History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 41

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 41

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to pay for it. Matters run along until 1788, when, after repeated efforts on part of the brethren, a settle- ment was had, at which Mr. Heard presented a long bill for sundry repairs on the house and hall, and for care of the lodge-room and property. The matter was finally settled by Heard's giving the lodge his note for £56 118. 4d., at the reduced scale, and a lease of the " hall with the chamber adjoining, with the usual privilege the Lodge have heretofore had in the house from time to time, and at all times so long as the Lodge shall continue as a Lodge." But the lodge did not always remain there. In February, 1799, a committee was appointed "to make provisions for a suitable hall for Trinity Lodge," and in the following February another committee was chosen to " contract with Brother Merrick Rice to furnish a suitable and convenient hall for the use of the Lodge." But when it removed to the new quarters, and how long it there remained, are unknown. One of the houses then owned by Merrick Rice is the same now occupied by Mrs. E. M. Greene, in the Centre Village, and it is probable, but not certain, that it was to this house the lodge removed in 1799. Afterward, the lodge occupied a hall in the Lancaster Hotel, and as the order grew unpopular, about 1826, the furniture was removed to a private room in the house of some oue of the brethren, where the faithful continued to assem- ble until the organization became finally extinct.

The meetings were on the first Monday of each month, lasting from four o'clock P.M. until eight o'clock, np to September, 1787, when the dates were changed from four o'clock on the first Monday of every month until six o'clock P.M. on the first Tuesday of August, October, December, February, April and June. But in February, 1790, the dates were again changed to the first Tuesday of every month, from six o'clock to ten P.M., and so continued, though in 1792 the hour was changed back to four o'clock.

The brethren faithfully observed the feast days of the order. The festival of St. John the Evangelist (in December) was celebrated in their hall, only members of the craft heing admitted. But the feast of St. John the Baptist (June 24th) was public, and often an imposing affair. All the brethren were sum- moned, and the clergy in the neighboring towns, whether Masons or not, were formally invited, and one of them, by special request of the lodge, preached a sermon. The brethren assembled at their hall at nine A.M., transacted any business that came before them, and at eleven a procession was formed which marched to the church to attend a religious service. Sometimes, as at the celebration in 1790, they were escorted thither "by a well-disciplined company of cavalry in complete uniforms," and were preceded by "a band of music playing Entered Apprentice Song." The services were interspersed with singing by selected choirs, and were listened to by large andiences, " whose attention and decency of behavior manifested an unfeigned approbation of the animating truths

HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

delivered." After the service the brethren, with the clergy and invited guests, returned to the hall, where a grand hanquet was served. At the festival in 1790 the following toasts were drank :

1. "The Memory of St. John the Baptist."

2. "Our Illustrious Brother, George Washington, President of the United States."

3. "The United States of America, with the Craft."

4. "The Venerable Clergy."

5. " All Mankind."

Among the elergymen who preached on these occa- sions were Rev. Mr. Sumner, of Shrewsbury, in 1789; Rev. Phineas Whitney, of Shirley, in 1790; Rev. Peter Whitney, of Northboro', in 1792; and Rev. Wm. Emerson (father of Ralph Waldo Emerson), of Har- vard, in 1793. After 1792 Trinity and Morning Star Lodges often united in the observance of this feast, meeting alternately in Worcester and Lancaster. On these occasions the programme was very elaborate, and was successfully carried out to the great pleasure and, be it hoped, to the edification of all the brethren.

