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 17
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ACADEMY FOR YOUNG LADIES.
MISS M. D. ADAMS
Proposes to commence a school for Young Ladies in Medfield, on the twenty-first day of May next.
TERMS PER QUARTER.
Reading, Writing, Spelling, Geography with Maps and Globes, Arith- metic, and plain sewing, . $3.50
English Grammar, Rhetorick and Composition, History, Drawing Maps, Drawing and Painting in water colors and chalks, Fancy Needle- work and Embroidery, including the above, $4.50 .
To this was appended a recommendation of the teacher from Dr. Sanders.
The Village Register was printed at Dedham, and de- livered to subscribers by a post rider, who went through the towns in this part of the county for the purpose.
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HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
1822. Selectmen, Johnson Mason, William Peters, Seth Chenery, Phinehas Allen, and Moses Richardson.
Hinsdale Fisher was chosen town clerk. He held the office eight years.
Town granted $50 for a "singing-school."
This year, the Baptist meeting-house was enlarged to nearly twice its former capacity. It was still a plain build- ing, however, without spire or cupola. The pulpit was placed at the west end, the entrance being at the east. There was one aisle running lengthwise through the centre, with a row of pews on each side, which were made so that all the people sat facing the pulpit. There were galleries around three sides, the semi-circular part opposite the pul- pit being occupied by the singers. In the side galleries there was one row of pews next the wall, with benches in front of them. The pulpit was somewhat elevated, and was approached by a flight of eight or ten steps. The minister entered by a door at the head of these steps, and shut him- self in during services.
A CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION.
On one of the Sabbaths, a collection was taken up in the Congregationalist church, amounting to $26.55, for the ben- efit of a Mr. Parnell of Mendon, who, it is stated, had been burned out.
THE LOST RECORDS RECOVERED.
The records of the old church, commenced by Mr. Bax- ter, had been lost for many years. They were discovered. in 1822, at Northfield, Mass., in the possession of Rev. Thomas Mason, and restored to the church by Dr. Sanders.
The house which had been built by Eliakim Allen upon the town's land on Frairy Street was sold for $100 to John B. Derby. The money was added to the school fund. The house soon became the property of Elias H. Derby.
The Fourth of July oration was delivered by Silas P. Holbrook, Esq.
1823. Selectmen, Moses Richardson, Seth Ellis, Sam- uel Johnson, Jesse Ellis, and Jonathan Fiske.
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MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
William Felt, Representative.
A collection was taken up in the Congregationalist church for a Mr. Farrington, of Wrentham, who had been burned out. It amounted to $26.05.
Rev. William Gammell resigned the pastorate of the Baptist church.
FREEMASONRY IN MEDFIELD.
William Felt and others petitioned for the establishment of a Masonic lodge in Medfield ; and, September 16, " Cassia Lodge " was constituted. It continued till 1845, when it became extinct. The list of names of the original members was lost at the burning of the Masonic Temple, in Boston. The hall over the Centre School-house, formerly " Academy Hall," was fitted up as a lodge-room.
Charles Onion was appointed postmaster. He held the office nearly thirty years.
1824. Selectmen, William Peters, Jonathan Wight, Jr., John W. Adams, Arnold Russell, and John Ellis.
William Felt, Representative.
Total amount of the school fund at this date, $4,215.61. The town granted $50 to encourage sacred music.
Rev. Joseph Ballard commenced labor as pastor of the Baptist church and society.
The maple and ash trees on East Main Street were set out in 1824.
1825. Selectmen, John W. Adams, Obed Allen, John Ellis, Seth Ellis, and Wesley P. Balch.
Whole amount of the school fund, $4,379.34.
Abner Mason collected taxes for two cents and six mills on the dollar.
SUBSCRIBERS TO THE BUNKER HILL MONUMENT.
The corner-stone of a monument on Bunker Hill having been laid by General Lafayette, June 17, 1825, subscriptions
.
