USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Spencer > History of Spencer, Massachusetts, from its earliest settlement to the year 1860: including a brief sketch of Leicester, to the year 1753 > Part 10
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foot paths conveniently located. Many lots are enclosed with ornamental iron fences, and handsome marble monu- ments erected, whose glistening white forms exhibit a grace- ful appearance to the passenger. Many of our citizens have become proprietors, and bury their dead in this peaceful resting place.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.
Those terrible diseases, the cholera and yellow fever, have never visted this town, and but few cases of the small pox, four only of which proved fatal. Elijah Tucker died May 11, 1777, aged 27; Eli Hatch, January 10, 1836, aged 46 ; George Maddock, May 9, 1849, and Angelina A. Powers, daughter of Mr. Levi Powers, January 10, 1853, aged 19, all of the small pox. The measles, mumps and chicken pox, occasionally make their, appearance here, as they do in all other places, but generally of a mild type, especially with young people, and seldom prove fatal. Two singular cases happened here in 1842. Mr. Elias Adams and his wife Han- nah, both lived to old age, he 77, and she 74, without taking the measles, when they were both attacked with that disor- der about the same time. He died February 23, and she March 9, of that year.
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EPIDEMIC DISEASES.
The dysentery and scarlet fever, or canker rash, have each, at different periods, prevailed, and sometimes quite ex- tensively, especially among children. In 1778, the dysen- tery spread throughout a large part of the town. Many families lost more or less of their young children, frequent- ly two or more within a few days of each other. A few in- stances only can be given, which will be sufficient to show the ravages made in families by these disorders.
This year (1778) two children of Capt. John Draper died, one on the twenty-fourth, and one the twenty-seventh of August. Mr. James Draper lost two, one the fourteenth and one the fifteenth day of September.
1792. The dysentery again prevailed. Maj. Isaac Lamb had two die, being all he had, one on the second and the other the fourth of December.
1795. The scarlet fever visited the town, and Maj. Lamb's family was again smitten, and once more two chil- dren were stricken down, leaving him a second time lonely and childless.
1802. Another disastrous year by the dysentery. The family of Ezekiel Newton suffered most severely, losing five children in five days, two dying on the twelfth of Novem- ber, one on the fifteenth, one the sixteenth and one the sev- enteenth of the same month. 1841 was the memorable year of the dysentery, forty persons dying of this disorder, mostly in the central village, eight adults and thirty-two children, being emphatically a " slaughter of the innocents." " In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation and weep- ing, and great mourning. Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they were not." A se- vere drought continued through the warm season of the year, and except two or three showers in August, there was scarcely any rain for four months, that is, through the
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months of June, July, August and September. The water in the wells failed, or became low, stagnant and impure, which was supposed to increase the virulence of the disorder. The first victim was a child who died the fifth of July, and the deaths continued to take place, averaging nearly one ev- ery other day, until the first day of October, when the last, Mrs. Willard Rice, died. Death stalked fearfully in our midst, and on every side, and the scene became truly appall- ing. But the destroying angel at length sheathed his sword. At the burial of Mrs. Rice, October third, a powerful storm of rain commenced, which soon became snow, and continued through the night and a considerable portion of the next day. This put a period to the disorder. No more were ta- ken sick, and all the sick immediately recovered.
In the summer of 1843, a severe influenza universally extended throughout the United States, visiting every fami- ly and nearly every individual, leaving many in a poor state of health, and carrying away some aged people and others, who were in a feeble state. Mr. Caleb Sibley died of this disorder, in December of that year, aged 71.
Consumption, the great destroyer of human life, formerly made havoc among our people, sometimes sweeping away whole families. Out of eight children of Capt. Wilbur Watson, seven fell victims to consumption. Mr. Simeon Wood lost six out of eight children, by the same disease. Nathaniel Williams, having six or seven children, all but one died of consumption. A sad breach was often made in other families, and sometimes one or both parents were cut down. For the last quarter of a century, it has been much less prev- alent, and few comparatively die of it. In conclusion of this subject, Spencer may be called a healthy town : many of the inhabitants live to old age.
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SLAVERY.
