Acushnet Town (part 2 of 2)

The church building stood at " Old Acushnet Cemetery," situated on the north side of a road running east and west through the village, and some five hundred yards west of where the Fairhaven road enters it, a point anciently called Parting Ways. It was just back of the central entrance to the cemetery on the south, and just in the rear of where it stood is a row of Pope graves. It was built of timber cut from the forests which stood about it, and its timbers were hewed on the spot. Many came long distances to church, and in the days when the old church was standing ihoe-leather was scarce and expensive. Tho.se who were not fortunate enough to have a horse and had to walk came barefooted, carrying their shoes in their hands, and put them on just before reaching the meeting-house. One who practiced this says the favorite "shoeing-place" for those who came up from the Fairhaven neighborhood to this church was the ledge of rocks south of the church about a thousand yards, on the west side of the Fairhaven road.

The first pastor was Rev. Samuel Hunt. All that is known of him is that he built the old parsonage house on the northwest corner of Acushnet Avenue, where the road that leads from the village westward over Tar Kiln Hill crosses it. Mr. Hunt died in Acushnet, in the forty-eighth year of his age, and was buried in the old graveyard by the meeting-house in which he labored. . On his headstone is chiseled the following : " Rev. Samuel Hunt, the first ordained minister of the Church of Christ in Dartmouth, died Jan. 21, 1729." Mr. Hunt's successor was the Rev. Richard Pierce, A.M. Of his life and labors, as of those of his predecessor, there is nothing known. He also lies in the old burying-ground. He died March 23, 1749, at the age of forty-nine, and at the close of sixteen years in the work of the gospel ministry.

The next minister was the Rev. Israel Cheever, A.M., who was born at Concord, Mass., Sept. 22, 1772; graduated at Harvard College, 1749; resigned the pastorship of the church in 1752, and died at Liverpool, N. S., in June, 1812. Mr. Cheever was succeeded by Dr. Samuel West, who was born at Yarmouth, Cape Cod, in 1729; graduated at Harvard in 1754, one of the first in his class, and was settled over this church in 1761. Under the ministry of Dr. West the society was very large, being the only house of worship, with the exception of that of the Friends, for an extensive district of country. Dr. West was not considered, in the popular sense of the word, an eloquent and pleasing speaker, but his sermons were characterized by sterling common sense and extensive research. His familiarity with the Bible was so great that he could preach from almost any text without premeditation, illustrating his suliject with the most apt and scriptural quotations and references. Dr. West took an active interest in the Revolutioti. He preached a sermon before the Provincial Convention at Watertown in 1776, and another, an anniversary discourse, on Forefathers' day, at Plymouth in 1777. After the battle of Bunker Hill he visited the camp of the American army, and encouraged the patriot soldiers to increased efforts. It was a favorite topic of conversation with him that the prophetic writings of Scripture were being realized in the stirring .scenes of the struggle for independence. In manner of life and character. Dr. West was eccentric and peculiar, as a few anecdotes of him, which we will give, selected from numerous others, will illustrate. His absent-mindedness was also very remarkable. In going to mill one day, he put the grist upon his own back and walked to the miller's, leading the horse by the bridle. He supposed the grist was on the horse until the mistake was pointed out by a neighbor. At another time he started for church on horseback, supposing his wife on a pillion, the way of riding in those days, and did not learn to the contrary until he was questioned about Mrs. West by one of the good deacons. One day, while talking with a man in front of his house without his hat, the individual started, and the doctor accompanied him, still absorbed in conversation. Before he came to himself he had walked four miles.

" Samuel West, D.D., *c., the son of Dr. Sliackflelil West, by liis wife, Ruth Jenkius, was born at Yarmouth, CO., March 3, 17".i0-30, 0. S., ordained in this place June 3,1761. Relinquished his pastoral charge June, 1803. Died at Tiverton, R. I., .Sept. 24, 1807."

From 1803 to 1829 the society seems to have fallen into decay, and had become reduced by death and removal to only three members, - Jonathan Swift, Mary Worth, and Susannah Pope. Up to 1811 the Methodists, which had an organized society in the neighborhood, occupied the old meeting-house. At this time tlie Congregational people made an eflbrt to revive the old church, and undertook to supply the pulpit with a mini.'<ter of their own denomination. They did not succeed, however, and the church was closed until 1828. About this time a successful endeavor was made to resuscitate it, members were added and services regularly held.

