USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Proceedings of the Worcester Society of Antiquity, for the year 1881-1882 > Part 26
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Capt., 113.
Joseph, 130, 160, 162.
Josiah, 17, 19, 23, 33, 45, 50, 78, 105, 113, 153, 161, 180. Samuel, 99, 105, 113, 115, 128- 130, 135, 137, 153, 160, 161, 178. Wilson, John, 104. Mary. 155.
Wisdom, Henry, 175, 177.
Witherbee, Caleb, 113, 129, 130, 161 Ephraim. 129, 130, 161.
Wood, Ezekiel and Solomon, 113, 130, 161.
Woods, John, 23, 33, 45. Samuel, 76, 81.
Woodstock, 31, 59, 86, 94, 119, 139, 164.
Wooly, James, 176.
Worcester, 35, 42, 59. 75, 82. 94, 104, 119, 139, 164, 166, 178, 182.
County, 10-13.
Worship, Public, neglect to attend, penalty, 44; cases, 36-39, 79, 80, 85, 93, 103, 109, 140, 142, 146, 155, 159, 166, 167, 171, 174, 175, 181-183. Wright, James, 151, 153, 172, 178.
Joseph, 23, 105, 113; 115, 117, 124, 128, 129, 150, 153, 160, 163. Samuel, 17, 19, 20, 23, 26, 29, 45, 48, 50, 61, 68, 78, 82, 90, 92, 105, 124, 128, 145, 178. Y
Young, David, 137, 138.
.
No. XIX.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE C.
CHOPTESTER Boristy of Antiquity,
FOR THE YEAR 1882.
SOCIETY
WORCESTER
OF
INSTITUTED
HISTORIA.
ARCHEOLOGIA
ANTIQU
JANUARY, 1875.
LITERA 'SCRIPTA
MANET
THE
WORCESTER, MASS. : PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 1883. U. S. A. CVII.
PROCEEDINGS
-OF THE C.
Worcester Society of Antiquity,
"
FOR THE YEAR 1882.
SOCIETY
WORCESTER
OF
STITUTED
HISTORIA
ARCHÆOLOGIA
ANTIQU
JANUARY, 1875.
THE
LITERN SCRIPTA MANET
T
WORCESTER, MAASS. : PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 1883. U. S. A. CVIT.
WORCESTER : PRESS OF CLARK JILLSON. MDCCCLXXXIII.
OFFICERS FOR 1883.
PRESIDENT.
ELLERY BICKNELL CRANE.
VICE-PRESIDENTS,
ALBERT TOLMAN, GEORGE SUMNER.
SECRETARY, HENRY LORISTON SHUMWAY.
TREASURER, HENRY FRANCIS STEDMAN.
LIBRARIAN,
THOMAS A. DICKINSON.
Departments of Work. ARCHLÆOLOGY AND GENERAL HISTORY. CHARLES R. JOHNSON, Chairman.
William H. Bartlett, Edward B. Glasgow,
Theodore C. Bates,
Thomas A. Dickinson,
William T. Harlow,
Reuben Colton,
John W, Brigham,
A. H. Coolidge,
H. W. Hubbard,
Henry F. Stedman,
C. Otis Goodwin,
Thomas Stansfield,
James L. Estey,
Francis T. Blackmer,
F. E. Lancaster,
William L. Clark,
Alfred Waites,
E. H. Thompson,
Eben F. Thompson,
Charles F. Washburn,
Sullivan Forehand,
Ellery B. Crane,
Samuel E. Staples,
Henry P. Upham,
John G. Brady,
Franklin P. Rice,
Henry King,
Everett C. Stone,
LOCAL HISTORY AND GENEALOGY. HENRY M. SMITH, Chairman.
