thomas B. Bourne.

Isaiah T. Wilbur.

Lucius E. Pierce.

Salim Jefferson.

William T. Ellis.

Stephen C. Sears.

Thomas W. Raymond.

Lawrenco R. Rankin.

Moses W. Pierco.

Theodore W. Cole.

John L. Nye.

Israel S. Bishop.

Henry E. Crapo.

Edmund Williams.

Francis N. Crapo.

Madison N. Ryder.

Handel J. Tripp.

Theophilus Burgess.

Georgo E. Dunlap.

Micah S. Bishop.

1 Compiled by A. W. Bisbee, Jr.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.

G. B. BLACKMER.

The first Blackmer of whom we have authentic record was William, who came from England as carly as 1637, and settled at Lynn, Mass., afterwards rc- moving to Sandwich. It is inferred by Joel Black- mer, of New York, who has made researches into the genealogy of the family, that this William was the ancestor of the Blackmers of Rochester.

Peter Blackmer, born May 25, 1667, resided in Rochester, was a man of much influence and import- ance in the town, and held many positions of office and trust. He was selectman from 1699 to 1715, in- clusive, and town clerk from 1699 to 1716, inclusive. He was also an officer in the military. He died Aug. 1, 1717. Among other children, he had Stephen, born July, 1704. Of his record we know but little further than that he married and had a son, Salisbury, who purchased the farm now owned by his grandson, Garrison B. The original deed, bearing date April 8, 1796, is now in Mr. Blackmer's possession. Salis- bury was born April 2, 1750. He married Phebe Read. Their children were James, Thomas, William, Tisdell, John, Salisbury, Phebe, Betsey, and Rufus. He was by occupation a master-mariner, and com- manded vessels plying between New England ports and Cape de Verde Islands. On the occasion of one of his voyages to the islands he found the inhabitants on the verge of starvation, in consequence of a great famine which prevailed throughout the islands. Capt. Blackmer at once unloaded his cargo, and repairing to the nearest port where a supply of provisions could be obtained, he loaded his vessel with supplies for the unfortunate people, returned to the islands and relieved their necessities. This generous action was never for- gotten by the grateful people, and they always hailed his appearance among them with the most extravagant manifestations of delight. He followed the sea most of his life, and finally died at his home in Rochester of a prevailing fever. Of this fever we quote the following from a historical sketch of the town :

" In 1816 the spotted fever made fearful ravages in the village of Mattapoisett and in the western part of the central village. The population of the entire town being two thousand eight hundred, sixty-one heads of families were stricken down with the disease."

John Blackmer was brought up to a seafaring life with his father, and upon the latter's death succeeded to his trade with the Cape de Verde islanders. In September, 1827, he sailed from Boston in the sloop " Elizabeth" for Cape de Verde Islands, and the vessel

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History of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 73

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