Concord Town (part 6 of 10)

Concord is bounded on the southwest by Sudbury, by a line running from ^' bound rock," near Concord river, north 55° west, 1178r. to Acton corner, near Joseph Hayward's ; thence westerly on Acton by a straight line, running north 35° east, 1656r^ to Carlisle corner, near Paul Dudley's ; thence northerly on Carlisle by a hne having 28 angles. Southerly it is bounded on Lincoln, by a line beginning at bound rock before mentioned, and running with the river to the mouth of Well Meadow Brook, and thence by a line having fourteen angles to Bedford hne ; thence on Bedford by a line having thirteen angles to Concord river, and by Concord river to Carlisle bounds. These lines, giving to the town an exceedingly irregular shape, were surveyed in 1829, and stone bounds put up at all the angles.

The principal road to Boston, before the Charlestown bridge was built, went south through Lincoln, Waltham, and Watertown. That now most travelled is the great county road from Boston, through Lexington and Concord, to Groton and to New Hampshire. The Concord and Union Turnpike from Bolton to Boston, laid out in 1802, passes through this town, but, being hilly, is not

The first bridge was built across the Concord river, fi'om the point of land below Joseph Barrett's, Esq., to Lee's hill. In 1665 it was washed away, and another built the next year, where the present south bridge stands. Six or seven new bridges have since been built on the same spot. In 1660 tliere were three new bridges in the town, the north bridge (which the events of the 19th of April, 1775, have made memorable), the great south bridge, and one where Darby's bridge now stands. A few years previous to that time, the town had been allowed £20 by the county towards maintaining these bridges. An effort was then made to have the whole expense borne by the county, but the town could obtain but £30 annually for that purpose. When they were first supported entirely by the town, is uncertain. They have been often swept away by the floods ; and large sums of money are annually raised to keep them in repair, which has very much increased the expenses of the town. The bridge by Captain Hunt's was first built about 1792, that by the Rev. Dr. Ripley's in 1793, those on the turnpike in 1802, and that beyond Deacon Hubbard's in 1802. There are now eight bridges entirely supported by the town.

Public Stages were first run out of Boston into the country through Concord, in 1791, by Messrs. John Vose &: Co. There are now (1833), on an average, 40 stages which arrive and depart weekly, employing 60 horses between Boston and Groton, and carrying about 350 passengers ; 150 have passed in one day.

The Post-Office was first established in this town, February 20, 1795. Six mails then arrived and departed weekly. Sixteen now arrive and depart. Since 1813, the net proceeds of the office to government have been about $3,000, varying from $30 to $70 per quarter. The following account of the post-masters was furnished me by the Post-Master General.

Public Buildings. - Meeting-houses, - To provide suitable accommodations for public religious worship, was one of the first acts of the town after its incorporation. And hence we find it recorded in a fragment? of the proceedings of the town in 1635 - " Ordered that the meeting-house stande on the hill near the brook on the easte of Goodman Judgson's lott.'' Tradition informs us, that this was on the hill some distance easterly from the common. This house served as a place of worship about 30 years.

In 1667, a new meeting-house was ordered to be built, to stand between the present house and Deacon Jarvis's. It was nearly square and had a gallery. The lower floor had a few pews on the out side ; and the remainder was filled with seats. The roof was square and ornamented with four projections on the sides, resembling luthern windows or gable ends, having a window in each. In the centre was a " turret," or cupola, in which the bell was hung.^ On the spire was a vane in which was cut " 1673," the date of the completion of the house.

Arrangements were made in 1710, after several meetings and considerable discussion, for building another house. It was 60 feet long, 50 wide, and 28 " stud " ; had no pews till some time after it was built, and then only by special vote of the town, as a favor to distinguished individuals ; two galleries ; no porches nor turret; and was completed in 1712 at an expense of £608. This house was several times repaired. In 1749 pews were built around the lower floor, and some in the lower gallery.

January 31, 1791, the town voted to enlarge and repair the house in its present form. It is 72 feet long, 50 wide, and 28 high ; and has three porches, a spire 90 feet high, and square pews on the lower floor, and by the walls in the gallery. Builders, Abner Wheeler and Reuben Bryant ; expense, £924. It was dedicated January 24, 1792, when the Rev. Dr. Ripley preached a sermon, which was printed.

The Trinharian meeting-house, built in 1826, is 60 feet long, 58 wide, and 22 high, with a spire of 68 feet. The entrance is at one end, and it has narrow pews facing and descending towards the pulpit, and a gallery at one end. Building committee, Moses Davis, John Vose, and Ebenezer Hubbard ; builder, Thomas Benjamin; expense (including a bell weighing 1125 lbs.), be-

A town bell was procured very early, but at wliat time, does not appear. At first it was hung on a tree, and its tones are said to have been terrible to the neighbouring Indians. About 1696 it was broken, and sent to England to be recast. In 1700 it was " hanged on the meeting house in the turret," where it remained till the court-house was built, on which it was placed till 1791, when it was removed to the meeting-house. A new bell was procured, in 1784, from Hanover, weighing 500 lbs., but being broken, another w^as ordered from England in 1789, which continued till 1826, when the present one, weighing 1572 lbs., was obtained. The clock in the front gallery of the meeting-house was given to the town in 1793, by Mr. John Minott ; and that in the belfry was procured by subscription, in 1827, for $450.

No subject seems to have excited greater interest, or required the exercise of greater talents, than seating the meeting-house." Large committees were accordingly chosen almost every year prior to the erection of pews, and as late as 1784, to tell the people where to sit when attending public worship. Few were able to perform such duties and escape censure. Singers were first seated in 1774.

Court-Houses. - The first house for the accommodation of the courts and town-meetings, was built in 1719, principally of materials in the old meeting-house, an3 stood near the present site of the county-house occupied by the jailor. It was 34 feet long, 26 wide, and 14 high, with a cupola in the centre, on which was placed the vane of the meeting-house, dated " 1673." The expense, excepting £30 was paid by the town. The new courthouse is a commodious wooden building, 70 feet long, 50 wide, and 28 high. In the centre of the roof an octagon cupola rises 60 feet from the ground. It was built in 1794, by Daniel Davis of Acton. The whole expense w^as $4,583, of which the town paid £100, and gave the land on which it stands, and has the right to use it for public meetings.

The first Jail was built in 1754 in the rear of Dr. Heywood's . old house. Prior to that time, prisoners were confined in Cambridge snd Charlestown. In 1770 it was removed to the west end of the burying-ground, near Mr. Bigelow's tavern. The present jail was buih of stone in 1788, and received its first tenants in the April following. It is 65 feet long, 32 wide, 3 stories high, and has 18 apartments, 7 of which are for criminals. It cost £3,084.

The Academy, built in 1822, is 40 feet long, 30 wide, and 2 stories high. The grammar schoolhouse is of the same size, the lower story being occupied as a school-room, and the upper one as a masonic hall. It w^as built in place of one burnt December 31, 1819, and dedicated, with two other new ones, for primary schools, September 7, 1820. In 1799, seven new schoolhouses, one in each district, including the centre, were built at an expense to the town of about $'4,000.

A Printing- Office was opened in this town by Nathaniel Coverly in 1794, but it was continued but a short time. April 20, 1816, Messrs. Bettes and Peters issued the first newspaper, entitled the Middlesex Gazette, and it has since been continued, under various names and proprietors, till the present time.

Burying- Grounds were laid out at an early period, but the date is unknown. The monument on the Hill Burying-Ground, containing the inscription, " JOSEPH MERRIAM, AGED 47 YEARS, DIED THE 20 OF APRIL, 1677," is the oldest in town. The oldest in the West Burying-Ground is that of Thomas Hartshorn, who died November 17, 1697. No other one appears there till 1713. The first person buried in the New Burying-Ground was Mrs. Anna Bobbins, who died July 13, 1823, and the fact is properly noted on her monument. Beside these, tradition reports that the ground first used for interring the dead was on the hill easterly of the present one ; but no traces of It can be discovered, if indeed one was ever there. Some of the epitaphs, which have marks of originality, are annexed. Others appear elsewhere in this work.

" In Memory of Capt. JOHN STONE, the Architect of that Modern and justly Celebrated Piece of Architecture, Charles River Bridge. He Was a man of good Natural abilities, which seemed to be adorned with Moral Virtues and Christian Graces. He departed this life in the year of our Lord, 1791, in the 63 year of his age."

