USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Rutland > History of Rutland ; Worcester County, Massachusetts, from its earliest settlement, with a biography of its first settlers 1879 > Part 4
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han Hubbard, Elijah Hammond, William Henry, Lieut. Benjamin Miles, Ebenezer Miles, Judah Mayo, Alexan- ler Murray, Philip Munro, Rufus Putnam, Esq., Capt. Timothy Ruggles, Jonas Smith, Benjamin Putnam, Sam- iel Porter, John Read, Eleazer Rice, Benoni Smith, Jedu- han Tower, James Wheeler, James Wheeler, jun .- Thirty-seven Families.
VIII. Asa Adams, Eleazer Ball, Phineas Ball, Ephraim Bruce, Levi Brown, Nathan Davis, jun., John Chard, Wd. Mary Cunningham, Oliver Chickering, Samuel Gates, Matthias How, Matthias How, jun., Joshua Phillips, Joshua Phillips, jun., Daniel Roper, Edward Rice, Abra- ham Wheeler, Capt. Phineas Walker, Daniel Walker and Daniel Munden. Twenty Families.
Total, one hundred and seventy-nine. Only nine that were then heads of families are now alive, and live in town.
At this time there is not a married person that owns and lives on a house lot that was their ancestors.
In one hundred and twenty years the revolution in fami- lies has been variable and various. The Wheel of For- tune with some has turned round more than once,-some that were rich have been poor, and now are becoming wealthy.
I could name some in the circle of my acquaintance, whose prospects in life were promising,-their abilities and education decent,-their parents by diligence and econ- omy for many years, acquired property sufficient to give, or leave to their son a farm, or money to set up in trade ; their daughter money to furnish a house. But before, or as soon as the son came into possession, he wore a watch, smoked his cigar, and rode a gay horse. He addressed and won the heart and hand of a fine girl, whose pulse
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- beat high, and anticipated a life of pleasure and happiness. She laid out her few hundreds to richly furnish the parlor, and articles of extravagance for the kitchen ;- they com- mence housekeeping, and calculate their wealth is exhaust- less,-the husband feels above manual labor,- the wife beyond the superintendence of a family; these inexperi- enced couples hire their help-have parties, keep high company, live fast, and ere they are aware they are in debt; the creditors call - the sheriff visits, - the farm and furniture are sold, and these imprudent persons, or their children have had the mortification to look out of the door of a poor house. Yet a greater misfortune has befallen others. It is written in an ancient Book, “ Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink." It is apparent that something of this kind or nature has been in operation in Rutland and its vicinity, and has had the strength to as- cend our rich and fertile hills, and wash the strong and loamy soil from them,-or the owners from the soil. Many that were born of poor, but respectable parents who had nothing but their hands, a good character and steady hab -. its, industry, economy, and kind friends to begin the world with, have by the blessing of a kind Providence become wealthy, respectable, and are some of our most worthy citizens.
The Independence of the United States cost great treasures, much blood, and many tears. But not half so much as intemperance and its accompanying evils.
RESOURCES OF RUTLAND.
THE following are some of the articles raised, or manu- factured in Rutland, where the balance is in her favor :
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Beef, Pork, Veal, Mutton, Lamb, Butter, Cheese, Poul_ try, Eggs, Wood, Coal, Hay, Barley, Oats, Potatoes, Wagons, Sleighs, Cabinet Furniture, Chairs, Rakes, Boots, Shoes, Straw Braid, and Palm Leaf Hats, by the thousand. There have been many inventions to save manual labor ; yet our females are very industrious ; there is not a mother who does not superintend the domestic concerns of her family.
The most of our lands being of a strong deep soil, rich- ly repay the farmer for his labor and manure. - It is natu- ral for grass and potatoes. Potatoes are much in use, and now constitute an essential ingredient in the support of man and beast. Fifty or sixty years ago, if a farmer rais- ed half a dozen bushels he thought he had a large supply ; they were raised in beds as we now do carrots, &c. If our lands were cultivated equal to those near Boston, they would produce sustenance enough for four thousand in- habitants.
A sketch of a respectable farmer and his family before the Revolution :- Morning and evening the domestic altar was surrounded, to unite in prayer and praise, for the bless- ing of the day, and the protection of the night. At the close of the week, preparation was made for the Sabbath. It was held sacred to public and private worship, and works of necessity and mercy. You might see not only on horse back, but both males and females, for miles on foot, making their way to the Sanctuary.
