USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Holden > History of the town of Holden, Massachusetts, 1667-1941 > Part 7
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Mr. Damon's work at Honolulu was carried for- ward under the auspices of the American Seaman's Friend Society. At the time that he entered on his work, from one hundred to one hundred and fifty whale ships visited the port of Honolulu every year. Dr. Damon's own statement is as follows: 'From 1842 to 1867, at the lowest estimate, six thousand seamen annually visited this port. During these twenty-five years, my labors were abundant and sometimes beyond my strength."
For forty-two years, he was pastor of the Bethel Church, and preached there every Sunday not only
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to sailors, but also to merchants, sea captains, and many others who were drawn to this well-known place of worship.
He was not only an able and sought after speaker, but a ready writer, and publisher of a monthly journal which he called "The Friend," and which had a wide circulation.
"The travels, acquaintances and influence of Dr. Damon were very extensive. In 1849 he visited Ore- gon and California. In 1851 he visited the United States again, coming by the way of the Isthmus of Pan- ama, returning to the Sandwich Islands in 1852. In 1861 he made a tour of the Micronesian Islands on the "Morning Star." In 1869 he again came to the United States, and then traveled through England, Palestine, Egypt, and Greece, returning to Honolulu in 1870. In 1876 and 1880 he visited the United States, and then made an extended European tour, including England, Scotland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France. It is said that he also visited China and Japan. He received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from his alma mater, Amherst College, in 1867.
His death occurred February 7, 1885.
"He was one of nature's noblemen,-of fine personal appearance,-always pleasant, cheerful and happy,- always laboring to make others happy here and here- after,-a truly model Christian man."t
+ From the remarks of Nathan Allen, M. D., at the dedication of the Damon Memorial.
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April 28, 1841, the Committee of Arrangements is- sued the following invitation :
"Centennial Celebration
The hundreth anniversary of the municipal organi- tion of Holden, will be celebrated by the citizens of the said town, on Tuesday, the fourth day of May next.
An address will be delivered at II o'clock, A.M. by Mr. S. C. Damon.
Citizens of other towns, and especially such as have formerly been inhabitants of Holden, are invited to be present, and participate in the exercises of the occasion. A Dinner will be provided at the Town Hall by S. Davis."
The following gives in part an "Extract from the National Aegis, Worcester, May 19," printed in the Damon history.
"The first century since Holden, in Worcester County was established as a town by the election of municipal officers according to the provisions of the acts of the Great and General Court of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay was completed on May 4, 1841.
The citizens, desirous of honoring the memory of the founders of their community, and of noticing in an appropriate manner an anniversary so interesting, had made arrangements for a public festival on the occasion."
The day was remarkable in the climate of New Eng- land. Snow had fallen during the preceding week to
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unusual depth, and the white drifts and beds remained along the borders and covered the little hollows of the fields, and although the sun shone bright, the north- west wind was chilled with the breadth of winter. If we may trust to the records of former time, an hundred years ago, May was like a summer month, and an old diary states, that on the day of the old style then, which corresponded with the fourth of May now, trees were budding, flowers were springing and windows were thrown open to admit the sun.
The citizens collected at an early hour to join in the solemnities and festivities of the anniversary. At II o'clock of the forenoon, a procession was formed at the house of Col. Samuel Damon, under the direction of the Committee of Arrangements.
The arrangement of the Procession was under the direction of the following gentlemen, who officiated as Marshals :
Chenery Abbott, Le Baron Putnam, Joab S. Holt, Charles L. Knowlton, Ethan Davis, Nathan Howe, William Howe, Sparrow Crosby, James S. Moore. First went "The Military Band" from the adjoining town of Paxton, a fine body of musicians, conducted by Mr. Thomas Ward and Mr. J. B. Allyer, their leaders.
A most interesting feature in the ceremonies of the day was the attendance of the ladies of Holden, and of some of the dames and damsels of other towns, who marched to the meeting-house.
They were followed by the citizens of Holden and their guests.
The church was filled before the solemn exercises of the occasion commenced, with a large assembly.
