USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Oxford > History of the town of Oxford, Massachusetts with genealogies and notes on persons and estates > Part 29
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230
HISTORY OF OXFORD.
rest a long vexed question, and until the erection of the new hall on the Plain, meetings were continued at the north common.
In 1861 it was voted to hold annual town meetings in April instead of March.
Memorial Hall. At the close of the Civil War a general desire existed to build a durable memorial to the soldiers, and Nov., 1865, $10,000 was voted for a monument. This action was reversed April, 1866. In June, 1868, a committee reported in favor of a Memorial Hall, and George Hodges, Emory E. Harwood and Daniel Warner were chosen a building committee, who proceeded with the project until August, when they were discharged.1
In April, 1872, a new building committee was chosen, Emory E. Harwood, George F. Daniels and Samuel W. Smith, with instructions to build at a cost of not over $25,000. Earle & Fuller of Worcester were employed as architects, and the building was erected by Thomas G. Learned of Worcester, and completed in the fall of 1873 at a cost of $24,664. Cost of heating, seating and lighting appliances, $3,755.2 The dedication, at which an able historical address was given by Peter B. Olney, Esq., of New York, was on 19 Nov., 1873.
A public hall was finished in the steam fire-engine house at North Oxford when that was erected, 1885, and later furnished at the town expense.
Private Halls. The first place in town (excepting the meeting- houses) adapted to public gatherings was at the old tavern at the Centre where two adjoining rooms, separated by a swinging partition, could be thrown into one, measuring about 15 by 30 feet. This sufficed for dancing parties, singing schools, etc., until about 1800, when a hall about 20 by 45 feet was added at the north end of the building.
The next similar room in town was that added, 1827, by Samuel C. Butler to the tavern at the north common.
In 1791 Dr. Daniel Fisk in building his mansion-house opposite Town's Pond, finished a large room in the upper story, which was used for dances and social parties, and here private schools were kept. [See Schools.]
Rev. Josiah Moulton in building the present Campbell house at the north common had a similar room finished, in which were held social meetings, and Mr. Ludden taught singing schools.
A small hall was constructed in the house of the late Col. DeWitt, H. 226, by Richard Moore the builder, and also by Richard Gleason
1 On 1 July the present lot had been deeded to the town, and Alexander R. Esty of Framing- ham had been employed to draw plans, etc. His bill was $840, which the town, Nov., 1869, voted to pay.
2 Measurements are as follows : main building, 92 x 55 feet, exclusive of porch; large hall, 63 x
52 feet ; platform, 24 x 12 feet; lower hall, 45 x, 40 feet; library, 30 x 20 feet; selectmen's room 25 x 20 feet; height of lower story, 13 feet; upper, 25 feet. The walls are of Southbridge brick ; trimmings, brownstone; floors, hard pine; finish, ash and walnut.
231
MINES.
at the corner of Sigourney and Main Streets, H. 239. These were used for social purposes, and in the latter a girls' school was taught in the summer of 1820.
Huguenot Hall. The chambers over the store near the Bank were arranged as a hall not far from 1855; it was much used, and known as "Huguenot Hall." In 1860 it was leased by the Oxford Lodge of Masons, who have since occupied it.
Sanford's Hall. Until the erection of Memorial Hall, that built by Emory Sanford in 1855 over the brick store and known as "San- ford's Hall," was the usual place for public gatherings. For several years it has been occupied by the G. A. R. Post, and is now known as Grand Army Hall.
