Plymouth County, Massachusetts - Biographical sketches (4 of 6 so headed), 1884 (part 1 of 2)

Biographical sketches

Hon. Peter H. Peirce was the youngest of the numerous children of Capt. Job Peirce and wife, Elizabeth Rounseville, and born in that part of Middleboro' now Lakeville, March 25, 1788.

Precociousness has usually been considered a bad sign, and that those who have been wise above their early years proved correspondingly weak or wanting at maturity is undeniably true in very many instances, and perhaps furnishes the rule rather than the exception, and yet, in the greatest, wisest, and best of men, precociousness has been their bow of promise and harbinger of highest hope.

It is proverbially true tbiic the bi)y is father to the \ mail, and tiius in this case tlie .sequel proved, for those remarkable qualities of head and heart that through life I sinnally distinguished Hon. Peter H. Peirce, and made liim the man of mark that he was, were so well defined as inherent po.ssessions. and the results came forth so spontaneously, that several years before he attained to his majority he had built up for himself and ! became the master of a permanent, well-conducted, sue- i eessful, and very lucrative busines.s in his native town, and which as a merchant caused him to rank alnoll^ I the first ill the soulhem parts of Massachusetts, where lie had few equals and certainly no superiors, and the I one great mistake of his life now clearly appears to i have been that instead of remaininp; in Middleboro' he had uot sought ample scope for the development of his mercantile ability In a much larger, broader, and far more extended field of action.

His political influeuce at home was UDequaled at the time, had never by any other resident of Middleboro' been attained to before, nor lias it been equaled since ; and this he enjoyed for some forty years, during all of which he was more of a patriot than politician, ever ready to practice self-sacrifice for the attainment of a good principle, and never seeking the pomp of power, or desiring the spoils of otBcc.

In dispensing benefits to benevolent and reformatory objects he was ever very liberal, but so regulated his charitable bestowinents that the right hand might not know the act of the left, ever seemingly thoroughly realizing that lie was never an office-seeker, although his power to obtain office was almost unbounded, and hence he held few offices, and tlie.se were at tiiit in the militia, when ease and pleasure were for the time supplanted by fatigue and danger. He led a company of the coast guard in active service in the last war with England, and was subsequently promoted to the office of lieutenant-colonel of the Fourth Regiment of infantry in Plymouth Couuty Brigatle, from which circumstance was derived the familiar appellation of Col. Peirce, by which he was generally known.

He was several limes elected to a seat in the State Senate, where the committee upon which he was appointed to serve shows that his ability was recognized and respected, and in which body he made for himself an honorable record. His death occurred upon the 27th of January, 1861, leaving a wife and eight children to emulate his virtues and mourn his loss.

Isaac Pratt

Isaac Pratt was born March G, 177G, in North Middleboro', Mass., Titicut Parish. North Middleboro' and a part of Bridgewatcr were incorporated into a precinct called Titicut in honor of a tribe of Indians who had inhabited that locality.

He was descendant from Phineas Pratt (seventh generation), who came over in lG2o, either iu the third ship " Ann" or in the '- Swallow." He died at Charlestown, April 9, IGSO, at the age of eighty-sevuii years.

Phineas had a son Joseph, and he a Joseph (_'2dj, and he a son Benjamin, and he a Benjamin ("id), and Benjamin (2d) had a son, Williuni, who was the father of Isaac. He was a farmer, and m.inied Mary King, of Raynham. He lived and died in North Middleboro'. He had one daughter and seven .sons, viz., Calvin, born in 1774; Isaac, in 177G ; Sally, iu 1778; Enoch, in 1781 ,' Givenleaf, in 17S:-i ; Benjamin, iu 1785; William, in 17SS; Zelmlon K., iu 1791.

" Whether descendants from Rystoii Hall or of Cabra Castle, the Pratts have been of eoiisideralion in different parts of England and Ireland," .-ays Burke, " from a remote period, some of knightly degree and baronets."^ It may be added that tiny have distinguished themselves in the highest places in all the professions, not only in Great Britain but in the United States. Benjamin Pratt was born in Boston in 1709, and died iu 1763. He was a gradii.ite of Harvard University (1737); he represented Buston in the Legislature in 1757-59, and subsequently bec.ime chief justice of New York. Charles Pratt (Lord Camden) was made Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor of England, and who, during the American Revolution, made himself illustrious for all time. The comprehensive heraldic motto of his lord.shij) - Judicium, parium out lex terrse. - (" the judgment of our peers or the law of the laud") would not be an inappropriate motto of all who bear the name of Pratt.

Isaac Pratt married Naomi Keith, a most estimable lady. May 19, 1804. She was the daughter of Jeremiah Keith, of Bridgewatcr, a descendant from Rev. James Keith, who came to Mas.sachusetts from Scotland iu the year 1662, and was the first settled min-

^ Enoch \vu8 a graduate of Bruwn irnivei'sity in ISO;!, and became a cler;;yuian. Ho \vii3 settled at Weal Uarnstable, Mass., in 1SU7, and resigned his position in ls:{j. He died iu IStiO. He was the author of tlie " Cuiu|irehensive History, Ecclesiastical and Civil, of Easthuui, \Velltlcet, and Orleans" (I vol. 8vo), said to be a faithful record of their orij^in and progress.

Mr. Pratt was educated at the common .school, which at his period was limited to two or three months of the year. Most of his life was spent upon the farm, in connection with a saw-mill and a country store. The more active part of his life, however, was given to the manufacture of nails, which he made a branch of his business. Id 1818, or before, his nephew, Jarud Pratt, was made a partner, and the business was conducted under the firm of I. & J. Pratt.

They purchased the Swedish and Russia iron which was reduced to nail-rods, and these were placed in the hands of resident farmers, when not otherwise employed, to be hatuuiered into nails. This was made quite a profitable industry.

About the year 1816, Jesse Reed invented, or perfected, a machine that would cut and head nails from plates at one operation. After many expensive failures of attempted nail-uiachiues, this proved a success. Mitchell, in his " History of Bridgewater," says, "The first nails manufactured by machinery in the United States were made here ; probably the first nail completely cut and headed by machinery at one operation in the world was made in E;ist Bridgewater by the late Samuel Rogers." '

III 1821 or 1822, Jonathan Crane and Charles Wilbur were made partners, and the firm was altered to I. (fc J. Pratt & Co. ' They purchased the right to use the Reed nail-machine, gave up their store and business iu North Middleboro', and removed to Wareham, Mas.s. Here they erected a rolling-mill and nail factory, now known as the " Parker Mills." They were among the first to undertake this business on a large scale.

In 1829 they obtained an act of incorporation under tlie name of " The Wareham Iron Company," with a capital of $100,000. Jared Pratt was made treasurer, though the business of the company was conducted under the direction of the firm.

It is difficult to describe the peculiar and sterling elements of Mr. Pratt's character. He was eminently a practical man. In his transactions and intercourse with others he had no occasion fur troublesome disguises or indirect methods. His miud and hand were as open as day for action, whether in business or charity. He was quick to speak, and with a ready good-natured wit was always prepared to redeem in practice what he professed in words. Of liim, it may be said more than of any other man, that he was the founder of the industrial pro.sperity of Wareham. At the time of his death a truthful obituary was published in the Boston Evening Traveller, which we quote as due to his memory :

" Oar readers id Plyinoutb County will read with regret the unnouQceuvnt of the decease of Isaac Pratt, of NortU Middleboro', who died at the advanced ugc of ci;^lity-iiiue years. . . . He was industrious, frugal, and unostentatious ; benov- j the Cunf^re^^ational Church. Although ho adhered to the tenets of his faith with steadfastness characteristic of his Puritan ancestry, he was neither bigoted, dogtnatlcal, nor ascetic. He was conservative, but liberal Id his views. He will be rcmciuberod as a fine type of a class now rapidly passing away, - the

I Enoch Pratt

: Enoch Pratt was born in North Middleboro', I Mass., Sept. 10, 1808. He is the son of Isaac Pratt I and Naomi Keith, whose record and that of his ancestors is given in the sketch of his respected father I contained in this volume.

A position waa soon secured for liim in a fiist-class house in Boston, where he remained till he was twenty-one years of age. In this place he had tiie benefits of tiie old-fashioned training in business peculiar to Boston. He had the influence of the examples of good men to aid him in developing those remarkable endowments of mind which have distingui.-hed him from boyhood to manhood and tlirough life. His unexceptionable habits and tireless application to business ; his quick perception of what was right and what was wrong, and his undeviating integrity ; the simplicity of his methods, and his unbounded confidence in the principles of common sense and in the results of legitimate industry, gave him an early reputation for sound judgment of far greater value than the possession of money as a capital, with its dangerous tendency to mislead in the choice of doubtful projects of speculation. The slow and sure methods of acfjuisition afford the most profitable information in respect to the fundamental laws of trade and the means of success. No young man more thorouglily mastered these laws and observed them than the sub ject of this notice.

In 1831, Mr. Pratt removed to Baltimore and established himself as a commission merchant. He founded the wholesale iron-houses of Pratt & Keith and Enoch Pratt & Brother, which now consists of himself and Henry Janes. No firms have been more successful in business, though much of the time of Mr. Pratt has been given to industrial enterprises of a public nature and to financial institutions. He has been director and president of the National Farmers' and Planters' Bank for forty-five years, director and vice-president of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad Company, twenty-seven years a director of the Savings-Bank of Baltimore, and of numerous other institutions.

He had no hesitation in taking a large block of the i-tock of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad Company in its early days, by which action he identified himself with a line of railway which in its e(|uipments and accommodations to the public is unsurpassed, - an achievement largely attributable to his wise foresight and good judgment.

