USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > History of the town of Medfield, Massachusetts, 1650-1886 : with genealogies of the families that held real estate or made any considerable stay in the town during the first two centuries > 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
1797. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Augustus Plimpton, Simeon Chenery, Thaddeus Morse, and Eliakim Morse, Jr. John Baxter, Representative.
The town pound is mentioned as being by the house of Asa Boyden, corner of South and Pound Streets. It had been removed from its original location near the meeting- house, but at what date does not appear. It was again re- moved in 1862. $80 was added to Mr. Prentiss' salary,
195
CLOSING ANNALS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.
which is stated to be $238.22. Among the town officers this year, we find sealer of leather, surveyor of bread, and surveyor of lumber.
AN ACADEMY DESIRED.
A proposition was made that the town grant $3,000 to establish an academy. The vote was adverse.
A committee was chosen to act with that appointed by the General Court to measure the different roads leading from Connecticut to Boston. This was the first movement toward the construction of the Boston and Hartford turn- pike.
OLD ELECTION DAY SPORTS.
An old memorandum book informs us that Wednesday, May 31 (old election), was a great bird-killing day. As the result of this humane and beautiful pastime, it is stated that a thousand birds were killed. The diarist complacently adds " mostly of hurtful ones."
FACULTY TAX.
At this period, a tax for "faculty " was imposed. Profes- sional men and mechanics were taxed in consequence of possessing superior skill. The doctors headed the list with a special tax of $15. Next came employers and master workmen, followed by tanners, carpenters, shoemakers, and blacksmiths. In 1797, twenty-eight men in this town paid a tax for "faculty " of from $5 to $15 each.
1798. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Eliakim Morse, Jr., William Clark, Moses Lovell, and Dyer Lovell.
John Baxter, Representative.
Artemas Woodward was chosen town clerk, and held the office two years.
Money received from the sales of land, $550.52, was de- voted to the use of schools forever.
The school fund now amounted to $1, 104.80.
196
HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
MEETINGS FOR POLITICAL STUDY.
During this year, a series of weekly meetings was inaugu- rated, for the purpose of extending political information by reading and conversation, to be governed by the following rules : -
I. That such political books shall be publicly read as may be ap- proved by a majority of persons present, or by an approving committee, as shall be judged expedient.
2. That the reading at each meeting commence precisely at six o'clock, and continue until eight, unless otherwise directed by a majority of persons present.
3. That, whatever book is introduced, the reading thereof shall be con- tinued in the successive meetings until it is finished, unless otherwise directed.
4. That any person present may at any time interrupt the reader to make pertinent inquiries or illustrative observations relative to the facts or sentiments read at that time, but no discussion during the hours of reading shall in any case be admitted on any topic foreign to the book under consideration.
5. There shall be chosen a first and second moderator of this meeting, the first to preside whenever present, the second at all times in the ab- sence of the first.
6. The presiding moderator shall keep due order in the house, and call any person to order who in his inquiries or observations infringes the limits of the foregoing regulations.
7. The presiding moderator shall direct the reader to proceed after every interruption, whenever he shall judge that the point in discussion has been sufficiently illustrated.
8. At the close of the reading, any subject may be introduced and dis- cussed, subject, however, to the order of the meeting ; and the presiding moderator during the evening shall be the sole judge of all questions of order.
1799. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Obed Fisher, Moses Hartshorn, Joseph Clark, Jr., and John Smith, Jr. Ezekiel Plimpton, Representative.
The tax on dogs was abated this year, "considering the advantages that dogs have been in destroying noxious animals."
The new South School-house was accepted of Captain Ephraim Smith.
197
CLOSING ANNALS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.
TREE-PLANTING.
Liberty was granted to all persons to plant or transplant trees by the roadside adjoining their own land, and to cut and carry them off at pleasure. Highway surveyors were to have power to remove such trees, if necessary.
Many of the fine trees which have adorned the roadsides of the town during the present century are the result of the interest of the citizens in the subject of tree-planting at this time. Not only in the centre of the town, but on roads in the outskirts, were trees planted. A beautiful row of elms once extended for half a mile along South Street, on the easterly side, southward of the South School-house.
A committee of three was chosen to procure good hewn stone steps for the front door of the meeting-house; and $40 was appropriated for the purpose.