Mines. On Long Hill, east of the north common, very early traces of iron were found. On 13 Oct., 1735, Jacob Willson deeded to Elisha Johnson and Simon Dakin of Sutton all the minerals to be dug on 20 acres on the south part of Long Hill, and in 1740 Thomas Mayo deeding land here to Henry Cooledge, reserved one moiety of all the iron ore "with free liberty to dig and cart away said ore." In the South Gore in 1798 iron was mined and smelted. [See Industries. ]
In the north part of the town at different times attempts have been made to develop paying mines. In 1761 Edward Davis deeded to Col. Ebenezer Learned, Benjamin Davis, Dr. Alexander Campbell and Ebenezer Learned, Jr., land at North Oxford, reserving to him- self the right to one-fifth of all minerals upon his paying his share of the cost of mining, " whenever he chooses to come in for it," indi- cating that a company existed of the four grantees, of which the grantor might, if he chose, be a member. Tradition confirms the fact of this company, and traces of its operations may be seen a few rods east of the river, a mile north of the Texas mill-dam. Con- siderable money was sunk in the enterprise. There seems to have been superstition in the matter, as it is said expectations of finding precious metals were raised by seeing smoke issue from the ground. In 1786 Gen. Ebenezer Learned owned this property, and then deeded to his son Sylvanus 30 acres, embracing the mine, reserving all rights before conveyed to other parties to dig and carry away minerals. There is no evidence that further operations were carried on. In Oct., 1789, Learned sold to Jacob Work, owner of land adjoining on the north, reserving the right of passing and digging for ore. As late as 1875 persistent efforts were made by several parties to find precious metals at about a mile south of this locality. There are undoubted evidences of their existence, but in too small quantities to be mined with profit. In a deed, Daniel A. Pierce and others of Providence to Philip Cannon, 24 Aug., 1881, of land lying east of Texas Village is a reserve of rights to enter said land to mine at the shaft known as the " Big Hole."
232
HISTORY OF OXFORD.
In an article in the Worcester Spy, 28 Dec., 1890, on silver bearing ores in central Massachusetts, by George M. Rice, 2d, he says :-
"A complex ore from a locality in Oxford, which contained an intimate mixture of quartz, iron pyrites, zinc blend and galena, the latter being about 20 per cent., gave a result of 12 oz., 10 pwt., 20 gr., a value of $13.16 for the silver; lead 20 per cent., equaling 400 lbs., value, $16, total, $29.16 per ton. This ore also contained a strong trace of gold, enough probably to add about $2 or more per ton in value.
" These are smelting ores and would require a furnace process to extract the values."
Oxford Bank. The Oxford Bank was incorporated 8 Feb., 1823, with a capital of $100,000. Its organization was, 13 March, 1823, at "R. Olney's Inn." Jonathan Davis, Aaron Tufts, Richard Olney, Jeremiah Kingsbury, Andrew W. Porter, Henry Sargent, Daniel Tourtellotte, Joseph Thayer and Nathan Heard, Jr., were chosen directors ; Jonathan Davis president.1
House. The lot was bought 30 April, 1823, and the building, including dwelling for cashier, erected the next summer. Jonathan Davis was president for ten years. In 1833 Richard Olney succeeded him continuing until 1836, when Aaron Tufts was chosen and filled the office until his decease in 1843. In November of that year Alexander De Witt came in and retained the position until July, 1848. John Wetherell was next president, continuing until Oct., 1849, when John Jewett was elected. In Oct., 1857, Jewett resigned and Emory Sanford was his successor, serving until 1864, when he declined a re-election and Charles A. Angell took the position. The health of Wilson Olney, cashier, failing, he resigned that office 30 Sept., 1873, and Charles A. Angell was elected his successor, having resigned the presidency. Samuel C. Paine was elected president and continued until Jan., 1881, when he declined further service and the present incumbent, Allen L. Joslin, was chosen.
The cashiers have been Sumner Barstow, 1823 to 17 Oct., 1845 ; Alvan G. Underwood, to 28 May, 1855 ; Wilson Olney, to 30 Sept., 1873 ; Charles A. Angell, to 3 Nov., 1882; Eben Harrington of Worcester, to 27 Sept., 1887, at which date Charles B. Sherman was chosen, and, 1891, fills the office.
