USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Proceedings of the Worcester Society of Antiquity, for the year 1881-1882 > Part 13
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The rapid growth of our city during the past two years tells us more truly than simple words can do, of the genuine pros- perity which the people of Worcester have been and are now enjoying. It was claimed that more money was expended in the erection of new buildings and the remodeling of old ones during the year 1880 than had been expended in any one of the
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seven preceding years, and it seems to me that the thrift so apparent last year has not as yet in the least diminished, but that the growth of our city in 1881 will compare favorably with, if not exceed that of the previous year.
This natural development which is going on necessarily cre- ates radical changes in many portions of the city : the old famil- iar haunts are fast disappearing, while massive blocks of brick and stone suddenly spring up in their places. The general appearance of Front street has been greatly improved by nu- merous alterations the most important of which was the remodel- ing of Mr. Amos B. Hall's old two story building into a fine five story block having one of the finest fronts in the city, extend- ing on Front Street from Warren Street to Vine Street (an old wooden building having been removed from the lot on the corner of Vine and Front Streets to make room for a portion of the New Block). The old wooden building which for so many years stood on the Westerly corner of Church and Front Streets known as the Abijah Bigelow Estate and which was used as our first city Hospital, which was incorporated in 1871, and later for a free Medical Dispensary, has been removed, together with the other wooden buildings which stood west of it, to make room for the erection of more durable and substantial buildings by the present owner of the land, Mr. Jonas G. Clark. This gentle- man now has in progress of construction upon a lot on Main street, west of the old common, including the spot where recent- ly stood the residence of Dr. Joseph Sargent, a building that the citizens of Worcester may justly be proud of, and con- gratulate themselves for having among their number such an enterprising man, so willing to do and so abundantly able to carry forward any improvement he may see fit to undertake. But the growth of our city is seen in other directions. The Hon. Stephen Salisbury, together with his son, have been con- tinuing their extensive improvements so timely inaugurated a few years since on Union street near Lincoln Square, where no one can fail to admire the massive and comely buildings that now adorn the land so recently the deposit for ashes and street sweepings But it is not my purpose in this report to partic- nlarize, but rather to express general information. Several
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sizable machine shops have been erected and put into use, three hundred and fifty to four hundred new dwelling houses have been constructed, showing that Worcester is growing more rapidly perhaps than ever before.
While we can say so much for the growth and development of Worcester, what shall we say of her decay in the death of her prominent citizens? The first name we find on our list is that of Mr. Charles Hadwen, who died Tuesday night Feb. 8, 1881, at his residence on Hadwen Lane, aged 84 years. He was one of the prominent members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Had- wen was born in Newport, R. I., Jan 4, 1797. For a time he was a merchant in Providence R. I., and afterwards for several years a cotton manufacturer in the town of Scituate in that State, but eame to Worcester in 1834 and purchased the farm pre- viously owned and occupied by Mr. Wing Kelley. Here Mr. Hadwen made his home, and here he remained until his death. Charity was one of the cardinal virtues of his life. He left three children, residents of Worcester, Mr. Obadiah B. Hadwen, Mrs. Dorcas B. Lee and Mrs. George A. Kimball.
March 15th we have to record the death of Mr. Benjamin Flagg, which took place at the residence of his son, Aaron Flagg. in Springfield, Mass., where he was for the time stopping. Mr. Flagg was at the time if his death the oldest male citizen of Worcester, being in his 91st year. He was the son of Phineas Flagg, and grandson of Col. Benjamin Flagg who commanded a company of Minute Men that marched from Worcester for Lex- ington on the alarm April 19, 1775. Mr. Flagg was born June 12, 1790, at the old family homestead on Millbury avenue, being a direct descendant of Benjamin Flagg one of the early settlers of Worcester who came from Watertown, where he was born June 25, 1662. The confidence and esteem in which the late Mr. Flagg was held by his fellow townsmen may be seen by the fact that he was chosen Selectman in 1831 and 1837; Repre- sentative in 1835 and 1851, and Alderman in 1849 and 1853.
