USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Holden > The history of Holden, Massachusetts, 1667-1841 > Part 9
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The soil of the town is varions, and its surface much diversified with hills and valleys. The different kinds of forest trees are, pines, white and yellow; oaks, white, red, and black; hemlock, horn-beam, maple, ash, chestnuts and walnuts. An area of fifty acres can scarcely be found containing a homogeneous soil, or a plain surface. " The land in the out-skirts of the town is the most springy and natural to grass. The general products are rye, Indian corn, and oats. When there is a failure of crops, it is generally owing to other causes than the nature of the soil." ( Whitney's His: 189.)
127
HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
HILLS.
Malden Hill-(called by the carly settlers Mt-Carmel) is situated in the cast part of the town. It is covered with wood and timber, and only a small part is under cultivation. A granite quarry has been improved on the casterly side of this hill.
Pleasant Hill. Tradition reports this hill to have been an Indian encamping ground. It has a rich soil and produces great crops of grass and grain-now owned by S. W. Hubbard and son. [See page 21.]
Grape- Vine Hill-(so called by the first settlers). It is situated in the N. W. part of the town. The soil is excellent and well adapted to tillage and pasturage. 1: is now owned by John Estabrook.
Champlain Hill. This hill is situated in the westerly part of the town, and derives its name from the circum- stance, that several acres were clear of forest trees when first visited by the early settlers. Subsequently the Capt James Davis place.
Pine Ilill. It is situated partly in Paxton and partly in Holden. Its principle value consists in a growth of pine timber.
Hasnebumskit Hill. This hill is situated in the S.W. part of the town. It presents a beautiful appearance when approached from the north. Cultivated fields and pasture-lands extend to its very sunnit. Iron oar and sulphur abound upon this, and Pine hill, so that the magnetic needle will not traverse in their vicinity.
Stone-House Hill. This hill is situated in the south part of the town. Its steep and rocky sides are difficult of access, rendering the soil unfit for cultivation. In " olden times " it was a renowned resort for rattle-snakes. The name, Stone-House, was given to the hill in conse-
128
HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
quence of a natural house or shed, in the southern part formed by the projecting rocks.
The Regulators, during the period of Shays rebellion made this a place of rendezvous.
RIVERS AND BROOKS.
Quinaporet River. It is the principal river in the town. It has three branches. (1.) North Quinapoxet River in formed by the union of streams issuing from Quinapoxet and Muscopauge Ponds. This branch passes the North and Quinapoxet Factories, and unites with the (2) South Quinapoxet, rising in the Hasnebumskit Pond, in Paxton. The last mentioned stream passes Eagleville, Dryden's, Jepherson's, and Loveli's manu- facturing mills. These branches unite in Mr. Thaddeus Nichols's intervale, thence running through Perry's and Watson's intervales. (3.) Cedar Swamp Brook rises from numerous springs in the southerly part of the town, passing Hinds' and Hill's mills, and Lee's cotton factory, and unites with the Quinapoxet River, in the Estabrook intervale. This river thence passing Shelden's mills, be- comes a branch of the Nashua River, which empties into the Merrimack River near Nashua, N. H.
A small stream rises in the south part of the town and becomes a branch of the Blackstone River.
NOTE. In the meadow, near Mr. Sam'l Howe's house. two streams rise. One becomes a tributary of Merrimack River, the other of the Blackstone River. The former emptying into the ocean at Newburyport ; the latter into Narragansett Bay, at Providence, R. I.
The surface of Quinapoxet Pond is 717 ft. above tide- water; and Quinapoxet River, at the West Boylston line, 483 ft. above the same level. Of course, the fall of Quinapoxet River, in Holden, would be 234 ft.
129
HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
JUSTICES.
* John Childs, jr.
