USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Winchendon > History of the town of Winchendon (Worcester County, Mass.) from the grant of Ipswich Canada, in 1735, to the present time > Part 25
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48
Stephen C. Phillips .. 169
George S. Boutwell 1850.
George N. Briggs
136
Stephen C. Phillips
169
George S. Boutwell
45
Francis Coggswell 1851.
George S. Boutwell
79
John G. Palfrey
186
Robert C. Winthrop
149
1852. President.
Franklin Pierce
63
Winfield Scott
138
John P. Hale
176
Governor.
John H. Clifford
155
Horace Mann
190
Henry W. Bishop
80
1853.
Emory Washburn
122
Henry Wilson
176
H. W. Bishop
60
1854.
Henry J. Gardner
260
Henry Wilson
44
Emory Washburn
52
H. W. Bishop
19
1855.
Henry J. Gardner "
164
Julius Rockwell
110
Samuel H. Walley
44
Erasmus D. Beach 66
49
1856. President.
James Buchanan 66
77
John C. Fremont 400
John Bell
20
Governor.
Henry J. Gardner 279
Erasmus D. Beach
79
Luther V. Bell
19
98
45
75
27
.
59
41
66
25
11
264
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
1857.
Nathaniel P. Banks
had 209 votes.
Henry J. Gardner
111
Erasmus D. Beach
57
1858.
Nathaniel P. Banks
206
Amos A. Lawrence
41
E. D. Beach
46
1859.
Nathaniel P. Banks
S
199
Benjamin F. Butler
76
George N. Briggs
37
1860. President.
Abraham Lincoln
361
Stephen A. Douglas
82
John Bell
45
John C. Breckenridge
1
Governor.
John A. Andrew
" 344
Erasmus D. Beach
89
Amos A. Lawrence
45
1861.
John A. Andrew
" 312
Isaac Davis
101
1862.
John A. Andrew had 240 votes. 99 Charles Devins
Congress.
William B. Washburn " 338
Charles Brinblecom 2
1863.
Governor.
John'A. Andrew 216
Henry W. Paine
60
1864. President.
Abraham Lincoln
" 407
George B. McClellan
105
Governor.
John A. Andrew " 402
Henry W. Paine " 107
1865.
Alexander H. Bullock " 218
Darius N. Couch
33
1866.
Alexander H. Bullock " 275
Theodore H. Sweetzer 35
1867. Alexander H. Bullock " 418
John Quincy Adams " 118
It will be seen, by reviewing the above election returns, that public opinion, in this town, has set in a steady current, almost without devi ation, from the beginning. The inhabitants in the " times which tried men's souls," were strong patriots. They either entered the service, in the Revolution, or if they remained at home, they contributed large- ly according to their means, in sustaining the Continental Congress through the mighty struggle. In the Shays troubles they felt the pres- sure of the times, and sympathized with those who sought and obtained a redress of grievances ; but they never, in their corporate capacity, sanctioned any treasonable, or unlawful measures; and not many, if indeed more than one of their number, joined the insurgents in acts of violence.
Winchendon went with the majority of New England, in the support of the measures of the Federal party, as long as that party maintained an existence. For a single year, when matters were somewhat con- fused and mixed up throughout the State, in regard to the best mode
265
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
of dealing with the liquor question, the vote of the town was given for Gov. Morton. In 1853-6, the people here, with some exceptions, joined in that singular and brief episode in our political life, the American or " Know-Nothing" movement. Still later, in 1848, the town broke away from the Whig party ; but in this, only anticipated, by a few years, the course of the whole State. The love of freedom has ever character- ized the citizens ; but this has always been accompanied by a regard for law, and a proper respect for constituted authority. It was then but a natural effect of our whole history, when the inhabitants, with remarkable unanimity, gave men and means, in large measure, to aid in suppressing the wicked and infamous rebellion of the slave-holding oligarchy, in the years 1861-65. The spirit of the fathers and moth- ers in the old heroic days of the republic, burned brightly in the hearts of their children. The great cause for which the Pilgrims came hith- er, and for which the successive generations of their descendants con- tended, was vindicated in the last great war of liberty and law ;
" For Freedom's battle oft begun, Bequeathed from bleeding sire to son, Though baffled oft, is ever won."
266
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
CHAPTER XVII .- SUPPORT OF THE POOR.
