USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Princeton > The history of Princeton, Worcester county, Mass. from its first settlement; with a sketch of the present religious controversy in that place. Designed for the use of the inhabitants > Part 12
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I have now finished the narration of this controversy, as ungrateful to me as it may be tedious to the reader. I have collected it from documents-I should rather say, I have fur- nished the reader the documents themselves, from which he may perhaps learn the strength of human depravity, even when under the influence of religion ; yet, as he goes quietly and wearily through them, he will be far from realizing, unless familiar with the scene of action, the convulsions which our
107
HISTORY OF PRINCETON.
little community have undergone in going the same course. I now dismiss the protracted subject with as heartfelt gratifica- tion, and as perfect weariness, as it is not improbable he may. A single other division, told in few words, and the "ecclesias- tical history" closes. This was the secession of about thirty individuals, a portion of them with families, from the congre- gational society, at the date of Mr. Cowles's settlement, and who were at the time organized as a Universalist society. They have as yet no settled preacher, or house of worship. Their meetings are at present held at the " town-house," where preaching is had about one third of the time.
A new house of worship is now erecting by subscription for the use of the united society. It is a chaste and neat edifice, beautifully situated near the centre of the town, with bell and spire, and contains sixty-eight ground, and sixteen gallery pews. - The probable cost is estimated at between six and seven thousand dollars.
CHAPTER VIII.
Political History. Revolutionary Services. Resolutions in 1773. Instructions to Representatives, 1774. Bounty to Soldiers. Imperfect Report of a Committee on Revolutionary Services. Declaration of Rights. Subsequent Political His- tory.
As we turn with something of disgust from the ecclesiastica], a brighter page opens to us in the political, history of our town, yet marked by the same unyielding firmness characterising the people, and which, according to its enlistment on the side of right or wrong, becomes the most impregnable bulwark, or the most insuperable obstacle of truth. Developed in their reli- gious difficulties, it is the most uncompromising obstinacy, shutting up alike from all access the understanding and the feelings. Displayed in their political action, it rises into the most elevated and devoted patriotism, now bursting out in all its splendor and sublimity on the battle-field, and now kindling into the simple beauty of heartfelt agonizing supplication at the family altar. Brighter histories of patriotism than the re- cords of our towns exist nowhere. Nobler evidences of a de- votion to their country that knew no reserve, history does not
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HISTORY OF PRINCETON.
furnish. The efforts of the humbler portion of the New-Eng- land population, in the cause of the revolution, have never been fully known and appreciated. We have dwelt upon the exploits of the more conspicuous personages in that contest until they have become degradingly familiar, while the un- numbered many have been forgotten. If the offerings of the rich and noble were generous and free, those of the poorer and less distinguished were equally so. For like the poor widow's gift, it was an offering of all they had. The flame of patriot- ism burnt as bright in the heart of the poor housewife, who could contribute nothing, save a pair of stockings, or a solitary shirt to a ragged soldier, as in that of the wealthy noble, who opened wide his well-furnished storehouse. If the merchant, with commendable generosity poured out his thousands freely as water, the farmer brought to the cause the richer, nobler offering of himself and his offspring. While property was fur- nishing its ample provisions, and talent kindling an enthusi- asm which shook the very throne of monarchy, both found a response, true and hearty, in the humble but invincible yeo- manry. These it was who reared through the land the altars of patriotism, and amid the agonizing struggle of parental affec- tion and conscious duty, were ready, like the patriarch of old, at the command of God, to sacrifice thereon their own sons. These things our records tell, and yet tell but half. We see not the mother's irrepressible tears, as her only son leaves his plough in the furrow, or his sickle in the field, to hurry away from the quiet serenity and the holy influences of home, to the dangers of battle, and the worse contagions of a camp. We see not the farmer as he throws wide open his granaries and his doors to the famished family thus deprived of support. We see not the circle of blooming maidens gathered at the farmer's fireside to stamp their impress upon the soldier's, perhaps the lover's homely clothing. We hear not the pure, agonizing prayer for his country's cause, that ascends from the altar of humble family worship. Yet all these things, and a thousand others, have been, seen only by Him " who seeth in secret," and who has rewarded them openly in the freedom and prosperity of a happy and growing country.
