USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Falmouth > The celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Falmouth, Massachusetts, June 15, 1886 > Part 8
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HAVERFORD COLLEGE, PA., May 5, 1886.
S. A. HOLTON, EsQ. :-
My Dear Sir: I regret exceedingly that college duties forbid my accepting your invitation to attend the celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of Falmouth. I do not know what would give me greater pleasure than to be present on an occasion of such interest.
It gratifies me to find that, though I have wandered away from the "cunabula gentis," I am still counted as an old son of Falmouth, and am not entirely forgotten. * * *
*
Confident that you will celebrate Falmouth's anniversary in a manner befitting her noble past, and congratulating you in advance on the success of your laudable undertaking, I am,
Very truly yours, SETH K. GIFFORD.
60 DEVONSHIRE ST., BOSTON, April 14, 1886.
F. A. NYE, EsQ., North Falmouth, Mass. :-
Dear Sir: Your letter to the chairman of the selectmen of Hingham, of which town I am a resident, requesting a copy of the
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Report of the Centennial Celebration in that place, has been handed to me.
The celebration, being the 250th anniversary, could not be paid for by taxation, under our statutes, and was carried through by private subscription. Out of the surplus funds the expense of printing was paid, and after the celebration the Committee of Arrangements com- mitted to me the work of publication and disposition of the books. The edition was only five hundred, and is nearly exhausted. They were not sold, and were it not for memories peculiar to myself, I should be obliged to refer you to one of the numerous libraries in which copies may be found.
My name is Francis Henry Lincoln, and I received my names because of a respect my father, the late Hon. Solomon Lincoln, enter- tained for his aunt and uncle-the latter being the Rev. Henry Lin- coln,-born in Hingham in 1765, graduated from Harvard College in 1786, and ordained over the church at Falmouth Feb. 3, 1790, with which his relations were dissolved Nov. 26, 1823. He died in Nan- tucket, May 28, 1857.
After my father's graduation at Brown University, in 1822, being desirous of continuing his studies, and at the same time, I suppose, of earning a little money, he lived nearly a year in Falmouth, in his uncle's family, and taught school there. Attachments for places were very strong with him, and he never ceased to look back with pleasure to the time spent in Falmouth. He formed some acquaintances which lasted many years, and his uncle held a warm place in his affections.
On the occasion of the old minister's funeral, in 1857, I was
-
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present with my father. The church in Falmouth was undergoing repairs, and the services were held in the Town Hall, Rev. Dr. Hooker, as I think, conducting them. I remember they were carried on in the midst of a most violent storm of thunder and lightning, and were very impressive. My recollection is very distinct of hearing the hymn read, beginning "Servant of God, well done !"
You may not care to hear this personal reminiscence, but such experiences in early life impress themselves upon the memory, and I am prompted by this old association, and the associations of my late father, to send to you a copy of the proceedings at the Hingham cele- bration. The book contains an oration by my brother, who bears our father's name, and it would be very agreeable to me if you would place it in your public library, as a gift from me, if you have such a library ; or, if not, in some library where it will be handed down with other local collections. Of course, I suggest this as a final disposition of it, after you have gathered such information from it as you desire -knowing that it can have little permanent value to you personally.
Pardon this long narrative, and believe me,
Yours very truly,
FRANCIS H. LINCOLN.
WELLESLEY, April 25, 1886.
MR. S. A. HOLTON :-
Dear Sir: The invitation tendered me by your committee to deliver a poem on the celebration of my native town's Bi-centennial, has touched me with a peculiar sense of gratitude and pleasure, and
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it is with a very deep and genuine regret that I decline the proffered honor.
As the scene of my father's latest labors, and the spot where he lies buried, as the home where my mother and all her children knew such friendliness and neighborly kindness as I believe the world does not hold elsewhere, Falmouth is especially endeared to me. My heart, as I write, overflows with happy, childish memories, and I heartily wish it were in my power to express in song some little por- tion of the love and loyalty I feel for the beautiful old town beside the sea. But your note has come to me in an exceedingly busy season, when I am hard driven with my college work, which increases heavily in the spring, and when I am under promise, besides, to fur- nish a long poem for another public occasion in the middle of June, I have not the time for the writing you suggest, and neither have I the proper materials at hand, which would enable me to do the sub- ject any justice, if what you wish is, as I suppose, something of an historic character, dealing with the old legends and traditions in which the town is rich. I left Falmouth before I had completed my twelfth summer, and so am not possessed of the local information which I might have gained in longer residence.
