Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 41 of those read), 1883

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 41 of those read)

First Parish and Church in Town - Notices of Habijah Weld, Wilder, and others - Division of the Town into two Parishes - East Parish, its History - Notices of the Ministers - North Baptist Church - Notices of its Pastors - Notices of Modern Religious Societies.

The Ministry. - For many years the town constituted one parish, and was not divided till April 7, 1743. For some time after its incorporation it was not able to support a preacher, owing to the small number of its population.

The first settled minister in town was Rev. Matthew Short, son of Henry Short, of Newburg. He was a young man when he came to this town. He was born March 14, 1788, and graduated at Harvard College in the class of 1709. He was chosen by the parish ( >ct. 1, 1711, and ordained Nov. 12, 1712, over the church constituted at the same time. Difficulties soon arose between him and his people, which (after many ineffectual attempts to reconcile them) finally resulted in his dismission, May 31, 1715. He continued in this town only about four years, having preached here one year before his ordination. Of his previous or subsequent history but little is known. He removed to Easton, and became the first settled minister of that town, where he remained in harmony with his people till his death, in 1731, aged fortythree years, leaving ten children, - three sons and seven daughters.

According to the articles of agreement made with Mr. Short, Dec. 20, 1711, he was to have fifty pounds a year for the first six years; one-third to be in money and " the other two-thirds in grain, beef, pork, butter, or cheese, any or either of them at current price."1 At the seventh year his salary was to be raised to sixty pounds, payable as above, and there to continue until there should be one hundred families in town capable of paying public taxes in the judgment of the selectmen for the time being, and then it was to be seventy pounds per annum. He was also to have the use of the ministerial house and lands so long as he should continue in his pastoral office.

Mr. Short was married to Miss Margaret Freeman, of Attleborough, by Justice Leonard, Dec. 27, 1711. He had two daughters while in this town, Anna and Judith.

The first meeting-house was built in 1710. It was not, however, entirely completed until 1714. It was thirty feet square, and stood on the spot where the hall of the Agricultural Society once stood.2

A few extracts from the records detailing more particularly the early proceedings relative to the settlement.of the first minister will be acceptable to the present generation.

March 25. 1707. " The meeting then held was for the choosing of a learned orthodox minister of good conversation to dispense the word of God to us in Attleborough; voted to give Mr. Fiske a call to preach for us. Likewise a committee of nine was chosen to procure a minister to settle. It was likewise voted to empower the said committee to treat with the said Mr. Fiske as to his dispensing the word of God amongst us, and to settle him, if he may be obtained ; and if he may not, then any other minister that the town shall call, being approved by the neighboring ministers."

2 At a town-meeting Feb. 9, 1709-10, voted to build a meeting-house thirty feet square and sixteen feet between joints, and to set it upon a piece of land on the east side of the country road near to the house of Christopher Hall, and to get the timber for said house, and to frame and raise it by the 1st of June next. This lot of land was given to the town for this purpose by Lieut. Moses Read.

The sum of eighty pounds had been granted by the town, Nov. 22, 1705, towards building a minister's house, thirty-five pounds of which had been collected ; and on the 2d of July, 1707, the town voted that the remaining forty-five pounds should be levied and collected.

June 15, 1708. The meeting then held was for the choosing of an able and orthodox minister to serve us in the work of the ministry in this place ; it was voted that the committee should treat with Mr. Wiswell to dispense the word of God to us, if he may be obtained ; if not, then with Mr. Fisher, if he may be obtained ; if not, then with Mr. Hunt, if he may be obtained ; if not, then with Mr. Devotion ; and if neither of them may be obtained, then they may treat with any other that shall be allowed of by the neighboring ministers, until they have settled one in Attleborough.4

July 28, 1710. Chose Mr. Ebenezer White for our minister, if he will stay with us; if not, then Mr. Myles. Mr. White, it appears, did not at this time accept the invitation to settle. He however preached for them nearly a year.

Oct. 9, 1710. Chose a committee to see to the finishing of the meeting-house, and the 1st of January next ensuing was the time fixed for finishing it. Voted to raise a tax of sixty pounds as a fund for said work, five pounds to be in money, and the rest in corn, rye, beef, and pork, or in materials for the building.

Nov. 20, 1710. Voted that the house which is built on the ministerial lot should be given to the first minister that shall serve the town seven years in the office of a minister, and so living and dying among us, then to be his and his heirs forever.5

Oct. 1, 1711. At a meeting for the choice of an able orthodox minister to dispense the word of God to us in Attleborough, the town chose Mr. Matthew Short for their minister.6

Nov. 5, 1711. Granted a tax of twenty-five pounds towards paying Mr. Short, ten pounds in money, and the other fifteen pounds in grain, pork, beef, butter, cheese, at current price.

3 In 1710 the Mile and Half was reannexed to this town, which restored fourteen families, and enabled the people to support a preacher without other assistance.

* The inhabitants were so few (consisting of about sixteen families, exclusive of the fourteen who had been annexed to Rehoboth) that they were not able to afford a competent salary, which was probably the cause of their embarrassment in the settlement of a minister.

5 The next settled minister acquired the property of this house (and also the ministerial farm, as will subsequently appear) by having fulfilled the condition of the grant.

6 March 18, 1711-12. " Voted to build a pew for the minister in the meeting-house, and also agreed that Mrs. Short shall have the benefit and privilege of sitting in the same during her abode in Attleborough."

