Plymouth County, Massachusetts - Chapter 3, 1884

Chapter 3

Uninn TrinitariuD Society - First Uoiversuliat Society - Motbodiat Protcstunt Church - Trinituriun Congregational Church - Mctboilist K|iisco|jiil Church - St. Bridgot's Church - Couicteriuti - Longevity in the Town.

Union Trinitarian Society. - For some time prior to 1826 several families in the westerly part of East Bridgewater, and a number in the easterly part of West Bridgewater, who were in sympathy with the Orthodox Congregational order, tliought there was a need of a religious society of that faith, whose place of worship .should be situated so as best to accommodate all interested. Accordingly in April, that year, nine petitioners - Samuel Rider, Charles Churchill, Samuel Rider, Jr., Ansel Howard, Luther Richards, Ward Richards, and Joseph Shaw - applied to Silas Packard, Esq., of North Bridgewater, for authority to call a meeting. He consented, and made out a warrant to Alvau Shaw. He notified a meeting to be held at Beaver school-house, on Saturday, April 29,

1826, which meeting was held according to warrant. Mr. Packard presided as justice of the peace at the meeting, which he opened with prayer. The society, as that day organized, was styled " The Union Trinitarian Society of East and West Bridgewater."

At this first meeting, April 29th, Zeba Richards was chosen moderator, and Parlee Keith clerk ; Samuel Rider, John Soulo, and Benjamin Keith, standing committee ; also Jusiah Richards, Elbridge Keith, and William Tirrell a committee to draw a plan for a meeting-house. At a meeting htld July 4th, plans for a meeting-house were presented, and it was voted to accept the same. The following persons were chosen a committee: Seth Richards, Samuel Rider, John Soule, Zina Ilayward, Josiah Richards, Elbridge Keith, William Tirrell, and Alvan Shaw, for the purpose of receiving terms, making an agreement with some person to build the said house, and to consult as to the most suitable and convenient situation, also to take proper measures for procuring the land.

June 20, 1826, a church was organized by Rev. John Codman, D.D., of Dorchester; Rev. Ricliard S. Storrs, D.D., of Braintree ; Rev. Calvin Hitclicock, D.D., of Randolph ; Rev. Daniel Huntington, of North Bridgewater ; and Rev. Ebenczer Gay, of Bridgewater.

The members of the church then organized were Samuel Rider, Joel Edson, Seth Richards, John Harris, William Bonney, Ezekiel Reed, John Soule, Zeba Richards, Charles Churchill, John Richards, Luther Richards, Anna Ryder, Mchitabel Richards, Molly Bonney, Lydia Keith, Lydia Richards, Polly Richards, Dorcas P. Churchill, and Betsey Richard?*.

On the 28th of January, 1827, public worshij)was held in the meeting-house for the first time. Rev. Mr. Pillsbury preached that day from Psalms Ixxxvii. 2, " The Lord loveth the gates of Zion mure than all the dwellings of J.icob." From the organization of the society till the meeting-house was ready for occupancy the society had held services each Lord's day in a private house. The dimensions of the meetinghouse were fifty feet long within the walls, forty feet wide within, sixteen feet high between joints, tower thirty-six feet to the coving, and ten feet square. The number of the pews was fifty six.

Rev. Baalis Sanford, a graduate of Bruwii University, whose birthplace was Berkley, Jluss., was ordained pastor of this church and society Oct. 4, 1827. The sermon was by Rev. R. S. Storrs, D.D., of Braintree ; the other parts of the service by Rev. Daniel Huntinston, of North Bridgewater; Rev. John San- ford, of South Dennb ; Rev. Calvia Hitchcock, D.D., of Randolph ; Rev. Enoch Sanford, of Raynhum ; Rev. Eiastua Maltby, D.D., of Taunton ; and Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Bridgewater.

On Sunday raornitifr, July 28, 1844, the meetin^- liouse was burucd, the oiifiin of the fire beini; uiikiiowu. A new huu>e, which is tiiat now in use. was erected tlie same year, iuri^er and more coniiuodious than the first. It was dedicated Jan. 1. 1845. Rev. Willard Pierce, pastor of the North Church, Abington, preaclied tiie di.scourse, wliich was afterwards |jrinted, fVum 1 Samuel vi. 1, "And the ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines seven

1\lv. Mr. Sanford was disuiisscd iu September, 1 S4'J. and the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Ebenezer Aldeu, Jr., for .lis mouths ; Rev. Cyrus Stone, six months ; Rev. Swift Byington and others until the ordination. May 14, 1851, of Rev. Philo Beckwith Wilcox as the pastor. He was a native of Benson, Vt., and graduated at Burlington, Vt., in 1845. The sermon was preached by Rev. Ebenezer Porter Dyer, consecrating prayer by Rev. Daniel Huntington, charge by Rev. Mr. Thatcher, address to the people by Rev. Luther Sheldon, of Easton.