Orpaii Bryant

Mortua, Lachrymabillima." On the only upright white stone, then in the Hill Burying- Ground, the subjoined appears, relating to the donor of the singingfund.

Few grave-yards within my knowledge have so many monuments, on which character is drawn, as ours. These inscriptions have considerable similarity, but discover the peculiar taste of the age in w^iich they were written. The character in the subjoined is drawn with peculiar force.

" In Memory of Mrs. REBECCA HUNT, consort of Lieut. Reuben Hunt, who died June 28, 1790, aged 47. Her virtues, social, conjugal, parental, and Christian, commanded respect and rejoiced acquaintance, sweetened life, consoled in sickness, made a friend of death, and confirmed the hope of celestial glory. This stone perpetuates her memory and invites imitation. ' Frail man give ear ; The dearest joys of earth resign. Secure those joys that are divine.' "

John Jack

" God wills us free ; - man wills us slaves. I will as God wills ; God's will be done. Here lies the body of JOHN JACK, A native of Africa, who died March, 1773, aged about sixty years. Though born in a land of slavery, He was born free. Though he lived in a land of liberty, He lived a slave ; Till by his honest, though stolen labours. He acquired the source of slavery. Which gave him his freedom : Though not long before Death, the grand tyrant, Gave him his final emancipation, And put him on a footing with kings. - Though a slave to vice.

Chapter Xiv Statistical History

Population. - Concord possesses few of those advantages of water-power, pecuhar to many manufacturing towns, which favor a rapid growth. It is dependent on the industry of its inhabitants, its improvements in agricukure and the mechanic arts, and the general advancement of the surrounding county, for its increase in wealth and population. The incorporation of other towns, principally within its original limits, has, at various times, reduced its population and resources, and renders it difficult to estimate its growth with accuracy. In 1706 the polls were 230, nearly half as many as they now are ; but they \\^re scattered throughout six now incorporated towns. In 1753, just before the incor- poratlon of Lincoln, the polls were 442, greater than at any other period in our iiistory })rior to i8:-20; and it is probable the population and wealth of the town was proportionably great. The population in 1764, including part of Carlisle, then belonging to Concord, was 1584, of whom 736 were white males, 8'2l w hite females, and 27 negroes. There were 6 slaves in 1725 ; 21 in 1741 ; and 19 in 1754. September 1, 1783, three years after the town was reduced to its present territorial limits, it contained 1321 inhabitants, of whom 15 were blacks. In 1790, there were 1590. The following table gives the number at three different periods since.

From the above statement and a subsequent one on the valuation, it will appear that the town, from 1800 to the close of the war in 1815, remained nearly stationary. Since that time it has had a slow but gradual increase. The proportion of births to the deaths is estimated at about 3 to 1, producing a large redundant population, which is scattered in every state in the union. The associations with " Old Concord " are dear to many in distant lands, who owe their ancestral origin to its inhabitants.

History Of Conxord

Valuation". - From the returns of the assessors in the offices of the secretary of the CommoDweahh and the town clerk, I have compiled the followins: tables, which will afford interestins: information; illustrative of the wealth of the town at different periods. The only articles mentioned in the valuations of personal property, taken under the province charter, were horses, oxen. cows, sheep, swine, slaves, and faculty. The total valuation of personal and real estate, in 1706, as reduced to our present currency nearly according to the received tables^ of depreciation, was -S' 9,593, and for several subsequent periods, was as follows.

^ The emissions of paper money were at par when first issued, but constantly depreciated in value from 1700 to 1750. The value of " old tenor," and the currency mentioned in this and other histories of those times, may be known from the following table. It was compiled by Captain Stephen Hosmer, one of the most accurate men of that day, and found among his papers ; and is deemed worthy of pubUcation. The first column contains the date, the four next the price of silver, in shillings, in the spring, summer, fall, and winter of that year : and the four last the rate of discount on Bills of Credit in the same seasons. In this table it is said, the price of silver from 1706 to 1714 was 8^. 6<f. per ounce,*' lawful money ; and the Bills of Credit at 50 per cent, discount.

On the 31st of March. 1750, the bills of the " old tenor" were redeemed in specie at the rate of 65. for 45 : and of the "new tenor" and "middle tenor," at 65. for lis. Sd. : and from tliat time ceased to pass. (Colony Laws. pp. 768, 771.) The fluctuation in the valne of this currency was the source of great general embarrassment ; and this was an important era in the history of the province.

Statistical History

these valuations various articles of personal property are required to be enumerated and described, not however uniformly alike. In the following table some of the principal only are mentioned.

Finances. - In the early ages of the town, several lots of land were reserved for the public good," and donations were made by individuals for the same purpose. Most of them, however, were disposed of without producing much permanent benefit, or accomplishing the wishes of the donor. Captain Timothy Wheeler,^ in 1687, bequeathed to the Rev. Edward Bulkeley and the

1 Captain Timothy Wheeler died July 10, 1687, aged 86. He came to Concord in 1638, and, as tradition says, from Wales. Besides holding, at different times, most of the important trusts in various town affairs, he was captain of a military company, and represented the town eighteen years in the General Court, between 1653 and 1672. In all stations he appears to have conducted himself with great propriety. At his death he was possessed of a very respectable estate. His will, which is recorded in the Suffolk Probate Records, was dated the 1st of March next before his death.

Rev. Joseph Estabrook, who were then the ministers of the town, 20s. apiece ; and to the town about three acres of land, with a house standing on the same, to be improved, all but half an acre (which was " laid out to the training-place " at the northwesterly end of the public common), "for the furtherance of learning and the support of a school in the said town." This lot was that on which the grammar school-house now stands, and then embraced nearly alt which wouM be included in a line drawn from the north side of the house recently built by Ephraim Merriam, to the brook, and by the brook round to the Middlesex Hotel and the common. These premises were several years leased and the rents applied according to the wishes of the donor ; but piece after piece was unfortunately sold, till the school-house lot was contracted to its present highly inconvenient dimensions. Captain Wheeler also bequeathed to the town 40 acres of woodland, " to be improved from time to time for the use and benefit of the ministers of the said town." This was the present ministerial lot ; and the people were long accustomed to hold a bee, when a sufficient quantity of wood for the minister's annual consumption was drawn from this lot to his door.

The town directed, April 1, 1811, that the wood on this lot, and on one in Carlisle, should be cut off and sold ; and that pews should be erected on some vacant floor in the meeting-house, and also sold ; and that the proceeds should be vested in the hands of trustees, as a ministerial fund. Their first report was made November 7, 1814, and shows the following results.

Proceeds of sales of wood on the ministerial wood-lot $2,566*13 Proceeds of sales of wood on a lot in Carlisle . 364*27 Proceeds of sales of pews in the meeting-house . 1,365*55

Total on interest from January 1st, 1814 $4,295*95 The first trustees were John White, Francis Jarvis, and John L. Tuttle ; and they and their successors were incorporated by an act passed February 27, 1813, as The Trustees of the Congregational Ministerial Fund in Concord." This fund has since

His second wife was Mary, daughter of Captain Thomas Brooks. They had no male issue. One of his daughters, Elizabeth, married Ebenezer Prout, some time clerk of the House of Representatives ; and another, Rebecca, married James Minott, Esq., and was the ancestor of many distinguished individuals.

been accumulating ; and it received the additional legacy of Humphrey Barrett,^ in 1829, of ,9 500. No appropriations were made from it till 18.30 ; and on the first of January, 1831, it amounted to $11,431-45.

In 173*2, a committee was appointed, consisting of the Rev, Mr. Whiting, James Minott, Jr., Jolm I^ox, and Samuel Heywood, to make sale of the common and ministerial land in the town, and vest the proceeds in other real estate. A " ministerial pasture and plow land " was accordingly bought west of the almshouse, and some time used as a " perquisite " lot. During the Rev. Mr. Emerson^s ministry, it w^as sold for £75, or ,$250, and the annual interest, $15, applied for the benefit of the minister. In consequence of losses sustained during the revolution, it became reduced to $100 nearly. In 1819, the town voted that the minister should receive $15, the original perquisite; and the balance $9, has been annually raised by a tax.

