USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Berlin > History of the town of Berlin, Worcester county, Mass., from 1784 to 1895 > Part 34
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GATES' POND TAKEN.
Gates' pond, or "Kequasagansett" lake, was taken by the town of Hudson for a water supply for domes-
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tic purposes by act of Legislature of 1883, for which the town received no remuneration, although the town may need the same at no distant day for its own uses. The rights, privileges and immunities of a town should ever be watched and guarded with zealous care and wise discernment.
ORTHODOX SUNDAY SCHOOL AND TEACHERS.
The Sunday school in the Orthodox Congregational Church was organized May, 1818, in the latter part of Dr. Puffer's ministry. At first it was only for the children, and was adjourned through the winter months. There was some opposition to the move- ment lest it should supersede the teaching of the Bible in the family.
Dea. Dexter Fay. was the first superintendent ; a Godly man, and faithful in all the duties of the office. The church records show many additions to the church from the Sunday school while he was super- intendent. He was succeeded at his death by Josiah Bride, who brought to the work culture and education united with energy, and an earnest Christian spirit. Under his successor, Dr. Edward Hartshorn, gifted in prayer and speech, with zeal for the work, the school greatly prospered. On his removal to Somer- ville, his son, Edward H. Hartshorn, was elected to the office, which he held till his death, a period of fifteen years. Talents and energy, united with entire devotion to the interests of the school, won for him the reputation of a model superintendent. C. B. Rathbun, assistant superintendent, succeeded him and labored earnestly and faithfully for the school
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under the great loss it had sustained. Truman P. Felton followed him; removing from town, served less than one year. Levi Babcock was chosen in his place. At the close of two years of faithful and effi- cient service, he resigned. Chas. M. Sawyer, present superintendent, was elected April 1, 1892.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
BARNES.
It appears by the records that Fortunatus Barnes is named in the warrant calling the first town meet- ing April 12, 1784, as "a principal inhabitant of the district of Berlin," and such he undoubtedly was in general intelligence, enterprise and thrift. Some other parts of the town had been settled fifty or more years before his advent here. By his posterity we may judge somewhat of the fountain head; all have borne an honorable record, and the name still adheres to the ancestral lands. May the founders of states be remembered. (See Gen., p. 276.)
BROWN.
Ira H. M. Brown, one of the schoolmasters of the olden time, deserves more than a passing notice. His education was obtained in our common schools, with the exception of one term in Mr. Bride's Academy. He taught in Northboro, Marlboro and Berlin. In addition to his other qualifications, he was a good musician,- playing in Brigham and Sawin's Orchestra, also in the choir at Feltonville, in the brick church on Gospel hill. He was of a quiet, unassuming nature, honest and upright in all his dealings.
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COTTING.
George A. Cotting, although never an inhabitant of the town, ever took a lively interest in its affairs, and was quite often present at public gatherings here. On one occasion he expressed his intention of leav- ing a donation to the town. His intention has been carried into effect by a provision of his will giving to the town in trust the sum of $500, the income to be used for repairs in South cemetery. His name will be gratefully remembered.
DURSTON.
Rev. Alfred S. Durston. The subject of this sketch came to Berlin in the spring of 1877 as " book can- vasser," being engaged in raising funds wherewith to complete his studies, preparatory to entering the ministry, which he then had in view. The Rev. Mr. Houghton being quite ill at the time, Mr. Durston was engaged to supply his pulpit, which service he performed for about cighteen months, or until Sep- tember, 1878. His ministrations during this period were highly satisfactory to the congregation, and were approved of by Mr. Houghton in terms of high commendation. Mr. Durston gained many warm friends while here, and his name is still held in high regard by the people of the town. In addition to his effective work in the church, he was a strong advo- cate of temperance, and a warm friend and supporter of the G. A. R., the Lyceum and the Brass Band. After leaving Berlin, he finished his university course in Syracuse, N. Y., and soon thereafter very acceptably filled Methodist pastorates in Borodino
REV. A. F. DURSTON.
EDWARD H. HARTSHORN.