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After appropriate music by the Paxton band, the following Hymn, composed by Mr. Judah Wright, a venerable citizen of Holden, seventy years of age, suf- fering under the infirmity of blindness from infancy, was sung by a choir of more than an hundred singers, led by Col. Samuel Stratton.
Hymn-By Judah Wright
Let us our grateful voices raise, To celebrate Jehovah's praise,- Our fathers trusted in his care, And we his richest blessings share.
When we see a hundred years review, We see the efforts of a few Increasing, till a rising Town Does their judicious labors crown.
Dark forests from the view recede, And herds and flocks in safety feed, And plenty crowns a cheerful home, Where prowling wolves were wont to roam.
The active, hardy, wise, and brave Have reached their common home,-the grave; And beauty, once the source of pride, Has long since mouldered by their side.
The ravages which time hath made, Teach us that all on earth must fade ; Then let our best affections rise, To solid joys beyond the skies.
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Though nothing here can long endure, The throne Eternal stands secure, And there we may repose our trust
Nor dread the summons, "dust to dust."
An impressing and eloquent prayer was then offered by the Rev. Horatio Bardwell, formerly clergyman of Holden, during six years a missionary in India, and now a minister of the Gospel at Oxford, in Worcester County.
The address of the Rev. Samuel C. Damon was a faithful, able, and interesting review of the prominent events in the history of the town during the last cen- tury .¡ In clear, simple, and persuasive manner, he related the trials, toils, and hardships of the early planters-explained the causes which induced them to go out from the ancient colony of Worcester-narrated their exertions during the wars with the French and Indians, which disturbed the people of New England -referred to the spirited resolutions and acts of the citizens in the bright period of the revolution-counted the soldiers who fought the battles of freedom during the long war of independence, and traced the pro- gress of the town, in its march of prosperity through the hundred years which have rolled onward since the organization.
Of the high merits of Mr. Damon's Address it is unnecessary now to speak : a copy was requested for the press by the unanimous voice of all who listened to the words of the speaker. The public will be enabled to
¡ At the request of the Town, this first history of Holden was printed after a few additions and alterations had been made by the author.
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estimate, when it shall read, the excellence of the man- ner in which materials collected with extraordinary diligence from the archives of the State, the records of the town, the papers of the past, and from all other sources of information, were arranged, and the ac- curacy and fidelity of the narrative."
In his address Dr. Damon pays highest tribute to the memory of Rev. Joseph Avery and Doctor Isaac Chenery and closes it with the following lines :
"The citizens of Holden have received abundant blessings, which impressively call upon them on this occasion to be devoutly thankful to God. Honest, in- telligent, industrious, and religious ancestors are among the richest of any blessings to any people. Citizens of Holden, God has bestowed upon you that inestimable blessing . The wise man hath well observed, 'The glory of children are their Fathers.' I have found to be beautifully expressed by another, my concluding re- marks -¡ Look not mournfully upon the past; it comes not back again. Wisely improve the present; it is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear, and with manly heart."
"After the Address, the glorious Anthem of Haydn, 'O! Praise ye the Lord'-was sung by the choir, with the accompaniment of the band.
"The hymn which follows, beautiful in the expression of the thoughts which crowd on such an anniversary, and having the graceful words and gentle flowing rhyme, was then sung by the many voices of the mu- sicians."
+ Longfellow's Hyperion.
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Hymn-By J. H. B.t
One hundred years have roll'd away, Unrealized, unseen, unfelt, Since first before thine altars here, O, God! our holy fathers knelt.
They lie beneath those swelling mounds, Those ancient graves that once were green, No granite block, no marble pile Above their resting-place is seen.
Yet here they live-the thoughts of God That in their children's bosoms thrill; Each holy prayer, each stirring hope, -- All these are their memorials still.
First in their noble thoughts and plans, The love and worship, Lord, of Thee; Then, the strong training of their youth, The love of Man and Liberty.
And when, above our old grey hills, They heard the battle thunders roll; They look'd on those brave men who died, With a stern sympathy of soul.
And when we meet-remembering those Who laid these first foundations well, That, o'er their honored dust, one strain, Of triumph and of love may swell.
7 Jacob Henry Bancroft was the son of Jacob Bancroft, Esq., of Boston, and a fellow student of Dr. Damon at the Andover Theological Seminary.
