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 16

Author: Tilden, William Smith, 1830-1912, ed
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Boston : G. H. Ellis
Number of Pages: 1114


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 16


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Independence Day was celebrated ; and the oration was delivered by Timothy Hamant, Esq.


1810. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Jonathan Fiske, Isaiah Smith, Amos Smith, and Phineas Allen.


Johnson Mason, Representative.


210


HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.


Another effort was made to purchase a house for the poor of the town. The vote was adverse.


A NEW TAVERN.


David Fairbanks, who had bought the Wheelock estate, started a tavern where the town hall now stands, and also kept the store on the corner of North Street. He bought large quantities of straw braid, and employed a number of women and girls at sewing it into bonnets. He had a board- ing-house for his employés. The goods were carried from here to Providence by ox-teams, thence to New York by water. The store at present standing on the corner was built by him, the smaller original building having stood on the street directly in front of it. He also built the house opposite the head of South Street. Fairbanks was the busi- ness man of the town at that day.


A new school-house was built in the centre district. It stood on North Street, near where the boarding-house now stands. The old building was sold for $80, and was moved to the south part of the town, and is still standing.


ACADEMY HALL.


A proposition was made that the town build a hall over the new school-house. This was voted down. The " Med- field Academy Hall " corporation was then formed, with forty shares at $10 a share. The hall in the second story was built, and a select, school kept in it till the hall was sold to the freemasons. The district expended about $1,000 for school accommodations in the lower story.


Rev. William Gammell became pastor of the Baptist church, the first since the resignation of Mr. Gair, twenty- three years before. He preached alternate Sabbaths in West Dedham, where a considerable part of the members resided.


Wales Plimpton was commissioned as captain.


The population of the town in 1810 was 786.


21I


MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.


1811. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Isaiah Smith, Phin- eas Allen, Amos Smith, and Wales Plimpton.


Johnson Mason, Representative.


The town treasurer received for his services $10 annually.


The members of the Baptist church and congregation were incorporated as a religious society by act of the Leg- islature.


Independence Day was observed in this town ; and forty young girls, dressed in uniform, marched in pro- cession.


John W. Adams com- menced the manufacture of brushes at his place on Elm Street, now BIRTHPLACE OF HANNAH ADAMS. owned by Miss Steele, in the old house which was the birthplace of Miss Hannah Adams.


AN OLD-TIME COLLEGE GRADUATION.


The account of the college graduation of Dr. Joseph Allen, in 1811, gives some particulars which afford a glimpse of the style of those days. It was a great event in a small country town for one of its farmers' sons to grad- uate from Harvard with high honors, and great preparations were made for the occasion.


The graduate was clad in a black coat and small-clothes, with black silk stockings tied with ribbon at the knee. All these were made in his father's house, as also his ruffled shirts. His pumps were made by the town shoemaker. Several friends of his were invited to go down to Cambridge with the family. Among these were Lowell Mason and Wickliffe Adams. The whole party, numbering twenty- five, arrayed in their best, started from Medfield in carriages at 4 A.M., and drove to Cambridge. A "spread" was arranged. Everything for the tables except the warm meats was cooked at home, and carried down by the family. Two colored men walked down from Medfield to serve at the spread. On this day, Edward Everett graduated, and gave


212


HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.


the English oration. Another Medfield boy, Thomas Prentiss, also graduated the same day with Joseph Allen.


The Medfield party drove home in the evening, arriving about midnight.


1812. Selectmen, John Baxter, Artemas Woodward, Obed Fisher, Nathaniel Kingsbury, and William Clark.


Daniel Adams, Representative.


Voted, That a man be allowed nine cents an hour for laboring on the highway.


A PROTEST.


The town of Roxbury having proposed to become the shire town, Medfield voted that, "notwithstanding the fre- quent changes that are taking place of late respecting lines and limits of districts, this town is determined to take all legal and constitutional methods to oppose such innovations as removing the shire town from Dedham to Roxbury ; that the Representative elect, Daniel Adams, be directed to use his influence to prevent said removal; and that a copy of the foregoing vote be transmitted to the town clerk of Roxbury."


