Barnstable County, Massachusetts - Town of Orleans, 1890

Orleans before its Division from Eastham. - Incorporation. - Natural Features. - Wrect of the Sparrowhawk. - Roads. - Early Settlers. - Various Events. - Industries. - Churches. -Cemeteries.-Schools.-Civil History. -Villages.-Biographical Sketches.

THE territory embraced within the present town of Orleans was chiefly included in that valuable tract known first to the Puritans as Nauset, and was therefore included in the first grant of 1640, as noticed in the history of Eastham, and for 164 years after its settlement was a part of that ancient town. Southwest of the Nauset territory was the Potanumaquut lands on which, until their extinction, the remnant of the Nausets remained. A part of these lands now comprise the southwestern portion of the town of Orleans, while the remainder belongs to Harwich and Brewster.

Mattaquason, sachem of Monomoyick, sold to the original purchasers the land known as Pochet, with the two islands lying before Potanumaquut and the beach and the islands upon it; also the territory known as Namskaket, extending northward to the territory owned by the sachem George; but excepted Pochet island, which the sachem reserved. In 1662 this island was purchased by the settlers, and now forms part of this town. Of the original seven families who settled old Eastham, only one can be traced to the present territory of Orleans. The homestead sites of Governor Prence and others are easily traced in Eastham, but that of Nicholas Snow, at Namskaket, is the only one definitely on the Orleans side of the division line of 1797. That subsequently there were many more, and that this part of the ancient town rapidly grew to importance, will be gathered from this history.

The early history of the town is inseparable from that of Eastham in the records of that ancient town, as all was under one local government prior to the incorporation of Orleans. The feeling of unrest and neglect to attend the several town meetings of the year, began as early as 1700, and was increased by the vote of a town meeting in 1705, at which the people of Eastham " ordered that every person qualified to vote, dwelling within seven miles of the meeting house,.

who shall not attend at the time appointed, or by the time the meeting is called to order, shall be fined 6d." This proceeding was submitted to the court of quarter sessions at Barnstable and allowed. From this the spirit of the division of old Eastham into another town began. The confines of the town contiguous to Harwich were defined in 1705, leaving a strip upon which the Indians resided. This in 1712 was divided between the two towns and now forms the southwest part of Orleans.

The appropriation of six hundred pounds in 1718 for the erection of a new church, and the resolve to build it near the old one, .caused the residents of this part of the ancient town to ask for a separate parish, the dividing line to be determined by Messrs. Joseph Lothrop and John Baker, of Barnstable, and Elisha Hall, of Yarmouth. In 1723 the South precinct of Eastham, as a parish, controlled its ecclesiastical aflfairs independently of the other parish. This was the wedge that eventually severed the old town in twain.

In 1772 the line between the territory of Old Eastham and the town of Harwich was declared to be: " From the north bounds of Namskaket, thence southerly to a black-oak tree near Baker's pond, with a stone there placed; thence to the southwest part of the pond to a heap of stones in the edge of the pond; thence easterly to a stake and stones near the Chatham road; thence southerly following the road; thence to the southeast in the bay by a rock at the edge of the water; thence to Potanumaquut harbor, as the channel now runs," which is substantially the present boundary.

In 1797 the South precinct, after nearly three-fourths of a century of independent ecclesiastical powers, was incorporated into the town of Orleans, Joseph Pepper being the only selectman left in Eastham by the division, and Hezekiah Higginsand Heman Linnell, the remaining two, resided in Orleans. The act of incorporation of March 3d, authorized Isaac Sparrow, justice of the peace of the old town, to issue his warrant to some principal inhabitant of the new for its first town meeting, and Hezekiah Higgins was selected. This town meeting was held March 16, 1797, at which all arrangements for a separate corporate body were settled, and the bounds defined on the north and south. The boundary between Eastham and Orleans was as follows: " Beginning at the mouth of Rock-harbor river, thence southeasterly by the road that leads by Nathan Smith's dwelling until it comes to the parsonage land; thence northerly on the westerly line of said parsonage lands until it comes to Joshua and Isaac Smith's land; thence easterly in the range between said Joshua and Isaac, and Josiah and Elisha Smith's land until it the line comes to Boat meadow; thence a due east course into the middle of Boat-meadow river; thence up the middle of said river to its head; thence running southerly through the center of the meadow and swamp, along Jeremiah's gutter (so called) into the middle of Town cove; thence down the center of said cove to Stone island; thence an east southeast course into the Atlantic."

The bounds established the same year between Orleans and Chatham were: " Beginning in the southeasterly corner of the town of Harwich in Pleasant bay; from thence running easterly to the northward of Strong island to a stake on Pochet beach, which stake bears S. 75° E. from a black rock situated in the edge of the waters of said bay; and from said stake due east to the sea."

Thus we have defined the limits of Orleans as recorded in its town books, and they remain substantially the same at this date. More plainly, the town is bounded north by Eastham, east by the ocean, south by Chatham and pleasant bay, and west by Harwich, Brewster and the bay. In length it is five miles, and from bay to ocean from three to four. It is twenty-five miles from the court house of the county and ninety from Boston, byland.

The face of the town is quite uneven, but contains no high hills. Its landscape, diversified with uplands, vales, small bodies of water, and numerous inlets of the sea, presents a pleasing appearance. The necks of land between the coves are fertile, and nearly the entire town is under cultivation, yielding corn, rye, vegetables and large quantities of English hay. No large streams have their source within the town, and the most of its rivers and coves are influenced by the tides. Of these a stream west of Barley neck is the largest, being at its mouth one-half mile wide, and emptying into Pleasant bay. On the east of Barley neck are coves communicating with Pleasant bay, and which separate the latter neck and Pochet neck from Nauset beach. Another neck, northeast, nearer the ocean, unites with the others, in forming what is generally called Tonset. A long beach, terminating opposite Chatham, is called Nauset beach. This beach is skirted inside with salt marsh, which is slowly being filled with sand. The islands within Pleasant bay add beauty to the scenery, and of these Pochet, east of Barley creek, is the largest. Sampson's, southwest of the latter, contains thirty acres and much good land. South of this is Hog island, of ten acres, and southerly of this is Sipson's, of twenty acres. Namequoit neck has Higgins' river on the north, and a creek of the same name as the neck on the south. Potanumaquut is the Indian name of the south part of the town. Namskaket creek is in part the dividing line from Brewster, and forms a small harbor. There are salt marshes fringing all these harbors, bays, creeks, and even the islands. These shores and coves are productive in shellfish, sea clam, bass, tautog and eels.

