USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1869-1879 > Part 23
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The predisposition of the " sovereigns of Braintree" in those days to stand by fish, "through thick and through thin," manifested itself very lately, when an endeavor was made by some of our public-spirited citizens to stock with bass one of our local ponds. Remembering the uprising of and for herring, from 1720 to 1730, and the fate of the " old forge," at the earliest symptom of discontent the " Bass Ring " of 1872 began to weaken, and had under consideration for a time a proposition to sell their rights to the town, and quietly and perhaps wisely abandon the field, or rather pond, thus leaving the " hornpouts " once more to reign supreme.
Still farther south the tide of population flowed, until by legislative consent the settlement upon the "Cocheto" was permitted to become a " precinct," and with the usual hin- drances that attend all town alterations, Braintree ultimately recognized three centres, known as the North, Middle, and
1 See Appendix B, note 6.
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South precincts. At the start, the young member was treated a little roughly, for we find the town voting down, in 1728, a proposition to allow "the schoolmaster of the south part to keep school some part of the time in the new precinct." The new precinct then asked " whether the town would abate its proportion of the charge of the other schools in the town, provided they would maintain one among themselves," and on this also, the town " voted in the negative." This spirit of selfishness, however, did not last, for the proper educational facilities were not long withheld by a town always noted for its devotion to the common or free school system.
Motions to divide the town were offered and rejected in 1728 and 1756; but after the selectmen were taken from different sections, allowing a just representation in affairs, the agitation of separation was hushed for nearly sixty years.
The selection of the meeting-house in the middle precinct as the place for holding the town-meetings was assented to with unanimity and cordiality, not only because of its cen- trality,' but if hearsay in this case is evidence, because of its proximity to Ebenezer Thayer's, whose "open house " made it a popular resort on election and other public days.2 The State constable has, of late years, been the subject of some discussion with us, but the town constable evidently gave much more uneasiness in the days that are gone. By the records, it is clear that the constabulary duties then were not sought after with much zest. To refuse service, when elected constable, made the recusant liable to a fine of "five pounds," and the declinations were so general, that quite a revenue came to the treasury, if the dues were collected. Whether it was the habit of the "independent voters" of that era to elect persons who were certain to decline, in order to get the
1 In the old meeting-house, located where is now Dr. Storrs's or Emerson's church, which was built in 1759, and torn down in 1828, all the meetings of the town were held when all its important actions were taken, and it was there that the Quincys, Cranchs, and Adamses participated.
2 In the old "Eben Thayer house," very near the meeting-house, it was the custom, -and is remembered by many now living, - all hands used to meet after election of town officers, representatives, etc., and have a grand treat all round.
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forfeiture, cannot be accurately known; but it certainly has that appearance, and the matter was not properly adjusted until the constables were adequately paid for their services.
No one can faithfully scan the town books, without observ- ing the exceeding vexation that grew out of the stones on the "common" lands. The authorities remonstrated, forbade, and pursued the trespassers who filched the wood and stone of the town. It was a struggle of more than fifty years in settlement. A price was fixed for the " stones by load," and that did not work; the price was doubled, and still there was trouble. Committees were appointed to look after the property and the pilferers, yet the difficulty went on. It was attempted to divide the estate by "polls "; even that did not succeed. The lands were "leased," by order of the town, but after a while the " lessees" of the "South Common or Ministry Lands" petitioned for relief from their agreement, giving as a reason " that during the whole time of the lease, they had labored under the greatest discouragements, inas- much as every attempt on their part to build a stone wall about the property " was frustrated by " certain unknown and evil-minded persons," "who, as fast as we built up the wall by day, did in the night time throw the same down." This petition resulted in a vacation of their lease, and subse- quently the " common lands" were sold. This was before the "quarries," of which they made a part, became famous by making it a rival with ice, as one of the most extensive products of New England traffic. Though the pastures of Braintree supplied in 1752 the stones for the building of King's Chapel, in Boston, it was not until the monu- ment on Bunker Hill was in process of erection, that the granite of this locality became celebrated and so generally utilized.
