Billerica Town (part 7 of 17)

This list of Revolutionary soldiers is necessaril}- imperfect. Many of the rolls are lost ; and it would take months of lalioi" to go over the mass which is preserved, but imperfectly indexed, with such care that no name from any town would be likely -to escape. The town had representatives in various directions where no rolls of such service are found. If we had these lost records, they would probal)ly add lifty and jx-rhaps one hundred to the three hundred and seventeen enumerated above, ^^'hen we remember that the census of 177G gave the town a po[)nlation of ITjOO, we can see in part to what extent these patriotic fathers gave service and life, to found the nation. Their children should never forget at what a price they gained freedom for themselves and coming generations.

This chapter may fitly close with the tax list for 177(i, with such memoranda appended as, in the absence of a map, Avill help those who are iulcrt'sted to locate most of these patriotic tax-payers, and revive the memory of the town as it was one hundred 3'ears ago.

[Residences known to the compiler are added. Some are only approximate. The East Road is the road runninf;- from the foot of "rocTiey hill," east of the village, to the Wohnrn Road, near the Shawshin; and by the Shawshin Iioad I designate the road which rnns east from this road to the river, and thence north to the Wilmington Ro.ad. The .Shawshin District is east of the river, between the AVoburn and Wilmington ro.ads. The "Corner," here and elsewhere, designates the locality at the foot of the liill, on Long Street, near the Concord River briilge. The two roads between the Woburn and Bedford roads 1 call "Lexington" and "East Lexington."]

East Lexington Road. Near Mr. Cowdry's, west side. Hotel w. of Long St.. so. end village. East of Long Street Hotel, near Mr. Kimball jilace. Andover St. [Proud- [foot's. Old Danforth place, on West St. Bowman ])lace, on Lexington Road. Head of the lane east of Long St.

History Of Ijillekica The Kevolutiok

East Road, near Pusho i)lace. Disused road, from Andover Street [near Salem to Sliawshin Road. Corner, near old Cemetery. X'ear railroad station. Shawshin Dist.. near Wilmington.

Education

The founders of New England were careful and prompt to provide for the education of all the children. As early as 1642 a law was enacted, enjoining the selectmen to ''have a vigilant e_ye over their brethren and neighbors, to see first that none of them shall sutler so much barbarism in any of their families as not to endeavor to teach, bv themselves or others, their children and apprentices so much learning as may cnalde them perfectly to read the English tongue." The penalty was twenty shillings for each neglect. The same act required Ihat parents " give religious instruction to their children and a})prentices, aud bring them up in some honest, lawful calling, labor, or employment, either in husbandrj' or some other trade profitable for themselves and the commonwealth, if they will not or can not train them up in learning to fit them for higher em[)lovments." In 1G47 a free school was made '^ompulsory. If there Avere fifty iDUseiiolders, the town must appoint a teacher, and towns of one hundred householders must have a grannnar school of such grade that youth " ma\' be fitted for the luiiversity."

Billcrica could not at once meet this requirement. But, " 1, ">, ()1. The Townsmen doe agree y' Lieftenent Will tfrench and Kalph Hill, senior, doe take care and [examine] the seurll famelies in or Towne, wlietlir tliei-e children and servants are Taught in the precei)ts of I'elidione, in reding and Lcrninge there Catechism." How this duty was discharged is suggested in the record by the selectmen : "10, ".)'", ()S. they apoint y*" next seconday to go y'' rounds to examine y" teaching of children & youth, acording to law." If we could accompany these selectmen on that annual examination, we shoukl learn somi'thiug of education under difficulties : and might gain respect for the fathers, with ap[)reciatiou of the fact of [)rogress in two centuries.

Mi;. Whiting's name first appears in this record, "19 March, '74-5. In reference to the catechising of y*" youth of y*' towne and examining tliem concerning tlieir reading, a duty imposed on y'^ select'" by y^ Hon"^ Court, to take care that cliildren and youth be instructed in both. The selectmen doe order, that all children and youth, single psons from eight years old upward, their pareuce and masters shall send such their children and servants to y^ Reverend Mr. Samuel Whiting, at such times as shalbee afterward appointed by him, to be examined of both, as hoping this might I)e a good expedient for y^ encouragement of all superiours and youth."

We ma}' jvell believe that such an examination, by the pastor, would be no small incentive to study on the part of the '"youth" who must appear before him. But many of the parents could give but little instruction, and another step in advance greatly needed was taken when, "19, 11'", 79, P^ns. Tompson Avas chosen schoolmaster, to teach such to read and to write as shall come to him to learn." Joseph Tompson, Billerica's first school-master, was the son of a minister, and, with the possible exception of Dauforth, was the best educated man in town. He continued to be the school-master for more than thirt}' 3-ears. Of the studies pursued we are not informed, nor of the "times and seasons"; but the culture of the town owes much, ^ve may be sure, to Ensign Tompson's school, and we may remember with interest the place to wdiich the children of two hundred years ago wended their way for the instruction he had to give them. His house w'as in the southeast part of the A-illage, at the end of the lane where now INlr. Tufts lives. Whether the services of Mr. Tompson w^ere gratuitous or he had a tuition fee does not appear ; but no item is found among the town charges until 1710, when he received one pound as school-master, and another the next year.

About the same time the question of a new^ school-master was raised. V/e ma}' hope that the reason was not because Captain Tompson found occasion in his age to charge something for his services. Perhaps after thirty years his methods had become too old-fashioned, and a younger man was called for. In the autuum of 1709, one object of a town meeting was "to incoridg a schoolemaster for Reading and Writing" ; and, judging from the records of Mr. Needham, the new town clerk, there was need of a new school-master. But four years later a master was still needed, and, November IG, 1713, "it was voted, that the selectmen shaill mak

3011.S of tlu'ir l)e.st clescrastiou in proxidiug a .scoiiU-nuister for a quarter of a yearo" : ami, Janiuu y 18, the selectmen were instructed "to se out for a schoolinaster against March Court, and to provide a house." Towns wei'e frequently complained of for neglect to provide good schools, and the last record implies that Billerica had been thus charged, as it had been at least once before, in 1G92, "for want of a scliole." Probably Mr. Tompson's labors were occasionally suspended and resumed. The same presentment was made in 1718, and answered by Captain ^^'hiting, at C'harlestown.

The first apj)earance of a successor to Mr. Tomi)son is in 1715, when IVIr. Shattuck is p:iid i'S, los., and the t<nvn voted, that he "shall keep the school another half-year." Jn 171G, IMr. Isaac Branch was employed, receiving for two quarters and £22 for the year 1717. Tlie gei'm of the system of school districts then appears : "The Town Impowered the selectmen to order & appoint in what parts of the town the school shall be kept & how long at a l)lace." In November, 1718, the town votes "to hire our present schoolmaster for another <|uarter, Provided he move to the several Quarters of the town" ; also, ''to give but four shillings p. week for the schoolmaster's board for the future." This master was John Graham, and he boarded with Mr. Ruggles. December 29, 1718, it was voted, that "for about five months the school should be moved to accommodate the outscirts of the Town, and the Kest of the year to be kept in the middle of the town" ; and a committee of five was to order the places where it should l)e kept. It was also voted "to give Mr. Grimes, our present schoolmaster, forty pounds for one year, Provided that he board himself and keep a moving school." In March, the selectmen gave leave to John Hartwell's wife "to keep a school to Instruct children to Read." Mr. Josejih Houston was master for three or four years from 1719, and was succeeded by Benjamin Ruggles, the pastor's brother. Then for a short time the Tnaster was Jonathan Fry, of Andover, the ill-fated young chaplain of Lovewell's expedition. The next ^ear the town i)aid Mr. William Smith for services, and also Nicholas Bowes, the future i)astor of Bedford. Then comes Mr. Isaac Abbott, who was master for six years, who was also em[)loyed to copy the early A'olume of records of Marriages, and Deaths," in a new book. Benjamin Bowers follows, 17.'lG-39; Jonathan Stedman. 1739; Joseph Manning, 1740; Robert Cutler, 17-11-45, who found his wife here, and became i)astor in Epping, New Hampshire ; and John Chandler, in

174G, who was thus intro(hicr(l to his future pastorate here. Joseph Beau succeeded, aud then came Jouathau Kidder, iu 1753, who served tlie town for a geueratiou. and whose fame lingers still among the traditions of our older peo[)le.

A record, May, 1722, tells us something of the early methods : "It was agreed that Mr. Houston shall make up three months in the seenter of the town, aud then shall go one uiontli among the Hunts." And, in June, "it was agreed that Mr. Houston shall have liberty for a month or two, if he Pleas, after his uionth is out at Mr. Hunt's ; and then at his Return shall go one month to the west side of Concord River; and then uext one month to .John Stearns; the next one month to Jonathan Bacon's ; then at Mr. Walker's three weeks ; then next at the Kittridge's one month ; then three weeks at Dr. Toothaker's ; then to be three months in the seenter of the Town, which will compleat his 3ear."

The sections of the town where schools were kept were at first and long called squadrons ; and a di\'ision of the school money to the squadrons began to be made about 1760, with attending questions and jealousy as to the division. A school-house is mentioned in 17(56, but had perhaps l)een built earlier; as the town in 1725 voted grants of land to the squadrons for school-houses, to l)e located by the selectmen. In 1742 a committee reported, that the school be kept six months in the centre of the town, two in the east scpiadron, (one of which should be east of the river,) two on the west side, and one in the south squadron. In 1782 another report is found. The centre squadron was to extend a mile and a half, and a grammar school was to be supported there, the out squadrons drawing an equal amount, to be expended ''in keeping good writing schools." The houses which were to form the line of the centre scjuadron, on the various roads, are designated: "on Wilmington road, Jonas French's new house ; on the Frenchs' road, the house of Jacob French ; on Boston road, the house of Oliver C'rosljy ; on Bedford road, the house of Teter Hill ; on the road to Fitch's mill, the house of John Blanchard ; on the road over middle bridge, John Carleton, Jr. ; on Chelmsford road, the house of W". Laws ; on the road to Carleton's mills, Josiah Danforth's ; on the road to Tewksbnry, by French's dam, Benj. Davis." There were to be two squadrons on the west side, to be divided as the inhabitants there pleased. The east squadron was to include all north of John Patten, Jun.'s, and William Tarbell's, aud east of the Long Pond Road ; the Shawshin squadron "to begin at Samuel Dauforth's and take in Thomas Richardson, widow Hosley, Joseph Jones, & Ehenezer Richardson, Jr., on the Boston road, and lObenezer Richardson & Josiah Richardson on the east road," with all on the east on Shawshin River except ,Iohn Skelton and Amos Wvman ; the southeast squadron included "all south of the widow Farmer's and Hezekiah Crosby's, that live between Boston road & Bedford road," except Timothy Jaquith and Isaac Manning, wlio, "a little oti" from Bedford road," were in the south squadron.