Possibly I could send you-for unhappily I cannot arrange to be present in any case,-a minor poem, touching upon the natural beau- ties of the town ; but I ought not to let you depend upon me, even for that, as my prior engagement is still unfulfilled, and my days are already so crowded. Certainly I should do your committee a wrong if, under the circumstances, I should consent to be held responsible for any prominent part on their programme. With best wishes for
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the success of your festival, and with sincere sorrow for my inability to assist,
Truly yours,
KATHARINE LEE BATES.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U. S.,
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 6, 1886.
GEO. E. CLARKE, CHAIRMAN ; S. A. HOLTON, SECRETARY OF COM- MITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS :- -
Gentlemen : I have received your kind invitation to be present at the 200th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of Fal- mouth, on Tuesday, June 15th of the present year, and regret ex- tremely that my duties here will prevent compliance therewith, and debar me from the pleasure of participating in that interesting and memorable occasion.
The people of Falmouth have a right to cherish with pride, not only the antiquity of their town, but the intelligence, virtue, and patri- otism of all the generations which comprise its history. During all this time you have furnished your full share of all that elevates and ennobles the character of our mother State, and have made her career eminent and glorious in the annals of our common country. I sin- cerely trust that what you have been you will continue to be, and that, in all the generations to come, the children of your noble old town will emulate the virtues of their ancestors.
Very truly yours,
R. T. DAVIS.
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NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS.
A TOWN'S HISTORY.
BI-CENTENNIAL OF FALMOUTH'S INCORPORATION.
EARLY DAYS OF SACONNESIT-ITS CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, LAWS, AND PROMINENT MEN.
PROGRAMME FOR THE CELEBRATION OF TO-MORROW'S ANNIVERSARY.
[From the Boston Daily Globe.]
FALMOUTH, June 14, 1886.
To-morrow will be a red-letter day in the history of this beautiful town. Falmouth is pleasantly located on the southwesterly portion of Cape Cod, and has a water frontage of eighteen miles on Vineyard Sound and Buzzard's Bay. Its area is forty-five square miles, and it is divided up into eleven villages,-Falmouth, West Falmouth, East Falmouth, North Falmouth, Woods Holl, East End, Hatchville, Davisville, Waquoit, Quisset, and Teaticket. At Falmouth Heights
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there is a little colony of summer cottages, which are thronged during the warm season.
The original name of the "plantation" was Saconnesit. In 1659, June 7, "liberty to view and purchase a tract of land at Sacon- nesit" was granted to Thomas Hinckley, Henry Cobb, Samuel Hinck- ley, John Jenkins, and Nathaniel Bacon of Barnstable, and Thomas Hinckley and Richard Bourne of Sandwich, were "empowered to arrange with the Indians for the same." Nothing further is known of this transaction. March 5, 1660-1, "Liberty to purchase lands at Saconesset and adjacent" was granted to John Howland, Anthony Annable, Isaac Robinson, Nathaniel Thomas, Samuel Fuller, Abraham Pierce, and Peter Blossom ; and to these were added, June 4, Samuel Hinckley, Matthew Fuller, John Cooper, Henry Cobb, John Dunham, and John Jenkins of Barnstable ; and Samuel Fuller, William Nelson, and Thomas Burman of Plymouth. Subsequently, the names of John Finney and Thomas Burman of Barnstable, and John Dunham, Jr., appear.
THE LAYING OUT OF THE TOWN.
The first of the " Proprietors' Records," under date of November 29, 1661, contains the following : "An agreement for laying out the lands in Succonessett :-
We whose names are hereunder written have agreed for ourselves and for whom any of us are agents, for laying out lands at Succones- sett : First, the neck of land lying by the Herring brook shall be in general.
Second, Jonathan Hatch and Isaac Robinson, because they have built their houses, shall have the lots by their houses, that is to say,
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Jona. Hatch shall have ten acres by his house, lying against the neck, leaving a sufficient into the neck ; and Isaac Robinson shall have four acres by his house, and eight acres next adjoining to Jona. Thatcher's, toward Pease's land ; also, because he thought himself wronged to be put off the neck, we have condescended that he shall have one acre and a half of meadow land within the great neck, toward Pease's land.
