Arlington Town (part 4 of 8)

1 Ebeuezer Rumford Thompson, school- master in West Cambridge, 1814-15, and born here March 5, 1795, refers, in a letter to Mr. J.B.Russell, of New Market, N. J., in 1879, to a visit of Jerome Bonaparte and his Bride to West Cambridge in 1804, to visit Whittemore's Card Factory.

History Of Arlington

store of Thomas Russell & Son, mentioned in town records in 1808. The dedication of the new meeting-house was appointed to be on Wednesday, March 20, 1805, at two P.M.'

Pew- Holders In New Meeting-House, A.D.

"A Record of the Pews in the Meeting-house in Cambridge Second Parish, that were sold agreeable to a former vote of said parish, directing every i^ew, when paid for, to be recorded in the parish book, with its number and price ; and when so recorded, that to be considered as a complete title to the purchaser, their name being annexed to the number they purchased, A.D. 1805."

^ The following memorandum was made on the Precinct Records : " March the 20th, 1805, the dedication was made." Nine children were baptized on March 24, 1805 - (Fiske). The "Baptisms on the first Sabbath in the new Meeting -House of Worship" were Amos, son of John Adams ; Martha Wyman, daughter of Daniel Reed ; Elmira, daughter of Josiah H. Russell ; Albert, son of Jonas Cutter; William, son of William Hdl, 3d; William Augustus, son of William Whittemore, 3d ; Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Wyman; William, son of Joshua Cutter ; Winslow, son of Jonathan Whittemore.

In this year the wall was directed to be moved back at the East corner of the Burying Ground, and a hearse procured for the benefit of the parish.

The officers of the Northwest Parish of Cambridge Singing Society, on June 7, 1805, were Artemas Kennedy president, David Hill secretary, A. Kenned_y chorister, Walter Russell and John Perry bass assistants, Isaac Locke tenor assistant, Jason Kennedy treble assistant, Ichabod Fesseuden treasurer. At the meeting of the society in Dec.

1805, Artemas Kennedy was chosen jjresident, Jason Kennedy secretary, A. Kennedy chorister, Walter Russell, John Perry, Isaac Locke and Jason Kennedy were re-chosen assistants, and Ichabod Fessenden treasurer.

1806. The Precinct voted that Messrs. J. Wellington, George Prentiss, Samuel Butterfield, Samuel Locke, Esq., and William Whitteraore, Jr., be a committee to confer with the committee chosen from the town of Cambridge at their March meeting,

1806, for the purpose of apportioning the privileges belonging in said town between them and the Northwest Precinct, and make report of their doings at a Precinct meeting, and also to take charge of the petition now pending in the General Court, relative to the Second Parish being incorporated into a separate town, -»

The officers of the Northwest Parish of Cambridge Singing Society on June 2, 1806, were Artemas Kennedy, president; Isaac Locke, secretary ; Artemas Kennedy, chorister ; Isaac Locke, tenor assistant, John Perry, first bass assistant ; Walter Russell, second bass assistant ; Amos Davis, treble assistant; Ichabod Fessenden, treasurer; Messrs. James and William Hill, bass assistants pro tern.

In 1806 the inhabitants of this Precinct voted that they would build a house for a " deposit of the hearse." That the said building be erected on the south side of the " Gutter," socalled, running through the Burying Ground; the building to stand within the same, and bounding on the Watertown Road, so called. It was also voted to paint the outside of the new meeting-house ; but a motion to procure blinds for the windows of the meeting-house was rejected.

Town Of West Cambridge

On April 20, 1807, the Parish Committee appointed William Hill, 3d, to ring the bell and take care of the meeting-hou,se for twenty-five dollars per year ; and also as sexton for the ensuing year. In this year sixty dollars were ajlpropriated by the Parish for the benefit of the Singing Society.

The proceedings of the Northwest Parish of Cambridge Singing Society on Oct. 27, 1807, made James Hill president and Artemas Kennedy secretary pro tern. It was " Voted first, that all proj^erty belonging to the society shall be transferred to the society' that shall be hereafter created in the month of Oct. 1807, if such a society shall then exist. Voted second, that the society be dissolved by a unanimous vote." Signed by the president and secretary of the meeting.

The West Cambridge Musical Society. - This led to the formation of the West Cambridge Musical Society, instituted Oct. 1807, and similarly constituted, with the purpose of promoting " the knt)wledge and practice of the musical art generally, but more especially that part which relates to the worship of our beneficent Creator and exalted Redeemer." The names of subscribers to the Constitution were Artemas Kennedy, James Hill, Isaac Locke, Thomas Fillebrown, Amos Locke, Samuel Hill, John Wilson, Joseph Adams, Moses Cutter, Daniel Wilson, Samuel Wilson, James Fillebrown, Ebenezer Hall, Jr., Ichabod Fessenden (with clarinet), Walter Russell (bass viol), James Cutter, Jr., Joseph Hill, Joel Frost, Benjamin Cutter, George Swan, Abijah Cutter, Amos Hill, Benjamin Harrington, John Perry, W. B. King, Nathan Locke, Thomas Hill, Samuel Ames, William Mann, Jonas Adams, Philip B. Fessenden, David Hill, Asa Frost, William Frost, John Crosby, Ammi Cutter, Ephraim Frost, 3d, Thaddeus Frost. One article of the constitution provided that " every member shall sit in the singing seats when at meeting."

At a meeting of the West Cambridge Musical Society, Oct. 13, 1807, James Hill was chosen moderator and Isaac Locke secretary. The fourth vote of the meeting appropriated unanimously a certain sum of money for the use of a new singing-school. Three persons were selected to take charge of said school, viz. : Artemas Kennedy to instruct the tenor and to be considered as chorister, Isaac Locke to instruct the treble, and Walter Russell for the bass. That the sum of eighteen dollars be appropriated to compensate the instructors, and the Village Harmony to have the preference to any other book. The instructors to receive the money of the Parish Treasurer, and to furnish wood, candles, and all other materials necessary for the use of the school.

At the meeting of the Singing Society on Dec. 24, 1807, James Hill was moderator, and the reguhir officers of the organization were chosen. P^ighteen dollars were appropriated for the singing-school, and the instructors to receive one dollar per evening, including roomrent.

On Feb. 15, 1808, the instructors of the "late singing-school " were authorized to contract with jMajor Whittemore for the use of his room, to accommodate " the Musical Society to practise music in." The expense to be paid out of the treasury. It was voted that there be a pitch-pipe purchased for the use of the singers, to be kept in the meeting-house. That Isaac Locke be authorized to purchase said pipe. Also that there be three persons chosen to apply to the Parish Committee for the use of the bass viol, to be granted to the Musical Society, to be made use of as they shall think proper. Isaac Locke, James Hill and Walter Russell were aj^pointed for that purpose.

Dec. 1809, it was voted to purchase a lock and key for the schoolhouse gallery door. To meet on Monday, the 25th inst., for the purpose of admitting new members, and admitted as members Messrs. King and John Perry.

Dec. 18, 1810, the Society chose a committee for the purpose of selecting tunes, viz. : Walter Russell, Isaac Locke, James Hill, Amos Locke. John Perry, George Swan, Benjamin Harrington, Jonas Locke, Thomas Fillebrown.

Jan. 31, 1814, voted that the treasurer purchase one dozen of singing-books of the Middlesex Collection, and half a dozen hymn-books of Belknap's, for the use of the society. The records end with Dec. 30, 1816.

The First Parish in West Cambridge. - In 1807 the old religious society which formed the original society of the Second or Northwest Parish in Cambridge, became the First Parish in West Cambridge. A few data from its records are continued from this time.

1810. Voted that any person or persons being desirous of erecting tombs in the Burying Ground, may apply to the Parish Committee for that purpose, who are authorized to grant liberty under their directions. Also voted that the town of West Cambridge have liberty to remove the Central School House on any part of the Parish Ground.

In 1810 the Parish Committee granted permission to the selectmen of the town of West Cambridge to remove the Central School House on to the run, or water-course, in the Burying Ground.-^ They also granted permission to the inhabitants of the parish to build tombs in the northerly part of the Burying Ground, bounding on the Common, on condition that they should build and maintain a good brick wall on the same.

1820. A stove and funnel authorized to be erected in the meetinghouse, for the comfort and convenience of all the inhabitants of the parish at proper seasons of the year.

1 The Middle, or Central School House stood on the Common, west of the Meeting- House, and nearly or quite half way from the Meeting-House and Nathan liobbins's present property. The rear end of the school-house abutted on the brick- wall of the long range of tombs erected in 1810 and 1811, and the school- house was removed to allow the extension of the tombs. The moA'ing of the house cost about twenty dollars. - /. B. Russell. The town dii-ected the selectmen to procure a piece of land, and remove the Central School House thereon, Sept. 3, 1810.

About this time (1808-1810) the meeting-house of Dr. Fiske's Society was struck by lightning, which ran down the rod on the steeple till it got below the range of the eaves, when it struck off at a right angle, stripi^ing off a clapboard nearly around the house, giving it a grotesque appearance. - /. B. Russell,

2 The September gale, in 1815, took off about one- third of the roof of Di' Fiske's Meeting House, landing it in the road, near the house where T. J. Rus- Bell now lives. The repairs on the meeting-house m 1817, were merely strengthening the steeple, by braces of timber, hoisted up above the beLfi-y, as the steeple had begun to lean towards the road and looked dangerous. - /. B. Russell.

Town Of West Cambridge

1826. Thomas Russell, Esq., who had been parish clerk since 180G, was excused from further service in that office, and thanks voted for his past services.

1828. Parish met, April 28, to hear and act on a communication from Rev. Dr. Thaddeus Fiske, respecting the resignation of his pastoral office and charge. On May 8, Messrs. Thomas Russell, Escp, Dr. Timothy Wellington and James Russell, Esq., were chosen a committee to reply to Dr. Fiske's communication.

