USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > History of Worcester, Massachusetts, from its earliest settlement to September, 1836 : with various notices relating to the history of Worcester County > Part 27
USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > History of Worcester, Massachusetts, from its earliest settlement to September, 1836 : with various notices relating to the history of Worcester County > Part 27
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
Through his whole career, the suppressed love of the drama was working on his mind. The Clergyman's Daughter, a play founded on McKensie's Man of the World, was first presented on the Bos- ton stage, Jan. 1, 1810, and obtained remarkable success. In De- cember of that year, he produced the Poor Lodger, a comedy, adopt- ing the incidents of Miss Burney's novel of Evelina. Mr. White was a frequent correspondent of the National Ægis, while that pa- per was under the direction of the late Francis Blake, and afterwards became editor. In 1813, he published a pamphlet in vindication against the charge of apostasy from democratic principles. His odes and poetical productions obtained some celebrity.2
He possessed that high grade of talent, which is called genius. In his addresses at the bar there were passages of splendid eloquence : but they were unequal : although parts were strong, they were not connected with logical method and clearness. His taste was refined and correct. Greater constancy and perseverance might have raised
1 The severe but witty comment of a distinguished jurist on this work was. that it re- sembled the tessellated pavement in Burke's description, 'here a little black-stone ; there a little white.'
2 MS. of Samuel Jennison, Esq. White MSS. in Am. Antiq. Society's Collections. The publications of William Charles White are these : 1. Orlando, or Parental Persecution : tragedy : Boston, 1797, 12mo: 2. The Clergyman's Daughter: tragedy : Boston, 1810, 12mo : 3. 'The Poor Lodger : comedy : Boston, 1811, 12mo: 4. Compen- dium and Digest of the Laws of Massachusetts: Boston, 1809-10, 2 vols, 8vo: 5. Avowals of a Republican : Worcester, 1813, Svo: 6. Oration : Rutland: July 4, 1802: 7. Oration : Worcester, July 4, 1804 . 8. Oration before the Bunker Hill As- sociation : Boston, July 4, 1809 : 9. Oration : Hubbardston, July 4, 1810.
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him to high rank in any of the departments of forensic exertion, lit- erary effort, or dramatic exhibition.
SAMUEL BRAZER, son of Samuel Brazer, was born at Worcester, in 1785. His early education was received in the common schools. Ile was placed in a store in Boston, preparatory to engaging in mercantile business. Discovering no aptitude for the employment, and a decided inclination for literation avocations, he was sent to Leicester Academy to be prepared for college. There he remained long enough to be fitted for the junior class of Harvard University ; but owing to some difficulty with the instructor, who often felt the lash of his playful satire, he failed of being presented for admission. Although overfond of amusement, apparently idle in habits of study, and foremost in schemes of frolic, he easily took and maintained the highest place of his class in the academy. Disappointed in going to college, he entered the office of Hon. Francis Blake. The tone of party politics, was, at that time, high and angry. With characteristic impetuosity he rushed into the midst of the conflict, and became one of the most distinguished contributors to the Na- tional ÆEgis, established in support of Mr. Jefferson's administra- tion. The literary department of that print derived aid, in verse and prose, from his pen, in many essays and poetical papers distin- guished for facility, point, and caustic vein of humor. He was fre- quently called on to deliver political orations on public anniversa- ries, and acquitted himself with great reputation. The first effort of this kind, was an Address in commemoration of the purchase of Louisiana, in 1804, at the age of eighteen, which was extremely popular with his party friends. He entered into the practise of the profession in New Salem, Mass. But he did not love the law, and the enjoyments of festivity seduced him from the pursuit of that distinction his talents would have won. In 1812, he was resident in Worcester. Subsequently he removed to Baltimore, Md. where he conducted the newspaper called the Baltimore Patriot. Its edi- torial articles, during his connection, indicate his industry and con- sistency, and are marked by the vigor of his nervous style. He died in that city, Feb. 24, 1823.