A communication was received from the selectmen of Boston respecting "the present alarming situation of our country." This was during the progress of events which led to the declaration of war with England soon after. The town voted, after considerable debate, "that for the time being the selectmen shall receive all documents relat- ing to our public affairs which may be sent to the town, and hold the same for the use of all the citizens, and give notice of the receipt of such documents and of the place where they may be seen."


Obed Allen was commander of the Medfield military.


PREPARATIONS FOR WAR.


In July, the town authorities received directions from the Adjutant-General to have the magazine fully provided with the ammunition, stores, and utensils required by law, in view


213


MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.


of the fact that war had been declared by our government against Great Britain ; also, that the militia of the town be in constant readiness to march to any part of the Common- wealth, whenever called upon by the Commander-in-chief. In case of actual invasion, the men to march at once, with- out waiting for special orders.


1813. Selectmen, Artemas Woodward, William Peters, Joseph Clark, Jr., Isaiah Smith, and Hinsdale Fisher.


Daniel Adams, Representative.


THE FIRST SCHOOL COMMITTEE.


A committee was chosen to visit and superintend the schools, consisting of Rev. Thomas Prentiss, Daniel Adams, Dr. Lothario Danielson, and Dr. James Hewins. This is the first distinct mention of such a board.


The matter of a pauper house was again brought before the town, but no action was taken.


TOWN AND PARISH SEPARATED.


For one hundred and sixty-two years, the parish and the town had been considered identical. Steps were now taken to organize the First Parish in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth more recently enacted.


EFFORT TO DRAIN THE MEADOWS .- THE CANAL.


The corporation of the proprietors of the meadows made a widening of Charles River at Rock narrows. The con- tract was taken by Aaron Thayer, of Medway, for $327. A canal was also dug through a neck of upland above the narrows, to aid in taking off the surplus water. Very little benefit was derived from either enterprise. The canal would not have been dug, probably, but for an error in the surveys, which made the fall greater than it is.


Samuel Johnson succeeded David Fairbanks as keeper of the tavern in the centre of the village.


214


HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.


MANUFACTURE OF CUT NAILS.


A company was formed, consisting of Joseph Clark, Dan- iel Adams, Daniel and Nathaniel Chickering, who built a nail factory on the stream below the present stone mill, and carried on the business there for several years.


The " factory


house " stood 1


ROCK NARROWS.


on the Dedham road ; lately owned by Horace How- ard.


1814. Select- men, Nathaniel Kingsbury, Will- iam Clark, Beriah


Brastow, David Fairbanks, and John Smith. Daniel Adams, Representative. Dr. Prentiss, who had been pas- tor of the old parish church forty- four years, died in 1814, after a brief illness, aged sixty-seven. At that time, the church is said to have numbered eighty-seven : males, twen- ty-four ; females, sixty-three. A vote of thanks was presented to Rev. Mr. Bates for his discourse at the funeral


of the late pastor. Voted, also, that Dr. Prentiss' salary be continued to his family as long as preaching should be sup- plied on their account. The last Thursday in April was appointed as a day of special fasting in view of settling a new minister, and all in the town were invited to join.


In December, a call was given to Dr. Daniel C. Sanders, which was accepted ; and he was installed the following spring.


Captain Bela Cleaveland was at the head of the military this year.


215


MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.


1815. Selectmen, Jonathan Fiske, Seth Ellis, Jona- than Wight, Jr., Daniels Hamant, and Arnold Russell.


Town and parish affairs were at last separated ; and, from this date, no business relating to the First Congregational Parish appears in the records of the town.


The town land near the corner of Dale and Frairy Streets was sold for $199.50, and the money was added to the school fund.


Johnson Mason invented a machine for trimming straw braid, and confined his attention largely to trimming, press- ing, and bleaching it, preparatory to manufacture.


At Dr. Sanders' installation, a dissenting minority pre- sented objections to the council ; but they were not deemed of importance. There were several members who did not agree with Dr. Sanders' views, and this difference of opin- ion led to a division of the church some years later.


MEMBERS OF THE FIRST PARISH CHURCH IN 1815, WITH THE DATE OF THEIR ADMISSION.


Sarah Allen,


1756


Finis Allen, 1795


Thankful Hinsdale,


1757


Sarah Breck, . 1796


Jonathan Wight,


1761


Sarah Wheelock, 1797


Drusilla Smith, .


