USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Lancaster > History of the town of Lancaster, Massachusetts : from the first settlement to the present time, 1643-1879 > Part 13
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 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
Nothing very definite can be known in regard to the schools in Lancaster at this period of its history. There is no reason however, to doubt that the requirements of the law were com- plied with as well as in other towns. The Records, soon after this period, show that schools were in operation, and that the town was in the habit of raising an annual tax for supporting them.
There is a notion, quite current in some quarters, that the times now under review may be termed the " dark age " of New England. . It is said that the first generation which brought a certain amount of culture and refinement from the old country, and had imparted some flavor thereof to their
159
SCHOOLS AND COLLEGE.
children, were now succeeded by a generation comparatively ignorant, rustic and superstitious. The darkness of inter- minable woods, filled with wild beasts and savage men, it is alleged, predisposed the people to wild imaginings and dark forebodings. Hence the prevalence of the witch delusion, and the intolerance of a bigoted church and ministry. But all this is itself mostly the spawn of imagination. Doubt- less the third generation may have lacked some of the refine- ment of their grandfathers and grandmothers. But that the third and fourth generations were less educated than the first and second is a groundless supposition. The fathers of Mas- sachusetts and Connecticut, at once established a system of education which reached all the children ; a state of things unknown in England, at that time, and not enjoyed by the present generation of children. A college was opened at Cambridge by men who had received the best training that Ox- ford and Cambridge could give. Neighborhood schools, gram- mar schools, and a college trained the most intelligent and quick-witted people in the world. No people were so little infected with superstition ; or so little deluded by witch- craft, or so free from bigotry and intolerance. These evils prevailed in the world, whether heathen, Mohammedan or Christian. They were felt here, for a time, but with ever diminishing force, until they were expelled by the healthy growth of a sound mental and religious constitution.
The people of Lancaster shared in this general enlighten- ment. An ignorant people do not voluntarily choose and sus- tain a learned and godly ministry. Religious leaders they will have ; but these will be ignorant like themselves, or pander to their vices, while fostering their ignorance. Not so with our predecessors in these fair and fertile fields. Whether transient or permanent, their ministers were always University. schol- ars. So far as known, they were men of abilities and culture above the average in their profession. In character they were pure ; in reputation, unspotted. Rowlandson, Whiting and Gardner, all won and retained the respect and love of the church, and the community.
160
HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
The affectionate esteem in which the clergymen of this town were regarded, is shown by a kind and graceful deed which illustrates the year 1688. The Rev. John Whiting was min- istering here with a view to settlement. He needed a house, and the people agreed to build one for him in part by sub- scription. The paper contained about eighty names. These names belonged, with few exceptions, to residents in Lancas- ter. And of these latter, nearly all were heads of families.
A beautiful site was selected for the location of the dwell- ing. It was on the lawn of the Col. Fay estate, and near the corner of the roads. At the same time some of the elm trees which now adorn the grounds, were planted. The work went on, and the town, on the third of January, 1690, voted to make conveyance to Mr. Whiting of the house and land formerly granted by the town.
On the same day, the house being finished, possession was given in the following singular and impressive manner. The voters, and probably others, in large number, assembled at the house, walked through the rooms, and after a pleasant and thorough inspection, passed out of doors, and formally gave possession to their minister. Those moderately endowed with imagination can picture that day as a " red letter day" in the history of the town. Doubtless there was a large gath- ering of parents and children. There was a "feast of fat things," and the voice of song and prayer, and an interchange of earnest congratulations. And when the people went to their own homes, who can doubt that they left many gifts to cheer the home of their minister?
The Records of the church which Mr. Whiting and his sue- cessors served, till the settlement of the Rev. John Prentice. are lost. It is known, however, that after the lamented death of Mr. Whiting, several very respectable gentlemen supplied the pulpit, each for a short time, until the Rev. Andrew Gardner came, in May, 1701. His most unfortunate and much lamented death occurred in October, 1704. The next May, 1705, Mr. John Prentice began preaching in the town.
.
161
CHURCH COVENANT.
After supplying nearly three years, he was invited in Feb- ruary, 1707-8, to become the settled minister of the church, and religious teacher of the town. He accepted the invita- tion, and was ordained on the twenty-ninth of March, old style, 1708.
There is nothing to show the number of church members at the time of the ordination of Mr. Prentice, but the Cove- nant renewed on the day of his settlement was owned by thirty-three male members, and signed with their names. The document, with the names appended, here follows, and brings this chapter to an appropriate close.
