USA > Rhode Island > Bristol County > Barrington > A history of Barrington, Rhode Island > Part 37
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The Allin burial ground at Drownville is on land devoted to that purpose by the Allins who owned a large tract of land in that section. The first burial, as appears by the
471
FOREST CHAPEL CEMETERY.
gravestones, was that of Thomas Allin, who died Aug. II, 1719. His son Thomas, aged 13, was buried in October of the same year. It is probable that in all the old burial places there were interments prior to the dates named, as the nar- row means of the people and the difficulty of obtaining suit- able marble or other stones was very great. The Allin yard contains the remains of Gen. Thomas Allin, Capt. Matthew Allin, Capt. Viall Allen, Lieut. Allin Viall, and Benjamin Medbury, all of whom served in the War of the Revolution with distinction. Scipio Freeman, a slave of the family, and a Revolutionary soldier, is also buried there and has a suit- able headstone at his grave.
The Forest Chapel Cemetery at Nayatt is owned by the Association of the same name, incorporated in 1863. It was bought July, 1871, with funds obtained from the sale of The Forest Chapel at Barrington Centre, which was built by the Barrington Mutual Improvement Society. This society reserved one lot for each of its members. These lots are platted in a circle in the centre of the ground, other lots are sold as desired. Lewis B. Smith was president of the asso- ciation until his death, and was succeeded in the presidency by his son, George Lewis Smith. Lewis T. Fisher is secre- tary, and George L. Smith, treasurer, succeeding to that office after the death of George A. Gladding.
Of the family burial places, those of the Smiths and Pecks have been removed to Prince's Hill, The Chaffees have two gravestones on land of Leander R. Peck, near Barring- ton River. The Bicknell ground on land formerly of the Bicknells, west of the meeting-house, is now levelled and the stones have been destroyed. The same is true of the Brown family ground at Nayatt. No memorial marks the resting places of John and James Brown and their families. The Watson yard at Nayatt was formerly properly cared for, but now shows signs of neglect. It contains the dust of Matthew Watson, who was born in the seventeenth, lived through the eighteenth, and died in the nineteenth century, at the remarkable age of one hundred and seven years. His grand-
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472
THE HISTORY OF BARRINGTON.
son, Rev. Samuel Watson, son of Matthew, Jr., a native of Barrington, sleeps in the same family enclosure. There are graves in other parts of the town, with or without markers, most of the names or memories of the occupants having passed from the knowledge of our generation.
" Yet e'en these bones from insult to protect, Some frail memorial still erected nigh, With uncouth rhymes and shapeless sculpture decked, Implores the passing tribute of a sigh."
The following epitaphs on the tombstones selected from many were of interest to the friends of the departed and will be to our readers.
The tombstone of Mrs. Frances Adams says :
"Afflictions sore, long time I bore ; Physician's aid was vain, But God did please to give me ease And free me from my pain."
On Newdigate Adams's tombstone we read :
" Death is a debt To nature due ; I've paid my debt And so must you.
Mr. James Adams admonishes :
" Stand still, kind reader and spend a tear, Upon the dust that slumbers here ; And as you read the fate of me, Think of the glass that runs for thee."
His wife, Lydia, is made to say :
" My faith and hope which I had here, The King of terrors is no fear ; Death is disarmed, my spirit flies, My flesh and sense and body dies."
Mr. Ebenezer Adams, who died at West Point, a youth of twenty years, speaks to the young :
"Ye blooming youths who on this stone, Learn early death may be your own."
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473
EPITAPHS.
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Doctor Samuel Allen, a physician of the town, has his life's record summed up as follows :
" His life was devoted to virtue and in the line of his profession, for the benefit of mankind, served his generation with skillful attention."
" Sleep then, blest man, till this thy body be Raised from the dust to immortality, That soul and body, may rejoined again, With Christ in perfect bliss forever reign,"
SAMUEL ALLEN
" Who having passed a life of useful labors both in public and private vocations yielded his breath to the inexorable enemy of mankind on the 22nd day of October, A. D. 1808, in the 70th year of his age."
It is recorded of Joseph Viall Allen, fifer in the Revolu- tion that he was "lost in ye Hurricane that prevailed in ye West Indies, 1780, aged 18 years."
"Think not to find me by this stone, Hard fate decreed I should have none."
Peleg Barnes's stone preserves these truthful lines :
" His sleep is sweet who sinks to rest With Heaven's approving sentence blest."
