USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Taunton > Tercentenary of Taunton, Massachusetts, 1639 [to] 1939, June 4-10 > Part 2
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For several years before the Revolution, Taunton was the military centre of the vicinity. She furnished her quota of men for Queen Anne's War and King George's War and was conspicuous for her service in the French and Indian Wars. In September, 1774, a County Convention was held in Taunton, at which patriotic resolutions were drawn up to "defend the rights of the colonies and oppose any unconstitutional measures which may be adopted by Parliament or the British ministry." In October a flag was
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raised on the liberty pole on Taunton Green bearing the inscription "Liberty and Union-Union and Liberty." At General Gage's order, a body of three hundred Taunton Tories tried to stop the uprising of the Friends of Liberty, but the Tories were driven out of town, and a Boston newspaper commented, "It is more dangerous to be a Tory at Taunton than in Boston itself." News of the battle of Lexington was received on the evening of April 19, and a company from Taunton arrived at Roxbury on the morning of April 20, ready for duty. Another company was organized the same year, and details of men forwarded as called for through- out the period of the war. The whole country depended on Taun- ton for the manufacture of gunpowder, and no other town had the distinction of furnishing two members of Washington's staff- Hodijah Baylies and David Cobb-and a signer of the Declaration of Independence-Robert Treat Paine.
The aftermath of the Revolution, like that of all wars, brought the financial burden of high prices, depreciated currency, heavy taxation and public and private indebtedness. There were up- risings of discontent and the courts which carried suits for the collection of debts were bitterly attacked. Warned of impending trouble, General Cobb, serving as judge for the October, 1787, session of the Supreme Court took possession of the Court House on the evening before the court opened, with a band of militia and one cannon, known as Old Toby. In the morning a mob of men under the leadership of Daniel Shays, a former captain in the Revolutionary army, formed on the edge of the Green opposite the Court House, to find themselves confronted by the line of militia, one of whom held a flaming torch ready for instant lighting of the cannon. Within a short time, the mob dispersed and court convened.
By the middle of the nineteenth century, Taunton was a thriv- ing community with a population of over 15,000. The making of iron ware and brick continued, and new industries were intro- duced. In 1806, the first mill for making cotton yarn was built on Weir Street and within a few years several companies were formed for making and printing cotton cloth. In 1823, several mills combined to form the Taunton Manufacturing Company whose business was "rolling copper and iron, and manufacturing cotton and wool," and which included the first Calico Print Works in the country. The manufacture of stoves and stove-linings was begun, the coal business developed and factories were estab- lished for the making of copper and silver. A little later came the manufacture of locomotives and machinery, and of the many
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other commodities whose production has made Taunton famous as an industrial city.
As the town grew, new civic institutions were established. Three banks were opened before 1833, the first as early as 1812. The first newspaper also was started in 1812,-the "Saturday Miscellany," published by a group of women. This was a short lived effort, but in 1821 came the "Old Colony Reporter," which lived for many years, and was later known as "The Republican." In 1848, the "Taunton Daily Gazette" was first printed. In 1808 a line of stages ran from Boston to New Bedford and Newport three times a week, with headquarters at the Weatherby Tavern on the north side of the Green. In 1850, the Taunton Hotel was opened. In 1837, the Union Fire Engine Company was formed, composed of most of the leading citizens. Each member was required to have a leather bucket hanging in his front entry, and to run with it to all fires. After ten years, the Company purchased a fire- engine. Early in the century, a jail was built, but apparently not a very strong one, as there are many records of escaped prison- ers. A post-office was built, also, and Nicholas Tillinghast was installed as the first postmaster. For many years, the concerts and oratorios of the Beethoven and Mozart Societies gave musical life to Taunton, and in 1825 the Taunton Social Library was organized, which, though not a public library, held an important place in the community. The Taunton Female Charitable Asso- ciation, the first charitable organization, began its work in 1816, and was incorporated in 1829. In 1853, the Old Colony Historical Society was formed "for the purpose of preserving and perpetuating the history of the Old Colony in Massachusetts."
