USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Berlin > History of the town of Berlin, Worcester county, Mass., from 1784 to 1895 > Part 9
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Mr. Porter resigned October 20, 1888, and the pul- pit was supplied by various candidates until January 22, 1890, when the Rev. George F. Pratt of Clinton was installed and has since continued in the pastorate.
UNITARIAN MINISTERS AND SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS.
REV. WM. W. LITCHFIELD. REV. GEO. W. GREEN. REV. GRANVILLE PIERCE. REV. I. P. PORTER. PROF. H. H. LINCOLN.
ISRAEL SAWYER, SUPT. REV. FRANCIS S. THATCHER. REV. SHELDON C. CLARK.
REV. CYRUS C. ROYS. REV. WM. S. HAYWARD. REV. GEO. F. PRATT. REV. I. F. WATERIIOUSE.
METHODIST MEETING HOUSE.
129
TOWN OF BERLIN.
THE CARTER FUND.
Chandler Carter, moved by a strong desire to put the society on a sound financial basis, signified to the society a willingness to donate the sum of $20,000 in trust, the income of which to be used for the support of Unitarian preaching. This intention was carried into effect in a public meeting in the church May 5, 1887, Prof. H. H. Lincoln making the principal address and response on the part of the society.
UNITARIAN MEETING-HOUSE.
The first donation to the society available for the building of a meeting-house was made by Mary W. Carter of $1,000 .* At a meeting of the society Feb- ruary 24, 1881, it was voted to build a church. The records show that at a meeting held March 2, 1881, Chandler Carter then stated that he would give the society $1,000 to help them build a church, provided they were all united. In addition to this he gave $136.50 to pay for the pews. The church was built from a plan furnished by Mr. Nourse, architect of Worcester, whose father, B. B. Nourse of Westboro, was a native of this town. The cost of the church, except the work of grading, etc., given by individ- uals, was $4,504.43, and was dedicated March 1, 1882, the Rev. Minot J. Savage of Boston preaching the dedicatory sermon.
METHODIST CHURCH.
About 1855-6 Rev. Gardner Rice, then principal of the Berlin Academy, began holding prayer and class meetings, which resulted in the organization of
* See article, Mary W. Carter, in the genealogical part of this work.
10
130
HISTORY OF THE
a Methodist Episcopal Church April, 1856. Mr. Rice was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. John Goodwin for two years, and he again for two years by Rev. W. W. Colburn, and Mr. Nathaniel Stevens succeeded Mr. Colburn for two years. Rev. B. F. Whittemore was the successor of Mr. Stevens and continued in the pastorate six months, and was the last minister under the first organization, which ap- parently became extinct 1862, when nearly all the male members of this church, together with the min- ister, enlisted and did good service in the War of the Rebellion. Rev. Mr. Whittemore was appointed chaplain in the army, and did good service for the government for some years in the southern states after the close of the war. Interest in the Methodist Church remained dormant here until 1880. On the 18th of April of this year, Rev. W. W. Colburn and C. H. Hanaford began preaching alternately. Col- burn preached the first in the Town Hall April 18, 1880, and was followed by Hanaford, and so on until the September following, when the presiding elder of the district came September 15 to form a church. The organization was completed and Rev. C. H. Hanaford took charge of the church for eighteen months. He was followed by Rev. C. W. Wilder, who continued in the pastorate six months until April, 1883, when the Rev. Eratus Burlingham be- came his successor, and continued two years. He was followed by Rev. Luther Freeman one year, and he by Rev. Paul Desjardins two years, Rev. J. W. Barter two years, Rev. A. J. Hall one year, and Rev. E. F. Heighway one year. The Rev. S. K. Smith has had charge for the last three years (1895).
-
I31
TOWN OF BERLIN.
The meetings at first under the old organization were held in the hall over Riley Smith's blacksmith shop, and lastly in the old Town House on the Com- mon. The meetings under the new organization were for a time held at the new Town Hall, until the building of their meeting-house in 1887.