But the scjuadron school-houses were still wanting, and, ITiH, September 12, a committee on tlie location of such houses made report. It recommended, that in the centre ward the house be set "in Stephen Parker's corner, at the Avest end of the meeting house," 22X22, at a cost of £50 ; the north ward house to be set in William Rogers' corner by John Rogers, 16Xl')i to cost £20 ; the east ward house, location left blank, 18 Xl^. to cost £22 : the Shawshin waril house to be set at the corner of Lieut. John Farmer's and Ebenezer Richardson, Jr.'s, land, ICXIO, to cost £20; the southerly ward house to be set in Simon and Joseph Blanchard's land, "half way between the roads, on an allowance for school traA^el," 14X1^^ to cost £18 ; the south ward house to be set at the head of Job Hill's lane, 16X16, to cost £20; the south ward, over Concord River, to be set at the end of Shed's lane, so called, 16X16, to cost £20 ; the north ward, over Concord River, to l)e set, not agreed where, cost £20. Wards which chose not to build might draw the interest of the sum allowed to said ward to hire places to keep their school ; but the latter privilege was not to extend beyond two years ; and the committee Avas to settle dis})utes as to locations not yet decided on. Most of these sites are nearly the same with those still in use. The house at the centre w\as also used later as an academy ; then became a store and post olHce ; was burned in 1873 ; and rebuilt by Mr. More}' for the same use. When the district syst^Mn of schools displaced the earlier squadrons is not clear ; but for two generations districts had charge of their own schools, locating and supporting as they pleased. But within a few years the town has rcassunied the entire charge, seeking more harmonious and etlicieut management.

The employment of school "dames" is mentioned as early as 1680, and in March, 1718, John Ilartwell's wife had leave "to keep a school to Instruct children to Read" ; but it is not clear to what extent females were thus emplo3ed, and it is only within a few years timt most of the schools have passed into their hands. Before the Revohition, onl3' English text-books were to he had, which were sonicthues reprinted, but always costl}' and ill-adapted to use in this country. After that, improvement, sure if not rapid, was made, and has contributed much to the usefulness of the schools.

It was a notable da}' in the history of Billerica, when Mr. Pemberton, who had been for eight ^ears the first principal of Phillips Aeadeui}', at Andover, came from that position -to Billerica, and established a school here, which is properly known as the Pemberton Academy. He was one of the notable teachers of his time, and counted such men as James Madison and Aaion Burr among his pupils. His school here was on the west side of Long Street, at the place where the late Dr. Pillsbury lived, and is described as a onestor}- building, which received additions as more room Avas needed, until " its length became a marked feature." Here he conducted a school for fourteen years, which was higlily successful, numbering at times sixty pupils, many of whom graduated at Harvard College aud became eminent. At first a training-school for boys, its scope was enlarged and girls were i-eceived ; and Deacon Samuel Whiting assisted in tlie instiaiction. It would l)e interesting if we had a catalogue, and knew more of this eai'ly academy.

After an intei-val of some 3'ears, a private scliool was estaljlished b}' Mr. Bernard "Whitman and his sister Bathsheba, their brother being the colleague pastor of the church. It was kept in a hall of the old hotel. But, in 1820, the Billerica Academy was estalilished, and Mr. and Miss "Whitman assumed the charge of it. The Trustees of this academy w^ere Josiah Crosby, Esq., Samuel Whiting, Esq., Joseph Locke, Esq., Rev. Nathaniel Whitman, Francis Faulkner, Esq., Col. J. B. Richardson, Dr. Zadok Howe, Rev. Samuel Stearns,' Rev. Jacob Coggiu, Edward St.L. Livermore, Rev. Samuel Sewall, George Bruce, Cyrus Baldwin, William Bland, Jr., Esq., Dr. A. R. Thompson. Others afterward chosen were Hon. Timoth}- AValker, John Baldwin, Esq., Marshall Preston, P^sq., Capt. Francis Richardson, Rev. Bernard Whitman, Rev. Hezekiah Packard, Rev. William Barry, Dr. Thaddeus Brown.

This academy building stood south of the Unitarian Church, and was probably identical with the earlier school-house, on the same spot, Avhich is mentioned above. The school was good and useful, but it lacked the pecuniary foundation needful for permanence, and its career closed in 183G. From that time, until 1852, the only opportunit}' for higher instruction in the town was a private school, which was taught for some 3'ears by Reverend Mr. Stearns, in the vestry- of the Congregational Church, of which ho was the pastor.

Dr. Howe, knowing tlic value of such a school and instructed by the failure of the Acadeni}', a few years later set about a more substantial foundation ; and the results of his benevolent plans remain, and must long endure, in the Howe School. The design had occui^ied his thoughts before his death, and the lot was selected and piu'chased by himself. J^y his will, a Board of Trustees, to be incorporated, received the bulk of his estate, and were charged with the duty of carrying his plans into execution. The first Trustees were John Baldwin, James R. Faulkner, Dudley Foster, William H. Odiorne, Marshall Preston, Amos Spanlding, and George II. Whitman ; of whom onl}' Mr. Foster is still a member of the Board. Others, who have been appointed to fill vacancies by the Judge of Probate, are Thomas Talbot, John A. Buttrick, Gardner Parker, Luther W. Faulkner, Henry A. Hazen, Moses G. Parker, and Peter

B. Bohonan. The building was erected in 1852, and dedicated with an address by Mr. Whitman, who remained until 1875, the diligent and faithful secretar}' of the Trustees. Valuable details of the history may lie found in that address, which has Iteen published.

C. Grant. He was succeeded, in 1855, by Mr. Stephen Gilman, and, in 1864, by Mr. Francis Gorman. The present principal, Mr. Samuel Tucker, assumed his charge in 1868. Tuition was free at the beginning, but in recent years the income of the fund, somewhat more than $20,000, has not been sufficient alone for the support of the School, and a small tuition fee has been charged ; it is now four dollars per term, with three terms in each year. The Catalogue, published in 1880, enrolls the names of 838 pupils, of whom, since 1868, there have been 66 graduates. Pupils are received on examination from the common schools of the town, and from other towns on the same terms. The generous endowment of Dr. Howe is now less adequate than at first to the needs of the School, and should receive some increase from the town, or from private munificence, in order to meet the larger requironents of instruction and equipment, which the lapse of thirt}' 3'ears and the demands of recent progress have laid upon it.

College, now Colb^' University, in 18G2, who had for some years had a private Boys' School, at Edgartown, Massachusetts, removed with his school to this town. After brief locations, on Boston Street and on Andover Street, he purchased tlie large and handsome building which had replaced the old hotel, burned in 187G, on the south corner of Andover and Main Streets, which was occupied in May, 1880. It is designed as a home school for bo3's, the numl>er of pupils being limited to twent^'-four, and the charge, including all expenses, being $400 per 3'ear. The school is prosperous, and we give a good view of its buildings.

Chapter Xy Iieligious History. Continued

TriE dismission of Mr. Chandler left the church for the first time without a pastor ; and the devout fathers set apart a day of fasting and prayer, 17G0, October 2, "to supplicate the throne of grace for divine direction in the choice of a minister." Tlie ministers of Littleton, Tewksbury, Wilmington, and Woburn were invited to assist in the pnl)lic services. Sixteen ministers were paid for preaching during the two 3-ears ensuing. Samuel Angier was employed twent}' Sabbaths ; Edward Sparhawk. ten ; Edward Brooks, twelve ; Job Whitney, Natlianiel Noyes, and Mr. Frj-e, eight each ; William Whitwell, seven, and Benjamin Caryl, four. Tlie latter received a call to settle, which was not accepted. At length a town meeting was held, 17G2, November 18, and this is the record: "The dnn'ch of Christ in this town having at their meeting on the 25 Day of Aug\ist, 17(30, Voted to give up their Right and Priviledge of Choosing a Gospel minister by themselves, and to act in conjunction with the Town in this Important affair ; and the Church and Town Having mett together upon this occation, * and the meeting being opened b}' a prayer to god for his Gracious Influen(>e, guidance, & Direction, The Question was put whethei' we would proceed at tliis Time To the Choice of a Gentleman to settle with us in the work of the Gospel ministry, and it was voted in tlie affirmative. Then the members of the Church & the Inhabitants of the Town were desired by the Moderator to Bring in their vot^s conjunct!}', in order to the choosing such a minister, which being done and the votes examined, it appeared that Mr. Henry Cumings was chosen by all the votes. Then the Town voted to the said Mr. Henry Cumings, as an Incouragement to settle with us, for his settlement Two Hundred Pounds LawfuU money, one Huntli-ed to be paid" at the time of his ordination, and the remainder a year later. His salaiy was to be £80, paid annually, and he was to have the use of the " Parsonage pasture." The question of acting on "the article of wood" passed "in the negative," and mhiistcrs have since been permitted to furnish their own wood. In paying Dr. Cumings the. promised "settlement," the town appropriated £73, 17.9., llfL, which had been received from the State for the care of the French neutrals. The ordination took place, 17G3, January 26. "Seven chui'ches came to the solenmitN'. The Rev''. Mr. Morrill, of AVilmington, began with praj'er ; Rev*^. Mr. Emerson, of Hollis, preached the sermon, from Heb. xiii:17; the Rev*^. Mr. Rogers, of Littleton,. gave the charge, & tlu; Rev''. Mr. Bridge, of Chelmsford, the Right Hand of Fellowship, & y" Rev^. Mr. Emerson, of Peperil, made y" last prayer." »