Rev. Sylvester Holmes ofBciated as a supernumerary pastor, and at this time probably the church changed from a Presbyterian to a Congregational system of government. Joel Packard, Mary Russel, and Rufus Holmes were the first who were admitted to membership in the church, and were received by letter. The first received on a profession of faith were Mrs. T. Mayhew, Mrs. James Taber, Mrs. David Perry, Mrs. Freeman Taber, Branch Harlow, Caroline Augusta Waggoner, and Jabez Hathaway and wife. In 1830, Rev. Pardon T. Seabury was settled over the church, and that year the society built a house on the west side of the river. The old bouse was torn down in 1837.'

The next meeting-house built in Acushnet was that of the Friends, which stood where the present one does, just to the east of Parting Ways. The deed of the lot on which it stood conveyed the land from Stephen West, Jr., of Dartmouth, to Nicholas Davis, of Rochester, Joseph Russell, Abram Mott, and John Tasker, of Dartmouth, in trust for the Friends' Society, and bears date 9th of lltb mo., 1727.

The original meeting-house was built in 1727, though meetings of the society had been held in the neighborhood for two years or more previous to this date. During the Revolutionary war an addition to the east side smaller in dimensions than the original was made, and between these were shutters for dividing the house. The old house being in poor condition, it was replaced by a new one. This is a commodious house, painted inside and out, with carpeted aisles and cushioned seats. In an ante-room is hung a door of the old house, on which is the date of its erection, 1727. The building and repairs about the grounds have been in charge of Edward Dillingham, a minister of the society and a resident of Acushnet.

Christian Church, Long Plain. - The religious society that comes next in order of date is that of the Christian at Long Plain, a village at the north end of the town, so named from the extensive plateau on which it stands. Elder Daniel Hix, who was pastor of a flourishing church of this denomination at Hixville, in the northwest part of Dartmouth, was invited to hold meetings here. This resulted in a successful movement to build a church. The first meeting in relation to building was held Oct. 8, 1795, when Elder Hix and Silas Simmons were appointed a committee to select a lot of land and place a church thereon. This was very near the site of the present church. The first bill contracted on the church is dated July 30, 1796, and was for lumber and other materials to the amount of one hundred and twentyeight dollars. Among the "other materials" was seven f/a/lons of West. India rum, an indispensable article in building a church in those primitive times. Another interesting reminiscence is that when the edifice was completed the congregation (such of them as had .already purchased) were invited to build their pews on the spots owned by them. Aug. 29, 1805, Elder Hix accepted an invitation to preach two Sundays a month. The distance from his residence was nine miles, and for the year's service he received fifty dollars. In 1804 his salary was increased to fifty-five dollars, and on this he continued with them several years. Subsequently Rev. John Leland preached in the old house. This is the man who in 1812 got up a mammoth cheese, weighing over a ton, which was pressed in a cider-mill, drawn to W^ashington by four horses, and presented to President Madison.

The church did not prosper in a marked degree, and was much of the time without a settled pastor, - from 1825 to 1837. In April, 1837, Elder Samuel Wilde, who had resided elsewhere for a long time, returned and preached for them a year. There had been no Sunday-school since 1823, but Mr. Wilde, with the assistance of Miss Elizabeth Ashley, daughter of Capt. William Ashley, organized a school, and it was continued through the year. Mr. Wilde writes, "My salary this year was one load of good oak chips, presented by Thomas Davis." This church was financially embarrassed, and was obliged to give up.

There were a number of persons of the Baptist denomination in the vicinity, and they concluded to i organize a society, which they did in 1838.

quest, were recognized a Baptist Society of the Taunton Association: Rev. Ira Leland, William Ashley, Delana Ashley, Abiel P. Kobinson, Chloe Robinson, Love M. Sears, Freelove Hathaway, Silas F. Sears, Mary R. Davis, and Ann H. Davis.

Mr. Leland remained with the church about two years, when he went to the Second Baptist Church at Barnstable. He returned to the pastorate of this church, however, on the 1st of April, 1844, much to the pleasure of his former parishioners. Under his ministration the church continued to prosper, resulting in the building of a new church, which was dedicated on the 28th of April, 1847, the society having occupied the old Christian Church.

A month after the dedication of the new church Mr. Lelaud accepted a call to Lexington, Mass., and the society was again without a pastor. No settled minister was with the church till 1848.

