USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > History of the town of Plymouth, from its first settlement in 1620, to the present time : with a concise history of the aborigines of New England, and their wars with the English, &c. > Part 26
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The Pilgrim Society, under the escort of the Standish Guards, proceeded to the meeting-house, where intercession was made by the Rev. Mr. Kendall, select passages of scrip- ture were read by Rev. Mr. Willis, of Kingston, and an ad- dress on the character and virtues of our fathers was delivered by Alden Bradford, Esq., reaching the hearts of his hearers as it came warm from his own. The solemnities of the church were closed by singing a hymn in the tune of Old Hundred, after the ancient manner, line by line. The society, under the same escort, and preceded by the children of the several schools, then proceeded to the site of the proposed building, laid the corner-stone, when the venerable President, John Watson,
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Esq., described some of the highly valued privileges of our de- scent. He expressed his gratitude that his life had been spared to witness these solemnities ; and, after the filial zeal of the present generation shall be attested, in the completion of this monument 'to perpetuate the virtues of the pilgrims,' he would say, like the patriarch of old, Now let thy servant depart in peace. The Rev. Dr. Allyne expressed our sense of depend- ence on the Almighty architect for the success of this, and all our labors, and supplicated a divine blessing. Thus in good earnest have we laid the foundation of 'a monument to per- petuate the memory of the virtues, the enterprise, and un- paralleled sufferings of the men who first settled in this ancient town,' where for ages their descendants may repair and trace their feeble beginnings, and contemplate the astonishing re- sults, that a beneficent Deity has annexed to the resolute, un- wearied, conscientious performance of the duties of piety and benevolence.
The following articles were deposited in an excavation made in the stone for that purpose.
Deposits .- Sermon delivered at Plymouth by Robert Cush- man, December 12th, 1621.
First Newspaper printed in the Old Colony, by Nathaniel Coverly, at Plymouth, in 1786.
Coins of the United States, and of Massachusetts.
Odes composed for the Anniversary.
Constitution of the Pilgrim Society, and the names of its Members.
Daniel Webster's Century Oration for 1820.
Massachusetts Register.
Old Colony Memorial began in May, 1822, by Allen Dan- forth.
Columbian Centinel, by Benjamin Russell, containing an account of the entry of General Lafayette into the city of Boston.
Plate .- ' In grateful memory of our ancestors who exiled themselves from their native country, for the sake of religion, and here successfully laid the foundation of Freedom and Em- pire, December xxii. A. D. MDCXX. their descendants, the Pilgrim Society, have raised this edifice, August xxxi. A. D. MDCCCXXIV.
A. PARRIS, ARCHITECT.
J. & A. S. TAYLOR, BUILDERS. H. MORSE, Sc.'
In the summer of the present year, a general joy was dif- fused through the United States by the arrival on our shores 21*
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of that illustrious friend of our country General Lafayette. All ranks of people and all public bodies vied in homage and respect to this great personage.
The morning after the arrival of General Lafayette in Bos- ton, Dr. Thacher called on him, with the subjoined letter from the selectmen of Plymouth, in behalf of the citizens of the town.
' Plymouth, Mass. August 2ist, 1824.
' GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
'Sir : the inhabitants of this town cordially unite with their fellow-citizens, in bidding you a sincere welcome to the United States. Living on the spot where their ancestors, the founders of the American republic, first landed and settled, the inhabit- ants cherish a deep interest for those who have aided the cause for which they emigrated to these shores; which cause you, with other distinguished friends of freedom, successfully sup- ported through the perilous period of the revolutionary war .- The privations you suffered, and the perils and hardships you encountered during that interesting struggle, in leaving your home and country, and exposing your life to the dangers of the American camp for the freedom and independence of the States, justly entitle you to the lasting gratitude of the Ameri- can people; and as long as they are worthy of the rich and in- valuable blessing they now enjoy, they cannot fail of looking to you as their unwavering benefactor.
' Should it be convenient to you before leaving the United States, to visit this place, the inhabitants will be highly grati- fied in having the pleasure of waiting on you, and expressiag to you personally, assurances of their gratitude and esteem. In behalf of the inhabitants and by order of the selectmen of Plymouth. 'Z. SAMPSON, Chairman.'
