History of the town of Lancaster, Massachusetts : from the first settlement to the present time, 1643-1879, Part 33

Author: Marvin, Abijah Perkins
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Lancaster, The town
Number of Pages: 867

USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Lancaster > History of the town of Lancaster, Massachusetts : from the first settlement to the present time, 1643-1879 > Part 33

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418

HISTORY OF LANCASTER.

Doric order, presented by a gentleman of the society, Major Jacob Fisher. The pulpit rests on eight fluted columns, and four pilasters of the Ionic order; the upper section is sup- ported by six Corinthian columns, also fluted, and is lighted by a circular-headed window, ornamented with double pilas- ters fluted ; entablature and cornice of the Corinthian order. This is decorated with a curtain and drapery from a Parisian model, which with the materials, were presented by a friend, S. V. S. Wilder, Esq. They are of rich green figured satin. A handsome Pulpit Bible was presented also by a friend, Mr. Abel Wrifford. A bell weighing 1,300 pounds was given by gentlemen of the town."

The interior of the building has since been altered and im- proved, but the architecture and general appearance, both within and without, remains unchanged ; and distant be the day when its grand and comely features shall be marred by the dissolving touch of time or the vandal hands of man.

On the last Sabbath of the year, the people took a formal farewell of the ancient meeting-house. At the afternoon ser- vice Mr. Thayer preached from the text : "Thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favor the dust thereof." Psalm 102 : 14. Passing by the history of the church and the town, on the ground that an edition of Rev. Mr. Harrington's Cen- tennial discourse had recently been printed, he merely glan- ced at a few general facts in relation to the character of the people in the past. The spirit of union and harmony had en- abled them to go through severe trials without division and alienation. The town had been privileged with " reference to the men of honor and affluence " who had been its inhabitants. He could "recount many worthies who were the friends of the ministers of Christ ; who were the unfailing observers of re- ligious institutions ; and whose example, talents and riches were consecrated to the interests of virtue, and to advance the prosperity and quiet of this church and town." A tribute was paid to the freemen because of the " propriety, the order, the union and despatch " which had characterized their elections

FIRST PARISH CHURCH.

419

FAREWELL TO THE ANCIENT HOUSE.

and town meetings. They had obtained distinction by their hospitality and charity. The early settlers were a sober and virtuous race. "The Christians,"he continued, "who here took up their early residence, or received their first views of re- ligion, appear to have been men extraordinarily enlightened, and whose hearts were full of the charity of the gospel." He spoke of it as a "memorable fact " in our history, that in one hundred and eight years there had been only ten months, the time which elapsed between the death of Rev. Mr. Prentice, and the ordination of Rev. Mr. Harrington, in which the church had been without a settled minister. Then follows this ref- erence to his two immediate predecessors. "It is no less worthy of being mentioned with gratitude, that our records are not defaced with any instance of a controversy between this church and either of their pastors. I have ever contem- plated those two holy men as remarkably displaying a model of the ministerial character at the time in which they respec- tively lived. In the Rev. Mr. Prentice were united the com- manding dignity, the severity of manners, the pointedness in his public preaching, which were thought by the generation he served to be indispensable characteristics of a Christian minister. 'The young men saw him and hid themselves ; and the aged arose and stood up.' The Rev. Mr. Harrington ex- hibited the urbanity, the condescension, the cheerfulness, the candor for youthful errors and frailties which are congenial with the spirit of more modern times, and a nearer imitation of the temper of the Great Master. While classical learning shall be viewed an honorable attainment : while charity and the general practice of the ministerial and Christian virtues shall enhance personal worth, or be esteemed an ornament to soci- ety, and to the church, the name of Harrington will be in precious remembrance."

Mr. Thayer, speaking for the people, took leave of the old place of worship in these words. "We now bid these walls adieu, which are remembrancers of the worth of our fathers, and of the ancient moral glory of this town. We bid them

420

HISTORY OF LANCASTER.

adieu as precious memorials of many religious privileges, blessings and consolations we have ourselves shared. We bid them adieu ; and we appeal to Him in whom is 'all our suf- ficiency,' to aid us in executing this solemn purpose : that we will, by our example, our public spirit, our condescension, consecrate every power he has given us to preserve the repu- tation, to advance the prosperity, and to promote the peace of this church and town."