Thirdly, taking a view of the land beyond them and Pease's land, that it will yield but eight acres to every share, we have laid it out by lots : John Chipman, four acres, and eight acres each to John Jenkins, James Hamblin, William Thomas, Samuel Fuller, Thomas Lothrop, Anthony Annable, Peter Blossom, William Nelson, James Cobb, Sam- uel Hinckley and Thomas Ewer, all of which lots butt upon the bay or beach and run to the hill, leaving a sufficient way.
Fourthly, because we question whether we shall get water upon these lots. We have laid out four acres to a share along by the pond ; also, by lots, four acres to each of the above, except to William Nel- son and John Chipman, who have two each-a sufficient way to be left along by the pond-side about or below the houses.
Fifthly, it is also agreed that the purchasers shall not keep above twenty head of cattle each upon the Great Neck, for a share.
Sixthly, we have laid out other lands next to Jonathan Hatch's grounds, lying upon the sea, and running 200 rods toward the woods, twenty acres to a share, in which division Isaac Robinson is included.
This " work is concluded and the agreement duly signed, Decem- ber 3, 1661, by Thomas Lothrop, Isaac Robinson (acting for Captain Thomas, who also drew lots for Goodman Annable), Jonathan Hatch, James Hamblin, Thomas Ewer (for myself and John Chipman),
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Peter Blossom, James Cobb, William Nelson, Samuel Hinckley (act- ing for myself and John Jenkins)."
EARLY SETTLERS AND LAWS.
Thus was the settlement of Succonessett effected. In 1677 the company added other tracts of land to that already acquired, taking lands at Woods Holl and Little Harbor. A year later Oyster Pond, Hog Island, and Great Sipperwissett were settled." The east part of the town was first occupied in 1681. In 1686, June 4, the plantation of Sachonesit became a full-fledged town, and was incor- porated under the name of Falmouth. To-day her citizens vie with each other in celebrating the Bi-centennial of that important event.
Like all primitive settlements of the earlier colonial period, many curious laws were adopted :-
March 25, 1701, every housekeeper was required "to kill six old, or twelve young blackbirds, or four jays, by the 15th of June next, and deliver the same to the selectmen ; in default thereof to pay an additional tax of 3s."
The first record of a town house was in 1703, when it was "voted to pay John Robinson 2d. for nails, and Thomas Bassett 4s. for work about the town-house." The present edifice, which was erected in 1880, at a cost of $14,000, is one of the finest town halls in the State.
DURING THE REVOLUTION.
Nothing of any great note took place in the history of the town until the exciting period covered by the Revolutionary war. In Octo- ber, 1774, it was ordered "every man from 16 to 60 years old shall be furnished with arms and ammunition." The following year a night watch was established to " stand from 9 in the evening till sunrise."
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A company of minute-men was raised, who were to receive 2s. per day for actual service, and Major Joseph Dimmick was placed in command of them.
The people, at an early period of the war, realized the exposed position of the town, and their readiest means of communication being by water, they began to prepare for a siege by appointing a committee to procure a quantity of cereals and other stores, and deposit them in some safe place, to sell to those who shall need, and to give it to the poor at discretion. British cruisers were constantly in the sound. The enemy's principal rendezvous was Tarpaulin cove, on Naushon Island. The apprehension of distress induced the town, in 1777, to order the purchase of five hundred bushels of corn for the poor the coming winter. April 2, 1779, an attempt was made to destroy the town by the British fleet at Tarpaulin cove. Eluding the watch, the enemy landed during the night, and committed numerous depredations, but were soon surprised by the patriots, and driven off with little booty. On the morning of the 3d, the fleet, consisting of two schooners and eight sloops, anchored abreast of the town, and commenced a heavy cannonade of cannon-ball, double-headed shot, bars of iron, grape shot, and small arms, and manned their boats, ten in number, with 220 men, and made various attempts to land, keep- ing up a heavy firing from 11 A. M. until 5 P. M. They were repulsed by the militia, who were fifty strong, and finally abandoned their project. They made a similar attempt to effect a landing at Woods Holl, but were defeated by a handful of patriots.
Again, in 1814, the town was bombarded by the British. Jan- uary 23, the brig-of-war Nimrod, carrying eighteen guns, anchored
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off the town at 10 o'clock in the morning, and sent a flag of truce ashore, and demanded the surrender of the one vessel moored at the wharf, and the two guns which were behind the breastworks on the beach. The demand being indignantly refused by the patriotic citi- zens, the enemy opened a heavy fire upon the town. No great dam- age was sustained. Several houses were slightly damaged by the shot. Only one narrow escape is recorded during the engagement. Antici- pating the bombardment, the women and children were all removed to a place of safety. Ann Freeman, however, was an exception, and remained behind. She retired to a front room, and took up a posi- tion behind the great chimney. Having occasion to pass through to another room, she was just crossing the threshold of the door-way when a thirty-two-pound shot came crashing through the house, and passing through the door-casing, buried itself in a feather bed, where it was afterward found. During the time that hostilities continued, provisions were scarce and difficult to procure. Corn was sold at $3 per bushel.