Our earnest temperance reformers will learn with regret that, in the year of our Lord 1761, the town did not have that sense of the great evil of intemperance which now wisely prevails. It was in that year decided to approbate an innholder for each precinct, and the town voted, "That the
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persons who are approbated for innholders, for the coming year, oblidge themselves by written instruments, under their ' hands and seals,' to retail spirituous liquors to the town inhabitants, as they shall have occasion therefor, at the same price by the gallon or smaller quantities, as the same are usu- ally sold, by retail, in the town of Boston, and upon the performance of the above condition there be no person or persons approbated by the selectmen as retailers." It took a hundred years to find out that licensing the sale of rum, whether furnished as low as " Boston prices" or not, is as grave a mistake, if not crime, as an intelligent community can commit.
The year 1761 closed the life of Deacon John Adams, who acts a continuous, if not eventful, part in this story. Nothing strikes the searcher through the archives of a New England town with more force than the sturdy. unostentatious demean- or of those who filled the minor stations of usefulness. They are the men of the neighborhood, and at their posts are as true and constant as those higher and more celebrated offi- cials, who win the laurels of history. Long service is the evidence alike of their capacity and integrity. The names of Quincy and Thayer represent more than a century and a quarter of service, for this single town, at the General Court. John Quincy was chosen forty times as representative, Edmund and other Quincys serving in the same and other capacities.1 Col: Ebenezer Thayer was elected representa- tive seventeen times, besides being one of the governor's Council,2 and his son, Gen. Ebenezer Thayer, served at court twenty years,3 was councillor, senator, and the first sheriff of Norfolk County.
Minot Thayer, one of the patriarchs of the town and beloved of all, according to Vinton, was chosen represent-
1 See Appendix B, note 7.
2 Thayer's Family Memorial, p. 139.
3 Thayer's Family Memorial, p. 140, says : "Hon. Ebenezer Thayer served the town many years as town clerk and treasurer; was chosen their representative twenty years; was senator for Norfolk County for several years; was chosen and served as councillor, and was appointed first sheriff of the county of Norfolk."
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ative thirty times.1 Dr. Alden - and no better authority exists - says, "The Thayers were the dukes of Monatiquot, in the days of the patriarchs." Of this trustworthy class was Deacon John Adams, whose sterling qualities and virtues have been transmitted, and whose descendants of the fourth remove, with this generation, take creditable places in law, literature, learning, and statesmanship.
In 1714 Joseph Adams, grandson of Henry Adams, whose son Henry was first clerk of the town, is recorded among the town officers, as surveyor of highways, and for two years he is one of the selectmen. His son, John Adams, is " sealer of leather " in 1722, eminently suited for his duties, being by occupation a cordwainer.2 In 1724 he is one of the tything- men ; in 1727 he is chosen constable, and does not refuse to serve. In 1734 Ensign John Adams is made selectman ; later, Lieut. John Adams is reported as having disposed of the "town's powder," and in 1740 Lieut. John Adams is selectman ; from 1742 to 1749 he is lieutenant and select- man ; and in 1752, 1753, 1754, 1755, and 1758 he is Deacon John Adams and selectman.
In 1759 a committee was appointed to view the "way " through Deacon John Adams's land. In these days when we hear so much of " jobs " and " contracts " in modern under- takings, it is refreshing to notice the unsophisticated manner of carrying on public improvements in the days of " lang syne." The records give the report of the committee, which is as follows : -
" The Committee having been upon the spot on Deacon John Adams's land, do find that one part of the old road on his land will be much to his Damage, to establish the same, and whereas it was his Property, and he was not notified when laid out, and hath never been satisfied for the same, doth at this day offer to the town a more strate road, on which he hath bestowed much Labour, as we see, and offers
1 A note to Vinton's Memorial says of Minot Thayer: "He was representative of Braintree about thirty years, and he was very popular."
2 Extract from ancient records of Braintree.
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still to bestow more; and it is to be Remembered that the town is at no charge, in fencing of said way, so that upon the whole we think that any Person, making it his own case, would think it meet not to be heard, and favorably answered by the town, so we say it may be well for the town to give up the old Road, so far as to make the new Road more straight.
