USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Royalston > The history of the town of Royalston, Massachusetts > Part 31
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THE GEORGE D. BOLTON FAMILY
ster, Mass., and Oxford. He received the degree of L. L. M. at University of Maine in 1910, having been admitted to the Mas- sachusetts bar in 1900. He has a daughter, Muriel Waters Greeley, born Aug. 14, 1898.
THE GEORGE D. BOLTON FAMILY
George Dana Bolton, son of William E. and Sibyl (Keezer) Bolton was born in Enosburg, Vt., May 26, 1847. His father and mother were both natives of Massachusetts, the former being born in Groton and the latter in Salem. He came to Massachusetts when twenty-five years of age, and was for a number of years in the lumber business with his brother-in-law C. A. Stimson, their mill being the saw mill at Doane's Falls. About 1875 he purchased the farm on the Athol road, where he now resides, formerly known as the Hubbard place. He married Jennie Frances Stimson of Warwick, Mass., Oct. 26, 1873. He is one of the Cemetery Commissioners, agent of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Cattle In- spector and Inspector of dressed meat. The children of George Dana and Jennie (Stimson) Bolton are: Leota M., Lewellyn Sumner and Jennie Antoinette. Leota M. Bolton, oldest daugh- ter, was born in Royalston 1876. She attended Brimfield academy; has been supervisor of music in the public schools of Royalston for eleven years, and is also teacher of piano and sewing in the schools. She married Perley F. Richards Sept. 15, 1897, who was born in Conville, Me., in 1875. They have one son, Farrell Bolton Richards, born Dec. 1, 1901.
Lewellyn Sumner Bolton, son of George D. and Jennie (Stimson) Bolton, was born in Royalston Feb. 1, 1879. He entered the employ of the S. S. Pierce Co. of Boston, when eighteen years of age and is now assistant manager of their Copley Square store. He is also deeply interested in music. In' November, 1900, he married Lena J. Wright of Boston, who was a graduate of the Lowell School of Practical Design, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They now reside at Allston, Mass., and have three children: Llewellyn Sumner, Jr., Irene Frances and Elmer.
Jennie Antoinette Bolton was born Dec. 7, 1882. She studied music in Boston at the New England conservatory of music
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HISTORY OF ROYALSTON
four years, and with Prof. Hermann Heinrich. She married Herbert Richards, who was born in Conville, Me., in 1881. He is a machinist in the employ of L. S. Starrett Co., and they reside in Athol.
THE BEMIS FAMILY
About 1780 John and Abigail Bemis with their children removed from Sudbury, Mass., to Winchendon. The son Jonas, had served in the Revolution previous to this removal. He married Catherine Tower of Sudbury and subsequently re- moved from Winchendon to Royalston, where he died June 28, 1831, at the age of seventy-four years.
Jonas Bemis, son of Jonas and Catherine (Tower) Bemis, was born in Winchendon Aug. 11, 1788. He married May 13, 1813, Mercy Burgess, daughter of Ebenezer Burgess of Ashburn- ham. He removed to Royalston where he died June 24, 1824. His widow married William Whitney of Ashburnham, May 18, 1830. Jonas Bemis, son of John Bemis, married Mercy Piper, and died in Royalston.
Luke Bemis, son of Jason and Mercy (Piper) Bemis, was born in Winchendon May 9, 1788. He married Dec. 25, 1813, at Rindge, N. H., Susan Steele, daughter of Samuel Steele. Their children were: Sarah Elvira, born in Royalston Sept. 23, 1814, married Eri Shepardson Jan. 5, 1843, and died April 5, 1864; Christine, born in Bull Hill, N. Y., March 5, 1817, mar- ried William Peckham of Petersham, Mass., and died in 1860; William S., born in Brutus, N. Y., June 10, 1819, married Julia Haskins of Prescott, Mass., June 14, 1845; Susan Amanda, born in Brutus, N. Y., June 11, 1822, died Aug. 5, 1825; Samuel Atwood, born in Royalston Dec. 22, 1824; Susan Amanda (2), born in Warwick April 12, 1827, a sketch of her appears in another chapter; Mary Berintha, born in Royalston, Sept. 7, 1829, married Quincy Shepardson of Royalston; Luke Emil, born in Royalston March 29, 1832; Levi F., born in Royalston July 27, 1834, died Oct. 2, 1854; George Herbert, born in Royal- ston May 28, 1837, died Aug. 23, 1851.