In 1821, the congregation of the first meeting-house divided again. The Reverend Luther Hamilton preached the doctrine of Unitarianism, and part of the congregation, unable to accept the new faith, left the church and formed the Trinitarian Associa- tion now known as the Broadway Congregational Church. Other Congregational churches sprang up in different parts of the city, a second Baptist Church was built on Winthrop Street, and in 1830, the first Methodist Church was opened at the Weir. Before the end of the century, Taunton had three other Methodist Churches, and churches of the Universalist, Presbyterian and Christian Science faiths. In 1823 the Taunton Print Works employed the first group of Catholic people in the town, and a priest came from Prov- idence to hold Masses for about eighty people. In 1830 the Reverend John Curry became Taunton's first permanent Catholic Priest, and a year later, St. Mary's Church was erected.
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Only two events checked Taunton's steady growth during the nineteenth century-the Wars of 1812 and of 1861. For the War of 1812, Taunton furnished three companies which were sent to New Bedford to perform coast guard duty. Commercial relations everywhere were unsettled, and Taunton felt the effects of the war in the decline of industrial operations, so the rejoicing was great when peace was declared in 1815. The meeting-house bell was rung, Old Toby was dug out of his bed of snow, mounted on the Green and fired, and the townspeople gathered in their sleighs to form a procession headed by a sleigh containing the Taunton Band, which drove around the Green, and to Dighton and back. That night there was a huge bonfire on the Green, and a few days later, a grand ball in Academy Hall.
During the four years of the Civil War, Taunton sent more than one-tenth of her population to fight for the Union. The Taunton Light Guard, Company G., was the first to go. Summon- ed early in the morning of April 16, 1861, it was on the march before noon and, with the Massachusetts Fourth Regiment was sent to Fortress Monroe, the first northern company to set foot on rebel soil. Other Taunton Companies were formed, and Taun- ton soldiers fought in many of the great battles of the war. One hundred and forty-one Taunton men were lost.
The years following the war were years of growth and pros- perity. Taunton found the old town government inadequate, voted to adopt a city charter and on June 6, 1864 became the thir- teenth city in the Commonwealth. A year later, the Social Library of 1825 joined with other scattered libraries to form the first Public Library, free to all inhabitants. The school system was reorganized and a Superintendent of Schools elected. The Water Works was established and the Street Railway Company ran horse-cars through the city on ten miles of tracks until 1892, when it was granted the right to operate by electricity. The Morton Hospital was opened, a Park Commission was elected and a Board of Trade formed "for the mutual benefit and the general business welfare of the city." From the beginning of the nineteenth century, groups of European people had been coming to America to share her ideals and find a means of livelihood in her various industrial occupations. Many such groups settled in Taunton-groups of English and Irish people who found work in the textile mills, groups from the northwestern part of Europe, and finally, during the last years of the century, many from southern and eastern Europe and from Asia, until Taunton could claim inhabitants from practi- cally every country in the world.
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In 1898, the Spanish War interrupted briefly the years of pros- perity. Battery F. from Taunton was ordered to Fort Warren, where it served for six months. The World War, in 1917, is still a vivid memory to many of the citizens of Taunton. War was declared in April and on July 28, the Ninth Company, numbering one hundred and twelve men, left for Fort Heath. Other men went later, as they were needed, and many were sent overseas. Forty-one men never returned to Taunton. Meanwhile, at home, the people of Taunton worked untiringly for the relief and support of the soldiers, and gave time and strength and money without stint to the great enterprises of the war. In the influenza epidemic of 1918, the united devotion of the community reached a peak of heroism.
