USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Concord > History of the town of Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts : from its earliest settlement to 1832; and of the adjoining towns, Bedford, Acton, Lincoln, and Carlisle; containing various notices of county and state history not before published. > Part 25
USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Concord > History of the town of Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts : from its earliest settlement to 1832 : and of the adjoining towns, Bedford, Acton, Lincoln, and Carlisle > Part 25
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CHAPTER XVII. HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
General History. - Ecclesiastical History. - Description. - Miscellaneous No- tices.
BEDFORD lies northeasterly from Concord, and, as has already been stated, belonged originally in part to that town. The inhabi- tants of the Winthrop Farms, which were included in this territory, with others in Billerica, petitioned the General Court, in 1725, to be erected into a separate parish or town. An order of notice passed on this petition, but being opposed by Billerica it was unsuccessful. The following petition fully explains the motives which originated it, and met with more success.
" To the gentlemen the selectmen, and other inhabitants, of Concord in lawful meeting assembled ; the petition of sundry of the inhabitants of the northeasterly part of the town of Concord humbly sheweth.
" That we your humble petitioners, having, in conjunction with the southerly part of Billerica, not without good advice, and we hope upon religious principles, assembled in the winter past, and supported the preaching of the gospel among us, cheer- fully paying in the mean time our proportion to the ministry in our towns, have very unanimously agreed to address our respec- tive towns to dismiss us, and set us off to be a distinct township or district, if the Great and General Court or Assembly shall favor such our constitution.
" We therefore the subscribers hereunto, and your humble pe- titioners, do first apply to you to lead us and set us forward in so good a work, which we trust may be much for the glory of Christ and the spiritual benefit of ourselves and our posterity. Our dis- tance from your place of public worship is so great, that we labor under insupportable difficulties in attending constantly there as we desired to do. In the extreme difficult seasons of heat and cold we were ready to say of the Sabbath, Behold what a wea- riness is it. The extraordinary expenses we are at in transport- ing and refreshing ourselves and families on the Sabbath has
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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
added to our burdens. This we have endured from year to year with as much patience as the nature of the case would bear ; but our increasing numbers now seem to plead an exemption ; and as it is in your power, so we hope it will be in your grace to relieve us.
" Gentlemen, if our seeking to draw off proceed from any dis- affection to our present Rev. Pastor, or the Christian Society with whom we have taken such sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company, then hear us not this day. But we greatly desire, if God please, to be eased of our burdens on the Sabbath, the travel and fatigue thereof, that the word of God may be nigh to us, near to our houses, and in our hearts, that we and our little ones may serve the Lord. We hope that God, who stirred up the spirit of Cyrus to set forward temple work, has stirred us up to ask, and will stir you up to grant, the prayer of our petition ; so shall your humble petitioners ever pray, as in duty bound, &c.
" We humbly desire our limits may be extended from Mr. Ste- phen Davis's to Mr. Richard Wheeler's and to the river, the line to extend so as to include those two families."
This petition was dated Concord, May 1, 1728, and signed by Joseph French, Joseph Dean, John Fassett, Samuel Merriam, Stephen Davis, Daniel Cheever, Thomas Woolley, Joseph Bacon, Benjamin Colburn, Nathaniel Merriam, Zachariah Stearns, An- drew Wadkins, Jonathan French, David Taylor, Daniel Davis, Richard Wheeler, and James Wheeler ; all belonging to Concord.
Concord gave them liberty to be set off; and the General Court passed an act, September 23, 1729, incorporating them as a town by the name of Bedford. The boundaries of the town, as described in this act, were nearly the same as they are at present, excepting the farm of Edward Stearns, which was set off from Billerica and annexed to Bedford by a special act, passed in 1766.