1830. The hearse-house, hearse and other implements used in the burial of the dead belonging to the parish, were sold to the town of West Cambridge for the sum of ninety dollars.

1831. Leave was granted by the parish to several persons to erect sheds on the land belonging to the parish, between the Hay scales and the fence of William Whittemore, Esq.

1834. Voted not to employ any minister or ministers called Universalist, to preach in said Congregationalist Meeting House in West Cambridge.

1835. Mr. Hedge resigns, and request granted March 9. Dr. Hedge was son of Prof. Hedge of Harv. Univ., and graduated at the Theological School, Cambridge, where he has since been a distinguished instructor. March 13, 1835, Rev. David Damon was invited to settle with this parish as their Christian minister, and accepted. The installation services to be on Wednesday, April 15, 1 P.M.

1811, Oct. 27. The Church voted. As some inconvenience attends the administration of the ordinance of the Lord's supper by the deficiency of utensils and the increase of communicants, " That such addition be made as shall be necessary ; " that the expenses be defrayed out of the Church collection or contributions usually taken on communion days, and that the two Deacons, viz. Ephraim Frost and John Adams, together with the Pastor, be requested to make the necessary addition, previous to the next communion. Accordingly,

May 8th, 1828. The Rev. Dr. Fiske having previously signified his wish to the Parish to resign the Pastoral office, he was this day regularly dismissed by vote of the Parish. The Parish, at the same time, gave an affectionate and respectful testimonial of the good character and long and faithful services of their Pastor. For a full account of all the proceedings relative to the resignation of Dr. Fiske, see the Parish Records.

May 14, 1828. At a meeting of the Church - chose Jeduthun Wellington moderator and jMiles Gardner Clerk pro tem. On motion, voted unanimously that the following resolve be accepted and a copy of the same given to the Rev. Doct. Fiske - viz. :

To all whom these presents may come. Whereas it has become expedient for reasons stated in a communication made to the church and congregation of West Cambridge, by the Rev. Dr. Fiske, Pastor of said Church, that his pastoral relation be dissolved by mutual consent, and that Mr. Miles Gardner, the Parish Clerk, be a committee from the church to express to him the due sense we have of his long and faithful services among us and the deep regret we feel that existing circumstances should dissolve a union which has been so endearing to us by time. And during forty years of his ministry he has maintained a fair character as a man and as a christian in the performance of his various and arduous duties ; and has been an example of the believer in word, in conversation, in faith, in benevolence, in humility, in purity and in piety. And it is our ardent and fervent wish that his life may be j^rolonged to do good ; that the infirmities of age may rest upon him with joy and hope. And that many blessings and comforts may attend him in his retirement from his pastoral labors among us. West Cambridge, May 14, 1828.

1828, May 26. Mr. Miles Gardner chosen Deacon. After the death of Dea. John Adams, Ephraim Cutter assisted Dea. Frost in his duties, and, at some time not recorded, was chosen deacon and served as such till his death, March 31, 1841.

[Apr. 8, 1841. Voted that Bros. Emerson Parks and Henry Whittemore make provision for the communion and till a deacon or deacons be chosen.]

1829, May 20. Frederic H. Hedge ordained minister of Church and Parish, West Cambridge. Dismissed March 9, 1835. A few more particulars, from the records, regarding Dr. Hedge's ministry are inserted in a note.^

^ The Rev. Frederic Henry Hedge -\vas ordained minister of the Congregational Church and Parish in West'^Cambridge, May 20, 1829. The churches invited to assist in his ordination actually represented, were as follows : University Church; Dr. Lowell's, Boston; Third in Roxbury ; Chm-ch in Brookline; Mr. Emerson's, Boston ; Mr. Palfrey's, Boston ; Mr. Brazer's, Salem ; Church in AVatertown ; Church in Medford ; Church in Brighton ; Mr. Ripley's, Waltham ; Mr. AVhitman's, do. ; Church in Lexington ; Church in Weston ; Church in Cambridgeport. The public services of the occasion were performed by the following persons : Introductory Prayer, Rev. Mr. Austin ; Sermon, Rev. Mr. rrancis; Ordaining Praver, Rev. Dr. Gray; Charge, Rev. Dr. Pierce; Right Hand of Pellowship, Rev. Mr. Ripley ; Address to the People, Rev. Mr. Briggs ; Concluding Prayer, Rev. Mr. Stetson. Dr. Gray moderator, and Mr. Gannett scribe of the Council.

On Wednesday, ^lay 21, 1879, the fiftieth anniversary of the settlement of Dr. Frederic H. Hedge, who on the 20th of May, 1829, entered upon his first pastorate, was celebrated by the First Congregational Parish. He was the first Unitarian minister settled over the society, and the anniversary celebration was made notable by his presence. The exercises of the evening began with an organ voluntary, and an anthem by male voices. Rev. Richard Metcalf of AVinchester, read selections from scripture and offered prayer. The choir of male voices sang an appropriate hymn, and Dr. Hedge was then introduced by the pastor. He gave an intensely interesting account of his ordination and installation, and read a well-preserved copy of the programme used on that occasion, commenting as he read. The examination of the candidate was held in the hotel, and at its conclusion a procession was formed, embracing a very large proportion of the people of the town, who marched to the church, headed by a brass band. At that time Dr. Hedge was twenty- three years old. In the course of his remarks he paid a glowing tribute to the memories of Scmire Russell, Ammi Cutter, Dr. AVellington, James Brown, and others, all of Tvhom, as well as every one of the ministers who had a part in the installation exercises, have passed on to the other world. He referred to the separation between the Universalists and Unitarians, which, causing a division of the funds and greatly reducing his salary, was the primary cause of his leaving his charge after a pastorate of five years.

Dr. Hedge established the first Sunday- School connected with the church, and awakened interest enough to maintain a lyceum. After a lapse of a few years the society again extended to him a call to become its jjastor, but he was compelled to decline. The off'er of the position, however, had always been a pleasant remembrance to him.

Judge William E. Parmenter followed with remarks on the present condition of the ijarish. Rev. R. R. Shippen, secretary of the American Unitarian Association, spoke of Dr. Hedge's career. The exercises in the church closed with prayer by Prof. E, J. Young of Cambridge, and the benediction by Dr. Hedge. The company was then invited to the vestry, where a substantial collation was spread, and there an hour was spent socially. - Arlington Advocate.

^ The Churches that took part at Mr. Damon's installation were: First Church in Cambridge; Church in W'atertowu; Mr. Ripley's in W^altham; Church in Lexington ; Church in Aledford ; Mr. Walker's in Charlestown ; Dr. Lowell's in Boston; and the Third Congregational Church in Reading. Dr. Lowell moderator and Mr. Stetson scribe of the Council. Rev. Mr. Stetson made the Introductory Prayer ; Rev. Dr. Lowell preached the Sermon ; Rev. Mr. Francis ofi"ered the Prayer of Installation ; Rev. ^Ir. Ripley gave the Charge ; Rev. ^Ir. Walker the Right Hand ; Rev. Mr. Newell made the Concluding Prayer, Rev. Mr. Briggs of Lexington Avas absent on account of ill health at the time of this installation.

To Mr. Damon's time the following persons had been Deacons : John Cutter and John Winship, chosen 1739 ; Thomas Hall and Joseph Adams, chosen 1759 ; Ephraim Frost and John Adams, chosen 1792 ; Ephraim Cutter, chosen before 1828 ; Miles Gardner, chosen 1828. To his time, also, three Covenants had been in use by the Church : (1) The Covenant used by Mr. Cooke, the first minister, and his successor Dr. Fiske ; (2) The Covenant by Mr. Hedge ; (3) An abridgement of the first, all which are entered on the records. Book closing with the sixth ministry, Mi-. Brown's.

1835, Ap'l 15. Mr. Damon gives a list of 40 commuuicaiits - all that belong to said Church " as far as can be ascertained," and then follows a list of 7 " become communicants by residence among us."

1844, Jan'y 29. By Wm. Ware. " A record will be kept of births, marriages and deaths as heretofore, but no sufficient reason appears why a record should be made of church meetings, as during the last ministry (Mr. Damon's), any further than shall be necessary to explain an alteration in the constitution of the Church unanimously adopted by the present members to-day."

The pastor stated that he wished to meet the members of the Church and see if some change could not be effected in the manner in which Christians are admitted to the Lord's Supper. The proposition was readily agreed to, and they came together twice for the pur^iose. At these two meetings, the principle on which Christians were at present received to communion, and that on which it was believed they ought to be, were fully discussed, and it was unanimously resolved that hereafter '" All persons should be considered members in full communion of the First Church of Christ in West Cambridge who should sij^scribe their names to a profession of faith in Jesus Christ."^

The warrant for the first meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of West Cambridge, in 1807, was directed to George Prentiss, a freeholder of said town from the -Hon. Aaron Hill, Esq., Justice of the Peace for the county; and at this meeting, held at the new Meeting House in said town, on Thursday, June 11, 1807, at two o'clock, afternoon, Samuel Locke, Esq., was chosen moderator ; Thomas Russell, Jr., town clerk ; Jonathan Whittemore, Daniel Adams, John Tufts, Samuel Locke, Esq., and William Whittemore, Jr., selectmen ; Samuel Butterfield, George Prentiss, and Noah Russell, overseers of the poor; John Adams, town treasurer; George Prentiss and Charles Cutter, constables ; Benjamin Locke, Amos Frost and Noah Russell, surveyors of highways; Caleb Cole and Jonathan Butterfield, surveyors of lumber; James Hill and John Tufts, fence-viewers; William Whittemore, Jr., Nathaniel Hill, George Prentiss, Jr., Miles Gardner, firewards ; Samuel Butterfield, Jr., Ephraim Cooke, 3d, James Cutter, John Frost, Jr., and

1 Rev, William "Ware died at Cambridge, 19 Feb. 1852, a. 5i. He was son of Rev. Henry Ware, D.D.. and was b. at Hingham 3 Aug. 1797.; was ordained pastor of the Unitarian Church in New York 18 Dec. 1821, dismissed 19 Sept. 1836. Invited to West Cambridge Dec. 1843, dismissed 1845. - Palmer.

