USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Shirley > History of the town of Shirley, Massachusetts, from its early settlement to A.D. 1882 > Part 15
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In the rear of the auditory is a dining-hall, thirty- eight feet in length and fifteen feet in width. This room is furnished with tables, composed of black-walnut, suf- ficient in number to fill the central part of the room, and a proportionate number of chairs. Nothing could be better adapted to the wants of a social party, desiring to con- nect feasting with their other entertainments, than this apartment. Contiguous to this dining-hall is a kitchen, as there should be, furnished with all the apparatus neces- sary for cooking and serving up banquets. This kitchen is united with the main building, in the form of an L, and is two stories in height. The upper story forms a ladies' dressing-room, and is supplied with furniture adapted to the purposes for which it is designed. A similar apartment over the dining-hall is devoted to the use of gentlemen. It is provided with places for overcoats, overshoes, hats and umbrellas, so ample in size that no mistake or confu- sion need occur, either in depositing or recovering gar- ments which the exigencies of time or place require to be laid aside for a season. The rooms are all supplied with closets, cupboards, and other conveniences necessary to answer the wants of any entertainment that a social com- munity desires, either for mental or pleasurable exercise.
The cost of this entire structure was about four thou- sand dollars, all of which, with its varied and in some respects expensive furnishing, was supplied by one man, who nobly tenders its use for all important purposes.
Its first and most important use, thus far, has been for the delivery of lectures on important subjects of science,
187
CIVIL HISTORY.
general history, social improvement, the arts, filial, paren- tal and business instruction. Two courses were spoken in the winters of 1871 and 1872. Some of the most able and experienced lecturers in the Commonwealth and out of it, such as "Carlton," "Oliver Optic," Dr. Chapin of New York, and Rev. Mr. Murray of Park street church, Boston, were employed, and the prospect is that the same wise course of instruction will be continued for years to come.
Other performances calculated to cheer the mind and improve the heart have, from time to time, been presented for the acceptance of a discriminating public,-perform- ances that lash the vices and follies of mankind, and at the same time form a source of rational and elegant amusement. And it is gratifying to see those who cannot worship at the same religious altar, unite in a place like the "Village Hall,"-the name of the structure here de- scribed,-and drink in truth from the same fountain, and receive pleasure from the same artistic scene; the fact goes to prove that as mind progresses, hearts are drifting towards that union which will eventually include all who wear the human form and bear the moral image of the great Creator.
CHAPTER IX.
Town Officers :- Town Clerks - Selectmen - Treas- urers - Representatives, Senators, etc. - Votes for Governor from the establishment of the State Constitution.
As it is always a matter of interest and service to the successive generations of a town locality to have some authentic source of reference, whereby to learn the names of those who have borne the burdens and shared the
188
HISTORY OF SHIRLEY.
honors of municipal appointments, the names of such, to- gether with the dates of their several elections, are here inserted.
TOWN CLERKS.
1753-58, Joseph Longley. 1786, John Kelsey. 1758-62, Jonathan Moors .*
1787-99, Joshua Longley.
1763, Obadiah Sawtell.
1800, Thomas Whitney.
1764-70, John Longley. 1801-2, Joshua Longley.
177I, Francis Harris.
1803-41, Thomas Whitney.
1772, John Longley.
1842-44, James P. Whitney.
1773-76, Obadiah Sawtell.
1845-65, Zenas Brown.
1777-78, John Ivory. I866-67, Charles Brown.
1779-83, Obadiah Sawtell.
1784, John Kelsey.
1785, Obadiah Sawtell.
SELECTMEN.
1753, Joseph Longley, Samuel Hazen, Nathaniel Harris, John Whitney, William Symons.
1754, James Patterson, John Whitney, William Symons. 1755, Joseph Longley, Samuel Hazen, John Whitney. 1756, Joseph Longley, John Whitney, Francis Harris. 1757, Joseph Longley, Jarathmael Powers, Francis Harris. 1758, Jarathmael Powers, Jonathan Moors, John Longley. 1759, Jarathmael Powers, Francis Harris, Jonathan Moors. 1760, Jarathmael Powers, Francis Harris, Jonathan Moors. 1761, Jarathmael Powers, Francis Harris, Jonathan Moors. 1762, Jarathmael Powers, Jonathan Moors, Jonas Longley. 1763, Francis Harris, Amos Holden, Thomas Trowbridge, Charles Richards, William Little.±
1764, John Longley, Amos Holden, Thomas Trowbridge, Charles Richards, William Little. 1765, John Longley, Hezekiah Sawtell, Obadiah Sawtell.