Answer.
'SIR : Nothing could afford me a greater satisfaction than to have the honor to pay my respects to the citizens of Plymouth; nor will I leave the shores of America before I have enjoyed this heartfelt gratification. But my present first visit to this part of the Union is shortened by previous engagements, and the obligation to go towards the seat of government at Wash- ington city. I anticipate the time when it will be in my power, personally, to present the citizens of Plymouth with my grate- ful and affectionate acknowledgments for their kindness to me. Be pleased to accept the tribute of those sentiments, and to believe me, with much personal regard, your obedient servant,
' LAFAYETTE.'
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Second letter from Gen. Lafayette to the Selectmen.
' Washington, February 5, 1825.
' Sir: On the point of beginning a long journey through the Southern and Western States, I anticipate the time of next summer, when I will return to the Northern and Eastern parts of the Union. Happy I will be if I can present the people of Plymouth with my respectful thanks, and pay a tribute of rev- erence to the first spot where persecuted patriots did seek an asylum which they now offer to all the citizens of European despotism and aristocracy. In the mean while I beg you, Sir, accept, and to offer to your fellow-citizens, the expressions of my deep regard and affectionate respect.
LAFAYETTE.
' Zab. Sampson, Esq.'
In town meeting .- ' Whereas Gen. Lafayette has declared his intention of visiting this town the ensuing summer, it be- comes peculiarly incumbent on its citizens, living as we do, in the very birth-place of liberty, to prepare due honors for the man, whose eventful life has been devoted to its cause, and whom ten millions of free Americans with one consent have delighted to honor, the illustrious guest of the nation.
Therefore, voted, to appoint a committee of ten, to prepare for his reception in a manner best calculated to show to him and the public our grateful sentiments on this joyous occasion .- Voted, that the selectmen be authorized to draw on the treasu- ry for a sum sufficient to cancel the expenses thence accruing.' A committee of ten persons was accordingly appointed, and prop- er arrangements were made for his reception, but for want of time he was obliged to dispense with his visit. This disap- pointment was greatly regretted. Lafayette would have been received here with emotions of cordial affection and profound respect, as it cannot be doubted that he cherished an interest in the consecrated asylum of those apostles of civil and reli- gious freedom, whom we glory to style our progenitors, and who were animated by those holy principles so congenial to his own heart. How gratifying the occasion, could we have seen this great man step on the Rock of our fathers; the sacred monu- ment on which were imprinted the footsteps of the anxious pil- grims, panting for a sanctuary for the deposite of their heavenly trust, the Charter of Liberty! The work which commenced in 1620, nurtured by the smiles of a guardian Providence, was with his generous assistance consummated in 1781. The annals of our revolution and the few survivors of that memorable pe- riod, bear ample testimony to the ardor and devotion which he
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displayed, and the noble deeds he achieved under the banners of Washington; and millions of freemen will ever cherish in their hearts the name of Lafayette.
December .- On the 22d instant was celebrated the birthday of New England, the 204th anniversary, by the Pilgrim Soci- ety. The day was welcomed in a manner suited to the great- ness of the occasion, and the increasing interest which is dis- played in our early history. It was particularly gratifying to the inhabitants, that so many distinguished characters were disposed to resort hither, with feelings of enthusiasm, to 'pay due honors to the urns of the pilgrim fathers of our race,' and to participate in the festivities which custom and propriety have sanctioned, as appropriate to this ever memorable anniversary. The immense crowd of visiters the preceding evening filled all our public houses, and the private mansions were thrown open, that all might be accommodated. The evening was pleasant, and lights were placed at the windows, which served to prevent accident, and had the effect of a general illumination.