ENOCH LINCOLN, [B. C. 1821, A. M.] son of Levi Lincoln, sen. was born at Worcester, Dec. 28, 1788. He entered the Sophomore class of Harvard College in 1806. One of those unhappy commo- tions, which have disturbed the repose of the ancient seat of learn- ing in Cambridge, occurred in 1808, and he voluntarily withdrew
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from the University during his senior year. His professional stud- ies were pursued in the office of his brother, Levi Lincoln. He was admitted attorney in IS11, and commenced business in Salem, Mass. In 1812, he returned to Worcester, and practised here until the spring of 1813, when he settled in Fryeburg, Maine. While resident there, he published ' The Village,' a poem descriptive of the beauti- ful scenery of the fairest town on the stream of the Saco, of the wild and romantic region around, and of the social condition of the pop- ulation of the youthful state. In 1815, he was appointed deputy by Hon. William P. Preble, then District Attorney of the United States. In 1819, he was elected to Congress, and removed to Paris, the cap- ital of the county. He continued to represent the district of Oxford, in the national legislature until 1826. He was elected Governor of Maine for three years succeeding that date, with the approbation of the two political parties, and with uninamity almost unprecedented in times of feverish excitement. In the spring of 1829, he declined being again candidate, intending, in retirement, amid the pursuits of agriculture dear to him from education, in the cultivation of the natural sciences, with the flowers and fields he loved, and the litera- ry avocations he delighted to follow, to seek means of usefulness and happiness. In the autumn, induced by ardent desire to promote the cause of education, he visited Augusta, to address the Female Acad- emy, founded there by a philanthropic citizen. Suffering from se- vere sickness, the performance of the task exhausted his strength, and he became a martyr to the effort. He retired from the exer- cises to the house of a friend, where he died, three days after, Oct. 11, 1829, at the age of forty years.
His proclamations were marked with purity and expansive liberali- ty of sentiment, and terse felicity of expression. Official correspon- dence, vindicating, with decision and dignity, the rights of the state, was published among the documents of the contested north eastern boundary. His contributions to the press were characterized by sin- gular elegance of style, masculine energy of thought, and compre- hensive views. An extended work, illustrative of the history and resources of Maine, was left unfinished, in manuscript.
In his moral constitution there were elements brighter than gifts of genius. Overflowing kindness of disposition, ready to do good to every human being, was associated with rectitude of judgment, and united to qualities giving to benevolence its highest value. The stedfast sense of justice was never debased by personal interest or feeling, or darkened by sectarian or party prejudice. Manly intre-
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pidity, fearing nothing but the consciousness of doing wrong, was unshaken by the dread of undeserved censure or popular excitement.
EDWARD D. BANGS, [H. U. 1827, A. M.] son of Hon. Edward Bangs of Worcester, studied with his father, and, on being admit- ted to practise in 1813, entered into partnership with William E. Green, which continued four years. In 1816, 1817, 1820, and 1824, he was representative of the town. In 1824, he was appointed suc- cessor to Rejoice Newton, as County Attorney, and soon after, was elected Secretary of the Commonwealth. The duties of this office were discharged for twelve years with fidelity and ability which com- manded the respect, and courtesy and urbanity securing the good will of all. Mr. Bangs declined reelection, in January, 1836, on ac- count of the impaired state of his health.1
JOHN DAVIS, Y. C. 1812, son of Isaac Davis, of Northborough, Mass. (a respectable farmer, and for more than forty years deacon of the church of that town,) studied with Hon. Francis Blake, came to the bar in Dec. 1815, and established himself in Spencer, in the county of Worcester, a place then of small business, and affording narrow sphere for the exertion of talent. In May 1816, he remo- ved to Worcester, and soon attained high professional eminence. From 1-24 to the time of the appointment of Levi Lincoln to the bench of the Supreme Court in 1825, he was partner of that gentle- man ; afterwards connected with Charles Allen, Esq. from 1825, to 1831 ; and subsequently with Emory Washburn, Esq. to 1834.
