USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Abington > History of the town of Abington, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, from its first settlement > Part 14
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).
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
This sermon was by the Rev. Daniel Thomas, who had for some time supplied the little flock in a private house, but who was not ordained till June 1, 1808, at which time the meeting- house, being completed, was dedicated, there being but one service for both occasions, which included a sermon from Rev. Otis Thompson, of Rehobothi, deceased during the past year, at North Abington. He also preached the sermon at the organization of the church the year before, while the new house was barely clapboarded. The church grew out of doctrinal divisions in the Third Church of Bridgewater, now the Unitarian Church of East Bridgewater. Hence the preacher took for his text,-" Think not that I am come to send peace on earth : I came not to send peace, but a sword." The council was composed of church in Middleborough, Rev. Joseph Barker, pastor ; church in Plymouth, Rev. Adoniram Judson, pastor ; Rehoboth, Rev. D. Thomson ; and Fourth 14*
162
SECOND RELIGIOUS SOCIETY.
Church, Bridgewater, Rev. Asa Meech. Sixteen persons were constituted a church.
The aged people of Abington will be glad to be reminded of their names. Daniel Pratt, Simeon Gannett, Joseph Smith, Eleazer Washburn, James Barrell, John Porter, Betsey Gannett, Lydia Alden, Hannah Shaw, Mary Gannett, Betsey Noyes, Sarah Alden, Betsey Barrell, Deborah Reed, Mary Alden, Thankful Smith.
But one of these is now living-John Porter, of East Bridgewater, who is ninety-three years old. Seven others united with the church before the close of 1807,-Joseph Gannett, Anna Gannett, Abigail Dawes, Nancy Gannett, Joseph Shaw, Olive Shaw, Susy Keith.
Early in 1808, fifteen persons removed from First Church, Abington, Rev. Samuel Niles, pastor, viz.,-Aaron Hobart, Ebenezer Noyes, Isaac Hobart, Eleazar Whitman, Bela Dyer, Josiah Torrey, William Hersey, Lydia Brown, Mary Whitman, Rachel Bates, Ruth Torrey, Ruth Dyer, Relief Harden, Mary Gurney, and Benjamin Hobart. I will add four other names, which were received the first year, making in all forty-two,-Susanna Keith, Ebenezer Shaw, Daniel Thomas, and Mary Bennett.
I find that Benjamin Hobart acted as first scribe ; after- wards, Daniel Thomas, for the whole of his ministry ; after him, C. Dyer, jr., for several years, and then William Vining, who has served for the last ten years.
The two first deacons were Josiah Torrey and Eleazar Whitman. Five have since been chosen to this office,-Isaac Reed, Philip Reed, James Soule, Luke B. Noyes, and Spencer Vining,-the last two still acting in this capacity.
The parish was incorporated February 18, 1808, and num- bers, at present, about a hundred members.
I find an elaborate proceeding the first year in respect to the election of choristers. The churchi appointed a committee, to be joined to a committee of the parisli, to devise the best mode of electing choristers. This joint committee reported that " the choice of choristers shall be agreeable to the usual
163
SECOND RELIGIOUS SOCIETY.
practice in choosing ministers-that is to say, the election shall first be made by the church, and presented to the congre- gation for their concurrence ; but in case they do not concur, the church may proceed to another choice, and present their doings to the congregation as before, and so to proceed till an agreement can be obtained ; provided, nevertheless, that no person shall be considered as chosen, and act as chorister, unless the congregation shall concur in the whole number of persons elected, and returned by the church at any one time." Marcus Alden and Jacob Fullerton were elected; and ten years later, Ephraim Spooner Jenkins, in place of Mr. Alden.
There have been five seasons of specious religious interest, -in 1817, 1832, 1842, 1850, and 1857. Nineteen were added to the church in 1816 and 1817; thirty-one in 1832; thirty-three in 1842; fifty-six in 1850, and seventy in 1857. The church has had three hundred and eighty-five different members. The membership now is two hundred and thirty- six.
Two hundred and eighty children have been dedicated in baptism. The Sunday School numbers, at present, two hundred or more different scholars.