FOOD .- The morning and evening meals, were of the varieties of spoon-fare, from the rich pure milk, to the wholesome bean-porridge, - on long days a luncheon ; at noon the long white table was placed, the linen cloth spread, the wooden plates (as white as female hands could make) set, - the large brown dish, well filled with pork and 5
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beef from the stall, fowl from the yard, game from the forest, or fish from the waters ; on baking days, a platter of rich pork and beans, and a delicious Indian pudding. The father and mother at the head, the ruddy sons on one side, and blooming daughters on the other, -after the blessing craved, they sat down and partook of a friendly, social and hearty dinner ; - after thanks for the same, each to their employment.
Their clothing was principally of home manufacture, of a strong texture, made from skins of beasts, clothing of sheep, and flax from the earth ; young men did not wear watches or leather boots, - but some wore white stockings.s jet black shoes, and silver buckles, as bright as a dollar young women's apparel was calculated for comfort health and ornament; most of them were so well formed it did not take but a few yards of silk or calico for sleevele to their gowns.
· The food, dress and employment of the children and youth, had a tendency to promote health, vigor and strength.
Whether the present method of living and mode of dress has a greater tendency to promote health, strength and usefulness, than that practised by our ancestors, I submi to our sage matrons to decide.
Our young men were inured to the labor and manage ment of a farm ; - our young women to the managemen of a dairy and domestic business in general, and both unite in milking the cows, pulling and spreading of flax, &c. and the most of them made good and industrious husband or wives.
The farmers in general were in comfortable and eas circumstances ; when their garners were replenished an cellars stored, the good Parson was not forgotten. A
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here were no small wagons, or pedlars, it was not seldom or mothers to join in company (with a young son to at- end them,) mount their strong and sure footed horses, with their panniers well filled with the golden produce of heir dairies, and some nice diaper from the Irish looms, nd ride upwards of fifty miles to market, and make an xchange with the Boston merchants, for some articles for heir own comfort, and to please and ornament their daugh - ers as a reward for their industry and economy, and not wholly forgetting their sons. The long winter evenings vere enjoyed by a blazing fire, and bright torch light, in domestic concerns, in reading of champions, telling heroic ales, singing animating songs, eating fruit, &c. Our young men were courageous, athletic and heroic- our young women industrious, cheerful and healthy. From such was the Independence of America achieved.
Never from the commencement of its settlement to the present time, was Rutland more able to assert and achieve her Independence than at the time the Revolution com- menced. Many of the first settlers, or their sons, were men of talents, energy and enterprise. Several respect- able and worthy men with their families within twenty five years had bought and settled in the town. The lands prod iced bountifully, many farmers were in easy circum- stances ; - put up long barns, built large houses, and therefore had something to protect and defend. Some had kindred blood in their veins with those that fell at Lexing- ton and Bunker Hill. In giving a sketch of a respecta- ble farmer and his family, I would not forget the mechanic and those of other occupations; for according to their numbers, they were equally respectable and heroic, and acted their part as spiritedly in achieving our Indepen- dence.
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HISTORY OF RUTLAND.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
In could not have been anticipated that Rutland would have taken that united, bold and decisive stand she did at the commencement of the Revolution : - for her respected minister was not very sanguine in the justice and expedi- ency of taking up arms against the mother country ; and Col. Murray, who in succession had represented the town n the General Court for more than twenty years, and who was friendly to the then present Rulers, and appointed by them one of the mandamus Councillors ; and a man in whom a majority of the people had put almost inplicit and unlimited confidence. - Yet Rutland almost to a man, united in asserting and defending her natural, civil and re- ligious rights and privileges.
STAMP ACT.
IN 1765, the town instructed her Representative " to use his best endeavors in the General Assembly to have the Rights and Privileges of this Province, vindicated and preserved to us and our Posterity." The Stamp Act was repealed. The people were so rejoiced they raised at Liberty Pole, and set it on the height of land in front of where John Read's house stands, and kept a day of feast- ing and gladness.
Extract from instructions to Col. Murray, Representa- tive in the General Court in 1773 : "And if any thing fur- ther should occur in derogation to our privileges, we cau- tion you, that you consent not to any thing which may re- linquish any part thereof, and although your attachment to the present measures of Administration, &c. To us is
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apparent ; yet sir, inasmuch as you accept the office of our Representative, we expect you will make our Instruc- tions the rule of your conduct in said office, &c., so far as we are at any time capable particularly to point out."