The record of JMr. Cumings' l)irth and famil}- is given elsewhere. He was a young man when he assumed his important and lifelong charge, having graduated from Harvard College just before he was twenty-one years of age, and spent onlv two 3-ears in teaching, at Reading, where he found his wife, and in the stud.y of theolog}- with his pastor, Rev. Daniel Emerson, of Hollis. Mr. Emerson was a man of character and spiritual force, and of power as a preacher, and man}' young men went from Hollis under his influence to take high positions in the pulpit and at the bar. He had been in ardent sympathy with the Great Awakening and the labors of Edwards and Whitefield, and Mr. Cumings brought the tonic of this training to his ministry in lUllcrica. He brought also a line physical manhood, a culture and a piety, which gave him good equipment for his office ; and for almost two generations he led his people, a good example of the oldtime pastor, holding their respect and love Avith a rare force to the end. As to the manner of man lie was, 1 am al)le to gi^^e some authentic and interesting reminiscences, furnished by his granddaughter, Miss Nancy Wilkins, whose privilege it was to be with him twenty years in the later part of his life, and who, after illustrating in her own person a most serenes and charming old age, has but recently been called aAvay by death. (She says, -

--The earliest recollections of mj^ revered grandfather are of a [(leasingnatun>, although they insjtired my 3'(Hjthfiil heart with awe. H(? was six feet and upwards in height, tiucly pioportioiied, with silvery, flowing locks and a pleasant smile. JIc would be called a perfect Christian gentleuian, ill whom was no guile, and \^'as noted for his hosjjitality to all. He was a powerful man. both mentally and physically, anil was considered a tine Hebrew scholar, liaving btieu taught while in college by a J(.'W, who took uuweaiicd pains with a siiiall class to pei-fect them in the language he loved, and took great pride in their success. He was well versed in Latin and Greek. From the latter I have heai-d him quote largely; particularly from a speech of President Holyoke. In prayer time some of tht; students had whistled and scraped. After prayers, my grandfather said, he never heard sucli a powerful address as he made to them in Greek; it i-ame like a thunder-clap, and the offence was never repeated. 1 have often heard him repeat this speech, and his memory was very uncommon. He would repeat the tirst hook of Paradise Lost without hesitation. He fitted seveial for college in his younger days, and, later, instructed some theological students. He was uniforndy kind, but in those days any approadi to familiarity would have been considered highly improi)er ; and, as he seldom spoke of hiuiself, I knew but little of his history. His mother was a woman of uncommon energj^, and very devout. Dr. Ciunings owed much, in his own opinion, to her influence. Mr. Emerson, his pastor, befriended hiui, fitted hini for college, and helped him through. The Sabbath was kept very strictly. None could visit or leave his house on that day, or stay at home to piovide food. To me it was always a pleasant daj\ I had my Bible and Pilgrim's Progress, and I longed to find and enter through that wicket gate, for it was all real to me. 1 never knew one who had a more vivid sense of an overruling providence. His wives' family was of English descent, all Episcopalians, and their grandfather kept slaves. He often spoke of his first wife and always with deep emotion, and she must have been a most lovely Christian woman. In memory of her and of his blessed Saviour, he used to trim his rooms with evergreen on Christmas Eve, and for this purpose would go far to get the doulile spruce which he thought the most beautiful. He was a man of strong passions and (^uick temper, but had learned the lesson of self-control. In his younger days he used tobacco freely, but, when convinced that it was injurious, he abandoned it ; but he said it was like cutting oft" a right arm.

"Once a year he visited all the schools, in order to catechise the children, using the Assembly's Catechism, The Commandments and Creed, portions of The Bible, and Hynms. It was a very interesting day to the children. My grandfather took great pleasure in cultivating his garden, and was veiy fond of flowers, having a fine assortment for those times. He gave me a flower-bed and taught me to cultivate it. He often brought us wild flowers and herbs, and seemed to know their properties; as well as all the birds of the air and all their peculiai- habits."

I'liis picture, outliucd by one who knew and loved him, sjiows very elesul}- some of the elements ol" his power as a minister. He was a diligent student, wrought out his sermons with great eare, and preached them with effect. Then he was a man of the people. He had known in his own early experience what poverty and trial were, and was prepared to sympathize with the trials through which the people were passing. The testimony is abundant how heartily he shared in the patriotic discussions and actions which bore fruit in the independence of the States and establishment of the Union. He was a leader in the patriot councils, and the action of the town was often shaped by him. His- election as a delegate to the Convention which framed the Constitution of Massachusetts, in 17S0, was only the proper and natural recognitioji of his standing among his townsmen. He was often called on councils, far and near, and to preach on public occasions, in a wa}' to show that his merits were appreciated beyond the bounds of his rural parish. But if he was ever called, in the modern fashion, to leave his chosen field, the temptation did not move him, and he was content to live and to die among the people, who gave him in youth unauimonsl}- their confidence and love, and continued it to the end.

A new and more commodious meeting-house was found necessary and was erected in 17'J7. It stood near, but a little southeast of, its present [)osition, facing the north. By some accident the first steeple fell, and the builder received $500.00 compensation from the town. The cost of this house was provided for by sale of the pews, which took i)lacc, I7;)7, December 8, as follows, the sum received being $8504.50: -

Sale Of Pews

The churcU continued unitcil and prosperous during tlie long pastorate of Dr. Cumings. A just estimate of his theological attitude, in relation to the questions 'on which the separation among the churches about the time of his death took p]a(ie, is not eas}' to reach. Some facts, however, will assist in such an estimate. A pupil of Mr. Emerson, of llollis, would not fail to hold the views then and after described by the term "- (^'angelical," unless he departed from the position of his teacher; and that Dr. Cumings ever did so there is lack of evidence. On the contrary, the testimony of Ins granddaughter, who sat at his feet during the last years of his life, is that he "held fast" the evangelical doctrines to the end. His published sermons confirm this statement ; and it might be illustrated from his unpublished sermons to ahnost any extent. I give extracts from two sermons, which show his general tone of thought and discussion. The text of the first is Hebrews, v : 9 ; and speaking of the benefit procured for us by Jesus Christ, he says: "liy this is meant our deliverance from sin and all its penal effects, a deliverance from guilt and condemnation, from wrath to come and the eternal punishments of another world. * It is owing to the interposition of divine grace, that we have not before now been made extremely miserable. * This grace we owe, and it is dispensed to us through the mediation of, Jesus C'luist. * Christ hath procured eternal salvation for us by the merit of His own obedience, suffering, and death, whercb}' he has procured eternal redem[)tion for ns, not only deliverance from y" wrath and curse of God, but eternal life and happiness. When uum had Ijy sin mined and undone iiimself, Christ was contented t(^ be made a sacritice for him and to bear his sins in His own body on the tree."

The text of the other sermon is INIark, xiii : 33, and its ''Doctrine, that a consideration of the uncertainty of the Time when our Lord will call us to Judgment ouglit to put us upon using the greatest care and Diligence, by PraAcr and the most circumspect walk and conversation, that we ma}' be in a constant preparation to meet Dim." Some of the points made in the treatment of it are as follows : are in this world in a state of Tr^'al or Prol)ation. * Christ comes to every Indi^'idual at death. The Scrii)tures teach that as soon as the soul leaves the Body, it appears before God and is sentenced to a State of Happiness or Miser}'. So that the Day of Death is a Period as interesting to every one as the Day of general Judgment ; for the same Sentence that is passed upon every one at Death will be openly and solemnly ratified at the general Assize of the World. Death puts an everlasting Period to our prol»ationary state." After these and other preliminar}* statements, the preacher outlines what the vigilant man will do ; and tuider the fifth head uses this language : "The Vigilant Man, as he is put upon watching by a consideration of the Certainty of a Judgment to come and the Uncertainty of the Time Avlien it will come ; so, in order to maintain his Vigilancy, he will lVe(]uently represent to his Mind the Solemnity of a future Judgment. And I know of nothing that would tend more to make men watchful and kee[) them so, than often to reflect u[)on the solemnityes of that great Day, when we must all give Account of oiuselves to God, which Day will certainly come though we know not the Time of it. A consideration that there is a Day ap[)roaching when the Lord Jesus Christ will descend from Heaven, with his mighty Angels, in awful Power and Magnificence, to Juilge the World, and tlmt He will then raise the dead and sunnnon the whole human Race from Adam to the latest of his Posti-ritv before his glorious Tribunal, and, separating the righteous from the wicked, will, after graciously inviting the former to his heavenly Mansions, pronounce that awful sentence against the latter, ' Depart, ye cursed, into everlasting tire, prepared for the devil and his angels.' * It will l)e a joyful or a terrible Da}' to us, according to our present Behavior." The duty of prayer is then considered, under several heads ; and the sermon closes with fervent and solemn appeals to his hearers.

This latti'r sermon' was first preached, 177;"), February 12; was ])rca(lu'd eight tiuu'S elsewhere, and repeated four times in his own jmlpit, the last time in 1<S10. It rellects the unchanged tenor of his late as well ;is his early i)reaching. A characteristic tendency of Dr. Cumings' preaching is to limit his statements of the doctrines of the trinity, of sin, of redemption and retribution, to the language of the Scri[)tures, seldom interpreting them in phraseology of his own. His sympathies were with the Arminian, rather than with the high-Cahinistic o[)iuions of his time ; but when his colleague was ordained, in 1814, it was understood by the council that he held evangelical opinions. Mr. Stearns, of Bedford, concurred in it for that reason ; a fact confirmed on the trial of Mv. Stearns, twenty years later, by INIr. Whitman's own testimony, that the suspension of exchanges between himself and Mr. Stearns was not due to an^' change in Mr. Stearns' opinions." On the other hand, it is to he remembered, that the church with substantial unanimity accepted the views of the "liberal" party, under the lead of Mr. Whitman, and that Dr. Cumings' influence, negative if not positive, must have contributed to this result. He is named with Unitarian ministers in the histories of the period ; and whether any injustice is done to him in this classification is a question on which opinions will differ.

