USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > Glocester > A brief history of the town of Glocester, Rhode Island : preceded by a sketch of the territory while a part of Providence > Part 2
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In December, 1760, by order of authority, the death of King George was promulgated throughout this town; also, that the funeral ceremonies would take place at Newport, January 9, 1761. As the inhabitants of this town were sub- jects of His Majesty, a copy of what was printed in the Newport Mercury at the above time is here given :
"To express a just and becoming concern at the death of the best of Kings, his late illustrious Majesty, King George the Second, of blessed and glorious memory, at nine in the morning the four companies of militia and the troop of horse belonging to the town of Newport, met at the Court House, from whence they marched in military mourning to the house of Doctor David Ellis, where were assembled the magistrates and principal gentlemen of the town. At half-past ten in the morning, min- ute guns continued firing from Fort George; and between eleven and twelve the procession began in the following order: First, the four youngest sergeants marched with their halberds covered with black and reversed; then the private men four abreast, with their arms reversed ; four drummers, with their drums covered with black ; four ensigns, with their colors wrapt in black; four lieutenants, then four captains, all with pikes covered with black and reversed; after them the field officers and high sheriff of the colony as heralds-at-arms; next to him marched (between files of a troop of horse) His Honor the deputy and the civil officers and a considerable number of merchants and gentlemen. After arriving at the Court House, the high sheriff pronounced with an audible voice the following proclamation : 'Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to His mercy our late sovereign, King George the Second, of
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blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the imperial crown of Great Britain, France and Ireland, also the supreme dominion and sove- reign right of the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in New England, and other colonies in America, are solely and rightfully come to the high and mighty Prince of Wales; we, therefore, the Gover- nor and company associated, with numbers of the principal inhabitants of the towns of this colony and plantation, do now hereby, with one full voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim that the high and mighty Prince George, Prince of Wales, now by the death of our late sovereign, of happy and glorious memory, become our only law- ful and rightful sovereign, liege lord, George the Third, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Supreme Lord of said colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,' etc., etc. STEPHEN HOPKINS, Governor."
This day an excellent sermon was preached on the death of his late Majesty by the Rev. Ezra Stiles, from Ist Chron- icles, 29th chapter, 26th, 27th and 28th verses.
The new King began with a more stringent system of colo- nial policy than heretofore had been exercised. Under the new King, restrictions on trade and manufactures began to cause much vexation, and the colonists were compelled to sell all their produce in the English markets for such foreign articles as were needed here of the merchants and manufac- turers of their country. No wool was sold outside the colo- nies, and many restraints and requirements were borne.
THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE.
In 1772 there was an effort on the part of England to increase the revenue of the colonies for the home govern- ment, and the larger taxes were heavy to be borne. The success in capturing the "Gaspee" made all hearts respond : " We will make our own laws and taxes." This the people saw would for a time cause a great struggle, sacrifice and suffering. This spirit carried out by the people, it was at once seen that great attention must be given, in concert with all the other towns, to military instruction, to bullets and powder. The people of this town were very active to rise in their strength and make themselves politically free and inde- 3
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pendent. The Assembly, after deliberating and correspond- ing with the other colonies, appointed a committee in each town to receive their proportion of powder, bullets, lead and flints belonging to the colony. Jonah Steere was appointed for this town. He received 77 pounds of powder, 123 pounds of lead, and 492 pounds of flints.
Finally the extra duty on tea intensely roused the people, especially the women. Tea was blotted from the signs on the stores. For a substitute, sage, current and red rasp- berry leaves dried, also a plant called Ceanathus Americana, were used; for coffee, burnt rye, peas, and the inside of chestnut bark.
A day of fasting and prayer was appointed January 19, 1774. All the people were called to a full consideration of independence, and they resolved "that the disposal of their own property is the inherent right of freemen ; that there can be no property in which another can of right take from the owner without his consent ; that the claim of Parliament to tax America is, in other words, a claim of right to levy contributions on us at pleasure.". Many other resolutions were passed confirming the above, and finally "that this town will cooperate with the other towns in this colony, and with the United Colonies, in a resolute stand for freedom." The only limitation to their powers conferred were that our laws should not conflict with the laws of England. They had the power to revoke the charter; they discouraged the manufac- ture of such articles as could be sent from the mother country ; judges were made on the will of the King, and various requirements without the consent of the people here. Not long after these acts were decided upon, war ships were in Boston harbor, and by their seizures the inhabitants were in great distress. Large droves of sheep were sent from this colony. Glocester sent 95.
