USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lexington > History of the town of Lexington, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, from its first settlement to 1868, with a genealogical register of Lexington families > Part 40
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Nearly opposite the last mentioned estate, we have the summer residence of Francis B. Hayes, Esq., of Boston. It is situated a few rods from the street, on elevated ground, and enjoys an
428
HISTORY OF LEXINGTON.
extensive prospect. Not only the northern part of the town, but the distant Wachusett, the grand Monadnock, and a long range of the hills of New Hampshire, are in full view. A site thus elevated secures " the cooling western breeze," and so recommends the place to those who wish to inhale the air of the mountains. The grounds are laid out in good taste, and fine hedges around the yards give to the premises a rural charm not often surpassed. The house is finished in modern style, with a French roof and cupola ; and when the trees which have been planted upon the premises are grown, the place will be one of beauty and attrac- tion. Mr. Hayes has an extensive farm, of some three hundred acres ; that portion of it which lies near the dwelling, is highly cultivated and planted with fruit trees.
About a third of a mile from the Common, on the Bedford road, is a neat dwelling, situated six or eight rods from the highway, with pleasant ground on every side ; and, as it over- looks the broad cultivated meadow between Bedford and Hancock Streets, it furnishes a wide survey of thrifty agriculture, and at the same time affords a handsome seat of quiet retirement, though within a few minutes' walk of the village. The place is owned and occupied by Mr. George H. Everson.
The prospect of most of the houses near the village has been greatly improved within the last thirty years, by the clearing up of the swamps which skirted it on either side. Formerly a wide belt of birch and maple partially inclosed the settlement-adding nothing to its appearance, save when the variegated leaves of autumn gave a temporary charm. But now these same meadows, with their rude tangled wild-wood, have given place to cultivated fields and grassy lawns, which spread out like a miniature prairie, to regale the sense and reward the labor of the husbandman.
The dwellings above described, with several other neat and pleasant houses upon Hancock street, render it what may be denominated the " Court End " of the village.
But we cannot dismiss this neighborhood, without calling atten- tion to a dwelling somewhat antiquated in appearance, reminding us of other days, and awakening at once pious and patriotic emotions, and inspiring us with grateful recollections of those who have labored to promote the glory of God and the welfare of their country - a dwelling about which cluster more sacred memories
RESIDENCE OF MR. F B. HAYES.
429
MISCELLANEOUS.
than around any other in the town. We allude, of course, to the old Hancock or Clarke House. A part of this house was erected by Rev. John Hancock immediately after his settlement in 1698, and some thirty-five years after, his son Moses, a successful merchant in Boston, caused a front of a larger size to be erected for his honored father, the first permanent minister of Lexington. This house is still standing, showing the original building and the addition, as seen in the accompanying engraving. Here the venerable Hancock resided till his death, in 1755. Here his grandson, John Hancock, who was afterwards Presi- dent of the Continental Congress, and Governor of the Common- wealth, and who was a son of Rev. John Ilancock of Braintree, spent several years of his boyhood after the death of his father. On the decease of Rev. Mr. Hancock the elder, the Rev. Jonas Clarke succeeded him in the parish, and in the occupancy of this house. Mr. Clarke, being in College with John Hancock the third, early contracted an acquaintance with him, and marrying a grand-daughter of Rev. Mr. Hancock the elder, and of course cousin to his college acquaintance, an intimacy grew up between Mr. Clarke and Mr. Hancock. Nothing is more natural, than that John Hancock should frequently visit the home of his boyhood, and his old acquaintance, and now cousin, in the very house where he had received the instruction of his grand- father, and around which his youthful affections clustered. And as the controversy with the mother country opened, and Mr. Clarke took a deep and lively interest in the subject, Mr. Hancock found a new bond of attachment; hence the great intimacy between these two friends and patriots.
It was in this now venerable and antiquated dwelling, that the Rev. Mr. Clarke prepared those pious sermons, and those patriotic papers, which taught his people their duty to their God, to them- selves, and to their country. It was in this house that Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Dr. Warren often conferred together on grave matters of State. It was here that Adams and Hancock repaired to escape the contemplated arrest of Governor Gage. It was here that these two patriots lodged on the night of the 18th of April, 1775, when the first intelligence of the march of the British reached Lexington ; and it was from this house that they departed when the British troops arrived. Here, too, the
430
HISTORY OF LEXINGTON.
pious priest and patriot spent his days, and expired after a long life of usefulness. Well then, may the people of Lexington, and of places remote, cherish a fond and reverential regard for this sacred place, endeared to them by so many associations.
