USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Medford > History of the town of Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, from its first settlement, in 1630, to the present time, 1855 > Part 16
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For Governor.
For Lieutenant-Governor.
John Hancock
24 Thomas Cushing 20
For Senators.
Seth Gorham .
22
Abraham Fuller 22
James Prescott
22
Josiah Stone
22
John Tyng .
22
The State government took up the cause of independence with wisdom and power. At this time, a levy of clothing and beef for the army was made by it, and our records show that Medford raised its share with promptitude.
The second annual election of State officers was like the third, which, in Medford, stood thus : -
For Governor.
For Lieutenant-Governor.
John Hancock
45
Thomas Cushing . 44
For Senators.
Ebenezer Bridge .
37 Eleazer Brooks 37
Josiah Stone
36
Jonas Dix .
35
Abraham Fuller
37
Joseph Hosmer -
3
At the fourth annual election, April 7, 1783, Governor Hancock had, in Medford, 36 votes ; Lieutenant-Governor Cushing, 30. Each Senator had 24. These facts show remarkable political harmony in the town.
The recognition of independence by the mother country caused a day of thanksgiving in Medford, which the aged among us remember. There were meetings and feastings and congra- tulations and rejoicings without number. It seemed here as if the whole heavens were filled with rainbows. So intoxi- cated with hope were our fathers, that they doubtless pre- sumed that two blades of grass would henceforth grow where
158
HISTORY OF MEDFORD.
only one had grown, and that a shower of twopenny loaves might be expected at any time. From these dreams of a political Elysium they were doomed to awake plain New England farmers ; and, on the 1st of March, 1784, in town- meeting, they thus voted : "That the guns and gunlocks, axes, pickaxes, spades, shovels, and lead, belonging to the town, be sold at public auction." When the first gush of republican joy was over, and the town became settled in the new ways of freedom, then they began to ask how much independence had cost, in pounds, shillings, and pence.
To give only two specimens of individual zeal in the cause of independence among us, we may mention the remark of our first Medford merchant, Benjamin Hall, Esq. : -
" When the struggle began, in 1775, I would not have exchanged my property for that of any man in Middlesex County ; and now, in 1784, I am worth nothing."
The other case is that of Rev. Edward Brooks. He was librarian of Harvard College two years. On the 19th of April, 1775, he hastened towards Lexington, and did duty through the day. Lieut. Gould, taken prisoner at Concord, was committed to his custody at Medford. He was chaplain in the frigate " Hancock," in 1777, when she captured the British frigate " Fox." Afterwards, when the " Hancock " and " Fox " were retaken by the British off Halifax, he was carried there as prisoner of war, but was soon released. He had not money to give, but he would have given his life, to the American cause. He died at Medford, May 6, 1781, aged 48.
Medford took steps to pay its debts at the earliest pe- riod. It was to be done by degrees ; and, May 12, 1785, they vote thus : "To raise £400 to defray the expenses of the town, and £400 towards sinking the town-debt." The next year they vote that " one quarter of the town's debt be paid this year." They thus continued the wise work of liqui- dating all claims against their treasury, and, before many years, were free also in this particular.
Our fathers shared largely in the intense anxiety which pervaded the United States, from the declaration of peace in 1783 to the adoption of the Federal Constitution in 1788. Though independence was achieved, yet it might prove a curse, if a form of government could not be adopted which would harmoniously unite all the Colonies into a strong, just,
159
POLITICAL HISTORY.
and brotherly union. To draft such a constitution required all the Numas, Lycurguses, and Solons of the land. There was, in the country, the wisdom, the learning, the patriot- ism, and the virtue necessary for the stupendous and all- important work ; but attending circumstances were, in some respects, unpropitious. Differing opinions and opposite interests, state rights and state sovereignties already estab- lished, the disbanded soldiers sowing discontent and immora- lity among the citizens, the enormous public and private debts, the unwarrantably large importations of foreign mer- chandise, the draining of the specie from the country, and the fear of a political chaos, - all these fertile sources of alarm rendered the formation of a durable federal compact a gigantic labor. March 10, 1787, a, convention of delegates from the several States was agreed upon, who should prepare a form of government which should "render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of government and the preservation of the Union." This convention was to meet in Philadelphia on the second Monday of May next. The General Court appoint Francis Dana, Elbridge Gerry, Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King, and Caleb Strong as Dele- gates from Massachusetts.