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and Syracuse. N. Y. Since 1883 he has filled the office of general secretary of the V. M. C. A. of Syracuse with good acceptance. He is prominent in Good Templar circles in New York, having been twice grand chaplain of the state. Was a delegate to the convention of Y. M. C. A. at Amsterdam, 1891, and to the Jubilee in London, 1894. Mr. Durston was born in Somersetshire. Eng .. May 1, 1848; he lost his parents in early youth : came to this country when two years old : passed his childhood in Mar- cellus, N. Y .: in 188; he married Florence M. Wilson of Ogdensburg. N. Y. Have two children, Mary A. and James A.
FOSGATE.
Charles O. Fosgate. s. of Oliver Fosgate, is one of the musical fraternity of the town. He evinced early in life a predilection for music. His natural genius, aided by competent instruction, developed into a first-class teacher of music. His special forte was on the piano, but was proficient on other instru- ments. The field here was too limited and he sought the metropolis of New England, where he remained for twenty years or more. He now res. in San Diego, Cal. (See Gen., p. 353.)
HARTSHORN.
Edward Howe Hartshorn, though in business with his father and brother, W. H. Hartshorn, under the firm name of E. Hartshorn & Sons, resided in Berlin till his death and was active in town, church and society affairs, and was superintendent of the Congregational Sabbath school sixteen years. At
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the age of 23, and for some years, was town treasurer, and in 1869 represented the seventh Wor- cester district in the Legislature. During the war he served in Co. I, 5th Regt., M. V. M., and was greatly interested in the G. A. R. Post of the town. Was a member of the E. A. M., and of Berlin No. 49, U. O. G. C. An intimate clerical friend gave the following summary of his life in the public press : "Mr. Hartshorn was a man of intellectual strength, vigor of mind, intense activity and reliability of character. The church, Sunday school, fraternal societies and all local interests of his town will feel his loss most keenly. His relation to his only brother was especially tender and ideal in constancy; indeed, few men have left such rare records as son, brother, husband and father." (See Gen., p. 374.)
HASTINGS.
Arthur Hastings. The subject of this sketch is entitled to special mention for his generosity in aid- ing the town in the cost of the illustrations of this work; but for him the large number of soldiers' por- traits herein would necessarily have been considera- bly abridged, for which gracious act his name will be held in grateful remembrance by all who may have any interest in the history of the town. The numer- ous offices and positions of trust and responsibility held by him in town are a sufficient testimonial of the high regard in which he is held. He was our last representative to the General Court, 1894. (For gencalogy, see p. 378).
Henry Whitney Hastings, s. of James M. Hastings, is justly entitled to further notice at our hands.
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ARTHUR HASTINGS.
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Impelled by a commendable ambition to acquire an education and fit himself for usefulness in some vocation congenial to his feelings, he took a course of study in the Boston University, and later gradu- ated from the Emerson School of Oratory in Boston. Since graduation, he has given readings in various places with good acceptance. He is now professor of elocution in Mt. Hermon Institute at Northfield, Mass.
Leslie Hastings, Esq. Among the young men of the town who gave high promise of great usefulness was Leslie Hastings, the youngest son of Capt. C. S. Hastings. He was proficient in good scholarship, a graduate of Harvard College, and a lawyer by pro- fession. He was successful in practice, and had largely the confidence of those with whom he came in contact. His geniality and pleasant greetings won for him many friends. His early demise was a very serious loss to his friends and also to the community at large. (See Gen., p. 378.)
Ruthven Hastings. We cheerfully record the fact that Ruthven Hastings should be classed among our most sagacious and far-seeing citizens. From early youth he was never free from liability to asthmatic attacks, which continued at intervals dur- ing his life. He sought the more balmy air of the south and of California, but of no avail as to per- manent cure. He was largely intrusted with the affairs of the town, as was his father before him. He passed away in mid-life at the age of 49, much lamented by his fellow townsmen. (See Gen., p. 378.)
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Rufus Sawyer Hastings, our former storekeeper and postmaster in the Centre, was the successor of William A. Howc and others in the old Howe store. By dint of good management and natural aptness for trade, he succeeded in maintaining the high reputa- tion of his predecessors for good accommodation and fair dealing. His trade was extensive (there being less competition then than now) and embraced much from out of town. Owing to his position, he knew more people and was known by more than any other person in town. He never aspired for political honors, but confined his ambition mainly to the legitimate business in which he was engaged. He was for many years considered authority in matters of finance, and his judgment was largely sought and relied on in appraisement of estates and in the values of property generally. He was director for some years of the Clinton National Bank, and held other positions of trust and responsibility. He was cut off in mid-life in the midst of his usefulness at the age of 48 years. (See Gen., p. 380.)
