USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Marlborough > History of the town of Marlborough, Middlesex county, Massachusetts, from its first settlement in 1657 to 1861; with a brief sketch of the town of Northborough, a genealogy of the families in Marlborough to 1800 > Part 15
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
" A few days after our return, Mr. Barnes came to town from Marlborough, and told us that immediately after our quitting town, the Committee of Cor- respondence came to his house, and demanded us; he told them we were gone ; they then searched his house from top to bottom, looking under the beds and in the cellar, and when they found we were gone, they told him, if they had caught us in his house, they would have pulled it down about his ears. They sent horsemen after us on every road, but we had the start of them, and the weather being so very bad, they did not overtake us, or missed us. Barnes told them we were not officers, but relatives of his wife's from Penobscot, and were going to Lancaster ; that perhaps deccived them."
This rather long extract from the account given by one of the parties, not only contains some interesting incidents, but is decisive of the political character of Barnes. It also shows the spirit of the times, and the feelings by which the people of Marlborough were actuated at that period. The Committee of Correspondence alluded to above, who attempted to arrest these British officers, were Hezekiah Maynard, Alpheus Woods, Edward Barnes, Jonas Morse, Jr., Daniel Harrington, William Boyd, and Samuel Curtis. The last named gentleman was in all probability the doctor to whom reference is made in the fore- going narrative, as calling upon Henry Barnes to ascertain who his new visitors were.
The incidents above related reflect no discredit upon the town. They simply show that if Marlborough had the mis- fortune to have one tory in the midst of them, they had enough of the true spirit of liberty to render him harmless; if they had one plant not indigenous to the soil, they had faithful hus- bandmen enough to root it up. The tories, in some parts of the country, were very troublesome, and very mischievous,
160
giving the enemy information, and supplying them with pro- visions. But in Massachusetts they were few in number, and were comparatively harmless after the war had actually com- menced. Before that period, those who espoused the royal cause were great hindrances to the spread of free principles, and by their misapprehension, if not misrepresentation, of pub- lic sentiment, encouraged the officers of the Crown to adopt more stringent measures, and to draw more closely the cords by which they hoped to bind us to the car of despotism. But after hostilities had actually commenced, and the whole British force in the Province was confined to a narrow compass, their oppor- tunity for mischief was greatly circumscribed. The siege of Boston cut off all communication between the British and their friends in the interior, and so rendered the tories in Massachu- setts comparatively powerless-objects to be despised rather than feared.
Having brought the general history up to the commence- ment of the Revolution, before we enter upon that severe struggle, it is well to pause for a moment and take a general glance at the events which had transpired and were developing themselves in Marlborough. Under the ministry of Rev. Mr. Smith, who was settled in 1740, the town enjoyed compara- tive peace, and things passed on smoothly for some twenty years. During this period, the " Great Awakening," or Whit- field movement, occurred; and while some churches were divided or disturbed, and others severed in twain, there was no particular commotion in this town. But a sort of indifference, if not dissatisfaction, appeared to be growing against their pastor, especially among the younger portion of the commu- nity. It was also suspected that in their approaching struggle with Great Britain, his sympathies were rather with the royal- ists. This suspicion would naturally increase the alienation.
Mr. Smith being in ill health, the town in several instances chose a committee to supply the pulpit, and in granting his annual salary, reduced the sum-an indication that there was a want of sympathy with their minister, and that they were will- ing to give him this tangible hint of their state of feeling towards him. But in November, 1771, they brought the subject directly before the people, by inserting an article in their warrant, " To
161
see if the town will choose a committee to consult with Rev. Mr. Smith, to see if he will resign the ministry ; " and though the motion was negatived, it was an indication of the state of feeling, the ultimate result of which can easily be anticipated. This subject was kept before the town several years, and divers propositions were made to him by his people. In the meantime, his health became impaired, and other supplies were engaged ; and finally, in January, 1778, he asked a dismission, and was accordingly dismissed by a council, called for that purpose, April 29, 1778, "on account of his infirmity and weakness, which greatly affected his lungs, and voice in particular." As a brother of the church, he was recommended to the church in East Sud- bury (Wayland) by letter, to which place he removed, and where he died, 1781, aged sixty-seven. His daughter married Rev. Mr. Bridge, of that place.
