USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Mattapoisett > Mattapoisett and Old Rochester, Massachusetts : being a history of these towns and also in part of Marion and a portion of Wareham. > Part 11
USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Rochester > Mattapoisett and Old Rochester, Massachusetts : being a history of these towns and also in part of Marion and a portion of Wareham. > Part 11
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After the Revolution
Railroads sink into insignificance beside this important subject."
It is impossible to describe either the condition or the growth of Old Rochester in the first half of the nineteenth century without entering somewhat fully upon the sub- ject of the maritime industries, which early in the century took on new lines of development in the seaside villages, and (especially in Mattapoisett) gave rapid growth and a new chapter of local history, which had most important consequences in the later town history. The story of these industries, however, and of their historic effects requires a full chapter, to be given later.
In 1840 a book called Massachusetts Historical Col- lections was published by John Warner Barber, which contains much historic and descriptive matter regarding the Massachusetts towns of that date. Mr. Barber was a personal friend of Dr. Robbins, whom he visited twice while getting the material for his collections. In this book he gives the population of Rochester as 3570 persons, and says that "about 60 sail of merchant and coasting vessels are owned in the town;" that "Mattapoisett vil- lage contains about 100 dwelling houses," and is "the principal village of Rochester," and that "the leading business of Sippican is the manufacture of salt."
In 1854 the Fairhaven branch of the Old Colony Rail- road was built, which passed through Marion and Mat- tapoisett, but left the old Town Quarter outside its line of travel ;- a fact which has had much to do with the rela- tive growth of the Old Rochester villages since that date.
The discovery of gold in California sent a thrill of ex- citement over the country. Many persons in Old Roches- ter were touched with the "gold fever," and joined the
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Mattapoisett and Old Rochester
crowds that from all over the world were eagerly pressing into California. Some of the Rochester men joined bands that from New Bedford and Fairhaven were fitting out vessels to carry the gold seekers on their quest. And in Mattapoisett village two vessels, the Oscar and the Mt. Vernon, were equipped and sent around Cape Horn to the new land of promise. The first was the brig Oscar, under Captain Dornie, with seventy men from Matta- poisett and the vicinity. They had a narrow escape soon after starting, from an encounter with a hurricane, in which the vessel was blown "on her beam ends." But she finally righted herself and the party went on. Later the Mount Vernon sailed.
Among those now living in Mattapoisett who went in these expeditions, are Caleb Dexter, Thomas Randall, and Thomas Luce; also Alden Rounseville, Jr., now a mill-owner at Rochester.
Six Rochester men also joined the New Bedford Com- pany that sailed in the Mayflower: James F. Dexter, James Smellie, Freeman B. Howes, Robert C. Randall, Robert C. Randall, Jr., Dr. Ezra Thompson.
Of these "Forty Niners," as they came to be called, some returned after some months or years, having attained a fair degree of success in the undertaking; and now they delight to tell over to younger listeners tales of these eventful days of '49. Those who came back, singly or in groups, mostly crossed the Isthmus of Panama, with its dangerous heat and malarial influence. Some of those who started home with eager hearts fell victims to those climatic conditions, and their bones lie buried in that tropical soil. Some reached home penniless and with constitutions ruined for life. Some elected to stay
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After the Revolution
in California and never revisited the land of their fathers.
Fifty-eight years have passed since then. Two hun- dred and twenty-eight years have gone by since the thirty proprietors purchased these lands of the Old Colony Court for the "seating of a township," and to provide a home for themselves and their posterity.
The general features of the region are the same. The contour of the long shore is unaltered, and the larger part of the lands of the interior are still covered with a growth of forest.
The pine groves still give forth their fragrance, yet no one "milks the pine trees," nor makes tar from their flowing sap. The sawmills keep up a winter activity at various mill-ponds; and a few steam mills have added an all the year round enterprise to the box-board industry in various localities. But the trip-hammer and the puddling furnace of the old iron mills long ago disappeared, and the iron ore that remains is left undisturbed at the bottom of the lake beds.
The "craneberry" is still "a plenteous production" and is sent to-day to even a wider "vicinage" than Boston.