With an expanding heart beyond the selfish calls of the mere ambition for gain, he has ever manifested a deep interest in the cause of education, religion, reform, and charity, and in public improvements. He has expended much time and money in supporting sucii institutions, and always with a cheerful spirit.

He is now president of the House of Rofurmation and Instruction for Colored Children at Clieheiihaui, Prince George County, Md., and of the Maryland School for the Deaf and Dumb, at Frederick, which was started by his energy and means. But fur his liberality and perseverance the institution at C'liekenham would not have been establi.-^hed. He saw with deep concern that there were numerous colored children swarming in the streets of Baltimore, homeless and friendless, and abandoned to g'ow up in idleness and vice. He donated seven hundred and thirty acres of his farm property as u site, and with the aid of a few kindred spirits the institution was established, and he has lived to see a thousand or more of poor colored children made happy and prepared to be useful members of society.

Mr. Pratt has taken a lively interest in the Maryland Institute for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts. The costly bell and clock in the tower of the institute buildin;' were his gift. As the treasurer of the Peabody Institute, he was highly complimented by the late eminent banker who founded it, as one oi' the ablest financiers he had ever known. The ease and .mjcccss with which he conducted the great trust of millions without loss, and with a skill to secure all po.inible legitimate gains, affords a singular cuntra>t to modern examples of administrative weakness.

In 1877 he was unanimously elected by the City Council one of the Finance Commissioners of Baltimore, a post of honor and great responsibility. This was truly a high compliment, for the reason that he was politically opposed to the dominant party, and was the only one ever invited by a Deuiocruiic council to accept the position. His services as commissioner proved to be invaluable in shaping the financial policy of the municipality, but the pressure of his private affairs aeon compelled him to withdraw from the board.

Although Mr. Pratt is an acute observer of men and events, and takes an intelligent interest in politics and legislation, particularly when the general welfare is involved, he has manifested no desire for oflice. He has been approached to be a candidate for Congress, for Governor of the State, and mayor of the city, and for other offices, but he has declined all positions that give mere distinctions of honor, and with but lew opportunities for usefulness. Absolutely he has no taste for notoriety. He is ever prompt to be useful, but he is opposed to the mere display of pride. It was with difficulty that his consent was obtained for the insertion of his name in this volume.

is an eclectic, believing in the rule of God, and findinir ^ood in all tilings. His scale of duty is not measured by time, and io his acts of to-day he religiously provides for the future. He is an active member of the Unitarian Society of Baltimore, but he looks fur a man's religion in his deeds. He may be spoken of, in the language of Tennyson, as one

But the reader will be amazed when told that, after such recitals of Mr. Pratt's acts of munificence, the noblest of all are yet to be stated.

Three years ago he gave notice to the city governlueut of Baltimore of his purpose to establish a free circuhiting library, to be called the Enoch Pratt Free Library of Baltimore City, on certain conditions of co-operation on the part of the city, which were proiu]itly and officially accepted. He proposed to expend a million of dollars. He proceeded immediately to erect suitable buildings for the library and its four branches, and they were completed and conveyed to the city July, 1883. These buildings were planned and erected under his personal supervision at a cost of $300,000. In addition to these buildings, he gave his check on his bank, July 1, 1883, for $833,333.33 to the city for a penuaneiit six per cent, endowment of $50,000, payable quarterly forever, making the grand total of $1,133,333.33.

It would be exceedingly interesting to describe the library buildings, to show their solid foundations and fire-proof superstructures, their superior conveniences, and the elaborate and beautiful decorations of their interiors; but the limits of this article do not permit. The jiapers of Baltimore have been eloquent upon the subject, and its citizens have manifested their delight ill the prospect of enjoying for themselves and their children the privileges of such an institution.

But in favoring his adopted city Mr. Pratt did not forget his native town in Massachusetts. lu 1867 he endowed an academy in North Middleboro', and made it free to children within a certain distance, in the sum of thirty thousand dollars. In 1858, when the Congregational Church of Titicut was burned, he aided them to rebuild and presented them with a clock and bell. Other uobie acts might be enumerated, but if we were to make a full record of Mr. Pratt, the materials would fill a volume.

Of his happy domcbtic relations it may be proper to add that he was married Aug. 1, 1839, to a most interesting lady, Maria Louisa Hyde, whose paternal ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Massacliusetts, while, on the mother's side, she is descended from a German family, who located in Baltimore more than a hundred and fifty years ago. They are childless. The circle of his home, whether large or small, is made as happy as the means of wealth can command and the presence of a noble and cheerful mind can inspire.

Mr. Pratt is in the full posse.ssion of mental and physical vigor, and is enjoying, without display nr ostentation, the rewards of an unspotted career and a life of unclouded prosperity. No man is more unassuming in his manners, or more modest in speaking; of what he has done, or of his personal merits. It cannot be seen that good fortune adds to his vanity or good deeds to his pride, or tliat occasional losses annoy him. He dislikes flattery and unnecessary ceremony, and in his intercourse with his neighbors and friends he has a kind and ready greeting for all classes, uttered with an unchangeable dignity that is the natural lansiuaire of high motives and uiidistiuised sincerity.

Isaac Pratt, Jr., brother of Enoch, wxs born in North Middleboro', June 27, 1814. His father was Isaac Pratt, sod of William, and his mother, Naomi Keith, daughter of Jeremiah Keith, of Bridgewater. His ancestors are given in the sketch of his worthy father, contained in this volume. He lived with his parents, and was educated at the common school, and at Bridgewater Academy. When sixteen years of age he entered the counting-room of I. & J. Pratt & Co., Wareham, his father being the senior partner. They were extensive nail manufacturers. At the age of eighteen he was made the chief clerk of the concern. He kept the books, and all the business of the counting-room was placed under his direction. The business of the firm at this time was not less than five hundred thousand dollars per annum.

He remained with this firm till 183-1, when it was dissolved. After adjusting its closing affairs, lie accepted a clerkship in the house of Warren Murdock, Commercial Street, Boston.

In 1835 he was offered a clerkship in the house of Benjamin L. Thompson, merchant on Long Wharf, Boston, with the understanding that in due time he would be made a partner. Mr. Thompsou had been connected with I. & J. Pratt & Co., and was well acquainted with the character and higli merits of Mr. Pratt aa a young man of much promise, and he was made a partner in 1830.

Tlie firm consisted of BeDJamin L. Tlioiupson, George L. Oakes, and Isaac Pratt, Jr., under the title of Tlioiupson, Oakes & Co. Their ehict business was the nianufacturiii;; and selling nails, made from Swedish iron, and in buying and selling hops.

In 1S41 Mr. Thompson retired, and the business was continued under the firm of Oakes & Pratt until February, IS-io. At this time an entire ciiange had taken place in the manufacture of nails. Instead of Swedish bar-iron, pig-iron was used. By cutting the nails with the grain of the iron, a good, tough nail was produced etjual for most work to that of the Swedish iron, and at a much less cost. This improvement was adopted by the Weymouth Iron Company, and Mr. Pratt was made agent to take charge of their store on Milk Street, Boston, which position he has held for forty years, with great advantage to the company.

In January, 18GC, he was elected a director in the Atlantic National Bank, Boston, and when his financial skill was seen he was made its president in 1869. Under his direction the bank has not only been able to declare good and uniform dividends, but to accumulate a creditable surplus. For more than twenty-five years he has been a director in the National Bank of Wareham, Mass., and during the years 1872 and 1873 he was president of that bank, being president of two banks at the same time.

At the present time, 188-1, Mr. Pratt is president of the Bridgewater Iron Company, the Weymouth Iron Company, Charles River Embankment Company, and treasurer of the East Boston Company.

In 1875 he was elected representative to the State Le>'islaiure from the Brighton and Newton district. He was very properly placed on the Joint Standing Committee on Claims, and his associates liad ample evidence in his examples of prompt attention to his ofiicial duties, and of his keen capacity to scrutinize tlie equity of the numerous demands made upou the Stale treasury. He had the courage to say No when necessary, and to insist upon impartial justice to all claimants when made evident.

Mr. Pratt has voted the ticket of the Republican party, although he has not had much time to give to it as a member. He has often been solicited to be a candidate for office, but such otters have been declined.

June 'J, 1840, Mr. Pratt married Hannah Thompson, the accomplished daughter of Benjamin L. Thompson, his former partner. They have had five children, one daughter and four sons, viz., Ellen Jane Oakes, born March 27, 1841 ; Isaac Lowell, born Oct. IS. 1843; David Guruey, born Nov. 7,

Mr. Pratt and his entire family are in good health and in the enjoyment of all those blessings which follow good examples and a life of successful industry. He is a man of few words and of great modesty. He was born with a natural capacity for business. This was made ev.ident in his early youth. He was a sedate boy, and preferred trade to jilay when he luid choice of opportunities, though always ready to enjoy the wit and pleasantries of others. As a man ainl merchant he has distinguished himself as a careful observer of men and things, and discovered a sound judgment in all the enterprises he has undertaken and with gratifying results. He is quick to solve a business problem, and no one has ever had reason to complain of him for duplicity or want of candor. He possesses the same elements of character that distinguished his venerable father and his respected brother, Enoch, - three as honest and successful men as ever were born on the soil of the old Bay State.

Their record does great honor to the land of the Pilgrims, - the county of Plymouth. I We do not say self-made men, for this term, .so common among writers, in our humble opinion, is an arrogant one. Whoever has the strength and genius to rise above the circumstances of life, to acquire knowledge however opposed by difficulties, to elevate his character above that of his associates, to advance his own station beyond his inherited rank, and to secure for him.self the commanding position of affluence, integrity, and eminent usefulness, is a favored child of his Maker, and is a chosen instrument of his beneficence. The genius that is within raises him above the level of life. He sees, he hears, he feels, he thinks, and knows, and he acts. lie is diligent in the use of his talents, and, like the faithful steward, is ever ready to be called to his account.