LANCASTER CHURCH COVENANT.
Renewed March 29, (O. S.) 1708.
" We whose names are hereunto subscribed, being inhabit- ants of the town of Lancaster, in New England, knowing that we are prone to offend and provoke the Most High God, both in heart, word and deed, through the prevalence of sin that dwelleth within us, and through temptations from without us, for which we have great reason to be unfeignedly humble be- fore him from day to day, do in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, with dependence upon the assistance of his Holy Spirit, solemnly enter into covenant with God, and one with another, according to God, as followeth.
"Imprimis. That having chosen and taken the Lord Jeho- vah to be our God, we will fear him, cleave to him, and love and serve him, in truth, with all our hearts, giving up ourselves unto him as his people. In all things to be at his sovereign disposal, that we may have and hold communion with him as members of Christ's mystical body, according to his revealed will, unto our lives' end.
"2. We also bind ourselves to bring up our children and servants in the knowledge and fear of God, by holy in- structions, according to our abilities ; and in special, by the use of orthodox catechisms, that true religion may be main-
11
162
HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
tained in our families while we live ; yea, and among such as shall live when we are dead and gone.
" 3. And we farther promise to keep close to the truth of Christ, endeavoring with lively affection towards it in our hearts, to defend it against all opposers thereof, as God shall call us at any time thereunto ; which that we may do, we re- solve to use the Holy Scriptures as our platform, whereby we may discern the mind of Christ, and not the new-found in- ventions of men.
" 4. We also engage ourselves to have a careful inspection of our own hearts, viz., so as to endeavor, by the virtue of the death of Christ, the mortification of all our sinful passions, worldly frames, and disorderly affections, whereby we may be withdrawn from the living God.
" 5. We moreover oblige ourselves, in the faithful improve- ment of our ability and opportunity, to worship God accord- ing to all the particular institutions of Christ for his church, under gospel administrations, with reverent attention unto the Word of God; to pay unto him our praises ; and to hold communion each with other in the use of the seals of the cov- enant, viz. baptism and the Supper of the Lord.
".6. We likewise promise that we will peaceably submit unto the discipline appointed by Christ in his church for of- fenders, obeying according to the will of God, those that have the rule over us in the Lord.
"7. We also bind ourselves to walk in love one towards another, endeavoring our mutual edification, visiting, exhort- ing, comforting, as occasion [ability] serveth, and warning any brother or sister which offendeth, not divulging private offences irregularly, but heedfully following the precepts laid down for church dealing, (Matt. 18 : 15, 16, 17) forgiving all that do manifest unto the judgment of charity, that they truly repent of their miscarriages.
" Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us perfect in every good
163
MALE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH.
work to do his will, working that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." Signed by
John Bennett,
John Warner, Jonathan Houghton,
John Houghton,
Josiah Whetcomb,
Joshua Osgood,
Josiah Wheler,
John Wilder,
Joseph Whitcomb,
Benjamin Wilson,
Jeremiah Wilson,.
David Osgood,
Jonas Houghton,
John Rugg, Jonathan Moor,
Joseph Mores,
Joseph Wilder, jr.,
Samuel Willard, Jabez Fairbank, Thomas Houghton,
Joseph Wilder,
Oliver Moor,
Jabez Fairbank,
John Harris,
Hooker Osgood,
Josiah White,
John Priest,
John Prentice,
James Wilder,
Daniel Rugg,
Thomas Wilder,
Joseph Hutchins.
Edward Phelps,
CHAPTER VIII.
NEW FAMILIES. JOHN FLETCHER AND HANNAH PHELPS. LANCASTER HEROES : FAIRBANK. THE WILLARDS. HART- WELL. WHITE.
JOSEPH DUDLEY, son of Gov. Thomas Dudley, was appoint- ed President of New England by the king, in 1685, and con- tinued in office one year. In 1702 he became the royal gov- ernor of the Province of Massachusetts, and remained in that position until 1715, when his death left the executive de- partment to Lieut. Gov. William Taylor. He was succeeded in 1716 by Samuel Shute, who continued in power seven years, when in 1723, Lieut. Gov. William Dummer became acting governor. His administration lasted till 1730, with the exception of the year 1728, when William Burnet, son of the famous bishop and historian, Gilbert Burnet, was gov- ernor. It fell to Dummer's lot to conduct the war with the eastern Indians, closing with Lovewell's fight, and he seems to have won a fairly honorable name in our colonial history. Dummer Academy in Byfield bears his name. Fort Dum- mer, and Dummerston in Vermont, serve to perpetuate his fame beyond our bounds.
