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 29
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 29
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" On the 2d Article in the 1st Section of the 1st Chapter in the form of government, voted, that this town disapprove of the said article ; 1. Because we think the legislative, executive, and judicial powers ought to be in separate departments, and not exercised by the same body or bodies of men, either in whole or in part. 2. Because we judge this article to be repugnant to the 17th and 30th articles in the bill of rights ; as also to the Ist article in the frame of government, which we think to be founded in reason.
302
HISTORY OF LINCOLN.
" On the 2d Article in the 3d Section of the Ist Chapter, voted, that the town disapprove of this article ; because we think the mode of representation pointed out in this article is not founded upon the principles of equality as provided by the preceding article. We apprehend that all circumstances ought to be taken into consideration to determine a representation found- ed in equality, and that neither the number of rateable polls nor any other circumstance, singly considered, determines such a representation. This state is constituted of a great number of distinct and very unequal corporations, which are the immediate constituent parts of the state ; and the individuals are only the remote parts in many respects. In all acts of the legislature which respect particular corporations, each corporation has a distinct and separate interest, clashing with the interests of all the rest. And, so long as human nature remains the same it now is, each representative will be under an undue bias in favor of the corporation he represents ; therefore any large corpora- tion, having a large number of representatives, will have a large and undue influence in determining any question in their own favor. Should the number of rateable polls in any particular corporation increase till they overbalance all the others, they could completely tyrannize over all the rest, and every degree of in- equality gives power for the same degree of tyranny. Another circumstance which renders the mode of representation pointed out in this article unequal is, that the small corporations can have no voice in government without being at the whole expense of a full representation ; whereas, the large corporations, by divid- ing the attendance of their representatives, can vastly lessen their expense, and yet, in such cases as respect their particular and separate interests, have a full representation."
The 3d Article in the Declaration of Rights was accepted 46 to 2; the last clause of the 10th Article, 3d Section, and 1st Chapter was rejected 30 to 11. Voted unanimously to revise the constitution in 7 years by 40 votes, and to accept it with the foregoing exceptions.
The first meeting under the new constitution was held on the first Monday of September, when there were 41 votes cast, all of which but one were for the Hon. John Hancock.
303
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. The ostensible object of those who obtained the act of incorporation for the town of Lincoln, was to enjoy the preaching of the gospel. Measures were taken, even before the precinct was formed, to effect this object by private individuals in their houses. Mr. Edward Flint gave a lot of land on which a meeting-house was erected and nearly completed by the following individuals by whom it was given to the precinct, - viz.
Benjamin Brown
Benjamin Monroe
Jon. Wellington
Edward Flint
John Hadley
Ephraim Flint
Judah Clark
Samuel Dakin Thomas Wheeler
Joseph Brooks
Ebenezer Cutler Joseph Pierce
Joshua Brooks
Jeremiah Clark
Nathan Brown
Samuel Bond
Amos Merriam
Jonas Pierce
Jonathan Gove
John Gove
Timothy Wesson.
George Pierce
Money was raised to complete this house, by the precinct and a vote passed in 1747, that pews should be built and allotted to the inhabitants according to their valuation, - the highest to take the first choice. A steeple was built in 1755 and furnished with a bell, the gift of Mr. Joseph Brooks. This house has been several times repaired and its appearance is still respectable.
On the 18th of August, 1747, twenty-five male members of the churches in Concord, Lexington, and the second precinct in Weston, met together and agreed to embody themselves into a distinct church. The public organization took place on the 20th of the some month, when Mr. Benjamin Brown was chosen permanent moderator till the ordination of a minister ; and the Rev. Messrs. John Hancock, Israel Loring, William Williams, and Wareham Williams, assisted in the public religious exercises on the occasion. A covenant was adopted and signed by tlie follow- ing persons. Jonathan Gove Woodis Lee
George Pierce
John Hadley
Thomas Wheeler
Ephraim Flint
Joshua Brooks
Benjamin Brown
Jonas Pierce
Thomas Garfield
Joseph Brown
Josiah Parks Joseph Pierce Samuel Bond John Gove
Edward Flint
John Garfield
Joseph Brooks
Nathan Brown
Timothy Wesson
Judah Clark
Stephen Wcsson
Benjamin Monroe
William Lawrence.