Luke Emil Bemis, son of Luke and Susan (Steele) Bemis was born in Royalston March 29 , 1832. He was an experienced farmer and had given agriculture and bee-keeping much study
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THE BEMIS FAMILY
and thought and was also actively interested in the welfare of his town having served it as a member of the school committee. He was an active member of the Baptist church of West Royal- ston, and superintendent of its Sunday school, and was also well-known as a musician. He married Caroline, daughter of Jonathan and Nancy Shepardson, March 22, 1857. He died July 25, 1886, and Mrs. Bemis Jan. 30, 1906. Their children were: Emil H., born July 14, 1858, in Petersham; Carrie M., born Feb. 1, 1860, and died Nov. 12, 1862; George A., born May 22, 1862; and Mary Ella, born Sept. 14, 1877.
Emil H. Bemis came with his parents to West Royalston in 1867, and his school education was obtained in West Royal- ston and Athol. He attended the New England conservatory of music in Boston, was located in Augusta, Ga., for two years as organist and teacher of music, and went to Holyoke, Mass., April, 1887, which has since been his home and where he has been teacher of music and organist of the Second Baptist church to the present time. In May, 1888, he married Miss Ada C. Bartlett, daughter of Rev. E. M.Bartlett, a well-known Baptist minister. They have two sons: Carleton H., born Aug. 21, 1891, and Edwin W., born in 1897. George A. Bemis married Mary Leona Holden of Athol, Oct. 3, 1883. He is employed in the L. S. Starrett shops and came to Athol to reside in 1906. He is a well-known musician and singer. They have an adopted daughter born Aug. 15, 1907.
. Samuel Atwood Bemis, was born in Royalston, Dec. 22, 1824. When a young man he lived for several years in Park- man, Me., where he was engaged in the blacksmith business. He married Huldah Green Stevens of Guilford, Me., March 15, 1848. Later he removed to Petersham, Mass., where he carried on the blacksmith and teaming business for several years, and in 1860 moved to Athol where he continued the same business. He sold his teaming business after the war to Edmund Moore. He was for a number of years in company with W. H. Frost in the stove, tinware and junk business under the firm name of Frost and Bemis, and during the latter part of his life lived on a farm near the Bear's Den road in Athol. He died in Athol, May 29, 1905.
Roger William Bemis, only child of Samuel Atwood and Huldah (Stevens) Bemis, was born in Parkman, Me., July 13, 1851. He was for twelve years clerk at the Athol center
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post-office and for a number of years engaged in the printing business and has for the last twelve or fifteen years been employ- ed in the Highland bakery at Athol center. He married Nellie M. Coller, daughter of L. S. Coller of Athol. They had three children, Charles Bertram, Leonard Atwood and Muriel L.
THE TANDY FAMILY
Rev. Lorenzo Tandy was a Baptist minister who became connected with Royalston history in 1861, when he became pastor of the West Royalston Baptist church which he served as pastor for five years until 1866, when he retired from the ministry and purchased the David Cook place which was his home the remainder of his life. He was born in Goshen, N. H., June 28, 1818. Previous to coming to Royalston he held pastorates in Hancock and Ackworth, N. H., Tewksbury, North Middleboro and Coldbrook, Mass., and other places. He married Lucy Stowell of Lempster, N. H., who was born Aug. 28, 1820. They had eight children: Nathan, born in Hancock, N. H., Feb. 6, 1845; Charles F., born in Hancock, July 11, 1846; Lucy Jane, born in Ackworth, N. H., Sept. 25, 1847; Ellen L., born in Tewksbury, Mass., May 3, 1850; William W., born in North Middleboro, Mass., June 19, 1852; Evelyn, born in North Middleboro, Jan. 29, 1854; Eddy C., born in Coldbrook, Mass., Oct. 20, 1856; May, born in Royalston, June 29, 1861. Rev. Lorenzo Tandy died Dec. 22, 1898. and Mrs. Lucy Tandy Jan. 8, 1907.