Jaued Pratt

Phineas and Joshua Pratt wore early New England emigrants. Phineas settled at Weymouth; Joshua, from whom probably Jared Pratt derived his descent, had descendants who settled in Vermont, from which State they came to Bridgewater, where Josiah, father of Jared, was a farmer. lie niarriud Bethiah, daughter of Jeremiah Keith. (.lerijniiali Keith was a descendant in the fourth feneration of

Rnv. Jumes Keitli, tlie old Scotcli " first minister" of Bridi;ewater (see history of Bridgewater). The Hue is James', John*, Daniel^, Jeremiaii*. By liis first wife, Agatha Bryant, Jeremiah had five children, - Jeremiah, Btthiuh, Naomi (Mrs. Isaac Pratt), Betsey (Mrs. Benjamin Tucker), and Susanna (Mrs. Zebulon K. Pratt). He was early engaged in the iron business, owning a foundry, and doing much iron work for those days. He made cannon, which were cast solid to bore, being drilled out afterwards. He is said to have cast the first cannon made in Bridgewater. He was a strong, resolute man, of active temperament, with all the persistence and energy of his Scotch ancestry.) Jo.siah Pratt had three children, - Jared, Lydia (first wife of Charles Wilbur), and Agatha B. (second wife of Charles Wilbur). He died Dec. 12, 1843, aged seventy-six years. Jared Pratt received his education at public and private schools, and he devoted himself to his studies assiduously. When nineteen he taught public school in Taunton for one year. He engaged for some time as clerk for Crocker & Richmond in their nail-manufactory in Taunton, and served in the same capacity for other manufacturers. He married Jemima Williams, daughter of Job and Zipporah King, of Taunton, Jan. 1, 1818, and commenced housekeeping at North Middleboro', in close proximity to the present residences of his sons, and began his successful business life there as proprietor of a general country store in company with Isaac Pratt, the firm-name being I. & J. Pratt. Country merchandising at that time meant participation in all branches of business carried on by the people, so, in 1819, we find the firm had a forge, or "bloomery," in operation at Wareham, doing a moderate business, under the personal care of Mr. Wilbar, the resident partner at Wareham of the firm which then was known as Pratt, Crane & Wilbar. .From this small beginning in ironwork grew up the extensive manufacture of nails so long conducted in Wareham by the Wareham Iron Company, doing business as I. & J. Pratt & Co., which soon threw into the shade and superseded the little mercantile bu.~iiness at North Middleboro'. (See biography of Isaac Pratt.)

Jlr. Pratt's business ability and shrewd financial skill rendered him an important factor in this rapidlydeveloping industry, and he removed to Wareham in 1S24 ; and to his shrewdness, energy, and skilllul conducting the monetary affairs, and as treasurer of the Wareham Iron Company, the firm was greatly indebted for its success.

which were made nails, bar-iron, plates, etc. This was a successful enterprise, and was conducted with great profit until 1859. About 1842 his son, Christopher C. K., became connected with him, and the firm was thenceforward J. Pratt & Son. In 1859 Mr. Pratt returned to North Middleboro' as a retired business man, and passed bis closing years in the midst of the pleasant rural scenes of that beautiful little village, and in the spacious house which he had erected in accordance with his taste in 1848, and which was one of the splendid mansions of the town. He died July 4, 1864. Mrs. Pratt, who was born May 15, 1794, is still living, in possession of remarkable physical and mental strength. Their children arc Christopher C. K., Maria 0. (Mrs. Albert Washburn), Augustus, Eliza Ann, Julia, and Louisa.

Mr. Pratt was a sergeant of Capt. Keith's Company of East Bridgewater in the war of 1812; his widow now receives a pension for his services. He also held a commission as captain of the militia for many years, by which title he was familiarly known. He was intimately connected with, and a warm supporter of, all matters of interest arising in the community or in the town, and being a business man of the highest order, his advice was of great value and eagerly sought. He was careful and cautious, but at the same time positive, holding a well-grounded faith in his own opinions. As a man and citizen he was esteemed, as a friend and associate he was beloved, and his memory is cherished by a large circle of friends. The engraving accompanying this sketch is taken from a painting representing him at thirty years of age ; it is the only likeness extant, and is said to be a remarkably good one of him at that age. The autograph is taken from a letter written in 1S4G, when he was fifly-four years old.

Albert Alden

ALBERT ALDEN. John Alden, the first of the Pilgrim band to stop on Plymouth Rock, and the last male survivor of those who came in the " Mayflower," whose romantic lovestory has been so beautifully told by our great poet, Longfellow, and whose merits have been so faithfully recorded in old records, was the ancestor of the numerous family of Aldens in America, lie pusscs.sed much versatility of talent, and by his intelligence, refinement, and decision of character early obtained a strong influence over his associates. He Was secretary to the Governor for many years, and in every position performed his duties satisfactorily. He was born in 1599, and emigrated from Southampton, England. In 1621 he married Priscillu MuUins, who was celebrated for her beauty and domestic accomplishmeuts. After a few years they made Duxbury their residence, on the north side of tiie village, on a farm which is still in the possession of their descendants. John Alden died at Duxbury Sept. 12, 1G87. " In a i;ood old a!.'e, an old man, and full of years ; uud was gathered to his people, and his sons buried him." The line of descent to the present generation is John', Joseph-, Joseph", Samuel*, Samuel', Daniel ^ Otis', Albert".

Albkr.'!' Alden, son of Otis and Harriet (^Vdams) Aldtn, was born at Jay, Me., Oct. 24, 1817. His parents moved to North Bridgewater, Mass., a few mouths after his birth, wiiere they died. His mother was the daughter of Rev. Joseph Adams, who, when young, was in the Revolutionary war, and whose father was one of the earliest settlers of the family of Adams that settled near Boston. Rev. Joseph Adams was for many years a prominent Baptist clergyman. He was for a long period of time a settled pastor of Jay, Me., and tilled various pulpits to the acceptance of the people, making many friends outside of his own denomination. He married Mercy Gadiiig, daughter of Rev. William Gading, then holding a pastorate near Boston.

His grandmother on his father's side was the daughter of Jonathan Gary, wiio was a descendant from John Gary, who came over from England about 1634 and joined the Plymouth Golony.

Albert Alden is a worthy example of the class of self-made men. Left an orphan at seveu years of a"e, he lived with an uncle on a farm until he was thirteen, when he began life i'or himself, having received very limited schgol advantages. With all these deprivations, however, he has gained wealth and an honorable position in society, and may be classed among the truly successful men of this county. Before he was twenty-one he was owner of an express or baggage route between Boston and Providence and Boston and Poxboro'. His devotion to principle has ever been marked. He never would sacrifice his ideas of right for the sake of gain, and, although at that time it was against public sentiment to be opposed to liquor, he placed himself while a youth on the strongest temperance platform, and would not allow liquor intended for intoxicating purposes to be carried in any of his wagons. In 1840 he sold out his teams, and started in a small way in the straw business at Foxboro', being among the earliest ones in that trade. With various partners he continued manufacturing until the fall of 1849, when he entered the employ of the Garpcuters, and remained with them and the Union Straw-Works, iu which corporation he was a stockholder, until 1856, for eighteen months being in charge of a branch manufactory at Nantucket. During 1856-57 he was employed by Thomas White it Co., Philadelphia, to superintend their factory.

After purchasing the straw-factory of Pickens Brothers, at Middleboro', Mr. Alden moved to this place Nov. 20, 1858, and, from that time to the present, with the exception of a few months, has been a resident of and identified with the business progress and interests of Middleboro'. From a small and inconvenient building he has built up one of the largest manufactories in the State. He named his factory the Bay State Straw-Works, admitted William King as partner in 1850, and, in ISGO aUo admitted Hiram Plumnier. Selling out his interest in 1861 to Plummer & King, he moved again to Foxboro', but did not remain long, for in 1862 he repurchased the Bay State Straw- Work.s, and continued the manufacturing alone until 1865, when II. K. White was given an interest in the business, which interest was purchased by Mr. Alden in 1871, and liis sou, A. B. Alden, admitted into partnership. In 1872, David T. Hartshorn also became a partner, and, iu 1S76, the Bay State Straw-Works were sold to a corporation, of which Mr. Alden was one of the incorporators and directors. It was the Union and Bay State Jlauufac-

I works, and manufactured goods for the corporation until August, 1882, when Sir. Alden retired from active business, and the works were leased to A. B. Alden, who formed a partnership with D. T. Hartshorn. Mr. Alden gave his counsel and assiatauee to the new firm (which still continues the lessee of the wurksj, having no interest in the business. In I8ri3, he purchased again the Bay State Straw-Wurks. From the one small building with which he couimeuccd, the trade has increased to such an extent as to compel the erection of building after building, each of several stories, and fitted with expensive machinery. From a forest the land contiguous to the works has become a pleasant village, Mr. Alden having erected houses for the convenience of his employes, and set out and cared for numerous trees on the highway that have become a source of great pride to the whole village.

Mr. Alden married, May 14, 1837, Charlotte B. Comey, of Foxboro', Mass., daughter of Aaron and Charlotte (Skinner) Comey, who died April 29, 1849. They had five children, - Charlotte L., who married F. Marion Vaughan, lawyer of Middleboro' (Mrs. Vaughan died March 13, 1884) ; Albert Henry, who died at sea, Aug. 3, 1862 ; Harriet E., died July 24,

1846; Leslie, died April 5, 1847; and Arthur B., the only one living at the present time, who married, in 1874, Mary H. Soule, of iMiddleboro".

