The history of Milton, Mass., 1640 to 1877, Part 30

Author: Teele, Albert Kendall, 1823-1901 ed
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: [Boston, Press of Rockwell and Churchill]
Number of Pages: 776


USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Milton > The history of Milton, Mass., 1640 to 1877 > Part 30


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65


MILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY.


At a meeting of the town held March 7, 1870, it was " voted that the town appropriate the sum of three thousand dollars for a Public Library, to be paid to trustees when a like amount has been raised by subscription or donation and secured to the satisfaction of the selectmen." It was also "voted that nine trustees be chosen by the town to expend said amount, and have charge of said library." The following gentlemen were chosen : -


Hon. James M. Robbins, Rev. Albert K. Teele, Rev. John H. Morison, Hon. James B. Thayer, Mr. A. L. Hollingsworth, Hon. Edward L. Pierce, Mr. George Vose, Mr. George K. Gannett, Mr. E. D. Wadsworth.


The conditional contribution required by the town was promptly raised, amounting to $3,192.


The first meeting of the trustees was held at the house of James B. Thayer, on Thursday, Sept. 15, 1870. Hon. James M. Robbins was elected Chairman, Hon. Edward L. Pierce, Treas- urer, and Mr. A. L. Hollingsworth, Secretary.


293


MILTON LIBRARIES.


After long and careful deliberation it was decided that the location of the Public Library at Milton village would best meet the convenience of a majority of the citizens ; conse- quently, the lower story of the building belonging to Mr. Edmund J. Baker was leased, fitted up, and furnished for this purpose. A committee of the trustees, consisting of Hon. Edward L. Pierce, Prof. James B. Thayer, and Mr. A. L. Hol- lingsworth, was instructed to prepare a list of books, and to expend the sum of $3,000 in the purchase of the same. The library was opened to the public Feb. 23, 1871, with thirty-five hundred volumes on the shelves, selected by the highly compe- tent and judicious committee. It was voted that the library be open every afternoon, except Sunday, from 3 to 8 o'clock, and on Saturday morning from 9 to 11 o'clock. The afternoon hours remain the same. The Saturday morning opening is now from 8 to 11.


At the opening of the library Miss Jennie E. Emerson was engaged as librarian, which office she has continued to hold to the present time, with the full satisfaction of the trustees and, it is believed, of the citizens generally. By a minute and ready knowledge of the contents of the library and courteous attention to all its patrons, the librarian has afforded much help to readers, and contributed, in no small degree, to the usefulness of the enterprise.


By. the regulations of the trustees "any resident of the town over the age of fourteen may have the use of the library by signing a promise to obey its rules." The number of such sub- scriptions for the first day of its opening was one hundred and fifty-five, and for the first year, eight hundred. This number has increased to two thousand five hundred and forty-four ; but only a portion of the cards are in use at the present time. The library receives its support from annual appropriations of the town and from Milton's portion of the " dog tax " devoted to this purpose. The number of volumes purchased annually has averaged a little over four hundred, and at this date the library contains ten thousand volumes.


Feb. 11, 1876, the work of increasing the library accommo- dations, which had become necessary from the constant accu- mulation of books and the increase of readers, was reported as completed. By this movement more shelves were furnished for the books, and better accommodations to the public.


EAST MILTON.


In 1877, and again in 1881, petitions were presented to the trustees from the citizens of East Milton, asking for better


294


HISTORY OF MILTON.


library accommodations. The trustees decided to try the ex- periment of having books exchanged once a week, commencing Saturday, Feb. 12. After the trial of a few weeks it was voted to appropriate the sum of $52 for the delivery and return of books between the library and East Milton for one year, provision being made for their safety. This was continued for two years.


March 27, 1883, Voted, that the Town accept Mr. Babcock's offer of his room at East Milton, at the rent of $100 per year, and that the said room be kept open as a reading-room during the afternoon of each week-day ; that it be supplied with periodicals, the cost not to exceed $100; that an attendant be paid $150 per year.


Miss Emma C. Emerson was chosen for that position, and is at present in charge. The smallest number of books ever sent to East Milton in one week was thirty-one, and the largest eighty- five.


NEW BUILDING.


March 21, 1881. It was voted that the trustees accept the offer of the Building Company to have a room in the proposed Associates Building, which was about to be erected; and in May, 1882, the books were removed from their old quarters to the handsome and commodious rooms they now occupy. When preparing to enter these new apartments the following letter was received from H. P. Kidder : -


BOSTON, Dec. 30, 1861.