The next day was devoted to the sale of the pews, of which there were one hundred and thirty-four. They were valued at $20,000, an average of about $150 for each. The highest valuation was $230, and the lowest, $40. The financial re- sults will be found under a subsequent date.

On Wednesday, January 1, 1817, the new meeting-house was dedicated to the worship and service of God. Aged peo- ple who were present remember that there was a great con- gregation present on the occasion. The spacious house, in- cluding gallery, aisles and porch, was crowded. Rev. Mr. Capen, of Sterling, made the prayer of invocation, and read the prayer of Solomon at the dedication of the temple, as recorded in I Kings, chap. 8. The prayer of dedication was offered by Rev. Dr. Bancroft of Worcester. The concluding prayer was by Rev. Mr., afterwards Dr. Allen, of Berlin. A large choir, trained for the occasion led in the service of song. The pastor, Dr. Thayer, preached the sermon from Ephesians 2: 19-22. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and for- eigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the house- hold of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apos- tles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone ; in whom all the building fitly framed together grow- eth unto an holy temple in the Lord : In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit." The points of the sermon were : "1. The equality of churches of Christ. 2. Their common foundation, being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ him- self being the chief corner stone.' 3. The means by which

421

SELLING THE PEWS.

the churches may be made to appear as a well-proportioned and perfect spiritual structure." The sermon in tone and spirit, was finely adapted to promote harmony in the church and community. A report of the dedication in the Boston Centinel states that the assembly "testified by their profound silence and solemnity their approbation of the services."

At the March meeting the appraisal of the pews by a com- mittee was approved, amounting to $20,000; the pews re- maining unsold were left with the committee to be sold; and it was voted to procure blinds for the pulpit window, to shade the trimmings of the pulpit.

In April the selectmen were authorized to "regulate the ringing and tolling of the bell ;" and $14.34 were allowed for " entertaining music at the dedication." It is supposed that the word " entertaining " does not refer to the quality of the music so much as to the entertainment provided for the per- formers who gave their acceptable services on the occasion.

May 5, the town being in session, voted that the clock should be paid for by the town, as that was the only tax on the town for the house. Before the business was finally settled the town was obliged to meet quite heavy arrearages. At the same meeting the building committee reported that the whole cost of the house, including interest on borrowed money, was $19,088.66. One hundred and four pews had been sold for $16,297, which were settled for. Four pews had been sold, but not paid for, which brought $501 including choice money. One pew was reserved for the minister, and four were free, equal to $800 ; and twenty-one pews remained unsold, valued at $3,480.

This was a good exhibit on the supposition that the unsold pews should be disposed of at the appraised value ; that those sold and not paid for, should be paid for ; and finally that the notes of those who had settled for their pews should all prove good. In that case there would be a surplus of $198.34, be- sides the free pews.

We return to the narrative of events, as they occurred.

422

HISTORY OF LANCASTER.

At the April meeting, 1817, $30 were equally divided between the two military companies to procure instruction in military music, and uniform clothing for the musicians. The money to pay the expense was taken from fines received from mili- tary exempts. These companies had their regular fall and spring " trainings " besides the " regimental muster " in the au- tumn. It was a great day when training came, not only for the militia, but for hucksters and small boys.

In May, 1818, the question came up in regard to exempt- ing some from expenses in support of religious services, when a committee reported that the " expense incurred for the pur- chase of the meeting-house spot, support of singing-school, expense of the meeting-house sheds and clock, be a parochial and not a town charge." This was probably a compromise to pacify some who thought the town ought not to be chargeable for things pertaining to the parish.