The first town-meeting took place October 6, 1729. The first town officers were, Samuel Fitch, Town Clerk ; Jonathan Bacon, Samuel Fitch, Nathaniel Merriam, Nathaniel Page, and Daniel Davis, Selectmen ; Israel Putnam and Stephen Davis, Constables ; John Fassett, Town Treasurer ; Job Lane and Samuel Merriam, Surveyors ; Daniel Cheever and Josiah Fassett, Tithing-
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GENERAL HISTORY.
men ; Obed Abbot and Benjamin Colburn, Fence-viewers ; James Wheeler and Jonathan Bacon, Hog-reeves ; John Lane, Sealer of Weights ; and Thomas Woolly and John Whipple, Field- drivers.1
After the first organization of the town, there is nothing of pe- culiar interest to distinguish its civil history anterior to the revo- lution. It furnished its share of men and money in the inter- vening French and Indian wars ; but the particulars I am unable to obtain. Several of its inhabitants held commissions.
Many facts in relation to the part Bedford acted in the revolu- tion have already been detailed in the history of Concord. Such others as more immediately relate to the proceedings of the town, will now be given.
In March, 1768, the town voted " to encourage the produce and manufactures of this province, and to lessen the use of super- fluities." . A town meeting was held March 1, 1773, to take " into our most serious consideration the melancholy state of the British colonies in North America in general, and this province in particular," when, " after solemn prayer to God for direction," the subject was referred to a committee, consisting of Deacon Stephen Davis, John Reed, Esq., John Webber, Doctor Joseph Ballard, Mr. John Moore, Mr. Joseph Hartwell, and Mr. Hugh Maxwell. At an adjourned meeting, 23d May, they made a long report, which was unanimously accepted, expressing senti- ments similar to those given in the History of Concord.
1 The following were the taxable inhabitants in Bedford in 1748. South List. - Samuel Bacon, Stephen Davis, James Dodson, Joseph Fitch, Zachariah Fitch, Peter Fasset, John Fasset, Benjamin Fasset, Stephen Hartwell, Joseph Hartwell, Henry Harrington, William Hastings, James Housten, John Merriam, Amos Merriam, Samuel Merriam, Nathaniel Merriam, John Moore, Joseph Meeds, Walter Powers, Paul Raymond, William Raymond, Edward Stearns, James Rankin, David Taylor, Thomas Woolly, Jonathan Woolly, Thomas Woolly, Jr., Richard Wheeler, Samuel Whitaker.
· North. List. - Obed Abbot, Josiah Bacon, Josiah Bacon, Jr., Benjamin Bacon, Michael Bacon, John Bacon, Thomas Bacon, Jonas Bowman, James Chambers, John Corbet, Samuel Dutton, Benjamin Danforth, Cornelius Dandley, Benjamin Fitch, Jeremiah Fitch, Josiah Fasset, Jonathan Grimes, Benjamin Hutchinson, Timothy Hartwell, Benjamin Kidder, Deacon Job Lane, Colonel John Lane, Captain James Lane, John Lane, Jr., Job Lane, Jr., John Lane, 3d, Timothy Lane.
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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
In March, 1774, it was voted not to use any tea till the duty was taken off; and on the 30th of June following the inhabitants of the town entered into a solemn covenant "to suspend all commercial intercourse with Great Britain till the said act should be repealed," - not to " buy, purchase, or consume, or suffer any person by, for, or under us, to purchase or consume, in any manner whatever, any goods, wares, or merchandise, which shall arrive in America from Great Britain," and to break off all " trade, commerce, or dealings" with those who do it, and to consider them as enemies to their country. This covenant was offered to all the inhabitants of the town for their signatures. Those who did not sign it were to be treated as enemies. At this meeting the first committee of correspondence was chosen, consisting of Deacon Stephen Davis, John Reed, Esq., Mr. Jo- seph Hartwell, John Webber, and John Moore.
