USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Ye towne book : two hundredth anniversary, August 25,26,27, 1934, Tewksbury, Massachusetts > Part 10
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
Phyllis, the loved and respected slave of Rev. Sampson Saplding, lies buried at his feet in the Old Section of the New Cemetery.
When Tewksbury was set off from Billerica there were 9000 acres. After losing Belvidere. Wigginsville and a large residential section of Andover Street through annexation, the town has 13,000 acres within its bounds.
MASONIC HALL BUILDING
THIS building was formerly attached to the rear and east side of the homestead of Bravity Gray (now occupied by Arthur Tremblay). The hall was used for places of enjoyment, the Singing School met here and here the church held its fairs. Possibly dances of the old days, the minuet. may have been trod by onr forefathers.
OLD TOWN HALL
In 18:5 the town voted to erect a new Town Hall and to sell the old building. This later was purchased for $100 and moved and became what was known as the Taylor Paint Shop. a part of and adjoining the Blacksmith Shop.
TRULLS MILL
MILLS
THE map of 1696 shows there were three saw mills and grist mills and one saw mill. Trulls Mill on the Trull Brook: Browns Mill at the mouth of the Concord River : Kendalls Mill. Pat- tens Mill on Content Brook (not shown on the map but mentioned in the early history of Billerica). and one on the Shawshin River, Bodens Mill.
PONDS
The map of 1196 shows three Ponds in Tewksbury. Round and Long Pond (incorrectly called Mud Pond by many) and Mud Pond, south of the Shawshin River, not far from the Bille- rica and Wilmington line.
Page Sixty-eight
1734
Two Hundredth Anniversary
1934
FISHING INTERESTS
TN the early settlement of the Town, fishing was a valuable asset, the rights enjoyed by certain individuals and the abundant fish in the rivers, ponds and brooks, provided both food and fertilizer for the inhabitants. Trout were in great abundance and as late as the middle of the last century, fishermen were in the habit of walking to Boston with strings of fish weighing from fifty pounds upwards.
The Merrimack or "Sturgeon River" was especially favored with fish of various kinds, also the Concord and Shawsheen Rivers.
In the carly days the northwestern part of the town was known as "Shadtown" and ap- prentices stipulated that they be fed only so often upon the royal salmon or upon shad. The southern portion of the town was called "Pigeon-town" from the numerous wild pigeons frequent- ing those parts. From 1743 until 1830 fish reeves or wardens were appointed, and their duties were important. After the founding of Lowell, the manufacturing interests, by polluting the waters and the building of the Lawrence Dam sounded the death knell of the fishing industry in the Merrimack and Concord Rivers.
JOHN GALE
Born in Mathews County, Virginia, March 9, 1848. Came to Tewksbury in 1873. Married Miss Virginia Gwyn of Mathews County in 1874. Father of eight children, five daughters and three sons. Died January 21, 1934 at the age of 85 years, 10 months and 12 days. A well known and respected citizen of the community.
OLD LETTERS
Many old letters are in the possession of Tewksbury residents and show that as late as 1842 envelopes were not used, the letter was folded and sealed with red wax. There were no postage stamps; the cancellation showing only where the letter was sent from. One from Fitchburg, Mass., bore on the cancellation "Fitch- burg".
The photograph of the old Town Hall showing the decorations will remind the older residents of Old Home Week which was cele- brated in 1902.
JOHN GALE
Custodian of the National colors for thirty years.
POST 185 G.A.R.
Post 185 G.A.R. was organized in Lowell in June, 1866. There were 250 members. Today only ten veterans of the Civil War, members of this Post, are living.
For many years, Post 185, G.A.R. made an annual pilgrimage to Tewksbury on Memorial Day, to assist in the observance of the day as guests of the townspeople. They have become en- deared to us through the passing years and today we welcome them again as they come to assist us in the observance of the Incorpora- tion of the Town of Tewksbury. Health permitting, the following named veterans will appear in the pa- rade: Albert 1. Gilman, Commander ; Leonard J. Van Steenburgh, Charles M. Bixby, Samuel Partlow.
