USA > Rhode Island > Bristol County > Barrington > A history of Barrington, Rhode Island > Part 42
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CHAPIN, MOSES THOMPSON. Son of Seth and Mary (Bicknell) Chapin; entered Brown University with his brother, Joshua; afterwards went to Williams College, but did not graduate from either institution; studied law and entered into practice at Irvington, now Eufola, Ala., ' where, after a residence of a few months, he died of yellow fever, Sept. 4, 1838. He was a young man of brilliant talents, and had in this brief time so endeared himself to friends there that after his death they erected a stone to his memory.
DEXTER, GEORGE OWEN. B. U. F. ISS3-84-Sr. ISS6-87.
DEXTER, SMITH OWEN. B. U. F. ISS9-90-S. 1890-91.
DORAN, JOHN. Son of James Doran; fitted for college under Isaac F. Cady; grad. of St. Mary's College, Emmettsburg, Md., IS79; ad- mitted to R. I. Bar, July, ISS2; member of law firm of McGuinness & Doran, Providence, R. I.
DORAN, THOMAS F., A. M. Son of James Doran, and brother of John: grad. St. Mary's Coll., Emmettsburg, Md .; admitted to holy orders in Roman Catholic Church; priest at Lonsdale; Vicar General Diocese of Rhode Island ; Episcopal residence, Providence, R. I.
FISKE, WALTER EDWARD. Resident of Barrington from IS68; fitted for college under Isaac F. Cady, and entered B. U. 1875; left for business at end of Freshman year; secretary and bookkeeper of Howard & Son Corporation.
HOUSE, MORRIS WILLIAM, A. B. Son of Rev. William House; grad. B. U. ISSS; director, Tilden, Thurber Co., dealers in silverware and jewelry, Providence, R. I.
KENDALL, HENRY LUCIEN. Son of Lucien B. Kendall; grad. B. U. 1871; Andover Theo. Semi., IS74; ordained Cong. minister, 1875; pastor, Walpole, Mass., 1874-75; First parish church, Charlestown,
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COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Mass., 1875-79; Jacksonville, Fla., 1879-So; Northfield, Minn., ISSI- 82; Walpole, Mass., ISS2-S3. Born, March 5, 1849; died, Walpole, Mass., Jan. 23, 1883.
MAURAN, JOSEPH, A. M., M. D. Son of Joseph Carlo and Olive (Bick- nell) Mauran; was born in Barrington, R. I., Dec. 22, 1796; was fitted for college by Rev. William Williams, an alumnus of Brown University of the class of 1769; grad. B. U., 1816, degree of A. M., IS19; college of physicians and surgeons, 1819; physician, Provi- dence, R. I., 1819-59; travelled abroad, 1856-58; medical attendant, Dexter Asylum, 1827-56; consulting physician, Butler Hospital for the insane; Fellow R. I. Med. Soc., Censor; president two terms ; trustee college of physicians and surgeons; vice-president Nat. Assoc. of Phys. for revising the pharmacopca, 1840; Mass. Med, Soc., Providence Franklin Soc., R. I. Soc. for Encour. of Dom. Ind., 1837 -. Author, Remarks on the cholera, 2d. edition, IS32 ; Address Alumni Assoc. college of physicians and surgeons, 1864; anniver- sary address, 1869, before same, IS69, also numerous articles in med- ical journals. Died New York, N. Y., June 8, 1873. 1819. The same year, as its Commencement, Brown University conferred on him the degree of Master of Arts.
MAURAN, ANTOINE JOSEPH, M.D. Son of Joseph Mauran of Barrington ; grad. B. U., 1851; college of physicians and surgeons, New York, N. Y., 1854; physician and surgeon. Address, Creston, Union Co., Iowa.
MARTIN, LUTHER AMBROSE. Son of Sterry Martin ; grad. B. U., 1844. MUNROE, HENRY AUGUSTUS, Jr. Nayatt, R. I. F., 1890-91.
MEDBURY, SAMUEL VIALL. Son of John and Abijail Viall Medbury ; b. 1782 ; B. U., 1801. Was born at Wannamoisett within the limits of old Barrington.