* John Dodd, t William Drury, 16
* Lemuel Davis,
* James Estabrook,
* Ebenezer Estabrook,
* Ethan Davis, 66
Samuel Damon, 66
Silas Flagg, 66
Charles Chaffin, 66
Paul Davis, 66
appointed
September 19, 1776. March 29, 1793. June 9, 1802 March 5, 1804. March 3, 1809. October 21, 1814. June 18, 1817. July 2, 1823. February 23, 1833. February 23, 1833 March 25, 1$ 10.
* Deceascd.
t The following interesting incidents were furnished by a son of Joho Dodd, Esq., in a letter to the compiler:
" Mr. James Dodd was born in the north of Ireland, in the year 1721 His father died when he was about the age of 12 or 14 years, and be wet apprenticed to an older brother who was a manufacturer of Linen Goods. In consequence of ill treatment by his brother's wife, he threatened to leay: his brother unless she treated him with more kindness, which he carried into effect shortly after.
An American vessel came into port and he made known his grievances to the Captain, and requested he would take him to this country ; informing him at the same time, that he had no money, but would work his passage. The Capt, consente, and was to hoist a signal when he was ready to weigh anchor, and Mr. Dodd was to go to the wharf and swing his hat, and the Capt. was to send a boat for him, which was done. Soon after, the vous was hailed by some one on shore to know if they had any one on board that did not belong there ; to which the Captain replied that he had no one but his crew. On his arrival in this country, about 1741 or 2, having neitina friends nor money, (as all he took with him was a small bundle of clothes which he tied up in a handkerchief, ) he made immediate application to William Shirley, then Provincial Governor of Massachusetts, who at the time resided in the town of Dorchester, and who immediately procured a loom and set him to work. Ilis fabric was of so fine a texture that the Governor sent a portion of it to England as a specimen of American product and ama- ufacture, the first that went from this country ; for which the spinner and weaver each received a Joc [$17, 14, ] as a premium for their skill. After a. year or two's residence in this country, Mr. Dodd became acquainted with a Miss Mary Houston, who at the age of S years, came over to this country from the north of Ireland with her father, mother, three brothers and three
* risters, and settled in Maine." * *
* *
He was married " in the year 1747, to the aforesaid Mary Hloustoo, sad
130
HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
LAWYER.
Jason B. Blackington. Native of Attleboronghi. Brown University, A. B. 1826. He commenced the practice of law in town, 1829, and continued here be- tween two and three years. He is now at the West.
COLLEGE GRADUATES.
Jonathan Fisher, H. U. 1792.
Joseph Cheney, B. U. 1801.
Abraham Wheeler, Wm's C. 1810
Abel Manning, B. U. 1817.
Moses Winch, A. C. 1827.
Elnathan Davis, Wm's C. 1834.
David Fiske, A. C. 1834.
John Foster, A. C. 1834. William Howe, Waterville C. 1834.
Merrill Richardson, M. C. 1835. Henry G. Darling, Wm's C. 1835. Samuel D. Darling, Win's C. 1836. Samuel C. Damon, A. C. 1836.
bottled in Bedford, where they resided until about the year 1757. During their residence in Bedford, they had three children, viz : William, who was born in 1747, James in 1750, and John in 1755. Fromn Bedford they mov .. ed to Lexington, where they purchased a small place and resided for si". years ; sold it in 1763, and purchased a farm of about 300 acres in Holden, now occupied and owned by Deacon Rice, Oliver Knowlton, Sam'l Stratton and the widow Parker. This place was purchased with specie, which he look up in his saddlebags ; and he sold out again in the year 1776 or 1777. with the intention of moving down to Maine, among his wife's relations, but never carried this project into effect ; as he was soon after taken sick, and died in May, 1778. In the spring after he sold his farm, he sold off all his stock. For the farm and stock he took pay in continental money, most of which was kept on hand until it was entirely worthless. During his residence in Holden he purchased a farm in Princeton for his eldest son William, which he gave to him, and remarked at the time, that the Homestead (which he subsequently sold for continental money, ) would answer for James and John. Thus the two younger children were almost entirely cut off."