CONGRESS.
JAN. 3, 1775, Voted to adhere to the proceedings of Congress, and chose the following fifteen men as commit- tee of inspection to carry the same into effect. Messrs. David Rice, John Watson, Samuel Stone, jun., William Browning, John Williams, Samuel Browning, John Fes- senden, David Bent, Samuel Porter, Jonas How, Elijah Stearns, Daniel Clap, Phineas Walker, Benjamin Miles and John Rice.
MINUTE MEN.
ALTHOUGH the mortal sickness of 1749 and 1756, swept off about eighty of our children and youth, yet by early marriages, and many children, by the blessing of their Creator, Rutland had a goodly number of heroic young men to face the enemy at the commencement of the Revo- lutionary war, of whom in the beginning of 1775, fifty of the most active and patriotic, were selected, officered, arm- ed and equipped to be ready at any alarm to march at a min- ute's warning. Thomas Eustis was chosen Captain, John Stone, Lieut., and William Bridge, Ens. They were as fine and brave a company as Rutland could ever boast of ; when called, they marched, and many of them engaged in the first eight months' service, and were at the memorable battle of the 17th of June, 1775, at Bunker's Hill. Ben- jamin Reed, a worthy young man was one of the slain.
5*
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Maj. Willard Moore, a promising young officer, was also one of the worthies among the slain. He was an in- habitant of that part of Paxton set off from Rutland, and was recorded with its births and marriages.
MILITIA.
MARCH 6, 1775, Voted " That the whole of the militia in this town from sixteen years of age and upwards be re- quired to meet at the common place of parade on Monday the 13th day of March, instant, in order for the alarm men to form themselves into a company by themselves, and choose officers to command and discipline them, and that each be provided with arms and ammunition." Being met, they chose David Bent for their captain, whose Commis- sion was Honor and Patriotism ; - and at said time, drew and signed a solemn and patriotic obligation. The follow- ing is the last clause : " And as the law of self-preserva- tion requires us at this time, to prepare ourselves for re- pelling, Force by Force, in case we should be reduced to such fatal necessity. Therefore we do hereby firmly cov- enant, and engage with each other, under the sacred Ties of Honor, Virtue and the Love of our Country, that we will endeavor forthwith to be equipped with arms, ammuni- tion and accoutrements according to the Province Law, with this addition, that cach soldier shall have thirty Bul- lets, instead of twenty. And furthermore, that we will each of us respectfully adhere, obey and conform to all the Military Orders, Injunctions and Penalties of our said Captain, or his successors in said office, with his, or their, subalterns, in every respect consistent with the Law of the Province, in such case made and provided, to all in- tents and purposes, as though the said officers were com-
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missioned by a constitutional Captain General of the Province, until some other military regulations shall take place."
Signed by sixty three of the Militia the 13th day of March, A. D., 1775.
FIELD PIECE.
THE town had a field piece which they mounted, and chose Paul More, Eleazer Coller, George Clark, Joseph Hall, Jason Read, George Smith, jun., Peter Newton, John Smith, Luke Moore, Timothy Munro, Gideon Brown and Samuel Gates, to manager her.
In 1777, this town's Quota of men to be raised for three years, or during the war was thirty six, which number the town voted to raise, and give them 20/. each, as an additional sum; and chose as a committee to hire them, Captains Walker and Bent, Simon Heald, Thomas Eustis, Samuel Gates, John Frink, David Rice, William Brown- ing and Daniel Estabrook, jun.
1781. This town's quota of men to recruit the Conti- nental army during the war, or for three years. was four- teen ; paper money being of little value, the town voted to give the fourteen men who should enlist 904. each, in hard money, or other property equivalent, and chose Capt. John Stone, Capt. John Cunningham, Lieut. Benjamin Miles, Lieut. Samuel Davis, Lieut. William Browning, Lieut. Silas Bent, and Mr. Abraham Wheeler, a Commit- tee to carry the same into effect. Then voted that the sum of 1260l., in hard money be immediately assessed on the inhabitants of this town for that purpose, This vote at a future meeting was reconsidered, and the sum of 630l., was granted and collected.