Attle Borough

people July 18, 1715 ; ordained Oct. 17, 1716. He had supplied the pulpit for some time previous to his settlement. He was minister of the town eleven years, and remained here till his death, Sept. 4, 1726. So far as appears, he gave general satisfaction. He married Abigail Paine, and had several children, - Hannah, Martha, Edward, Experience, and Thankful, and two others who died infants.

Besides his regular salary, Mr. White acquired a title to the ministerial farm and house (so called) by having fulfilled the condition of the grant.

At a meeting of the proprietors of the North Purchase, Sept. 16, 1707, it was unanimously voted " that the surveyor with the major part of the committee should forthwith lay out a hundred acres of land within said purchase, which shall be the first settled minister's in Attleborough that continueth to be their minister for the space of seven years ; said land to be said minister's, and his heirs and assigns forever." - North Purchase Rec, 2 Book, p. 3.

The ministerial lot (which has been a subject of so much controversy in modern days) was granted at an adjourned meeting of the proprietors held at Rehoboth June 29, 1685, in the words following: "It was likewise voted and agreed upon (nemine contract I cente) , that a hundred acres of land be forthwith laid out at the Seven-Mile River, where Rice Leonard's lot was, and as near adjacent as may be; which said hundred acres of land perpetually to be reserved for the ministry." - Rehoboth Town Rec, 2 Book, p. 48. Bounds Recorded, North Purchase Rec, 1 Book, p. 197.

" Oct. 16, 1712. Laid out to Lieut. Moses Read two acres of land by the meeting-house, bounded south the stated road, east the foot of the hill, north the land of the heirs of Christopher Hall, west the country road. The above said land the said Lieut. Read gave to the town of Attleborough for public use forever, and ordered it so to be put on record, as is attest by me, Daniel Smith, clerk." - Rehoboth North Purchase Rec, 1 Book, p. 302.

Nov. 1, 1734. Noah Carpenter, Sr., and Caleb Hall of Attleborough, " in consideration of love, good-will, and affection which we have and do bear towards the church and congregation of the said Attleborough, called by the name of the Presbyterian," have given, granted, conveyed, etc., unto them, their heirs and assigns forever, that is to be understood for the especial use, benefit, and privilege of that society forever, a certain tract of land containing about fortyfive rods, where the new meeting-house now stands, bounded by the said Carpenter's and the said Hall's lands, and by the country road, etc. - Rehoboth North Purchase Rec, 2 Book, p. 126.

Habijah Weld. - Rev. Habijah Weld, the third minister of Attleborough, was distinguished for his usefulness in the ministry, and highly respected as a man both at home and abroad. He united, to an uncommon degree, the affections of his people for the long period of nearly fifty-five years during which he was their pastor. He was a man of talents and respectable acquirements, and was extensively known. His character deserves a more particular notice.

He was born in Dunstable, Mass., Sept. 2, 1702; graduated at Cambridge University in 1723, and was ordained pastor of the first church and congregation in this town, Oct. 1, 1727. He died May 14, 1782, in the eightieth year of his age, and the fifty-fifth of his ministry. The following notice of his character is extracted from a communication in Dr. Dwight's "Travels," from the Hon. David Daggett, late chief justice of the Supreme Court of Connecticut, and senator in Congress :

" Mr. Weld was below the middle stature, and in the latter part of his life corpulent. His constitution was vigorous, and his mind almost singularly energetic. The stipend which he received from his parishoners consisted of an annual salary of two hundred and twenty dollars, and the use of a parsonage lot which furnished him with wood and a little pasture. With his patrimony he purchased a farm of about seventy acres of moderately good land and a decent house. He had fifteen children, ten of whom were married during his life, and one after his death. The remaining four died while young. This numerous family he educated with the means Which have been mentioned, in a manner superior to what is usually found in similar circumstances, entertained much company in a style of genuine hospitality, and was always prepared to contribute to the necessities of others.

" For the regulation of his domestic concerns, Mr. Weld prescribed to himself and his family a fixed system of rules, which were invariably observed, and contributed not a little to the pleasantness and prosperity of his life. His children, laborers, and servants submitted to them with cheerfulness, and his house became the seat of absolute industry, peace, and good order. Breakfast was on the table precisely at six o'clock, dinner at twelve, and supper at six in the evening. After supper he neither made visits himself nor permitted any of his family to make them.

" His observation of the Sabbath was peculiarly exemplary. He permitted no act to be done in his house on that day, except such as were acts of necessity and mercy in the strict sense.

"Mr. Weld was naturally of a very ardent disposition. Yet so entirely had he acquired an ascendency over his temper that a censurable or imprudent act is not known to have been done by him nor an improper word uttered. To vice and licentiousness in every form he gave no indulgence, either in his conversation or his public instructions. On the contrary, idleness, intemperance, profaneness, and all kinds of immoral conduct were reproved by him with undeviating severity. His example in the practice of every virtue was such as to create in all classes of men entire veneration for his character. It is doubted whether any person ever uttered a reproach against Mr. Weld. "

"Nor was his piety less remarkable. Since the days of the apostles it is questioned whether his zeal, fidelity, and intrepedity in the cause of his divine master have been excelled. During the long period of fifty-five years he was never once detained from the pulpit by disease, nor from any other of his pastoral duties. His prayers were wholly formed by himself, and adapted with strict propriety to the various occasions on which they were made. They were pertinent, solemn, and impressive. His sermons were written and were usually delivered without variation from his notes. Yet at times he addressed his congregation extemporaneously in a manner eminently forcible and affecting. . . .