Alfred S. Roe,
Frank E. Blake,
William T. Harlow,
Harvey B. Wilder,
J. Chauncey Lyford,
Augustus B. R. Sprague,
Franklin P. Rice,
C. Otis Goodwin,
Nathaniel Paine,
Clark Jillson,
Ledyard Bill,
Albert Tyler,
Ellery B. Crane,
Samuel E. Staples,
Manning Leonard,
Daniel Seagrave,
Charles A. Chase,
Henry P. Upham,
Albert A. Lovell,
James A. Smith,
Herbert Wesby,
George A. Jordan,
E. R. Lawrence,
Charles A. Denny,
E. H. Marshall,
Benjamin J. Dodge,
Charles B. Knight.
Ephraim Tucker,
ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS, PUBLICATIONS AND ENGRAVINGS. CLARK JILLSON, Chairman.
William B. Harding,
Theodore S. Johnson, John Cort,
Albert Tyler,
George Sumner,
Henry 1. Shumway,
Augustus Coolidge,
Albert P. Marble,
William A. Smith,
Merrick Bemis,
Josiah Pickett, Reuben Colton.
Samuel E. Staples,
Charles B. Whiting,
Charles W. Fenno,
Charles C. Baldwin,
Charles W. Estabrook,
Addison Prentiss,
Albert Tolman,
Nathaniel Paine,
Alfred Waites.
Edward I. Comins,
Augustus E. Peck,
RELICS, COINS, AND CURIOSITIES. SAMUEL E. STAPLES, Chairman.
Henry Phelps,
Edwin Ames, Frank J. Kinney,
Richard O'Flynn,
Jerome Wheelock,
George E. Boyden,
William B. Howe,
Abram K. Gould, Pardon A. Lee,
George Sumner,
Ilenry King,
Albert G. Mann,
Franklin C. Jillson,
Augustus Stone,
Charles F. Rugg,
Olin L. Merriam,
Edgar W. Warren,
George F. Thompson,
Frederick G. Stiles.
Norton L. Cook,
MILITARY HISTORY. AUGUSTUS B. R. SPRAGUE, Chairman.
Josiah Pickett,
William T. Harlow, Edward T. Raymond,
Alfreb S, Roc, Albert Wood,
Frederick G. Stiles,
Augustus Stone,
Edward R. Lawrence,
George F. Thompson,
William H. Bartlett,
Norton I. Cook,
William B. Harding.
COMMITTEES FOR 1883.
-
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
ELLERY B. CRANE, GEORGE SUMNER,
ALBERT TOLMAN, HENRY L. SHUMWAY, HENRY F. STEDMAN.
STANDING COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS. EDWARD R. LAWRENCE, FOR 1 YEAR; DANIEL SEAGRAVE, FOR 2 YEARS; WILLIAM H. BARTLETT, FOR 3 YEARS.
COMMITTEE ON BIOGRAPHY.
HENRY L. SHUMWAY,
ALBERT TYLER,
ALFRED S. ROE.
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION.
ELLERY B. CRANE,
ALBERT TOLMAN,
-
GEORGE SUMNER, HENRY L. SHUMWAY, HENRY F. STEDMAN.
PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY
No. I. Proceedings, 1875-1877. (pp. 70.)
No. II. Constitution and list of officers. (Comprised in
No. I.)
No. III. Proceedings for 1877, with Inscriptions from Old Burial Grounds in Worcester. (pp. 168.)
No. IV. Inscriptions from Old Burial Grounds in Worces- ter. (Comprised in No. III.)
No. V. Proceedings for 1878. (pp. 150.)
No. VI. Early Records of the town of Worcester, Book I., 1722-1739. (pp. 142.)
No. VII. Proceedings for 1879. (pp, 150.)
No. VIII. Early Records of the town of Worcester, Book II., 1739-1753. (pp. 145.)
Nos. IX. to XII., inclusive, Records of the Proprietors of Wor- cester, 1667 to 1788, with 300 plans. (pp. 336.)
No. XIII. Proceedings for 1880. (pp. 80.)
Nos. XIV. to XVI., inclusive, Worcester Town Records from 1753 to 1783. (pp. 472.)