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To discharge in part the debt incurred by the war, and the necessary expense of the town, there was paid into the town treasury between April 14, 1781, and May 6, 1782. - Paid in paper money 22656l., 6s., 6d. „ In hard money 14057., 13s., 7d., 1g. The above is a part of the expense, and doings of the town during the Revolutiona- ry war.
From the commencement to the close of the war, it was a time of danger, distress, hardship and deprivation. But few men but were on committees of safety, corres- pondence, to regulate the market, purchase beef for the army, clothing for the soldiers, provide for their wives and families, to borrow money, hire soldiers, &c., and many in actual service. It was a time that tried men's souls ! and women's too ! - for their care and labor was increased, and anxiety enhanced ; and perhaps, consider- ing their susceptibility, they suffered as much as the hardier sex. There were but few of them but what had a husband, son, father, brother, or a particular friend in the army, or on the ocean. The American Indepen- dence was achieved, - you and I my young friends are enjoying the blessing.
BARRACKS.
GOVERNMENT considering the situation of Rutland, and character of its inhabitants, selected it as a safe encamp- ment for Burgoyne's army after its surrender in 1777. - Appointed John Frink, Esq., Jonas How, Esq., and Col. Daniel Clap, a committee to build Barracks, &c. Said committee contracted with Capt. Thomas Read to build a Barrack of one hundred and twenty by forty feet, two stories high, containing twenty four rooms twenty feet
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square, including chimneys; the building was of good materials, and done in a workmanlike manner; brick chim- neys, boarded. clapboarded and shingled, with bunks and other conveniences suitable for soldiers. Capt. Read em- ployed Mr. Chamberlain Eustis as principal carpenter : the building was erected, which, together with a number of temporary barracks were enclosed in a square of sev- eral acres of land, with piquets about twelve feet high, with a strong gate in front; a guard house and block jail stood at the Southeast corner, three hundred and seventy rods Westerly of the meeting-house.
Burgoyne's troops in 1788 removed from their encamp- ment near Boston to Rutland, where they quartered dur- ing the summer; it being difficult to procure bread stuff, in the fall, they were removed to the south. Whilst at Rutland, they were guarded by Capt. William Tucker of Charlton and Capt. Peter Woodbury of Royalston with their companies. There were two sentries at the gate, one at each corner of the stockade, one. at the guard- house, and one at the storehouse, at the parting of Dublin road. The non-commissioned officers and soldiers by ob- taining a permit from the officer of the guard, would with their wives, barter with the inhabitants for potatoes, &c. The Dutch soldiers with their long wooden pipes in their inouths, and their wives trudging behind, with their knap- sacks ou their backs filled with potatoes, &c., would return to the barracks quite contented and happy. .
The commissioned officers with waiters, by parole, quar- tered in private houses, and in general their conduct was gentlemanlike, - lived in style, - kept horses, - paid their bills on Saturday ; their deportment was mostly in accordance with the articles of convention. But some of them run the risk of captivating and really did make
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three fair prizes, with which they sailed on the rivers of victory, with a cargo of precious Stone, and valued by them as a rich Hall .*
Although it was a time of war and distress, and many that breathed the air of Rutland were our enemies, it had the appearance of life and activity ; the inhabitants could scarcely turn their eyes without seeing red coats marching in every direction. Since the war the Barracks have been used and occupied as a dwelling-house, store, card factory and tavern. Some years since two-thirds were taken down and appropriated to other uses; the last third was consumed by fire fifty years after its erection.
SHAY'S WAR.
FOR a short time after the peace was ratified with Great Britain, money or the circulating medium was plenty, land, cattle, produce, and almost every article sold high, or at a large sum; many bought land, &c., and run in debt for it. But soon our money was exchanged for goods,- money became scarce, - taxes were high, - people in debt,-creditors called for their dues,-property low,- some that bought farms and paid one-half the purchase money, were obliged to sell the whole to pay the other half ; persons thus circumstanced became almost frantic, and arose and stopped the Courts of Justice; some in Rutland joined the insurgents and took an active part. Government raised troops to quell the insurrection, in which others took an active part ; thus brother was against brother. This was styled Shay's war, as one
*They married three girls by the names of Mcclenathan, Stone, and Hall.
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Daniel Shays took a conspicuous part in it. This was previous to the adoption of the Federal Constitution.
BUILDINGS, &c.