Town Of Avest Cambridge

Benjamin Locke, liogreeves ; William Hill, 3d, tytliingman ; Major Josiah Whittemore, poundkecpcr ; Eben Swan, William Cutter, Jr., Nehemiah Cutter, Jonathan Frost, Adam Cutter, Amos Russell, field-drivers; John Tufts, clerk of the market; Samuel Butterficld, George Prentiss, Col. J. Wellington, Samuel Locke^ Esq., and Ebenezer Hall, conunittee for the purpose of adjusting any matters or things in which said town of West Cambridge may be interested or liable in common with the town of Cambridge. The selectmen were chosen the school committee for the current year.

Mention of contracting for the building of a town pound is made in 1807. In the same year the town was divided into four school districts, named the South, West, Middle and Eastern districts; the number of families in the town being 164, The South District, No. 1, containing 39 families; the Western District, No. 2, containing 42 families; the Middle District, No. 3, containing 42 families; the Eastern District, No. 4, containing 41 families. Four and a half months schooling for the year was adopted.

1808. In this year the Fourth of July "was celebrated in great style with a procession, military escort, and an oration in Mr. Fiske's Church, closing with a dinner in an orchard in the rear of Tufts's tavern," - J. B. RiisseWs Reminiscences. The oration was delivered by the then master of the central school, near the church.

The title-page is as follows : " An oration delivered at West Cambridge, July 4, 1808,. in commemoration of the Anniversary of American Independence. - By Williaji Nichols, Jan., of Westford. - Boston: Printed by Oliver and Munroe, No. 78 State Street. 1808." Pp. 21.

John Adams and Artemas Kennedy signed a letter in behalf of the inhabitants of West Cambridge, requesting a copy for the press. Mr. Nichols in a modest answer, " requesting the exercise of all the candor and indulgence due to youth and inexperience," expresses his gratitude for the honor, and transmits a copy of his discourse for their further disposal. The address is mainly on governments, ancient and modern, and our own. He refers to the sensations of the fathers on the memorable morn of the 19th of April, 1775, "when the j^ale beams of the moon gleamed from the burnished armor of your eue- mies, silently stealing through that street,'^ to perpetuate the crime of murder anew at early dawn." Thirty-two annual suns had then " verified the truth " of the predictions of the Declaration of Independence.

" The anniversary of American Independence was celebrated at West Cambridge, on the 4th inst. The day was ushered ui by the ringing of the bell, and discharge of 17 guns at sunrise. At 11 o'clock, the procession was formed at Mr. J. Tufts's, consisting of between two and three hundred citizens from the town and adjoining towns : from thence proceeded, under the escort of Capt. Harrington's company of Artillery, attended by a band of music from Waltham, to the new Meeting-House ; where, after the Throne of Grace being addressed by the Rev. Mr. Fiske, was pronounced an elegant and appropriate discourse by Mr. William Nichols, of Westford. After the performance, the procession returned to Mr. Tufts's, where they partook of an excellent repast. When the cloth was removed, the following toasts were drank, accompanied by the discharge of cannon, the sound of music, and expressions of joy and approbation. The most perfect peace, harmony and good order prevailed through the day ; those peculiar characteristics of genuine republicanism."

The toasts were political and partizan, and are eighteen in number. The volunteers were by the president, the vice-president, by the orator, by the Hon. M. Spring, and by Col. Bond. They are all published in full in the Chronicle.

The old Singing Society took a prominent part in the celebration July 4, 1808, singing the then popular " Ode to Science," viz. " The British Yoke, the Gallic Chain," &c. - /. B. RussellJ^

Preservers of fish and a sealer of leather were first chosen in 1808, and a new school-house in the Eastern District was erected on the town's common in 1808.

- "In the exciting times of the Embargo, the outrage on the Chesapeake, &c., the martial spirit was strongly developed ; a military company of boys, from twelve to seventeen, -was formed ; Josiah Whittemore was captain, E. K. Thompson, lieutenant, and Webster Barber, ensign. It was quite a respectable organization, and formed the tail end of the procession, at the celebration July 4, 1808. This company had the use of an old iron cannon, a three or four-pounder, that handsomely mounted, and had been in the town from tirne immemorial, stored in different places, and seemed to belong to no one in particular, and was used in firing salutes." - J. B. E,

" A Discourse, delivered April 23, 1809, completing just Twentyone years from the Author's settlement in the work of the ministry, being the Anniversary day of his Ordination. - By Thaddeus Fiske, A.M., Pastor of the Congregational Church and Society in West Cambridge. - Published by Request. - Cambridge : Printed by Hilliard and Metcalf, 1809." Pp. 34. Text: Job xvi. 22.

" Many changes and events have taken place in this church and congregation, and many alterations and improvements been made in this town, within the term of twenty-one years, to the review of which I now proceed. The incidents of our own lives, though trivial in themselves and unimportant to others, are often very interesting and important to ourselves. Almost an entire change has appeared on the face of society here. The inhabitants are in a great measure changed. Twenty-one years ago this place was noticeable for aged people. There were then twenty-eight persons from about seventy years and upwards. There is now but four men who have arrived to seventy years. There is one woman,' in her eighty-seventh year; and five others who have reached the common term of life. 'Your fathers, where are they ? ' They are gathered to the great congregation. The children have risen up in their stead, and occupy the places they have left. ' One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh.' The members of this church also are mostly changed. But ten males and thirteen females, who then were resident members, now remain among us ; they are either dead, or removed to other churches. The chui'ch then consisted of twenty-six males and thirty-one females; thirteen have been removed to other churches, eighty-eight still remain. One hundred and fifty-one couples have been joined in marriage by your pastor, one or both of which belonged to this parish or town. Four hundred and nineteen have been baptized;^ of which number thirty-one were adult persons. Three hundred and fortythree have died ; of this number two lived to the great age of one hundred and one years [Anna Winship, d. Feb. 2, 1806, and Thomas Williams, d. Feb. 5, 1809]; four between ninety and one hundred; nineteen between eighty and ninety ; and twenty-six between seventy and eighty ; hence fifty-one reached or survived seventy years. From

1 Mrs. Lucy Cutter, widow of the late Mr. John Cutter, a pious and exemplary christian; for more than sixty- eight years a member of this church; still retaining a vigor and strength, both of body and mind, uncommon in old age.

2 The average number of baptisms yearly has been about twenty. In 1805 uncommon attention to the ordinance was awakened and excited. This year many whole households were baptized, and increased the number to sixty-three. Eighteen adult persons, several of whom were heads of families, consecrated themselves and their children unto God, in this holy ordinance.

this statement it appears, that a proportion of about one in six lived to or beyond the common term of life. Though a temperate, regular and simple mode of living, the mode of former days, rather than the present, may contribute to long life, and one place be more friendly to health than another; yet long life and health ai-e the gift of God. ' He it is, that sets the bounds of our habitation, which we cannot pass.' Among the deaths above enumerated, there are some, that took place, not by the common laws of mortality, through sickness or decay;' but by suicide and casualty. Three put an end to their own lives ; three were killed by falling from carts or wagons ; one by falling from a tree ; and one by drowning. The two deacons, who were in office at the beginning of the term now under review, lived to a good old age ; one seventy-nine, the other ninety years. They both died the same month of the same year.^ Our brethren, who succeeded them, and are now in office, we hope will long be continued to us." The ministers who assisted in the ordination of your pastor, are all, except one,* gathered to the congi'egation of the dead. Thus we see what great and affecting changes take place, within a small compass, in the course of a few years. And if we may judge the future by the past, we may view in prospect what changes and events will be brought to pass, ' when a few years are come.' Time is hastening to finish my course and yours, and to add us to the number of those that are gone ; ' a few years more ' will close our jjrobationary state, and when we part, it will be to meet not again, until the dead, both small and great, shall stand before God. The gospel will be preached here by another pastor, and new professors of religion will here attend on the ordinances of Christ, and unite in these services and exercises of God's holy worship, after we shall sleep in the dust; for the church must and will abide ; it is the constant object of the divine care ; and ' the gates of hell cannot prevail against it.' Of the three hundred and forty-three deaths that have taken place in the course of twentyone years, there are many whom you flearly loved, and who live in your constant and affectionate remembrance, whose names cannot be

^ The average number of deaths yearly is about fourteen. In the close of the summer of 1802, the dysentery and fever prevailed, and carried off many children and young persons. 'Ihirty-six were added to the congregation of the dead. Early in the fall of ISOo the same mortal sickness returned, and increased the average number of deaths to thirty -four.

2 Deacon Joseph Adams died May 3, 1794, aged seventy-nine. Deacon Thomas Hall died May 29, 1794, aged ninety. They were both chosen into office Dec. 5, 1759, in which they continued more than thirty-five years.

* Rev. Dr. Osgood, of Medford, who made the concluding prayer. The introductory prayer, by the Rev. Mr. Jackson of Erookline. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Fiske, of Brookfield [Uncle of Rev. T. Fiske.], from these words in Luke xii. 32 : - " Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good i^leasure to give you the kingdom." The sermon is printed and published with other sermons of his, in an octavo volume. The charge was given by the Rev. Mr. Gushing of Waltham. The consecrating prayer by the Rev. Mr. Clark of Lexington ; and the right hand of fellowship by the Rev. Mr. Hilliard of Cambridge.