On 30 June, 1856, it was voted to build a new Bank building, which vote was carried out the succeeding autumn. On 3 March, 1857, the
1 The following persons were owners of stock to the amount of $1,000 and over at the payment of the first dividend, Oct., 1824: Joseph Almy, 10 shares; James Anderson, 10; Ira Barton, 10; Simeon Burt, 30; Ebenezer Collins, 50; Abijah Davis, 25; Hannah Davis, 10; Jonathan Davis, 70; Jonathan Davis, Jr., 10; Stephen Davis, 12; Levi Eddy, 10; Otis Everett, 20; Simon Farns- worth, 10; Asa Fisher, 10; Ezra Fletcher, 10; Orra Goodell, 20; Sylvanus Holbrook, 10: Slater and Howard, 30; Jeremiah Kingsbury, 10; Joab
Maynard, 10; Richard Olney, 40; Andrew W. Porter, 10; Henry Sargent, 20; Francis Sibley, 10; Andrew Sigourney, 28; William Sigourney, 10; Esther Slater, 40; John Slater, 24; Samuel Slater, 40; James Smith, 40; Isaac Southgate, 15; John Spurr, 10; Bezaleel Taft, 20; Joseph Thayer, 20; Isaiah Thomas, 15; Lyman Tiffany, 20; Daniel Tourtellotte, 20; Salem Towne, Jr., 15; Aaron Tufts, 10; Jonathan Wheeler, 10; William Williams, Jr., 10; Samuel Wood, 10. A large proportion were non-residents.
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TAVERNS.
old estate was sold to Emory Sanford. In June, 1857, the Bank voted to accept the act of Legislature increasing the stock to $150,000. The business was at this time increasing, but the plan of enlarge- ment of capital was given up on account of the financial reverses of 1857.
In Dec., 1864, it was voted to organize under the laws of the United States and assume the name of "The Oxford National Bank," and on 18 Feb., 1865, the old corporation was merged in the present one.
Taverns. The first licensed public house in Oxford was kept by Daniel Eliott in 1714 for one year only, at the extreme north end of the village, H. 132. The second legalized tavern was that of Richard Moore in 1715 on the Hagburn estate, late Israel Sibley's, H. 205. The house stood about 15 rods east of the main street, and was a large two-story, gambrel-roofed building, and for 45 years was the principal public house of the village. In 1734 Elijah, son of Richard Moore, assumed the business, continuing until 1760. A change was then made in the location of the popular resort of the people for public and social gatherings to a more eligible location, northerly on the main street. Dr. Alexander Campbell that year purchased the estate at the present corner of Main and Charlton Streets, where he opened the place which for almost a hundred years thereafter was the chief public house of the town.1 In 1762 Dr. Campbell was suc- ceeded as owner by Hezekiah Bellows from Dudley, who had been innkeeper there. He remained until 1766 when Dr. Stephen Barton succeeded him, having leased the house of Obadiah McIntire of Charlton. Ephraim Ballard was the next tenant, and was licensed from 1769 to Nov., 1773, when the property was sold to Ezra Bow- man, previously of Dudley, then taverner at North Oxford. He was a man of enterprise, remodelled and enlarged the buildings and for a time was successful, but the reverses of the Revolutionary period so reduced his means that he was obliged to retire, and in 1782 he sold and soon after removed from town. Dr. Joseph Lord, of whom but little is known, was the next occupant and managed the business in 1783. In 1784 Samuel Campbell with his father-in-law, John Nichols, bought the estate, and Campbell began the landlordship which was continued for nearly 25 years. In the latter part of 1807 he became financially embarrassed, and from 1808 to 1811 the business was con- ducted in the name of Henry Campbell, his son. In 1812 they re- moved to Vermont and the tavern was taken by his brother, Maj. Archibald Campbell. He being an enterprising and competent busi- ness man the popularity of the house was sustained until his decease, in 1818. In April, 1819, the place was sold to Richard Olney, who
1 It is not certain that William Davis, the for- mer owner of this estate, bounded south on Quaboag Lane, did not previously keep a tavern, but at what precise locality cannot be ascer- 31
tained. The houses at the corner and at the site of the Dr. Cushman house, H. 225, were both very old, and stood on Davis' estate.
234
HISTORY OF OXFORD.