THC
226
HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
toward its erection were made in all parts of the country. The Medfield subscribers were these : -
E. H. Derby, $5. John Ellis, $5. William Felt, $10.
Moses B. Harding, $5.
Charles Onion, $5.
William Peters, $5.
Samuel Johnson, $5. Nathan Wight, $5.
1826. Selectmen, John W. Adams, Obed Allen, John Ellis, Wesley P. Balch, and Wales Plimpton.
William Felt, Representative.
Brastow's bridge, previously called "great bridge," was rebuilt. The wood-work was done by Lemuel Clark, of Medway, for $73; the stone-work, by John Allen and An- thony W. Cleaveland, for $165. Half the expense was paid by each town.
HEATING APPARATUS FOR THE CHURCHES.
This year, two new stoves were placed in the Congrega- tional meeting-house, "with long Russia pipes," at a cost of $100, which was raised by subscription. From the founding of the town to this date, no appliance for warming the meet- ing-house had been introduced. The new stoves were fired up for the first time December 24, and proved their useful- ness at once, as that was one of the coldest days of the whole winter, so the old church record tells us.
The Baptist meeting-house was also provided about the same time with a large box stove which stood in the aisle directly in front of the pulpit. This had a "long Russia pipe " likewise. The making of these pipes was a task of great magnitude for Medfield mechanics, and was accom- plished by John W. Adams, the work being done entirely by hand.
1827. Selectmen, Obed Allen, Wesley P. Balch, Seth Ellis, Charles Harding, and Samuel Johnson.
William Felt, Representative.
The total expenditures of the town this year were $1,919.57.
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MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
PAUPERISM.
The following persons were supported as paupers : Nahum Baker, William Connelly, Joseph Adams, Magdalen The- bault, Thankful Baker, Asa Albee, Ruth Turner, Joshua Seaver, Priscilla Mason, George Turner, Lois Wight, and Bela Cleaveland and his children.
THE ORTHODOX CHURCH.
Two petitions were presented by members of the old church, asking to be dismissed from that body for the pur- pose of forming an Orthodox church. The old church being reluctant to grant them, a council was called, which reported favorably for the petitioners.
1828. Selectmen, Obed Allen, Seth Ellis, Wesley P. Balch, Samuel Johnson, and Charles Harding.
William Felt, Representative.
A proposition was made to purchase a piece of land four rods wide on the east side of the burying-ground for the purpose of enlarging the same. It was defeated.
September 15, the Hartford and Dedham corporation petitioned the county commissioners to lay out their road as a public highway, excepting a small portion from the corner of Main and Bridge Streets, to the intersection with the old post-road in East Medway.
CONSTITUENT MEMBERS OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH.
The Second, or Orthodox Congregational, Church was organized Feb. 6, 1828, with seventeen members : -
Moses Wight. Artemas Woodward.
Susan F. Turner.
Esther Chenery.
Obed Fisher.
Esther Chenery, 2d.
Nathaniel Stearns.
Olive Mason.
Stephen Turner.
Mary Smith.
Elisha Clark. Sarah Wight.
Waitstill Smith.
Martha Adams.
Menitable Woodward. Mary Stearns.
Keziah Mason.
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HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
The new religious society was organized under the State laws, February 24. The first meetings were held in Mrs. Derby's parlor. Afterward, the society made use of a hall over the store on the corner of Main and North Streets. Among the ministers who preached to the new church were Rev. Dr. Codman of Dorchester, Dr. Lyman Beecher, and his son Edward Beecher. The ministers generally stayed over Sunday with Mrs. Prentiss.
A committee appointed by the centre district reported that it was expedient to divide the school.
NEW LIBRARY.
The second library in town was started in 1828. The stockholders paid $4 a share. It was kept at the store, corner of North and Main . Streets, and contained about one thousand volumes. Many of the books, however, were bought at auction in Boston, and were not of great value, it is said.
1829. Selectmen, William Felt, John W. Adams, Nathan Wight, George Newell, and Robert Roberts.
John W. Adams was chosen town clerk for one year.
The town clerk and treasurer had each about $8 yearly for their services in these days.
