History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 161

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1576

USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I > Part 161

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Within the past five years Mr. Holbrook has also built a large reservoir of thirteen thousand five hun- dred gallons capacity above his building, to which water is pumped and kept constantly filled to be used in cases of fire. Its great utility was remarkably demonstrated during the past year, when, the grist- mill on the opposite side of the river getting on fire, with little prospects of any part of the buildings or contents being saved, the attachment of hose to this reservoir and running the same to the mill sufficed in a few minutes to subdue the flames and save nearly the whole contents of the buildings.

On the north side of the stream was erected both a grist-mill and a clothier's mill previous to or about 1761. The river at this point at that date was no doubt the dividing line between Lancaster and Shrewsbury. Micah Harthan, according to the mili- tary record of Lancaster, was engaged as a soldier in the expedition against Ticonderoga in 1758, and on his return from that unfortunate expedition no doubt engaged in the running of the two small mills at this point, and probably they were built by him. They have been widely known as the Harthan Mills, and were owned for nearly a century by the Harthans, the sons and grandsons of Micah.

Micah Harthan was born probably in Marlboro' in 1735. In the time of the Revolution his name does not appear among those enrolled as subject to do military duty, it probably being considered that his business as a clothier was of too much importance to take him away from it. He died in 1803, when the business of the grist-mill went to his son David. Both the grist and clothier's mills were burned in 1801. A new grist-mill on improved plans was erected at once, and a small fulling-mill was also built and run for a number of years by Oliver Moore, who ran this mill until his death in 1831. It was afterwards used for a few years by Samuel Flagg & Co. as a machine- shop. In 1842 Charles M. Harris came here from

Rhode Island, and in company with Mr. Wilder used this mill for the business of making cotton-yarn, which was continued until 1847, when this and the grist-mill were burned. At the time of this fire machinery had been put in the upper story of the grist-mill for making twine and wicking; both this and the grist-mill being run by Childs & Dinsmore.

The cotton-mill was never rebuilt, and for about three years nothing was done towards rebuilding the grist-mill. During this time a run of stones was put into the machine shop of Mr. Holbrook, on the op- posite side of the river, by James E. Wood, who run it until the new mill on the old site was started in 1851. In 1850 Mr. Ruel G. Cowee came here from Gardner and built the present mills, which have the best reputation for making flour and grinding all kinds of grain of any mill in the region.

For several years the upper story of the mill was used for mechanical purposes, making weather-strips &c., but for the last twenty years the whole of the first buildings, with many additions, have been used for the greatly increased business. Mr. Cowee died October 5, 1882, since when the business has been carried on by his grandson, E. A. Cowee.

The sixth establishment, or cotton-mill, is what is now known as the " Clarendon Mills," situated at what is known as the Lower Factory village. The waters of the Nashua River at this point were turned into a canal and carried about half a mile from their natural course into a large artificial basin, and, after driving the machinery of this mill, flow in a canal about a mile before again uniting with the main stream. This work was first started by Major Ezra Beaman about 1793, to operate a saw and grist-mill. The saw-mill remained in operation until about 1872. The grist-mill was in a few years removed, and the first cotton-mill was started in the town; just the date of its starting cannot be learned, but it had been in operation several years before the incorporation of the town, in 1808. Up to 1819 nothing had been done beyond making yarn by machinery. All of the weav- ing had been done by hand-work on the old looms, worked by females at their homes, and yarn from this mill was carried many miles away from the mills, was woven in the looms by the fireside of many a country home and returned as cloth to the mill. In 1819 twelve looms were put into operation in this mill, and from that date there was a rapid in- crease or growth of the cotton manufacture in this town, and which made it the leading industry, as it will long continue the leading one of the town. About that date a company was incorporated for this mill, under the name of the " Beaman Manufacturing Company," and continued its existence until 1873.