Besides Pleasant bay and its anchorage, the town has Nauset harbor on the northeast, containing several islands, the largest of which is Stone island. Town cove, a harbor for small craft, extends from the last-mentioned harbor southwesterly into the town, forming one of the most beautiful sheets of water in the town. The distance across from this cove to Namskaket is less than two miles. Across this neck, in 1627, was the historical transportation of the crew and goods of the Sparrowhawk by the Indians and Pilgrims. Laden with passengers for Virginia, she was stranded on Nauset beach, south of the -present life saving station, and the Indians, by runners, at once notified the people at Plymouth that some of their countrymen were here in distress. The Pilgrims came across in boats to Namskaket, and the unfortunate voyagers were carried to Plymouth. The stranded vessel subsequently was covered by the drifting sand, and for two was hidden; but in 1863 the hulk was unearthed, taken to Boston and other cities for exhibition, and is now to be seen in Memorial Hall, Plymouth.

New roads were laid out directly after the incorporation of the town, and pains taken to improve the old ones. For the first ten years this was the principal business of the town meetings. One main road had previously been laid out - the one from Eastham to Satucket - which, in 1668, was made to connect with the road along the Cape, and was subsequently the regular county road, being now so known and used, as it runs along the northwest side of Town cove.

Along the roads then in use was a scattered population - mostly in the north and east parts. The names of the settlers who, in the division from the mother town, must lay the foundation of a town that should reach its present importance, were: AtTonset, Dea. Abner Freeman, his brother John Freeman and Jonathan, son of Abner; Josiah and Joseph Crosby, and Josiah Crosby, jr.; John, Jesse, Joseph, Ephraim and Abiel Cole; Freeman, Abishai, Simeon, Moses and Seth Higgins; Freeman Hayden; Moses, Stephen, Zenas, Edmund, Jonathan, Aaron, Micajah and Elnathan Snow; James, Thomas, Josiah and Prince Rogers; Benjamin, Isaac, Josiah, Elkanah, Edmund and Thomas Linnell; Timothy and Azariah Doane; Barnabas, Jonathan and Dea. Prince Twining; Theophilus Mayo; Elkanah, Curtis and Joshua Hopkins; Elisha, Jedediah and Nathaniel Young; Isaac, David, Josiah and Thomas Snow; Isaac and Josiah Sparrow; John, David and Benjamin Taylor; Rev. Jonathan Bascom and Joseph Seabury.

In the central part were: Micah Sherman, Asa, Sylvanus, Eliakim, Elnathan, Hezekiah, Daniel, Thomas, Lot, Samuel and Hatsel Higgins; Jabez, Solomon and Seth Sparrow; Zenas Doane, Arvin Kenrick,

At Potanumaquut, or South Orleans were: Jonathan Kenrick, grandfather of John; Jonathan, father of Alfred Kenrick; Hezekiah Rogers, Dea. Judah Rogers, Richard and Joshua Rogers, sr.; Seth Sparrow, 3d; John Gould, Thomas Robbins, Jedediah Young, Joseph and John Hurd, Uriah Mayo and Joshua Mayo, Joshua Gould, John Sparrow, Seth Sparrow, 2d; Joseph L. Rogers, Reuben Eldredge, Heman Mayo, Judah and James Higgins.

At Skaket were: Josiah and Thomas Freeman, Simeon and Matthew Kingman; Gideon and Heman Snow, John Young, William and Zoeth Smith; Seth, Nathaniel and Major H. Knowles; Simeon Pepper, Yates Nickerson, John Jarvis and John Myrick.

At Rock harbor were: Ralph, Elisha, Lewis and Seth Smith; Heman and Prince Snow, John Knowles, Jonathan Bascom, Nathaniel Nickerson, Absalom and Ralph Higgins; Jonathan, Jonathan F., David and Moses Young; John Harding, and Seth and James Hurd.

These settlers resided in unpretending dwellings, and their number was rapidly increased. Three years later the town had 142 dwellings, of which only five were more than one story high. No villages were scattered throughout the town as now, and one post office sufficed.

In 1797 a pound was erected on land north of Simeon Higgins. That institution, in some form or place, has since been maintained, now being near the town poor house. The poor house was built in 1831, on Pochet neck, east of Town cove. In 1873 a new one was erected back of the Methodist church. To the credit of the town this has been leased as a tenement house for the past three years.

In 1814 a landing place, from the common lands of the proprietors, was located at Rock harbor, and a road connecting it with the village was laid out. At that time the packet lines to Boston started from that side, and for many years the shipping business of the town was centered there. In 1833 the improvement of Rock harbor was attempted. A dam was built across the creek to retain the water, which, it was thought, would deepen the channel by allowing the water to escape at low tide, but after an expenditure of two thousand dollars the project was abandoned.

In 1819 the town contained 289 families, mostly located on the neck adjoining the bay, on the county road, and along the road east of the cove to and including Tonset. The growing population did not escape the epidemic that prevailed in Eastham in 1816, and many died, but the energy of the people and their readiness to combine in assisting who were in need gave the town an unwonted impetus in its prosperity. In 1820 the population was 1,348. At this time the re- maining landsof the Potanumaquutswere sold, and the town received its share of the proceeds. Improvements were undertaken, one of which was the joining with Chatham in digging a channel through the back side of the beach, below Strong island, to benefit the salt meadows, but the labor was lost.

