Barnstable County, Massachusetts - Town of Harwich, 1890 (part 1 of 2)

Town of Harwich

Incorporation. - Description. - Natural Features. - Division of the Land. - The Settlers. - The Fisheries. - The Salt Industry. - Cranberry Culture. - Religious Societies. - Official History. - Schools. - The Villages and their Various Institutions.- Biographical Sketches.

HARWICH was incorporated September 14, 1694. It then extended across the Cape from shore to shore, joining on the west old Yarmouth, on the east old Eastham and the territory of Monomoyick, now Chatham, and comprising what is now Brewster and a considerable part of the present Orleans. In 1772 the part known as Potanumaquut, but now South Orleans, was set off to Eastham - Harwich assenting - by the general court; and in 1803 the north part, then known as the North parish, after a long and somewhat bitter contest, was set off into a township, and, in deference to the memory of Elder William Brewster of the Ma}'/ower ha.nd of Pilgrims, whose descendants were numerous in the place, as well as in other of the lower Cape towns, was called Brewster. Thus shorn of more than half of its original territory, Harwich is yet a good sized township, having an area of more than twenty square miles and containing, according to last census, 2,783 inhabitants. The town derived its name from Harwich, an old maritime town in Essex county, England, lying about sixty miles northeast of London. Who suggested the name has been, and is yet a matter of inquiry.

Harwich, as it is now constituted, and to which the following pages of history relate, is bounded on the east by Chatham and Pleasant bay, on the south by the ocean, on the west by Dennis and on the north by Brewster. The surface of the town, though somewhat uneven, is more level than that of some of the other towns in the county. The greater portion of it yet remains in an uncultivated state, covered with a small growth of oak and pine. The soil is mostly light and sandy, but quite productive when fertilizing substance is freely used, and the season favorable. It is free from rocks -or bowlders of any considerable size, and consequently is easy to cultivate.

The ponds in the town are somewhat numerous, several of which are large and their waters clear and pure. Seymour's or Bang's pond, Long pond. Bush Beach pond and Grass pond are a chain of ponds that lie! between the town and Brewster - the dividing line passing through the center of each. Long pond, or the "Great Long pond," as called by the early settlers^ is the largest, and is about six miles in circumference. Two small streams have their rise in it. One runs in a southwesterly course and empties into Hinckley's pond, while the other in a westerly course empties into Seymour's or Bang's pond. Alewives pass up the former stream into Long pond to spawn. In former times there was a small stream that flowed out of the pond across the road into Seymour's or Bang's pond, a short distance southwesterly of the house of Cyrus Gaboon.

Seymour's or Bang's pond is a large and clear sheet of water a very short distance westerly of Long pond. Near it on the hill, many years since, lived an Englishman by the name of John Seymour, who was by occupation a tanner, and from whom the pond received its name. After his death John D. Bangs occupied the place; since his occupancy it has sometimes been called Bangs' pond. Not far from the pond in a southwesterly direction near the foot of a high hill is the site of the last meeting house of the Sauquatucket Indians.

Not far south of Seymour's pond is Herring or Hinckley's pond, the source of Herring river. This is the largest pond that lies wholly within the limits of the town. On the north side of this pond was the farm of John Sequattom, the Christian Indian, and on the east the farm of Thomas Hinckley. Prior to Hinckley's settlement here, the pond was known as Herring pond, since then Hinckley's pond. It is now sometimes called Pleasant lake.

Briggs' pond, situated in the Paine neighborhood, is a large, clear sheet of water. In the records of land bearing date 171 3, it is deneminated " the pond southward of Benjamin Philips." Not far north of its shore stood Benjamin Philip's house, and afterward the house of his son, Oaker, a soldier in the French and Indian wars. The sites of the houses are yet marked by the house of James T. Smalley. Some six rods in a northwesterly direction from the pond, on the south side of the Queen's road, is pointed out the site of the house which was burned on the afternoon of May 24, 1757, and in which Mrs. Dolly Eldridge perished attempting, in a distracted state, to save her bed.

Next in size is Mill pond, situated a short distance to the eastward. It has a white sandy bottom, and the water is clear and pure. Its shore, for the most part, is covered with pebbles or small bowlders. On the high ground, on the north side of the pond formerly stood Walker's wind mill, which was unroofed in the great gale of 1816, and some years afterward removed to the eastward of the Saltwater pond and put up. Lieutenant Zachariah Smalley, an early settler, lived a short distance from the northeast part of the pond, and owned a large tract of tillage land adjoining.

Among the ponds of smaller size are Walker's pond, Wolfhill pond, Bassett's pond and Clark's pond in the northerly part of the town; Berry's or Sand pond and Flax pond in the westerly part of the town, and Grass pond. Saltwater pond and Skinnequit pond in the southerly part. Grass pond is the source of Cold brook, which empties into Andrew's river. It was called by the settlers Crooked pond, and by the Indians Woonkepit. It is very shallow with a muddy bottom. The greater part of it has within a few years been converted into cranberry land. Saltwater pond - a good harbor for boats - lies a short distance from the seashore westward of Andrew's river and has an outlet to the sea. It is twenty feet deep and about 180 rods in circumference. It was called by the early settlers Oyster pond. Skinnequit pond is the source of a small stream of the same name which empties into Red river. It is situated in South Harwich. It is visited by the alewives in the spawning season. John Skinnequit, an Indian, owned land on the east side of the pond and river, and had his cabin near by, before 1692, at which date he sold most of his territory to Jeremiah Howes of Yarmouth.

The most important of the few rivers in town - are Herring river, Andrew's river. Red river and 'Coys brook. Herring river is the largest. It flows out of Herring or Hinckley's pond in a southwesterly direction through the village of North Harwich, and through West Harwich into the Vineyard sound. On each side of the river, for a long distance from its mouth, is a tract of meadow from which have been yearly taken large quantities of salt and fresh hay. The general name of the tract is Herring River meadow. In former years portions of the tract bore the names of " Boreman's Meadow," "Berry's Meadow," "Gage's Meadow," "Hall's Meadow," " Pog's Meadow," " Paine's Meadow," and " Boggy Meadow." Some years since an attempt was made to improve the meadow, and a tide gate was erected at considerable expense to keep out the tide water, but it proved unsuccessful. Alewives visit this river, but not in so large a number as formerly. The taking of alewives in the river is regulated by special laws. The town obtained control of the alewive fishery here in 1787. The last vessel built in town was built on this river at West Harwich.

Andrew's river is a small stream that rises in the swamps at the place called by the Indians Poonpit. The course of the river is southerly to the sea. For some distance from its mouth northward extends a large body of marsh, from which is taken yearly salt and fresh grass in large quantities for provender for cattle. In the middle of the marsh, after various windings, Cold brook, the stream that rises in Grass pond and is fed by the many swamps on its borders, unites. On both branches of these streams in former days were grist mills - sites of which are yet pointed out. The swamps through which these streams run have been converted into valuable cranberry lands. The river took its name from Andrew Clarke, an early resident, who owned large tracts on both sides, and lived near by. Cold brook, the tributary to Andrew's, is valuable to cranberry growers in flowing, and draining adjacent swamps.

Red river is a small muddy stream in the southeastern part of the town, issuing from the swamps just above the marsh to the northward and flowing southwardly into the sea. It forms a boundary between this town and Chatham in that vicinity. The Indians called the stream Maspatucket. Skinnequit's farm adjoined it on the west. It runs through a large tract of marsh from which is taken yearly many tons of good salt and fresh hay. The Skinnequits river is tributary to it. The Harwich and Chatham factory was erected on the stream in 1824, but was soon removed to North Harwich in consequence of the small supply of water.

Coys brook is a tributary to the Herring river, and rises in what was known some years since as Bridge swamp, north of R. M. Moody's house. It is a narrow stream with a muddy bottom, and flows into the Herring river near Bell's neck. In its course to unite with the waters of the Herring river, it passes through extensive tracts of cranberry land, which a few years since were valueless swamps. The brook took its name, undoubtedly, from John Mecoy, who had land granted him, "both upland and meadow," in 1667, within some distance of the river, in what has been denominated the Hall neighborhood. An island in the meadows north of Boardman's or Boreman's island, was before 1680 called "John 'Coy's island." This island was probably the one now known as Hall's. Mention of Coy's brooks in deeds appears as early as 1695. Water of several small ponds, besides Beriah's and Walker's ponds, now unite with the stream - an opening having been made to the chain of ponds for draining purpo.ses in the cultivation of cranberries. On the west side of the river, near where the " great western " road crosses, is the site of the grist mill once owned by Benjamin Nickerson. Some distance west passed the line of the Wings, Dillingham, Winslow and others, separating their land from that belonging to the "Purchasers or Old Comers," their heirs or assigns. This boundary was known to the early residents as "Wing's line."

The town has about 4^ miles of sea coast stretching from Dennis to Chatham and about 1^ miles of bay shore at East Harwich, stretching from Orleans to Chatham, but no good harbor. The few inlets are small in size, the most important - aside from Saltwater pond, which has already been noticed - being Allen's harbor, Muddy cove and Short or Round cove.

Allen's harbor, so called, situated about four hundred rods eastward of the mouth of the Herring river, was formerly known as Gray's pond and harbor. It is a shallow, muddy bottom pond, with a narrow outlet to the sea. Into it flows a narrow stream that rises in the lowland eastward of the house of Abiathar Doane. Around the harbor is a tract of marsh which yields yearly tons of salt hay. On the west side of the outlet is " Nohauts " or " Nohorns " neck, where,, at the early settlement of the town, Indians resided. Large numbers of arrow heads have been found here from time to time, as well as other stone implements used by the aborigines in their time of quietness, when no white man had visited these parts. On the east side of the pond or harbor was the old worn-out planting land of the Indians, which, as early as 1692, was denominated as the " Mattacheeset field."" In this field, not far distant from the outlet, terminated the " antient line " from Bound brook, between the town of Yarmouth and the land of the " Purchasers or Old Comers," agreed upon in 1641, and which remained the line oT Yarmouth until 1681, when the line from Bound brook on the north side was changed to the west side of Herring river, and which is now the line between Harwich and Dennis. In 1692 old trees were standing that bore marks of the line of 1641 in this vicinity. The old Indian fields extended easterly from this place on the banks of the sea shore to the Oyster pond, or as now called Saltwater pond.