In the autumn of 1824, he was chosen Representative of the south district of Worcester county in the Congress of the United States, and held his seat by successive reelections until January 1834. He was distinguished as the advocate of the ' American System ' of pro- tection to home industry : his speeches on the bill to increase the du- ties on wool and woolens of 1827 ; on the Tariff bill of 1828; upon the bill for the more effectual collection of imposts of 1830 ; and in answer to Mr. McDuffie of South Carolina in 1832 ; were widely cir- culated in newspapers and pamphlets. In 1830, he was appointed by the Executive, special Agent, to attend at Washington, the ad- justment of the claim of Massachusetts for services, rendered by her troops during the war with England. He was elected Governor of the Commonwealth, for the year beginning January 1, 1834, and re-
I The unwearied kindness of Mr. Bangs, in full and frequent communications, and in permitting free access to the rolls and files among the precious treasures of the past, heretofore in his official custody, has essentially aided in the preparation of this work, and deserves the most grateful acknowledgment.
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elected for the succeeding political term. In 1835 he was chosen by the Legislature, Senator of the United States for the period ex- piring in 1841. He received the degree of LL. D. from Harvard University, in 1834. He was elected President of the Worcester County Historical Society in 1826, and Vice President of the Amer- ican Antiquarian Society in 1832.
JOHN W. HUBBARD, D. C. 1814, son of Roswell Hubbard, was born at Brookfield, Vt. and adopted and educated by Rev. Samuel Austin, his relative by marriage. His professional studies were pur- sued partly with Gov. Van Ness, at Burlington Vt. and partly with Samuel M. Burnside, Esq. From his admission to the bar in 1817, until his death, September 17, 1825, he practised here. He possess- ed a strong and well cultivated mind, and had given evidence of tal- ents and acquirements, which, with health and longer life, would have ensured distinction.
Pliny Merrick, H. U. 1814, son of Hon. Pliny Merrick, of Brook- field ; studied with Levi Lincoln ; opened an office in Worcester, after admission to the bar in 1817; practised here to May 1818; in Charlton, Mass. for three months following ; in Swansey, Bristol county, to Aug. 1820; and in Taunton, where he was partner of Hon. Marcus Morton, during one year, to 1824. In June of the lat- ter year, he removed to Worcester ; on the 6th of July, 1824, was appointed County Attorney, by Gov. Brooks, succeeding Edward D. Bangs, Esq. ; and Attorney for the Middle District, by Gov. Lincoln, May 24, 1832, upon the organization of the criminal courts distinct from the civil tribunals. He represented the town in the Legisla- ture in 1827; and in 1827, 1828, 1829, 1835, was one of the board of Selectmen.
AUSTIN DENNY, son of Daniel Denny, was born in Worcester, Dec. 31, 1795. Although possessing a vigorous constitution, an accident at early age, occasioned a painful disease, which followed him to a premature grave. He graduated at Yale College in 1814, and commenced the study of law in the office of Hon. Nathaniel Paine. 'The malady preying on his system, deprived him of the use of his right arm, and so debilitated another member, that the exercise of walking was attended with difficulty. Fortitude and per- severance mitigated the pressure of misfortunes so severe. In De- cember, 1817, he was admitted to the bar of the Court of Common Pleas, and commenced practise in Harvard, in this county. In 1819 he returned to Worcester. For several years he was editor of the Massachusetts Spy, and in 1823, established the Massachusetts Yeo-
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man, and continued proprietor and conductor of that print until his decease, July 1, 1830.