The old meeting-house was used as a town-house, though sometimes when the weather was cold, an adjournment to the tavern was effected. In 1821, April 2, the matter of build- ing a town-house, and selling the old house, was referred to Jacob Fisher, Jacob Stone and John Thurston. At the May meeting the question was whether the old meeting-house, or town-house, and the Latin grammar school-house should be sold, and a new town-house built. The committee in charge of the question were Davis Whitman, Jonathan Buttrick and Jacob Fisher. Nothing was done. But in April, 1823, the matter was again agitated, and Jonas Lane, Davis Whit- man and Jacob Fisher were entrusted with the business They bargained with Henry Moore, of Bolton, to build a new town- house for $440 in cash, in addition to the old house, from which he took materials so far as they were available. The town granted $200, and $298.80 were raised by subscription. The old house was estimated at $150. Part of the surplus was laid out on a new piazza instead of an old porch. The new house was placed near the site of the former, and remained there until the present town hall was built in 1848, and several

423

FIRST TOWN-HOUSE.

years later. It was sometimes used for thinly attended town meetings in cold weather, and was also occupied for other gatherings. It was finally sold, moved near the depot, trans- ferred into a boot and shoe shop. It is now unoccupied, but contains much of the timber and some of the framework of the fourth meeting-house.

The work being finished, the town, on the first of March, 1824, resolved "that the thanks of the town be presented to Davis Whitman, Esq., and his associates, a committee ap- pointed to contract for, and superintend the building of the new town-house, for their faithful services, gratuitously ren- dered in that behalf; and particularly to Mr. Whitman, the chairman of that committee, for his liberal donations, his con- stant and unwearied attention generously bestowed in the erection and completion of said house, whereby the town is furnished with a handsome and commodious building for the transaction of their municipal concerns."

The Latin grammar school was sold to " the best advantage of the town," an Academy having been established.

Lancaster, in August, 1820, voted against a constitutional convention ; but as the state decided to call such a body, the town sent as delegates, Jacob Fisher, Esq., and Mr. Davis Whitman.

Eli Stearns was treasurer for the business of the new meet- ing-house from the inception of the enterprise to 1820, when it appeared that he had a bill amounting to $90.98 for services as agent. This and some other matters were referred to a committee, who made the suggestive report that the charges were not greater than those by other men charged with such business, but that the town in future ought to be careful to see that such business should be done in the most economical manner. In November, Benjamin Wyman, Esq., was made treasurer for the new meeting-house. The next April he was authorized to rent unsold pews for less than the interest on their appraised value ; and in November he was directed to adjust the settlement of pew notes with those who were un-

424

HISTORY OF LANCASTER.

able to pay, and also to sell to the highest bidder all or any of the unsold pews.

At the March meeting in 1822, Rev. Dr. Thayer proposed to the town to relinquish fifty dollars of his salary, as his pro- portion of the loss sustained by the society in the late sale of pews. The town, evidently with reluctance, accepted the generous offer, stating in a resolution that he had stood in the front rank with the friends of that enterprise ; had bought two pews, and had paid choice money ; but to gratify his feel- ings, complied with his suggestion.

After consulting a " learned and able lawyer " the town May 30, voted to raise $1,500 to pay arrears of expense in build- ing the meeting-house. In May, 1823, the sum of $1,000 was raised for the same purpose. It was stated that so many pews had been taken back, the debt for the house was still large ; and that if it were not paid, families would not be at- tracted to the town. The bell which had been broken, was recast, with a weight of eleven hundred pounds. In 1824, the sum of $2,000 was applied to the extinguishment of the meeting-house debt ; but the minister's salary was restored to its former sum, $550. This closed the business, but in the meantime, quite a number had left the parish, having " signed off" under the provisions of a law made to relieve those who objected to paying for the support of religious views which they did not approve. Previously all were taxed for the sup- port of the parish, which was Congregational, just as they were taxed for the support of schools, on the ground of pub- lic good. The new law allowed all dissidents to withdraw, and give their money in accordance with their own convic- tions. That was a step towards the complete freedom which now prevails.

The Constitutional Convention, which has already been re- ferred to, reported to the people, fourteen amendments, nine of which were approved by the voters of the state. The peo- ple of Lancaster voted in favor of every amendment except the fourteenth, which provided for making future amendments without calling a convention.

425

BUYING A TOWN-FARM.

PROVISION FOR THE POOR.