1762 Ruth Allen, 1797


Melatiah Clark, .


1764


Polly Smith, 1797


Elijah Adams,


1768


Jerusha Smith, 1797


Margaret Peters,


1768


Jonathan Fiske,


I Soo


Sarah Plimpton,


1771


Daniel Adams,


1 800


Jonathan Smith,


1775


Caty Mason, .


1800


Mary Smith, .


1775


Sarah Adams, Olive Mason,


1801


Jemima Smith,


1775


Deborah Ellis,


1801


Sarah Townsend,


1775


Sibyl Harding,


1801


Silence Baxter, .


1776


Moses Wight,


1802


Molly Armsby,


1 780


Sarah Wight, Elisha Clark,


1802


Thankful Clark,


1785


Eliakim Allen,


1802


Eunice Cleaveland,


1785


Mary Allen,


1802


Ephraim Smith, .


1787


Eli Smith, .


1802


Joseph Breck,


1788


Dyer Lovell,


1802


Obed Fisher,


1791


Abigail Lovell, Catherine Fuller,


1802


Phineas Allen,


1794


Mary Fuller, .


1 802


Artemas Woodward,


1795


Olive Morse, .


1802


Mehitable Woodward,


1795


Kezia Mason,


1802


Atarah Smith,


1795


Hannah Plimpton,


1802


Abigail Adams, .


1 768 Patience Breck, .


1799


David Plimpton,


1771


Sally Fiske, 1 800


1 800


Mary Fisher, .


1775


1802


Zilpah Nelson,


1 784


1802


Mary Prentiss,


1794


216


HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.


Anna Smith, .


1 802


Nabby Pierce, 1809


George W. Adams,


1803


Nathaniel Stearns, . 1 800


Mary Adams,


I SO3


Mary Stearns, 1 809


Abigail Smith,


1 803


Betsey Fairbanks, 1 809


Lydia Whiston, .


1 803


Cynthia Chenery,


I Sog


Margaret Ellis,


I So3


Lois Fisher, ISIO


Asa Cole, .


I So4


Esther Chenery,


ISII


Sarah Cole,


1 804


Edward Breck, Jr., .


1812


Martha Adams, .


806


Joseph Allen,


1813


Miranda Cleaveland,


1806


Thomas Prentiss,


1813


Polly Hamant,


1 806


Mary Prentiss, Jr., .


1814


Mary Green, .


1 807


Daniel Chickering,


IS14


Eleazar Smith,


1808


Rebecca Stearns,


1814


Mary Green, .


1809


Caroline Chickering,


1814


Hannah Fuller, .


1 809


LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN 1815, WITH DATE OF THEIR ADMISSION.


Susannah Reed,


1776


Hannah Pepalo, 1810


Priscilla Mason,


1776


Chloe Harding, .


1810


Abigail Clark,


1776


Hannah D. Smith,


ISIO


Sarah Allen,


1779 Sarah Herring,


Joseph Cutler,


1779


Eda Richardson,


ISII


Priscilla Boyden,


1783


Hannah French,


Betsey Colburn,


1811


Hannah Smith,


1790


Betsey Baker,


18II


Phebe Boyden,


1793


Abijah Fisher,


ISII


Jemima Smith,


1 802


Sarah Chenery,


Hannah Clark,


1 803


Mary Everett,


Abigail Morse,


1805


Jabez Boyden,


ISII


Asa Smith, I SOS


Mehitable Everett,


ISII


Thirza Smith,


1808


Deborah Guy,


IS12


Mercy Smith,


ISO8


Lucy Mason, .


1812


Asenath Bailey,


1 808


Mary Russell,


1812


Polly Fisher,


1 809


Hannah Smith,


1812


Sibyl Clark,


1 809


Mary Blake,


1812


Lois Richardson,


1 809


Julia Everett,


IS12


Lucy Colburn,


1809


Eda Richardson, 2d,


1812


Betsey Colburn,


1809


Cynthia Baker,


1813


Mary Morse, .