Nathan S. Tandy enlisted in Co. D, 36th Massachusetts infantry, in the Civil war when seventeen years old. He was employed at the Athol depot for about two years and had charge of the station at Hoosac Tunnel about twenty years. He went to Newport, N. H., where he was in the express busi- ness for many years. He died Aug. 17, 1916 at Newport, N. H.
Charles F. Tandy came to Royalston when about fourteen years of age. He married Maria 'Davis, daughter of Joseph Davis of Royalston, Jan. 19, 1866. She died Nov. 22, 1870, soon after which Mr. Tandy moved to Athol which has ever since been his home. He married, second, Miss Priscilla Fay, daughter of Elder Lysander Fay of Athol. He worked for many years in the grocery store of S. E. Fay. He is a promi- nent member of the Baptist church of which he has been one
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THE TANDY FAMILY
of the deacons for many years. They have three children, Eugene, Wilbert and Ruth.
Lucy Jane Tandy died unmarried March 3, 1893. Ellen L. Tandy married Luke B. Shepardson of Royalston.
William W. Tandy was educated in the public schools of Montague and Royalston, coming to Royalston with his parents when quite young, and this town was his home until nineteen years of age, when he began to work for the Vermont and Mas- sachusetts Railroad company at Hoosac Tunnel station, where he learned the business of station master's helper, telegrapher and baggage master. He was transferred to the Montague station about a year later, where he had charge of the station for about a year and a half when he was promoted to the posi- tion of station agent at Gardner, Mass., one of the most impor- tant junction stations on the Fitchburg railroad. He remained in this position for over eight years, when his health failed and he was obliged to take a rest and spent a year in the South. After his return he accepted the position of bookkeeper for Conant and Bush of Gardner, and later was confidential clerk in the office of Philander Derby & Co., of the same town. He was for several years auditor of the Central Oil and Gas Co., of Florence, Mass., and since 1896 has been the treasurer of the Central Oil and Gas Stove company of Gardner. He was married June 19, 1877, to Esther Finette Chapin, daughter of Calvin and Susan (Clark) Chapin of Royalston. They have had seven children. He has not held many public offices nor does he belong to any fraternal organization. He is a member of the First Congregational church of Gardner.
Evelyn B. Tandy married William H. Bullard, Aug. 25, 1880, and their home is in Holyoke, Mass.
Eddy C. Tandy died when twenty years of age. May Tandy was a school teacher in Athol and Clinton for a number of years. She married William T. Parsons of Holden, Feb. 22, 1892 and died in Worcester, Mar. 16, 1913.
THE BOSWORTH FAMILY
Jonathan Bosworth, the ancestor of all the Bosworths of Roy- alston, came from Lunenburg, Mass., and settled in the north- west part of the town on the place later owned by Marshall
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HISTORY OF ROYALSTON
Herrick. He was born in 1713 and died in 1801 at the age of eighty-eight years. He was succeeded by his son, Ichabod, who married Olive Millar.
Jonathan Bosworth, Jr., came from Lunenburg with his father and settled on the west bank of Priest's Brook just south of the Winchendon road. He married Mary Holt, said to have been the first white child born in the town of Winchendon, Nov. 15, 1753. He is the Jonathan who had the adventure with wolves described in the chapter on wild animals. They had fourteen children, born between 1773 and 1799.