The last few years have been difficult ones for Taunton, as for the rest of the world. Many of the industries built up during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries have closed their doors, and the whole city has felt their loss. But in the course of her three hundred years, Taunton has faced difficulties many times and found them only temporary. The long list of fraternal and charitable organizations bears witness to the loyalty and friend- liness of the community. The descendants of the first settlers still walk on Taunton Green and the old names are repeated in many different families. Those who settled here in more recent years have become a vital part of the life of Taunton. On her three hundredth birthday, Taunton can look back at her past with pride, and forward to her future with hope and confidence.
Ruth Crossman
THE HISTORY OF THE BAR
The history of the Bar in Taunton may be said to date from about the year 1746, when Taunton became the shire town of Bristol County, all court records being brought here where sessions of the Courts were thereafter held. Previous to that time much confusion and uncertainty exists. The early settlers were princi- pally concerned in securing a place where they could live in peace and security. For many years anyone could act as an attorney ; no examination or oath was required; and the attorney was the sole judge of his qualifications and was responsible to no one except to his client.
Bristol County was established in 1685. In 1691 the shire system was established, and Bristol (now Bristol, R. I.) became
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the Shire Town of Bristol County. There, sessions of the Courts were held. No court sessions were then held in Taunton. In fact, a petition was presented to the Legislature asking that sessions of the Court be held here, but without success. In 1746, to end a boundary line dispute between Massachusetts and Rhode Island, part of Massachusetts, including Bristol, was set off to Rhode Island, and Taunton was then made the Shire Town.
Our first lawyer or barrister, trained and educated for the profession, was Samuel White, who located here shortly before 1746. He was a graduate of Harvard, King's Attorney of the Court of Sessions, and attained great prominence in his profession. He was a member of the House of Representatives, over which he presided at the time of the Stamp Act; and, as speaker, signed the circular calling together the first Congress which assembled in New York in 1765. During the latter part of Mr. White's life Robert Treat Paine and Daniel Leonard were also practicing here. Robert Treat Paine also achieved great prominence as an attorney and patriot. As prosecuting officer he conducted the trial of Capt. Preston and others for the Boston Massacre, was a member of the Congress which adopted the Declaration of Independence, of which immortal document he was a signer, and later served as the First Attorney General of Massachusetts under the Constitu- tion and as Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. Upon the death of Samuel White, Daniel Leonard, who was a Tory, became King's Attorney, removed to Boston, later to England and served as Chief Justice of Bermuda, dying in London.
In a brief sketch, it is impossible to speak of all the lawyers practicing here from Revolutionary times to the present. Taun- ton, however, has been the residence of many who have achieved great eminence at the Bar and distinction as members of the Judi- ciary, mention being made of the following.
Samuel Fales, Justice and Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas of Bristol County, of which court David Cobb of Shay's Rebellion fame was also a justice.
Seth Padelford, Judge of the Probate Court.
Marcus Morton, Governor and Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, of which Court his son, Marcus Morton, was the honored Chief Justice, and Marcus Morton, the Governor's grandson, but recently deceased, Justice of the Supreme Court.
Nathaniel Morton, brilliant advocate.
John M. Williams, Justice and Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the Commonwealth, established in 1821, of which Court, H. G. O. Colby was also a Justice.
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Pliny Merrick and Samuel S. Wilde, Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court.
Theophilus Parsons, Dane Professor of the Law School of Harvard University.
Francis Baylies, historian, Member of Congress and Foreign Minister.
David L. Barnes, Justice of the United States District Court of Rhode Island.
Anselm Bassett, long in practice and for many years Register of Probate.
Chester I. Reed, Justice of the Supreme Court and also Attorney General, which latter office was afterwards so ably filled by Joseph E. Warner, present General Chairman of the Tercentenary Com- mittee.
Lloyd E. White, Justice of the Superior Court.
Henry Williams, Member of Congress.
S. R. Townsend, the last Judge of the Old Police Court.
William H. Fox, Judge of the Municipal Court of Taunton from its establishment in 1864 until it was abolished in 1874, and the First District Court of Bristol established, of which Court Judge Fox was appointed Judge, which office he held until his death in 1913.