131
HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
MISSIONARIES.
DEACON ISAAC FISK. He was the son of Mr. Nalmm Fisk, and born at Holden-1790. A blacksmith by trade. Married to the daughter of Ethan Davis, Esq., and soon after her death, he engaged as a lay-missionary among the Choctaw Indians. He arrived at Elliot, Aug., 1819, and 1820. In his will, he bequeathed about $S00 00 to the American Board.
MRS. GOODELL, (Abigail P. Davis, ) daughter of Lemu- el Davis, Esq., and grand-daughter of the first minister, was born at Holden, April 16, 1800. She was married to the Rev. William Goodell, a graduate of D. C., 1817, Andover T. S. 1820. They embarked Dec. 9, 1822, from New York, for the Syrian Mission, under the patronage of the American B. C. F. Missions. Beyroot became the scene of their labors, where they remained some years. From thence they removed to Malta, on the Island of Cyprus ; but since the year 1531, they have been station- ed at Constantinople.
MRS GROUT, (Hannah Davis, ) daughter of Ethan Da- vis. Esq., was born at Holden, Feb. 26, 1805. In carly life her mind was impressed with the importance of per- sonal religion. Her connection with the church in Hol- den. commenced when she was quite young. In addition to the advantages of schools in her native place, she was for a number of months under the instruction of the ex- cellent Mrs. Fiske, of Keene, N. H., and completed her studies preparatory for the missionary work, at Ipswich Female Seminary. She was married to the Rev. Aldin (frout, a graduate of Amherst College, 1831, and Ando- ver 'T. S. 1834. They embarked at Boston, Dec. 3, 1834, for a Station about to be established among a native tribe of Africans, called the Zulu, living in the south- eastern part of the Continent. They arrived at Cape
132
HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
Town, Feb. 5, 1835, and at Port Natal, May 21, 1836 Mrs. Grout died at Port Elizabeth, Feb. 24, 1836. One year and nineteen days after her arrival in the country.
MRS. GROUT, (Charlotte Bailey.) She is the daugh- ter of Mr. James Bailey, and was married to the Rev. Aldin Grout, a few months after his return from Africa, to the U. S., in consequence of wars among the Zule people. They embarked for Africa, March, 18 10, to en- gage in missionary labors, among the same tribes.
MR. EDWARD BAILEY, son of Mr. James Bailey, was born at Holden, Feb. 24, 1814. He was married to Miss CAROLINE HUBBARD, daughter of Mr. Jonas Hubbard She was born at Holden, August 13, 1811. They em- barked from Boston for the Sandwich Islands, December 14, 1836. Now engaged in Missionary pursuits at the Islands.
MRS. EELES, (Myra Fairbanks. ) daughter of Deacon Joshua Fairbanks, was born at Holden, May 25, 1805. She was married to the Rev. Cushing Hells, a native of Blanford, Ms., and graduate of Williams College, 1831. and East Windsor Theological Seminary, 1837. They left New York, March 19, 1838, for a missionary station, supported by the American Board, among the Flat Head Indians, living beyond the Rocky Mountains. Their journey was mostly performed, after leaving Saint Louis. in company with a Caravan, which travelled for trading purposes among the Indians. Mr. and Mrs. Feils arrived safely at their station, Aug. 29, 1838, where they are now engaged in their missionary labors.
MRS. GODDARD, (Eliza Ann Abbott. ) She is the daugh- ter of Mr. Asa Abbott, and was married to the Rev. Mr Goddard, a Missionary to China, under the patronage of the American Baptist Board of Missions:
-
HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 133
POST-MASTERS.
[THE POST-OFFICE WAS ESTABLISHED-1813 OR '14. ]
Benjamin Davis,
Lemuel Davis,
Dennis Davis, Charles Chaffin.
Merrill Davis,
PHYSICIANS.
A half century had nearly passed before a Physician became permanently located in Town. A biographical sketch of the first was given in the address, page 60. "The following inscription is taken from his grave-stonc.