Mr. Hugh Cargill ^ bequeathed to the town the " Stratton Farm," so called, which was valued, in 1800, at $1,360, to be improved as a poor-house, and the land to be improved by, and for the benefit of the poor, and to be under the special direction of the town of Concord, for the time being, for the purpose afore-

1 Humphrey Barrett was son of Lieutenant Humphrey Barrett, and died without issue, March 13, 1827, aged 75. Abel B. Heywood inherited^ and lives on, his real estate.

2 Mr. Cargill's history is better described in the subjoined epitaph on his grave-stone, than by any other source of information I possess. He came to this country in connexion with the British army ; but acquired his estate as a trader in Boston.

" Here lyes interred the remains of Mr. Hugh Cargill, late of Boston, who died in Concord January 12, 1799, in the 60th year of his age. Mr. Cargill was bom in Bellyshannon in Ireland, came to this country in the year 1774, destitute of the comforts of life; but by his industry and good economy he acquired a good estate ; and, having no children, he at his death devised his estate to his wife, Mrs. Rebecca Cargill, and to a number of his friends and relations by marriage, and especially a large and generous donation to the town of Concord for benevolent and charitable purposes.

" How strange, O God, who reigns on high. That I should come so far to die ; And leave my friends, where I was bred, To lay my bones with strangers dead. But I have hopes when I arise To dwell with thee in yonder skies."

said for ever." This is now used for the pauper establishment. He also gave several other parcels of real estate, valued at ^372, the income of which to be solely applied for the support of the poor."

Another class of donations has been made to the town for the relief of the silent poor, - those individuals who are needy, but do not wish to throw themselves on the town for support. They are as follows ; from

The annual income of these donations is distributed by the minister and selectmen according to the direction of the donors. The town voted, December 5, 1759, that collections should be taken in the meeting-house on Thanksgiving and Fast days, annually, for the same object. The custom has since been continued ; and from $50 to $100 is distributed, obtained in this manner.

The town has, also, a fund of $833-33, given by John Cuming, Esq., for the benefit of the " private schools," in the language of his will, which has been distributed in all the districts but the centre one. Another donation, now amounting to $744-92,

1 Peter Wright was a weaver, son of Captain Edward Wright, and died January 15, 1718, aged 53. He bequeathed all his real estate, after the death of his wife and Cousin Elizabeth Hartwell, to the poor of Concord, to be under the direction of the selectmen, and of the minister, who is " to have a double vote to any of the selectmen." What belonged to the town was sold, in 1731, for £500 currency.

3 Abel Barrett was brother to Humphrey just mentioned. He commenced the mercantile business in Concord, but afterwards removed to Boston. He died in Liverpool, England, January 12, 1803.

4 Jonathan Wheeler was son of Ephraim Wheeler, and was successively a merchant in Concord, Boston, Baltimore, and England. He died, September 4, 181J, in the city of New York, ten days after his arrival from Europe.

5 John Beaton, Esq. was a native of Scotland, and emigrated to this town, where he acquired a respectable estate as a merchant. He was remarkable for his honesty, integrity, and Christian virtues, and had the unlimited confidence of his fellow citizens. " As honest as John Beaton," was long a current saying, expressive of the character of a strictly honest man. He was town treasurer 17 years from 1754, and appointed justice of the peace, by the crown, June 6, 1765. He died without issue, June 9, 1776, aged 47.

the poor. The income of these donations for the silent poor and for schools, annually distributed, is about ^{f'22I. They are managed by the trustees of the ministerial fund, and are loaned to individuals in the town.

These donations, being for specific objects, do not essentially affect the general expenses of the town. In consequence of having to maintain eight bridges, and the liberal appropriations for schools and other objects, the taxes in Concord are supposed to be higher, in proportion to its wealth, than in many towns, amounting to about .$3 on every inhabitant. In 1S03, the roads and bridges, independent of a highway tax of $1000, cost $1,244; in 1805, $967; in 1807, $1,290; and on an average, for the last 40 years, about one eighth of all the town expenses. The following table will exhibit the appropriations for several periods since.

Employment. - Agriculture is the greatest source of wealth to the town. Manufactures are next in rank. Three farmers in the town own about 1000 sheep, the value of whose wool was estimated, in 1831, at $1500. There were raised 884,000 teasles. The oldest cotton-mill now in this state was commenced in this town in 1805, and the manufacture of cotton soon after began by Messrs. Hartwell and Brown, and has since been carried on by Ephraim H. Bellows through the various fluctuations of the business. The proprietors were incorporated in 1832. The mill contains 1100 spindles, 20 looms, employs 9 men, 3 boys, and 30 girls, works 50,000 lbs. of cotton, and makes 188,000 yards of cloth annually, valued at $17,900. David Loring commenced the manufacture of lead pipes in 1819, and of sheet lead in 1831. He employs 6 men, and upwards of 300,000 lbs. of lead are annually wrought, valued, when ready for sale, at about 20,000. In the extensive establishments for the manufacture of chaises, harness, and carriages, owned by Colonel William Whiting and the Messrs. Robbins, the value of the articles manufactured last year was estimated at $'14,000. The smithery, w^here the iron work is made, used upwards of 100,000 lbs. of iron, and 4,000 of steel, in 1831. Henry H. Merrill, the proprietor, erected, in 1832, a steam-engine, and has otherwise enlarged his works. EHjah Wood commenced the manufacture of boots and shoes in 1812, and makes, annually, about $6,000 worth. Nehemiah Ball began the same business in 1832. From 3000 to 6000 gross of black lead pencils and points are annually made in town. William Monroe commenced the manufacture of these in 1812 ; and his method of making them he regards as his own invention, having, he informs me, had no instruction from any one in relation to the subject. " The lead for the first pencil was ground with the head of a hammer, w^as mixed in a common spoon, and the pencil sold to Benjamin Andrews in Boston." In 1814 he made 1212 gross, which he sold for $5,946. He has since made about 35,000 gross ; in some years 4,000 gross of pencils, and 1,000 of points. John Thoreau and others in the town have also carried on the business extensively, but the profits are now very much reduced. Mr. Thoreau also makes red lead pencils and glass paper. There were also made, in 1831, 50 brass time-pieces, 1,300 hats, 562 dozen bellows, 100 guns, 300,000 bricks, 500 barrels, 20,000 lbs. bar soap, 5,000 nail-kegs, and cabinet ware, the value of which was estimated at $ 14,860. This is what is generally termed wholesale business, and includes very little custom work ; the articles manufactured being principally sold abroad. There are 6 warehouses and stores ; 1 bookstore and bindery ; two saw-mills ; and two grist-mills, at which it was estimated that 12,000 bushels of grain were ground the last year. The manufacturing and mechanical business of the town is increasing, and promises to be a great source of wealth.

Maintenance of the Poor. - This has long been an important item in the expenses of the town. From the earliest town records it appears that they were supported by subscription, or by several individuals voluntarily agreeing to keep them, in rotation. The first poor-rate, £10, was raised in 1721. About 1753, a small alms-house was built, principally by subscription, where Dr. Bart- lett now lives, and where part of the poor were kept for nearly 50 years. Five years prior to 1800 they were let out collectively by contract. They cost £185 in 1791, ^'936-50 in 1796, and $'900 in 1801. In 1800, the selectmen were directed to put them out to the lowest bidder, " either altogether, in lots, or singly." This auction usually took place immediately after the town meeting in May. This practice continued till 1821, when a contract was made to keep the poor together for $1,450 ; in 1824, for $1,200; and in 1827 for $1,150. Since then they have been supported in the pauper estabhshment belonging to the town.

The rent of the Cargill farm, after it came into possession of the town, was vested as a fund for the erection of an alms-house. In 1816 this fund amounted to $2,359, and the town raised the additional sum of $650, and commenced the erection of the proposed building. Just before it was completed, October 28, 1817, it was burnt. In 1827, the buildings on the farm were enlarged and repaired in their present form.

For all genuine objects of charity, the people of Concord have ever been ready to bestow their aid with generosity. In 1819 the town gave $200, and individuals $110 more, to the Lunatic Asylum, in connexion with the Massachusetts General Hospital.^ This is one of many similar acts of benevolence, which might be mentioned.