*Jonathan Moors was chosen on the 6th of July, 1758, Mr. Longley having left town and entered his Majesty's service, as a common soldier, in which service he died. tStill in office, 1882.
#The two last named were added to the board on the 6th of May.
1868-69, Herman S. Hazen.
1870,. Jonas Longley. ;
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CIVIL HISTORY.
1766, John Longley, Hezekiah Sawtell, Obadiah Sawtell. 1767, John Longley, Hezekiah Sawtell, Obadiah Sawtell. 1768, John Longley, Obadiah Sawtell, Francis Harris. 1769, John Longley, Francis Harris, John Ivory. 1770, John Longley, Jonas Longley, Henry Haskell. 1771, Francis Harris, Obadiah Sawtell, John Ivory. 1772, John Longley, Jonas Longley, Henry Haskell. 1773, Obadiah Sawtell, Henry Haskell, Asa Holden. 1774, Francis Harris, Obadiah Sawtell, Asa Holden. 1775, Francis Harris, Obadiah Sawtell, Asa Holden. 1776, Francis Harris, Obadiah Sawtell, Asa Holden. 1777, John Longley, John Ivory, John Pierce. 1778, John Longley, John Ivory, Oliver Livermore. 1779, Obadiah Sawtell, Oliver Livermore, Asa Holden. 1780, Francis Harris, Asa Holden, Joshua Longley. 1781, Joshua Longley, John Heald, John Kelsey. 1782, John Heald, Ebenezer Pratt, James Parker. 1783, John Heald, Ebenezer Pratt, Obadiah Sawtell. 1784, John Kelsey, James Dickerson, John Edgerton. 1785, Obadiah Sawtell, John Ivory, Asa Holden. 1786, John Heald, John Kelsey, Joseph Brown. 1787, Asa Holden, Joshua Longley, John Edgerton. 1788, Asa Holden, Joshua Longley, John Kelsey. 1789, Asa Holden, Joshua Longley, John Kelsey. 1790, Asa Holden, Joshua Longley, John Edgerton. 1791, Obadiah Sawtell, John Kelsey, John Longley, Jr. 1792, Asa Holden, Joshua Longley, John Edgerton. 1793, Asa Holden, Joshua Longley, John Edgerton. 1794, Asa Holden, Joshua Longley, John Edgerton. 1795, Asa Holden, Joshua Longley, John Edgerton. 1796, Joshua Longley, John Edgerton, Nathaniel Holden, 1797, Joshua Longley, John Edgerton, Nathaniel Holden, 1798, Joshua Longley, John Edgerton, Nathaniel Holden, 1799, Joshua Longley, John Edgerton, Nathaniel Holden, 1800, Joshua Longley, John Edgerton, Daniel Livermore, 1801, Joshua Longley, Nathaniel Holden, Daniel Liver- more.
1802, Joshua Longley, Nathaniel Holden, John Edgerton, Thomas Whitney, Abel Longley.
190
HISTORY OF SHIRLEY.
1803, John Edgerton, Nathaniel Holden, Thomas Whit- ney.
1804, John Edgerton, Nathaniel Holden, Thomas Whit- ney.
1805, John Edgerton, Nathaniel Holden, Thomas Whit- ney.
1806, John Edgerton, Thomas Whitney, Abel Moor.
1807, John Edgerton, Nathaniel Livermore, Jonas Liver- more.
1808, John Edgerton, Nathaniel Livermore, Jonas Liver- more.
1809, Nathaniel Holden, Nathaniel Livermore, Jonas Liv- ermore.
1810, Nathaniel Holden, Nathaniel Livermore, Jonas Liv- ermore.
18II, Joshua Longley, Nathaniel Livermore, Jonas Liver- more.
1812, Joshua Longley, John Edgerton, David Livermore. 1813, Joshua Longley, John Edgerton, Nathaniel Holden. 1814, Joshua Longley,* Nathaniel Holden, Nathaniel Liv- ermore.