A minute-company being formed, the town voted, 6th March, 1775, to allow 25 men " one shilling per week till the first of May, they exercising four hours in a week, and two shillings to be allowed to officers, they to equip themselves according to the advice of Congress." Jonathan Wilson was Captain of this com- pany, and was killed on the retreat of the British from Concord on the 19th of April, in the 41st year of his age. He was a brave and meritorious officer.
The town voted, June 17, 1776, that " we will solemnly en- gage with our lives and fortunes to support the colonies in de- claring themselves independent of Great Britain."
Bedford, like the neighbouring towns, contributed " her lives and fortunes " to obtain the independence of America. Though I cannot give a full view of what was actually done, a few facts taken from the town records, in addition to what has already been given in the History of Concord, will present the most favorable view of her patriotism.
November 24, 1777, the town raised £377 3s. 3d. to pay -the following bounties to soldiers for services performed that year, as reported by a committee.
For the Continental soldiers' hire £236 10s. Od.
For the bounty to the Rhode Island men 22 10 0
For the bounty to the men who went to Bennington 48 0 0
For one man to guard the Continental stores 600
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GENERAL HISTORY.
For three 30 day men to join the Continental army 24 0 0 For allowance for hiring the Continental men 4 11 0
For fire-arms, lead, and flints for a town stock 35 12 3
£377 3 3
November 16, 1778, the town allowed the accounts of the military officers and committee for hiring soldiers, amounting to £1746 16s. 3d. The following bounties for services the year previous were also allowed.
3 men, 2 months to Rhode Island, May 1, 1777, no bounty
8 men, 32 months to Bennington, August 21, 1777, each £15 £120 Os. Od.
8 men, 30 days, "to take and guard the troops," September, 1777, £2 16 0 0
5 men, 3 months, " to Boston with Captain Farmer," February 1778, £12 60 0 0
8 men, 3 months, " to Cambridge with Captain Moore," April 1, 1778, £11 88 0 0
John Reed, to Rhode Island 90 0
The next year, in November, 1779, the following bounties were allowed.
1st tour of duty to Rhode Island, 2 men, £39 each £78 0s. Od. 2d to Rhode Island, 2 men, 48 bushels of corn, £9 per bushel each 864 0 0
3d to North River, 3 men, 2 of whom to have
£300 each
600 0 0
The other to have £138 in cash, and 51 bushels of corn at £9 per bushel 587 0 0
4th to Boston, 2 men, £22, 10 each 45 0 0
5th to Claverick, 6 men 1} month, £80 per month 640 0 0
In September, 1780, the town raised £550 to pay for hiring soldiers in the United States' service for the two last campaigns. In June previous, seven men, John Johnson, Rufus Johnson, Nathan Merrill, Jonas Bacon, Cambridge Moore, Jonas Duren, Cesar Prescott, had been hired to go to the North River 6 months for a bounty of 120 bushels of corn each ; and 8 men, Joshua Holt, John Webber, Ebenezer Hardy, Amos Bemis, Jonathan Wilson, Andrew Hall, Isaac Simonds, and Israel Mead Blood, were hired for 3 months to Rhode Island for 90 bushels of corn each.
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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
By the resolve of December 2, 1780, Bedford was required to furnish 8 men. One was hired by the town for $200 in silver; and the town was divided into 7 classes to procure the others. Captain John Moore was chairman of the first class, Moses Abbot of the second, Thaddeus Dean of the third, Chris- topher Page of the fourth, John Reed of the fifth, William Page of the sixth, and Stephen Davis of the seventh. The first five classes paid " 20 head of horned cattle at 3 years old each," as a bounty ; the 6th paid $250, and the 7th $220, in silver !
Daniel Hartwell Blood went to Rhode Island in June, 1781, and received £19 103. in silver ; and Nehemiah Wyman, Moses Abbot, Stephen Syms, Timothy Crosby, Joseph Merriam, and Israel Mead Blood went to join General Washington's army at West Point, and received £19 16s. each. The town was di- vided again in March, 1782, into three classes to hire 3 men for the war.