It is true that slavery once existed in Massachusetts, but never by positive authority, but by force of circumstances. At the time our ancestors came to this country, it does not appear there was any law in England, either allowing or prohibiting slavery, consequently individuals could purchase and hold slaves, there or here, if they chose. The first set- tlers at Plymouth and Massachusetts, were entirely opposed to it, but as there was no law against it, negroes, kidnapped from Africa, and Indians from South America and the West India Islands, were brought to our shores by unscrupulous traders, and sold to some of our people. This barbarous traffic being contrary to the principles and policy of the peo- ple generally, soon arrested the attention of government, and as early as 1641, the General Court passed an act, wherein they say, " It is ordered by this court, that there shall never be any bond slavery, villanage or captivity among us," &c. Still, however, English ships, and possibly some of our own ships, continued this most odious traffic. And while this was done by the connivance, if not by the authority of England, Massachusetts was powerless to pre- vent it. However, in 1666, the General Court passed an -. other act, as follows: " The General Court, conceiving them- selves bound by the first opportunity, to bear witness against the heinous and crying sin of man stealing, as also to pre- scribe such timely redress for what is past, and such a law for the future, as may sufficiently deter all others belonging to us, to have to do in such vile and most odious course, ab- horred by all good men ;" and ordered all slaves thus brought here, to be sent back to Guinea. If this law was carried into rigid effect, it would, of course, effectually stop this vile course; but whether it did, or did not, slavery existed still, by those already here.
At length, either by the unpopularity or unprofitableness
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of the business, or some other cause, many began to liberate their slaves, but having been so long under a state of sub- jection, were become unfitted to provide for themselves, and they became a nuisance in society. And now the General Court found it expedient to reverse or change their course of legislation with slavery, and in 1703, it was forbidden for any person to emancipate his slaves, unless he gave security for their support, should they become chargeable. Slavery in Massachusetts, was of the mildest type of servitude, and the word slave was an offensive term, and they were gener- ally called servants. They were but one grade below a hired laborer. The same roof sheltered the master and the ser- vant, and both often fed at the same table, and they were intrusted with responsible transactions. Their marriages were not always executed in orthodox form, but sometimes took place, very much like their white brethren. We find it recorded in our town records, " February 19, 1778, Saul and Dinah, negro servants of John Sumner, Esq., were married." But few in Spencer were owners of this kind of property. Rev. Mr. Eaton held two or three, one named Pomp. John Sumner's Saul and Dinah have been mentioned. John Elliot, Esq., had a man named Sloane, who is said to have planted the large elm now standing before the tavern house of William C. Watson. John White, senior, had a female slave, named Zilpah. By a sham marriage, Sloane and Zilpah were allowed to cohabit together. Mr. Isaac Jenks had a man by the name of Hendrick. Rev. Mr. Pope had a female named Naomi. Mr. Robert Luther, a girl named Fanny. After emancipation was fully established, some continued voluntarily to remain with their former owners.
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REMARKABLE PHENOMENA OF NATURE.
The following occurrences in the natural world are of a general nature, and took place more or less in every part of New England, and of course must have been seen and felt in this town, and they are inserted as interesting memoranda for local, as well as general history.
GREAT SNOW.
The winter of 1717, is remarkable for what was long after remembered as the " Great Snow." On the 20th of Febru- ary, the snow commenced falling, and continued through the night. The next day, it increased to a most violent storm, so that all communication between neighbors was nearly impossible, and for some hours were unable even to pass across the street. On the 24th of the same month, was another furious snow storm, which, adding to the former, produced a most extraordinary and unprecedented amount of snow. The churches were blocked up, and no meetings were held throughout the country. Cattle, sheep and swine, were buried. Great numbers of cattle died, and some were found standing dead on their legs, as if alive, after the snow had melted away. One man lost above 1100 sheep ; two, however, were found alive, after being twenty-eight days under sixteen feet of snow, having fed upon the wool of their dead companions. Swine and poultry shared the same fate, a few being preserved in the same remarkable manner. Cattle were seen walking upon the frozen crust of snow, twelve feet above the ground, browsing upon the fruit trees. Small, low houses, were buried so deep, that the tops of their chimneys were not visible. I remember when a lad, hearing an old lady state, (who could remember the time), that in some cases, people in leaving their houses, were obliged to make their exit through the chamber windows.
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EARTHQUAKES.
October 29, 1729, in the evening, was the Great Earth- quake, so called, being the most remarkable that ever hap- pened in New England. In the county of Essex, the earth burst open in many places, from which were thrown large quantities of earth and stones, cellar walls fell in, and tops of chimneys were shaken off. November 18, 1755, another memorable earthquake in New England, though not so vio- lent as the former, yet, in many places, stone walls were thrown down, and tops of chimneys shaken off.