George I. was acknowledged by our ancestors as their king, in 1715, and all writs ran in his name during the period in- cluded in this chapter, from 1713 to 1730. Bolingbroke and Harley, the ministers of Anne, during the later years of her reign, had been driven from power. The prompt action of the dukes of Argyle and Somerset baffled the partisans of the pretender, and a long succession of whig politicians up- held the throne of the Brunswick family. Of these, the most
164
165
TITLE TO THE NEW PURCHASE.
capable, if not the most honest, was Robert Walpole, who held the reins of power from 1720 to 1743. His sagacity, his aversion to change, and his love of peace, made him a friend to the colonies.
Thus connected with the colonial and the imperial govern- ment, the frontier settlement of Lancaster was engaged in subduing its extended territory. But the resident proprietors were agitated, by a claim to the new purchase, which certain non-residents made in the year 1717. At a meeting of the proprietors in the month of February, the following paper was presented. " A claim made by several persons repre- sented by Francis Fullam, to wit : We the subscribers, whose names are underwritten,
Daniel How, upon the right of Capt. Henry Kerley, £100-0-0
John Barns,
66
66 6€ 50-0-0
James Keyes,
66 Roper,
50-0-0
John Sherman,
John Moore,
Benjamin Bailey, "
John Houghton,
20-0-0
David Church,
Capt. Kerley, 50-0-0
66
Edward Brick, 50-0-0
John Booker, .
Robert Houghton,
Simon Gates,
Stephen Gates,
314-0-0
Isaac Hunt. 66
Samuel Bennet, 30-0-0
Samuel Wright, "
66
Cyprian Stevens, 40-0-0
Ira [or Fra. ] Fullam,
George Adams,
0-0-0
do hereby demand all and every of our respective rights and divisions of, in, and unto all rights and divisions of lands, made or to be made in that tract of land last granted by the great and general court of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England, the twenty-seventh of May, 1713, to be added and confirmed to the town of Lancaster, as part of that township, in which tract of land we have and claim our just rights of property in proportion, as being invested in the original right in said town of Lancaster." Signed by John Sherman, Daniel How, John Barnes, James Keyes, Si- mon Gates, Samuel Wright, Ira Fullam, David Church, Ben- jamin Bailey.
166
HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
The matter was referred to a committee consisting of John Houghton, Ephraim, James and Joseph Wilder, who proba- bly reported to a meeting held on the fifth of March. The town held that the "new purchase," now the greater part of Leominster and Sterling, was bought by certain inhabitants of Lancaster of George Dahonta and other Indians, and since added and confirmed to the town by the great and general court. The subject was " agitated," says the Record, and the conclusion was, that they, " the proprietors of the town of Lan- caster have no right nor interest in said land purchased of the Indians, by any former rights of the town of Lancaster ; and also farther conclude and agree that they will have nothing to do with the said land in point of division upon the origi- nal rights of said town, but conclude that it be to the inhabit- ants of said town of Lancaster who purchased the same, set off as a propriety, the first Tuesday of March, 1716, (O. S.) as their proper right and propriety, to order, divide, improve and dispose of the same according to their interest therein, by purchase, as the law in that case has made provision." The men who bought land of the Indians, which was con- firmed to them by the general court, very properly repelled the claim of those who had not joined in the purchase.
The " new purchase" could be of value only as new roads were cut through the woods and swamps. The stream of settlers now pouring in on the west as well as on the east and the center, caused "highways and byways " to be opened in all directions. Three or four roads led over George and Ballard hills to Chocksett and Leominster. Old roads were straight- ened and improved, as the needs and the means of the people required.