JONATHAN CLARK HOMESTEAD
H ERE is evidence of the days before the Civil War. Note the dresses of the period. In the window one can observe the grandmother with her little lace cap. What would be the thoughts and topics of conversation of our early inhabitants if they could ap- pear before us today and witness the changes brought through the passing years.
CLARK HOMESTEAD
Page Sixty-nine
1734
Ye Tosene Book
1934
One should realize i scanning the pictures of the carly homes and other photographs in this hysterical book, that any of the cuts were taken from thetypes, faded photographs, and old maps
Many of this generation remember Mrs. James Long, a dear old lady who died some years ago en Decoration Day Before her marriage her maiden name was Ancha Saunders. When visiting her brother Zaba M. Saunders, a soldier going from East Tewksbury stationed near Har- per's Ferry. Van she mingled with and gave great assistance to the Union Soldiers.
From Aber S Stackpole, aged 92 years and 5 months of West Lebanon, Maine, one of our hvis veterans of the Civil War, comes this information
He made furniture in Pattenville before the war, remembers Deacon William Patten who sang m the Congregational Church seventy years ago and his son who, when seven, also sang in the chop. Kev, Me Tolman was the minister, John Sparkling was superintendent of the San- day School and Mrs. Chandler was his teacher. Mr. Stackpole is the only Tewksbury soldier in ng who was a Co. Goi the "Old Sixth".
JAACHARIAAH HARDY HOMESTEAD
establish the First Baptist Church at North Tewksbury. The
Dudley L. Page, who enlisted under the age of eighteen years, is a imathar and beloved resident of Low- cil. Known to all as "Uncje Dudley" his reputation as a candy manufactu ver is Known from coast to coast. His first store was opened in Lowell in a small basement, jointly occupied by Marcellus A. Patten, who opened the first retail flower shop in that cứy.
Those who attended the Union Services held in the Memorial Audito- in Lowell last May in memory of the soldiers and sailors of the Civil War. remember the dignited and im- pressive master in which Mr. Page delivered Undla's "Gettysburg .I-
Lack of space prohibits the print- ing of many other interesting facts. which could tell us of the stirring
1734
Two Hundredth Anniversary
1934
The Oldest Living Native of Tewksbury
A MOST PLEASANT experience was the interview of the gen- eral committee with Mrs. Rhoda Parkhurst Davis, now of Andover, Mass. On August 4th we motored to her home on Salem Street. Little did we realize the thrill that awaited us, for here lives a lady, born in Tewksbury on Feb. 25, 1836, almost one hundred years ago, that has a vivid recollection of the very things we had hunted weeks to verify.
Mrs. Davis was born in the homestead of Colonel Russell Mears, situated on Main Street, corner of Old Boston Road, now owned and occupied by the Buck Family. Colonel Mears owned 80 acres on both sides of the main road and joined the extensive Rogers farm that reached to Lowell.
The original house of the Colonel was a short distance nearer the Center and in 1780 on a visit home from his regiment he started the present house.
But let this charming lady herself tell of the old days. "Mrs. Davis," asked our spokesman, "how far back can you tell us about?" "Well, gentlemen, my grandmother, on my mother's side, spoke often of the gallantry of my grandfather, Captain Joseph Mrs. Rhoda Parkhurst Davis Age 98 years, 6 months Parkhurst of Lexington. He recruited quite a company, you know. Yes, eleven men. which was one of the first to go. The war to us always referred to the Revolutionary War, when I was a girl, and folks talked about it as you do today of the World War.
"What a happy girlhood I had in Tewksbury. Mother sent me to singing school in the hall now used by the Masonic Club. It was across the street then. Here the dancing parties were held and our bonnets were placed under the long seats with hinged covers along the sides of the hall. I sang in the choir when Mr. Coggins was the minister. We had quite a choir, with three violins and a bass viol.
