USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Fitchburg > History of the town of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, comprising also a history of Lunenburg, from its first settlement to the year 1764 (1865) > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11
In his fight, Goodridge lost his hat, and the Indians secured it as a trophy. It is not a little remarkable that, about ten years after this, in the succeeding war, an Indian was taken somewhere on Connect- ient river. having on his head the identical hat of Deacon David Goodridge, not munch the worse for wear. On his getting clear of the Indians, Goodridge betook himself to Page's garrison, and an alarm was forthwith fired. In a short time men poured in from Lunenburg, and even from Groton. It is worthy of notice that in two hours after the alarm was given, a Major Willard, with a company of cavalry, arrived at the garrison from Lancaster.
The Indians, upon the alarm being given, retired to the top of Rollstone, from whenee they could command a view of the movements beneath them, and seeing a great commotion, and people flocking in from abroad, they thought it advisable to withdraw into some ceret place.
It was on the following morning, according to the accounts of aged people, that the garrison of John Fitch was attacked. He lived at the time several miles distant from his nearest neighbors, and was the farthest west of them all. His family consisted of himself, wife, four children, (one son and three daughters.) and the two sokdown already mentioned. One of these, on going out of the fort to evinner about the premises, (thinking from certain indications the lidiane were liking in the vicinity ) was immediately shot down.
49
HISTORY OF FITCHBURG.
The Indians then commenced the attack upon the garrison, which Fitch and. the remaining soldier defended for a short time. The latter was soon shot through the port hole, and Fitch was in- duced to surrender. Surdody was desirous of having him killed on the spot, but he was overruled in this by the others, who were disposed to carry him and his family into captivity, and so receive the highest bounty from the French, and a large sum for their ransom. Fitch, accompanied by his wife and four chil- dren, and under the escort of his captors, was carried to Mont- real. His habitation was at such a distance from the principal settlement, that the report of his capture was not spread till the following morning. It reached the middle of Lunenburg, however, long before the rising of the sun, and the alarm, (three muskets, heavily loaded, discharged with a certain interval between cach report) was immediately fired. Soldiers arrived in an incredibly short period, from Groton, Lancaster, and even from Westford. They immediately put themselves under the command of Major Hartwell, and started in pursuit. They had not proceeded far beyond the smoking ruins of the garrison, before they discovered a paper stuck in the bark of a tree. This contained a request, signed by Fitch, not to have his friends pursue him ; for the Indians had given him to understand what his destiny was to be if they were not molested ; but if they should be pursued, and likely to be overtaken, then they should forthwith kill him, together with his wife and children. The soldiers, on the receipt of this, returned. Fitch and his family were carried to Montreal, where they remained for about one year, enduring great hard- ships. They were then ransomed, principally by means of a subscription raised among the people of Bradford, the place of his former residence. They all lived to return to their home,
G
.
50
HISTORY OF FITCHBURG.
with the exception of Mrs. Fitch, who died while on her return, at Providence. R. I .*
After this period, Mr. Fitch was prospered in his worldly concerns, and became one of the wealthiest men of the place. When the country above him became settled, he opened a public hunse. He presents one of many instances of the uncertainty of riches. He lived to the good old age of one hundred and fre years, and died in the poor-house of Ashby !
A few Indians remained behind, after the capture of Fitch, tu ohserve its effects. They continued several days skulking about. and on the watch for more prisoners. or scalps. Deacon Amos Kimball was hoeing corn in his field, and, hearing a rustling in the brush fence near him. he looked in that direc- tion and saw a gun pointed at him through the fence, by an Indian. The latter seemed to be reserving his fire till his victim should draw a little nearer. Kimball knew that if he ran, it would be sure death, as he was then so near: so he pretended Imot to see anything, and kept scratching with his hoe, and working off-looking down, as if busily at work-till he sup- posed that he had attained to a sufficient distance to give him
"I would here correct an error in Whitey's account of this affair, which is as follows :- " In the mummer of the year 1719, the Indians came into the northwest limits of the tawn, and killed two soliliers, Jennings and Blodget, who were stationed there, and carried Mr. John Fitch and his family Into captivity, who : I returned in safety, after enduring incredible hardships and fatigues, except Mrs. Hitch, who stekened and died in Canada."