He was a well read lawyer, industrious and faithful in the trans- action of business, and a vigorous and able writer. 'Of his intel- lectual powers,' says one who knew him well, 'the distinguishing feature was clearness and strength of comprehension. His views were distinct, his knowledge exact, his reasonings just and candid, his expressions forcible and pertinent. Of his mind, the moral char- acteristic was purity. Ile was not one of the few, who could aston- ish by the vastness of the efforts, or the splendor of their achieve- ments. He belonged to a larger, and not less useful class, who give life and health and vigor to society, by bringing to its service prac- tical talents, useful knowledge, and blameless morals.' 1
Charles Allen, [Y. C. 1836, A. M.] son of Hon. Joseph Allen, born in Worcester, Aug. 9, 1797, entered Yale College, but soon withdrew from that institution. He studied with Samuel M. Burn- side, Esq. ; was admitted in August, 1818; and practised in New Braintree to July, 1824. In that year, he removed to Worcester, and was partner of Hon. John Davis to 1831. He was elected representative of the town in 1829, 1833, and 1834; of the Board of Selectmen in 1832 ; and Senator of the Commonwealth, in 1835, 1836.
ALFRED DWIGHT FOSTER, H. U. 1819, son of Hon. Dwight Foster, born in Brookfield, studied in the office of Samuel M. Burnside, Esq. was admitted in 1822, and resided in his native town to 1824. He settled in Worcester in 1825, was professional partner of Mr. Burn- side, until 1827, and has since retired from practise. He was rep- resentative in 1831, 1832, 1833, and selectman in 1832. He has been one of the Trustees and Treasurer of the State Lunatic Hos- pital from 1833.
WILLIAM S. ANDREWS, H. U. 1812, son of William Andrews, born in Boston, studied at the Law School in Litchfield Conn., and with Hon. Francis Blake. He was in business in Spencer, Mass. in 1817 ; afterwards practised in Maine ; and in Worcester in 1824 and 1834. He is now resident in Boston, and has been author of several theolog- ical treatises.
Isaac Davis, B. U. 1822, son of Phinehas Davis, was born in North- borough, Mass ; studied with Hon. John Davis ; and settled in Wor- cester, upon being admitted in 1825. He was one of the Visitors
1 Massachusetts Spy, July 7, 1830.
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of the Military Academy at West Point in 1833: Vice President of the Massachusetts Sabbath School Union from 1832; of the Mas- sachusetts Baptist Convention from 1833: of the New England Sabbath School Union from its organization in 1835 : and President of the Board of Trustees of the Worcester Manual Labor High School from 1834.
Thomas Kinnicutt, B. U. 1822, son of Thomas Kinnicutt, was born in Warren, R. I; studied with Hon. Francis Baylies at Taun- ton, Mass ; at the Law School in Litchfield, Conn; and with Hon. John Davis; and practised in Worcester from 1825. He was in the House of Representatives of Massachusetts in 1835 ; Trustee of the State Lunatic Hospital in 1835, 1836; and Selectman in 1836.
William Lincoln, H. U. 1822, son of Levi Lincoln, sen.
RICHARD H. VOSE, B. C. 1822, born at Augusta, Maine, son of Solomon Vose, Esq. grandson of Rufus Chandler, studied with Levi Lincoln and Hon. John Davis, practised here about a year in part- nership with Pliny Merrick, Esq. and removed to Augusta in 1824.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS BALDWIN, son of Eden Baldwin, was born in Templeton, Mass. August 1, 1800; entered Harvard Uni- versity in 1819; and withdrew from that institution, with many of his classmates. May 1823. He entered the office of Levi Lincoln and Hon. John Davis, and on the retirement of the former from the bar completed his legal studies with the latter gentleman ; was admitted in June 1826, and commenced practise in Worcester. In May 1830, he removed to Barre, Mass. and in November following, to Sutton, Mass. where he formed a connection with Jonas L. Sibley, afterwards Marshal of Massachusetts. In the autumn of 1831, he was elect- ed Librarian of the American Antiquarian Society, and relinquish- ed a profession he never loved. The duties of this office were dis- charged with singular zeal and fidelity. While on a journey for the recovering of impaired health, and with the purpose of exploring the mounds and memorials of the perished nations of the West, he was killed, in Norwich, Ohio, by the overturn of a stage coach, August 20, 1835, at the age of twenty five years.
He possessed lively wit, antiquarian taste and knowledge, kind- ness of disposition and benevolence of feeling, and remarkable sin- cerity and simplicity of character.