This Stone Marks the Spot where rests the mortal part of DOCT. ISAAC CHENERY, who departed this life, Oct. 20, 1822, Aged 80. " In the cold mansion of the silent tomb, How still the solitude, how deep the gloom ; Here sleeps the flesh unconscious, close, confined, But far, far distant dwells the immortal mind."
NOTE. Soon after Doct. C.'s settlement in Holden, he married Miss Susannah Pierce, of Worcester. They had seven sons and three daughters. Their grand-children, no number 13-g. g. children, 11-g. g. g. child, 1 ; in all, 98 descendants.
THADDEUS CHENERY. Son of Isaac Chenery, was born, Holden, April 27, 1769. He practiced a short time with his father, after becoming a member of the profession, but soon removed to Boylston, where he remained (ex- eepting six years at Lancaster, ) until a few months sub- sequent to the death of his father, 1822. He then returned to the late residence of his father, where he continued to
12
£
131
HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
reside until 1840 ; and he is now living in the centre of the town. The whole period of his practice has been about forty years. He married Polly Dodd. Their children are, Wm. D., Cyrus, Jno. A., Mary, Nancy J., and Lucy Ann.
MOSES WHEELER. A native of the town. Not known how long he continued here his practice. Died-, State of New York.
AARON HOLBROOK. A native of the town. He prac- ticed some years, and died December 18, 1825, aged 43.
JOHN SMITH, and his son JOHN M. SMITH, practiced some years in town.
GEORGE ESTABROCK. A native of Rutland. This gen- tleman has resided at two different times in town. Hc now is living in his native place.
DAVID DAVIS. A native of the town, and son of Elna- than Davis. He received his degree at New Haven, 1821. He is now actively engaged here, in the duties of his profession. He spent two years in New York city, between 1833-7, and his practice in Holden has been about fifteen years.
AARON G. BABCOCK. A native of Princeton. Com- menced practice here, 1830. He subsequently, was a druggist, in Worcester; and is now engaged in the man- ufacture of calico, Newton, Mass.
WARREN PARTRIDGE. Practiced for months in town, and is now living at Princeton, engaged in his profes- sional duties.
A. G. SKINNER. Practiced very successfully here, for some months, but now is residing in the West.
AUGUSTUS ROBBINS. A native of Harvard, M. D. at H. U., is now successfully discharging his professional duties in town. Hecommenced practice in Holden, June 20, 1837.
NOTE. Some other Physicians have come and gone.
135
HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
MASONRY.
'THE WORCESTER COUNTY ENCAMPMENT OF KNIGHTS TEM- PLARS, AND THE APPENDANT ORDERS, was established in Holden, June 21, 1825. An address was delivered upon. the occasion by the Rev. Benjamin Wood, Upton. Bye- Laws, twenty-three in number, were adopted and published.
ORIGINAL MEMBERS.
Jonas L. Sibley,
Daniel Tenney,
James Estabrook,
George Estabrook,
Lewis Thayer, David Davis,
Samuel Stratton,
Jacob Wood,
Orin Dalrimple, Jocl Nurse,
Misha Andrews, Manassch Willard,
Jacob Frieze, Adin Ballou.
The meetings of the Masonic Fraternity were, for some years held in the Hall of the Abbott Hotel. Numerous relics and papers are Now deposited in the garret of the same house. The neglect into which the subject has fallen for some years past, would lead to the conclusion that the Rev. Mr. Wood and his Masonic Friends, are now practically adopting an opinion advanced in his ad- dress. "For myself, I am ready to declare, in this pub- lie manner, that did I believe there was any thing in the principles of Masonry, incompatible with the high and holy vocation of a Christian Minister, or any thing which had the least tendency to weaken or destroy the faith once delivered to the saints, I would openly and imme- diately renounce the order, and throw its badges to the anoles und to the buts !" [See Page 6.]