continued until the spring of 1823, when Joseph Haynes of Leicester came in on a lease. He remained but a few months and sold his lease to Jonathan Flagg of Worcester who was landlord until the spring of 1827, when he left and Benjamin F. Town and Andrew Sigourney in partnership became lessees and conducted the house until 1830. During their occupancy the hall and store under it were enlarged by extending the building north. Peter D. and Daniel D. Clemence occupied in 1831; Daniel D. Clemence alone in 1832-3, and in 1834 Jonathan H. Learned, assisted by his uncle, Henry G. Learned, became manager and continued until August of that year, when he gave up the business to William H. Bigelow, who was landlord until after 1 May, 1836. Some time in that year Daniel Moulton came in (Bigelow and Moulton both having been licensed), continuing until 1838. In the spring of 1838 William C. Walker bought the property and took possession. He had means and efficiency, and expended liberally in repairs, enlarged the house and built a portico across the whole front, 70 feet or more. Erastus Ormsbee of Thompson leased the place in the spring of 1840 and left in 1841. James G. Scott with his brother Rufus succeeded Ormsbee and remained until June, 1842. Ormsbee was again licensed in 1842 and perhaps returned for a few months. Rice Barton in partnership with Amasa Dowe occu- pied next in 1843, Dowe retiring after six months. Barton continued until 1845, in September of which year Sumner Holman was "licensed to sell liquors in the building occupied by Rice Barton," Charles C., son of Liberty Lamb, being his partner. In April, 1846, Barton resumed the management, having bought one-half the estate, and continued until April, 1853, when he sold to Franklin F. Snow and Otis Learned. The latter kept the house with Sanford Jones as partner at one time, until it was taken by Snow (Learned still living there), who was landlord 21 April, 1854, at the time of its destruction by fire.
In April, 1846, the estate was owned by Rice Barton and Alexander DeWitt. Learned and Snow bought Barton's interest and Emory Sanford bought DeWitt's. Learned then bought Snow's share, and after the fire Sanford and Learned made a division, Sanford taking the south part, on which he built the present brick store, and Learned the north, on which he erected the present hotel building for a resi- dence. In the fall of 1858, after enlarging the house, he opened it to the public, continuing until Aug., 1859, when Alexander T. and H. Wilbur Snow, brothers, came in. Before May, 1860, they sold to Erastus W. Whiting, who managed the house a few months, and in the fall of 1860 was succeeded by L. A. Presby (in 1889 of Water- ville, Me.), who continued until April, 1862, when Braman F. Sibley became the lessee and remained one year. April 1, 1863, Whiting again took the house, Sibley having removed to Farnumsville. In Feb., 1863, Sibley bought a mortgage of the estate and April 1, 1864, returned and took possession, continuing until his sale to Alfred J.
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TAVERNS.
Kirby in 1877. Kirby sold in 1879 to Henry J. Whiting who was landlord until 1887, when he sold to the present proprietor and occu- pant, Hollis D. W. Bacon.
It will be readily seen that with the teaming, staging and private travel over the country roads previous to the era of railroads, and the trainings, musters and convivial habits of the people, the country tavern in former days was a far different institution from what it now is. In the early part of the present century the old tavern on the Plain was by far the busiest place in the region. The travel from Woodstock, Dudley, Honest-Town [Southbridge ], Charlton and beyond, all passed here, and the "Campbell Tavern" was well known for many miles in all directions as a place where large quanti- ties of liquors were consumed. A favorite beverage for which the place was noted was "flip," a mixture of New England rum and strong beer, sweetened with brown sugar and heated by plunging into it a hot iron called a loggerhead. It was a popular saying that a huge serpent lay across the three contiguous towns, Sutton, Oxford and Charlton, with the head in the former place and the body in Oxford. 1
Butler Tavern. The second in importance of the public houses in Oxford was that opposite the north common, long known as the "Butler Tavern." The house, now standing, was built about 1748 by Duncan Campbell, who had begun business a year or two previous to this date, where is not known. He continued to receive a license as innholder until 1763, and may have moved his place of business, perhaps his trading, to his new house at the head of the Plain, later Josiah Wolcott's. He met with reverses in 1765, and soon after removed to Dudley. In 1778 Sylvanus Town bought the stand and removed thither, and was licensed innkeeper until his sale of the place in March, 1780, to James Butler, who was legalized inn- holder 25 years, his son Peter succeeding him in 1806, and continuing to 1822. At that date Sylvester McIntire took the business, Butler having removed to his new brick house and store on the opposite cor- ner. McIntire was landlord two years, and in 1825 Samuel C., son of Peter Butler, succeeded him. In the fall of 1827 he retired and Archibald Campbell came in and remained until the spring of 1828. Samuel C. Butler occupied a part of the house while others were in charge of the business, and in 1827 made repairs and built the tavern hall as it now is. In 1828 Henry G. Learned was lessee and occupied until 1831, when Solomon Davis succeeded him, and was licensee for that and the next year. In 1833 Jasper Brown purchased the prop- erty and was that year and 1834 licensed, and with his brother Daniel kept a public house and also a store. In 1835 Daniel D. Clemence
1 A young man, who about 1817 was purposing te come here to reside from a place about 30 miles distant, was met one day by an elderly gentleman who thus accosted him: "Joe, I
understand you are going to Oxford to live; is that so ?" "Yes," was the reply, " I am think- ing of it." "Well," said his friend, "you must look out, they drink flip there like the d-1."