Many of the old stone walls are still standing, in more or less stable condition, " pathetic monuments of vanished men "; although some have been ground up to make the macadam roadways that thread the Old Rochester terri- tory. But the lover of country life will often turn aside from these modern highways into the genuine country roadways, the natural "dirt-roads" of the olden time, with their inconsequent windings and changing blos- soming hedgerows,
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Mattapoisett and Old Rochester
" Winding as roads will Here to a cottage, and there to a mill."
Here or there along these old roadways one will see some unpainted cottage, with wide chimney and an old well-sweep, and with lilacs or cinnamon roses about the door. Much that is ancient is still left in the Old Roches- ter territory, and there is folk-lore still to be gathered. For traditions cling to an old town, and in place of the two or three haunted houses, which the older generations named as such, "All houses wherein men have lived and died are haunted houses." But the spirit of the modern age has also touched all parts of the region. . Not only in the seaside villages, where the beautiful new homes of summer residents are rapidly multiplying, but in other parts of the old town new dwellings are erected, and many of the oldest houses show modern changes that tell that the life-blood of the community is active and flowing.
Instead of depending on the old "way-carriage" of Dr. Robbins's time, the people take the frequent electrics to New Bedford. The rural delivery carries the mail to the remotest country farmhouse. The boys and girls come to the central schoolhouses on their bicycle steeds, or by transportation furnished at public expense; while the village and country matrons "pass the time of day" with their neighbors through the telephone, and business men in their country homes keep in touch with their city offices through the same modern channel.
Wareham has itself become an old town. The next generation of its people will be ready to celebrate the bicentennial of their own township anniversary. Yet once in a while the descendants of the Old Rochester
WATER STREET, MATTAPOISETT
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After the Revolution
settlers in the western villages of Wareham call to mind the fact that for sixty years they were sharers with these neighboring towns in the local associations of the older town that was born in 1679.
In Marion and Mattapoisett something of the old energy, enthusiasm, and pathos have departed that be- longed to the old seafaring days. The windmills are gone from these shores, and a few crane-beams, laid up perhaps as a relic in some dry nook, are all that can now be found of the great salt-works that at many points were conspicuous objects along the water front. The village of Sippican began to drop something of its mari- time character soon after it laid aside its sibilant old Indian name. Where it was once agreed that the village private school "shall hail" as "Sippican Academy," the modern "Tabor Academy" offers higher education to the youth of the surrounding community.
The harbors are still the scene of life and activity but the power-boat, the yacht, the catboat, and other pleasure craft, have taken the place of the whaleships and vessels of maritime commerce.
The part of Old Rochester that still bears her name, having relinquished her claim to the water front and to the honors of a seaport town, is now, to use the words of William Root Bliss, the historian of Wareham, "an in- land farm, untouched by railway trains." No Probate Courts are nowadays held on Rochester Green to invite the visits of distinguished members of the Massachusetts Bar, or the protests of pious souls against such a secular use of the parish meeting-house. At the new town hall on Rochester Common, town business is still transacted, but the new building does not shelter such a large gather-
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Mattapoisett and Old Rochester
ing of voters, nor do its walls ring with such stirring debates as were heard in the low-roofed building of the olden time.
But Rochester of to-day is still " an original corporation of the Old Colony," with a continuous existence reaching back to 1686. It inherits the corporate name and the town records of Rochester of the past. Yet the whole Rochester territory is still, to some extent, united in its local interests. The old precincts that were carved out of this territory are allied in conference relations among their churches, and in other social and religious associa- tions. The automobiles speed daily over the fifteen-mile road that like a connecting cord binds in close proximity the three towns of Rochester, Marion, and Mattapoisett, which for a century and three quarters held equal partner- ship in the older Rochester. Even the herring fishery is still held in common ownership, and though it is the subject of triple town legislation, it remains a common interest. All have rights also in the clams, the scallops, the quahaugs, and other fish along Old Rochester shores.