Town Of West Cambridge

mentioned without tears ; for some of them were the dearest members of youi' families, and your nearest connexions; your fathers or your mothers, your brothers or your sisters, your husbands or your wives, or your dearly beloved children. And some also were among the firmest friends of religion, and the most substantial supporters and pillars of the church and society here. You cannot see them again till the heavens be no more. Let it then be your chief concern to be followers of them, wherein they were followers of Christ, and be prepared to meet them at the right hand of God, in the coming world. Such are the changes and events, that have taken place in this church and congregation. Let us now take a view of the alterations and improvements, that make a distinction in our favor, as a society and town.

" Compare your situation now, to what it was twenty-one years ago. Then you had troublesome times. You had been destitute of a minister almost five years, ^ without stated preaching on the sabbath, and w^ithout the regular administration of the ordinances of the gospel. As sheep without a shepherd, you were scattered, and exposed to 'grievous wolves.' There were divisions among you, and discord, and alienation of affection. A new society under a new denomination had been set up ; not to introduce a new religion, nor to preach any other gospel, than what was already preached; but merely to change one denomination of christians to another, unhappily dividing a society already small, and when united not more than competent to a decent support of a minister, with ease to yourselves; a division occasioned by a distinction in the form of godliness, rather than its power ; assumed to designate a party, distinct and separate from the body of the christian church ; for you were not in the state of those unchristianized and unchristened Jews and Gentiles to whom the gospel was first preached, Avho had never before heard of Christ or the way of salvation through him; but you were born of christian parents, were baptized into the name of Christ, from children had known the holy scriptures, had been instructed in the doctrines and duties, and lived in the peaceable enjoyment of the ordinances of the gospel salvation. AVhile in this situation, you were broken in upon, and ' soon became as an house or kingdom divided against itself.' Some, who were members of this church, ' went back, and walked no more with Christ.' The walls of partition were set up. The number of regular religious professors diminished. For more than five years no additions were made to the church. The spirit of Christ and the gospel, and the true interests of religion seemed to be lost in zeal for party notions, and in contention for victory. The consequence was, the actual declension of real religion. Doubts were created in the minds of some; 'halting between two opinions ; ' indifference in those of others ; and a total neglect of

* The church was gathered Sept. 9, and Rev. Mr. Cooke was ordained Sept. 12, 1739, and died June 4, 1783, in the seventy- fifth year of his age, and fortyfourth of his ministry. The number of baptisms during his ministry was 943, and the admissions into the church were 224.

public worship in many. And you appeared to decline also, in your worldly substance and welfare. Debts were accumulating,^ and nothing seemed to prosper in the work of your hands ; and total subversion of the true interests of religion and of society here was seriously apprehended. You were reduced to a situation exceedingly unfriendly both to your spiritual and temporal welfare ; and very discouraging to the settlement of a minister. Your situation now is just the reverse of all this. You enjoy the regular and stated means of religion in a preached gospel, and the administration of the ordinances of Christ. The church is built up and enlarged, and additions are made, we trust, of such as shall be saved. You are free from strife and contention about the different modes and persuasions of religion, for the support of the gospel. And if all are not perfectly joined in the same niind, and in the same judgment; yet a disposition prevails, to permit every one freely to enjoy the right of religious opinion and practice, provided he does no violence to the rights of others. You now experience 'how good and pleasant it is to dwell together in unity.' And keeping the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, your state is friendly to the interests of religion, to the success of the gospel, and to the practice of godliness ; and you are enabled to increase and prosper in the labor and work of your hands. Instead of being embarrassed in your circumstances, or burdened with debts, you have become independent and easy in your worldly and temporal affairs, and have made progress in wealth. You are without fear that the creditor will come : you sit under your own vines and fig-trees without molestation ; and there are evident marks and signatures of a kind providence that has blessed you, and caused you to prosper. From a parish connected with, and in some measure dependent on another, you have become an incorporated town, and transact all your public concerns, with convenience and advantage to yourselves.^ A small and inconvenient house of worship is now exchanged for this spacious, elegant, and commodious temple, whose tower is adorned and enriched with an excellent and beautiful clock.'

' An arrearage of salary to a considerable amount was then due to the heirs of the former minister, which had been accumulating for more than six years. This, together with the constant expense necessarily arising from hiring candidates to supply the pulpit, had thrown a heavy burden on the parish.

^ The first-meeting house was built in 1734, and opened and consecrated on the fii-st day of Feb. 1735, The ai-ea of the building Avas 50 by 40 feet, and stood just seventy years. The present house of worship was built during the year 1804, on the ground where the former house stood, and was dedicated March 20, 1805. The building is 70 feet long and 65 feet wide, Avith a toAver projecting in front, and extending aboA'e, is terminated by a handsome \'ane 100 feet from the foundation. The house cost $12,175. It contains 106 pews ; 92 on the floor, and 14 in the galleries. The sale of the peAvs, sold, amounted to 14,167 dollars. The first pcAV sold for 264 dollars. On the toAver is a handsome and first rate clock, Avith three dials, constructed and erected by Mr. G. Parker of AVestborough, in Aug. 1808, Avhich cost !|796.80. This expense Avas defrayed by donations from individuals, to the amount of $161, and by an appropriation of money raised on sale of the pcAvs.

Town Of West Cambridge

" Many dwelling houses have been built, and many others repaired and enlarged. Many families have been added to you, from abroad, and the growth of j^opulation among yourselves has greatly increased. A respectable and flourishing manufactory has been introduced and established, which has brought much wealth into the place, afforded employment and means of subsistence to many among you, and augmented the property of the town, and enhanced the value of real estate of many descriptions.' A society for social intercourse, friendship and mutual improvement is formed in the midst of us, as a bond of union.' An establishment of a social library' affords advantages not heretofore enjoyed. An increase of stores has added to the increase of business. By the increased cultivation of the soil your farms have become better, and more productive ; and many improvements have been made, tending to convenience and utility, to the promotion of knowledge and the increase of wealth. Few villages can be named, that have risen faster, or bid fairer to grow and flourish. God grant it may abound more and more, in every thing virtuous and l^raiseworthy ; in every thing that shall promote its essential interests and welfare. ' Hitherto the Lord hath helped us.' And ye, also, my brethren, have been fellow-helpers to these things, by the labors you have bestowed, ' by giving of your own proper goods,' by the encouragement and assistance you have afforded, and by ' being at peace among yourselves.' In every important transaction, a spirit of candor, mutual forbearance and accommodation has been diffused among you ; and a disposition to maintain peace and harmony, so essential to the interests of true religion, and the welfare of society. This praiseworthy disposition and conduct were manifested, when a change was made of the version of psalms and hymns formerly sung, for those now used in public worship.* And especially in building this sacred temple, for the service and worship of our God. Without contention about the spot where it should stand, the place on which it should be

* A card manufactory, set up by William Whittemore and Co. in 1799. The cards are made by machines, an ingenious invention of Mr. Amos Whittemore, one of said company. Of these machines, which give to the manufoctory its advantages, there are [1809] fifty- five in number, which may stick 80 doz. pair of cards in a day. The cards annually made amount to about $60,000. Between 40 and 50 persons are employed, whose wages are from 9 to 10,000 dollars a year. The buildings erected, and property purchased in the town, by the company and persons employed, have been to the amount of at least 30,000 dollars. The purchase of pews by them, in the new meeting-house, paid one eighth part of the expense in building it.

- A society principally of middle-aged and young men, instituted Jan. 31, 1803, by the name of the Middlesex Union Society, who meet quarterly for the purposes of mutual friendship and improvement.

' West-C imbridge Social Library, established Jan. 1, 1808, There are thirtyone proprietors ; it contains now in its infancy 106 volumes, judiciously selected, and is to increase by a certain sum to be furnished by the proprietors annually.

* Belknap's collection of psalms and hymns was introduced at the opening of the new house of worship, Murch 20, 1805, in the place of Tate and Brady's, which was formerly used.

built, or the manner in which it should be finished ; but with union and harmony in every measure, and joining heart and hand, your highest expectations were gratified, in the building of an house for the service and honor of God, to whom you owe all that you have. This sacred temple, I trust, will long remain, a monument of your piety and liberality. Here may you and jour children, as your fathers were, be ' built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone.' May many sons and daughters here be born unto glory; and when you shall be gathered to the dust of your fathers, may your children rise up and call you blessed."

Ill 1809 the town, by a committee of seven persons, adopted resolutions relative to the alarming crisis of our public affairs. This related to the Embargo and other public matters of the period.

The same year the town chose a committee to consult with the directors of the Middlesex Turnpike to effect a reconciliation between the directors and landholders, where the said turnpike may be laid for the public convenience and least damage to private property.'

Some Reminiscences, by J. B. Russell, "Washington, D. C, giving a sketch of the early history of military affairs, &c., in West Cambridge,^ state that "- The wanton atrocities of the British Regulars, on their retreat from Concord, April 19, 1775, still rankled in the breasts of the old people " at this period. " This, with the aggressions of the British navy, and the barbarities of the Indians on our Northwest frontier, who were presumed to be under their influence, excited such

* The " Middlesex Turnpike " ran an embankment, or road, through the pond of Stephen Cutter's saw and grist-mill (late Cyrus Cutter's). A lawsuit made the Turnpike company throw up that course, and take another at the Foot of the Kocks, near Lexington. - .7. B. Rassell.

In 1809 Stephen Cutter, John Tufts, Ephraim Cooke, Israel Blackington's heirs, James Cutler, Aaron Cutter and Nathaniel Hill contested in court the Turnpike eirterprise. The first location of the road was through the property of the above persons to a point in the great road, near the corner of John Frost's blacksmith shop in West Cambridge. By act of the legislature on March 6, 1810, the course of the road Avas altered to a jjoint in the gi'cat road near the Foot of the Rocks.

indignation that it was evident a war with England would sooner or later occur. Hence a thorough military organization was kept up, bylaw, through the State, and the ' trainings ' of the summer generally culminated in an official ' muster ' and ' sham fight,' by division or brigade, in the fall. Not satisfied with this, volunteer musters, in which ' Indians ' took a conspicuous part, occurred every year or two.