Samuel Barnes's tombstone preserves a noble thought :
" What need the pen rehearse a life well spent, A man's good deeds are his best monument."
Samuel Barnes, who died 1816, age 29, consoles his family as follows :
" Dear wife and children do not weep, I am not dead but here do sleep."
Mrs. Rachel Bicknell, d. 1786, age 75 :
" Thrice happy change It is for me From earth to heaven Removed to be."
مقاومة الشلو فة
الد بلومة النساء
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474
THE HISTORY OF BARRINGTON.
Elizabeth W. Bicknell, d. 1868, age 81 :
" Rest."
Mr. Winchester Bicknell, who died on a boat in Barring- ton River, on his release from the deadly prison ship, The Jersey, at the age of 21 years, is addressed thus :
" Alas, dear friend, no sooner came Thy earthly usefulness to bloom, But death has cropt thy tender bud, And laid thee in this mournful tomb."
On Asa Bicknell's stone we read, (dying at 17) :
" Betimes his virtuous race begun, But to our grief."
Capt. William Bowen died on his passage from Palermo City to New York, 1859 :
" His body lies in the Mediterranean Sea on the Coast of Spain."
Deacon Kent Brown, d. 1822, aged 57 :
" The Father, Counsellor and Guide :- To his children he has left a bright example of parental devotion, integrity, zeal and usefulness."
" In Memory of the Rev'd Mr. Peleg Heath, Esq., who dep'd this life on ye 5th day of October, Anno Domini 1748, in ye 49th year of his Age."
" William Heath, drowned in the North River on the night of Nov. 23, 1722, aged 26 years."
Of Rebecca Hill, dying at 17, it is written :
" Short was her stay, the longer is her rest, God calls home them he loves best."
Sarah Kinnicutt, a child of twenty days :
" Weep not for Baby, In Abraham's bosom they do rest."
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475
EPITAPHS.
Ann Caroline, of John and Lois Kelley, was drowned 1839, age 4 years :
" Fair was the flower and soft the vernal sky Elate with hope we deemed no danger nigh ; When, lo, a whirlwind's instantaneous gust, Laid all its beauties withering in the dust. also five of their sons."
OUR MOTHER. LYDIA GRANT, d. Oct. 5, 1871, aged 71 years. " She made home happy."
Daniel V. Kinnicutt, Jr. d. 1791, age 21 :
" Hope smiles upon his brow, but Hast ye fate thurst her dread shears between, Cuts the Young Life off and Shuts up the scene ; We seed his flesh sink down with weeping eyes, While we with grief cry out, He dies, He dies."
Capt. Samuel R. Martin, d. 1840, age 58, thus addresses
"My children dear, this place draw near A father's grave to see ; Not long ago I was with you And soon you'll be with me."
John Kelley, 1797 :
"But oh what worlds shall I survey, The moment that I leave this clay : How sudden the surprise, how new, Let it my God be happy too."'
Nathaniel Martin, 1806, aged 83 :
" In him was lost the affectionate husband and the valued citizen, but faith promised by a temporal loss to introduce an eternal gain."
BRAVE AND TRUE. " Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori,"
is the inscription on the tombstone of John Bourne Mathew- son, who died in the War of the Rebellion, 1862, at Fort Lyon, Va.
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THE HISTORY OF BARRINGTON.
Elizabeth Martin, d. 1846, age 91 :
" She was a worthy member of the Congregational Church in this town upwards of sixty years."
"In memory of Mr. ELISHA MAY, one of ye first Deacons of ye 2nd Church in Rehoboth, Deceased ye 21st day of August, 1744, in ye 76 year of his Age."
Walter P. Smith, d. 1868, age 19:
" Precious memories springing from the dust."
Martha Brown Smith, d. 1858, aged 77. Of her it is truly inscribed :
" Kindly affectioned toward all, She Rejoiced with those who did rejoice And wept with those who wept."
James Smith, d. 1774, age 77 :
"Reader live well and learn to die."
"Tis but few whose days Amount, To three score years and ten, And above all that short account Is sorrow Toil and Pain."
"In memory of Mrs. Mary Mumford Amiable Consort of the Honorable Paul Mumford Esq. and Daughr. of the Revd. John and Ann Macylen, Born Aug. 12th 1737, died June 22rd. 1779."