Their records show the people of Princeton not behind their neighbors in just conceptions of the benefits and desira- bility of the contest, or in their efforts for its maintenance. They, like their brethren, foresaw the impending storm in the
109
HISTORY OF PRINCETON.
horizon, long before it gathered in the blackening cloud that burst upon Lexington and Concord, and were consequently prepared for its reception. As early as January 18th, 1773, more than two years prior to the battle of Lexington, the fol- lowing resolutions were passed unanimously by the town :-
Resolved, 1. That the connection between the mother country and these colonies is of great consequence to both, if mutually kept up; but when digressions are made from established compacts, that connection begins to lessen, and of course, creates an alienation, the effects of which must be attended with bad consequences. For the resolute man, in a just cause, while in a state of freedom, never will consent to any abridgements or de- privations of his just rights, and disdains threats or any measures of com- pulsion to submission thereto-not like the dog, the more he is beaten the more he fawns-but, on the contrary, with a noble mind, defends to the last, and every stripe stimulates his efforts and endeavors, in defence of his own or his country's cause.
2. That this town, as a part of this province, whensoever their rights, liberties, and properties, are infringed upon, by what authority soever, that they, in honor to their forefathers, by whose solitude and industry, under God, they for many years have enjoyed the fruits of their labors-for the regard they bear to posterity-as friends to their country, have good right to complain, and manifest their uneasiness at such proceedings.
3. That the repeated attempts to make the people of this province sub- ject to unjust taxation, and absolute dependency upon the crown, together, appear subversive of, and inconsistent with, the constitution of a free people.
4. That such measures are unconstitutional, and demand the attention of all well disposed people, and a mutual connection and joint adherence in proper means for redress, that thereby the rights and liberties, civil and re- ligious, which have been transmitted to us from our illustrious ancestors, might be kept inviolate by us their posterity.
5. That they shall be always ready to concur in all just and proper means that this province and the neighboring colonies may come into for the com- mon good, and in conjunction with the friends of liberty, shall bear testi- mony to all invasions upon our rights and liberties.
6. That this report (these resolutions) be put upon the town record, that posterity may know they had a sense of their invaluable rights and liberties, and were not willing to part with them, but by their own consent, and that they are determined to vindicate and support them as times and occasions may call for.
These resolutions evince both a foresight of consequences and determinateness of action on the part of the town. The spirit in which they originated pervaded and animated the people throughout the contest. In the fall of 1774, on the removal of the General Court to Salem, Moses Gill was cho- sen representative, with instructions " absolutely to refuse to be sworn to represent said town by any unconstitutional offi- cer ;" and, " in case the General Court were prevented sitting constitutionally," to repair to Concord, and join the Provincial Congress. In January, 1775, a contribution of money and provisions was raised for the towns of Boston and Charlestown.
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HISTORY OF PRINCETON.
And in the March following, it was voted " the standing com- pany* train once a week." A minute company were also organized at this time, consisting of thirty-six men, and a vote passed to procure them the necessary accoutrements, and sev- enty-two dollars in money. In May of the same year, a vote was passed " to receive twenty-four of the poor of Boston." At the actual opening of the war at Lexington, volunteers were numerous. Of the revolutionary enthusiasm which pervaded the town at this time, the proceedings with Mr. Fuller, narrat- ed under another head, are ample proof .; All these things evince feelings deep settled and comprehensive, and a deter- mination that knew no submission, or shrunk at no sacrifice. Subsequent to this date, the same feeling was manifested throughout the contest. In no case were the requisitions of the state or Congress neglected. The contributions of clothing and provision were large, burdensome, and of all descriptions, from a solitary pair of shoes or stockings up to the exactments of the public authorities, which drew hundreds from an ex- hausted treasury. Frequent mention is made in the records, of committees chosen to borrow money to defray such ex- penses, or to find securities for the sums voted to soldiers, as an encouragement to enlist. Even the cattle of the farm- yard were not unfrequently pledged as security, or offered in payment to the soldier, sometimes, indeed, to avoid the losses of a depreciated and depreciating currency, but oftener, be- cause the town, in its exhausted state, could supply nothing for his payment. The following is one among many votes on this subject :- " Voted, that each soldier that shall enlist in
The officers of this company chosen at this time, were Ebenezer Jones, Captain, Joseph Sargent, Lieutenant, and Samuel Hastings, Ensign.