Muddy cove, or Long cove as it is sometimes called, lies partly in this town. The center of it from the place called the " Eel Weir " toits mouth at Pleasant bay, is the boundary between Harwich and Chatham. In length it is more than a mile. In many places it is narrow and shallow. Some marsh borders the cove on both sides, which is covered at very high tides. Across the mouth of the inlet is the Wading Place bridge, which connects the two towns. In former times, when the Indians were numerous, they forded the river here, in their passage from one town to the other. Near the boundary stone where the tide gate has been put in, is the site of an eel weir of the Indians. At this point the river hugs the upland closely. On the west side of the cove, near the house of Hiram Nickerson, is the site of the house of captain Joseph Nickerson, the first white settler, so far as is known, in this part of the town, and near by, to the northward, the site of the hou.se of William Long, the ancestor of the Long family of Harwich. Joshua Jethro, a Christian Indian, lived for many years, after the beginning of the eighteenth century, a short distance northwesterly from the mouth, upon the farm purchased

Round cove, or Short cove, as it is called in old records, lies northward of Muddy cove, on the west side of Pleasant bay. It is now a haven for boats. On the west bank was the boundary between the Quasons and Sipsons, and the site of the cabin of Isaac James, an Indian of note. Many springs of water are found around the cove. The Indians called the locality north of it Wequaset. The first white settler near the cove was Thomas Freeman. The house of the late W. S. Eldridge marks the site. The last salt works in the town stood on the banks of the cove. About one-third of a mile in a westerly direction, on high ground covered with a growth of young oaks, is the burying ground of the Indians who resided in the vacinity. A few years since the writer was shown several places where tradition says Indians were buried. Isaac James and most of his family found resting places here, it is reported. Some of the graves were marked with small bowlders, well sunk into the earth. Mr. James was a good citizen, and was much respected by all who knew him. He had several children, but he survived them all.

The territory which constitutes the township, with the exception of a large tract in the southwestern part of the town, bordering on each side of the Herring river, yielded by Yarmouth upon establishing a new line in 1681, is the south part of the tract selected for a plantation by the " Purchasers or Old Comers " and granted to them upon the surrender of the patent March 2, 1640-41. The whole territory extended from " sea to sea " across the Cape, or the " neck of land " as the record has it, " from the bounds of Yarmouth three miles to the eastward of Namskaket." The first line established between the reservation and Yarmouth was in June, 1641, by a committee appointed by the colonial court, viz.: Captain Miles Standish, Edward Winslow. John Brown and Edmund Freeman. It commenced at Bound brook, called by the Indians Shuckquam, where the Brewster and Dennis line now commences, and extended a southeasterly course, eastward of Hall's meadows, terminating at a point in "Mattacheeset field," on the east side of Aliens harbor, near the bank by the sea shore.

The change of the line, which was effected through the efforts of John Wing, sr., John Dillingham, Kenelm Winslow and associates, the proprietors of land at Sauquatuckett, now West Brewster, and also of land west of the old line in North Harwich, and west side of the Herring river at West Harwich, gave to the territory now Harwich a tract of several thousand of acres, embracing meadow, cedar swamps and timber land, which at the time had not all been purchased of the Indians. By the settlement, these proprietors were allowed to secure the extinguishment of the Indian titles to land unsold, and they very soon applied themselves to the work. Sachemas, the sachem of Sauquatuckett laying claim to a tract between the old line and Herring river, which parted his land from Napaitan's heirs now in possession of Wings and associates, February 16, 1689-90, quitted all claim to unsold land within the following boundaries: "Beginning upon the middle of Satuckett mill dam and from thence ranging upon a straight line due south till it comes to the south sea; and from thence ranging along the sea side westerly to the middle of the Herring River mouth, which is the bounds between Sachemas and Napaoitan, and from thence ranging northerly along the middle of the. River, as the river runneth, to a marked tree which stands by said river side near to John Bell's house, which is the bounds between sd. Sachemas and said Nappaitan; and from thence ranging northerly to a marked tree which stands at the head of the uppermost great pond which is the bounds between sd. Sachemas and said Napaoitan; and from thence ranging northeasterly through the middle of the sd. Satuckett pond to sd. Satuckett mill dam which is the first bound first mentioned."

The purchased lands within the limits of the territory above described was the tract he had conveyed to Edward Sturgis and his two sons, lying on the west side of the old line, and embracing nearly all the land to the Herring river; the tract which " Gershom Hall settled upon;" the tract sold to Thomas Boardman, and the tract held by Captain Daniel, the Indian warrior at Sauquatuckett. The first three of these tracts lie in Harwich. The tract " Gershom Hall settled upon " extended northerly from the meadows up to the Queen Anne's road, and embraced a large tract. Much of it is yet in the hands of his descendants. The tract of Thomas Boardman, or " Boreman," as he was sometimes called by the settlers, was on the north side of the Herring river, in what is now North Harwich. It adjoined a river on the northeast and the Queen's road on the southwest. It was laid out to Boardman in 1696, but there appears no evidence that he attempted a settlement upon it. The old line of the purchasers passed not far eastward of the tract.

Besides Napaitan's heirs, and Sachemas, the Indian sachem of Sauquatuckett, the Quasons and Sipsons, Indians, were large land holders in the town. The Quasons, sons and daughters of John Quason, and grandchildren of Mattaquason, the sachem of Monomoyick, held rights to the greatest portion of the place. Their land embraced the tract between Long pond and the sea shore from the old line of the purchasers eastward to Sipson's line, which line extended from a point at Short cove, near a place by them called Wequassett, northwesterly to Bush beach, near the boundary stone between Har- wich and Brewster. From time to time they disposed of their rights to friendly Indians, and such of the whites having authority from the proprietors of the reserve to purchase. The right at last to purchase of them their unreserved land in the reservation of the purchasers having passed into the lawful possession of John Cole, Joshua Hopkins, Daniel Cole, jr., Nicholas Snow and Nathaniel Doane, of Eastham, and Stephen Hopkins, Prence Snow and John King, of Harwich, on the 18th of May, 1711, purchased of John Quason, Joseph Quason, Samuel Quason, Josephus Quason, Sarah Pompmo, Bettie Nopie and Wawhanama, wife of Little James, all lawful sons and daughters (together with Jeremiah Quason, late deceased), of John Quason, deceased, " living in Eastham, Harwich, Monomoy and Yarmouth," all their unreserved land within the following described territory: " Beginning at a marked tree marked by the bank of a place called Wequassett, near Short Cove; from thence running northerly by the Sipson's range to the easterly end of Long Pond; thence running westerly by said Long Pond to the Herring Pond; and from the sd. Herring Pond southerly by the brook or river that runs out of the Herring Pond to the main sea; thence running easterly by sd. sea to- Monomoy bounds near the Red River; thence northeasterly to the head of Muddy Cove, and so by the river that runs out of sd Muddy Cove, and so to the first specified bounds;" together with (their right to) the " Great Beach lying between Monomoy and the main sea, extending eastward and westward as far as our said deceased father, John Quason, his right did extend, with all meadows and sedge ground adjoining and every wise thereto belonging, from Sandy Point home to Sipson's bounds," with their Island in Pleasant Bay " called Chochpenacot Island,* lying between sd. Monomoy and the Great Beach."

The reservations which they made in their deed were: a tract of twenty acres for John Quason; thirty acres for Josephus Quason; thirty acres for Samuel Quason, and twenty acres for Joseph Quason,. " over and above what he holds in partnership with Little James," and " to be laid out to them between the Wading Place and Joseph Nickerson's house, to them their heirs and signs forever." Having hitherto conveyed many acres within the boundaries described in their deed, they desired that such tracts that had been " purchased according to the true meaning of the laws of the Province " should be excepted, and the grantees not to be disturbed as to their titles.

The proprietors, upon coming in possession of the valuable tract, for which only the sum of eight pounds was paid to extinguish the title, found, as they probably had expected, hundreds of acres within the limits of the boundaries above given, in possession of purchasers.

who had "purchased according to the laws of the Province," and also many acres in the possession of parties who had no title. Seme of these squatters were obstinate, and gave the proprietors some trouble. The first meeting of the proprietors of the Quason land, who had now somewhat increased in numbers, was held, according to their record, March 24, 1713-14. After choosing Nicholas Snow, clerk, made choice of "Thomas Atkins, Stephen Hopkins, Joshua Hopkins, John Gray, Joseph Doane and Nicholas Snow, a committee to lay out their lands, or so much thereof by them might be found convenient, into lots or shares, in order for to be cast, so that each proprietor may have his just and equal proportion of sd. land '"; also " to settle bounds with particular men that butted on sd land according to right and justice." They were authorized " to rectify the mistakes in the bounds of Joseph Quason's lot," laid out to him "towards Muddy Cove," and to aid in bounding the "fifty acres of land and meadow of Joseph Nickerson at the Muddy Cove, to the contents of his deed thereof "; also " to hear the claim and challenges " of those that " claim land within the boundaries " which, if "in their wisdom shall find to be just," settle the claims by setting out to each claimant a parcel of land " where the committee find reasonable." Thomas Atkins, of Chatham, was chosen an agent "to sue and prosecute " those " who presumed to cut timber, wood or fencing stufif " upon any part of their land.