AT a meeting of the Proprietors' Committee, June 7, 1720, they desired the Inhabitants or Settlers to man- ifest their minds where the Meeting House should be placed.
It was placed in front of the burying ground, and was 41 1-2 feet by 30, with galleries.
Capt. JACOB STEVENS, Mod'r.
Sept. 30, 1720, the settlers chose a committee to man- age the affairs in covering and enclosing the meeting- house, &c. Samuel Wright, Simon Davis, and Joseph Stevens were chosen said committee.
Second meeting-house was erected in 1759, and was placed in front of the first. Its length was 60 feet, breadth 50, posts 24, and was a large well finished house for so young a society. The building committee were John Murray, Esq., Isaac Stone, Daniel Estabrook, Sam- uel How, James Blair, Paul Moore and Peter Davis, who performed said service without any remuneration, except the gratitude of the society, and the consciousness of having performed a good act. This house was burned Feb. 28, 1830, supposed to have taken fire by coals from a stove falling through the the crack of the floor on shavings.
THIRD HOUSE .- About two-fifths of the society in 1830, signed off. The remainder, the same year erected a house, 77 feet by 48, posts 20, with a tower. On Oct. 11, 1830, the pews were in a few hours sold for a sum suffi- cient to pay the cost of the house, and the land it stands
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on, &c., after reserving a pew for the Minister and six for strangers. On the 16th of the same month it was Ded- icated as a House of Prayer and Praise.
In 1833, by vote of the first Society and Town, the min- isterial and school funds were appropriated to build a Town House, in which Town Meetings are held -high and singing schools, &c., are kept. And by vote and agree- ment each society has the privilege of holding religious meetings.
On Sept. 29, 1773, the town voted to build an Alms, or Work House ; - voted 40/., for that purpose, and chose Zaccheus Gates, David Rice, John Rice, James Blair, and John Watson, a committee to build the same. It was built and placed on Pound Hill.
It has been used as a school-house; and for many years as a dwelling-house.
STOCKS .- Before the Revolution, it was the law and custom to have stocks placed near the meeting-house to deter the disturbers of the peace on the Sabbath, and oth- er public days. There was one placed for many years Southwest of the meeting-house, but I never knew any one to suffer its punishment.
At this time there is but one public house that sells ardent spirits ; four stores for English, East and West In- dia Goods,-but part of them sell ardent spirits.
There are in operation four grist mills, seven saw mills, five shingle mills, six blacksmith shops, one of which is brick, and cost one thousand dollars, has four forges and every convenience except water power, is so constructed as to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
One tannery and currier, several boot and shoe makers, wheelwrights, wagon and sleigh makers, chair and rake makers, cabinet makers, carpenters, &c.
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SICKNESS.
ALTHOUGH the air of Rutland is salubrious, and its wa- ters pure, it has been visited with distressing and desolat- ing sickness, especially among its children. In the fall of the year, 1749, the children were visited with the canker rash, or throat distemper, as it was termed, which for many years after its first appearance in New England, proved a most desolating scourge.
Northborough out of a society not much exceeding three hundred, sixty children fell victims to the destroying pesti- lence. In Rutland many died ;- some families were left childless. Peter Moore buried three children in one week, and Benjamin Reed the same number in twelve days, and was left childless.
In 1756, Rutland and many towns were visited with the dysentery or bloody flux, as it was called; many families were called to mourning; in the fall months Rutland bur- ied nearly sixty of her children; Peter Goodenow and Dorothy his wife buried four children from the 9th to the 23d of September, and many others from two to three in a few days.
SMALL POX.
IN 1759 or 1760, a soldier passed through the town from the army, who was not cleansed from the small pox ;- it being on the Sabbath, his dog went into the meeting-house and gave the infection to several persons, of which the fol- lowing died and were buried on their farms: Wid. Rachel Rice, Wid. Hannah Davis, Patience Stone, wife of Samuel Stone, Daniel Read and Daniel Read, jun.,-were father
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and son, and lived, died, and were buried on Wood Hill. Jacob Shaw, Anna Shaw his wife, and Bethiah Shaw, took the infection from the soldier at the Folly Tavern on the Plain where they all died. The Widows will be noticed in the biography of their families.
In 1810, this and several other towns were visited with the spotted Fever, which for a short time caused great fear and consternation ; a few persons died suddenly.
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