There is an error of two years in this statement. In the first place, the war between France and England was concluded in 1748, and the French would not pay a bounty for English prisoners after that perlod. Secondly, an aged man of this town, recently deceased, remembered how old he was when bitch was taken, and was quite positive that the event occurred on the lith of July, 1747. Third's, the Records of Lunenburg state that Susanna Fitch ye wife of Mr. John Fitch Deceast Deconter ye 21th 1545, nt Provi lence in ye Collony of Rhod Island." Now Mrs. Fitch could not die at Providence in life, and be taken captive by the Indians in the following summer. The authority of the Record cannot be disputed. Furthermore, the intentions of marriage between Mr. Fitch and He mol wife were recorded In Dec. 150-quite too early if he was taken in 1749, and his first wife Iv In riv or mite a year affer the event.
There Ien sory eurrent, respectleg this second wife of John Fitch, to this effect : - She undertook, die las, to make wane cand'es, and accordingly put the ingredients-tallow and wicking - together In a kelt e over the dre and commenced stirring them together. This she continued to do till she as. sincelists of the state of the Hand over which she was engaged. One of her neighbors er juin . then endre of such unusual conduct, she replied that she was making candles, and won- desel vas much why they chi not case "
Jhon Blah, who was an thbut when he was carried Into l'anada, was afterwards a clerk in the store of Dr John Taylor In Lunenburg Though In other respects well formed, his lower limbs were of dwa(fish klar, in conto piece of the rigor with which he was bound.
51
HISTORY OF FITCHBURG.
a chance to escape. He then made good use of his heels. The Indian, as his only chance, fired, and the ball struck a tree a short distance in front of his intended victim. As Kim- ball immediately gave the alarm, this scout thought it best to be off. A few of them made a circuit through Westminster --- killed one man named Bowman, who was at work in a field, and, according to the statement of my informant, (Arrington Gibson) " carried his scalp into captivity"-then passed rapidly on towards Canada, and overtook their companions with Fitch, before their arrival at Montreal. This was the last of Indian warfare and depredations within our borders.
After the events above detailed, and previous to the incor- poration of the town of Fitchburg, several families moved into the westerly part of Lunenburg, whose names will be given when I speak of those living in Fitchburg when it was erected into a separate town. Capt. Samuel Hunt came into this town (from Worcester, as I have been told) and built a part of the house now occupied by James L. Haynes. In the year 1761, he commenced keeping tavern there. This was the first public house ever kept in the precincts of Fitchburg.
At this period, considerable difficulty was experienced in the collection of taxes. The paper money was of uncertain value, and the constables, upon whom this duty devolved, had not suffi- cient authority to enforce prompt payments. They were required to pay over the sums which they had been ordered to collect, within a certain period; and if they failed to collect them, the loss fell upon their own shoulders. It was not uncommon for them to pay their fines, rather than accept office. In Jan. 1763, a town meeting was held in " Capt. Joshua Hutchens' Long Cham- ber," when Abijah Hovey was chosen constable. He being absent, a messenger was despatched for him, who reported " that Mr. Hovey would not serve the town as constable,-would be glad if the town would excuse him ; if they would not, he would pay the fine.". And so he' paid his fine. " Then chose Jonathan Pearce constable. He replied that he did not choose to serve, unless he
52
HISTORY OF FITCHBURG.
could be sufficiently authorized to collect the taxes. After a long disputation and debate, Mr. Pearce was again desired to declare to the town his acceptance or non-acceptance of the office. He desired more time for consideration; and finally refused to serve." Jonathan Bradstreet was then chosen. "Mr. Bradstreet being immediately notified of the town's choice, presented himself to the town, and being asked by the moderator whether he would accept the office of a constable, Mr. Bradstreet replied that he scrupled. whether the fine could be recovered of him ; the moderator insist- ing upon a peremptory answer, he replied he serupled whether the fine could be recovered of him,"-and finally he refused to serve. Richard Taylor was next chosen, " who made his appearance, and declared he would not serve once and again." The town excused him. Paul Wetherbee was then chosen, who accepted the office.
I have already mentioned the death of Rev. Mr. Stearns, the second minister of Lauenburg, which took place in March, 1761, in the 524 year of his age, and 28th of his ministry. He was much beloved by his people, who built a monument to his mem- ory." They also paid the whole amount of his salary for the year 1761 to his widow, " Madam Ruth Stearns."