In the autumn of 1825, Mr. Baldwin became one of the editors and proprietors of the Worcester Magazine and Historical Journal, published by himself and William Lincoln, in monthly numbers, du- ring a year, forming two octavo volumes. He furnished the history
32
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of Templeton, many essays, biographical sketches, and selections of revolutionary papers, for that work.
ISAAC GOODWIN, son of William Goodwin, long postmaster, and cashier of a bank in Plymouth, was born in that ancient town, June 28, 1786. Educated in the common schools, he early entered the office of Hon. Joshua 'Thomas, a counsellor of good reputation, and was admitted to practise in 1808. He opened an office in Boston, but removed, August 16, 1809, to Sterling, in Worcester county. There he remained to April, 1826; then he became resident in Worcester, where he died, of dropsy of the heart, Sept. 17, 1832.
One nurtured fast by the pilgrim's rock, on the soil they first trod, could not fail to imbibe thie antiquarian's love of old times. Such taste, combined with studious habits and facility in the acquisition of knowledge, led him to familiar acquaintance with the traditionary lore and recorded narratives of New England's history. Diligent inquiry into the origin and progress of our social and beneficent institutions, with lively interest in their objects, enabled him to extend their usefulness. Readiness in assuming and transacting business of a public character, made him a valuable member of the community. Writing with ease and grace, he was frequent con- tributor to the periodical press. The general view of the county, and the detailed account of Sterling, in the Worcester Magazine of 1826, were from his pen. He published ' The Town Officer,' in 1826, which has been through three editions ; and ' The New Eng- land Sheriff' in 1830; useful compilations of the duties of munici- pal and civil officers. Of the many occasional addresses delivered by him, the following were printed : address before the American Antiquarian Society, Aug. 24, 1820 : address before the Worcester Agricultural Society, Oct. 13, 1824 : Oration on the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the destruction of Lancaster by the In- dians, Feb. 21, 1826.
Emory Washburn, W. C. 1817, son of Joseph Washburn of Leic- ester ; studied with Nathaniel P. Denny, Esq. and Bradford Sumner, Esq. in his native town ; in the Law school of Harvard University ; and with Charles Dewey, Esq. then of Williamstown : and was admit- ted attorney at Lenox, in March, 1821. He practised at Charlemont, in Franklin county, for six months; in Leicester, to March, 1828; and since in Worcester.
In 1826, he was representative of Leicester, Master in Chancery from 1830, and Trustee of the State Lunatic Hospital in 1836.
EDWARD J. VOSE, B. C. 1825, brother of Richard, studied with
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Hon. John Davis and Charles Allen, Esq. was admitted in 1828, opened an office here in 1829, and died June 1831.
Henry Paine, son of Hon. Nathaniel Paine of Worcester, entered Yale College in 1820, but soon left that institution on account of ill health; studied with Samuel M. Burnside, Esq; and was admitted, and began practise here, in June 1827.
William N. Green, son of William E. Green, a native of Wor- cester, pursued his professional studies with Samuel M. Burnside, Esq. and commenced practise here in 1828.
WILLIAM M. TOWNE, A. C. 1825, son of Hon. Salem Towne, born in Charlton, Mass. studied with Hon. John Davis and Charles Allen, Esq : and commenced practise here in 1828. In 1834, he formed a partnership with Joseph W. Newcomb; and in the autumn of 1835, relinquished the profession, and engaged in manufactures.
Jubal Harrington, B. U. 1825, son of Fortunatus Harrington, born in Shrewsbury, Mass. studied in the Law School at Northampton, Mass. under the instruction of the late Hon. Samuel Howe and Elijah H. Mills, and with Pliny Merrick, Esq. He commenced practise here in 1828; was editor of the ' Worcester Republican' from the establishment of that print, March 4, 1829 ; representative in 1831, 1832, and 1836; and postmaster from Nov. 9, 1833.