Rev. Daniel C. Sanders resigned the pastoral charge of the Unitarian church and society.
Eliakim Morse commenced purchasing domestic straw braid and manufacturing it into bonnets, a business which he continued to carry on for several years.
" Frairy's bridge," over Stop River, on Noon Hill Street, was rebuilt. This is the last mention of that bridge by its original name in the records.
1830. Selectmen, Obed Allen, Moses B. Harding, Jesse Ellis, Samuel Johnson, and Abner Mason.
Rev. James A. Kendall became pastor of the Unitarian, and Rev. Moses Curtis of the Baptist church.
For the first time, a Dover man represented the two towns. Calvin Richards served three years, 1830-1832.
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MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
The population of the town in 1830 was 817. Number of polls, 171. Total valuation, $259,933. Rate of taxation, $5.40 on a thousand.
Horses were appraised according to their value this year, but other kinds of stock had a fixed valuation. A yoke of oxen, $50; a cow, or three-year-old, $10; yearling, $5 ; swine, six months old, $5; sheep, one year old, $2. In making the taxes, the assessors first formed a reduced list, which was six per cent. of the true value. From this, the rate was determined, and each man's tax cast.
1831. Selectmen, Obed Allen, Moses B. Harding, Jesse Ellis, Samuel Johnson, and Abner Mason.
Noah A. Fisk, town clerk. He held the office two years.
The burying-ground was cleared up, it having again be- come overgrown with bushes.
The direction of Frairy Street near North was changed, and laid along the edge of the pond. It originally entered North Street several rods farther north.
Rev. Arthur Granger was installed as first pastor of the Orthodox church.
The South School-house was enlarged by the addition of six feet at the east end for an entry and wood-room. The whole building was newly covered, and new desks and seats made. The whole expense was $325.
About this time, the Boston & Providence Railroad was contemplated ; and one survey was through this town, strik- ing the north-west corner of the cemetery, greatly to the horror of the citizens. They had no serious cause for alarm, however.
1832. Selectmen, Obed Allen, Moses B. Harding, Jesse Ellis, Amos Thayer, and Enoch Bullard.
FIRE ENGINE.
The town appropriated $100 for an engine house, but the vote was reconsidered at the next meeting. The first fire engine is said to have been presented to the town some
230
HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
years carlier ; and it was kept in a barn belonging to Mr. Woodward, which stood where the Orthodox parsonage now stands.
ORTHODOX MEETING-HOUSE.
The meeting- house of the Or- thodox Society was built. It was dedi-
₩7877
cated April 17. It stood on the site of their pres- ent house of worship, and was the build- 1833 ing burned in MEETING.HOUSES OF THE SECOND (ORTHODOX) CONGREGATION- ALIST SOCIETY. 1876. As at first built, the pulpit was at the front end between the entrances, and the singers' gallery at the rear. The pulpit and the gallery after- ward exchanged places, and the pews were reversed.
23I
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
Rev. Arthur Granger resigned his pastorate.
1833. Selectmen, Daniel C. Sanders, Seth Ellis, Elias H. Derby, John W. Adams, and Hinsdale Fisher.
Daniel C. Sanders, Representative.
Elias H. Derby was chosen town clerk, and held the office three years.
A committee of five was appointed to collect information respecting the best mode of supporting paupers.
Rev. Walter H. Bidwell was installed pastor of the Or- thodox church.
The hotel stable, which stood opposite the present town hall, was burned in the night-time, together with eighteen horses and other property. Samuel Grant was convicted of incendiarism, and served a term of six years in the State prison therefor.
1834. Selectmen, Daniel C. Sanders, Amos Thayer, Elias H. Derby, John W. Adams, and Hinsdale Fisher.
Daniel C. Sanders, Representative.
Abner Mason served as collector and treasurer for the town, and received $25 for his services.
$100 was granted to build an engine house; the building is still standing, near the Unitarian church.
Rev. Horatio N. Loring was settled as pastor of the Bap- tist church.