" West Cambridge was incorporated in 1807, and the nest year an Indian muster took place at Lexington, in which the West Cambridge companies were engaged. In those days there was a militia company in the town, commanded by Capt. David Ilill, and a ' light horse ' company, commanded by Capt. Thomas Russell."

After alluding to the celebration of July 4, 1808, Mr. Russell continues: "In 1809 the regular muster was held at Watertovvn. The West Cambridge Band was organized in 1810, with eight instruments.' It was a pleasant and useful association, and lasted for several years.

" But the volunteer muster in 1810 was the greatest gala day of the kind ever witnessed in West Cambridge, combining the attractions of a naval, military and Indian fight. The scene was on Spy Pond, and its island and shores. It took place on a beautiful New England day, in October, with a clear sky, bracing air, with thousands of spectatoi's. Troops volunteered from the neighboring towns, the object being to capture or drive off a tribe of eighty or a hundred Indians, encamped on the island, with a wigwam, etc., under two chiefs (Capt. David Hill and Capt. Ebenezer Thompson). The first aggressive act of the Indians was to capture a boat about noon, in which 'two persons, Capt. Abner Stearns and John Niles, were fishing. The Indians espying them, started with two or three canoes, and after an exciting chase, rowing about the pond, captured them, took them to the island, and (it was presumed) tortured them by driving a stake through their bodies, with other barbarities then known to be their common habit. Then the conflict began, ' and the boldest held his breath for a time.' The naval force was composed of eight or ten boats, rigged, manned and armed, under the command of Admiral William S. Brooks, with Rear- Admiral Barton as second. They were both old sea-captains, and carried out their part of the programme with as much formality as if in a real battle, giving all their orders through a speaking trumpet. The two Admirals' barge boats, rigged like small ships, with flags and streamers flying, started with all the flotilla from their anchorage near the shore, made graceful evolutions around the pond, till, reaching near the island, they cast anchor in line of battle, and opened fire on the Indians with their small cannon and musketry. Unfortunately, in the thickest of the firing, an explosion of a few pounds of powder took place on Admiral Barton's boat, but no one was seriously hurt. The Watertown Artillery posted on the high bank, near the old ' lower school-house ' (that stood on a public common there sixty years ago),' commenced an awful cannonade on the island. As the Indians could not thus be dislodged, it was concluded to take the island by storm. One or two companies of militia were embarked on a flat-boat and other craft, aud eifected a landing on the island, under cover of Admiral Brooks's fleet. The Indians thus hotly pursued, took to their canoes, after seeing their wigwam burnt, and crossed over to the woods where the Spy Fond Hotel now stands. But here the West Cambridge ' Light Horse,' supported by infantry, met them, and a sharp running fight of half an hour took place, when the Indians were all captured, and marched up, strongly guarded, to the common by the Unitarian [First Parish] Church, and, after being liberally treated and lunched, were dismissed, with plenty of good advice."

" A Post Office was established in West Cambridge a year or two after its incorporation. Its population then amounted to only about 900. Postage was so abominably high, that but few letters were sent through, the mails. The ofiice of Postmaster was first offered to Col. Thomas Russell, and the usual commission and bond sent on from Washington. But the business and compensation were so trifling, he would not be bothered with it. In fact more letters were stuck up on the post on his store-counter, by aud for private persons, than sent through the mails. He recommended Capt. William S. Brooks, who was appointed, and thus became first Postmaster of the town.* Capt. Brooks was an ardent Federalist and a public-spirited citizen, and opened the first lumber yard in the place, as well as a dry goods and grocery stere. There were seven groceries in the town at this period, kept by William Locke, Tufts & Adams, Thomas Russell, Walter Russell, William S. Brooks and Miles Gardner, besides the ' Factory Store ' kept by William Whittemore & Co., though more business was done by Colonel Russell than by all the others combined, his store having been established before the Revolution, and having a large country trade in Lexington, Bedford, Carlisle, Billerica, &c. I do not suppose the Postmaster's salary, now about twelve hundred dollars per annum, then amounted to twenty." - J. B. R., Reminiscences.

1811. Voted that the selectmen and town clerk be directed to cause a printed statement of the expenses of the town to be made, and to furnish each family with one of the same. A copy of this statement is appended.

Highway

In 1811 a committee was chosen to petition the legislature for the exclusive right and privilege of taking, preserving and disposing of shad and alewives in the river or streams running from Spy or Menotomy Pond (so called) in this town, to Charlestown line. The act thus procured was repealed in 182.3.

In 1811 the selectmen were directed to build a powder-house within the limits of the town in such place as they shall jud^^e proper. " The powder-house, a cheap brick structure, stood on the left-hand bank of Spring Valley (at the south part of the town), near the brink of the hill where the valley empties into Spy Pond, so that in case of explosion the contents might be blown into the pond," - J. B. Russell.

"In 1811 the West Cambridge Light lufantiy was organized, and made their first apjiearance in September of that year, in a handsome uniform dress, under the command of Capt. Stephen Wheeler, with Joseph Adams as lieutenant, and Stephen Locke, ensign. Capt. David Hill having resigned, ('harles Wellington was elected captain of the old militia company, with his brother Henry, lieutenant, and Jeremiah Russell, ensign. In the same year, an exciting volunteer muster took place in the upper part of the town, where a fort was built on an immense boulder rock; about one fourth of a mile back of the old Baptist meeting-house, that stood empty for many years, just above Tufts's tavern. The fort, with its white-washed walls [and tall flag-staff, really made an imposing appearance from the road, and was filled with British troops, under the command of Major Brown, of Lexington. The American troops, composed of West Cambridge, Medford and Woburn Light Infantry companies, the Lexington Artillery, a squadron of cavalry, and several militia companies, were commanded by Col. Thomas Russell. The fort had two pieces of cannon, a four- and a six-pounder. With the British flag flying, the volunteers defied the American troops. Col. Russell began the attack with a cannonade from the Lexington Artillery, which was stationed in a level field on the road, adjoining and just below the old Baptist meeting-house, holding his infantry in reserve in an orchard in the rear of Tufts's tavern, ready to storm the fort as soon as a breach was made by the artillery. But the fort returned a vigorous fire, and as things began to look desperate. Col. Russell resolved on a flank movement - drew off his artillery, which made a double quick march down the road, through Tufts's yard and orchards, soon gaining a hill that commanded the fort. They then opened another furious cannonade on its rear, and right flank. It being evident the British could not long stand this. Col. Russell ordered a general charge and storming of the fort, from the front. This was done in really handsome style, the column of uniform companies all firing on their way up (like the British at Bunker Hill), then fixed bayonets, and were rushing in, when Major Brown struck his flag, and, like the Rebels at Fort Donelson, made an ' Unconditional Surrendei- ' (as U. S. Grant demanded in 1862) rather than have his men slaughtered." - J. B. Bussell, Reminiscences.

1812. "The next year, the 'War of 1812' was declared. Increased attention was paid to military matters. After a couple of years, it was feared, in 1814, the British might attack Boston, which caused great excitement. Thousands volunteered to work on the forts in the harbor. ' Exempt companies ' were formed in the neighboring towns of persons without distinction of party, exempted by age or otherwise from military duty. A large one was formed in West Cambridge, commanded by Capt. David Hill, with William S. Brooks as Orderly Sergeant. I forget the names of the other offi cers. Many members were old veterans who had fought at Concord,

Lexington and Bunker Hill. The British, however, made no attempts to land, and the ' Exempts ' had no other duties to perform than a few trainings, with liberal treats." - J. B. R., Reminiscences}

* The Chesapeake and Shannon. A Reminiscence, The annoiiiiceraent in the Boston jjapers of last week of the death of Mr. Himt, and that he was the pilot that took the Chesapeake out of Boston haj-bor on the day of her memorable action with the Shannon, reminds me that this day is the fifty- seventh anniversary of that sanguinary battle. ' There is some mistake in the statement about Mr. Hunt's services on that occasion. The responsible pilot who took the Chesapeake out, and left her six leagues below the lighthouse, was Robert Knox. Mr. Hunt, then twenty-two years old, may have been with him, as an assistant or apprentice.

Although young at the time, living near the scene of action, I well remember the exciting events of that day. The action took place on a beautiful summer afternoon, between five and six o'clock, and was undoubtedly one of the most sanguinary that ever occurred between single frigates. It was really decided in eleven minutes, though there was some desultory firing afterwards. In that short space of time there were about two hundred killed and M-ounded on the Chesapeake and one hundred on the Shannon, or between twenty and thirty a minute ! The .Chesapeake, under Capt. Lawrence, lifted her anchor, near Fort Independence, about noon, and was gently wafted down the harbor, the Shannon then in sight, but slowly drawing off, so as to get plenty of sea-room for manoeuvring. At five P. M. the Chesapeake fired her first gun of defiance, intimating that she Avould not be drawn out any fiu'ther. The Shannon instantly and proudly hauled up, the ships approached each other, and the action commenced at scarcely pistol-shot distance.