The care of the poor had been confided to successive indi- viduals almost without exception since the time when there were indigent persons who needed support outside of their own families. For a series of years Dr. Calvin Carter, a phy- sician of wide reputation and large practice, had taken charge of this unfortunate class, at a stipulated annual compensation. Adding the cost of those who received aid at home to the sum paid to Dr. Carter, the amount often ran above $1,000. Some years it was more than $1,200. And yet the town charge for the poor was less than before. Dr. Carter had ample room in his large three-story house which was built for the accommo- dation of medical students. The school having been abandon- ed, he took in the poor, and added medical care to general supervision. It is a curious fact, that his house and farm, after nearly fifty years occupancy as a hotel and a private dwelling, was purchased by the town in 1872, as an asylum for the in- digent.

In the year 1824, Rev. Asa Packard, a retired clergyman, having been for several years a resident, moved in town meet- ing, March 1, " that a committee be chosen to ascertain at what price, for the money at the delivery of the deed, a farm may be purchased in this town, suitable for a pauper establishment, in the opinion of said committee ; and that the committee consider the subject at large, and report on the expediency of changing the present mode of supporting the poor." The subject was referred to a committee of twelve, one from each district. From No. 1, Levi Farwell; 2, Simeon Whitney ; 3, Nathaniel Warren ; 4, Thomas Ballard ; 5, Jacob Fisher ; 6, Davis Whitman ; 7, John G. Thurston ; 8, Richard Cleve- land ; 9, John Thurston ; 10, Daniel Harris ; 11, G. Pollard ; 12, or Center, Asa Packard. The latter acted as chairman, and has always been considered the prime mover in establish- ing the modern system of supporting the poor in this town. At the May meeting the committee reported in favor of buy- ing a farm for a pauper establishment, and a new committee

426

HISTORY OF LANCASTER.

was chosen to make the purchase. John Thurston, Davis Whitman, Jacob Fisher, Joel Wilder and Asa Packard. Voted to borrow not more than $3,000. The committee reported, November 1, that they had bought a farm of Benjamin Wil- lard, " containing one hundred and forty acres, for $2,000; and had borrowed $2,000 of Robert G. Shaw, of Boston, payable in two, three, four and eight years." They had also purchased another piece of twenty acres for $300. The town was to have possession on the first of March, 1825. Asa Pack- ard, Benjamin Farnsworth, 2d, and Calvin Wilder were chosen a committee to have charge of the business till the March meeting, make suitable repairs, and get things in order.

At that meeting the committee reported that they had bought furniture, tools, stock, hay and articles of food, at a cost, in- cluding wages, of $796.66. The following overseers were chosen, Benjamin Farnsworth, 2d, Joseph Farwell, Nathaniel Rand, John Thurston, jr., and Jonathan Locke. The com- mittee had engaged Abel Osgood to be superintendent. All the bills for the poor in the preceding year amounted to $1,254.70.

In 1828 a bill of $1,528.99 was paid for new buildings to complete the pauper establishment. The poor were provided for on this farm till the year 1872, when the present house and farm were purchased of Edward Phelps. It is believed that the unfortunate wards of the town have been kindly cared for in all generations.

ANNALS CONTINUED.

At the annual gubernatorial election in 1825, there was no contest, Levi Lincoln receiving for governor, 123 votes, and Marcus Morton the same number for lieut .- governor. There was a single scattering vote for each office.

At this time the towns on the northern side of the state from Boston to the Connecticut river and beyond, were deep- ly interested in the project for digging a canal from the valley to the seaboard. At a meeting, June 20, Jacob Fisher, Will-

427

FIRE-ENGINES. - MAP OF THE TOWN.

iam Stedman and Davis Whitman were appointed a committee to " give information to the civil engineer, (the famous Lo- Ammi Baldwin,) in relation to his survey of the route for a canal, and promote the project so far as in their power." The canal was not made, but the public spirit of the citizens should be remembered to their lasting honor. It is by securing means of transit to and from all points of the compass, that towns and cities are builded.