t Another occurrence of this date, may illustrate this still farther. Among the inhabitants at this time was Bowen, living on the farm now oc- cupied by the Messrs. Everetts, a Captain in the British army, who had obtained leave, at the close of the French war, to remain in this country on half pay. At the opening of the war he was summoned and returned to his duty in the army. Soon after he, however, returned to visit his family. This was noised about the town, and a company of thirty or forty formed, to bring him to the summary punishment of those days, which, destroying the ancient philosopher's characteristic of man, metamorphosed him to a " two legged animal" with feathers. He however escaped the tar-kettle, upon " marching between two files of men with his hat off, and professing a good will to the country." This satisfied the patriots. A mob was however or- ganized from their number, who, with the usual rapacity of such assem- blages, proceeded forthwith to make the most of the occasion, and to enrich themselves by plundering his property-a proceeding as shameless as un- christian and despicable.
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HISTORY OF PRINCETON.
the continental service for three years, or during the war, re- ceive one hundred hard dollars, in the following manner, viz : twenty hard dollars, and twenty more in paper, at the ex- change, viz. seventy-five for one, to be paid before he march- es ; thirty dollars to be paid in six months after marching ; and thirty more in one year after marching ; to be delivered to the soldier in camp, if required. And, at the end of three years, each soldier shall receive twelve three-year old cattle, of a middling size, or current money equivalent to purchase said cattle. And each soldier shall receive the aforesaid en- couragement only in proportion to the time he shall be in the service."
Numerous votes similar to this-now empowering commit- tees " to borrow as much money as was necessary," and " to give securities in behalf of the town," now offering bounties to the soldiers, and now providing clothes and provisions for their destitute families or a famished army-are scattered through the records, from 1775 to 1783, a collection of which is unneces- sary, since they all but tell the same tale of devoted patriot- ism, at the stern summons of liberty, alike regardless of prop- erty, life, and the severance of the dearest ties of humanity. The two following documents will close the history of the revolutionary services of the town.
One of these is an imperfect account of the number of men furnished at the expense of the town. This account contains many blanks with dates, which the committee probably had not, at the time, the requisite information to fill, and subse- quently neglected it entirely. The document, which may be interesting to some of my readers, is transcribed precisely as found among a mass of unfiled papers in the town clerk's office. Of the number of volunteers no record can be found. The other is a declaration or oath of allegiance, which I find appended to the second volume of the records, without date. It was probably drawn sometime subsequent to the Declaration of Independence :-
Agreeable to a resolve of the general assembly, of the 11th of July, 1783. The following is the account of the encouragement given to the men which marched agreeable to the resolves of said court :-
l. s. d.
Dec. 1, 1775, 10 men marched to reinforce continental army, 80 00 0
Jan. 20, 1776, 14
23 02 0
Jan. 24, 1776, 21
to New-York and Canada, 192 06 5 Aug. 4 . to Boston, 6 00 0
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HISTORY OF PRINCETON.