Education. - Many of the original inhabitants of Concord were well educated in their native country ; and, " to the end that learning be not buried in the graves of the forefathers," schools were provided at an early period for the instruction of their children. In 1647, tow^ns of 50 families were required to have

1 After acknowledging, in very complimentary terms, the receipt of this donation, James Prince, Esq., the treasurer, remarks, in a letter dated June 29, 1819; - "This act of liberality and compassion, the first which has heen displayed towards the Asylum from our citizens in their torporaie relation, affords additional pleasure from the circumstance, that it emanated from a town, whose citizens were enrolled in the front ranks of patriotism and valor, at a most interesting period of our national history ; and the trustees cannot but hope, that the influence of their bright example will now, as it did then, stimulate to wise imitation other towns within the state, and thus essentially subserve those principles of philanthropy and charity which led to the establishment, and which must be continued to secure the continuance, of this interesting institution."

a common school, and of 100 families, a grammar school. Concord had the latter before 1680. An order was sent to this town, requiring " a list of the names of those young persons within the bounds of the town, and adjacent farms, who live from under family government, who do not serve their parents or masters, as children, apprentices, hired servants, or journeymen ought to do, and usually did in our native country " ; agreeably to a law, that ^' all children and youth, under family government, be taught to read perfectly the Enghsh tongue, have knowledge in the capital laws, and be taught some orthodox catechism, and that they be brought up to some honest employment." On the back of this order is this return : I have made dillygent inquiry according to this warrant, and find no defects to return. Simon Davis, Constable. March 31, 1680." During the 30 years subsequent to this period, which 1 have denominated the darlc age in Massachusetts, few towns escaped a fine for neglecting the wholesome laws for the promotion of education. Though it does not appear that Concord was fined, a committee was appointed in 1692, to petition the General Court to ease us in the law relating to the grammar school-master," or to procure one with prudence for the benefit of learning, and saving the town from fine." From that time, however, this school was constantly maintained. For several years subsequent to 1700, no appropriations were made to any other school. In 1701, grammar scholars paid M. and reading scholars 2d. per week towards its support ; and from that time to 1712, from £20 to £30 were annually raised. In 1715, it was kept one quarter, in different parts of the town, for £40. The next year £50 were raised for schools ; £35 for the centre, and £5 for each of the other three divisions. In 1722, Timothy Minott agreed to keep the school, for 10 years, at £45 per year. In 1732, £50 were raised for the centre, and £30 for the "outschools " ; and each schoolmaster was obliged to teach the scholars to read, write, and cipher, - all to be free. In 1740, £40 for the centre, and £80 for the others. These grants were in the currency of the times. In 1754, £40 lawful money were granted, £25 of which were for the centre. Teachers in the out-schools usually received Is. per day for their services. The grammar-school was substituted for all others in 1767, and kept 12 weeks in the centre, and 6 weeks each, in 6 other parts, or

" school societies " of the town. There were tlien 6 schoolhouses, 2 of which were in the present limits of Carlisle, and the others near where Nos. 1, 2, 4, and 6, now stand. This system of a moving school, as it was termed, was not, however, continued many years. In 1774 the school-money was first divided in proportion to the polls and estates.

The districts were regulated, in 17S1, nearly as they now are. The town raised £120, in 1784, for the support of schools, and voted, that " one sixteenth part of the money the several societies in the out-parts of the town pay towards this sum, should be taken and added to the pay of the middle society for the support of the grammar-school ; and the out-parts to have the remainder to be spent in schools only." This method of dividing tlie schoolmoney was continued till 1817, when the town voted, that it should be distributed to each district, including the centre, according to its proportion of the town taxes.

At the erection of new school-houses in 1799, the 6rst school committee was chosen, consisting of the Rev. Ezra Ripley, Abiel Heywood, Esq., Deacon John White, Dr. Joseph Hunt, and Deacon George Minott. On their recommendation, the town adopted a uniform system of school regulations, which are distinguished for enlightened views of education, and which, by being generally followed since, under some modification, have rendered our schools among our greatest blessings.

The amount paid for private schools, including the Academy, was estimated, in 1830, at $600, making the annual expenditure for education $2,050. Few towns provide more ample means for acquiring a cheap and competent education. I have subjoined the names of the teachers of the grammar-school since the revolution, - the year usually beginning in September.

The Concord Academy was established, in 1822, by several gentlemen, who were desirous of providing means for educating their own children and others more thoroughly than they could be at the grammar-school (attended, as it usually is, by a large number of scholars) or by sending them abroad. A neat, commodious building was erected, in a pleasant part of the town, by the proprietors, consisting of the Hon. Samuel Hoar, the Hon. Abiel Heywood, and Mr. Josiah Davis, who own a quarter each, and the Hon. Nathan Brooks and Colonel William Whiting, who own an eighth each. Their intention has always been to make the school equal to any other similar one. It was opened in September, 1823, under the instruction of Mr. George Folsom, who

Mr. Phineas Allen, son of Mr. Phineas Allen of Medfield, who was born October 15, ISOl, and graduated at Harvard College in 1825, has been the preceptor since September, 1827.

Bill of Mortality. - Few subjects are more interesting than accurate bills of mortality. They are the most authentic evidence of the influence of climate and local circumstances on health and human life ; and teach a lessen, admonishing us of the destiny that awaits all mankind, and warning us " to live prepared to die." These considerations will be a sufficient reason for the minuteness of the following details.

The following table is compiled from a private record of the second town-clerk, and will afford some interesting statistical information, relative to the condition of the town at an early period.

The town has seldom been specially visited with disease. Thomas Brown, then a town-clerk, however, recorded, January 20, 1718, that " the hand of God has of late come forth against the inhabitants of Concord in a very awful manner, in sending a very malignant and mortal distemper amongst us, whereby there hath been a considerable number of persons of men, women, and children, of all qualities, ages, and sects, attacked, and hath been removed from amongst us by death, most of whom has been very sudden and unexpected, so that from the last of November last past unto the day of the date above written, hath been removed not less than 27 persons." A catalogue of their names is annexed to this record. What this disease was, I cannot learn.

The small-pox prevailed in the town in 1703 ; but it does not appear that any died of the disease. In 1792 it was introduced by inoculation. A hospital was fitted up where Mr. Augustus Tuttle now lives ; and 130 persons went there, at several times, to be inoculated under the <;are of the three physicians of the town. From some cause the disease spread. It appeared at Amos Wright's (Deacon Jarvis's), at Cyrus Hosmer's, at Deacon Chandler's, and at Ephraim Potter's. At the last place a new hospital was fitted up where the sick were taken, and near which a small burying-ground and grave-stone now mark the melancholy ravages of this disease. Ten persons were its victims, - 2 by moculation and 8 by contagion, - and were buried by themselves ; it being considered improper to inter them in the usual ground. Happily for mankind, the terrors which the appearance of this disease once inspired, are much mitigated by kine-pock inoculation.

The following table, exhibiting the number of deaths between several specified ages, the number each year, the aggregate amount of their ages, average age, &c. &c. during the 50 years commencing January 1, 1779, and ending December 31, 1828, was compiled from records carefully kept by the Rev. Dr. Ripley. Great labor has been expended to make it correct and inteUigible.

It is impossible to specify the diseases by which the several persons died. As far as they can be ascertained from the Rev. Dr. Ripley's records, it appears that about one seventh of the whole number died of consumption, one fifth of fevers of various kinds, one twelfth of old age, one sixteenth of canker-rash, one nineteenth of the dropsy, one twenty-fifth of paralytic affections, and nearly the same number each of dysentery and casualties.

whom 153 died under 1 year of age ; 137 of 1 and under 5 ; 42 of 5 and under 10; 70 of 10 and under 20; 119 of 20 and under 30 ; 101 of 30 and under 40 ; 106 of 40 and under 50 ; 106 of 50 and under 60 ; 112 of 60 and under 70 ; 161 of 70 and under 80 ; 106 of 80 and under 90 ; 28 of 90 and under 100 ; and a native black of 105. Of these 107 died in January, 111 in February, 118 in March, 103 in April, 88 in May, 81 in June, 88 in July, 95 in August, 115 in September, 121 in October, 121 in November, and 94 in December. These proportions generally hold good in particular years, more deaths occurring in the spring and autumn than at other seasons of the year. Of those who lived 80 years and over, 54 were males and 81 females ; 90 and over, 8 were males and 21 females ; 95 and over, 3 were males and 4 females.* The year when the least number of deaths occurred was 1780, and when the greatest, 1815. The yearly average is 25 nearly. The least average age was in 1817, the greatest average in 1812. The aggregate amount of all the ages for 50 years, is 49,192, and the mean average age nearly 40. Estimating our population, during this period, at an average of 1665, which is nearly correct, as will appear on reference to our account of the population, we shall find that 1 in 66 dies annually.

