Bedford Town (part 4 of 4)

The sin of Adam hath laid me low, For sin hath wrought an overthrow ; From dust I came, to dust I come. And now the dust's become my home; Wlien Christ comes down with saints to reign. The dust me no more shall detain.

My dust it shall arise, In resmTection of the just. To sound Jehovah's praise. [He came from Belfast, Ire. ; was killed by a fall from his horse.]

Reader, if love of worth thy bosom warm, If virtue please thee, or if friendship charm. Upon this stone you'll drop a tear; Worth, virtue, friendship, all are buried here.

Death from all death has set us free, And will our gain forever be ; Death loosed the rusty chain of woe. To let the mournful captives go. [He was a Minute Man in 1T7.5, and an energetic patriot in the cause of freedom.]

Tbe sweet remembrance of the just Shall flourish when they sleep in dust. [She was formerly the widow of Benjamin Webber, of Medford, and daughter of Wliitmore.]

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, That they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. [He was an influential man, a member of the Continental Congress at Concord and Cambridge in n7.5, and took an active part in the war of the Revolution. His name appears on a family memorial erected in Shawshine Cemetery in 1S90.]

Draw near, my friends, and take a thought. How soon the grave must be yoiu lot ; Make siue of Christ while life remain, And death shall be your eternal gain.

She is fied, the loveliest mind, Faith, sweetness, wit, together joined : Dwell faith and wit and sweetness there; Oh, view the change, and drop a tear!

How uncertain this life! How little did I expect to die so young ! Dear youth, reniemher my sudden deatli; for in such an hotir as ye think not the Son of man Cometh.

From death' s arrest no age is free, as beholders may see; and now, dear youth, brothers, sisters, and friends, all prepare to come, for sure you must, and mingle with me in the dust.

Lies our beloved friend, A husband near, a father dear. To lie till time shall end. Then at the call of God he shall arise, no more to die, And, as we trust, among the just spend an eternity.

Here sleeps otu- mother in the dust; So we e'er long, her children, must, TVhen God sees fit to call us hence, To leave this world of flesh and sense.

Susanna, daughter of Benjamin and Susanna Webber, late of Medford, and granddaughter of ilary and John Whitmore, April 2, 1743, aged 15 years.

The absence of head-stones to the memory of many prominent citizens may be accounted for by the erection of family tombs. John Eeed and John Merriam, Esq., erected a tomb for their families in August, 1795, and Capt. Eobert Pulsifer in 1824.

No. 1. Eleazer Davis, Sampson Spaulding, and Amos Hartwell. The Davis family were removed to Shawshine Cemetery. The Spaulding family deposited in one common grave in the Old Burial Ground, where a granite tablet may be seen, erected by Mrs. Martha R. S. Norris, of Iowa, on which is "Sampson Spaulding and Family."

1770, Eev. Samuel Stearns, 1834. Born in Epping, N.H. ; graduated from Harvard College ; ordained over the Church of Christ in Bedford, April 27, 1796. Died Dec. 26, 1834, in the 65th year of his age aud 39th of his ministry.

Mrs. Abigail Stearns, wife of Eev. Samuel Stearns, daughter of Eev. Samuel French, of Andover. Born May 29, 1776; died Dec. 2, 1858, in the 83d year of her age.

For thirty-nine years in the service of the city of Boston, as usher iij the Adams and head-master of the Mather, Lawrence, and Norcross schools.

Peter, a Eevolutionary soldier, freed slave of Eev. Josiah Stearns, Epping, N. H., faithful hired servant of Eev. Samuel Stearns. Born 1750, died 1807.

[Peter "Freeman " served in the Kevolution, was freed by his master, Rev. Josiah Stearns, of New Hampshire, whose son. Rev. Samuel, met him in Boxford, Mass., many years after, and took him to his home and cared for him till death. He was buried near the door of the tomb where the body of Rev. Samuel Stearns lay for many years.]

Jonathan Lane, fifth generation from Job Lane, the head of the family in this country. Born in Bedford, Jan. 27, 1788. Eemoved to Boston in 1824. Eeturned to his native town in 1847, and died Nov. 12, 1860, aged 72.

By her strong, attractive, and original character, became a consijicuous and honored representative of the two families. She died Jmie 19, 18S2, aged 94 years.

A dutiful son and affectionate brother, a faithful, generous friend. Born in Bedford, early removed to Boston. He was there known for uprightness, sincerity, and truth; for kindness to the poor, sympathy with the imfortimate and oppressed, and for a consistent Christian life. The active service of which he has exchanged for the "Rest of the people of God."

Chapter Xxxiv

[Tlie author's purpose in this section is to locate the founders of the town in their respective homes, and show the subdivisions of farms. The estates are designated by tiie present or recent ownership, in order to accommodate the student.]

Each of these landlords walked amidst his farm, Saying, '"Tis mine, my children's, and my name's ; How sweet the west wind sounds in my own trees ! How graceful climb those shadows on my hill ! I fancy these pm-e waters and the flags Know me, as does my dog ; we sympathize ; And, I affirm, my actions smack of the soil."

Mes. Lawrence's Estate, or Domine Manse. When the scattered settlers had secured the incorporation of the town of Bedford, in the autumn of 1729, they set about building a meeting-house, and called a preacher. The act of incorporation required them, within three years, "to settle an Orthodox minister of good conversation, and provide for his support."

settlement fee of £200, agreeable to custom, besides his annual salary. He took sixteen acres of laud, at £8 per acre, in part for his "settlement." On this land he built his mansion, and with his young bride, the beautiful and accomplished daughter of Rev. John Hancock, of Lexington, began the work of a New England clergyman of one hundred and sixty years ago.

Dressed in powdered wig and short clothes, with silver knee and shoe buckles glistening in the sun, he moved among his people as the man of all, to be respected. Injudicious parochial work, however, brought an end to his usefulness, in 1754, and he entered the service of the colony as chapilain in the army during the French and Indian wars, and died at Brookfield on his way home.

His oldest daughter became the wife of Rev. Jonas Clark, of Lexington, and as such was the entertainer of John Hancock and Samuel Adams at the Lexington parsonage, when they were warned of their danger by the midnight call of Paul Revere.

The old manse was sold by the heirs of the deceased minister to John Reed, Esq., in 1767. Here he and liis J'oung wife, Ruhamah Brown, instituted the Reed family of Bedford. Seven children were born to them in this mansion, and reared after the true New England style. The principles of patriotism were faithfidly inculcated by parents who looked at the vital questions of their day from the standpoint of superior intellect and deep-seated principle.

The leading tow'nsmen congregated here, and debated the great questions during the years preceding the Revolution. The owner of the place was made one of the committee of inspection, and was the town's mouth-piece in the conventions and congresses that were often held by the dissenting colony. He represented the town in the convention to form the constitution of the state, and until his death, in 1805, was a prominent citizen, and his dwelling and farm formed the leading estate of the town.

The manse then became the property of his son, John, whose widow, Hannah Reed, was in full possession of the estate for several years. At her decease it went to the daughter of her son, Otis, he having died before his mother. Annie Reed, wife of Thomas Stiles, Esq., was of the fourth generation in possession. At her death it became the property of her sister, Mrs. Melvina Reed Lawrence.

The spreading elms that shelter the croquet groitnd of the sixth generation shaded the mother of the first generation when giving her daugh.

ter lessons at the spimiing-wlieel one, huuclred and twenty-three years earlier, and the old wheel stands dumb in the spacious drawing-room where the notes of the piano are substituted for its once busy hum.

The well-kept wainscoting makes an excellent background for the faces in oil that have kept their silent vigil there for more than a century, while in every nook may be seen precious heirlooms of the family.

The old Bible is open at the favorite morning lesson of the hero of the Revolution, - " Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil."

The foot-stove, carried by the young hands of the present owner for her venerable grandmother to the cold meeting-house, is a well-kept relic, decked in ribbons ; and the warming-pan stands on the broad staircase as of yore, when it was used to remove the chill from the homespun sheets of a hundred years ago. The traveller of to-day drinks at the " dominie well," and receives a cordial welcome at this house, as have the hundreds who have gone before him across the same threshold.