The house was dedicated December 20, 1887, ser- mon by Rev. William N. Brodbeck; corner stone laid June, 1887, sermon by Rev. Dr. George S. Chad- bourne. The church cost originally $4,000. At the time of its dedication a debt of only $1,600 remained unpaid; of this, $600 was raised in 1889 through the efforts of Rev. J. W. Barter, and the remaining $1,000 was secured in 1892 during the pastorate of Rev. S. K. Smith. A grand jubilee service in cele- bration of its freedom from debt was held January 19, 1893, Rev. Dr. George S. Chadbourne, former presiding elder, preaching the sermon.
Rev. Gardner Rice was born December 13, 1805, in Wayland, Mass. His parents dying when he was quite young, he was bound out to a man by the name of Devol in Leominster, Mass., where he lived till he was twenty-one. Being ambitious to secure an edu- cation, he fitted for college at Wilbraham Academy and graduated at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., in 1834. He spent two years at Newton Theological Seminary, intending to devote his life to the ministry, but was persuaded to take charge of the academy at Holliston for a year. Instead of one year, however, he remained there ten years, and this determined his life work as a teacher. Having re- ceived license in the Methodist Church as a local preacher, for forty years he performed the double
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HISTORY OF THE
work of teaching and preaching, founding not less than nine different churches, all of which are now self-supporting and prosperous. He taught in Ber- in 1855-56, and was the father of Methodism in this place. A man of deep devotion, an untiring worker, his one purpose was to live for God and the good of his fellowmen. He was married May 25, 1835, to Miss Sarah Morse of Leominster, Mass. They had nine children, four of whom are now living. Mr. Rice died in Shrewsbury, Mass., February 24, 1881.
Rev. William W. Colburn was born July 16, 1834, at Wilton, Me. When quite young he came to Massachusetts and worked in the shoe shop at West- boro. In 1854 he attended school at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., where he was con- verted. He was licensed to exhort at Oakdale in 1858; attended the Biblical Institute at Concord. N. H. (now Boston Theological Seminary), in 1859-60 ; preparatory to the ministry, joined the New England Conference in 1860, of which he was a member at the time of his death, which occurred at Waltham, Mass., April 13, 1895. He was a man of marked ability, winning manners, greatly beloved by all, and very successful in his ministry. In 1871-72 he was chap- lain of the Massachusetts state prison. He was married June 28, 1860, to Miss Laura A. Chamber- lain of Clinton, Mass., who is still living. Two chil- dren are also living-William P. Colburn of New York city and Mrs. Laura Olmstead of Waltham, Mass. Mr. Colburn supplied Berlin while a student in 1859, and was appointed here by the Conference in 1860. He also had pastoral supervision of the church in 1880 while stationcd at Hudson.
METHODIST MINISTERS.
-
REV. GARDNER RICE. REV. CHAS. H. BANAFORD. REV. LUTHER FREEMAN. REV. JNO. W. BARTER,
REV. FRANK E. HIGHWAY. REV. ALLEN J. HALL.
REV. W. W. COLBURN. REV. CHAS. W. WILDER. REV. S. K. SMITH. KEV. PAUL DESJARDENS.
I33
TOWN OF BERLIN.
Rev. Charles H. Hanaford was born in Northfield, N. H., February 4, 1835, was converted in 1851, was licensed to preach in 1859, and joined the New Eng- land Conference the same year. He has preached within the bounds of the Conference ever since, hold- ing positions of trust and responsibility. At the present time heis pastor of the Allston M. E. Church, Boston. He was educated at the New Hampshire Conference Seminary at Tilton, N. H., and has been a close student during all his ministerial life. He was married July 4, 1858, to Miss Jennie A. Nason of Mason, N. H., whose father was a prominent member of the New Hampshire Conference. An only son, Fred A. Hanaford, lives at Clinton, Mass. Mr. Hanaford was stationed at Berlin in 1882, after supplying the charge for several months previous.