" Pity the sorrows of a poor old man Whose trembling limbs have borne him to your door, Whose days are dwindled to the shortest span; Oh, give relief, and heaven shall bless your store." THE BEGGAR'S PETITION.
SECTION 1 .- PROVISION FOR THE POOR IN EARLY TIMES.
It is hardly supposable that there were any persons in the township for several years after its settlement, who needed support from the com- munity. Such persons have not the health, or the wit, or the enter- prise, out of which new settlers are made. They would not be encour- aged to come ; and in some cases, as soon as they appeared, they were warned out of town. If the warning was not sufficient, the constable was called upon to convey them to the place whence they came, or wherever they had a legal settlement.
When, in the course of time, by reason of age or infirmity, adults, or when by the loss of friends, children were in need of protection, the kindness of neighbors was relied upon to meet their wants. Sometimes poor families were aided occasionally from the cellars and wardrobes of those who were more prosperous. Simple-minded and half-witted persons were allowed to stroll around the country, and pick up a precarious liv- ing from the kind-hearted. Not seldom they were the sport of thought- less or cruel boys. Beggars were allowed to go from house to house, and being almost always of the same nationality, and not being numer- ous, they were fed, and to a certain extent, clothed. Sometimes indi- viduals or families who were permanently dependent, received aid from the town. But while none were permitted to suffer, the general senti- ment of the public did not encourage laziness or mendicancy. Self- help was one of the laws of Puritan society, while there was the utmost readiness to help those who were really in need of pecuniary aid.
Some years after the incorporation of the town, the Records mention
267
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
the name of a woman who was supplied with some of the necessaries of life, including rum. According to the ideas prevalent in those days, a moderate amount of spirituous liquor was considered as a proper al- lowance to the poor. Still later, the widow of an early settler, and herself the mother of a large number of respectable descendants, was aided by the town. It is thought best not to give the names of those who received support from the public, as there is a proper delicacy due to those who are unfortunate.
Another matter, referred to under another head, may be noticed in this connection. In 1794, January 6, a meeting was called to " take into consideration the request of Sally Lord." Upon inquiry it is found that she was the only daughter of Rev. Mr. Stimpson who survived in- fancy. One son also, Luther Stimpson, who married Sally McElwain, grew up to manhood. The daughter of Mr. Stimpson became the wife of Bemsley Lord, and had a dowry of about one thousand dollars. Af- ter getting possession of as much of this as he could, he deserted his wife, and went off to distant parts.
In consideration of her hard fortune, or for some other unknown rea- son, the town voted that she " should improve the house" she then oc- cupied ; and " also the red shop," during the town's pleasure. The Selectmen were to assist her in " conducting the matter according to their best discretion." So far as this action sprung from grateful re- membrance of the first minister's services, it was honorable to the town. Mrs. Lord afterwards became the wife of a Mr. Brown, a man of char- acter and respectability, and had several children.
SECTION 2 .- BIDDING OFF THE POOR.
The next step in the way of supporting the poor, was the singular, and now almost forgotten practice of having them put up at auction, and bid off to the lowest bidder. This was sometimes called " selling the poor." Careless readers of the Records might hastily infer that this was a relic of white slavery, when it was simply a mode of provid- ing homes for the weak and indigent. Suppose a family consisting of an infirm man, who yet might do some slight work ; of an old woman, who could render a little aid in the household ; and a boy old enough to drive the cows and drop corn. How shall they be provided for ? Instead of going from house to house, to find a home for them, this
268
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
course was pursued. On an appointed day, a vendue was held, and men were called upon to say what they would charge for the support of the family, for one year. The bidders would take into consideration their own conveniences for having such a family in their houses ; what their board and clothing would cost ; how much they could reasonably expect to get in return by way of labor ; and putting all things together, they made their bids. He who would take the family for the least sum of money, had them put into his charge, by the Selectmen, or the Over- seers of the Poor. But they exercised their discretion. If the man who made the lowest bid was not of good character ; if he were hard and cruel ; if he was one who would scrimp and abuse the poor, the of- ficers could decline to deliver these wards of the town to his keeping. Besides, it was often stipulated that children thus " bid off," should have so many weeks or months of schooling, annually. In addition to these safeguards, an enlightened and humane public sentiment went far to guard the poor from ill-treatment. It was competent for the Select- men, at any time, to take the custody of the poor into their own hands, if they were subject to abuse or unkindness. Perhaps this was the best policy that could be pursued before the towns entered upon the more modern plan of providing houses and farms for the support of the poor.