In August, 1848, Mr. Whittemore was settled here, and remained till 1856. In 1851, Mrs. Ruth Davis united with the church by baptism, being then sixty years of age. At the present date she is living, at the age of ninety-two, her faculties wonderfully preserved. She is the oldest person in town. She, with her two sons, are active members of this church.

In 185G considerable religious interest was manifested in the village, and many were converted. There were those who wanted a church house, but, not being in full sympathy with the Baptists nor Friends, the only denominations in the place, a "Union Society" was organized, which this cliurch joined. This plan not proving successful, the Baptists called Rev. W. W. Meech, of Connecticut, to be their pastor.

In the spring of 1860, Mr. Meech closed his labors with the church, much to the regret of the people. Rev. Silas Hall, of Raynham, supplied for a few months, and others till 1864, when Rev. J. W. Horton became the settled pastor, and remained till 1868. The same , year Rev. Mr. Holt, of Boston, became the minister, continuing till Feb. 26, 1871. He was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Learned, who filled the pastoral relation till his health compelled him to resign in 1872. Rev. S. P. Lewy served from 1872 to December, 1873. In November, 1874, a unanimous call was extended to Rev. E. M. Wilson, of Somerville, Mass., who accepted, and has continued an acceptable and highly-respected pastor, which relation he holds at the present time.

About eighty persons have been members of this church since its institution in 1838. The church has had but two clerks, Gen. Abiel P. Robinson serving till incapacitated by age in 1874 ; since then the office has been filled by Walter A. Davis.

The first Sunday-school at Long Plain was held in the summer of 1822. Susan, wife of Dr. Rounsevel Spooner, a member of the Unitarian Church, and Allathea, daughter of Nicholas Davis, a Friend, called the children together in a school-house which stood just at the back of the carriage-sheds in the Friends' yard, where they tauglit them the old Westminster Catechism and Scripture texts and furnished them with tracts. It was held again the following summer, but was not continued longer on account of the sneers of parents and their disrelish of the innovation.

The Friends' Society at Long Plain is the next in clironological order. The land on which the present house stands was deeded by Nathan Davis, of Dartmouth, to John and Nehemiah Sherman, Daniel i together with the ones at Parting Ways, Fairhaven, and Mattapoisett, constitute the Long Plain Prepari atory Meeting, to which Abner Pease, of Fairhaven,

I century. It was the original Methodist Society in old Dartmouth. The original members of the Elm Street Methodist Episcopal Society of New Bedford, the first in the city, were all members of this church. The origin of this church may be ascribed to Capt. John Hawes, who was one of the earliest and most zealous Methodists in this section of the country. The first worship of this sect at the Head of the River is said to have been held at the house of Mr. Ellis Mendall, about two and a half miles east of the present church. Rev. Daniel Webb and others occasionally preached there. This was in 1800 or 1801. About the same time, or shortly after. Rev. Mr. Hall and other Methodist ministers held services in a school-house which stood a little east of the residence of Capt. Daniel B. Greene, later of Rudolphus Swift. Their number continued to slowly increase, and in 1806 Conference appointed Rev. Epaphras Kibbe to take charge of them. In the course of the following year he succeeded in forming a class of eight persons, of which Capt. John Hawes was leader. At this time they were worshiping in the church of the Congregational Society, which was in a very prostrated condition, and since the retirement of Dr. West had been without a pastor. Aug. 2, 1807, Mr. Kibbe proposed that they should either unite with the Congregationalists or organize a separate society of their own. They chose the latter, and accordingly the new church was formed at the above date.

The original founders of the church as thus constituted were eight in number, - John Hawes, Benjamin Dillingham, Freelove Nye, Daniel Summerton, Hannah Summerton, Jedediah Haskell, Meriab Spooner, Nancy Dan forth. The first stewards were Capt. John Hawes and Jonathan Danforth. Mr. Kibbe remained till 1809, and when he left the church numbered fifty-nine members. He was succeeded by Rev. Ne-

During all this time they had continued to worship in the Congregational Church. At this date, however, the members of that society undertook to supply the pulpit with a minister of their own denomination. Accordingly, the Methodists vacated the building and took an upper room in an old house which is still standing, - the one nearest the bridge on the south side of the street. They soon collected the sum of five hundred dollars and built a house of worship, although their funds were inadequate to pay for it and a considerable debt remained upon the church. It was dedicated in 1811, Rev. Nehemiah Coye preaching the sermon on the occasion. At the time of its dedication it was a rough structure, in quite an unfinished state, being neither painted nor plastered.