The meetings of the lodge were occasions of re- freshment, as well as labor. A suggestive faet is the amount of the steward's bill, which was presented at the close of every meeting and promptly ordered paid. In 1793 a committee was chosen "to accommo- date the Hall with a conveniency for mixing liquors," and at another time it was voted, "That the Treasury · furnish some brother with money to purchis 2 Dozen Tumblers ;" and as a preparation for one of their June festivals, they procured five dozen tumblers for the banquet. But no intemperance or excess was tolerated ; for at one of the meetings a committee was chosen to remonstrate with Brother --- -- for his intemperate habits. The admonition did not eure the appetite, however, for subsequently the lodge, by a formal vote, debarred the erring brother from the privilege of celebrating the approaching Feast of St. John's with them. But, with all these festivities, the records show that the lodge was fully alive to its duties to the "poor and distressed," and to their widows and orphans. They buried their dead brethren, relieved the widows, made liberal donations of money to those in misfortune, and, in many other ways, extended sympathy and help to those in need in a manner which made it a society dear to its members and sincerely respected by the community.

In those days Washington was regarded as the most illustrious patron of the order in America. At all Masonic festivals his health was drank and his virtues eulogized in speech and song. His death was the occasion of a memorial service by Trinity Lodge. At a special communication held January 11, 1800, the lodge voted to meet on the 22d of the following Feb- ruary, " for the purpose of testifying in a public man- ner the sorrow we feel on acet. of the decease of the greatest and best of men, Br. Genl. George Washing- ton." The hall was draped in black and all the brethren summoned to be present. Rev. Nathaniel

Thayer was invited to preach the sermon. There was a very large attendance, and citizens and soldiers joined in the procession to the church. "The discourse," says the record, "delineated in a comprehensive manner the virtues and excellencies of the deceased, and enjoined it on all the Brethren to imitate, as much as possible, his great and unequalled virtues."

After the services a banquet was held at the hall of the lodge. In the records a memorial page is given to Washington, as follows :

BROTHER GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Born Feby. 11tb, Year of Light, 5732. Invested with the Command of the American Armies, 5775. Resigned Ins Commission to Congress, 5783.

Chosen President of the United States, 5788. Gave in his Resignation, 5796. Invested a second time with the Organization and Command of the American Forces, 5798. Died December Thirteenth, 5799.

The following were the Masters of the lodge from 1783 to 1801 : Edmund Heard, 1783-89-90-91-92 and part of 93-six years ; Timothy Whiting, Jr., 1784-85- 87-93-94-97-six years; Ephraim Carter, 1786-one year ; Abijah Wyman, 1788-one year ; John May- nard, 1795-96 -two years; Abraham llaskell, 1798- one year ; Moses Thomas, 1799-one year; Amos Johnson, 1800-one year. Not all of these were resi- dents of Lancaster.

Among those holding the office after 1800 were Joel Pratt, Luke Bigelow, John G. Thurston and Calvin Carter. The dates and length of their ser- vices are unknown.

The year in which the lodge ceased to hold meet- ings is in doubt. It was not represented in the Grand Lodge after 1824, and it ceased to exist as an active organization about 1832. The Morgan excite- ment and the political agitation arising therefrom were the principal causes of its decline. The society became unpopular. The hall was given up and a small room obtained, where, for a time, the faithful of the craft continued to meet. At last even this was abandoned, and the lodge property was taken in charge by John G. Thurston, one of the members. A part was stored in his attie, where it was found twenty-five or more years later, and the altar, pedes- tals and some other articles were put into his barn, and were never recovered. Neither the charter nor any of the furniture or regalia were surrendered to the Grand Lodge. When the lodge was reorganized in Clinton in 1858, the old charter, a portion of the records, the jewels, seal and many papers belonging to the Old Trinity Lodge were recovered, and are now deposited in the archives of the new organization, where they still remain as interesting relics of the elder Trinity Lodge.

CLINTON.