Rev. Charles W. Wilder was born February 22, 1837, at Granville, Vt. He united with the church in 1850, was licensed to preach in 1860 and joined the New England Conference in 1865, of which he is still a member; at present pastor of the church at Wollaston, Mass. He was educated at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., graduating in 1865. In 1866-67 he taught in Newbury Seminary, Vt. In 1868-69 he was professor in, and in 1879-81 princi- pal of, the Vermont Conference Seminary at Mont- pelier, Vt. He was married May 5, 1866, to Miss Jeanette H. Davis of Dudley, Mass. Three children were born to them, two of whom, Edith H. and Charles W., are still living. He was for a short time in the army of the Rebellion, a member of the 6th Mass. Regiment, Company G. Mr. Wilder was pastor of the church in Berlin portions of 1882-83, while re-
I34
HISTORY OF THE
covering his health. A man of transparent char- acter, highly esteemed by all, his life has been marked by devotion to duty and increasing useful- ness.
Rev. Luther Freeman was born July 17, 1866, at Essex, Vt. He united with the Methodist Church in 1878, was licensed to preach in 1883, and joined the New England Conference in 1890. He was edu- cated at Boston University, graduating in 1889. It was while a student there he supplied the church at Berlin in 1885. He is at present the popular pastor of the First Methodist Church at Waltham, Mass. He was married September 10, 1890, to Miss Bertha F. Mansfield, daughter of Rev. George Mansfield of the New England Conference. Mr. Freeman is a young man of magnetic influence, charming man- ners, marked ability, and gives promise of a life of great usefulness in the church.
Rev. Paul Desjardins was born in Bad Axe, Michi- gan, about the year 1854. His parents were French Canadians and reside at present in Michigan. Mr Desjardins studied at the Boston Theological School, and while there, in 1886-87, supplied the Methodist Church in Berlin. It was during his pastorate and through his untiring efforts the church was built. After leaving here he had charge for some time of a French mission in New York city. He then re- turned to Michigan, where he is at present laboring, a member of the Detroit Conference. Mr. Desjar- dins was a man of fine presence, much tact and ability, and greatly devoted to his work.
Rev. John W. Barter was born August 30, 1858, at St. George, Knox county, Maine. He united B
I35
TOWN OF BERLIN.
with the Baptist Church at St. George when seven- teen years of age. He was licensed to preach in the Methodist Church in 1878 at Heath, Mass., and re- ceived appointments from the New England Confer- ence to Heath, Cambridge, Beverly and Berlin. His educational advantages were limited, but his superior natural gifts were to a great extent a substitute for scholastic training, and soon secured for him posi- tions of responsibility and influence. He was mar- ried August 30, 1883, to Miss Carrie L. Gleason of Heath, Mass. They have three children living. Mr. Barter was pastor of the Methodist Church in Berlin in 1888-89. At the close of his pastorate here he retired from the active work of the ministry and en- gaged in business. He now resides in Berlin, living near the Centre, and is engaged in the commission trade.
Rev. Allen J. Hall was born September 8, 1839, at Williamstown, Mass. He united with the Methodist Church in 1858, was licensed to preach in 1864 and joined the New England Conference in 1867, of which he is still a member, his present pastorate being at Graniteville, Mass. He was educated at Cazenovia Seminary, N. Y., and the Biblical Insti- tute, Concord, N. H. He was married June 18, 1867, to Miss Sarah A. Goodell of Hillsboro, N. H. Rev. Mr. Hall was pastor of the Methodist Church in Berlin in 1890, and by his earnestness and devo- tion drew many hearts toward him.
Rev. Frank E. Heighway was born in Canton, Ohio, about the year 1864. His father when a young man moved from Thompsonville, Conn., to Ohio, residing in Canton at the present time. Mr. Heighway was
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HISTORY OF THE
educated at Mt. Hope Seminary, Ohio, and Boston University. He supplied the Methodist Church in Berlin while a student in Boston in 1891. He is at present stationed in Cleveland, Ohio, a member of the Cincinnati Conference. A man of positive char- acteristics, with high ambition and earncst devotion, his increasing usefulness and prominence are assured.