Sept. 10, 1776, 16 men marched to Fort,
Nov. 20, 1776, 16 “
to reinforce the army at New- York, 2560 00 0
Apr. 12, 1777, 7 “
to reinforce Gen. Spencer at Rhode-Island, 50 00 0
July 16, 1777, 1
66
to guard stores at Brookfield, 2 00 0
Aug. 9, 1777, 14 66 66 northward, served three weeks under Gen. Lincoln, 84 00 0
Aug. 15, 1777, 11 40 66
66
northward under Gen. Warren, 165 00 0 in consequence of orders from Gen. Stark, 160 00 0
Sept. 16, 1777, 66
Sept. 22, 1777, 20 66
Dec. 22, 1777, 66 "
Feb. 7, 1778, 6
66 66
served under Gen. Heath,
720 00 0
Apr. 18, 1778, 5
66
for defence of Rhode-Island,
June 16, 1778,
as Guards,
16 00 0
July 24, 1778, 4
66
66
to Rhode-Island,
200 40 0
July 27, 1778, 7
66
to 66
210 00 0
Aug. 18, 1778, 3
66
to 90 00 0 66
Sept. 6, 1778, 4
66
to aid Gen. Sullivan at R. I. 240 00 0
Sept. 17, 1778, 4
66
66
to guard Gen. Heath in and at Boston, 200 00 0
Jan. 1, 1779,
Jan. 26, 1779,
Mch 18, 1779,
Apr. 14, 1779,
Apr. 15,
Apr. 27,
June 8,
3
66
to Rhode-Island,
90 00 0
June 18,
June 25,
Sept. 17,
Oct. 9, 9
66
to Claverick, and guards to Rut- land, 450 00 0
Mch 15, 1680,
June 22, 12 "
66
to ye Continental Army, Clav- erick, 13 10 0
June 23, 2
66
Nov. 29, 1780,
Feb. 28, 1781, 2 privates went to Rutland, 84 00 0
Aug. 1
66
0 on expedition to R. I. 30 days, northward under Gen. Bailey, 120 00 0
to Rhode-Island
595 00 0
June 12, 1778,
June 23, 1778, 2
66
l. s. d. 64 00 0
1 do truly and sincerely acknowledge, profess, testify, and declare, that the commonwealth of Massachusetts is, and of right ought to be, a free, sovereign, and independent state. And I do swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the said commonwealth, and that I will defend the same against all traitorous conspiracies and hostile attempts whatsoever- and that I do renounce and abjure all allegiance, subjection, and obedience to the king or government of Great-Britain, and every other foreign power whatsoever. And that no foreign prince, person, prelate, state, or potentate, hath or ought to have any jurisdiction, superiority, pre-eminence, authority, dispensing, or other power, in any matter, civil, ecclesiastical, or spiritual, within this commonwealth-except the authority and power which is or may be vested by their constituents in the Congress of the United States :
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HISTORY OF PRINCETON.
And I do further testify and declare, that no man or body of men hath or can have any right to absolve or discharge me from the obligation of this oath, declaration, or affirmation-and that I do make this acknowledgement, profession, testimony, declaration, denial, renunciation, and abjuration, heartily and truly, according to the common meaning and acceptation of of the foregoing words, without any equivocation, mental evasion, or secret reservation whatsoever, so help me God.
Signed.
SADEY MASON, SAMUEL WOODS,
BENJAMIN HOLDEN, BOAZ MOORE,
EBENEZER PARKER, WILLIAM DODDS,
WILLIAM THOMPSON,
HUMPHREY MOORE,
ENOCH BROOKS,
JONAS SMITH.
The political history of the town, subsequent to the revo- lution requires little space. It has followed in the good old ways of federalism, supporting, with one or two exceptions, the dominant party of Massachusetts, from that time to this. During the administration of the federal Congress at.the close of the war, there were few or no general political divisions in the country. Local questions sometimes organized factions in states or districts, but no general organization of political parties took place previous to the proposal to the people of the present Constitution of the United States. Previous, however, to this, the famous Shays's rebellion had broken out, and nearly the whole town of Princeton had partaken largely of the infection. Companies of soldiery were organized, and a considerable number of volunteers joined the rebel standard. While some one or two of the influential " government men were taken and held in duress a few days." Some one or two of the in- surgents of the town, I believe, were also, at a subsequent pe- riod, captured and imprisoned. With the dispersion of the rebels, however, by Gen. Lincoln, the town returned to their senses. The following instructions, given about this time to Col. Sergeant, a delegate elected to attend a convention held at Leicester, will exhibit some of the subjects of complaint. The conclusion, it will be seen, deprecates the creation of a paper currency :-
As the safety and happiness of a people depend upon the support of gov- ernment, and good and wholesome laws are to be enacted by the Legisla- ture for that purpose,-and that no people or body of men can be safe with- out it,-and that justice ought to be administered in a way least expensive to the people,-it is therefore the sense of this town, at this day of public distress, that the number and salaries of public officers ought to be reduced, and that in our opinion government might be supported at a less expense than it is at present, and that the granting monies from time to time to per- sons employed in the public service other than amply to reward them for their service, is oppressive, and ought not to be done under any pretence
15
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HISTORY OF PRINCETON.
whatever,-that it is the sense of this town, that petitions be sent to His Excellency the Governor, by the people of this Commonwealth, praying him to call a General Assembly together as soon as may be, to take under con- sideration the distresses of the good people of this Commonwealth, that some measures may be taken for their relief, particularly that industry and manufactures may be encouraged, and superfluities as much as possible, be avoided. And it is the sense of this town, that the making a paper curren- cy will, instead of granting relief, involve us in confusion, and that it be recommended to the good people, to cultivate a benevolent temper and dis- position towards their fellow mortals at this day of distress, and those that are strong, bear the infirmities of the weak.