"When I married Mr. Augustus M. Davis in 1859, we moved to Lowell, residing there until the Civil War broke out. Mr. Davis enlisted in the 1st Mass. Cavalry, Co. G, serving three years in the Union Army. It was while he was away I returned to Tewksbury and upon his return we bought the house now owned by the Gale family at the corner of James Street. We lived there until 1880.
"Mr. Davis was employed by Foster & Cole for a number of years. My, what changes there are today. I remember when Mr. Pres- ton came to town. He worked at Gray's store and later started one him- self and became Postmaster. The Boys in town are mostly all gone now, The Farmers, Scarletts, Jaques, Pres- tons and many others. I can see them all. There was Enoch Foster, 'Young Enoch' we always called him, I hope to see him again. Then there were the Kittredge boys, all studied medicine, and the Marshalls and Callahans our neighbors.
HOMESTEAD OF COLONEL RUSSELL MEARS Revolutionary Soldier. - Built in 1780.
"A gala day in town was the open- ing of the State Almshouse. When the buildings were completed the public was invited to inspect them and we all turned out. . . .
And so the committee listened to this dear sweet lady recall many, many events that held us spellbound. She
Page Seventy-one
1734
Ye Towne Book
1934
talked of the past like it was only yesterday, yet here was the oldest living person, born in Tewksbury, here sat a lady, the belle of 1850 who trod our village streets with bonnet and hoop skirts. She must have been beautiful, she is beautiful today. Her hearing, sight and health is perfect. To meet and talk with her was a privilege we will never forget.
After taking a few pictures in her garden, we started on our way. No one spoke. We were still thinking. Thinking of the things she said and the way she said them.
Mrs. Rhoda Parkhurst Davis will be our honored guest at the 200th Anniversary celebration. It will be onr great pleasure to welcome her to the town where she was born and spent so many happy years of her life.
RURAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT
T HERE are not many who realize what a distinctive form of local government we enjoy and how it remains unchanged from the earliest settlement of the town. Here in New England alone this form is used and is considered quite remarkable in efficiency by students of govern- ment. The following quotation from the Encyclopaedia Britannica, edited in England, shows how unique they consider New England town government :
"Three main types of rural local government may be distinguished, prevailing in different regions. One is characterized by its unit, the town or township, and exists in the six New Eng- land States. The town of New England is generally a rural community occupying a compara- tively small area, and with a population averaging about 3000, but ranging from 200 in newly- sttled districts or thinly-peopled hilly districts up to 17,000 in the vicinity of large cities and in manufacturing neighbourhoods. Each town is governed by the town meeting, an assembly of all the qualified voters within the limits, which meets at least once a year in the spring, and also at other times when specially summoned. This assembly elects the town officials at the annual meetings, but it is much more than an electoral body. It is a deliberative assembly and the legislative authority for local matters. It enacts by-laws and ordinances, receives the reports of the local officials, passes their accounts, manages the town property, votes appropriations for each item of expenditure, and authorizes the necessary taxation. Every resident citizen has the right to bring forward and speak in favour of any proposal. The meeting is presided over by a chairman called the Moderator. In rural communities the attendance is usually good, the debates are sensible and practical, and a satisfactory administration is generally secured.
"The town officials consist of the 'selectmen', the town clerk, treasurer, assessors, tax col- lector, school committeemen, and the holders of divers minor offices according to local needs. These are elected annually, except in some cases. The 'selectmen' and School committeemen have a term of several years, one member of each board being elected annually. The 'selectmen' form a sort of directory or executive committee, which manages the ordinary administrative and finan- cial business under such instructions as may have been given by the town meeting."
How accurately the above describes our present government, unchanged through the years. It is the purest democracy, the forerunner of representative government made necessary by the growth of the largest cities.