Rev. Sidney K. Smith was born March 14, 1838, at Huntington, Long Island, N. Y. At seventeen years of age he went to New York city to live, securing a position as custom house clerk in an im- porting house. He united with the York Street Methodist Church, Brooklyn, in 1856, was licensed to preach in 1859, and joined the New York East Conference in 1865. He was educated at Wilbra- ham Academy, Wesleyan University, and the Biblical Institute at Concord, N. H. He was mar- ried September 14, 1865, to Miss Mary F. Barnard of Marlboro, Mass. They have five children-three sons and two daughters. Mr. Smith is still a member of the New York East Conference, though residing at Marlboro, Mass. His pastorate in Berlin commenced April, 1892, and still continues.
THE FRIENDS' SOCIETY.
Quite a respectable and influential number of Ber- lin families have belonged to the Friends' Society, whose meeting-house, built 1790, stands just over the line in Bolton. This meeting constitutes what is known as the Bolton Monthly Meeting, a branch of the Smithfield Quarterly Meeting, which holds one of its sessions yearly the second Thursday in August at the Bolton meeting-house.
I37
TOWN OF BERLIN.
Berlin and Bolton have known better than most towns the Friends or Quakers in their citizenship; both towns would bear cheerful testimony to their worth. To see the commingling of the descendants of Cassandra Southwick and the Boston Puritans fraternizing in religious meetings, public and pri- vate, with kindliest regards for each other's distinc- tive views and order of worship, seems to preclude the possibility of certain historic facts,-just as fully Puritans as ever and just as fully Quakers as ever. But many of the Quakers on whom the Puri- tans' wrath descended were as unlike our worthy Quaker citizens as were the old Puritans unlike the Puritans of to-day. Not here can we discuss the merits of the case, but we rejoice together in the better knowledge of personal liberty of opinions and the harmonizing of religious faith.
The Quakers have always had really the most ad- vanced and mainly correct ideas on liberty as to re- ligion. Some of the members of the society came in conflict with the town on account of the ministerial tax. By law every taxable person was liable to this tax unless he presented to the Assessors a certificate that he was a member of some other religious so- ciety. This, Jonathan Baker neglected or refused to do, hence he was assessed, and on refusal to pay he was put in jail. The town finally remitted his four- teen-shilling tax, and his certificate of Quaker mem- bership stands on record.
On school matters Obadiah Wheeler was the per- sistent leader in insisting year after year, and as often refused, on a division of the school money. That is our issue to-day with the Catholics. The Quakers
138
HISTORY OF THE
finally established a school near their meeting-house in Bolton, to which all the children of Friends' fam- ilies were sent. This plan of separate sectarian schools was abandoned as impracticable and unwise, 1870, and a return was made to the common school, where every American or foreign born child here should attend and receive the rudiments at least of a sound secular education. In 1781 the following members "signed off" or presented their certificate of membership: Stephen Sweat, Obadiah Wheeler, Jr., Peter Crossman, Benjamin Baker, David South- wick, Enoch Southwick, Jonathan Wheeler, Jr., Ste- phen Wheeler, Peregrine Wheeler and William Bry- ant. Of late a change is apparent in the garb and language of the Friends, probably in the line of prog- ress. At the present time members of this society are not distinguishable from the world's people in either speech or dress.
OTHER BELIEFS AND NO BELIEFS.
Besides the Orthodox, Unitarians, Methodists and Friends, there have been, from the early times, some living here of other beliefs. Notably among these were some Baptists who attended church in neigh- boring towns, and of more recent date we find several respectable families of the Catholic faith who attend church at Clinton and Hudson. And, again, on dili- gent inquiry, it may be learned that quite a large number, proportionately, are, and have been, of the Spiritualistic faith or belief. They have no organiza- tion, and of late have rarely held any meetings in town. Interest in this subject began here about 1850, and meetings were held in various places until
I39
TOWN OF BERLIN.
the breaking out of the war. Since then, less activity has been manifested, but faith in the reality of the manifestations still has a strong hold in many fam- ilies. The remaining portion of the population by some would be called "agnostics;" by others, "the world's people." They have made no particular profession of religion orally, but have left their faith to be known by their works. On close inquiry it will probably be found that most of these have faith in the Golden Rule and in the doctrine "that what- soever ye sow, that shall ye also reap."
COST OF PUBLIC WORSHIP.