What were the sentiments of the inhabitants of Winchendon, in 1817, in relation to this important subject, may be inferred from the follow- ing action. On the first of December, a committee was chosen to con- sider the measures most conducive to the interest of the town for the support of the poor. Through their chairman, Lt. Paul Raymond, they reported the following, probably from the pen of Esq. Henshaw.
" They are not insensible to the importance of the subject committed to their consideration, nor the obligations due from society to extend the hand of charity in comfortably supporting those whom adverso fortune has brought to want."
After a full preamble, containing general principles, the Report rec- ommends :
" 1. That the Overseers of the Poor, after posting, shall receive such seal- ed proposals as may be offered, for cach lot of persons described in the poster, on the first of November.
2. Children shall be put out to live with some suitable person, until 14, with due regard to schooling and clothing. Then bind them till the time they become free by law. If boys, put them to some useful trade.
269
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
3. Persons out of town, but legally the poor thereof, to be immediately brought into the town, and afforded necessary assistance.
4. Persons not applying for assistance, but not constantly and industri- ously following some calling from which to gain subsistence, to be noticed and brought to use necessary industry, and their children bound out to some use- ful trade or employment. In this regard, the Overseers of the Poor rigidly to enforce the law.
They further recommend to the inhabitants of the town to discountenance as far as possible, the removal within the limits thereof, of people in indigent circumstances, by which means the town is frequently put to great trouble and expense."
The closing paragraph of the Report touches upon a subject which perhaps would find its appropriate place in another chapter, but as it refers to one of the principal causes of pauperism, it falls in naturally here. It is as follows :
" To one other consideration, your committee call the attention of their fel- low citizens, viz : to licensed houses and retailers. The laws regulating each, are good and wholesome, but we regret to say that in our opinion, they are broken with an impunity which requires redress. They therefore recommend that whenever it shall come to the knowledge of the Selectmen, that any tav- ern-keeper or retailer shall sell spirituous liquors to persons, having been for- bidden to do the same, according to law, that they immediately cause a pros- ecution to be commenced against such offenders, and if persisted in, withhold from them their approbation for another year."
SECTION 3 .- TOWN-FARM AND POOR-HOUSE.
The time had finally come for the initiation of a new policy in regard to the employment andsupport of the indigent and the helpless. In 1828, February 6, the town chose a committee,-Benjamin Adams, Joseph Robbins, Isaac Morse, Israel Whitcomb and Jacob Woodbury, -" to see on what terms the town can purchase a farm suitable for supporting the poor, and also an estimate of the probable expenses of stocking the farm, and also the actual expenses of hiring a superintend- ent." This committee brought in a Report, on the 18th, which con- cludes in these words : " Your committee beg leave to represent, that in their opinion, it is expedient for the town to appoint a committee of seven to purchase or hire a farm on which to support and employ the poor," etc.
270
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
The following gentlemen were chosen a committee for the above- mentioned purpose, viz : Isaac Morse, Benjamin Adams, Israel Whit- comb, Jacob Wales, Amasa Whitney, Jacob Woodbury and Ephraim Murdock. On the third of March following, the committee submitted the following
REPORT.
" We, the subscribers, a committee chosen by the town to purchase a farm, or in some suitable way to provide for the maintenance of the poor, have at- tended to that sorvice, and after duly considering the subject, having econo- my and philanthropy for our guide, have come to the conclusion to purchase a farm. And accordingly have purchased the farm on which Mr. Lewis Wil- der lately lived, for the sum of twenty-two hundred and seventy-seven dollars, interest after the first April next. Also have made some arrangements for a considerable part of the money that will probably be wanted this spring. Your committee have further agreed with Mr. James Fry for one year as Superin- tendent, for the sum of two hundred and ten dollars, himself, and wife, and two children; said Fry to find bed only for his own family; his other furniture and farming tools to be used when wanted for the benefit of the town, by the town making good what may be broken. Said Fry to make proper allowance for lost time, in case of sickness of himself or wife. Likewise have contracted with Mr. Fry for one yoke of oxen, two cows, about two tons of good English hay, and one shote, for one hundred and thirty dollars. Also, a quantity of pork and beef, grain, butter, potatoes, which will probably amount to near two hundred dollars more. More stock and provisions will doubtless be wanted."
The committee, in closing, take up the strain of their predecessors, in 1817, and refer as follows to the great source of pauperism and crime in the community. They felt the effects of license, and therefore spoke in plain terms.