No. XVII. Proceedings for 1881. (pp. 164.)
No. XVIII. Records of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, for the County of Worcester, 1731-1737. (pp. 197.)
No. XIX. Proceedings for 1882. (pp. 160.)
Nos. I. to XIX. are arranged to form five volumes under the name of Collections. A pamphlet containing Title Pages, Indexes and directions for binding the first three volumes will be furnished by the Librarian. Nos. XIV. XV. & XVI., form Volume IV. Nos. XVII. XVIII. & XIX, form Volume V.
PROCEEDINGS.
T HE portrait of George Chandler M. D., of Worcester, which embellishes this number of our Proceedings, presents the features of a valued friend,-one who by his own researches and labors in editing and publishing the record of the Chandler Family, has demonstrated his right to an honored place in the guild of antiquaries .- ED.
PROCEEDINGS
FOR 1882.
T HE first regular meeting of The Worcester Society of Antiquity for the year was held on the evening of Jan. 3d, at the rooms of the Society. Hon. Henry P. Upham of St. Paul, Minn., a native of Worcester, Henry King Esq., of North Brookfield, Hon. George F. Thompson and Mr. J. Chauncey Lyford of Worcester, were elected active members of the Society. President Crane addressed the Society as follows :---
ADDRESS.
BY ELLERY B. CRANE.
. Members of The Worcester Society of Antiquity, Gentlemen :-
In compliance with a custom established by my predecessors, let me, as we stand at the threshold of this bright new year, call your attention to the progress made during the last twelve months. First of all, however, I desire to express to you my
10
grateful acknowledgments for the honor you have conferred in selecting me as your presiding officer for this the second time. My earnest wish is, that I may bring to the office that abund- ance of time and talent which it so well deserves. But let me assure you that whatever of these needful qualities I may pos- sess, they shall be used to further the best interests of this Society ; and I enter upon the duties and responsibilities of the office relying chiefly upon your unfailing stock of charity which has attended me so constantly throughout the year that has closed, trusting that the future term may fail to develop the slightest element of discord, and that onr relations in the future may prove as pleasant as those in the past have been.
To satisfy ourselves that we have made progress during the past year, we have but to refer to the flattering reports from our Librarian, Treasurer, and the several Departments of Work. While we show a falling off in the accumulation of pamphlets, there have been added nearly double the number of bound vol- umes to our rapidly increasing library. Members of Depart- ments of Work continue to display an interest and zeal that cannot be mistaken, and the number of our printed pages will far exceed that of any previous year. These include Vol. III., Records of the Proprietors of Worcester, from the year 1667 to 1788, with nearly 300 illustrations describing the lots of land granted to the early settlers, and Vol. IV. comprising Worcester Town Records, from 1753 to 1783, which will soon be ready for distribution. These two volumes together with our Proceed- ings for the year 1881, which is soon to be placed at your dis- posal, are efforts worthy of this organization, and of which, as the result of our labor, we have every reason to be proud.
But it is entirely unnecessary for me to particularize or hold up to view the many laudable accomplishments of this active and prosperous Society. Any person conversant with the his- tory of the origin, growth and development, of other societies with objects kindred to our own can draw his own inference, and I trust that the final conclusion will not be detrimental or disparaging to the well deserved reputation of The Worcester Society of Antiquity. We have here prepared the plans and laid the foundation for a substantial and magnificent structure,
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one that we hope may grow into favor among the popular insti- tutions of this populous city. While we are young and full of courage let us in the future, as we have in the past, be ready for any emergency, willing to respond to any and all demands for the welfare and prosperity of this organization.