"SAMUEL BASS, BENJAMIN BEAL, CALEB HOBART,
" Committee.
" AUGUST, 18, 1759."
Great as the name has since been made by most distin- guished men living and dead, let us turn, with profound reverence, to that plain selectman, who is the type and sample of those traits of character, to whom the country owes the sincerest recognition. Like the rocks of our own hills, older than the stones with which the pyramids were laid, they are still undecayed, because their particles, welded, fused, inter- locked, and clinched in the fires of unknown ages, can only be destroyed by the same elements that fashioned them ; so these men, fashioned and fused by discipline, and welded by calm self-control, are of that indestructible composition, that perpetuates families and makes the enduring grandeur of nations.
Our town, now three distinct communities, each revolving about that natural Puritan pivot, the Christian church, has grown in wealth, numbers, and influence. Its highways are greatly extended, its boundaries determined, and it is pre- paring to take its part in the startling scenes of war, the suc- cessful termination of which a numerous posterity, from ocean to ocean, this day commemorates with unbounded delight, and demonstrations of gratitude and rejoicings.
The Braintree records' breathe and burn with undimin- ished ardor and action, as the mighty conflict for freedom progresses. Fealty to England is urged in name, to the last
1 See Appendix D, note 1.
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moment, though principles are announced and advocated that could never be nurtured in the atmosphere of monarchy.
The brave and patriotic town echoed every sentiment that upheld the assertions of liberty, and responded to every demand for co-operation against the aggressions of the Crown.
In 1765 Braintree remonstrated in vigorous language con- cerning the nefarious Stamp Act. In 1768, considering the " decay of trade," it was voted, "That this Town will use their utmost endeavor, and enforce these endeavors by Ex- ample, in suppressing Extravagance, Idleness, and Vice, and promoting Industry, Economy and good Morals." In order to prevent the unnecessary exportation of money, of which the province had been of late much drained, it was further voted, " That this town will by all prudent means, discounte- nance the use of foreign superfluities, and encourage the manufactures of this Province."
This determination would not exactly please the " free- trade " doctrinaires of the present day. The same year Josiah Quincy and Ebenezer Thayer were sent as delegates to join the committees of " Towns in Convention," they being instructed in cautious terms "that no undutifulness to his Majesty, or disrespect to his Parliament is meant," and a day of humiliation and prayer was appointed by the town, in which the dissenting churches unite.
In 1773 the town adopts resolutions on our "rights and privileges," in which the idea of taxation without approval is firmly condemned, the town declaring " that it is essential to the great end of the greatest good of the whole, that all laws be by the consent of the people," also that they " shall readily join not only with our brethren of this Province, but through- out the wide extended continent, in every lawful, just, and constitutional manner, for recovering and preserving inviolate all our civil and religious rights and privileges."
In 1774 a committee was appointed to draft a covenant for the town, and a vote was carried for a general "Provincial Convention " to consider the " distress of the country."
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In October, 1774, the town indignantly denies a charge of persecution against members of the English Church, pro- claiming its readiness to allow "private judgment" to all. The resolve of 1774, of the Committee of Correspondence of several Suffolk towns, with reference to military material, was adopted, and in October, 1774, delegates were sent to the Provincial Congress, and the "precincts" of the town were ordered to regulate the militia, agreeable to its recom- mendations. In 1775 a vote was passed to send one delegate to the Provincial Congress, and at the same time the town appoints on committee, one colonel, one captain, one deacon, one doctor, and three plain freeholders to instruct him as to his duty, and they advise him to aid "in preserving the line of the defensive." In January, 1775, an elaborate military organization was accepted by the town. A movement was made for the encouragement of minute-men a few months later, and in March the committee reported a resolution or covenant, the third article of which provides " that we will neither purchase. or employ any slave imported since the first day of December last, and will wholly discontinue the slave-trade, and will neither be concerned in it ourselves, nor will we hire our vessels, or sell our commodities or manufac- tures, to those who are concerned in them."