In these calculations minute fractions are omitted. They exhibit results highly favorable to the health of the town. Few towns are so healthy.^

Chapter Xv Social And Official History

Military Companies. - Various Associations. - Concord Bank. - Agricultural Society. - Insurance Company. - Official History. - Town-Officers. - Representatives. - Senators. - County Officers. - Attorneys and Counsellors at Law. - Pliysicians.

Great respect appears to have been paid to military titles in the early history of the town. Captain was a greater mark of distinction than deacon, doctor, and many other offices. A vote of the town in 1700 is thus recorded : Propounded whether Lieutenant Prescott, Sergeant French, Corporal Fox, Corporal Wood, and Samuel Jones be a committee to examine " he. Such a record of titles is not uncommon. Officers also held their commissions much longer than in these days of degenerate military honors. Colonel James Minott and some others did duty under a commission more than thirty years. All between the ages of 16 and 60 were required by law to do military duty, and were afterwards requested to enroll themselves in alarm lists. Instances are not uncommon, where men of 80 and even 90 years of age have borne arms. There are now three military companies in the town, the Infantry, Artillery, and Standing Company ; in all of which, in 1827, there were 238 enrolled.

The Concord Light Infantry is believed to be the oldest company in the Commonwealth, excepting the Ancient and Honorable Artillery. It was incorporated October 13, 1669, as ^' the Second Troop of Horse in Middlesex." Twenty-two of the original petitioners belonged to Concord, and 14 others to Billerica, Chelmsford, Groton, Lancaster,, and Sudbury. April 30, 1777, the charter was altered, and it was incorporated as the Concord Light Infantry, and consisted of 39 members with liberty to increase the number to 45. In 1822 liberty was granted to enlist 64. The Captains, since 1777, have successively been, Joseph Hosmer, Samuel Jones, Roger Brown, James Colburn, Issac Hoar, John Buttrick, Jonas Buttrick, Nathan Wood, John Hay ward, Jonathan Buttrick, William Brown, Nehemiah Flint, John Brown, Artemas Wheeler, Cyrus Hubbard, Edward Flint, Nehemiah Hunt, Fran- cis Jarvis, Jr., Nathan Barrett, and Asa Brooks. Of these, James Colburn was promoted to the office of General in the Brigade, Roger Brown, John Buttrick, and Jonas Buttrick to Colonel, and John Hayward to IMajor.

The Concord Artillery ' "wsls incorporated, on the petition of Charles Hammond and others, February 28, 1804; and held its first public parade on the 4th of July following. The charter says, " Whereas Major John Buttrick and Captain Isaac Davis, with a party of the armed yeomanry, did, on the birth-day of our revolution, attack and defeat a superior number of the invaders of our country, who were most advantageously posted at the north bridge of Concord," it is ordered that the prayer of the petition be granted, and that two brass field-pieces, with proper apparatus, be provided for said company, with suitable engravings, " to commemorate and render honor to the action which led to the victory of the day, and to perpetuate the names of the gallant Buttrick and Davis, and also to animate in future the ardour and bravery of the defenders of our country." The inscription is as follows : " The Legislature of Massachusetts consecrate the names of Major John Buttrick and Captain Isaac Davis, whose valour and example excited their fellow-citizens to a successful resistance of a superior number of British troops at Concord Bridge, the 19th of April, 1775, which was the beginning of a contest in arms that ended in American Independence." The Captains have successively been, Thomas Heald, Jesse Churchill, Henry Saunderson, Reuben Brown, Jr., Francis Wheeler, Cyrus Wheeler, Elisha Wheeler, Eli Brown, William AVhiting, John Stacy, Joshua Buttrick, and Abel B. Hey wood. Cyrus Wheeler and William Whiting were promoted to the office of Colonel.

The Social Circle, probably originating in the Committee of Safety, was formed about 1778, for free discussion and familiar conversation on such subjects as are connected with the interest and improvements of the town. Twenty-five members only can belong to the society at once ; and the meetings are held every Tuesday evening, from October to March, at the members' houses in rotation ; and these meetings, as the constitution expresses, lend " to strengthen the social alFections, and disseminate useful communications among its members." Many improvements in the town originated in this useful society.

Social And Official History

The Corinthian Lodge of Free Masons was organized July 5, 1797, and publicly installed June 25, 1798. The Discourse, delivered on the occasion by the Rev. Dr. Morse, was printed.

The Concord Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was formed in the spring of 1826, and its officers were publicly installed on the 6th of September following.

A Library Company was formed February 23, 1786. Whether there had previously been a library in town, and if any, how long it continued, and its number of volumes, is not known. A Charitable Library Society " was formed May 25, 1795, depending chiefly on the voluntary donations of its members for support. Jonathan Fay, Esq., Jonas Minott, Esq., and the Rev. Ezra Ripley were successively presidents of this society. Its members united with others and composed the " Proprietors of the Concord Social Library," and were incorporated in 1821. The presiding officers since have been the Rev. Ezra Ripley, the Hon. Samuel Hoar, the Hon. John Keyes, and the Hon. Abiel Heywood. The library, divided into 50 shares, contains about 900 volumes, and constantly increases by the addition of new publications.

The Middlesex Bar commenced the formation of a law library in 1815, which now contains a very valuable collection of professional works. It is kept by the County Treasurer.

The Concord Lyceum was formed December 31, 1828, and the Debating Society, which had existed from 1822, was united with it. The officers of this useful association, for several years, have been the Rev. Ezra Ripley, D. D., President, the Rev. Daniel S. Southmayd and the Rev. Hersey B. Goodwin, Vice- Presidents, Lemuel Shattuck, Recording Secretary, Mr. Phineas Allen, Corresponding Secretary, Mr. Phineas How, Treasurer, and Dr. Josiah Bartlett, Mr. Nehemiah Ball, and Colonel William Whiting, Curators.

Provision against Fire, - The Fire Society was organized May 5, 1794, and holds its annual meetings on the 2d Monday in January. The Presidents have been, Jonathan Fay, Esq., Dr. Joseph Hunt, Tilly Merrick, Esq., Dr. Isaac Hurd, Deacon Francis Jarvis, the Hon. Samuel Hoar, and Joseph Barrett, Esq. The Engine Company was formed, and the first engine procured, in 1794. A new engine was obtained in 1818.

The Concord Harmonic Society w^as formed about 1800, for the purpose of improvement in sacred music. For several years past it has not been under regular organization. May 17, 1832, the Concord Mozart Society was formed, and takes place of the other. Ephraim Willey was chosen President, Elijah Wood and Francis Hunt, Vice-Presidents, and Phineas Allen, Secretary.

The Concord Female Charitable Society w^as formed in 1814 for " relieving distress, encouraging industry, and promoting virtue and happiness among the female part of the community." Two meetings are held annually for transacting the public business, and others monthly to prepare clothing, and to devise other means to relieve distress.

A society for the suppression of intemperance was organized January 6, 1814. Nathan Brooks, Esq. delivered the first address before it the following December.

The Concord Bank was incorporated March 3, 1832, with a capital of $100,000. Daniel Shattuck, Esq., President, John M. Cheney, Esq., Cashier, and the President, Abiel Heywood, John Keyes, Nathan Brooks, Abel Moore, and Phineas How, of Concord, Rufus Hosmer of Stow, George F. Farley of Groton, John Merriam of Bedford, Benjamin Muzzy of Lexington, and Timothy Prescott of Littleton, Directors. A neat and appropriate

1 The losses by fire in Concord have not been very great. Some memorandums of a few of them have been preserved. April 17, 1784, Samuel Heald's house was burnt, in vi'hich himself, son, and grandson perished. November 3, 1797, Mrs. Hartshorn's house and Richard Barber's shop were burnt. June, 1808, Widow Colburn's house was consumed by fire. October 24, 1810, Gains Proctor's house was burnt; loss, $800. October 28,

1818, Mrs. Woodward's store took fire, and was extinguished with great difficulty. December 12, 1819, the jail took fire, but was extinguished. December 31, 1819, the centre school-house was burnt. March 10, 1823, William Whiting's shop and part of his dwelling-house were burnt ; loss estimated at $3,000. March, 1829, Samuel Burr's new house was burnt; loss $1,500.