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And we, like them, shall pass away, Our thoughts and wishes, hopes and fears, Lie buried in our scattered graves, Within another hundred years.
And now we bend before Thee, here, Stand on the ground our fathers trod, Be Thou our strength, our life, our light, Our own, as once our Fathers' God.
This hymn was read and sung after the ancient fash- ion, which was called "deaconing." The venerable Deacon Rice, having consented to take part in the services of the church, standing in his place at the communion table, read line by line. The scene when the whole of that vast congregation rose and joined with the choir in the solemn melody after the manner of "they of an hundred years ago," was deeply impres- sive.
Rev. John Keep of Pelham in New Hampshire who married Miss Davis, a daughter of Holden, addressed the Throne of Grace, in earnest prayer, after this most interesting exercise was concluded.
The Anthem "Thy Love will build up Zion," was next performed by the choir and band.
The benediction, brief, beautiful, and eloquent was pronounced by the Rev. William P. Paine of Holden.
Again the procession was formed by the Marshals. Preceded by the Band, escorting about one hundred forty ladies, and one hundred and eighty citizens, the company were conducted to the Town Hall, where tables had been spread, and a plentiful and elegent re- past had been prepared by Mr. Davis.
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The blessing of Divine Providence was implored by the Rev. Mr. Bardwell, and the thanksgiving of the crowded company at the feast was returned by the Rev. Andrew Pollard. Col. Samuel Damon, presided at the table, and announced the following toasts :
The Day We Celebrate
Abounding in interesting association and hallowed reflections, and sacred to the memory of those who acted here an hundred years ago.
The flourishing Town of which this was originally a part-She did not cast us off, nor did we rebel- but "the heart of the Commonwealth was too large for the body."
William Lincoln, Esq., of Worcester, responded to this sentiment, and on the conclusion of his remarks proposed the following toast :
Holden and Worcester-United in past time within the same territorial boundaries, may they hereafter be more closely connected by the ties of friendship.
The President gave the following sentiment :
Honorable Samuel Holden and Gov. Hancock, ben- efactors of the Town-To the munificence of the one we are indebted for a valuable Library, and to the other for our beautiful Common.
Samuel F. Haven, Esq., of Worcester, next respond- ed to the call of the President :
"There are in this County, and its vicinity, several towns bearing the names of men distinguished in their day for promoting the literary interests of their coun- try, and imparting from their wealth the means of pro- viding for the moral and intellectual cultivation of generations that should succeed them. Holden, Har-
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vard, Hopkinton, are prominent among these monu- ments in honor and memory of such benefactions.
"What more desirable, or more appropriate mem- orial could be devised, than communities like these, exhibiting in their intelligence, their good habits, their schools and religious institutions, the fruits of those endowments, the name and fame of which they per- petuate?
"What happier tribute could be paid to the worth of men who had regard to our well-being as well as to that of their contemporaries than is rendered by such occasions and such meetings as the present?
"They looked forward to us with paternal solicitude, and, in return, we, this day, unite in expressing the filial reverence and gratitude with which we look back to them ... .
"The present occasion is not one of merely local in- terest. The reminiscences of events that happened in this neighborhood anecdotes of men who have lived here, the record of manners and habits, all constitute a tributary stream, to the general current of our coun- try's history. All history should be, and American his- tory in particular, must be, the history of the people. Not an account of the proceedings of a court, or the operations of any government only, but of what the people have been doing, in villages, and communities, and families. These things lie at the foundation of na- tional character and sentiment, and consequently of national events.
"How would it be possible, for instance, for us to understand the philosophy of our Revolution, and ap- preciate the spirit that originated and sustained it, with- out going into the villages and upon the farms, and
BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
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into the dwellings, by the aid of local traditions and histories, and seeing what manner of men were there -how they lived, and what they felt, and thought and did?
"We are carried by this means behind the scenes, or rather into the scenes, of private history, and shown what are really the secret springs of public history. Those matters which possess a natural interest to a par- ticular neighborhood, from association with familiar names, and places, should be of interest to every one who seeks, in the experience of the past, for that wis- dom which may be derived from a knowledge of what those who lived before us have done or suffered- wherein they have erred and in what respects they have judged rightly.