In 1847 and '48 the company enlarged the capacity of their pond or basin to more than double its first condition, removing the old wooden building, working it over into several tenements, and built the main part of the present mills of brick. This was only one

593

WEST BOYLSTON.

story above the basement. The two wings, of two stories-also of brick-were added in 1854. In 1874 a change was made in the ownership, and the com- pany was reorganized under the name of the "Clar- endon Mills." This mill has a large steam-engine attached, of sufficient power to run one-half of the machinery in times of low water, or when otherwise needed. In 1881 they added a building for a bleach- ery of thirty-two by sixty feet, and two stories high, thus enabling them to finish the goods made ready for the market. They manufacture at present conn- terpanes, sheetings, corset-jeans and sateens, making ladies' fine dress goods from Nos. 30 to 50 yarn. The mills are of the capacity of 10,950 spindles, and give employment to one hundred and ninety operatives. For many years they have been under the superin- tendence of Mr. George M. Lourie as resident agent. They are delightfully situated in what has ever proved to be a very healthy part of the town; and, with its pretty pond, buildings and avenues lined and shaded by several varieties of trees, many of them planted near a century since, it presents to the eye a view both beautiful and romantic. Passing travelers, at about sunset of a pleasant day, often remark this pleasing appearance as their eyes take in this view from the upper railroad station in this town. A pleasing item in connection with these mills is worth recording. Miss Parney Underwood began work in them in 1822, and worked constantly for a period of abont sixty-three years. She has not worked in them for three years past, but still remains hale and vigorous for one of her age.

Next to the cotton manufacture, the bottoming of boots has for many years been the leading industry of the town. This business had become one of importance in 1842, at which time there was probably about two or three hundred pairs of boots bottomed per day for Worcester manufacturers, in this town. This business continued to increase until, a few years before the Civil War, there were over two thousand pairs of boots so bottomed daily for Worcester parties, and con- tinned with abont the same amount of work until about ten years ago, when the business began to de- crease, and now but few boots are bottomed here for Worcester men.

In the year 1850 a boot manufactury was erected near the upper railroad station in this town, and was in operation about twenty-three years, making some fifty cases of boots per day. Since 1875 it has been vacant. In 1856 another establishment was started on the north side of the river, making from fifty to one hundred cases per day until January 23, 1866, when the shop was burned.

A still larger shop was erected the same season, and steam-power was added. After that time they in- creased their business, making some seasons as many as two hundred cases per day up to 1878. Since that time a much smaller number of boots has been made in this shop, but the business has been regularly carried on.

About 1860 an establishment was commenced at Oakdale for the manufacture of ladies' shoes, employ - ing some twenty hands, with steam-power. This business was continued until 1878, when the shop was closed. Since that year the shop was used, a year or more, for making men's shirts. The business was afterward moved to Leominster.

In former years the mannfacture of grain-cleaning and fanning mills was carried on here to a small extent.

The manufacture of hand-made oak baskets has been carried on in this town for more than seventy years. Formerly a two-bushel basket was as large as was made or wanted. Now they are made of the capa- city of thirty bushels for factory use, and machinery is nsed to work out some of the larger parts of the baskets. At this time from ten to twelve persons are employed in this business.

The manufacture of school apparatus was begun here over sixty years ago, and a few years afterwards the manufacture of a small machine called a " Warper Stop Motion" was begun by the same parties, and carried on until about one year ago, when the busi- ness was removed to Clinton. The making of school apparatus had been given np for many years pre- viously.

Another business followed for the past twenty-five years has been the manufacture of whatnots, brackets, and a variety of house ornaments, in which both steam and water-power have been used. The same parties have built a few church and parlor organs within a few years.

A steam mill, for sawing lumber, planing and matching boards, and the manufacture of packing- boxes, was started at Oakdale about five years since, and employs five or six men all the year.

The following histories of individuals are of those men who have for their lifetime been connected with the growth and prosperity of the town, and to whose energy, thrift and plans it owes its existence and present standing :

Ezra Beaman, Esq., more generally known as Major Beaman, was the eldest son of Jabez Beaman, and was born in Bolton, October, 1736. The father, having purchased a large tract of land, removed here with his family in 1746, where he lived until his death in 1757. Major Beaman theu became proprietor of the homestead and began that career of usefulness and success which contributed so much to the forma- tion of the town. In 1758 he married Persis, daughter of Deacon Cyprian Keyes, of Shrewsbury, with whom he lived about thirty years. She died in 1788, leav- ing six children-Jabez, Ezra, Levina, Persis, Betsey and Eunice. He afterward married Mary Boylston, of Charlestown, who survived him and died June 6, 1813, aged sixty-two years.