Thomas Garfield, Jr.
Benjamin Brown, Jr.
304
HISTORY OF LINCOLN.
The persons employed as preachers in 1746, '47, and '48, were John Brown, Benjamin Stevens, Jonathan Winchester, Cotton Brown, Samuel Pemberton, and Samuel Turrell. Mr. William Lawrence was first employed in April, 1748, on trial. On the 18th of May, the church and precinct, being together, voted, 22 to 7, to invite him to become their minister. It was agreed to give him £800 currency as a settlement, and £400 and 10 cords of wood, as an annual salary. This salary was finally fixed according to the prices of corn at 15s. and rye at 20s. per bushel, and pork at 1s. 8d., and beef at 1s. per pound. The estimate to be made near the close of the year.
He was ordained the 7th of December following; and £100 were granted to pay the expenses. The council on the occasion consisted of the Rev. John Hancock, of Lexington, moderator, who prayed and gave the charge ; Rev. William Williams, of Weston ; Rev. Nathaniel Appleton, of Cambridge, who made the introductory prayer ; Rev. Caleb Trowbridge, of Groton, who preached from 1 Tim. iii. 15; Rev. Wareham Williams, of Waltham, who gave the right hand of fellowship ; Rev. Daniel Rogers, of Littleton, who prayed after the charge ; Rev. Samuel Cook of West Cambridge ; and delegates from their respective churches.
Few important occurrences took place worthy of notice for several years. The church voted, in May, 1751, to receive any member of the church in Concord who should be dissmissed. In 1763, the reading of the Scriptures was first introduced as a part of the exercises of public worship; and in 1768, a short prayer was made before this reading. A vote was passed, 27th of April, 1767, " that in future Dr. Brady's and Mr. Tate's ver- sion of David's Psalms, and some Hymns of Dr. Watts, which are now bound up and published with this version, shall be made use of and sung in carrying on the public worship of God in this place." In 1771, forty-two persons, " who had attained a good degree of understanding in the rules of singing," were seated together by vote of the town on the lower floor.
The Rev. WILLIAM LAWRENCE, son of the Hon. William Lawrence, and grand-son of Jonas Prescott, Esq., of Groton, was born, 7th of May, 1728, and graduated at Harvard College, 1743.
305
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
During his ministry, his church, unlike many in the neighbour- hood, enjoyed great peace. 122 persons were admitted into full communion, 31 of whom were from other churches, the remain- der by original profession ; 120 owned the covenant ; 605 were baptized ; 122 marriages were solemnized ; and 294 died. His epitaph appears in the Lincoln burying-ground thus :
-
" In memory of the Rev. William Lawrence, A. M. Pastor of the Church of Christ in Lincoln, who died April 11, 1780, in the 57th year of his age, and 32d of his ministry. He was a gentle- man of good abilities both natural and acquired, a judicious divine, a faithful minister, and firm supporter of the order of the churches. In his last sickness, which was long and distressing, he exhibited a temper characteristic of the minister and Christian. 'Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.'"
His funeral expenses, amounting to £366 currency, and £300 to purchase mourning for the surviving widow, were paid by the town. He married Love, daughter of John Adams, who died January 3, 1820, at the advanced age of 95, and had the fol- lowing children, William, Love (married to Dr. Joseph Adams,) John P. (died 1808,) Susanna, Sarah, Phebe (married to the Rev. E. Foster of Littleton, 1783,) Ann, and Abel.
Dea. Samuel Farrar was moderator of the church from the death of Mr. Lawrence to the ordination of his successor. A day of fasting and prayer was held, according to the usual custom in such cases, on the last Thursday in August, 1780, and the Rev. Messrs. Cushing, Woodward, and Clark were present on the occasion.