In the western part of the village, there are several houses of a neat and comfortable appearance ; and among these the pleasant cottage of Mr. George W. Robinson, and the dwelling of Mr. John C. Blasdell deserve special mention. The former is situated forty or fifty rods from Monument Street, on land a little elevated, in the midst of a productive farm, with an extensive lawn of reclaimed meadow in front, having a private road connecting it with the street at two points. The latter is a handsome mansion, standing some forty rods from the road, with which it is connected by a winding driveway. The grounds, which are separated from the street by a fine hedge of double spruce, are tastefully laid out and ornamented with trees and shrubbery. In the rear of the house the ground rises to a plat of table land, covered with an open grove of forest trees, in the midst of which is a pool of never failing water. Mr. Blasdell has also upon his premises an extensive conservatory, where grapes, shrubs, and flowers are cultivated. These houses and their surroundings furnish a delightful landscape view. With a belt of level and highly cultivated meadow in the foreground, the beautiful hill-side adorned with forest and fruit trees and presenting the houses and grounds above mentioned, the whole resting against a large circular swell of woodland as a back-ground,-the painter would have an excellent view for the exercise of his art.
About a mile westerly from the Common, at the junction of Monument and School Streets, is the late residence of Mr. Joshua B. Fowle. The house and out-buildings are capacious, and of modern style ; and standing upon an elevated site, with a fine lawn around and an extensive prospect in the distance - the place may justly be regarded as a desirable one for any gentleman's residence.
The house of Mr. A. W. Crowningshield, at the junction of School and Lincoln Streets, is a fine building, two stories high, with a cupola, from which you overlook his well cultivated farm. ' The summer residence of Mrs. William Cary, of Brooklyn, N. Y., situated on Shade Street, is one of the most rural and
RUSSELL JO
THE CLARKE HOUSE
431
MISCELLANEOUS.
commanding of any in the town. The house, being a refit of the old mansion, is not remarkable for its size, but is fitted up in good taste, and looks out on every side upon the rich and productive farm. Though the land is comparatively level, the house is situated nearly on the summit of a high swell of land which commands an extensive prospect to the west. This valuable and highly improved farm was generously tendered by Mrs. Cary to the State, for a site of the Agricultural College.
Near the junction of Spring Street and Concord Avenue is the residence of Mr. Webster Smith. The house was built by the late Elias Phinney, Esq., and is a handsome mansion. Situated some eight or ten rods from the street, with a fine lawn in front, and rich grass land spreading out in the rear, this situation combines neatness and good taste, with the appearance of agricultural retirement and thrift.
The old homestead of Peter Wellington and his late brother, Major B. O. Wellington, on Concord Avenue, shaded by an open grove of ornamental trees, would impress the traveler with the very idea of rural enjoyment.
There are several houses in the East Village which add to the appearance of the place. The house owned by Maurice O'Connell, Esq., overlooking a great part of the village, the dwellings of Mr. O. H. Dana, and of Mr. Charles Brown, and the mansion house near the church, would naturally attract the notice of any one coming into the place.
The farm house of Mr. Nathaniel Pierce, with its spacious yard, and the house lately occupied by Judge Redfield, standing on elevated ground, would not escape the notice of a stranger.
The residence of Mr. Charles Nunn, situated near the junc- tion, on the rising land between Main and Middle Streets, is worthy of special notice. The elegance and good taste displayed in the buildings and grounds, the natural beauty of the site, and the fine prospect it commands, render it one of the most desirable situations in the place.
· The house of Mr. William A. Tower, midway between the two villages, is a stately building. Situated on the high land south of Main Street, it makes a fine appearance, and its cupola commands a prospect of great extent, variety, and beauty. 55
432
HISTORY OF LEXINGTON.
Though considerably elevated above the road, the house is approached by a circular driveway of easy ascent. The land about the buildings is comparatively level, having however a gentle depression, affording a fine pool of lasting water near the mansion. A view of the premises, taken on the high grounds , near the edifice, affords a scene of the most pleasing combination of nature and art ; showing at once elegant buildings, native and artificial forests, and a beautiful pool of water. This dwelling, with all its surroundings, has no superior in the township ; and any admirer of natural scenery would find his taste fully gratified by such a location.
The house near the Town Hall, owned and occupied by Mr. W. E. Russell, is a commodious and desirable one, and its location is among the best in the village.
There is another dwelling, which, from its retired position and rather romantic history, deserves notice. It is situated on the western declivity of Loring's Hill, and is hidden from view except on the west, where it looks out upon a pleasant prospect, both immediate and remote. Its secluded situation, and the range of open wood with which it is nearly surrounded, make it a desirable place to retire from public view, and commune with nature in shady groves. The house was built by a stranger in town by the name of Lord, who, after the whole was finished according to his taste, visited New York, and for certain obliquity of conduct, found a steady home in the penitentiary instead of his secluded house in Lexington. The premises have changed hands frequently, and the place is now owned and occupied by Mr. Henry Fowle, of Boston, as a summer residence.