1815, Nathaniel Holden, Thomas Whitney, Nathaniel Liv- ermore.
1816, Nathaniel Holden, Thomas Whitney, Nathaniel Liv- ermore.
1817, Nathaniel Holden, Thomas Whitney, Nathaniel Liv- ermore.
1818, Nathaniel Holden, Thomas Whitney, Nathaniel Liv- ermore.
1819, Thomas Whitney, Nathaniel Livermore, Stephen Longley.
1820, Thomas Whitney, Nathaniel Livermore, Stephen Longley.
1821, Nathaniel Livermore, Stephen Longley, Joseph Ed- gerton.
1822, Nathaniel Livermore, Stephen Longley, Nathaniel Holden.
*Mr. Longley died in office, and his place was filled by Thomas Whitney.
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CIVIL HISTORY.
1823, Nathaniel Holden, Stephen Longley, Joseph Edger- ton.
1824, Stephen Longley, Artemas Longley, Zenas Brown. 1825, Adolphus Whitcomb, Willard Porter, Thomas Whit- ney, Jr.
1826, Adolphus Whitcomb, Willard .Porter, Thomas Whit- ney, Jr.
1827, Adolphus Whitcomb, Thomas Whitney, Jr., Na- thaniel Holden, Jr.
1828, Adolphus Whitcomb, Thomas Whitney, Jr., David Firmin.
1829, Joseph Day, Nathaniel Holden, Jr., Joseph B. Ed- gerton.
1830, Joseph Day, Nathaniel Holden, Jr., Joseph B. Ed- gerton.
1831, Joseph B. Edgerton, Nathaniel Holden, Jr., Thomas Clark.
1832, Joseph B. Edgerton, James P. Whitney, Israel Longley.
1833, Joseph B. Edgerton, James P. Whitney, Zenas Brown.
1834, Joseph B. Edgerton, James P. Whitney, Nathaniel Holden, Jr.
1835, James P. Whitney, Nathaniel Holden, Jr., Willard .Worcester .*
1836, James P. Whitney, Stephen M. Longley, Willard Porter.
1837, James P. Whitney, Stephen M. Longley, Samuel Hazen.
1838, James P. Whitney, Stephen M. Longley, Joseph B. Edgerton.
1839, Zenas Brown, Almond Morse, Israel Longley.
1840, Israel Longley, Almond Morse, James P. Whitney. 1841, Israel Longley, James P. Whitney, Stephen M. Longley.
1842, James P. Whitney, Joseph B. Edgerton, Stephen M. Longley.
.
*At the town-meeting in April, Stephen M. Longley and Amos Day were added to the board of Selectmen.
192
HISTORY OF SHIRLEY.
1843, Israel Longley, Joseph Hazen, Jonas Holden, 2d. 1844, Israel Longley, Zenas Brown, Stillman D. Benja- min.
1845, Zenas Brown, John K. Going, James O. Parker. 1846, James O. Parker, Jonas Holden, 2d, Harvey A. Woods.
1847, James O. Parker, Jonas Holden, 2d, Harvey A. Woods.
1848, John K. Going, Stillman D. Benjamin, Nathaniel Holden.
1849, John K. Going, Stillman D. Benjamin, Nathaniel Holden.
1850, Ebenezer P. Hills, N. C. Munson, Andrew J. Reed. 1851, Andrew J. Reed, James P. Longley, George Davis. 1852, John K. Going, Alfred Page, Robert Woods.
1853, James P. Longley, Samuel Farnsworth, Jeremiah C. Hartwell.
1854, James P. Longley, George Davis, Alfred Page. 1855, David Porter, George Sanderson, Thomas Clark.
1856, Oliver Howe, Samuel Farnsworth, Stephen M. Longley .*
1857, Oliver Howe, David Porter, Samuel W. Shattuck. 1858, James P. Longley, David Porter, Moses W. Woods. 1859, James P. Longley, David Porter, Moses W. Woods. 1860, James P. Longley, Samuel Farnsworth, Moses W. Woods.
1861, James P. Longley, Samuel Farnsworth, Charles A. Edgarton.