Rev. Baalis Sanford, son of Capt. Joseph and Eleanor (Macomber) Sanford, was born in Berkley, July 6, 1801. He was the youngest of six sons, four of whom became clergymen. He graduated at Brown University in 1823, and was ordained pastor of the Union Society, in East Bridgewater, Oct. 4, 1827. In 1849 was dismissed from that pastorate and installed pastor of the Trinitarian Congregational Society of East Bridgewater, having been, at the close of the latter office, in the ministry here thirty-three years. He married, March 31, 1831, Abby, daughter of Dean and Polly (Crane) Burt, of Berkley. Their children were Irene, Abby, Baalis, William Alden, Henry Dean, Austin, Eudora, Eugene, Charles, Homer, and Abbott. Baalis and William A. are merchants in Brockton ; Austin, a graduate of Dartmouth College, is a professor in a seminary in Albany, N. Y. ; and Abbott, a graduate of Amherst College, is a student in medicine.

Rev. Mr. Sanford died July 28, 1880, aged seventynine years. His residence iu East Bridgewater continued nearly fifty- three years. Ho was a man of great decision of character, and true to his convictions. He was in advance of the community on the great moral questions of the day. In the temperance cause he took strong grounds. On the question of slavery he gave utterance to ideas which to some were distasteful, but which eventually were looked upon with respect. His discourses, plain and practical, were carefully studied and of solid worth. In them he endeavored to set forth the whole counsel of God. Though to some he seemed stern, he was in reality genial and kind-hearted. He was a member of the school committee for a longer period than any one else in the town, and held the office of chairman of that board longer than any other member. The reports which emanated from his pen were replete with good sense and useful suggestions. He will be long remembered and honored for his sterling qualities.

Rev. Mr. Wilcox was dismissed in April, 1860, and Rev. Henry Dwight Woodworth was the next pastor. He was ordained Sept. 12, 18G0. The discourse was by Rev. Henry E. Dwight, of Randolph, charge by Rev. Dr. Maltby, of Taunton, address to the people by Rev. H. D. Walker, of East Abington. Rev. Mr. Woodworth graduated at Amherst in 1855. He resigned Sept. 9, 1861, and Rev. Nathaniel Hooper Broughton became acting pastor May 4, 18G2. His birthplace was Marblehead, and he was graduated at Amherst College in 1847. He died June 2, 1866, aged forty years.

Rev. Jeremiah K. Aldrich was installed the next pastor Jan. 22, 1868. He was born in Providence, R. I., May 20, 1826. He resigned April 2, 1870, and is now pastor of the First Church iu Wellfieet.

On the 24th of November, 1871, the society voted to hire Rev. Austin Dodge, of Newburyport, for one year. He left in June, 1874, and on the 3Uth of November of that year the society voted unanimously to extend a call to Rev. Daniel W. Richardson to become their pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. Perley M. Griffin, who began his labors with them Jan. 2, 1881, and is the present pastor.

"Skction I. George M. Keith, Clarkson W. Richnids, Wulter Severance, tlieir asaooiates and successors are hereby incorporated as a parish or religious society, by the name of The Union Society in East Bridgewater, with all the powers and privileged, and subject tu all the duties, liabilities, and restrictions, set forth in the geoerul laws, which are or may be in force relating to such corpoi-atioDs.

"SECTION 2. The organization of said society, which wns effected under the name of the Union Trinitarian Society, of East and West bridgewater, in the year eighteen hundred und twenty-six, and all its subsequent proceedings under and by virtue of such organization, as the same are now eutercd on the records of said society in the possession of E. E. Itichurd.-', the clerk thereof for the current year, with all its acts and doings, are hereby ratitied and confirmed, as the records and acts of a duly and legally organized corporation.

Deacons of the Union Church of East Bridgewater: Samuel Rider, elected July 15, 1826, died May 19, 1S45, aged seventy-five ; John Soule, elected July 13, 1826, died Dec. 17, 1868, aged eighty-three ; Charles Churchill, elected October, 1839, died Aug. 6, 1864, aged seventy-three ; Nathan Whitman, elected October, 1839, died Jan. 26, 1862, aged sixty-five; Stephen Harlow, elected Jan. 1, 1861 ; Rufus A. Littlefield, elected Oct. 25, 1864, resigned June 8, 1880 ; Walter Severance, elected March 4, 1879.

New Jerusalem Churcli. - The East Bridgewater Society of the New Jerusalem commenced February, 1830. Rev. Adonis Howard began preaching to a congregation of receivers of the doctrines of the New Jerusalem, as unfolded in the writings of Emanuel Swedenboig, April 23, 1831, on which day a legally notified meeting was holden, and a society legally organized, under the name of the New Jerusalem Society in East Bridgewater. Robert Curtis was chosen clerk ; William Harris, Jonah Edson, Joseph Chamberlain, prudential committee. The members of the society then formed were as follows, viz. : William Harris, Jonah Edson, Charles Mitchell, James B. Fellows, George Mitchell, Joseph Chamberlain, Jr., Robert Curtis, Samuel Rogers, Jacob A. Rogers, Daniel French.