Kezia Peck, d. 1792, age 75. Her epitaph reads :
"A Faithful Wife and Mother dear Such she was who now lies here."
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EPITAPHS.
477
Solomon Peck, d. 1756, age 65 :
" My faith shall rest in hope to rise Waked by his powerful VOICE."
Mrs. Mary Kelley, d. 1794, age 37. Heaven was near and very real to her friends as the monument to her declares :
" Farewell, dear friends, a short farewell, Till we do meet again above In the sweet groves where pleasures dwell, And trees of life bear fruits of love."
Lorenzo Dow Kelley, d, 1845, age 34. An early end to a sailor's life is recorded :
" No more by tempests tossed and driven, But anchored in the Port of Heaven."
Joseph Martin, d. 1815, age 22. An early and sudden death is thus described :
" Swift were the summons, short the road, He closed his eyes and saw his God."
Ebenezer Martin, d. 1806, age 56. The comfort of the resurrection hope is here noted.
" Depart my friends, dry up your tears, For I must wait till Christ appears."
Mrs. Ruth Bicknell, d. 1756, age 29. The following in- scription, with variations, is to be found on many tombstones of the last century :
" Christian reader, cast an eye, As you are now so once was I, As Iam now so you must be. Prepare your heart to follow me."
John M. Bradford, d. 1872. On his tombstone at Nayatt is the record :
" He sleeps in the soil once owned by his ancestor, Gov. William Bradford, of Plymouth.
Lydia P. Cook, d. 1868, speaks in marble :
" A true Christian life needs no epitaph."
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لسنة ٦ملاهـ ايـ
478
THE HISTORY OF BARRINGTON.
Rachel Toogood, d. 1759, age 14 :
"Job, Chap. 17, V. 11, 12, 13, 14.
Rev. Francis Wood, d. Oct. 28, 1875. Aged 76 years, 6 months and 20 days :
"And I heard a voice from Heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea saith the Spirit, they do rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
" Benjamin Medbury, who fell in ye battle on Rhode Island August 29, 1779, Bravely fighting for ye Liberty of his Country aged 19 years, I month, and 27 days."
John Medbury of Seekonk died 1825, aged 72 :
" He was an officer of the American Revolution, And one of the con- stituent members of the first Baptist Church in that Place."
" Thomas S. Bean, a patriot of the Revolution, was born in Boston, Mass., 1758, died in Barrington 1839, aged So years."
"Noah Albert Peck died at Washington of a wound received at the battle of Salem Heights, 1863, aged 34 years."
" Here lies all that was mortal of Elizabeth Renuf, Having faithfully served the Rev. Solomon Town- send as housekeeper upwards of forty years, died 1809, aged 70."
" George W. Richmond, a member of Co. E, 12th Reg. R. I. V. died at Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C. Feb'y. 16, 1863, from wounds received at the battle of Fredericksburg, in his 19th year.
Actuated by a sense of duty, he promptly volunteered in defence of our Union and offered up his life for his country."
" Thy memory is a shrine of pleasant thoughts."
is truthfully written of Sally, wife of Nathaniel C. Smith, and of her husband :
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."
" Capt. Josiah Townsend Smith, aged 34 years, was lost with his vessel in a fearful storm on the Pacific Coast, Feb'y. 20, 187S."
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479
EPITAPHS.
" Brave wrestler with the wave, Your work so early done, And found an ocean grave; Our honest, honored one."
" Here lieth Intered ye Body of John Rogers, Esq. died June ye 28 1732 in the 92 Year of his age."
Note. John Rogers is said to have been a direct descendant of John Rogers, the mar- tyr, and is believed to have been a grandson.
Of William H. Smith, who died in 1864, aged 48, it is written :
"All ye that are about him, been over him, and all ye that know his . name say, ' How is the strong staff broken and the beautiful rod.' "
Miss Elizabeth Smith, daughter of James, died 1788, aged 43 :
" Christ's Church on earth I leave in love To join the Heavenly Church above."
Hezekiah Tiffany, who died 1779, at the ripe age of 82, leaves us this epitaph :
"The world is vanity and all things show it, I thought so once and now I know it."
Of Sarah Tiffany, the daughter of Hezekiah, d. 1774, age 47, the poet writes :
" Beneath this stone doth lay As much virtue as could die ; Who, when alive, nature did give As much beauty as could live."
Hezekiah Tiffany, born 1800, died 1872.