HODGKINS.
Asenath (Houghton) (Hodgkins) Brown, probably a dau. of one Silas Houghton, whose residence was in the west part nearly opposite George W. Howard's, was a queer specimen of humanity truly. She was not devoid of a fair share of intellectual and natural capacity. Perhaps the characteristic for which she was most noted was her attachment to domestic fowls, from which for years she gained the prin- cipal means of her subsistence. These shared with
ARTHUR HASTINGS PLACE.
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her the luxuries of her table and kept vigil over her by night by roosting on the footboard of her bed. She married in early life one Hodgkins in Boston, where she was employed a number of years. Her husband enlisted in the navy in the war of 1812; was taken prisoner and carried to England and died in Dartmoor prison. She tried in vain for years for a widow's pension, but there were some links lack- ing in the chain. While a resident here she had other pseudo-husbands. One of these is still remem- bered. for his military title at least, as Col. Lewis Fagan-not the Fagan first on the David Southwick farm. Another, and the last, was a Mr. Brown. Aunt 'Seene was noted as a constant attendant on all festive occasions where there were frec suppers. In consequence of over-indulgence at one of these she died Mar. 6. 1869, age 79 years, at Henry D. Coburn's shop, where she was living at the time supported by the town.
HOLDER.
Samuel Holder, son of Daniel Holder, present resi- dence Hudson, is one on whom nature has lavished a large share of her gifts in the line of music. His ability in this regard is certainly superior. In the Holder blood there is a musical vein. John Holder, uncle, was a prodigy at the time in musical perform- ances. Samuel has been in demand for fifty years or more to play on the clarinet or other instruments. He has played for public and private assemblies more than two thousand and three hundred times. This record shows the public regard for him as a musician. (See Gen., p. 382.)
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JONES.
Solomon Jones, son of Pelatiah Jones, is worthy special mention. He settled here in our midst ; had just completed his domestic domicile when he was taken away. He was a schoolmaster of the olden pattern. Had a special gift in debate, and was one largely relied on in the discussions at the South Part Lyceum. (See Gen., p. 410.)
KEYES.
Charles G. Keyes, son of Ziba and Lois Keyes, was born in Berlin Oct. 19, 1831. After the education in the public school, with several terms at the Berlin Academy, he continued his studies, attending the Academy at Leicester, also at New Ipswich and Monson. He chose the profession of the law, and engaged in teaching as a means for prosecuting his studies ; teaching in his native town and vicinity, also in select schools in Holden and Williamsburg, Mass., being several times elected member of the School Board. He studied law at the Law School, Cambridge, and read law with Judge Chapin in Worcester. Was admitted to the bar in 1858, and commenced the practice of law at East Douglas ; re- moved from there to Hyde Park. In 1874 went to Jamaica Plain, his present residence, opening a law office at 28 State street, Boston, where he has re- mained. Served in the Legislature in 1881. In 1884 was appointed judge of the Municipal Court of the city of Boston for the West Roxbury district. (See Gen., p. 413).
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MaCELWAIN.
Andrew MacElwain and wife, Hasadiah, were among the first settlers on Wheeler hill; lived just northeast of the great boulder: the old cellar hole still goes by that name: their land included the Spofford farm and all of Carterville and part of Powder House hill: his wife had land in her own ยท right from John Moore, whose dau. she probably was : no other record.
MAYNARD.
George W. Maynard. Probably no man in Berlin took a greater interest in town affairs than the sub- ject of this sketch. In political matters he was pos- itive and influential; quick at retort, his thrusts were not easily parried. He will long be remem- bered for the good work he did as road commissioner ; he was a positive force in the repairing and keeping in good order the roads of our town. Was success- ful in business as a shoe manufacturer in company with Elisha M. Whitney. (See Gen., p. 426.)
George Emerson Maynard. The subject of this sketch was one of great promise in matters per- taining to business and trade. He early developed the faculty of clearly perceiving the value of things ; he sought wider fields for his adventurous spirit on the wide prairies of western Missouri. After the war (see his war record elsewhere), he returned to Missouri and made rapid strides in the acquisition of property : did extensive trading in cattle; fattened stock for the Chicago market, and carried on a large acreage of various crops. In the midst of prosperity
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in early life he was cut off by that fatal cyclone which swept over his premises in June, 1880, killing him and his oldest daughter, Grace, leaving destruc- tion and desolation in its path ; his buildings, crops and cattle were destroyed. Oh, who can picture the horrors of that scene? (See Gen., p. 426.)