COLD WINTER.
The winter of 1780, is remarkable for its severity. The snow was of great depth, accompanied with almost insup- portable cold weather, so that for six weeks, while the sky was clear, and the sun shining in full splendor, was yet unable to thaw the snow in any degree, on the south side of dwelling houses. Roads were not broken out, and most of the intercourse among the people was by " snow shoes," or hand sleds, on the frozen crust of snow. The weather was so intensely cold, that some people were unable to get to their wood lots for fuel, and were obliged to cut down their fruit trees for that purpose.
DARK DAY.
May 19, 1780, was distinguished as the " dark day." In most parts of the country, where the darkness prevailed, it was so. great, that persons were unable to read common print, determine the time of day by their clocks or watches, or manage their domestic business, without the help of addi- tional light. Candles were lighted up in their houses, " the birds sung their evening songs, disappeared and became si- lent; fowls retired to their roosts; the cocks were crowing 12*
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around as at break of day ; objects could be distinguished but a little distance; and every thing bore the appearance and gloom of night." The succeeding night was as propor- tionably dark as the day. No object could be discerned, even when coming in contact with it, and those who were so unfortunate as to be from home, were guided in their re- turn to their dwellings, solely by the sense of feeling.
SOLAR ECLIPSE.
In June, 1806, there was a total eclipse of the sun. The sky was clear, and presented a fair opportunity for observing the phenomenon. At the total obscuration of the sun's disk, which continued about two minutes, all objects appear- ed to be shrouded in dense gloom, causing a sensible depres- sion of the spirits. Fowls, in many places, retired to their roosts, labor was suspended, nature, for a moment, seemed to have come to a pause, while all eyes were directed, stead- fastly, to the sky. But the moment the moon emerged the least possible space from the face of the sun, permitting a single ray of light to reach the earth, the scene instantly changed, the grass and the flowers assumed their original hues, and all nature, by the contrast, seemed arrayed in unusual beauty and splendor.
HIGH WIND.
September 25, 1815, this part of Massachusetts experi- enced the most powerful wind that has yet occurred in the present century. It commenced late in the morning, and increased rapidly in violence, so that it soon became a com- plete hurricane. Vast quantities of valuable wood and tim- ber were prostrated, small buildings blown down, and others, in many cases, seriously wrecked. Indian corn and other vegetables levelled with the earth, fruits torn from the trees, and much damage done to the former.
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COLD SUMMERS.
The whole of 1816, was an ungenial year, especially the summer, which was unusually cold, producing deadly frosts, even in July. There was scarcely one bushel of sound In- dian corn raised in the town, and not half of the usual crop of grass. The prospects of a short supply of fodder for the coming winter being so imminent, that good milch cows were sold in the autumn, for eight dollars each. During the summer meagre famine began to stare the people in the face, but happily averted, by unusual good crops of English grain and potatoes. 1817 was likewise a cold year, but less in Massachusetts than the previous year. These cold seasons extended to the state of Maine, producing there al- most a total failure, both years.
GENERAL WASHINGTON.
In 1789, being the first year of General Washington's Presidency, he made a tour through Massachusetts, and some other of the eastern states, and October 22 of that year, he passed the night at Jenks' tavern. As but few knew of the coming event, consequently but few had the pleasure of seeing him. I remember the time very well, being then nearly twelve years of age, and I also remember hearing one of my neighbors, who saw him, give a descrip- tion of his appearance, it being plain and unadorned, but venerable and dignified. The landlady, Mrs. Jenks, was often afterwards heard to relate, with harmless pride, the remark that the General made, the next morning at break- fast, " Madam, your bread is very beautiful."
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COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE.
During the agitations and struggles, previous to the rev- olution, most of the public officers were found on the side of loyalty, supporting power and prerogative, and the people had withdrawn all confidence from them. As there were few post offices at that time, and the postmasters were gen- erally tories, the correspondence of the whigs was subjected to a system of rigid espionage; they had therefore, to seek for other than the usual channels of conveying the necessa- ry information among the people. Boston was the head quarters of the opposition to the arbitrary measures of royal authority, and there most of the great plans were matured, and thence sent abroad among the people, the in- fluence of which, like a mighty wind, moved the whole country. It became necessary that there should be some confidential persons appointed in every town, to whom such communications might be made with safety and effect. Hence originated the "Committees of Correspondence." They were composed of some of the most influential persons among the whigs. These officers were appointed in Boston and other large towns, in the earliest part of the political contest, but were not general, until about 1774. They be- came a very important means of enlightening the public mind, of devising plans, of developing the physical resources of the country, and of finally carrying to maturity the events of the revolution. In many cases, they had concur- rent jurisdiction with the selectmen of the towns. They were soon recognized by the legislature as of legal and official authority, and important duties were devolved upon them, by the General Court. They were, in fact, the directors and managers of the great political drama, which was in preparation for general action throughout the coun- try, and we owe much to this little band of patriots, who spent many anxious days and nights, who freely contributed
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their treasures, and many of them their blood, to effect and secure to themselves and their children the blessings of lib- erty. They were elected in the several towns in the same manner as other municipal officers. The following are the names of the persons, who were chosen in this town, during the several years of the revolution.