Cyeus Page. - The Page farm in Bedford has been in the family and name two hundred and four years, and been owned by eight successive generations. It was part of a grant from the Colonial Court to Edward Oakes, and sold by him in 1661 to George Farley and others. Farley sold to Timothy Brooks, who at the opening of King Philip's War was directed by the town to secure his family in garrison No. 10, that was near by. Brooks sold to George Grimes, of whom the estate was bought in 1687 by Nathaniel Page, 1st. He had come from England three years before, and early received an apijoiutment from Gov. Joseph Dudley as sheriff or marshal of Suffolk County. Nathaniel Page, 1st, died April 12, 1G92, and was succeeded on his farm by his son, Nathaniel, 2d, who was folowed by Christopher, John, Nathaniel, 3d, Nathaniel, 4th, and Cyrus, each in his generation. They have all been known in the community as "well-to-do farmers."

Cyrus, of the seventh generation, and last farmer in possession, died in 1887, and the homestead is now in possession of his heirs. Cyrus Andrew Page, of the Beacon Publishing Company, Boston, is the only living sou and male representative of the eighth generation, in present possession. Yet there are members of the ninth generation who have great reverence for their ancestral estate.

The dwelling that has stood fully two centuries has been recently removed to another location, and a modern dwelling marks the identical spot where more than fifty of the name of Page have begun life. An elm tree that has sheltered eight generations seems ready to serve several more.

The original farm has been shorn of its acres from time to time. Several farms have been taken from it, and yet there are more than one hundred acres left.

The name of Page was prominent in the history of Billerica, and foremost in the business . of incorporating the town of Bedford in 1729. The occupants of this farm have always held important offices in town, and been noted for their candor, stability, and straightforward dealing. The spirit' of patriotism was cradled in that dwelling as in but few others. The love of country, town, and home has led the Pages to sacrifice much for public interest. One of the family was a colonel in the French and Indian War, and several were in the ranks. A messenger sent out by Paul Revere alarmed the inmates of that house on the night of April 18, 1775, and aroused Nathaniel, 3d, who left his young wife and babe of a few hours, to serve the colony. Four of the name were in the battle of Concord. Christopher was sergeant of the Minute Men, and the name is seen in various campaigns until the close of the struggle for independence. Timothy was killed at White Plains, N.Y., Oct. 28, 1776. .

Seven of the family were in the company of militia when they marched to the defence of Boston in 1812. When Sumter was fired upon in 1861, Cyrus, who had served as cajitain of the militia, then past sixty years of age, followed in the footsteps of his ancestors from that dwelling, and enlisted for three years or the war. Cyrus Page was the town's oracle in local history for more than a half century; he had a wonderful memory, and the towns-people turned to this old mansion for the one who seemed to embody the wisdom of seven generations of Pages.

The old house had sheltered for more than two centuries the colonial banner. In Nathaniel's haste at early dawn of April 19, 1775, he did not fail to carry the standard, wliich he bore from his home at the head of the ^Minute Men and in the heat of the struggle of that memorable day. (See military chapter.)

Cambridge, and later in the Plymoutli Colony, the family settled in Concord, Mass., in 1655. Here his three j^ounger children, born in America, married and settled.

Samuel purchased, in 1696, the homestead in the west part of Bedford, then Concord. It was conveyed to Samuel, Sr., by John Jones, Jr., Samuel Hartwell, Sr., Joseph Dean, and Nathaniel Harwood, of Concord. " In the eighth year of the Raine of our Souvereign Lord William the third, by the Grace of God, over England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King and defender of the faith." The original deed is in the present owner's possession.

The dwelling marks the site of the original house. It is on a height of land overlooking the Concord River. It faces the south, after the plan of the pioneers. It has stood for a century and a half, was first painted red, but in recent repairs was given a coat of white.

The homestead has jjassed through six generations from Samuel, in each of which there has been an Eleazer. The first was born in 1680. the second in 1705-6, the third in 17o4, the fourth in 1768, and the fifth in 1805.

The possession has always been in the male line, and until the present, the owner has been Eleazer. The last of the name settled on an adjoining farm, and a brother, Benjamin Josiah who was born in 1810, is the owner.

There is living with Josiah a brother, Samuel, born in 1815. The eighth generation lives on an adjoining farm, and is often seen in the family group. Thirty-eight children, in five generations of the name of Davis, have been born on this estate.

The Davises have been noted in military affairs. Three of the family went from this place with Lovewell in his famous expedition of 1724-5 in jjursuit of the Indians to the wilderness of Maine ; one, Josiah, lost his life, and Eleazer was maimed for life.

Two of the famil}- were in the French and Indian wars, where Paul lost his life in 1763. Eleazer, 3d, was lieutenant of the company of militia at the opening of the Revolution, and foremost of the Bedford men at the battle of Concord, April 19, 1775.

His commission as lieutenant bears date of April, 1775, and is treasured among the relics of the family, of which there are many in the ancient dwelling.

The sword used by Eleazer at the battle of Concord, and in later campaigns of the war, together with the old fiint-lock musket, are kept near the bed of the venerable owner. The musket was used by the fauiilv in the Revolution, and bought by Eleazer, 3d, for eleven pounds two shillings, at a " vendue," in 1778, held by the town to sell its firearms, etc., for the purpose of raising money to pay pul)lic demands.

The old "timepiece," fully six feet tall, stands in the same corner where it has stood for more than a century and done faithful service for four generations.

This estate is regarded as remarkably well located for healthfulness. Longevitj- is noticeable in the family. The present owner now (1890) is fourscore years old, and conducts the business of his large farm in person.

HosMER AXD Muzzy. - This was the Hartwell homestead, and is on the Concord side of the town. It originally included about two hundred and forty -seven acres, and fell to William Hartwell in the allotment of common ground about 1666. The present dwelling was erected in 1758, and sold, with a portion of the land, bj^ Joseph Hartwell, of the sixth generation, to the parents of the present owners. Other farms have been taken from the Hartwell allotment, and a good portion of the forest land is still retained in the family.

William Pakker. - This estate, and those between it and Concord line, were in the Wheeler name about a century. It is probable that the whole land was included in the twenty-nine lots of three hundred and fifty-seven acres taxed to Joseph Wheeler in 1666. Richard Wheeler is mentioned in the petition for a new town in 1728. Richard, Joseph, and Jonathan Wheeler are all mentioned as land owners in this vicinity in the description of the boundaries of the new town in 1729. The last house on the Bedford side of the line was an early " block house," and probablj' erected by a Wheeler before the year 1700. William Page, born in 1737, married Patte Hill in 1763, settled on this farm, occupying the Wheeler house. He died in 1812, and the estate went to his nephew, INIather Hayward, who came from Boxboro, married Lucy Page in May, 1800, and settled here. The dwelling opposite the Wheeler house was originally Page's cider-mill, and turned into a dwelling by Ebenezer, son of Mather Hayward. William, son of Mather Hayward, built the William Parker house, and carried on farming there for a series of years. George M. Parker built the modern house standing on the farm.

Eleazer P. Davis. ^ - Patrick Murry, Stephen Haynes, and the other small estates on this road, were included in the shares of the common lands of Concord that fell to Dean. Thomas Dean was in Concord in 1645, and died in 1676. His son, Joseph, married Elizabeth Fuller, in 1662, and died in 1718. He, with his sons, Joseph and Thomas, have been located here ; for their estates are each mentioned as bounding on land sold by Joseph Bulkley to William Hartwell 1696. The northern boundary of the Dean lands was the Winthrop farm, the southern wa.s Hartwell's, and that of Joseph French was west of it. Winship, Eliab Lee, and Nathan Reed were each owners of the Davis estate before it came to that family, and the latter sold to Eleazer P. Davis, whose son, George P., is the present owner.

We find Col. Timothy Jones at the Murry place very early. The present dwelling was built by him very soon after the Revolutionary War. It was a superior house of that day. Reuben Duren of the town was the architect. At the "raising," Rev. Mr. Penniman offered a most eccentric prayer, after having indulged too freely in the "mixed drink" of the occasion. The council at tlie ordiuatiou of Rev. Samuel Stearns was entertained here in a manner befitting the occasion. The farm is now owned by Temple aud Beard, and occupied for a nursery.