PECK, WALTER ASA. Son of Asa; grad. B. U., 1877; wool merchant, Providence, R. I.
POTTER, RALPH G. Son of Earl C. and Esther Potter; entered B. U., 1882; left at end of Junior year; taught school two years; entered fire insurance business in New York City; is now adjuster for New York Fire Underwriters Assoc. Address, New York City.
POTTER, WALTER ARMINGTON. B. U. Spec., 1883-85.
SMITH, GEORGE WARNER. Nayatt Point, R. I. F., 1896-97.
TIFFANY, JESSIE GOODWIN, A. B., A. M. Daughter of Ebenezer Tiffany ; grad. B. H. S., 1890; grad. B. U., 1897; teacher N. Y. City, 1898.
THURSTON, WILMARTH HEATH, Son of George S. Thurston and grand son of Wilmarth Heath; grad. B. U., 1877; lawyer, Providence, R. I.
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THE HISTORY OF BARRINGTON.
TOBIN, JOHN F. Son of John Tobin; grad. of U. S. Naval School, Annapolis; entered U. S. service; Relieved from active duty on account of ill health; inventor of sheathing for vessels and of other useful naval appliances.
TOWNSEND, SHEARJASHUB BOURNE, A. M. Son of Solomon Town. send, Jr., entered B. U., ISIo; grad. ISI4; tutor B. U., 1815-16; ordained Congregational minister, IS17; pastor First Congregational Church, Sherburne, Mass., IS17-32; author oration before United Brothers Society, B. U., 1821; b. Barrington, April 14, 1795; d. July 20, 1832; buried at Princes Hill.
VIALL, WILLIAM ANGELL. Son of Richmond Viall; student in Chemi- cal laboratory, B. U., ISSO-I ; diploma of R. I. Board of Pharmacy, ISS2; studied in Leipsic and Tübingen, Germany, ISS6-S; Prof. of Pharmacy, Cornell Univ., N. Y., ISSS-90; Assist. Supt. at Brown and Sharpe's Mfg. Co., 1890; address, Providence, R. I.
WATSON, SAMUEL, A. M. Son of Matthew Watson, Jr. ; entered B. U. 1790; grad. 1794; ordained Congregational minister, 179S; pastor Cong. Church, Barrington, 1798-IS21; Town Clerk of Barrington, ISOS to 1816; b. Barrington, 1773; d. Jan. 16, IS21 ; buried in Watson Land.
WEEKS, EDWARD HENRY, A. B. Grad. B. U., 1893; governor Friends School, Prov., 1893-95 ; General Manager of Old Colony Co-op. Bank, Providence, R. I.
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CHAPTER XXXIV
S. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
T THE town of Barrington, from the time of its incorpora- tion, in 1770, until 1858, contained but one religious Society, namely, the Congregational.
It is reasonable to suppose that a Society which, during so many years, held the exclusive privilege of moulding the creed and worship of the townspeople, must have exerted a controlling influence over those religiously disposed, and that all efforts to introduce forms and theories of a different complexion would meet with difficulties almost insurmount- able.
A few Episcopalians, however, residing chiefly in the south- ern portions of the town, seemed resolved to encounter those difficulties, and to establish a church, Apostolic in its min- istry, Scriptual in its mode of worship, and sound in the faith.
Among those thus inclined were, Henry Staples, Allen Brown, Sterry Martin, Josiah N. Martin, Watson Ingraham, James A. Smith, George W. Mowry, Rufus Higgins, and others.
Accordingly they met together, May 6, 1858, in the Barring- ton Railroad Station, to consider the expediency of forming an Episcopal Parish.
Many were favorable to this movement, and the services of the Church were first performed at the Forest Chapel, east of the present railroad station, May 16, 1858, by the Rev. Eaton W. Maxcy, Jr., rector of S. Mark's, Warren.
On the 25th of August the Church was organized, the con- stitution adopted, and Messrs. Nathaniel C. Smith, James A.
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Smith, Luther Martin, Otis G. Harris, and William H. Cook were elected vestrymen.
Sept. 18, 1858, the ground was broken for the erection of a brick church, upon a lot bought of Mr. James Maxfield, and on the 25th of the same month, the Rev. George W. Hatha- way was chosen rector.