At this period the inhabitants* of this town agreed with the other towns to use their utmost endeavors to encourage
* Number of inhabitants in 1774 in the village of Providence, 4,334 ; in Glocester, 2,945.
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frugality, economy and industry ; to promote agriculture, arts, and the manufacture of cloth, especially that of wool and linen; to discountenance and discourage gaming, expensive shows, plays and diversions ; that on the death of a friend a gentleman should wear only black crape or ribbon on the arm or hat, a lady wear black ribbon or necklace, and. to discon- tinue the practice of giving gloves and scarfs at funerals.
May II, 1774, was set apart by the government as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, the proclamation being issued by the Governor. The day was very generally appro- priately observed.
Mr. Asa Kimball was appointed to take account of all arms, powder and ammunition in this town; and as there were private as well as public stocks, he was empowered to go to the house of each citizen in the town and there take the account.
An "army of observation " was raised, in which this town furnished her quota. This army was mainly sustained for self-defense, at Newport and Providence, in order to prevent or repel any further attempts to enforce the acts of the British. Among the fifty-two articles they were to adhere to for regulating this army was, that all officers and soldiers frequent divine worship and sermon in the places appointed for the assembling of the regiment, troop or company to which they belong. In case of neglect, some portion of their pay was forfeited; also the penalty of a sixpence was in- curred by any non-commissioned officer or soldier, should he use any unlawful oath or execration ; and if a commis- sioned officer was found guilty of profane swearing, he foi. feited for every offense the sum of ninepence, lawful money. In 1775 there were 1,500 men in this army. Form of enlist- ment : "We, the subscribers, voluntarily enlist ourselves to serve as minute men in the service of this colony, to be under the immediate command of our superior officers and subject to the law of this colony for regulating the minute men." Each captain received six shillings per day, each lieutenant five shillings, each ensign four shillings, and all others thirty cents per day, lawful money. All persons not
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able to furnish their war equipments were supplied by a committee appointed for that purpose, viz .: Messrs. John Wells, Gideon Burgess, Aaron Winsor and Samuel Mays. All officers of whatever grade took an oath to be true and faithful to requirements.
War having been declared, and the great wish being lib- erty and self-representation, it was resolved by the General Assembly "that this colony most ardently wish to see the former friendship, harmony and intercourse between England and this colony restored, a happy and lasting connection established upon terms of just and equal liberty." This colony was ardently attached to the mother country.
Mr. Benjamin Colwell was the committee to receive and furnish the war implements, such as good fire-arms with bayonets, iron ramrods and cartridge-boxes, all stamped with the colony's arms.
In the beginning of the war it was impossible to raise the necessary money required by taxation, therefore the Congress of the United States and the Legislature of this State (also other States ) issued bills of public credit, which were circu. lated as money. Towards. the close of the war these bills became very much depreciated, and finally nearly worthless. In many cases great losses were experienced by this depre- ciation.
In March, 1776, the Assembly supplied Glocester with 150 pounds of powder and 300 pounds of lead or cartridges, as they preferred, to be prepared to assist the Massachusetts colony, should they be invaded. Picket guard had to be kept up. Salt belonging to the colony was distributed among the towns, according to the number of inhabitants. Glocester received this year 407ยง bushels.
In 1774 the Light Infantry of the town of Glocester, an independent company, was formed.
Quakers were exempted from war acts out of respect to their disbelief on the subject of oaths. A number of persons in Newport refused to subscribe the test oath. Joseph
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Wanton and others were sent to different towns. To the farm of Stephen Keech, in Glocester, were ordered Richard Beale, John Nichol, Nicholas Lechmere and Thomas Vernon, where they were permitted to go at large within the limits of the town. The neighbors in the vicinity were so opposed to the nuisance that the Assembly appointed Deputy Sheriff Benjamin Smith to remove them from the town. They were with Mr. Keech, who lived in a retired part of the town, eleven weeks. . Their board bill was nineteen pounds and sixteen shillings, lawful money. This bill was allowed and paid out of the general treasury. The test oath " acknowledged the person to be a lawful subject of the government, and always endeavor to advance peace and the good welfare of the Plantation, to seek to prevent anything that would be injurious to said government, and in every way to promote its interests. So help me God." A fine of one hundred pounds was imposed on any person who in any way acknowledged the supremacy of the King of Great Britain.