Mr. Coye located at Acushnet, and remained until 1817. He was followed by Rev. Benjamin R. Hoyt, who acted as schoolmaster also. Then came the following clergy in the order named: Shipley W. Wilson, Solomon Sius, Edward T. Taylor, afterwards of the Boston Seamen's Bethel, Erastus Otis, Leroy Sunderland, Leonard B. Griffin, Robert Easterbrooks, Elias C. Scott, James Porter, Samuel Drake, William Ba.xter, O. Sperry, Thomas Ely, D. H. Banister, Franklin Fish, Onesiphorus Robbins, Lemuel Harlow, Otis Wilder, Joseph McReading, George Winchester, William Cone, Hebron Vincent, Daniel Webb, Randall Mitchell, George W. Wooding, James B. Weeks, Richard Doukersley. The present Methodist Episcopal Church was built on the site of the old one in 1853-54, the last year of Mr. Donkersley's pastorate, and was dedicated March 9, 1854. Mr. Doukersley was followed by Q. A. M. Chapman, E. Franklin Hinks, Philip Grandon, Elanson Latham, Benjamin L. Sayre, William T. Worth, Samuel Fox, Israel Washburn, Thomas Ely, Edward H. Hatfield, George W. Wooding, Benjamin H. Bosworth, Edward A. Lyon, Charles E. Walker, Edward H. Hatfield, Josei)h E. Seai-s, Charles L. Goodell, George M. Handin, and N. Willis Jordan.

The original Methodist class in the city of New Bedford was organized in 1817. All its members, with one exception, were members of the Acushnet Church. This class was the origin of the Elm Street Methodist Episcopal Church, which was then a legitimate (ill'spring of the society at Acushnet. The other New Bedford Methodist Episcopal Churches are outgrowths of ihe Elm Street.

The next society organized was the Methodist at Long Plain. Its origin commenced in 1856 in the " Union Society," referred to in the sketch of the Baptist Society here. A young man of the Baptist denomination, Elanson Latham, preached for them with great acceptance, resulting in quite a revival. In the spring of 1857, Mr. Latham attended the Methodist Conference, and while there joined it. On his

This band of Methodists were strengthened by the remnant of a Methodist Society at North Rochester which united with them in the new organization. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Philip CVandon, who was born in the adjoining town of Rochester; he remained two years, the limit at that time, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Allen, whose successor was Rev. Mr. Smith. Then came Rev. S. Y. Wallace, which brings the church down to 1862. Their meeting-house up to this date was a little chapel built for the purpose, and which is now the society's parsonage.

The people soon desired a larger and more attractive place of worship, and in 1862 the enterprise of building a new house commenced, tlie members of the Christian denomination who were worshiping with them aiding in the work. The leading gentlemen in this enterf)rise of church building were Elder Samuel Wilde, whose children were members of the church, and Jlr. David R. Pierce, a prominent Methodist and former resident of New Bedford. The edifice was erected during the year. The following paper, soliciting a building fund, was circulated :

" We, the subscribers, agree to pay the sum set against our names for the purpose of assisting the Metliodist Church at Long Plain to build a house of worship and a parsonage, said house to be settled upon trustees appointed by the Methodist Episcopal Church in that place, with the understanding that the brethren of the Christian connection residing in the vicinity shall have equal privileges of seats, worship, and ordinances with the Methodist brethren, and all peaceably disposed people are invited to come in and worship in the house, and the seats to be without charge or expense."

This paper bears date May, 1862, and Elder Wilde, who made great efforts in procuring subscriptions, gave the following list of collections: From Boston, $1067; Providence, $212; Taunton, $99; New Bedford, $275.67 ; Fall River, $66; Long Plain, $393.20; Pawtucket, $24.50, - making a total of $2137.37.

Mr. Wallace was followed by the following-named pastors: Moses Chase, George H. Winchester, Samuel J. Carroll, S. T. Patterson, C. S. Sanford, Francis A. Loomis, George H. Butler, E. W. Goodier, John Thomson, R. J. Mooney, and A. C. Jones, the present pastor.

There are two other public places of worship in town, - the church at Perry Hill and Whelden Chapel, in the neighborhood near where Capt. Joseph Whelden's mill stood. The former was built in 1844 by representatives of the Christian denomination. It has not been a success. The latter was built in 1854 as a place of worship for members of the Second Advent denomination.