The portion of the surplus revenue received by the town was loaned to individuals for two years on good security, but at the end of that time became a matter of dispute and disagreement. The town used a portion for town expenses, and in 1837 erected their first town house with the other portion. It stood opposite the Universalist church, on land now occupied by the cemetery. This was replaced by a better one in 1873. That year the selectmen, with Jonathan Higgins and Joseph H. Cummings as a building committee, with full powers to select a site and erect the house - all not to exceed five thousand dollars - erected it opposite the soldiers' monument, west of the old one. It was dedicated December 25, 1873, and is a fine building. It is centrally located, with a commanding view.

In 1826 strong measures were taken to suppress the sale and use of spirituous liquors, the selectmen being authorized to refuse all applications for the privilege of its sale, and this has been the course of the town since.

Among the enterprises and industries worthy of mention were the tide mills, of which only relics remain. The piles driven in the construction of the water mill, near Oliver Doane's, are still visible. It was anciently owned by Timothy Cole, but when that or any of them were erected no tradition can tell. The others were in the southwest part of the town - one at Weesquamscut or Arey's pond, built by the ancestors of Captain Arey; and the other at Kesscayogansett or Sparrow's pond, built, as was supposed, by that ancient family whose name the pond bears. Some doubt has been expressed that the latter existed; but the site is shown, and parts of the mill stones are in use as a door stone to the residence of Albert Bassett, and in the wall of Freeman Sparrow's fence, near by. These mills were constructed at an early day, for grinding corn. A narrow neck at the mouth of a pond, into which the tide was forced, was the proper place for these mills. Across this neck a dam was constructed, and the rise of water by the tide was confined, to be let out gradually against a wheel that gave the power for grinding.

The town has had within the century past five wind mills, three of which still do work. That on Mill hill, near the cemetery, was moved from Chatham in 1830 to South Orleans, and in 1870 was moved to its present site - where an old one, 125 years old, was torn down. James H. Arey moved, owns and runs it. Many years ago another, owned by Theophilus Mayo, stood east of this on the same hill, having been moved from Skaket, and which is claimed as the first in the town. The mill near D. L. Young's store belongs to Jonathan Young, William F. Mayo, Joseph K. Gould and Francis and David L. Young. This was moved from the hill at South Orlerns, in 1839, to its present site, where it is doing good service. Isaac Sparrow owned the wind mill now owned by Richard S. Freeman and Captain Joseph Taylor, near Lot Higgins' store. It was built soon after 1800, by Daniel Johnson, to grind salt, and is still serviceable.

Ship-building has not been an industry of the town, except as a schooner of seventy tons was built prior to 1800, at Sparrow's pond in the south part of the town, by Reuben Cole. The timber was cut near by, and the vessel was floated by hogsheads to the deeper water after completion.

The fishing business, in its various departments, has been largely carried on; the town having, in 1837, thirty-three vessels, which employed 264 men, but, as in other towns, it now has little interest. The packet business, of which Edward Jarvis was a pioneer, was extensively carried on between Orleans and Boston; but this business was long ago superseded by other means of transportation.

Churches. - In 1718 it was decided to erect the second meeting house and organize the South parish of Eastham, which is now Orleans, and this is the oldest religious society within its bounds. Samuel Osborn had been called to the pastorate of the Central parish church; but when the new church was completed, he removed to the South parish, and remained until 1738, when he was dismissed.. He was succeeded, in 1739, by Rev. Joseph Crocker, who remained until his death, in 1772. Rev. Jonathan Bascom then became pastor, and served until his death, in 1807. Rev. Daniel Johnson, of Bridgewater, followed, and was dismissed in 1828. The church was supplied by Messrs. Turner, Scovel, Bartley and Boyter until 1835, when Rev. Stillman Pratt was ordained, and continued his labors to April, 1839. Rev. Jacob White commenced his labors in 1841, and continued as stated supply until 1860. The pulpit was supplied by Messrs. Dickinson, White and Tarleton until 1865, when Rev. J. E. M. Wright commenced his labors. He was succeeded, after a few years, by Rev. Charles E. Harwood, who remained ten years. George W. Andrews and H. M. Holmes filled the desk until 1887, when Thomas Bickford was called. After two years Thomas H. Vincent, the present pastor, was settled.

In 1804 the meeting house, the only one then in Orleans, was re.* placed by a larger and better one. The expense of this was more than paid by the sale of pews. This edifice was torn down in 1829 and another erected. Many changes had been made in forms of religious worship. The town purchased a bass viol for the church in

1810, and thirty pounds a year had been paid since 1805 for a singing master to educate the youth. In 1888, a still larger and better edifice being needed, the present one, on the same site, was erected, and dedicated December 30th of the same year.

The Universalist Society was incorporated in 1834. In 1833 dissenters from the old church erected a meeting house for worship. Services had been occasionally held prior to that date. The Rev. Ezekiel Vose, the first regular preacher was ordained in 1834, and succeeded in 1840 by Rev. James G. Burt, who remained until 1843, when Rev. Stillman Barden was settled. He remained until October, 1851, when R. K. Brush filled the pulpit until September, 1853. The same fall Rev. Earl Guilford took the pastorate for two years, succeeded by J. P. Atkinson until 1860. J. H. Campbell followed and remained until the fall of 1863. G. F. Jenks was pastor until 1866, then Edwin White for two years. Mr. Jenks and others followed as supplies, and in 1869 Mr. Willis came. George F. Jenks was recalled in 1871 and was pastor three years, followed by R. S. Pope, 1874^75; W. C. Stiles, 1876-1878; G. W. Jenkins, 1878-1882; J. L. Seabarin, 1883; G. V. Wilson, 1884-1886; Donald Eraser, 1887 to - .

A Reformed Methodist Society was organized and a meeting house erected in 1820. Prior to this date occasional services were enjoyed, several ministers furnished preaching for ten years, but the society declined and the house was closed.