Professor John Ordronaux, author and eminent lecturer on law.
John E. Sanford, many years Chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Railroad Commissioners.
James Brown, colorful attorney.
John H. Galligan, the kindly Register of Probate.
Edward J. Conaty, later a priest of the Roman Catholic Church.
In memory of the older members of the present Bar, of those passed away, mention may be made of Henry J. Fuller, Charles A. Reed, Sylvanus M. Thomas, G. Edgar Williams, L. N. Francis, Harry S. Williams, Fred V. Fuller, Robert C. Brown, Abbott W. Leonard, Frederick V. Brown, Harry W. Galligan, F. J. H. Max- well, and the more recently deceased Frederick S. Hall, Silas D. Reed, Albert Fuller, Frank P. Lincoln, Howard L. Phillips, and William E. Kelly. Chas. G. Washburn.
Practicing in Taunton today are the following Attorneys:
ARISTIDES ANDRADE
'FREDERICK E. AUSTIN CLARENCE E. BASSETT WILLIAM A. BELLAMY ABRAHAM BERKOVER
2 Cedar St. District Court Bldg. 308 Bay Street Crocker Bldg. 4 Cohannet St.
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FRANKLIN S. BERKOVER CHESTER T. BURY FRANK P. COHEN HAROLD E. COLE LEO H. COUGHLIN RICHARD P. COUGHLIN PAULL M. CUSHMAN
4 Cohannet St. 46 Taunton Green 8 Taunton Green 6 Brook Street
36 Crocker Bldg.
36 Crocker Bldg.
28 Crocker Bldg.
WILLIAM J. DAVISON
5 Taunton Green
V. JEAN DEPONTE
3 Taunton Green
DAVID FABER
5 Main Street
WILLIAM J. FENTON
9 Taylor Bldg. Crocker Bldg.
FRANK B. Fox
BENJAMIN B. FRIEDMAN
46 Taunton Green
PAUL J. GOLDSTEIN
18 Taunton Green Bldg.
ELLSWORTH A. HATHAWAY
Crocker Bldg.
HAROLD F. HATHAWAY
Crocker Bldg.
FRANK E. KNOWLES
3 Taunton Green
RICHARD E. KNOWLES
3 Taunton Green
MARCELLUS D. LEMAIRE
Bristol County Trust Co. Bldg.
NOAH LEMAIRE
8 Taunton Green
EDWIN R. McCORMICK
Crocker Bldg.
FRANCIS D. MONE
1 Taylor Bldg.
D. GARDINER O'KEEFE
39 Crocker Bldg.
J. HOWARD O'KEEFE
39 Crocker Bldg.
GORDON M. OWEN
8 Main Street
JOHN T. O'NEILL
122 Davenport Street
LINDSEY I. PHILLIPS
Bristol County Trust Co. Bldg.
JOSEPH W. POLLARD
9 Taylor Bldg.
IRA L. POLLOCK
12 Weir Street
WALTER G. POWERS
5 Taylor Bldg.
WALLACE F. PRESTON
5 Taunton Green
PHILIP H. REILLY
3 Taylor Bldg.
FRANK E. SMITH
9 Taylor Bldg.
BART E. SULLIVAN
5 Taylor Bldg.
EUGENE J. SULLIVAN
56 Taunton Green
5 Main Street
WARREN A. SWIFT
35 Crocker Bldg.
WARREN M. SWIFT FRANK L. TINKHAM
31 Crocker Bldg.
TALBOT T. TWEEDY
7 Crocker Bldg.
JOSEPH E. WARNER
52 Church Green
CHARLES G. WASHBURN
35 Taunton Green
JOHN E. WELCH
18 Broadway
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JOHN H. SULLIVAN
35 Crocker Bldg.
ARNOLD R. WHITE EVERETT S. WHITE GEORGE F. WILLIAMS WILLIAM S. WOODS
Bristol County Trust Co. Bldg. Bristol County Trust Co. Bldg. 27 Crocker Bldg.