Missionary contributions commenced more particularly in 1835, and have been annually sustained.
There have been five pastors,-Rev. Daniel Thomas, who was dismissed in 1842, after a ministry of thirty-five years ; Rev. Dennis Powers, who was dismissed in 1850, after a ministry of eight years; Rev. Selden Haynes, who was dismissed in 1851, after a ministry of one year; and Rev. Alfred Goldsmith, who was dismissed in 1853, after a ministry of one year, who was succeeded January, 1855, by the present incumbent.
H. L. EDWARDS.
CHAPTER XIX.
East Abington Religious Society (Congregational).
THE following statement respecting the Third Society, or Parish, in East Abington, is from the Rev. Horace D. Walker, their pastor. Some remarks in connection with the same are added :-
The earliest record that seems to have reference to the Third, or East Parish of Abington, is dated September 6, 1726. A committee was then appointed by the town to oppose, before the court, the petition of this people called in the article " The Drink-water People," (was it a testimony of their temperance principles ? ) to be set off as a separate parish. The town succeeded in defeating the project.
There is a tradition also of efforts made or agitated for the erection of a house of worship near Bear Rock, a little south of the present house.
In 1807, after the South Parish had been established, there was an unsuccessful effort to have the site of the present Town HIonse selected as that of the house to be built for the First Parish, of which the East was then a portion.
That effort failing, the matter rested until the venerated pastor, Samuel Niles, was laid aside by paralysis. It was felt then by the residents in the East section that the time for action had come. In other parts of the town there was strenuous opposition to the undertaking, because of the expense of new roads consequent, and because the people were thought to be too poor and feeble to carry it through successfully. The energy and perseverance of the East had not then been proved.
These took hallowed form, when one Fast Day, as the
(164)
- 16.
THIRD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, EAST ABINGTON.
165
CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY, EAST ABINGTON.
country was dark with the gloomy forebodings of the war of 1812, the people gathered at the spot now the site of the meeting-house of the East Parish, and, sitting on the rocks there, laid their plans, fixed their purpose, and entered upon sacrifices such as perhaps will never again be called for.
October 27, 1813, sixteen months from the time the founda- tions were laid, the house was dedicated to the worship of God, and Rev. Samuel W. Colburn was installed as pastor. Those who attended that service speak of having driven as far into the wilderness as was possible, and then making their way on foot to the house as best they could.
The passage of Scripture read on that day was singularly appropriate. "Lo ! we heard of it at Ephrata, we found it in the fields of the wood ; we will go into his tabernacles, we will worship at his footstool." And the promise quoted in the closing prayer,-" He will give his angels charge over thee : they shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone,"-had meaning for those who had so long struggled through such difficulties, and came that day by such rough paths to the house they had built for God.
The names of the original members of the parish were not long since published in the Standard. The church consisted of thirteen members, viz, : Zebulon Payne, Ebenezer Reed, Goddard Reed, Samuel Reed, Thomas Reed, Elijah Shaw, Ephraim Stetson, Nathan Stoddard, Benjamin Vining, Rachel Lane, Sarah Payne, Polly Reed, Deborah Smith ; of whichi number, Goddard Reed, Ebenezer Reed, Samuel Reed, and Deborah Smith are still living. It was formed at the house of Mr. Samuel Reed, August 27, 1813.
Rev. Samuel W. Colburn was pastor from October 27, 1813, to March 31, 1830. These were years of foundation work,-there could be in no respect the rapid development and progress of after years. During Mr. Colburn's ministry, thirty-four members were added to the church. Three years ago he passed to his rest, and his remains are in the cemetery at South Weymouth, beneath these simple and expressive words, - " Them that honor Me I will honor." His last
166
CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY, EAST ABINGTON.
sermon was preached in East Abington a few weeks before his decease.
Rev. Lucius Alden, now minister of New Castle, N. H., was installed December 5, 1832, and continued pastor until June 27, 1843. During his ministry, there were greater changes and development in the business relations and outward aspects of the parish. The house of worship was enlarged and improved, and the church received one hundred additions. When he left, so did he carry with him the respect and confi- dence of the people, that no man living would meet to-day a more cordial welcome in the pulpit and in every home in East Abington.