Voted, To abate the ministerial taxes of all persons who bring a cer- tificate from any public teacher of religion, or committee of a religious society of a different denomination from the majority of this town, cer- tifying that they pay to the support of the gospel in that society.
MARKET-WOMEN.
Among the customs peculiar to the closing years of the eighteenth century may be mentioned that of the women going to market. Several of the goodwives of Medfield went regularly to market, excepting during the winter. They went on horseback. A large wallet or strong bag was slung across the horse's back, containing the butter, cheese, and other similar products of the farm. Eggs were wrapped in tow, singly, to prevent breaking. Poultry was carried dangling at the side of the load. Back of the rider was a bag of hay for the horse. They started about sunset, going as far as Roxbury, where they turned into a horse-shed, gave the horse a part of the hay, using the rest for a pillow, on which they slept a few hours, starting out again in season to reach Boston early in the morning. After selling out, they returned home the same day. Women from Medway and other towns did the same.
198
HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
INDEPENDENCE DAY.
On the Fourth of July, 1799, Dr. Prentiss preached a ser- mon commemorative of American independence. His text was, "Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free."
CHAPTER XII.
WORX
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
1800. Selectmen, John Baxter, Nathan Allen, Obed Fisher, Moses Hartshorn, and Joseph Clark, Jr.
John Baxter, Representative.
Jethro Peters was chosen town clerk. He held the office two years.
This year, the town granted $150 for schools, $300 for highways, $277 for the ministry, and $100 for the poor.
Voted, To have the meeting-house painted in the month of September or October.
The bills presented for payment were as follows: 95 gallons of linseed oil, $95.92; 3 cwt. 3 qrs. of white lead, $47.53 ; 3 cwt. I qr. 7 lbs. of Spanish brown, $9.94; I cwt. 2 qrs. I lb. of Spanish whiting, $3.81 ; sundry small paints, $1.92 ; James Dupee and John W. Adams for 75₺ days' labor, $75.50.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
The district lines were established in 1800, and so re- mained until the abolition of the district system, in 1869.
A proposition was made to build new school-houses in
200
HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
the north and centre districts. They were not built, how- ever, for several years.
Voted, To have the town's burying cloth dyed and pressed; also, "to procure a bier and cords for the convenience of funerals."
GENERAL WASHINGTON'S OBSEQUIES.
Among the local events of the year should be mentioned the public services held after the death of General Washing- ton. Dr. Prentiss pronounced the eulogy at the meeting-
BIRTHPLACE OF LOWELL MASON.
house, after which a procession was formed, headed by musi- cians playing on violins and bass viols. . Then came the ora- tor of the day, dressed in the costume of the period, with knee breeches and cocked hat, accompanied by the town dig- nitaries. Following these came the school children and citizens generally. The procession moved from the church down Main Street as far as the cemetery. Then, returning, it proceeded up North Street to the Mason tavern, opposite Dale Street, where.a dinner was served, the tables being spread out of doors.
Johnson Mason was commissioned captain of the Med- field company this year.
201
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
The population of the town by the national census of 1 800 was 745.
1801. Selectmen, John Baxter, Nathan Allen, Edward Cleaveland, Moses Hartshorn, and Eliakim Morse, Jr.
John Baxter, Representative.
BELL AND TOWN CLOCK.
Voted that the old bell be sent to Boston, and recast as near in the same form and size as might be. $250 was granted for the purpose. Also voted to take charge of the clock that had been bought for the meeting-house, and have it wound at the expense of the town. There is no record of the purchase of the town clock, and it was proba- bly the gift of individuals.
STRAW MANUFACTURE COMMENCED.
About this time, Johnson Mason and George Ellis, who kept a store at the tavern stand on North Street, opposite Dale, commenced the manufacture of straw bonnets. This was the beginning of what has since been the leading manufacture of the place. The straw was braided in fam- ilies, and the braid was turned into the store in payment for goods. Then, after being trimmed, it was carried out to those who sewed it into bonnets, which were finished, and sent to Boston or New York. The straw used was that of rye, cut when in the blossom, and prepared by scalding and bleaching.
1802. Selectmen, John Baxter, Charles Hamant, Moses Hartshorn, Johnson Mason, and William Clark.
John Baxter, Representative.
The old guns and gunlocks belonging to the town, proba- bly relies of the Revolutionary War, were to be sold, and the proceeds invested in good firearms.