The three churches located in town furnish ample facilities for the entire population to attend meeting. The Congregational Church was built by the town for the accommodation of all its inhabitants, when the population was nearly the same as at present. The total amount invested in the three meeting- houses amounts to nearly $15,000, and the yearly expenditure for the supply of the pulpit and other society work is probably not less than $3,000, besides the annual repairs, which amount to no inconsider- able sum. Taken altogether, the yearly appropri- ation and the interest on the church property amount to one-half of the average town taxes, and "for no other purpose," says Mr. Houghton, " would the people voluntarily tax themselves for so large an amount."
The number that attend meeting of any kind bear no comparison to the sums expended. Less than one-half, probably, are regular attendants, and the query arises whether some plan may be devised by
140
HISTORY OF THE
some wise head by which the people can be elevated to a higher plane, intellectually, morally and spirit- ually, by a less expenditure of money. Brief exam- ination discloses the fact that at least $2,000 a year could be saved in this small town for other bene- ficial purposes if people were guided less by dogma and more by reason. Just consider : In one decade there would be saved $20,000 for objects of the high- est utility-for a high school, for a magnificent library and a building for the same of ample dimensions and of artistic design, and for other purposes equally beneficial. Could people of small towns like this disrobe themselves of sectarian prej- udice, and exercise the same prudence, foresight and sagacity in this as in the ordinary affairs of life, the community would soon be elevated to a higher posi- tion in the scale of being, and advance towards that higher plane of civilization which has been the ideal life of the wisest sages of all generations.
MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS-LIST OF BERLIN OFFICERS.
THE OLD MILITIA.
This organization is known on record as the 9th- Company of the Ist Regiment of Worcester County Division and attached to the 2d Brigade, the 6th and 7th Division of the infantry arm of the service. The following is a list of officers and year of commis- sion : -
CAPTAINS.
Barnabas Maynard,
1787
Samuel Jones, Jr., I 795
Henry Powers,
1788
Job Spofford, I 798
Josiah Sawyer,
I792
Manasseh Fairbank, 1801
.
Right Dress
Old Flood brood
THE OLD MILITIA.
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HISTORY OF THE
Ephraim Howe,
1803
Theophilus Nourse, I822
Amos Sawyer, 1805 Benjamin F. Spofford, 1824
Oliver Sawyer (Pro.),
1809 Paul Brigham, 1826
William Newton,
1812
John Bartlett, 1829
Solomon Howe,
1814 Silas B. Fairbank,
1830
William Barnes,
1816
Franklin Sawyer, 183I
Curtis Howe,
1817
Silas Sawyer,
1837
All of the above-named were promoted from lieutenants or ensigns to captains, except Captain Barnabas Maynard.
LIEUTENANTS.
The following, not in the above list, served as lieutenants :
Samuel Baker, Jr., I 788 Albert Babcock, 183I
Augustus Bigelow, 1805 William Babcock, 1838
Ira Sawyer,
1817
Samuel M. Fuller, 1856
John Powers,
1826
ENSIGNS.
Not named in above lists :
Henry Powers, 1809 Joseph Wilder, 1832
Aaron Barnes, 1822
The company was disbanded July 1, 1857.
Men enlisted in other organizations and those pro- moted to higher positions in the service, viz .:
Samuel Spofford, cornet, Ist Regiment of Horse, 1792. Samuel Spofford, captain, Battalion Cavalry, 1794.
Caleb Fairbanks, cornet, 1798.
Joseph Parks, cornet, Cavalry, 1810.
Joseph Parks, lieutenant, Cavalry, 181I.
Joseph Parks, captain, Cavalry, 1814.
Joseph Parks, major, Cavalry, 1816.
Joseph Parks, lieutenant colonel, Cavalry, 1817.
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TOWN OF BERLIN.
Joseph Parks, colonel, Cavalry, 1818. Timothy Bailey, lieutenant, Cavalry, 1812. Timothy Bailey, captain, Cavalry, 1816.