Joseph Bosworth, son of Jonathan and Mary (Holt) Bos- worth, born Jan. 9, 1792, married Abigail Saunders Bemis, daughter of Jason Bemis, April 13, 1819. They had ten child- ren : Joseph Nelson, born May 11, 1820; Amos Bemis, born July 24, 1821, married Eliza D. Moore May 31, 1843. He served in the Civil War in Co. E, 53rd Mass. Regt. Was killed on a circular saw at Leonard Moore's saw mill several years after the war. His son, Joseph W. Bosworth, also served in the war in the same company and regiment with his father, and died soon after getting home from the war. Chauncey, born Nov. 6, 1822, married Augusta L. Richard of Rindge, N. H., Sept. 24, 1848, died June 23, 1895. Silas, born May 6, 1824, died in New Salem. Joel, born Feb. 16, 1826, died Jan. 7, 1849. George Washington, born Nov. 28, 1827. Hosea Au- gustus, born Dec. 22, 1828, served in the Civil War in the 25th Mass. Regt., was mortally wounded in the battle of Cold Har- bor, and died July 10, 1864. Benjamin Hammond, born Nov. 29, 1832, died Aug. 31, 1887. Abigail Elvira, born June 9, 1834. Levi, born Feb. 13, 1837, served in the Civil War in the 27th Mass. Regt., married Maria Lucy Wood, and now resides in Chester, Vt.
Chilson Bosworth, son of Jonathan and Mary (Holt) Bos- worth, born May 28, 1787, married Chloe Sibley in December, 1809. They had eleven children. Lucy, born April 28, 1810, William S., born April 12, 1812, died Feb. 23, 1820. Nancy, born June 19, 1814, married George W. Rumrill Aug. 11, 1845. Chloe, born Oct. 30, 1818, died Feb. 11, 1820. Abigail, born Sept. 22, 1816, died Feb. 16, 1820. Sabra, born July 30, 1821. Chilson, born Oct. 14, 1825. Joel Sibley, born Oct. 17, 1827. William, born Oct. 19, 1829. Caroline, born Sept. 17, 1832. Susannah, born May 31, 1835.
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THE BOSWORTH FAMILY
Chilson Bosworth, Jr. married Sarah Prescott, and was the father of Sidney G. Bosworth, the author of the hymn sung at Royalston's 150th Anniversary.
THE DOANE FAMILY
Joshua Doane, from Cape Cod, settled on the place north of the Dexter place. He had a family of .eleven children, among whom were Amos Doane and a daughter Adaline, who married Joel O. Flagg of Hubbardston May 22, 1843.
Amos Doane, oldest son of Joshua and Ruth Doane, was born in Royalston April 7, 1803. He was a well known charac- ter in Royalston and surrounding towns and his name is perpet- uated in "Doane's Falls." He owned the land around the falls and built a large mill in close proximity, but which was never utilized to any great extent for manufacturing purposes. It stood for many years an interesting and unique landmark, and finally was torn down a piece at a time. He was a man of great height, being more than six feet tall, and was engaged in many law suits. He was a familiar figure in Athol, where he commenced the erection of a large building which was never completed and which was known for a long time as "Doane's Castle." Many interesting anecdotes are related of him. He married Luceba Pennyman Sept. 27, 1836, and they had two children. Andrew and Byron. Andrew died in in- fancy.
Byron Doane was born Oct. 21, 1837. He was a veteran of the Civil War, enlisting in Co. I, 25th Mass. Infantry, being mustered in Sept. 28, 1861, and discharged July 13, 1865. He lived on the Athol road near Doane's Falls. He married Jane Eaton of Athol, July 2, 1867. They had two children, Frank B., born June 8, 1868, and Myrtie M., born Nov. 19, 1872.
Frank B. Doane married Dellie P. Foster, daughter of David P. Foster of Royalston, Feb. 15, 1893. They have resided in Athol for about nineteen years and have five children, Ruth A., Marguerite V., Helen E., Gladys M. and Reginald F.
Myrtie M. married William E. Day of Royalston April 6, 1892. They lived in Athol, where Mrs. Day died in 1898. They had three children.
CHAPTER XIII
ROYALSTON'S WRITERS OF POETRY
It is interesting at times to weave into the stern realities and tragedies of life something of the gentler influences of hu- manity and the poetry of life, and to enliven the old family his- tories and the religious and military experiences of the people with what the sons and daughters of Royalston, both native and adopted, have produced in the realm of poetry.