THE FIRST HEARSE.
$65 was appropriated for the purpose of purchasing a hearse "for the use of the town." Prior to this time, the
202
HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
bodies of the dead were moved upon a bier, eight men being furnished as bearers, in order that they might relieve each other. The hearse was built by Artemas Woodward and Edward Cleaveland.
The selectmen were directed to set out trees in the burying-ground, near the wall on the front.
A MURDER.
The first murder committed by any resident of Medfield occurred in 1802. William P. Allen was killed by his eccentric brother-in-law, Ebenczer Mason, who was tried, convicted, and hanged on the 7th of October. Some time prior to November I, his body was stolen from the burying- ground ; and a committee was appointed by the town to prosecute the body snatchers. They reported that Jona- than Sprague, of Dedham, and Zadock Howe, of Franklin, took the body; but the principal witness, Royal Sayles, being concealed, they failed to prosecute the case.
About this time, the "Horse-thief Detecting Society " was formed by persons in this and neighboring towns. Thirty of these were residents of Medfield.
1803. Selectmen, John Baxter, William Clark, John- son Mason, Moses Hartshorn, and John Smith.
John Baxter, Representative.
Johnson Mason was chosen town clerk. He held the office nineteen years.
The town voted, seventy to eight, in favor of continuing Bellingham turnpike through Medfield.
Each soldier of the town was supplied with twenty-four rounds of ball cartridge, to be kept at the powder-house.
Johnson Mason having been promoted to a lieutenant colonelcy, Oliver Chenery was commissioned as captain.
The brick school-house, which stood at the corner of North and Railroad Streets, was built. The old building was moved to " Dingle Dell " for a dwelling, where it is still standing.
203
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
1804. Selectmen, Elijah Adams, Obed Fisher, Charles Hamant, Moses B. Harding, and Elisha Clark.
John Baxter, Representative.
The taxes were collected by Jonathan Fiske, for three per cent.
The land left for a watering place on Green Street was sold to Nathan Partridge for $20.
MUSICAL INSTRUCTION.
An article was inserted in the town-mceting warrant to see if the town would appropriate a sum of money for the support of a singing-school. Negatived at this time, though a few years afterward such appropriations were made.
1805. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Elisha Clark, William Peters, Jonathan Fiske, and Joseph Clark, Jr.
Ephraim Chenery, Representative.
A road was laid out across the South School-house lot.
CARE OF PAUPERS.
A committee was chosen to devise a better method of caring for the poor. Reported that it was found on inquiry that the towns of Dedham, Roxbury, and Quincy support their poor at one-half what it would cost them on the plan pursued here. But no change was made in the system. Paupers were boarded around at various places in town, where they could be kept cheapest. In a town-meeting called for the purpose, cach pauper by name was disposed of at public auction to the lowest bidder annually.
$400 was granted this year for the support of the poor.
The Baptist church, having become reduced to twelve members, only two of whom were men, proposed to dis- band and become a branch of the Attleboro church. A travelling preacher dissuaded them from the step, and some accessions made soon after rendered it unnecessary.
William Peters received a commission as captain.
204
HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
1806. Selectmen, William Clark, Joseph Clark, Jr., Moses B. Harding, Elias Mann, and Johnson Mason. Ephraim Chenery, Representative.
A hearse-house was built this year, at a cost of $57.08. It stood at the easterly corner of the old cemetery, next the street.
THE TURNPIKE AND THE STAGE-COACHES.
The Boston and Hartford turnpike was built in 1806. A turnpike from Boston to Dedham had existed for some time ; and, in 1804, a petition for the incorporation of "The Hartford and Dedham Turnpike Corporation " was sent to
THE WILLOWS.
the Legislature. The Act of Incorporation was passed March 9 of the same year. The stock was sold for a while at $50 a share, though in a few years it had declined to $10, and eventually became worthless. Various widenings and straightenings of the old county road east of the village were made. The traces of the old crooked way are still visible in many places. Eastward, the turnpike, leaving the old road, approached Dedham by what is now called Cedar Hill Street ; and, westward, a new causeway with bridges
205
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
connected Medfield with Medway at the " willows." A toll- gate was erected at the corner of Main and Bridge Streets, and all vehicles passing over the turnpike bridge were required to pay toll.