The committee chosen to lay out the land into lots met at the house of Nicholas Snow, situate in what is now Brewster, April 19, 1714, with the proprietors, and reported " that they had laid out twenty lots of land " on the " southerly of the road which goes from Chatham to Yarmouth, and also twenty lots" on the "northerly side of sd. road, between sd. road and the great Long Pond." After mutually agreeing "to draw for their lots," they proceeded to the work. The first lot, in the north section, lying in East Harwich, on the westerly side of the road to Brewster, and bounded on the southeast by the lot set out to Menekish, and on the northerly end by the Long pond, was drawn by John Gray. Then proceeding, John Cole drew the second, which laid on the west side of the first, Joseph Doane the third. Captain Joseph Harding the fourth, Stephen Hopkins the fifth, Joseph Nickerson the sixth, John King the seventh, Micaijah Snow the eighth, Stephen Hopkins the ninth, Benjamin Philips the tenth. Captain Edmund Freeman the eleventh, Seth Taylor the twelfth, Nathaniel Doane and Israel Doane the thirteenth, Joshua Hopkins the fourteenth, Nicholas Snow the fifteenth, Lieutenant Jonathan Howes and partners the sixteenth, Elisha Hopkins and Joseph Cole the seventeenth, Thomas Atkins the eighteenth, Prence Snow the nineteenth, and Thomas Clarke the twentieth. The twentieth lot adjoined on the west the old road from Brewster to Coy's brook, on the north the land of John

Upon drawing for lots in the south division, which is the tract between the Queen's road and road from Coy's brook to Chatham, the first lot - stretching between the two roads, adjoining the Chatham line on the east - fell to Joseph Doane, Esq.; the second, lying westerly, fell to John Cole; the third lot to Jonathan Howes and partners, the fourth to Micaijah Snow, the fifth to Israel and Nathaniel Doane, the sixth to Prence Snow, the seventh to Benjamin Philips, the eighth to John Gray, the ninth to Seth Taylor, the tenth to Stephen Hopkins, the eleventh to Captain Edmund Freeman, the twelfth to Joseph Cole and Elisha Hopkins, the thirteenth to Stephen Hopkins, the fourteenth to Thomas Atkins, the fifteenth to Captain Joseph Harding, the sixteenth to Captain Joseph Nickerson, the seventeenth to Nicholas Snow, the eighteenth to John King, the nineteenth to Joshua Hopkins, the twentieth to Thomas Clarke. His lot was the westernmost in the row, and adjoined the road from Coy's brook to the north precinct, now Brewster.

The next division of importance of the common land of the proprietors was of a tract in the eastern part of the town, which was known as the " Little Division." The lots, twenty in number, were drawn December 28, 1730. Joseph Doane, Esq., drew the first lot, John Young the second, Thomas Doane the third. Captain Joseph Harding the fourth, Micaijah Snow the fifth, Nicholas Snow the sixth, Captain John Atkins the seventh, Elisha Hopkins and Samuel King the eighth, Thomas Atkins the ninth, Stephen Hopkins the tenth, Joshua Hopkins the eleventh, Thomas Clarke the twelfth, William Long and partners the thirteenth, Stephen Hopkins the fourteenth, Lieutenant Jonathan Howes the fifteenth, Jonathan Linnell the sixteenth, Nathaniel Doane and partners the seventeenth. Captain Edmund Freeman. the eighteenth, John King the nineteenth and Prence Snow the twentieth. Many of the lots in the " Little Division " were bounded southwesterly by the road from East Harwich to Brewster, while some were bounded westerly by the road from East Harwich meeting house to Orleans. The last clerk of the proprietors was Solomon Crowell; the last meeting of the proprietors held was in 1822.

The proprietors had a narrow tract bordering the south side of the highway from Coy's brook to Chatham, to which adjoined the land of Samuel Nickerson, John Smith, Ephraim Covil, Andrew Clark and Jeremiah Howes. The tract was sold in parcels, after claims of some of the lotholders had been satisfied by gifts of small parcels, to pay the debts of the proprietors.

present town limits. It was purchased at different times of Thomas Sipson and his brother, John Sipson, two noted Indian landholders residing at Potanumaquut. Many who held lots in the Quason land were proprietors of the land purchased of the Sipsons. The first meeting of the proprietors was held September 7, 1713, and Joseph Doane, Esq., of Eastham, was chosen clerk. At a meeting held September 28, 1713, Joseph Doane, Esq., Jonathan Linnell and Israel Doane were chosen to layout lots "according to each one's interest in said propriety." The committee made two divisions of the tract into seventeen lots each. The lotholders were: Joshua Hopkins, Thomas Mayo, Nicholas Snow, Daniel Cole, Samuel Mayo, John Cole, Prence Snow, John King, Stephen Hopkins, Micaijah Snow, Joseph Doane, John Sparrow, James Rogers, Nathaniel Doane and Thomas Mayo. The line between the Sipsons' and Quason's was often perambulated. The last perambulation appears to have been in 1822. Of the above proprietors mentioned four only were residents of old Harwich, viz.: John King, Nicholas Snow, Stephen Hopkins and Prence Snow. They all lived in the north precinct.

The Sipsons, during the summer of 1713, sold to Samuel Mayo and Joshua Hopkins their right to the " flats and sedge ground " in and around Pleasant bay within the limits of Harwich. This tract was denominated the Seven Share purchase, and the Seven Share propriety. The tract, so far as was found suitable for division, was divided into lots. The principal part of the sedge ground was adjacent to Sipsons' or Esnew's island. Much of the sedge ground is now of no value. From what can be gathered from scattering documents at least three divisions were made.

Settlers. - Among the settlers of the township before 1700 were: Gershom Hall, Benjamin Hall, Samuel Hall, Abraham Chase, Joseph Severance, Manoah Ellis, Elisha Eldridge, Samuel Nickerson, Joseph Nickerson, Samuel Berry and John Smith.

Gershom Hall came from what is now North Dennis, and was, so far as can now be learned, the first settler. He bought a large tract near the meadows some time before 1688. His house, it is understood, stood on the high ground which overlooks the meadows, near or upon the spot where the late Isaiah Kelley's house stood. He was born in Barnstable in the year 1648. He was a man of note. He was a farmer, millwright and lay preacher. All the Halls in town are his descendants. He died October 31, 1732, in his eighty-fourth year, and was buried in the Hall burying ground in North Dennis, together with his two wives.

Benjamin Hall was a younger brother of Gershom, and was baptized at Barnstable May 29, 1653. He doubtless was born at Nobscusset, whither his father removed after several years residence in

Barnstable. He purchased a large tract of the territory laid out to Edward Sturgis and sons, and came thither and settled upon it. Becoming interested in the purchase of wild lands in Windham, since Mansfield, Conn., in 1708, he removed to that place and died there in 1737.

Samuel Hall, the eldest son of Gershom Hall, came with his father and settled in what is now North Harwich, near Ryder's mill. He married Patience Ryder. He was a farmer and miller, and owned the first water mill erected on Herring river. Very many of the worn out fields now seen on the east side of the river were parts of his farm. He was known as one of the wealthiest men of his day in the old town. He died in the sixtieth year of his age, February 19, 1729, and was buried in the old yard at North Dennis, where a stone with in- .scription marks the spot. He left no children. Much of his property he gave his nephew, Dea. Edward Hall, who at the time of his death was a lad.

Abraham Chase was a son of William Chase, 2d, of Yarmouth. He settled in the south part of the town. His farm contained many acres. The west part was bounded by Coy's brook. His house stood not far from the house now occupied by John F. Allen. He sold out to William Cahoon of Monomoy, now Chatham, in 1696, and removed to Tiverton, R. I. He was a Quaker.

Joseph Severance came from the east part of Yarmouth, now East Dennis, and settled in the south part of the town upon the tract which he, with Manoah Ellis and Elisha Eldridge, purchased of Jacob Crook,. Indian, in 1693, lying on the sea shore from Saltwater pond to " Yarmouth Old bounds," which terminated east of Allen's harbor, so^ called. He subsequently purchased a tract with Manoah Ellis of Caleb Lumbert, extending from the .sea shore northerly between Andrew's river and the Saltwater pond. He resided here but a short time when he sold his right to the tracts to Samuel Sturgis. Esq., a trader in Yarmouth, and moved to the southeasterly part of the town- Mr. Severance married Martha Warden, daughter of Peter of Yarmouth. He had a family. He has no descendant of the name in the town.

Manoah Ellis came from Sandwich, and purchased land in that part of the town, now Harwich Port, with Joseph Severance and Elisha Eldridge in 1693. He sold his right with Severance, to Samuel Sturgis of Yarmouth, and the particular spot upon which he settled cannot now be pointed out. He had a large family, and some of his descendants yet live in the town. But very little is known of his life.

Samuel Nickerson, son or grandson of William Nickerson, the early settler of Monomoy, removed to Harwich after 1696. He settled upon the tract he had of William Cahoon, which had been Abraham Chase's farm. He married Mary, daughter of John Bell, and had children. His son Samuel came into possession of most of his estate. His house stood near the house of the late Cyrus Allen.

Joseph Nickerson, son of William Nickerson, removed to Harwich and settled on the west side of Muddy cove, near the house of Hiram Nickerson, one of his descendants, in or about 1697, where he had purchased fifty acres of upland and marsh of Barnabas Lothrop of Barnstable. He died before 1731. His widow, Ruamah, was living at that date very aged. He left children. He has many descendants yet living in town. The site of his house in Nickerson neck, Chatham, before his removal, is yet pointed out.

Samuel Berry came from Yarmouth, and was the son of Richard Berry of that place. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Bell, and settled on the north side of the Herring river at North Harwich, near or upon the spot where the house of the late Ebenezer Kelly stood. He died in 1704, leaving a family, among whom were sons, John and Samuel. He has descendants in the male line in the state of New York.

John Smith settled upon the tract he had of William Cahoon, adjoining Samuel Nickerson's land, about 1697. His land on the west adjoined Coy's brook. His house stood about southwest from the house formerly occupied by Isaac Smith. He died in 1748. He had six children. He opposed the division of the town into parishes in 1746.