When it is recollected that the town then contained only about 470 inhabitants, it is truly wonderful that they could submit to so frequent and so heavy burdens of pecuniary and personal service.
In September, 1776, the town voted, that the General Court might form a constitution, but they must furnish a copy to the town before it was enacted. In May, 1779, voted, 34 to 1, not to have a new constitution formed at this time. The constitution formed that year was approved by the town, after considering it at three successive meetings, by 25 to 1. In 1820, the town unanimously voted to instruct their representative to vote in favor of calling a state convention to revise the constitution. On the question of adopting the new constitution, articles 2d, 3d, 6th, 7th, Sth, 11th, 13th, and 14th, had no votes against them ; the 1st had 3; the 4th, 5; the 5th, 30; the 9th, 14; the 10th, 55 (all that were cast) ; and the 12th, 13.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
The people began to erect a meeting-house before the town was incorporated ; but it was not completed till 1730. In Octo- ber, 1729, £460 was raised to pay the expense. Committees
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
were chosen the next and many subsequent years " to seat the meeting-house," and were instructed, among other things, " to have respect to them that are 50 years of age and upward "; those under this age " to be seated according to their pay," - " the front seat in the gallery to be equal to the third seat in the body- seats below." Thirteen pews were built in 1733, and eight more in 1754. A bell was procured in 1753, weighing about 600 lbs. and the town " voted (by polling the assembly) to hang the bell about two rods and a half northward of the school-house, and as near to Mr. Benjamin Kidder's wall as can be with conveniency ; and to build a house, not less than 12 icet nor more than 16 feet square, and so high as to hang the mouthi of the bell 16 feet high."
A new meeting-house was erected in 1817. It is 58 feet long, 53 wide, and 30 feet posts, with a projection of 34 by 8 feet, and a spire. David Reed, Michael Crosby, John Merriam, Joshua Page, and Simeon Blodget, were the building committee ; and Joshua Page and Levi Wilson, the builders. Cost estimated at $6,101. The lower floor has 56 pews, and the gallery 16, which were sold for $7,110.50, after reserving one for the min- ister. It was dedicated July 8, 1817 ; and the sermon, preached by the Rev. Mr. Stearns on the occasion, was printed. A time- piece was presented to the town by Mr. Jeremiah Fitch of Boston, and placed in the front gallery ; and a new bell was procured from England, weighing 993 lbs.
Measures were taken soon after the incorporation of the town to obtain the regular enjoyment of public religious worship and or- dinances, and William Hartwell and Job Lane chosen to carry these measures into effect. A candidate was employed ; and January 22, 1730, was observed as a day of solemn fasting and prayer to God for direction in the choice of a minister, when the Rev. Messrs. John Hancock of Lexington, Samuel Ruggles of Billerica, and John Whiting of Concord were present to conduct the religious services. Feb. 11th, the town chose Mr. Nicholas Bowes, by 43 votes, to be their minister ; and at the subsequent March meeting agreed to give him £90 the first year, and £100 and 25 cords of wood annually afterwards as a salary, so long as he should sustain the pastoral office ; the money to be paid semi- annually, and always to be in proportion to the then value of
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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
silver, which was 18 shillings per ounce. He was subsequently presented with 16 acres of land. These propositions were ac- cepted, and he was ordained, July 15, 1730, when the church was organized. The churches in Lexington, Concord, Billerica, and Cambridge, by " their elders and messengers," composed the council, of which the Rev. John Hancock was moderator. In the public religious exercises, the Rev. Mr. Appleton of Cam- bridge made the introductory prayer ; the Rev. John Hancock preached from 2 Cor. xi. 28, and gave the charge ; the Rev. John Whiting gave the right hand of fellowship ; and the Rev. Samuel Ruggles made the last prayer.