Mr. Smith was a faithful minister, and was generally success- ful in his labors. In 1767, his church numbered 164 members ; 79 males and 85 females.
A singular event in Mr. Smith's history occurred in 1777. Some disorderly and wicked people went to his house in the night-time, after he had retired to rest, and discharged two loaded guns into his apartment through the window. It was not generally supposed that they intended to take his life. He had become unpopular as a minister, and being suspected of an inclination to the tory cause, it was thought by most people that it was done as an admonition to him to ask a dismission. The town very justly expressed their condemnation of the out- rage, by passing the following Resolution and Vote :
" Resolved, That the conduct of some ill-minded person, relative to the Rev. Mr. Aaron Smith, as mentioned in the fourth article of the warrant, is wicked and villainous, and contrary to the peace and good order of the com- munity, and is held in abhorrence by the town.
" Voted, To give £100, lawful money, as a reward to any person or per- sons who shall discover those persons (in such a manner as they may be brought to legal punishment) who wickedly discharged two loaded guns into the lodging-room of Rev. Mr. Smith, or any others who aided or assisted therein."
Mr. Smith resided in the old mansion house, now occupied by Mr. William Gibbon. The bullets fired into the house, lodged in a beam, and were a few years ago extracted by Mr. Gibbon, and are carefully preserved.
162
The historian who would paint the spirit of the times, must often present things of trifling importance in themselves, yet going to show not only the manners and customs, but the habits of thought which prevailed among the people. If a will, or an inventory of an estate, speaks of a certain quantity of malt, we at once recognize beer as a beverage in use among the people ; or if a silver spoon is left as a legacy, we know that such articles were [rare at that time, and were regarded as some- thing extraordinary. Or if we find on any list of household effects, a trencher, or wooden plates, we turn our mind's eye to the " dresser," or shelves attached to the side of the house, where we behold not only these primitive articles of table fur- niture, but pewter platters supplying the place now filled by costly china ware. The warming-pan almost creates a loathing for cold sheets, however fine the texture ; and the trundle-bed naturally creates a wish that the more obtrusive crib had never been invented. The block in the corner, and the form against the wall, bespeak a sort of self-dependence, which those who rely upon French manufactures can never possess.
Many of these things are highly suggestive, and let us at once behind the curtain, where we see things as they were. The high-backed settle reminds us of the currents of fresh air which circulate freely through the ceiling, and saves us from the necessity of a rotary motion to prevent our roasting on one side, and freezing on the other, while before the blazing fire, which extends some six feet, and so fills two-thirds of the space between the jambs of the huge fire-place. So the checked apron, with which the matron and her blooming daughters were adorned, carries us through the whole process of domestic man- ufacture-the loom, the wheel, the cards, the indispensable vessel in the corner, whose chemical properties, though they could not make white, black, would nevertheless put forth their energies till all is blue. Or if we turn to the field of the farmer, and see the breadth of his bean culture, we are almost inclined to rush, spoon in hand, to the broad pan or wooden bowl, where steams that solid fluid so congenial to the palate, or to wait the full period of "nine days," that we may partake of the " best " which the bowl affords. All these things were found in the days of which we are speaking ; and if they do not harmonize with the age when "luxury is straining her low thoughts to
163
form unreal wants," they at least show us that nature's wants are few, and that every condition in life has its enjoyments.