Among the new families which set up their family altars here from the opening of the eighteenth century to the year 1730, we find the names of Carter, Fletcher, Phelps, Harris, Hutchins, Hapgood, Osgood, Hinds, Glazier, and others. A manuscript drawn up by a native of the town, Charles F. Fletcher, of Philadelphia, affords information illustrative of
167
COURTING IN OLD TIMES.
ancient times and customs. Speaking of some of these fam- ilies, the writer says that the Carters came in first. "Capt. Ephraim Carter moved from Chelmsford to Lancaster about the close of the seventeenth century, and took up a large tract of land extending far into Leominster. It is related that soon after the purchase of the Carter tract, Capt. Carter either gave or sold to his nephew, Joseph Carter, of Chelmsford, a small part of his purchase. The said Joseph-the year not given-built for himself a log house on or near the site of the house where Mr. Keyes lately lived, (now owned by H. D. Stratton.) Having finished his house, and made it as comfortable as circumstances would admit, he returned to Chelmsford and married Ruth Phelps, thus connecting the Phelps family with the Carter family.
" Returning to Lancaster with his bride, she took with her as companion her sister Hannah Phelps, to assist her in driv- ing away the bears, and keeping off the Indians, when her husband was out in the woods, chopping and clearing pre- paratory to the next planting season.
" This family had been domesticated now for two or three months, had become better acquainted with their location and neighborhood, and had received and made a few visits among the old settlers. Some progress had been made in clearing and preparing for planting in the spring. Thanksgiving was near, and such rude preparation as the forest afforded had been made for its celebration. Towards evening of a pleas- ant autumnal day, the housework done up, the table spread for supper, a bright fire burning on the hearth, the ladies were waiting and looking for the return of Mr. Carter, that supper might be over, when they heard in the distance the sound of a horse's hoofs, and looking saw a horseman approaching, mounted on an iron-gray horse full of fire and spirit. [Whether it was the man or the horse, or both, that was full of fire and spirit, or their imagination only, history does not say. ] Suffice it to say, the rider was John Fletcher of Chelms- ford, come to renew his attentions to Miss Phelps. He was
168
HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
soon at her feet, and then there was joy and gladness in that house. The news had to be asked and told, about all the re- lations and friends in Chelmsford, from whom they had heard but once since they left. * Now a messenger had come to visit this outpost, he was overwhelmed with questions. This is the story of the advent of the Fletchers into Lancaster."
The marriage of John Fletcher and Hannah Phelps in 1712 is a matter of record. Fletcher lived, during several years, in the house with Carter. Family tradition reports that they " worked together with great unanimity, subduing the forest, and making the country habitable. Carter sold to Fletcher a parcel of land nearly due north of his own house, and assisted Fletcher to build a log house like his own." This may seem strange, since there had been a saw-mill at Pres- cott's mills more than fifty years ; but probably it was cheaper to hew the logs, than to cart them to the mill, and bring back the boards. Timber was a nuisance, and had to be disposed of in some way. When the house was " finished and occu- pied, the family gave a grand entertainment, inviting the Carters, the Wilders, the Gosses, and some others. The descendants of Ruth and Hannah Phelps occupied their homesteads in Lancaster for four generations, and lived to- gether in great harmony and friendship."
Though Carter and Fletcher begun with log houses, yet there were many framed houses in the town. Some of these are still standing. The houses of Mrs. Mary Ware and of Emory White probably antedate the coming of Fletcher. The house taken down in 1876 by Frank Taylor, was formerly in possession of the Carter family, and doubtless was built soon after the advent of Joseph Carter. The first house of Fletcher was built of logs. Then a frame was annexed to one side or end. Later, the log part was taken down, and a frame set in its place, making a framed house with its L part.
Resuming the narrative of the town, it will gratify a rea- sonable curiosity to give a report of the first town meeting
169
TOWN OFFICERS IN 1818-19.
that is on record after the massacre in 1676. From that date on to 1716 there is a blank in our town Records. Then, in the Proprietors' Book, the record begins again, and on the tenth of March, 1717-18, we find the proceedings of a town- meeting to consider about building the Neck bridge. Next, on the fourteenth of May, 1718, (O. S.), we read the report of a town meeting at which John Houghton, jr., was chosen representative to the general court.
The next record of a town meeting bears date March 2, 1718-19. "The inhabitants of Lancaster met at the meet- ing-house according to appointment, in order to choose town officers, and first chose Ephraim Wilder moderator of said meeting ; and then next a warrant was read for a choice of a grandjuror, and accordingly the town was warned per Samuel Willard, constable, to choose one, and then the town proceeded to the choice of John White, the person to serve on the grandjury for the year ensuing.
" The town proceeded to the choice of selectmen, and chose John Houghton, Capt. Peter Joslyn, Josiah White, Jonas Houghton, jr., and Joseph Wilder, selectmen. The town chose John Houghton, sen., town clerk, and voted to choose assessors."