In 1838 the General Convention of the New Jerusalem Church in the United States having adopted certain rules of order, it was deemed proper that a society should be instituted in accordance with these rules. Accordingly, Aug. 2, 1838, Joseph Chamberlain, Jr., and twenty-six others were formed into an ecclesiastical body by Rev. Thomas Worcester, D.D., of Boston.

This society at first worshiped in private houses, afterwards in the school-house at Satucket, in the academy at East Bridgewater village, and iu Churchill's Hall, in Joppa. In 1854 its present house of worship was built, having fifty-four pews, which was dedicated December 14th of that year by Rev. Eleazer Smith. The ditjcourse was from Rev. xiv. 1, 2, 3.

The cost of the liouse, including the land, was four thousand dollars. Nov. 11, 1864, a steel bell, of Sheffield manufacture, was hung in the tower of this house, weight five hundred and eighty pounds, cost one hundred and seventy-four dollars. It was supposed at the lime that this was the first house of worship of the New Church order in the United States furnished with a bell.

Tills society has had as its ministers, Rev. Adonis Howard, from its organization to October, 1838 ; Rev. James Scott from August, 1843, to September,

1846; Rev. Tilly B. Hay ward from September, 1846, to November, 1849; Rev. John Philander Perry from April, 1850, to April 3, 1853; Rev. Eleazer Smith from October, 1853, to April, 185G ; Rev. Timothy 0. Paine from April, 1856, to Aug. 14, 1864, on which day he was installed as pastor liy Rev. Thomas Worcester, S.T.D., of Boston.

This society has held services in times when it lias had no minister, viz. : from October, 1838, to August, 1843, and from November, 1849, to .\pril, 1S5U, under the leadersliip of Mr. William Ilairi->; and from April, 1853, to October of the .-^ame year, undi r the leadership of Mr. Thomas Coiiant.

Rev. Timothy Otis Paine, son of Frederic and Abie 1 (Ware) Paine, was born at Winslow, Me., Oct. 13, 1824; graduated at Waterville College in 1847. He studied for tlie ministry of the Swedenborgian or New Church, and in 1856 commenced preaching at Elmwood, and has ever since been pastor of that society, having been installed in 1864. Since 1865 he has been Semitic professor in the Theological School of the New Church, located at Walthaiu. He is a member of the American Oriental Society, and of the Semitic Club at Cambridge. He bus been for many years a diligent and successful student of ancient languages. He is regarded as a learned Egyptologist, and has been for some time engaged in tran-ilating into English the very ancient Egy])tian '- Book of the Dead." His work on the Temple of Solomon, illustrated by his own drawings, is a learned and very valuable work. His antiquarian tastes led liiui, in 1852, to search for the site of Fort Halifax, which was one of three forts forming tlie ancient detl-nses near his native town. Such a fort was known to have existed a century ago, but all traces of it had bu-eu lost for two or three generations. He was successful in tracing out the palisades and foundations of the three forts, and the drawings he made are proved correct by historical records. In 1875 he received the degree of LL.D. from his Alma Mater. In October, 1856, he married Agnes, daughter of Dr. Adonis Howard, of Medford, Mass.

Timothy Keith Reed, son of Josiali and Jeuiiette (Keith) Reed, was born in East Bridgewater, June 4, 1841. His father was a skillful artisan. Mechanical invention seemed to characterize the Reed line. He (Timothy K.) died at the age of thirty-two years. In his brief career he had obtained for his various inventions twenty patents, among which were five fur sewing-machines, one for an eye-letting machine, and several in aid of boot and shoemaking, etc. Among his last achievements was a sewing-machine for sewing thick leather with wire. He died on Dec. 5, 1873.

First Universalist Society. - In 1834, Lewis Keith and others formed a Uoiversalist society, whiuh held services occasionally in the hall in the upper part of" Mr. Keith's dwelling-house. After the completion j of the town hall, in 1840, services were sometimes held | there. Rev. Elmer Hewett, of Hanson, preached to that society many times. lu 1848-50, Kcv. Edwiu H. Lake was their pastor. In 1871 they erected a house of worship on the site where the Crombie Tavern had stood. Tl)e house was dedicated Oct. 1, 1851. The sermon was preached by Rev. N. Gunnison, of Abin^rton. In 1857, the hou.se wa.s leased to the Methodists, and the Universalist society was disbanded.

Methodist Protestant Church. - This church was organized in 1842. On the 24th of July, that year. Rev. James Wlieaton organized a class consisting of six members. On the 27th of November following. Rev. Mr. Wheaton baptized Asa Hudson, Isaac Hatch, Caleb L. Hud.son, George Jenkins, Thom.ts A. Mellen, George Jos.selyn, P]liza Hudson, Marcia Hatch, Deborah Monroe, and Mary E. Josselyn. December lltli, the following were baptized, viz.; William Butler, I.saac Osborne, Martin Osborne, Stephen C. Howard, Alfred Bolton, Charles Mellen, Bethia Osborne, and Christiana Brewster. December 25th, Charles H. Brown and Timothy Jlitchell were baptized. Feb. 25, 1843, a Quarterly Conference was held at the hou.se of Ellis C. Holmes, and the following officers were chosen, viz. : Steplien C. Howard, chairman ; Isaac Hatch, secretary ; and Isaac Hatcii, Steplien C. Howard, and George Jeukin.s, stewards. April 19, 1843, a Quarterly Conference was held at the liou.->e of Isaac Hatch. License was granted to Rev. Ignatius Thompson to exhort aud preach till the Annual Conference.