Since the division of Fairhaven the town has been redistricted, three fine school-houses have been built, and the balance of them repaired to be as good as new. There was formerly a private school at Long Plain, in the old Methodist chapel, the next house south being used as a boarding-house connected with it. Another similar enterprise was conducted for some time by Obediah Davis, of Acushnet, on the Fairhaven road, opposite the Laura Keene place, which at that time was the home of William Bradford, Bristol County's brilliant artist. This was a boarding-school for young ladies. The building was two stories, forty by sixty feet square. It did not prove a success. The place is now in the possession of and occupied by Capt. Franklyn Rowland as a private residence.

The town-meetings of original New Bedford were held in Acushnet, the old town-house standing just east of Parting Ways, near the site of the present school-house. The building was sold to private parties and moved to the city. After this they were held in the old Presbyterian meeting-house. Fairhaven also held its meeting there till it was torn down, when a house was built - the one on Fairhaven road - a couple of miles below. The old Bedford town-meeting days were gala occasions. They were general holidays, and everybody came. The pastimes outside the house were usually foot and bat ball, shooting matches, and with many a filling up with New England rum. Plenty of the latter could be easily obtained at the half-dozen places within a mile where it was sold. In those days of public travel by coaches the routes over which they traveled were lined with places of entertainment for man and beast, - the " tavern." The route from New Bedford to Boston passed through the village and up the Long Plain road. On this line, within the town of Acushnet, there were five taverns, and liquor sold at them all. Commencing at the bridge, in the village, the third house east, now owned by .lohn R. Davis, was run by Capt. Seth Pope; the second, east of that, now owned by Cyrus E. Clark, postmaster, was kept by Worth Pope ; two miles farther on, the same side of the road, the next house, north of the end of the Whites' Factory road, was one kept by Jabez Taber, now owned by Capt. Eldridge ; a mile above, on the west side of the road, at Mason Taber's corner, was Salisbury Blackmer's ; and a quarter of a mile beyond, where Willis Brownell now lives, was Isaac Vincent's. Now it is not publicly known that any liquor is sold in the town. At the town-meeting of 1881 the vote on licensing the sale of liquors stood four " Yes" to fifty-four " No." In 1882 none " Yes" to seventy-seven " No."

The only post-office in town for many years was at Jabez Taber's tavern, his brother. Squire James, being the postmaster. In 1828 one was established at Long Plain, being kept in Thatcher's store, and afterwards in the store of Mr. Wilde, now occupied by Richard Davis, who has been postmaster nearly thirty years, and is at the present time. Another oflice was provided for in Acushnet village, being kept in the first house, second building, on the north side of the street west of the bridge. Gustavus Gilbert, who was studying law with Judge Spooner, was the recognized postmaster for a couple of years, but the acting officer was Cyrus E. Clark, Esq., in whose store it was kept, and who in 18.30 became postmaster, and has occupied the position till the present time. In 1842 it was moved into the building whicli was the " Worth" tavern. This was subsequently burned, and Mr. Clark built on the same spot.

The village of Acushnet took the lead of Bedford village for many years. Ships were built on the west side of the river, and it was a stirring place. Here was the first, last, and only whipping-post in the old town. It stood on the west side of the river, just a few yards below the bridge, in a spot afterwards occupied by a blacksmith-shop, which was burned in 1882. The last act of official whipping was on the back of a notorious character named John Black, about 1780. In the village lived the first judge of the Police Court in New Bedford, Hon. Nathaniel Spooner, and Capt. John Hawes, who was collector of customs during many of the first years of the present century. Elsewhere in the town were the homes of the original members of the families of Hathaway, Hawes, Jenny, Kempton, Nye, Pope, Taber, Tobey, Spooner, and Swift, many of whom were prominent in the early history of old Dartmouth, and others have occupied positions of trust and responsibility at home and abroad.