. On the 4th of July, 1776, the United States declared them- selves independent, yet : years of war followed." Peace was not declared until 1783, when Washington surrendered his commission and retired to private life. Glocester was ordered in 1775 to furnish 77 pounds of powder, 123 pounds of lead, and 424 pounds of flints .*
The soldiers that returned to Glocester after the Revolu- tion, from Col. Isaac Angell's company, were Reuben Wil- liams, Amos Wood, Nathaniel Stoddard, Joseph Turner, Stukely Inman and Ephraim Andrews.
The government was very liberal in bounties and monthly payments to officers and soldiers that enlisted. All signed the test oath.
The following named .officers commanded the several trained bands in this town :
*In 1776 the number of acres of woodland in the town was 29,317. The number of polls in Glocester were 488; in Providence, 453. This year Glocester had more polls than any other town in the State except New- port. Samuel Ward was Governor.
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HISTORY OF GLOCESTER.
First Company-Benajah Whipple, Captain; Simeon Smith, Lieutenant ; John Eddy, Ensign.
Second Company-Samuel May, Captain; Ezekiel Phet- teplace, Lieutenant ; Daniel Matheson, Ensign.
Third Company - Abraham Winsor, Captain; Stephen Paine, Lieutenant ; Richard Lewis, Ensign.
Fourth Company-Stephen Winsor, Captain ; Aaron Arnold, Lieutenant ; Isaac Ross, Ensign.
All these companies met regularly to practice and ready at call. Enlisting officers were Aaron Winsor, John Wells, Gideon Burgess and Samuel May.
In 1778, Asa Kimball, from this town, was appointed com- missioner of the Continental War Loan office. No loan was to be less than two hundred dollars,
Officers of trained bands in Glocester in 1778 :
First Company -Stephen Olney, Captain; Benjamin Bur- lingame, Lieutenant ; Stephen Irons, Ensign.
Second Company - Samuel May, Captain : Daniel Mathe- son, Lieutenant ; James Colwell, Ensign.
Third Company -Abraham Winsor, Captain ; Richard Lewis, Lieutenant ; Nathaniel Wade, Ensign.
Fourth Company-Stephen Winsor, Captain ; Isaac Ross, Lieutenant ; Israel Smith, Ensign.
Officers of trained bands in 1779:
First Company - Benjamin Whipple, Captain; Richard Tucker, Lieutenant; Peter Lewis, Ensign.
Third Company - Abraham Winsor, Captain ; Nathaniel Wade, Lieutenant ; Zebulon Wade, Ensign.
Fourth Company - Stephen Winsor, Captain ; Isaac Ross, Lieutenant ; Israel Smith, Ensign.
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HISTORY OF GLOCESTER.
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Officers of trained bands in 1780:
First Company - Benajah Whipple, Captain ; Peter Lewis, Lieutenant ; Henry Wheeler, Ensign.
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Second Company-Samuel Mayo, Captain ; James Colwell, Lieutenant ; Arnold Smith, Ensign.
Third Company-Nathaniel Wade, Captain; Zebulon Wade, Lieutenant; John Pray, Ensign.
Fourth Company -Stephen Winsor, Captain; Isaac Ross, Lieutenant ; Jeremiah Irons, Ensign.
Reuben Mason, M. D., Surgeon.
[From the Providence Gazette, 1774.]
LAND ADVERTISED TO BE SOLD IN THE WESTERN PART OF GLOCESTER.
Colonel Resolved Waterman's estate, of Smithfield, deceased. Apply to John Waterman, of Providence, or John Smith, of Smithfield.