In February, 1813, Dr. Cumings preached his Half-Century Sermon. On account of his age and infirmit}', he requested a colleague, and the church at once took measures which resulted in the ordination of INIr. Nathaniel Whitman, on the fifty-first anniversary of the day when Dr. Cumings had been himself ordained, 1814, January 26. The life of Dr. Cumings was spared for almost ten years longer, and his pastorate extended to nearly sixty-one years, his death occurring, 1823, Septemlier 6. From ordination to death his pastorate was about eleven years longer than that of Mr. Whiting, but in this comparison it should be remembered that Mr. Whiting labored here five years before the church was organized, and the actual ditference in the length of their ministry is only six years. To the last Dr. Cumings held the respect and love of the people, and, wlien the end came, he was buried by the town with reverent affection, the third and the last pastor to whom the town has rendered this service.

]\Ir. Whitman brought high character, scholarshii), and piet3- to his new position. It should )te added to the record elsewhere given, that he was two years an usher at Phillips Academy, Exeter, and there began the study of theology with Dr. Buckminster, of Portsmouth, completing his course at Cambridge. He was received with grcMit cordiality and considerate kindness b}' his venera))le colleague, and a warm friendship grew up between them. His ordination was attended by a multitude of people, and the hospitality of the town was full and generous. The sermon was preached by the Rev. James Flint, of East Bridgewater ; the Rev. Samuel Stearns, of Bedford, gave the Right Hand, and Dr. Cumings the Charge, which were pul)lished. Mr. Whitman was a good preacher and active pastor. He established a Bible Societ}" and a Peace Society, as well as the first Sunday' School in town, and he used his influence effectivel}' in improving the common schools. His pastorate, however, fell u[)on a period of agitation and disruption among the churches, when influences which had been gathering force, some of them for a hundred years, came to a head ; and it is scarcely any fault of this worthy man that they culminated in his day and disturbed the peace of his ministry. The discussions which preceded and attended the separation of the Unitarian churches were not the onl3' and scarcely the most sei'ious of the influences which threatened the peace of the local pastors. The practical union of Church and State, which had been naturally inherited from p]ngland, and illustrated in all our previous histor}-, as the constable gathered the pastor's salarv, was out of place in the free air of America. AVith independence the demand for a change grew stronger and stronger ; but it involved so serious considerations and was so startling to good but conser\'ative men, that the resistance was long, and num^' pastors were unsettled in the process. The age of Dr. Cumings and the honoi- in which he was held delayed its coming in Billerica, and the town collected the salary of Mr. Wliitman until ISS-l. In that year the usual article in the warrant was "passed" by the town and was not again inserted. Tlie pni'isli wiis then eulled to meet, and raised somewhat less tlian tlie salary, $700, which Mr. Whitman had received. He remained a year longei', and, in 1835, resigned and removed to Wilton. New Hampshire.

It may be doubted whether tlic doctrinal discussions and ecclesiastical separations had as much to do with terminating- Mr. Whitman's pastorate ; Ijut tliey form a vital part of the historj' of that i)ciiod. Here, too, Dr. Cuinings' position, while he lived, held the restless s[)ii'it somewhat in check which broke forth so soon after. The questions concerning the trinity, and the divinity of Christ, the nature and results of sin, and the wa}' of salvation, were discussed Avith great feeling and often with bitterness. Good men sometimes forgot the possible honesty of those who held opinions differing from their own and the charity to which they were entitled, and neigiibors were at times estranged. The friends of the old order could not appreciate the force of the convictions which sougiit change, and those who were striving for change were not always considerate of the feelings or the reasons of those who wished to ])er[)etuate the order of things they had inherited, and which had worked so satisfactorily for almost two centuries. The efforts to I'stablish another church in the town were met by a protest, which Mr. Whitman emliodied in a fast-day sermon, which was printed, and nuist win respect and sympathy for its author even from those who are not fully jjcrsuaded by its argument. He was contending with the inevitable ; and, had he now the opportunity, he would not probai)ly desire to replace the ecclesiastical order, which was giving way around him, to his discomfort and alarm.

Among the complaints which were made against Mr. Whitman, one was that he would not exchange with neighboring Universalist ministers ; and in his farewell sermon he defended the propriety of his course, expressing his willingness to exchange with ministers who were in sympath}- with the covenant of his church, and quoting from that covenant language which those who approved the doctrine oi non-retribution could not accept. This covenant affirmed their faith,'' "particularly in the great doctrines of our Fall in Adam and recovery by Jesus Christ, of the pardon of sin, and salvation on condition of Faith and Repentance, and of the intlucnce and aid of Hivine Grace, i)romised to those who ask; * of the Kesurrection of the dead, a final Judgment, and of a future state of Retributions." Ministers whose preaeliiug was in direct opposition to this covenant he could not consistently permit to oecu[)v his pul|)it.

Mr. Whitman was dismissed, ISSo, March 80, and was succeeded by Rev. AVilliam E. Ai)bot, who was ordained, ltS37, Februaiy S, and dismissed, 1839, February 10. Mr. Abbot was graduatt'(l at Bowdoin College, 1830, and at Harvard Theological School, in 18;>3. The next pastor was Rev. Theodore Haskell Dorr, a gi'aduatc of Harvard College, in 1835, and Theological School, in 1838. He was ordained, 1839, Maj* 28, and dismissed, 1843, May 28. Succeeding ministers have with one exception received no formal installation. Their names and dates of service are as follows: .Tames Thurston, 1844, November 15-18.')0, May lo. Samuel Fettes, 1850, June 16- 1855, May 14. Nathaniel O. Chaffin, 1855, June 17-1857, May 10. Norwood Damon, 1857-60. Livingston Stone, 1861-62. James Gallaway, installed, 1863, January 28-1865. Christopher Coffin Husse}-, 1866, October 1, who is still in charge.

In 1844 the meeting-house Avas moved, and turned half around to face the cast ; but it was allowed to retain its primitive structure and graceful spire, which form a landmark visible from afar. TIk; longer ministry of My. Hussey has witnessed improvement in several directions. In 1879 a fund of 810,000 was contributed l^v several members of the society, the interest of whicli only can be used to support preaching. The conditions of the gift are that the minister's salary be kept at a specified rate, and tiuit the preaching l)e distinetivel}- Unitarian. In 1881 a house was bought for a parsonage, and so fully repaired as to make it substantially a now, as well as pleasant and convenient, home for the minister. It stands on tlie east side of the street, one door north of Andover Street, having been the home of Mr. W. H. Blanchard and previously of Marshall Preston.

The First Baptist Ciiuucii was the earliest separate organization, after the First Church had for one hundred and sixty-five years existed alone in the town. There were Baptists here at an earl}- dav, William Hamlet at least and probabl}- George Farley ; and a letter from Hamlet relating to the early troubles is published )>y Backus, the Baptist historian. But the nnm])er did not increase until after the Revolution, when the tendency' to resist pa^aiient of "niinister's rates" had influence in increasing the number of Bai^tists. Not long after the death of Dr. Cumings, they had become numerous and strong enough for organization. Meetings were first held in the school-house near the Fordwa.y, in the spring of 1S28. A elun-ch was organized, 1828, September oO, and recognized by Council, October D. It consisted of twenty members, of whom thirteen were dismissed from the South Chelmsford Church. Tlie first deacons were Joseph Dows and Amos S[)aulding. Their successors have been Edward Spaulding, George C. Oilman, John C. Hobbs, and Francis E. Manlc}'.

The first meeting-honse stood on the east side of Concord River, very near the middle bridge. The frame was raised, 1830, November 80, and the house was dedicated, 1831, September 14. It was fifty feet long, forty feet wide, had forty-eight pews, and would seat three linndred people. In the spring of 1844 it was remo\'ed to its present location in the village, on Bedford Street. A bell was i)rocured in 1872, and in 1877 it received an addition of a couvenient chapel, as appears in the illustration.^

Thk Congregational Chttkcii was organized, 1829, April 30, a society having been formed, January 17. This was a more direct result of the theological controversy, and of the ecclesiastical separations, which were still .agitating the IMassachusetts chin-ches ; and the presence of Dr. L3nian Beecher, as Modei'ator of the Council which organized the clnnrh, was a significant expression of the

* A ffemi-Centennial Address, by Rev. Clifton FIctclnM-. lui.s been publislied, giving lull and intcre.sting details of the history of this ciiurcli.

general interest in this and similar movements. The unity and strength of the First Church was, howeA^er, less affected l)y the separation, in Billerica, than in man}' towns. The number of its meml)ers who did not sympathize with, or yield to, the Unitarian position of the church was dmall. Two women, Huldah Blake and Martha Bowers, entered a protest, 1820, October 8. They affirm their belief in the true and proper deit}- of Jesus Christ, in the atonement, in the entire depravity' of unregencrate men, and their need of supernatural grace to fit them for the happiness of heaven ; and generall}' in the doctrines of the Westminster Confession and Catechism. With these views they believed their pastor and many of their brethren in the church did not agree ; and they therefore asked the favor of a regular dismission. This the church, affirming the right and dut}- of each individual to be guided ))y his own conscience, granted. No other dismissions for this reason are recorded, and not more than four or five members of the First Church ever joined the new Congregational Church, which began with twenty-five members. The meeting-house, on Andover Street, 60X40 feet, was raised, October 28, and dedicated, 1830, January 13. The record of its ministers has been as follows : -

The long and faithful pastorate of Mr. Stearns deserves especial recognition. Record of his descent from Billerica ancestr}' may be found elsewhere, (see Stearns, 8). A scholar of exceptional diligence and culture, modest and devout, and active in every good word and work, he commended himself to tlie citizens of the town as well as to his own charge. As teacher of a useful private school, and superintendent of the schools of the town, he excited no little influence, and represented the town in the Legislature.