" In his parochial visits he was accustomed to address the truths and duties of the gospel to the hearts and consciences of the family, and never lost sight of the eternal interests of his congregation. And while he administered the balm of life to the wounded spirit, he addressed the most solemn alarms as well as the most pungent reproofs to stubbornness and impiety.

"Mr. Weld continued his labors to the Sabbath before his death without any visible decline in his powers either of body or mind. On that Sabbath he preached two sermons from these words : " He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned." On the Tuesday following he rode in his chaise to Providence, ten miles, returned about four o'clock in the afternoon, walked into the house, told his wife that he was unwell, requested her to open a window, as he found a difficulty in breathing, sat down and instantly expired of an apoplexy. So well were his secular concerns arranged for his departure that the settlement of his estate cost less than five dollars. His excellent wife survived him many years, and died after she had passed the age of ninety, universally lamented.

"At the death of Mr. Weld only one of his congregation was living of those who assisted in his settlement. His parishioners showed their sense of the loss which they sustained in his death by an universal mourning.

" The house of this gentleman was the resort of many distinguished persons from Boston, Providence, and various other parts of New England, and in no house were they received and treated with more hos- j pitality. His manners were at once dignified and | polite, and every member of his family was courteous and well bred. Nothing was seen among them but harmony and good-will.

" That with such an income Mr. Weld could support so large a family and live in so hospitable a manner will certainly excite not a little wonder. The explanation is found in his industry, regularity, and exactness in all his concerns. Everything was managed in such a manner that almost in the literal sense nothing was lost.

"In my opinion," adds Mr. Dwight, "Mr. Weld was a more strict observer of the divine law and more eminently holy than any man whom I ever knew.

" Permit me to subjoin," says Dr. Dwight, " that if all clergymen sustained the same character and lived in the same manner, the world would speedily assume a new aspect and its inhabitants a new character."

Mr. Weld married Mary Fox, of Woburn, who died Jan. 7, 1799, in her ninety-third year, by whom he had fifteen children, four sons and eleven daughters, who were married as follows: Jonathan Philbrook, of Boston, to Dorothy Weld, Aug. 7, 1759; Rev. Oliver Noble, of Newburyport, to Lucy Weld, May 15, 1760 ; Dr. Cardee Parker, of Coventry, Conn., to Mary Weld, April 15, 1762 ; Caleb Fuller, of Windsor, county of Ware, Me., to Hannah Weld, Oct. 28, 1762; Rev. Ezra Weld to Anna Weld, Feb. 9, 1764; Rev. Oakes Shaw,1 of Barnstable, to Elizabeth Weld, July 19, 1764; Rev. Timothy Alden,2 of Yarmouth, to Sarah Weld, Nov. 22, 1770 ; Eliphaz Day, of Attleborough, to Eunice Weld.

M.A., late the faithful, worthy, and beloved Pastor of the first Church of Christ in Attleborough. He was born Sept. 2, 1702. He was ordained Oct. 1, 1727. He died May 14, 1782, in the eightieth year of his age and the fifty-fifth of his pastorate. Farewell, vain world ! as thou hast been to me, Dust and a shadow, these I leave with thee ; The unseen vital substance I commit- To him that's Substance, Life, Light, Love to it."

May 13, 1728. The town voted to enlarge the meeting-house by making an addition of twenty feet to the north end ; but in September following a number of individuals engaged by subscription to advance the sum of £234 10s. (in addition to their proportion of the taxes) towards defraying the expenses of a new meeting-house, if the town would agree to build anew instead of enlarging the old. The town accordingly voted, Nov. 18, 1728, to build a new house, and ordered it to be fifty feet in length, forty feet in breadth, and of a suitable height for one

2 Rev. Timothy Alden, who married Sarah Weld, minister of Yarmouth, author of " American Epitaphs," in three volumes, died November, 1828, aged ninety-two. He was a descendant of John Alden, a Pilgrim of the " Mayflower."

tier of galleries; and that it "shall stand on a little hill on the north side of the pound, about fifteen or sixteen rods from the old meeting-house."1

The town constituted one parish until April 7, 1743, when it was divided into "two distinct and separate" parishes or precincts by an act of the Legislature. The west constituted the First, and the east the Second Precinct.

Extracts from the Records of the First Parish. - Sept. 18, 1744. The sum of £12 14s. was granted to the Second Precinct. This was probably a part of their share in the meeting-house.

March 28, 1780. A meeting was called "to see if the precinct will apply to some one to assist Mr. Weld in the work of the ministry, under his present indisposition of body," etc. Voted that the two deacons see that the pulpit is supplied in case Mr. Weld is unable to preach.

June 3, 1782. A meeting was held " to see if the precinct will agree to pay the funeral charges of the Rev. Mr. Weld, late of Attleborough, deceased." 2d. " To see if the precinct will choose a committee so seek a supply occasioned by the death of our late pastor."

From this time till the settlement of Mr. Wilder, in 1790, nearly eight years, the parish was destitute of a settled minister. The people were very much divided on this subject. Many unsuccessful attempts were made to settle a minister, numerous candidates were called, but the people could make no choice. They had been long united and harmonious under the ministry of Mr. Weld, some diversity of opinion and alienation of feeling were to be expected after so long a calm.