Taylor Bldg.
THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN TAUNTON
The clergy were the principal instruments in keeping alive the spirit of enterprise in the wilds of America. They did not confine themselves to their ecclesiastical functions-they were the most trusted physicians and most trusted lawyers in the com- munities of their churches.
There is no record of any physician in Taunton in the first half century of her history. Plymouth had a physician of sufficient skill to be sent for from Salem in 1629-1630. He also came to Taunton when called,-the Reverend Samuel Fuller, Deacon of the Leyden Church. He died in 1633. The Rev. Samuel Danforth, the fourth minister in Taunton is represented as combining and performing the functions of the two "learned professions."
Walter Dean who came here from England and took up farm- lands on the West side of the Great-river, land now known as Dean Street, gave Taunton her first skilled resident physician. Ezra, the second oldest son of the large family of Walter Dean, was born in England in 1680 and settled here to practice medicine. He died in 1737. Of Doctor Ezra Dean was written what might be said of most of our Taunton practitioners. "He was a man of great worth whose physical, intellectual and moral powers were remarkably adapted to his sphere of action."
Major Thomas Leonard who died in 1713 practiced here at the same time. He had also a "medicine shop". Some of their physics could not be obtained here in town and were sent from outside to the doctors or to Major Leonard as agent for distribu- tion. Sea captains and others had special cures for special diseases which were also distributed in this way.
A daughter of the same Walter Dean married Doctor Job God- frey who died in 1913 at the age of one hundred years. He was succeeded by his son, Jones, who practiced until 1831. He lived near Neck-of-Land Bridge.
Honorable David Cobb and Honorable William Baylies were doctors of medicine in their earlier days but later devoted them- selves rather to public life. Doctor Cobb became Lieutenant Governor of the State and Honorable William Baylies became a Judge.
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Of this time also were Doctor Micah Pratt, who died in 1758; Doctor Samuel Caswell, who died in 1755; and Doctor William McKinstrey, a scotchman and a Tory member. The latter built the house on High Street, now the rectory of the St. Thomas Church. Doctor Ephrian Otis practiced in Situate as well as in Taunton. He died in 1815; and Doctor Philip Witherell practiced in East Taunton.
As we follow the physicians through the years, we find they had a deep interest in the affairs of the city and took an active part in its welfare. An important requisite of the preparation for the practice of medicine even of those fortunate enough to have a college background, was to study with a man already in practice. So we find these men "reading" in Middleboro, New Bedford or elsewhere.
In the late years of 1700 and early 1800 occur names of Doctors whose families are well known in Taunton today; Allen, Swift, Leonard, Davis, Parsons, King, Gordon, and White. These men were not pioneers in discoveries; but, as each new treatment proved valuable, it was adopted by them.
On May 24, 1851 the Legislature passed an act authorizing the erection of a hospital for the insane. In their early deliberations a board of commissioners decided to locate the hospital in Taunton, and the purchase of a tract of land was made possible by voluntary contributions of the citizens of the city. The buildings, with accommodations for two hundred and fifty patients, were com- pleted in the early part of 1854, and in April of that year, the first patients were admitted. This marked the beginning of a line of endeavor which has endured for eighty-five years. In October 1853 Doctor S. C. Choat was appointed superintendent. He resigned in 1870, and was succeeded by Doctor Godding; then followed Doctors Brown, Goss, Green, and Chambers. These men have each done excellent work in their specialities. The facilities of the hospital which is now known as the Taunton State Hospital have been increased from time to time to accommodate the demands of the community, and at the present time approximately seventeen hundred patients are in residence. All of the modern methods of treatment are available to those who seek admission, and clinics are held in the larger cities of Southeastern Massachusetts at regular intervals for the purpose of giving advice to those not re- quiring hospital treatment.