A Univkusalist Sociktv was foiiiied, 1842, Jauuarv 10, an<l a meeting-hoiisf erected the same year. It stood on tlie north side of West Street, where the sehool-house now stands. In 1S68 it was sold to the Roman Catholi(;s and removed to North Billeriea, where it is still in use 1»3' that society. TIk; ministers ol' this church Avere Rev. Varnum Lincoln, ordained, 1843, Septeml)er 8; Rev. L. P. Landers, of West Cambridge, 1845-47; Rev. George Proctor, 1847-53, and again, 1855-G3 ; Rev. P. ITersey, 1853-55 ; and Rev. R. M. Byram.

A Roman Catiiolio Society was organized and innchased the LTniversalist Church in 1868. It has prospered and the number of its communicants is large. The priests who have been in charge come from Lowell, and no record of their names or dates of service has been furnished.

The 3'oungest church in the town is the Baptist Chui'cli. at Noi'th Billeriea, which was organized, 1869, Maj- 14, receiving twenty-two members from the Centre Church. Its pleasant inceting-house was a gift from the Hon. Thomas Talbot; Iniilt in 187U, and dedicated, 1871, January 19. Its pastors have been AVilliam M. Ross, 1869, June 2 ; Nathaniel L. Colby, ordained, 1872, July 2; and William A. Farren, ordained, 1879, September 24.

Chapter Xyi Canal, Turnpike, And Kailtioads

The earl}' roads were often called paths, and the name describes them. Carts conld pass over the better roads, but many were passable onl}' on horseback or on foot. Wagons were unknown. The earliest chaise was owned in town not much, if an}-, before 1800, and marked the aristocracy of the few who could aftbrd such luxury. ^ The first great improvement in the means of transportation was the Middlesex Canal. This first important canal in America passed through Billei'ica, and its path is still to be seen at many points. The company was incorporated in June, 1793, to connect the Merrimack witli the Mystic and Charles rivers, and save the trade of New Hampshire to Boston. The i)reliminary surveys consumed more than a year, and ground was first broken at Billerica "Mills" in the spring of 1705. At this point the Concord River is one hundred and nine feet al»ove tide-water in Boston Harbor and twenty-live feet above the Merrimack, which the canal reached at its most southerly l)end, about a mile above Pawtucket Falls. The canal was 27 miles long, 30 feet wide, and 3 feet deep. It was navigal)le to the Charles River, in 18(3.') ; but its income was absorbed for years in alterations and repairs, and no dividend was declared until 181D. One hundred assessments were laid upon stockholders, and the cost of shares, including interest, was $1455.25 ; the total cost of the canal being 11,164.200. From 1819 to 1843. dividends were paid, amounting to $504 per share. The receipts then fell below the expenses ; in 1851 the charter was sun-endered, and in 1852 the canal was sold in sections, owners of adjoining lands being generally the purchasers. The charter was farther declai-ed forfeited in 1859. The proprietors com[)laiucd that the railroad had been permitted to damage their chartered rights without indenniity, hut they had uo redress. The chief design of the canal wns to carr}' freight, bnt a packet-boat for passengers was run daily, at a speed of four miles per hour, the fare from Lowell to Boston l)eing fifty cents. That the canal did not very essentially affect the life of the town is shown by the fact that nil its carrying from Boston to Billerica did not exceed $200 per year.

The Middlesex Turnpike was an enterprise of significance in its day. It was cluirtcred in June, \H0'). Ebenezer Bridge and James Abbot being among its corporators. Jts route ext<'nded from Tyngsborough to Medford and Cambiidge. The- line at first was to |)ass Billerica meeting-house; but, in 1S06, the route was changed, by permission of the General Court, from a point in Bedford, crossing Nutting's Pond, to Buisket bridge in Tyngsborough. Some lack of friendly co-operation in Billerica may have influenced this chnnge, and the managers were ambitious to make their great road as near an air-line as possible. Hills and ponds must not stand in their way, and the}' according!}' followed a route straight through the town, crossing Concord River a mile above the centre bridge, and leaving the village as far one side. This line would attract very little local traA'el and support, and experience soon proved that the visions of a great through travel and traffic were delusive. The canal and the railroad left little for the turnpike, and its charter was repealed in l.Sil. The unfortunate proprietors of the Middlesex Turnpike were not without some very sound reasons for their fjiith. Those were the days of teams and stages, and the business which they brought through this town was a notable feature of its life. Much of the traffic of western New Hampshire and Vermont with vSalem and Boston passed through Billerica. The teaming was of two kinds. There was a class of professional teamsters, who drove large wagons, drawn by four, six, or eight horses, serving the merchants of the upcountr}'. The memory of some of these men, like Thomas Button, of Hartford, Vermont, whose team always rested on the Sal)bath, still lingers along the route. Wool, butter, cheese, and whatever sought the market Avould furnish the loads, while salt, molasses, dry goods, rum, and all the varieties kept by the miscellaneous '"country store" were taken on the return. Another class of teams i)roI)ably more numerous, Ihougii smnllei', was driven by farmers, who took a trip or two yearh" to inai'ket, carrying their own produce, beef, [)ork, or whatever they had to sell, and returning with articles for home consumption or for the merchants.

Canal, Turnpike, And Railroads

The stages also entered largely into the life of that period. "The first stage-coach passed through Billerica about 1795. It was a two-horse, covered vehicle, owned and driven by Mr. Joseph Wheat, and ran from Amherst, N. H., to Boston and back again, once a week. It stopped at Billerica OA^er night, making the trip in about four days. Tlie same team performed all the journey."^ The business increased. In 1803 the stage from Boston to Amherst set off from King's Inn ever}' Wednesday and Saturday, leaving at .T A.M. and arriving at 7 p.m., returning Mondays and Thursdays at the same hours. For several 3'ears before the opening of the Boston and Lowell Kaih'oad from twelve to sixteen stages passed daily through Billerica, Sundays excepted. After work was I)egnn on the new mills at East Chelmsford, in 1821, Mr. Richardson, who kej^t a hotel at the "Corner," sent a hack Mondays and Saturdays to accommodate gentlemen who wished to connect with the Amherst stage at that point. Lowell could hardly be served in that way now ! All this staging and teaming made a demand for taverns, which were numerous and busy. There were two, and sometimes three, in the A'illage : one or two at the Corner, and the Manning Tavern on the Chelmsford Road ; and these were not all. Men and beasts must be provided for, and this provision often suggests Falstaff's "intolerable deal of sack," as one reads the items in old ledgers.

But canal and turnpike gave wa}' to a moi-e revolutionary improvement. The Granite Railwa}' to Quincj- was chartered in 1.S26, and did its first work in 1827 in carrying granite for Bunker Hill Monument. The sagacious men who were laying the foundations of Lowell saw that the railway was what their enterprise needed, and the Boston and Lowell Railroad was chartered in June, 1830. The railroads to Worcester and Providence were chartered soon after, and were opened to Newton in April and to Readville in June, 1834. A year later, 1835, June 25, the Boston and Lowell Railroad was opened. Two days after, its first advertisement appears, as follows :

-'The Cars will continue to run till farther notice as at present, viz. : Leave Lowell at (> A.M. & 2h P.M. Leave Boston at 9 A.M. & 5^ P.M. No huggage can be taken, except what belongs to passengers. Allowance to each, 40 pounds. As soon as Burthen cars can be provided, notice will be given tor the transi)ortation of merchandise. Tickets may be liad at tlie ilepot. corner Leverett and Brighton streets. Price, .1$1.00.

Tlie contrast is great between the four trains of 1835 and the tvvent3'-five passenger trains of 1882, with almost as many more for freight. Tlien they must start from Lowell ; now they ma}' come from San Francisco. But the lienefit which the raih-oad brought to Billerica has been much less than it would have been if it had followed a more direct line, through Wol)urn, and passing between the village and Fox Hill. Such a route w^ould have made the })h'asant, high lands on which the village is located a very accessible and attractive sul)urb of Boston, and with the growth of both Lowell and Boston, Billerica might have shared. But some feared and repelled the railroad ; others, more sagacious, saw its benefits and sought its location on a more northerly route ; and the growth of the A'illage has been hindered bj' its distance from the stations. Relief for this difliculty has been sought in various directions, and once it seemed to be secured ; in fact it was secured for a few months, until a hopeful enterprise ended in disastrous failure. The stcny of the Billerica and Bedford Narrow-Gauge Railroad is not a pleasant one, but must be here briefly told.

In 1875, George E. Mansfield, of Boston, came to Billerica with plans and proposals for building a railroad, of a two-foot gauge, from Bedford to North Billerica. A road of fourteen miles' length in Wales, The Festiniog, had shown the practicabilit}' of a line so narrow, but none had ever been built in this country. Discussion resulted in a charter, and a compan}' was organized, 187G, May 10, Capt. Charles A. Ranlett being its president. Subscriptions and surveys required some months, and gi-ound was broken, with much enthusiasm, September 6. The construction of the line took more than a 3-ear, and it was opened in the autumn of 1877. Its equipment consisted of two locomotives, "Ariel" and "Puck," two passenger cars, two "excursion" cars, and a few others. The novelty of its narrow track and cheap construction attracted much attention. People came to see its working, and the "Scientific American" published, 1878, INIarch 16, an article describing its construction, witli an illustration of its engines. For a few months the village enjoyed railroad facilities, and so far as the feasibility of the working experiment went, the road was a success. Its failure came from financial causes. The estimated cost was $50,000, or $8000 per mile; but, in the "Scientific American" article, its projector puts its cost when completed at over .$(;0.000. On the other hand, a portion of its sul)scription proved unsound or fraudulent and the road began operations luuler a heavy burden of debt. Starting in this unfortunate condition, and liardly at the outset earning its runningexpenses, tlie directors were unable to finish its connections and equipment, or, b}' patient and successful running, win the confidence of the public and test the (juestion, in which some of them never lost faith, whether such a road could become i)ecuniarily profitable. Under its burden of debt, the road was thrown into bankruptc}' and assignees took possession, the personal property being sold, 1878, June 6, for $9000. The town, which had subscribed originally and paid $12,000, was urged to aid farther, but declined to do so; and individuals were not ready to undertake the financial experiment. Meanwhile, the Sandy River Railroad, in Maine, had built a similar line, north from P'armington. This company purchased the equipments of the Billerica and Bedford Railroad ; and there they are still in use with more success. Time is rapidly obliterating the roadwa}' through the town, and the children of coming generations may listen with some doubt to the story, that their fathers did once have such a railroad and regular trains running from Billei-ica to Bedford ; and that merry school-children went shouting on excursions over the route. That such was the fact the historian can testify, with emotions in which amusement, chagrin, and regret are mingled.