.The following is a copy of the inscription upon the tomb-stone of Ber. Mr. Stearns :-
" THIS MONUMENT, EBECTED BY THE TOWN OF LUNENBURGH, IS SACBED TO THE MEMORY OF THE REVEREND DAVID STEARNS THEIR MUCH BELOVED AND RESPECTED PASTOR, WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE IN THE JOYFUL EXPECTATION OF AA BETTER ON THE 9TH DAY OF MARGH A. D. 1761 AND IN THE: 52d. YEAR OF HIS AGE. IN HUIS PRIVATE CAPACITY IT WAS A KIND HUSBAND, A TENDER PARENT AS AFFECTIONATE BROTHER AND A FAITHFUL FRIEND. IN HIS MINISTERIAL CHARACTER ILIS CONVERSATION WAS PURE ENTERTAINING AND INSTRUCTIVE HIS DOCTRINES PLAIN AND SCRIPTURAL AND JUS LIFE TRULY EXEMPLARY.
He was adorned
with hospitality, with singular prudence and a most endearing benevolence; with a good knowledge of then and things, with a fervent zeal for the Glory of Christ, and the salvation of souls; and was governed by the influence of these accom- phaliments. Help. Lord, for the Godly man ceaseth."
53
HISTORY OF FITCHBURG.
Immediately after the decease of Mr. Stearns, Rev. Josiah Bridge (Harvard University, 1758) was hired to preach ; and in August of the same year, Rev. Samuel Payson, a class-mate of Mr. Bridge, was hired. In the following February, the town " gave him a call," offering him an annual salary of 807., and 2007. " for his encour- agement and comfortable settlement." He was ordained in Sept., 1762. A committee was chosen " to make suitable provision for the venerable Council, and other gentlemen of note and distinction who shall attend the ordination."
Mr. Payson continued but five months in the ministry, having died in February, 1763, aged 24. He was a native of Walpole, Mass .* . Rev. Ebenezer Sparhawk, of Templeton, was invited " to come and pray with the town," and the neighboring ministers were invited to attend the funeral. The town also " voted to give to Miss Elizabeth Stearns, (affianced to Rev. Mr. Payson) a neat, handsome suit of mourning,"-" to the father and brothers of the deceased, weeds and gloves-to his mother and half sister, veils, handkerchiefs and gloves."
Rev. Messrs. Champney, Fiske and Davis were hired to preach after Mr. Stearns' death. Mr. Davis received an invitation to
*The inscription upon the tomb-stone of Rev. Mr. Payson is as follows :-
"QUIESCUNT SUB HOC TUMULO RELIQUIE REV. SAMUELIS PAYSON A. M. QUI ECCLESLE LUNENBURGENSIS PASTOR DOCTUS FIDELIS PRÆSTANTI VIR INGENIO MORUMQUE GESTU AMABILI VIRTUTIS POTIUSQUAM DIERUM PLENUS ATROPHE MORBO OCCUBUIT ID. FEB, SALUT, M. DCCLXIII, ET. XXIV. A FATHER ERECTS THIS MONUMENT TO THE MEMORY OF A BELOVED SON."
It may be translated thus :
Here rest, within this tomb, the remains of Rev. Samuel Payson A. M. the learned and exemplary Pastor of the church of Lunenburg. He was a man of superior abilities, and of an amiable dis[ o- sition ; more distinguished for virtues than for length of days. He died of an atrophy in February A. D. 1763, aged 24.
it
HISTORY OF FITCHBURG,
" settle," which he declined. May 19th, the town concurred with the church in appointing "a fast on Thursday come fortnight." In November, Rev. Zabdiel Adams was procured to preach. He was settled soon after Fitchburg was incorporated.
For several years previous to this event, (the incorporation of the town) the inhabitants of the westerly part of Lunenburg began to have shrewd suspicions that they were able to walk alone-that they were sufficient in knowledge and numbers to manage their own affairs-and that it was an mmecessary burthen upon them to be compelled to travel the distance of five or ten miles to at- tend Divine service, and transact the ordinary business of town affairs.