Whig and Republican in political sentiment, Mr. Alden has preferred to devote his time and energies to business, and aside from voting h:i3 meddled little with politics. He has been a progres.sive man, and continually advocated improvements needed by the town ; ho was one of the first to advocate a new townhouse, which was finally built, he being one of tlie committee appointed to superintend ita building. He has also been prominent in advocating water-works for the town. He was one of the directors of the Middleboro' and Taunton Railroad, now consolidated with ! the Old Colony Railroad. He is a director in the I Machinists' National Bank of Taunton, one of tlie : trustees of the Middleboro' Saviugs-Bank, and di- ' rector and president of the Union Needle Company. Acquiring a strong physique and iron constitution by hia early exposure and hard labor, Mr. Alden is yet vigorous and capable of accomplishing more than many men much younger than he. Steady and persistent, yet weighing all things well, his judgment has proved an excellent guide, and liis perseverance lias carried his undertakings almost uniformly to success. He united with the Baptist Church in 1842, and has always been a consistent member. Of unswerving integrity and uncompromising in the discharge of duty, Mr. Alden is also kind and unassuming, pleasant and social ; ba.'j a warm heart and a generous purse for the relief of suffering, and for religious and benevolent institutions. He has many friends, and as citizen, workman, and employer, in church circles, and in the family relation, he has discharged the duties imposed on him with honor to himself and with the esteem of all who know him. The old blood of John Alden flows in all its purity through his veins.

Horatio Barrows

HORATIO BARROWS. No history of Middleboro' would be complete without a sketch of the life of Horatio Barrows. He was the son of Charles and Mary (Cobb) Barrows, and was born in Carver, Mass., May 12, 1824. He was educated at Peiree Academy, and then learned the carpenter's trade with his father, and for some years was engaged in building. His last work in this line was in erecting the store now occupied by Mr. Thomas W. Pierce, which was completed in the fall of 1853, and was immediately used by Noah C. Perkins, Charles E. Leonard and himself as shoe manufacturers, under the firm-name of Perkins,

Leonard & Barrows. This firm continued for several years, and in April, 1860, Leonard & Barrows sold their interests to Mr. Perkins, and purchased what is now known as Murdock's block, and C. D. Kingman became associated with them under the firm-name of Leonard, Barrows & Co. At the expiration of five years the connection waa dissolved, and Leonard & Barrows made large additions and improvements to their manufactory. They introduced steam-power, added another story and a basement; remained here until 1874, when their largely-increasing business demanded greater space, and they erected the building now occupied on Centre Street, where the manufacture is still carried on by Charles E. Leonard, the interest and firm-name remaining the same. They employ from two hundred to two hundred and fifty operatives, and it is one of the leading houses in this line in the county. During the first years of their bu.sinesa they manufactured largely for the Southern trade, but at the breaking out of the Rebellion that market was destroyed, and new ones were sought in the West, and ladies' shoes were made a specialty.

With that characteristic shrewdness and foresight which has built up this extensive business, it waa seen that an entirely different class of goods would be demanded in the West, and the change was adopted successfully. In establishing these new markets Mr. Barrows was obliged to travel extensively in the West, and by his honorable dealing, strict attention to business, he secured to the firm a reputation which has enabled them to manufacture goods to order to the full capacity of their factory without personal solicitation. In 1854, Mr. Barrows married Abbie M., daughter of Benjamin aud Waitstill (Murdock) Leonard, of Middleboro". They had one son, Fletcher Lawton, born July 15, 1871.

Mr. Barrows waa a member of the Central Congregational Church. He was not largely identified in political or town affairs, aa he devoted liiuiself entirely to hia business. He waa chairman of the committee for the construction of the town-house, and it ia to hia perseverance and labor that the town is largely indebted for the fine structure which they now enjoy. The architect and contractor having died early in the work of its erection, and having no written plans of the building, Mr. Barrows, himself a practical builder, took upon himself the heavy task of superintending the work. To thia extra responsibility and mental labor, added to the demands of his own business, was partially attributed the ill health from which he suffered for a number of years. In his death, which occurred May 24, 18So, the town lost not only one of its most active business men, but au euterprisiug, public-spirited citizuu, who, wlien uot tbo pioneer of some village impruveuieut, was always a ready champion in such work. The following, contributed by one of liis personal and business friends, will show the estimation of Mr. Barrows by tliose who knew him best : " Possessing an ambition and enterprise above that of most young men with his surroundings, he left his native town and came to Middleboro', where as a carpenter ho at his trade for some years. This offered in prospect only hard work, and at last only a competency, and the same spirit which drew him from his early home now led him to leave his trade and com- UJUQCC the manufacture of siioes. Witli slight exceptions his business was uniformly successful, and from small beginnings grew to be the largest in town and among the largest in the county. Schooled from early youth to habits of industry aud economy, he ever retained them, and these with a successful business made him a wealthy man. Shrewd in his dealings, reliable in his promises, of good judgment, a constant reader, he kept well posted on all the leading subjects of his day, and was one of our most prominent and reliable citizens. Slow to reach conclusions, yet firm in his convictions when formed, no opposition or difficulties seemed to move him from Lis fixed purposes. Our magnificent town-house is a monument to his taste and judgment, and to his persevering push through difficulties and opposition. He was long a member of the Congregational Church, was a quiet man in all ways, and dearly loved his home. To make it beautiful and attractive to his wife aud son, whom he loved tenderly, was his constant study."

Abishai Miller

History is the resume of. the lives and events which are to-day among the things of the present, to-morrow those of the past, and in history mention should be made of those whose personal qualities, business enterprise, and moral worth have contributed in some way to the wealth, knowledge, and welfare of the community in which they lived, and to this number belongs Abishai Miller, who was born at Fall Brook, Middleboro', Mass., June 22, 1800. His ancestry, lor several generations, had been land-holders there, having purchased their estate from the Indians. He was the youngest child of John and Susanna (Sparrow) Miller, and was educated at the common schools in Middleboro'. His father dying when Abishai was a mere lad, he left his home and went to Westboro' and Taunton to learn the machinists' trade. He devoted himself to this trade until he had thoroughly mastered it in all its details, and it was said of him that he was one of the best machinists in New England. A man of his mechanical genius could not long remain a subordinate. In 1837 he entered the service of Otis Tufts (Mr. Tufts at that time being the proprietor of a machiue-shop on Broomtield Street, i Boston, and afterwards known as one of the most I successful engine-builders in New England), and con- - tinned in his employ in this location and in East I Boston until 185o. During this period he superiu- 1 tended the construction of much largo work, aud had, as apprentices, many young men who have become justly celebrated in the line of iron mauufucture, aud shown the excellence of their training. In the year 1853, Jlr. Miller, with several other enterprising mechanics, organized the Atlantic Works, and obtained ' a charter from the Legislature. They put into this 1 venture all their savings, and began the difficult tusk i of making a place for their company in the business world. They purchased land in Ea>t Boston, and erected buildings thereon for machine-, blacksmith-, and boiler-shops, and purchased tools for these several departments. Mr. Miller became superintendent of construction, and by dint of hard work, scif-sacridce, and the utmost economy, soon succeeded in establishing a reputation, and steadily increased their business and facilities. About 1859, Mr. Miller retired from active work to Middleboro', to take much-needed and wellearned rest. At this time he erected a fine residence on the old homestead at Fall Brook, and here his friends always found him happy aud hospitable. But when the civil war commenced the Atlantic Works secured a contract for the building of one of the now famous " monitors," and at the earnest solicitation of his associates in the business, he returned and again became its superintendent, and during the four years following a busier man could not have been found in Boston. Under his direction were built the monitors " Casco" and "Nantucket," the turrets for the monitors " Monadnock," " Agamenticus," -' Passaconaway," " Shackamaxou," and the machinery for the gunboats -' Sagamore," " Canandaigua," " Sa.ssacus," and '' Osceola," also for the United States man-of-war " Nyphon." At the close of the war, Mr. Miller again retired from active business, although remaining on the board of directors of the company until 1870, I when, upon the death of the president, he was elected to that office, aud continued in the same until his death, which occurred at East Boston, Jan. 30, 1SS3. He was buried at the " Green" Cemetery, Middleboro', where five generations of his ancestors already lay. His wife, Julia A., daughter of Edward Sparrow, of

As a business man and mechanic few surpassed liim, and the success and prosperity of the Atlantic Works was largely due to Mr. Miller's management and skill. In private and social life he was much beloved. He never betrayed a friend or deceived an enemy. His nature was positive. Strong iu his likes and dislikes, he was always just and charitable. A friend iu want or in trouble found in him a ready helper and adviser. It is said that the truly great man always loves and respects his mother. This characteristic he possessed in a large degree, for he always treated his mother with affection and reverence, and cared for her under his own roof during the last years of her life. As a husband and father, he was devoted and indulgent. As a citizen, he commanded the esteem of all who knew him, and, although having neither the time or ambition to be very active in town aft'airs, yet when elected to office filled the positions with credit, serving as selectman of Middleboro', and in other positions of trust to the acceptance of his townsmen. He was an attendant of the Congregational Church, and contributed largely towards its support.

Mr. Miller was essentially a self-made man, and his life was one of steady and active devotion to business. Starting forth wlien but a mere lad to conquer fortune, his success was well won, the result of mental strength united with indomitable will and persevering industry. This was not accomplished at the expense of his social nature, as is evidenced by the large circle of intimate friends, who were attracted by his geniality and hospitality.