For the present we have ample space for our Library as well as our collection of curiosities, so that there can be no occasion to increase our expenses by the addition of more room for some time to come. What the Society stands most in need of at this time is a Publishing Fund. We already have numerous val- uable manuscripts on our shelves which for the want of money we are unable to print. But if we had a fund, say to the amount of $10,000, deposited in some safe investment where we could use only the income for the purpose of printing such records and documents as the Executive Committee might in their wis- dom think best to publish, it would assist in adding much to our stock of publications and give us a far greater advantage for usefulness than we now enjoy. With the object of making an effort to obtain such a fund, or the nucleus for it, a commit- tee was appointed, not long since, with power to act. After several meetings for consultation, that committee authorized . the printing of a circular asking for contributions to a perma- nent fund, the income of which should only be used to carry forward the main objects for which this Society was instituted. These circulars have been mailed to certain individuals who it was thought would most likely be interested and respond to such an appeal. It is perhaps, at present, too early to look for returns from them, but it is hoped that sooner or later some- thing worthy the attempt may come from it. Such a fund would add vastly to the usefulness of our Society, and greatly encour- age the prosecution of preserving and perpetuating matters of historical interest. Every year, in making up our Proceedings, the Committee on Publication has been compelled to put aside many interesting and valuable essays that have been read before the Society, through fear of overtaxing the generosity of our members by the expense of printing them. It is hoped that these papers may be published at some future time.
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History at this time, more than ever before, commands the worthy attention of all classes of people. The circle of its stu- dious admirers has been ever steadily expanding with the growth of knowledge until to-day there is felt among the inhabitants of nearly every town, however small, a pressing need for the es- tablishment of a society of some kind in which they may cul- tivate and develop their love for historical studies. Certainly no large city can well afford to be without such an institution. There always will be found many persons willing to aid in sup- porting them, while from such sources they can obtain food for the mind, and experience pleasure in acquiring knowledge.
The study of antiquity has such a unique fascination that as time rolls on it must draw the attention of almost every con- siderate and thoughtful reader. In truth man lives more in the past, or from what he knows of it, than he does in the present. We take our daily lessons from the records of the achievements of those who have gone before, and if we are wise we shall heed and profit by their experience. The history of the past guides and shapes the present and encourages us to hope for the future. Whenever men or nations are unwilling to heed the teachings of antiquity they sooner or later find themselves groping in the dark or drifting without chart or compass, liable to crash upon the sunken rocks of political errors or founder in the first storm of political controversy ; and it should be our pleasure, as I know it is, as well as our duty to transmit to our successors what we can towards making up the priceless legacy of history ; and how- ever small or insignificant it may appear to ourselves or to those around us, let us perform our little part in the world's great workshop. Those who consciously or unconsciously cast their satire and raillery at the antiquarian, and accuse him of living to no purpose, listlessly absorbed with the musty worm-caten pages of ages that have gone, or digging among dead men's bones, little know or realize the untold influence which the result of such researches has upon the present and upon the great world about them. The discoveries of Bousard, Rawlinson, Lepsius, Layard, Mariette Bey, Di Cesnola, Schliemann and oth- ers, have cast vivid light upon the life and customs of ancient peoples of the cast, reviving and creating a new and deeper
13
interest in their seanty and unsatisfactory chronological history.
This new year (1882) finds several changes in our official board. It is to be expected in an organization where all its officers are subject to an annual election, that such changes are liable to come with each recurring year. Thus far since the formation of this Society, March 2d, 1875, there have been successively, three different executive officers, two Secretaries, two Treasurers, and two Librarians. Mr. James A. Smith, who has so faithfully and acceptably filled the office of Treasurer during the past six years, felt compelled, owing to the pressure of other urgent business, to decline his re-election. I regret exceedingly that the Society is thus to be deprived of his very valuable services, We also regret that Mr. Albert A. Lovell, who has filled for the past four years the important office of Librarian so acceptably and displayed such signal skill and abili- ty for the position, was also obliged under the press of other duties to decline to be a candidate for re-election.
We sincerely hope and trust that we may continue to receive their hearty cooperation, while we in return extend to them our word of appreciation for their exceedingly valuable and unself- ish services rendered during so many of the trying years of this young organization.