After the above came, others soon followed, and before 1760 the following persons had taken up their residence within the limits of the present town: Benjamin Philips, William Eldridge, Isaac Eldridge, Prince Young, Zachariah Smalley, John Streight, Ebenezar Paine, Patrick Butler, Benjamin Small, Eleazar Robbins, Ebenezar Ellis, Thomas Hinckley and William Cahoon in the north part of the town; William Long, Thomas Kendrick, Solomon Kendrick, Thomas Freeman and Benjamin Macor in the eastern part; Andrew Clarke, Ammiel Weekes, Jonathan Smalley, Ephraim Covil, William Covil, Edward Nickerson, Thomas Burgess, Samuel Burgess, Josiah Swift, John Allen, William Gray, Elijah Doane, Daniel Doane, Elisha Doane, Beriah Broadbrooks, Isaac Atkins, William Penny and Moses Davis in the southerly part; and William Chase, Samuel Smith, Matthew Gage, Samuel Downes, Patrick Killeyand Ebenezar Chase in the western part.

Of the above number, Isaac Eldridge, John Streight, William Long, Solomon Kendrick, William Covil, William Gray and William Penny, after a few years' residence, removed from town. Isaac Eldridge returned to Chatham, his native town, after the burning of his house and wife. John Streight returned to Rhode Island, whence he came; William Long went to Yarmouth, having married there Fear Sturgis, and died; Solomon Kendrick went to Barrington, N. S.; William Covil went to Billingsgate; while William Gray and William Penny struck out for the west, settling in what is now Putnam county, N. Y.

Industries. - The principal business of the town has been the fisheries. The branch first engaged in was the whale fishery. At first, when whales were plenty in and about Cape Cod bay, boats were employed in pursuing them, manned by crews of experienced men, who were dexterous in the use of the "harping iron." But when whales began to leave the coast for undisturbed feeding ground, sloops of various sizes were employed; and when schooners were built, they also were sent forth in the business. The sloops engaged did not venture at first far from the coast. They cruised oflF the head of the Cape, ofif Nantucket, and sometimes ventured south as far as latitude 36, making short trips. In subsequent years, when the business became more remunerative, larger vessels were employed, and the trips were more extended, both as to time and distance. The revolutionary war greatly disturbed this branch of industry; and from the effects of the conflict it never recovered.

The business was the most extensively carried on in the North precinct, now Brewster. The leading man there in the business the middle part of the last century was Benjamin Bangs, an enterprising merchant. Some of the vessels in his employ for several years were very successful. In 1760, more than forty men from Harwich went to Nantucket to engage in the business. At this date vessels were sent to River St. Lawrence, then "Canada river," the banks of Newfoundland and to southern waters for whales. The business was attended with danger, and the loss of vessels and lives was not infrequent.'

After the decline of the whale fishery upon the close of the war, attention was turned more particularly to the cod fishery by the people of the South precinct. In 1802, between fifteen and twenty vessels, averaging forty tons each, and about half of them owned here, were employed in shoal fishing, and four, of about one hundred tons each, in fishing on the banks of Newfoundland and in the straits of Belle Isle. It was estimated that over two hundred persons, including men and boys, were engaged at this time in the cod fishing from this place. After this time vessels began to be built in town, and coasting business, as well as the mackerel fishery, was engaged in, to considerable extent. The last war with England interfered much with the seafaring business of the Cape, especially of this town.

In 1837, the fishing business was no way in a prosperous condition. Only twenty-two sail of vessels were engaged in the fisheries, and about two hundred persons employed. Most of these vessels were engaged in the cod fishery the first part of the season.

After this time the Harwich fleet again increased, and in 1841, the year of the memorable gale, when fourteen persons belonging to this town were lost, twelve vessels sailed from " Marsh Bank " besides the fleet from Deep Hole and Herring river. In 1850 the mackerel fleet was much increased, owing to the good success attending the fishery the preceding years. In 1861 the scarcity of mackerel on this coast induced many of the fleet to visit Bay Chaleur. While there in the autumn, came on the memorable gale in which so many vessels and lives were lost, and from which all of the Harwich vessels escaped destruction, excepting the schooner Commerce, John Allen, master, and the schooner Ogunquit, commanded by Stephen D. Ellis, which were lost. The former went ashore and the crew were saved, while the latter was never heard from after the gale. Since the late war, the fleet engaged in the cod and mackerel fishery has gradually decreased, owing to small returns for great outlays. The number of vessels now engaged in the fishery is reduced to two.

The manufacture of marine salt by solar heat, by improved works, commenced here about the first of the present century, and for a time was an important branch of industry. But the decline in the price of salt, and the great increase in the cost of the construction of the works, led to the abandonment of the business. It has been many years since a foot of the works has been seen standing here, or the arms of one of the pump mills seen revolving in the wind.

During the revolutionary war, when salt was scarce and dear, many here produced it for home consumption by boiling sea water. The work of producing salt in this manner was laborious, and, the salt being impure, it was given up when other means of getting pure salt became general.

Religious Societies. - There has never been any lack of interest in religious matters here. No less than fifteen religious societies have been organized within the limits of the present town. Of these societies, the Separatist or New Light, Free Will Baptist, Reformed Methodist and Wesleyan Methodist have become extinct.

The oldest organization is the Congregational church. It was constituted November 12, 1747. The first minister was Rev. Edward Pell, who was ordained the same day. Mr. Pell was a native of Boston, born in 1711. He was a graduate of Harvard College in 1730.

He died in Harwich, after a short sickness, November 24, 1753. He succeeded, in 1753, by Mr. Benjamin Crocker, who preached until after April, 1755. Mr. Crocker was a native of Barnstable, and was a grandson of Governor Hinckley and nephew of Rev. Mr. Stone's wife. He was a graduate of Harvard College in 1713, and seems to have spent much of his life in school teaching.

Rev. John Dennis succeeded Mr. Crocker in 1756. He was a native of Ipswich, and was born November 3, 1708. He was a graduate of Harvard College in 1730. He preached in Harwich until the spring of 1761. He died in Ipswich in 1773. At the close of Mr. Dennis' ministry, Mr. Crocker was again invited to supply the pulpit. Accepting the call, he came in the fall of 1761, and remained until about the middle of the year 1765, when his labors terminated. He returned to Ipswich, where he died in 1766.

Mr. Crocker was succeeded by Rev. Jonathan Mills, a native of Braintree, and a graduate of Harvard College in 1723. He was installed pastor in the spring of 1706, and continued in the ministry here till death terminated his labors, May 21, 1773.

The religious dissensions which were commenced in the parish at its incipiency did not cease during the pastorate of Mr. Mills. Resistance to the paying of the precinct tax levied for the support of the minister of the standing order, though not so strong as formerly, was yet shown by a considerable number of the parishioners, who supported ministers of other denominations, and efforts to supply the pulpit with preachers of the denomination was unsuccessful after Rev. Joseph Litchfield's short pastorate in 1777, until 1792, when Mr. Nathan Underwood was called and ordained, a period of about twenty years. Mr. Underwood continued in the ministry here in active service till 1819, but his connection with the church was not formally dissolved until April 8, 1828. Mr. Underwood was the last settled minister in town. He died May 1, 1841, at the age of eighty-eight. During his pastorate forty-two persons were admitted to the church, and 135 were baptized. Between the time of his ordination and the time of his death, he solemnized 444 marriages. The following ministers supplied the pulpit since his pastorate to the installation of Rev. William Marchant, in 1839: Rev. John Sanford supplied the pulpit a portion of the time between 1821 and 1825; Rev. Nathaniel Cobb, in 1825-6; Isaac B. Wheelwright, 1826-7; Rev. W. M. Cornell, 1828-9; Rev. Lucius Field, 1829-30; Rev. Mr. Powers in 1830-31; Rev. Caleb Kimball, 1832-34, and the latter part of year 1839; Rev. William Withington, three months latter part of the year 1834; Rev. Charles S. Adams, 1835-38; Rev. J. H. Avory, the latter part of the year 1838 and beginning the year 1839. Rev. William Marchant became pastor August 1, 1839, and closed February 14, 1841. Rev. William H.

Adams was pastor from August, 1841, to April, 1844. Rev. Cyrus Stone was pastor from September 1, 1844, to October 1, 1848. Rev. T. P. Sawin was pastor from December, 1848, to March 11, 1851. Rev. Moses H. Wilder became pastor in October, 1851, and was dismissed March 1, 1858. Rev. Joseph R. Munsell was pastor from November 7, 1858, to May 3, 1868. Rev. William Beard came in November, 1869, and closed his labors December 25, 1870. Mr. Charles S. Whitney, a licentiate, supplied the pulpit from May 7, 1871, to October 6, 1872. While supplying the pulpit he was ordained a Congregationalist minister. Rev. Bradish C. Ward supplied the pulpit from October, 1872, to January; 1876. The pulpit was supplied m 1877 by Rev. Joseph Hammond; in 1878 by Rev. Smith Norton; 1879 by Rev. S. W. Powell. Since 1880 the pastors have been: Rev. R. S. Tobey, Rev. C. M. Westlake, and Rev. H. P. Cutting. Rev. Mr. Cutting closed his labors in 1888.

The first meeting house erected by the parish or society, a rude structure, stood a little westward of the chapel. It was taken down in 1792, and another, more commodious, was erected a little to the eastward, about where the chapel stands. After standing forty years this became dilapidated and unfit for public service, and was taken down and sold. The present structure was built in 1832, and enlarged and renovated in 1854, at an expense of about six thousand dollars.