" In view of the alarming increase and expense of paupers, your committee would state for your consideration, and particularly the Selectmen, the expe- diency of immediately posting those who make too free use of spirituous li- quors, and committing to the work-house those who are idle and mis-spending their time. Your committee further recommend that the Overseers be request- ed to make out a judicious, mild, coercive code of by-laws for the due regula- tion of said poor-house.
At this meeting the town directed that the poor-house should be a work-house ; and authorized the Overseers to devise, adopt and enforce
271
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
a suitable system for the regulation thereof. The Selectmen were au- thorized to borrow 81000 for the purchase of the poor-farm.
The " posting" referred to in the above extract, was an ancient cus- tom by which men who were not wholly lost to shame, were sometimes coerced into good behavior. If a man was idle and given to haunting taverns and to drinking ; in modern phrase, if he became an intemperate " loafer," after due admonition, he was " posted," and all persons were forbidden to supply him with intoxicating drinks. One citizen of this town, who was not conscious to what a depth of degradation he had de- scended, till rudely awakened by this process, remarked that " it was worse than dying."
The recommendation of the committee that a code of by-laws should . be drawn up for the government of the farm and work-house, was adopt- ed, and in the year 1832, the Rules and Regulations were put in force. At the same time, it was voted to " build a work-house on the poor- farm, the ensuing year." Esq. Murdock, Col. Adams and Israel Whit- comb were chosen a committee to see the work done.
The Rules and Regulations above mentioned, were drawn up with care, and seem well adapted to secure good government and proper management in the care of the unfortunate. Owing to their length, and their liability to alteration, from time to time, it is not deemed ne- cessary to insert them here. It is sufficient to state that while they con- fer all needful power on the keeper, they also place him under needful restraints, so that the poor and weak shall not be abused.
At subsequent times, additions have been made to the farm, and alter- ations in the buildings, as necessity or convenience required. In 1836, it was voted to have the buildings on the poor-farm insured. In 1837, it was voted to purchase a wood lot for the poor-farm,-the Grout lot, 35 acres, for 8625. In April, 1830, a committee was authorized to build " necessary additions to the town farm-house."
The Insane were formerly provided for at the poor-farm to a great- er extent than in recent years, since better arrangements and treatment have come into vogue in Hospitals and Retreats for the Insane. In ac- cordance with this practice, the town voted, in 1842, March 7, that E. Murdock, Jr., Webster Whitney and John Cutter, be a committee " to build a house in addition for the insane." A grant of $500 was made for the purpose.
272
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
In June, 1849, the Overseers of the poor were directed to send " Mr. Cheshire to Liverpool if it can be done for reasonable expense." He was an Englishman who " had seen better days," but was now in re- duced circumstances. Mr. John D. Dunbar joined with the town in sending him to his native land, with suitable clothing. He was sent at an expense of $59.00 to the town.
SECTION 5 .- EXPENSE OF SUPPORTING THE POOR.
The annual expense for sustaining the poor-house, above the income, during the last twenty years, is given below. The expenses in the col- umn relating to the poor-farm, include the pay of the master, but omit the interest of money paid for the farm, tools, &c. Nor is account taken of improvements.
COST OF POOR FARM.
1848,
S202 71
1850,
255 12
Not given.
443 90
1851
278 30
1852,
420 65
431 44
1853.
469 61
576 55
1854
286 84
234 77
1855,
385 34
259 59
1856,
582 73
72 08
1857,
589 82
125 50
1858,
800 33
326 18
1859,
650 12
254 53
1860,
457 22
197 26
1861,
538 85
273 09
1862,
665 79
336 94
1863,
443 85
269 87
1864,
360 72
232 73
1865,
256 87
340 13
1866,
253 14
714 01
1867
574 38
681 80
1868,
1125 30
SUPPORT OF POOR AWAY FROM FARM. $251 51
331 62
In the above tables the year must be understood as terminating on or near the first of March, and the amount set against any year refers to the year preceding. For example, 1868 refers to the year begin- ning on the first of March, 1867, and ending March 1, 1868.
In concluding this chapter, it may be truly said, that the town has been guided by " philanthropy" as well as " economy," in caring for the poor and friendless. The farm is a good one; the house is large
273
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
and convenient ; the water is pure ; the location is pleasant and health- ful ; the supply of food and clothing has been sufficient ; the oversight of the Overseers has been vigilant, and the Masters with their wives, have been faithful and efficient. The following are the names of those who have had the care of the poor, and the management of the farm.