His successor, the writer of this communication, was ordained February 15, 1844, and is the present pastor. Since then the population and business of the place have probably trebled. The four not very convenient school-rooms have become nine, some of them certainly an honor and an orna- ment to the town. The parish has erected a new house of worship more suited to its circumstances and wants, and the church, during his pastorate, has received one hundred and fifty-two to membership, and now numbers two hundred and twenty-five. A Baptist and a Methodist Society have also been formed.
It is a singular fact in the history of the Congregational Society in East Abington, that all its onward movements have been made in seasons of great darkness and disaster. It was formed, and the first house built when the war of 1812 had gathered its gloom over the land. The commercial crisis of 1837 came on as that first house was being remodelled and enlarged. The convulsions and crash of 1857 came just when the present commodious and beautiful structure was in process of erection. So always God has tested the faith and patience of His people, and enabled them to say "Jehovah Jirch."
In addition to the above statements, I would say that no part of the town has made greater advances in buildings,
RESIDENCE OF J. F. BIGELOW, EAST ABINGTON.
167
POLITICS.
population, roads, business, agriculture, horticulture, and all the comforts and conveniences of domestic life. Some of their buildings are elegant, and of new and improved styles, while almost all their dwellings carry marks of neatness and content. Some of their boot and shoe establishments are among the first in town, and do a business of from one to two or three hundred thousand dollars cach (an account of which business has already been given). I was at the raising of the first meeting-house in 1812. I had to leave my carriage a long distance from the site, and walk through pastures, bushes, and woods. There was quite an assemblage on the occasion, as was the custom in those days on the raising of meeting- house frames. There was quite a sprinkling of gay young ladies from this and other towns. I have always admired the wisdom and foresight of those who planned and fixed the location of the house; most of whom have departed from worldly scenes, but a number of them remain to witness the success of their doings. No other location could have been pitched upon so accommodating for the whole parish and for a populous village, for their schools and houses of public worship.
CHAPTER XX.
Politics .- Political Parties .- Popular Elections.
THIS town has always taken a very active part in political matters ; and, generally, there have been two opposing parties, which at times have been bitter opponents of each other. The ascendant party has generally been on the popular side of political questions, and advocated equal rights and protection to industry. There have been many changes of political views, which at times have been vehemently urged and carried out, and soon after abandoned. Sectarianism has been made
168
POLITICS.
to influence political matters ; party hobbies have been made of questions of morality ; the ballot-box has been used for the election of unworthy political aspirants to office, rather than for that of able and judicious men, to aid in passing laws for the good of the whole community. Such abuses have not been confined to this town.
During the Presidency of General Washington, the country was divided into two great political parties, denominated Federalists and Republicans. They were rather belligerent parties, than American. The French Revolution was in progress at that time, which, in its terrible convulsions, shook all the thrones and governments of Europe to their founda- tions. England opposed a shield to this sweeping revolution, and was carrying on a deadly war against France. The Federalists were the apologists and supporters of the English in this war. The Republicans were equally zealous in favor of the French Revolution and the French Government, believing, at the time, that they were adopting free principles and free institutions. These parties were exceedingly hostile to" each other: the Federalists called the Republicans " Jacobins," after a vile club in France ; the Republicans called their opponents "Feds," and "Monarchists." They exhibited badges of distinction in the shape of cockades, worn on the side of their hats, about the size of a silver dollar,- handsomely wrought, and sewed on. The Federalists adopted the black, or English cockade ; the Republicans the white, or French cockade. These badges were worn generally through- out the country, and not left off in going to the temples of worship. Civil commotions were apprehended; in fact col- lisions did take place, and the opposite parties, in many instances, tore the cockades from each other's hats. I was present when the white cockades first appeared in Mr. Niles' meeting-house, then the only one in town. Threats were understood to have been thrown out that their appearance would be resisted. The wearers of them entered the meeting- house with a firm tread, carried their hats in their hands, turned up so that the badge could be seen, and marched in a squad
169
POLITICS.
through the aisle on the lower floor into the gallery. There was, however, no collision on that occasion ; indiquant feelings were excited, but the sanctity of the place, and the sacredness of the day, prevented any.