Major Beaman was endowed by nature with a strong mind, possessing a remarkable spirit of enter- prize, together with great energy and resolution,

594

HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

which enabled him to devise and execute various schemes and plans, not only for his own prosperity, but also for the interest and advantage of the community around him. His designs seldom failed to result auspiciously and in accordance with his desires and anticipations. He possessed and held a large amonnt of real and personal property, thereby constituting him by far the wealthiest man of the then inhabitants of the town. He was not only an active, leading man in his own vicinity, but sustained a prominence and wielded an extensive and controlling influence in the community at large. Whenever a project of a public nature, having the benefit of the community as its object, was originated and brought np for considera- tion, he was the first to be consulted as to its import- ance and practicability, when his judgment and ex- pressed opinions generally had the effect to cause the adoption of the scheme or its rejection and abandon- ment, thus clearly demonstrating and unmistaka- bly manifesting the high estimation in which he was held by the leading portion of his fellow-citizens for his practical wisdom and sonnd judgment. Many of the public roads in this vicinity were projected by him, and although it has been handed down that he met with a strong and determined opposition, time has shown that most of these highways were located where they have proved to be of the most advantage to the after-growth of the town and county. Major Beaman was a patriot, a firm and ardent friend to his country, being one of the active and unflinching spir- its of the American Revolution. He early took a decided stand against tyranny and oppression, taking up arms in favor of the rights of his country, march- ing to the battle-field to resist the encroachments of the enemy. He was with the American army at Cambridge in 1775, and performed a conspicuous part during that memorable period. He was ever ready to render aid and assistance in any emergency, not only by his influence, but when circumstances re- quired, he promptly devoted his time, his property and his personal exertions for the purpose of sustain- ing and pushing forward the arduous struggle for American independence. It would seem that he was one with many others who had virtually pledged their lives, their property and their sacred honors in favor of obtaining liberty, justice and equal rights for them- selves and their posterity.

In looking back and jndging at this day, it seems to the writer that the leading trait in his mind and character was thoroughness and durability-every- thing was done to last for many generations.

He began in early life to set, in and along the highways adjacent to his own lands, a variety of shade trees,-elms, maples, buttonwoods and others. One of these buttonwood trees, set when he was thirteen years of age, is now an enormons one of its kind, measuring at its base over twenty-two feet in circumference. The many trees set by him now form one of the great beauties of our town, especially

of that part of it in and around what are now the grounds of the Clarendon Mills corporation. In the higbway, and against lands formerly owned by the Beamans, stands an enormous " White Oak" tree, which must be now several centuries old. Tradition says it was an ancient boundary tree, some believing that it was on the line of the extension of Lancaster in 1711, and of the Davenport farm. Certainly Major Beaman made it a boundary tree in selling land, and having the wish to preserve and insnre its existence against the axe of any future vandal, he filled its trunk with large spikes, driving many pounds of iron into it. This tree is still thrifty and growing, and measures aronnd its base twenty feet eight inches, and at six feet from the ground abont fifteen feet in circumference.

In 1764, Major Beaman built the large and com- modions dwelling-house on what is now called East Main Street, at the Valley, in this town. This house was built in a thorough and substantial manner, of the best materials, and was at the time, no doubt, one of the best honses in its vicinity. It was de- signed for a public-house and, as a remarkable fact, it was kept as such by the two Ezra Beamans for abont a century.

Abont sixteen years since, the main part of this establishment, being in the way of the line of one of our streets, was moved about thirty rods away and fitted up as a separate house ; all of its timbers being sound and in good condition, it promises to last another century if properly cared for. The large "Ell" of the old honse was fitted up in its old loca- tion and makes a good substantial farm-house. One of the barns, eighty feet in length, has also been moved across the street and fitted np for tenement- honses, and thns changing very much the appearance of the old place.