At the early dawn, demonstrations of gratitude and joy com- menced by the ringing of bells and discharge of cannon from the ancient ' Fort Hill,' and soon the streets were thronged with an assemblage of citizens and strangers, more numerous than usual on any former anniversary. There were some pecu- liarities in the celebration this year, by which public anticipa- tion had been highly excited. The Pilgrim Hall, recently erected to the memory of our fathers, the beautiful paintings of Col. Sargent, which adorned its wall, and the splendid reputa- tion of the orator, Professor Everett, combined to awaken a lively interest in all classes of people. Hence, the town was honored by visiters from every part of New England, many from New York, and several ladies and gentlemen of distinc- tion from foreign countries. At ten o'clock, the Pilgrim Soci- ety assembled at the Hall, where the noble images of our an- cestors on the wall attracted universal attention. From the hall, a very respectable procession was escorted, by the Stand- ish Guards, to the meeting house, where a very devotional prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Kendall. On no occasion, perhaps, have the pious effusions of the heart and humble pe- titions been uttered with greater eloquence or more powerful effect on an audience .. Then followed a masterly discourse by Professor Everett, replete with instructive details of his- tory, of pious patriotism and glowing effusions of praise to- wards our fathers, for the unexampled intrepidity and fortitude with which they encountered their peculiar difficulties. This incomparable performance, with which all were delighted, and
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which added to the well earned fame of its author, has been published. The procession returned from the meeting house to the Hall, where an excellent dinner was provided, and en- livened with appropriate songs and toasts. The day closed with a splendid and fully attended ball. The admirable picture of the landing of the fathers, by Col. Sargent, was by its au- thor placed in the Pilgrim Hall at this celebration, that the eye as well as the ear and intellect might be gratified on this interesting occasion. A writer in the newspaper says, 'We must do Mr. Sargent the justice to say, that he has not dis- graced the noble story. No, the grandeur of the matchless undertaking has not suffered in his hands. The whole group and back ground of this picture, indicate deep thought, suc- cessful study, and equal skill in the execution. And who of us, descendants of the intrepid association, can look at the picture without emotion? It is a heart-moving representation of the patriarchs of our own blessed tribe, now spread and spread- ding throughout this vast land of promise. The story, as told by Mr. Sargent on the glowing canvass, is truly affecting, and the moral dignified. It is a striking picture of christian hero- ism, turning its back on regal and ecclesiastical folly and per- secution. The picture has a special reference to the greatest civil event in the records of the human race, and the story is well told and well painted.'
1825 .- March. The town voted to receive the new road at Eel river, passing by the cotton factory to the old Sandwich road, as a town road.
July .- The anniversary of the American Independence was celebrated in this town in a manner exceedingly gratifying to a large and respectable collection of citizens of this and other towns in the county. Salutes were fired from Watson's Hill, at sunrise, immediately after the services in the meeting-house, and at sunset. An oration was delivered by William Thomas, Esq.
William Goodwin, Esq. died July seventeenth, 1825, aged sixty-nine years. He was son of a respectable merchant in this town. It was his misfortune to labor under great bodily infirmities during many years, but his mind was active and in- telligent. In the offices of assessor and selectman, he was ever found faithful, and was esteemed a man of public integrity and usefulness. He held the office of postmaster for several years, and was cashier of Plymouth Bank from its first establishment till his death. He married Lydia, the eldest daughter of Capt. Simeon Sampson, of this town, and they were parents of five sons and two daughters :Simeon, who resides at Kentucky;
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William, a respectable and intelligent merchant, died at H vana, December 15th, 1821, aged 38 years; Isaac, a learn lawyer and antiquarian, died at Worcester, 1832; Frederic died at New Orleans, 1833; Hersey Bradford, an ordain minister at Concord, Massachusetts; Mary Ann married Thom Russell; Jane.
1826 .- January 5. Died in this town Hon. William Davi ' This gentleman has been long and extensively known and e teemed as a respectable merchant. To this line of life he w early devoted, and the few simple principles to which he a hered, industry, probity and perseverance, made his succes ful course an instructive example, and, united with many ki dred virtues, rendered him a valued and endeared member the community. He was cordially attached to his native tow and engaged with unwearied assiduity in the various municip labors, to which he was called in early life, and which, f many successive years, were assigned to him. He occasio ally represented the town in general court, and in the yea 1812 and 1813, was a member of the executive council. P litical distinction, however, was never an object of his pursu. and to calls of this character he always yielded with reluctanc From the faithful and discreet discharge of his various dutie from the numerous employments which his activity and ener produced or promoted, from his animating influence to e courage exertion in others, and the habitual interest which ) manifested în its successful issue, he was an important memb of the circle in which he moved, and his death has left a vo which may not be readily supplied, and has filled many hear with sadness. His cheerful temper and social habits, and tl facility with which his sympathies became accommodated to tl situation and feelings of others, made his company and co versation always acceptable to persons of every age and co: dition.' Mr. Davis was president of Plymouth Bank. He wa for about thirty years, a member of our board of selectme and was a zealous advocate of the welfare and prosperity of th various civil and religious institutions of his native town. H was, at his death, vice-president of the Pilgrim Society, ar ever manifested an ardent interest in its prosperity.