Charles G. Prentiss, born in Leominster, Mass. was son of Charles Prentiss. He studied with Rejoice Newton, and practised in Ox- ford, Worcester county, from his admission in 1821 to 1829. He then removed to Worcester, and has been town treasurer from 1832.
O'TIS C. WHEELER, son of Daniel G. Wheeler, born in Worces- ter, studied with Hon. John Davis and Charles Allen, Esq. and was admitted to the bar in 1830. Consumption had fastened upon him, and he died, of that disease, while on a journey, at St. Augustine, Florida, Feb. 6, 1831, aged 23.
DANIEL HENSHAW, H. U. 1807, son of Col. William Henshaw, born in Leicester, Mass. studied with Hon. Nathaniel Paine; prac- tised at Winchendon, in Worcester county, to 1830, in Worcester, during the succeeding year ; removed to Boston in 1832; and after- wards to Lynn, Mass.
David T. Brigham, U. C. 1828, son of Edmund Brigham ; born in Shrewsbury, Mass; studied with E. C. Southerland of Or- ange county, N. Y ; and Pliny Merrick, Esq; was admitted and be- gan business here in 1831.
Maturin L. Fisher, B. U. 1828, son of Rev. Lewis Fisher, born at Danville, Vt. studied with Isaac Davis, Esq; was admitted 1831;
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and entered into practise here. Since the decease of Mr. Baldwin he has been acting Librarian of the American Antiquarian Society.
George Folsom, H. U. 1822, of Saco, Maine, studied with Ether Shepley, Esq. and commenced practise here in 1832.
Benjamin F. Thomas, B. U. 1830, son of Isaiah Thomas, jun. and grandson of Dr. Isaiah Thomas; studied in the Law School of Harvard University, and with Pliny Merrick, Esq. and was admitted to practise in 1833.
Edwin Conant, H. U. 1829, son of Jacob Conant, born in Ster- ling, Mass. studied with Rejoice Newton and William Lincoln, and at the Law School in Cambridge; practised in Sterling to 1833; and since in Worcester.
Jesse W. Goodrich, U. C. 1829, son of Jesse Goodrich, born in Pittsfield, Mass ; studied with Jonathan Jenkins of Rensselaerville N. Y ; and R. M. Blatchford in the city of New York. In 1833, he was admitted at the bar of Worcester county, and formed a co- partnership with David T. Brigham, which continued to June, 1836.
Abijah Bigelow, D. C. 1795, son of Elisha Bigelow, born in West- minster, Mass ; studied with Hon. Samuel Dana in Groton ; and for a short time with Hon. Samuel Dexter in Charlestown : and practis- ed in Leominster to 1817. On the decease of Hon. Francis Blake, he was appointed Clerk of the Courts, which he resigned in the spring of 1834, and opened an office in Worcester, in connection with George Folsom, Esq. This partnership continued about a year.
Mr. Bigelow was member of the House of Representatives in the 11th and 12th Congress, from 1810 to 1813.
Ira Barton, B. U. 1819, born in Oxford, Mass; studied with Sam- uel W. Bridgham, Esq. in Providence, R. I; Sumner Bastow, Esq ; in Sutton ; Levi Lincoln in Worcester ; and in the Law School at Cambridge ; and practised in Oxford to 1834. He represented that town in the Legislature of the Commonwealth, in 1830, 1831, 1832 ; and was Senator of Massachusetts in 1833, 1834. In 1834, he re- moved to Worcester, and, in Jan. 1836, was appointed Judge of Pro- bate for the county of Worcester, on the resignation of Hon. Nathanl- iel Paine.
George W. Richardson, H. U 1829, son of John Richardson, now of Newton, born in Boston ; studied with John H. Richardson, Esq. and Pliny Merrick, Esq : was admitted, and began practise here, in 1834.
Andrew Jackson Davis, son of Phinehas Davis, born in North- borough, Mass; studied with his brother, Isaac Davis, Esq. and af-
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ter admission to practise, in September, 1834, was connected in business with him for a year.
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