In 1844, Rev. Joseph S. Eldridge began his ministry to the society, aud continued his services as their pastor for five years. The place of meeting on Sunday was the Satucket school-house. In 1840, Mr. Eldridge became president of the Methodist Protestant Conference, and different pastors were obtained from time to time, but after a few years the society ceased to hold any meetings.

Trinitarian Congregational Society. - This society was organized in 1849. Most of its members had been connected with the Union society, but separated from it after the dismissal of Rev. Baalis Sanford from the Union, who on the formation of the new society became its pastor. The church was organized Nov. 14, 1849. The original members of the new church were Parlee Keith, Nathan Whitman, Francis Packard, William Lincoln, Zerviah

The following members were added after the foi-- uiation of the church: Reuel Lincoln, Daniel Whitman, Betsey Sanford, Abby C. Alden, Betsey Fisher, Mary P. Bell, Samuel D. Keith, Timothy W. Fisher, William Keith, Sarah Jane Keith, Calvin Chamberlain, Deiodama Lambkin, Betsey Alden, Alniira L. Torrey, Henry Alden, Abigail R. LittlcCeld, Baalis Sanford, Rufus A. Littlefield.

The society worshiped for two years in a private house. A meeting-house was erected in 1851, aud on the 3d of December, that year, was dedicated. Rev. B. Sanford, the pastor, preached the sermon from Ps. xcvi. 8, - " Bring an offering and come into his courts." The house was located on Central Street, a few rods east of Mr. Sanford's residence. It cost three thousand one hundred dollars, was fiftysix feet long, with fifty-six pews, and a bell weighing one thousand and ninety-four pounds.

It was, after a few years, found difficult to maintain two religious societies of the same faith in this town, and in 1861 the society was dissolved. Mr. Sanford preached the last sermon in that house of worship April 7, 1861, and in November, 1865, the building was taken down and removed to North Bridgewater, where it is doing service as a shoe manufactory.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first Methodist Church iu the town was in Northville village. This society origiuuted in South Abingtou aud was known as the South Abington Mission, and its place of meeting was changed to Northville village about 1849. In 1850 a house of worship was erected iu Northville. Prominent in this undertaking were Cornelius Nash, Henry Pratt, Alanson Estes, aud Samuel F. White. About thirty families belonged to the society. Its pastors were Lemuel Harlow, E. F. Hink.«>, T. B. Gurney, J. M. Worcester, G. 11. Winchester, Hiram Satchwell, Eli Marsh, aud Atkinson.

The formation of a Methodist Church in the central part of the town diminished the numbers and resources of the Northville congregation, and public worship ceased to be held in the meeting-house about 1860.

Smith, who had formerly been licensed as a Methodist I preacher, but his health failing had i;iven up the ministry, came from Scituate, purchased a farm, and settled in East Bridgewater. Seeing the necessity of having a church established in this village, and finding several families favorable to such a plan, early in 1857 he started a subscription in order to obtain a place of worship and the services of a preacher. The Universalists having ceased holding public services, a lease of their house of worship for three years was obtained. Application having been made to Rev. Paul Townsend, presiding elder, for a preacher, and a grant from the missionary fund at the session of the Providence Conference holden at Bristol, R. I., April 1, 1857, Rev. Carlos Banning was appointed minister in charge of the East Bridgewater station, with an appropriation of one hundred dollars from the missionary society. He preached his first sermon there April 11, 1857. The congregation at first numbered about fifty members. It rapidly increased, and at the Quarterly Conference, held Aug. 1, 1857, the pastor reported that the number in attendance had reached one hundred and fifty, and that a church had been organized with nineteen members. The names of the members were Richard M. Smith, Waldo Hayward, Francis Hayward, Samuel F. White, Alauson Estes, William B. Hall, Heard Milliken, 0. P. Farrington, Thomas Sturtevant, Augusta Smith, Laviuia Hayward, Hannah H. Hayward, Rebecca White, Abigail Estcs, Jane M. Clark, Mehitable Milliken, Sally Belcher, Harriet Banning, Betsey Hayward.

At the first Quarterly Meeting, held June 17, 1857, Richard M. Smith, Samuel F. White, and William B. Hall were chosen stewards, and soon afterwards Benjamin R. Robinson, Charles H. Brown, Francis Hay- ^vard, Williams Tirrell, and John R. Thurston were added to this number.