At this juncture, the late requisition of Congress, Aug. 2, 1786, for $3,777,062, calls on our Commonwealth to pay its proportion, which was $324,746. The murmurs of the people, under what they deemed excessive taxation, became loud and emphatic. There were those who were ready to rise in rebellion against the government, and throw the whole fabric of American liberty in ruins. This suicidal sophistry found its advocate in Shays, who put himself at the head of a military force of eleven hundred men. The Governor of Massachusetts ordered out four thousand four hundred troops of militia and four companies of artillery, who, under Gen. Lincoln, marched to Worcester, Jan. 22. General Shepherd took possession of the arsenal at Springfield, and, on the 25th of that month, encountered Shays, and soon scattered his adherents to the four winds, leaving upon the field three of them killed, and one wounded. This base attempt to involve the country in civil war being thus promptly and totally crushed, while it united anew the friends of freedom and order, put a final check to further insurrections. We have mentioned these facts to show the fidelity of our Medford patriots to the cause of their country ; for no sooner had this
160
HISTORY OF MEDFORD.
subversive movement been taken, than our town votes its entire disapprobation of the traitorous scheme, and offers to pay any soldiers who would volunteer to put it down. Young men went, and they were paid accordingly.
The Constitution of the United States was adopted by Massachusetts, Feb. 6, 1788, in its Legislature, by a vote of 187 yeas. There were 168 nays. This memorable instru- ment, which, among its other agencies, was to establish an equitable system of taxation, regulate trade, and secure pro- perty, was also to inaugurate order and peace, to foster com- merce, encourage agriculture, and promote useful arts. Our ancestors felt satisfied with its provisions, and were not dis- appointed in its promises.
At this time arose the two great parties, the " Federalists " and " Antifederalists ; " the one supporting, and the other opposing, our present Constitution. The name " Antifede- ralist " was soon dropped, and that of " Republican " substi- tuted.
Provided with two constitutions, one for their native State, and the other for their country, the time had now arrived for the organization of a general government ; and the citizens of the United States now collect in their several towns, and, for the first time, give in their votes for a President of the Republic. The ballot for electors was unanimous, and stood thus, in Medford, Dec. 18, 1788 : -
Hon. Judge Dana 25 | Gen. John Brooks 24
The government of the country being now administered by President Washington with wisdom, power, and economy, several years of quietness and prosperity gave rest to the public mind. Our town had little else to do than accord with the general acts of Congress. When the Father of his Country chose to decline a third election to the Presidency, the preference of our town for Mr. Adams, as his successor, was unequivocally shown ; and when this patriot stood can- didate a second time, and was successfully opposed by Mr. Jefferson, Medford, Nov. 7, 1796, adhered to the son of Massachusetts, in a unanimous vote of 41, given for Benja- min Hall, as elector.
The death of General Washington, in December, 1799, touched every American heart as a family bereavement. Its announcement came to every one as a paralytic shock, and
POLITICAL HISTORY. 161
each one felt as if his strength had been suddenly withdrawn. No sooner had the mournful tidings reached Medford, than the inhabitants came together, and, Jan. 2, 1800, expressed their sorrow at the sad event, resolving by vote, -
" That the town will pay suitable respect to the memory of the late General George Washington; and that a Committee of eleven be chosen to make the proper arrangements."