For some time previous to 1875 the people residing along the western border of the town felt that it would be more for their interest, especially in regard to schools, if a narrow portion of Acushnet along that boundary was annexed to New Bedford. Both towns agreeing in the matter there was passed by the General Court, April 9, 1875,-^

" An Act to annex <{ part of the town of Acushnet to the city of iVeir Bedford, "Sec. 1. All that part of the town of Acushnet, with all the inhabitants and estates therein, lying westerly of the following line, to wit; Beginning at the stone post numbered twenty-nine at Davis' Coi'ner, so called; thence running north three degrees west to a stone post five rods easterly of tlie house of Benjamin Peckliani, an<l from thence northerly i tween New Bedford, Freetown, and Acushnet, is hereby set otTfrom the town of Acushnet, and annexed to the city of New Bedford, and shall constitute a part of the First Ward of the city of New Bedford until a new division of wards is made in said city."

Acushnet has a flourishing Union Sunday-school Association, organized in 1882. The officers are Franklyn Howland, president; Dennis Mason, secretary ; T. J. Robinson, treasurer.

Biographical Sketches

The first American ancestor of the now somewhat numerous Spooner family was named William. Of the place of his nativity or the precise date of his birth nothing definite can be learned. The Spooner name in England is an ancient and honorable one, and it is highly probable that from this family was descended this William Spooner. The first that is positively known of him, however, is the assignment of articles (found in Plymouth Colony records) "indenturing" him to one John Coombs. This bears date 16.37, and from the tenor of the document it is to be inferred that he had then reached his majority. He married Elizabeth Partridge, who died April 28, 1648. He then married Hannah Pratt, March 18, 1652. About 1660 he moved to the new settlement at Acushnet, where the remainder of his life was spent. He died 1684. It appears he was a man of prominence in the new colony, and held office both there and in Plymouth when resident in the respective towns. His son Samuel was born 165.5, married Experience Wing, by whom he had eleven children! By occupation he was a weaver and agriculturist. He died 1739. His son Seth was born Jan. 31, 1695. He njarried, July 16, 1719, Rose Clark, of Sandwich, by whom he had three children, - Walter, Elizabeth, and Rebecca. His second wife was Abigail Hathaway. He learned the weaver's trade, but was chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a very enterprising man, and was frequently chosen to town oflices. He died March 28, 1787. His son Walter was born in 1720. He was thrice married, first to Alathea Spragiie. To this union there were six children. Second, to Mrs. Mary Peck (Hammond), no issue. Third, Mrs. Margaret Davis (Taber), no issue.

Walter Spooner was an ardent and distinguished patriot during the war of the Revolution, and was in public life from 1759 till his death. He was nine years a representative to the General Court, and was a member of the Council of the Province seventeen years. He was a member of the convention which framed the Constitution of Massachusetts, 1779, and in 1781 was appointed by Governor Hancock chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas for his native county. He was a delegate to the Massachusetts State Convention which ratified the Constitution of the United States, and was Presidential elector for George Washington both terms. A full list of the various public trusts to w-hich he was chosen would transcend the limits of this sketch, suBice it to say, in the language of one familiar witli his record, "No man of old Dartmouth ever held more prominently the confidence of the people, or by his official and private life more thoroughly justified that confidence." He died Oct. 26, 1803. His son Seth was born 1752; married Patience Pierce, by whom he had four children, - Noah, Paul, Nathaniel S., and Dolly. His early life was spent as a farmer in Acushnet. Later in life lie removed to Fairhaven and engaged in trade. He died 1815.

Nathaniel Sprague Spooner was born May 6, 1790. After graduating at Brown University he became, in company with Charles J. Holmes and Judge Nymphas Marston, a law student, under the tutelage of Abraham Holmes, of Rochester. After qualifying himself for the law, his first practice was in his native town of Fairhaven (now Acushnet), but his practice soon extended to the courts of New Bedford. About 1817 he removed to New Bedford, but resided there only about a year, when he returned to Acushnet and settled upon the spot where he spent the remainder of his life. He was thrice married, first to Sophia Howard, daughter of Jonathan and Martha (Willis) Howard, of West Bridgewater, Nov. 25, 1812. They had two children, - Martha Howard and Mary Sprague, the latter of whom died at the age of twentyone. His second wife was Lois A. Tompkins, daughter of Rev. Isaac and Mary Tompkins, of Haverhill, Mass. His third wife w.as Hannah Crocker, daughter of Alvin and Pha?be Crocker, of Barnstable.