Dr. George Chandler of Worcester presented a a pair of metallic "Tractors" designed for the re- moval of pain from any locality in the human body, by the development of an electric current, the inven- tion of Dr. Elisha Perkins of Plainfield Conn., 1741- 1797, with a brief sketch of the inventor.
Hon. Clark Jillson announced the death of our colleague, Thomas Melvin Lamb, which occurred Dec. 29, 1881, with a touching and appreciative tribute to his character, and resolutions expressing
14
the appreciation of the character of the deceased by the Society, and its sympathy with his bereaved family. These were seconded by Mr. S. E. Staples, adopted, and by direction of the Society a copy thereof was forwarded to his family. Subsequently Hon. Clark Jillson was requested to prepare a sketch of the life and character of the deceased, for publi- cation in these Proceedings.
THOMAS MELVIN LAMB.
BY CLARK JILLSON.
IT is not my purpose to write an elaborate sketch, nor is it possible, even briefly, to delineate many of the notable charac- teristics belonging exclusively to one whose individuality was more clearly defined, both in its general scope and in its minute- ness, than that of any other person with whom I have had the honor of an acquaintance. I am also sensible of my inability to centralize and impress upon the minds of others a picture so definitely outlined as to suggest the actual presence of the origi- nal, for the reason that the qualities of which I speak and their peculiar combinations belonged to but one man.
Competition, not only in business but in mental effort, is so sharp and obtrusive, so heedless of conscientious regard or respectful toleration that whoever, by virtuous effort, is strong enough to establish a recognized identity among mankind, de- serves to be gratefully remembered. The poor boy who wins in life's uncertain struggle, being sole commander of his own mental and moral forces and general commissary of subsistence at the same time, may appropriately be classed among the heroes of civil achievement. If he reaches the period of middle age without dishonor, even though he may bear the scars of many an unequal conflict, his title to public approval is well assured.
Thomas M. Lamb
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Thomas Melvin Lamb was born at Worcester Mass., on the 26th day of June, 1830, in a small farm-house then standing upon the southerly side of Jo Bill road, near the residence of IIon. Stephen Salisbury. His ancestors were among the early settlers of Worcester County, in some instances being original proprietors of large tracts of land. He inherited from his moth- er a delicate constitution, a keen intellect and an uncompromi- sing regard for honesty and integrity ; from his father stability of purpose and sound judgment. His early education was acquired at the district school, where his attendance was some- what irregular on account of ill health and the frequent need of his services at home. It was fortunate, however, that he pos- sessed a mind so comprehensive in its grasp, so susceptible to the unseen influence of natural progression as to render the study of books simply an indication of something broader and higher, directly in the pathway of his ambition. What others sought through the channels of unremitting toil, he comprehended at a glance ; and while they were trying to make themselves fa- miliar with mere outlines he became master of the whole subject.
He entered the High School in May, 1846, and the record shows that he was in school four terms in all, but not a regular attendant. He studied the higher English branches, omitting the languages, and never graduated. This was before the Encleia Debating Society had been organized, but the scholars frequently met in debate, and it was there that young Lamb first exhibited his talent as a speaker of more than ordinary merit. At that time he was considered a formidable opponent in debate, and his services were always in demand, being fre- quently sought to aid both sides.
About this time a number of young gentlemen, feeling the need of better facilities for improvement in public speaking, organized the Young Men's Rhetorical Society, "for the mental and moral improvement of its members." Mr. Lamb became a member, and was one of the first to distinguish himself as a clear and logical debater. He held that there were two sides to all questions, and his voice was never silenced by appointing him on the wrong side. He conducted a paper published by the society wherein he first displayed his ability as a writer; and
.
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many of his productions of that early day clearly indicated a comprehensive knowledge of English composition. December 31st, 1850, he was elected President of the Society. As a pre- siding officer he was calm, dignified, and accurate in his decis- ions, winning favor on all sides by his gentlemanly bearing, and acute perception and comprehension of delicate points in par- liamentary practice. His administration brought success to the Society, and his own popularity was greatly enhanced by the impartial manner in which he discharged the duties of his office.