A Baptist Society was instituted in June, 1826, by resident members of the Brewster church - eight in number. In 1828 a convenient edifice was erected in the center of the town. Rev. Otis Wing, who assisted in organizing the society, preached one-third of the time until the fall of 1837. Rev. Winthrop Morse began his pastorate with them in 1829, discontinuing in 1832. Rev. Enoch Chase preached until 1836, succeeded by Rev. Silas Ripley until the fall of 1837. Rev. Jes.se Pease supplied a year, then Rev. Davis Lothrop was pastor for several years. The society commenced to decline, employing ministers and occasional supplies for a number of years until the church was closed.' Their edifice was taken down for other uses in 1889.

Cemeteries. - The few cemeteries of the town are well preserved. The oldest is an Indian burial place at South Orleans - the grounds of the Potanumaquuts. Their meeting house, which stood near by, has been extinct for nearly a century, and its door step is doing service for John Kenrick. A later burying ground for Indians was on the land now owned by the heirs of William G. Nickerson, also at South Orleans.

In 1718, when the South parish meeting house of Old Eastham was erected, a burying ground was laid out near by, which is still carefully guarded by the citizens of Orleans. This is not used; but adjoining it five acres was purchased, January 16, 1850, by enterprising citizens under the organization called the Orleans Cemetery Association, and to this was added, June 13, 1876, nine acres more, forming one of the largest and best managed cemeteries in the county. The officers of the association for 1889 were: Joseph Taylor, president; Joseph Mayo, secretary and treasurer; Samuel Mayo, Joseph W. Rogers, Theophilus H. Hurd and the president and secretary, exofficio, trustees; and Waters Taylor, superintendent. At the east of the Congregational church is a burial place, of which little is known. There is also one near the depot, belonging to the Methodist society, not now used.

Schools. - When the town was organized especial care was taken to institute schools to accommodate the children. In 1713 the territory south of the cove was made one district. In 1797 there were but three vaguely defined sections, that were provided with limited opportunities for acquiring even a common school education. The people of the town, at their first town meeting, voted to divide the town into three definite districts and build a school house in each. The eastern district was to be east of a " line drawn as the road runs from the westerly side of Thomas Mayo's house, along said road to the meeting house; thence northerly to the eastward of Dr. Seabury's." Then " a line drawn from the head of Frostfish cove, running westerly between Sylvanus and Asa Higgins', .still westerly between Elnathan and widow Higgins' and between Ebenezer and Jedediah Young's to the Harwich line," was to define the bounds between the north and south districts. This was succeeded by liberal support in the town meeting votes, and the taxes levied; and for some reason the open town meeting of 1799 " voted that the schoolmasters of the town have the approbation of the ministers and selectmen." Whether this was the manner of ascertaining the qualifications of the several masters, or that the approbation of the clergy and selectmen was necessary to the success of the schools, no one of that date lives to tell. It is enough that the schools flourished thus, endorsed by the church and the state.

In 1819 the districts numbered six, and new school houses had been erected in the new districts. The appropriations of the town kept pace with the needs of the increasing population and the demand for a higher grade of schools. This year the committee to divide the town into districts, was: John Kenrick, John Myrick, Henry Knowles, James Rogers, Daniel Comings and Judah Rogers.

In 1827 an academy was built by a company, upon the present site of the Snow Library building. It had two stories - a school room below and a hall above. Teachers qualified to teach the high branches were employed, and it is said the institution teaching navigation was of importance to those who afterward engaged in seafaring pursuits. Teachers for the town schools were qualified for their work here. It was discontinued soon after 1866, and the building moved, for a dwelling, to a site south of the Congregational church.

In 1834 the town was divided into nine districts and at once more houses were .provided. At this time nine hundred dollars each year was raised for the support of these schools. In 1846 there were ten school districts, with seventeen teachers employed. The number of different scholars in the public schools at this time was 614 - the highest of any school year, and from this year the decrease commenced. In 1850 the valuation of the town was doubled from former years, the same amount was paid for schools, and 407 scholars were given the benefit. In 1866 there were 468 scholars reported in the schools of the year, and in 1859 only 398, with twelve teachers.

In 1873 a high school was instituted in the central building, with Hiram Myers as principal, and from this time the interest in and the standard of the schools rapidly increased. Reports of the standing, attendance, and the amount of expenditures of the schools were first printed and distributed. That year $143.27 was received from the state school fund.

In 1876 the high school gave satisfaction, and the grammar schools numbered four, the primaries three. The attendance of scholars for all the schools for the year was 270. The examination of pupils at the close of each term in all the grades was rigid, giving candidates for admission to the high school an unusually severe test.

The school year ending in 1882 was fraught with changes detrimental, perhaps, to the best interest of the scholars. By a vote of the town meeting the grammar and primary schools of the east and south parts of the town were united to save expense. At this time the decrease in the number of scholars was plainly discernible, for which there were several reasons. The number of different scholars who attended school in 1860-1 was 443, while in 1880-1 it was 235. The sum of $1,900 was raised for the first and $2,400 for the second period given. In the first school year mentioned, fourteen teachers were employed and nine in the latter. The standard of the schools in 1880 was fifty per cent, better than in 1861. In 1882 attendance was largely increased by the enforcement of the truant act, and the income from the state fund was $286.95 - about one hundred dollars increased since 1873 - indicating a higher state of improvement. In 1887 the scholars in attendance had decreased to 184, receiving from the state fund, $311.08.

The ten districts throughout the town, long previous to the establishment of grammar schools, had been consolidated and four large school buildings termed Northwest, Central, East and South schools, with the high school at the center, took their place. On the morning of September 29, 1887, the Central house was burned. This school was continued in the town house until the close of the school year. Another was erected on the site, in which a grammar school was commenced December 16, 1889. The schools of 1888-9 were four grammar departments and four primary, with an attendance of 164 different scholars. The income from the state fund was $304.82, and the school year closed with a report of decided progress. The usual appropriation of the town for its schools is now $2,200 annually. The school committee for 1890-1893 consists of Robert E. Oliver, Joshua H.Smith and Freeman Higgins.