Judge Spooner was an able and prominent lawyer, but more particularly noted as a counselor than as an advocate, on account of his judgment being more than ordinarily good. He shrank from all notoriety, and avoided so far as possible all official position, accepting only such public trusts as he deemed imperatively his duty to assume as a citizen of the community. He was, in fact, one of the most unassuming of men. Yet, notwithstanding his native modesty, he never shrank from what he considered his duty. He was justice of the peace nearly all his life after his majority, and held at various times the different town oflSces. He was police judge in New Bedford many years, and was a member of the State Legislature. He was a man of strong integrity, and noted for his frankness and candor; a man of active temperament, earnest, impulsive, sometimes impetuous, but always sincere. As a business man he was successful, and as a member of society he was respected and beloved. He was a man of marked generosity and liberality of character. One of his life-long associates remarks of him that "his charity was spontaneous and boundless, and he was never known to refuse a worthy or needy appeal." He bore in his veins some of the best blood of New England ; on the maternal side he was a descendant in the seventh generation from John Alden and Priscilla Mullins, and numbers among his ancestors such families as the Carpenters, Southworths, Bassetts, and Arnolds. He was a member of the Congregational Society, and in politics a Federalist and Whig. He died Jan. 20, 1860.

R. N. Swift

For centuries the Swift family has been a prominent one in England. The celebrated Dean Swift was one of the most noted of the name. William Swift came from Booking, County Suffolk, England, to Watertown, Mass., prior to 1634. He removed to Sandwich about 16.37, and died there not far from 1640. "The Swifts descended from him are like the stars for multitude." His son William''^ was born in England, and came with his father to America. We can tell but little of him. His will, dated 15th December, 1705, was probated Jan. 29, 1706. Baylies gives him as representative in 1673, '74, '77, '78. He was a man of consequence and substance, and had numerous children. His son William^ bad several children, and died about five years before his father. His will was dated 17th June, 1700. William*, his son, removed to Falmouth, where lie was an honored citizen, influential in community. Among his children was William'', who was a tailor in his younger days, but afterwards a farmer in his native town of Falmouth. Like his ancestors, he was an influential member of society, law-abiding, prosperous, esteemed and respected for his thrift and good qualities. He had several sons, all men of force and character; broad and liberal in all views, they were yet positive in their nature, pushing and successful in business, and public-spirited in every enterprise tending to advance their town. William^ was a Whig in politics and a Freemason. He lived to a great age. Among his children were Elijah, Thomas, John, Beuben E., William", and Ezekiel. The " History of Cape Cod" has the following concerning Elijah :

"Elijah Swift, son of William and grandson of William, was representative twelve years, justice of the peace from 1831, quorum unus from 1840, of Governor's council two years, and a gentleman of much sagacity and enterprise. By mechanical profession a carpenter, he contracted for aud built many houses prior to 1820 in Beaufort, S. C, and until 1818 had a store in that place. His contracts with the United States government (for live-oak .ship-timber furnished to the government navy yards), faithfully performed, laid the foundation of a large fortune, which he employed with laudal.)le regard to the best interests of his town. He took the first contract in 1816. This was to furnish an entire frame, gotten out to the moulds for a seventy-four gun ship of the line. This timber was procured from the sea islands of South Carolina. He followed ship-liuilding twenty years, and was the first to establish this enterprise and whaling at Wood's Holl."

Not less identified with live-oak business, though of not quite so early a date, and no less conspicuous as a man of enterprise and public spirit, was his brother, Reuben E. He was born in Falmouth, but came early in life to Fairhaven (Acushnet), where he was a cabinet-maker until 1820, when he removed to New Bedford and established a furniture warehouse in the live-oak trade soon after its establishment, and followed it successfully for years, spending much of his time in South Carolina, Florida, and other liveoak sections. He built a cabinet-shop on Union Street in New Bedford in 1821, but relinquished it to the care of his brother William. He was a man of hardy and vigorous constitution and of social n.ature, with ardent friendships. During the war of 1812 he was captain of a light infantry company in the United States service, and for some time was stationed with his company on Clarke's Point to watch the British vessels cruising in Buzzard's Bay and prevent their landing. He married (1) Jane, daughter of Obed Nye, of Fairhaven, March 24, 1803. Their children were Obed N. (deceased), Franklin K. (deceased), Betsey P. (deceased), Elwdolplms N., William C. N., and Reuben E. (deceased). Mrs. Swift died Nov. 9, 1839. Mr. Swift married (2) Lucy L. Robinson, of Falmouth, May 5, 1841, and soon removed to Falmouth, where he met an untimely death Dec. 6, 1843, by a fall from a hay-mow. His widow is still living in Falmouth.