Another feature of the old place was a large stone watering trongh, erected over a century ago by Major Beaman, supplied by an aqueduct leading from a spring about forty rods away, with a constant stream of cool water, coming from au iron spout in a stone column towering above the trough, on which was ever found hung a dish from which the traveler conld slake his thirst. This trough has been moved from its former location across the street, and still remains as a noted resort for thirsty horses and other beasts, but the old time "dipper" for man's use has long been missing.

To Major Beaman is the town indebted, more than to all others, for its existence as a town. The inhabit- ants of Boylston having decided to build a new meeting-house, a difficulty arose in regard to its location. The majority were in favor of building near the location of the old house, while a large minority, led by Major Beaman, wished to build about half a mile northwest of the old house, and nearer the centre of the territory of the town. It becoming apparent that no compromise conld be effected, the minority

595

WEST BOYLSTON.

seceded and built a new house on what is now known as the "old Common " in West Boyslton, in 1793 and 1794, and petitioned the Legislature for an act of incorporation as a town. In this effort they were joined by persons both from the towns of Sterling and Holden. Each of the three towns strongly opposed the movement, and it was defeated. They then applied for incorporation as a precinct, or parish, and this was granted in June, 1796, and it was made the "Second Precinct of Boylston, Sterling and Holden." In the survey, by Silas Holman, of the territory at the time of the first application, 4075 acres were claimed as being in Boylston, 2367 acres in Sterling, 3646 acres in Holden and 1392 acres in Worcester. The petition for a separate precinct was signed by forty.three voters of Boylston, twenty-three from Sterling, nineteen from Holden and three from Wor- cester. The act of incorporation did not include any of the territory from Worcester. At a meeting held by these people, December 17, 1792, it was first decided to build a meeting-house, and in order to raise funds for the purpose, it was voted to sell the projected number of pews at auction, and sixty-six pews were thus sold for the amount of $1938.25. Of these, Major Beaman bid off thirty-one. At an adjourned meeting, held February 4, 1793, it was decided "to build a belfry to their house," and on the 13th, 14th and 15th days of June, 1793, the frame of the house was raised. About this time Major Beaman proposed that, for the amount realized for the pews sold, and the ownership of those unsold, he would finish the house. The language of the record gives this account of the result :

" This " proposition " was agreed to, and within the term of about eighteen months from the time it was raised he accomplished the work in a very decent and faithful manner, and at an expense far exceed- ing any pecuniary compensation which he can expect or hope for in return." Major Beaman also projected and built the dam on the Nashua River, with the canal, of near a half-mile in length, into which the water is turned and taken to the artificial pond, now owned and used by the Clarendon Mills Company, making it one of the most valuable water-powers in the town. On this he erected a grist-mill and a saw- mill, which were used as such until after his death. At the incorporation of the town, in 1808, Major Beaman, at the meeting held the first Monday in March, was chosen chairman of the Board of Select- men and treasurer. He was also chosen as the town's first Representative to the General Court, and he was, each following year, re-elected to these offices, holding them to the time of his death, June 4, 1811, in the seventy-fifth year of his age.

At his death all of his children were living, and his property was equally divided, after his widow's dower was set off. She only survived him about two years, when all of his property came into the possession of his children. Jabez, his eldest son, who left no issue,

died in 1812, about one year after his father. In the settlement of the real estate left by Major Beaman, three commissioners, consisting of Silas Holman, of Bolton, with James Longley and Jotham Bush, of Boylston, were appointed to appraise and divide the real estate, and by a reference to their report, the following facts are gathered. There were twelve par- cels of real estate, consisting of 819 acres, with buildings, all valued at $35,765 ; thirty pews in the meeting-house on the old Common, valued at $1212; two horse-sheds, $48, and one pew in Boylston meeting house, $30.50. None of this real estate was sold, but after one-third of it was set off as the widow's dower, some parts of it were set off to each of the six children, the largest proportion to Ezra Beaman, Jr., who was to make each one's portion equal by the payment of money. By the death of the widow and of the eldest son, Jabez, within two years after this division, Ezra Beaman, Jr., came into possession of the homestead and the greater propor- tion of the landed estate, which he held during his long life.