The second church constituted was the Separate or New Light church. The first pastor was Rev. Joshua Nickerson. He was ordained on "a stage in open air," February 23, 1749. The officiating ministers were: Rev. Isaac Backus, of Middleboro, Rev. John Paine, of Rehobath, and Rev. Nathaniel Sheperd, of Attleboro. The ordination sermon was preached by Mr. Backus. The first deacons were William Nickerson and Richard Chase, both ordained the day after the pastor's ordination. As this was the first church of the denomination in Barnstable county it caused considerable excitement and " a deal of discourse." Mr. Dunster, the pastor of the First church, the Sunday following " preached a sermon against the Newlight's proceedings." The meeting house of this society, tradition has it, stood near the burying ground west of the house now occupied by Watson B. Baker. This burying ground is now unfenced, and all the head stones have been removed to the Island Pond cemetery. It was a small structure. Mr. Nickerson, the pastor, removed to Jam worth, N. H. But little is further known of this church.

The third church organized was of the Separate or New Light denomination. The first pastor was Richard Chase. He was ordained December 11, 1751, Mr. Backus of Middleboro delivering the sermon for the occasion. Other ministers officiating were Elder Carpenter. Elder Ewer and Elder Nickerson of the first Separate church. At the ordination were Mr. Lewis of Billingsgate, and Mr. Dunster of the First church, who interrupted the meeting. Mr. Dunster protested against the proceedings, and declared some of the members had. " separated from his church." This church worshiped in a meeting house in the west part of the town. At first, this church, like the first of which Mr. Nickerson was pastor, admittted to communion all Christians, whether they had been sprinkled in infancy or baptized by immersion. It also held to the baptism of infants of believers. But at length the pastor, and a portion of the church, became adverse to pedo-baptism, and the administration of the rite was neglected. This led to the convening of a council by the aggrieved brethren, December 20, 1752, which censured the pastor and that portion of the church that held with him. The censure, however, was revoked by another council, composed of Elders William Carpenter, Isaac Backus,. Joshua Nickerson, and Dea. Eleazer Robbins, August 23, 1753, and fellowship with the church and Elder Chase was publicly declared. The next day Elder Chase, becoming satisfied it was his duty to go " into the water in baptism * * * went down to the Water " with Elder Backus, who now was an Anabaptist, and the rite was administered.

In 1757 the Anabaptistical wing of the church having organized a church of the Baptist order, gave Mr. Chase invitation to become the pastor. He accepted and was ordained September 29th. The sermon was preached by elder Backus. Elder Chase was pastor of the church until March 31, 1777, when he was deposed from the pastoral office for disorderly conduct as a minister of the gospel. Mr. Samuel Nickerson, a Free Will Baptist, preached to the Baptists in their meeting house, which stood on the old burying ground at North Harwich, a portion of the time between 1778 and 1781. Mr. Jonathan Jeffers supplied the pulpit from 1781 till June, 1785. Mr. Enoch Eldridge became pastor in 1788, and continued till 1794, when Rev. Abner Lewis succeeded him. Mr. Lewis continued the pastor until 1809. After him came Mr. Eli Ball, who supplied the pulpit a short period. He was succeeded by Mr. James Barnaby, a licentiate of the First Baptist church in Providence, who was ordained August 7, 1811. Mr. J. Barnaby was pastor till June, 1819. Rev. David Curtis became paster in August, 1822, and continued till December 11, 1824. Rev. Stephen Coombs became pastor in September, 1826, and continued until J 629. Rev. William Bowen became pastor in 1829, and continued until March 20, 1831, when he was succeeded by Rev. Davis Lothrop, who continued until 1834. Rev. Seth Ewer was the next pastor. He left the society in June, 1837, after two years' service. Rev. James Barnaby became pastor the second time in November, 1837, and continued here until March, 1844, when Mr. Lothrop became pastor the second time. He continued until March, 1846. Rev. George Matthews became pastor in July, 1846, and continued until March, 1848. Rev. Mr. Huntley supplied a short time, when Rev. Mr. Barnaby became pastor for the third time. He resigned his pastorate May 26, 1855. Mr. George F. Warren was ordained and installed January 8, 1856, and continued until September, 1857. He was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Ashley, who remained until November, 1857. After services of Rev. Mr. Clark and Rev. S. J. Bronson, Mr. Barnaby for the fourth time became pastor, in April, 1862, and continued until 1877, the year of his death. His successor was Rev. A. T. Dunn, who was followed by Rev. H. C. Hickok. Rev. J. W. Holman was pastor from 1883 to 1886. The present pastor is Rev. Charles A. Snow, who succeeded Mr. Holman in 1886.

The second meeting house of the Baptists was built in 1804, some rods southerly from the old cemetery at North Harwich. It was removed to West Harwich in 1828, to site of the present church edifice. It was taken down in 1841, and the present church erected. The dedicatory services took place November 17, 1841. This church is the eldest of the denomination in the county.

The Arminian, or Free Will Baptist church, was constituted in this town August 10, 1779. The first pastor was Mr. Samuel Nickerson. The church was composed mostly of those who had been members of the Separate churches. Mr. Nickerson left the church and returned to his native state, and the church was dissolved, October 20, 1789. Mr. Nickerson held meetings in the parish meeting house, and alsoin the Baptist meeting house at North Harwich.

The East Harwich Methodist Episcopal society was organized in 1797. The preacher at this date was Rev. John Broadhead. The first meeting house, a very small structure without plaster or paint, was built in 1799, in the east end of the old cemetery, near the site of the house of the late Washington Eldridge, and westward, a short distance from the house of Seth Eldridge. The house was occupied by the Methodists until 1811, when the present one at East Harwich was built, then it was vacated and sold. The society was incorporated March 1, 1809, by the Massachusetts legislature as the "First Methodist Society in Harwich," with " all the powers and privileges which are enjoyed by other religious societies," in the Commonwealth. Among the preachers after Mr. Broadhead, and before 1802, were Rev. John B. Gibson and Rev. John Merrick. Mr. Gibson was the preacher here when the meeting house was built in 1799. The first Methodist preacher here before 1797 was Mr. John Kenney, a native of Chatham, but a resident of Pi^pvincetown.

The meeting house at South Harwich was built for the Reformed Methodists in 1836. The master builder was Almond Hinckley of Dennis. The first minister was Rev. Benjamin Swift, whose remains lie buried at the north end of the church. The society subsequently became Wesleyan Methodist, and a church was organized January 1, 1845, of this denomination, with Rev. James Wright, pastor. In 1853, August 31st, the Methodist Episcopal church was organized with Rev. .Mr. Spilstead, pastor.

A few years after this change many who had attended meeting here withdrew, formed a society, built the "Bethel," near the town line, and for many years employed Rev. Davis Lothrop of West Harwich, as the pastor. Upon his retirement, the pulpit was supplied, but not regularly. At present the society is sustaining preaching.

Pilgrim church (Congregationalist), Harwich Port, was organized April 24, 1855, with Rev. W. A. McCollom as pastor. Mr. McCollom retired from service here on account of failing health near the close of the year, and Rev. Charles Morgridge succeeded him, commencing his labors February 18, 1856, and closing them February 18, 1858. Rev. Frederick Hebard was the next pastor. He came August 18, 1858, and retired February 18, 1864. Rev. Alvin J. Bates succeeded him February 26, 1865. Rev. Walter Ela followed in 1868. In 1869 Rev. Isaac Pierson preached eight months, and went a missionary to China. In 1870, Rev. Henry C. Fay was installed pastor. In 1872, Rev. Davis Lothrop supplied the pulpit; leaving in February, 1873, Rev. Isaac Dunham succeeded him, supplying the pulpit until Novem- -ber, 1873. Rev. Edson J. Moore was pastor for some time, closing his labors April, 1878. Rev. John H. Vincent was pastor from February, 1879, to February, 1881. Rev. Minot S. Hartwell supplied the pulpit from 1882 to 1884. From April, 1884, to January, 1885, Rev. C. M. Westlake supplied the pulpit. Rev. H. P. Cutting, pastor of the Centre church, supplied the pulpit during the latter part of the year 1886, and the beginning of the year 1887, when Rev. Warren Applebee succeeded him. Mr. Applebee closed his two years' pastorate in May, 1889. Rev. W. W. Parker commenced his labors in July, 1889. Nathaniel Doane is the senior deacon of the church, having held the -office since the organization of the church in 1855. Freeman Snow who died in 1884, had been deacon since 1855. His successor is Henry Kelley. The present clerk and treasurer of the society is Dea. Nathaniel Doane, who has held the office eighteen years. The church edifice was erected in 1854, and dedicated February 1, 1855. Rev. M. H. Wilder, Rev. James Barnaby, Rev. Mr. Thacher, Rev. Mr. Mc- Collom and Rev. Enoch Pratt taking part in the services.

The members of the Roman Catholic church commenced the erection of their house of worship at the Centre upon land purchased of Chester Snow, in October, 1865. The edifice was finished in May,. 1866. The builder was George F. Swift of Sandwich. Services commenced in it in July, 1866. The locating of the church at this point, and the success of the movement to erect and pay for it, was largely due to the eflforts of Patrick Drum, since deceased.

- In consequence of the loss of the first pages of the first volume of the town records, the names of the first oflScers of the town cannot be given.

Schools. - At the time Harwich was incorporated it was enjoined by law upon every town in the province " having the number of fifty householders or upwards," to have" a school master to teach children and youth to read and write; " and having " the number of one hundred families or householders to have a grammar school set up " and taught by " some discreet person of good conversation, well instructed in the tongues," and " to take effectual care and make due provisions for the settlement and maintenance of such school master or -masters," the selectmen and inhabitants of such towns respectively were imperatively commanded. But this town, at the time of incorporation, not having families enough, as the law required, to establish a school in which both reading and writing could be taught, early had " a school for to teach children to read." In 1708, however, families eneough " were found, and the matter of establishing a school and providing for the settlement of a schoolmaster was brought up at a meeting of the town June ninth for consideration. The town voted to leave the management of the school with the selectmen, but for some reason not apparent they did not comply with the provisions of the law, and at the July session of the court the town was presented, and Edward Bangs was chosen to appear, as an agent, and give reasons for the neglect. After this date the town seems not to have neglected to maintain a lawful school. In March, 1709, but -a few months after the presentment, in town meeting it was voted to raise such a sum " as the law makes provisions in making town rates, to pay the schoolmasters and his board." It was also decided that the schools should commence by " removes " that had been determined upon. After this time up to the settlement of Mr. Asbon as the town schoolmaster in 1713, the town, it is evident from the records, became interested in schools and made provisions fcr their support.