136
HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
MILITARY AFFAIRS.
In the early records of the town, constant references appear relating to militia affairs. The citizens were often called to make practical exhibitions of their patri- otism and bravery in their country's service. The town, May 4, 1711, "Voted the sum of £30, to provide powder and bullets, and flints for town-stock."
'The following list of militia men, must have been made at an early period, although it was accompanied by no dat.
OFFICERS.
Capt. John Biglo,
Sergeant, Bezaleel Fisk,
Lieut. Cyprian Stevens,
Samuel Hubbard.
Ensign, Sant'l Heywood, 66 John Childs,
Corp. Joseph Greenwood, Jonathan Rice,
6. Amos Ileywood,
PRIVATES.
Sancel Thompson, Jolin Johnson,
II Thompson,
Vi .: Clark,
William Harris,
Abra Black,
Jonathan Lovell,
Charles Heywood,
Nathaniel Stearns,
Jotham Biglo,
Benj Mead,
Jonathan Wheeler,
Jannes Grey,
Jonas Parker,
Moses Wheeler,
Joseph Woolley,
Amos Parker,
Thinchas Bennett,
Misha Parker,
David Fiske,
> das Bennett,
Andrew Smith,
Robert Wilson,
W'm Niekols jr,
Josiah Cheney,
Eph Stevens,
Thomas Mle Mullen,
Will Cowden,
O Davis
David Brown,
Saml Cowden,
Jonas Gray,
Jonas Read,
Will Thompson,
Peter Nutten,
Elisha Harrington,
Joseph French,
Robert Cowden,
Laac Smith, Joshua Nickols,
Isaac Wheeler,
Phinchas Ball, Josiah Broad,
John Shelton,
In tracing the history of the town to the close of the Isth century, the writer made repeated allusions to the military spirit of its inhabitants. The same feeling Has since been cherished.
About the close of the last war, it was exhibited in the organization of a Grenadier Company. This compa- ny for more than 20 years, took a high rank upon all oc- casions of military parade. Its Officers and Privates were willing to make great sacrifices of their time, exer-
137
HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
tions, and money, to maintain its honor and respectability.
The following, comprises a full list of all its members, from IS16 to 1837.
IS16. Samuel Chickering,
+Jervis Abbott,
Royal II. Chaffin,
Curtis Knowlton, Oren Flagg,
Amasa Boyden,
Daniel Knowlton, jun.,
Moses G. Allen,
** WVm Drury jr, Joseph Crosby,
Nathan Rogers, jun.,
David Fisk, Simon Black,
Moses Newell,
§Thomas Jones Davis,
Stilman Ilowe,
Warren Davis, William Bassett, 1821.
Leonard Fisk, David Partridge,
Jotham Bigelow,
§ Dennis Davis,
John L. Davis,
Warren Flagg,
Artemas White,
Newman Allen.
John Rogers, 2d,
William Kendall,
Samuel Dunton,
fStilman Estabrooks,
John Keyes,
Abner Perry jun.,, 1825.
Simon Chaffin,
Benjamin Pierce,
"Thomas Davis, jun.,
ttJason Mann,
Baylies Upham,
Cyrus Dryden,
Elisha Bartlett,
Alonzo L. Ware,
Samuel Munroe,
Thomas Jefferson Davis, Moses Smith,
Walter Lee,
§Daniel Hubbard,
Leonard Tales,
Luther Goddard,
Caleb Rogers,
William Davis,
Silas Flagg, 1820.
Nahum Howe,
Joul lowe,
Joha Spring, ** Abel Drury,
Elnathan Davis,
Simon Hubbard,
Samuel D. Greenwood, §Caleb Kendall, jun.,
Chauncey Rugg,
Charles B. Maynard,
Benjamin 'T. Southwick,
Jonathan Chatlin,
Ebenezer R. Perry,
Nathaniel Sibley, 1826.