The house of Mr. George Munroe, the dwelling of the late Reuben Reed, and the house on the Marshall Locke place, on Lowell Street, furnish examples of fine residences upon productive farms - showing that the calling of the agriculturalist is not repugnant to elegance and good taste.
These are among the largest and most striking dwellings in town. But the boast of Lexington is not that she abounds in princely mansions, but that the mass of her houses are neat and in good repair ; and in this respect she will compare favorably with any of her sister towns. Most of our farmers and mechanics have comfortable houses in a good condition, giving evidence of
RESIDENCE OF MR. WILLIAM A. TOWER.
433
MISCELLANEOUS.
comfort, taste, and thrift. And though some of these show a somewhat ancient origin, they at the same time bear witness that they have been fondly cherished and carefully preserved, so as to afford to the third and fourth generations a rural and pleasant home. In fact, the venerable old houses which are found on some of our farms are calculated to excite a lively interest, and carry us back to scenes of rural simplicity, when the wants of the people were few and easily supplied ; when nature had its full play, and the enjoyments of life were real, and unadulterated with the false glosses of art.
RIISEELL .SO
RESIDENCE OF MR. CHARLES TIDD.
The dwelling of Mr. Charles Tidd is one of this description. Erected by his great-grand-father, it has stood at least one hundred and seventy-five years ; and while its architecture forms a connecting link between the past and the present, and the venerable elm speaks of other days, the present good condition of the dwelling, and the farm with which it is surrounded, shows a just appreciation of ancestral labor and filial care, and that rural
434
HISTORY OF LEXINGTON.
comfort may be enjoyed in houses which have come down from past generations.
In contrast with the above dwelling, is the elegant cottage of Mr. Luke C. Childs, near the East Village. Situated on a rise of ground, about one hundred and twenty rods from Main Street, with orchards and highly cultivated lands in front, and Mount Ephraim in the back ground, it makes a fine appearance, and shows that agriculture and taste may easily combine. To the lovers of rural scenery there is a charm in locations like this. Nor are the advantages merely imaginary. There is an exemption from the noise and bustle of business, and from the dust of the street ; and every farmer knows the advantages of having his buildings near the centre of his improved land.
RUSSELL SO
RESIDENCE OF MR. LUKE C. CHILDS.
As a specimen of the common village dwellings, the houses of Mr. Warren Duren, and Mr. Charles Hudson are given below ; and while they lay no claim to any special elegance, they serve as convenient and comfortable homes. The former is situated at the junction of Hancock and Adams Streets, and marks the
435
MISCELLANEOUS.
boundary of the village proper in that direction. The house stands on grounds elevated above the street, and hence shows to good advantage. It has the refreshing air from the distant high lands which separate the waters which flow into the Connecticut on the one hand, and the Merrimack on the other ; and enjoys the pleasing prospect of the setting sun gilding the summits of the mountain peaks.
5
RUSSELL·SC
RESIDENCE OF MR. WARREN DUREN.
Situations like the above, representing the middle classes in society, are the best exponents of the prosperity of a town. As the real wealth of a nation consists in the productiveness of its labor, so the prosperity of a town depends more upon the working classes, than upon retired capitalists. It is not upon millionaires that any place can safely rest for its prosperity and growth. However liberal such capitalists may be, their benefactions amount to a mere trifle, when compared with the annual produc- tion of the laboring, business portions of the community. The more equally property is distributed, or which is nearly the same
436
HISTORY OF LEXINGTON.
thing, the more uniformly industry and frugality are practiced by its inhabitants, the greater will be the prosperity of any place. Not, however, that wealth is to be despised, or that none are to be regarded as laborers but those who work with their own hands. Every man is a laborer who pursues any lawful calling which contributes to the prosperity of society.
RUSSELL SC
RESIDENCE OF MR. CHARLES HUDSON.
Lexington, in the commercial sense of the term, has no rich men among her citizens ; on the contrary, wealth is more equally distributed in this town than in most others in the vicinity. And as the dwellings are, as a general thing, an index to the condi- tion of the people, we might naturally expect to find most of the houses of a medium class, representing the farmers, the mechanics, and the business men of the place.
The house of Mr. Hudson has no special attractions, save that of location. Situated opposite the Common, it looks out upon that consecrated spot, and enjoys a full view of the churches, the Monument, and their surroundings.