Our fathers had customs of a more public nature, which de- serve a passing notice. The custom of " warning out of town," prevailed generally in the Province. When a stranger came into town to reside, the person into whose family or tenement he came, was required to give notice to the Selectmen, of the name of the person or persons, the place he came from, his pecuniary circumstances, and the time he came to town. When these facts were known, the town authorities would in their discretion let them remain quietly, or order them to be warned out of town. This precaution was taken to prevent their gaining a settlement, and becoming a public charge. A few specimens from the records will show the practice.
" John Bruce gave notice to the Selectmen of his taking into his house Lucy Barney, on the twenty-sixth of June, 1764. Came last from Sudbury ; and she is warned and cautioned as the law directs."
" Dr. Samuel Curtis came to town, June, 1769; came last from Roxbury. Taken in by widow Dexter."
" March 28, 1748. Thomas Brigham notified the Selectmen of his having taken two children from Southborough into his house, both minors. John Beals came thirteen days before date, and Elizabeth Beals came six days before date-under poor circumstances."
These specimens show that no regard was paid to age, char- acter, or sex, so far as the notice of coming is concerned ; but in the warning, or " cantioning," a discretion was used.
There was a formality in the process of warning out of town, which will appear in the following example.
" Middlesex, ss.
"To Mr. Joseph Howe, Jr., Constable for the Town of Marlborough, in said County ; Greeting :
"In his Majesty's name you are hereby required forthwith to warn the several persons hereafter mentioned, forthwith to depart out of the town of Marlborough, viz., Abraham Carly and Susanna his wife, and their children, viz., Mary, Moses, Joel, Martha and Job ; David Fling; Amaziah Knight and Jane his wife ; Mrs. Abigail Arbuthnot, and Martha Parminter. And to make inquiry into their circumstances, and from whence they came last to this town ;
"Hereof fail not, and make return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, as soon as may be, unto the Select-Men.
164
" Dated at Marlborough, the Third Day of February, Anno Domini One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty-five, and in the Twenty-Eighth Year of his Majesty's Reign.
JOHN WARREN, SAMUEL WITT, JOHN WEEKS, Selectmen.
JOSEPH HOWE,
EPHRAIM BRIGHAM,
" Middlesex, ss .- March 3d, 1755.
" In observance of the above Warrant, I have warned all the persons above mentioned forthwith to depart out of this town of Marlborough, ex- cepting Mrs. Abigail Arbuthnot, who was not to be found.
" JOSEPH HOWE, Jr., Constable.
" Entered by SAMUEL BRIGHAM, Town Clerk."
Such was the formality of our fathers. All instruments were issued in His Majesty's Name. This form was continued in Marlborough, till May, 1776, when the Town Meetings were warned in the Name of the Government and People of Massa- chusetts ; and after the adoption of the Constitution, in the " name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
While we are treating of small matters, we will notice a very good custom set forth in language more expressive than classic, in relation to settling the accounts of town officers. A., B. and C. were chosen a committee "to call the Treasurer to account."
Another practice, the pernicious effects of which are seen at the present day, long prevailed in Marlborough ; viz., that of narrowing their roads. Scarcely a warrant for a town meeting was issued without an article, 'To see if the town will dispose of any land within the highways, and give a title of the same.' In this way, roads, formerly laid out five or six rods wide, have been made inconveniently narrow.
A private record makes the year 1761 rather remarkable, as seen by the following entries :
" March 19. There was an earthquake, half an hour past 9 o'clock at night."
" October 23. There was a very remarkable wind."
" Dandelions were out in full blow, the last end of Septem- ber."
" November I. There was an earthquake, half an hour of 8 o'clock at night."
" Another remarkable thing this year was, there was no thunder of any value."
CHAPTER VIII.
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
Spectacle of the Rising of the People - Battle of the Minute-Men - Lexington Monument- Companies from Marlborough on the 19th of April, 1775- Troops furnished in the Revolution - Manufacture of Saltpetre - Marlbo- rough will sustain a Declaration of Independence with Life and Fortune - Bounties offered for Enlistments- Convention at Concord to regulate Prices - Constitution formed - Difficulty in raising Money - Pledge of Stock to the Soldiers - Depreciation of the Currency - Close of the War -- Great Sickness - Cold Winter - Dark Day.