Captain Broke of the Shannon, then in the prime of life, thirty- nine years old, was a noble officer and a strict disciplinarian. He had invented some improvement in ships' gun carriages, afterwards generally adopted in the British Navy, by which they were worked with great rapidity and efiiciency. His ship was armed with long 24-pounders and 32-pound carronades. He paid particular attention to exercising his men with them, till the rapidity and accuracy of their fire was celebrated among British cruisers. As soon as he saw the Chesapeake loosen her sails, he exercised his men at their cannon (without firing), for two or three hours, as was stated by his officers some years afterwards. As the Chesapeake approached, the Shannon's carronades Avere filled with grapeshot, bullets and langridge, with orders to fire each gun the moment it would bear effectively on her antagonist, and her 24s were so depressed that every shot told ; it was remarked that scarcely one went over, while her carronades swept the decks with a perfect storm of lead and iron. As the weather was calm, the sea smooth, and the ships hung foul of each other, the result was appalling, and in a few minutes the decks of the Chesapeake resembled a slaughter- pen ; nearly one- half her crew being killed or wounded. Captain Lawrence, three lieutenants, three midshipmen, the sailing-master and boatswain were all killed or mortally wounded, and in less than fifteen minutes every officer on Avhom the command of the ship could devolve was either killed or wounded,

Capt, Lawrence was wounded in the leg and through the body by grapi.'-shot. On being carried below, while his mind was wandering, and he in gi-eat agony, his frequent exclamation (since become memorable) was, " Don't give up the ship ! " He lived four days, and was then laid out on the quarter-deck gallery of his ship, and shrouded with the American flag. His first lieutenant, Ludlow, was mortally wounded in attempting to repel the hesitating boarders of the Shannon, his head and face being almost hewed to pieces by their cutlasses. They were both buried at Halifax with the honors of war. Soon after, Capt. Crowninshield of Salem volunteered to bring them home at his owii expense; ,they were entombed at Salem with great parade, a eulogy being delivered on the occasion by Judge Storj', They were afterwards removed to New York, where a monument was erected to their memory, in Trinity churchyard.

For a few minutes at the commencement of the action, the fire of the Shannon was vigorously returned by the Chesapeake, though she did not fire a gun till fairly alongside, when she poured in a broadside that sounded like one report. But Capt. Broke, in his official account, says he soon observed that her men were flinching from her guns, when he seized the favorable moment to lead his boarders on to the decks of the Chesapeake, where he was badly wounded, though the resistance was feeble and unavailing. In two minutes the decks were cleared. His first lieutenant was killed by a gun fired from his own ship ; two lieutenants and several other officers of the Shannon were killed or wounded.

Capt. Lawrence, then 32 years old, and but recently returned from a successful cruise in the Hornet, had taken command of the Chesapeake but a short time previous to the action, and Avas a stranger to his officers and crew. A large part of the latter Avere a drunken, riotous set, and in a state of great insubordination and nearly mutinous, from not receiving some prize-money due them for previous captures. The officers were young and inexperienced, his first lieutenant (Ludlow) hardly twenty-one years old ; but such was the confidence in the professional skill and bravery of Captain Lawrence, and in the prowess of our little navy (which had already captured three British frigates), that public opinion pressed (like the " On to Richmond " which precipitated the defeat of Bull Run) and would not allow him to remain at anchor under any circumstances, while a British frigate of equal size lay insultingly off and on in the harbor. He went into the battle, doubtless, against his own judgment, and expressed a full sense of the difficulties of his position, in an interview with the late Rev. Dr. Lowell, the day before the action. His deportment was modest, but he said he should try to do his duty, notwithstanding the discouraging aspect of affairs on his ship.

The action was visible from the old fort at Hull, where the telegraph stood several years since, and was witnessed by hundreds on Look-out Hill, Gloucester ; also by an immense number of people in the lower harbor, in sailing boats and small craft, every available boat being pressed into use on the occasion ; the roof of the old Exchange Coffee House (7 stories high) Avas filled with people, Avho Avith glasses watched the course of the Chesapeake doAvn the bailor. Dui-ing that afternoon and night the public excitement in Boston and the neighboring toAvns Avas intense. The streets were thronged Avith people all night, and the air Avas full of rumors. It Avas only too certain that a sharp, desperate fight had taken place, and that both frigates had sailed out of the harbor, instead of coming in. The next day, to calm the public mind. Com. Bainbridge requested Mr. Knox, the pilot, to" publish a statement of Avhat he saAv after leaving the Chesapeake, but it gave no satisfaction.

No action in the Avar of 1812 occasioned greater mortification to Americans, or more exultation in England. Capt. Broke Avas Avelcomed home Avith 'great distinction, and knighted. (He died in 1840.) The Chesapeake Avas a clumsy, unlucky old frigate,' built at Baltimore or Norfolk in 1798, and had ahvays been a source of trouble and expense to this country. From Halifax she Avas taken to England, broken up, and some of her timbers used in the construction of a grist-mill on a small stream that runs into the river MedAvay, the best use to which they were ever put The Shannon Avas used for a long time as an old hulk at a dock-yard. The British navy has noAV two fine heavy steam frigates named for the "above. But the old belligerents have fought their last battle, and the neAv frigates have no other historic interest than what arises from their names. J- b. r.

" lu 1813 the second inauguration of President Madison was celebrated on the 4th of March by his political friends, with considerable eclat, considering the hard times. Salutes were fired, the church bell rung, and a procession, preceded bj the West Cambridge Band, marched through the town, from Major Whittemore's tavern, under Capts. Charles Wellington and Stephen Wheeler, as Marshals, to Tufts's tavern, where they partook of a supper. Col. Russell presided, and the evening was spent very jsleasantly with stories, songs and toasts. Of the latter, I remember but one, given by Ephraim Cutter, referring to the Federalists on President Madison :

1814. A committee was appointed to provide for the welfare and safety of the town and its inhabitants during the present war with Great Britain.

In this year a meeting of the town was held for the sole purpose of considering the expediency of procuring a bathing tub or tubs, to be kept by the treasurer. On motion it was voted that there be purchased one bathing tub for the use of the inhabitants, to be kept by the town treasurer.^

1816. The matter of providing a suitable place for the town's poor is mentioned. Accomplished by the erection of a house on the estate of Josiah Whittemore, formerly the property of Joseph Carnes, then deceased, in 1817-18. An appropria-

1 Mr. Russell, in a later communication, enumerates the military of West Cambridge at this period thus : (1) The minute-men at the time of the Embargo Scare in 1808 ; (2) The old standing militia ; (3) The cavalry ; (4) The light infantrj-, inaugurated Sept. 1811 ; (5) The exempts, 1814, during the war scare and feared invasion of Boston.

2 '_' The town-meeting for a Bathing Tub looks like a joke, but I think I can explain it. For several years, say from 1807 to 1817, the spotted fever raged as a fatal epidemic in the country towns in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, exciting as much alarm and panic as the cholera in later years. Among other remedies tried, one was to set the patient over a tub of hot water, cover him with blankets, and sweat him half to death. I don't remember a case in West Cambridge, biit it was in Bedford, and other towns near. While I was at Westford Academy, in 1815, a young daughter of the house where I boarded was taken at nine P.M., and died at two the next morning. Much alarm existed in 'West Cambridge, and as a prudeiUial measure, I presume they ordered the steaming apparatus, and for want of a better name probably the town clerk recorded it as a Bathing Tub," - J^. B. Russell.

Town Of West Cambeidge

tion for purchasing books for the almshouse was made by the town in 1847. The " old almshouse " buildings and land were sold at auction by the town in 1853.

In 1816 the selectmen were authorized to procure fire ladders, fireward staffs, firehooks, and such other fire implements as they judged necessary, to be kept in different parts of the town.

West Cambridge

Repairing the highways, when all worked out, say To Jeremiah Russell, Surveyor of highways, for work and materials, and for discharging non-resident taxes . Daniel Burbeck, Surveyor, for work on highways William Locke & Son, for refreshments to Surveyor of highways

Assessors, for services assessing taxes, and for stationery for 1815 Miles Gardner, for repairing school- house .... George Prentiss, his commission for collecting taxes for 1815

The accompanying view of "West Cambridge, in 1817, shows the First Parish meeting-house of that date. The mansion of Hon. William Whittemore in the foreground, now occupied by Nathan Bobbins, Esq.

Toavn Of West Cambridge

The house of Dea. Epliraitn Cutter and Col. Thomas Eussell's store to the right, both of which are still standing. In the distance, beyond Dea. Cutter's, is seen John Frost's blacksmith shoi?. To the left, in the distance beyond the burying-ground, is seen one of the buildings of the card factory. The building on the corner on the left of the picture was Gershom Swan's chair factory.

1820. In the first town book is a scattered record of births, marriages and deaths, which in part is embraced in the Genealogical Register, based on tlic parochial records, and placed at the end of this volume.

1821. By act of the legislature, Feb. 14, 1821, the provisions of an act passed Feb. 16, 1789, to prevent the destruction of the fish called shad and alewives in Mystic River, within the towns of Cambridge, Cliarlestown and Medford, were extended to the town of West Cambridge. By this act committees were chosen annually for the preservation of fish in the town.

A committee was authorized by the town to select land and build a new School-house in the Northwest District, and make sale of the former School-house, in 1822.

1824. The town provided for the inoculation of the inhabitants with the cow-pox. Gen. Lafayette was in West Cambridge in 1824, on tlie occn-^ion of his visit to his old comrade in arms Gov. Brooks, at ^ledford (see Hist. Medford, 140-42), and also on his visit to the town of Lexington (see Hist. Lexington, 28G-88).'

1 Previous to this period there was a small hand fire- engine, called the Friendship, kept in a small house erected for it a rod or two west of the house of the late George C. Russell. It was manned by a company of young men, mostly employes of the AVhitteraore Card Factory. They had meetings on the first Tuesday in every month, except in winter, about an hour before sunset, when they would race with the machine about the Common, and exercise its pow'er in vain attempts to play over the vane of the meeting-house. Its members were thus excused from military duty.

In 1816 a small dwelling occupied by Mr. Parkei', a shoemaker, just below Tufts' s tavern, was burnt. This occasioned the town to procure tire implements, hooks, ladders, &c., some of which were kept in the cellar of Mr. Fiske's church, - J. B. Russell.