1835. Selectmen, Daniel C. Sanders, Seth Ellis, Amos Mason, Jesse Ellis, and Jonathan Wight, Jr.
Daniel C. Sanders, Representative.
Voted, That the old engine be repaired at the expense of the town, and that the selectmen locate and superintend the building of the engine house.
James Clark succeeded Samuel Johnson as keeper of the hotel in the centre of the village.
A proposition to lay out the turnpike as a county road was made to the town by the commissioners.
In these years, a curious custom prevailed here of apply- ing to sundry persons in the village lofty titles and cele- brated names. Thus, Mr. Onion, the postmaster, was Em-
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HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
peror. Mr. Clark, the portly tavern keeper, was Alderman. Others rejoiced in such titles as Pope, Count, Marshal Ney, Marshal Marmont, etc. One member of the circle, having gone out in a large tub to gather floating cranberries, cap- sized, and thereby gained the title of Admiral. The " Em- peror " frequently issued orders to his subordinates in the grandiloquent style of the first Napoleon. He also commu- nicated with the dignitaries of his mimic realm, giving information of current events. A specimen of one of these missives is given below. It was issued on the occasion of
certain itinerant venders bringing a large stock of goods into the town of Medfield, which they were offering to the vil- JAMES CLARK'S TAVERN. lagers both at private sale and at auction, apparently somewhat to the disgust of Mr. Onion and the other storekeepers of the place. They sojourned during their stay at James Clark's tavern.
HEAD-QUARTERS, September 14.
Sire,- It has fallen to our allotment to behold our hitherto peaceful community in a state of complete anarchy and contention, occasioned by the influx of pedlers. The invading forces from Foxboro and other places encamped with Alderman Clark, who immediately engaged in their service with his usual ardor.
The affairs of the day were conducted with much order and regu- larity until about 5 o'clock P.M. Then the invading forces, finding they were losing ground, withdrew for the night, giving notice of their inten- tion to resume business in the morning at private sales. Consequently,
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MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
the Hotel was transformed into a peddling shop. What & degrading scene to witness in our once splendid Tuileries ! Yesterday ended; but this morning I was up early, walking in the street, watching the splen- dor of the sun of Austerlitz, when my attention was attracted to the palace above named to view the appearance of Alderman Clark, one of the bellygerents, pointing to a splendid sign-board on his chimney top, and raving in a furious manner to Johnson and others, which drew me to the front. I looked up, and read, in large, well-painted letters,
PEDLERS' HOME. KEPT BY J. CLARK,
on which the worthy Alderman was declaiming.
This war is now not to be avoided. A declaration and manifesto are issued; and eternal wrath threatened on all concerned in erecting the banner, particularly J. H. B. and C. F. Your humble servant is in for his usual share of condemnation and suspicion of projection. We are all now under arms, and are negotiating for the former usual libation to be handed over on raising a sign. All such reasonable demands are, however, treated with contempt. I regret much that you are absent : trust you will hasten home speedily, your services are wanted. Have sent express for W. Janes, as we must carry the garrison by storm to correspond with its defence. I am in haste, the stage is at the door.
Yours in haste, EMPEROR.
To Marshal LE BRUN.
1836. Selectmen, Daniel C. Sanders, Seth Ellis, Jon- athan Wight, Jr., and Amos Mason.
Daniel C. Sanders, Representative.
James H. Boyden was town clerk for two years.
Voted, That the assessors require every person liable to taxation to give in the list of his personal estate under oath.
The centre district hired the Masonic Hall over the school-house as a school-room for younger pupils.
Rev. Walter Bidwell closed his connection with the Or- thodox Society.
Medfield and Dover were separated in representation after this date.