NEW TRINITY LODGE .- On the evening of Sep- tember 8, 1858, E. Dana Bancroft, of Ayer, Geo. L. Thurston, of Lancaster, and Henry Bowman, Alfred A. Burdett, Daniel Marsh, Charles W. Odiorne and A. M. Eaglesham, of Clinton, met in Harris Hall, in what is now known as C. W. Field's Block, to open a lodge for instruction in Masonry. E. Dana Bancroft was chosen Master, and gave instruction to the breth- ern in the work and lectures. At this meeting Mr. Bancroft was appointed a committee to ascertain if Trinity Lodge, No. 6, formerly existing in Lancaster, could be revived in Clinton ; or, if that could not be done, to make such further inquiry as he might deem material for the establishment of a new lodge. At a meeting one week later the committee reported that in the opinion of the secretary of the Grand Lodge, Old Trinity Lodge could not be revived, and that the proper course was to organize a new lodge. The brethren at once voted to ask for a dispensation for a new lodge in Clinton, to be called Trinity Lodge, and the following were elected officers thereof: E. Dana Bancroft, W. M .; Henry Bowman, S. W .; Alfred A. Burdett, J. W .; Daniel Marsh, Treas .; Geo. L. Thurston, S. D .; A. M. Eaglesham, J. D .; C. W. Odiorne, S. S .; Henry Eddy, J. S.

The Grand Lodge granted the prayer of the peti- tioners; the new dispensation was received and ae- cepted September 29, 1858, and the list of officers previously selected was confirmed.

On the 21st of September, 1859, the charter, dated September 8, 1859, was received, and the lodge form- ally constituted and organized by the officers of the Grand Lodge, John T. Heard being Grand Master. The following were the charter members: Henry Bowman, Alfred A. Burdett, Daniel Marsh, George L. Thurston, Charles W. Odiorne, Luke Bigelow, Levi Greene, Josiah H. Vose and Henry Eddy. Of these all but Josiah H. Vose were Masons prior to the date of the dispensation, though Henry Eddy had received two of his degrees in Trinity Lodge under the dis- pensation ; and George L. Thurston, Levi Greene and Luke Bigelow were members of Old Trinity Lodge, No. 6.

The first list of officers under the charter were Henry Bowman, W. M. . Alfred A. Burdett, S. W. ; Geo. L. Thurston, J. W .; Josiah H. Vose, Treas .; Henry Eddy, Sec. ; Samuel T. Bigelow, S. D .; Daniel Marsh, J. D. ; John T. Buzzell, S. S .; A. A. Pevey, J. S. ; Gilman M. Palmer, Marshal; Levi Greene, Tiler.

The establishment of the lodge was largely due to the zeal and efforts of the three first officers-Bow- man, Burdett and Thurston. The following is a list of the members of Old Trinity Lodge who joined the new organization : George L. Thurston, Levi Greene, Luke Bigelow, Joel Pratt, Artemas Barnes, Reuben. Blood and A. M. Eaglesbam. The lodge, when firmly established, grew rapidly, though the War of the Re- bellion made heavy inroads upon its membership.

The records of that period illustrate the loyalty of Masons to the supreme civil authority, and their ar- dent patriotism in behalf of the Union cause. Some of the brethren entering the army were presented with substantial tokens of respect and affection ; several of the lodge's most beloved and, up to their enlistment, active members fell upon the field of battle or died of disease contracted in the military service, and were brought home and tenderly laid at rest with the impressive funeral ceremonies of the order. The fol- lowing is a list of those who served in the army. It includes only those who were Masons at the time of or during their military service.

Geo. L. Thurston, adjt .; captain 55th Ill. Vols. ; died of disease con- tracted in service.

Josiah II. Vose, lient. 53d Mass. Vols .; mortally wounded July ; died July, 1863.

Henry Bowman, capt. 15th Mass. ; col. 36th Mass. Vols.

Franklin Howard, C'o. C, Ist Mass. Cav.

Frank T. Hfolder, sergt. Co. B, 3d Mass. Cav.

William L. Cobb, lieut 34th Mass, Vols. ; died of wounds.

Lucius Field, lient. 36th Mass. Vols.

Alonzo S. Davidson, capt. 36ith Mass. Vols.

William Orr, Jr., sergt. Co. I, 53d Mass. Vols.

Edwin Sawtelle, Co. I, 53d Mass. Vols.