The first American ancestor of the Kinsman family, Henry Kingman, came to this country about the year 1630, ten years after the landing of the Pilgrim fathers, and settled in Weymouth. He was a man of good character, with intellectual strength and cultivation. In the year 1631 he was on the grand jury, and repeatedly represented the town in which he lived, and filled many places of public trust and confidence. His introduction to such responsible offices, while yet a young man, speaks in the strongest terms in favor of his character and intelligence. He changed his residence to West Bridgewater, where he died at the age of eighty-four, leaving a son John. John (second generation) was born in 1664, died in died in 1820. Their children were nine in number, of whom Bela was the eighth. Abner was the first of the family in Middleboro". He settled on a farm in North Middleboro', where he always resided. Here Bela (fifth generation) was born May 2, 1781, and died April 16, 1854. He married Lydia Dean, of Taunton, in 1804. She was born July 6, 1786, died Dec. 12, 1860. They had twelve children. Bela followed the occupation of his father (that of tanner and farmer), and made his residence on the old homestead. He held a major's commission in the militia, but was excused from service in the war of 1812, when the company was ordered to Plymouth, from the peculiar reason that two majors' commissions had been given in his regiment. He was an attendant of the Congregational Church of North Middleboro', and was its first Sabbath-school superintendent (1818). He was a man physically and morally strong, of good judgment, and in all the positions he was called to till performed their duties in accordance with the saying, " Act well your part, there all the honor lies." We quote from an old document the following, ia regard to the characteriutics of the Kingman family : " Strong attachment to and high admiration of each other; ambition, not in the acquisition of wealth or goodly apparel, but in the acquisition of knowledge. It may be well and truly said, ' A Kingman is a good friend and true, but not an enemy to be desired.'"

Calvin D. Kingman, youngest child of Bela and Lydia (Dean) Kingman, was born April 29, 1825, on the farm where hia grandfather settled, in North Middleboro'. He diligently improved the commonschool advantages afforded to the farmers' boys of that period, and by the time he was sixteen years old, the savings he had accumulated, by extra work for neighbors in haying and pegging shoes in winter evenings, sufficed to pay his expenses at the academy in Bridgewater, which he attended three terms. Commencing teaching when but seventeen years old, he at once attained high rank in that profession, and taught public school in Taunton three winters. Duriuc this time he worked at haying in summer, attending the spring and fall terms of the academy, and three terms at the normal school. While attending the latter, and only about twenty years of age, he was surprised to receive a communication from J. N. Ballou, principal of Taunton Academy, asking him to take the position of assistant in that institution. On Mr. Kingman's showing this letter to Mr. Tillinghast, the principal, and asking his advice as to its acceptance or rejection, he said, " Go by all means, it is too good a chance to be lost." Prior to this time, and before he was two weeks in the normal school in its sprinp; session, Mr. Kingman had made an engagement to teach the West Bridgewater school the next winter, which engagement, after teaching three terms in the academy, he was compelled to keep. Although giving general satisfaction as an instructor, and having promising engagements offered him, Mr. Kingman concluded not to make teaching his life-work, and, at the close of his winter's school, he went to work on a bench in a shoe-shop across the road from his father's residence, and from that time to the present he has been a manufacturer of shoes.

lu the fall of 18-ll> he went to live with his brother, Hosea, who was manufacturing shoes in what is now Lakeville. Here he married, Oct. 3, 1847, Sarah P., daughter of Caleb and Mary (Holmes) Bassett. Commencing housekeeping at Lakeville, he bought leather and made it into shoes on his own account, and soon entered into company with Hosea, which partnership continued about one year, when Hosea died, leaving Calvin the entire business. In the spring of 18G2, Mr. Kingman removed both his residence and business to Middleboro', where he is now (1884) located. From humble beginnings, by care, diligence, and integrity, his manufacturing has increased steadily and satisfactorily, until it is employing, at the present, fifty operatives, and producing men and boys' calf, kip and buff brogans, balmorals, English and Oxford ties, etc. Mrs. Sarah P. Kingman died Jan. 21, 1875. Her children were Sallie R. (married Henry F. Tillson ; they have one child, Marian, and now reside in Los Vegas, New Mexico, whither Mr. Tillson was compelled to remove for his health, which was much broken by hia many years' service at Macullar, Williams & Parker's, Boston), Charles W. (married Lizzie E. Cole, has four children, Lydia D., Sadie B., Delia R., and Walter R.), Philip E. (married Nellie Shaw), and Henry C., a bright, promising young man, who was accidentally drowned May 14, 1883, in his twenty-first year (Charles W. and Philip E. are associated with their father in business). Mr. Kingman married, Nov. IG, 187t], Mary A., daughter of Andrew J. and Abigail (Snow) Pickens.

Mr. Kingman has devoted his time and attention mostly to business. He is one of the trustees, and on the investment committee of the Middleboro' Savings- Baiik. He is largely interested in cattle raising iu Colorado, and has passed several months in each year, since 1880, in enjoyment of the sports of the far West, and probably no man of the present generation in this State has ever killed so much large game, deer, antelope, elk, bear, buffalo, etc., as he. Of an active and vigorous temperament, he is an enthusiastic lover of the chase. Formerly a Whig, of late years ho has been independent in politics, voting for the measures and men he deeiued the best, and steadily refusing to take office. In religious belief he is a Congregationalist, is a diligent worker in the church, has held the ofEce of deacon for six years, and also that of Sunday-school superintendent for about the same length of time. During his twenty-une year.-)' residence in Middleboro', every Sabbatii he has been at home has found him in attendance at Sabbathschool and meeting, with the excejition of two or three, when he was detained at home by illness of himself or family. A social companion, a strong friend, a successful business man, and a law-abiding citizen, Mr. Kingman merits and enjoys the esteem of all who know him.

There is an air of romance and mystery surrounding the history of the first of the Le Baron family. The following facts were mostly obtained from an article in the " New England General Register" for 1871, written by one of his descendants: In the fall of the year 1694 a French privateer cruising on the American coast was wrecked in Buzzard's Bay, near Falmouth. The officers and crew were taken prisoners and marched to Boston, but they were compelled to leave the surgeon of the ship. Dr. Fian(;ois Le Baron, at Plymouth on account of sickness. During his stay at the inn he performed what suemcd at that time a wonderful surgical operation on the landlady. From this fact, and there not being a competent aurgeon or physician in the town, the selectmen petitioned Lieutenant-Governor William Stoughton, then acting Governor, that Dr. Le Barun " might be permitted to tarry in the town of Plymouth as physician, surgeon, and apothecary." This request was granted, and he settled down into the staid manner of life of the Puritans with the name of Le Baron, thus becoming the founder of a new family. It is presumed that he was a scion of a noble house of Normandy or Provence, but he sedulou.-<ly refrained from giving any information concerning his early life. He never assimilated with the religion of the colony, was a Roman Catholic through lil'e, and alwaj'sworc a cross upon his breast. No record can be found of either the name of the privateer or the port from which she sailed, and an impenetrable veil

From these romantic iocidents a brilliant writer has made him the hero of a pleasing tale, - " A Nameless Nobleman," - in which many facts are blended with imaginative statements, so as to make a readable book. In 1G95 he married Mary, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Ames) Wilder, and died in 1704, aged thirty-six years. The children of Dr. Francis and Mary (Wilder) Le Baroii were James, born May 23, 1696; Lazarus, born Dec. 26, 1C98; and Francis, born June 13, 1701. On the crest of Burying Hill, Plymouth, even yet may be seen a stone of black marble, bearing this inscription : " Here lyes y body of Doctor Francis Le Baron, a native of France and Physician of Plymouth, a.d. 1704.' There have been many physicians among his descendants.

From Dr. Francis Le Baron to the fifth generation we find the line. Dr. Francis', James-, John', John*, John B.' John* was born Oct. 18, 1787, and lived in the part of Middleboro' called Rock, until his later years, when he removed to Middleboro' village, where he died in his ninety-third year. He was an iron-molder, but fully conversant with all departments of the iron business. In connection witli this industry, he also carried on a farm. He held a commission in the old militia, and in the war of 1812 was captured by the British.

John B. Le Baron, son of John and Bethany (llydcrj Le Baron, was born Sept. 19, 1817, in Middleboro'. His educational advantages were limited to the cummon schools. He remained at home until he was about eighteen years old, when he went to Norton furnace and served an apprenticeship at the foundry business. At the completion of his apprenticeship, he worked at Norton for some years, and during this time was married. From Norton he went to Field's furnace, at Taunton, where he also remained several years. He then engaged as foreman in a foundry at Bourncville (now part of Fall River) for two years; then he went to Somerset to superintend the building of what is now the Co-operative Foundry. He occupied that position for two yeara. In 1855 he aud Samuel M. Tinkham, of Taunton, began to build the foundry in Middleboro', with which Mr. Le Biirun was so long connected. He lived in Taunton until the autumn of 1859; then he purchased the Ichabod Thomas place in Lakcville, and resided there between five and six years, when he removed to Middleboro', of which place ho was ever after a resident. This firm of Tinkham & Le Baron continued utitil the fall of 1864. Then Mr. Le Barou purchased the interest of Mr. Tinkham, and conducted the rapidly-increasing business until Jan. 1, 1884, when he was succeeded by his sons, J. Baylies and Eugene P., who formed the Le Baron Foundry Company, which is now doing business.