In the autumn of 1857, Rev. A. B. Earle, an evangelist, was engaged to come and labor with the society. He began his labors there on Sunday, November 22d. For six weeks the work went on afternoons and evenings, and as a result many accessions were made to that church ; the neighboring churches also receiving additions. At the close of Rev. C. Banuing's ministry of two years there, the church had one hundred and twenty members, and there were one hundred and sixty scholars in the Sunday-school. In the spring of 1859, Rev. Charles H. Payne, now president of (Jhio Wesleyan University, was appointed pastor of the .society, lie was an eloquent preacher, and highly esteemed by his congregation and the community. By this time the parish was not only selfsupporting, but a considerable sum was raised for missionary purposes. The church was legally organized as the First Methodist Episcopal Church, East Bridgewater, and the following were chosen trustees, viz. : Richard M. Smith, Jotham Hicks, George T. Mitchell, Waldo Hayward, William Lincoln, Samuel F. White, and Charles E. Churchill.

Steps were soon taken to erect a church edifice. The trustees appointed Rev. Charles II. Payne, Richard M. Smith, and George T. Mitchell as a building committee. The society selected a lot of land, that on which the house now statids. The building committee contracted with Samuel L. Ryder to build the house above the foundation for seven thousand dollars. The work was begun in August. The church was raised on the 3d of September. At nine o'clock A.M., before the work began, religious exercises took place. Rev. C. H. Payne gave an address. The house was dedicated Jan. 30, 1861. The sermon on that occasion was preached by Rev. E. O. Haven, then editor of Zion's HeralJ, who afterwards held the oflBee of bishop.

St. Bridget's Chnrch. - The Roman Catholic Church in East Bridgewater was gathered in 1862. In January, 1863, the house of worship originally built and occupied by the Universalists, and later used by the Methodists, was purchased by the Catholics, and public services according to the forms of that church were held there for the first time on the 15th of February following. Rev. Thomas B. McNulty, of Brockton, began his services as pastor of this church. He was succeeded by Rev. John A. Coiilin, who became pastor Jan. 28, 1869, and still officiates here and in the Catholic Church at Bridgewater.

Cemeteries. - The old graveyard near the common is supposed to be the oldest in Bridgewater township, excepting that of the first settlement in the West Precinct.

According to tradition, soon after the settlement of Rev. John Angler, in 1724, he cut initials, dates, etc., upon many stones which he found at the heads of old graves. Such inscriptions have been recognized, dating as far back as 1700, one of 1685.

The southwest portion of the ground was first used ; tliis probably belonged to the donation of " one liun- i dred rods" given by Samuel Allen, Jr., and left by 1 his father, Samuel, Sr., for the use of the inhabitants, ; possibly in 1703, and another gift of " one hundred i and twenty-one rods" from Matthew Allen, son of I Samuel, Jr., in 1759. Much interest centres in this 1 ancient resting-place as belonging to the earliest | period of our history before town organization. In "Latham's Epitaphs in Old Bridgewater" ' (1882), j there is u large number of curious and interesting inscriptions given.

In ISla the East Bridgewater Cemetery Corporation was organized with Aaron Hobart, president, and a board of trustees. In compliance with votes then and thereafter passed by tliis body land was purchased of Solomon Ager and others, which, with subsequent changes, haa brought the present area to embrace about eleven acres. Its elevated position gives a fine outlook on tiie surrounding landscape, and its slopes and dells are beautified by a natural growth of fine trees. Much taste has been displayed in laying out and ornamenting the paths and avenues, and there are several handsome and substantial monuments in the newer part.

Elmwood Cemetery is situated on West Street, in Elmwood village. It was set apart for burial purposes in 1846, and contained one and three-quarters acres of land. Standing a little aside from the busier part of the village, it is a quiet and attractive spot.

Near the Union Congregational meeting-house is a small burial-ground, used since 1842. The first interment there was the body of Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Deacon John Soule, who died in that year.

Longevity In Tiie Town

* This id a highly interc^tin;^ work, giving the epitaphs of ten graveyards in the East, West, an*! Ui'idgowator townships, puhlished by AVilliaius Latham, E?q., of Bridgewater, 1S82, who was a native of East Bridgewater, which work was illustrated with drawings by Bradford Kingman, Esq., a native of North Bridgewater (now Brockton), a resident of Brookline, Mass., and author of the History of North Bridgewater, Brookline, and other historical works. 6i

French Wiir - Ruvotutionary War - War of 1M12 - U'ur of the Rebellion - Woman's Work during AVur of lliu Kubcllion - Military Record 1861-63 - Soldiers' Muiiuinent - Meuiorial to the Patriotic Dead - Grand Aruiy of the Ucpublic - Militia.

French War. - Of the solJierd IVum E:iat Bridgewater the foilowiDg list is, as nearly us cao be ascertaineti, a correct one. Such particulars as are here given are derived partly from old records and pan!}' froiu traditioDal sources.

Of oue or two men it mus: be stated that they were residents of other towns at the time of their enlistment, but lived here after tlie close of the war.

The names are given without specifying to whose command the individuals belonged, though tlwy were, respectively, members of several companies under Capt. John Loring, Capt. Simeon Cary, Capt. Josiah Dunbar, and Capt. Lemuel Dunbar.