I Sog


Sarah Smith,


1813


Catherine Morse,


1 809


Cynthia Colburn,


1813


Benjamin Colburn,


1 809


Lydia Newell,


ISI3


Amelia Needham,


1 809


Elijah Jones, .


1814


Chloe Rider, .


1809


Hannah Little,


1814


Oliver Partridge,


ISO9


Jeremiah Smith,


1814


Catherine Partridge,


1809


James Noyes,


ISI4


Abigail Colburn,


1 809


Joseph Ellis, .


1815


Monica Baker,


1810


Molly Ellis,


ISIO


Sarah Fisher,


1815


Thankful Dego, .


1 809


Hannah l'. Questrom,


1814


Abraham Cummings,


1784


Sibyl Thompson,


ISO5


Warren Allen,


217


MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.


THE GREAT BLOW.


The year 1815 is remembered for the " great blow," which occurred in September. Dr. Sanders preserved the follow- ing account of it : -


A wonderful hurricane came on this day. The wind the previous night was high. A sensible increase was perceived at to A.M. It con- tinued for many hours. Toward night, it became very calm. It began at north-east, and then shifted at its height to south. Its effects were tremendous. Corn was prostrated, the stoutest trees were eradi- cated, many chimneys fell, sheds were generally blown over, four barns were blown down in this town, many buildings injured, and immense damage sustained. The tide at Providence rose twelve feet higher than ever known before, ships drove into the streets, and the losses were estimated at $1,500,000. The wind extended over New England with nearly equal violence. At New York, the wind was moderate and in a contrary direction. Its ravages did not extend far out at sea. In history, we read of a similar wind in 1635.


Every owner of a silver watch was this year obliged to pay a tax of one dollar. Furniture was also taxed.


1816. Selectmen, Jonathan Fiske, Seth Ellis, Jonathan Wight, Jr., Daniels Hamant, and Arnold Russell.


Daniel Adams, Representative.


A suit was brought by the town of Hubbardston against this town for the support of a pauper. Colonel Brastow went to Worcester to attend to the case. He charged the town $I a day for his time, and for his horse, thirty-two miles, $ 1.82.


The year 1816 was long known as the cold season. The spring was extremely backward, and the frosts came very carly in the autumn. On the nights of September 26-28, very severe frosts prevailed in the Northern States. "The mercury fell to 26°, almost every green thing was killed, ice formed one-fourth of an inch in thickness, and corn was almost wholly destroyed " (Sanders).


The taxes were collected this year for a compensation of two and a half per cent.


The church lot given by Mr. Frairy was sold to Artemas Woodward for $637.


218


HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.


1817. Selectmen, William Clark, Moses B. Harding, Obed Allen, Seth Chenery, and Moses Richardson.


Daniel Adams, Representative.


A committee was chosen to see that the burying-ground was " cleared of bushes and bryers."


Voted, That the "History of New England " be kept in the town clerk's hands, and that he let it out at ten cents a month ; also, that twelve cords of wood be provided for the Centre School, " if it can be obtained for $3 a cord."


HISTORICAL SERMON.


Dr. Sanders prepared and delivered an historical sermon, the first attempt, so far as known, to collect the facts of our early local history.


" Sunday, October 5, at 11.45 A.M., there was an earth- quake during public worship. It shook all New England, and extended beyond. It came from the north-west, and was mild and innoxious." (Sanders.)


The proprietors of common lands in Medfield and Med- way closed up their business in 1817. There was then in the hands of their treasurer $152.80, which was divided among the proprietors.


A milldam was built in the north part of the town, on the site now occupied by French's mill, by Joseph Draper. He also erected a fulling-mill there, and for several years carried on his business of clothier. The mill and privilege were afterward sold to Abner Mason.


1818. Selectmen, Obed Allen, William Peters, David Fairbanks, John W. Adams, and Samuel Johnson.


THE FIRST SUNDAY-SCHOOL.


The children from both churches, to the number of 124, met at the Centre School-house. They came in procession at the hour of opening the school, after the morning service. Each church furnished its own teachers, and they occupied opposite sides of the school-room. This arrangement con- tinued but one season. The next year, a school was formed


219


MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.


in each church. They were held only in the summer, how- ever, as there was no provision for warming the meeting- houses.