In the printed order of services, " evincive of their deep regret," the Committee request as follows : --
"1. At one o'clock, P.M., the stores and shops of the town to be shut. The bell is to toll from one o'clock till the procession shall · arrive at the meeting-house. The inhabitants to assemble at Union Hall, with a black crape or ribbon upon the left arm, above the elbow, as mourning. The scholars of the town school to join the procession in a body. The procession to move at two o'clock, under the direction of the Committee.
" 2. Females, of all ages, are requested to wear black ribbons, and to be seated in the meeting-house before the arrival of the pro- cession.
" 3. Male strangers are requested to join the procession.
" 4. After the procession is seated, music, suited to the occa- sion.
" 5. Prayer, by the Rev. Dr. Osgood.
" 6. Music.
" 7. Eulogy, by the Hon. John Brooks, Esq.
" 8. Music. After which, the bell to toll till sunset."
Every thing was thus done by the town which could express grief at the loss, or respect for the memory, of the venerated chief. General John Brooks, the companion in arms of the illustrious warrior, and one of his favorite friends, was the person, of all others, to deliver the public eulogy ; and it was done on the thirteenth of January. On that day all business was suspended as on the sacred sabbath, the shops closed, the flags at half-mast, the meeting-house robed in black, and every inhabitant dressed in mourning apparel ; and these badges were continued for thirty days. In form- ing the funeral procession, the children of the town preceded ; the military, with muffled drums, were in attendance, as an escort ; and the officers of the town, the chaplain, and the orator, were accompanied by strangers of distinction. The meeting-house, as the writer well remembers, was crowded to its utmost capacity ; and the funeral music and impressive
21
162
HISTORY OF MEDFORD.
prayers were in proper keeping with the solemnities of the commemoration. The eulogy, prepared in a short time, was the outflowing of a warm and afflicted heart. It was written in plain, strong language, and narrated, with lucid order, the prominent facts in Washington's life, and the salient features of his character. It was printed with the following titlepage : -
" An Eulogy on General Washington, delivered before the inha- bitants of the town of Medford, agreeably to their vote, and at the request of their Committee, on the 13th of January, 1800. By John Brooks, A.M., M.M.S., and A.A.S. Printed by Samuel Hall, No. 53, Cornhill, Boston."
We give a few extracts, and select the following because they are short : -
" The interjunction of public eulogies with funeral solemnities is a practice neither novel nor unusual. Emanating from the strength and poignance of grief for departed merit, it is the expression of an affection of the human heart which may be beneficially indulged. . . . Vain would be the attempts of the most accomplished eulo- gist to do justice to a character so transcendently illustrious as that of our late dear and much-loved Washington. ... So long as wisdom shall be revered, talents command respect, or virtue inspire esteem, so long will the American breast exult that he was a native of this western world. ... After the wanton conflagration and capture of our sister, Charlestown, and the untimely death of the hopeful Warren, the animating presence of Washington, who was received by our army at Cambridge, in July, 1775, elevated the drooping spirits of the troops, then forming the tardy blockade of Boston. Without discipline, badly armed, and destitute of artillery and every description of military stores, no operations against the enemy could be warrantably undertaken until the spring of the year 1776. In consequence of the approaches which better sup- plies had enabled the army to make against the enemy, General Washington then compelled them to abandon our capital. . . . He maintained, through all vicissitudes, a virtuous empire over the affections of his countrymen. ... General Washington, in whom were combined the fine polish of Attic refinement with the stern- ness of Spartan virtue, resisted their solicitations with address, and their menaces with firmness; and the faithful guardian of his coun- try's safety and honor, obeying the dictates of a severe but impos- ing policy, assigned the hapless André to the destiny of a spy .. . . Such is the structure and imbecility of the human mind, that praise is exceedingly prone to destroy its equilibrium; but the Aristides, as well as the Fabius, of the age, neither despondent in adversity nor elated with success, preserved a philosophical equa-
163
POLITICAL HISTORY.