Aug. 27, 1782. Voted to hire Rev. Mr. Morey six weeks longer. Oct. 30, 1782. A meeting was called "to see if the precinct will give Mr. Morey a call to settle in the ministry." 1st. " Voted to give him a call. 2d. Voted to reconsider it."

Feb. 26, 1783. Voted to treat with a committee in Second Precinct relative to ministerial lands. There was a dispute between the two parishes for a long time in regard to their relative rights to these lands, which was finally terminated, I believe, by payment of a certain sum to the second parish.

1 It was voted that those parts of the town which may be hereafter set off as a precinct or town shall have the money repaid to them Which they now pay towards the new meeting-house.

- The last meeting under the Provincial government (March, 177G) was warned, as usual, "in the name of his Majesty the King of England," etc., hut the next one, 17th September following, Boon after the declaration of independence, was warned "in the name of these States and in behalf of the good people of this province," etc.

At the same meeting, voted to hire Rev. Mr. Bradford three months. Voted to buy one hundred sermons delivered by Rev. Mr. Thaeher3 on the death of Rev. Mr. Weld. Voted to apply to Rev. Mr. Spalding, of Killingly, Conn., to come and preach a few weeks.

Aug. 18, 1883. "Voted to send to the president of Yale College to send us a candidate." He accordingly sent them a young man, who it appears was not acceptable.

Dec. 15, 1783. Rev. Mr. Britt was preaching as a candidate. Subsequently Rev. Mr. Avery, then a Mr. March, Mr. Hart, of Preston, Conn., Mr. Damon, Mr. Plum. "Voted to send for Mr. Huntington to preach for us." Before the arrival of Mr. Wilder many other names of candidates appear. So irreconcilable were the feelings or opinions, or both, of the parish, that it seemed next to impossible to make a selection. So great was the distress of the people amidst their divisions that they at last appointed a " fast on account of their present difficulties." In this they hit upon the right expedient, for it seemed to have a very happy effect, as they soon after agreed on a candidate, the Rev. John Wilder, who, at a meeting Jan. 4, 1790, gave an answer accepting the proposals of the parish, which terminated their long and troublesome contest.

Mr. Wilder was born in Templeton, March 12, 1758 ; removed to Lancaster in 1776. He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1784 ; studied theology with Rev. Dr. Hart, of Preston, Conn. His first wife was Esther Tyler, of Preston, - married Sept. 2, 1790, and died Jan. 19, 1811. His second wife was Mrs. Elizabeth Austin, of North Hartford, Conn. She died at Austinsburg, March, 1847, aged seventy-two years.

Mr. Wilder was dismissed Nov. 28, 1822. He had been the pastor of that parish upwards of thirty-two years. He died here Feb. 12, 1836, aged seventyseven. He left a numerous family of children ; one of the daughters married Hon. Lemuel May, of Attleborough, who was the mother of the late John Wilder May, chief justice of the Municipal Court of Boston.

Mr. Wilder published several discourses, one on " The Federal Past," delivered May 9, 1798 ; an address before the Attleborough Agricultural Society, etc., delivered Feb. 22, 1805 ; a funeral sermon on the death of Hon. Elisha May, November, 1811 ; and another on the death of Deacon Lane.

4 This Bradford was afterwards lieutenant-governor of Rhode Island, a man very popular at the time in his profession. He was a descendant from William Bradford, second governor of Plymouth Colony.

To him succeeded Rev. Thomas Williams, formerly -of Connecticut, who was installed Sept. 29, 1824. His connection with the parish was dissolved Dec. 11, 1827.

The next settled minister was Rev. Charles J. Warren, who was ordained Feb. 28, 1828, and dismissed July 8, 1830. He died in New York, January, 1883. Rev. Mr. Chapin, Rev. Mr. Colburn, Rev. Mr. Ober supplied the pulpit from 1830 to 1840.

East Parish. - The towns originally in this State constituted the religious societies, but in the course of time, as population increased, the towns were divided by territorial divisions, and by metes and bounds, and all the inhabitants within these territorial limits who had been admitted as freemen were members. This was at a time when there were no religious divisions among the people. But in the course of time religious distinctions arose, and various provisions were made to meet these exigencies. The division of the town into two territorial parishes was made April 7, 1743, by act of the Legislature. But this division was not made in consequence of any religious differences, but wholly on account of the inconvenience of attending public worship at such great distances. At the incorporation of the town Attleborough and Cumberland constituted one parish. Rev. Thomas Williams, a clergyman well known in this vicinity, particularly to the people of this town. He preached for several years in Foxborough, an adjoining town. Afterwards he supplied the pulpit at West Attleborough First Church. After that he gathered and organized the church at Hebron ville, South Attleborough. Here he preached for that church a number of years. He was a man of vigorous and active mind. He entertained very decided opinions on all subjects, religious and secular, and was fearless in expressing them. He was animated in the delivery of his sermons, and always secured the attention of his hearers, not merely by his matter and manner, but by occasional use of strong and peculiar language. In preaching and sermonizing he indulged largely in doctrinal subjects. He adhered during his long life to the theology of New England. He enjoyed the power of wit and sarcasm, which he used when occasion required. He often engaged in discussion on public affairs, and on various subjects, and never failed to repel the attacks of his opponents with keen repartee, and always said something which they had reason to remember. He was most truly a disinterested man, laboring often without hope of reward, hardly reserving enough to meet his own expenses on the journey of life. He regarded himself as an instrument in the hands of his master. He appeared to me the most disinterested laborer I ever knew. He died in Providence at an advanced age.