1862, Stillman D. Benjamin, Nathaniel Hartwell, Alfred Page.
1863, Stillman D. Benjamin, Nathaniel Hartwell, Alfred Page.
1864, Stillman D. Benjamin, Nathaniel Hartwell, Alfred Page.
1865, David Porter, George Davis, Edwin L. White.
1866, David Porter, Edwin L. White, George Davis. 1867, David Porter, George Davis, Edwin L. White.
*Messrs. Farnsworth and Longley resigned before their time expired and David Porter and James O. Parker were elected in their places.
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CIVIL HISTORY.
1868, Stillman D. Benjamin, Edwin L. White, Alfred Page.
1869, David Porter, Alfred Page, Edwin L. White. 1870, Alfred Page, Samuel Longley, William M. Park. 1871, Samuel Longley, Orrin M. Bennett, John W. Thatcher.
1872, Samuel Longley, Orrin M. Bennett, John W. Thatcher.
1873, Samuel Longley, Alfred Page, Edwin L. White. 1874, Samuel Longley, Edwin L. White, George Davis. 1875, Samuel Longley, Edwin L. White, Stillman P. Holden.
1876, Samuel Longley, Edwin L. White, Stillman P. Holden.
1877, Edwin L. White, Levi Holbrook, Nathaniel Hart- well .*
1878, Edwin L. White, John W. Thatcher, Levi Holbrook. I879, Edwin L. White, John W. Thatcher, John Conant. 1880, Samuel Longley, Thomas L. Hazen, Herman S. Hazen.
1881, Samuel Longley, Thomas L. Hazen, Herman S. Hazen.
1882, Herman S. Hazen, John G. Conant, William M. Park.
TOWN TREASURERS.
1753-57, Jonas Longley. 1784, James Parker. 1758, Jonathan Gould. 1785-86, Samuel Walker.
1759-62, Samuel Walker. 1787-1802, Joseph Brown.
1763, Jonathan Moors. 1803, Joshua Longley.
1764-65, Jonas Longley. 1804, Wallis Little.
1766, Francis Harris. 1805, Joshua Longley.
1767-68, Samuel Walker. 1806, Wallis Little.
1769-73, Oliver Livermore. 1807-1I, Benjamin Hartwell. 1774-76, Samuel Walker. 1812, Nathaniel Holden.
1777-81, Jonas Longley. 1813-24, Benjamin Hartwell.
1782, * Oliver Livermore. 1825-29, Joseph Day.
1783, Samuel Walker. 1830-32, Zenas Brown.
*Died in office.
25
194
HISTORY OF SHIRLEY.
1833, David Livermore. 1865-67, James P. Longley.
1834, Stephen M. Longley. 1868- Seth Chandler .* 1835-64, Thomas Whitney, Jr.
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE STATE LEGISLATURE.+
1776, Obadiah Sawtell. 1847, Charles Butler. .
1806-10, Nathaniel Holden. 1850, Leonard M. Parker. 1827-29, Adolphus Whitcomb. 1851, Daniel L. Chandler. 1832, James P. Whitney. 1855, William Taylor.
1833-34, Israel Longley. 1856, Moses T. Gardner.
1835, #Leonard M. Parker. 1858, James P. Longley.§
1835-36, Zenas Brown.
1861, David Porter.
1840, Thomas Clark.
1864, George Davis.
1841, Thomas Whitney, Jr. 1868, Asahel A. Plympton.
1842, Augustus G. Parker. 1871, Alvin Lawton.
1843, Jonas Holden, 2d. . 1875, Samuel Longley.
1845, John K. Going. 1879, N. C. Munson.
SENATORS FROM SHIRLEY.
1818-21, Leonard M. Parker. 1840, Leonard M.Parker. 1836-38, Leonard M. Parker. 1845-46, James P. Whitney.
Delegate to the First and Second Provincial Con- gresses-FRANCIS HARRIS.
Delegate to the Convention to adopt the Constitution of the United States-OBADIAH SAWTELL.
Delegate to the Convention to amend the Constitution of Massachusetts, 1821-NATHANIEL HOLDEN.
Delegate to the Convention to amend the Constitution of Massachusetts, 1853-ABRAM FOSTER.