It will be seen, upon an inspection of the case, that there was a pretty good foundation for these opinions. By an exam- ination of the Records, it will be seen that a very fair pro- portion of those who were selected to manage the most impor- tant affairs of the town, was taken from among those after- wards belonging to Fitchburg. It ought furthermore to be con- sidered, that a ride of ten miles then, was quite a different affair from a ride of that distance now. Of the roads at that period, mention has already been made. They were but little better than cow-paths. When this town was incorporated, there were no wheel carriages here of a higher rank than ox carts. Any vehicle of lighter construction would have soon gone to des- truction over such roads. Journeys were then made on horseback or on foot. A spruce young gentleman, in treating the mistress of his affections to a ride-or the sober-minded husband in carry- ing the partner of his life to church-brings the sure-paced animal to the horse-block, and mounts-the lady places herself on the pillion behind him. The horse starts off on a walk,-the great- est speed at which it would be considered safe to drive him, through roads so rough. They thus pursue their journey, wind- ing along up one hill, and then another. The horse leaps over the smaller streams, for fear of wetting his feet, and wades boldly
55
HISTORY OF FITCHBURG.
through the larger ones, even to endangering the feet of his riders. Now the gentleman dismounts to "let down" the bars, and then proceeds along, dodging under the boughs, twigs and limbs of trees. He must start very early, or arrive at his journey's end very late. It is therefore not to be wondered at that the early settlers of this town began so early as they did, to desire a separation from the parent stock, that they might be nearer home in the performance of their public duties, whether they were such as they owed to the community, or to their Maker.
From the record of the town meeting, March, 1757, it ap- pears that Samuel Hunt and others petitioned to the town of Lunenburg, to have the westerly part of the same set off, in order to have it incorporated into a separate town. This peti- tion was referred to a committee, with directions to report at the next May meeting. At the May meeting, the committee reported-but whether in accordance with the prayer of the peti- tioners or not, we are not informed. The report, however, exci- ted considerable debate, and was recommitted for an amendment -and the committee was directed to report at the following Sep- tember meeting. Among the recorded proceedings of the Sep- tember meeting, not one word is said respecting the report, or Samuel Hunt's petition. Nothing further respecting this subject is recorded, till May, 1761, when the town voted that the request of Samuel Hunt and others " be so far granted that one-half of the land in the township of Lunenburg, and the westerly part thereof-running a parallel line with the west line of said town- ship-be and hereby is set off a separate Parish by itself; Pro- vided they shall place their meeting-house as near the centure of said parish as may be, so as to accommodate the whole, and that as soon as they are able and do maintain the Gospel among themselves, that they shall be freed from all costs and charges of maintaining the Gospel in the first parish." But this grant did not satisfy the petitioners ; for the record states that imme- diately a motion was made that the request be granted in full- which passed in the negative.
HISTORY OF FITCHBURG.
In the following August, the request of Amos Kimball and others, to be set off into a separate town, was presented. It shared the same fate with that of Samuel Hunt-with the exception that it did not live nearly so long, for it was killed on the spot. " After debate thereon, it passed in the negative."
In the warrant for town meeting in March, 1763, there was an article, to hear the petition of Dea. Benjamin Foster and nine others, "to set off into a district and precinct by them- selves" all the inhabitants on the westerly side of Pearl Hill brook and Dorchester farm, so called. The town refused to act on this article.
In the warrant for town meeting in the May following, there was an article of similar import-with the exception that it said, " To see if the town will consent that application may be made to the General Court, to incorporate the westerly part, &c., into a town. This article was negatived. But the advocates for this measure made another attempt in the following January, and with much better success, for the town then voted to " let the people This vote was passed January 25th, 1764, at "the request of Dea. Benjamin Foster, Dea. Samuel Putnam, and others," which was as follows: - That the town vote "the lands in said Immnenburg which lie west and westwardly of the line hereafter described, should be set off from said town, that so the said lauds, and inhabitants thereon, may be formed by the General Court into a town or district, as they shall think proper." ( Here follows a description of the line, which corresponds with the easterly boundary of Fitchburg. ) This was granted on con- dition that " the inhabitants should pay their minister's tax, as heretofore they had done, until they should be formed into a district."
The long sought for object of the people of the westerly part of Lunenburg having been obtained. a committee consisting of Misere Jon Fitch. Ands Kimball, Sammel Hunt, Ephraim Whitney, and Jonathan Wood, was chosen to wait upon the
57
HISTORY OF FITCHBURG.
General Court, to procure the act of incorporation ; and they per- formed their duty so promptly and perseveringly, that on the 3d. of February, 1764,-just nine days after the passage of the above vote-the act passed the Legislature, and received the signature of the Governor.
February 3d, 1764, was therefore the BIRTH-DAY OF FITCHBURG, which was 72 years old on the 3d day of February, 1836.