THE American Revolution is one of the most important events in the history of our country ; and as that protracted struggle brought the energies of our whole people into requisi- tion, every municipality, certainly in this State, felt its exhaust- ing effects. The public mind had been prepared for the crisis ; and when it came, the people showed that they were equal to the task of vindicating their rights. We have seen that the patriots of Marlborough had been bred amidst alarms, and liad passed through the long and severe discipline of the Indian and French wars ; and in the controversy with Great Britain, they had made the solemn declaration, and published the firm resolve, that they would stand by their brethren in defense of their freedom. They had also backed up their resolutions by organizing themselves for any emergency that might arise. And with men of the stern integrity, indomitable will, and unflinching fortitude of our Puritan Fathers, the resolution might safely be taken for the deed. And so it proved in this case. For when the intelligence reached Marlborough, on the 19th of April, 1775, that the British troops had left Boston to destroy the military stores at Concord ; that they had wantonly fired upon the company of Minute-Men at Lexington, and killed several of their number ; the people at once flew to arms,
22
166
and in a few hours, four companies from Marlborough, consist- ing of about one hundred and ninety men, were on the march to the scene of action ; resolved to vindicate the rights of the Colonies, or perish in the attempt.
The history of the world does not present a more grand and imposing spectacle than that of the rising of the people, on the 19th of April, 1775. It was not a restless population, gathered by blind impulse, without a definite motive or design ; not a hired soldiery, organized by some bold and daring leader, to avenge some personal wrong, or to embark in some mad scheme of conquest, in which the perils they bore would be repaid by plunder ; nor was it a people goaded to desperation, or reduced to the last stages of despair by the iron heel of despotism, making their last mighty effort to throw off the yoke they could no longer endure ; but it was a cool, voluntary rising of a sedate and orderly, intelligent and conscientious people, who knew their rights, and "knowing dared maintain them"-a people bred to the right of private judgment and the equality of men, and who, seeing in their religious creed the great prin- ciples of civil as well as religious liberty, were determined to defend them, whenever invaded, or whoever might be the aggressor. It was the spontaneous rising of a people who felt that they were set for the defense of American liberty, and were ready to offer their bodies a living sacrifice in the cause- realizing, as the patriots of Middlesex County had declared the preceding year, "That he can never die too soon, who lays down his life in support of the laws and liberties of his country."
With no orders but their own firm resolve, and with no leaders but the high and holy promptings of an enlightened patriotism, they flocked to the scene of action, determined to vindicate the great principles of freedom, and the rights of the American Colonies. They had no vain thirst for military glory ; nor did they rally under any invincible chieftain, whose pres- ence inspired courage and gave assurance of victory. Neither could they rely on that perfection of discipline, and those im- provements in the implements of war, which insure success on the ensanguined field. In all these respects, they knew that the advantage was on the side of the oppressor. But faith in the righteousness of their cause nerved their arm, and their trust in the Lord of Hosts gave them confidence.
.
167
Such a rising, I repeat, has no parallel in the world's history. Our fathers stood as Minute-Men in all parts of the Province ; resolved to commit no aggression, but to resist the first invasion of their rights. They felt that they were destined to freedom ; that they were agents, in the hands of a wise and benignant Providence, to work out, in some manner unknown to them- selves, a great good to the race ; and that to secure this glorious end, they must obey the right, and be the faithful depositaries of the freedom committed to their care. Standing in this atti- tude, they could not hesitate. They felt that they had a solemn duty to perform, and they must do it-a sacred trust to keep, and they must be faithful, whatever might be the immediate consequence.