Civil History. - This branch of the history of Orleans, prior to 1797, is inseparable from that of old Eastham. The enactments of the latter governed the present territory of Orleans, from which a large proportion of the officers were chosen. The civil list of Eastham from its incorporation to March, 1797, will be found in Chapter XXII, and by the officers there named the present territory of Orleans was served.

The Indians of Potanumaquut - now the south part of Orleans - had a court and magistracy of their own, established by the general court in 1682.

The people of the town acted in concert with the patriots of other towns during the troubles of the revolutionary war, and the so-called whigs were largely in the ascendency; and in ]80o, after learning of the decease of George Washington, a public service was held, at which the freemen, by a strong vote ordered the oration of Rev. Mr. Bascom to be published. In 1809 the town first made distinct assessments for the support of the ministry, the voters at this time numbering about 120. In 1812 the town passed 139 votes. The political tendency of the town was promptly indicated in 1814, when British cruisers anchored in sight of its shores, threatening destruction unless a certain amount of money was raised. A decisive vote of refusal was given, and every attempt of the enemy to land was repulsed.

In cases of humanity the political parties were united, as was the case in 1816, when the epidemic brought death to many and burdensome bills to others. At this time the vote was unanimous that the town pay the doctors' bills for those persons not able. In 1818 the town, being largely engaged in the manufacture of salt, chose an efficient committee to represent to congress the importance of the continuation of a duty on the importation of this article. During these years the vote of the town was to pay three cents for the head of an old crow, 1^ cents for that of a young one, and three cents a dozen for crows' eggs; for a blackbird's head one cent, and l-J cents for a dozen of its eggs. The shell fish of the coves and ponds of the town were annually protected in the votes of the town meetings, and heavy penalties laid for encroachment from non-residents.

In the town meeting of May 27, 1861, a strong union feeling was shown by adopting a long preamble and seven strong resolutions in which the action of the Southern states was condemned and a promise given to stand by the Union at all hazards.

The widening of old and laying out of new roads, the management of the fisheries, the changes made in the schools and the erection of new poor and town houses have occupied the town meetings of the town for many years. The perambulation of the town boundaries is recorded every few years in the records of the town.

The names of the deputies who served prior to 1797 in the general court may be found in the Eastham chapter, and the names of the representatives from the incorporation of the town of Orleans until 1857, when it formed a district with other towns, are included in the following list, with the year of election and the number of years of service in each case where more than a single year was served: 1798, Simeon Kingman, 5; 1800, Richard Sparrow, 6; 1808, Jonathan Bascom, 4; 1817, Daniel Cummings,7; 1825, John Doane, 4; 1830, John Kenrick, 2; 1831, Sparrow Horton and Elisha Cole, 5; 1833, Thacher Snow, 4; 1834, Elisha Hopkins; 1835, Eben Rogers, 2; 1836, Thomas Mayo; 1837, Edward Barber, 2, and Richard Sparrow; 1838, Luther Snow, 2; 1839, Nathaniel Freeman; 1840, Joshua Doane, 2; 1842, Seth Higgins,2; 1844, Alexander Kenrick, 2; 1849, Thacher Snow; 1850, Leander Crosby, 3; 1854, John Kenrick, 2; 1855, Josiah Freeman, 2; 1857, Chapman Seaburv.

The offices of town clerk and treasurer have been filled by the same person. The year of the first election of the successive incumbents stands recorded thus: 1797, Benjamin Taylor; 1800, Timothy Bascom; 1814, Gideon Snow; 1834, Barnabas Snow; 1840, William P. Myrick; 1850, Jonathan Higgins; 1855, Thomas A. Hopkins; 1861, Thomas Higgins; 1865, Freeman Mayo; and since March, 1889, David L. Young.

Villages. - The village of Orleans, called by its people the Centre, occupies the first settled territory of the town. It embraces Skaket and Rock harbor - parts of the town settled in 1643 by one of the original purchasers. The village has grown westerly around the railroad station in later years; but the principal street winds southeasterly and then easterly, with its beautiful residences and extensive business places on either side, until the post office at East Orleans is reached. There are three villages in the town, with no definite bounds except the natural division of post office conveniences. The churches, town house and cemetery are as convenient for one community as another, and are near the geographical center of the town. In 1797 no village existed here. The establishment of a post office on

The manufacture of salt was commenced about 1800, and was carried on many years by several enterprising citizens. At the head of the Town cove Seth Smith had works, which were subsequently sold to Gideon S. Snow. On the northerly side between them and the Eastham line, were the works of Nathaniel Nickerson and of Jonathan Young, grandfather of D. L. Young. On the southerly side, in 1808, were in full blast the plants of Asa, Elisha and Josiah Hopkins, John Doane, Joseph and Isaac Seabury, and Daniel Higgins. Along the bay between Namskaket and Rock harbor were the works of Edward Jarvis, Blossom Rogers, Joseph Hurd, James Engles, Major Henry Knowles, Joseph G. Sloane, Captain Nathaniel Knowles, Jesse Snow, Captain William Smith, Sparrow Horton, Isaac Knowles, Sears Rogers, Josiah Freeman, Isaac Hopkins, Joseph Atwood, Seth Knowles.Edward, Edmund and Abiel Crosby, and William Myrick. In 1837, fifty plants made 21,780 bushels of salt. These, after furnishing employment for a large number of men, gradually declined and but little salt was made after the middle of the century. Every inducement was given for the encouragement of the enterprise, and we find by the records that not until 1823 was a committee appointed to confer with the owners of these plants in relation to taxing them.