He married, first, Aug. 16, 1811, Keziah, daughter of Charles and Keziah (Rounds) Baylies, of Tauntou. She was born June 9, 1818, and died Oct. 10, 1861. Their children were Adelaide (died young), John Baylies (born Jan. 24, 1845, married Lucy S., daughter of Thomas and Abigail (Bisbee) Lovell, and has three children), Maria C. (born Jan. 18, 1847, married Samuel S. Lovell, has three children), Eugene P. (born Jan. 16, 1849, married, first, Lucy H. Morrill; she died in 1871, leaving one child; second, Georgiana Loring, of Plympton, who has one child), Charles H. (died young), Clara J. (born Jan. 7, 1855, married George R. Sampson, has two children), and Harriet J. (died young).

Mr. Le Baron married, second, Mary J., daughter of James Chase, a native of Dighton, who survives him. His death occurred March 1, 1884. Mr. Le Baron was an incorporator and director in the Domestic Needle Company, and its successor. Union Needle Company, of which he owned one-fourth interest. He was one of the trustees, and on the board of investment of the Middleboro' Savings-Bank. He owned quite an amount of land, laid out numerous village-lots, and erected a number of houses. He was the originator of the coal business in Middleboro'. Democratic in politics, as such he was elected to represent Middleboro' in the State Legislature in 1875. He was for years a member of the board of trustees of the Methodist Episcopal society, one of its building committee, and contributed liberally to build the present church edifice, and to the support of the society. He united with the church in 1877, and, up to the time of his death, held the offices of steward and trustee. During the temperance reform movement he was active in its support, and was a member of the Assawampsett Division, Sons of Temperance. He was for many years a prominent member of Mayflower Lodge of F. and A. M., Middleboro', Sutton Commandery, and Adoniram Chapter of New Bedford. Social, cheerful in disposition, fond of hearing and narrating good stories, of large and robust physique, and positive nature, Mr. Le Baron threw his whole .soul into whatever he undertook. He was a man of strong will-power and tremendous energy and a hard worker, and from humble beginnings, by his own exertions, acquired a handsome competency. Of strong integrity, he was noted for his frankness aud candor ; of au active temperament, earnest and impulsive, sometimes [ im])etuous, but always sincere, he was a man of i marked generosity and liberality of character. As a business man he was successful, and as a member of society respected and beloved.

ELIJ.A.U E. Perkins is of good old Sason stock, and a descendant in a direct line from one of the first families to settle in Ipswich, Mass. Wc find in early records the name of John Perkins. He was born in 1500, at Nervent, Gloucester County, England, and i probably came in the " Lion" to Boston, February, 1G31, with Roger Williams. He had three sons, John (2d), who was a commoner in 1G41, Jacob, and Thomas, all of whom were subscribers to Maj. Dcnison's allowance iu 1G48. From one of these three sons descended Mark', who came from Ipswich to North Bridgcwater, was a farmer, married, and had a large family. His son, Isaac, born about 1730, settled in North Middleboro', possessed a farm of a hundred acres, a portion of which is now liold by his grandson, Elijah, and on which he was born July 2-, 1804. Isaac held a commissiou in the old French war, was a deacon for many years, and a man of sound, practical, common sense. He married Joanna Edson, of North Bridgcwater, and died in 1811, at the age of eightyone. Tlieir children were Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Azel, Asa, Cyrus, Joanna, and Sally. (Cyrus graduated at Dartmouth College, and was a distinguished physician of New York City.) Azel was born in 1765, received a common-school education, became a farmer, and always resided on the old homestead. He married Lucretia, daughter of Deacon Elijah and Sarah (Shaw) Eaton, of JNIiddleboro'. Deacon Elijah Eaton's second wife was Thankful Aldeu, daughter of Jolin Aldeu*. lie, John Alden, was a very religious man, lived to be one hundred and two years old, and had read the Bible through as many times as he was years old, it is said, and could tell on hcaritig a verse the book and chapter it was from, and continue the quotation.

The children of Azel and Lucretia (Ealoiij Perkius were eleven, of whom Elijah was the ninth, and is now the only survivor. Mr. Azel Perkins was a Ulan of medium size and very active, steady, industrious, and quiet, preferring to work at his own business than to take office. He retained his activity to old age, and when over eighty years old would as often run to his barn as walk. He died August, 1852, aged eighty-seven.

The educational advantages of farmers' sons in those days were limited to the winter school of a fiw montlis, and Elijah attended only eight weeks duriu'^ each year, after he was ten years old, until, on account of ill health, he weut to Boston in 1823, and was employed a.s clerk for two years. He then returned to North Middleboro', where he has since resided. In December, 1833, Mr. Perkins married Elizabeth Eddy Hall, daugliter of Asa and Lucy (Leach) Hall, of llaynham. They have had si.^c children, - Francis H., born Sept. 5, 1835, died July 12, 1855; Daniel S., born Sept. 4, 1837, died Oct, 22, 1881 ; Lucretia E., born Feb. 3, 1842 (married Eiioeli Pratt, had one child, Miriam E., and diid Nov. 2i>, 1877) ; Cordana E., born Nov. 17, 1814 (married Harrison Otis Pratt, Sept. IG, 18G9, has one son, Harry Sumner, and resides with her parents) ; William Sawyer, born May 17, 1847, died Oct. 13, 18-l'.l ; Mary S., born July G, 1852, married Benjamin E. Holmes.

Mr. Perkins was one of the pioneers of the shoe business, having in 1836 taken a contract of Setli Bryant, of East Bridgcwater, for buttuujirig shoe.-', took many apprentices, and continued at this until he had bottomed twenty-five thousand pairs. In 1S4G he started on his own account as a manufacturer, the first in Middleboro' to venture in this line. He employed only half a dozen men, but by integrity soun acquired a valuable reputation for his work, ;iud the business steadily increased. Hard working, diligent, and economical, he was prospered. Alone, and in company with others fur forty-five years, he wa^ identified with every stage of the development of this great itidustry of our country. In 18G0, when filtysix years of age, the handsome property acquired by long years of hard labor was swept away to ihe last dollar by the wholesale repudiation of their Northern debts by Southerners, when they attempted to secede from the Union. Now was shown the value of a character built up by years of honest dealinii, perl'ect truthfulness, and strict adherence to his word. Men who had known him long, and with whom he was accustomed to deal, gave him the material aid and credit to continue in his business, which, under the brisk times of the war, surpassed its former prosperity. In 18G5 he admitted his son, Daniel S., in partnership. The business had increased to .-.uch an extent that they employed sixty operatives, and enjoyed the reputation of making as good goods as were made, and had a steady New England trade. The new firm was E. E. Perkins & Son, and continued so, until the death of Daniel S., in 18^1, of typhoid fever.

prime of life, was a diligent laborer and an industrious man ; deeming the secret of success strict attention to business, he overtasked himself and sank benoatli the burden. He held a high ideal of Christianity, and, although a sincere Christian, never considered hiiBself worthy to belong to the church organization. He was highly esteemed, and his death was a great sorrow to his aged father and mother, and to a great number of appreciative friends who loved him for his worth and many amiable ([ualities. We copy the following as an instance of the high place he occupied among his fellow-citizens :

" llviiheJ/Vhiil we lament bid decease socially and officially, because bis many virtues of band, mind, and heart eiideitred hiui to us ; because bis suggestions and calm counsels were indicative of keen observation, patient investigation, and careful deliberation.

*' Jii'.uh'cUf That we bear sacredly in mind bis uniform amiability, sterling worth, unequivocal integrity, and unswerving fidelity to correct principles.

^* JCeioU'ctl, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to his honored parcul." as an expression of good will and happy memory : and that these resolutions hu entered upon the records of Pratt Free School, North Middlehoro', Nov. 25, 1S8I.

Mr. Elijah E. Perkins early in life became connected with the Congregational Church of North Middleboro' (in 1831), and has ever since been a prominent and valued member. He has been deacon for nearly thirty-four years. He very generously bore the expense of the monument erected to the memory of the three Indians, - James Thomas, Job Abanton, and Stephen David, who, in early days (1750), gave "thirty-eight acres of land for the site of church edifice, parsonage, burying-ground, and ' training-field,' at Titicut.

Mr. Perkins has always resided in his native town, and known of all nieu, is universally esteemed for his sterling worth, honesty of dealing, integrity, modesty, and unostentation, and in his old age, with the competency his faithful labor and business ability of years has brought him, can look back and proudly say that not one dollar has been acquired unjustly. He is one of the best types of a self-made man ; has started many boys on the same road he has trod, and his success is the result of steady industry, careful economy, business thrift, and enterprise, combined with consistent religious principles, reaching over a long period of years. He has never had time to i meddle either with politics or speculation, and has i refused all public positions. Whig and Republican ill political belief, he has supported by his influence and votes the nominations made by the.se parties.

Shadrach Atwood, M.D.