Mr. Charles Stearns was first employed to preach in Lincoln in October, 1780, and on the 15th of January, 1781, the church voted unanimously (29 votes) to invite him to be their pastor ; and in this vote the town concurred on February 5th, 65 to 5; and agreed to give him " £220 in hard money, or its equivalent," (to which £70 were subsequently added,) as a settlement, and £80 and 15 cords of wood, as an annual salary. His ordination took place November 7, 1781. The church then consisted of 96 members. The churches in Waltham, Weston, Lexington, Lunenburgh, Leominster, East Sudbury, Sudbury, Ist in Read- ing, Stow, and Concord, were represented in the council, of
39
306
HISTORY OF LINCOLN.
which the Rev. Mr. Cushing was moderator. The Rev. Zabdiel Adams preached on the occasion from 1 Timothy iii. 3, and his sermon was printed.
In consequence of the fluctuating relative value of money, the town voted, in 1797, " that the Rev. Mr. Stearns's salary should be £80 per year, at all times when the current price of Indian corn is 3s. and rye 4s. per bushel, and beef 20s. and pork 33s. per hundred; and to be increased or diminished ac- cording as the prices of those articles vary."
In 1789, the church voted, that the reading of the psalm by line, after it has been once distinctly read, be discontinued.
The church has never had a confession of faith. The covenant into which the communicants enter does not differ materially from that in the Concord church. The principles of the first organ- ization of the church appear to have been somewhat more liberal than those of the Rev. Mr. Bliss. As early as 1749, it was voted not to "require public relations of religious exercises, as a condition of admission into the church," but it was left optional with the candidates to do it or not. Public confessions before the whole church and congregation for crimes, were not uncom- mon until late in Dr. Stearns's ministry.
The Rev. CHARLES STEARNS, D. D. was son of Thomas, and grandson of Charles Stearns, whose ancestors first settled in Lynn. He was born in Leominster, graduated at Harvard College in 1773, and died July 26, 1826, in the 75th year of his age, and 45th of his ministry. At the time of his ordination the church consisted of 96 members, and during his ministry 155 persons were admitted to full communion, 78 owned the covenant, 536 were baptized, 201 marriages were solemnized, and up to 1818, 387 died. The town erected a monument to his memory, on which the distinguishing traits of his character are drawn with force and accuracy.
" He was distinguished for his high attainments in various branches of science ; for strength and soundness of mind ; for method and accuracy in reasoning, and facility in communicating knowledge. By his piety, benevolence, and learning, he gained the affection and respect of his beloved people, the esteem and confidence of his numerous friends, and the well-deserved honors of literary societies. His life was full of practical good-
307
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
ness, the genuine fruit of deep-felt piety, and his death of religious hope and peace. By the habitual exercise of faith, humility, patience, and charity, he exhibited Christianity in a strong and prominent light ; and is gone, it is believed, to enjoy the rewards of a good and faithful servant of Jesus Christ."
The Rev. Dr. Stearns 1 married Miss Susanna Cowdry, of Reading, 1781, and had the following children, Susanna, Charles, Thomas, Julia, Sarah, Elizabeth Francis, William Lawrence, Daniel Mansfield, Rebecca, Samuel, and Edwin.
During the ministry of Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Stearns, the church and town were in great harmony. No council was at any time called to settle difficulties. After the death of the latter, Dea. Thomas Wheeler was chosen moderator, and Dea. Eleazer Brooks, clerk, to serve till the ordination of another minister.
On the 13th of August, 1827, the church gave the Rev. Elijah Demond a unanimous call to be their pastor. He was born at Barre, November 1, 1790 ; graduated at Dartmouth College, 1816 ; and had been minister of West Newbury. In this vote the town concurred, and voted him $600, as an annual salary. He was installed November 7, 1827. The public exercises were performed as follows : Introductory prayer, by the Rev. Rufus Hurlbut, of Sudbury ; sermon by the Rev. John Codman, D. D., of the 2d church in Dorchester ; install- ing prayer by the Rev. Gardner B. Perry, of Bradford ; charge by the Rev. Samuel Stearns, of Bedford ; right hand of fellow- ship by the Rev. Sewall Harding, of Waltham ; address to the
1 The following works were published by Dr. Stearns : -
The Ladies' Philosophy of Love ; a Poem in four Cantos. Written in 1774, while a student in College, and published in 1797.