1827. The town voted that the general School Committee be composed of three persons. The Prudential Committee to be of four, one each for the Northwest, Centre, Southeast and Soutliwest wards. The appropriation for schools, in 1827, was $600; $110 for a master's school and $40 for a mistress's school in each ward,'

1829. A set of Hayscales was procured for the use of the town, and erected on the south side of the common, near the wall of the Burying Ground.

1832. The Pound was located on the town land near the school-house in the Southeast District. The teachers of schools in town, in 1831 and '32, were Samuel L. Gould, Samuel Adams, Miles T. Gardner, James Nason, John W. Huntington, Priscilla Hagar, Rebecca Whittemore, Eliza A. Carlisle, Mary A. Locke, and Lucy A. Teel.

1833. The town allowed $500 for procuring fire-engines; 1250 to the South District, and $250 to the Middle and Lower Districts. The old engine was considered as belonging to the Middle and Lower Districts.

1835. Legacy of $100 left by Dr. Ebenezer Learned, of Hopkinton, N. H., accepted. This was for the purpose of establishing a Juvenile Library for the free use of the children of the public schools of the town.'

1836. The town voted tliat the selectmen be instructed to erect a suitable monument over the graves of the late William and Mary Cutter, the sum not to exceed fifty dollars, in addition to the sum appropriated for that purpose by the executor of the will of Mrs. Mary Cutter. The accompanying cut is a picture of the monument in the Old Burying Ground.

- The report of the standing committee of the "West Cambridge Juvenile Library, for 1863, contains the following particulars regarding its history: - In the year 1835, Dr. Ebenezer Learned made a bequest of $100, for the purpose of establishing a Juvenile Library for the free use of the children of the public schools of West Cambridge. The library thus established was increased by donations from the friends of the West Cambridge Sewing Circle, and from

X42 History Of Arlington

From their propert]^ arose the " William Cutter School Fund," and the " Poor Widows' Fund." In 1842, the net income of this school fund was three hundred dollars, expended as follows :

The William Cutter Fund, as originally constituted by the donor, was five thousand nineteen dollars, to which was added, in consequence of the annexation of a part of Charlestown to West Cambridge, in 1842, four hundred and sixty-five dollars. The income of the " Poor Widows' Fund" in 1842 gave three widows four dollars each: total, twelve dollars, annual income. The Poor Widows' Fund, amounting to two hundred dollars, was the donation of the widow Mary Cutter.

The School Committee Report for 1866-67 contains the following: " Perhaps full justice has scarcely been done to the donor of this noble gift to the schools of the town. His will bears date March 17, 1823, and it gives his whole estate, $5,000 - as it proved to be - after the death of his wife, as a trust fund for the benefit of the schools. The town was then poor, and from the date of his will, it may well be inferred that at the annual meeting he had been struck with the smallness of the sum voted for schools, and found it in his heart to increase it in the future from his own means. It is the gift of an humble, childless man, whose motive could not be other than unselfish."

1837. The town voted that the parish bell be rung at twelve o'clock, noon, and nine in the evening. An appropriation is made for the increase of the Juvenile Library in the town. In 1837 there were 500 pairs of boots and 31,000 pairs of shoes made in the town ; two mills were employed in pulverizing drugs, medicines and dye stuffs; there were one dying and calicoprinting establishment, one saw-factory, one woolcard-manufactory, a turning and sawing-mill, and chair and cabinet manufacture. - Barber.

liberal citizens of the town. In 1837, the town passed a vote that $30 annually be appropriated for the Juvenile Library, on condition that each family shall have the privilege of taking out books free. One hundred dollars were left for the same object by Dr. Wellington, which is invested as a permanent fund, the interest only being used each year. In 1860, the town liberally increased their appropriation to $100 annually for the purchase of books, on the same condition as before, that each family in town should have the right to use the library. The number of volumes in 1863 was about 1800. It was established as the Arlington Public Library in 1872.

1841. The Parish Hall is used for town meetings at this period. The selectmen are a committee, in 1841, to sell or otherwise dispose of the Old Centre School-house, the Engine House and the Engine Friendship.

1842. A school-house is built on land purchased for the purpose in the South District, and the land where the former school-house stood, and the former house, are sold. The town voted to dispose of the school-house near Miles Gardner's.

1 843. The town voted not to appropriate the Lower Common for a Burial Ground. The town purchased the lot on Medford Street, where the present cemetery now is, for a new Burying Ground.'

The early History of the Lexington and West Cambridge Rail Road, before the organization under its charter, has been prepared from the papers in possession of Wm. Wilkins Warren of Boston, a native of West Cambridge, who, then residing in this town, took an active part in the proceedings of its citizens in that Road. To them belono-s the credit of originating the measures which led to the realization of the enterprise.

* The committee for the purpose of laying out the new Burying Ground, were Thomas Thorp, Daniel Cady, Josiah H. Russell, Isaiah Jenkins, Edward Smith and Moses Proctor. A good and substantial stone wall around the Old and New Cemeteries was erected, with suitable gates, in 1843. Trees were set out in Old Cemetery in 1845. The New Cemetery was known by the name of Mount Pleasant Cemetery in 1846. The hearse- house was located at the lower end of the main avenue in the latter cemetery in 1847.

John B- Hartvvell was chosen sexton by the town in 1848 (chosen sexton by the First Parish in 1841), and has continued in office with his son John H. Hartwell to the present time. A receiving tomb was built in the new cemetery in 1855. The cemetery was enlarged in 1871-72, by the purchase of a laro^e lot of land extending to the Mystic Kiver, some of which is at present laid out for cemetery purposes.

The success of branch railroads in the vicinity of Boston and their benefit to towns, caused the subject of this one to be agitated among a few of the leading and influential citizens of this town early in 1844, especially from the fact, that it required only a mile and a half of road to be built from a point on the Charlestown branch R. R. in Cambridge, to a terminus in West Cambridge, opposite the hoi el ou Main Street, without crossing it, or cieating any considerable amount of land damages. The stock was likely to be readily taken up in the town, as its whole cost would be very moderate, most of the route being a very level one.

The first public meeting held was in response to a printed hand bill, signed "^ Citizen,^' and dated Sept. 16, 1844, of which the following is a copy. " West Camhridge Branch Rail Road. - The citizens of West Cambridge, one and all, are invited to meet at the Parish Hall in said town on Monday evening next, Sept. 23, at 7 o'clock, to consider the expediency of adopting measures for a branch rail road, either from the Fresh Pond or Fitchburg Rail Roads, to the centre of the town. A general attendance is expected, as it is deemed by many a subject of vast importance to the Town."

Pursuant to this notice a large number attended the meeting, at which Col. Thomas Russell presided and Wm. W. Warren was chosen secretary. The Hon. James Russell, Doctor Wellington, John Schouler, and several others, advocated the building of the road, to terminate near the Unitarian Church, with a view ultimately of having it extended to the upper part of the town, and thence to Lexington. A resolution in its favor was adopted, and a committee of seven was appointed to get information, examine the routes, and report at a future meeting.

The secretary of this committee, Mr. Warren, in a printed circidar, called a meeting Oct. 12, to hear the report, and adopt measures necessary to the immediate construction of the road. At the meeting, Oct. 14, 1844, Hon. James Russell, who was chosen chairman, read a full report of the Committee, which reported two routes, one east of the Pond, and one crossing the island in Spy Pond, and recommended a survey and estimates by committees, and a subscription to defray the expenses. The report was accepted, and Messrs. Russell, Wellington and Schouler were chosen on survey, and George C. Russell and Henry Whittemore on estimates.

The reports of these committees were made at a meeting held Jan. 13, 1845. The Committee on Survey had employed Messrs. Felton and Parker, engineers, to survey, make profiles and give estimates, for which service seventy dollars were paid them. They had consulted the President and Directors of the Charlestown and Fresh Pond roads, who took the matter under favorable advisement as to the proposed connection with their road, and were to have given their reply. The Committee had long waited for it, when it was ascertained that some prominent citizens of Lexington had urged the officers of that road not to commit themselves to the citizens of West Cambridge until it should be determined whether or not they should petition the Legislature for a road over the one surveyed to West Cambridge, to extend to Lexington. Such a project had ah-eady been determined upon, and in view of these circumstances, the committee asked to be discharged from the subject matter, which was done. A petition for the West Cambridge Branch Road, signed by Timothy Wellington and others, was presented to the Legislature, and an order of notice was passed January 17, 1845.

At a hearing of both petitions from the citizens of the respective towns, in March following, before the committee of the Legislature, Hon. G. Washington Warren appearing for the Lexington petition, and W. W. Warren for that of West Cambridge, it was agreed by a compromise, that the two enterprises should be merged in one, and an act of incorporation was prepared and presented in the same month, which, in the House Document No. 48, was passed under the title of " the Lexington and West Cambridge Branch Rail Road."

Under the Act the first meeting of the new corporation took place at Cutler's tavern in Lexington, April 14, 1845. Larkia Turner was chosen President, and W. W. Warren, Secretary. The act of incorporation was accepted, and a committee of nine was chosen to cause books of subscription to be opened, first of May, 1845, to the capital stock, not to exceed $200,000. This committee consisted of Benjamin Muzzey and Samuel Chandler, of Lexington; Doctor T. Wellington and John Schouler, of West Cambridge; John Wesson and John W. Mulliken, of Charlestown; Edward Munroe and Otis Dana, of Boston; and J. W. Simonds, of Bedford. The meeting then adjourned to meet in Parish Hall at West Cambridge, April 21, to confer with its citizens.