One of the old families of Plymouth County is the .\twood family, and from its representatives of the i present generation we can select no more worthy I subject for illustration or biography in the county's i history than Dr. Shadrach Atwood, now a resident of I Franklin, Mass. He was born in Carver, May 17, 1 1801. His parents were Francis and Elizabeth j (Ward) Atwoud. His grandfather, Benjamin Ward, was prominent in the Revolutionary army (see biography of George Ward, Lakeville), and his grandfather, William Atwood, was a lieutenant in the same service. Francis Atwood was a farmer, and in 1811 he purchased a farm in Middleboro', and removed thither. Shadrach remained with his parents until he was twenty-one, having advantages of education only in a small district school until he was nineteen, when be attended the academy at South Bridgewater. A few months after he engaged as teacher in a district school, but, becoming actjuainted with a new and remarkably successful system of teaching grammar, he engaged in teaching that as a specialty for some time, with marked results. He then began the study of Latin preparatory to a college course, and when twenty-two years old he went to Amherst and, after some preliminary academical study, entered Amherst College, where he remained about eighteen months. Here he made rapid showing those (|Ualities of determination and tenacity of purpose so strongly shown in his entire career, and which, when a mere child, caused his father to say, " I never told Shadrach to do a thing which he did not accomplish, and never heard him say, ' I can't do it.' " The difficulties with which Dr. Atwood had to contend in preparing for the work of life wore neither few nor small. But these adverse circumstances did not crush his spirit, nor prevent his doing and rising in the world. They only served to develop his manhood, to bring out those sterling i|ualitios which constitute a truly noble character, as they always do in every genuine man. About 1825 he began the study of medicine under Dr. Arad Thompson, of Middleboro', but after a few months went to Boston, and attended three courses of lectures at Harvard Medical School, becoming also a student in the office and assisting in the practice of the cele- biateJ Dr. Wioslow Lewis. He made good use of the opportunities afforded him, and was graduated from Harvard in February, 1830. He soon commenced his long and successful medical practice by establishing himself at Marlboro', whence, after eighteen months' time, he removed to Bellingham, wlicre he was located for several years. In 1830 or 1S3T he changed his residence to Franklin, which, with temporary absences, has been liis home to the present.

In 1878 he gave up active practice and retired after a professional career of success and profit of nearly half a century. He built up a large practice, was active, energetic, and won many friends. Hi.s nature is positive, and from peculiar circumstances he was early thrown entirely on his owu resources in his profession, and developed self-reliance, care, and close observation - almost minute - of all his cases. He was remarkable for his skill in diagnosing disease, and very successful iu his treatment. He made liis profession his life-work, and gave to it all tlie strength of his manhood and the vigor of his nature. In ISGG he removed to Wretitham, where he resided four years. He then returned to Franklin, and while some of his goods had been conveyed thither an incendiary fire burned the house in Wrentham, with his library, books of account, and much other valuable property. Notwithstanding these and other reverses, he is to-day one of Franklin's substantial citizens. In polities, in early life, he was an Old-Line Whig, departing from the Democratic principles of his fathers, but after the dissolution of tlie Wliig party he afiiliated with tlie Democratic party, and has since supported it and its candidates. In 1847 he was elected to represent the town of Franklin in the State Legislature by an unprecedented majority, and while in the Legislature was largely instrumental in securing the charter for the Norfolk County Railroad (an extension of the railroad from Walpolo to Blackstoue), which gave railroad facilities to Franklin, and marked a new era in its growth and pro>i)erity. Of this road he was one of the iTicorporators. He was at one time a director of the Benjamin Franklin Savings-Bank, of Franklin.

He married, first, Nov. 28, 1832, Mrs. Ruth M. Pond, daughter of Cyrus and Ruth (iVIakepeace) Snow (she died, leaving no offspring, Nov. 7, 18ti2) ; second, Nov. 27, 1872, Charlotte M., daughter of Walter Harris and Sally A. (Hawkins) Gay.

Dr. Atwood hu.s stood high among his professional brethren ; has honored his domestic relations, his social and official obligations, and enjoys the esteem of a large and honorable circle of friends and acquaintances.

Thomas Weston

Thomas Weston, of Middleboro', was the fifth generation from Edmund Weston, who came to Plymouth from England in the " Ann and Elizabeth" in the year 163G. He was born March 20, 1770, in that part of the town called Warrentown. ' His father, Edmund Weston, was a gentleman much respected and a man of influence. In Revolutionary times he kept a hotel in the house now owned and occupied by his son. Col. Thomas Weston. He was very pronounced in his opinions against the tyranny of the crown, and did luuch towards rousinLr the patriotism of Middleboro' in those exciting times. He hud six children, the youngest being the subject of this sketch.

Iu his early youth he was quiet, studious, and thoughtful. Of a naturally weak constitution, he was not much inclined to outdoor sports, but very early showed a fondness for books. Although books were then comparatively few, he eagerly mastered all that came within his reach. Schools were rare and expensive, and taught only by private teachers. Such was the poverty of the country towns in the years of the Revolution and those immediately following that few men could afford the expense of a schooling for their children. His father, although owning his farm, could do but little for his youngest son. He, however, sent him to the school taught by Ahnor Alden, the author of " Alden's Spelling-Bouk," for six weeks. One week's more schooling under " Master" Asapha Churchill was all that he ever had. His early advantages were thus limited, but his habits of thought and reading formed at home on the farm ever followed him, and early manhood found him with a broad knowledge of affairs and a general information surpassed by few. This, with his rare knowledge of men, his uniform affability, and strong cotumon sense, gave him in after-life the great influence he exerted in business circles and in the politics of the State. Although under the tuition of .Master Alden for so short a time, the latter regarded him as a promising young man, and soon after recommended him as a " tit person to instruct youth," and lor a few years before and after his majority his services wore sought after as a teacher in schools, where he seemed to have considerable success.

But the teaching of private schools was not to his mind, and in 1794, taking what little money he had saved and a small sum that he was enabled to borrow from a friend, he leased a blast furnace in Carver, called Pope's Point Furnace, with the store connected with it, resolving that he would be a business man. In the revival of business after the close of the Revoh. 0^^?x^lJ lution the iron interests were the first to feel its effects, and at that time in Middleboro', Carver, Wareham, and Rochester were many blast furnaces for the smelting of iron and the casting of hollow-ware. His enterprise, his thorough business habits, his honesty, and his general good nature made his business suocessful, and after remaining there four years he removed to Middleboro', having amassed a considerable sum of money for those times.

About the year 1798 he purchased a portion of the estate at Muttock before Revolutionary times owned by Peter Oliver, chief justice of the highest King's Court in the colony. A few years later he purchased the remaining portion of it. Judge Oliver used to make this place his summer residence, and it was regarded as the finest estate in the colonies. The bombardment of Boston was heard by him at Oliver Hall, and at night be and his family hurriedly left town, leaving everything in the house except their silver plate. He never returned, and the place was afterwards sold by the commissioners appointed to sell confiscated property of Royalists to Jesse Bryant, of whom Mr. Weston purchased a portion of the estate.

He was married to Abigail Doggett, a daughter of Simeon Doggett, Sept. 30, 1798, and resided from that time until his death upon this estate, in the mansion built by Judge Oliver for his son. The house is still standing, and after the death of Mr. Weston was owned and occupied by the late Earl Sproat. This house was full of historic associations. Here Governor Hutchinson and Thomas and Andrew Oliver used to pass their summers. Here Franklin stopped some time while passing through the colony. Hero were welcomed illustrious guests from Old England on their tour through the New England, and here were planned and discussed some of the odious measures to subdue the rebellious colonists.

At the time he purchased a portion of the works at JIuttock, including the forge and a large interest in the grist-mill, saw-mill, and rolling or slitting-mill, as it was then called. The business of these works, with a .store, which he continued until his death, became quite extensive for those times. These works were formerly owned and carried on by Judge Oliver, and the rolling-mill was the second built in America. One important branch of his business was the making of wrought nails. The forge and rolling-mill were for the purpose of making nail-rods. These were taken by farmers and others and hammered into nails of the required length and size. At that time this business gave employment to a large number of men in this and adjoining towns. In the early part of his busine.->s at Muttock, Geo. Abiel Washburn was associated with him, and after that his son. Col. Thomas Weston, who continued with him until his death. This once large and profitable business, however, was supplanted in a few years after his death by the invention of the nail-machine. Now, here and there, upon the county farms the little nail-shops may still be seen as monuments of a departed industry. He always had a large store at Muttock. During this period of his life he carried on a forge and store at the Fresh Meadows. He was interested in the cottonmill known as the Upper Factory in Middleboro', and quite largely interested in shipping at Wareham.

In 1809 he was almost unanimously chosen as a representative to the General Court, and reelected for five successive years. In 1815 and 1816 he was a member of the Senate, and elected to the House again in 1819. In 1820 he was chosen a member of the convention to revise the Constitution of Massachusetts. From 1823 to 1827 he was a member of the Governor's Council. He was a warm personal friend of Governor Eustis; with him on the Governor's Council was Marcus Morton, afterwards Governor. In public life for twenty-five years, his acquaintance with the men of his time was unusually large, and his general information, his sterling character, his strong common sense, his uniform politeness, gave him a great influence upon the politics and men of his time. In politics he was a Democrat, and although living at a time when party politics were more bitter than at any other period of our political history, such was the esteem with which he was regarded in his native town that, when he would consent to be a candidate for an oflBce, in addition to the vote of his own party, he usually received more votes from the opposite party than their own nominee.

In 1822 he was nominated for Congress, at a time when a nomination by his party was equivalent to an election, but declined on account of his business, which was then quite extensive, and the Hon. Aaron Hobart was elected in his stead.

In 1828 tiie old Court of Sessions, which had come down as one of the famous tribunals of the olden lime, was abolished, and a new Court of County Commissioners established in its place. Mr. Weston was appointed by Governor Lincoln as its chairman, with Jared Whitman, of Abington, and John Cullamorc, of Scituate, as associates, which office he held unlil his death. At that time this was regarded as one of the most important offices in the county, and his appointment was regarded as most fit. The members of this court took the title of judges, as did those of the old Court of Sessions, which title followed them for many years after. With the change of name of the court came other changes in its practice and modes of procedure, wiiich were largely of his suggestion. Altliough not a lawyer, he had a judicial mind, and was well read iu the principles of common law. He was couscieotious in liis decisions, always endeavoring to do exact justice to all parties. He presided with dignity, and his court had the confidence and respect of the entire county.