" He was a faithful husband and friend, pure in character, sincere in purpose, and devoted in Christian life.
His fidelity to the Town and the Church were unwavering. He was Town Treasurer of Barrington 32 years. Peaceful is thy rest."
George Robert Townsend, d. 1809, aged 19 :
"A Pious Youth."
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الطار مية
480
THE HISTORY OF BARRINGTON.
At Dominico, Benjamin Bourne Townsend, d. 1794, aged 18:
" He was endowed with brilliant natural talent."
John Tyler, d. 1813, aged 44 :
"He was possessed of a social disposition.
He was a kind husband, a tender parent, and a warm friend. He always paid a sacred regard to the institutions of the Chris- tian religion and left the world with a pleasing hope of future happiness through the merits of the Redeemer."
Mr. Samuel Viall :
" lost his life by explosion of powder on board of a galley in the Revolutionary War : April 22nd, 1777, in the 4Sth year of his age."
"In Memory of Mr. Allen Viall of Seekonk who was drowned in the memorable gale Sept. 23, 1815, aged 58 years and 9 months."
" Sacred to the Memory of the REVD SOLOMON TOWNSEND who died Dec. 25th 1796 Aged So Years.
Also REBECCA his Wife who died July 24, 1773 Aged 55 Years. Mr Townsend was born in Boston Oct AD 1716. Was Graduated a Harvard College AD 1735. Was ordained a Pastor of the Church and Congregation in Barrington AD 1743, And continued Faithful in his charge 53 Years When death put a period to his labors & his Remains were consigned to this tomb.
" Beneath this Sculptured Stone & mouldering heap The reverend Teacher rests in quiet sleep From Youth's first dawn he trod the sacred Stage To the dim twilight of declining age. He taught the soul in virtue's Paths to stray Allured the mind to Heaven and led the way."
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481
EPITAPHS.
" DIED March 22d A D ISIS. SOLOMON TOWNSEND Esq. In the 70 year of his age. he was a man of great Talents sustained many offices of Trust and discharged them with ability. He was the only Son of the REV. SOLOMON TOWNSEND
Pastor of the CHURCH in Barrington. " Prepare to meet thy God, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."
" SACRED to the Memory of MRS MARTHA TOWNSEND Relict of
SOLOMON TOWNSEND ESQ who died June 10- 1827 In the 79th Year of her age. " The memory of the Just is blessed."
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482
THE HISTORY OF BARRINGTON.
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ERECTED in Memory of
"SHEARJASHUB B. TOWNSEND
a minister of the Gospel in Sherburn Mass. Son of SOLOMON TOWNSEND ESQ. & Charlotte his wife He died at Milledgeville Georgia July 20, A. D. 1832 aged 37 years. O' grave where is thy Victory.
" Sacred to the Memory of MATTHEW WATSON
Who died Jan 17. 1803 Aged 107 years. Also SARAH his 2nd. Wife died Sep 3d 1798 aged 88 years Mr Watson who is here entombed was upward of 56 years a member of the Christian Church in this Town He was a shining ornament in his profession ; He died in full prospect of a blessed immortality. " Death in itself is nothing ; but we fear To be we know not what, we know not where."
MRS. NANCY TOWNSEND Wife of Rev SHEARJASHUB B. TOWNSEND
and daughter of Josiah & Huldah Hunt She died at St Augustine East Florida Feb 4 1832
aged 36 years. Oh death where is thy Sting."
" In Memory of Mrs BETHIA
Daughter of Mr John & Mrs Bethia Read & Wife of Matthew Watson Esq. who lived together 46 years, left 10 children, and died Feb. 9th 1778 66 Years of her age." " Reader, death is a debt That's nature's due Which I have paid And so must you,"
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483
EPITAPHS.
" There is rest in Heaven. Rev. SAMUEL WATSON A. M. Pastor of the Church of Christ In this town. Died Jan 14. 1816. In the 43d year of his age, And the 18th of his ministry
He was the son of Matthew Watson Jun. And grandson of Matthew Watson Sen. Who died Jan 17th ISO3 At the age of 107 or 110 years. Possessed of good natural talents Well cultivated by a liberal education, And hopefully sanctified by divine grace He was a faithful and exemplary Minister of the gospel. Meekness, modesty, humility, patience, and submission Under the various trials of life, Were striking traits in his character. He was a kind and tender husband, A provident and affectionate parent, A sincere and constant friend ; He lived greatly beloved and died Deeply lamented. In the animated hope of a glorious Immortality. Mark the Perfect man and behold the upright, For the end of that man is peace. Firm faith, warm charity, humble hope, These are the Christian graces ; These are the guides that lead to Life eternal."