A Serinon at the Exhibition of Sacred Music in Lincoln.
Dramatic Dialogues, for the use of Schools. Published in 1798.
A Sermon, preached Nov. 11, 1806, at the Interment of the Hon. Eleazer Brooks.
A Sermon, delivered at Concord before the Bible Society, April 26, 1815.
A Sermon, delivered before the Convention of Congregational Ministers in Massachusetts, in Boston, June 1, 1815.
Principles of Religion and Morality. First edition in 1798, 2d in 1807. A Sermon at the Interment of Mrs. Foster of Littleton.
308
HISTORY OF LINCOLN.
people, by the Rev. Rodney G. Dennis, of Topsfield ; and the concluding prayer by the Rev. Marshall Shed, of Acton. These and the churches in East Sudbury and Weston composed the council, of which the Rev. Mr. Stearns was moderator. He was dismissed in 1832, and installed at Holliston, October 31, 1833.
On the 16th of January, 1833, the Rev. Ebenezer Newhall, a native of New Ipswich, New-Hampshire, and recently a min- ister at Oxford, was installed over this society. The introductory prayer on the occasion was by the Rev. Mr. Gilbert, of Newton ; sermon by the Rev. Mr. Nelson, of Leicester ; installing prayer by the Rev. Mr. Hurlbut, of Sudbury ; charge by the Rev. Mr. Allen, of Shrewsbury ; right hand of fellowship by the Rev. Mr. Demond, the late pastor ; and the address to the people by the Rev. Mr. Harding, of Waltham.
SUCCESSION OF THE DEACONS.
NAMES.
CHOSEN.
DIED. AGE.
Benjamin Brown
Aug. 20, 1747.
April -, 1753. -.
Joshua Brooks
April 18, 1749.
June 26, 1768. 80.
John Gove
April 18, 1749, was in office about 40 years.
Samuel Farrar
Dec. 28, 1763.
April 18, 1783. 75.
Joshua Brooks, Jr.
Dec. 28, 1763.
March 8, 1790.
70.
Edmund Wheeler
May 6, 1784.
June 1, 1805. 74.
Samuel Farrar
May 6, 1784.
Sept. 19, 1829.
93.
Eleazer Brooks
Nov. 6, 1794.
Nov. 9, 1806.
80.
John Hartwell
April 9, 1804.
Nov. 2, 1820.
73.
Thomas Wheeler
Sept. 2, 1805.
James Farrar
April 27, 1812.
Eleazer Brooks
April 27, 1812.
DESCRIPTION. Lincoln lies about three miles and a half southeasterly from Concord, and is bounded southwesterly by East Sudbury, southerly by Weston, southeasterly by Waltham, easterly by Lexington, northerly by Bedford, and northwesterly by Concord. Its greatest length is about five miles, and greatest breadth three and a half, nearly ; and it contains about 7000 acres. It has all the varieties of soil from the richest to the poorest. Though rough and uneven, it contains some of the best farms in the county. The most celebrated is that known at different times as the Russell, Codman, and Percival farm.
309
DESCRIPTION.
Farming constitutes the principal employment of the inhabitants. The hill on which the meeting-house stands is 470 feet above high water mark in Boston. Two other hills, one 370 and the other 323 feet high, lie near the Lexington bounds.