While the church was making arrangements preliminary to its organization, it was agreed by a vote of 14 to 9, that " every person admitted to the church should give in a confession of their faith to be read in public "; and, by a vote of 15 to 7, not to call for a " handy vote" on their admission. The original cove- nant which follows, was adopted and signed by 24 individuals, - all the male members of the church at its formation.
" We, whose names are underwritten, sensibly acknowledging our unworthiness of such a favor and unfitness for such a business, yet apprehending ourselves to be called of God in a way of church communion, and to seek the settlement of all the gospel institutions among us, do therefore, in order thereto and for the better promotion thereof as much as in us lies, knowing how prone we are to backslide, abjuring all confidence in ourselves, and relying on the Lord Jesus Christ alone for help, covenant as follows.
" We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by inspiration of God, and promise by the help of the Divine Spirit, to govern ourselves both as to faith and practice according to that perfect rule ; and we also engage to walk to- gether as a church of Christ, according to all those holy rules of the gospel respecting a particular church of Christ, so far as God hath or shall reveal his mind to us in that respect.
" We do accordingly recognise the covenant of grace, in which we professedly acknowledge ourselves devoted to the fear and service of the only true God, our Supreme Lord, and the Lord Jesus Christ, the High Priest, Prophet, and King of his church, unto whose conduct we submit ourselves, on whom alone we wait
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
and hope for grace and glory, to whom we bind ourselves in an everlasting covenant never to be broken.
" We likewise give ourselves up one to another in the Lord, resolving by his help to treat each the other as fellow members of one body in brotherly love and holy watchfulness over one another for mutual edification ; and to subject ourselves to all the holy administrations, appointed by him who is the Head of his church, dispensed according to the rules of the gospel, and to give our constant attendance on all the public ordinances of Christ's institution, walking orderly as becomes saints.
" We do likewise acknowledge our posterity to be included with us in the gospel covenant ; and, blessing God for such a favor, do promise to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord with the greatest care, and to acknowledge them in the covenant relation, according to the rules of the gospel.
" Furthermore we promise to be careful to our uttermost to procure the settlement and continuance of all the offices and officers appointed by Christ, the chief Shepherd for his church's edification, and accordingly do our duty faithfully for their main- tenance and encouragement, and to carry it towards them as becometh us.
" Finally we acknowledge and do promise to preserve commu- nion with the faithful churches of Christ for the giving and re- ceiving mutual council and assistance in all cases wherein it shall be needful.
" Now the good Lord be merciful unto us, and, as he hath put it into our hearts thus to devote ourselves to him, let him pity and pardon our frailties, humble us out of all carnal confidence, and keep it for ever upon our hearts to himself and to one another for his praise, and our eternal comfort, for Christ's sake, to whom be glory for ever. Amen. - Nicholas Bowes, *Joseph French, *William Hartwell, Jonathan Bacon, *John Hartwell, *Nathaniel Merriam, Israel Putnam, Benjamin Kidder, *Daniel Davis, Samuel Fitch, Job Lane, *Josiah Fassett, John Lane, *Stephen Davis, *Richard Wheeler, Jacob Kendall, Christopher Page, *Daniel Cheever, Obed Abbot, Nathaniel Page, *David Taylor, *James Wheeler, *Eleazer Davis, Thomas Dinsmore." 1
1 Those marked with an asterisk were from Concord, the others probably mostly from Billerica. The church and town records of those towns give their genealogy.
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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
The sacrament was first administered September 6, 1730, and every two months afterwards, at which times collections were taken for the use of the church. November 12, 1730, being public thanksgiving, £7 were contributed. " A short time after, the good people of Concord contributed for the use of the church in Bedford £6." Mr. Isaac Stearns, widows Sarah Bateman, and Eunice Taylor gave 10 shillings each. The last left a legacy of £5 more, and Deacon Merriam one of £6.