Joseph Howard, jun.,
George W. Perry, 1821. tJoab S. Ilolt,
David Winch,
William Flagg,
John Richardson,
Jacob Iloward, 1317.
Lyman Bryant,
Philo Smith,
Luther Nash,
Gardner Davis,
John L. Hlewet,
Micah Holbrook,
Jonathan Munroe,
Rufus F. Bacon,
Daniel Rogers,
Addison Davis,
Elias B. Flagg,
David Hoyt,
Oliver Stone,
Jeremiah Knowlton,
§Jolin P. Maynard,
Joseph Parminter,
Jason Knowlton,
William Mathews,
Hollis Ball,
James Maddocks, Amos Adams, Leonard Clienery, #Chenery Abbott, John Fales,
Joel Davis, 1822.
David Tisk, 2d,
Daniel Knowlton, jun., Joseph D. Fuller, Addison Arnold, 1827. Hezekiah Bent, Harrison Bixby ,
Abraham Goddard,
John E. Willington,
Albert M. Bartlett,
+ Merrill Davis,
Charles Goodnow,
William Kendall,
Stilman Ilubbard,
** Jones Estabrook, Nathan Goodell,
David Davis,
Moses Winn,
Joseph Barbour,
Samuel A. Wheeler,
Francis .Davis,
Rufus P. Fuller, §Sparrow Crosby, jun., 1823.
Samuel Temple,
David Cook,
Joseph Davis,
Edmund Jolieon,
*12
Samuel D. Darling,
Leonard Fales,
David Clapp,
Emerson Hubbard,
James Bacon,
Abner Rogers,
Joseph White,
Alfred P. Bartlett,
Henry Goulding,
Silas Dodd,
1
Seth Clapp, Jr., 1818.
John Buss, 1819. +Samuel Stratton, jun.,
138
HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
Edward Richardson, silas Smith, Asa Holbrook, Caleb S. Fisk, 1528.
Amos II. Neweil,
Poter S. Winn,
Sihoan Darling,
Dexter Muzzy,
Nahum Newell,
LE-ha Tucker,
Alfred l'. Hastings,
Joseph Bassett,
Caleb K. Sawyer,
Prescott B. Albee, 1829. Daniel F. Hubbard, Joseph Fisk,
Sinon G. Harrington,
L'li Darling,
William Rogers,
William Howe,
Dwight T'. Lager,
Auton Newell, 1850.
[mare Nichols,
Charles Hubbard,
Lemuel Disk, jun.,
John I. Smith,
... j.san Davis, jun.,
Jantes Hastings, Smann Howe.
ttJames Kendall,
William J. Stration,
James Rawson, 1531.
James W. Roger ", ** Jolin boyden, Beriah W. Hyde,
Glob G. Howe,
Charles Wood,
William W. Dodi, Merrill Abbout,
Sparrow C. Myrick,
Samuel B. Hubbard,
Austin Estabrook,
John Coleigh,
Simon Goodale,
Marshall P. Robinson,
Charles Ball,
jos ph B. Hubbard,
William G. Parker, George Hastings, Austin Plagg, 1832. Edward Bailey,
John F. Smith. Elijah Wheelock, Lothrop Dormon, Gilbert Wheelock, Jolin B. Watson, 1835.
Alinon Samson,
William T. Watson,
Merrick II. Houghton;
Lzra Sawyer, Samuel Black,
William Howe,
Oliver C. Fairbank,
George Thomas, Levi Morgan, 1833. Samuel Carpenter,
John Stone,
Moses L. Darling,
* Ebenezer Estabrook, Otis Smith, Benjamin Sawyer,
Samuel Denny Hubbard
ilsaac Damen, Danford Ifall.
Misha Newell,
Charles A. Barber, IS31.
George Dryden, Daniel Willington, Sinon Crosby, Silas Barbour, jun.,
Samuel Turner, iau.
George P. Wood,
Alex. Loveless, Nye Moulton, 1837. James T. Hervey.