A line of stage-coaches was run from Boston to Hartford over this route ; and there are those yet living who can well remember hearing the bugles sound for change of horses, on approaching the village. After a score of years or so, the toll-gates were removed, and the turnpike became a town highway.
At this date, Moses Richardson kept a tavern in the cast part of the town, at the place now owned by Mr. Bussey.
GREAT SICKNESS.
A fatal epidemic prevailed through this region in the early part of 1806, and is said to have commenced in Med- field. Eight children died here of the disease, which was then called "spotted fever."
A CHURCH ORGAN.
There was an article in the town-meeting warrant " to sce if the town will take any method to remove the organ out of the meeting-house, or act anything relating thereto." This is the first hint of an organ in a Medfield church. Nothing further is known in regard to it. G. W. Adams had a shop on North Street, where he made small pipe organs. Pos- sibly, he set up one of them in the meeting-house, and gave offence to some thereby.
The following advertisement is found in the Norfolk Repository of Sept. 26, 1806: -
George W. Adams Informs the public that he proposes to carry on Organ Building in its various Branches at his House, a little north of the Meeting-House in Medfield, where he will build at short Notice Church Organs of any size. Chamber Organs, Barrel ditto .- Piano Fortes organized, and all kinds of keyed and other Musical Instruments repaired and put in order .- He has for SALE a good Eight-Stop Organ suitable for Church or Meeting-House which he will dispose of on mod- erate terms.
206
HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
THE MEDFIELD POST-OFFICE.
The first movement for a post-office here was made this year. The following is a copy of a letter from Daniel Adams, Esq., to Hon. Seth Hastings, then in Congress : -
MEDFIELD, Jan. 28, 1806.
Sir,- I am induced by the encouragement of some friends to solicit you to grant a favor as well to myself as to the Inhabitants of the Town of Medfield and its vicinity. It is a fact that a Post Office established in this place would be a great convenience and benefit, and will not, as we think, create any expense to the United States, but will add something to its revenue. Medfield, as you know, is situated on the Middle Post Road from Boston to Hartford, and since the establish- ment of the Hartford and Dedham Turnpike road is increasing in pop- ulation and business, and probably will continue to increase.
It is true there are Post Offices in Dedham and Medway, the former nine miles, and the latter between six and seven miles distant ; but we find much difficulty in obtaining our letters and papers from these distant offices.
The towns of Medfield, Sherborn, Walpole, the District of Dover, a part of Medway, and a part of Dedham would be accommodated by a Post Office established in Medfield, and would principally, I presume, join in a petition to that effect, provided that were the proper mode of application ; but I am informed that a representation of the merits of the application from a gentleman of influence and reputation, who is personally acquainted with the subject, would be sufficient to induce the Post Master General to determine favorably on the subject. If it is not too presumptuous, Sir, we would request you to make the application in our behalf ; and we shall promptly remunerate you for your services, and shall esteem it a great favor.
The applicant for the position, being a Federalist, was not favored by the opposing party, then rapidly gaining prominence. Samuel Seaver was appointed April 1, 1807. He kept store on the corner of North and Main Streets, having succeeded Oliver Wheelock.
A RESCUE.
The following is a copy of a letter written by Dr. Prentiss to the Humane Society : -
Oct. 20, 1806.
I wish to communicate to the Trustees of our Humane Society a statement of a successful exertion in saving the life of a lad who had
207
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
nearly perished in the watery element. I am satisfied the activity and enterprise of the agents will be thought deserving of your attention.
Lowell Mason, a son of my nearest neighbor, of about sixteen, went into Charles River to bathe, and, unexpectedly to himself, was carried by the current where the water was eight or nine feet in depth. Having sunk and arisen twice, calling for help in the best manner his situation admitted, he went down the third time. Two lads younger than himself being present,- namely, Moses Wight and Joseph Lovell,- the former, with all his clothing upon him, plunged into the water, and brought his friend from the bottom ; while the other very judiciously floated a rail on the surface, and aided them both to the land.
Young Mason assures me that, from the time of his calling for help, he recollects nothing until he found himself supported at the shore by the hand of his friend. The lads testify that he appeared insensible, and was unable to support himself for some time; that he emitted a considerable quantity of water, and gradually regained his recollection and the use of his limbs in such a measure as to ride home about one and one-half miles in a wagon, with which he had been out on business for his parents. This is the testimony of the lads, which is all the nature of the case admits ; and I beg leave to add their character leaves no room for doubt of its correctness.