The Bridgewuter company joined the British army in 1755, and first encamped east of the Hudson River, in the neighborhood of Albany. (The summer of that year, if memorable for no other event, would be remembered as being the season in which the derisive poem ** Yankee Duodle" was fii^t =>ung.)

History Op East Bridgewater

Revolutionary War. - '* An Exact Muster Roll of Capt. Robert Orr's Minute Company, in Coll. John Bailey's Rej»t.^ who marched from Bridgewater in consequence of the alarm of 19th of April, 1775:"

" A Muster Roll of Capt. David Kingman's Company, in Coll" Edw** Mitchell's Regiment, att the Alarm at Squantum or Brantree Farms iu March, 1776:'*

David Kingman, capt. John Whitman, Ueut. Benjamin Harris, lieut. Ephraim Gary, sergt. Robert Dawes, sergt. Peter Whitman, sergt. David Pratt, sergt. Benjamin Whitman, corp. W. Richardson, corp. John Brown, corp. Woodward Latham, corp. James Allen, drummer. Isaac Whitman, tifer.

" This is an Exact Roll of Capt. Nathan Alden's Company of Militia, in Coll. Edward Mitchell's Regement that Marched to Rhodeisland, on the Alarm on the Eight Day of December, 1776, under my Command. (Signed) John Whitman, Leut. of sd Company."

The last call for soldiers to be furnished by the East Parish of Bridgewater, for the Revolutionary army, was in 1781, the quota being thirteen men. They were enlisted to serve three years or during the war, and were paid for their services by the money obtained from the sale of pew-places iu the meeting-house. Their names :

The above-named twelve meu were prueured in the parish, and Gen. Nathaniel Goodwin obtained a man in Plymouth to complete the required list.

Jonathan Allen, 1st lieut., com. Jan. 1, 1777. Jotham Ames, 2d lieut., com. Jan. 1, 1777. Rotheua Jlituhell, ensign, com. Jan. 1, 1777. Amos Harden, sergt. Isaac Houghton-.

All the officers, commissioned or non-commis.sioned. of Capt. Allen's company, except Lieut. Jotham Ames, belonged to the East Pari.sh of Bridgewater, as did also a number of the privates. Tiie rest were enlisted from other localities.

This company took part in the battle of Stillwater Sept. 19, 1777, in which Capt. .\lleii and Abner Robinson were slain. Amos Harden was killed in battle near Kingsbridge, N. Y., iu July, 1781. Isaac Robinson was killed in battle, exact date unknown. The following died in service, viz. : Nathan Kingman, died at Ticonderoga, 177G ; Samuel James, in February, 1776, died in the army at Cuinbridge ; Joseph Egerton, Samuel Green, Nathaniel Latham, Nathaniel Frencli, Joseph Wesley, John Hicks, and John Jeffries, died in the Continental army at New York in 177U. James Robinson, Enos Whitman, Scipio Pance, and Israel Sepit died in Pennsylvania in 1778. Silas Harris died in 1777 ; Adam Gurney,

List Of Revolutionary Soldiers

Thomas Osborne, Loiq in Pembroke, 175S, although not a soldier of the American army from Bridgewater, lived there after the close of the war. He enlisted with the "minute-men" from Hanson, and was, later, one of tiie crew of the famous frigate " Alliance," as were also his brothers, John and Michael. Ail were said to have been valiant fighters, and when Thomas had been taken prisoner by the British and kept at Halifax, N. S., for six months, he was tauntingly asked by a British officer if he would "enlist again," he replied, -' I mean to !" and he did so two weeks later, as soon as he was released. He is known to have been in service at Roxbury and at Yorktown. His death was in 1837.

War of 1812. - In the war with England, 1812- 15, the Bridgewater Light Infantry had its headquarters in East Bridgewater, wliere most of its men resided, and which at the time of its charter took the place of tile militia conipany of the West District of the East Parish of Bridgewater. Its commander, Capt. Cyrus Alden, though small in stature was full of energy, and had brought this conipany under a discipline at that date almost unequaled. Governor Strong's order that this phalanx should repair immediately to South Boston was received on Sunday morning. In a few hours the men assembled on the common, and the promptness with which they appeared at the State capital is said to have astonished his Excellency, who had not made suitable preparations for the reception of the troops. The roll, as we have obtained it, contained the following' names;

Cyrus AlJeu, capt. Cushinj; Mitchell, lieut. liartholomcw Trow, ens. Thoiiiad Dunbar, fifer. J. A. Cunant, drummer. Dan'l Ilolbruok, drummer. J. Dunbar, basa drummer. Epbraim Cary, serj^t. Levi Washburn, scrgt. Benjamin Robinson, aergt. Jona. Chamberlain, sergt. Ezra Alden. Jonathan Alden.

Boll of names of men from East Bridgewater, who marched to Plymouth to defend the coast in the autumn of 1814, under the command of Capt, Isaac Keith, viz. :

In the second war with England, Samuel Greene Alden, of East Bridgewater, an older brother of Capt. Cyrus Alden, of the Bridgewater Lii:ht Infantry, served in the Fortieth Regiment, United States Infantry, and was killed at Eiistport, Me., by the burstin;^ of a gun, June 5, 1814.