"These records present to us pictures of human nature, both of its virtues and failings, such as we can best understand.
"The village disputes, religious quarrels, and polit- ical dissentions of past times, are analagous to those to which our own generation is exposed. They afford ex- amples of character and conduct of which we can see the beginning and the end, and may draw there from most useful admonitions. We are living over the same lives, with important variations to be sure, but subject to the same general laws of action, inasmuch as we possess the same nature, and are governed by the same passions and motives, which always lead to similar re- sults-similar in character and consequences. . . .
"The historic genealogy of a village may be made as useful a guide, through the devious paths of life, as the chart of a mariner to him who sails among the quicksands and breakers of the great deep; pointing
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out the track that others have pursued, and showing how and where they have advanced in safety, and how and where they have been lost upon shoals and rocks, the victims of heedlessness, or folly, or headstrong pas- sion.
"Not to detain you longer, I will offer as a senti- ment-
The Genealogical Tree:
"A tree of knowledge, both of good and evil. The fruits thereof we are compelled to taste. May they open our eyes to a consciousness of our own capacities for good, and our own responsibilities for evil."
The Governor of the Commonwealth :
"A worthy and honored descendent of the moderator of our first town meeting, which we are celebrating-
"The patriotic and pious resolutions of our fore- fathers-Whose first vote after their municipal organ- ization was 'To have the Gospel preached,' and the next, 'To have a writing and reading school kept'."
The happy and appropriate remarks of Rev. Mr. Paine, following this sentiment we are not so fortu- nate as to possess.
"Honor to the memory of our Mothers, who presid- ed over the distaff and the loom-May their refined and beautiful daughters be as much distinguished for their industry, energy and virtue."
After this toast was given, the ladies sent to the chair the following:
"The gallant Sons of our Venerable Fathers-The Daughters will acknowledge their authority and re-
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spect their dignity, while they continue to protect and honor them."
"The distinguished historian of Worcester-By whose assiduous labors among musty rolls, the early annals of our town have been put in an enduring form."
This latter toast called forth a pleasant and humor- ous reply from Mr. Lincoln.
The President gave the following sentiment, and appealed to Isaac Davis, Esq.,t of Worcester for a reply.
"The patriots of the Revolution, of whom this town furnished its full quota-Let the memory of the de- parted be cherished, and the living be crowned with honor."
Col. Davis rose and addressed the company nearly as follows :
Mr. President :
"One hundred and twenty years ago there was seen a man with a plough on his shoulder passing very near the spot where we are now assembled.
"This individual pursued his course a few miles west of us, where he thrust his plough into the virgin soil, cast in the seed, and reaped the fruit of his labors. That man was the father of the first minister of Holden, and filled various offices of trust in the first municipal elec- tions. I refer to Lieut. Simon Davis, whose remains are entombed in yonder church-yard. He was my great-great-grandfather.
"About twelve years ago, on a 'raw and gusty day' in the month of March, there was seen a young man
In 1941, the Isaac Davis Mansion, in Worcester, stands on Pied- St., opposite Murray Ave. It was built in 1842 and formerly stood in front of the Old South Church.
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resembling myself, riding with a young lady whom he had taken for 'better and for worse,' over nearly that same ground that the sturdy pioneer of the forest pass- ed. Her ancestors lay in yonder grave-yard. These, Mr. President, are some of the relations I bear to those who have lived in the first century of Holden. With these connections I do not feel that I am an 'alien and a stranger' here. Never-no never, have I looked on a New England audience with more intense interest than on the present occasion. A few days since I was trav- elling in Old England-looking at her soil, her climate, her institutions, and the state and conditions of her people, and be assured, Sir, I came home with renewed love for our own happy homes, our own glorious in- stitutions.