It is evident that the Haynes estate is covered by the Pellet and Dean shares of the common grounds of Concord. In Walcott's " Concord," p. 133, is the following: "Thomas Pellet, being in great present want, the selectmen gave him a cow, July 13, 1693." The Pellet and Dean families were united by marriage. Dean sold to Moore. Capt. John Moore was living here at the opening of the Revolution, and jDrobably inherited the estate from his father, John, who was established before the incorporation. His wife, Elizabeth, died March 28, 1732, and John, Sr.; died Aug. 21, 1765. He was killed by falling from a load of hay when entering the barn. Bradley Bowers married Lydia Moore Feb. 19, 1793, hence the Bowers' possession, which was followed by Stephen Haynes aud others to the present John McGovern.

James Kavanaugh. - The Moore farm incliuled this, with the other small homesteads in the vicinity. Leander Hosmer started the Kavanaugh home.

AIcGovEKN. - These farms were included in the Hartwell estate. Stephen, son of William, born 1716, is thought to have established the home. He was followed by his son, Samuel, who married, Oct. 26, 1779, Mrs. Desire (Batchelder) Brown. They adopted Hannah Evans, a granddaughter of Jlrs. Desire Hartwell, who married, first, Jonas Putnam and, second, Closes

Page. Through inheritance the farm was divided, and has since been held in separate shares. The discontinued road by this house was originally a part of a highway from Billerica to Concord.

Nathan B. Smith and Henry B.\con. - These farms were included in one for many years. The location is that of the farm of Thomas Woolley, son of Christopher, who was in Concord in 16-16, according to Shattuck. Thomas Woolley bought of Nathan Stow, in October, 1689, one hundred acres of land for' forty-five pounds. It is described as being near a place called " Shawshine " (Billerica), bounded on the north by land of Joseph French, on the west by land of Closes Wheat aud Timothy Wheeler, on the south l)y land of John Hartwell, and on the east and southeast l)y land of Joseph Taylor and John Merriani. There were three generations of WooUeys in possession successively, each of them being Thomas. The first died in 1721. The second, with his wife, Mary Chandler, deeded, April 4, 1761, one-half of ninety -six acres of land, in the southerly part of Bedford, to Zachariah Fitch, for one hundred and seventy pounds. This was the easterly part of the farm. Capt. Joseph Fitch married, second, about 1750, Mrs. Rachel Converse, and settled here. He died February, 1769, and left the estate to his sons, Joseph and Thaddeus. Joseph Fitch, then living in New Hampshire, sold, in September, 1769, to Joseph Converse, who, with Thaddeus Fitch, his .half brother, became the owners. Converse carried on the business of a tanner and currier here. In 1804 Ebenezer Clark bought an estate of two hundred and seventeen and one-half acres, for six thousand six hundred and sixty-six dollars, which included the Converse property. In the following year fifty acres were sold to Benjamin Simonds, Sr., and later, in 1812, the homestead was purchased bj- William Hartwell, who sold his half of the Hartwell homestead to Jiis brother, Joseph, and relocated at the Converse place. William Hartwell died here in 1819. He was followed by his son, Amos, and later by Benjamin F., who sold to his son-in-law, Hannibal S. Pond, who was followed by others to the })resent.

Zebedee Simonds, with his brother, Benjamin, came, with their parents, to Bedford, and located in the south part of the town, abont 1805, and started shoe manufacturing. They bought real estate of different parties. Thaddeus Fitch sold his farm to them in 1813, and there Zebedee Simonds built his residence, which was sold after his decease, in 1826, to Obed Stearns, and passed from that family, through temporary possession to the present.

Between broad fields of wheat and corn Is the lowly home where I was born ; The peach tree leans against the wall, And the woodbine wanders over all.

Thei-e is the barn, - and, as of yore, I can smell the hay from the oi^eu door. And see the busy swallows throng. And hear the j^ee wee's mom-nful song. Oh, ye who daily cross the sill, Step lightly, for I love it still !

And when you crowd the old barn eaves, Then think what countless harvest sheaves Have passed within that scented door. To gladden eyes that are no more.

Benjamin F. Hartwell. - This estate was incltided in the Patrick Fassett share of the squadfoii division made in 1708. It passed from Fassett to John Lemon, and in 1721 to Israel Putnam, whose dwelling, one of the earliest in this part of the town, was on this estate in 1729. He gave the land for the burial ground " as it was first laid ottt," and was a prominent citizen, being chosen the first deacon of the church, in 1730. He was also one of the first constables, and a collector of the "rates" at the the beginning of the town's municipal history. John Lane was a subsequent owner of the estate, and was succeeded by David Fitch, who occupied it after leaving the mill farm. He was succeeded by his daughter, jMary Fitch, wife of Benjamin F. Hartwell ; and her daughter, Mary Alzina, wife of Matthew R. Fletcher, followed in the possession. " Fletcher Avenue " runs through this farm, and the land is offered for building purposes. Five handsome dwellings are already seen there, in addition to the Fitch house, which was removed and relocated on the avenue. Mrs. Fletcher has given a lot to the town for a public library, as a memorial of her mother.

JoHX Neville. - The name of Davis appears here very early. Stephen, son of Samuel and Mary (:^Iedows) Davis, born in 1686, married, in 1713, Elizabeth Fletcher, and located here. In the description of boundaries in connection with the act of incorporation, in 1729, it appears that Stephen Davis and John Stearns were each located in this vicinity. The Stearns farm was later added to the Davis estate. Stephen Davis, Sr., was a man of marked ability. He was active in the incorporation of the town, and was one of the first constables, hence collector of taxes. He died in 1738, and was sttcceeded by his son, Stephen (Deacon). He was the only child of seven, of Stephen and Elizabeth, that came to maturity. He died in 1787, and was followed in the possession by his son, Thaddeus, whose wife, Sarah Stearns, died in 1807. Amos Hartwell (Deacon) followed the Davis family. It was sold by him to the present owner.

Mead Place. - This abandoned homestead was once the scene of prosperity. Tliree families that flourished early in this territory, now withottt representatives here, seem, by the records, to be associated with this place. They are Cheever, Taylor, and :\read. Israel Mead, born in 1639, married, in 1669, Mary Hall, and settled here. Their son, Stephen, born in 1679, married, in 1700, Ettth Taylor (daughter of Joseph), and followed in the possession. Stephen Mead died, and left one young son, Joseph. Euth (Taylor) Mead married, second, in 1718, Daniel Cheever; hence the Cheever possession. He was active in forming the new town, and died in 1733. The estate was purchased by Joseph Mead, in 1744, for four hundred and thirty pounds. The next in the family possession was his son, Stephen, who married, in 1765, Desire Batchelder, widow of Joseph Brown. They were succeeded by their son, Asa, who married, in 1803, Nabby Eames. Artemas, the youngest child of Asa and Xabby (Eames) Mead, born in 1817, spent part of his life here, sold the farm, and located in Woburn. Asa, born Feb. 4, 1804,

MuDGE Fakm. - Tliis is included in that jjart of the ]\Ierriani sliare of common lands of Concord that came within the limits of Bedford at the incorporation. Nathaniel Merriam, chosen deacon in 1730, was located here, with his family. He died in 1738, and was succeeded by his son, John (Lieut.). He died in 1767. After his decease the farm was divided, and John established a home on the opposite side of the highway, while William remained at the old home. Lieut. William Merriam had a large faniilj- here. He was prominent in town until he was mentally diseased. The farm was sold to Benjamin Simonds, in 1815, by Thompson Bacon, guardian of William. Seth Whitford was a subsequent owner, and William Mudge purchased the estate in 1856. John Merriam, who settled on the other half of this farm, married Hannah Brooks Dec. 4, 1760. He was succeeded by his son, John, who was followed by Eldridge. He sold to Amos Hartwell.

C. L. Wait. - This farm probably included the Michael Bacon purchase of Roger Shaw. Oliver Reed settled here about 1750. Had a son, C)liver, born in 1755, who lived in the west part of the town, and a son, Reuben, continued the family possession. He was followed by Cyrus Reed. It then passed out of the family. Roger Lane was a subsequent owner, and his son, George, planted the hedge of pine trees bordering "Evergreen Avenue." Hiram Clark followed Lane, and after him there were several owners before the present, one of whom was Royal Pierce.