July 22, 1879, in Handy's Grove, in Marion, near the Rochester line, the people of the Old Rochester territory joined to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the settle- ment of all these towns. Six thousand people were in attendance, and under the whispering pines the day was given to history and reminiscence, to feasting and enjoy- ment. In future anniversaries of this old event the people of these now separate towns will ever feel an equal degree of personal share and interest.
On account of the community of origin something of historic unity must always exist. Similar natural sur- roundings, a common ancestry, a common past "rich
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After the Revolution
with the spoils of time," united with the changing con- ditions and vicissitudes of modern life, are giving, and must continue to give, to the towns of the Old Rochester region an inheritance
" Distinct as the billows yet one as the Sea "
where
" The Sounding unifies all."
CHAPTER IX
THE DIVISION OF THE TOWN
R OCHESTER TOWN, even after the eastern por- tion was annexed to Wareham, comprised an ex- tended territory. With the growth of maritime industry the shore villages increased largely in population and wealth, as compared with the agricultural sections of the town. Sippican was not so far from the old town-house at the Center, but Mattapoisett was distant some six miles and North Rochester was about equally far away. The inhabitants around Snippatuit Pond journeyed, as now, by Vaughn's Hill to Rochester Common to participate in the town's business, while those from Mattapoisett traveled the long route back from the shore.
The old Mattapoisett way led up over "Towser's Neck" and came into the "Country Road" above Haskell's mills; but on March 2, 1772, the town had voted, "That the way to mattepoiset from Town be so altered from where it Now Goes by the old Haunted House (so called) as to Continue Dartmouth Road till it Comes Near Great Rock, thence to Turn Southerly on East Side thereof & Continue on a Streight Line till it Enters Mattepoisett way in Such a Place as shall be most Convenient for same to be Laid & to be opened, Continued, & amended with- out any costs to the Town, till it is Made as Good as the way Used; & all ways to Continue in this place at the
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CHAPTER IX
THE DIVISION OF THE TOWN
R OCHESTER TOWN, even after the eastern por- tion was annexed to Wareham, comprised an ex- tended territory. With the growth of maritime industry the shore villages increased largely in population and wealth, as compared with the agricultural sections of the town. Sippican was not so far from the old town-house at the Center, but Mattapoisett was distant some six miles and North Rochester was about equally far away. The inhabitants around Snippatuit Pond journeyed, as now, by Vaughn's Hill to Rochester Common to participate in the town's business, while those from Mattapoisett traveled the long route back from the shore.
The old Mattapoisett way led up over "Towser's Neck" and came into the "Country Road" above Haskell's mills; but on March 2, 1772, the town had voted, "That the way to mattepoiset from Town be so altered from where it Now Goes by the old Haunted House (so called) as to Continue Dartmouth Road till it Comes Near Great Rock, thence to Turn Southerly on East Side thereof & Continue on a Streight Line till it Enters Mattepoisett way in Such a Place as shall be most Convenient for same to be Laid & to be opened, Continued, & amended with- out any costs to the Town, till it is Made as Good as the way Used; & all ways to Continue in this place at the
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MATTAPOISETT VILLAGE, 1856 From Walling's Map of Rochester Town
1
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The Division of the Town
Costs of mr Benja. Hatch, His Heirs & assigns: except that of mending the Way." And thereafter the voters of " Mattapoisett Quarter" went north by the present way through the Church neighborhood, and by the "Wheel of Fortune," to help determine the "town's mind." For a century or more increasing numbers traveled, without open protest, the long route to the town-house.
About the second Sabbath in February, 1837, the citi- zens found a warrant posted on the "Great Door " of their meeting-houses, issued by Philip Crandon, Amittai B. Hammond, and Earl C. Briggs, as selectmen, to Daniel Hall, constable, calling for a meeting for March 6th, next following: and requesting, in addition to ordinary matters, that action be taken on "Article 12th, To hear the request of the First Parish in said town in regard to moving the town-house, and repairing the same, and to pass any vote the town may see fit in regard to the whole matter." This request of the First Parish apparently started the controversy which only ended by the division into three towns twenty years later.