Andrew L. Fuller, lieut. 15th Mass. Vols. ; died of disease contracted in service.

William G. Waters, lieut. 15th Mass. Vols.

Chas. B. Culter, lient. 34th Mass. Vols.

W. II. Bigelow, asst. surgeon 32d Mass. Vols.

The lodge first leased a hall in C. W. Fields' builling, then called "Harris Hall," which it con- tinued to occupy until April 6, 1869, when it re- moved to a new hall in Tyler's Block, which was formally dedicated January 28, 1870. On the com- pletion of the New Bank Block, in 1882, it again re- moved to the new hall in that building, which had been finished and elegantly fitted up by the brethren at an expense of about twelve hundred dollars, and where it now remains. The new hall was solemnly dedicated to Masonry October 20, 1882, by the of- ficers of the Grand Lodge, Samuel C. Lawrence, Grand Master, with impressive ceremonies, at the close of which a grand banquet was served in the Clinton House Hall. The following brethren have served as Masters of the lodge : E. Dana Bancroft, 1858-59, under dispensation ; Henry Bowman, 1859-60, one year; Alfred A. Burdett, 1860-61, 1861-62, 1863-64, 1873-74, four years; Josiah H. Vose,1 1862-63, one year ; Daniel Marsh, 1866-67, one year ; Levi Greene, 1864-65, 1865-66, two years; George W. Burdett, 1867-68, one year; Henry N. Bigelow, 1868-69, one year; Charles W. Ware, 1869- 70, one year; Charles F. Greene,2 1870-71, one year ; Daniel B. Ingalls,3 1871, 1871-72, one and a half years; Sylvester S. Welsh, 1872-73, one year ; Henry A. Putnam, 1874-75, one year; Henry O. Sawyer, 1875-76, 1876-77, two years; G. Walton

I Entered the military service soon after his installation, and tell in battle before the close of his Masonic year. 2 Died in office.

8 Elected to fill vacancy.

HISTORY OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

Goss, 1877-78, 1878-79, two years; Henry MeGown, 1879-80, 1880-81, two years; George Sutherland, Jr., 1881-82, one year ; Edward G. Stevens, 1882-83, one year; James B. Finnie, 1883-84, one year ; Samuel Booth, 1884-85, 1885-86, two years; Charles A. Bartlett, 1886-87, one year; Jonathan Smith, 1887-88, one year.

In 1885 Col. Gilman M. Palmer left a legacy of two thousand dollars to the lodge, the income thereof to be devoted to the relief of the widows and or- phans of its deceased members. The lodge has had a steady growth, and now numbers one hundred and forty members. It has upon its rolls many of the most substantial and honorable citizens of the towns within its jurisdiction, whose zeal and fraternal love for its honor and welfare deservedly place it first, as it is by many years the oldest, among all the societies of the community.

CLINTON ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER .- In April or May, probably in April, 1869, the following Royal Arch Masons met in Masonic Hall, in Tyler's Block, to organize a Royal Arch Chapter in Clinton : Henry N. Bigelow, Alfred A. Burdett, Levi Greene, Henry A. Putnam, Charles W. Field, Charles W. Field, Jr., George M. Lourie, Albert Shattuck, John Bennett, Marcus E. Amsden and C. L. S. Hammond. All but John Bennett were then residents of Clinton-Mr. Bennett lived in Lancaster-and all belonged to chap- ters in Worcester, Marlborough and Fitchburg.

The meeting organized by the election of Henry N. Bigelow chairman, and C. L. S. Hammond secre- tary. It was voted to petition the Grand Chapter for authority to form a chapter in Clinton, and the name of " Clinton Royal Arch Chapter " was selected for the new organization. Choice was made of the following officers : M. E. H. P., Alfred A. Burdett ; E. King, Henry N. Bigelow ; E. Scribe, C. L. S. Hammond. These officers were also chosen a committee to obtain the recommendation of the chapters in Worcester and Marlborough, and also to draw up and obtain signatures to a petition to the Grand Chapter the fol- lowing June for a dispensation to work.