"We do not know, nor can we know, how much the masses there suffer, unless we personally witness their degradation. What we call poverty is there consider- ed a comfortable condition. To see the citizens of the thrice happy towns of New England assembled for the purpose of celebrating an anniversary like the present, is to my mind, a noble spectacle. It leads me to the contemplation of the social, civil, and religious priv- ileges we are enjoying. Never have I so fully real- ized the inestimable value of these privileges. Never shall I again wonder and be surprised that our fathers left their native land-crossed the broad Atlantic at an inclement season of the year, and breasted the dangers incident to this western wilderness. They came to es- tablish the Institutions which we are now enjoying. Without troubling you with further remarks, Mr. President, allow me to offer a sentiment.
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"Our social, Civil, and Religious, Institutions-They cost great toil-great suffering-much treasure-much blood ;- but not half as much as they are worth."
One of the soldiers of the Revolution, Mr. Drury, was present, and replied to this sentiment with some appropriate remarks.
Col. James Estabrook of Worcester, a native of Hol- den, offered the following :
"The early settlers of Holden-Distinguished for their love of order, peace, and sobriety-piously de- voted to the cause of civil and religious liberty. May we, their descendents, cherish their virtues, and not prove recreant sons by neglecting to do all in our pow- er to transmit them unimpaired to those who shall come after us."
Many volunteer sentiments were offered and receiv- ed with cordial approbation, and we regret that we have not been able to procure them, to add to the account of the pleasant celebration.
At an early hour the assembly separated. No in- cident occurred to mar the enjoyment of a festival of deep and peculiar interest.
The arrangements were so judiciously made, as to secure best the gratification of those who attended.
Those who participated in this centennial anniver- sary, can never join there in any other which shall re- turn with the course of the years. To other generations it may be interesting to know in what manner they of the present day honored the memory of their ancestors, and this record is made to perpetuate the recollection of the celebration of the anniversary of the organization of the town of Holden.
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SESQUICENTENNIAL
The subject for discussion on April 8, 1891, at a meeting of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Club was whether or not the town should celebrate the one hun- dreth and fiftieth anniversary of its incorporation.
At the close of the afternoon session the vote was unanimous in favor of such a celebration, and the same decision was made by the town at a meeting on April 29th, at which the following committee of arrange- ments was chosen : Stillman F. Morse, Albert A. Met- calf, Emory Rogers, Henry W. Warren, Thomas Hen- nessey, David F. Estes, Israel M. Ball, William D. Chenery, Waldo E. Austin, Charles E. Parker, George S. Graham, Gustavus S. Holden.
The day selected was July I, and invitations were sent to all former residents of the town, and friends whose addresses could be obtained.
Bells were rung at sunrise and trains and teams brought people from far and near. It was estimated that two thousand persons participated in the festivities. Music was furnished by the Worcester Brass Band.
At half past ten the Congregational Church was filled. A large choir opened the exercises by the sing- ing of "Home Again."
The Address of Welcome was given by the president of the day, Mr. Stillman F. Morse, after which prayer was offered by William Howe, D. D., of Cambridge, a former resident of Holden.
The hymn written by J. H. Bancroft for the cen- tennial was sung by the choir, and this was followed by the Historical Address given by Rev. David F. Estes.
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A hymn written by Mr. Solon P. Davis, of Hart- ford, a native of Holden, was sung, and this was fol- lowed by the recitation of an original poem written by Mrs. Georgia Allen Peck, of Boston, who, also was a native of Holden.
Singing of the old hymn "Let children hear the mighty deeds" and the benediction by Rev. Henry C. Fay of Somerville ended the program of the morning.
Meanwhile, nearly five hundred school children formed in line on the common, and, each school being led by its teacher, marched to assigned places in the town hall, where, after a program of singing, recita- tions, and declamations, an address was given by Mr. Charles E. Stevens, Superintendent of Schools, on "Bits of Town History."
Following this, prize essays written by the children on some phase of town history were read, closing the morning program.
A box of lunch had been provided for each child, consisting of sandwiches, cake, doughnuts and bananas. After these had been enjoyed, they formed in line and marched to "Armington Hill"; to witness the firing of a salute of one hundred and fifty guns by Battery B, of Worcester.
Meanwhile, nine hundred and fifty persons had been served lunch in the large tent in the rear of Damon Memorial Building and, here, at the opening of the afternoon session Mr. Morse introduced Mr. Alonzo K. Learned, Toastmaster, who spoke as follows:
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