At the time Mr. Asbon was settled as the schoolmaster no school houses had been built, and as an inducement to some one to open his house for the school the town oflfered the sum of " nine pence a week for a convenient house to keep school in." Mr. Asbon's engagement was for seven months in 1713. Whether he was engaged for 1714 we have no means of ascertaining. At the time of his teaching the town was districted, and the schoolmaster made the circuit of the town in seven months. This manner of establishing the school gave each section of the town the benefit of the school, although it necessitated long vacations and gave the master continuous service. Doubtless it was the best plan that could be adopted for the time when the inhabitants were scattered, and but one teacher supported by the town.

In 1715 Mr. Philip Selew was engaged as the town schoolmaster, with a salary of forty-eight pounds. The town was, indeed, fortunate in securing a teacher of such qualifications. Before his term expired the town authorized the selectmen to again secure his services, and give him the same salary.

Mr. Selew came to this country, his descendants claim, from Bordeaux, and had been educated for the ministry, but choosing the vocation of a teacher, was never settled in the ministry. He was the schoolmaster of the town for over fifty years. He died May 15, 1772, at the age of eighty-four, and lies buried in the old cemetery at Harwich, where a slate stone, with inscription, marks the place of his sepulture. Mr. Selew was three times married, and has descendants, but none residing in Harwich.

In 1753 the South parish, now the present town of Harwich, took action in matters relating to schools, and " choose Lieut. Zachariah Smalley, John Gage and Gershom Hall, to hire school masters or school mistress'," but whether they carried out the vote of the parish does not appear. It was doubtless the first attempt of the " Scuth side " people to support a teacher. Whether they continued yearly to support a teacher while the regular town's schoolmaster was on of the precinct was chosen to "settle the school" and Benjamin Nickerson was allowed " four shillings and ten pence lawful money for school house room," indicating that no school house had then been erected in the precinct or parish up to this time. In 1768 the general court authorized precincts to raise money for the schools and building school houses, and the South precinct choose "Samuel Nickerson, James Gage and Reuben Eldridge to settle the schools in the precinct." In 1775 the South precinct took action in relation to sustaining schools. "Reuben Eldridge, Prince Young, John Smith, Samuel Nickerson, Nathaniel Downes and Ebenezer Chase were chosen to settle the school."

During the revolutionary period the schools of the town were not well sustained, owing to limited means at the town's command. For not providing a schoolmaster according to law, in 1779, the town was " presented." After the close of the war efforts were made to keep up the schools to the requirements of the state; and Joseph Smith was employed as the town's schoolmaster. He was from Barre. He made the North parish his place of residence. He was generally known as "Schoolmaster Smith." The legislation of 1789, supplemented by that of 1800, 1817 and 1827, laid the foundation of a district school system which prevailed in this town up to the time of adopting the present system.

At the present time (1890) the town sustains sixteen schools under the graded system, and has nine school houses. The high school was established at the Centre in 1881, with A. L. Wood as principal. He was succeeded by L. T. McKenney in 1887. The present teacher is S. A. Hayward, who succeeded Mr. McKenney in 1889. The late Colonel H. C. Brooks caused one thousand dollars to be placed in the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, the interest on which to be annually expended for a suitable medal for every school in town, to be donated once every year to the pupil in each school who is most proficient in composition and letter writing and most excellent in behavior, to be determined by the teacher of each school.

The leading institution of learning in this section for twenty years was the Pine Grove Seminary, established in this town by Sidney Brooks in 1844. Mr. Brooks was the principal from the beginning. He gave up the charge of the school in 1866 to engage in teaching on the state school ship. The building he sold to the town in 1869, and it is now used for school purposes. Mr. Brooks was born in Harwich and graduated at Amherst College in 1841. He died in Boston, where he had resided mostly since he closed his school in Harwich.

ViLLAGES.^The villages in town and localities in -which post offices have been established, are Harwich, East Harwich, South Harwich, Harwich Port, West Harwich, North Harwich and Pleasant Lake.

Harwich is the central village and the oldest in the town. It is situated upon high land, many feet above the level of the sea, and above the chain of ponds that border the northerly line of the town. Where the Exchange building stands, the land is twenty-nine feet above the level of Long pond. On what is now Main street, sixty years ago, from the house of the late E. E. Hardings to the house occupied by the late Isaac Smith, there were only ten dwelling houses, and of these eight are yet standing, together with the old school house, in which many of the old residents of the village and neighborhood received the rudiments of their education.

The first to open a store in this place was Ebenezer Brooks, Esq., which was before 1789. In 1802 his son, Obed Brooks, became associated with him in trade, and they erected in 1807 the store which was removed in 1880 from the old corner across the street, and is now occupied as a dwelling house. After the death of the father, Mr. Brooks continued in trade until about 1833, when he became associated with his son, Obed Brooks, jr., who had been in business in Boston under the firm of Rand & Brooks. Mr. Brooks at this date enlarged the store, and put in a good stock of goods, such as was usually kept in a country store, making it the store of the town. Mr. Brooks, in 1856, becoming cashier of the bank just established in the village, gave up the business, and Mr. Obed Nickerson of South Harwich, who had for some time been engaged in the store, took charge and carried on the business for several years, when in 1876 Mr. Cyrenus S. Hunt, a young man, who had received his business training under Mr. Nickerson, took charge of the old stand, and remained in business there until the erection of Brooks' block, in 1879, when he removed his stock into the room he now occupies. Mr. Hunt has, with the exception of a short period at his place of residence in trade, occupied this store.

In 1854, through the efforts of Chester Snow, the Exchange building, as it was called, was erected; the lower story was fitted up for stores, and the upper story as a hall, which at the time was the most commodious in the county. William H. Underwood and Andrew Snow, under the firm of Snow & Underwood, in 1855 opened a dry goods store in the building. They both retiring from the business in a few years, a new firm, Brett, Smith & Co., commenced business in the store. This firm was succeeded in 1864 by Charles E.Brett, a native of Brockton , who had been a clerk for the firm. Mr.Brett was a dealer in dry goods and clothing. He remained in the store until 1874, when he removed into his new store built a few steps east of the Exchange building, where he carried on business until 1876, when fire destroyed the store and the famous Exchange building, together with the dwelling house of Mrs. Turpie, and outbuildings connected with the store. It should have been stated that upon retiring from the dry goods business, Mr. Underwood went into the grocery business in another room of the old Exchange building, and engaged in other branches of trade, holding at the time the oflSce of postmaster and town clerk and treasurer in his store. He was succeeded by his son, Joseph Underwood, and Henry Holmes in the grocery business in 1872. The store vacated by Mr. Brett in 1874 was soon occupied by C. F. Parker of Yarmouth in the dry goods business. He was in trade here when the store was burned. Mr. Parker for a short time opened a store in Mr. Buck's building, now occupied by Paddock Small, and removed toOsterville. Mr. Brett's present store was built in 1876. The west room is occupied by J. F. Tobey, who succeeded Mr. Brett in the grocery business.

Nathan Ellis opened a store in his old house on the north road in 1855, and subsequently opened opposite his house on the east side of the road a store, which was destroyed by fire about 1880. In 1881 he opened, near the railroad station, a store, which he sold to Thomas Harriman in 1884, who carried on the grocery business until 1886, when the store was burned. In 1881 Mr. Ellis built the store now owned and occupied by his son, Samuel A. Ellis.

Others who have stores here at present are: Rufus F. Crowell, Paddock Small, Samuel Moody, jr., J. G. Ryder, 2d, Sheldon K. Crowell and Patrick Kelly, jr.

In 1856, the manufacture of soap was commenced in a building standing upon the site of the house of F. D. Weekes, by Solomon Thacher. The business was not successful, and Mr. Thacher sold out to T. P. Parker, - who had been in his employ - an experienced soap maker. After some years in the business, he removed from the town. The shop was made a dwelling house, and some years since was destroyed by fire.

In 1865, Jonathan Buck moved into the new building which h^d just been completed for him, standing upon the site of the old school house, and commenced the manufacture of fishermen's boots and slippers. He continued in the business until 1868, when a company was formed, with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars, to carry on the same business, in addition to making women's shoes, and he became superintendent. In 1870, the capital was increased. In 1873 the company closed up business, and Mr. Buck resumed the old business. He retired in 1883. Paddock Small Aow occupies the place.

Harness making was first commenced here by Henry Nickerson. He was succeeded by Frank Smith. Alliston S. Doane now occupies Mr. Smith's stand, having commenced business in 1881.

The manufacture of barrels has been carried on here for years. Among the manufacturers are J. B. Tuttle, John Larkin and Edwin L. Eldridge. The barrels manufactured are used for packing cranberries, and are uniform as to size.

The printing business was commenced here in 1662, in a building a few yards east of Mrs. C. D. Brooks' house, by John W. Emery, who, in the same year, started the Cape Cod Republican. The paper and job printing were discontinued in 1864. In 1868 Mr. Emery again opened his office, and started the Harwich Press and job printing; but removed to Farmington, Minn., in 1869. In 1872, Goss & Richards commenced job printing in the room now occupied as a lawyer's office, under the control of George B. Wilcox; afterward in old exchange building, and then in their new building, and at the same date, started the Harwich Independent, which was printed in Barnstable. In 1881 A. P. Goss succeeded them, he having been connected with the office here since 1873. In 1886, Benjamin F. Bee, jr., commenced job printing in the south part of the village. In 1888 he built the building he occupies.