It is thus to the eternal credit and honor of Braintree that she, so far in advance of public sentiment, expressed her cen- sure of the iniquity of human slavery, condemning the insti- tution which afterwards sought, in an hour of madness, to destroy that fair habitation of liberty, then being founded and reared. Whether Parson Niles of the " middle precinct," the owner himself of slaves, the burial mounds of which, in a retired locality, are well remembered by men of middle age, relished this outbreak against the system he upheld, is uncer- tain, but the " pews were right" if the pulpit was not.1
In March, 1776, a " Committee of Safety " was chosen, and
1 " Father Niles (Dr. Samuel) was the owner of slaves by whose labors he car- ried on his farm at Bersheba, where their dust now reposes in the slave's burying- ground on its border, without a stone to warn the passing traveller to tread lightly on their ashes." - Dr. Alden at Fiftieth Anniversary of Dr. Storrs.
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in July the cry was " On to Canada !" with the same unfortu- nate result that the premature frenzy of " On to Richmond ! " brought on their descendants eighty-five years afterwards. Provision was made to secure the service of every twenty-fifth man, in accordance with official resolves. Those in the Con- tinental army, who marched out of the town before the first day of June, 1775, were exempted from taxation, and heavy premiums were offered to those " who engaged to go to New York" in compliance with the regulation of the Continental Congress.
Inscribed in the records we find, in 1776, the text of the " Declaration of Independence," thus signalizing in the most emphatic manner the early adoption of that immortal instru- ment, as a political creed, by the people of Braintree.
John Adams, lawyer, son of Deacon Adams, of whom mention has been made, sleeping in his father's house in 1755, experienced the shock of an earthquake, that in another quarter of the world was the occasion of a memorable calam- ity. Little did John Adams apprehend that he was soon to take a prominent share in a political commotion and earth- quake, that was to dislocate and rend the proudest nation on earth, and shake the foundations of the whole political and civilized globe. Upon this most exciting and important drama he was about to enter.
He remarks in his diary that, as surveyor of highways, he reported on the sale of the North Common, He was selectman for two years, resigning because of business, and received a vote of thanks from the town. He was one of the committee of the town to express dissent to the Stamp Act, and he put into the plea that sinew and strength, which made it the model for other towns. This energetic document reiterates the " loyalty of the people to the king," and their "friendship to all their fellow-subjects of Britain," and it concludes with advice and reflections, applicable to the pres- ent condition of affairs. Let us ponder as we read : -
" We cannot too often inculcate upon you our desires that all Extraordinary and expensive Grants and Measures may,
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upon all occasions as much as possible, be avoided; the public money of this country is the Toil and Labour of those who are under many uncommon Difficulties and Distress at this time, so that all reasonable Frugality ought to be ob- served. And we would recommend particularly the strictest care and firmness to prevent all Unconstitutional Draughts on the Public Treasury. And we cannot avoid saying that, if a particular enquiry into the state of that Treasury should at the first opportunity be promoted, and an exact state of it put before the People, it would have a very good and useful tendency. All of which is respectfully submitted by the Committee of the town of Braintree, to draw instructions to their Representative.
"SAMUEL NILES, JOHN ADAMS, NORTON QUINCY, JAMES PENNIMAN, JOHN HAYWARD,
" Committee."
As lawyer, orator, and leader, John Adams steps immedi- ately to the front, successively becoming legislator, states- man, plenipotentiary, ambassador, minister, vice-president, and second President of the United States, making a con- spicuous member of that remarkable group of American patriots, whose fame will survive while the English tongue is spoken. Justly upon the memorial tablet that stands above the tomb where rests John Adams and his wife, it is said they participated in events
" Which secured the Freedom of the Country, Improved the condition of the times, And brightened the prospects of Futurity To the race of men upon Earth."
In 1777 the town increased the pay of those in the field serving out of New England, and in September of the same year made up the quota demanded, agreeing to furnish sup- plies for the families of the enlisted, and offering premiums for reinforcements.
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In 1778 Capt. Penniman's company in the Northern Army was voted " back pay," and more supplies were furnished to families. Inducements were held out to subalterns, and time of pay carried back, to cover longer terms of engagement.