A deed, given in 1806 to Beriah Brastow, of property near the present almshouse, specially mentions " a privilege in the aqueduct running from the spring, or fountain-head, near the meeting-house." The old logs which carried the water have been found in recent years. No record of the construction of these water-works has been discovered. The spring, or fountain-head, was on what is now the straw- works lot.
1807. Selectmen, John Baxter, Eliakim Morse, Nathan Wight, Charles Hamant, and Augustus Plimpton. Ephraim Chenery, Representative.
Certain town land was sold, and the proceeds, $92.08, added to the school fund.
Nathan Wight received a captain's commission.
Partridge Holbrook commenced keeping public house at the old "Clark tavern," the house now owned by heirs of Warren Hartshorn; and the owners of the estate built the hall in the rear. It was then the most beautiful hall in the region. At its dedication, which took place in the
208
HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
autumn, people came from surrounding towns to take part in the festivities. Holbrook continued to keep tavern until about ISI1.
1808. Selectmen, John Baxter, George Ellis, Eliakim Morse, William Clark, and Thaddeus Morse.
Augustus Plimpton, Representative.
The manufacture of brushes was commenced about this time by Artemas Woodward, in a shop that stood near the present site of the Orthodox parsonage. It was a business new to this section of the country.
Voted, Not to let the cattle feed on the burying-ground.
Chose Amos Kingsbury to see that the fence around it was kept in good repair, and that all creatures were kept out. Up to this time, the cemetery had brought an income to the town by being rented for a pasture.
The town built a horse-shed for the minister, at a cost of $36.
A PETITION TO THE PRESIDENT.
The inhabitants of the town of Medfield in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in legal town-meeting assembled, beg leave respectfully to represent that they, in common with their fellow-citizens of the United States, feel the pressure and suffer the evils arising from the existing laws passed the last session of Congress, laying an embargo on the extensive commerce of the country. Your memorialists are principally industrious tillers of the soil, which, by the blessing of Providence, yields to them a little surplus produce, which heretofore, under the care of a beneficent government, they have been able to sell to advantage, and appropriate the proceeds to the comfort of themselves and families. They claim the character of peaceable and patriotic citi- zens, and are willing still further to suffer privations, if the public good should require it. But they would respectfully submit to your Excel- lency this question, If there were existing reasons at the time the above-mentioned laws were made to justify Congress in passing them, whether the changes which have since happened in the condition and disposition of belligerent nations would not require for the public good that your Excellency should either partially or wholly suspend the oper- ation of said laws, according to the power vested in you by Congress, which seems to have been delegated to you under the contemplation of such changes. If your Excellency should have any doubts respecting the authority vested in you, or the expediency of the exercise of it, your
209
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
memorialists humbly pray that you would exercise your undoubted and constitutional prerogative of calling Congress together as soon as possi- ble to consider a question so highly interesting to the United States. As in duty bound, shall ever pray.
The embargo referred to was that laid by Congress, Dec. 22, 1807, suspending commercial relations with France and England, in retaliation for the decrees of those nations, then engaged in the Napoleonic wars, and under which our commerce had suffered frequent spoliation. It was a useless measure on the part of our government, and brought stagna- tion to all kinds of business.
Jonathan Fiske was commissioned as captain of the Med- field company.
1809. Selectmen, John Baxter, Joseph Clark, Jr., Elia- kim Morse, William Clark, and Thaddeus Morse.
Johnson Mason, Representative.
Voted, That the seats in the body of the meeting-house be taken up, and that pews be built on the same ground; also, that there be a place fixed in the side gallery for the people of color.
Ten pews were built directly in front of the deacons' seats, some of them five feet square, others three by seven and a half. The pews cost $103.70, and were sold for $730. The seats for the colored folks cost $4.
Ebenezer Clark was appointed postmaster. He drove the stage, and brought the mail from Dedham. The office was kept at Partridge Holbrook's tavern.
A road was laid out from Canal Street to the north mead- ows, near the estate now owned by Hon. R. R. Bishop.
Another attempt was made this year by the meadow owners to effect a settlement with Dr. Bigelow, of Natick, in regard to damages.
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.