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THE HISTORY OF BARRINGTON.
The following epitaph was inscribed to Mr. Thomas Wil- lett by his son-in-law, John Saffin, Esq., of Bristol :
" AN EPITAPH ON THE WORSHIPFUL THOMAS WILLETT, ESQ .. WHO DECEASED ON THE 4TH OF AUGUST, 1674.
Here lies Grave Willett, whose good name, Did mount upon the wings of fame,
Who into place did not intrude;
A star of the first magnitude. But Prudence, Piety, and Zeal,
For God in Church and Commonweal.
His real worth and Generous spirit,
Which constantly he did inherit,
Made room for him that all did see
He had attained to the first three.
But now he's gone to his long home,
And taken from the ill to come.
Lived here Desired, lamented Dyed, Is with his Savior glorified."
Mr. Saffin also exercised his talent for elegiac verse, on the death of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Mary Willett. It is worthy of presentation as illustrating the stilted and pomp- ous style of that day, and the somewhat anti-traditional tes- timony to the character of a mother-in-law.
AN EPITAPH.
" On that Eminent and truly pious Matron, Mrs. Mary Willett, wife to the Worshipful Thomas Willett, Esq., who Departed this Life on the Eighth day of January, 1669.
Here lyes the Peerless Paragon of fame, Mary (the vertuous) Willett is her Name. whose true Deserts to Shew Requires a Straine proceeding from a Helliconian Braine, both grace and Beauty in her face did shine Enthroned in Majesty allmost Divine. Which mixt with mildness did the more Advance The lovely splendor of her Countenance. had she lived in the days of yore when such, who ne'er Excelled in vertue half so much, She would have been above them set on hie, And been Adored as A Deitie.
Yea, Venus, Pallas, Diana, and the Graces, Compared with her should all have lost their places And all those Temples for them richly stated Should to her Honour have been dedicated. But now she's Paradised Triumphantly, Where she shall live unto Eternity."
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EPITAPHS.
The following epitaph was dedicated to the memory of his wife by Mr. Saffin. These epitaphs may be found in a Mss. book of Mr. Saffin's, now in the possession of the R. I. Historical Society, Providence.
"Epitaph to Martha Saffin, daughter of Thos. and Mary Willett, and wife of John Saffin.
An Epitaph on his truly loving and dearly beloved wife, Martha (Willett) Saffin, who departed this life on the Eleventh day of December, 1673 .:
Here Lyes the Dear Companion of his life, Whom twenty years God gave her as a wife. Nigh fourty years She lived, did not fulfill it; Was second Daughter to Renowned Willett. Her name is Martha Saffin, which she hath, Derived from him who wrote this Epitaph.
Her rare endowments cant be here Expressed. But written are allmost in every Breast. So let her Rest until her Saviour Dear
To call her hence shall in the clouds Appear.
On the Tombe-side.
Here lyes the Mother and her sons even five, Most lovely to behold when all alive.
Since her interment there were two sons layed with her, in the same tombe, to wit, Josiah & Joseph the Second."
HEADSTONE.
1669. e Here lyeth y Body of
THE vertuous MARY
WILLETT wife to thoMAS r Willett esq who died e e th January y 8 About y 55
Year OF Her AGe ANNO
FOOTSTONE.
DAUGHTER TO
THE WOR IOHN R
BROWN ESQ DECEASED
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المعاصراسم له
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486
THE HISTORY OF BARRINGTON.
A GUIDE TO THE FAMILY NAMES IN THE BURIAL GROUNDS IN BARRINGTON.
Prince's Hill.
Adams,
Cook,
Peck,
Alger,
Densey,
Remington,
Allen,
Drown,
Rogers,
Andrews,
Harris,
Salisbury,
Armington,
Heath,
Smith,
Arnold,
Humphrey,
Swan,
Barnes,
Howland,
Tiffany,
Barton,
Kendall,
Tillinghast,
Bean,
Kinnicutt,
Toogood,
Bicknell,
Low,
Townsend,
Bosworth,
Martin,
Tripp,
Bowen,
Mathews,
Wheaton,
Brown,
Mathewson,
Wood,
Bullock,
Miller,
Wright.