Previous to this time, the children learned the Assembly's Catechism in the day schools. At certain stated times, all the pupils were gathered at the meeting-house on a Sat- urday afternoon, to be examined, or " catechized," as it was called, by the minister. The five selectmen were present, and occupied the deacons' seats on these occasions. When the Sunday-school commenced, it was conducted wholly by women : no men took any part in it. Mrs. Prentiss gener- ally offered the opening prayer. The work of the classes was in committing portions of Scripture to memory and repeating them. The first lesson was Isaiah lv.


Willard Onion was appointed


postmaster. He kept the office in his store, a small,


one-story build- ing, which stood ONION'S CORNER GROCERY. on the corner of Main and South Streets. Upon a post in this store, a few pieces of tape were tacked diagonally, into which the letters for delivery were stuck, so that those in expectation of mis- sives could see for themselves.


Many persons yet living can remember that post, bristling with a dozen or two of letters.


1819. Selectmen, William Peters, John W. Adams, David Fairbanks, Nathan Wight, and Wales Plimpton.


Daniel Adams, Representative.


The subject of purchasing a house for the poor of the town was again discussed, but no favorable action resulted.


The building at the east corner of Main and Pleasant Streets was erected by M. B. Harding for a store, and was


220


HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.


occupied by Pharez Sawin. A store was kept there for sev- cral years by Sawin, Captain James Ware, David Cobb, and others. About the same time, David Fairbanks built the store opposite, on the corner of North Street.


1820. Selectmen, Nathan Wight, Wales Plimpton. .. Artemas Woodward, Jonathan Wight, and Elisha Clark."


Daniel Adams, Representative.


Early in February, snow fell to the depth of thirty-six inches. Dr. Sanders, who made the memorandum, says, " Snow has not been so deep since 1780."


The Massachusetts Agricultural Society, in 1820, awarded a premium of $8 to Johnson Mason for straw bonnets man- ufactured in Medfield.


Voted, To choose a sexton, whose duty it should be, when notified of a death, to make all the necessary arrangements for the interment.


Wales Plimpton was chosen.


Town granted $50 for the instruction of youth and others in sacred music the ensuing winter. A committee of five was chosen to see that the money was properly expended.


A FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION.


Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm. A cannon was brought from Walpole, placed in the street in front of the hotel, and served by gunners from the Wal- pole Artillery. The military of Medfield (and all between eighteen and forty-five were obliged to serve in those days) paraded on the occasion, headed by the local musicians with fifes and drums.


In the morning, the committee of arrangements, the orator of the day, the clergy and town officials, gathered at the house of Dr. Sanders, whence they were escorted by the military to the meeting-house. The Declaration was read by John B. Derby, Esq. The oration was delivered by Silas P. Holbrook, Esq. At its conclusion, the company repaired to Samuel Johnson's tavern, where the town hall now stands, and "sat down to an excellent dinner."


221


MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.


THE TOASTS.


1. "Our Country :


"' Breathes there the man, with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said,


This is my own, my native land ?' "


2. " The President of the United States : The source of his power is the love of the people."


3. " The Governor of Massachusetts: In war, valiant; in retirement, courteous and hospitable ; in the administration of justice, impartial and just."


4. "Massachusetts : The first to assert her rights, the last to infringe the rights of others."


5. " Our National Appeals : To the point of honor, the point of the pen, and the point of the bayonet."


6. "The Army and Navy : In their garlands of victory, may humanity to the vanquished ever be the fairest flower."


7. "Agriculture, Manufactures, and Commerce : Like the rivers Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri, pouring their united streams in the mighty current of national wealth and grandeur."


8. "Our Independence : The fountain whose overflowing hath re- freshed the earth."


9. "The Massachusetts Agricultural Society : Like the Nile, convey- ing fertility wherever its influence extends, and causing even the desert to blossom."


10. " The Last and Present House of Representatives : Well may they say, with the loquacious friend of the most patient Job : 'Behold, our bellies are as wine which hath no vent; they are ready to burst like new bottles. We will speak, that we may be refreshed.'"


By Daniel Adams, president of the day : " The next President of the United States : May he achieve his office, not by McDuffie's valor or Russell's duplicity, but by New England merit and the free suffrages of the American people."