The older taverns of the village usually had a small store connected with them. In 1800 and many years after Major Henry Knowles kept an inn near the present hotels on the county road; and near him in 1829 was the inn, store and stage office kept by Simeon Higgins, who brought the mail by stage from Yarmouth. Near these is the present hotel of W. N. Steele, established in 1882. Abel Shattuck bought of Simeon Higgins about 1852 and opened a tavern, in the house now owned by James Boland. He remained there until the erection of the Shattuck House in 1874, to which he removed. That house was kept by him until his death in 1886, and his wife and son, C. H. Shattuck, ran it until she died in 1887, when it was leased, June 23d of that year, to the present proprietor, George S. Nickerson. The livery business in connection with the house, and adjoining, was commenced by C. H. Shattuck in 1871, near his residence, where he was burned out in 1873. He then purchased a building, moved it to the present site, and refitted it for his extensive business. Another old tavern, mentioned in the town records, was that of Kezia Harding, where the officers went in 1802 to swear in and finish the town meeting.

As early as 1808 Gideon S. Snow had a store on the county road nearly opposite the inn of Major Knowles, and later Barnabas Knowles had another near by. About 1828 Richard Sparrow opened a store in a dwelling house near Cedar pond, and after a term of years sold to his nephew, Nathaniel Atwood, who continued in the same place. In 1861, J. H. Cummings bought the goods, and in 1863 bought a store that he moved to a suitable site near by, where he continued trade until 1878. That year he removed his stock to his present commodious building opposite the Shattuck House.

On the county road near the Town cove, Jonathan Young opened in 1829 a boot and shoe store and manufactory, which he continued on the same corner until 1849, when he enlarged the building and began trade in general merchandise. In 1869 he sold to David L. Young, his son, who continues on the same site in a large store, which he has transformed from the former.

Timothy Bascom had an old store just after the town was established, and Jonathan Bascom had another near where was the oflQce of Esquire Doane. Widow Lucia Snow kept one of those old-fashioned stores on the site of C. H. Shattuck's new residence. These old stores of a hundred years ago, kept usually in dwellings, were very primitive, and their principal groceries were molasses and tobacco, and the current dry goods was mostly rum.

A hardware and tinware store was opened in 1836 on the east side of Main street by Calvin Snow, who continued until 1865, when he sold to Jesse Snow, jr., who discontinued after a few years. In 1867 Aaron Snow built and opened on the depot lot a grain store, which he continued about ten years. It was burned, and J. F. Eldridge erected and continues in the present building on the site. In 1884 W. H. Snow, son of Aaron Snow, opened a store for the sale of grain, coal, flour and hardware on the east side of the street, opposite his father's old grain store, where he continues, and is running a vessel to New York in connection with the business. Thomas S. Newcomb, in 1860, left the sea and opened with his son a hardware and tinware store opposite the present store, near the northern bank of Town cove. In 1883, A. T. Newcomb, the son and present proprietor, purchased the store, and in 1884 moved it across the street, remodeled it to its present proportions, continuing the trade in hardware, paints, oils,, agricultural tools, and the general merchandise of his line.

Captain Sparrow Horton opened a general store on the west side of Main street, which he subsequently sold to Captain Jesse Snow; about 1843 Davis Hurd purchased the business, removing it to the opposite diagonal corner, where he continued until his death.

A drug store was opened in 1880 by Dr. S. T. Davis, near the depot, where he continued until 1883, when he sold to A. N. Chase, who, in the fall of 1889, removed to his fine new building, east side of Main street. Another drug store was opened in the Snow block, near the depot, in 1889, by Dr. Ellis P. Jones. Other places of business are a variety store by Elijah E. Knowles; a confectionery store by Abner Higgins; a shoe store by S. L. Smith; the fancy store by Fannie M. Smith; a produce business by Joshua Hurd, and the store of Joel H. Sparrow's estate, near Cedar pond.

In 1885 John M. Smith was employed in a bakery near the Methodist church, and after acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business, he, in 1887, built the present building near J. H. Cummings' store, where he at once opened on a more extensive scale. In 1889 he pulled down his ovens and built better and larger ones. His two wagons supply Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet.

Josiah Sparrow started a marble factory many years ago, which, after his death, was continued by Thomas A. Hopkins, near the present factory of W. M. Crosby, to whom he sold in 1862. Mr. Crosby carried on the business in the shop in the orchard until after he had purchased his present residence, and in 1886 remodeled the old store into a suitable shop and salesroom, where he continues.

Warren H. Hopkins started a carriage manufactory, in 1867, on the county road west of the Shattuck House, where he continues in all branches of the business.

In 1873 Joseph H. Cummings and William H. Howes, under the firm name of Cummings & Howes, engaged in the manufacture of shirts, overalls and pants, in the store building near Cedar pond.. Their increasing business led to the erection of the present store building, occupied by Mr. Cummings, to which the manufactory was removed in 1878. A wing was subsequently built on the west to accommodate the business, then an addition in the rear, and then the east wing was built. The skating rink near by was next purchased, and in October, 1888, their manufactory was removed to that more suitable structure. They discontinued the making of shirts and overalls, as their other work for jobbers increased. From fifty to seventyfive sewing machines have been kept running, and during December, 1889, fifty more were added. The establishment is now run by steam power, and furnishes employment for 125 to 200 people. For two and a half years prior to September, 1888, all the pants of the Plymouth Rock Pants Company were made at this factory. Since that time Cummings & Howes have made here all the goods put on the market by the Bunker Hill Pants Company, and have built up a large trade with the clothing jobbers in nearly every state in the Union.

In 1885 Aaron Snow built the block north of the railroad track for a wholesale pants factory for John Wilson, who was succeeded in the business in 1888 by George F. Snow, son of Aaron, who continues. From twenty-five to thirty-five hands are employed, according to season, and over one hundred families of this and adjoining towns are supplied with work outside of the factory.

The only wharf along Town cove is one erected in 1879 by Aaron Snow, in the rear of his residence. About forty years ago he started in the fishing business - one of the first to build or purchase a fiveton, schooner-rigged vessel - and within a few years a fleet of twentytwo similar vessels went from the cove. The decrease of the profits of the business led to its discontinuance.