Mr. Hathaway, however, declined the call.
On Dec. 16, 1858, the Rev. Francis J. Warner, a graduate of Union College, N. Y., was invited to fill that office, which offer he accepted.
On the same date Mr. Henry Staples was chosen Senior Warden, and Mr. William J. Bowen, Junior Warden.
The church edifice having been completed Jan. 5, 1859, the first service was held in it January 9, and on January 12, the consecration rites were performed by the Rt. Rev. Thomas M. Clark, D. D., LL. D., assisted by the Rev. Eaton W. Maxcy, Jr., of S. Mark's, Warren ; the Rev. Wil- liam Stow, of S. Michael's, Bristol ; the Rev. William H. Mills, of the Church of the Messiah, Providence ; the Rev. Henry Waterman, of S. Stephen's, Providence; the Rev. Edward Cowley, of Christ Church, Lonsdale; the Rev. B. P. Talbot, of S. James's, Woonsocket; the Rev. Benjamin B. Babbitt, formerly of the Church of the Messiah, Provi- dence; the Rev. Daniel LeBaron Goodwin, city missionary of Providence, and the Rev. Frances J. Warner, rector of the parish.
. It is recorded that although the weather was intensely cold, many strangers were present, and forty-five partook of the Holy Communion.
The cost of the church, exclusive of the grounds, sheds, fences, and fixtures, was about $4,000, of which one-third was given in Providence, about one-fifth by friends in Bar- rington, and the remainder was collected in Warren, New- port, Bristol, North Providence, and Dorchester.
The first baptisms were those of Mrs. Ellen Augusta Martin, Mrs. Ann Eliza Higgins, Miss Sarah Bowen Smith, and Miss Laura Maria Gifford on Easter Day, 1859.
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ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first confirmation was held May 22, 1859, when thir- teen persons received the Laying on of Hands.
The first marriage was that of George G. Snow and Caro- line J. Cooke, on Dec. 21, 1858.
The first funeral was that of Joseph M. Smith, Feb. 16, 1 860,
There has been a Sunday School and a Ladies Sewing Society from the beginning.
Mr. Warner continued the faithful and energetic rector of the parish until September, 1862, three years and nine months, when he took charge of the Church of the Messiah, Olneyville, where, during the summer of 1864, he entered into rest.
In January, 1863, the Rev. Robert Murray, Jr., a graduate of Williams College, Mass., became rector, and continued his services until July 1, 1865, two and one-half years, when he left to assist the Rev. Mr. Talbot at Woonsocket, upon whose death he became rector of the parish.
In October, 1865, the Rev. Gilbert B. Hayden began his ministrations, and closed them August, 1866, after a pastor- ate of nine months.
Mr. Hayden was succeeded by the Rev. S. Brenton Shaw, D. D., a graduate of Brown University, who after at various times supplying the desk twenty Sundays, became rector Feb. 1, 1867.
A lot of land having been given for that purpose, by Mr. Henry Staples, a neat and substantial rectory of ten rooms was built thereon, between September, 1866, and May, 1867, at the unexpected cost of $5,000.
During the Autumn of 1873, extensive repairs were neces- sarily made upon the Church, at a cost of $1,200, of which Mr. Allen C. Mathewson kindly gave $500.
On Jan. 5, 1879, the Rev. Dr. Shaw resigned the charge of this Church, to take effect at Easter, having discharged the duties of that office between twelve and thirteen years.
On Whitsunday, 1879, the Rectorship was assumed by the Rev. William Merrick Chapin, Deacon. On St. James's'Day 35
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of the same year, Rev. Mr. Chapin was advanced to the priesthood by the Bishop of the Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Clark, this being the first ordination in the Parish.
On Oct. 20, 1880, the Rector began a Mission at River- side, R. I.
In 1881 new pews were placed in the church, and the interior entirely remodelled. In 1883, the walls of the church were frescoed, and other improvements made both on the exterior and interior.
On January 12, 1884, occurred the 25th anniversary of the Consecration of the Church. The Holy Communion was celebrated by the Bishop, who also preached the sermon. The Rev. Dr. Shaw and the rector were present. The next day being Sunday, Dr. Shaw preached. A few weeks later Dr. Shaw was stricken with paralysis and died March 17, 1885, highly respected and esteemed.