1774. John Cunningham, Oliver Watson, Asa Baldwin.
1775. Oliver Watson, Moses Livermore, John Muzzy.
1776. Asa Baldwin, Jeremiah Whittemore, Joshua Dra- per, David Prouty, Knight Sprague, Benjamin Gleason.
1777. Asa Baldwin, Jeremiah Whittemore, Knight Sprague, Joshua Draper, Benjamin Gleason.
1778. Joshua Lamb, John Muzzy, Joshua Barton, John Worster, John Watson.
1779. James Livermore, Benjamin Gleason, John Wor- ster, John Muzzy, Jacob Upham.
1780. John Muzzy, Johnson Lynde, John Sumner, Ben- jamin Bemis, Jonas Muzzy.
1781. John Sumner, Jonas Muzzy, Johnson Lynde, Jere- miah Whittemore, Nathaniel T. Loring.
1782. Asa Baldwin, Jeremiah Whittemore, Capt. Ezekiel Newton.
1783. James Hathaway, Jonas Muzzy, Isaac Morgan.
PROPERTY OF OUR ANCESTORS.
By a culpable neglect on the part of some of our former town officers, the records of the valuation of the estates, and taxes of the inhabitants, have not been preserved until about the year 1800. Consequently, there are no data, by which a correct estimation may be formed of the wealth or relative amount of property of the inhabitants of Spencer during the last century. In 1771, the year previous to the erection of the present congregational meeting house, the following
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method was taken in making disposition of the pews. He or she, whose real estate was placed the highest in the valu- ation list, had the right for the first choice for a pew, at an appraised value, the second highest in valuation had the next choice, and in like manner until all the pews were thus disposed of. In this way the relative standing of sixty-eight of the largest landholders ninety years ago may be known. This, however, was not confined to resident proprietors of lawful age, but non-residents and minors had the same priv- ilege. There were, however, some two or three persons be- longing to the religious sect of the Baptists, - Jonas Bemis, senior, John Hill, and perhaps others, - whose real estates would have entitled them to a choice of pews, not included in the calculation. The following are the names of the sixty-eight persons referred to, numbered according to the relative value of their real estates.
1. John Elliot, Esqr. 20. Joshua Draper.
2. John Sumner, Esq.
21. Jacob Prouty.
3. Oliver Watson. 22. John Watson.
4. Asa Baldwin. 23. John Ball.
5. William Bemis. 24. John Worster.
6. John Cunningham.
25. Johnson Lynde.
26. Joseph Wilson.
27. Joshua Whitney.
28. Simeon Wilson.
29. William White.
10. John White, jun.
11. John Prouty.
12. David Adams.
31. Thomas Canada (a minor.)
13. Joshua Lamb.
32. John Muzzy.
14. Josiah White.
33. Nathaniel Bemis.
15. John Lamb.
34. John Graham.
35. David Baldwin, jun.
36. David Lamb.
37. Nathaniel Cunningham.
38. John Stebbings.
16. Joseph Greenwood.
17. Isaac Prouty.
18. Thomas White.
19. James Draper.
30. John Bisco.
7. Jeremiah Whittemore.
8. Joshua Bemis.
9. Moses Livermore.
HISTORY OF SPENCER. 139
39. Samuel Garfield. 54. Jonathan Ward, (non-res-
40. Archibald Lamond's estate.
41. Samuel Hall.
55. Zebulon Baldwin.
42. Elizabeth Prouty, (widow 56. Isaac Southgate. of David Prouty.) 57. Israel Ball.
43. Ebenezer Mason.
44. Luke Converse.
45. Benjamin Bemis, jun.
46. Abijah Livermore.
61. John Knapp.
62. David Barnes.
63. John Wilson.
64. Lemuel Whitney.
50. Isaac Rice.
51. Jonathan Snow.
52. Robert Morgan.
53. David Knapp.
58. Oliver Watson, jun.
59. David Prouty.
60. Phinehas Whitney.
47. Benjamin Gleason.
48. David Adams, jun.
49. Joseph Livermore.
65. Joel Green.
66. Nath'l Parmenter's heirs.
67. William Watson.
68. Andrew Morgan.
PHYSICIANS.