437
MISCELLANEOUS.
It will be interesting to witness the growth of the town through every period of its history from the first settlement to the present day. It will be seen by the following tables, that its progress has not been rapid. In 1754, a portion of the territory and popu- lation was taken from Lexington to form the town of Lincoln. The French and Revolutionary wars which followed, kept the population nearly stationary for thirty or forty years.
As Lexington was a part of Cambridge till 1713, we have no records of her population till after that period. Nor have we any authentic census till 1790. But from a careful analysis of all the documents which bear upon the subject, and a full consid- eration of scattering tax bills, number of polls, the effects of Philip's, the French, and the Revolutionary wars, the known emigration and immigration from and to the township, the change of the town lines, and the general laws of population, we can safely estimate the population of Lexington for each decennial period ; and though the numbers may not be perfectly accurate, they are a close approximation, sufficiently near for all practical purposes.
The following table will show the population at the commence- ment of each decade :
Year.
Population.
Year.
Population.
Year.
Population.
1650,
·
30
1700,
350
1750,
.
761
1660,
.
60
1710,
·
453
1760,
·
760
1670,
.
160
1730,
.
681 1780,
. 750
The above is unofficial.
1790.
White males under 16 yrs.
212
White females, (of all ages,) . 470
" All other free persons,"
8
Total males,
Aggregate,
. 941
1800.
White males under 10 yrs. .
148
White females under 10 yrs. . 129
10 yrs. and under 16,
78
16
26,
90
16
26,
96
26
45,
96
26
45, 98
45 " and upwards, . 81
45 " and upwards, 93
Total males,
506 Total females,
494
" All other free persons, except Indians, not taxed," 6 .
Aggregate,
1,006
·
568
1770,
755
1680,
1690,
256
.1740,
. 724
90
1720,
16 yrs. and upwards, . 251
463
10 yrs. and under 16, . 91
.
438
HISTORY OF LEXINGTON.
1810.
White males under 10 yrs.
123
White females under 10 yrs. . . 130
60
10 yrs. and under 16, 68
16
26
45 " and upwards, . 102
45 " and upwards, 115
Total males, .
515 Total females,
. 527
" All other free persons except Indians, not taxed," 10
Aggregate, .
1820.
White males under 10 yrs. . 141 81
White females under 10 yrs. .
10 yrs. and under 16,
77
66
16
= 26, 45,
119
66
16 «
26,
105
26
66
. 140
26 “
45,
139
45
and upwards, . 111
45 " and upwards,
130
Total males,
592
Total females,
604
Free colored, under 14 yrs. 1 male and 1 female ; 45 yrs. and upwards, 2 females. Aggregate, .
1830.
White males under 5 yrs.
5 yrs. and under 10, .
106
80
66
10 15
20
30 40
66
66
60,
42
60
66
70
22
66
70
66
80,
19
80
90,
10
Total males,
763 Total females,
777
Free colored, 10 years and under 24, 2 males and one female.
Aggregate,
1840.
85 | White females under 5 yrs.
82
White males under 5 yrs.
.
94
88
66
10
15,
73
15
66
66
169
105 78 70 27
66
40 50
66
66
70,
42
16
70
18
24
80
6
90, 6
=
90 -
1
90
66
100,
2
Total males,
824
Total females,
818
Aggregate,
1,642
15
20
30, 122
30
40
50
15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, . 5
105 | White females under 5 yrs.
.
.
92
5 yrs. and under 10, 91
10
15,
81
76
141
117
99
57
74
38
30
60
70,
40
30
40,
99
50,
87
66
40 50
60,
64
60
15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100,
83
15
20
66
20,
104
20
30, 143
30
70 80
.
5 yrs. and under 10, 92
10
5 yrs. and under 10, .
26, 45,
105
16
26,
119
103
26
45, 95
1,052
. 153
10 yrs. and under 16, .
1,200
20,
93
40, 50,
80
10 yrs. and under 16, . 82
1,543
50
60
80,
439
MISCELLANEOUS.
1850.
White males under 1 year,
17 | White females under 1 year, . .
23
75
1 year and under
5, 67
66
5 yrs.
10 "
"
20, 30,
191
30,
195
123
66
30
40,
130
40
66
50, . 113
40
50
60,
87
60
¥
70, . 55
60
70,
57
70
80,
26
66
70
80
66
90,
12
66
90
100,
2
66
90
and upwards,
1
Total males,
Total females,
960
Free colored, 1 male and 4 females.
Aggregate, .
1860.
White males under 1 year,
19 | White females under 1 year, .
18
1 year and under 5,
105
10,
132
5 yrs.