The old academy had a hall that accommodated the town until the erection of the town house. The present house has a large and pleasant hall on the second floor. In 1882 Aaron Snow erected the block near the depot, in which is a large hall. Higgins' Hall is in the block opposite the depot, and Mechanics' Hall is next west of the Shattuck House. These furnish suitable meeting places for the societies, and the town hall for all public, religious and social occasions.

A post oflSce was established here soon after the town was incorporated. Tlie first postmaster, Simeon Kingman, was appointed July 1,1800. He was followed by Jonathan Bascom, July 1, 1807. The next incumbent, appointed October 18, 1819, was Daniel Johnson, with David Taylor as assistant, who kept the office at his dwelling. Taylor was appointed postmaster October 14, 1828, and was succeeded May 8, 1834, by Elijah Knowles, who was followed by Rufus L. Thatcher April 22, 1837. Simeon Higgins was appointed September 1, 1837, and held the position until June 11, 1841, when Sparrow Horton was appointed. May 4, 1847, Matthew Kingman was appointed, and was followed by Betsey D. Knowles November 10, 1848. Leander Crosby, appointed January 7, 1851, was the next postmaster, and he was followed by Edward Barber in 1858. Azariah Snow was appointed postmaster in 1861, and kept the office near the Library building. At his death his daughter, Eliza A. W. Snow, received a commission, serving until 1866, when her sister, Amelia Snow, was appointed. She held the office until January, 1885, when Amos O. Hurd was appointed. It is now kept by Heman F. Atwood in a building on the east side of the street, near the railroad station. From this office a daily mail is conveyed to the offices at East and South Orleans.

In this village is one of the best libraries of the county, established in 1877, through the munificence of David Snow, of Boston, a native of this town. The deceased gave five thousand dollars to the town to establish a library if a suitable building should be secured for its use. The present fine edifice was erected in 1877, and across its front may be seen in modest characters - The Snow Library Building. The school committee formerly were the trustees of the fund, of which four thousand dollars remains; but by a law of 1888 trustees are now elected. From the interest of this fund an average of one hundred volumes are annually added to the shelves. The number of volumes in 1890 was 2,110, from which the reading public aggregate four

We find here an unusual interest manifested in social and benefit societies. One is Friendship Council, No. 19, O. U. A. M., instituted July 2, 1881, with fifty-five members. None but American born citizens are eligible, and to its social interest can be added a sick benefit and insurance. The society meets in Mechanics' Hall.

The Order of the Iron Hall was established February 15, 1887, with twenty-six members. It is a benefit and social organization of growing strength, numbering forty-six members in 1889. Prior to December last the society had paid $760 in benefits. In 1887 Simeon L. Smith was chief justice and James Smith, vice. In 1888 James Smith was elected chief, which office he held in 1889, with Alvin Smith, vice.

The Sisterhood Branch of Iron Hall is a ladies' organization of the same society, established January 15, 1889, with thirty-eight charter members.

A side degree of the Order of United American Mechanics, for American-bom ladies and gentlemen, was instituted April 14,1881, as United Council, No. 6, Daughters of Liberty. Its workings are similar to the parent society. Elections are held semi-annually. The place' of meeting is Mechanics' Hall.

Morning Star Lodge, No. 416, K. and L. of H., was instituted March 18, 1881. The officers are elected semi-annually. The first presiding officer was Joseph H. Cummings, for three terms.

The eldest society is the Knights of Honor, instituted April 21, 1879, as No. 1,656. The officers were at first elected semi-annually, and since 1882, annually. The first dictator was Joseph H. Cummings. Thomas Smith served in 1880 and the first half of 1881, the year being completed by David L. Young. The years 1882-83 by Eldridge F. Small; 1884, by W. H. Howes; 1886, John Kenrick, jr.; 1886, Simeon L. Smith; 1887-88, Joseph Mayo; 1889, Sparrow Higgins. Doctor Davis is the medical examiner of this as well as four other societies. Place of meeting, Higgins' Hall.

Another society of local, mutual insurance, called the Nauset Council, 939, Royal Arcanum, was instituted December 14, 1886. It has twenty-seven members. The officers when instituted were: Samuel E. Mayo, R.; Amos Sherman, V. R.; Sylvanus L. Eldridge, O.; Dr. S. T. Davis, P. R.; Daniel M. Smith, S.; James F. Eldridge, C; Francis M. Smith, T.; John W. Howes, chap.; Wallace A. Smith, G., and Charles A. Jones, S.

Each of the three churches has a benevolent society composed of ladies. These are productive of much good in the support and aid of worthy objects. Articles of incorporation have been issued to the

Progressive Lyceum Association, of which Celia M. Nickerson is president and Eliza L. Rogers treasurer. The object of the association is to establish and maintain places for libraries, reading rooms and social meetings. This village, with its manufactories and other industries, is not so seriously affected by the decline of the fisheries as some others, and continues its solid prosperity.

East Orleans is in the eastern part of the town, with a division line from the main village, just east of the Congregational church. It includes the several communities of Tonset,Weesit - the extreme northern part of the neck, - Pochet and Barley neck. Its territory embracs a large portion of the most fertile land of the town, sloping northerly toward Nauset harbor and southerly toward Pleasant bay. Reference to the settlers here in 1797, as described in the commencement of this chapter, will show that this territory was quite early settled.

The salt manufacturers here at an early day were: Lewis Doane, Joseph Crosby, Josiah Sparrow, Zoeth Taylor, Elkanah Linnell, who were located on Nauset harbor and Barley neck; and William Myrick, who had a plant at the head of tide water near Lot Higgins' store. The wind mill near there was originally used for grinding salt.

Old stores were opened here as early as in any part of the town by Josiah Foster, Elisha Hopkins and others. Isaac Sparrow had a store before 1825, which he conducted several years. Before Sparrow discontinued William Myrick opened another east of the church, which he sold to Freeman H. Myrick, who after a score of years sold out to Lewis Doane. It was then kept on the north side of the street opposite the present post oflBce. Leander Crosby became a partner and the business was conducted under the firm name of Doane & Crosby. A few years subsequently Doane sold to Crosby, and he in 1858 to Lot Higgins, who moved the store to its present site and there continues in trade. The store was enlarged by adding to its front before it was removed.