Mr. James Fry,
from 1828
to
1829.
JIr. Lincoln Reed,
1829
1831.
Dea. John Cutter,
1831
1837.
Mr. Joel Brooks,
1837
1839.
Mr. Levi Hancock,
1839
1841.
Dea. John Cutter,
66
1841
1853.
Mr. Gilman Wyman,
1853
1855.
Mr. Reuben Bemis,
1855
66 1856.
Capt. Joseph Whitney,
1856
1858.
Mr. Lewis,
66
1858
1862.
Mr. Josiah J. Dunn,
1862
1866.
Mr. John Raymond, Jr.,
66
1866
1868.
Without any disparagement to others, it is proper to say that the town is much indebted to Dea. Cutter for his management of the property, and that the inmates of the poor-house have great occasion to be grate- ful to him and Mrs. Cutter, for their fidelity, patience and kindness. They-and the same may be said in general, of their successors-have felt an interest in the spiritual welfare of their wards, and it has been the practice to have religious meetings for the benefit of the inmates of the house, whenever the ministers of the town could attend them ; and also at other times ; besides the regular devotions of the family.
" Blessed is he that considereth the poor," says one who speaks in the name of the great Father of all. This is a benediction which a town as well as an individual may covet. And when we remember that no one is exempt from the liability to find his home in the alms-house, the duty to sympathize with the poor is strengthened. There have been, and are still, representatives of some of the most respectable families in the town, in the poor-house. Some of these are persons of great mor- al worth, and they appreciate every attention and every act of consid- erate kindness. " He that hath pity on the poor lendeth to the Lord."
18
274
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
CHAPTER XVIII .- WINCHENDON AT LAW.
" I oft have heard him say how he admir'd Men of your large profession, that could speak To every cause, and things mere contraries, Till they were hoarse again, and all be law." BEN JOHNSON. " The glorious uncertainty of the law."
COKE.
The town has been involved, at different periods, in legal perplexi- ties and expense. Sometimes, the case had reference to the support of the poor. The question was, what town is under legal obligation to take care of this individual or family ? At other times, legal measures were taken to collect taxes and other dues. At others, the town was indicted by the Grand Jury, or mulcted by the proper authority in ex- pense for not keeping the public roads in good repair. Some of these cases have been glanced at in connection with other topics. In this place, a more particular, though brief review of the town's experience in relation to " the glorious uncertainty of the law" will be taken.
SECTION 1 .- TAX AND POVERTY CASES.
In 1789, Jonathan Stimpson was thrown into jail on account of the non-payment of his taxes. But instead of paying them to get out of jail, he for some reason, remained there, and it became necessary for the town to see to his support. The creditor was obliged to pay the board of the poor debtor in jail. Besides, if the father were shut up, who would support his family ? Rather a serious question for the town to decide. An article in the warrant for the meeting held on the 8th of May, was " to see what method the town will take to said Stimpson and his family." And after consideration, the town voted " to let out said Stimpson upon the best conditions for the town they can." This was not so much a case in law, as an effort, by legal means, to obtain what was due. Probably the cost was far greater than the taxes due.
275
HISTORY OF WINCHENDON.
It is mentioned in another place, that Thaddeus Bowman, and his son by the same name, left the town while in its debt. After suitable efforts to obtain its dues, the town went to law and obtained a decision in its favor. The land of the Bowmans, in Weathersfield, Vt., was taken by execution, and Mr. Amos Heywood, in September, 1792, was cho- sen agent to make sale of the property so taken. On the 24th of Sep- tember, Samuel Prentice was authorized to prosecute those who had not fulfilled their obligations in respect to building the new meeting-house.
Towards the close of the same year, the town had a law-suit before the Court of Common Pleas, at Worcester, with Luther Stimpson, re- specting the support of Mrs. Thankful Stimpson. She was his grand- mother, now aged, and as it appears, dependent. Moses Hale was agent of the town, in conducting the case. He employed Esq. Paine and Esq. Strong as counsel. The decision was in favor of the town.
In the year 1799, the Grand Inquest for the body of the county, found an indictment against the town, for not making, and keeping in repair a new county road that was laid out in 1797, in the northerly part of the town. Moses Hale was chosen the agent of the town to ap- , pear in its behalf at the next Court of General Sessions of the Peace, to make answer.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.