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HISTORY OF OXFORD.
was occupant, and later Daniel Moulton and Ansel Whitcomb each managed for a time. Daniel Brown was licensee in 1838-9, and Jasper Brown in 1840-41.1 Business here gradually declined and no public house has been kept since about 1842.
North Oxford Tavern. The principal public house at North Oxford was originally a part of the "Lamb Mill" estate, owned and occupied by Reuben Lamb, whose son Joseph inherited it, and settled there about 1814, opening a tavern as early as 1823. He dis- covered a reputed medicinal spring on the premises, and considerable interest was awakened in the community as to its healing qualities, in consequence of which he advertised as a " Medicinal Spring Boarding- house," but did not meet with extraordinary success.2 In June, 1826, Richard C. Stone became the proprietor. Very little was heard thereafter of the medicinal qualities of the spring. Stone kept the house until Dec., 1829, when it was bought by Henry J. Stratford, who occupied it until 1833 at least, and in 1834 removed from town. In June, 1834, Thomas Clark became the occupant, who with Ansel Whitcomb kept it for a few months, when Clark retired, Whitcomb continuing until the sale of the property to Joshua O. Battey, Jan., 1837. Battey was owner and occupant, with his son Lafayette, who was proprietor in the later years, until Feb., 1875, when the estate was sold to Eliza McMahon. The business of the place later became inconsiderable, and on 3 June, 1877, all the buildings were burned.
There were in different portions of the town other licensed public houses, indicating that in many cases, where dwellings were suffi- ciently large to accommodate guests, the people availed themselves of the small pecuniary advantages offered by the entertainment of occasional travellers. Moses Marcy was licensee in 1736 and 1738 at the extreme west, now Southbridge. In the western part of the " Country Gore," now Charlton, John Thompson was licensee from 1745 to 1750 inclusive, and gave place in 1751 to Jonathan Wheelock, who continued many years after Charlton was set off. East of the river, in the Gore, Josiah Gibbs was licensed 1746-7. Samuel Curtis succeeded him in 1749, remaining until 1751. Uriah Stone followed in 1752 and continued until 1783 inclusive. He sold his estate in 1787 to his son Samuel, who continued the business a short time, having been licensed in 1790 and 1791. After this date appears no public house authorized in that locality.
At the Centre, William Davis was licensed as innholder in 1739 and
1 Whitcomb was landlord at least from June, 1837, to April, 1838, and Daniel Brown in Nov., 1838, and April, 1839.
2 The Worcester Spy of 23 Aug., 1825, has an advertisement, a part of which is as follows: "The waters of the Oxford Mineral Spring have been analyzed by Simeon Colton of Monson Academy, and found to contain Carbonate of Soda, Muriate of Soda, Sulphate of Magnesia
and Carbonate of Iron. The Carbonate of Soda and Muriate appear to be the most abundant. Mr. Colton observes that the waters possess so many properties of the Ballston Springs, that the subscriber feels a confidence in recommending it to the public. It has been found of greatest utility in cutaneous eruptions, Scrophula, Dys- pepsia, &c."
237.
TRADERS AND STORES.