He was the author of several volumes and numerous pamphlets, and furnished numerous articles for various periodicals. They are too numerous to mention here.

His most interesting discourse was his funeral sermon on Doctor Emmons' death, Sept. 28, 1840. It was understood that it was the agreement of the parties some time before the death of either of them that the survivor should preach the funeral sermon of the other. It was prepared by Mr. Williams years before Dr. Emmons' death, and read to him.

After a few brief pastorates, the Rev. John B. M. Bailey accepted a call of the church, and became its settled minister. He was ordained Dec. 30, 1840, and died Feb. 24. 1851, aged forty-three years, after the tenth year of his ministry. Author of the address for the consideration of Mount Hope Cemetery in Attleborough, which then opened its portals to receive him among its first tenants. It was prepared to be delivered July 2, 1850, he was unable to deliver it himself, and it was intrusted to other hands. He was soon borne to the place he had consecrated for others. This address was his last labor.

Mr. Bailey was born in Dunbarton, N. H., Juue 5, 1807, and was educated at an academy in Vermont. He was a man of talents and culture, and an eloquent preacher. He was popular throughout the town, especially for the deep and active interest he took in the cause of common-school education, and in everything which concerned the common welfare of the community around him. His death was universally lamented. He left a widow and two daughters.

A white marble monument was erected to his memory by the citizens of the town, with an inscription expressive of their high estimation of his character and services.

The first meeting of the parish was the 6th of June succeeding. On the 20th of the same month a meeting was called " to consider and see what the parish will do in order to placing a meeting-house for the public worship of God." This is the first record of an attempt to build a meeting-house in this part of the town. At the same time a committee was chosen " to agree with Mr. Willis or some other man for the present." It was also " voted to choose a committee of two who should apply in the first place to Rev. Mr. Willis, and if he cannot be obtained, then to Mr. Read, and if he cannot be obtained, then to Mr. Peter Thacher."

It appears by the records of the next meeting that they had hired Mr. Thacher for a time. He was the first minister who preached here. He commenced Aug. 20, 1743, but was not ordained and settled till Nov. 30, 1748, about five years.

Sept. 6, 1743. "Voted to proceed forthwith to build a meeting-house for the public worship of God." The house was to be thirty-five feet square, and high enough for one tier of galleries. A committee was chosen "to carry on the building of said house." At a subsequent meeting Oct. 18, 1743, " voted to reconsider the vote relating to the dimensions of the meeting-house, and to build one fortyfive feet long, and thirty-five feet wide, and high enough for one tier of galleries." This was the size of the house as it was afterwards built. The meeting-house was commenced in the autumn of this year, but the interior was not finished till several years subsequently.

On the 1st of November following the parish made choice of Rev. Peter Thacher for their minister " by a free vote," and agreed to give him for a salary forty pounds yearly for four years, and at the end of four years to give him fifty pounds per annum " current money," and also for a settlement three hundred pounds, " old tenor," to be paid in four years, - i.e., one quarter part each year.

The first public burying-ground in East Attleborough was laid out Oct. 16, 1744, as appears by a vote of that date. " Voted to have a burying-place in the meeting-house lot, and that it should be at the northwesterly corner of said lot." This piece of land was purchased previously by the parish, and consisted of two acres called the " meeting-house lot."

Oct. 28, 1748. Settled Mr. Thacher's salary at four hundred pounds per annum, old tenor, " reckoning silver money at fifty-five shillings per ounce, and to rise and fall as silver shall rise and fall, so long as he shall continue our minister." At the same time the parish chose a committee to provide for the ordination of Mr. Thacher, which took place 30th of the next month. He continued the pastor until Oct. 26, 1784, when he was dismissed by vote of parish. He had a few months previous to his dismission suffered an attack of paralysis (which rendered him unable to perform the duties of his station), of which he died Sept. 13, 1785, in the seventieth year of his age. He preached in this town about forty-one years, was a highly respectable and useful man. He was born in Middleborough Jan. 25, 1715, and was the son of Rev. Peter Thacher of that place.1 Nov. 31, 1749, he married Bethiah, the oldest daughter of Deacon Obediah Carpenter, of Attleborough, by whom he had ten children, aeven sons and three daughters. Several of his descendants are living in this town. One of his descendants, Peter Thacher, was a prominent citizen of Cleveland, Ohio.

He published a discourse on the death of Rev. Mr. Weld, which has been reprinted. A small volume of his sermons was also published in 1798 by his son, entitled "Select Discourses on Practical Subjects," under the superintendence of Rev. Thomas Thacher.

After Mr. Thacher and before the settlement of another minister there were several preachers here, - Rev. Asahel Huntington, Mr. Laugh ton, Mr. Farrington, of Wrentham, Mr. Mead, etc.

The next settled minister was the Rev. Ebenezer Lazell, of Bridgewater (a graduate of Brown University, 1788), who was ordained Nov. 21, 1792, and dismissed Jan. 3, 1797. He continued here about four years. During his residence here he married Chloe, the daughter of Capt. Abdather Richardson, of this town. After his dismission he removed to Western New York.