Some citizens of Mattapoisett, seeing that the condition of the town-house apparently required expenditure, and well knowing that a large minority, at least, of the voters of the town dwelt in that quarter, thought it a fitting time to act; and secured the insertion in the warrant, at its end, after Article 15, an unnumbered article "To decide if the town will hold their town-meetings in Mattapoisett Village for the term of one year from the 20th of March, 1837."
Never before in town had there been a proposition of this sort, and it naturally did not commend itself to the older citizens around Rochester Common. Abraham Holmes, then eighty-three years old, was much stirred
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Mattapoisett and Old Rochester
up and joined with James Ruggles and other younger men of the "Town Quarter" to vigorously oppose any change from the established order of things. When the 6th of March arrived, as Zebulon H. Thompson, late of Rochester, states: "The Mattapoisett people surprised us by arriving very early in barges, all the voters they could muster," and Esquire Holmes tells that "they had a flag, which they kept flying from the North side of the road, opposite Ruggles's store."
The meeting being assembled, and the votes for modera- tor counted, "Amittai B. Hammond had all the votes but two that were polled, which was 49 only. He took his seat, then rose and called the town to order. Elijah Willis Esqre, Ebenezer Holmes, Nathaniel Haskell, and John W. Wing were appointed monitors." The first trial of strength came on the vote for town clerk. Rogers L. Barstow was re-elected by 275 votes, with 199 for James Ruggles. A. B. Hammond, Philip Crandon and Weston Allen were chosen selectmen, and they were in- structed "to appoint agents for the taking of the herring, and inspectors of Mattapoisett river for the year." Then the meeting voted: "When this meeting be adjourned it be adjourned to the First Christian Meeting-House in Mattapoisett Village, and that all the town-meetings be held in the Village of Mattapoisett for one year from the 20th day of March, 1837." The meeting then took up Article 12, and voted, "That the First Parish in Roches- ter have the use of the town-house for public worship while they are building their new meeting-house." Voted, "To refer the request of the First Parish in regard to moving the town-house to the selectmen for them to do what they think proper." Appointed a committee to
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The Division of the Town
investigate the accounts of the town farm. "James Ruggles Esq. then arose and gave notice that he protested against the vote in regard to holding town-meetings in the Village of Mattapoisett and should call for a recon- sideration of that vote at the adjournment of this meeting." Voted to establish the almshouse as a house of industry, and adjourned to meet at Mattapoisett the first Monday in April.
Agreeable to adjournment, April 3, 1837, there was held, in the First Christian Meeting-House, the first town meeting ever assembled within the confines of Mattapoi- sett. The contingent from the "Town Quarter" was on hand early. Mr. Holmes writes, " After mature delibera- tion committees were appointed in each school-district to use every lawful measure to get a general turn out. The day arrived, the morning was flattering as to weather, but before noon it became squally. I was obliged to sit in a carriage for more than an hour before the door was opened."
Deacon Hammond finally "called the town to order," the Rev. Thomas Robbins offered prayer, and the moderator then called for the votes for treasurer. Eight monitors were deemed necessary at this meeting, and Lot N. Jones, John Bassett, James Ruggles, George King, Wilson Barstow, David Hathaway, Doctor Haskell, and Philip Crandon were appointed. The people repaired out of the house, except the old men, and gave in their votes as they came in. Seth Haskell had 347 votes and was chosen treasurer. "The town then moved that the vote by which the town-meetings for one year from the 20th day of March last past were ordered to be holden at Mattapoisett be reconsidered, and that when this meeting adjourn it
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Mattapoisett and Old Rochester
adjourn to Meet in the Town-House the 17th of April inst at one of the clock in the afternoon." "The moderator then rose and said that they should repair out of the house, except the old men, and all them that were in favor of reconsidering the vote last past in regard to holding town- meetings in Mattapoisett should form in a line on the north side of the street, and them that were not in favor of reconsiderating the said vote should form on the south side of said street. After counting the voters it was found that there was 299 in favor and 296 against recon- sidering the said vote, which left 3 majority in favor of adjourning the meeting, when adjourned, to the town- house." "Capt. John Atsatt then rose and gave notice to the town that he should call for a reconsideration at the adjournment of this meeting." The voters then accepted the reports of the committees on town farm and in regard to the surplus revenue, and adjourned "to Monday the 17th of Apr. inst at one of the clock P.M."