Chapter Xvit

In 1659, November, William Sheldon received the grant of a lot on condition of l)nilding a mill, to grind corn, within two years, (see under Sheldon) . This grant was declared forfeit, and John Parker received "the mill lot," 1(363-64, January 25, with an eight-acre right, for £55, paid for the town. ^ The house-lot was to be neai' the great bridge. No condition of building a mill is connected with the grant, and it is doubtful if there was any mill at North Billerica before the grant to Osgood, in 1708. But a " corne mill" was built as early as 1683, on Vine Brook, b}^ John Wilson, (see Wil.son), who had a saw-mill there in 1680; and Thomas Patten had a mill at Pattenville as early, (see Patten). But John Parker owned, by grant and purchase, at least two large lots at this place ; and a mill-pond is mentioned there in 1664. Probabl}' therefore the first mill in town was built by Mr. Parker and about 1660, on Content Brook, and not on Concord River. Bacon's mill, at the falls of the Shawshiu, is mentioned in 1707 and perhai)s was built earlier. Benjamin Fitch afterwards owned it, and it was long known as "Fitch's mill."

"At a General Town Meeting, octob. 4. 1708, Granted to Christoplier Osgood, Jun'., of Ahdouer, all that neck of land on the West of Concord Riuer, lying between said Eiuer and the pathway leading to broad meadow, with the stream ;it the falls,- Reseruing ten pole from the ford\\ ay doun said Riuer, and from the foot of the Hill going dotni into broad meadow : provided, tlie said Chi'isto])hei- Osgood do, within two years next ensuing the date hereof. Erect and maintain a good grist mill upon said Riuer. at the falls ouer against saru^' Rogers his house lot, and the said Osgood dotli

Mills. Manufactures

Engage to ueoiire and defend the Town of Billerica from any trouble and charge that may arise for damage that may be don to tlie meadows of the Towns aboue us by said mill-datn ; the said hind is given & granted to the said Christopher Osgood and his heirs (by the Town of Billerica) so long as he and they shall maintain a good grist mill at said place, and when said mill ceases, the said land sliall Return to the said town of Billerica."'

--March 27. 1710. It was voted, that the Town of Billerica will defend Mr. Christopher Osgood from bearing any charge of the damage in flowing Dr. Toothaclier's medow by his mill-dam, said Osgood engaging for himself & his sucksessors that the said stream that was granted to him shall return with the land to the said Town of Billerica, when the said mill cea.seth. which he hold* said land and stream by : passed in the atHrmative. Jonathan Bacon. Josiah Bacon. & Josiah Fassett entered their desent against y^ uoat aboue written.'"

--March 9. 1710-11. at a meeting of the proprietors on the east of Concord Eiver. there was Granted to Dr. Roger Toothacher all the land on the east side of the highway leading to his house, that belonged to Farley's and Marshall's lots, for full Recompense and in Exchange for his medow lot. flow'd by Mr. Osgood's mill."

Mr. Osgood built and maintained a grist-mill and saw-mill. He probably acquired by purchase the land on the north side, which was not included in the grant ; for his son Christopher, in 1747, sold this to Joseph Ruggles with right to use water for a fulling-mill, when there was more than was needed for Osgood's mills. In 1748, Mr. Osgood's executor sold his mill privilege to Nicholas Sprake for £1500, who in turn sold to William Kidder. In 1759, John Carleton came from Bradfortl and purchased of Kidder what was then described as two-thirds of the privilege, Mr. Ruggles' right being recognized as one-third. Whether Ruggles sold to Carleton, I am not able to say, nor whether Thomas Richardson accj^uired his title of Carleton or of some later owner ; but after the Revolution the mills were known as ''Richardson's," and the Middlesex Canal Compan}' purchased of him, 1794, March 25, the title, which was held for the use of the canal until 1851, September 22, when it was sold for $20,000 to Charles P. and Thomas Talbot, its present proprietors. These gentlemen were released, by vote of the town, 1864, March 7, from the obligation to maintain a grist-mill, contained in the Osgood grant, the town judging, no doubt correct!}', that the use of the water power in their extensive manufacturing would be a greater public benefit than the gi-ist-mill.

Prior to this action, the owners of the water power had prosecnted sueeessfull}' before the Legishxtnre a contest witli the towns of Wayhmd, Sudbiny, Concord, Bedford, and Cailisle, and tlie owners of meadows above on the river. The latter luid petitioned the Legislature in 1859, claiming that the dam had been raised and was maintained at a height Avhich damaged the meadows and reduced their value, and they asked for redress. A joint committee heard both parties at length, and the petitions, arguments, and documents were published in a report, {House Doc. ^ No. 100, 1860). The result was not conclusive and, in 18G1, commissioners were appointed b}' the Legislature, to investigate, make experiments, and determine whether the dam affected the meadows in the towns above. To this end, thirty-four stations were established along the river, and observations were carefully recorded for two months from 21 Juh', 1861, the effect of various heights of water at the dam being tested. The observations and report were published, {House Doc.., No. 1, 1862) . The general conclusion was that "the dam at North Billerica is not the 0UI3' nor the chief cause of the wet state of the meadows above. The bars across the stream, especiall}' the Fordwa}' bar ; the weeds filling the channel in many places, often for long distances ; the discharge into the river during summer of water stored in reservoirs and mill-ponds upon the Sudbury and Assabet and their tributaries, in their combined effect do far more damage to the meadows than the Billerica dam." The}' say that the effect of the dam becomes inappreciable at Robbins bar, and its entire remo\'al would not affect the upper meadows ; that effectual relief could come to the meadows onh' by reducing the dam thirty-three inches or more, cutting out the Fordwa^' and other bars, deepening the shallow Ijlaces, straightening the channel at some points, and keeping the river free from weeds. This progrannne was moi"e extensive than the Legislature felt itself called upon to undertake, especially as it was proved that similar trouble and complaint had been chronic from the first settlement of the country.

Li 1811, Francis Faulkner came from Acton and l)egan the manufacture of woolen goods. It was the second enterprise of this class in New England, Abraham Marland being the jjioneer, who began at Andover in 1810. Mr. I'aulkner soon purchased of the Canal Company the secondary water like that which had Ijelonged to Joseph Ruggles. He could draw water until it was "three-quarters of an inch below the top of the dam and flush-boards," Avhen he must close liis gates, nndev a peiuilty of one dollar for every half-hour they were left open. By his thrift, skill, and enterprise, INIr. Faulkner made his business very suceessful, and transmitted it to his sons. The firm name is still "J. K. Faulkner & Co.," and his grandson, Mr. Kichard Faulkner, is the agent now in charge of its business. From a modest beginning with a single set of cards the business has increased until eight sets are in use, employing seventy-two hands. The monthly pay-roll is about $2500.

Mr. Charles P. Talbot came to Billerica in 183D and was soon joined I)}' his brother Thomas in laying the foundations of their extensive and successful enterprise. The dye wood-mill was their earliest undertaking,- for which they hired a building of the Canal Company-. In 1844 they bought the saw-mill of Nathaniel Stearns, on the northeast side, and used it for the dyewood business until it was burned, in 1853. The}' then sold this site to INIr. Faulkner, having purchased the prior and larger rights of the Canal Company on tlie other side of the stream. There they rebuilt the dyewoodmill, which is still in vigorous operation; and, in 1857, they built their woolen-mill. This at first had eight sets of cards ; six were added in 1870 and as many in 1880. Two hundred hands are now employed, and the monthly pay-roll is $7000. In 1849, the Messrs. Talbot began their chemical works, which were at first in a buildingnear the dei^ot, but removed later to their present location, sixty rods farther east, b}- the railroad. These now employ sixteen hands, and produce a dail}' average of five tons oil of vitriol, one ton of blue vitriol, and as much muriatic acid.

The next most important manufacturing enterprise was begun soon after 1830, in the south part of the town, b}- Jonathan Hill, Esq. Its specialty was, and still is, a useful machine for splitting leather, invented and patented by Samuel Parker, {see 19). This machine has had a very wide sale in this and in other countries, being almost indispensable in the manufacture of leather. The business was sold, in 1853, to Mr. Charles H. Hill, who continues it with much success. Jn 1875, the value of tiie work done was $28,000.

In the east part of the tf)wn Avhere there had long been a sawmill, on Content Brook, Theophilus Manning had also a grist-mill. He sold both, in 1825, to Dea. Aaron H. Patten, who began, in 1845, the manufacture of cabinet-work, llie l)usiness grew to considerable proportions, and Pattenville became a definite local name in town.

The business reached a vahie of $20,000 to $30,000 per year, and was contuiued by his sons ; but, in the financial depression of 1874-78, it suffered, and the shops were sold, in 1879, to Walter J. Pettingell, wlio has carried on Inisiness, making tanks, until the mill was burned, Januar\', 1882.