His successor was the Rev. Natlian Holman, who was ordained Oct. 14,1800, and was dismissed May 22, 1821, having been settled here about twenty-one years. He graduated at Brown University in 1797.

Nathan Holman was born in Sutton (that part now Millbury), May 17, 1769, the third son of David Holman and Lucy Thornton. He worked on his father's farm during his minority. After his twenty-first year he commenced his studies preparatory for college. He depended mostly on his own exertion for the means to carry him through college. He graduated at Brown University in 1797, with the reputation of a good scholar. He studied theology with the pastor of his native town, Rev. Edmund Mills, and finished his course with Dr. Emmons. In 1800 he preached as a candidate at this place, and during the year received a call to settle as pastor. He was ordained Oct. 15, 1800. The ordination sermon was preached by Rev. Edmund Mills, pastor of the Congregational Church in Sutton, which was published. He was dismissed May 22, 1821. He married Miss Lettice Morey, daughter of Dr. Samuel Morey, of Norton. She died March 6, 1848.

IRev. P. Thacher, of Middleborough, was born Oct. 6, 1G88, graduated at Cambridge University, a. p., 1706, ordained at that place Nov. 2, 1709, and died April 22, 1744, aged fifty-six. He was the son of Rev. Peter Thacher, minister of Bli.lton (by his wife Theodora, daughter of Rev. John Oxenbridgei who was the son of Rev. Thomas Thacher, of Boston, and was born at Salem July 18, 1651, graduated at Harvard College 1671, ordained June 1, 1681, and died Dec. 27, 1727, aged seventy-six.

Mr. Holman died Oct. 28, 1844, leaving two sons and one daughter. He was the respected, faithful, and successful pastor here about twenty-one years.

Several of his sermons and addresses were published, - a sermon preached on the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of " John Shepard the Ancient" ; an oration on American independence, July 4,1802; a sermon delivered at Attleborough, East Precinct, Thanksgiving-day, Nov. 21, 1811.

The second meeting-house in the East Precinct was built in 1825. It was begun in the spring of that year, and dedicated in December following. It cost about six thousand dollars. It has since been enlarged.

Rev. John Ferguson, who succeeded Rev. Nathan Holman as pastor at East Attleborough, was born in Berwickshire, Scotland, Dec. 9, 1788. His father came to this country while a young man, and settled in Newport, R. I. His mother was Ann Briggs, of Little Compton. His father and mother died in Newport, each at the age of eighty-five years.

While residing in Providence, R. I., at the age of twenty years, he began preparation for the ministry under the direction of Rev. Calvin Park, D.D., Professor of Ancient Languages, and afterwards of Moral Philosophy, in Brown University. He was not educated at any college, but was honored with the degree of A.M. from Amherst in 1837.

He was ordained over the church and society in this place Feb. 27, 1822. He was dismissed March 25, 1835. Says a writer well acquainted with him, " His ministry was of great value in the administration of wise and judicious measures, and marked the commencement of the system of support to the various benevolent enterprises of the day, and of aid to the labors of parents and pastors by a judicious and careful education of children in Sabbath-schools and maternal associations."

He was installed at Whately, March 16, 1836, and dismissed June 17, 1840. He removed to Lanesborough, where he preached about two years. Since that time he was employed by the American Tract Society as general agent for New Hampshire and Vermont. He married, first, Mary V., daughter of Benjamin Hammett, of Newport, R. I. ; second, Margaret S. Eddy, daughter of William Eddy, of Providence, R. I.

He published a sermon on the death of Ebenezer Daggett, Jr., delivered Dec. 16, 1831, and several other discourses. He also published a memoir of Dr. Samuel Hopkins, the celebrated theologian, for the use of Sabbath-schools.

Rev. Jonathan Crane. - He was born in Schenectady, N. Y., in 1814. At the age of fifteen he entered Union College, and graduated in 1832, at the age of eighteen. At the age of twenty-two he was ordained over the Congregational Church at East Attleborough, Oct. 30, 1836. He was dismissed June 12, 1854, after a pastorate of eighteen years, and removed to New York, where he was settled over the Congregational Church at Twentieth Street. Here he remained three years. He was invited to return to Attleborough, and while here the church was repaired and enlarged. In 1860 he received a call from the Congregational Church at Middletown, N. Y. When he went there his congregation consisted of only forty families, but when he left, in 1868, it had increased to one hundred and twenty.

He then went West, and made his home in Kalamazoo, Mich., and preached in various places in that vicinity. He labored for some time at St. Joseph, Mo., and aided the people there in building a new church. In 1875, Mr. Crane returned, by invitation, to Middletown, and remained with his people there till his death, Dec. 25, 1877, at the age of sixty-three years. In 1837, Mr. Crane married Miss Anna H., daughter of the late N. W. Sanford, of New York. She still survives him. He leaves four children. His ministry here was very successful, and the church prosperous, with large additions to its members.

The next settled minister was Rev. Charles D. Lothrop, born at Easton, Mass., 1828, and a graduate of Amherst College in 1849, and also in Andover Theological Seminary. He was ordained here Dec. 14, 1854, and dismissed April 29, 1857, after a pastorate of two and one-half years.

To him succeeded Rev. Erancis N. Pelonbet, who was born in the city of New York, a graduate of Williams College 1853, and Bangor Theological Seminary 1857, and was installed here June 26, 1836. He was dismissed Oct. 19, 1871, and is now pastor of the church in Natick.