It is the general report that the town was named in honor of John Fitch, who was the first man on the committee appointed to procure the act of incorporation, and was the same individual taken captive by the Indians in 1747. Some people think that the town was named in. honor of a Col. Timothy Fitch, a wealthy merchant of Boston, who owned extensive tracts of land in the town, and was considered, in those days, as a man of " note and distinction." It is true that John Fitch, at this time, was an extensive landholder, and perhaps a man of some influence- and he may have taken an active part in getting the town in- corporated. Yet there were many in the town who were held. in higher estimation than he. Previous to this period, he seems to have been elected to only three offices by the good people of Lunenburg. In 1738, he was chosen one of the " Hogge rieves;" afterwards he was chosen "to take care of Deer," and again " to take care of fire and burn the woods." These certainly were not distinguished stations. But whether the town was named in honor of this individual, or of the above named Col. Fitch, is a point which will probably remain forever in obscurity. This is a circumstance not a little surprising, when it is considered how recently the town received its name, and that there are people now living who remember the event perfectly well.
The act of incorporation, which the committee was so prompt in procuring, is as follows :---
" Anno regni Regis Georgii tertii Quarto.
Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and House of Repre-
=
HISTORY OF FITCHBURG.
sintatives, That the inhabitants, with their lands, in the westerly part of Lunenburg-beginning," &c. (Here follows the boun- daries of the town by " stakes and stones," which it is not nec- essary to repeat) " he and hereby are set off and erected into a separate town, by the name of Fitchburgh ; and that said town be invested with all the powers, privileges, and immunities that other towns in this Province do, or may, by law, enjoy ;- that of sending a Representative to the General Assembly only excepted :- and that the inhabitants of said town shall have full power and right, from time to time, to join with the said town of Lunenburg in the choice of a Representative or Representa- tives, and be subject to pay their proportionable part of the charges, who may be chosen either in the town of Lunenburg, or in the town of Fitchburgh, in which choice they shall enjoy all the privileges which by law they would have been entitled to if this act had not been made : and the Selectmen of the town of Lunenburg shall issue their warrant to one or more of the constables of Fitchburgh, requiring them to notify the inhabitants of the town of Fitchburgh of the time and place of meeting for such choice : Provided, nevertheless, And be it fur- thee meter, that the said town of Fitchburgh shall pay their proportion of all town, county, and Province taxes, already set on, or granted to be raised by. said town of Lunenburg, as if this act had not been made :-
And In it further meted-That Edward Hartwell, Esq., be. and hereby is empowered to issue his warrant directed to some principal iuhabitant of said town of Fitchburgh, requiring him to notify and warn the inhabitants of said town, qualified by law to vote in town affairs, to meet at such time and place as shall therein be set forth, to choose all such officers as shall be necessary to manage the affairs of said town."
This bill passed the House Feb. 24. 1764, and the Council on the following day -when it also received the assent of the Civar Thor.
69
HISTORY OF FITCHBURG.
At this period there were in the whole town not more than forty-three or four families, and the whole number of inhabitants did not much, if any, exceed two hundred and fifty .* At the present time it contains more than ten times that number.
Perhaps a more accurate picture of the town in 1764, could not be presented, than by stating the place of residence of each family living in the town when it was incorporated. Consid erable pains have been taken to make this statement correct. Amos Kimballt lived where Samuel Hale now lives. Ephraim Kimball lived where the Storeys now live.
Samuel Pierce and William Steward lived where Capt. James Cowdin and Jacob Tollman now live.
Solomon Steward# lived where there is a cellar hole, and a barn lately stood, on the farm now owned by O: H. Fox.
Phinehas Steward lived where the " Poor House" now stands. Robert (?) Wares lived where Joseph Battles now Lives.
Samuel Poole lived where Charles Beckwith now lives. James Poole lived where Joseph Farnsworth now lives. Kendall Boutelle lived where Capt. A. Boutelle now lives. Francis Fullam lived where Jacob Fullam now lives. Silas Snow lived where William Downe now lives. Nehemiah Fuller lived where Thomas B. Goodhue now lives. Ephraim Osborne lived where Joseph Downe, Esq. now lives. Hezekiah Hodgkins lived where Benjamin Whitney now lives. James Leach (Litch ?) lived where P. Williams Esq. now lives. Abraham Smith lived where Daniel Works now lives.
*To the brief account of Fitchburg in an old edition of Morse's Gazetteer, some unknown person has appended a manuscript note, stating that the population of the town, in 1765, was 259. What degree of credit this statement is entitled to, I know not.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.