He died, after a ohort illness, June 17, ISo-i, in the .-ixty-fourth year of his age. His wife died Aug. 11. 1830. He had nine children, - Col. Thomas Weston, of Middleboro', being the only surviving child. In lSo4 he married for his second wife Mrs. Deborah Hathaway, of Freetown.

Judge Weston was a gentleman of the old school, dignified but always courteous and polite. Of Pilgrim stock, he inherited their sterling (jualities, softened by Christian culture aud the amenities of society. He was a man of strong character and firm principles, .scorning everything mean or dishonest. As a merchant he was enterprising, careful, and of exact business habits. His word was always as good as his bond. His judgment on the ordinary matters of life was much sought after by his acquaintances, and the value of his strong, common sense early recognized. He was very happy in his domestic life, with a large family of children, most of whom he lived to .^ee grow to manhood and womanhood and comfortably .settled in life. His house was always open, and he entertained with a generous hospitality. His wide circle of friends and acquaintances brought many prominent men to his door, and rarely a day passed iu the latter part of his life without the presence of some one as his guest. His wife, a lady of culture, presided with a quiet dignity over his household, and lier rare conversational powers added much to the pleasure of his guests. He was early identified with the First Church of Middleboro', and was one of its strongest supporters. The great objects of Christian charity and benevolence, that in his time were just coming into existence, he warmly espoused, and seemed fully to appreciate the great work they were about to do, and the strong hold they would ultimately obtain upon the Christian world.

William W. Cojistock, M.D.

William W. Comstock, M.D., one of the most eminent physicians of Plymouth County, was born iu Smithfield, R. I., March "23, ISOl, and was the son of Dr. Ezekiel and Mary (Whipple) Comstock. He Was a birthright Quaker, aud both his paternal and maternal ancestors were of noble and distinguished families. The Comstoeks trace their origin back through England and the Norman Conquest to the sixth century in Germany, where Baron von Komstock, the first recorded progenitor, was a large landholder. His maternal grandfather wa.s ComoKjdore Abraham Whipple, United States navy, from whose flag-ship " Providence," under his command, was tired the first gun against the British, thus leading off in the gallant efforts to dispute England'.-, supremacy on lier favorite element. Bold, daring, aud intrepid, he enjoyed the friendship and companionship of Paul Jones, Franklin, and Washington, and in some respects was the most remarkable of the naval officers of the Revolution. His first cruise was probably never excelled in naval history, appearing more like romance than reality. Its prize money amounted tn over one million dollars. The most eccentric and daring of his exploits was in July, 1779, when he eucouutered the homeward bound Jamaica fleet of one hundred and fifty sail, convoyed by several British men-of-war, among them a seventy-four gun-ship. Commodore Whipple concealed his guns, joined the fleet as if one of their number, and sailed in their company for several days, each night capturing a vessel, which he manned with a prize crew, who steered to a different point of the compass, so as to be out of sigiit of the fleet in the morning. Prom this fleet hecuptured ten richly-laden vessels, eight of which arrived in American ports. This gallant officer died at Marietta, Ohio, in 1819, aged eiglity-five years. Upon his monument is this inscription :

** Saercd tu the memory of Commodore Abi;ih;iiii Whipple, whose name, skill, and courage will ever reiiiuin tlie priile utid boiiat of hia country. In the lute KevoluLion he was the hrst 10 hurl ilelianee at proud Britain, gallantly leading the way to wreat from the mistresa of the ocean her sceptre, and tliere to wave tliu star-spangled banner. He also itondurted to the sea the lirdt square-rigged vessel ever built on the Ohio, opening to commerce resources beyond calculation. "

Commodore Whipple had two daughters, Katharine and Mary. Katharine married Col. Ebenezer Sproat, of Middleboro'. Col. Sproat was one of the pioneers of Ohio, acquiring by his bravery much honor, was called " Buckeye" Sproat, and it is said that by him, and through him, Ohio received the appellatiou of the " Buckeye State." Dr. Couistoek studied medicine with his father, a prominent phy.^ician, and commenced the practice of his prul'essioii in New Bedford, Mass., but removed to Buckfield. Me., about 1829. He soon developed those qualities of a successful physician for which he afterwards was so noted, and made many and warm friends, among the most intimate of wiiom was the father of ex-Governor

John D. Lon;;, of Massacliuselts, and was elected to veprosciit Buckfield one year in the State Legislature. Ill 1845 he removed to Wrentliam, Mass., where he built up a fine practice. Previously, in 1826, he had married Saba, daughter of Thomas and Sally Sturtevant, of Middleboro'. Otie of tlie oldest physicians in Middleboiu', and of one of its most reputable families (which, however, have ceased to exist in the towuj, was Dr. Thomas Sturtevant. He had a lucrative practice, and was highly esteemed in the community, living; to a hale old ay;(^ He had .several son.s, among them Thumus (father of Saba) and George, also a prominent physician, but who died in the prime of life. In 1S51, at the time of the last illnos of Dr. George Sturtevant, Dr. Uomstock visited him and treated him, and, after his death, received an urgent invitation to settle in Middleboro', which lie did. From 1852 until his death, Oct. 20, 1S7S, Dr. Comstock was one of the leading, most active, and successful physicians in Plymouth County. His practice was extensive, and his advice as counsel was sought by the best practitioners from Provincetown to Providence. He was ever an enthusiastic and hard-working member of his profession. Always a student, he kept pace with the rapid advances and discoveries of medical science. He had many students, the first being Dr. Thaddeus Cushman, of Randol])h, Mass. These have done credit to his instructions, and among them we name Dr. George F. Bigeluw, Boston ; Dr. Abiel W. Nelson, New London, Couu. ; Dr. N. M. Tribou (deceased), Mystic, Conn. ; Dr. George W. Snow, Newburyport ; Dr. Albert Sprague, and Dr. H. Willard, Providence, 11. I. ; Dr. Benjamin F. Wil.son, New Bedford ; Dr. Henry U. Sproat, of Assonet ; Dr. J. G. Cowell, Wrentham, Mass.; and Dr. George L. Ellis, Middleboro' (formerly assistant physician of Taunton Insane Asylum). Dr. Comstock was a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, of which he was councillor for many years ; a prominent member of the American Medical Society, of which he was a delegate from Massachusetts to its annual meeting at Detroit, lie was also a member of the Bristol South District Medical Society. His personal character was the very purest, his manner was winning and gracious, his life was. one of the strictest integrity, and in his record of seventy-seven years he left the testimony of an honest and conscientious man. This motto, which he had printed on slips for his grandchildren, will serve to indicate his nature, - Power of Thought is the only true measure of Intellect, as Force of Principle is the only true measure of Moral Greatness."

A strong friend, a beloved and faithful physician, ( he maintained, by his daily walk and aciion.s, and I with an unfailing courtesy, the dignity of a true gen- ' tleraan of the old school. The children of Dr. Comstock were William E. (a very promising youth, who died at the age of seventeen), Adelia B. (married F. 1 P. Mulvey, merchant, of Chicago, and has three I children, - William C, Caroline B., and Fannie L. ), Katherine A., and Agnes (who married Dr. Nahum j M. Tribou, of Middleboro'. Dr. Tribou settled at ! Mystic, Conn., where, after a few years' residence, he died, leaving two children, a son, Nahum M. (wlio I furnishes the accompanying portrait of Dr. Com.-itock ), I and a daughter, Mary C., who married Dr. Henry I Scudder Drake, of Westboro'. They have one child, ! Agnes K.). At a meeting held by the councillors of the Massachusetts Medical Society the following was [ adopted :

I "The Maaaachuaetta Medical Society liavin;-, by tlic ilcath of the late Dr. William W. Cuiuatocic, lost an a^ed and one uf its must honored uiembera, who was for many yeara an associate of this body, we deem it juat and fitting tu place ujiun record otir recognition of his virtuea and abilities. Tbruugli all bis long and arduous career of service in a noble and humane profession, j it is not too much to aay that, by untiring devotion lo medical [ duty, by the constant exercise of care, patience, fiilclity, and I skill in the daily exercise of a pursuit so important to humanity, and by his unvarying kindness and courtesy to hi.s medical brethren, he illustrated the best qualities of a physician and earned the increasing respect and linal reverence of the pi-ofesslon.and that crown of a good man's life, the love and gratitude of the community which witnessetl ami were bcncliied by his life and tabors. He was a wise, benevolent, euiiscientious, ami public-spirited man and citizen, whose example and inllucnce were beneficent in all the relations of life, and whose memory will be gratefully cherished. It is to the high lioiiur of our |}roftfssion, us it is an incentive to a just ambition, that, in each generation and in every community such men arc found, who are venerable, not in years only, but in the long and amplybestowed respect and conKdeace of their follow-mcn."

I " From an acquaintance, u friendship of more than forty years, I shall ever associate with his memory perfect professional integrity." Dr. Dweiiey writes

'. thus of him : " Although having responsibility of a large and widespread country practice on his hand.s, he nearly always managed to be present at the county and State meetings of the societies, often riding late at night and before dawn to accomplish it. . . . He was truly a gentleman of the old school, strictly punctilious in every duty, calm and considerate, affable and j polite, though firm and positive in his convictions, and no person ever failed to receive his services by day or night on account of being too poor to recompeu.se him." He died with his armor on, only ceasing lu3 labors with hia last short illness. His virtues are cherished as a valuable le.Liauy by his posterity, and a-iserc for him an honorable place in the records of the community adorned by his life.

H. S. B. Smith, M.D.

Henry Sutton Burgess Smith, M.D., son of Perley Denuison Smith and Louisa Burgess, his wife, comes from early New England families on both paternal I and maternal sides, and was born in Bridgetoo, Me., | July IZ, 18;i8. i