In September of that year the Grand Chapter granted leave to the new body to work. The dispen- sation was dated September 7th, and was addressed to the petitioners, which included, besides those at the first meeting, Henry E. Starbird, J. E. Hitchcock, C. W. Odiorne, Renben Blood, E. W. Bigelow, Quincy A. Whitney, H. Stevens and Benjamin Whit- temore. The three officers chosen at the first meet- ing were appointed High Priest, King and Scribe respectively, and the dispensation was signed by Henry Chickering, Grand High Priest, and Thomas Waterman, Grand Secretary. On the evening of September 8th, of the same year, the chapter held its first meeting under the dispensation, and the necessary steps were taken to procure an instructor in the work, a hall for meetings and the proper regalia and jewels for the officers. For the first year

the chapter met nearly every week, and the Royal Arch Degree was conferred on nineteen candidates.

September 15, 1870, having worked a year under a dispensation, Clinton Royal Arch Chapter was for- mally constituted and consecrated by the officers of the Grand Chapter. The list of charter members in- cludes those petitioning for a dispensation the pre- vious year, and also the names of Elisha Brimhall, George H. Evans, Robert J. Finnie, Charles F. Greene, Alonzo S. Davidson, Lucius Field, Henry O. Sawyer, Wellington E. Parkhurst, Albert T. Bigelow, A. S. Jaquith and Charles M. Dinsmore, twenty-five in all. The charter dated from September 7, 1870.

The chapter leased rooms of Trinity Lodge, in Tyler's Block, which it occupied until September 4, 1882, when it removed into the new and more com- modious rooms fitted up by Trinity Lodge in the new Bank Block, where it still remains. Since 1870 the chapter has had a steady and prosperous growth and now numbers sixty-one members. The following are the names of those who have filled the office of High Priest, in the order of their service: Alfred A. Bur- dett, three years, one under dispensation and two under charter ; Henry N. Bigelow, two years; Charles W. Field, Jr., one year ; Lucius Field, two years ; Alonzo S. Davidson, two years; C. L. S. Hammond, one year; G. Walton Goss, one year ; C. C. Stone, two years; George B. Dinsmore, two years ; Jonathan Smith, two years; George Sutherland, Jr., in office.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

SIDNEY HARRIS.

A fitting tribute to the life-work of an honored citizen cannot be given in the brief sketch herewith presented, but the people of Clinton can see that in Sidney Harris they had a citizen whose influence for good was widely spread in all directions and will con- tinue to be felt for generations to come.

Mr. Harris was born in Lancaster (in that part now called Clinton) in 1804, the youngest son of Daniel and Abigail (Reed) Harris, and always resided in the town of his birth.

His father was a Revolutionary pensioner, a strong temperance man, as was likewise the son, who bore the mantle of his father with the fearless, independ- ent spirit which is required to successfully carry on a good cause in the face of opposition.

In early manhood he established the business of manufacturing horn-combs, many of the methods being original with himself, and from a small begin- ning built up a business which became national in its reputation and yielded an ample fortune. The territory bounded by his works became known as " Harrisville," in which resided many happy families, contented with their lot and surrounded by that neat-

Piceno "16 mois

Samuel Fre gler

CLINTON.

ness and thrift which characterize a successful New England village.

He was noted for his kindness to his employés and to those who were associated with him in busi- ness, and showed his appreciation of their faithful- ness and honesty by many kind and generous deeds, so that the few surviving him still hold his name in grateful remembrance.

Mr. Harris was married in Lancaster by Rev. Nathaniel Thayer, D.D., in the year 1829, to Sally Kilburn, daughter of Daniel and Rachel (McIntosh) Kilburn, of Lunenburg, Mass.