The funeral of Col. Isaac N. Ross was held in the town of Holden March 29th. Although Col. Ross was not a native of Worcester County, but for some years a resident in it, he took an active part in public affairs ; was member of the legislature
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in 1871 and 1872, and for a time one of the state directors of the Boston and Albany Railroad. He was deeply interested in the completion of the Boston Barre and Gardner Railroad, and was for some time the Superintendent of that road. He was born in Hanover N. H. August 22, 1824. When a young man he resided for a time in South Boston Mass., but in 1852 went to the state of Ohio where he engaged in mercantile business. In 1861 he was elected a member of the Ohio legislature. Being a strong Union man, and anxious to participate more actively in the conflict then going on, Gov. Todd sent him a commission, and with his characteristic promptness he raised two regiments for the war within two weeks, the 114th and 90th, and as Col. of the latter went at once to the front where he rendered excel- lent service, especially at the battle of Stone River, where, while leading his men in the thickest of the fight he was severely wounded .*
April 4th Mr. Nathaniel Waters died in Millbury. He was a native of that town, having been born April 2d, 1791, on the John Wood estate in the west part of the town. He was a sol- dier in the war of 1812.
June 17th, Mr. Calvin Taft died at his home on Main street in this city. Although Mr. Taft had not been a resident of Worcester but about twenty years, he was favorably known as one of our most active and energetic business men. He was the son of Mr. Adolphus Taft of Roxbury Mass., born in Jan., 1813. Mr. Taft was one of the founders of the Safe Deposit and Trust Company, and one of the Directors until incapacita- ted by failing health.
Mr. Francis Harrington, a native of Worcester, died July 2d. He was son of Francis Harrington and born August 11, 1811. For more than forty years he was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Worcester ; a member of the City Council in 1855, and of the Board of Aldermen in the year 1860.
* The remains of Colonel Ross were cremated at Washington, Penn., in accordance with his request.
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A few days after the death of Mr. Harrington we have to record that of Mr. Nathaniel Curtis Moore, in his 81st year. He was son of Willard Moore a descendant of one of the early settlers of the town.
Mr. Ephraim Beaman one of the oldest citizens at that time, died Saturday Aug. 13th. He was born in Princeton July 3d, 1793, and carried on farming and stock raising on the old homestead until within a few years.
Monday Sept 5th ended the career of usefulness of one of our most unassuming painstaking historical students, Samuel Foster Haven LL. D., Librarian of the American Antiquarian Society for more than 43 years. Dr. Haven was born in Dedham Mass. May 28,. 1806, son of Judge Samuel Haven of that place. He graduated at Amherst college in 1826, and for a short time thereafter resided in Lowell; was chosen Librarian of the American Antiquarian Society in 1838, from which time until stricken down with his last sickness, he applied himself with uncommon zeal and earnestness to historical research. Aided by thorough mental training and a love for his work that knew no bounds, he has been able to leave behind him a lasting reputation, not only for his scholarly attainments and historical learning, but for his usefulness and excellent judgment in assist- ing to build up a public institution which is not only an orna- ment to Worcester but to the country.
The Sth day of September closed the life of one of our most remarkable citizens. Stephen Symonds Foster was born in Canterbury N. II. Nov. 17, 1809, a graduate of Dartmouth College, class of 1838, began to study for the ministry, but changed his mind feeling that he could not use his voice in the interest of any institution that was willing to protect Slavery and the Slave holder. He at once espoused the cause of Free- dom, and became one of the most radical of the reformers. His boldness and courage as an antislavery agitator was not exceed- ed even by Wm. Lloyd Garrison or Wendell Phillips. At the annual meeting of the American Antislavery Society held in the city of New York, in 1840, Mr. Foster introduced a resolution severely criticising the American church and clergy for their wrong position on the question of human slavery. To one of
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his printed publications he gave the title, "The Brotherhood of Thieves, a true picture of the American Church and Clergy. Mr. Foster was a man of firm convictions and never hesitated to express himself in plain, unmistakable language ; and his hearers knew just where he stood, and just what he meant. His life and public career, while contending with opposition from every side, being hustled by the mob, imprisoned in Hanover jail, all together would make an exceedingly interesting sketch contrasting the public sentiment at the present time with that of forty years ago.