Benjamin Danforth was innkeejier here when the town wfc incorporated. Capt. John Webber, of Scotch origin, born 1733, married Sarah Fassett, and settled here about 1760, and had twelve children, who became heads of the various branches of that family. Nine of the twelve children of Captain John lived to the average age of seventy-six years and six months.

Hensley. - Christopher Page was located here on a portion of the Nathaniel Page purchase, about 1700. He sold to Job Lane, Sr., in March, 1727. Lane followed the business of an innkeeper until his death, 1747. William Webber married Mary Abbott, and settled here in 1791. After his death, 1833, there were Gurney, Ryon, Ward, and Hensley. The old house was destroj-ed by fire, and the present dwelling was erected by the last-named possessor.

William Lyons. - It was first included in the Page purchase. James Webber and Hannah Davis married in 1804 and established a home here. They had two daughters, and adopted William, who lost his eye in hunting for crows. (See Bounty for crows, etc.) Larkin P. Page spent some years on this farm, and sold to present owner, who built the dwelling.

Michael Myers. - This farm was included in the Page purchase, 16S7. Christopher Page married Susannah Webber, and settled here about 1740. They had six children, two of whom reached mature life. Their son Christopher, born 1743, went from this home to Concord, April 19, 1775 (one of the minute men). Their daughter Mary, born 1746, married Deacon Nathan Reed, of Lexington. John Davis was a later owner ; he was followed by others who sold to the present occupant.

granted in 1652 to Eev. Jonathan Mitchell; second minister of Cambridge. (See General History.) It was all purchased by Michael Bacon, V JiiJy 19, 1682, for £200. No doubt other lands are included in these farms as they are now Ijounded. The Wheeler family are early foixnd located at Ernstein's and Rosenthal's. 0. W. Fisk's farm occupies a central portion of the Bacon purchase. Capt. Jonathan Wilson was living here at the time of the Revolution. He went from his home at the head of the minute men of the town, to Concord, and was killed April 19, 1775. (See IMilitary History and Epitaphs.) Wilson was connected with the Bacon family by marriage. Among later owners were Cogswell and Clifton. Frank Frost occupies the Bacon house, supposed to be the original. Six generations of the Bacon family were born in it. (See Frontispiece.) Garrison " No. 10," of 1675 was in this vicinity. Joseph Skinner pu.rchased of Bacon, erected the buildings which he occupied, and conducted the business of a farmer and blacksmith until his death. John Ireland has that part of the Bacon purchase upon which Capt. Goodridge was early settled. He was succeeded by his son Bowman, Elijah Brown and Frank Frost. Frank P. Fitch has a part of the estate purchased bj- Benjamin Fitch about 1730. It included the mill site now owned by Charles H. Clark. The homestead and mill were held as one estate by three generations of the Fitch familj-, viz., Benjamin, David, David. The last-named sold the mill to William M. Ashby, and Charles H. Clark was his successor. The homestead was inherited by Nathan, and is noA\' owned by Frank 1*. Fitch, who is of the fifth generation in the family possession. The house was built by the second David.

The Stream And Mill

John Butterfield's farm includes that upon which Hugh Maxwell settled about the time of the incorporation. The famous warriors, Hugh and Thompson Maxwell were born on this estate. The Bowman family were found here later, and Capt. Elijah Skelton owned and occupied the place is 1816. Josiah Gleason followed him, and was succeeded by Mrs. Walcott.

HuNNEWELL and Skelton are located ou the Gookin grant, which had for its southern boundeiy Vinebrook. It was sold to Robert Thompson, Augirst, 1761. Amos Hunnewell has that part which was occupied by Deacon Michael Crosby about 1812, and by his descendants for many j^ears. Edmund Skelton's homestead is that part of the grant on which Hutchinson lived. The house was built by White. " Esquire Yates " lived here in 1815. The abandoned house was a Bacon possession. Oliver Bacon was the owner in 1778. The Gookin grant also included the Wj^man homestead. It was the home of Amos, whose wife entertained Hancock and Adams on April 19, 1775.

WiLLARD Ladd's farm and H. H. Staples' mill, with the other real estate on the south side of Vine Brook, represent several small grants, including one of thirty acres "to encourage John Wilson's Come Mill," in 1685. It was a Wilson settlement until a comparatively recent date. Gleason and Blodget each carried on the business of milling here. The brick house was occupied by the latter in 1812.

McCarty oe William Page Farm. - The name of Joseph Fassett is early traced to this farm. He bought of Timothy Brooks a part of the Oakes farm. He was the head of the family in this territory, "accepted inhabitant in 1(?79, June 2." Ebenezer Page appears here after the Fassetts, and later William Page, whose name is still associated with the land.

David L. B. Fitch. - This farm was included in the Edward Oakes grant. Leonard White established the home. He was a farmer and a noted teamster. His ambition to outdo others of the same business led him to drive a load of wood to Boston, which the authorities refused to admit to the city streets. The present owner is the third generation of Fitches in possession.

E. G. LooMis. - The Edward Oakes grant included this homestead. George Farley and Ealpli Hill were purchasers in 1661. David Eeed had the farm from Hartwell. He removed the original dwelling which stood on the opposite side of the street. David Reed married Hannah Kaymond, in 1772, and established a home here. He built the mansion now standing, which he occupied as a tavern, with the sign pictured below. After the Keed family's possession ceased, the farm had several temporary owners, among whom was Hodgman, who conducted the business of a butcher. Jonathan returned to Bedford aud settled on the David Reed farm. It remained in the Lane name until the death of Mrs. Lane, 1882, when E. G. Loomis, Esq., grandson of Jonathan aud Ruhamah Lane, became the owner.

Moses E. Rowe. - The land was included with the above described estate. The buildings were erected by John A. Merriam. Albert Bacon was a later possessor and sold to Ephriam Jones, of whose heirs the present owner made the purchase.

Brovs'n and Hartwell farms with the Town Farm, a home for the poor, were all owned by Pages, and were included in the Page purchase and in the common grounds not divided until 1707. Thomas Page married Anna Merriam aud settled at the Hartwell farm about 1756. They had no children, but treated nephews as such. The decease of Anna Page occurred in 1810 ; when Joseph Brown had one farm, and Nathaniel had the other. The latter sold to Buttrick, who occupied the farm for awhile ; and Joseph Hartwell followed after this, at whose death (1868) it was sold to David Constantine. Joseph Brown was succeeded by son Moses F., whose descendants are now in possession of the farm. David Page, known as " King David," was an early owner of the " Poor Farm."

Bedford Springs

Lane married, Ji^ly 27, 1815, Ruhamah Page, and located in the north part of the town, where he conducted the business of a cooper, and later, 1824, became a merchant in Boston. In 1847

Constantine Hill. - This was a Hill homestead at and before the incorporation. The buildings aud a part of the land came within the limits of Bedford. Josiah Hill married Su- sanna Davis, iu 17S9, and settled here. He was succeeded by his son Constantiue, who erected the present dwelling on the site of the old one, which was of a very primitive style. There was a secret apartment in the centre of the house, known as " Grimes' Hole." The tradition is that in the days of Indian alarms a man by that name lived on the farm and had a secret hiding place. The old house was used not only for a dwelling, but as a place for curing hops, this being a crop much cultivated on the farm. There were other buildings near the Hill farm, as appears from the following : -

"Boston, Nov. 27, 1798. Received of Mr. Josiah Hill four pound in Cash and four pound in Cyder, in full of the Rent of my house and Land in Bedford, from first April, 1798, to first April, 1799. - Abigail Otis."

It appears that Josiah Hill was of the " aristocracy " of that time, as he was taxed in September, 1800, "a duty of three dollars upon a two-wheel carriage, called a chaise, owned by him, with a top, to be drawn by. one horse, for the conveyance of persons." The estate, in i^art, remained in the Hill name until about 1885.