The battle of the 19th of April was the battle of the Minute- Men. Well then has the idea been conceived, of erecting at the first battle-field of the Revolution, a Monument commemora- tive of this rising of the people on the memorable 19th of April, 1775. And nothing could be more appropriate than the figure of a Minute-Man, to represent the very class of men who, with- out hope of fee or reward, flocked to the standard of freedom on that occasion. Let the noble enterprise be prosecuted, that those who come after us may sec, in enduring bronze, a lively symbol of a class of men who inaugurated a Revolution the happy influence of which has been felt in every quarter of the globe .*
Actuated by such motives, four Companies of Minute-Men marched from Marlborough, on the 19th of April, 1775, on hear- ing of the march from Boston of the British troops, and of the outrage they had committed on the Green at Lexington ; and it is due to the memories of such men, that their names should go down to posterity.
* The people of Lexington and vicinity have formed an Association for the purpose of erecting a Monument at the first battle-field, commemorative of the opening scene of the Revolution. The figure is to be that of a Minute-Man in bronze, of from fourteen to eighteen feet in height, standing upon a suitable granite pedestal. When it is completed, it will be one of the most tasteful and attractive monuments in America. The officers of the Association embrace some of the first men in the country ;- Edward Everett, President; and among the Vice Presidents are Robert C. Winthrop, Nathaniel P. Banks, William P. Fes- senden, Ichabod Goodwin, Roger S. Baldwin, Millard Fillmore, Robert Stockton, Simon Cameron, Thomas Corwin, E. Rockwood Hoar, and others well known to fame.
168
Roll of Capt. Howe's Company, which marched on the 19th of April, 1775, to Cambridge, and were absent from home sixteen days.
Cyprian Howe, Capt. Joel Brigham,
Nathaniel Bruce,
Amasa Cranston, Lieut.
William Speakman,
Thomas Goodale,
Uriah Eager, Ens.
Francis James,
James Priest,
Solomon Bowers, Serg.
Peter Howe,
Ebenezer Eames,
Robert Hunter, Ephraim Maynard,
William Brown,
Ebenezer Hager,
Silas Barnes,
Alpheus Morse,
William Hager,
David Hunter,
Jabez Rice,
Matthias Moseman,
Joseph Miller,
Jonathan Temple,
Josiah Wilkins,
Simon Maynard,
Jeduthan Alexander,
John Baker,
Luke Hager,
Joseph Baker,
Abner Goodale,
Amos Wait,
Nehemiah Howe,
Jabez Bush,
Adonijah Newton,
Abner Dunton,
Asa Barnes,
Jacob Priest,
Thaddeus Shattuck,
Hiram Stow,
James Bruce,
Frederick Walcutt,
Fortunatus Wheeler,
Joel Barnard,
Timothy Darling,
Aaron Eager,
Timothy Bruce,
Abraham Whitney.
Roll of Capt. Brigham's Company, which marched to Cambridge, April 19, 1775, and were in the service from ten to thirty days.
William Brigham, Capt. William Loring,
Lovewell Brigham,
Silas Gates, 1st Lieut.
Rediat Stewart, Reuben Howe,
Ithamar Brigham, 2d Lt. Jabez Bent,
Reuben Wyman,
Henry Brigham, Serg.
Jonathan Barnes, Jr.
Jonah Newton,
Noah Beaman, 66
Samuel Howe,
Thomas Joslin,
Joseph Brigham, "
Silas Carly,
Phinehas Howe,
Ichabod Jones,
Samuel Ward, Jr.
Alexander Church,
Thomas Rice, Corp. Isaac Morse,
Ithamar Goodnow,
Ephraim Ward, “
James Ball,
George Brigham,
Josiah Priest,
Frederick Goodnow,
Moses Williams, Jr.
Lewis Brigham, “ John Bagley,
Willard Rice,
Gershom Rice, Jr.