The death of Timothy Keese Earle occurred at his home in this city Oct. 1st. He was son of Henry Earle, and born in Leicester Jan 11, 1823. Mr. Earle was one of the most ener- getic and successful business men of our city, a zealous worker in whatever cause his convictions led him, but always frank and open in his speech and action. He was an earnest advocate for temperance reform, taking a prominent position in the pro- hibitory party, and twice (1880 and 1881) its candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
In my report for the year 1880 attention was called to the printing of the Proprietor's Records, of Worcester, announcing the fact that we had published those records from the earliest date, 1667, to May 2, 1719. I take great pleasure in now sta- ting that through the exertions of Mr. Franklin P. Rice, the work has been continued to the year 1788, with nearly 300 plans illustrating the land grants of the early settlers, and that this work can be found in Vol. III. of the Society's publications. We have in press for Vol. IV. Worcester Town Records, from the year 1753 to 1783.
In addition to the very valuable productions of this Society on local history, we have received the following volumes since the last report : Suffolk Deeds, publications of the Vermont Historical Society, History of Antrim N. H., Mr. Marvin's new edition, Worcester in the Rebellion, New Guide for Worcester, History of the wire business including Fence wire, only thirty copies of which were printed, Orderly Book of Colonel William Henshaw of Leicester during the Revolution, Memorial of Hon. Charles Allen, Memorial Biographies by the New England
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Historic Genealogical Society, Reports of the Record Commis- sion of Boston, the Old Worcester Magazine printed in 1787-8, published by Mr. Thomas in place of his paper, for the purpose of evading the heavy duty laid upon newspapers of that day ; Genealogical notes by Goodwin, New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Miscellania Genealogia et Heraldica, by Joseph Jackson Howard, Brights of Suffolk, England.
Many other books bearing on local history and genealogy have been received within the year, all of which are now arran- ged and ready for consultation.
ELLERY B, CRANE, Chairman.
REPORT ON ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS, PUBLICATIONS AND ENGRAVINGS.
MIWO of the most important arts known to mankind, wood engraving and printing, sprung up in Europe at about the same period of time. The earliest wood engraving,. claimed as authentic on account of its date, is said to have been made in 1423 ; and the earliest print from movable type only dates back to 1454, leaving a space of time between these two great events of 31 years. Unlike printing, wood engraving had an infancy, the rudeness of which may be seen in all the early illustrated prints. The first book illustrated to any considerable extent with wood ents was printed in 1461; the earliest copperplate engraving was made the same year.
The engraving knowm as the Buxheim Saint Christopher, is supposed by some to be the oldest wood cut bearing a date ; but this date (1423) is declared to be false by at least three eminent critics, Mr. Koning, Mr. Sotzmann and Mr. Pinkerton, who claim that the true date is 1460.
I have a book printed in the year 1495, which contains a num- ber of wood cuts of a similar style, but inferior as works of art, to the Saint Christopher. Both of these early prints being rude in their manner of execution and of the same general style of engraving, the question is naturally raised as to the probability of their being wrought at or near the same date.
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But if 1423 is the true date of the Saint Christopher, the other was probably engraved nearly three quarters of a century later, during which time it is fair to presume there ought to have been some improvement or change of style, perhaps both.
I also have another book printed in 1564, sixty-nine years later, containing wood cuts far superior to those of 1495, indi- cating that the first two engravings mentioned were made at dates less than seventy years apart.
Mr. H. E. Holt, in "Notes and Queries" for 1868, makes the positive declaration that the Saint Christopher was executed by Albert Durer at Colmar in 1493. This would be but two years previous to the publication of the first mentioned book, which would in some measure account for the striking similarity of the two, which could not well be done if the other date (1423) is admitted to be correct. There are many facts and circum- stances to indicate that the Saint Christopher was engraved much later than 1423. In the first place the date is not au- thenticated beyond reasonable grounds for suspicion, there being no other wood engraving with so early a date, but many having the appearance of being as old and even much older. It is claimed by some that this picture undoubtedly bore a date, but that it has sometime been changed from 1493 to 1423, a trick that would create no surprise in the more advanced stage of civilization, four hundred years later.
It is a well established fact that cross-hatching was first em- ployed in 1486, on a frontispiece used in the Latin edition of Breydenbach's Travels ; but the Saint Christopher contains that style of engraving, which shows that if 1423 is the true date more than sixty years elapsed before any more cross-hatching was done, which would seem improbable.