Most recent is the growth of an extensive glue factory, which was commenced in 1867 by the Jaquith Brothers, near the old l)ridge of the Middlesex Turnpike. It has been quite prosperous, doing a business amounting to nearly $15,000 annually. P'or man}- years the Winnings maintained a saw-mill on the brook running from Winning's Pond ; and there has long been a saw-mill, now owned by Mr. John O. Richardson, on Content Brook, near the railroad station at East Billerica.

Chapter Xyiii

Of the part wliieh this town took in the ^Vav of 1812, and in the Mexican War, the town and State archives contain no record. Probably Billerica had soldiers in both, bnt the nnniber was small, and the scenes of action were too remote to leave any distinct impression. Far otherwise was it in the great Secession contest. When the life of the nation was assailed by the Southern uprising, the people all felt the blow and the danger, and the towns asserted their vital relations to the conflict as they did in the Revolutionary contest, to the disturbance of British councils. No one who experienced it can ever forget the thrill of patriotic emotion which went through the North when Sumter was assailed and I'resident Lincoln called for fifty thousand volunteers to defend the Union. PubUc meetiugs, enlistments, and aid societies and labors engrossed the public mind. In Billerica the town hall was thrown open, tlu' church bell, aided by the drum and an old ship-gun, sounding tlie call to meetings for action and organization. John A. Burrows and Charles N. Fletcher were the first soldiers mustered from Billerica. The number increased rapidly. Richardson's Light Infantiy, of Lowell, afterwards the Seventh Liglit Battery, and the first three-years company in the field from Massachusetts, visited the town for a reception and a drill ; as did a rifle company. Albert E. Farmer, who was taken prisoner at Bull Run and died in Richmond, was the first soldier from Billerica to fall, [n 1862, after the defeat of McClellan, the call for troops was responded to by a town meeting and the ofler of a bounty for enlistments, They were easily obtained, and the town's quota was mustered into the Thirty-Third Regiment. An interesting meeting was held in the town hall the niglit before their departure. A call for nine-months men followed, and after the supposed quota had been filled it was found that more men were needed, and town meetings and bounties were a2,ain called into requisition. lu the suunner of 18G3 came the first draft, with but small results from this town. In the aufcuuni etlbrts for volunteers were renewed, and a consideral)le munber of veterans whose threeyears term would expire in 18G4 re-enlisted "for the war." These brave men, who after so long and severe a term of service were read}' to rededicate themselves to the great work, should l)e held in especial honor, and their names can be traced in the list below. In the summer of 18G4 came a second draft quite as meagre in results as the first, for onl}- two men from Billerica were accepted. Other calls were filled by such volunteers as could be secured in town or beyond, and large bounties were paid.

The news of victor}- and peace filled the land with joy in the spring of 18G5, and though a deep shadow followed with the assassination of the beloved Lincoln, the substantial fruits remained. The returning veterans were welcomed on the Fourth of July at a picnic in the grove b}- Concord River near the middle bridge. The exercises, were hearty and impressive, including an address of welcome by Dr. Frank E. Bundy. In farther testimony to the valor of her soldiers and the memory of her dead, the town has erected an appropriate monument. It stands upon the Common, and a good picture of it is here given. It is a shaft of white granite, six feet square at the base and twenty-five feet high. The shaft is crowned with the figure of a soldier, in easy position, with musket at rest. In raised letters are inscribed the names "Peterslnn'g," "Gettysburg," "Lookout Mountain," "Bull Eun," " Chancellorsville," "Baton Rouge," and "Cedar Mountain." A carved eagle surmounts a shield, and upon the pedestal is the inscription: "Billerica to her heroes, in grateful recognition of that steadfastness of purpose, devotion to principle, loyalt}' to countr}-, and trust in God, which enabled men to die for Liberty and Union." On the east and west sides are the names of tweut}' dead soldiers : -

Soldiers Monument Billerica In The Rebellion

Four other naincs will be tbiiud in tlie ensuing list which would properly have been inscribed with their comrades' upon the monument. It is due to them that they be houorably mentioned here : -

The monument was dedicated with apiiroi)riate ceremonies and in the presence of a vast assemblage, Wednesday, 8 October, 1873. Hon. Thomas Talbot presided ; the prayer of dedication was offered by Rev. INIr. Ilussey, and an oration given by Col. Rus-sel H. Conwell, of Boston, (iovernor Washburn, Hon. E. R. Hoar, of Concord, ex-Gov. Onslow Steinns, of New Hampshire, a son of Billerica, and others participated in the exercises, which were held in a mammoth tent south of the monument.

Of Rebellion, 18G1-65

[XoTE. - The first column after name gives date of muster; the second, the company and regiment (of Massachusetts Volunteers, if not otherwise stated) ; the third, the end of service, which is by regular discharge, unless specified; and "dis." signifies disability. A star denotes death; alone, death in battle, or in a few days; a star with "w." (*w.), death from wounds; and with "d." (*d.), death from disease contracted in the army. The length of service in months follows. In the last column, "Re." indicates a discharge and reenlistment ; and in cases of promotion the rank is indicated; and where more than one promotion took place, the highest is given, otliers being implied.. Two or three of tliese men from Billerica enlisted from other towns. This list of names has been prepared with great care by Mr. Franklin .hniuith. It is gathered primarily from the Town Records, with only such insertions as evidence demanded. Some other names, gleaned from the Adjutant- (ieneral's Records but not found in Town Records, are added in a supplementary list. I'hat no errors or omissions will be found is too much to hope. For the arrangement and items of the table, ]Mr. Jaiiuith is not responsible.]

The Mother-Town Of Billericay In England

[The author is happy to give place in this chapter to Rev. Edward G. Porter, of Lexington, who, at his special request, paid a visit, in 1879, to Billerieay, the mother-town, in England, and gives pleasant record of facts and impressions there gathered and likely to be of interest.]

It must always l)e an occasion of regret that so little is known of the orighi of our New England towns. If the early settlers had imagined what interest would, in after years, gather around tlie humble beginnings of their enterprise, they would, no doul)t, have left us a much fuller account of themselves and their movements. But they were unconsciously making history ; and it is usually true that the men who make history are not the ones to write it. Many of our early town records have preserved the names of the original proprietors, but we look in vain for any extended account of their lives, the places they came from, the ships they sailed in, and the ports they arrived at. We know that Jonathan Danforth, Ralph Hill, John Parker, and William French, the earty settlers of Billerica, came from the eastern counties of England ; and there is reason to believe that Hill and French were from Billerieay in Essex. But what the circumstances were which led them to join the colonists, what sacrifices the}' made in coming, what relatives they left behind, what incidents attended the long journe}-, can only be conjectured. We know, however, that, although the colonists of New England voluntarily left the land of their birth, they did not cease to love it. They brought with them as much of it as they could - its laws, its religion, its home-life. They were still British subjects, loyal to the crown. In proof of their affection for the mother-country, witness their almost universal practice of naming their new settlements after the places from whicli the}- had come. Thus we have Plymouth,

The Mother-Town Of Billericay

Dorchester, "Weymouth, Ipswich, Braintree, Suclbiuy, Billerica, and scores of other well-known English names reproduced on our soil. This fact alone will ever preserve to us the memorj' of our origin. As we are not ashamed of our forefathers, neither are we ashamed of the country from which the}' came. No better material for the founders of towns and states could be had than that which the Anglo-Saxon race furnished in the seventeenth century, and no truer men ever crossed the sea than those who came from the sturdy 3eomanry of Old Essex.

It was just at the beginning of June - the loveliest season of all the 3ear - when I paid a promised A'isit to Billeiicay. From London the journey is accomplished b^' rail on the fireat Eastern line as far as Brentwood, (nineteen miles,) and then l)y the carriage road, a pleasant drive of five miles. Accustomed as we are in America to see nature in her ruder and less cultivated aspects, there is a great charm in the soft and finished landscape of England. No rough ledges assert their supremacy over the soil ; no broken-down stone walls or worn-out fences mar the symmetry of the picture. The roads are well made and well kept. Heaps of hammered stone may be seen at intervals, piled up in regular order, for use upon the road as occasion ma}- require. On either side, the hedge-rows, usuolly of hawthorn, furnish an agreeable l)order, sliaded often by the overhanging oak, elm, and poplar. Daisies and i)rimr(^ses, sweet-scented lilacs and lilies of the valley, al)ound in great i)rofusion in the spring and early summer. Wheat, clover, and Iteans are cultivated in large quantities in this section. Here and there a siiinll stream is crossed b}' a stone bridge, with its graceful arch reflected in the water, where the cattle are often seen quietly standing in groups, and near by the sheep feeding in the rich, green pastures. Many of the houses, even of the humbler people, have plants tastefully arranged in boxes suspended from the window-sills. Ferneries and rockeries, both indoors and out, are very common. The ivy is everywhere seen twining over brick walls and stone porches, covering with its leafy mantle much that would otherwise be excessivel}- phun. The road which we are following is the old highwa}' from London to Chelmsford, Colchester, and the eastern counties. As Billericay is situated on an elevated plateau or ridge to the eastward, we leave the main road at a small hamlet called Shentield, where there is a ^ church, a shop, and two old taverns still bearing their ancient names of Green Dragon and The Eagle and Child.