Rev. A. K. TEELE, D.D.,


Chairman Trustees Milton Public Library : -


MY DEAR SIR, - I desire to present to the town of Milton, through the Trustees of the Public Library, and to be hung in the Library Reading-room, a picture, painted by Voltz, of Munich, it being a cattle-piece of much merit, which I hope will be seen with pleasure by all who may visit the room. It is now at my house in Milton, and will be delivered whenever you are ready to hang it.


With sincere interest in the welfare of the town and its inhabitants,


I am, yours most truly, H. P. KIDDER.


This elegant painting now adorns the walls of the reading- room, affording a pleasing memorial of our honored and departed friend and fellow-citizen.


I may also add that numbers of our most expensive volumes have been secured from the income of a fund given to Milton Pub- lic Library during the life of this same gentleman, and that this fund will continue to yield an annual revenue for years to come. Several other citizens have shown their interest in the library by donations of books. A complete set of the Massachusetts


295


MILTON SOCIAL AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.


Historical Collections, now out of print and rare, a set of the Genealogical Register, nearly complete, with other valuable works on early history, have been received from the library of the late Hon. James M. Robbins, the first President of the Trus- tees of Milton Public Library, and the only President during his life. Miss Betsey Tucker, of Milton, kindly remembered Milton Public Library by a bequest in her will of $50.


In the will of the late Miss Sarah Vose, Milton Public Li- brary was named as her residuary legatee. By this act of exceeding kindness the library has come into possession of the handsome sum of about $7,000.


Ebenezer G. Tucker, a native of Brush Hill, Milton, and for most of his life an active and interested citizen here, at his decease left to the Milton Public Library a bequest of $500, as a perpetual testimony of his interest in his native town, and also a volume of town reports.


MILTON SOCIAL AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.


The objects of this society are shown in the Preamble and Articles of Agreement herewith subjoined : -


PREAMBLE.


We the subscribers, desirous of forming a Social and Benevolent Society, and influenced by a sense of social duty, agree to form ourselves into a society, and, as members thereof, to be governed by the following regula- tions : -


ARTICLE III.


It shall be the duty of this Society to relieve all objects of charity, so far as may be deemed practicable.


ARTICLE IV.


A Committee of Relief, consisting of three, including the President of this Society, shall be chosen at our annual meeting, to inquire out objects of distress, and to dispense such sums as the Society shall vote them, and make a report in writing, at the annual meeting, of the money expended, and in what manner.


ARTICLE XI.


At our meeting in July, we will have a public Address from some popular speaker to be chosen by the Society ; at which time a contribution may be taken up, for the aid of the funds of the Society. Also an Address at our annual meeting, from one of the members of the Society, the speaker to be chosen at the meeting in October (previous).


This society was organized by the choice of Samuel Adams, President, and Samuel T. Bent, Secretary, and with a member- ship of twenty-seven, embracing many of the leading citizens of Milton. It continued in active operation for several years, sus-


296


HISTORY OF MILTON.


taining the general interest by public addresses in July, and by its benevolent agencies in the community. On one occasion Horace Mann was the lecturer.


It was finally merged into societies of a kindred nature in the several churches, and is still prosecuting its beneficent work in the "Guild of the First Congregational Parish," and in the "Ladies' Sewing Circles " of the First and Second evan- gelical churches.


MILTON FEMALE MISSIONARY SOCIETY.


This society was organized in May, 1833, with a membership of forty-three. Its meetings were held monthly at the houses of its members in the different sections of the town. It continued its work for twenty-five years, creating and perpetuating a mis- sionary spirit in the church and in the town, and contributing to the advancement of the Gospel in our own and in foreign lands.


MILTON SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR.


The young people of the First Evangelical Church and Society, influenced by the general movement throughout Massachusetts and New England, formed a society of Christian Endeavor, in October, 1886. The society is now in interesting operation, seeking to exert a good and healthful influence over the young people of the town. The purpose of the society, clearly set forth in its name, is to create and cherish in the heart, and to show forth in the life, the spirit of Christian love; its aim is to go about doing good, especially among those in the morning of life. Meetings, open to all, are held weekly on Monday even- ing, in the church, for prayer and mutual benefit.


LITERARY SOCIETIES.


In the history of the town there have been various literary societies, in which the early citizens engaged.