It is also claimed that this picture was produced by a print- ing press with printer's ink, neither of which existed in 1423. It was printed on paper such as was used by Albert Durer be- tween 1480 and 1500, known by its peculiar water mark, viz, a bull's head with an upright line rising between the horns, sur- mounted by a flower or star. There is no record to show that paper thus marked was used in 1423. It is also apparent that the design and style correspond with that of Durer ; and it is
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admitted that there was no other wood cut in existence in 1423, or for half a century after, that would in any degree compare with the Saint Christopher as a work of art. In fact only four wood engravings are known to have been made previous to 1450, and but few up to the time when Durer began his remark- able career as a designer and engraver on wood.
If it is admitted that the Saint Christopher was engraved as early as 1423, it must also be admitted that it was not equalled for at least seventy years, nor was its author discovered during that period.
With all these facts before us, it does not seem unreasonable to presume that Albert Durer was the designer and engraver of the Buxheim Saint Christopher, there being no other picture of special merit previous to his time, nor any engraver whose rep- utation has been preserved.
CLARK JILLSON, Chairman.
REPORT ON RELICS, COINS AND CURIOSITIES.
TN the department of Relics, Coins and Curiosities, there has been some improvement during the last twelve months, as will appear evident to all who may be interested in examining the additions that have been made to our cabinet. It is believ- ed, however, that not so much attention has been given to this department of work as its object and design would seem to war- rant and demand. Possibly as much has been accomplished by the members comprising this class as by those who are assigned to the other departments. By this classification of work, and with a determined purpose, much more probably could be done than has been thus far ; still, where so much improvement is manifest, so much information collected and put in permanent form, so many articles procured illustrating the usages and hab- its of past generations, it would be evidently unjust to speak of the work of these departments as a failure, or even as a useless and unnecessary classification, though all that their projectors contemplated may not have been fully realized.
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The contributions to this department during the last year are considerable, all of which have their value, and some of them so rare that other specimens of like character are hardly to be obtained.
In portraiture, we have been exceedingly fortunate in secur- ing the only known oil painting of the late Elihu Burritt. It was executed in this city in 1841, from life, by an artist then resid- ing here, named Elwell, who now resides in Springfield. This portrait is pronounced by those who knew the subject well, to be an excellent likeness of the departed scholar and reformer ; and The Worcester Society of Antiquity may be thought ex- ceedingly fortunate in possessing this rare work. It is also creditable to the city where we dwell, and where the subject of this portrait dwelt, and established his reputation as one of the greatest linguists of his time, that his portrait should be here, where future generations may behold the picture of him who was styled and recognized as the "Learned Blacksmith."
In another department of art are specimens of early wood engraving, executed by Hans Leonard Schaufflin, a pupil of Albert Durer, presented to this Society by Mr. C. J. Sawtell of New York city, who received them from a friend residing in Germany. These specimens are quite rare, and are a very in- teresting study to all who are connoisseurs in art. In the Metro- politan Museum of Art, Central Park, New York city, may be seen two volumes, the illustrations of which are by this artist, and the date of their publication is there given as 1513. Hans Schaufflein was one of the best, as he was one of the earliest wood engravers, and his work was not infrequently taken for that of his instructor, Durer, whom he closely imitated, though probably not fully equalled. But his productions will go down to future generations as remarkable specimens of a beautiful art.
Among our relics, and perhaps the most important of them all, is the contribution from Mr. Samuel H. Putnam, of the Com- pany chest of Company A, 25th Regiment Massachusetts Vol- unteers, containing books and papers relating to the service of the company in the war of the rebellion. Allied to, but preced- ing this, is a framed autograph of the fugitive slave, Thomas Simms, presented by Hon. P. Emory Aldrich. These remind-
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ers speak impressively of what was in days gone by, but fortu- nately never to return.
Among the other contributions are geological specimens, from E. H. Marshall ; from Win. A. Emerson, copy of a speci- men of pottery found by Dr. Schliemann at ancient Troy ; a piece of a ramrod from the ship Somerset, presented by Charles F. Rugg ; photograph of the old United States Hotel, presented by Nathaniel Paine ; two small U. S. Flags, from Arlington Heights, a card of horse-nails, made by machinery at the Cen- tennial Exhibition at Philadelphia, Lamp used at the Massachu- setts State house, 1812, presented by Pardon A. Lee ; Flint- lock Rifle, from Israel Plummer ; two Antique Powder Horns, from Hon. Clark Jillson ; Straw Splitting Machine, from Thom - as A. Dickinson ; Colonial and Confederate currency, from E. B. Crane ; an Electrotype plate, handsomely framed, of the Declaration of American Independence, from Wm. A. Smith ; a Card tooth Machine, made by Capt. Thomas Lamb of Leices- ter, in 1828, presented by A. B. Prouty, and an Indian Hunt- ing Shirt from Oregon, by E. H. Marble. Dr. George Chand- ler presented a pair of Metalic Tractors, accompanied by the following interesting historical and biographical sketch :-
"Dr. Elisha Perkins of Plainfield Conn., was the inventor of the Metalic Tractors, used by him in the cure and relief of nervous affections, rheuma- tism, sprains and other diseases. They were two small pointed instruments or pencils, one of steel and the other of brass, about three or four inches long, flat on one side and oval on the other. The operator held them be- tween his thumb and fingers and drew them backwards, lightly, over the part affected.