On Sunday, July 19, 1885, Mr. John C. Burrington died. Mr. Burrington was senior warden of the parish and senator from the town at the time of his death, and was beloved and respected by all.
In the same year, on the Feast of S. Simon and S. Jude, ground was broken for the erection of the Burrington Memo- rial Chapel, and on All Saints Day the corner stone was laid. The building was completed early in 1886, and daily services were held in it during Lent.
On Easter Day, 1887, a bell of 1,000 pounds weight was first rung by Mrs. Benjamin Lynde and Mrs. Walter F. Thompson, who placed it as a memorial of their father, Allen C. Mathewson.
In 1887, the sum of $1,200 was subscribed to erect a church tower in memory of Allen C. Mathewson. On S. Matthew's Day, 1888, ground was broken for the Mathewson Memorial tower, which was completed the same year at a cost of $1,700.
On Easter Day, 1893, a Reredos, in memory of Mr. Henry J. Steere, was unveiled. Mr. Steere was a benefactor of the Church, and had promised to give a handsome altar
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ST. MATTHEW'S MISSION.
and Reredos, but he died before his plans were accom- plished.
Within the last ten years three Memorial windows have been placed in the Church, -the first in memory of Hon. John C. Burrington ; the second in memory of Lena Edward and Annie Wood Norton, children of Benjamin and Paulina S. Norton ; and the third in memory of Mrs. Abby (Martin) Grant.
Other Memorials placed in the Church at different times, are a font of Tennessee marble, in memory of Rev. Francis J. Warner, the first rector of the parish ; a brass lectern in memory of Miss Mary Willard Congdon ; an altar cross in memory of Brintnall Sabin ; and a brass alms basin in memory of Mrs. Eliza B. Lewis.
During the year 1895, extensive repairs and improvements were made on the rectory.
Out of this parish has grown S. Mark's Parish, Riverside, S. Matthew's Mission, Drownville, S. Helena's Rest, a summer home for working women, and S. Andrew's Indus- trial School for needy and deserving boys.
S. MATTHEW'S MISSION, DROWNVILLE.
At nine o'clock on the evening of June 1, IS91, a number of persons were gathered in the open fields near the Drownville public schoolhouse, to break ground for the new Chapei of S. Matthew. Prayers were said, the Lord's Prayer in unison, and the first sod was turned by the Rector, Rev. William M. Chapin, "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
On Sunday, July 26, the morrow of the Feast of S. James, the corner stone was laid, the Rector acting in behalf of the Bishop of Rhode Island. On Sunday, September 20th, being the Eve of S. Matthew's Day, the chapel was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Thomas M. Clark, Bishop of Rhode Island.
The building was designed to serve the double purpose of a chapel for worship, and a Guild House for general uses.
A rolling partition of wood separates the chancel from the main part of the building, except at the times of Divine worship.
The chancel is built in memory of Mrs. Sarah (Warland) Daven- port.
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THE HISTORY OF BARRINGTON.
The architects of the Chapel were W. R. Walker & Son.
The property stands in the name of the R. I. Episcopal State Conven- tion.
Notwithstanding the Chapel, or Guild House, as it was then called, was not consecrated but only dedicated, and the rolling partition separ- ated work and worship, a reverential feeling grew up, which led in a short time to the purchase of the adjoining lot for a Guild Hall, leaving the Chapel solely for worship.
This building was erected by degrees. First, only the floor was laid, having for a roof a large canvas owned by the Mission. Next the per- manent sides and roof were added. Then the building was plastered. Finally, it was finished off, and, in a measure, furnished.
The organization is S. Matthew's Guild, consisting of all who are regu- lar contributors to the Mission. Meetings are held monthly, and the an- nual meeting is held on S. Matthew's Day.
The spiritual charge devolves on the Rector of S. John's Parish, Bar- rington.