Mr. Davis married Rebecca Morton, who still survives, ar. their surviving children are Nathaniel Morton, Thomas, ar. Betsey, who is now the widow of Alexander Bliss, Esq. Wi liam, the oldest son, was cut off in the midst of his career enterprise and usefulness, March, 1824, in the forty-first yet of his age.
February 1 .- Died, John Watson, Esq., aged seventy-eigh
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[e graduated at Harvard College in 1766, and was one of the unders of the Old Colony Club in 1769, and the last surviv- ig member of that association of worthies. He was the first .ce-president of the Pilgrim Society, and after the death of udge Thomas, the president, was elected to fill that office, hich he held till his death. Mr. Watson was the proprietor Clark's Island, where he resided during about forty years 'his life. To that spot he always felt a peculiar attachment, ; affording antiquarian associations, in which he delighted to dulge, and to recount to his family and friends. He left many ns and daughters, of respectable standing in life.
July .- The fiftieth anniversary of our national independence as celebrated by the inhabitants of this town, in unison with respectable assemblage of fellow citizens from other towns in e county. An oration was delivered by Charles H. Warren, sq., of New Bedford.
November .- It having been discovered that considerable in- ry has been done' to Plymouth beach by carrying off sand id sea-weed from the contiguous flats, and that, within a few ars past, it has been the practice to take sand from said flats, r the purpose of manufacturing glass, the town petitioned the eneral court to pass a law prohibiting such trespasses in fu- re.
1828 .- Hon. Zabdiel Sampson, Esq. expired in this town ily 19th. He was a native of Plympton, but resided in Ply- outh during the several last years of his life. He was grad- ted at Brown University in 1803, and devoted himself to the udy of the law, but was not long a pleader at the bar. In e year 1816, he was elected by this district a representative Congress, and in 1820 was appointed collector of the cus- ms for the port of Plymouth, which he retained till his death. le was, for several years, chairman of the board of selectmen, this town, and in the several offices which he sustained, he as found diligent and faithful, and in moral virtue was exem- ary.
October 9th .- Died, Nathaniel Lothrop, M. D., aged ninety- he. 'Dr. Lothrop was of the fifth generation from his re- bectable ancestor, John Lothrop. He graduated at Harvard niversity, at the head of the class of 1756; and, before his ecease, was the only surviving graduate, except the venerable r. Holyoke, of Salem, of the long list of Alumni of his Alma later, included within the years 1740 and 1759. For a con- derable time, he stood far in advance, in point of age, of any ther person in this place. He survived all the companions nd associates of his early days in his native town, outlived
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the dearest of his domestic comforts, which had been his joy and delight, and was suffered to continue until even the desire of life in respect to himself had fled. A sacred regard to the dying request of the venerable deceased forbids us to enlarge; we will only add, while we cherish with respect and veneration the remembrance of his virtues, that like an ancient patri- arch, he died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years, and was gathered to his fathers ' It should be gratefully no- ticed and remembered that Dr. Lothrop gave a legacy of $500 to the Pilgrim Society, toward completing the edifice.
The 208th anniversary of the landing of the pilgrims was noticed by a private celebration on the 22d of December. A number of gentlemen of the town dined at the hotel, at which Major Joseph Thomas presided; and, besides 'the feast of shells,' the company enjoyed the anecdote, the song; and the toast, as reminiscences of olden times.
This anniversary was also celebrated by religious services in the meeting-house of the third parish, where the Rev. Lyman Beecher, D. D., of Boston, delivered a sermon, which attract- ed much attention, as coming from 'a strong and vigorous mind, and abounding with practical and liberal remarks.'