While Royalston's writers of poetry do not include a Long- fellow, a Whittier or a Lowell, there are those whose verses have gained not only a local but a national and even world wide reputation. There is one whose verses have carried comfort and hope to thousands of aching hearts wherever the English language is read, and the name of Nancy Priest, the factory girl, is revered and loved in the homes of many lands.
The "Epic Poem on the War of the Rebellion," by Dr. Frank W. Adams, is one of the most eloquent and vivid des- criptions of the scenes and events of the Civil War that has ever been written, and will send a thrill of patriotism coursing through every loyal heart. We regret the entire poem can not be used in this work, but the parts that we shall quote will show the character of the poem.
The poems of Albert Bryant are said to be the best that ever emanated from an Amherst College graduate, while the poem of Amanda Bemis Smith on "Johnstown in the Conemaugh Flood," was published and sold in large quantities in Pennsyl- vania and adjoining states.
We believe it eminently fitting and appropriate to recall and collect in the town history some oi these gems of thought pro- duced by the sons and daughters of Royalston.
It was Longfellow that once asked a friend to read :
Not from the grand old Masters, Not from the bards sublime, Whose distant footsteps echo Through the corridors of time ;
Read from some humbler poet,
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Whose songs gush from his heart, As showers from the clouds of Summer, Or tears from the eyelids start.
DR. FRANK W. ADAMS
The "Epic Poem on the War of the Great Rebellion" by Dr. Frank W. Adams is without doubt the most remarkable production in the realm of poetry and history combined that has ever been produced by a resident of Royalston. It was first given as a Memorial Day address before the Grand Army Veterans and citizens of Royalston in 1880. and since then has been given not only as a Memorial Day Oration, but in various lecture and entertainment courses throughout the state, where it has been received with great enthusiasm not only by the old soldiers, but by all classes, holding the close attention of the old and the young alike.
Professor Henry P. Wright of Yale University in a private letter says: "The poem was one of the most eloquent, vivid and touching descriptions of the late war that has ever been written. It is impossible for any one to listen to it without being intensely interested and deeply moved. I have never listened to an address that seemed to me more appropriate for a gathering of veteran soldiers and their friends." The press notices wherever it has been delivered are enthusias- tic in its praise. The poem begins with a description of Charleston harbor and the forts, the spirit and exultation of the Southern people, the firing upon Sumter, and the thrill of patriotism which from that moment ran through the North. The sacrifices, patriotism, deeds of heroism and valor of the soldiers were portrayed in graphic and beautiful words, as well as woman's work in the war - her deeds of self-sacrifice and devotion.
The poem commences as follows :
Two rivers, warmed by southern sands and sun, Hedged in with flowers as southern rivers run, With orange odors spiced and fringed with palms, Held å fair city in their confluent arms.
The sea was near and down the broadening bay
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Far to the left Fort Moultrie frowning lay, While nearer, dreaded by her country's foes, The massive walls of Castle Pinckney rose. Fort Johnson on the right loomed fierce and grim, And farther on, against the ocean's rim, The Works on Cumming's Point reposed in state Guarding the Harbor's open outer gate. Nor were these all, for here and there between Were bastions and redoubts of savage mien. All grandly rested in their conscious power, Waiting the master's word - the day - the hour! A string of iron beads, a ring of stone, And in the center Sumter stood alone! A scene of peace! for war's hoarse, clarion notes Had never rung from out those iron throats, On whose fair bosom peerless Sumter lay, Plashed her sweet shores with joy at flight of night And nodded to the morn her crests of white.
The city sleeps! when, hark! a sullen roar Comes booming up the bay from Moultrie's shore, And through the air a whizzing, screeching shell Tore its mad way and into Sumter fell. It comes again! and now on every side, All round the bay, embrasures open wide, And, scorning old-time creeds and righteous law, Let slip with horrid din the dogs of war! In rapid rounds that shook the shrinking land Thundered the heavy guns on every hand. They poured forth fire and smoke and shot and shell Aimed at one common center-aimed too well- Until the volleys, rolled from either shore, Fused into one continuous, thunderous roar. In splendid curves the red hot bolts were thrown, They came from many points, they met in one, Till Sumter seemed, amid the warfare dire, The center of a ring of living fire!