CAPTURE OF A BRITISH PRIVATEER.
That the redcoats did not have it all their way during this excit- ing period, the following incident illustrates. Captain Weston Jenkins, with thirty-two brave volunteers, embarked on the little sloop Two Friends, armed with one brass four-pounder, muskets, swords, etc., with the bold intention of effecting, if possible, the capture of the British privateer Retaliation, commanded by Captain Porter. Being becalmed at Woods Holl, they rowed the vessel to Tarpaulin cove, where the Britisher lay. Arriving within three-fourths of a mile of the privateer, the latter's long gun was fired. The Two Friends
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came to and dropped anchor. As soon as they had anchored, a boat, containing the captain and five men came alongside, from the privateer. The patriots, with one or two exceptions, concealed them- selves until the boat reached the vessel, when they suddenly appeared and demanded the surrender of the English vessel. Having captured the boat's crew, they then boarded the privateer, and carried her without resistance. The captured vessel had five guns, twelve men, and two American prisoners.
In the late civil war, Falmouth's sons were early in the conflict to preserve the Union, and many distinguished themselves by their heroism and bravery.
THE WHALING BUSINESS.
Falmouth was once famous for its whaling fleet and shipping interest. Ship-building was carried on to a considerable extent, and many fine vessels were constructed here. Among the more notable are the Uncas, Awashonk, Pocahontas, Hobomuk, William Penn, Bartholomew Gosnold, Popmonett, George Washington, Brunette, and Enterprise. With the decline of whaling, the building of vessels also became extinct. For many years the town witnessed but few changes. Remote from any railroad center, but few strangers found their way to its pleasant borders. Thus matters remained until the opening of the Woods Holl branch of the Old Colony railroad from Buzzard's Bay to Woods Holl, about fourteen years ago. Travellers were attracted by the many beautiful shore resorts at Woods Holl, Falmouth Heights, Quissett, Menauhant, and other localities within the town limits, and began to erect summer homes, so that now some of the most beautiful and elegant summer residences in southeastern
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Massachusetts are found scattered about the town. Prominent among them are "Tanglewood," the fine summer home of J. Arthur Beebe of Boston, and "Highfield," the summer residence of the late J. M. Beebe.
CHURCHES AND PASTORS.
Like all of the early settlements, the municipal and ecclesiastical affairs were controlled by the same power-the suffrages of the citi- zens. The colony laws required that "no settlement be made remote from a place of public worship, unless the settlers be strong enough to support a minister of the gospel," and March, 1663, the court enacted "that it be commended to the settlers at Saconessett to apply themselves in some effectual way for the increase of their num- bers," that " they may carry on things to their better satisfaction, both in civil and religious respects ; especially that they endeavor to pro- cure an able, godly man for the dispensing of God's word among them." But "Saconessett not being yet strong enough to stand alone," it was further "ordered that Saconessett shall for the present belong to Barnstable." July, 1681, the court ordered that thirty acres of upland and a quantity of meadow land be set apart for the benefit of the parson, when they should secure one. This land was selected and set apart in 1687, one year after the incorporation of the settle- ment as a town, " to be perpetually to such an end, successively, with- out any alteration or change, forever."
The first preacher was Samuel Shiverick, who assumed his pas- toral duties some time previous to 1700. That "his lines were not cast in pleasant places" is evident from the action of the town in 1702, when it was agreed that they would not employ him to preach
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to them any more, and a Joseph Parsons was chosen to inform Mr. Shiverick of the town's action. This action of the citizens does not appear to have proved effective, for in 1705 we find the town appoint- ing a committee "to agree with Mr. Shiverick concerning his demands, also to forbid his preaching any more on the town's account."
In 1708 the First Congregational Society was formed, and seven years later they decided to build a new meeting-house, which was so far completed in 1717 that the seats were chalked out and bids re- ceived for pew spots. Rev. Joseph Metcalfe succeeded Mr. Shiverick in 1707. He died in 1723, and the pastorate has been filled success- ively by many pastors up to the present time. Rev. Joseph Palmer officiated nearly half a century, from 1731 till 1775. About 1789, the united action of town and church in ecclesiastical matters nearly ceased, and became absolutely separate and distinct in 1800.