Care was taken of those, serving out of the State in 1776, and an equalization of payments made to men who had been two years in the service.
In 1778-79-80, votes were passed from time to time raising money for war purposes and to aid the families of those who enlisted.
In :780 the families of six months' men are supplied with necessaries, and the thirty-six men called for under the resolve of June, 1780, were obtained.
In July, 1780, a number of men agree on condition, to serve for three months, and the town again votes to supply the families of those in the "publick service " with money for support.
In September, 1780, the first vote is cast for governor of Massachusetts, under the State Constitution, and John Han- cock, a son of Braintree, receives ninety-five of the one hundred and six votes thrown.
In 1781 a difficulty arises with Boston on account of a soldier who has enlisted for three years from both Boston and Braintree, " a veritable bounty jumper," but which shows that men were sent out of the town for that length of service.
Four hundred pounds is assessed upon Braintree as her proportion, to invest in beef for the forces in action in 1781, and so far as the books give any items, this concludes the war record of this patriotic town. That, in that great and terrible struggle, she did her whole duty, there can be no doubt. The armed citizen was a feature in her development. Military titles existed in the very infancy of Braintree. From the time when the major of the Suffolk regiment was ordered to detail for the "Punkapoag Indians" twenty men from Dorchester, Milton, and Braintree, to preserve the " forte" and to "range ye woods," to the call in 1862 for " three hun- dred thousand more," Braintree has never failed to answer
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with her soldiers, " Present and accounted for." She made a part of the three thousand men furnished by Massachusetts, who served under Pepperell, and they were at the surrender of Louisburg. Five of her mounted men and twelve on foot were in the "Great Swamp Fight" in Philip's war, and her sons were with Wolfe when he stormed and carried Quebec. The Revolution found Braintree awake and ready, with her militia, her minute-men, and her recruits, for long and short service. From the hour that Concord rolled back the British column to the moment of the disbandment of the forces in 1783, this heroic town poured out her money and her men, sparing neither blood nor treasure. Her men were with Washington at Dorchester Heights, when the guns of the Provincials menaced the position of Gage, and compelled the last "redcoat " to leave Boston in haste. The stuff of which these men were made is shown in the reply of Joseph Mann, one of Capt. Penniman's men from Braintree, who was reported to the officers commanding the expedition, as lame and unfit for duty.
" How did you presume, thus disabled, to engage in the Continental service ?" asked the officer. " What would you do in a retreat?"
" General," answered the soldier, " I came to fight, not to run away."
Braintree men were with Washington in darker hours. They followed him in the disastrous retreat from New York, 1 and they, with other New England troops, remained with him and crossed the Delaware, that cold and bleak December night, participating before morning in the engagement which led to the capture of Trenton, - a brilliant and dazzling' success, that dispelled the gloom and revived the almost broken courage of the disheartened American army. We know that Braintree men were with the Northern army when Burgoyne was taken, and again with Washington when Yorktown fell, and Cornwallis, by capitulation, closed the con- test; and we can say of the gallant town, as Webster said
1 See Appendix D note 2.
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of the gallant State, "The bones of her sons, fallen in the great struggle for independence, now lie mingled with the soil of every State, from New England to Georgia, and there they will lie forever."
Little can we understand the extent and nature of the hard- ships and distress that followed the Revolutionary conflict. Complaints are heard to-day of great prostration in business affairs, of severe burdens upon the community, of scarcity of employment, and instances of deprivation and want are cur- rent. Sad and unpleasant as these things are, they are but a suggestion, rather than a parallel to the experience of our predecessors. The worst hour we have known may be con- sidered as pregnant with blessings, compared with the be t moments of the terrible days between 1780 and 1790.
The historian says, "That the times were gloomy no one can doubt. The life-blood of the nation had been poured out like water, and everywhere there were homes made deso- late, and dwellings, towns, and cities were falling rapidly into decay."1
The population of Massachusetts was then less than that of Boston at present, and the State debt stood at five mill- ions, real money, as its part of the national contribution, besides four millions of its own liabilities.
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