How well it has served our people is every year demonstrated at our town meeting, where anyone may freely discuss and make proposals for the public good.
Page Serenty-two
1934
Two Hundredth Anniversary
1734
Major General Adelbert Ames
M AJ. GEN. ADELBERT AMES, formerly a resident of Tewks- bury and Ormond Beach, Florida, was a man of splendid per- sonality and sterling character. He was the last surviving general of the Union forces, and died in Florida April 13, 1933.
General Ames was born in Thomaston, Me., receiving his edu- cation in the public and private schools in that state. Appointed to the West Point Military Academy, graduating in May 6, 1861, he was immediately commissioned a lieutenant in the Union Army and served with distinction from 1861 to 1865. Promoted through the various grades, he became a major general of Volunteers in 1865. Gen. Ames was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for gal- lant and meritorious service at the battle of Bull Run, where he was severely wounded. He participated in the battles of Malvern Hill, Gettysburg, Gaines' Mills, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Antietam.
Appointed Provisional Governor of Mississippi in 1868, he served as senator from that state four years. Elected Governor, he served two years. Resigning he moved to New York, later living in Minnesota.
Major General Adelbert Ames
During the Spanish American War, he served as brigadier general, being honorably dis- charged in 1899. At the outbreak of the World War, General Ames volunteered for service. In spite of his advanced years, his indomitable spirit called him to offer his services in any capacity that the United States Government might require.
In 1870 he married Blanche Butler, daughter of General Benjamin F. Butler of Lowell. Mrs. Ames is still living as are two sons and four daughters.
In 1906 the Castle on the Hill was built and here the general lived, except in the winters, when he sojourned in Florida.
A splendid oil painting of Major-General Ames, loaned through the courtesy of Mrs. Blanche Butler Ames, may be viewed in the Historical Exhibition.
WAMESIT ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY
T HE WAMESIT ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY was started twenty-five years ago by D. H. Scarlett on his father's farm on Livingston Street. Beginning with a two and a half inch telescope which was later exchanged for a five inch Clark telescope. In 1926 the obser- vatory was moved to its present location on Main Street at Wamesit. At the opposition of Mars in 1910-11 some fifty observations were made which attracted attention all over the world.
Mr. Scarlett was presented a Medal of the Astronomical Society of France and made an Im- mortal of that Association.
Desiring to construct an observatory for public use, and facing untold expense, only by con- stant savings from daily employment, has the observatory reached its present construction. At least four years more will be required to complete the equipment desired. The twelve inch re- flecting telescope is one of the most accurate instruments ever built, the greatest variation from absolute perfection in the surfaces of its optical parts is less than one one-millionth of an inch.
Only three other towns in the world have observatories of any size located within their bor- ders that are maintained wholly for the use of the public.
At this observatory are many articles of historical and geological interest.
The Wamesit Astronomical Observatory will be open to all invited guests and former resi- dents Saturday afternoon and evening, Aug. 25, Sunday and Monday evenings. Aug. 26-21, from six p.m. until midnight. It is hoped that many will avail themselves of this privilege to gain ad- ditional knowledge of the solar system.
Page Seventy-three
1734
Ye Towne Book
1934
... Our Thanks ...
T THE successful celebration of the Tewksbury Bi-Centennial has been achieved through the loyal and generous co-operation of the townspeople and their friends. The Committee on Arrangements thanks them one and all. A special word of appreciation is due . . .
To the chairmen and members of the various committees, who worked so energetically and so efficiently ;
To Hon. James J. Bruin and the members of the City Council for the return of the old Wamesit hand-pump;
To Dr. John H. Nichols, of the State Infirmary, and to the New England Power Association for their invaluable co-operation ;
To those who searched old family records to find material for the Towne Book ;
To those who helped to make the Historical Exhibition a success ;
To all those who, by the decoration of their homes, helped dress the Town in gala attire for the observance;
To the school children, their instructors, and those who took part in making our beautiful Pageant possible.