In 1866, Benjamin F. Bee, machinist, opened a shop on Bank street for mechanical purposes. Mr. Bee is an inventor of some note. The relieved tap, safety sectional boiler, regulating water guage, Bee's gimlet, button fastener, and cranberry picker are among the most important of his inventions. He is now perfecting a machine for marine propulsion.

The Cape Cod Five Cent Savings Bank went into operation in 1856, with Obed Brooks, jr., as treasurer. This institution was incorporated March 16, 1856. Before the erection of the present bank building in 1875, the business was done in the office of the Bank of Cape Cod. The successor of Mr. Brooks, who retired in 1870, was M. S. Underwood, of Dennis. He was succeeded by A. C. Snow, 2d, in 1882, who is now the treasurer. The assistant treasurer is A. L. Weekes.

The Bank of Cape Cod was chartered May 21, 1856. It went into operation in February, 1856, with Christopher Hall, of Dennis, as president, and Obed Brooks as cashier, with a capital stock of $100,000. In January, 1865, it became the Cape Cod National Bank, of Harwich. The present capital stock is $300,000. George H. Snow, the present cashier, succeeded Mr. Brooks in October, 1865. The president is E. E. Crowell, of Dennis, who has been officially connected with the bank since its organization. The presidents, beside the above named, have been Prince S. Crowell, of Dennis; Joseph K. Baker, of Dennis, and Isaac H. Loveland, of Chatham. The banking

The Broadbrooks Free Library, the gift of the late Major Henry <2. Brooks, of Boston, but a native of the village, containing about four thousand volumes, was formally opened January 1, 1881. It is in the west chamber of the spacious building erected by him in 1879, known now as Brooks block. It is opened every Saturday, and any person of the town, over fourteen years of age, is entitled to its privileges, if complying with the rules. Connected with the library is an art room, in which are the Rogers' group of statuary, presented to the town in 1881 by Pliny Nickerson, Esq., of Boston, also a native of the town.

The largest structure in the town - the Exchange building in this village - was commenced in the summer of 1884 and completed in 1885. It stands upon the site of the Exchange building burned in 1876. The second story of the building contains the spacious and well fitted hall. It was erected for the proprietor, Chester Snow, Esq., by Richardson & Young, contractors, and cost about $43,000.

The post ofl5ce in this village was established in 1798. Silvanus S. Stone was appointed first postmaster April first of that year. He was succeeded May 11, 1804, by Ebenezer Brooks. At this time the oflSce was kept in Mr. Brooks' store, upon his premise^, on the north side of the road, near his house, the site of which is seen in the grove where the temperance picnics are held. The mail matter was then brought on the mail carriers' shoulders in a bag once in a fortnight, and we opine the letters and papers were few in niimber at that date. Later on it was brought from Boston once a week on horseback by John Thacher, of Barnstable; and still later by Freeman Winslow, of Brewster, who took the mail in saddlebags from Sandwich, the terminus of the stage route, once a week from Boston.

- Mr. Brooks was succeeded as postmaster by Obed Brooks, the son, December 29, 1822, who in turn was succeeded Augfust 13, 1856, by Obed Brooks, jr. The latter resigned in 1858, when W. H. Underwood was appointed. Mr. Underwood resigned in 1873, when Charles E. Brett was appointed. Mr. Brett resigned in 1885. He was succeeded, in 1885, by John H. Drum. Samuel Moody, jr., succeeded Mr. Drum in 1889, and is the present postmaster. While the office was held by Obed Brooks, it was in the old store ; and when Obed Brooks, jr., was postmaster it was held in the same building.

East Harwich is the post office designation of the eastern part of the town, and covers a large territory. The principal settlement is on the road from the meeting house toward Orleans. The church here of the Methodist denomination was erected in 1811, and is the oldest in the county. There are two cemeteries here, one adjoining the church yard, and the other in a northwesterly direction on high ground. The latter was laid out in 1858. It contains four acres, and is certainly the best laid out cemetery in town. At first it contained two acres, but in 1875, it was enlarged and incorporated. Prominent among the traders are Mulford Young, A. J. Chase, Hiram E. Nickerson and Sears L. Moores. Mr. Young is a dealer in furniture, groceries and dry goods. He first commenced trade in 1851. Many years ago a public house was kept here by David Kendrick, where the late Isaac B. Kendrick resided. Here the probate courts were held while Hon. Nymphas Marston was the judge. Many from this locality go boat fishing out of Pleasant bay, to fishing grounds oflf Chatham, and are quite successful.

The post office was established here in 1830. The first postmaster was Rufus L. Thacher, appointed December 24, 1830 David Snow, jr., was appointed October 24, 1832. David Snow was m business " on the corner " at the time. He was succeeded by David Kendrick January 18, 1836, who was succeeded April 8, 1839, by Benjamin F. Eldridge. Mr. Eldridge was succeeded Augt^st 26, 1841, by James G. Smith, who in March, 1843, was succeeded by Benjamin F. Eldridge. He resigned, and was succeeded April 14, 1856, by Danforth S. Steel. Mr. Steel resigned in 1862, and was succeeded by George W. Nickerson, after whom came Samuel Bassett. He was succeeded by J. H. Chase, who was succeeded by Hiram E. Nickerson. Sears L. Moores is the present postmaster, having been appointed in 1887. Until the appointment of Mr. Steel, the post office was at the corner near the meeting house. Since then it has been kept in the north neighborhood where it is now. The mail is taken directly to the office from Harwich once a day.

Salt making at the cove was carried on early. Samuel Eldridge, Esq., had works on the west side of the cove near his house. His works were the last seen in that part of the town.

The old wind mill, which ground the grists of the good people of the neighborhood, familarly known as "Uncle Elnathans' mill," graced the high lands of " Weguasset," - the territory so called by the Indians north of Short cove, overlooking Pleasant bay.

South Harwich is the post office designation of the southeastern part of the town. The settlement is principally on the main road from Chatham to Harwich Centre. This neighborhood, though thinly settled, has been an active part of the town. The activity here was mainly due to the late Amasa Nickerson, who successfully carried on the fisheries at the Deep Hole for many years before his death. Among others who were engaged in the same business, were Cyrus Weekes and Caleb Small, under the style of Weekes & Small, and Caleb Small after the dissolution of the firm in 1868; Zephaniah, Stephen and Alden Nickerson; Tuttle & Godfrey, Nickerson & Small; Darius F.

Weekes & Co., and Levi Eldridge. The only firm engaged now in the fishing is Kendrick & Bearse, who have only two vessels engaged. This firm has two stores, one at the wharf and the other at South Harwich station. The wharf here has suffered destruction by the ice several times, and has as many times been rebuilt in consequence. Most of the above named had fitting out stores. At the west of the Deep Hole, salt making was engaged in early. There are many now living who remember the salt works that stood near George W. Nickerson's house, owned by the late Nathan Nickerson. The principal stores on Main street forty years ago were Joseph P. Nickerson & Co. and Abner Nickerson. Boat building was carried on here many years ago by Zebina H. Godfrey.

The post office was established here in 1831, with Joseph P. Nickerson, postmaster. He continued in the office till his death in 1859, when his daughter. Loretta Nickerson, succeeded him. She was followed by William M. Eldridge in 1864, and the office removed to its present location.

The Methodist Episcopal church is situated here. The only cemetery in this section is near by. Cyrus Eldridge, the portrait painter, one-half a century ago, was a native of this village. The traders of to-day are Sears Brothers, H. L. Crowell, W. M. Eldridge, Kendrick & Bearse, David Ellis and L. Clarke.

The oldest house in town, so far as is known, is yet standing in the village, and now owned by N. T. Gorham. The first occupant was John Long, and the second his youngest son, James Long, who was a leading man in town fifty years ago. The earliest residents were Jonathan Smalley, Joseph Severance, Joseph Ellis, Ammiel Weekes, Acus Tripp, John Long and John Paine. Will Tobey, the slave of Mr. Zachariah Smalley, also lived in this section near or on the spot where Mr. E. P. Nickerson's house stands. For the faithful service he rendered his master, the heirs of Mr. Smalley in 1779 provided for his support during his natural life. An oak tree now standing on the farm of James S. Paine yet bears the mark of his axe made more than 140 years ago, when the tree was young and standing by the road, while he was assisting the owner, Ebenezer Paine, in making fence.

The overall business was started here by Mrs. Hannah C. Stokes in 1865. In 1872 E. L. Stokes & Co. started the same business and soon commenced the manufacture of shirts. They run thirty machines by steam, and keep fifty hands at work at the shop, besides employing 250 persons outside, in this and adjoining towns.

The watch business was started in this place by Warren Freeman in 1835. He continues repairing and dealing in watches, clocks, jewelry, etc.

Pilgrim Lodge, F. & A. M., received its charter March 14, 1860. The charter members were Frederick Hebard, Warren Freeman, Z. H. Godfrey, Charles Jenkins, Zenas D. Eldridge, Stephen Nickerson, B. G. Philips, Timothy Baker and Caleb Nickerson. It held its meetings in Freeman's Hall until 1880, when a lodge room was fitted up in Brooks' block, in which the lodge has held its meetings since that time.