1740, as retailer in 1741 and 1742, and innholder again in 1743, where located, as before stated, is unknown. In 1744 Samuel Davis had a tavern license. Josiah Wolcott was authorized taverner from 1754, the date of his purchase at the north end of the Plain, H. 189, until 1765, inclusive. In the north part of the town, now Auburn, Ebenezer Cutler kept a tavern and store and was in 1765 licensed to sell tea, coffee and chinaware, and thereafter until 1770, inclusive, was a legalized innholder. Duncan Campbell succeeded him in 1771, continuing until 1780. In 1784 Campbell was licensed to keep a hotel at Worcester. David Gleason was innholder in the north part of Oxford, now Auburn, from 1768 to 1773, inclusive. In 1770 Jacob Pierce, after purchasing the place at North Oxford, now Nathaniel Ide's, H. 125, opened there a public house, which he kept until his decease in 1772. In 1773 Ezra Bowman took the business, continuing one year, which terminated the use of the place as a tavern. In the east part of the town a public house was kept in 1764 by Edward Davis, Jr., at H. 12. In 1765 and 1766 Nathaniel, his brother, was licensed at the same place. He removed to Dudley and no further licenses were granted for that location. Ebenezer Learned was authorized to sell spirits and to keep a tavern from 1761 to 1765 at H. 126. In the south part of the town, H. 64, Peter Shumway began as retailer of spirits in 1772 and 1773, and continued as innholder from 1776 to 1796. James Freeland was licensed taverner in 1776, and retailer in 1777 at H. 171. Jonas Pratt was authorized to keep a tavern near Town's Pond, H. 140, in 1778 and 1779. John Wol- cott was innholder 1776 to 1778. Samuel Campbell was licensed innkeeper from 1778 to 1784 (the time of his beginning at the Centre tavern), at what locality is unknown, perhaps in the west part of the town.
Traders and Stores. The beginnings of trade were small. In the last century transactions were largely in the line of barter, and a store was often an adjunct to a tavern. Thus William Davis at the Centre was trader and taverner 1739-43; Duncan Campbell at the north common, the same, licensed to sell tea, coffee and chinaware, 1750, '54, '55, '58, '61; Jacob Pierce, 1767-9, at North Oxford, H. 125 ; Ephraim Ballard was licensed retailer 1752-8, probably at Augutteback village, and 1771 was taxed for goods £40 at the Centre tavern ; William Phipps, 1770-3, at north part, now Auburn ; Theo- philus Lillie, 1770, on the Plain, H. 205, taxed 1771 for shop and goods £200, the largest stock then in town ; Robert Fitts, 1771, taxed for "goods and wares" £30 at H. 148; William Campbell, 1771, taxed £20 for same, probably at the Eliott mill ; Uriah Stone, North Gore, 1762, was licensed to sell tea, coffee, etc. ; Stephen Barton, the same, 1764, on the Plain ; James Freeland, 1773-8, at North Oxford, H. 131 ; John Wolcott, 1776-87, at north end of the Plain ; James
238
HISTORY OF OXFORD.
Butler, soon after 1780 was a leading merchant, taxed 1784 for £120 ; Charles Dabney, Sept., 1780, sold sugar and coffee, location unknown, but at H. 125 or 225 ; Andrew Sigourney traded for a time in partner- ship with James Butler from 1784, removing about 1787 to the Plain where he became the leading merchant, continuing until 1816. William, his son, succeeded him, continuing until 1840 and removed to his new " Arcade " building east of the railroad, but the business declined. William Lamson traded, 1801-4, at site of Episcopal Church. Timothy Lamson succeeded him and perhaps removed to his resi- dence, nearly opposite, H. 225, continuing until near 1810. Rufus Moore, nail maker, traded at "Saccarappa," H. 18, 1808-9 and 1814- 18. Sylvanus Pratt, scythe maker, 1811-12, near North Oxford railroad station. Josiah Ware about 1812 traded in a shop on south side the common near H. 243, continuing about two years. Abijah Davis traded in north end of his house, H. 220, 1812, continuing three years at least, with Edward and John Wetherell, clerks. John Wetherell and Richard Moore, partners, bought his stock and went on a year or more, and 1815 built the house, H. 221, late Benjamin Paine, and soon after a store south of it which they occupied. In two years Moore left and built the Col. De Witt house, H. 226, and there opened a store, continuing until his death in 1819. Wetherell remained at the old stand until 1835 when he retired. Stearns Witt took Moore's stock in 1820, employing Samuel Dowse as clerk, and in 1821 Witt and Dowse became partners, Hollis Witt clerk. They continued at H. 226 until 1824, and removed to the new store next the Bank, built that year ; were successful for 12 years and were the leaders of trade in town. In 1826 Witt left to take charge of the Oxford Woolen Co. affairs.
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