In 1787, in a copy of instructions given to the Hon. Moses Gill, the representative for that year, I find the following, among others, showing the town to have been early in favor of a pro- tective tariff :-
3. That you use your influence, that the Produce and Manufactures of this Commonwealth, may be more effectually encouraged, by laying duties on those of foreign countries, and granting premiums on our own,-and that foreign superfluities may be prohibited, and also the exportation of wool and flax.
In the adoption of the present state constitution the town was nearly or quite unanimous in its favor. On the question of the present national constitution they were more divided, their vote however being thrown by their delegate, Mr. Fuller, against it. They also supported, with entire unanimity, Gen. Washing- ton and Mr. Adams's administration, and adhered, uncompro- misingly, to the federalists during the succeeding. In common with the rest of New-England, their indignation was repeat- edly expressed, at the passage of the embargo of 1807, and the subsequent measures of the dominant national party. The following conclusion of a petition, savoring somewhat of modern nullification, to the Legislature on the subject of the embargo, embodies the unanimous sentiment of the town at this time :-
Apprehending from the past that our feeble voice would be disregarded in the general government, and reposing confidence in your wisdom and zeal for the public good-and it is with pleasure we hear the resolves of the Senate of this state, stating that a suitable remonstrance be prepared, and immediately forwarded to the Congress of the United States, expressing their opinion, &c. Such proceedings will receive the sanction and approba- tion of your memorialists, or any other measure your prudence and patriotism may dictate, for securing to our common country its Constitution, its Liberty, and its Prosperity ; and we hereby pledge ourselves to support, with our lives and property, all such constitutional and prudent measures for the attainment of these important objects, as your wisdom may approve.
Soon after the declaration of the war of 1812, a committee of the town was appointed to draw up a remonstrance against
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HISTORY OF PRINCETON.
the measure. Of this committee the Rev. Dr. Murdock was chairman, and reported to the town a well written and elab- orate document, ably setting forth the objections to the war, and the supposed insufficiency of the causes alleged. Nothing but its length prevents us from transcribing it. The following resolutions, unanimously passed at the same time, will furnish the views of the town on the matter. They do not differ from the general sentiment of the New-England people at the time.
Resolved, That we feel deeply sensible of our obligations to maintain and support, with patriotic fidelity, the laws enacted by a government elected by the people ; but from any communications or disclosures made your gov- ernment, the present crisis does not, in our opinion, sanction an expedient of such distressing tendency.
Resolved, That we view with just indignation and abhorrence, the meas- ures pursued by our rulers to involve us in an unjust and partial war with Great-Britain, without any preparations of defence, and of treating with an alliance that belligerent whose aggressions have been so enormous, and whose depredations were first committed on our neutral rights.
Resolved, That we view with deep regret and great concern the alarming situation of our commerce, so essential to our agricultural interest, and so inseparably connected and reciprocal in their support, that when one suffers the other must receive an equal injury : and while we are told that these measures are pursued for the protection of commerce, we are convinced that no confidence can be indulged towards the majority in Congress, and that every measure has a direct tendency to subvert our commercial rights.
Resolved, That whenever our country shall be invaded by any foreign foes whatever, we pledge our lives and property to defend our coast and government, to the utmost of our power.
From that period to this the town persevered in an almost unanimous and uninterrupted (except at the election of Gov. Eustis, in 1823,) adherence to the dominant party of the State, and are at this moment heart and hand against the national administration.
CHAPTER IX.
Biographical Notices.
THE following biographical sketches, the materials of which have been kindly furnished me, have been thought not inap- propriate to the place they occupy, both from the fact that many of the personages are, or have been, familiar to those for whom I write, and that their history is closely interwoven with that of the town. From those for which materials have
116
HISTORY OF PRINCETON.
been furnished, and all of which I would gladly insert, had I not already far transgressed the limits originally prescribed, I have selected the more important, adding few beyond those of the ministers of the different societies, which succeed in the order of their settlement.
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