The assessors chosen were John Keys, Joseph Wilder, and Jacob Houghton. The following constables were chosen. Daniel Rugg, Jonathan Houghton and Hezekiah Whitcombe. " Then the laws enjoined to be read, were read in said meet- ing."
The highway surveyors were George Glazier, Jonathan Moore, Jonathan Sawyer and Oliver Wilder. Treasurer, James Wilder. Tythingmen, Josiah White and Samuel Warner. Fence viewers, Bazalial Sawyer and Thomas Car- ter. Haywards, Hooker Osgood, jr., John Hinds, jr., Dan- iel Houghton and John Goss. Sealer of leather, Thomas Carter. He had a tannery on George hill. John Houghton, jr., gauger, and then the " meeting was adjourned to the sec- ond Wednesday of May next, at three of the clock in the
1
170
HISTORY OF LANCASTER.
afternoon." There is no record of the adjourned meeting in the Proprietors' Book; but it will be borne in mind that the proprietors, being mainly the same as the voters in the town, did much town business in their capacity as proprietors.
At this time the relations between our people and the Ind- ians at the east had become unsettled. The jurisdiction of the general court extended over the territority of Maine, and at times, the settlers in New Hampshire were under its protec- tion. Expeditions were sent in successive years, with great loss of men and money, until the natives, instigated by French jesuits, were subdued. The people of Lancaster bore their part of the public burden, and probably volunteered more than their proportion of fighting men. Prominent among these were the Willards, White, Fairbank and Hartwell.
Though there had been occasional fights in the two or three years preceding 1722, yet war was not actually de- clared by the governor of the colony until the twenty-fifth of July of that year. The general court met in August, and approved of the proclamation of war, and proffered all neces- sary aid.
First in the order of time of our military heroes, in these days of trial, was Lieut. afterwards Capt. Jabez Fairbank. He was a famous scouting officer, and traversed large sections of country to the north, east and west, in search for prowl- ing Indians. More than sixty scouting parties were engaged in this service. Some of the names of men under his com- mand, between 1721 and 1724, were the following: Edward Hartwell, Ephraim Wheeler, Daniel Osgood, Isaac Farns- worth, Isaac Lacain, John Bennet, Joseph Wheelock, Ezra Sawyer, Moses Willard, John Eams.
On the twentieth of November, 1723, he received a letter from Gov. Dummer, saying : "Now you acquainting me that you can enlist very good men to complete the number for your command, these are to direct you forthwith to do it, and return me their names. I doubt not but you will keep them to their duty, and take all occasions, if possible, to perform some signal service."
171
CAPTAIN FAIRBANK.
Fairbank's answer, a fortnight later informed the gover- nor that he had enlisted fifteen able-bodied men, including those previously in the service. All but two or three bore Lancaster names.
Edward Hartwell, Benjamin Houghton, jr., Benjamin Harris,
Benjamin Osgood,
Samuel Sawyer,
David Osgood,
John Bennet, Joseph Blood,
Ezra Sawyer,
Jonathan Shipley,
Ephraim Wheeler,
Phinehas Parker.
Aaron Willard,
Joseph Wheelock,
Here follows the letter to the governor and council, say- ing : "May it please your honors : I have, in observance of your honored order, enlisted fifteen able-bodied men fit for service, and have sent the list of them herewith to your hon- ors, with the list of those that were in my service before, and have put them on duty. We have made no discovery of the enemy as yet. The bearer is one that is in the service, and is capable, if your honor sees cause to demand, to give a fit account of our management."
A letter from Fairbank, dated the twenty-eighth of April, 1724, informs the governor of his proceedings as follows : " Sir : I have attended your order referring to the placing of the men at each town, and have also sent your honor the Journal of all the long scouts. I am not able to give your honor so particular an account of every day's work as possibly your honor may expect. I endeavored to improve the men constantly to the most advantage according to the best of my judgment. If your honor please, I would now and then send out a scout at considerable distance from the towns, and I think it would be very agreeable to the minds of the people so to do. I stand ready to attend your honor's orders, and am your honor's most obedient servant."
The next letter from Lieut. Fairbank bears date May twen- ty, and shows the fidelity of the writer. "I have posted the men committed to my care at the towns of Lancaster, Groton, Dunstable, and Turkey Hill, [now Lunenburg] and improve them in the best manner I can for the protection of the
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.