To Mr. John W. Daly, E.R.A. Administrator, for the music by the E.R.A. Band ;
To the Lowell Courier-Citizen, the Lowell Sun, The Lowell Leader and the Lowell Sunday Telegram for the generous publicity given ;
To our friends the Advertisers, who made the publication of the Towne Book possible ;
To our townsman, Frederick F. Meloy for his gift of the speakers' and the reviewing stands ;
To those who generously contributed the loan of equipment, trucks and automobiles ;
To Mr. and Mrs. C. Brooks Stevens and Mr. and Mrs. Hilton for their generous contribution to enhance the success of our 200th anniversary ;
To all those who have contributed, one way or another, in making the 200th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of Tewksbury a most brilliant and successful celebration.
Page Seventy-four
1934
Two Hundredth Anniversary
1734
Town Officers who have contributed to the publication of Ye TOWNE BOOK
WILLIAM I. BAILEY
WARNER BANCROFT CYRIL L. BARKER WESLEY R. BARRON
C. ABBOT BATTLES
HERBERT M. LARRABEE
PHILLIP M. BATTLES
MAY L. LARRABEE
HARRIS M. BRIGGS
MARK McCANN
LAUCHIE McPHAIL
HAROLD J. PATTEN
ALICE A. PIKE
JAMES W. ROBERTS
MARK ROPER
ROSS SARGENT
THOS. P. SAWYER
RUTH SMITH
FRANKLIN F. SPAULDING
MARIAM SPAULDING
HERBERT L. TRULL
GUY B. GRAY BERNARD H. GREENE
ALDEN S. HAINES
GEO. K. JAMES
ASAHEL H. JEWELL
JESSE KEMP
WM. H. BENNETT
THOS. C. MCAUSLAND
CHESTER E. BURGESS
DUNCAN J. CAMERON FRED M. CARTER GRACE W. DAWSON HARRY C. DAWSON
DANIEL DILLWORTH ALBION L. FELKER AUSTIN F. FRENCH IRVING F. FRENCH JOHN T. GALE ROBERT E. GAY
EDW. J. WALSH
Page Seventy-five
1734
Ye Towne Book
1934
AULD LANG SYNE
Page Serenty-six
1734
Two Hundredth Anniversary
1934
Tewksbury Town Officers, 1934
MELVIN G. ROGERS, Moderator
Board of Selectmen IRVING F. FRENCH, Chairman HERBERT L. TRULL EVERETT H. KING
Board of Public Welfare EVERETT H. KING, Chairman IRVING F. FRENCH HERBERT L. TRULL
Board of Health HERBERT L. TRULL, Chairman EVERETT H. KING IRVING F. FRENCH
Assessors BUZZELL KING, Chairman ALBION L. FELKER MARK J. McCANN
Town Clerk HARRY C. DAWSON
Town Treasurer ALICE A. PIKE
Collector of Taxes ROBERT W. BARRON
Town Auditor ROBERT E. GAY
School Committee MAY L. LARRABEE, Chairman AUSTIN F. FRENCH GUY B. GRAY
Superintendent of Schools STEPHEN G. BEAN
Trustees of Public Library MIRIAM SPAULDING, Chairman GRACE W. DAWSON RUTH SMITH EDGAR SMITH KATE FOLSOM ELMER E. LOUX
Librarian ABBIE M. BLAISDELL
Road Commissioners JOHN T. GALE, Chairman WILLIAM I. BAILFY ASAHEL H. JEWELL
Superintendent of Streets EDWARD J. WALSH
Tree Warden HARRIS M. BRIGGS
Registrars of Voters HERBERT A. FAIRBROTHER, Chairman HARRY C. DAWSON, Clerk WILLIAM H. BENNETT GEORGE McCOY
Constables WARNER BANCROFT CYRIL L. BARKER BERNARD H. GREENE
Inspector of Animals ASAHEL H. JEWELL
Weighers
GEORGE K. JAMES GEORGE B. TANNER
Surveyor of Lumber GEORGE K. JAMES
Measurer of Wood GEORGE K. JAMES
Sealer of Weights and Measures DUNCAN J. CAMERON
Field Driver and Pound Keeper JESSE KEMP
Fence Viewers BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Fish and Game Warden CYRIL L. BARKER
Police Officers CYRIL L. BARKER, Chief WARNER BANCROFT CHESTER E. BURGESS C. ABBOT BATTLES ASAHEL H. JEWELL LAUCHIE McPHAIL JAMES ROBERTS ROSS E. SARGENT BERNARD GREENE
Agent Board of Health HERBERT M. LARRABEE, M.D.