At this time of great excitement, Washington issued his proclamation of neutrality in respect to England and France, which made him many enemies, especially at the South. This was one of the most important acts of his whole life ; but this did not quell the animosity of the two parties.
After Washington's Presidency, John Adams, (the first Adams,) was chosen President of the United States in 1797. The Republicans, or Freuch party, were bitter opponents of his administration, and thwarted him in all his measures. The alien- and sedition laws were passed by the Federalists, to shield him from his opponents, the Republicans. A war betwixt France and the United States ensued. France relied upon the Republican party in this country to join and aid them in this war. Previous to this, under Washington's administration, the French, who were then at war with England, presumed to appeal to their partizans in this country, and thought they could easily enlist them in the cause of France, whatever might be the determination of the Federal administration. Genet, the French Minister to the United States, in accordance with these views, presumed on fitting out privateers from the port of Charleston, S. C., to cruise against the enemies of France,-nations at peace with the United States. He also projected hostile expeditions from Charleston and Georgia, against Florida, and the same from Kentucky; against New Orleans and Louisiana, before these territories had become parts of the United States, and put them in a train of execution. The Cabinet disapproved his conduct, and finally determined to put the laws in force. He accused the Executive of malconduct, and threatened an appeal to the people. Notwithstanding these insults, he was received with great enthusiasm at the South, and at one time with extrava- gant marks of joy at Philadelphia. At the remonstrance of the Administration he was finally recalled by his Government.
15
170
POLITICS.
Thus the South at that time were favorers of French politics, and have been so ever since, and hostile to England ; and now they are on their bended knees, praying that Government to aid them in their present rebellion, and to raise the blockade of their ports.
After the most severe political contest ever known in this country, Thomas Jefferson was chosen President, as successor to Mr. Adams, by the Republican, or French party of that day. His main support was from the South. He was inaugurated the 4th of March, 1801. IIis election was the dissolution of the Federal party, and the overthrow of the Adams administration ; and it gave the Southern, or slave States, with the aid of the office-seekers of the North, with some slight exceptions, the ascendancy in the government of the country, from that time to the last Presidential election of Mr. Lincoln-over fifty years.
Here we see the folly and madness of our foreign predilec- tions, party spirit, and sectional divisions. These evils com- menced at the very first administration of our Government, and have been the bane of the country ever since ;- appearing at different times, under new party names and divisions, but always the same enemy to our peace and happiness, until they have broken out in rebellion, and plunged the country into a most deadly civil war. Washington foresaw all this, and issued his proclamation of neutrality; and in his Farewell Address warned his countrymen against these evils. Had the people of the United States adhered to his precepts, how much misery and distress might have been avoided.
It is to be hoped a new era will commence when this rebellion is put down, (as most assuredly it will be, in a short time,) and that there will be only one great, Constitutional, Union party. Had such a party existed when the black and white cockades were hoisted, these badges of party spirit been thrown to the winds, and the principles of Washington's Farewell Address adopted and adhered to, the present de- plorable civil war would never have occurred. The inhabi- tants of this town, and of other towns of the country generally,
171
POLITICS.
little thought that when these party divisions commenced, over sixty years ago, they would result in a bloody civil war, with the loss of thousands of millions of dollars, and hundreds of thousands of human lives.
Besides the baneful influence of parties in this town, in relation to national and State affairs, we have been divided and embroiled on other questions, not of a national or State character. Among the party divisions, we may name an Anti-Masonic party, an Anti-Slavery party, a Comc-Outers, a Free-Soilers, a Temperance, and a Know-Nothing party. These parties have never been recognized as State or national parties : they have been town parties, and have caused much vexation and many ill feelings. The object of these parties, as has been avowed, was to correct errors and reform abuses through the ballot-box. It will not be necessary to notice in detail these parties ; most of them have passed away as an untimely birth. I will only refer to one or two of them,-the Anti-Mason, and the Anti-Slavery party ; and here it may be asked, what great good have these done, or the others of less note, and what abuses have they corrected ?