About the year 1826 there was a lyceum called the Dorchester and Milton Lyceum, held in the school-house on River street, Dorchester. Joseph Rowe and Asaph Churchill, of Milton, took an active part in the meetings. Gen. Whitney, Deacon N. C. Martin, and other Milton men were members. Among the Dor- chester men were John Bailey, Dr. Richmond, Francis Hilliard, Edmund Baker, Abel Cushing, Davis Capen, also Edmund J. Baker and Charles Breck, now living. The Lyceum continued for three or five years. The exercises consisted of essays, papers, and debates. One question for debate was, whether there should


297


INTERESTING PUBLIC OCCASIONS.


be a universal language. Mr. Churchill, who was a good French scholar, maintained that there should be, and that the French language should be the language for this purpose. The Lyceum so voted, and also voted to memorialize Congress to that effect. This was done by Mr. Churchill, who was the committee ap- pointed for the purpose.


There was a Milton Lyceum held at the Town-Hall in the winters of 1839-40. James M. Robbins was president, Edmund J. Baker, George Thompson, Joseph Rowe, and others took active part in debates. N. F. Safford delivered a lecture on the " Greek Revolution."


Various other literary circles, reading clubs, book clubs, and gatherings for intellectual improvement have been held from time to time in the different neighborhoods of the town, and are continued to the present day.


INTERESTING PUBLIC OCCASIONS.


ORATION IN 1773.


On Friday evening the 5th of March 1773, was delivered an Oration at Milton by Mr. Josiah Brown. In this excellent Performance he endeavored to reach the Understanding of his Audience, and seemed to feel with the keenest Sensibility for his opposed Country ; and with a manly & virtuous Boldness defended its Rights. In short, he stood forth as a Champion of the common Rights of Mankind. - Boston Gazette, March 8, 1773.


EULOGY ON GENERAL WASHINGTON.


Jan. 30, 1800. The second article in the warrant of the town-meeting, held to-day, was as follows : -


To see what measures the town will take respecting the Presidential Proclamation with regard to observing the 22d of February next in commem- oration of the death of General George Washington.


The town voted to assemble on said twenty-second day of February. Voted to choose a person to deliver an oration on said day.


Mr. Charles Pinckney Sumner was unanimously chosen for the above purpose.


The Selectmen were chosen a committee to wait on the Rev. Mr. McKean and Mr. Charles P Sumner, and to request their attendance at the Meeting-house at 2 o'clock, afternoon, on said day.


Mr. Sumner's oration on that occasion, which was considered able and eloquent, and worthy of perusal, was printed by the town, and may be found in " Milton Documents." Mr. Sumner at this time was but twenty-four years of age. Four years later, March 5, 1804, he delivered a second address in Milton, on Jefferson and the Republican party.


298


HISTORY OF MILTON.


EULOGY ON THE DEATH OF PRESIDENT HARRISON.


A committee of the inhabitants of the town of Milton was appointed to make arrangements for taking suitable notice of the death of the President of the United States, William Henry Harrison.


Rev. Joseph Angier was appointed orator for the occasion.


The town assembled in the Unitarian Church, on Friday, May 14, 1841, and listened to an interesting eulogy pronounced by Mr. Angier. This was printed, and a copy of the same is bound up with the " Milton Documents " in the Public Library.


CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE.


The account of the following celebration is found in the " Quincy Patriot," of Saturday, July 17, 1841 :-


The citizens of Milton, without distinction of party, celebrated the anni- versary of our National Independence, on Monday, July 5, 1841.


At eight o'clock in the forenoon a cavalcade, numbering about one hundred horses, was formed in front of the Rev. Mr. Angier's church, under the direction of Samuel Adams, Esq., Chief Marshal of the day, which, pro- ceeding through the principal part of the town, arrived about 11 o'clock at his residence, and were entertained by him in a sumptuous and elegant manner. From thence the cavalcade resumed its march, and at 12 o'clock took up the escort of the President of the day, Dr. Amos Holbrook, from his mansion, together with the Orator, the Rev.T. M. Clark, of Boston, afterwards Bishop Clark, of Rhode Island, to the town-house, where a beautiful sight awaited its arrival ; the children, tastefully dressed and appropriately ar- ranged, together with a large concourse of citizens, paraded on the ground, and received the cavalcade in an interesting and imposing manner. A pro- cession was then formed, and marched, to the music of the West Randolph band, to the Rev. Mr. Cozzens' church, where, after a solemn and appro- priate prayer by Mr. Cozzens, the oration was pronounced.


The procession then formed anew and proceeded to a spacious pavilion, where a large and brilliant assemblage, comprising about three hundred and fifty of both sexes, partook of the liberal refreshments provided, and enjoyed with the utmost harmony the pleasures of social intercourse.