The valuation of property in this town in the year 1777, as was estimated by the assessors of taxes, was about $360,- 000. The town had to be often looked over to see what persons were able-bodied, as there was constant need of fresh supplies of soldiers while the British warships were in our waters. During the recess of the General Assembly, mem- bers of the council of war had power to act in military matters. Bills of credit had often to be issued to aid in supporting the soldiers, etc. As the enemy's warships were in Rhode Island waters, all the available militia of every town had to be ready at this time to be called forth, which greatly prevented carrying on necessary husbandry, and many other things. The women in this town not only had their families and farms in many cases to care for, but to spin wool into yarn, to weave blankets, and knit stockings for the soldiers. The women, as a rule, were very frugal in the necessaries of life, especially in beef and grain. Taxes were very much increased. This year was a very trying one for this town, there were so many calls for men, provisions
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and blankets. Daniel Owen and Andrew Brown were the committee of safety from this town. In May, sixty-eight men were called for from Glocester as her proportion to fill up the State brigade to be raised for fifteen months. Six pounds bounty was given for non-commissioned officers and privates, but for a part of their bounty their clothing was allowed if they were willing to receive it in this way ; also ten barrels of beef, twenty pairs of good woolen stockings, and over three hundred weight of iron. Asa Kimball was appointed to pro- cure the blankets.
Elijah Armstrong was Ensign in Captain Allen's com- pany. In one company in the brigade, John Eddy was Cap- tain ; Stephen Olney, Lieutenant; John Bowen, Ensign, taken from the first company of militia in this town. Capt. Asa Kimball and Nathaniel Blackmar were appointed recruit- ing officers for the town to raise men to fill up the aforesaid battalion in the State. Mr. Kimball was also, appointed to open subscription in Glocester for the Continental Loan office. Yarn stockings to be furnished in October, forty pairs ; and in December, eighty pairs; making one busy year for the women of the town, while the men wearied in their watching, marching and counter-marching, but buoy- ant with hope that they soon should be free to aid in making their own laws.
In 1777, in consequence of the British having possession of the island of Rhode Island, many of the inhabitants left the island, some going to distant parts not to return, while many came to the mainland and had to be supported for the then present time in the towns where they were scattered.
The same year Col. Chad Brown, of Glocester, was chosen field officer for the State from the county of Provi- dence, and John Colwell, Jr., Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel of the third regiment of militia in the county of Providence. At the same time, in council, was read and approved the return of the officers chosen to command the company of Light Infantry in this town, viz .: Timothy Wilmarth, Jr., Captain ; David Richmond, First Lieutenant; Martin Smith, Second Lieutenant ; Caleb Sheldon, Ensign.
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HISTORY OF GLOCESTER.
December 18, 1777, was a national day of thanksgiving and praise. In one place of prayer in this town Rev. Joseph Winsor presided.
Prices of labor, wares and merchandise were regulated by law. Farming labor in the summer for men was not to exceed three shillings and sixpence per day, other seasons of the year in the usual proportions ; mechanics and tradesmen about the same as heretofore ; good wheat not to exceed seven shillings and sixpence per bushel ; rye, four shillings and sixpence per bushel; corn, three shillings and four pence per bushel; wool, two shillings per pounds. The best grass-fed beef, three pence per pound, and so on. The prices of most articles for food and raiment for the people were also fixed by law.
July 5, 1776, Congress adopted a Declaration of Independ- ence. The Rhode Island Assembly being in session, ap- proved the resolution. Mr. Richard Steere and Col. Chad Brown were appointed deputies from this town.
The colonial period closed May 4, 1776. Rhode Island was the last of the thirteen original States that adopted the constitution, which she did, May 29, 1790, by a majority of two votes.
All persons able to bear arms, from 16 to 60 years of age, were expected to join regiments, unless for good reasons excused.
Members of the Society of Friends were exempt from enlisting in any company by producing a certificate from the clerk of the Monthly Meeting, to the commanding officer within the district in which they lived. This year the test oath was administered to all persons suspected as Tories.
In May, 1778, forty-six men were to be furnished for the army, and 120 pairs of yarn stockings. The June following, 34 soldiers were called for. Caleb Arnold was appointed to pay the bounties allowed by the State.
Ratable property as taken in the town by an appointed committee : Value of the town land, 181,389 pounds 7 shil- lings ; slaves, from 10 to 50 years old, 5 pounds ; trading stock
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and money, 1,936 pounds ; ounces of plate, 286 ; horses, 363 ; horned cattle, 2,678; sheep and goats, 3,558; oxen, 420.
Zebedee Hopkins was appointed to take the number of inhabitants of this town.
The year 1779 was a year of great trial and suffering. The taxes were still to be increased; paper money had greatly depreciated in value, yet these depreciated bills were made legal tender to pay debts, and were easily counterfeited. The honest and patriotic were impoverished, while rogues and some Tories grew rich. The winters of 1779 and 1780 were very severe.