Jonathan D. Meriam, cornet, Cavalry, 1820. Jonathan D. Meriam, lieutenant, Cavalry, 1822. Jonathan D. Meriam, captain, Cavalry, 1824. Emerson Spofford, cornet, Cavalry, 1826.
INFANTRY.
Silas B. Fairbank, major, 1831. Silas B. Fairbank, lieutenant colonel, 1832. Oliver Sawyer, major, 1812.
ARTILLERY.
Oliver Stone lieutenant, Battalion of Artillery, 1835. Abram Babcock, lieutenant, Battalion of Artillery, 1837.
BERLIN LIGHT INFANTRY.
This company was formed in the spring of 1852 and is known of record as Company F, 8th Regiment, 5th Brigade and 3d Division, Massachusetts Volun- teers. The first captain of this company was Lewis Sawyer, commissioned April 15, 1852, and discharged November 8, 1854. The second captain was Chris- topher S. Hastings, commissioned March 13, 1855, and resigned January 16, 1857. Captain Hastings was commissioned second lieutenant April 15, 1852; Ira Carter, third lieutenant, April 15, 1852; James N. Johnson, fourth lieutenant, April 15, 1852 ; James N. Johnson, second lieutenant, March 13, 1855; Samuel M. Fuller, third lieutenant, March 13, 1855; Samuel M. Fuller, second lieutenant, April 30, 1855,
.
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HISTORY OF THE
Chauncey P. Hartwell, fourth lieutenant, June 30, 1855; Chauncey P. Hartwell, second lieutenant, July 22, 1856; Lewis L. Carter, fourth lieutenant, March 13, 1855; Lewis L. Carter, third lieutenant, April 30, 1855.
This company was disbanded July 1, 1857 ; since then there has been no military organization in town.
THE OLD CEMETERY, 1768.
The land for the old cemetery was given to the inhabitants of Bolton for a "burying place" by Sam- uel Jones and David Rice, by deed May 9, 1768. The consideration named therein was: "For the love and good will of the inhabitants of the southerly part of the town of Bolton, living within the limits which hath been mentioned for a precinct or district." The first interment was that of Samuel Jones of Marl- boro, probably the father of Samuel, the donor, 1769. Previous to this burials were made in the Bolton old cemetery and in burying grounds in the adjoining towns. Some from nearly all the families of the first settlers were buried here, except those of the Society of Friends, of which there was quite a num- ber who were buried in an old cemetery back of the Thomas Fry place. Two memorial statues of fine artistic design and workmanship, erected by Artemas Barnes, 1876, adorn the grounds: the one to the memory of Dr. Puffer, representing "Faith ;" the other to the memory of Lieutenant Timothy Bailey, who was our only soldier who died in the Revolutionary war, and represents "Hope." The old cemetery sub- served the wants of the town for eighty-seven years, or till 1857, when the new cemetery was laid out.
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TOWN OF BERLIN.
THE NEW CEMETERY, IS57. .
The first movement made by the town in relation to a new cemetery was at a town meeting held June II, 1849. On motion made by Josiah Babcock, chose a committee "to ascertain if some suitable place for a new burial ground can be obtained." Various places were examined from time to time till April 6, 1857, when the town voted that the Committee on Burial Ground buy four or more acres at or near Pine nursery. This committee consisted of Oliver Fosgate, Edward F. Green, Oliver Smith, Eli Saw- yer and C. S. Hastings. The land was a part of the old Levi Wheeler farm, and the committee in their report to the town say that they "found there a piece of land that nature has shaped just as it should be, or just as your committee think it should be, etc., of easy access to the road. A part of the lot is covered with small growing pines." A committee subsequently chosen reported in favor of the same location. Brief inspection of this site demonstrates the wisdom of those who selected this beautiful and convenient spot for the new cemetery. No town around can in all respects present so fine a location. The grounds were laid out in 1857 and the work completed the following year. The first interment was that of Joel L. Wheeler, who died in August, 1857. More pains are taken yearly to keep the cemetery in good order. The income of the Hunt and Bige- low funds is applied for that purpose. The tomb was first placed near the gateway, but was removed to the present location 1877. The price of lots was fixed at first at $5, but was changed 1877 : "To parties
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