War of the RebellioiL - During that period which plunged the whole nation in the depths of trial and woe, this little town was never wanting iu prompt and decisive action, or efficiency of support to the government iu so far as its means and abilities peruiitted. Nobly responding to the earliest call for volunteer troops, and always ready to meet ever}' succeeding demand for aid in the country's need, it has a most creditable record to transmit to posterity.

many whose nnmes are eorolled in its lists. It counts DO better citizeua than those who returned in the thinned ranks of the " Boys in Blue," and who, today, still keep in luemory the night-watch and the camp-fire when the Grand Army Posts assemble together.

At a town-meeting, held April 27, 1861, the first vote was passed " to raise and appropriate" sums of money for uniforming " the volunteer company organizing for the defense of the country," and -' to raise money to pay each volunteer or his family for three months' service, if he should be called into the service of the United States," etc. (Four thousand dollars were then voted.) Other votes of like significance followed. A town council of ten members was chosen to carry into effect the aforesaid resolves, consisting of, - viz., Samuel G. Alden, Charles A. Latham, George Bryant, John Reed, Albert D. Wheeler, Jacob Bates, David Pratt (2d), Isaac Nutter, Sidney Allen, Gushing Otis. The concluding resolution was to this effect :

"The Citizens of East Bridgewater this day in town-meeting assembled do unanimou.sly Resolve that they will, to the extent of their ability, maintain and defend the Integrity of the Constitution and the Union, and uphold the Government of the United States."

At subsequent meetings, during tlie same year, votes were pas.sed, authorizing the selectmen " to extend such aid as was deemed necessary to the families of those who had enlisted from this town, and who were dependent upon such volunteers for support."

July 2b", 18G2. The bounty paid to each man for the quota of forty-three was voted at one hundred dollars. The selectmen were instructed to open a recruiling-ofliice ; a committee of eleven persons - Isaac Nutter, chairman - were chosen to assist the selectmen.

March 9, 1863. The additional sum of thirty dollars was voted to be given to all residents of the town who entered Company C, Massachusetts Twenty-ninth Regiment, during August and September, 18G1.

April 4, 1864. Voted to procure a number of men '' to fill the town's quota at a rate not exceeding oue hundred and twenty-five dollars per man."

June 14, 1864. " Five tliousand dollars were voted to procure forty volunteers for the town's quota in anticipation of a call from the President," etc., Francis Worcester, George Bryant, Benjamin W. Harris, and Calvin Reed were empowered to act as a recruiting committee.

Aug. 1, 1864. Voted to place in the hands of the State treasurer a sum of money sufficient to furnish twenty-five per cent, of the town's quota, at one hundred and twenty-five dollars each, to lie applied under the order of the Governor.

It can be truly said of the Twenty-ninth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia that its seven firstformed companies were mustered into service earlier than any other of the three-years' men furnished by New England. Company C of this regiment was almost entirely raised in East Bridgewater. It was first designated L, in the Fourth Regiment, and a few months succeeding its organization (Dec. 13, 1861) received its permanent assignment to the Twenty-ninth, then becoming Company C. The signatures of the first thirty-eight men were enrolled at a mass-meeting of the citizens, April 24, 1861. The number increased to seventy-nine before the setting out of the company (on May 18th) for active service.

In the Thirty-eighth Massachusetts, Company D, twenty-six East Bridgewater men were enlisted in the first quota, in answer to the call for three hundred thousand troops for three months, and were mustered into service Aug. 20, 1862; also at the same date eight men joined the Fourteenth Artillery.

Company I, Eighteenth Regiment, two men ; Third, Twentieth, and Twenty second Regiments, one man each ; Fourteenth Massachusetts Regiment, Fourth Battery, three men; Company A, Twenty-fourth Regiment, four men, etc.

Women's Work during the War of the Rebellion. - Not less ready than their husbands and brothers to respond in time of their country's need, the women of East Bridgewater did a work in memory of which all honor is their due. Previous to the departure of the first volunteers several meetings were held, and whatever sewing was required to provide for their comfort was immediately done. Several bundles of garments, etc., were forwarded to the seat of war in the summer and autumn of 1861.

As soon aa the United States Sanitary Commissiou had established a New England Women's Auxiliary Board, and sent out circulars of appeal for associations to assist its work, a meeting was called and couveued at the residence of Mrs. Kiiuball E. Slieldou, Jan. IG, 18G2, at which time u Soldiers' Aid Society was organized " to assist the Sanitary Commission as long as sucii services [were] needed." Mrs. Sheldon was chosen president, and Miss Pamela McA. Cole, secretary.

Besides this regular organization many persons living at considerable distance from the centre of the town, or who could not attend the meelings, accomplished much in work sent to individuals in different places. The religious societies also contributed at various times to the needs of some camp or liospitul. Of tliese no record has been kept, but they assist to show an aggregate of much moneyed value, and bear witness to love and self-sacrifice of far more worth.