Agriculfurol Society. - This, though properly a county society, is so connected with Concord, as to deserve to be noticed in its history. The members of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society, living in the westerly parts of the county, met at Chelmsford, January 6, 1794, and formed a society for the " promotion of useful improvements in agriculture," and were incorporated, February 28, 1803, as " The Western Society of Middlesex Husbandmen." It did not include Concord, nor the other towns in the easterly part of the county. Meetings were held semi-annually, alternately at Westford and Littleton, but no public exhibitions took place. The following gentlemen w^ere successively elected Presidents ; the Rev. Jonathan Newell of Stow, the Rev. Phineas Whitney of Shirley, the Rev. Edmund Foster of Littleton, Ebenezer Bridge of Chelmsford, Dr. Oliver Prescott of Groton, Colonel Benjamin Osgood of Westford, Wallis Tattle, Esq., of Littleton, and the Hon. Samuel Dana of Groton.

An act was passed, February 20, 1819, authorizing any agricultural society, possessing ^1,000 in funds, to draw^ $200 from the state treasury, and in the same proportion for a larger sum. This society accordingly voted, in the following September, to extend its operation throughout the county, and to raise funds that it might avail itself of the grant of the state. An act passed, January 24, 1824, incorporating it as " The Society of Middlesex Husbandmen and Manufacturers " ; and it was agreed to have annual shows in Concord. The first was held here October 11, 1820 ; and they have since been annually repeated. The subjoined table exhibits the names of the presidents, orators, and amount of premiums awarded. The names of those orators, whose

The Middlesex Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated March 3, and organized March 29, 1826. The Hon. Abiel Hey wood was chosen President, and the Hon. Nathan Brooks, Secretary and Treasurer, who, with John Keyes, Daniel Shattuck, Elias Phinney of Lexington, and Daniel Richardson of Tyngsborough, have since been Directors. The other directors have been Samuel Burr, 1826 to 1830; Josiah Davis from 1830; Micah M. Rutter of East Sudbury, 1826 to 1828 ; Joshua Page of Bedford, 1826 to 1829 ; Rufus Hosmer of Stow, from 1829 ; and Charles Merriam of Weston, from 1830. The first pohcy was issued May 17, 1826; and the following table will show the amount of business in this excellent institution since that time.

Official History. - Municipal Officers. - The Town Clerk, in addition to his ordinary duties, in early times, was generallyauthorized to issue summonses and writs of attachment, triable before a justice of the peace. There were also three officers, sometimes chosen by the town, and sometimes appointed by the County Court, called " Commissioners for the ending of small matters," whose powers were similar to those of justices of the peace. This Court somewhat resembled a city Police Court. At first 7 men were chosen " to manage the prudential affairs of the town," subsequently called Selectmen. About 1680 the number was reduced to 5, and in 1770 to 3. They have acted as Overseers of the Poor and as Assessors, excepting from 1714 to 1725, when 5 overseers of the poor were chosen. Assessors were chosen separately in 1822, and 1825 to 1831. The office of Constable was considered very important in early times. Distinguished men in the town were chosen, and then obliged to serve or pay lieavy penalties ; and they received a regular salary from the town. Prior to 17-20, two were annually chosen, and three since then, with the exception of a few years. It was the custom till 17S9, for them to perform the duty q( collectors, which, at that time was made a separate office, and which, since 1792, has been filled by one person only, and that one generally, who agrees to collect the assessments at the lowest rate. The Treasurer's was a distinct office till 1824, when it was united with the collector's. Fcncc-Vieivers, or Surveyors of Fences have been chosen from before the commencement of the last century ; the number varying from 3 to 7. In 1697, seven Surveyors of Highways and Bridges were chosen ; in 1733, nine ; in 1750, twelve ; in 1755, five ; recently eleven till 1831, when one only was chosen. The number of Tythingmen, considered, particularly in early times, an important office, has varied from 9 to 3 ; of Field- Drivers, or Hay wards, from 2 to 6. One Sealer of Weights and Measures has always been chosen ; and from 1 to 3 Sealers of Leather till 1793, when the office ceased. From 2 to 3 Horse- Oncers, or persons to look after horses going at large on the common during Concord Court," were chosen from 1710 to 1802. From 1715 every man married in town during the year was chosen " to observe the law relating to swine," or to be Hog-reeves, as they w^ere first called in 1721. Two to five Clerks of the Market were chosen from 1732 to 1800 ; two Surveyors of Flax from 1735 to 1737 ; two Deer-reeves, or deer-officers, from 1740 to 1797. Cullers of Staves and Shingles, or Surveyors of Lumber, were first chosen in 1752. Wardens, officers similar to Tythingmen, were chosen from 1761 to 1791. One Surveyor of Wheat and Flour from 1763 to 1767; four Fish-Officers since 1784; three or four Measurers of Wood since 1793 ; from 3 to 8 Firewards since 1797 ; one Pound-Keeper since 1800 ; a Cow-Pock Committee since 1812; and a School- Committee since 1800.

Ephraim Wood, Esq., was appointed special judge of the Court of Common Pleas, March 12, 1785, and judge of the same court in 1797 ; and held the office till the new organization of that court in 1811.

The Hon. Abiel Heywood sustained the office of justice of the Court of Sessions, under its different modifications, from 1801 till the law organizing the Court of County Commissioners was passed.

Jonathan Fay, son of Captain Jonathan Fay of Westborough, who was graduated at Harvard College in 1778, settled in Concord soon after, married Lucy Prescott, and died June 1, 1811, aged 59.

Thomas Heald was born in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, March 31, 1768, and graduated at Dartmouth College in 1797. He read law with Jonathan Fay, Esq., was admitted to practice in Concord in 1800, and removed from Concord in 1813. He died at Blakeley, Alabama, in the summer of 1821, while holding the office of judge of one of the courts there.

John Leighton Tuttle was bora in Littleton, graduated at Harvard College in 1796, and commenced practice in Concord after the usual term of professional reading. While resident here he was Post-Master, County Treasurer, and Senator. He was appointed, in ]812, Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant of the 9th regiment of Continental Infantry, and died at Watertown, near Sacket's Harbour, New York, July 23, 1813.

John Keyes was born in Westford, graduated at Dartmouth College in 1809, and admitted to the bar, in this county, in September, 1812. He has been Post-Master and County Treasurer since 1813, was a delegate to the convention for amending the Constitution in 1820, and since a representative and senator in the General Court.

Elisha Fuller, son of the Rev. Timothy Fuller of Princeton, was graduated at Harvard College in 1815, admitted to the bar in 1823, and immediately after commenced practice in Concord. He removed to Lowell in June, 1831.

Simon Davis, son of Lieutenant Simon Davis, born October 12, 1661, married Ehzabeth Woodhouse, 1689, and lived where Mr. Hutchinson now lives in Carlisle. His practice was principally in surgery. His son John, who died November 16, 1762, aged 73, practised in the same profession.

Joseph Lee, son of Joseph Lee, born in Concord October 16, 1680, died October 5, 1736, aged 56. He hved where Joseph Barrett, Esq., now lives. His son Joseph, who was born June 6, 1716, and died April 10, 1797, practised physic in the early part of his life, though his attention seems not to have been exclusively devoted to it.

Edward Carrinjton. The records say, he was born at Barbadoes, came to Virginia, thence to Boston and Concord," where he died July 22, 1737, aged 24.

Abel Prescott, son of Dr. Jonathan Prescott, and brother of the preceding, was born April 7, 1713, and died October 24, 1805, aged 88. During a long period he enjoyed a most extensive professional patronage. His practice extended to nearly all the towns in the county. He lived in the house now owned by Captain INIoore, just below the village. His son Benjamin studied physic, and commenced practice in Carlisle, but soon relinquished the profession.

Isaac Hurd, son of Benjamin Hurd of Charlestown, bom July 27, 1756, and graduated at Harvard College in 1776. He conmienced practice in Billerica in 1778, and came from thence to this town in 1789. His Address before the Humane Society, June 11, 1799, was published.