Robinson House

RoBixsoN or FosTEE. - This is one of the very old homesteads of Bedford. The house, demolished about 1870, was of the oldest styles of architecture of New England. The bricklined wall leads to the conclusion that it was used as a resort for safety in the Indian wars, and may have been the garrison that has not been located in the town, of which there is evidence. The name of Bowman is traced to this place before 1700. Jesse Robinson bought the place and settled here about 1800. His son Charles remained on the homestead, where three of the third generation were born. The estate was sold out of the family about 1870, since which the present dwelling has been erected on the exact site of the former.

Sa5Ips0N House

his daughter, Phoebe Fitch Sprague, wife of John, who was sou of Nicholas, of Billerica, born April 26, 1759. It was next in possession of their daughter Susannah, wife of William Clark ; and she was succeeded by her daughter, Sarah C, wife of Albert P. Sampson. The cedar swamp, divided into lots, is separated from the estate by " Mingo Ditch." The swamp is designated in a deed from Andrew Wadkins to James Wheeler, in 1728, as " Sancta Domingo Swamp," which in our language may be called Sacred Dominion, and may suggest the present " Mingo." C. H. Wood. - This was the Wright estate. The " Old Red House " was occupied by several generations of the family. James Wright was in the Revolution from Bedford. He was chosen .deacon in 1785, and was a prominent man in town and church. He led in the music of worship and had charge of the town's " Pitch Pipe " and '-' Big Fiddle." The first birth in the family recorded in town was that of Tabitha, born in 1768. The Wrights carried on the business of tanning and currying here. Henry Wood followed the Wrights in possession, and his son succeeded him, and erected the present commodious buildings.

Associated with the Wright homestead was that now owned by Martin Kelley. It was a part of the Page purchase of 1687. Timothy Page, son of John and Rebecca Wheeler, born 1741, married and settled here about 1767. Their children were Joseph W. and Dorcas. The latter was born three days after the opening engagement of the Revolution, in which her father took a part at Concord. He entered the Continental army, and was killed at White Plains, N.Y. Dorcas Page married James Wright, Jr., and became the mother of seven children. Tarbox, Centre, and Bacon were owners of the estate before the present, who erected the modern dwelling, and converted the barren acres to a productive vegetable farm.

of the farm was doubtless taken from the sliare of the allotment of 1707 that fell to Jonathan Hill. Oliver Pollard, who married JNIary Hill in 1777, was an early possessor of the estate. Rev. Nathaniel Sherman, settled as minister of the town in 1759, lived at this place during a part of his ministry. Oliver Pollard, Sr., died in 1831, aged 94 years. He was succeeded by his son Oliver, who built the present dwelling, and sold to John Smith, whose son, George H., continued the family possession until his death, in 1889.

WiNTHEoF Farm. - Hiram Dutton's house is thought to represent the first dwelling erected on the Winthrop Farm, and it is not impossible that the ancient house now standing was built by Job Lane soon after his purchase of fifteen hundred acres of Fitz John Winthrop, in 1664. The farm was in the family possession for many years. Moses Fitch was a more recent owner and was succeeded by Abbott, who was followed by the present possessor.

Brook Side is a very aj^projjriate name given to the Fitch homestead. Samuel Fitch, who inherited one-fourth of the Winthrop farm from his grandfather. Job Lane, built a house and settled here previous to 1696. Samuel was the first clerk of the town of Bedford. He was succeeded in the homestead possession by a son Jeremiah, who had a son Jeremiah. The owners in the fourth generation of the name were Matthew and John (twin sons of Jeremiah, 2d). Four brothers went from this estate to Concord on the morning of April 19, 1775. After about one hundred and twenty-five years of Fitch possession, the farm was bought by John P. Reed, who removed the old house. It stood near the brook, which crossed beneath the highway in its winding course to the river. The sills of the house were below the surface, requiring a step down to enter the rooms. Charles L. Wait was a later OAvuer, and the present is Marcellus Copeland.

Sunny Side is the name recently given to a second homestead that was taken from the Fitch land. Stephen Lane, son of Timothy and Lydia (Davis), born in 1755, married Alice (Stearns) Abbott, in 1806, and lived here. Their daughter, Lydia Harriet, wife of John W. Hayward, inherited the property, and sold to Justu.s P. Hastings ; others have followed in ownership. Mrs. Hooper is now in possession.

John Lane married, in 1745, Ruth Bowman, and later, Mrs. Sarah (Abbott) Hildreth, and settled on that part of the Job Lane estate known as the George Fisk homestead. Jonathan, born in 1763, succeeded his father iu the possession. He married Hannah Lane, daughter of Samuel. They had a large family born here, of whom, Jonathan, married Ruhamah Page, and carried on the business of a coojier, on the homestead, until he removed to Boston, in 1824. Their son, Hon. Jonathan A. Lane, of Boston, began life at this place. Charles Lane, the donor of the Town Hall clock, was one of the sixth generation. Arinda Lane, sister of Charles, married George Fisk, in 1824, and remained, with her family, at her paternal homestead. George Fisk manufactured band-boxes here. It was the birthplace of Jonathan Fisk, who died in the Civil War. One of the first chaises owned in town was bought by Hannah Lane, after the death of her husband. The first cooking stove owned in town was used here by George Fisk.

Frederick Davis. This was a Lane possession, until sold by John Lane to Dea. Moses Fitch, who married Rachel Stearns, and occupied it. They were succeeded by sou Joel, who sold to Thaddeus Davis, father of the present owner. The original buildings were removed by the first Davis owner, who erected new ones which were destroyed by fire, after which the present commodious buildings were erected.

Edward A. Butters. It was a part of Oliver Pollard's estate, and formerly included in the Lane farm. A plan made by Stephen Davis, in 1773, shows Pollard as owner at that time. His son Obed received it as a reward for marrying before other members of his generation in the family. Levi Bailey bought the estate early in the present century. It was sold by his executor to a grandson, the present owner.

Elm Farm is a name given by the present owners of a share of the Lane farm. Capt. Samuel Lane, who died in 1802, was the last of the name to cultivate this farm. His heirs joined in a deed of sale to Oliver Pollard, April 20, 1803. Jacob Gragg was a later owner. He started the present dwelling, which has been greatly enlarged. The modern additions were made in 1890 by the owner, George C. Skilton.

Job B. Lane. This estate has never been out of the Lane family since the purchase by Job, in 1664. Walter David, now living with his mother at the homestead, is of the eighth generation of the family and name who have occupied this estate. The house was built by David. (See Family Record.)

present owner, Mrs. Drake. The old house stood west of the present highwaj\ On Stephen Davis' plan James Lane is located there in 1773. rive generations of the name of Lane were born there. Oliver J. Lane built the present dwelling. Francis Rodman. The dwelling stands on the western border of the common grounds of Billerica which were divided in 1707, but jmrt cf the land was included in the Job Lane purchase. Meshach Penniman, brother of the third minister, was located at this place during the Revolution. The town took special precaution to prevent his gaining a residence, by refusing to tax him, and the Lanes may never have quitted their claim. James Lane, with his wife, Molly Pollard, were the successors of Penniman. Owners since the Lanes have been Goodwin, Mansfield, Bacon, Cutler, Davis, to the present.

William W. Farrell. This pai-t of the Winthrop Farm left the Lane name when purchased by Quincy Blake, of the heirs of Eliab Lane. The house was built very early, probably by Joseph Fitch, who married Sarah Grimes, in 1731. He was a builder of note, and the contractor for building the first meeting-house. He is recorded as a mill-wright, and without doubt was the early proprietor of the mill on Peppergrass Brook. Josiah Crosby, at the age of fifteen years, was bound to Joseph Fitch to learn the " millright's art."

Fitzgeralds. - This is thought to have been the tavern kept by Walter Pollard. (See Industries.) There was an early saw-mill on Peppergrass Brook where it crosses this farm. It belonged to the Lane estate. The present house is supposed to have been moved from that locality. Pollard was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Penniman. Dr. Amariah Preston, who began the practice of medicine in this town in 1790, married Hannah Reed, October 18 of that year, and located at this place. (See Biographical Sketch.) He was succeeded by Jane Pollard, who married Thomas Smith in 1833. It was later owned by Daniel Kinnivan, and now held by his heirs.