Undertaker and Agent for Burial Indigent Soldiers H. LOUIS FARMER, (Registered Embalmer)
Forest Fire Warden ALDEN S. HAINES
Deputy Forest Warden WILLIAM I. BAILEY CHESTER E. BURGESS
Inspector Meats and Provisions ASAHEL H. JEWELL
Local Agent for the Suppression of Brown Tail and Gypsy Moth HARRIS M. BRIGGS
Park Commissioners HARRIS M. BRIGGS THOMAS C. McCAUSLAND DANIEL DILWORTH
Chief of Fire Department ALDEN S. HAINES
Appraisers BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Janitor Town Hall GEORGE K. JAMES
Finance Committee Term expires 1934 GEORGE E. HAMILTON KARL HEIDENRICH WILLIAM H. BENNETT FRANKLIN F. SPAULDING
Term expires 1935 WINTHROP S. BEAN ELMER OLSON RALPH T. LEITH THOMAS P. SAWYER
Term expires 1936 HARRY P. NASH, Secretary PHILIP M. BATTLES HAROLD J. PATTEN HENRY SPARKES
Trust Fund Commissioners FREDERICK M. CARTER MARK ROPER FRANKLIN F. SPAULDING
Page Serenty-seren
INDEX
Page
AULD LANG SYNE
76
COMMITTEES 5
CONGREGATION B'NAI SHOLM 33
Sholm Benjamin Moritz
EXHIBITS
11
EXTRACTS FROM OFFICIAL RECORDS
34
Harold J. Patten
FACTS OF INTEREST
62
Contributed by Friends
29
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 24
FOREWORD
Miss M. Esther Marshall - Mrs. Lizzie Kittredge Tingley
3
Mrs. Lizzie Kittredge Tingley
INCORPORATION OF TEWKSBURY
23
MAJOR GENERAL ADELBERT AMES 73
MASSACHUSETTS STATE INFIRMARY
58
Dr. John H. Nichols
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Mrs. Lena Heald
OFFICIAL PROGRAM
12
OLD HOMESTEADS
47
Records Committee
OLD INDUSTRIES
56
Miss Harriet G. Lee
OLD ORGANIZATIONS
61
Miss Mary A. Billings
OLDEST LIVING NATIVE OF TEWKSBURY
OUR THANKS
74
PRESENT ORGANIZATIONS
50
RURAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT 72
Mark J. McCann
THE MOTHER TOWN-BILLERICA
22
Dr. A. Warren Stearns
THE OBLATE NOVITIATE
30
Rer. Charles F. Barry. O.M.I.
THE OLD BURYING GROUNDS
50
Harris M. Briggs
TEWKSBURY SOLDIERS IN THE WARS.
525
Winthrop Scarlett Jones
TEWKSBURY TOWN OFFICERS, 1934
77
TOWN HALL (Old and New) 4
TOWN OFFICERS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO YE TOWNE BOOK
75
WAMESIT ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY
73
Daniel H. Scarlett
YE DISTRICT SCHOOL
45
Miss Bertha II. Long
1017
32
FIRST
BAPTIST CHURCH
Miss Josephine S. Battles
MAY 75
N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA
١
.
.
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.