The estates of a Mr. Hatch and Henry Overing were taken possession of by the town, as the owners were considered enemies to the government, and given to the sheriff for sale.
The manner of cooking was before an immense back-log and long sticks of wood, all on fire, on large iron andirons, baking a short-cake in smouldering ashes, or on a cake-board before the fire. A turkey, goose or chicken was often cooked by having a wire fastened around the 'poultry and hung upon the crane by the spit before the fire, often turn- ing it around. A skillet was set underneath to catch the drippings.
The dark day of May 19, 1780, will long be remembered. For several days previous, the air was close and seemed to be smoky. After nine in the morning there was a little thunder and light rain. Soon after, it grew so dark that the people left their work, both in and out doors ; to read or see the time by the clock, a candle had to be lighted. The sky looked yellowish and gloomy. About noon, birds and fowls went to their roosts and cattle retired. At a little private school in the Irons neighborhood, parents became so alarmed that they hastened with their horses to bring their children home, and without doubt the same dispatch was made in many places. The people stood appalled, many thinking the Day of Judgment was at hand. There was very little wind. To some persons the political aspect of the country made the
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phenomena more to be dreaded ; others thought it was a pre- cursor of something more fearful to the country. The dark- ness continued about five hours. It extended over New England generally. Since that time some causes have been advanced that produced the darkness.
The following is from Guild's History of Brown Uni- versity :
" Dr. Manning, during the cessation of Brown University exercises, in 1779, on account of the war, set out on a journey with his wife to Philadelphia, on business. He started from Providence Thursday, April twenty-ninth, and reached Col. Ahraham Winsor's, in Smithfield, where they spent the night. The next day they travelled to Mr. John Brown's,* in Glocester, near Chepachet, 'where,' he says, 'we had an excellent dinner, and our horses well cared for.' They remained in Philadelphia until the following September, when they returned by the same route and called again on his hospitable friend, Mr. Brown, in Glocester, where they were very much refreshed."
In 1780, the army of the French fleet of the King of France, our illustrious allies, having arrived, acted under the direction of Gen. Washington. At this time this State was called upon to furnish 630 soldiers to cooperate with them. Glocester's proportion was 34 men. Zebedee Hopkins, Jr., was appointed by the State to receive the money for paying the bounties to the soldiers. Glocester at this time furnished 4,600 pounds of beef and 150 bushels of grain. Messrs. Chad Brown, John Smith, Stephen Winsor, Solomon Owen, Jonah Steere, Elisha Bartlett and Caleb Arnold were the committee to carry the above into effect. Mr. Moses Cooper was always active in aiding to collect for the soldiers. Calls often were made for men and means. Number of polls within the town, 555. At this time Glocester had a greater
*The Mr. John Brown here spoken of, and who resided a part of each year on his farm in Glocester, is the Mr. Brown that laid the corner-stone of Brown University.
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HISTORY OF GLOCESTER.
number of polls than any other town in the State except Scituate, then including Foster, Newport being in possession of the British. Hundreds of yards of tow-cloth were made for the army. Arnold says, in his History of Rhode Island, " that history has failed to record the fact that the first sword that flashed in triumph above the captured heights of Yorktown, was a Rhode Island sword."
Officers approved by the Assembly to command the Glocester Light Infantry, viz .: Timothy Wilmarth, Captain ; Martin Smith, First Lieutenant ; Elijah Armstrong, Second Lieutenant ; Ezekiel Brown, Ensign.
Cold winter of 1781 and 1782. Large quantities of snow fell, and people had to travel with snow shoes, as the roads could not be kept open. Corn and rye had to be carried on hand-sleds to the mill to be ground.
In 1782 the town was required by law to furnish the State's battalion, for the Continental troops, 210 yards of tow cloth one yard wide and whitened, and thirty pairs of woolen stockings.
In 1783 the war ceased and a proclamation was forwarded to all the towns in the State. John Smith, of this town, was one of Gov. Greene's assistants. Richard Steere, Esq., continued Justice of the Court of Common Pleas of Provi- dence county. The treaty of peace and friendship signed by the United States and Great Britain was officially received from Congress in February, 1784. His Excellency Gov- ernor William Greene issued a proclamation to make it known, and caused it to be proclaimed by the sheriffs in their respective county towns on an appointed day.
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