nimity amid the most copious effusions of enthusiasm and pane- gyric; and when a Cæsar would have assumed the purple, or a Cromwell usurped the protectorship, he resigned with eagerness the proud insignia of command, and converted the splendid weapons of war into the humble implements of the arts of peace. ... The name of Washington is pronounced with pleasure and with pride by the people of every civilized nation on earth. . . . Thus was our much-loved friend, the FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY, great in war, great in peace, great in life, and great in the moment of his dissolution. .. . What though his once manly, graceful form be now mingling with its native dust; yet WASHINGTON still lives immortal. Yes : he lives in his matchless example ; he lives in those lessons of wisdom that flowed from his pen ; he lives in our hearts, and in the hearts of a grateful country ; he lives, transport- ing thought ! resplendent in glory, in the realms of ceaseless day."
The Rev. Dr. Osgood preached an appropriate sermon to his people on the great subject ; the town voted to print it, and to append to it Washington's " Farewell Address," and then to give a copy to each family in town. When February 22 arrived, the meeting-house in Medford was open for religious exercises, and the day was kept as sacred.
During the presidential canvass, in 1800, party lines began to assume definiteness, and that great contest of parties arose which has vexed and steadied the nation ever since. Med- ford took strongly the side of opposition to the policy of Mr. Jefferson and his immediate successor, and sustained the State government in a similar course. When the embargo of 1807 was laid, the people of Medford felt indignant. So near the sea, and so dependent on commerce, they became great sufferers. The sloop and schooner craft of our river became liable to irritating detentions on their shortest coast- wise trips, and could not undertake any profitable trade. Commerce, for the time, was struck dead. Fishermen could not sell their fish, or carry them where a market could be had ; men unaccustomed to manufactures could not engage in them with profit ; agriculture could be rendered available only in small degrees ; merchants, who would have had car- goes in every clime, were anchored in idleness per force ; mechanics, whom commerce fed, were reduced to want ; and, in short, a general paralysis struck down the labor and enter prise of the North. By recurring to the votes for Governor and members of Congress, during these two or three years, it will be seen how almost unanimously the inhabitants of
164
HISTORY OF MEDFORD.
Medford went against the plans and policy of the central government.
When the war with Great Britain was declared, June 18, 1812, the town of Medford took decisive stand against this measure of Mr. Madison, and in their opposition were cheered and strengthened by their pastor, who seized every occasion that offered to hurl the thunders of the Old and New Testament, and his own also, upon the authors of the "abominable wickedness." The country sustained the government ; and the good effects which were anticipated from this series of measures showed themselves at last, and are now making New England rich and strong. The " Hart- ford Convention," which was called in the midst of the coun- try's struggle and gloom, December, 1814, had one member from Medford. That convention was supposed to be patri- otic and wise in its inception, but is now believed by many to have ended in words and smoke.
The selection of General John Brooks, as candidate for the office of Governor of Massachusetts, gratified the people of Medford ; and, if party ties could have been sundered, it is believed he would have received the vote of every individual in the town. As it was, few only voted against him ; and, through seven elections, Medford stood by its son with unaltered affection. His refusal to continue in office cast a gloom through every family. Never was a man more truly or justly beloved. During his administration, Medford seemed to be the head of the Commonwealth.
The coming into Medford of ship-carpenters who belonged to the Democratic party, and the gradual change of policy in the national administration, both helped to change the forces of town politics. As parties became more equally divided among us, the warmth of conflict increased ; and, on some occasions, it was fearfully great. The two parties wore several names between the administrations of Mr. Monroe and Mr. Van Buren ; but Medford became as fully and strongly " Demo- cratic " as it had once been "Federal." The first time a plurality was obtained by the Democratic party in Medford was April, 1828 ; and they lost it in 1854.