Samuel H. Huckius' farm represents a part of the Job Lane purchase of 1664. John Lane married, in 1714, Catherine Whiting, and located here. He was succeeded by his son, Samuel, who died June 26, 1802, and, leaving no sons, the estate was no longer held in the name. The original dwelling was strongly built, with plank walls and brick linings. It was removed by Peter Farmer, who built the present house. He was succeeded bj- Baufield, who was followed by the present owner.

farm extends into that part of the Dudley Farm which was purchased by John Stearns. Job Lane, the founder of the second Lane family in this town, bought a house and fifty acres of land of Caleb Farley, about the year 1700. This he exchanged with Christopher Page for a house and one hundred and fifty acres of land, near the Shawshine River, in the year 1727. The Hutchinson family is found here soon after the incorporation of Bedford. Benjamin and his wife, Rebecca, were doubtless residents of the place. She died in 1814 and he in 1815. They had each attained the age of ninety-one years. Simeon Stearns bought the place after the death of the Hutchinsons, and settled here. He was succeeded by his son, Elbridge W., who sold the estate and located in the village.

Dudley L. Pickman is the present owner of that part of the Dudley farm which was owned by Edward Stearns in 1766, and then set off to Bedford. His son, Elijah, succeeded to the homestead, and was followed by his brother, Simeon. B. B. Frothiugham, of Charlestown, came later, and was followed by James Vila. Walcott and Emery came about 1840, removed the old house, and built the present dwelling. The property has had numerous owners, and is now in the possession of one who is descended from Lieut-Gov Dudley, who, with Gov. John Winthrop, selected their farms, in 1638, when standing by the boulders seen in the illustration which they then named the "Two Brothers,'"' "in remembrance that they were brothers by their children's marriage, and did so brotherly agree." The line of descent of the present owner from the grantee of the colony is as follows : Gov. Dudley (grantee) ; Rev. Samuel Dudley; Dorothy Dudley, married Moses Leavett; Rev. Dudley Leavitt ; Mary Pickering Leavitt, married William Pickman ; Dudley L. Pickman ; William Dudley Pickman ; Dudley Leavitt Pickman. Tradition says that the large trees seen in the rear of the buildings were being set by Solomon Stearns at the time of the alarm of the march of the British. He was in the engagement at Concord, April 19, 1775, entered the camp at Cambridge, and there contracted a disease which terminated his life in one month. Timber for the first bridge built over Charles River at Charlestown came from this farm. It was furnished by Edward Stearns.

William J. Stoddard was the last owner of the Uriah Goodwin homestead, who occupied it many years. Goodwin was from Billerica. He was succeeded by his son, Uriah, who built the house on the site of the original, which was destroyed by fire. Uriah Goodwin lived in Bos-

Rev. Samuel Stearns. - This homestead represents a part of the common land that was divided in 1707. Tlie house was built for Rev. Josejjli Penniman, the third minister of the town. It was the second house of which Reuben Duren was the architect. It was not fully completed when Rev. Samuel Stearns became the minister of the town, and purchased the mansion-house with a farm of about twenty acres. It is still owned by the family.

homestead. He was a faithful friend of his native town. Miss Caroline M. Fitch next succeeded to the possession, and still owns the homestead." There was once included with the farm all of the land from the Elbridge AV. Stearns estate to the Common. The benevolent and progressive spirit of Jeremiah Fitch (third) prompted him to offer inducements to people to build houses and establish homes. Some of the builders on the Fitch land were David Rice, Amos B. Cutler, Lewis P. Gleason, Edward Merritt, and George Duttou.

The Steahxs House

Aaron H. ^NIarch. - The first store of the town was kept on this site by Henry Abbott, of Andover. He began the business of a storekeeper soon after the fourth minister began his work among the people. Abbott was succeeded by Elijah Stearns, Esq., who erected the house and the building now used for a store. The first post-office was established on this site. The present owner purchased of the Stearns heirs.

Stone Croft Farm is the oldest homestead in the village. Benjamin Kidder bought laud of several parties between 1729 and 1756, and built the present dwelling before 1731. He sold to Daniel Rea or Ray, whose two sons sold to Jeremiah Fitch, Jr., in 1766, who kept tavern here and provided the entertainment for the minute men on the morning of April 19, 1775. He occupied it until death, in 1808, and was succeeded by his son Jeremiah, who was a merchant in Boston, and spent but little time at the

Rounds. - This homestead was a portion of the estate of John Reed, Esq., who died in 1805. It was inherited by his son Roger, who erected the present mansion on the site of one of the very early houses of the town. He married, in 1790, Sarah (daughter of Capt. John Webber and Sarah Fassett). Their children born here were Sally and Eliot. The latter married, in 1821, Capt. Charles 0. Gragg (a seafaring man). The homestead was sold by them, and has had various owners before the present.

Silas Wilkins. - The homestead on Wilkins' Hill was included in John Moore's farm, and was inherited by his daughter Mary, who married Thaddeus Fitch, son of Josejili. Their three children, Mary, Sarah, and Joseph, were born

Speixg Street. - Previous to 1828 the iirst dwelling on this street, in going from the village, was that already designated as the INIrs. Sarah Foster place, better known to earlier generations by the name of Kobin-sox. Mr. Joshua Page, whose career as a builder marks a very important ej50ch in the development of the town, began the Spring street enterprise about 1828. He purchased a pasture of James Wright, and began the buildings on the north side of the street, following the wisdom of the fathers, who located so as to face the south. He purchased and removed the second schoolhouse of the Centre, after the erection of the brick house, and made it into two tenements, known as the Saunders place. It was early owned and occupied by Job Webber, son of Capt. John, then by son Artemas, and by his son, Marcus B.

Henry Woods. - Joseph French was the owner and occupant as early as 1780. He was in the Concord settlement in 1761, and had Samuel, Joseph, Elizabeth, Mary, Margaret, and Jonathan, born between 1676 and 1690. (Shattuck.) The French dwelling was a garrison house in the early Indian wars. It was forty-two feet long by twenty wide, and in later years had " an ell " twenty by sixteen feet. The upper story of the garrison projected over the lower on the side facing the highway, and in this projection were loopholes, through which the flintlock muskets could be put and discharged in time of attack by the Indians. The door was thickly studded with wrought iron nails to prevent the Indians from splitting it. There was also a large iron locker ujjon it. The family had much trouble from the natives, and when employed on back lots kept a musket near at hand, as the savages would appear from their hiding places without provocation. The garrison was destroyed in the September gale of 1815.

The "ell" was built iu 1693 to accommodate a daughter, wlio married Kichard Wheeler. Joseph French, Sr., died in 1732. He provided by will for his wife. With other articles of produce from the farm, she was to have five barrels of eider annually. Joseph French, Jr., proved an unfaithful executor of his father's will, and years were spent in litigation. The Woolley possession came through the marriage of Samuel with a daughter of Joseph French.

Samuel French died in 1738, without issue, having bequeathed his share of the estate to relatives, and made provision for gravestones for his parents as well as himself. Richard Wheeler sold his share to Jonathan, brother of

Samuel Woolley. The Woolley brothers carried on the farm together. Jonathan was a giant in stature ; he was killed by falling into a hole in the vicinity of the Virginia road. His share of the estate was divided between his brothers and sisters. ^lary, one of them, who married Josiah Davis, had set off to her the land on which the " red house " was located about 1767. The Davis share was sold in 1791 to Edward Carey, son of Rebecca French, and by him sold to Oliver Reed, Jr.. in 1795. By a deed of Dec. 18, 1731, Joseph French, Jr., gave to Rebecca Carey, his daughter, " one acre of upland and orchard with one-half of the house, standing upon a part of two acres of upland conveyed to him by his father ; " and French sold in 1732 to James Carey, " about one-half acre of land and half a malt-house standing thereon." Samuel Woolley became the possessor of a large share of the estate, on which he spent his life. He was a prominent man of the town for forty years, was often entrusted with the care of the estates of widows and orphans. Samuel Hartwell married Sarah Woolley, and they sold to Oliver Reed in 1785. Thus the whole estate became the property of the Reed family, and remained in the name until sold to Henry Wood by the heirs of Nathan 0. Reed, who were of the fourth generation in possession. Mr. Wood erected the mansion house.