*Still in office, 1882.
tThe years omitted the town was unrepresented.
#Mr. Parker was elected to the Senate the same year, and resigned his seat in the House.
§Mr. Longley and those that follow were District Representatives, yet resi- dents of Shirley.
195
CIVIL HISTORY.
VOTES FOR GOVERNOR.
The following presentation of the number of votes received by the representatives for gubernatorial election, from the adoption of the State Constitution unto the year 1881, will give evidence of the political status of the town for more than a century after the establishment of a free government in the nation. The names of the candidates brought forward for the freemen's ballots will show the nature of the party bias that prevailed from year to year, and afford some idea of the political character of the people of the town :
1780-John Hancock, 51-all the votes cast. 1781-John Hancock, 36-all the votes cast. 1782-John Hancock, 22-all the votes cast. 1783-John Hancock, 23-all the votes cast. 1784-John Hancock, 20; James Bowdoin, I. 1785-John Hancock, II ; Azor Orne, I ; Thomas Cush- ing, 3. 1786-John Hancock, 10; James Bowdoin, 2. 1787-John Hancock, 33; James Bowdoin, 7. 1788-John Hancock, 52; Elbridge Gerry, I. 1789-John Hancock, 51 ; James Bowdoin, I. 1790-John Hancock, 44-all the votes cast. 1791-John Hancock, 32-all the votes cast. 1792-John Hancock, 50-all the' votes cast. 1793-John Hancock, 38-all the votes cast. 1794-Samuel Adams, 25 ; James Sullivan, 7. 1795-Samuel Adams, 43-all the votes cast. 1796- Samuel Adams, 51 ; James Sullivan, 5. 1797-James Sullivan, 62-all the votes cast. 1798-Increase Sumner, 27 ; James Sullivan, 26. 1799-Increase Sumner, 27 ; William Heath, 36. 1800-Caleb Strong, I ; Elbridge Gerry, 78; Moses Gill, IO. 1801-Caleb Strong, II ; Elbridge Gerry, 70. 1802-Caleb Strong, 24 ; Elbridge Gerry, 58. 1803-Caleb Strong, 25 ; Elbridge Gerry, 22.
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HISTORY OF SHIRLEY.
1804-Caleb Strong, 18; James Sullivan, 49. 1805-Caleb Strong, 16; James Sullivan, 74. 1806-Caleb Strong, 17 ; James Sullivan, 66. 1807-Caleb Strong, 12 ; James Sullivan, 82. 1808-Christopher Gore, 13 ; James Sullivan, 85. 1809-Christopher Gore, 19; Levi Lincoln, 95. 1810-Christopher Gore, 19; Elbridge Gerry, 91. 18II-Christopher Gore, 25 ; Elbridge Gerry, 84. 1812-Caleb Strong, 23 ; Elbridge Gerry, 91. 1813-Caleb Strong, 32 ; Joseph Varnum, 88. 1814-Caleb Strong, 38; Samuel Dexter, 82. 1815-Caleb Strong, 41 ; Samuel Dexter, 76. 1816-John Brooks, 39; Samuel Dexter, 73. 1817-John Brooks, 36; Henry Dearborn, 54. 1818-John Brooks, 33 ; B. Crowninshield, 50. 1819-John Brooks, 32 ; B. Crowninshield, 56. 1820-John Brooks, 30; William Eustis, 57. 1821-John Brooks, 35 ; William Eustis, 62. 1822-John Brooks, 30; William Eustis, 55. 1823-Harrison G. Otis, 34; William Eustis, 72. 1824-Samuel Lathrop, 30; William Eustis, 79. 1825-Levi Lincoln, 60-all the votes cast. 1826-Levi Lincoln, 62-all the votes cast. 1827-Levi Lincoln, 64; William C. Jarvis, 4. 1828-Levi Lincoln, 54 ; R. L. Winthrop, 2. 1829-Levi Lincoln, 50; R. L. Winthrop, I. 1830-Levi Lincoln, 46; Marcus Morton, 12. 1831-Levi Lincoln, 54; Marcus Morton, 16. 1832-Levi Lincoln, 32; Marcus Morton, II; Samuel Lathrop, 27.