Timothy Baker,
Samuel Howe,
Samuel Eames,
Ephraim Howe,
Gershom Brigham,
Ephraim Wilder,
Abraham Beaman,
Oliver Hale,
Robert Horn,
Simeon Howe,
Luke Howe,
Jabez Rice, Abraham Brigham, Abijah Berry.
Ezekiel Clisby,
Roll of Capt. Barnes's Company, which marched to Cambridge, April 19, 1775. A portion who went on the 19th, returned home after a few days, and were succeeded by others-some of whom were in service forty days.
Daniel Barnes, Capt. Obadiah Barre,
Jonas Darling,
William Morse, 1st Lt. Levi Fay,
Robert Eames,
Paul Brigham, 2d Lt. William Rice,
Abraham Gould,
John Loring, Serg. Peter Bent,
Elizur Holyoke,
Ephraim Baker, “
Jonathan Brigham, Asa Witt,
Antipas Brigham, Corp. Jedediah Tainter, 16 John Baker,
James Bowers,
David Wyman,
Moses Barnes,
169
Jonathan Weeks,
Daniel Robbins,
Thaddeus Howe,
Ivory Bigelow,
Moses Roberts,
Dudley Hardy,
Nathan Baker,
Prentice Russell,
John Lamb,
Daniel Stevens,
Oliver Russell,
Nahum Newton,
Isaac Sherman,
John Rice,
Jabez Rice,
Benjamin Boyd,
John Rice, Jr.
William Williams,
Benjamin Howe,
Robert Saintclair,
Aaron Wheeler,
Hezekiah Maynard,
Ephraim Stow, - John Harrington,
Elihu Maynard,
John W. Woods,
Francis Morse,
Stephen Phelps,
Francis Walkup,
Heman Stow,
Daniel Rice,
Stephen Felton,
Benjamin Stevens.
Silas Gates commanded a company, (perhaps of horse,) com- prising men from Marlborough, Northborough, and Southbor- ough, which were called out on the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775. Elijah Bellows, of Southborough, was Ist Lieuten- ant, and Joel Rice, of Northborough, was 2d Lieutenant of the company. The men from Marlborough were as follows :
Silas Gates, Capt.
Alexander Church,
Ashbel Rice,
Henry Brigham,
John Dexter,
William Goodale,
Francis Morse,
Aaron Eames,
Gershom Rice,
Luke Howe,
Matthias Felton,
Samuel Gates,
Thomas Williams,
Abner Goodale,
Quartus Stow,
- Asa Barnes,
Aaron Howe,
Abraham Howe,
Benjamin Bartlett,
Robert IIorn,
Samuel Ward,
Abraham Beaman,
Joel Hager,
Moses Williams,
George Brigham,
John Kelley,
Joseph Williams,
Elisha Barnes,
Joshua Lamb,
Jeduthan Wyman,
Uriah Brigham, Joel Brewer,
William Loring,
David Hunter.
Joseph Maynard,
As the organization at that time was imperfect, it is probable that the same individuals, in some cases, belonged to different companies ; and as the companies were in service for different lengths of time, it is probable that some of them, on their com- pany's returning home, entered the other company ; this ac- counts for the same name, in two or three instances, appearing in different companies.
It is difficult for us, at this day, to realize the state of things which existed at that period. The spring of 1775 was unusu- ally forward. On the morning of the 19th of April, the indns- trious farmers of Marlborough were busily engaged in getting in their small grain, or in preparing the earth for planting. Before noon, an express messenger brought the tidings of the
170
movement of the King's troops. The drums beat ; the alarm is sounded ; messengers are sent through the township; and in two or three short hours, over one hundred and eighty effec- tive men drop their implements of toil, seize their muskets, and are on the march for the scene of action! And though the season was a busy one, which required their immediate and constant labor, they remained from their homes and fam- ilies ten, fifteen, twenty, thirty, and even forty days! And this number of men turned out, on their own motion, from a town of some thirteen hundred inhabitants-being about one-seventh of the entire population !
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.