Various sentiments, interluded with national songs, were drank with pure iced water and lemonade, and the day terminated without an incident to damp the general joy.


We give a few of the volunteer sentiments presented : -


By Dr. Holbrook, President of the day : -


. " Our Fathers. By their wisdom in the council and their valor in the field, they laid the foundations of a great republic. May their descendants honorably maintain so invaluable a legacy."


By General Moses Whitney, one of the Vice-Presidents : -


" Our National Independence. Our fathers united to obtain it ; may their children and their children's children ever unite in its celebration."


By Joseph Rowe, Esq., one of the Vice-Presidents : -


299


TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY.


" Agriculture, Commerce, and Manufactures. The principal and abun- dant sources of national wealth and independence; may they duly receive their adequate share of national protection."


By Mr. Caleb Hobart, one of the Vice-Presidents : -


" The Cause of Temperance. May it prosper so long as this is a nation." By Samuel Adams, Esq., Chief Marshal : -


" The Patriots of the Revolution. There is one present whom we delight to honor."


By President Quincy, of Harvard College : -


" The Town of Milton. Whose fathers contributed their full proportion of the heroes who gained the Independence of our Country, and whose sons have never failed to be true to its principles."


By Dr. Thompson, of Charlestown : -


" The Town of Milton. Its name, its beautiful hills, groves, and water- falls, enshrine the genius and memory of the poet; may his noble senti- ments live forever in the hearts of its inhabitants."


By Rev. Mr. Cunningham, of Milton : -


"This Temperance Celebration of the Anniversary of our Independence, - in which the champagne has to be smuggled in at the side, whilst the real pleasures march in procession."


By Edmund J. Baker, Esq. : -


"Universal Toleration, Religion, and Temperance. The keystone in the dome of the Temple of Liberty."


By the Rev. Mr. Bent, of Milton : -


" The spot where we are now celebrating our National Independence. So long as we have the temple of religion in our front, and the temple of science in our rear, we may rely on the endurance of what we cele- brate."


THE TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCORPORATION OF MILTON.


Elaborate preparations were made for the observance of this occasion, which occurred June 11, 1862. The morning opened bright and beautiful, and was succeeded by one of the perfect days of June. A large tent was spread between the church and the old Town-House, connected with the latter. The sashes were removed from the windows on the west side of the hall, and steps were erected for ascending and descending, thus opening it to the tent, and furnishing ample room for the great assemblage.


It was a grand meeting, from far and near, of old citizens and new, with multitudes of welcome friends and guests, ready to rejoice together in celebrating the long life of the dear old town.


At 11 o'clock in the forenoon the services of the occasion were opened. Dr. Morison's church was filled with an audi- ence crowding all available space, and yet it failed to accommo- date half of the assemblage.


The services in the church were as follows : -


300


HISTORY OF MILTON.


ORDER OF EXERCISES.


I.


VOLUNTARY ON THE ORGAN.


II. ANTHEM.


O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands ; serve the Lord with gladness, and come before His presence with a song.


Be ye sure that the Lord He is God; it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves ; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.


O go your way into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and speak good of His name.


For the Lord is gracious, His mercy is everlasting; and His truth en- dureth from generation to generation.


Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.


As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.


III. PRAYER. BY REV. JOHN H. MORISON. IV. BI-CENTENNIAL HYMN. BY MRS. S. D. WHITNEY. [AIR: Auld Lang Syne.] 1. O'er way-posts of two hundred years, Along a living line,


Thought flashes back, through smiles and tears, To days of Auld Lang Syne. - To days of Auld Lang Syne, my friends, To days of Auld Lang Syne ; Thought flashes back, through smiles and tears, To days of Auld Lang Syne.


2. When o'er a realm of embryo might


Great summers came to shine, And searched a wilderness to light The homes of Auld Lang Syne. - The homes of Auld Lang Syne, my friends, The homes of Auld Lang Syne. And searched a wilderness to light The homes of Auld Lang Syne.


301


TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY.


3. When all our leagues of level rail Lay waiting in the mine, And hardy huntsmen trod the trail, In days of Auld Lang Syne. - In days of Auld Lang Syne, my friends, In days of Auld Lang Syne ; When hardy huntsmen trod the trail, In days of Auld Lang Syne.