This conference meeting was largely attended, and indicated a mutual interest and good feeling of the citizens of both towns. Benjamin Muzzey, who presided (Mr. Warren acting as secretary), stated that no business was contemplated at this meeting, but only an interchange of views desired. Estimates were discussed, and harmony prevailed in the discussion, indicating a prompt action and successful commencement of the road, which by the compromise act was to be finished and running from West Cambridge within one year from date of the act, or its charter be void. The adjournment of this meeting was the finality of the series preceding the organization of the road under its charter.

1846. The town disposed of the stone house and wall standing on the training-field, at public auction. A committee of eleven was appointed this year to name the several streets and avenues in the town. A survey of the several streets in town was made in 1852.

£^armer^s MuntJihj Visitor for April 30, 1847, in which he presents many interesting facts regarding the town, on whose border his birth occurred, April 6, 1788.'

A kinsman of his, John Hill, had at this time 20,000 tons of ice for sale at No. 103 Faneuil Hall Market, Boston. Mr. Hill was a distinguished ice-cutter, and in 1844, when Boston Harbor was frozen over, he superintended the cutting of a channel through the ice, seven miles in length, down the harbor, to the open unfrozen roadstead, for the passage of one of the Cunard steamers. In this undertaking he accidentally fell, while bounding from one cake of ice to another, injuring a thew of his leg, and for months was unable to pursue a business then of no little importance to hundreds of farmers within convenient reach of the principal mart of New England. In connection with his father and brothers, John Hill also carried on a market garden and fruit-farm in West Cambridge, on a portion of the laud which had been in the {possession of the Hill family for two hundred years. David Hill, the father of John, and .James IJill, of the same neighborhood, cousin of David, perhaps found no equal in the market in producing the first and earliest green peas and potatoes, the earliest and largest tomatoes, the most luscious peaches, and other vegetables and fruits.

Astonishing to the editor, Isaac Hill, it was to see all these things growing on land which in his boyhood was a poor, coarse sand and gravel soil, along the shore of Spy Pond, scarcely producing anything of the vegetable kind. In his early youth there was sufficient good land in the old parish of Menotomy for all the purposes of the occupying farmers with their families ; but since that time the families had multiplied to a second and third generation, and had brought the larger portion of the sandy sterile plains, as well as the rocky hard ridges around them, to the highest point of {production.

These redeemed garden fields lie all around the two beautiful Spy Ponds. But if the lands about the ponds have been thus greatly improved, who could have anticipated that the water surface of the ponds would be made more valuable than even the best lands near! Capacious ice-houses had already been constructed, sufficient to supply a stock for a year in advance, should a year happen in which no ice was formed.

The Boston ice business was first commenced with Fresh Pond, and, about 1835, numerous teams were employed to transport the ice four to six miles to the city and to the wharves on Charles River. Thi

^ Five celebrated journalists were born within or near the limits of the district now embraced in the town of Arlington : Isaac Hill, of the Neto Hampshire Patriot; A. S. Willington, or Wellington, of the Charleston (S. C.) Courier; Isaac Munroe, of the Baltimore Patriot; E. S. Thomas, of the Cincinnati Post; and John B. Russell, of the New England Farmer. See Genealogies.

Railroad, a railway to Fresh Pond for the cheaper and quicker transportation of ice. Out of this Fresh Pond Railway grew the Fitchburg Railroad, whose extensions, in 1847, were in one direction to Greenfield, and another over the Cheshire Hills, with the view of reaching Burlington, Vt.

Branching off by the shores of Spy Pond, another track of the railroad was extended through the village of AVest Cambridge, through a gorge in the ridge of hills, to the centre of Lexington. By this branch of the Fitchburg Railroad, the ice of Spy Pond was brought as near the wharves of Boston, in point of expense, as if it vs^ere cut from a pond on Boston Common. Gov. Hill says -

" Just before the cars commenced running, we visited our friend at West Cambridge, w^hose house was erected on land which came to him as a descendant from the Adams family of that place.' The newdepot at West Cambridge usurps the place of some of the venerable elms that stood before the door of the ancient Adams mansion. The course of the railroad on its w'ay to Lexington had rendered it necessary to cut off the westerly end of the old mansion-house itself. At the time of the first spilling of blood in the revolution at Lexington, some object of annoyance was presented by this house to the passing British army, causing it to be riddled with bullets. Upon that part of the house which remains, the bullet-holes through the outside clapboards may yet be seen. The house was built of wood, bricked up between the inside and outside finishing. In that part of it, torn down last year, there were taken out, lodged in the bricks, many musket-bullets discharged in the sharp conflict that took place there with the British when retreating back frpm Concord towards Boston."

This house was erected two hundred years ago, by the first Adams who settled in this place. He was a skilful millwright, and possibly assisted in the building of the first mills erected on the stream running from Lexington through the gorge already mentioned.

'- The wooden mansion, two hundred years old, was to us a curiosity: reflecting that our own ancestors erected it, and that succeeding generations of them were born and lived here, we hope that the remaining part will be suffered to stand at least as long as we shall live.* The house has outlived many occupants. It was the best style of building of two centuries ago. It had its fancy w^ork coving directly below the roofing - its front-door capping was an imitation of the ginger-bread Corinthian style. Some sticks of that part of the frame taken down were lying about ; these sticks were marked with numeral

1 James Russell, Esq., perhaps, whose mother was Rebecca Adams, daughter of Capt. William Adams, who occupied the old Adams mansion house at the time of the Revolution, and whose ancestors had occupied it previously, even in the former century, as shown in other parts of this work. The house of James Russell, Esq., stood very near the old Adams house, and is stiU a familiar object to every citizen of Arlington.

figures, indicating the proper point of entrance for each joist or beam to the place which should make all parts of the frame come to be properly adjusted. The old house stood at least one hundred and thirty years before it came to be shot at by the armies of the mother country, which, having planted the colony of pilgrims in this wilderness by oppression, claimed the right to enslave their posterity ; and the same old mansion, after such a riddling, has stood seventy-one years longer (from 1775 to 1846), to be mutilated for the benefit of a business which has been created by the application of steam, and never dreamed of by at least half a dozen generations who were born and lived under its roof."

The generations succeeding each other on this spot were agricultural men, all of whom from the first have been taiuiht to labor with their own hands. Hosts of men and women, with their descendants, have gone forth from those who first settled West Cambridge, and have carried their habits of industry and thrift elsewhere. All the States of New England and other States of the Union have received representatives from this people. But a fact exists in relation to those who remain, which is remarkable - much of the land continues in the ownership of the same families and names as the original occupants. The son has succeeded the father in the same calling. " They have never been a people to be carried away by any enthusiastic wildness or uncommon revival of religion ; yet their present condition is one of that moral excellence which is rarely exceeded in the imperfections of human nature. These people, from their position, have always labored more hours than the people farther in the country, Avho would not think of rising at two o'clock in the morning to supply milk, vegetables, meal or meat for the daily food of the people of a city half a dozen miles distant. If there has been any fault in former years, it was that the education of hard work in early youth left too little time for the improvement in the more scholastic accomplishments and familiarity with the fashionable literature of the day. The wealth of this farmer community is now such that salaried instructors of both sexes are engaged the year round to teach the rising generations of all classes and conditions gratuitously in whatever may be useful to qualify them in the pursuits of life. The genteel high living of the wealthy in the cities is certainly not more desirable than that of these sons and daughters, who have all the means for human enjoyment that humanity ought to crave."

In this length of time family names have become so interwoven by marriage, that the permanent inhabitants of the place are nearly all of blood relation, in a nearer or more remote line of consanguinity. What has been remarkable also in some of these families, is their great longevity. " Of the West Cambridge long-lived races, we think something has been due as well to their uniform living, as to the more healthy occupation of working farmers, which all the generations for the two centuries have pursued. We believe the agricultural calling to be that which the God of nature designed for man ; and in the pur-

And eternity's here ! ' " The foregoing extracts and much more were designed as a preliminary to the introduction of a remarkable letter written by a kinsman of Gov. Hill, at the age of 102 years. "This aged centenarian, with his father, was not of those steady, stationary planets which have held on to the parent spot for two hundred years : they were planets filling other vacant spots in the world's wide spaceway. More than seventy years ago, near the time of the opening settlement of what is now considered one of the older interior towns of Massachusetts, John Adams had become one of the fathers and selectmen of the town. We have received, in answer to a letter which we wrote, an autograph letter from the man of one hundred and two years. With slight corrections of spelling, capitals, and a more considerable addition of stops, we present the letter, word for word, as follows : - "

Ashhurnham, Feb. 1847. Honored Sir, - With gratitude I hereby acknowledge the receipt of the kind letter that you was pleased to send to me. To receive a letter from any of my distant relatives and friends is a consolation and comfort to me in my old age ; but, dear sir, I did never expect to receive one from your hand, well knowing that Divine Providence and the good will of your fellow-men had chosen you to act in a sphere far above common men like myself, and that the offices which you had sustained must be enough to engage the time and talents of the best of men. But, sir, your letter is by so much the more in my esteem, and I should rejoice if it was in my power to make some amends more than a sincere wish that you may ever feel the happiness of a good Shepherd. In your letter you manifested a desire that I should write something of by-gone days or old times. I wish I could do it so that it would be worth your reading ; but you must make allowance for old age and infirmities - for I hardly know where to begin, unless I begin with my honored father [Thomas Adams]. He was the son of Joseph Adams: he was born in what is now West Cambridge [in the year 1713], on the Adams place, which has been owned and improved by one of that name a little over two hundred years. After my father became of age he went to Worcester, bought a place, returned to West Cambridge, married a person by the name of Frost, and with his wife went on to his place in Worcester ; but within two years his wife and an infant were taken sick and died and were both buried in one coffin. Some time after, my father married for second wife, Lydia, the daughter of Mr. John Chadwick, a citizen and freeholder in Worcester. By this woman he had two children, the eldest a daughter - she in