The first notice of measures for warming the meeting- house, is found in May, 1827, when Davis Whitman brought the subject before the town, and $200 were appropriated. Mr. Whitman, Joseph Willard and Nathaniel Rand were charged with the business. The furnaces cost $188.70. Paint- ing the wood-work on the meeting-house cost $175. Joseph Willard got the buildings on the town farm insured at $1,400.

At the November election, 1828, the electors in favor of John Quincy Adams for president, received 102 votes to 8 for Andrew Jackson.

April 6, 1829, the selectmen were authorized to act "ac- cording to their discretion about preventing the river chang- ing its course, and cutting off Atherton and Center bridges." The river in its course between Carter's mills and the Cen- ter bridge has varied much since the settlement of the town, sometimes flowing back and forth across the whole breadth of the intervale.

At the May meeting, after some very pertinent remarks by Rev. Asa Packard in relation to the purchase of fire-engines, the subject was referred to Levi Lewis, Ferdinand Andrews and Luke Bigelow, to inquire and report. Fire-hooks, lad- ders and buckets were procured at a cost of $50, but noth- ing is recorded of engines. ١

In accordance with a Resolve of the general court, in rela- tion to a survey of the several towns of the commonwealth, James G. Carter,- April 5, 1830,-moved that a committee be chosen to cause a survey to be made of this town. The plan included the making of a map, fixing the position of

428

HISTORY OF LANCASTER.

school-houses, dwelling-houses, etc., and giving topograph- ical information. Referred to John Thurston, jr., Anthony Lane and Nathaniel Rand. The survey was made that same year, by Major Fisher, and the map was drawn by James G. Carter, in 1831.

The election in 1830 gave Levi Lincoln for governor, 166 votes, and Marcus Morton, 5 votes.

In 1831 the town voted to pay for digging graves and at- tending funerals.

An amendment of the constitution came before the town, May 11, changing the beginning of the political year from May to January : yes, 69; no, 42.

Firewards were chosen in 1832, April 2, as follows : Solon Whiting, Jacob Fisher, jr., Ephraim C. Fisher, N. Rand, Ezra Sawyer, John G. Thurston, Luke Bigelow, jr., Samuel Plant, Asahel Harris, Jonathan Locke, Horace Faulkner, Farnham Plummer, Ferdinand Andrews. The plan seems to have supplied a large number of men with an office.

At the presidential election in 1832, there were 173 votes for Henry Clay, and 16 for Martin Van Buren. The next April, John Davis received every vote cast for congressman. In November the vote was as follows : for governor, John Davis, 176 ; Marcus Morton, 26 ; John Quincy Adams, 26. Mr. Adams was the candidate of the Anti-Masonic party. At the congressional election in 1834, Levi Lincoln received 100 votes, and Isaac Davis 7.

At a special meeting, February 4, 1838, Amos Wheeler and others asked for the use of the town hall to hold reli- gious meetings. The article was passed over. The ques- tion was renewed at a subsequent meeting, when Davis Whit- man, a member of the old society, strenuously supported the request, maintaining broad views of religious comity. The Orthodox, Universalists, and others who had no place of meeting, were specially interested in the measure, and the vote was carried in the affirmative.

LUNENBURG.

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MAP OF LANCASTER. [See page 428.]

1 Mr. Dupee, John James. 2 Dr. J. Hawkes, Samuel Damon, S. Damon, jr., Jon. M. Damon, Jos. Putney, C. K. Goodale.

3 Samuel Damon, A. J. Farns- worth,

Warren Willard, G. W. & F. A. Willard.

4 Abel Beckwith, Mr. Locke, N. Whittemore, Master Curtiss.

5 Mr. Harris, Dr. J. C. Pease, H. Holmes.

5₺ Simon Willard, Old brickyard. 6 Rev. B. Whitte- more, D.D., J. S. Pinkham. 7 John Willard.

8 Jona. Kenny, Timothy Lewis, Dan'l Burbank, Nath. Burbank.

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History of the town of Lancaster, Massachusetts : from the first settlement to the present time, 1643-1879, Part 33

Author: Marvin, Abijah Perkins Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Lancaster, The town Number of Pages: 867

Author: Marvin, Abijah Perkins
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Lancaster, The town
Number of Pages: 867