The last Ezra Beaman never married, but lived to the good old age of ninety-two years and seven months, his decease occurring July 24, 1863. In many respects he was like his father, and always seemed to have his father's life and example before him ; often quoting his words and telling of his acts, and priding himself in " doing everything just as his father did." He was a generous man, a good and useful citizen, respected and liked by every one. At his death the name of Beaman became extinct in this town. He was the last one of his name, and since that time one thing after another has been changed until very little is left to remind us of the name. A number of years before the death of the last Ezra a movement was started to have the name of the town changed to "Beaman," and by a large majority, at a meeting called to act on the matter, a vote was passed in its favor ; but finding that the then only represen- tative of the name was strongly opposed to it, the matter was dropped. The first incorporated cotton- mill in town was for many years known as "The Beaman Manufacturing Company," but in its re- organization, a few years since, it took the name of the "Clarendon Mills." The old farm was cut up and sold to many different parties, leaving only one hundred and forty-five acres, with a remnant of the old buildings, as the only portion of the old place now intact. In naming the streets of the town, three years ago, one short street received the name of "Beaman."

William Thomas was one of the early settlers in this town, on a small farm on what was then called "Shrewsbury Leg," now owned by J. B. F. Prescott, in the village of Oakdale, where he lived until his decease in 1810, aged eighty-five years. He possessed a peculiar relish for literature and science, and de- voted much time to reading and study. He had a

596

HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

peculiar taste for astronomical research and calcula- tion, and this no doubt had a great influence in shaping and forming the character of his eldest son, Robert Bailey Thomas, Esq., born in 1766 and died in 1846, aged eighty years. He resided in the house in Oakdale now occupied by Charles M. Harris. He was a prominent man in the town, was its first town clerk, several times chairman of the Board of Selectmen, represented the town in the State Conven- tion of 1820 for revising the Constitution, and was several years a member of the State Legislature. He was a justice of the peace, and for many years did all the conveyancing and other legal writing for his townsmen. He originated and established the Farm- ers' Almanac in 1793, annually preparing and fur- nishing the matter for that popular and widely-known manual to the end of his life. He accumulated a large property, and being very liberal and public- spirited, contributed much towards the welfare and growth of the town. He was the largest contributor towards the building of the largest hall in the town, and it was named "Thomas Hall" as a compliment to him. This hall was intended for school and relig- ious purposes, and it has been used by the town for over forty years for all of its public meetings. Mr. Thomas leaving no children, and dying intestate, his property was divided between his widow and two children of a brother. He married Hannah Beaman, of Princeton, who survived him and died in 1855, aged eighty-one years.

Thomas Keyes, Jr., was born in the town April 20, 1802, and died October 30, 1831, aged twenty- nine years. He was the son of Thomas and Lydia Keyes, and grandson of Thomas Keyes, who settled here in 1767. Very early in life he manifested a strong inclination for invention and mechanical work, but as his friends intended and expected that he would lead a farmer's life, those traits were dis- couraged, and it was not until after his majority that he could devote any time to his natural inclinations. Had he lived a few years longer there is little doubt that he would have achieved a name that would have been a world-wide one. Astronomy was one of his favorite studies, and his great mechanical ingenuity led to the construction of the orrery, an instrument since becoming well known, for the purpose of illus- trating the movements of the solar system. It is so simple and easy of management that it has become one of the most valuable instruments in use for the purpose it was intended for. With the orrery, one of his last designs was the construction of an apparatus which was to embrace the Lunarinm and Tellurium on a different plan from any then known. Unfortu- nately, the traces of the designs which he left were so obscure that it was impossible for any one to un- derstand them well enough to complete it. A board on which he had begun to trace these plans was the last work of his life, he being suddenly stricken by the disease from which he never recovered. Another

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 161

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1576

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1576