By Rev. Mr. Morey, of Walpole : " The Good Ship United States : Patriotism her pilot, prudence her helm."


By Dr. John E. Holbrook : "The Marquis Lafayette : The friend of America."


By the orator of the day: " The Citizens of Medfield : Correct in principle, consistent in practice."


By Judge Ware : " The Hon. John Q. Adams : He has honored his country, may his country honor him."


By John B. Derby, Esq. (after the clergy had retired): " The Rever- end Clergy : May they allure to brighter worlds, and lead the way."


By the vice-president, Captain Felt: "This Glorious Anniversary : May it never be forgotten till the wheels of old time roll in eternity."


222


HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.


After each toast was given, the cannon, near at hand, was fired, then the musicians played, and the guests responded in glasses of wine. The frequent repetition of these cere- monies, during the long string of toasts, appears to have had an influence upon the spirits of the company; and some of the later sentiments (not quoted above) indicate the nature of that influence. The celebration was con- ducted in accordance with the manner of the times, how- ever, and was considered creditable to the patriotism and public spirit of the citizens.


The question of the expediency of calling a convention for the revision of the State Constitution came before the voters : yeas, 14 ; nays, 45.


The population of the town in 1820 was 892.


Jonathan P. Bishop was appointed postmaster.


PUPILS OF THE CENTRE SCHOOL, FEB. 12, 1820.


Boys.


Fisher Allen.


Cyrus Chickering.


Samuel Johnson.


Ebenezer Balch.


Sanford Clark.


Charles Metcalf.


William Battelle.


Albert Cleaveland.


Joseph Peters.


Isaac Bigelow.


Horace Cleaveland.


Nathan Plimpton.


Jonathan Billings.


Caleb Ellis.


Daniel P. Russell.


Charles Bonney.


John Ellis.


Arnold Russell.


Joseph Bailey.


William Ellis.


Arnold Smith.


Martin Bailey.


David Fairbanks.


Edwin Smith.


Jonathan D. Breck.


Lovell Fairbanks.


Royal Smith.


Elias Breck.


Joseph Fairbanks.


Samuel Vialle.


James Breck.


Lewis Fairbanks.


Alfred Waterman.


John Bosworth.


William Forbes.


Thomas Waterman. Jason Whitney.


Joseph Cheney. Theron Cheney.


William Gammell. Asa M. Gammell. Nymphas Hatch. Lyman Johnson.


Charles Wight. -


Girls.


Catherine Allen. Lucia Adams.


Mary D. Breck.


Drusilla Clark.


Sarah Bosworth.


Alma Chenery.


Mary Ann Clark. Catherine Clark. Caroline Cleaveland.


Mary Bosworth. Eliza Bush. Caroline Boyden.


Hannah Chenery.


Hannah Clark.


Sophia Clark.


Eliza Cleaveland. Martha Collins.


Nathaniel Bosworth.


Timothy Cheney.


Lucy Cheney.


223


MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.


Catherine Dixon. Sally Fisher.


Caroline Plympton.


Elinor Dixon.


Eliza Fuller.


Sarah Plympton.


Selma Dixon.


Mary Gammell. Mary Russell.


Hannah Ellis.


Fanny Hartshorn. Amy Smith.


Abigail Fairbanks. Sarah A. Johnson.


Catherine Smith.


Jane Fairbanks. Sally Mann.


Evalina Smith.


Mary Fairbanks. Catherine Morse.


Olive Smith.


Lydia Fairbanks.


Mary Morse.


Fanny Stetson.


Ann Fisher.


Lucy Morse.


Emily Whitney.


Emeline Fisher.


Sarah Peters.


1821. Selectmen, Nathaniel Kingsbury, Amos Wight, John W. Adams, Joseph Clark, and Seth Chenery.


Johnson Mason, Representative.


The school fund at this time amounted to $4,015.45, the interest on which was $231.87.


The amendments to the Constitution having been sub- mitted to the people, the vote in this town showed ten of the fourteen approved by our citizens.


The weather during the early part of this year was excep- tionally cold. April 17, snow fell fourteen inches deep on a level.


The Village Register of May 11, 1821, contains the fol- lowing notice of the opening of a school at Academy Hall : -




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