1833-John Davis, 24; Marcus Morton, 29; John Q. Adams, 42. 1834-John Davis, 70; Marcus Morton, 15; John Bailey, 39. 1835-Edward Everett, 36; Marcus Morton, 53; S. T. Armstrong, I. 1836-Edward Everett, 57 ; Marcus Morton, 91 ; Samuel Sewall, 4.
197
CIVIL HISTORY.
1837-Edward Everett, 60; Marcus Morton, 77; Samuel Sewall, 2.
1838-Edward Everett, 61 ; Marcus Morton, 76.
1839-Edward Everett, 64; Marcus Morton, 103.
1840-John Davis, 76; Marcus Morton, 104; George W. Johnston, 2.
1841-John Davis, 67; Marcus Morton, 104. 1842-John Davis, 78; Marcus Morton, 114.
1843-George N. Briggs, 78; Marcus Morton, 104. 1844-George N. Briggs, 84 ; George Bancroft, 116.
1845-George N. Briggs, 78; Isaac Davis, 116.
1846-George N. Briggs, 77; Isaac Davis, 100.
1847-George N. Briggs, 63 ; Caleb Cushing, 98.
1848-George N. Briggs, 62; Caleb Cushing, 84; S. C. Phillips, 15.
1849-George N. Briggs, 72 ; George S. Boutwell, 91 ; S. C. Phillips, 6.
1850-George N. Briggs, 72; George S. Boutwell, 101 ; S. C. Phillips, 3. 1851-R. C. Winthrop, 78; George S. Boutwell, 91 ; J. G. Palfrey, 14. 1852-John H. Clifford, 75; H. W. Bishop, 87; Horace Mann, 35.
1853-Emory Washburn, 95 ; H. W. Bishop, 84; Henry Wilson, 20; B. L. Wales, 15.
1854-Emory Washburn, 42; H. W. Bishop, 31 ; H. J. Gardner, 109; Henry Wilson, 5.
1855-Julius Rockwell, 33; E. D. Beach, 58; H. J. Gardner, 70; S. H. Walley, 17.
1856-Luther V. Bell, 16; E. D. Beach, 47; H. J. Gard- ner, 132 ; G. W. Gordon, IO.
1857-Nathaniel P. Banks, 48; E. D. Beach, 31 ; H. J. Gardner, 51.
1858-Nathaniel P. Banks, 105; E. D. Beach, 45 ; A. A. Lawrence, 16.
1859-Nathaniel P. Banks, 81 ; B. F. Butler, 51 ; George N. Briggs, 23.
198
HISTORY OF SHIRLEY.
-
1860-John A. Andrew, 60; E. D. Beach, 41 ; A. A. Lawrence, 25 ; B. F. Butler, 5.
1861-John A. Andrew, 96; Isaac Davis, 55. 1862-John A. Andrew, 113 ; Charles Devens, 82. 1863-John A. Andrew, 66-all the votes cast.
1864-John A. Andrew, 157; Henry Paine, 62." 1865-Alexander H. Bullock, 73; Darius N. Couch, 20. 1866-Alexander H. Bullock, 104; T. H. Sweetser, 30. 1867-Alexander H. Bullock, 120; John Q. Adams, 81. 1868-William Claflin, 159; John Q. Adams, 64.
1869-William Claflin, 74; John Q. Adams, 68.
1870-William Claflin, 70; John Q. Adams, 55 ; Wen- dell Phillips, 7.
1871-William B. Washburn, 124; John Q. Adams, 59; R. C. Pitman, 6.
1872-William B. Washburn, 153; Francis Bird, 57.
1873-William B. Washburn, 50; William Gaston, 25. 1874-Thomas Talbot, 81 ; William Gaston, 88.
1875-Alexander H. Rice, 140; William Gaston, 62.
1876-Alexander H. Rice, 159; Charles F. Adams, 75. 1877-Alexander H. Rice, 96; William Gaston, 44; R. C. Pitman, 2. -
1878-Thomas Talbot, 153; B. F. Butler, 46; J. G. Ab- bott, 8.
1879-John D. Long, 131; B. F. Butler, 34; John Q. Adams, 7.
1880-John D. Long, 156; Charles P. Thompson, 43. 1881-John D. Long, 52 ; Charles P. Thompson, 14.