Flint's or Sandy Pond, the only considerable collection of water, contains, according to the estimate of the Hon. Sam- uel Hoar,1 197 acres. It derives its name from the first own- er, being situated in the farm of Ephraim Flint, one of the principal original owners of Lincoln. This pond is a favorite resort for pickerel ; and its fisheries have been considered of sufficient importance to require the interference of the Legislature to regulate them. An Act was passed February 16, 1824, prohibiting any person, under penalty of $2, from fishing with " more than one hook"! between the first of December and April ; providing, however, that the town may repeal its opera- tion for one year at a time. This pond is the source of Stony Brook, and receives Lilly Brook, the outlet of Beaver Pond, lying near the south line, and containing about 50 acres ; and it flows into Charles River at the northwest corner of Wal- tham. Its waters also have flowed by an artificial channel, made, as is supposed, for the benefit of the Mill which once stood in the centre of Concord, by Mill Brook into Concord River.
A Post-office was established in the southwest part of the town, in 1825, in which the Post-masters have been, David S. Jones, from January 24, 1825, to September 18, 1826, resigned ; Luke Gates, from September 19, 1826, present Post-master.
A county road and the Cambridge and Concord Turnpike (which was also made a county road in May, 1829,) run through the north part of the town. Another similar road runs through the south part. These add greatly to the expense, and very little to the convenience of the inhabitants.
According to a valuation taken in 1784, it appears that there were then 143 polls, 26 of whom were not rateable ; 88 dwelling- houses, 84 barns, 1 tan-yard, 1 grist-mill, and 21 other buildings ;
I Hon. Samuel Hoar, Lt. William Lawrence, and Mr. Nathan Weston, were chosen a Committee, August 21, 1794, to take a plan of the town agreeably to a resolve of the General Court the previous June, to be de- posited in the Secretary's office.
.
310
HISTORY OF LINCOLN.
454 acres of tillage land, 429 of English mowing, 800 meadow, 1502 pasturing, 2057 wood land, 2128 ' other land,' and 137 unimproveable ; 840 barrels of cider were made, 105 horses, 155 oxen, 266 neat cattle, 378 cows, 155 sheep, and 136 swine were held. Probably, if an estimate was made now, it would not essentially vary from the above. The polls in 1790, were 156; the houses in 1801, 104. The population in 1764 was 639, including 28 negroes, and in 1790, 740 ; in 1800, 756 ; in 1810, 713 ; in-1820, 786 ; and in 1830, 709.
In 1820, there were 3 foreigners not naturalized, 81 engaged in agriculture, 5 in commerce, and 34 in manufactures. The militia is comprised in one company of about 50. An estimate, made by Dr. Stearns in 1820, appears in the church records in which the following " averages from the beginning of the town are determined, (the nearest being taken when there is a fraction :) births, 22 in a year; baptisms, 19; admissions into church, 4; marriages, 4 ; and deaths, 10." These average annual estimates, will hold good now, excepting in the baptisms, the number of which has diminished.
Appropriations made by the Town at different Periods.
· Date.
Minister
1755. £ 56
1765.
1775.
1785.
1795.
1805.
1815. $ 600
1825. $ 460.
Schools
133
20
133
50
85
480
520.
Highways
25
50
40
80
80
450
600
400.
Incidental charges
24}
19
37
250
125
830
1450
500.
The existing records are not sufficiently particular to enable us to compile the annual bill of mortality. A summary of several years is sometimes placed together. The subjoined statement may be considered as nearly correct.
From 1760 to 1770, to 1780, to 1790, to 1800, to 1810, to 1820. - Total.
Intentions of Marriage
56
79
65
69
73
59 = 401.
Marriages
38
40
35
48
87
56 = 274.
Births
185
196
186
192
168
164 =1091.
Deaths
83
122
104
86
118
94 = 607.
£ 693
£ 703
£85 £105
$-
It appears from this table that the excess of births over the deaths is 484, more than two to one; and, according to the census, that, from 1790 to 1800, one in 86 died annually ; from 1800 to 1810, one in 64; and from 1810 to 1820, one in 78 ; a result which is highly favorable to the healthiness of the town.
311
MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES.