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CHAPTER XXXV
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
T' "HE Methodist Church in the town is located at Drown- ville. The Methodist Society was formed in 1869, by residents of Barrington, who held membership in Methodist churches in Warren and at Power Street, Providence. These persons, in the statement of the historical records, "desiring to enjoy the ordinances and privileges of the House of God in connection with the church of their choice and in the vicinity of their homes, opened a hall for a mis- sion, Sunday School and preaching." These services were continued until June 18, 1871, at Nayatt Hall, when Presid- ing Elder Rev. M. J. Talbot, D. D., organized the church with the following membership : Jonathan Allen, Eliza Allen, George Noble, Mary Noble, and probationers Henri- etta Allen, Ida E. Salisbury, Henry J. Vieth, Harriet M. Vieth, Edward L. Clark, William Jones, and Elizabeth Jones. Rev. Richard Low was appointed the first preacher in charge and served one year. Rev. C. Banning followed in 1872, when the meetings were held in the old Drown house at Drownville. Rev. E. S. Stanley was appointed minister in 1873, and Rev. M. Taylor in 1874. During the October following Rev. John E. Risley became pastor, and it is due to his labors that the church was built and dedicated in November, 1875, three lots of land for the church and par- sonage having been donated by Mr. Thomas W. Bicknell. The building committee were the pastor, James Frankland, George Noble, Jonathan Allen, Henry J. Vieth, Jonas E. Buckingham, and Charles E. Drown. The following para- graph written by Rev. Mr. Risley in the church records states the results of his pastorate : "At the watch-night meeting, held Dec. 31, 1875, a revival commenced, resulting in the conversion of some fifteen souls. During the 27 months of my labors here I have baptised three infants and nine adults ; received eighteen on probation, eight full and five by certificate. Brother A. F. Smith, an Exhorter, has
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been my colleague in this work during the last 15 months, and his labors have been greatly blessed." From 1876 to 1885 the pulpit was supplied. In 1885 Rev. James Mather became pastor and remained four years, doing faithful, earnest work and left the church in good condition. In 1889 Rev. H. D. Adams was pastor of Drownville and Riverside churches and remained one year. In 1890 Rev. Frank L. Brooks assumed charge of the two pastorates. During his two years stay he built a church at Riverside, a parsonage in the rear of the Drownville Church, and finally remodelled the church outwardly and divided it into two rooms in place of one large one. Rev. John S. Ball became the pastor in 1892 and remained one year, by his devoted services prepar- ing the way for the good work which was accomplished by his successor, Rev. Edwin E. Phillips, who was the type of a joyful Christian, and made a host of friends during his two years stay. Rev. E. G. Babcock was pastor during the two years 1895-6, and in 1897 was succeeded by Rev. M. R. Fos- ter, the present incumbent. From the founding of the church to the present time the Sunday School has generally been in a flourishing condition, and has often if not usually contained many children whose parents were of other denom- inations. It now numbers upwards of seventy. The follow- ing persons have been superintendents of the Sunday School : George Noble, James Frankland, Albert F. Smith Frank E. Arnold, Frederick T. Jenckes, Mrs. Henrietta Crossman, and Mrs. Weltha A. Buckingham ; treasurers, Edward L. Clark, George A. Noble, James Frankland, Henry J. Vieth, and Albert F. Smith. Stewards since 1889, Henry J. Vieth, Sanford C. Hardy, Harriet E. Hardy, and Frederick T. Jenckes ; librarian, George A. Noble.
The Drownville Musical Society was formed in 1888 and during the fifteen months it actively lived, gave several " old folks concerts" in this and neighboring towns, the proceeds aiding the church very substantially.
The Ladies' Aid Society has ever been a source of help financially.
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CHAPTER XXXVI
PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND SOCIETIES
Early Conditions - A Town Building - Its Erection in 1887-8-The Rural Improvement Association - Arbor Day - The Library Society of 1806-Public Library, ISSo - Antiquarian Society - The Grange - The Order of U. A. W.