JAMES ORMES, son of John Ormes, was the first physician, if he may with propriety deserve that title, in Spencer, for he attended upon both the human and brute creation. He came from Watertown to Spencer in 1732. As there were but few inhabitants in the town at that time, and no other physician, he was made to physic and blister the people to their full content.
ASA BURDEN, was from Scituate, Rhode Island. He studied his profession with Doct. John Honeywood of Leicester, who was an eminent physician. He was in practice here several years, but was quite as celebrated for his oddities and eccen- tricities as for his skill in physic. About 1780 he returned to his native town, but afterwards removed to Charlton, where he died.
WILLIAM FRINK was the son of Rev. Thomas Frink, first
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minister of Rutland, where he was born December 14, 1742. He commenced practice in this town about 1770. He was an accomplished physician, well educated in his profession. He removed to Rutland 1780, where he died by a fall from a load of hay.
BENJAMIN DRURY was a native of Oxford, where he was born April, 1758. He studied his profession with Dr. Fiske of the same town. He commenced practice in Francistown, New Hampshire, but continued there but a short time, and came to Spencer 1782, and continued in his profession more than forty years. He died June 28, 1843, aged 85.
JONAS GUILFORD was born in Spencer, August 25, 1759. He studied his profession with Dr. Babbit of Sturbridge, and commenced practice in his native town, 1783, and con- tinued in practice twenty-six years. He died July 17, 1809, aged 50.
CHENEY POTTER was from North Brookfield, and was a pupil of Doct. Jacob Kittredge of the same town, a cele- brated surgeon and quite a popular physician. He com- menced in this town about 1807, and continued several years. He returned to his native town, and has since de- ceased.
ASA JONES was a native of Charlton, was a student with Doct. Eaton of Dudley and Doct. Lamb of Charlton. He commenced practice in 1811, and continued for twenty years. He died October 22, 1831, aged 44.
JONAS GUILFORD, son of Doct. Jonas Guilford, was born in Spencer, November 10, 1788. He studied his profession with Dr. Babbit of Brookfield, a distinguished surgeon and physician. He still remains in town, and continues in regu- lar practice.
EDWARD C. DYER, formerly of Sturbridge, came into this town in the spring of 1845. He was a pupil of Dr. William S. Saunders of Sturbridge, - attended lectures in the New York city University, and also at Jefferson Medical College
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at Philadelphia, where he graduated. He still continues in the practice of his profession.
EDWARD M. WHEELER is a native of Massachusetts, and came to Spencer from the town of Paxton, first of January, 1854. He also still continues in the regular practice of his profession.
Several other physicians have been in practice in Spencer, within the present century, from one to three or four years, viz., Jacob Kittredge, jun., John McClure, George S. Smith, John M. Smith, Jason C. Spaulding, Reuben Spaulding, Joel Vaile, Jedediah Amidon, Luther Bugbee, Aaron Green and Joseph Blair. Some of these left the town by ill health, some for lack of patronage, and others by arrangements made with other physicians.
LAWYERS.
Six lawyers have each opened an office in this town, some for short and some for longer periods, viz :
BRADFORD SUMNER came into the town in 1813, but receiv- ing proposals from Nathaniel P. Denny, Esq., of Leicester, he staid here but a few weeks, and became a partner with Mr. Denny in the firm of Denny and Sumner. After con- tinuing a few years in Leicester he removed to Boston, where he became quite successful in his profession for several years. Deceased.
JOHN DAVIS was born in Northborough, graduated at Yale College, 1812, studied with Hon. Francis Blake of Worces- ter, and established himself in Spencer in 1815. While here, his business was considerable, and his amiable deport- ment and unassuming manners won the confidence of our people. Mr. Blake having been appointed clerk of the courts at Worcester, Mr. Davis removed to Worcester and took Mr. Blake's office, where he soon became an eminent practitioner and successful advocate at the bar. In 1824 , he was chosen representative to Congress, for Worcester South District, and continued to represent that district for 13
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