10,
101
10
66
15,
98
98
66
20
30
40
66
50, . 122
40
-
50,
109
60
66
70, 80, 90,
32
66
70
80,
38
80
9
80
90,
14
90
100,
1
Total males, .
1,162
Total females,
1,166
Free colored, 1 male.
Aggregate,
2,329
10, .
90
5 yrs.
10,
96
15,
96
10
15,
79
67
20,
90
20
30
40,
50,
103
50
60, . 67
..
80
66
90,
6
100,
1
100 and upwards,
100
1,893
·
30, 40,
60,
98
50
60,
85
63
60
15,
103
15
66
20,
20,
113
206
66
20
30,
223
179
30
40,
174
50
70,
76
70
The valuation of the town is more uncertain than its popu- lation. The mode of valuing property, and the fluctuating character of the currency, make it almost impossible for the first one hundred years, to give any just and connected view of the growth of the town in wealth. Up to 1693, there was no valuation or tax separate from that of Cambridge. The first tax bill for the minister's salary in 1693, shows the relative wealth of the different individuals, but furnishes no data for the valuation of the precinct. By presenting in a tabular form the polls and valuations at different periods, we are enabled to form some idea of the growth of the place. Though it must be borne
56
.€
15
15
20
10
15
1 year and under
5, 112
5 yrs.
1 year and under 5, .
928
80,
19
440
HISTORY OF LEXINGTON.
in mind, that the basis of polls, and of the valuations, differed somewhat in different periods.
List of Polls and Valuations at Different Periods.
Years.
Polls.
Valuation. | Years.
Polls.
Valuation.
1729,
191
1800,
219
$ 251,052
1735,
202
·
1810,
304
· 310,967
1745,
206
1820,
306
234,366
1750,
219
1830,
368
247,466
1769,
192
1840,
489
561,549
1771,
185
1850,
522
· 1,869,453
1775,
208
1860,
·
581
· 1,813,634
1785,
196
1865,
615
· 1,747,459
1790,
.
205
.
·
The fidelity of history requires that something should be said on the subject of Slavery. This evil was introduced into the country before the planting of the Massachusetts Colony ; and though our laws were hostile to the institution, yet the love of gain prompted its gradual introduction into the Colony, till our seaports, and all the towns near the coast, had more or less slaves. Dr. Belknap informs us, that rum distilled in Massachusetts was one fruitful source of the slave trade; that vessels engaged in that base traffic generally carried out a cargo of our rum.
Lexington did not escape the contamination of this evil. In 1735, it appears from the town valuation, that there were twenty slaves in the town, held by the following persons, viz : Francis Bowman, Esq., held two; Deacon Samuel Stone, one ; Captain Joseph Bowman, one; John Overing, two; Francis Bowman, Jr., one ; John Bridge, one; Nehemiah Abbott, one; Joseph Merriam, one ; Ebenezer Fiske, one ; Isaac Stone, two ; Thomas Cutler, one ; Edward Winship, one ; Jonathan Harrington, one ; Joseph Simonds, one ; John Muzzy, one ; Samuel Locke, one ; and Samuel Green, one. In 1744, the number was eighteen, and they were owned singly by different persons, except Francis Bowman, Joseph Bowman, and Amos Muzzy, who had two each. This number gradually diminished, till in 1775, there were but five slaves in the town, - owned respectively by Eben- ezer Fiske, Samuel Bridge, Robert Harrington, William Tidd, and Benjamin Estabrook. Though slaves to some extent were held in Lexington, they were in most cases kept as house servants. Not more than one family, that we are aware of, ever
441
MISCELLANEOUS.
engaged in the traffic of slaves. One who did engage in this trade was subjected to an inconvenience attendant upon owning property in man. In 1727, Benjamin -, of Lexington, offered a reward for a runaway, whom he describes thus : " He speaks very good English, is about twenty-six years of age, had no hat on, but had a horse lock about one of his legs ; and was lately the property of John Muzzy, of Mendon."
Though Slavery existed in Massachusetts, it was exempt from many of the evils which were connected with it in the Southern States. The slaves were generally taken into the families, and were treated like the other servants. They also enjoyed the same religious privileges as the whites. They had seats in the meeting houses ; they owned the covenant, had their children baptized, were admitted to the churches, and sat down at the same communion table with their masters. Lexington Records contain full evidence of the enjoyment of these rights. By the Laws of Massachusetts, slaves were capable of holding property, had free access to our Courts, and whenever they sued for their liberty, it was granted either by the Court or by the jury. Slavery in Massachusetts was never hereditary by law. There never was a time when our Courts would not have given freedom to the children of slaves.
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