The multiplication and mixture of new issues in politics have so broken society into divisions, and crumbled it into fragments, that old-fashioned patriots are confounded, and withdraw from the conflict altogether. A signboard, planted at the entrance of several roads, would not be a very safe
165
POLITICAL HISTORY.
guide to a stranger, if it was made to perform, at the same time, the office of weathercock. We have no doubt that this bewildering jumble of political parties in our country will lead to good and safe results. Each has its mission ; each works out its idea ; and, by their centripetal and centrifugal forces, they unexpectedly keep the country in the orbit of safety. The war carried on against Mexico, during Mr. Polk's administration, received the approbation and support · of a majority of the inhabitants of Medford. That war gave a President to the United States, in a laurelled hero, who changed that majority in this town.
Medford furnished a small number of soldiers for that war. No one of them was killed ; yet only one returned to reside here.
Nov. 1, 1830 .: Voted that the town approve of the Address of the Bunker-hill Monument Association, which has now been read, and " request their Representative to promote such appropriation."
1831: Medford instructs its Representatives in the Gene- ral Court to oppose all measures which tend to make the number of Representatives in Massachusetts more than two hundred.
A convention was called for revising the Constitution of Massachusetts ; and, Oct. 10, 1820, Nathaniel Hall and Abner Bartlett were chosen delegates. On the 9th April, 1821, the town voted to accept the amended draft. The vote was as follows : -
No.
Art. 1
2
"
3
43
39.
4
69
12.
"
5
68
14.
"
6
69
12.
7
59 54 71 47
17. 22. 28. 11. 33. 24. 42.
"
"
10 11 12 13
"
14 9
61
21.
Art. 8
Yes. No. 7. 75 47 35.
Yes. 57 40 63
Nov., 1833 : The town voted on an amendment of the Constitution of the State. It related to the third article in the Bill of Rights, which regulates the membership of parishes. By the amendment, any person may file with the clerk of the parish to which he belongs a written notice that he dissolves his relationship to that religious society, and it is thereby dissolved. The vote in Medford was one hundred and five yeas and twelve nays.
166
HISTORY OF MEDFORD.
Another amendment was proposed in 1840, relating to the basis of representation in the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives. On this "thirteenth act of amendment of the Constitution of Massachusetts," Medford voted eighty-one yeas and one nay.
In 1852, a Convention was called for revising the Consti- tution of the State ; and, March 7, 1853, William Hoskins was chosen delegate.
Nov. 14, 1853 : The town voted on the acceptance of the . amended draft of the Constitution as follows : -
Yes.
No.
Proposition No. 1 . 338
" Yes.
4 . 342 349. No. 351.
Proposition No. 5 . 346
346.
"
" 2 . 339 352.
"
" 6 . 355 345.
"
" 3 . 334 356.
"
" 7 .340 351. 347.
We seem to be in the midst of prophetic political saltations. The secret, sudden, and effectual dismemberment of the Whig, Democratic, and Free Soil parties, in this State, by the agency of an association improperly called " Know Nothings," gave a new character to the political affairs of Medford ; and, at the last gubernatorial election, the votes stood thus : -
Henry J. Gardner, Know Nothing
423.
Emory Washburn, Whig 147.
Henry Bishop, Democratic 29.
H. Wilson, Free Soil
9.
To the honor of Medford it should be recorded, that amid the fiercest contentions of political parties, and at their cau- cuses, and at their ballotings, there have never been instances of ruthless violence, or passionate menace, or systematic cor- ruption. The meetings have been marked with that decorum and self-respect which evince an intelligent and virtuous community.
VOTES IN MEDFORD FOR REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS.
Dates of Election. Names.
No. of Votes.
Dec. 18, 1788.
William Hull
16.
Eleazer Brooks 11.
Oct. 4, 1790. Elbridge Gerry 46.
A
"
" 8 . 341
167
POLITICAL HISTORY.
No. of Votes.
Dates of Election. Names.
Nov. 2, 1792. Suffolk, Fisher Ames 16.
Essex, Benjamin Goodhue . 16.
Middlesex, Samuel Dexter . 12.
FOR THE THREE COUNTIES, OR DISTRICT.