4. When but the herald hues of morn Hope's blazon might combine ; Our Flag of Stars was yet unborn In days of Auld Lang Syne. --- In days of Auld Lang Syne, my friends, In days of Auld Lang Syne ; Our Flag of Stars was yet unborn In days of Auld Lang Syne.


5. Small need those pilgrim heroes had Of Freedom's outer sign ; Her mighty heart beat high and glad In breasts of Auld Lang Syne ! - In breasts of Auld Lang Syne, my friends, In breasts of Auld Lang Syne ; Her mighty heart beat high and glad In breasts of Auld Lang Syne.


6. We trace the centuries' double span,


We measure their design, And grasp the greatness that began Far back in Auld Lang Syne. - Far baek in Auld Lang Syne, my friends, Far baek in Auld Lang Syne ; We grasp the greatness that began Far back in Auld Lang Syne.


7. Where hands are strong and hearts are true, Still speeds the work divine ; To-day is grand with deeds to do, As days of Auld Lang Syne. -- As days of Auld Lang Syne, my friends, As days of Auld Lang Syne ; To-day is grand with deeds to do, As days of Auld Syne.


8. And still, with souls like those of yore, Steadfast through storm and shine, God bless us, as he blessed before The men of Auld Lang Syne ! - The men of Auld Lang Syne, my friends, The men of Auld Lang Syne ; God bless us, as he blessed before The men of Auld Lang Syne !


302


HISTORY OF MILTON.


V. ADDRESS.


BY HON. JAMES M. ROBBINS.


VI.


HYMN.


[AIR: America.]


1. My country ! 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, Land of the Pilgrim's pride, From every mountain side Let freedom ring.


2. My native country, thee ! Land of the noble free ! Thy name I love.


I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills, My heart with rapture thrills Like that abcve.


3. Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing. Long may our land be bright With freedom's holy light ; Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King !


VII.


BENEDICTION.


BY REV. ALBERT K. TEELE.


From the church the assembly repaired to the pavilion, where tables were spread by the town, furnishing refreshments for all, and strains of sweetest music delighted the ear.


Here the remainder of the day was passed in the enjoyment of sentiments, speeches, and festivities suited to the occasion.


The address of Mr. Robbins was at once printed, and secured a wide circulation in the town and vicinity. It presents in an interesting way the chief points in our history, and thus saves to the town a small part of that extensive knowledge of the early times and early men of Milton, most of which has passed away with our honored citizen.


ANNIVERSARY OF THE SUFFOLK RESOLVES.


On the recurrence of the one hundredth anniversary of the passage of the famous Suffolk Resolves, Sept. 9, 1874, the citizens of Milton and vicinity assembled in the very building, and in the very rooms, occupied by the illustrious men of revolutionary


303


CORPORATE SEAL OF MILTON.


fame, and then adjourning to Johnson's Hall opposite, joined in an appropriate observance of that memorable occasion. The presiding officer of the meeting was the Hon. Henry L. Pierce, a lineal descendant of Daniel Vose, who was a prominent actor among the delegates, and at whose house they met. The Suffolk Resolves were read by the Hon. Edward L. Pierce, and stirring speeches were made by the Hon. N. F. Safford, Edmund J. Baker, Esq., and other citizens.


This was followed by a valuable paper, printed in the "Ded- ham 'Transcript," Sept. 12, 1874, from the pen of our honored citizen, Nathaniel F. Safford, in which were vividly portrayed incidents and events connected with that remarkable man, the framer of the resolves.


CORPORATE SEAL OF MILTON.


The Town Seal now in use, and the only authorized seal the town has ever had, was adopted at the annual meeting, March 4, 1878.


We here introduce the report of the committee appointed to prepare the same.


TOWN SEAL.


SE


TLED


IT


TED 1662


1640


S NOBIS HAEC


OTIA F


: IN


To the Selectmen of Milton : -


GENTLEMEN, - The undersigned, who were requested by you to prepare a Seal for the Town of Milton, have completed the work, and beg leave to present the following report : --


The duty required of them seemed, at first, small; but in fixing upon a suitable device, and in establishing the same by historical facts, much care and research have been found necessary.


They have received valuable assistance from the Library of Harvard College and from the Boston Public Library. They are also indebted, for judicious suggestions and reliable information, to Edmund J. Baker, Esq., a gentleman versed, above others, in our early history.


The design represents facts drawn from early times.


In the foreground is Neponset river, the original as well as present northern boundary of the town. On the river is represented a small vessel,


304


HISTORY OF MILTON.


from which two of the people have just landed to traffic with the Indians, whose wigwams appear on lower part of the shield.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.