MERIAM.
Dea. Jonathan Meriam, Esq. Whoever may have studied the early history of Berlin may have per ceived that the name of Meriam is frequently men- tioned among the names of prominence in church, district and town. Dea. Jonathan Meriam was an important factor in the development and regulation of affairs, public and private, in district and town ; in him was a clear, comprehensive intellect joined to high moral purpose; he possessed a diversity of talents; was a safe counselor on matters pertaining to church or town affairs, in each of which he was deeply interested; as a scribe his records show much care in copying and recording ; as a land surveyor he was fully equal to those of his time. Men of his calibre and character give immense prominence and standing to any town in which they live. His brother, Amos, settled in Leominster, and from him may have sprung some of the more prominent fami- lies of this name in that locality. (See Gen., p. 430.)
MORSE.
Lyman Morse. Among the names of Berlin citizens worthy of special mention is that of Lyman Morse. The name stands for integrity, industry and frugality; by the exercise of these virtues he acquired a compe-
LYMAN MORSE.
E. IRVING SAWYER.
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tency: he was a man whose word was as good as his bond : he carried on the farm and made shoes in the little shop just north of his house. He took quite a number of boys from the reform school and gave them good instruction in the way of right living as well as in the art of making shoes. He held various places of trust and responsibility, and was highly respected by his fellow citizens. His early death was regarded by all as a public calamity : he d. at the early age of 54. (See Gen., p. 439.)
POWERS.
Major Andrew Appleton Powers, s. of Dea. John Powers. m. Sarah Ann, dau. of Ephraim Howe, Jr .; was a shoemaker; res., first, Carterville, thence Hud- son, where he d. in mid-life much lamented. His wid. m. Parkman Nourse. He was first lieutenant of Co. I. 5th Regt., Mass. Vols., for nine months ; was captain of same company for 100 days' service, and was promoted after the war to major of the 5th Regt., Mass. Militia. (See Gen., 453.)
SAWYER.
E. Irving Sawyer. Among the natives of the town who have won eminence and distinction in other localities is the subject of this sketch. The acquire- ments attained in our common schools he supple- mented by a course in Bryant & Stratton's Com- mercial College in Boston. He secured a place as clerk in S. H. Howe & Co.'s shoe manufactory in Marlboro. By his ability, fidelity and perseverance, has acquired an interest in the concern, and has been
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honored by his fellow-citizens to the office of alder- man of the City Council of Marlboro.
Dea. Oliver Sawyer was held in high esteem by his fellow townsmen, and deservedly so, as is shown by the repeated trusts and responsibilities in church and town he had in charge. He was one of those solid, substantial men whose opinion had weight in the community; he was frequently called to arbitrate in vexatious cases and to untangle the twisted web of neighborhood broils, ever counseling harmony and peace instead of contention and strife. He was one of those men who was an honor to the town in which he lived. It is the life and character of such men that have helped to make New England what it is. Long may his name be remembered for his good deeds and pious example.
Stephen Sawyer, s. of Alvan, after he attained his majority, spent a year in the store. of Haman Hunt in Berlin. The outlook did not seem wide enough and he concluded that a larger field would be more promising to his hopes. In the spring of 1841, he left Berlin and at once found employment in the dry goods house of H. B. Claflin & Co., in Worcester. At that time the house of H. B. Claflin & Co. was the liveliest business house in the Commonwealth. When Mr. Claflin sought a larger field, Mr. Sawyer was retained as salesman in the succeeding firm. That firm was soon reconstructed under the name of B. L. Hardon & Co., Mr. Sawyer having an interest. After remaining in this position some years, on account of ill health, he was obliged to go out of business. After years of rest - a seeming waste of
STEPHEN SAWYER, ESQ.
MRS. E. IRVING SAWYER.