Nov. 2, 1792. John Coffin Jones
FOR THE STATE AT LARGE, EXCEPT MAINE.
16.
Nov. 3, 1794.
Benjamin Goodhue
30.
Nov. 7, 1796.
Samuel Sewall (unanimous).
49.
Nov. 5, 1798. Samuel Sewall .
83.
Nov. 3, 1800. Nathan Reed
95.
Nov. 1, 1802. John Q. Adams
18. 5
Nov. 1804.
Josiah Quincy
31. 5
Nov. 3, 1806.
Josiah Quincy
58. 22. 120.
Nov. 7, 1808. Josiah Quincy
William Jarvis
96. 18.
Nov. 2, 1812. Asahel Stearns
72. 11.
Nov. 7, 1814. Asahel Stearns
191.
Samuel Dana
17. 150.
Nov. 4, 1816. Asahel Stearns .
Timothy Fuller
20. 55.
Nov. 2, 1818.
Samuel P. P. Fay
11.
Nov. 6, 1820.
Samuel P. P. Fay
34.
Timothy Fuller
32.
Nov. 4, 1822.
Timothy Fuller
84.
Nov. 1, 1824. Edward Everett
33.
Nov. 6, 1826. Edward Everett
100.
Nov. 3, 1828.
Luke Fiske .
64.
Nov. 1, 1830.
James Russell
30.
Nov. 10, 1832.
Samuel Hoar
109.
Nov. 10, 1834.
Heman Lincoln
35.
James Russell
110.
Nov. 14, 1836.
William Parmenter
164.
Samuel Hoar
125.
William Eustice
100.
William Eustice®
James Prince
24.
Nov. 5, 1810. Josiah Quincy
David Tilden
William M. Richardson
Timothy Fuller
37.
John Keyes .
60.
Edward Everett
72.
Edward Everett
No Record.
15.
David Cobb .
168
HISTORY OF MEDFORD.
Dates of Election. Names.
No. of Votes.
Nov. 12, 1838. William Parmenter
178.
Nathan Brooks .
164.
Nov. 9, 1840.
William Parmenter
248.
Nathan Brooks .
216.
Nov. 4, 1842.
Robert Rantoul, jun
275.
Levérett Saltonstall William B. Dodge.
151.
Nov. 11, 1844.
George Hood
254. 211. 57.
Nov. 9, 1846.
Daniel P. King
157.
George W. Dike
156. 12.
Nov. 13, 1848.
Daniel P. King
244. 200. 70.
Nov. 11, 1850.
Charles W. Upham
232. 217. 64. 200.
Nov. 8, 1852.
Francis B. Fay
192.
John B. Alley .
64. 62.
Nov. 13, 1854.
Nathaniel P. Banks
470.
Luther V. Bell .
136.
COUNCILLORS AND SENATORS.
Jolin Brooks, Councillor . 1812. | James M. Usher, Senator, 1851. P. C. Brooks, " . 1818.
Sanford B. Perry, " 1852.
Timothy Bigelow, „, . 1820. - E. C. Baker,
1855.
REPRESENTATIVES OF MEDFORD IN THE GENERAL COURT.
Peter Tufts . chosen 1689.
John Allford . chosen 1726.
Peter Tufts.
1690.
Benjamin Willis
1730.
Nathaniel Wade
1692.
William Willis
1735.
Peter Tufts .
1694.
John Hall
1741.
Thomas Willis
1703.
William Willis
1742.
Ebenezer Brooks 1704.
Andrew Hall 1744.
Thomas Willis
1705.
Stephen Hall
1751.
Stephen Willis
1708.
Samuel Brooks Stephen Hall
1763.
Peter Tufts .
1715.
Benjamin Hall
1770.
Thomas Tufts
1718.
Simon Tufts 1772.
John Bradshaw
1722.
Benjamin Hall
1775.
Samuel Brooks
1723.
Thomas Brooks
1776.
25.
Daniel P. King
Henry B. Stanton
Increase HI. Brown
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