Rhodolphus N. Swift was born at Acushnet, Nov. 29, 1810, and passed two years of his boyhood in the South with his father. He embraced a sailor's life when seventeen, embarking on a whaler ("Canton"). In this he passed sixteen years, eight of these as master of the " Lancaster," in which he made two successful voyages to the North Pacific and Japan coast in pursuit of sperm whales. After relinquishing his seafaring he engaged with his brothers in the liveoak trade, following in the same course as his father. Their work was chiefly done in Florida, where they bought large tracts of live-oak land, from which they cut the timber for the government. The work being lionestly and promptly done, they were generally successful in securing the contracts from the government; but even when lower bidders secured them the government had very frequently to annul the contracts and procure the timber from the Swifts. This contract business was kept up at intervals until 1875, with a few years' intermission during the war. The firm was first C. N. Swift & Co., afterwards Swift Brothers. In company with his brother William, Mr. Swift was for many years interested in whaling. Positive in his nature, he is always outspoken and fearless in advocacy of whatever he deems right, but at the same time is uno.stentatious, and he has steadily refused public place and position. His financial success has enabled him to devote mucli of his time to travel. His residence at Acushnet is pleasant and its surroundings attractive. His children have been liberally educated, and reflect credit upon their name and the care bestowed upon them. He married, June 18, 1838, Sylvia H., daughter of Gideon and Sylvia (Hathaway) Nye, of Acushnet. Their children were Rhodolphus (died in infancy), Rupert G. N., Clement N., Annie D., Clara G. (deceased), and Edward T.

Mr. Swift is recognized as one of the most prominent citizens of liis town. He lias a large circle of friends. We could write much of him, but we forbear, for such is his modesty that we might inflict a wound when we mean simply to do justice.

Clement N. had great natural talent as an artist. He has passed fourteen years in Paris and Brittany, France, as an art student. He is still devoted to art, and his works are highly spoken of. Both he and his sister reside with their parents at Acushnet.

Been Leonard

Eben Leonard, son of Ebenezer and Mary (Phillips) Leonard, was born at Taunton, Mass., April 10, 1814. His father was born at Raynham, and removed to Taunton at sixteen ; was by occupation a farmer. He married Mary Phillips, by whom he had twelve children, of which Eben was the eldest. He died Dec. 27, 1847, and Mrs. Leonard May 8, 1874.

When eighteen Eben left Taunton for New Bedford, and learned boat-building with William E. Carver. He then engaged with Jethro Coffin for twenty-eight months, and then with Daniel Wadsworth as a journeyman, and labored faithfully and honestly for thirteen years. After this he removed to Acushnet, where he now resides, and in connection with his two sons is engaged quite largely in whale-boat building, which they make a specialty in manufacturing. He married, Nov. 29, 1835, Mary J., daughter of James and Mary P. Henley, born in Barnstable, Oct. 26, 1817, where the family has been a valued one for several generations. They have had six children, - Thomas W. (born July 3, 1839, enlisted in Company D, Fortyseventh Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers, and died July 14, 1863, in service at New Orleans, La.), Daniel (died in infancy), Eben F. (born July 25, 1845, married Adeline D., daugliter of James and Phebe Gracie. They have one child, Ida F.], Charles F. (born April 19, 1848, married, first, Calista M. Pierce, who died Sept. 30, 1879; second, Susan Haswell,May 19,1881), Adelaide G. (born Nov. 4, 1850, married, first, Benjamin T. Peckham, of Fairhaven. They had one child, Fannie H. Second, married William F. Tirrill, Aug. 2, 1871. She died Sept. 25, 1880), Mary E. (born Oct. 22, 1856. She died Aug. 27, 1876).

Mr. Leonard has ever been esteemed one of the best citizens of Acushnet, has many warm friends, and none can say aught against his integrity, honesty, or sterling worth. He has been member of the prudential school committee, and for the last four years a selectman of his town, overseer of the jioor, and assessor. He has ever been a consistent Democrat. Mrs. Leonard is a member and Mr. Leonard a regular attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Ciiurch, although Mr. Leonard is a believer in universal salvation.

Cyrus E. Clark

Cyrus E. Clark was born in Rochester, Plymouth Co., Mass., Nov. 7, 1796. He was the son of Nathan Clark, a farmer, who was a native of Rochester, and a son of Willard Clark, of the same town. Cyrus received a common-school education, and in his twentysixth year, J