Nor-A few years since a Light Infantry company was organized from enlistments in Holden and West Boylston. The writer has not had the privilege of peru- sing the company's records.
· Promoted to Rank of General ; 1 do. do. Colonel; # do. de Major ; § do. do. Captain ; ** do. do. Licut .; tt do.
du. Casigus.
Marshall Hastings,
Squire Slocumb,
William B. Wright,
Hendrick G. Santi, 1836. Ebenezer W. Howe, Charles Roper, David C. Smith,
Calvin D. Davis,
Jcha 3. Hubbard, George Cheney, ** George Knowlton, William Willingtoa,
HISTORY OF HOLDEN,
SCHOOLS.
COMMON SCHOOLS. When the citizens of Holden were legally incorporated as a town, the worship of God was
" First in their noble thoughts and plans ; Then, the strong training of their youth."
"To have a writing and reading school," voted the citizens, assembled May 19, 1711. A century paesed. March 15, 18.11. In Town-Meeting, it was "voted to raise 800 dollars for schools the ensuing year." "Voted, that it be divided with all other funds from Town of State, as last year, by the Selectmen and Assessors." Each year intervening between 17 11 and 1811, witnessed a similar vote. It would appear from the Town records to have become an established method of procedure, to do as last year, respecting schools; with this exception, However, the amount of money raised has gradually been augmented with the increase of population.
The Town, during the last few years, has annually expended more than $1000 for the support of Commou Schools. A fund of about $3, 100 is held by the town, the interest, (IS 10-$202 00.) of which is appropriated for schooling. In addition, the sum of 85 1.69, was last year (15.10,) received from the State Treasury.
The above-mentioned fund ; is principally the avails of Public Lands, granted to the town by original Pro -. prictors. They reserved certain tracts of land as school lots.
Statistical account of the Common Schools for IS40.
Number of Districts, 12.
Part of the Town.
No. of Scholars Appropriations.
between 3 y. & 21 y.
No. 1, Centre,
110
$176 00
66
2, Unionville,
125
150 00
3, East Part,
65
94 00
‹ ‹
4, Flagg District,
4S
79 00
5, Eagleville,
109
152 09
1
1 10
HISTORY OF HOLDEN.
No. 6, Chaffin District, 55
56 00
66
7, Walker
31
55 00
8, West Part, 40 00 20
9, Near John Estabrooks, 48 40 00
10, Near Samuel Brooks,
32
45 70
6 6 11, Near Widow Allen, 35
53 04
12,
French Woods' Dis., 65
67 57
733 1062 67
Average attendance-Sammer, 387-Winter, 414.
Number of Scholars between 4 y. and 16 y., 485.
" of Teachers-Summer, 12 Females, 0 Males.
Winter, 5 9
Av. wages per mo., including board, $11,61, females, $26,87, males.
'' Value board per mo.,
6,06, S,00, Private Schools and schools kept to prolong common schools, 5.
Aggregate number of months, 9.
Number of scholars, 45.
At an expense to individuals, $135 00.
The influence exerted by Common School instruction, has been in the highest degree, happy and salutary upon all the citizens of the town. It may confidently be as- serted that each individual has personally shared in their enlightening and ennobling blessings.
The instance (if any has existed, ) has never come to the knowledge of the writer, that A NATIVE-BORN CITIZEN OF HOLDEN COULD NOT READ AND WRITE.
"I have somewhere read " writes Addison, "of an eminent person, who used in his private offices of de- votion to give thanks to Heaven that he was born a Frenchman. I look upon it as a peculiar blessing that I was born an Englishman."* A Frenchman may give thanks for his National birth-right, and an Englishman regard his as a peculiar blessing; the writer desires ever to cherish unfeigned gratitude for the PECULIAR BLESSING of a birth-place, and a common school education amid the hills of happy New-England ; for this reason, among many others-EVERY CHILD HERE, NOT ONLY MAY, BUT DOES LEARN TO READ AND WRITE.
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