The children were no less willing to lend their assistance, and many little hands forwarded the great work. Juvenile sewing societies sprang up in the various villages, aud many dollars were raised.

term c.\p. June 2'J, 1866. Charles ClelHutl, mubt. in May 6, 1864, Vet. Ues. Corpii. Wilhum Ouiwin, eni. in Co. E, 4tli Uegt. ; served on lund three monthe served in 4Iii Kcgt. three niuuthd. AinJrew 11. Hjiywaril, Co. H, 58lli Itogt. ; eiil. March 1. ISWJoaiah E. Ilujwiird, Co. C, 2'Jth Itegt. ; eiil. Miiy 22, IMl ; wouudeU in

D, nth Regt. Inf. Patrick Muhoney, murdered in Washington. .Samuel W. filunn. William H. Maine, Co. E, 4tb Regt. ; eul. April 22, 1601 ; re-enl, Sept.

wounded at SiHjttsylvania May 10, 1804; died ne.\t <biy. Bernard filcKenney, 3d Regt. Heavy Art. ; enl. Sept. 14, IftiH. Michael McMuhon, enl. May 0, 1804, Vet, Rea. Corps. Neil McMillan, sergt., Co. C, 29th Regt.; enl. May 22,1601 ; wounded in buttle of Wllderneaa. James McNuKy, eul. May 12, 1804, Vet. Res. Corpa. Martin McNulty, enl. Sept. 7, 1804, Vet. Rea. Corpa. Morton D. Mitchell, Co. D,:l8th Regt.; enl Aug. 20,1802; 2d lieut.; died by order ot War Departmeut. Alexander IJiiinniu, enl. Uiiy 6, 1864, Vet. Res. Corps. Auies Rauisdell, Co. K, 71h Kegt. ; enl. June 15, 1861; trans, to Vet.

Soldiers' Monument. - On the 31st of December, 1868, the first movement was made towarJ the erection of a soldiers' monument in East Brid<^ewator, when a meeting of tiie citizens was held at the town hall for the purpose of forming a Monumental Society. It was well attended ; Hon. James H. Mitchell presiding and William H. Osborne, Esq., acting as secretary. Committees were chosen, and all plans proposed were discussed.

During the previous summer the sowing-circle of the First Parish Society had voted a certain part of the proceeds of its hibors to the cause, and in the luonlh of December the Soldiers' Aid Society had otfcred the funds left in its treasury (amounting to between three and four hundred dollars).

This meeting adjourned to Jan. 7, 18G9. A permanent organization was fully established Jan. 28, ISli'J, and a constitution adopted and published. Through the elScient labors of the committees the arrangements for the erection of the monument were completed, and the shaft was located nn the common, opposite the First Parish Church, in November, 1873, and formally dedicated, with appropriate ceremonies, on the 17th day of September, 187-1, on which occasion Hon. Benjamin W. Harris delivered an oration. The monument is of Quincy granite, thiity-three feet four inches in height. On one side it bears the following inscription :

Grand Army of the Republic. - On the sixth (lay of June, 1870, a post of the Gnind Army of the Republic was regularly instituted. The oigaiiizatioD was conducted by Hon. Henry B. Pierce, of Abington, deputy inspector-general, assisted by comrades of Post 73 of that town.

The post was named " Justin Dimick," in honor of the late Biig.-Gen. Justin Dimick, of Pliiladolphia, who held command of Fortress Monroe at the breaking out of the Rebellion. During the year following its in&ticutiou the post was presented with a beautiful silken banner given by and bought by the labors of the Johnny Clemm Association,' many of whom were the children of soldiers.

Valuable courses of lectures and other entertaiulueiits have, from time to time, been given undoi- tlie auspices of the post. Tu 1874 a ladies' sewing circle was organized fur co-operaiiou in furthering its objects (with Mrs. N. F. Dunpho, president, and Mrs. George A. Wheeler, secretary), and proved an efficient aid, netting substantial profits from fairs, etc.

Active ill all good works which keep in mind the memory of " the unreturuing brave," the organization has borne an honorable record, and counts among its membership the names of highly-honored citizens.

Militia. - In 1762 there were six military companies in the town of Bridgewater. One of the companies was in East Bridgewater. It was the third company in chronological order organized. Its officers were Edward Mitchell, captain ; David Kingman, lieutenant; Matthew Allen (2d), ensign.

In February, 17U5, the officers of the third company were : Matthew Allen (2d), captaiu ; Ephraim Gary, Jr., lieutenant; Joseph Keith, Jr., ensign. At the last date mentioned a new company was organized in the East Parish of Bridgewater, and was denominated the seventh company in Bridgewater. Its officers were Isaac Otis, captain ; Joseph Gannett, Jr., lieutenant; James Keith, Jr., ensign.

On the formation of the seventh company the East Parish was divided fur military purposes into two di.-itricts - the east district and the west district - by a line running nearly straight north and south through the meeting-house.

June 15, 1803, the company in the West Militarv District was disbanded, and in place of it the Bridgewater Light Infantry was chartered. All the militia of the parish came under the command of Capt. Thomas Young, and Capt, Nathaniel liussell was made commander of the liglit infantry.