Elisha Hopkins started a store here prior to 1855, which after -^ few years he sold to Samuel Hopkins. In 1854 Aaron Snow started a small store near the Hopkins store and in a few years purchased the goods and building of his neighbor, Samuel Hopkins. He consolidated the two stores and continued in the business until 1875, when he sold the goods to his brother, Elkanah L. Snow, who continued the business in the same building until in 1884, when he purchased a millinery store near the head of the cove, on the Knowles place, which he moved to East Orleans. This he remodeled into his present place of business. In 1889, Lot Higgins and Elkanah L. Snow were the only tradesmen in East Orleans.

His predecessors in the oflBce were: Seth Sparrow, 3d, appointed January 19, 1835; Lewis Doane, jr.. May 9, 1843; Leander Crosby, March 8, 1847; Freeman Doane, November 30, 1848, and Leander Crosby, appointed July 11 , 1859.

We find here the oldest library in the town. It was kept in the central village prior to the organization of the Snow library, when it was removed here. It contains sixteen hundred volumes, and has a small, suitable building. It was organized December 10, 1854, as the Orleans Library Association. Isaac Doane was for years its first president, succeeded by Joseph Taylor for many years. Calvin Snow is now the president, with Emma J. Linnell secretary and treasurer. The executive committee in 1889 consisted of Joseph Taylor and Dr. B. F. Seabury. Six young ladies act as librarians - each in succession: Winnie Hopkins, Julia Cummings, Mary Mayo, Susie Knowles, Emma J. Linnell and Lettie Cole.

There are no lodges or societies here, but the residents are more or less -connected with those of the main village. East Orleans is in fact only a continuation of the same village with the meeting houses quite as near, and the town house contiguous. Joseph Mayo, the undertaker of the town, has his rooms east of the Congregational church in the west bounds of East Orleans.

In this vicinity is the ofl&ce of Benjamin C. Sparrow, superintendent of the Second division of the U.S. life saving stations, one of which is on the beach east of the post ofl&ce.

This village, scattered over Tonset and Pochet, has attractions for the lover of rural beauty, and the summer visitor here finds the ocean and its grandeur in the midst of a most hospitable people.

South Orleans embraces the territory formerly a portion of the Indian community Potanumaquut. The purchasers' lands formerly included the territory, and it was part of the old town of Harwich. The east bounds of the Indian territory mentioned extended from Namskaket southeasterly to Kesscayogansett pond - since known as Sparrow's pond. That part of the town south of this line has been designated as South Orleans, but the division line between this and the main village is a little north of the pond. There are yet extant in the soil the mementoes of this unfortunate race, and the residents often find them. John Kenrick and Freeman Sparrow each has a fine collection of arrows, hatchets, pestles and other stone implements found here.

The surface is quite uneven, with banks sloping toward Pleasant bay and its numerous inlets. The territory was settled as early as 1693 by Edward Kendrick, ancestor of the Kenricks. At that date he bought one hundred acres of John Sipson, sachem, with the priv- ilege of cutting wood on any lands owned by said sachem. In 1713 Samuel Mayo and Joshua Hopkins took a deed of a large tract north of the former, and of these tracts the descendants, not only hold the original deeds, but some branches of the respective families reside on -parts of the same land. Its settlement was subsequent to other portions of the old towns of Harwich and Eastham, for the Indians reserved it till the last sold.

Salt was manufactured by the evaporation of sea water soon after the business had been commenced elsewhere. Thomas and Joseph Arey, Nathaniel and Thomas Gould, Asa and Adna Rogers, Thomas Mayo, John Kenrick, Henry Kendrick, Thomas Eldridge, Eliakim and Thomas Higgins were among the several who had plants around the ponds and coves of that territory. The oldest tavern here was opened about 1800, and was continued many years by Thomas Linnell, who to the taste of the public. There are none now.

The village needed a post office, and in 1829 the inhabitants asked the assistance of the selectmen in establishing one, which was opened in 1835, with Seth Sparrow, 3d, as postmaster. After his death his son, Beth Everett Sparrow, was appointed, July 17, 1862, and held the -office a few years; and September 9, 1865, John Kenrick, the present incumbent, was appointed, who, like the former officials, has the office in a store.

There were early stores here, one of which was owned by Dea. Judah Rogers, south of where John Kenrick resides. Asa Higgins liad one in 1820 and prior near the pond, north of the present post office, where Fred Percival resides. Elisha Hopkins started a store soon after 1800, and prior to 1830 he sold to Seth Sparrow, 3d - where the first post office was kept. He was succeeded by Seth E. Sparrow, who sold to John Kenrick in 1865. Mr. Kenrick erected a store in 1840 across the road, and after about ten years sold to Seth Sparrow, 3d, who combined the business, moving the building to the site now occupied by Warren Sparrow as a residence. When Mr. Kenrick purchased, he removed the building to its present site, and, adding to it, has made his present commodious place of business. Mr. Ryder had an old store here early in this century; and, later, about 1830, Israel Linnell had one south of the present post office. These were discontinued prior to 1840.

Agricultural pursuits are mostly followed by its inhabitants. It is a chosen spot for summer resorts, and is destined to become important. The sloping banks of Pleasant bay, in which, and in its tributaries and coves, the best of fishing abounds, the wooded knolls and healthful breezes render the territory a conspicuous site for pleasure .seekers. The land about Weesquamscutt and Namequoit points to the extent of three hundred acres has already been purchased for cottages by Boston gentlemen, and on Namequoit point John Kenrick and his son have a large tract upon which cottage building has commenced. The high lands of South Orleans have been planted with growing trees of diflFerent varieties, but mostly pine and larch, which add to its beauty. Hundreds of acres have been thus utilized by the residents, John Kenrick having planted over one hundred acres for his portion of the task. This hamlet is on the direct road to Chatham and Harwich, and has many attractions for the tourist.