Benjamin D. Bartlett, son of Samuel Bartlett, Esq., bom in Concord, graduated at Harvard College in 1810, came to Concord in 1813, and removed to Bath, Maine, in 1816.

Josiah Bartlett, son of Dr. Josiah Bartlett, of Charlestown, born November 20, 1796, and graduated at Harvard College in 1816, and at the Medical School in 1819 ; came to Concord June 1, 1820.

Dudley Smith, son of Dudley Smith, born at Gilsum, New Hampshire, September 15, 1799. He studied with Dr. Charles G. Adams of Keene, and Dr. Warren of Boston, was graduated at the Medical School, Dartmouth College, in 1825, and commenced practice in Concord the same year. He removed to Lowell in 1832.

Individuals Belonging To Concord

[Considerable labor has been expended in compiling the following notes. It was intended that the list should be complete ; but it is presumed that the College Catalogue contains other names of persons who were natives of Concord, but for want of authentic information they are not here given. Where no College is named, Harv^ d College is to be understood.]

1. John BuLif^ELEY, son of the Rev. Peter Bulkeley, was in the first class of g^raduates in 1642. He returned to England, and settled in the ministry at Fordham, but was ejected in 1662. He afterwards hved' at Wapping in London, where he practised physic with goo8' Success. He died in 1689, aged 70.

2. John Jon - J son of the Rev. John Jones, was graduated in 1643, and admit- ^d freeman in 1645. By an erroneous punctuation of Johnson 5^History of New England, p. 165], this person has been considered as having returned to England ; but from the same author it appears, that he was " employed in the western parts of Nevis, one of the Summer Islands." This appears from the verses on his father, in which the author says,

" Leading thy son to land, yet more remote, To feed his flock upon this Western vi^ast: Exhort him then Christ's kingdom to promote ; That he vv^ith thee of lasting joyes may tast." I

3. Samuel Stow was son of Thomas Stow, one of the early settlers of Concord, and was graduated in 1645. He emigrated to Middleton, Connecticut, with two of his brothers, about 1650, where he was a preaclier about 10 years, though it does not appear that he was ever ordanied. He subsequently relinquished the profession, and lived a private but highly respected citizen there till his death. He gave a lot of land to the town for the benefit of education, which still bears his name.

4. Gershom Bulkeley, son of the Rev. Peter Bulkeley, was born in Concord in 1636, and graduated in 1655. He was ordained at New London about 1660, from whence he removed, and was installed at Weathersfield in 1668. In 1676 he was dismissed on account of ill health, and afterwards became one of the most distinguished physicians and surgeons of his time. He was wounded in a battle with the Indians near Wachusett, while in the army as a surgeon, in 1676. To him the epithet ^rea^ was applied on account of his eminent character. He died at Weathersfield, December 2, 1713, aged 77. On his monument is inscribed, - " He was honorable in his descent, of rare abilities, extraordinary industry, excellent in learning, master of many languages ; exquisite in his skill in divinity, ph) ic, and law, and of a most exemplary and Christian life.

In certam spem beatas resurrectionis reposi is." He married Sarah, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Chauncy, President of Harvard College, October 26, 1659, ; nd had 4 sons. 1. Peter, lost at sea ; 2. Charles of New Lon m ; 3. Edward, who married Dorothy Prescott of Concord, and d at Weathersfield ; and 4. John, who was graduated at H vard College in 1699, and was the first minister of Colchest r, Connecticut, father of the Hon. John Bulkeley, a physician i id judge of the Supreme Court. The numerous and respectable families, bearing the name in Connecticut and New York, have all descended from Edward and John. Stephen Bulkeley, Esq., one of the grandsons of Edward, acquired a fortune in Charleston, South Carolina, and has recently purchased the estate in Hartford, on which the celebrated " charter oak " is situated.

5. Samuel Willard, one of the most eminent ministers in New England, was son of Major Simon Willard, and was bom in Concord January 31, 1640. He was graduated in 1659, and ordained at Groton in 1662, from whence he removed to Boston when that town was destroyed by the Indians in March 1676, and was installed, as colleague pastor with the Rev. Mr. Thacher, over the Old South Church, April 10, 1678. He officiated as Vice-President of Harvard College, from September 6, 1701, till his death. He died September 12, 1707, aged 67. His son was Secretary of the province 39 years, and his grandson, Joseph Willard, D. D., LL. D., was President of Harvard College. The notices in Farmer's " Register," Allen's " Biog. Diet." Wisner's " History of the Old South Church," and other works, are so copious, that any further account here is unnecessary.

6. Peter Bulkeley, the youngest son of the Rev. Peter Bulkeley, was born August 12, 1643, and graduated in 1660. He settled in Concord, and, in 1673 and the four subsequent years, represented the town in the General Court. In February, 1676, he was chosen Speaker of the House of Deputies ; and in August of the same year was appointed, with the Hon. William Stoughton, agent to England on the complaints of Gorges and Mason, and reappointed in 1632. They sailed on the first mission October 30, 1676. On the 27th of February, 1679, he was reappointed, by King Charles the Second, with Stoughton, as agent to England respecting the Narraganset country. They returned December 23, 1679. In 1677 he was chosen one of the Judges, or Court of Assistants, and re-elected eight years. He was also one of the Commissioners of the United Colonies the greater part of that time. On the 8th of October, 1635, he was appointed by King James the Second one of the Council, of which Joseph Dudley, Esq., was President, which constituted the government of the colonies after the charter was forfeited. In 1680 the militia in the county was divided into two regiments, and Major Peter Bulkeley appointed to command one of them. This was an office in those days of great distinction. In all these and other important offices, he acquitted himself with honor and general acceptance. He was one of 20 who, in 1633, made the " million purchase " in New Hampshire, and had several special grants of land for public services. He died May 24, 1688, aged 44 ; and " was buried," says Judge Sewall, the 27th, because he could not be kept, word of which was sent to Boston the same day to prevent any going in vain to his funeral."

He married Rebecca, only daughter of Lieutenant Joseph Wheeler, April 16, 1667, and had Edward, Joseph, John, and Rebecca ; the 1st and 3d died young. His widow married Jonathan Pres- cott, and his daughter Jonathan Prescott, Jr. Joseph, born September 7, 1670, held a captain's commission, and was engaged in the piibhc service. He married widow Rebecca Minott, daughter of John Jones, 1696. She died July 17, 1712; leaving by hira Rebecca, who married Joseph Hubbard, grandfather to Deacon Thomas Hubbard ; 2. Dorothy, who married Samuel Hunt ; 3. John, who held a Colonel's commission, and died in Groton, in December, 1772, aged 69, father to John, who was graduated at Harvard College in 1769, who was a lawyer, and died in Groton December 16, 1774, aged 26. Captain Joseph Bulkeley married for a second wife Silence Jeffrey, in 1713, and had Joseph, Peter, Charles (whose descendants live in Littleton), and perhaps other children.

7. Benjamin EsTABROOK, son of the Rev. Joseph Estabrook, was born February 24, 1671, and graduated in 1690. He w as invited, in 1692, to preach at Lexington, and was ordained first minister of that town October 21, 1696. He died July 52, 1697, aged 26. He married Abio;ail, dausfhter of the Rev. Samuel Willard.

8. Joseph Smith was graduated in 1695, ordained in INIiddletown, Connecticut, first minister of the " Upper Houses," January 5, 1715, and died September 8, 1736, aged 62. His father's name was Thomas.

9. Samuel Estabrook, 3d son of the Rev. Joseph Estabrook, was born January 7, 1674, and graduated in 1696. He taught the grammar-school in Concord from 1706 to 1710, and assisted his father in the ministry. He w^as ordained at Canterbury, Connecticut, June 13, 1711, wdiere he died June 26, 1727, aged 53.