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time,- he went into business with T. A. Clark and E. W. Ball, buying the stock of crockery, glassware, etc., of John Firth & Co., and renting the store they occupied. They soon outgrew their accommodations, and hired two large stores in Taylor's block. A few years more and these premises were too small, and they hired the third store, together with upper rooms. They now occupy more square feet of floor room than any other business house in their line of mer- chandise in New England. Mr. Sawyer has held many positions of public trust. He is director in the Mechanics National Bank, also in the Worcester Mutual Insurance Company: trustee in the Five Cents Savings Bank. Was one of the aldermen of the city under the mayorship of Jillson, Pratt, and Kelley, together with other important trusts.
SHATTUCK.
Elijah C. Shattuck has ever been prominent in town since his advent here nearly a half century ago. He early in life devoted his time to study, and having completed the preparatory course in the classical department at Phillips Academy, Andover, entered Amherst College in 1846. Here he took first rank in his class, and would have graduated from this institution but for ill health, which com- pelled him to resign his studies in the midst of the course. After regaining his health in 1853, Mr. Shattuck settled in Berlin and engaged in the manu- facture of shoes, in which business, either as em- ployee or employer, he has been engaged to the present time. He was early elected a member of the School Committee, in which capacity he has
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served for twenty-five years. He has also held other town offices of trust. In 1875 he was elected repre- sentative to the General Court from his district, em- bracing the towns of Clinton, Northboro and Berlin. He was a member of the original committee chosen to compile a town history, and assisted in that work until its completion.
SMITH.
Addison G. Smith, son of Oliver Smith, was one of youthful promise. He was endowed with superior talents; was a graduate of Harvard College ; after graduation he became a high school teacher, which occupation he followed for several years with good acceptance until failing health compelled him to retire. He passed away early in life much lamented by his fellow townsmen, Nov. 16, 1874, at the age of 45
SOUTHWICK.
Pliny B. Southwick, Esq., a native of Berlin, of pious ancestry, brought up in the good order of the Society of Friends, has ever been a stanch defender of religious liberty and the rights of man. In this he seems to have inherited the ancestral traits of his far-back progenitors, who suffered at Puritanic hands for opinion's sake. His education was obtained at the Friends' school in Bolton, supplemented by at- tendance at Thomas Fry's school and the Friends' Boarding School at Providence, R. I. He early engaged in teaching school with good success in various places ; having a predilection for business he engaged in the manufacture of shoes in Carter-
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ville. Impressed with the truths taught by Rev. Adin Ballou, he quit the business here and joined the Hopedale community, where he continued until 1866, when the institution disbanded, and he re- turned to his native town and settled in Carterville ; here he engaged in the coal, grain and livery busi- ness. His most distinguished characteristics have been his intense interest and unflagging zeal in all reform movements. The temperance cause has claimed his attention, perhaps, more than any other, although his activity and efficiency have been notable in the Farmers' Club, the Shakespeare Club. the Grange, and other organizations calculated to benefit humanity. He has held various positions of honor and trust; was president for a series of years of Worcester N. E. Temperance Society ; presi- dent of the Farmers' Club, as also of the Shakespeare Club: was on the Board of Superintending School Committee.
WHEELER.
Erastus S. Wheeler, mentioned in the foregoing genealogy, is worthy of further notice in these pages. He seems to have been a natural botanist and orni- thologist. With no special instruction other than that attained by his own observation and research, he acquired a knowledge of nearly all the plants and birds of this locality, and could classify and arrange them in scientific order. At different periods he has lived in other sections; first, in Tennessee, later in Georgia and South Carolina, and lastly in North Carolina. Berlin is specially indebted to him for his labors in setting out shade trees by the way-side in
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many places. His life work has been largely a labor of love for humanity, and he has well carried out the Scriptural injunction, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal." He d. Dec. 14, 1895.
WHITCOMB.
Myron L. Whitcomb. We record with genuine sat- isfaction a brief account of the well merited success of Myron L. Whitcomb since he left Berlin - the place of his birth and early education. After pass- ing through our common schools, he attended the high schools of Bolton and Northboro, and finally, in order to equip himself with the essential qualifica. tions for business, he took a course in the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College in Boston. After serv- ing as clerk in various places, he engaged with James H. Winchell, a large shoe manufacturer of Haver hill, Mass., and as luck would have it, he married the only daughter of his employer, and became a partner in the business. He has three sons. Mr. Winchell died Jan. 15, 1896, hence the management of a large estate will necessarily devolve on him.
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