1829 .- July 10th. Died, suddenly, Samuel Davis, Esq., aged 64. Mr. Davis was truly an antiquarian; and few men within our social circle, possessed a greater fund of correct in- formation relative to the character and circumstances of our primitive fathers. He was, says the writer of an obituary no- tice, 'the man to whom the inquisitive stranger was, by all of us, promptly referred. There was an accuracy and precision in the habit of his mind, that made all his minute and curious information perfectly to be relied on. He was what the world would call a man of leisure; but this leisure was no ignoble escape from thought; but was usually employed, under the di- rection of a cultivated taste, amid scenery and resources ex- actly adapted to its full gratification. He loved the characters of the pilgrims. He loved to trace out their original allot- ments, their first rude dwellings. He knew their sons and daughters, their intermarriages, their changes of abode, the living branches and the scions, that became new stocks in the most distant states .* Of all these things he made copious
* On one of the days of our anniversary, the Rev. Dr. Pierce having been for some time in conversation with Mr. Davis, a num- ber of clergymen entered the room; the Dr. said, 'Gentlemen, this is Mr. Davis, who can tell us all where we came from.' Mr. D. promptly replied, 'Gentlemen, this is Dr. Pierce, who can tell us all where we are going to.'
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memoranda. It is easy to infer the moral traits of an intel- lectual man, who, fond of history and biography, yet turned with disgust from the Cæsars, the Charleses, and Napoleons, and for thirty years persevered with delight in learning the minutest particulars of men like the pilgrims. The reader would be sure that he had, in the proper use of the word, sim- plicity of mind; that he was unostentatious, and meek, and pure, and a lover of good men of every age and clime. If he had peculiarities, they did not arise out of disordered affections, or from bitter ingredients in the composition of his mind ; but were the natural growth of a life of celibacy, and seclusion of a mind less forcibly acted upon than most others, by the events and prevalent passions of the times he lived in.'
The manner of his death was remarkable. Having walked out in the evening, he retired to his chamber about ten o'clock, his usual hour, and made an entry in his diary, of the state of the weather. At breakfast time the next morning he was found a corpse, his arms folded on his breast without any indication that departing life had occasioned the least struggle, so tranquil was the end of his peaceful life.
' From life on earth our pensive friend retires, His dust commingling with the pilgrim sires ; In thoughtful walks their every path he traced, Their toils, their tombs his faithful page embraced ; Peaceful and pure and innocent as they,
With them to rise to everlasting day.'
1830 .- Died in this town, June 4th, Hon. Beza Hayward, Esq., aged 78 years. He was a native of Bridgewater, and graduated at Harvard College in 1772, and devoted himself to the study of theology. When he commenced the clerical pro- fession, the civil affairs of our country were involved in the greatest confusion by the opposition to the oppressive measures of parliament, and there was no encouragement for young cler- gymen. Being compelled to relinquish his profession, he be- came a teacher of a school for the higher branches of educa- tion. In this employment he continued for several years, when he was chosen to represent his native town in the legislature, and subsequently was elected into the senate, and afterwards a member of the council board. Patriotism, public virtue and love of order were eminent traits in his character. He pos- sessed a peculiar tact for mathematical calculations, and was much relied on for accuracy of results, when for many months he was employed on committees of valuation in the legislature. In the year 1808 he was appointed register of probate for the county of Plymouth, which office he sustained till his death,
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and acquitted himself honorably of its duties. In the domestic circle, and as a magistrate he was respected for probity, strict integrity and impartial justice. Under bereavement the virtues of meekness, humility and pious resignation were graciously exemplified in his demeanor. His descendants are John and Susan.
July 6th .- The wife of Captain William Holmes was killed by lightning, while in her house; no other person was injured, but the house was greatly shattered.
December .- We have again been called to commemorate the day so greatly endeared to the hearts of the descendants of the pilgrim fathers.
At a meeting of the Pilgrim Society, a communication was read from Hon. Judge Davis, announcing a donation of fifty copies of his edition of New England's Memorial.
The oration was delivered by the Honorable William Sulli- van, which commanded deep and silent attention. It has been published with copious notes annexed, and adds honor to Sulli- van, so well known in history, in literature and in science. Af- ter the oration, the closing hymn ' Hail Pilgrim Fathers of our race,' was read line by line and sung to the tune of Old Hun- dred.
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