Carter,
Mumford,
Clark,
Noble,
Tyler's Point.
Alger,
Grant,
Martin,
Barton,
Gardner,
Mathewson,
Beers,
Gray,
May,
Bishop,
Hall,
Miller,
Bowen,
Harris,
Peck,
Bryden,
Hill,
Read,
Burr,
Hodges,
Reed,
Bullock,
Kelley,
Short,
Chaffee,
Kent,
Stanley.
Cole,
Low,
Tiffany,
Curtis,
Ladieu,
Tyler,
Drown,
Luther,
Walker,
French.
Lawton,
Winslow.
Burial Hill.
Bosworth,
Grant,
O'Brian,
Carpenter,
Hicks,
Ormsbee,
Chace,
Humphrey,
Short,
Follett,
Lee,
Yerrington.
Goff,
Luther,
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487
FAMILY NAMES.
Allen Burial Ground.
Allin,
Freeman,
Medbury,
Bicknell,
Ham,
Rawson,
Burt,
Hill,
Tillinghast,
Drown,
Marks,
Viall.
Watson Burial Ground.
Cook,
Lawless,
Maxfield,
Ingraham,
Lilley,
Rounds,
Watson.
Forest Chapel, Nayatt.
Bradford,
Ingraham,
Rhodes,
Bosworth,
Martin,
Roffee,
Davis,
Mathewson,
Smith,
Drown,
Peck,
Studley,
Gladding,
Perry,
Watson,
Henderson,
Richmond,
Wightman.
Little Neck Burial Ground.
Barker,
Grant,
Peck,
Brown,
Harding,
Richmond,
Bullock,
Humphrey,
Ryder,
Carr,
Hudson,
Simmons,
Case,
Jacobs,
Smith,
Clemens,
Jones,
Thurber,
Cole,
Kent,
Viall,
Davis,
Lewis,
Whitehouse,
Dunham,
Macleod,
Willett,
English,
Medbery,
Willmoth,
Follensbee,
Monroe,
Wood.
Gracy,
Newton,
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CHAPTER XXX
BARRINGTON MILITIA AND THE DORR WAR ,
Colonial Militia - Equipments - Services - Train Bands - Officers - United States Laws - Barrington Infantry -Officers - Field Officers from Barrington - The Dorr War -Freemen Under the Charter - Thomas Wilson Dorr -His Principles - Acts Relating to a State Constitution - The Dorr Legislature - Rebellion - Barrington In- fantry - Acote's Hill - A Short and Decisive Contest.
T HE militia of New England has been its chief protection in domestic and foreign sources of trouble. The citizen has been found to become a worthy soldier, after a period of training and practise under experienced officers. In the early colonial life, the dangers which threatened the people from hostile savages and those whom they might excite to hostility, made it necessary to enlist the whole male popula- tion, capable of bearing arms, in the militia service. The gun was always in hand or ready at a moment's warning for protection. The farmer took it to the field with his plough. His Bible and musket were his companions to the meet- ing-house on the Sabbath day. When unused, the old flint- lock hung over the fireplace or the door, loaded and primed for instant calls. Plymouth required "that the inhabitants of every Towne within the Government, fitt and able to beare arms be trayned (at least) six times in the year." under officers appointed by the court. The guns and pieces allowed for the militia were " muskett, fire-locks, and match- cock (so that they have foure fathome of match at all times for every match-cock) and calivers, carbines and fouleing peeces, so that that they bee not above foure feet and a half long and not under bastard-muskett or Caliver bore." Every person, for himself and his man servant, must be pro-
1
ALLIN BICKNELL.
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489
COLONIAL MILITIA SERVICE.
vided with muskets, bandaleers, swords, and with one pound of powder and four pounds of bullets, with four fathom of match for every match-cock musket, under penalty for neglect. Discipline was enforced by the officers of the Train Bands ; fines were collected for absence from train- ings ; firing at marks was practised, and the people were constantly advised by the Court to be ready for assaults on their persons, homes, and towns. The early militia of Ply- mouth Colony was under the command of Capt. Myles Stan- dish of Plymouth, who was succeeded by Capt. Thomas Wil- lett, our own townsman. The Swansea Train Band for a period after Philip's war was under the captaincy of John Brown, probably son of the Hon. John Brown of Wanna- moisett.
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