Harwich Port lies on the south side of the town. It owes much of its growth to the fisheries and the coasting trade. There are many yet living who remember when the houses were few in number and far apart. Records show that for many years before 1753 the territory upon which the village stands was held by Ephraim Covel, who lived near Grass pond; but at which date, he being dead, it was in possession of his daughters, viz.: Thankful, wife of Edward Nickerson; Sarah, wife of Benjamin Nickerson; Mercy, wife of Samuel Burgess; and Mary, wife of Thomas Burgess. Three of the above - Thankful, Mercy and Mary - were at that time living upon the tract, though not in what is now the village. The Burgess' possession was the western part of the tract which extended westerly from the Salt Water pond between the shore and lower end of Grass pond, while the Nickerson's was the eastern portion bordering Cold brook and Andrew's river on the east and Grass pond on the west. Up to 1804 there were no public roads leading to or through "inland," as it was then known. The way from the Centre by the east end of Grass pond was crooked and through bars most of the distance. This way was made a town road in 1831, with some alterations in its location at the Port. The way through the village, now Main street, was laid out in 1827 as a county road by the county commissions. Mo.st of the old ways at the Port years ago, and remembered by the aged of to-day, were made by Ephraim Covel for his convenience, and the Burgess who succeeded to his estate in the " inland."

Vessel building upon the shore commenced here before 1800. In 1792 the schooner Industry was built, in 1793 the schooner Delight, in 1800 the schooner Polly, and in 1804 the schooner Combme. After 1830 several were built on the shore. Among them the schooneis Eliza, Ostrich and Emulous. The Eliza was built near the marsh bank, and was commanded by Laban Snow, jr. The Ostrich and Emulous were built west of Allen's harbor, at the place called " Nohorns, by Anthony Thacher. The Etnulous was for awhile under the command of Captain Z. H. Small.

The water mill, where afterward stood the sash and blind factory, was built for Thomas Burgess in 1763. The mill was erected by Captain Pepper, the famous millwright of Eastham. It appears the mill was in full operation in December of that year. It was sold to Benjamin Lovell of Barnstable, who removed here and settled on the west side of the brook after the revolutionary war. Mr. Lovell did not long continue in charge of the mill. Benjamin Small, jr., his son-in-law, was in possession of the mill and other real estate on the west side of the river in 1798, when the same was conveyed to his father. Some time after 1820 a "carding machine" from North Harwich was put in for carding wool. The water privilege was some years since purchased by Ephraim Doane, who, with Elkanah Hopkins, commenced the manufacture of doors, sashes and blinds. He was succeeded by G. H. Tripp, who, about 1857, gave up the business.

The tanning business was started here by Elkanah Nickerson and Lorenzo D. Nickerson. Their tannery was south of the house of Captain T. A. Nickerson. It has long since disappeared.'

Sail making was commenced in the village after the fishing business revived. Timothy Baker had a sail loft on the west side of the road near his house. In 1850 Kelley & Doane established the business in a loft overlooking the shore, where it is now carried on by S. B. Kelley, who succeeded Mr. Doane in 1858. Abner L. Small was long engaged in the business in a loft near his house. Gilbert Smith also was engaged in the business at the Port.

Boat building has been carried on in this village by Charles Jenkins for thirty years. Mr. Jenkins succeeded David Godfrey & Son in the business they established in 1847.

Henry Kelley opened a lumber yard here about 1860. In 1853 he formed a partnership with his brother, Watson B. Kelley, under the firm of H. Kelley & Co., and have since carried on the lumber, coal and hardware business, occupying the same stand as from the start.

Among the early traders here were: Jeremiah Walker, Valentine Doane, Laban Snow, jr., Benjamin W. Eldridge, Ephraim Doane, Elbridge G. Doane, Emulous Small and L. S. Burgess. Jeremiah Walker kept a variety store near his house. Valentine Doane at first opened a store near his house, which he occupied until its removal to the shore, near the present house of Theophilus Burgess. He was a dealer in flour, corn, groceries, etc. Laban Snow, jr., started a store on the corner where the house of Charles Jenkins stands, having for his partner, until 1848, B. W. Eldridge. Some time after Mr. Eldridge retired Lindsey Nickerson, jr., became Mr. Snow's partner. B. W. Eldridge, soon after leaving Mr. Snow, opened a store westward, on the north side of the road, where he carried on business until his death in 1862. In 1849 Ephraim Doane, who had been a clerk in Valentine Doane's store, opened a store on the corner where Shubael B. Kelley's store now stands. He gave up the business after some years, and Mr. Kelley succeeded him. The store was burned in 1887. It was rebuilt the same year, and is now occupied by Mr. Kelley.

Emulous Small engaged in business in the store under Union Hall after the closing of the " Union store," which had been opened in 1850, and in company with his father, under the firm of E. Small & Co., remained about three years in business, when his father retired. He then carried on the business until 1876, when he sold out his store to Joseph K. Robbins. Mr. Robbins continued the business until April, 1889, when he sold out to Samuel J. Miles.

Lovell S. Burgess started in the clothing business here in the village in 1864, Freeman E. Burgess being connected with the custom department. In 1877 Simeon K. Sears purchased the store, and now keeps a dry goods store. In 1879 Mr. Burgess became a partner with F. E. Burgess, who had started the clothing business, but after a year here went to Dennis Port and opened a dry goods store, leaving his partner, who continues at the old stand.

Among other prominent traders of to-day here, are C. F. Nickerson, P. N. Small, George D. Smalley, W. R. Burgess and Elisha Mayo, Mr. Mayo opened his boot and shoe store in 1887.

The village blacksmiths are William H. Cole and Thomas Freeman. Mr. Cole succeeded Josiah B. Hallett in 1870. In connection with his blacksmith work he carries on carriage work.

Social Hall, located a little north of Main street, was erected in 1869. It is owned by a stock company, which holds 97-J shares. The meetings of the town have been held in it the past twelve years.

Satucket House, built in 1886, is occupied as a reading room and library. It is managed by a board of trustees annually chosen. "Watson B. Kelley is the president and S. K. Sears secretary.

The Sea View Circle, composed of ladies, contributed to its erection. Their library of nearly six hundred volumes, called also Sea View Library, is in it, and is open on Saturdays. T. R. Eldridge is librarian and Miss Sabra F. Smith assistant librarian.

The hotel in the eastern part of the village, known as the Sea View House, is kept by Rinaldo Eldridge. Just south of this hotel, on the west side of the road, were the salt works of Captain Theophilus Burgess, an energetic ship captain, who was lost on a voyage to Russia in 1832.

Marsh Bank wharf was built in 1841. It was the first built on the shore east of the Herring river. The second was Union wharf, east of Marsh Bank wharf, built in 1849. The third was Long wharf, east of Union wharf, and West of Salt Water pond. These wharves have all been destroyed by ice. The only wharf now upon the shore is at the foot of Sea street, and is owned by Henry Kelley & Co. and T. B. Baker. This wharf has been rebuilt several times in consequence of ice. It stands upon the site of the old " Marsh Bank wharf."

started the fishing business. He continued in business on this wharf, assisted by his sons, Valentine, jr., and Ambrose N. Doane, until 1867, when Valentine, jr., removed to Portsmouth, N. H., and started the same business, Ambrose N. continuing with his father. Mr. Doane removed his business from this wharf to Long wharf, and after its destruction by ice carried his business on at " Job Chase's wharf," west of Herring river. At this place he continued from 1882 to 1884, when he quitted business.

At Marsh Bank wharf, Laban Snow, jr., carried on the fishing business until Union wharf was built, which was in 1849. At Union wharf, under the firm of Snow & Nickerson, he continued business. At this wharf B. G. Philips & Co. carried on the business, succeeding Snow & Nickerson. The successors of B. G. Philips & Co. were Lindsay Nickerson and Theophilus B. Baker, under the firm name of Nickerson & Baker. In 1869 Mr. Nickerson retired, and Mr. Baker continued in the business until 1889, when he disposed of his remaining vessels and gave up the fishing business. The last two firms had -fitting out stores at the shore.

The post office was established here in 1851, Ephraim Doane being the first postmaster. Benjamin W. Eldridge succeeded him January 20, 1854. Mr. Eldridge was succeeded in 1861 by Shubael B. Kelley, who held the office until 1885, when W. R. Burgess was appointed. The present postmaster is Benjamin C. Kelley.

The Satucket Lodge of Good Templars, organized in June, 1888, meet in Florence Hall, over C. F. Nickerson 's store. The present membership is sixty-nine. The worthy chief templars have been Willie L. Killey, Ebenezar Weekes, 2d, and Albertus Small.

West Harwich is situated in the southwestern part of the town, and lies on both sides of the Herring river. The west part of the village is the most thickly settled. The people -here were early engaged in the fishery, and most of the men are yet engaged in seafaring pursuits. This part of the tawn was not very early settled, on account of its remoteness, and the difficulty of getting to the neighborhood. The first to settle within the town line, west of the river, so far as is now known, was William Chase, son of John Chase. He settled at the mouth of the river. He was soon followed by Samuel Smith, who erected a house near where Amos Smith's house stands. For some years these two settlers were the only residents the west side of the river. The early settlers on the east side were located in the Snow neighborhood. They were Benjamin Hall, who went to Connecticut;

Ginn'S Bazaar

William Gray, who went to New York State about 1746, and Dea. Nathaniel Doane, who settled upon Gray's farm, and his only son, Elijah Doane.

The building of the bridge over the river, near Job Chase's house, in 1804, and the throwing open a public way from the Dennis line to the bridge, in 1808, by Job Chase, sr., through his lands, aided much the growth of the place, especially on the west side.

Vessel building on the river and near its mouth commenced early after the beginning of the present century, and was continued at times until 1848. Among the number built, of which mention has been made, were the Hope arid Polly, built for Job Chase, sr., in 1805; the Dorcas, built on the east side of Herring river, by Patrick Kelley, in 1817; the Superb Hope, for Job Chase, jr., and Sears Chase, in 1824; the Experiment, for Isaac Bee, in 1830, near his house, and also the schooner Trimnph, and the Job Chase, in 1848. The latter was a schooner of about seventy tons. It was built by Anthony Thacher for Job Chase, at a place on the west side of the river, south of Erastus Chase's house, called the " Snake Hole." This was the last vessel built in Harwich. Mr. Chase was actively engaged in the fishery during most of his life, as was his father, bearing the same name. He had a store for many years, near the river, a little to the eastward of Erastus Chase's store.