The spread of the tidings that war had begun was described :
The booming of the guns that day Around that lovely southern bay
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ROYALSTON'S POETRY
Rolled in swift echoes far away O'er river, field and lake; They leaped the mountains one by one, And, vying with the morning sun, They smote the Dome at Washington, And bade the land awake!
Still on the pealing salvos flew, O'er staid New England wilder grew, And, gathering volume thundered through The grand old woods of Maine. They swept the Western plains like fire, They scaled the mountains, spire on spire, And shook with detonations dire The old Pacific main.
The land did wake! with vigor meet The nation sprang upon its feet, And none, save those in winding sheet, But heard that dread appeal. From East to West rose gallant men Who swords did make of plowshares then, Or laid aside the mightier pen To swing the sterner steel!
A grand tribute to the Loyalty of the Blacks :
And there was yet another loyal race Who dared beside us take their humble place; A race whose faces, 'neath the burning rays Of Africa's sun through unrecorded days, Had lost the hue no art could give them back And slowly, surely ripened into black; A race in bondage; doomed to drudge and moil, Their only lore the alphabet of toil; Whose ties of blood were nothing but a name, Whose heritage was servitude and shame, Who had no hope of gyves and shackles riven, And dreamed of freedom as they dreamed of Heaven! How swift they rose, and hastened to be free When war presaged their "Year of Jubilee!" They heard from far the mighty, rushing sound!
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They cleared the old plantation at a bound; They braved the bloodhounds' fangs, the bayous' damps: They fringed our armies and they thronged our camps; They served as guides; as spies they brought reports; They dug our trenches and they built our forts; They sheltered refugees, and, when by law They ceased to be the "Contraband of War," They took the musket as a patriot should, And sealed their love of freedom with their blood!
The tribute to Lincoln :
And, over all, that grand and patient one Who held the battered helm at Washington, Whose brain was big with projects for his race, Whose heart was big with royal tenderness, Whose rod, extended o'er the Southern tide, Rolled back the angry flood on either side And through the channelled waters, safe and dry Led forth four million slaves to liberty! The grandest picture on the Century's face! The glorious Moses of a ransomed race! We need not speak his name whose gracious pen Proclaimed the eternal brotherhood of men! For history hath made his fame her own. And Lincoln's name will outlive brass and stone!
Panegyric on woman's work in the war:
O mother, whether here or gone home to your rest, You remember your love for the babe on your breast, Your joy in his boyhood, your pride in his youth, Your effort to rear him for God and the truth. You remember your wail when you heard the first gun That boomed in the South, for you thought of your son; Your shiver of fear when he talked of the war, And of rebels defying the national law; Your cry of despair when, bending down low, His lips touched your forehead and he said he must go. We can see but in part the dark path that you trod, The whole is known only to you and to God;
But you know how you rallied and conquered your fears,
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How you kept down the sigh, how you kept back the tears, And how, though your heart was filled full to the brim, You tried to look cheery and brave before him; How you busily wrought all that love could suggest 'Till your boy was made ready to march with the rest. And then, that last day! when down the long street The regiment marched to the drum's measured beat, And the bayonets flashed back the bright rays of the sun In a rhythm of light, as they swayed and they swung, You remember just then how the band through the town Rolled that glorious old chorus-the tune of "John Brown," And a thousand strong voices-and your boy's was one,- Sang "Glory Hallelujah! for God is marching on!" 'Twas a scene that would thrill e'en the heart of the dead! You could bear it no longer, you turned and you fled, And at home on your knees, Heaven's aid to employ, You begged God to spare him and bring back your boy! Yes, and wives sent their husbands, and sisters, their brothers And daughters their fathers and sweethearts their lovers.
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