PART II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
0
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
CHAPTER I.
Early Ecclesiastical Movements-First Meeting-House- Candidates for the Ministry - Settlement of Mr. Whitney-Formation of a Church - Church Cove- nants.
The separation of the state from the church, and the adoption of the congregational form of church govern- ment, confined the ecclesiastical movements of New Eng- land within a compass of great sameness and simplicity. The church was an essential object of the thought and care of the early colonists, and to secure a free church they would submit to any sacrifice. Still, the history of one church community is essentially the history of them all, unless some serious quarrel chanced to occur to give incidental notoriety to a particular locality.
For the first century and a half ecclesiastical history consisted, generally, of accounts of especial fasts, the calling, ordaining and burying of ministers, (for it was rarely the case that one was dismissed, or voluntarily re- linquished his position while he lived,) of forming churches, disciplining members, and of building meeting-houses. Occasionally this history has been varied by the minutes of councils that have been called to deal with immoral brethren, or with those accused of heresy; but as these
26
202
HISTORY OF SHIRLEY.
latter evils have never disturbed the equanimity of religious progress in this town, nothing more can be expected, in this department, than a brief statement of the first-named, commonplace facts.
True to the principles and policy of a Puritan ances- try, the early settlers of Shirley were regular worshippers with their brethren in Groton until they were able to erect a public altar among themselves. The distance was from three to nine miles ; the roads were rough and hilly, and they had no other means of crossing the Squannacook than by fording it, or by a narrow foot-bridge. Yet few, of either sex, were found missing from their accustomed places in the church, unless prevented by sickness, bad weather, or bad travelling. The family horse, equipped with saddle and pillion,-and this latter appendage was frequently substituted by a small blanket-was the only means of conveyance for families of the best estate, while far the larger part pursued their journey on foot.
About six months after the settlement had become regularly organized as a district, a meeting of the voters was called to ascertain if public worship could not be established nearer home. The following records relate to the subject, and constitute the first regular movement in this important relation.
"At a legal meeting begun and held at the house of Mr. Jonathan Moore in sª District Art. 2ª To see if the town would hire any preaching this spring. Passed in the negative."
Nothing daunted, the friends of religion and order persevered in their good work by calling another meeting which was more successful, as the following record shows :
"At a legal meeting begun and held at the house of Mr. Jonathan Gould, in sª District of Shirley, it was voted to raise Ten Pound, lawful money, to hire preaching."
Now when it is understood that the current expenses of the town, aside from the ministry and the schools, were that year met by an outfit of £13 6s. 8d. we cannot deny that a most commendable zeal was manifested for the sup- port of the ordinances of religion in this infant settlement.
203
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
For the space of nine years no minister was settled, yet the people did not leave themselves without the word of life publicly dispensed.
The following extracts from the town records, and other reliable sources, show the position of the people on this subject.
Although ten pounds had been appropriated for preaching within the first year of the incorporation of the district, as above stated, it is not probable that any portion of it had been drawn, if raised, until the opening of spring the next year, 1754; when, at a meeting held May 2d, it was "voted to hire three months' preaching ;" and then, at a meeting holden Nov. 29th of the same year, it was "voted to have six weeks' preaching this winter." During the next summer, that of 1755, we do not learn from the rec- ords that any public religious service was held, and it is probable that the people were too poor to meet the expense of any such service. Yet they did not, at the call of pov- erty, dismiss the duty as impracticable, but resorted to another measure. At the September meeting of the colo- nial legislature, 1755, the following petition was presented for the consideration of that body.
" PROVINCE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BAY.
"To His Honour Spencer Phips, Esq., Lieutenant-Gov- ernor and Commander-in-chief of said Province; to the Honorable, His Majesty's Council and House of Representatives, in General Court assembled at Bos- ton, September 24th, 1755 :
"The petition of John Whitney, James Patterson and Jonas Longley, a committee duly appointed by the District of Shirley, humbly sheweth, that the said District is small and many of them poor ; but the great distances they lived from the Public Meeting-House in Groton, obliged them to get off from said town, in order to receive privileges among themselves ; altho' we have been set off more than three years, we have not been able to settle a minister, tho' we have built a small House for the publick worship of God,
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