SCHOOLS. Lincoln has always given liberal support to her common schools, and has been rewarded in the distinguished character of her educated sons. At its incorporation in 1754, it was divided into three districts ; and a 'moving school"? was kept in each. A school-house was built in the middle of the town in 1762; and in 1763, £5 were granted to build one in the southwest district, £5 for the southeast, and £10 for the north. In 1768, the schools were kept in three instead of four places ; and in 1770, and some other years, the grammar school was substituted for all the others. In 1780, the town was again divided into four districts, which have been continued, excepting a few years since. In 1791, a committee was appointed to make a general regulation for dividing the school money, who reported, that the east district have 21 weeks, the south 17 weeks, and the north 14 weeks, in proportion to the 12 months' schooling. This regulation was accepted by the town, which was divided into three districts ; but continued a few years only. It was so altered in 1791, as to give 17 weeks to the south, 14 to the north, 11 to the east, and 10 to the middle district. Since 1812, the south has drawn 31 and the three others 35 each of the money. Among the teachers of the grammar school, I find the names of Jacob Big- elow, Timothy Farrar, Fisher Ames, and others who have been distinguished in public life. Mr. Joseph Brooks, among other liberal donations, made one for the support of schools, which has been of great service to the town. It amounted in 1761, to £388, and now to more than $1,000, the annual interest of which is divided among the districts in the same proportion as other school money. An institution called the "liberal school," similar to an academy, was established by the Rev. Dr. Stearns, and several other gentlemen in 1793, and was successfully con- tinued about 10 years. From the annual return made to the State in 1829, it appears that the aggregate time, for which the four public schools were kept, was 32 months, 17 by males, and 15 by females ; and that they were attended by 220 scholars. $576.70 were paid for their support. There were two private schools, and 8 pupils attending academies. The estimated amount of tuition was $70. None are unable to read in the town. The north district contains 40 scholars, the south 86, the east 42, and the middle 44.
312
HISTORY OF LINCOLN.
The poor were supported previous to 1785 in such families as undertook it at the lowest rates. £8 were granted for this purpose in 1760, £35 in 1762, and £18 in 1783. A committee was chosen in 1785, consisting of the Hon. James Russell, Edmund Wheeler, and Eleazer Melvin, by whom a poor-house was built ; principally from the liberal donation of the chairman. The land on which it stood was presented by Mr. John Adams. The poor were supported here till about 1800, when the house was abandoned, and the old system of letting them out to the lowest bidder was again adopted. The annual expense now is between $400 and $500.
There are two burying-grounds in town, one the gift of Mr. Ephraim Flint, and the other of Dea. Samuel Farrar.
TOWN CLERKS.
Ephraim Flint 1746-'62, '54, '56, '57. Grosvener Tarbell 1799 - 1803.
Ebenezer Cutler 1753, 1755, 1759. Thomas Wheeler 1804- 1806.
Samuel Farrar 1758, 1760 - 1766. Elijalı Fiske 1810- 1821. John Adams 1767 - 1777. Stephen Patch 1822 - 1827.
Abijah Pierce 1778, 1779, 1781. Charles Wheeler 1828 - 1830.
Samuel Hoar '80, '82,'87-'98, 1807-'9. Elijah Fiske
1831.
Richard Russell 1783 - 1786.
REPRESENTATIVES.
Chambers Russell '54-57,'59,'61,63,'5. Joshua Brooks 1809 - 1811.
Samuel Farrar 1766 - 1768. Leonard Hoar 1812 - 1814.
Eleazer Brooks '74-'78,'80,'5,'7,'90-'2. William Hayden 1815, 1816. Chambers Russell 1788. Elijah Fiske 1820 - 1822. Samuel Hoar '94,'95,'97,'98,1801,'3-'8. Joel Smith 1824.
Samuel Farrar, Jr. 1800. Silas P. Tarbell 1827, 1828.
Not represented 1758, '60, '62, '69-'73, '79, '81, '82, '86, '89, '93, '96, '99, 1802, '17, '23, '25, '26.
SENATORS.
Hon. Eleazer Brooks 1780 -'86, '88 -'95. Hon. Samuel Hoar 1813 - 1816.
COUNSELLORS.
Hon. Chambers Russell 1759 - 1766. Hon. Eleazer Brooks 1788, '92 - 1800.
313
MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
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