From Shenlield the road passes through a rich, open, agrieiiltural coiintr}-, ascending gradnalh' the ahiiost imperceptible slope, on the crest of which Billericay is built. The situation is in many respects like that of its namesake in Massachusetts. Entering the town from the southwest, we pass along the main street, a ])road, winding, macadamized thoroughfare, lined for the most i)art with neat, twostory, brick houses, standing close together, as is nsuall}- the case in European villages. The houses have evidently l)een built at very different periods. Some have the quaint gables and projecting upper stories of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, wliile others are more modern, a few being of quite recent construction. The village is well lighted with gas. Fift}' years ago the jjopulation was about two thousand. The numbm- has fallen off since then, owing to tlie loss of the silk-weaving and coaching interests, which for a longperiod contributed nnich to the prosperity of the place. The weekly market, instituted by Edward ^^\ llTCi, is held on Tuesdays, when the village assumes a lively appearance, as it tlieu becomes the centre of trade for tlie entire neighboihood. Great fairs are also held, 1(3' an ancient privilege, in August and October, chiefly for cattle. The principal business now is in "corn," as the English call it, i.e. grain, of which a large quantity is raised in this part of Essex. The manorial rights of Billericay are vested in tlu- present Lord

Petre, who holds a court-leet nnd bai'on annually in the spring, at the former of which the constables and other officers for the internal regulation of the town are appointed. Petty sessions are held at the town hall, over the market-house, on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

The history of this large property, which includes not only the village of Billericay but a large section of country in its vicinity, is a curious illustration of the way in which great estates have lieen accumulated iind entailed in England. The first Lord Petre, Sir William, lived three hundred years ago, and was wise enough in his generation t(^ accommodate his lo3"alty, and his religion as well, to the rajjjd and contradictory changes that occurred under Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary, and Elizabeth, in consequence of which many rich abbe}' lands and manors fell into his hands. This time-serving policy was so apparent, that Sir William was generally spoken of as the man who was "made of the willow and not of the oak." He was, however, a generous benefactor to Exeter College, Oxford ; and his daughter, who married the famous Nicholas Wadham, became, with her husband, co-founder of Wadham College, Oxford. The old seat of the familv was Ingatestone Hall, a few miles west of Billerica}', near the line of the old Roman road. This hall is still standing, a venerable, irregular Elizabethan pile, covered with ivy, and surrounded by old gardens and fish-ponds. One of tlie rooms still Contains some fine sixteenth century tapestry. ' The modern residence of the family is at Thorndon Hall, a magniticent seat on a gentle eminence overlooking an extensive park, which can be seen from Billericay. -

The introduction of railroads was a blow to the ancient prosperity of Billericav. Being on high land, the town was left at a distance of several miles from the Clreat Eastern line. The brisk and jirofitable traffic which formerly passed directly through the town was thus diverted. The oldtime inns, such as the Crown, the White Hart, the Horse-Shoe, the Red Lion, the Bull, the Sun, the Checkers, and the White Lion, at which the coaches and teams stopped daily, may still be seen, though most of them are shorn of their glorj-, and the traveller looks in vain for the post-lads who used to be always ready dressed and spurred up for dnt}'. From its situation at the

' The place is described by Miss Braddon in lier Lady Audley's Secret. - The (ireat Eastern Railway runs for seven miles through Lord Petre's property; the company paid for the strip of land thus occupied over £120,000.

crossing of several old roiuls, IJillericuy becunie u tlioronglif:iro cspeciiiUy for the traA'el between Chelmsford and Ilorndon-on-tlie-liill, Tilbury and (iravesend. One of the most conspicuous buildings in the place is the work-house, or " Billerica}" Union," as it is called, a large modern structure,' pleasantly- located in the outskirts of the town, on the Chelmsford Road. The poor of several parishes in the vicinit}' are well cared for in this estal)lishment, which is admirably managed under the direction of a Ijoard of guardians. On the ridge just outside the village, two venerable wind-mills form a prominent object in the landscape - remnants of the many that formerly lint'd the hills in the eastern counties. .Some of t!ie people still remember the old l)eacon of fagots that flaslied the signal lights from this spot, on important occasions, over a good part of Essex. The view from here on a clear day is very extensive in all directions, particulai'ly over tlie l)i'()a(l Thames valley and the Kentish hills beyond.

The oiigin of the name of Billericay is obscure. Morant, the old historian of Essex, states that, in 1343, it was called Beleuca, probably, he says, from the old word ""baleuga" or -' ))anU'uga," a precinct around a borough or manor; in Erench, "Hjanlieue." .Some learned anti(|uaries contend that the name is more likely to be derived from tile two Latin woids '' BelU'ri-castra," the camp of Bellerus. Others think it may have come from certain Welsh words signifying the fort on the hill. The interpretation suggested by some one in this country, "villa rica," does not meet Avith favor in England, though it is not easy to see why not, since it is well known that v" and "b" have often been used interchangeably. But whatever ma\' have been the origin of the name, it is an indisputable fact that the town has been known by its present name, with slight variations, for many centuries. In 1395, allusion is made in the Pipe Koll to one "Thomas Ledere, traitor to the King, beht'adcd at Billerica." In a grant of Edward \'I, a. i>. I.'j.jI, the name is spelt both Billerica and Billerykay. In ir)(;3, among the ecclesiastical accounts of Chelmsford are two entries of sums rcceixcd (Vom ''Belyreca men for the hire of our garments," i.e. costumes for a miracle i>la.v. Among some tradesmen's tokens of the seventeeutii century is one inscribed, "Abraham Thresher in Billericay, Essex, his half-penny, IGliG."

The immediate neighborhood of Billericay exhibits memorials of nearly every important epoch in English history. In Norsey Wood, beyond the northern end of the village, are several large earthworks which are believed to be the defences of an ancient British village.

Numerous cinerary urns of rude workniansliip, containing' burnt l^ones and ashes, have been exhumed in the tumuli, or mounds, which have been recently opened.'' Two finely-shaped kelts, one of flint and the other of bronze, have been found near by. ^ So far as excavations have gone, the whole neighborhood appears to be rich in relics of the Roman period, showing that this must have been a military i)ost of considerable importance. Earthen vessels of various shapes and colors, tiles, beads, fibulaj, specula, and especially coins have been found in large (juantities. Some of the latter are finely preserved and bear the impress of the Emperors Hadrian, Germanicus, Constantine, Licinius, Nero, and Trajan, and of the Empresses Eaustina and Helena."' It Is -believed that the place called Blunt's Walls, near by, was a strong Roman fortress, which subsequently- conferred upon the estate the appellation of walls or strongholds, as recorded in the grant made ])y Henry HI to Robert de Blunt, who joined Simon de Montfort.

After the Roman came the Saxon and the Dane; and "Belleri castra" bore its share of the devastating changes which swept over England. Then came peace and prosperity in the train of Christianity, whose holy lites began to be celebrated b\' devoted missionaries. The original cluuch for this parish was not in the present village of Billericay, but at (Jreat Bin-ghstead, (Burgsted, ''Bursted Magna,") a mile and a half toward the south. This was prol)ably near the residence of the Saxon thane who, embracing the Christian faith, assisted in building a rude wooden edifice for worship. Then came a small church of stone, which, soon after the overthrow of Harold, (a.d. 10G6,) gave place to a large Norman structure, destined to be incorporated within the walls of a much finer building which we see standing there to-day. The heavy, machicholated stone tower is surmounted l)y a wooden spire and weather-cock. On one of the five bells hanging in the tower is inscribed, "Vox Augustini sonet in aure Dei. A. I). H.'Jd." At different times, beautiful, decorated windows have been inserted in the thick stone walls, while the small Norman lancet-windows in the north aisle have been happil}- left untouched ; a south aisle and chancel have been added ; also a stone font, two piscenas, and various monumental tablets in memory' of certtiin pi-ouiinent [)(.'i\sons in tlu' paiisli. Over the north door, car\'e(l in Edwardia'.i characters, are seen the words of the angelic salntation, "Ave Maria plena gratia," etc. The floor of the church is paved with brick ; the pulpit is very high and reached by a flight of nine steps. (It ought to be said that the present incumbent does not attempt to preach from it.) The pews are nearly five feet high and are lined inside with old green baize. Both the pulpit and the pews are unpainted. In the vestry the tithe-map is kept in a copper case and padlocked to the wall. The parish records, bound in vellum, cover a period of about three hundred years, and are kept in the custody of the minister. Tlie eai'lier entries are not easily deciphered, unless the reader is an expert. The churchyard is peopled with the dead of Billericay for many centuries. The present sexton has buried over a thousand persons during the last twenty-five years. In the accompanying engraving, an ancient ^-ew tree shades the south porch, a weather-beaten mass of oak beams, ver}' much in need in repair.

The connection of Billerica}' with Hadleigh Castle should have brief notice. This castle, built liy Hubert de Burgh in the reign of Henry III, was pulled down and rebuilt by Edward III. In the Public Record office there is a full account of the expenses incurred in the work. Among them are t're(j[uent entries I'or the carriage of goods and material from Billericay, but no entry of payment therefor. We remember that men were taken in those days upon the king's order and re({uired to work upon his buildings, and we are not surprised at the widespread feeling of discontent which found exi)ression in the great uprising of the people, led bj- Wat Tyler, of Essex, in 1381. As man}- as one hundred thousand rudel} -armed men are said to have joined in this insurrection. The Essex division under the famous Jack Straw, after leaving London, deluded by the king's promises, retired to Billericay, where they intrenched themselves - a large arn^y - in Norsey Wood, and sent messengers to the king, Richard II,' demanding to know whether he had recalled, as reported, his letters of pardon. The king sent back a haughty answer, followed by troops under the Earl of Buckingham, who attacked the camp in Norsey Wood and completely routed it, slaying", it is said, as man}- as five hundred of tlie insurgents and taking many prisoners. The Pipe-Roll record shows that in the market-place of Billericay the headsman executed his fell craft upon man}- a miserable victim.''

In process of time the [)eople of Billericay, finding it inconvenient to attend the parish church at Burgstead, obtained a free chapel (or chantry) in their own village, and this has since become the principal Anglican place of worship. It is a plain brick building with nothing very old aliout it except the tower, in which hangs an ancient bell, inscribed in Lombardic characters: "-|- (ialfridus : de : Hedemtun : me : fecit." There is also' a large and flourishing Congregational Church, which has been served l)y a long succession of able and devoted pastors, amongst whom may be mentioned the names of Thomas Jackson, Philip Davis (a pupil of Isaac Watts) , and John Thornton, whose ministry of over forty years is distinguished by the excellent books which he wrote, and the eminent ministers who pursued their theological studies under his direction. The Rev. Alfred Kluht, the present pastor, is much esteemed for his character and usefulness.