The first movement for a railroad from Woonsocket to Boston was made in 1836. The route proposed at first was from Woonsocket to Charles River, near Medway Village ; thence down the Charles River valley to Medfield, thence through West Dedham to the branch road at Dedham. A
234
HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
preliminary survey was made through this town in the fall of 1836, but nothing further was done till eight years after- ward. At that time, a competing route through Franklin, Norfolk, and Walpole was surveyed. Other routes were subsequently proposed, until ten distinct petitions came before the Legislature of 1846. A little later, a united peti- tion, signed by representative men of all the towns from Newton to Woonsocket, was presented to the Legislature for what was termed the " Pettee route " from Brookline to Woonsocket. The Medfield signers of the petition were Joseph Miller, Charles Harding, Isaac Fiske, and Samuel Johnson. This petition was unsuccessful ; and the com- mittee of the Legislature reported in favor of the "Norfolk County " route from Dedham through Walpole, Franklin, and other towns to Blackstone. One member only of that committee dissented, and favored what was called the " Per- kins route," from Dedham through Medfield, striking south- ward of the village near what is known as Powder-house Hill, thence through Rockville and Medway to Woonsocket.
1837. Selectmen, Daniels Hamant, Jr., Obed Allen, Nathan Wight, Moses Richardson, and George M. Smith.
PURCHASE OF THE POOR-FARM.
The farm of Mr. George Newell was purchased for the use of the poor, at a cost of $3, 100.
An old road was discontinued from the house of W. Q. Fisher to the Castle Hill-road.
The interest on the school fund amounted to $216.40. School money from the State, $44.98.
Voted, To receive the proportion of the surplus revenue then in the State treasury, and to appropriate it toward paying for the poor-farm.
The money referred to in this vote is the forty millions that had accumulated in the treasury of the general govern- ment after the national debt was paid, in the last year of Jackson's administration, and which was divided among the States. Medfield drew $1,763.
The commissioners laid out the Dedham and Hartford
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MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
turnpike as a county way. Medfield's proportion of the expense was $30.
Road from near the brick school-house to Dingle Dell was laid out, the easterly end of what is now West Street. It was to be built without expense to the town, with the exception of the bridge over "Turtle Brook."
Rev. Charles Walker was in- stalled pastor of
Unitarian, re- signed.
Warren Davis, 1838 who was a car- penter and builder here, the Ortho- dox church. 177 Rev. James MEETING-HOUSES OF THE BAPTIST SOCIETY. A. Kendall, he rented of Cyrus Stedman. commenced the manu- facture of doors, sashes, and blinds at the mill on Frairy Street, which After Mr. Davis removed from town, the business was continued by Willard Battelle, by Mr. Stedman, and by J. R. Cushman, he carrying it on in connection with his carriage work till about 1850.
1838. Selectmen, Nathan Wight, Daniels Hamant, Jr., Jonathan P. Bishop, George M. Smith, and Joseph Hartshorn.
236
HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
Charles Onion was chosen town clerk, and continued two years.
A discount of six per cent. was made on all taxes paid on or before November 20, and three per cent. on those paid on or before February 20.
Guide-boards were ordered at the corner of High and Plain Streets, South and Philip Streets, at the corner of the old turnpike and Main Street, and at the brick school- house, corner of North and Railroad Streets.
NEW BAPTIST MEETING-HOUSE.
The old Baptist meeting-house, built in 1772 and en- larged in 1822, was sold; and a new house of worship was built on the corner of Main and South Streets. It was sur- mounted by a low spire, and furnished with a bell. The body of the house forms the central portion of the present building. Jonathan Gleason was the contractor.
Rev. Daniel W. Phillips was ordained pastor of the church on the same day that the new meeting-house was dedicated, October 3.
Rev. John Ballard became acting pastor of the Orthodox church.
In the latter part of 1838, Henry Partridge bought the old nail factory, together with the grist mill on the Dedham road, and fitted them up for the manufacture of hay forks and similar goods, which he continued for several years. His manufactures had a wide reputation for excellence.
1839. Selectmen, Moses Richardson, Wesley P. Balch, Hinsdale Fisher, Orion Wight, and John Ellis.
William Peters, Representative.