Dr. Robbins wrote: "April 3, Attended town-meeting, the first time, I suppose, ever held in this village. A great strife for the place. It was adjourned to meet next at the center of the town by a vote of 299 against 296. I spoke a little but did not vote. Mr. Bigelow was with me. It was an unpleasant affair." The day of adjournment, April 17, "Rode with company to Rochester by the par- ticular desire of my people, and attended town-meeting, and voted on the question of holding the meeting a part of the time in this village. The only time I have ever voted in a town-meeting since I was settled in the ministry."
Dr. Robbins opened the meeting with prayer. The point in issue was acted on at once. Captain Atsatt handed in his motion for reconsideration and adjourn-
TOWN HOUSE, ROCHESTER CENTER, BUILT IN 1811
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The Division of the Town
ment to Mattapoisett. "It was moved that the vote as above, should be taken by Yea and Nay." Mattapoisett was out in force; and Mr. Holmes says, "Our people provided crackers and cheese at the schoolhouse for the benefit of those who lived at a distance, for the intention was that the people should be on the ground before 12 o'clock." "The vote," wrote Mr. Holmes, "could not be taken in the house, it was so crowded, and after various attempts had failed, the doors were shut upon the older men within the house, where ballots were then taken as they came out through the door; while the younger men were sent through the bars into Mr. Bonney's field, and their votes taken as they came out." "The ballots being read and counted, it was found that there were 324 Nays and 278 Yeas, which made a majority of 46 in favor of holding the town-meetings at the town-house." The town then voted, "To take so much of the surplus revenue as will pay for the poor-house farm in full & the Ballance to be invested in Bank Stock;" and adjourned one week to one P.M., April 24th.
"When the day came," writes Mr. Holmes, "before nine o'clock a northeast storm (very cold) commenced, which increased in its fury, and by noon was pretty violent. It was even doubtful if the moderator and town-clerk would come. Very few people from the N. W. part of the town attended, but the people of Mattapoisett had a con- siderable turn out." Linus Snow, Joseph W. Church, Andrew Southworth, and Joshua Cushing were chosen Assessors, and two ballots were taken for a fifth without choice between Ebenezer Holmes and David Hathaway. "Capt. John Atsatt then rose, and made a motion to ad- journ this meeting to the Rev. Thomas Robbins's Meeting-
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Mattapoisett and Old Rochester
House in the Village of Mattapoisett, Wednesday the 26th day of April inst., at one of the o'clock in the after- noon, and the above motion was seconded by Elijah Willis, Esq. The town then called for a vote. After counting it was found that there were 141 in favor of adjourning and 125 against. The town then voted to ad- journ this meeting to Rev. Thomas Robbins's Meeting- House. There being 139 in favor of adjourning agreeable to Capt. J. Atsatt's motion, and 137 against it, which left a majority of 2 for adjournment."
Upon this, the "Town Quarter" apparently gave up the contest, and "having only one day to make prepara- tion for repairing to Mattapoisett," they decided, for the most part, to remain away. So, on April 26th, therefore, only about 240 voters assembled at the meeting-house at "the Green" in Mattapoisett, and chose George King and four of the town's ministers on the School Committee, - Thomas Robbins, Jonathan Bigelow, Oliver Cobb, and Theodore K. Taylor. The contest for the fifth assessor was settled by the absence of the voters from the "Town Quarter," so Ebenezer Holmes had 238 votes and Col. David Hathaway had 3. The usual year's business was performed, and adjournment made to July 10, at the same place. This appears to have been done simply for the joy of holding another meeting in Mattapoisett, for being assembled on that day, and "Deacon Mit" being absent, they chose Capt. Martin Snow moderator pro-tem; elected Levi Handy "wood-surveyor for Mattapoisett Quarter"; and then voted that "the meeting be dissolved." Thus ended the longest and most strenuous town meeting recorded in the annals of Rochester.
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