North Baptist Church. - This church was constituted in 1769. Its existence, however, may be traced back as early as 1747. It was at first and for many years afterwards of the Congregational order, though differing from that denomination in some respects. "There being," say the church records, " a considerable number of Christians in this place that are dissatisfied with the constitution of the standing order of churches in the land, they, with some others, formed themselves into a society to worship God according to His word and spirit." Jan. 20, 1747, the church proceeded "to set apart their esteemed Brother Nathaniel Shepard, by solemn ordination, as their pastor," who was removed by death April 14, 1752.

church, and continued "through many trials and discouragements" till the year 1769, when by vote the church changed their constitution "from a Congregational to a Baptist Church, in what is called open communion." At this time there were six male and four female members who agreed in doctrine, and formed fellowship with Bellingham Church. Two years previous, in 1767, the church moved Mr. Abraham Bloss from Sturbridge to Attleborough, who preached here two years till his death, Sept. 16, 1769.

To him succeeded Elder Job Seamans, of Sackville, Cumberland County, and province of Nova Scotia, now in the province of New Brunswick. Mr. Seamans was born in Swansea, Mass., in 1748. He removed to Sackville,1 New Brunswick, with Elder Mason's company, who emigrated to that place from Swansea, Mass., in 1763. He there became a preacher. He was invited to become the pastor of the church in this town, accepted the invitation, and removed here. In 1779 he, in conjunction with Elder Biel Ledoyt, of Woodstock, Conn., was appointed by the Warren Association a missionary to visit various parts of New Hampshire. In the course of the same year he returned to Attleborough, where he remained till 1788. In 1787, May 10th, he requested a dismission from the church in this place, which was reluctantly granted in June, 1788, when he removed to New London, N. H., where he had preached during his mission, and was settled over the new Baptist Church in that place, which he established at the same time. Here he continued till his death in 1830, at the advanced age of eighty-two.

Rev. William Williams,2 who was a member of this church and a respected pastor of the Baptist Society in Wrentham, occasionally supplied the pulpit during the vacancies which occurred after the removal of Mr. Seamans.

November, 1789, Elder Abner Lewis came from New Bedford to Attleborough, and continued the pastor of the church until September, 1795, when he returned to New Bedford. After this Mr. Laben Thurber preached here till April, 1797, when he relinquished

- He was a celebrated instructor of youth. He commenced a school for fitting young men for college, near his meeting-house in Wrentham, which he continued for many years with distinguished success. He educated upwards of one hundred students,* the most of whom graduated at Brown University. Many of them became distinguished men, In the number of his pupils were Dr. Maxcy, Hon. David R.Williams, formerly Governor of South Carolina, Hon. Tristan) Bulges, the former eloquent member of Congress from Rhode Island, etc.

Mr. Williams himsell was educated at Baton's Academy, New Jersey, aud graduated at Brown University in \~iVJ, which was the first class in that institution. He married for his second wife Hiss Titus, the daughter of Deacon J. Titus, of Attleborough.

Elder James Read, who was then resident in Assonet village, Freetown, commenced preaching here in April, 1800, and was so well approved that in December of the same year the church gave him an invitation to settle, which was accepted. In February following he removed to Attleborough, and was installed Aug. 18, 1801. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Gano, Providence; charge by Elder Pitman, of Rehoboth ; right hand of fellowship by Elder Baker. At the same time Edward Clark was ordained as an evangelist. Mr. Clark died April 22, 1811, in the seventy-second year of his age.

Elder Read continued in the ministry here till his death. He died Oct. 21, 1814, in the forty-sixth year of his age. He was a worthy and useful minister, and universally respected as a man. The records of the church bear ample testimony of the estimation in which he was held by his people. " In the prime of his life and in the midst of his usefulness, the Lord, who doeth all things according to his good pleasure, hath seen fit to remove him from the church militant to the church triumphant. Leaving the wife of his youth to mourn the loss of a kind husband, and three children to mourn the loss of a kind parent, and this church and society to mourn the loss of a faithful minister of the gospel, and one whose faithful warnings will long be had in remembrance by many of them." His funeral sermon was preached by Dr. Gano, of Providence.

It is said of him : " He found much pleasure in preaching the gospel in the destitute places of Southeastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and even Connecticut. It is believed that he thus laid the foundation of several churches. An absence of whole weeks on these missionary tours was always at his own expense. He returned home from them burning with a desire to be able to preach in other villages beyond. His salary was not ample enough to allow him to give his whole time to the church. There being no parsonage he rented a house and piece of land near the church, and by the produce of five days' labor of the week supported his family."

He preached a sermon on the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of John Shepard, " the ancient," at Roxborough, which was made an occasion of great attraction. He served about five years longer.

April 28, 1815. Rev. Stephen S. Nelson, who was then preaching in Bellingham, was invited "to take the pastoral care of this church." He was dismissed in May, 1820.

Rev. William Phillips was ordained over this church February, 1827, and continued its pastor two years, when lie was invited to Providence, R. I., and was settled over the Second Baptist Church in that place.

Rev. Reuben Mosey was the next pastor ; came here June, 1839, and continued a successful ministry here for eigh|t years till May, 1847, when he requested a dismission to accept a pastorate in Homer, N. Y.