The old meeting-house of the First Parish, built in 1789, was completely remodelled. It was turned around so as to front the south instead of the east ; the interior was mod- ernized ; a spire, about ninety feet in height, was erected in place of the old cupola ; and a half-underground vestry was built. The " Unitarian vestry " was the place for holding town-meetings and the ordinary public gatherings, concerts, and entertainments, for the next thirty years.
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MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
Rev. Charles Robinson was installed as the Unitarian pastor.
The town endeavored to encourage the cultivation of wheat, by offering a bounty of $15.
Voted, That town-meeting warrants be posted hereafter on the Centre School-house.
THE PUTNAM GREYS.
An independent military company was organized April 20, called the " Putnam Greys."
Captain. Lieutenant. Isaac Fiske.
Francis D. Ellis.
Ensign. John E. Bullard. Sergeants.
Daniel Adams, Jr. William P. Hewins.
Moses H. Johnson. William F. Richards.
Corporals.
Nathan Harding.
Alfred Wallace. James M. Chenery.
Henry P. Bruce.
Musicians.
Titus Smith. Jeremiah R. Smith.
Privates.
George F. Adams.
Henry Harding.
Lowell Adams.
George W. Hayward.
Jeremiah D. Ambler.
John Kingsbury.
Joseph H. Baker.
William Kingsbury.
Wesley P. Balch, Jr.
Charles Plimpton.
Joseph Barney.
Augustus Remick.
John Battelle.
Robert Roberts.
William H. Bullard.
Amos W. Shumway.
Nathaniel H. Cheney.
James H. Shaw.
Joseph Clark.
John W. Shumway.
Thomas S. Clark.
Charles Slocomb.
Thomas McDermott.
Walter D. Stow.
Samuel Ellis.
George M. Smith.
James A. Fairbanks.
Seth E. Williams.
John L. Fuller.
William D. Rowe.
Jonathan E. Gleason.
Horatio S. Howard.
Daniel D. Hamant.
Cyrus Stedman.
The "Greys" figured as the crack military company of this section for several years. The uniform consisted of
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HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.
gray coats, white pants, black caps, with brass vizors and white ostrich plumes. The company continued in existence till 1848. Isaac Fiske, Moses H. Johnson, John Battelle, and Amos W. Shumway were successively elected captains.
1840. Selectmen, Moses Richardson, Wesley P. Balch, Hinsdale Fisher, Orion Wight, and John Ellis.
Isaac Fiske was chosen town clerk, and served fourteen years.
The whole amount of taxable property in town was $304,- 726. Rate of taxation, $6.80 on a thousand.
The town hired the Unitarian vestry for town-meetings for a series of years, at $50 a year, including the use of a small room adjoining, which was occupied as an armory by the "Putnam Greys."
FOURTH OF JULY.
Independence Day was duly celebrated this year. Ad- dresses were delivered by Judge Leland and John A. Bolles, the Declaration being read by Daniel Adams, Jr. These exercises took place in an orchard, near the spot now occu- pied by the straw works. There was also a political gather- ing on the same day, under the management of the Demo- cratic party. This was held in a large tent on a vacant lot, opposite where the school-house now stands, on Pleasant Street.
The population of Medfield in 1840 was 883.
1841. Selectmen, Moses Richardson, Wesley P. Balch, Hinsdale Fisher, Orion Wight, and John Ellis.
Daniel Adams was Representative.
The taxes were collected this year for one and three- fourths per cent. The actual expense of supporting paupers for one year was $230.36 over and above the interest on capital invested and depreciation of property. About $5,000 had been invested in the establishment.
Rev. Moses G. Grosvenor commenced supplying the pul- pit of the Orthodox church.
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MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
1842. Selectmen, Moses Richardson, Wesley P. Balch, Hinsdale Fisher, Orion Wight, and John Ellis.
A committee was chosen to ascertain if there had been any encroachments upon the town's land near the meeting- house of the First Parish. They reported encroachments of a few feet on both sides, between the meeting-house and Main Street .. The line established in 1768 was discovered by digging down on the easterly corner of Main and North Streets to the stump of an elm that anciently stood there. At this spot, a stone was placed, and covered with earth.
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