B ARRINGTON is well provided with public buildings, and the town hall is the ornament and pride of the town, and the best of its kind in Rhode Island, outside of her cities. In the early and later days, town meetings were held in private houses, at the public tavern, and at the Congregational meeting-house. When the Nayatt hall was built, about 1856, this was used for all municipal and political gatherings. The business of the town clerk, the town treasurer, and other town officers was transacted at the houses of the persons who held the offices, or at places provided by them. The first agitation for a town hall began in 1854, and at the April town meeting a committee was appointed to take the matter under consideration and report. The committee, consisting of Benjamin Martin, William H. Allin, and William H. Smith, reported in favor of erecting a town building, but the report was rejected by a vote, 23 yeas and 45 nays. In 1863 the subject was again brought before the town, to be voted down by a decisive majority. Efforts were made in ISSo and in ISS2, all resulting, as before, in the defeat of the measure.
In ISS7 a committee of the town reported in favor of the purchase of a tract of land at Prince's Hill, between the main road and Barrington River, for town purposes. The town voted to buy the land, and also voted to appropriate $15,000 for the erection of a suitable building for town pur- poses. Lewis B. Smith, Charles H. Merriman, and George B. Allen were elected the building committee.
The corner stone was laid Sept. 24, 1SS7, by the Grand Lodge of Masons of Rhode Island, and the work proceeded so promptly and successfully, that the building was ready for public uses in the autumn of ISSS, and was immediately occupied by the Town Council, the Town Clerk, the High School, the Public Library, and the Antiquarian Society. In the report of the Building Committee, made by Hon. Lewis B. Smith, its Chairman, it was shown that the Committee had expended $2,000 for the land, $14,997.05 in the construction of the building, and $5,000 in its fur- nishings, leaving a balance of $2.95 in the hands of the Committee, at the close of their labors, to be returned to the town.
The town building was dedicated with appropriate exercises, on Decem- ber 12, 1888, in the presence of a large audience, with many distinguished guests, including the Governor of the State. Addresses were made by
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THE HISTORY OF BARRINGTON.
Hon. Lewis B. Smith, Col. Charles H. Merriman, Mr. Alfred Stone, ot the firm of Stone, Carpenter & Wilson, architects of the building, and an historical address by Thomas W. Bicknell.
The building is mediaval in its structure, and in the collection of the boulders in the first story of the building, are memorials of the glacial period referred to in the first chapter, as well as memorial stones contrib- uted by many donors, from all the farms and smaller estates of the town.
The cemented stone work in the foundation of the structure where the diverse figures and colors blend in a symmetrical whole, is an emblem of a true civil society, into which the town may grow more readily and per- fectly, by means of such a building.
THE BARRINGTON RURAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION.
This useful society, the pioneer of all similar associations in the state, was organized in ISSI, having for its objects the discussion and encour- agement of all matters which may advance the public interests of Bar- rington. Its membership includes the leading citizens of the town, and its influence on the progress of the town during the last twenty years has been efficient and salutary. Its special labors have been exerted in behalf of good roads, the planting of shade trees along the highways, the culture of fruits and flowers, public drainage, public health, public schools, a town hall, care of cemeteries, small parks, etc., etc. This society proposed and secured legislation making Arbor Day a state holi- day, and the first public celebration of Arbor Day was held at Drown- ville, in ISS6, when an elm tree was planted to the memory of Abraham Lincoln. The celebration of Arbor Day is an annual event of the associa- tion, at which trees are planted to the memory of useful citizens of the town and distinguished citizens of the state and nation.
At its monthly meetings, committees report on, and the members dis- cuss, various subjects and proposals relating to local and general needs of the town, whereby an intelligent understanding of facts and arguments is obtained, which enables the members and towns-people to act more pru- dently on matters coming before the town. It is safe to state that most of the important town legislation the last two decades has passed the ordeal of debate and received the endorsement of this association before being adopted by the town.
The presidents have been : John C. Burrington, John L. Draper, Charles F. Anthony, Erastus L. Walcott, J. U. Starkweather, David A. Waldron, Irving M. Smith, Royal D. Horton, John F. Richmond, Harry M. Smith, Irving M. Smith, George Lewis Smith, Orrin S. Anthony, Wm. E. Colley, and Frank O. Field; the secretaries : Charles F. Anthony, Harry M. Smith, William T. Lewis, Erastus L. Walcott, Orrin S. Anthony, James H. Griffith, W. T. Lewis, Jr., Irving M. Smith, and Edward H. Weeks.
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