Rev. William H. Alden, now of Portsmouth, was ordained over this church Sept. 1, 1852. He continued pastor till April 26, 1856, when he requested a dismission to accept the call of the First Church of Lowell.

Rev. G. F. Warren was next called. He accepted the invitation, and commenced his ministry Oct. 1, 1857, when he was installed. He was dismissed in October, 1860.

The first meeting-house was not finished till 1784, though it was erected many years previous. The present meeting-house was built in the spring of 1817.

South Baptist Church. - This church, which is now extinct, was established as early as 1760. Its records cannot be found. April 20, 1789, the First and Second Baptist Churches in Attleborough met and agreed upon fellowship as sister churches. Elder Elihu Daggett1 was the first preacher. It is believed that he was never regularly settled here. He occasionally preached at the North Baptist Church.

The next preacher was Elder Elisha Carpenter. He was settled as early as 1780, if not before, and remained pastor of the church till about 1798, when he removed to Providence, N. Y., where he died. He was a native of this town, a son of Elisha Carpenter, and was born Aug. 17, 1745. His wife was Anna Freeman, of Attleborough.

Soon after Elder Carpenter's removal the church was dissolved, and the members connected themselves with other churches in the vicinity. The meetinghouse was taken down about 1810. It stood on the south side of the road leading from the late Thomas Cooper's to Capt. Joseph Tiffany's.

1 He was the son of Deacon Mayhew Daggett; his wife was Rebeccah Stanley, daughter of Jacob Stanley, one of the first of that name who came here from Topsfield. He was interred in the new burying-ground. On his grave-stone is the following inscription: "Sacred to the memory of Elder Elihu Daggett, who died Aug. 29th, 1769, in the 60th year of his age." " Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Rebeccah Daggett (his widow), who died Sept. 20th, 1799, In the 85th year of her age. What we left behind, others possess; What we gave to the poor, we carried with us."

The first minister was the Rev. Richard Carrique. He commenced preaching here in 1816, and was ordained Dec. 29, 1818. A meeting-house was built in the summer of 1818, and dedicated December 29th of the same year. The church has since been removed to North Attleborough. It stood on the old post road, a few rods south of the First Congregational meeting- house. Mr. Carrique was dismissed in March, 1822.

The next minister was the Rev. Robert Kilham, who commenced preaching March 18, 1822, and was soon after installed. He was dismissed in April, 1828.

Rev. Joseph D. Peirce became the pastor of the church of the First Universalist Society at North Attleborough in 1844. He was born in Scituate, Mass., Nov. 15, 1815, and died Nov. 16, 1880. He was for thirty-six years the faithful and devoted minister of that society, and was always ready for every good work which he found to do, and interested himself in whatever concerned the general interests and welfare of the town. He was particularly earnest in promoting the cause of common-school education, and was for many years an active member of the school committee.

By his wise and judicious conduct and exemplary character he won and justly deserved the respect and confidence of all denominations throughout the town, and his death was regarded as a great public loss.

The Rev. John S. Cantwell, D.D., the present pastor, was installed May 27, 1881. A new and beautiful church has been just completed, at a cost of thirtythree thousand dollars.

Hebronville Church. - This church was gathered by Rev. Thomas Williams immediately after his dismission from the West Parish, in December, 1827. A small but neat meeting-house was built at the same time on the line between Attleborough and Seekonk, - half in one town and half in the other, - to which (and the neighborhood) the name of Hebronville was given by the founder. Rev. Mr. Williams became its first pastor. His connection with this society was dissolved in April, 1832.

The Davis Centenary Methodist Church at East Attleborough was established Nov. 26, 1865. They have a neat and convenient house of worship. The present pastor is Rev. J. A. L. Rich.

Grace Church (Episcopalian) was formed in 1871. A tasteful little church, together with a parsonage, was built in 1872, and consecrated June 18, 1874. Rev. George E. Osgood, rector.

The Free Evangelical Church at North Attleborough was organized April 30, 1858. A suitable church was built by the society, and dedicated Feb. 24, 1874. The present pastor is Rev. J. A. Wood.

In 1850 a Catholic Church was formed at Attleborough Falls under the name of St. Mary's Church, and has since been removed to the village of North Attleborough, where it is intended to erect a more extensive house of worship than the present. Revs. Edward Mongan and Janus Clarke are the present pastors. They have religious services at East Attleborough, and have purchased a lot of land in the village for the purpose of erecting a house of worship. There is also a Catholic Chapel at Dodgeville.

There is the Hebronville Church, called by the name of the Hebronville Union Church, - same which was founded by Rev. Thomas Williams. It has undergone some changes since its organization. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. A. F. Remington.

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Hebronville was organized in . It is in a flourishing condition, having just dedicated a new church built by them, at a cost of ten thousand dollars.

There is the Central Congregational Church at Attleborough Falls, having a handsomely-finished and commodious house of worship. The present pastor is Rev. George O. Jeuness.

Murray Union Society was originally organized June 14, 1875; recognized April 7, 1878; reorganized May 11, 1881. Pastors: first, Rev. F. C. Flint, from Jan. 1, 1876, to March 22, 1876, when he died; second, Rev. A. E. White, ordained and installed Oct. 31, 1877, remained here as pastor till July 8, 1878, when he asked a dismission ; third, Rev. T. W. Illman, installed Oct. 1, 1878, and is the present pastor.