Three names that are found in the early tax records of the town are traced to this farm, viz., Benjamin Colburn, who married Elizabeth Woolley, William Colburn, who married Margaret Woolley, and James Carey, who married Rebecca French. Carey was a Nantucket merchant.

Miss Abby L. Hartwell. - This was built by Jonathan Bacon at the beginning of the century. The next owner was John ^Nlerriam, Esq. Then followed Dea. Amos Hartwell, and the present owner and occupant.

3rrs. Elizabeth Hartwell. - This was a portion of the estate of John Merriam, Esq. Inherited by daughter Susan, wife of Dr. A. B. Adams. Sold by Adams to Joseph Hartwell about 1865.

- Dudley Hartford. - Built by Jolm Merriam, Esq., and occupied by son John Agustus, who inherited the estate from his father. Sold by him, and has passed through several names to the present.

:Mrs. Eliza Webber and Mr. Hikam Reed. - The east end of the house was the first schoolhouse built in the South district, added to and completed by Elbridge Bacon.

ment of the village iu the first quarter of the nineteenth century, so that of Wallace G. Webber marks one in the last quarter of the century. In 1886 he bought a field of the heirs of Dea. P. W. Chamberlin, built a street through the centre, laid out the land into building lots, and offered inducements to parties desiring to establish homes. Webber Avenue and the houses upon it, with the factory and dwelling on Loomis street, are the result of this opening enterprise. He later bought a portion of the Eeed, Stiles, Lawrence estate, built Hillside Avenue, and opened up the land for building on which his stable stands, having previously built his house and established a home on Main street. Other results of his enterprise are to be seen on South street.

Old Sites. - Beyond the Springs, and now included in that estate, was the Abbott homestead. Moses Abbott married Mary Hill in 1755, and probably located here and became the founders of the influential family of that name in this town for a century. It is very probable that Obed and Elizabeth settled here about 1725, and that their son Moses was born here, in January, 1727-8. It had been owned bj^ Hezekiali Hutchinson and Elijah Hill. Franklin Stearns and Sally Lane married in 1828, and settled here. It passed through different names to Joseph Brown, sold by his son Moses and widow Rachel to Dr. W. R, Hayden, about 1860.

In the field nearly opposite the home of Peter Kelly, in South Bedford, was the Samuel Merriam homestead. In the same' locality, on the John Merriam estate, was the Trask home.

The home of Michael McMahan is on the site of the Porter homestead. It was a prominent estate, and owned by a leading family about 1760. Joseph Porter died here July, 1770.

On the Amos Hunnewell farm may be seen two cellar depressions. On one stood a house that was moved to the site of the Crosby house. It was a very strong building with brick-lined walls.

"Saul Bacon's" house was on the north side of Pine Hill road, on the Henry Jefts portion of the Squadron division of 1707. The Bacon farm was purchased by Oliver Pollard early in the centurj-, and the house, which must have been

On the right hand side of the street in going from the village to Hosmer and Muzzy's stood the Bacon dwelling. A little north of the Hosmer and Muzzy house, on the right hand side of the road, was the Blood dwelling ; and between Josiah Davis' dwelling and the river was another Blood dwelling. The later estate was purchased by Davis and Fitch.

Chapter Xxxv

Sketches of the Clerf/ymen icho have Succeeded Jler. Samjiet Steams as Pastor of the Church of Christ and Trinitarian Congregational Society, in their Order of Service.

Rev. Jonathan Leavitt, son of Roswell Leavitt and Dorothy Ashley, was born at Cornish, N.H., Oct. 21, 1800. He fitted for college at Meriden, N.H., and graduated as valedictorian of his class at Amherst College in 1826, and studied theology at Andover Seminary. He went to South Carolina, making the journey from his native town on horseback. He preached for a time at Pendleton, S.C, and then returned, and labored as minister at Acworth, N.H., and at Waltham, Mass., and settled as the immediate successor of Rev. Samuel Stearns, at Bedford, Jan. 11, 1837, where he ministered until Oct. 12, 1840, when he was dismissed to enter upon a broader field of labor at Providence, R. I., and there remained as pastor of Richmond Street Church a quarter of a century, when his health failed, and he resigned. One who knew him as a preacher says of him: "He preached without notes, he was very scriptural and very spiritual, his figure was striking, his voice clear and admirable in modulation, his sermonizing original and of a high order ; often he was mystical, very often thrillingly eloquent. He was an effective preacher in saving men and women. He belonged to a type which has largely disappeared." The students of Brown University were attracted to his church, and many were regular worshippers with his j)eople. Amherst College, of which he was a trustee iu 1855, honored him, in 1863, with the degree of D.D., which he declined, as a matter of conscience, as he had previously declined the offer of a professorship. He married, Oct. 10, 1837, Charlotte Esther, daughter of Rev. Samuel Stearns, his predecessor in the Bedford ministry. She died Feb. 27, 1850. He died Oct. 7,

1877. Children: Edward Chalmers, born March 9, 1842, a prominent artist in Providence, E.I. ; Charlotte Elizabeth, born jMarch 4, 1846, who married Edward E. Slocum, of Providence.

Rev. Samuel Hopkins Emery is of the seventh generation in this country. The immigrant ancestor was John, who came, with a brother, Anthony, in the ship "James," from England, and settled at Newbury in 1635. Samuel was born at Boxford, Mass., Aug. 22, 1815, son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Welch) Emery. He entered Phillips Academy at the age of eight years. John Adams was then principal. From there he entered Amherst College, as sophomore, at the age of sixteen, and graduated in 1834, with the second appointment of salutatory in Latin, in the class with Henry Ward Beecher. He completed a course at Andover Theological Seminary in 1837, and was immediately settled as pastor of a new church in Taunton, Mass., where he labored until January, 1841. He was installed at Bedford as the immediate successor of Rev. Jonathan Leavitt, who had been called to Providence, R.I. His pastorate in this town, of four and a half years, was during the ardor of his youth in the ministry, and the beneficent impressions made are still manifest. His ability, then apparent, has strengthened during the almost half century cations. He has been president of the Old Colony Historical Society for many years. He married, March 7, 1838, Julia, daughter of Hon. William Reed, of Taunton. She had been pupil and teacher in Ipswich Female Seminary. Children : William Reed, died young ; Samuel Hopkins, graduate of Harvard law school, a manufacturer in Quincy, 111. ; Francis Walcott Reed, in business in Taunton ; Joseph Welch, a manufacturer in Quincy, 111.

Rev. Oren Sikes son of Jonathan and Cyrena Sikes, was born at Ludlow, Mass., Oct. 26, 1805. He was educated at Monson Academy and Bangor Theological Seminary, and was ordained and installed at Union, Me., June 8, 1831. He was installed at Mercer, Me., Jan. 30, 1833. and at Bedford, June 3, 1846, where he continued to preach until his death, Dec. 15, 1852. " Orthodox in his doctrinal belief, an able and faithful preacher, a wise and affectionate pastor, a good citizen, a godly man." He married, Nov. 4, 1832, Julia Knox, daughter of Eben and Lucy Knox Thatcher, of Thomaston, Me. She died Oct. 19, 1851. Children : Oren C, died Sept. 14, 1879; Julia C. married Rev. William F. Bacon, died Feb. 19, 1859; Catherine P., married Milton A. Fowler, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. ; Henry K., of Peoria, 111.; Caroline E. H., died in infancy.

that has elaj^sed since he closed his pastorate in this town. He was recalled to the Taunton church, theuce to Quincy, 111., and was for a time at Chicago, Providence, R.I., Bridgeport, Conn., and North Middleboro, Mass. He was called to the superintendence of the charity work of Taunton by a committee representing all of the churches of that city, and has spent fourteen years in that service. He was a representative to the Legislature in 1890 and 1891 from Taunton, being both years a member of the committee on education and House chairman of the committee on parishes and religious societies. He is an authority on historical and genealogical work, being the author of " The Ministry of Taunton,"' and other similar publi-