Before the close of his school-life he began to express a desire for some permanent employment. His father was a farmer, but that business was not congenial to the son. After full con- sideration he expressed a desire to follow the occupation of a watchmaker and jeweller, and in due time was permitted by his parents to enter the store of S. P. Champney for the purpose of learning the trade. To this business he applied his time and energy, with a full determination to make it a life-work, em- ploying his leisure hours in study instead of recreation. It was customary at that time for young men, after serving a short time as apprentices, to leave their employers and assume to understand the whole business, representing themselves as ex- perienced workmen. Mr. Lamb was not one of that kind. Ile was faithful in every particular, and when his apprenticeship closed Mr. Champney was glad to give him further employment.
On the 13th day of Feb., 1856, Mr. Champney advertised his business for sale ; and on the 29th of the same month Mr. Lamb called publie attention to his new establishment at 275 Main Street, within a few feet of where he learned his trade, and where he continued in business till the time of his death. In trade Mr. Lamb was strikingly unselfish, and his failure to use the ordinary methods to mislead buyers had a tendency to retard his financial success. If he ever learned the lesson that most people like to be cheated and are generally willing to pay the swindler for his services, he was so stubborn in the interest of fair dealing that he never adopted the code ; nor did he allow any person in his employ to misrepresent or take any measures to defraud his customers. His goods were offered for sale at reasonable rates, and buyers were allowed to select such as they
17
desired, without being urged to buy through any of the "dainty devices" so commonly resorted to by smart traders. I was present on one occasion when a lady selected a finger ring from a large stock as being precisely what she desired to purchase. She was looking for pure gold, and when she made known her wish to obtain the object of her deliberate choice, Mr. Lamb had to use considerable effort to make her believe that she had chosen a cheap article, not worth half what she was willing to pay for it ; but Mr. Lamb would tolerate no deception, nor could he be tempted or compelled to sell his soul for gain.
Mr. Lamb was married in 1860 to Miss Laura A. Stebbins of Deerfield, Mass., an accomplished lady, a devoted wife and a faithful mother. Their oldest danghter, Carrie S., was born in Worcester, June 28, 1862, and graduated at the High School in 1881, an excellent scholar and a young lady of rare promise. Alice B. was born May 10, 1868, and died March 23, 1876. She was not physically strong, but her mind was active and preco- cious, and she readily became a favorite of all who knew her. Her death was keenly felt by a large circle of friends outside her own family.
Mr. Lamb manifested an unusual interest in religious affairs at an early age, becoming identified with the Baptist denomina- tion and subsequently joined the church, where he was very act- ive in the Sabbath school. Later in life he embraced a more liberal faith, discarding all sectarianism and every form of wor- ship as unessential to the salvation of souls; but his trust in the Supreme Ruler of the universe was never disturbed. His change in religions sentiment and belief was mainly due to the inability of his teachers to satisfactorily answer his interrogato- ries. Any theory or proposition that did not commend itself to his judgment, after full explanation, in such a manner as to meet all his objections, would not be likely to form any part of his creed. Whenever a weak man assumes to be a spiritual teacher, calling upon those of superior intellect and culture to embrace a religions doctrine, without being able to defend it, he unconsciously becomes an active propagator of infidelity. When the blind undertake to lead those who can see, or the weak to control and direct the strong, no time need be wasted
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in praying for success. If religion is based upon reason and conscience, rather than emotion, Mr. Lamb took no rash or unpremeditated step when he left the Baptist church, even if he was wrong in so doing. Those who knew him best will certify that he was quick to embrace what his reason and conscience clearly indicated to be the fittest ; but a failure to sustain by intelligent argument any doctrine new to him was perhaps too often construed as against the theory instead of against the im- becile who tried to become its advocate. He was conscientious to his own pecuniary disadvantage, never swerving from what he knew to be exact justice. He was never accused of a dishonest act by an honest person, and his integrity was never questioned in the community where he lived.
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