Among the peculiar customs which prevailed in the church from its first formation to the ordination of Mr. Stearns, was that of making public confession of particular offences committed by the members. These were drawn up in writing and read by the minister before the congregation. Frequent notices under differ- ent dates are specified in the church records, such as " the con- fession of - for the sin of intemperance," " for the breach of the seventh commandment," or other sins as the case might be, " was read before the congregation." This custom, though par- ticularly revolting at the present day, was not peculiar to the church in Bedford. It prevailed to some extent in most of the colonial churches. But that a detail of one's own crimes, given in minute particulars before the public, even if publicly known, tends to reform the heart of the confessor, or promote the good morals of the people, is a proposition to which few will now assent.
It does not appear that any special attention to religion pre- vailed during the ministry of Mr. Bowes, as was then the case in Concord and some other places ; though the church received consid- erable yearly additions, and was in a flourishing state. Anterior to 1754, 161 individuals had belonged to the church ; and allow- ing the orignal members to have been 50, the admissions would be 111. To this time there had been 83 marriages, 350 bap- tisms, and 173 deaths.
The Rev. Nicholas Bowes is said to have been born in Eng- land. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1725. After sus- taining the pastoral office about 24 years, some circumstances occurred which induced him to consider his usefulness at an end, and to ask a dismission. This was granted by the church August 22, 1754, and by the town, September 2d. In 1755 he went as a chaplain in the Northern army at Fort Edward ; but died at
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Brookfield on his return home. He is represented to have been " a man respectable for his abilities and learning, and of sound evangelical sentiments." Mr. Bowes married Lucy, sister of the Rev. Jonas Clark of Lexington, and aunt of Governor Hancock, and had William, Lucy, Nicholas, Elizabeth, Dorcas, Thomas, and Mary, one of whom married the Rev. Samuel Cook of West Cambridge.
The town voted, September 29, 1755, " that the church should proceed to the choice of a gospel minister " ; and on the 17th of November, " to concur in the choice of Mr. Nathaniel Sherman by 38 yeas," and agreed to give him £113 6s. 8d. as a settlement, and £53 6s. 8d. and 20 cords of wood as an annual salary. He was ordained February 18, 1756.
Some years after the settlement of the Rev. Mr. Sherman, a controversy arose concerning admitting persons to the privileges of baptism only, without admission to the communion, by assent- ing to the " half-way covenant." November 6, 1765, the regu- lations for the admission of members were revised, and a vote was passed, " that there should be but one church covenant." Can- didates for admission to the communion were to be examined before the pastor only, who propounded them several days before admission, when he informed the church of " their knowledge, experience, and belief of religion." Faith in Christ, repentance for sin, holiness, and a belief in the Assembly's Catechism, were required of all candidates. If no objections were made, they were to be admitted without the vote of the church. The covenant was revised and adopted in a different form, principally effected by the influence of the pastor. Some of the alterations were un- popular with a majority of the church. In consequence of this controversy the affections of his people were alienated from Mr. Sherman. An ecclesiastical council was called December 5, 1766, who advised his dismission, which was accepted by the church, and concurred in by the town December 17th.
The Rev. Nathaniel Sherman was born at Newton, March 5, 1724. His father, William Sherman, was son of Joseph, and grandson of Captain John Sherman, who came from Dedham, England, to Watertown, in 1634 or 1635. His brothers were William Sherman, Esq. of New Milford, the Hon. Roger Sher- man of New Haven, Connecticut, and the Rev. Josiah Sherman
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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
of Woburn. He was graduated at Nassau Hall in 1753. During his ministry of about twelve years, 46 were admitted to the church. In the unhappy controversy, which resulted in Mr. Sherman's dismission, nothing occurred that affected his religious character. After leaving Bedford he was installed at Mount Carmel, New Haven, Connecticut, where he preached many years, and then took a dismission, and removed to East Windsor, where he died July 18, 1797, aged 73 years. He married Lydia, daughter of Deacon Merriam of Bedford, March 1, 1759.
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