Rev. Henry Johnson Patrick, son of Rev. Joseph H. and JMary Patrick, was born in Warren, Sept. 20, 1827, and prepared for college at Warren, Wilbraham, and Amherst; graduated from Amherst College in 1848, and from Andover Theological Seminary in 1853 ; licensed to preach April 1, 1853; settled as pastor at Bedford, Nov. 10, 1854; dismissed Aug. 28, 1860, and installed at West Newton, Sept. 26, 1860, where he has since labored. During his pastorate in this town he was a representative to the General Court (1857-8). He was a delegate of the Christian Commission in the armj' of the Potomac, at City Point, 1865, and travelled abroad during the summer of 1S86. He was honored with the degree of D.D. by Amherst College in

Rev. William J. Batt, son of Richard W. and Laura (Bliss) Batt, was born in Fall River, Oct. 5, 18.'U. He was educated at Brown University, class of 1855, and Andover Theological Seminary, class of 1858. He was ordained to the ministry in Stoneham, in 1859, from which time he was pastor there until 18G1, when he was invited to the Church of Christ in Bedford, where lie labored four years. His ministry here included the trying period of the Civil War, and his services were with the entire Protestant community, worship being steadily held in but one church. He was installed at Leominster in 18(35. After a residence there of ten years, he was recalled to Stoneham, where he remained ten years. Resigning in 1885, he accepted the position of chaplain of the Massachusetts Reformatory, where he is still a faithful laborer for the good of his fellow men. He married, Oct. 5, 1859, Mary D. Davol, <if Fall River. She died Dec. 30, ISTt). Children : AVilliam M., born Jan. 22, 1861; Mary Davol, born May 30, 1863; Arthur L., born June 10, 1865, and died July 2, 1870; Florence W., born Feb. 28, 1867, and died May 19, 1874; Almira Jjuura, born May 6, 1869.

Rev. George Lewis, son of Lothvo]) Lewis, was born in Bridgton, Me., Jan. 21, 1839. He was educated in the Academy of his native town and Bangor Theological Seminary. He was ordained at Bedford, Dec. 13, 1865, aud installed as pastor of the Church of Christ of the town at the same service. His ministry was rendered brief on account of ill health, and he was dismissed Nov. 14, 1867. He was later settled iu Alfred, .Me., and is now pastor at South Berwick, Me., where he has been for many years. He married, Nov. 29, 1865, Katherine B. L. McLellare, of Maine.

Rev. Edward Chase was born Oct. 9, 1836; educated at Union College, Maine, and Andover Theological Seminary, and ordained at Portland, Me. in 1863. He was installed as pastor in this town Feb. 17, 1869, and dismissed March 17, 1875. He is now settled at Hallowell, Me., having had a previous pastorate at Biddeford. Me. He married, March Itt, 1869, Sarah Brooks. Children : Charles Goes, born April 26, 1870 ; Martha H., born May 4, 1874 ; Sarah B., born June 20, 1880, and died Dec. 26, 1890.

Rev. Otis D. Crawford, second sou of Hon. James Crawford, of Dubuque, la., and Mary Bellows Dickinson, grandaughter of Col. Caleb Bellows, after whom Bellows Falls, Vt., was named, was born Feb. 5, 1842. His father died in 1846, and he was educated in occasional schools and in a general store in Maquoketa, la., in Appleton Academy, New Ipswich, N.H., Iowa College, and at Chicago Theological Seminary, where he took a full course, and graduated in 1872. This was supplemented by a three months course at Oberlin, under President Finney, and at Andover Theolog cal Seminary in the winter of 1876-7, under Professors Park and Phelps. He was ordained Nov. 1, 1872, and entered upon home missionary work in his native state. He was settled at Hampton, la., for two years, and in Sunderland, Mass., in the winter of 1874-5. He became acting ]iastor at Bedford, Aug. 1, 1875, and 'remained until Nov. 1, 1876, since which time he has labored in the South and West. His work is that of a revivalist, in which he has been abundantly blessed. His term of service in the South was spent at Mobile, Ala., where he had charge of Emerson Institute, and at New Orleans, where he superintended the erection of Whitin Hall for Straight University. Mr. Crawford enlisted in Company A, Ninth Regiment, of Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Arrg. 9, 1861, for three years or during the war. His regiment was mustered into service Sept. 24, 1861. The field of operation was the Mississippi Valley, and he was engaged iu battles at Pea Ridge, Ark.j Bayou Cashe, Chickasaw Bluffs, outpost of Vickburg, Arkansas Post. Jackson, Miss., and Vicksburg. In General Sherman's corps, at the last ])lace, he was wounded in an assault upon the works, May 22, 1863. He suffered from an open wound in the shoulder for thirteen months, which jirevented him from re-enlisting, and he was discharged Sept. 24, 1864, and granted a pension. He was corporal in the color guard, and as such, at the engagement where he received his wound, was able to save the standard which had been presented to the "Greyhound Regiment" by the ladies of Boston. He married, Sept. 1, 1874, Clara ]M. Wood, a native of Swansea, Mass. Child : Lulu Addie, born Jan. 9, 1878.

Rev. George Edwards Lovejoy, son of John H. and Sally (Grout) Lovejoy, was born in Bradford, June 30, 1843. His early education was obtained in the public schools of his native town and in various academies. His plans for life were interfered with by the Civil War. He enlisted as a private in August, 1862, being assigned to the Twenty-second JIassachusetts Regiment, First Brigade, First Division, Fifth Army Corps. He remained a member of this regiment until it was mustered out of service, when, having re-enlisted, he was transferred to the thirtysecond regiment, with which he was connected until the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Antietam, Shepardstown, Clmncellorsville, Rappahannock Station, Getty.sburg, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg, where his regiment was distinguished for its services. In ISfiM lie began special preparations for the gospel niiiHStry, and completed a course at Andover Theological Seminary in 1873. He was ordained and installed as i)astor of the Congregational Chureli of Candia, X. H., July l(i, 1873, where he remained until the sjiring of 1877, and on the 12th of the following September was installed as pastor of the -Church of Christ of Bedford. While here the town and church celebrated their one hundred and tiftietli anniversary. His sermon, commemorative of the organization of the latter, was published by the request of the peo])le, and is a valuable contribution to local history. He resigned at Bedford, to acce])t a call to the First Congregational Church of Franklin, wliere he was installed Dec. 8, 1880, and labored with marked success until the summer of 1891, when he accepted a call to Oak Park Church, Minneapolis, Alinn. He married, May 1. lS(i7, .Mary L. Sinclair, of Lowell.

Rev. Howard A. Hanaford, son of Dr. T. H. and Rev. Airs. P. A. Hanaford, was born at Nantucket town, Dec. 31, ISol, and -educated at Dean Academy, Antiocli College, Ohio, and Tufts Theological School. He was ordained at Wellfleet, as a Universalist, April 22, 1874, and entered the Congregegational ministry December, 1877. He was acting pastor in his native town for two years, and settled in Bedford, in April, 1881. He labored until the autumn of 1885, when he resigned, and accepted an acting pastorate at Middleboro, where he remained until 1888, and was then settled over the First Church of Winchester, N.H. He is prominent in the ^Masonic fraternity. He married, Nov. 4. 1874, Mary W. Landerkiii. Cliildren : Charles Leonard, burn Aug. 10, 1S7."i; .Maria Mitchell, born July 10, ISSO

Supplementary

Sixc?: Chap. Vl.of this history was printed changes have taken place, materially affecting the educational, social, and industrial relations of the town, and this chapter, which we en deavored to guard against, becomes necessary.

at a legal meeting held on Jan. 24, 1891, recommending the immediate erection of a school house. The town then voted to proceed to build a suitable house to accommodate all of the schools of the town. An appropriation of $10,000 was made for the purpose of procuring a site and erecting the building. This was the first instance in the town's history when a vote to build a school house of any size or kind was obtained at tlie first meeting held for the purpose. The building committee consisted of Wallace (j. Web- ber, Oliver J. Lane, AVallace A. Calef, Rev. Edwin Smith, and Edwin H. Blake. The work was judiciously done, and the Uxiox School House was completed in 1891.

From 1837 to 1861 the town received its proportion of the income of the Surplus Revenue Fund. The income of the State School Fund was first rec?ived in 1835. The revenue from the Dog Tax has some years been voted to schools, but usually it has gone to the use of the Free Public Library Corporation.

Bedford united with five neighboring towns in 1890 in forming a district for supervision, and thus secured special aid from the Stat^. George JL Wa Isworth was made su[)ervisor.