Their children were: Edwin, born December 7, 1829 ; died December 27, 1829. Almira Jane, born June 6, 1831 ; died September 22, 1847. Christopher Thayer, born March 22, 1833; died March 20, 1854. Edwin Algernon, born May 31, 1837; died May 28, 1875. George Sidney, born March 13, 1839; died April 28, 1867.

He served on the Board of Selectmen in 1838 and also as treasurer and collector in 1850 and 1855.

In religion he was a Unitarian, a pillar in the church of his faith. As a citizen he espoused every good cause and became identified with every move- ment which pertained to the welfare of the town.

The last few years of his life were enfeebled by dis- ease, and after relinquishing his business to his sons, he slowly declined until November 21, 1861, when death released him from his sufferings. His widow survived him until March 9, 1872.

EDWIN A. HARRIS.

One of Clinton's young and active business men forms the subject of this sketch, and though passed from this life, his influence is still felt among the living, and his memory cherished in grateful remem- brance.

Mr. Harris was born May 31, 1837, at the Harris homestead, in Clinton, Mass., the fourth child of Sidney and Sally (Kilburn) Harris. His boyhood was passed at school and in his father's workshops, so that when he came to years of manhood he was thoroughly prepared to assume the responsibility of the business which was relinquished by his father on account of failing health. He was connected with one of our most successful business establishments. The father, Sidney, long and well known in this com- munity, commenced the comb business in 1823, on the site of the present works, and upon his death was succeeded by his sons, Edwin A. and George S. ; the subsequent death of the younger brother threw the entire responsibility upon the elder, the business being conducted throughout these changes under the firm-name of S. Harris & Sons. From the start Mr. Harris was remarkably successful, and under his vig- orous efforts the works rapidly increased in size and capacity, until they became the largest comb works in the United States. He was one of the most active

and earnest men in business life, giving to his business all his powers of mind and body ; a practical believer in industry and all that it can do; though a young man, he was able to show what earnestness and per- severance may accomplish.

His excellent business traits commanded the admi- ration of his fellow-citizens, and his death in the prime of life, while fulfilling a mission of great use- fulness, was mourned by all, particularly by the resi- dents of the village which bore his name.

He married, December 28, 1858, Adeline K. Damon, danghter of William Damon, of Fitchburg, Mass.

Children's names as follows : Herbert Christopher, born April 28, 1862, deceased June 24, 1863; Flora Kate, born July 20, 1865, deceased January 6, 1883.

In religion Mr. Harris was a Unitarian, and gave generously to the support of the church. Like his father, he was active in reform, and manfully defended the right on all occasions. Ever interested in the public welfare, he was one of the first projectors and supporters of the Agricultural Branch Railroad, and the town is greatly indebted to him for the success- ful culmination of this important enterprise, which marked a new era in the growth of the town. Besides being one of the railroad directors, he was also one of the directors of the First National Bank of Clinton, and greatly interested himself in the growth of this institution.

But ere he had reached the age of thirty-eight, when his future seemed full of promise and the re- maining years of his life prospectively free from the harassing cares of business, was he called to a higher stage of existence, his death occurring May 28, 1875. The funeral procession to the beautiful Harris lot in Woodlawn Cemetery was one of the largest ever seen in town, and well attested to the worth of the citizen whose departure was mourned by the whole community.

SAMUEL W. TYLER.

Samuel Willard Tyler, the subject of this sketch, settled in Clinton in 1864, coming from Attleboro', his native town, Bristol County. His emigrant an- cestor, Job Tyler, who came from England about 1653, was one of the pioneer settlers in the domain of the good Massasoit, the steadfast friend of the English.

When but twelve years of age his father died, leaving him and an only sister to the care of a widowed mother. He remained on the farm, spending the time in rural pursuits, until he was twenty-one. The only pride he was taught to desire was that which arose from the exercise of an honest industry, and he found full scope for its indulgence during his early years. Though not of age, he was permitted to act for himself, and to dispose of the results of his labors.

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History of Worcester County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 41

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