The Anti-Mason party took its rise in this town, over thirty years ago, on account of the alleged murder of a revealing Mason, by the name of Morgan. It was an exceedingly bitter and persecuting party. They carried the election of their partisans for town officers and Representatives to the State Legislature for a number of years, and so did some other towns in the State, and Senators were chosen of thic same cast by Senatorial districts. The vote in this town for. Anti-Masonic Senators, in 1831, was for Nathan Lazell, jr., 242; for John B. Thomas, 241, and they were chosen ; all others had only 17 votes. They went so far as to vote to take from the jury-box the names of persons who were Free- masons, as unworthy to be trusted on a jury. Those who did not join them in their persecutions were called " Jack Masons," and one Jack Mason was considered worse than a whole lodge of Freemasons. I had this reproach cast upon me by a prominent leader of the party, because I would not vote to
172
POLITICS.
throw out of the jury-box the names of Freemasons. This party died out in a few years : a remnant of it was transferred or went over to the Democratic party. At that time there were not over a half dozen of the craft in town. Now there are one or two organized lodges, and the craft has increased tenfold ; yet there is not a whisper raised against them by their opponents of that day. Here we see the deplorable effects of an abuse of the elective franchise by a party organization, resulting in nothing but the election of a few of their partisans to some minor offices.
The Anti-Slavery party has had a longer day and a more exciting one in this town. But it has never become an organized State or national party. It never can succeed in securing the object of its votaries, only by an alteration of the Constitution itself for that purpose. Any party or State that should undertake the abolition of slavery in the United States in any other way, would be pronounced rebellious, and would never succeed. The very rebellion now waged by the slave States in violation of the Constitution, may, instead of strengthening the slave power, prove its overthrow. There is one result of the war against the Southern Rebellion which was not anticipated until it began to display itself in the exercise of the military power in respect to slaves. They were declared contraband of war; and when captured, were confiscated and restored to freedom. If the rebellion is put down by the present war, (as no doubt it will be,) why may not slavery be entirely abolished in all the slave States in the same way? This process for the overthrow of slavery is a wonder- ful working of Divine Providence, unthought of by the free States until it began to develop itself. The free States could approach the subject, only by declaring war against the slave States. This would have been a violation of the Constitution and our compact with the South, and would have placed us in the wrong, and we could not have succeeded. Even now, when the rebel States are in the wrong, and have taken np arms against us, they have many sympathizers, both at home and abroad.
173
POLITICS.
The Anti-Slavery party, although honest and sincere, could propose no just way for the abolition of slavery ; but when the Lord in His Divine Providence opened a way, all the free States become anti-slavery. For these results the slave States may thank themselves, for they will be brought about mainly as the fruits of their own folly and madness in secession, rebellion, and civil war.
The two great divisions of parties have always been Southern and Northern, under various names. The Southern division, since the days of President Adams, has ruled the country, with the aid of partisans and office-seekers of the North. Two Presidents, by aid of the Whig party, have been elected under the influence of the North,-General Harrison and General Taylor ; they held the office however but a short time, being removed by death ; and the administra- tion was continued in the one case under Jolin Tyler, and in the other, under Millard Fillmore. At the close of Fillmore's term, the administration fell under Southern influence, and into Demo- cratic hands. The last election of President, when Abraham Lincoln was chosen, changed the order of things, and has given rise to a second revolution of independence, which will doubt- less confirm the principles of the first revolution, and render the United States "one and indivisible." The Southern influence never prevailed in this town, and never had a majority iu its support. The Democrats, their allies, have always been a small minority, and have never carried a majority for any of their candidates to office.
Since writing the above, (1865,) Congress has, by the requisite Constitutional majority, passed a resolution to amend the Constitution of the United States of America, excluding slavery from the same, and many of the State Legislatures have ratified the amendment. No doubt the requisite three- fourths of them will be secured. So slavery will soon be constitutionally abolished in the United States of America,- one very important result of this wicked war.
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.