Dr. Elisha Perkins was son of Dr. Joseph and Mary (Bushnell) Perkins, of Norwich, Conn., and was born Jan. 16, 1741; studied medicine with his father and settled in Plainfield in the practice of his profession. He soon became widely known for his invention of the Tractors, and for the intro- duction of a powerful antiseptic in his practice. He was a man of strong physical frame aud had great endurance of fatigue. It was said that he often rode daily on horseback sixty miles visiting his patients. He used no spirituous drinks, and indulged in only four or five hours of sleep nights.
A grand daughter of his wrote, "Dr. Elisha Perkins was a physician of great skill and had a large practice which called him much from home, yet he founded and largely sustained an Academy in Plainfield which is still flourishing. He opened his own house for treatment of the sick, among whom was Calvin Goddard, afterwards Mayor and Judge, of Norwich, Ct.,
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who often said "When I left college I went to Plainfield in poor health and with all my worldly possessions in a pack on my back, and, if I have any goodness or hospitality in me I owe it to Dr. and Mrs. Perkins.
In the war of the Revolution Plainfield sent many men into the field, and among them, said Miss Ellen D. Larned, the historian of Windham County, her most beloved physician, Dr. Elisha Perkins who served as surgeon in the 8th regiment under Col. Jedediah Huntington. Dr. Albigence Waldo of Pomfret went as assistant surgeon. Dr. Perkins re-enlisted as surgeon in the campaign of 1776 under Col. John Douglas, Miss Calkins in her history of Norwich said this regiment, the 8th Connecticut, was the best equipped of any in the Colony, sporting for uniform a quantity of red-coats taken in a prize vessel.
Dr. Perkins was expelled from the Connecticut Medical Society in 1797, on account of his invention and use. in his practice, of the Metalic Tractors.
To show his faith in his inventions, he went to New York city during the prevalence of yellow fever in that city, and after about four weeks of assid- uous labor among those sick with that dreadful disease, he took the fever himself and died of it on the 6th of September, 1799.
Dr. Perkins married Sept. 23d. 1762, Sarah Douglas, of Plainfield, and by her had eight children, ancestors of a numerous race. His son, Benjamin Douglas Perkins, went to London, England, and established a "Perkins Institution" on the principles of tractoration, which for a time was very popular, and by which he accumulated a handsome property."
This department recognizes, with gratitude to its friends, their various contributions in the past, and confidently hopes that in the future they will continue their generous aid, so that eventually the cabinet of our Society may become one of its most useful, as it will be one of the most attractive features of our organization.
SAMUEL E. STAPLES, Chairman.
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Index to Proceedings for 1881.
A
Aldrich, P. Emory, 59, 145.
Allen, Rev. George, 23, 59, 112, 114, 117. Ames, Edwin, 4, 9, 150. Annual Address, 10-12. Assessment for 1882, 150.
B
Balanced Rock, 114. Baldwin, Charles C., 4.
Bartlett, Thomas E., 4, 45.
Bartlett William H., 4, 24, 123, 148. Barton, William S., 9, 13, 59.
Bates, Joseph N., 4. Bates, Theodore C., 4. Beaman, Ezra, sketch of, 125-144. Bemis, Merrick, 4.
Bigelow, William H., 4, 122.
Blackmer, Francis T., 4. Blake, Frank E., 4, 59. Bosworth, Fisher A., 4. Boyden, Elbridge, 150. Boyden, George E., 4. Brady, John G., 4, 44, 59. Brigham, John W., 4. Brown, Dr. George W., 120. Brown, John, Pamphlet, 120. Burritt, Elihu, Portrait, 118, 121.
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