Doctor Alfred Baylies began practice in 1811 and filled a large space in the medical profession for many years. His house on Spring Street is still in use. There were then three schools of
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medicine represented among the doctors, the Independents, the Homeopaths, and the Eclectics, but to us the names stand for physicians and valuable citizens.
Names now more familiar are Doctor Henry Babcock Hubbard who was succeeded by his son, Doctor Charles Thatcher Hub- bard. Doctors Allen, Andrews, Barrows, Bassett, and Brown; Doctors Chase, A. S. Deane, Desnoyers, Eaton, Galligan, Harris, Howe, and Golden. Doctor J. W. Hayward who was succeeded by his son, Walter. Doctor S. P. Hubbard whose son, Frank Allen, succeeded him, and is now followed by his son, Doctor Edward Reed Hubbard. Doctor Joseph Murphy, born in 1818 in Ireland, had an unusually fine medical training. He practiced five years in Manchester, England, and came to Taunton in 1844 to become one of its most valued citizens. Three sons followed their father's profession but only one settled in Taunton. Doctor Joseph B. Murphy and his wife Doctor Emily F. acquired a large practice. Their son Doctor Joseph L. carries on the profession in its best tradition.
In active practice during long periods of time were Doctors Abbott, Atwood, Paige, Philips, Presbrey, Ramson, James, Robin- son, Steadman, Stout, Swan, Tripp, Walker, Wilmarth, and Wood. These men were devoted to the best interests of the city. Some were in the Civil War and won honor. Doctor Silas Presbrey was at one time the president of the Massachusetts Medical Society, an office of highest honor among the physicians of the State.
Early in 1880 the need of a hospital in the city was felt, and after much informal publicity and discussion, at the request of the president of the Bristol North District of the Massachusetts Medical Society, Doctor P. W. Hervins in a paper read before the society, presented the matter formally to the public. Doctor Presbrey started the movement to finance it. He was its first president, and throughout his life worked hard for its welfare and growth. The building, a gift of Mrs. Susan T. Kimball of Boston was the homestead of her father, Governor Marcus Morton. It was opened as a hospital in 1888 and named Morton Hospital. The staff of officers and physicians, earnest and faithful, has neces- sarily changed during the years. Doctor Arthur Crandell, one of the later members of staff was the founder and director of the Well Baby Clinic.
The physicians of Taunton have never failed its citizens in time of need. Accidents, disasters and epidemics have found them ready to help, and to them we give honor.
Elizabeth A. Hubbard
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Physicians practising in Taunton today are the following :
CHARLES A. ATWOOD
35 West Britannia Street
WILLIAM H. BENNET, JR.
139 High Street
MYER BLOOM
20 Cedar Street
L. E. BUTLER
148 High Street
L. CAMOESAS
28 Broadway
F. A. CAREY
87 Washington St.
RALPH M. CHAMBERS
State Hospital
JOSEPH V. CHATIGNY
43 W. Britannia Street
H. F. DAUPHIN
145 High Street
WILLIAM DAWSON
Church Green
JOHN H. DOYLE
37 Broadway
ANTHONY ELIAS
23 Summer Street
DAVID FABER
7 Creedway
A. P. GAGNON '
473 Bay Street
EDWARD J. GALLIGAN
10 No. Pleasant Street
CHARLES J. C. GILLON
52 Broadway
SAMUEL GROSSMAN
Crocker Bldg.
EDWARD R. HUBBARD
157 High Street
C. B. KINGSBURY
63 Prospect Street
ANDREW J. LEDDY
233 Bay Street
JOHN MCNAMARA
114 Weir Street
H. S. MILLER
163 High Street
F. W. MURDOCK
18 Broadway
FRANK A. MURPHY
4 Fruit Street
JOSEPH L. MURPHY
23 Cedar Street
JOSEPH E. NUNES
119 School Street
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