A Methodist society was incorporated in 1811, and the Second Congregational Society at East Falmouth in 1821, although the latter was organized eleven years previously. The Third Congregational church was organized at North Falmouth in 1833, and in 1849 the Fourth church was formed at Waquoit. The Quakers were among the earliest settlers, for in 1685 we find William Gifford and Robert Harper to be recognized members of the sect. They have built several houses of worship during the past two centuries, each more commodious and convenient than its predecessor. St. Joseph's Cath- olic church was built in 1880, at Woods Holl, and the People,s Con- gregational at the same place in 1881. There is also an Episcopal church at this village.
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THE PUBLIC HOUSES.
Public houses were also an ancient institution in this famous old town. February 7, 1664-5, Isaac Robinson was "approved and allowed by the court to keep an ordinary at Saconessett for the enter- tainment of strangers, in regard that it doth appear that there is a great increase to and fro by travellers to Martha's Vineyard, Nan- tucket, etc." The travellers of that day, who were probably satisfied with a frugal repast and a "mug of flip," would gaze with amazement upon the palatial hostelries which now adorn the town. The famous Menauhant House, at Menauhant ; the Dexter House, at Woods Holl ; Quisset Harbor House, Hotel Falmouth ; Towers, Pickwick, Goodwin's, and Brown's at Falmouth Heights.
SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.
The settlers early evinced an interest in educational matters, and turned their attention to the schooling of their children as soon as the wilderness had been subjugated. The most important episode in educational matters was the endowment of Lawrence Academy, by Mr. Shubael Lawrence, who died. in 1840, and left $10,000 for that purpose. Numerous primary, intermediate, and grammar schools, in the various villages, furnish excellent opportunity for the young to gain an education, while the high-school course completes the work.
HISTORICAL CLIPPINGS.
Dr. Francis Wicks established a hospital for inoculation at Nobsque (Woods Holl) in 1797.
The Falmouth bank was incorporated in 1821, with a capital of $100,000.
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In 1716 wolves became so troublesome that a bounty of one hundred dollars was offered for the head of each wolf slain.
Marine Lodge, F. A. and A. M., were instituted in 1798. They have surrendered their charter twice, but finally recalled it in 1856, since which time the lodge has been active and prosperous.
The first public road was laid out in 1687.
In 1689 the first election of deputies occurred. John Robinson was elected.
The first poor-house was established in 1800.
There are eight post-offices in town.
The manufacture of salt, in the early days, was quite an industry in Falmouth. The grandfather of to-day's orator, General John L. Swift, was at one time actively engaged in the business. ยท
Succanessett Lodge, Knights of Honor, was instituted at Liberty Hall, Woods Holl, in 1879.
The town boasts of forty ponds of various dimensions, which are plentifully stocked with toothsome fish.
THE FALMOUTH LOCAL is a bright little sheet, issued by Lewis F. Clarke.
The town's population is 2,500. The exercises will consist of a parade of the civic and military organizations through the principal streets to the depot, where Governor Robinson and staff will be re- ceived and escorted to the mammoth tent on Ludlam's plain, where the literary exercisas will take place. Among the speakers who are expected to be present, are Governor Robinson, Lieutenant-Governor Ames, General John L. Swift, E. H. Jenkins, A. D. Hatch, Dr. Robert T. Davis, Hon. W. W. Crapo, Charles F. Swift, Rev. J. P. Bodfish,
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Rev. E. D. Hall, George E. Clarke, and others. The Boston Cadet band and Middleboro Cornet band will furnish music. A collation will be served to all holding tickets. A display of fire-works, and a band concert in the evening, will close the festivities.
[From the Cape Cod Item.] NOTES.
It is estimated that there were over five thousand people in and about the grounds on the day of the celebration.
A large number of policemen were on duty, besides several State detectives, but, happily, their services were not called into requisition, no disturbance of any kind occurring during the day. .
Among those present at the celebration were four brothers, viz : Roland, Arza, Abner C., and Moses R. Fish (sons of the late James Fish of this town), whose united ages amount to 290 years, averaging 72 1-2 years. The aggregate weight of the quartette is 807 pounds, an average of over 200 pounds each. A hard record to beat.
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