10. Benjamin Prescott, son of Captain Jonathan Prescott, was born September 16, 1687, and graduated in 1709. He was ordained at Salem Village (Danvers), September 23, 1713. " In this office," says a biographical notice in the Boston Gazette of 1777, " he continued about 45 years, discharging its duties with such capacity and fidelity as gave him an extensive reputation. When he thought himself called in Providence to resign his pastoral charge, he was introduced into the magistracy, which he supported with honor to himself and usefulness to the public ; always appearing the same man, and exhibiting an uniform piety and virtue in every station. He had great political as well as theological knowledge. He well understood the law^s, the rights, and the interest of his country : and defended them with great strength of reason as well as generous warmth of heart. In this service his pen was frequently and largely employed, more especially at the commencement of the important controversy of the revolution; though his name was concealed ; and the clearness, the consistency, the force and vivacity with which he would support a long train of argument, even when he had entered his 90th year, was truly surprising. Few, very few attained so great an age as he did with so much comfort to themselves and their friends, and so much usefulness. Besides employing himself in some writings which he left unfinished, but enough to show the remaining vigor of his mind, he transacted considerable business as a magistrate till within a week of his death. After l:e was seized with the violent fever that soon put an end to his life, he could speak but little ; but he satisfactorily evinced, that he had those inward consolations and supports, which are the genuine result of that blessed religion which he had so long professed, preached, and practised." He died May 28, 1777, in his 90th year.

He married three times. 1. Elizabeth Higginson of Salem, by whom he had 2 sons and 3 daughters. Benjamin, the eldest, was graduated at Harvard College in 1736, married Rebecca, daughter of the Hon. James Minott in 1741, hved in Salem, and had 8 children. Rebecca, the eldest, married the Hon. Roger Sherman of New Haven. Her brothers, James and Benjamin, also lived there ; the former married Rebecca Barrett of Concord. The Rev. Benjamin married, the second time, Mercy, daughter of the Rev. Henry Gibbs of Watertown, by whom he had Henry, who died at New Castle September 10, 1816, father to Benjamin, Henry, and William Pepperell of that town, and George Washington. His 3d wife was ]\Iary, widow of the Rev. Benjamin Coleman, daughter of Sir William Pepperell.

11. Timothy Mixott was born June 18, 1692, a son of James Minott, Esq., and graduated in 1718. He studied divinity, and was licensed to preach the gospel, and in that capacity was accustomed to officiate for the Rev. Messrs. Whiting, Bliss, and Emerson, in Concord, and in many neighbouring churches. He was never ordained, but spent most of his long life in the more humble, but not less important office of a teacher of youth. His first introduction to this employment was in 1712, before he left college, in the public grammar-school in Concord. He was then engaged at the rate of £'20 per year, on condition, say the town records, " if any thing should exceed his abilities his father should assist him." He taught occasionally till 1721, and from that time constantly for above 40 years. According to the town records, for many years, it appears as a condition on which money should be raised to support the grammar-school, that " Mr. Timothy iMinott undertake the work." This vote of the town shows that his services were held in high estimation, an opinion which is fully confirmed by tradition. His occupation gave him the title of blaster Minott, and enabled him to be a very useful man. He was more distinguished, however, for the excellence of his principles and character as a man, and for his faculties as a schoolmaster, than for any peculiar force or elegance as a preacher. He died November 30, 1778, aged 86.

13. John Prescott, son of Dr. Jonathan Prescott, was born May 8, 1707, and graduated in 1727. He was a physician in Concord, and highly esteemed for his professional skill and excellent character. When the unfortunate expedition to Cuba was proposed, he entered readily into the views of the government, and enlisted a company of 100 men from this neighbourhood. He sailed from Boston, as commander of this company, September 23, 1740, and was off " Don Maria Bay " in the following February. After the melancholy failure of the expedition, he returned to this country in 1743, and not long after went to England, at the request of the government, where he was treated with great respect. He died in London, of the small-pox, December 30, 1743, aged 35.

He married Ann, the 8th child of Nathaniel Lynde, Esq. She died May 12, 1795, aged 88. Her sister married Joseph Willard of Rutland, who was killed by the Indians in 1723. Her mother was Susannah Willoughby, and her father son of Simon and Hannah Newdigate, who came from London. In testimony of the esteem in which Captain Prescott's services were held, his widow received a pension from the British government

14. Peter Prescott, a brother of the foregoing, was born April 17, 1709, and graduated in 1730. He studied law, and resided here and in Boston. He dealt largely in wild lands. Peterborough, in New Hampshire, derived its name from him. He was out several times in the French war, and commanded a company at Crown Point in 1758. Some time before the revolution, he removed to Nova Scotia, where he was appointed clerk of one of the courts, and died in 1784.^

15. Nathaniel Whitaker, son of David Whitaker, was graduated in 1730. After being some time employed as a minister at Norwich in Connecticut, he went to England in 1765 or 1766, accompanied by Sampson Occum, the first Indian educated by the Rev. Mr. Wheelock, afterwards President of Dartmouth College, to solicit donations for the support of Mr. Wheelock's school " for the education of Indian youth, to be missionaries and schoolmasters for the natives of America." He was installed July 28, 1769, over the 3d church in Salem. In 1774 his meeting-house was burnt, and a division in his society took place. He and his friends erected a new house, and called it the Tabernacle Church in 1776 ; but, difficulties having arisen, he was dismissed in 1783, and installed at Canaan, Maine, September 10, 1784. He was again dismissed in 1789, and removed to Virginia, where he died.

J 6. Ephraim Flint, son of Colonel John Flint, was born March 4, 1714, and graduated in 1733. He settled in Lincoln, and inherited the valuable estate of his uncle Edward, and great uncle Ephraim, who had successively owned and lived on the " Flint Farm " ; both having died without issue. He was the first town clerk of Lincoln, and died December 26, 1762, aged 48.

17. Aaron Whittemore, son of Benjamin Whittemore, was born December 13, 1711, and graduated in 1734. He was ordained at Pembroke, New Hampshire, March 1, 1737, and died November 16, 1767, aged 55.

College Graduates

18. Jonathan Hoar, son of Lieutenant Daniel Hoar, was graduated in 1740. He was an oflicer in the provincial service during the war from 1744 to 1763. In 1755 he went as Major to Fort Edward, and the next year was a Lieutenant-Colonel in Nova Scotia, and aid to Major General Winslow at Crown Point. After tiie peace of 1763, he went to Faigland, and was appointed Governor of Newfoundland and the neighbouring provinces, but died on his passage thither in 1771, aged 52.^

19. Timothy Minott, son of Timothy Minott, teacher of the grammar-school, was born April 8, 1726, and graduated in 1747. He was a physician in Concord, where he died, July 25, 1804, aged 78.

20. Israel Cheever, son of Daniel Cheever, was born September 22, 1722, and graduated in 1749. He was ordained at New Bedford, but was dismissed in 1759, and installed at Liverpool, Nova Scotia, v/here he died, in June, 1812, aged 90.

21. Oliver Merriam was born June 5, 1722, son of Ebenezer Merriam, and graduated in 1749. He died in Concord, while a student in divinity, on the 29th of May, 1751, aged 29.

22. Samuel Brooks, son of John Brooks, was born March 16, 1729, and graduated in 1749. He lived at Exeter, New Hampshire, was a Register of deeds, justice of the peace, and a worthy man. He died in March, 1807, aged 78.

23. Stephen Minott, a brother of Dr. Timothy Minott, was born June 30, 1732, and graduated in 1751. After obtaining a theological education, he was invited to the care of a church in Portland, Maine, but died before ordination, September 3, 1759, aged 27. " The gentleman, scholar, and the Christian," says his epitaph, " were so conspicuous in his life, that he was greatly

24. George Farrar, son of George Farrar, was born November 23, 1730, graduated in 1751, and ordained at Easton, March 26, 1755. He died September 17thj 1756, aged 25, and was interred at Lincoln.

never ordained. He taught a school several years in Concord and Harvard, whither he removed in 1772. He died there about 1796. His sister is now living, aged 97.

26. William Willard Wheeler, son of William Wheeler, was born December 24, 1734, and graduated in 1755. He was the Episcopalian minister of St. Andrew's Church in Scituate, and succeeded the Rev. Mr. Thompson, whose daughter he married. He died January 14, 1810, aged 75.

27. Joseph Wheeler was graduated in 1757, ordained at Harvard, December 12, 1759, and dismissed on account of ill health, July 28, 1768. He subsequently relinquished the profession, and resided at Worcester, where he was representative, justice of the peace, and register of probate, from 1775 to his death, February 10, 1793, at the age of 58.

28. Daniel Bliss, son of the Rev. Daniel Bliss, was born March 18, 1740, and graduated in 1760. He read law with Abel Willard, Esq., of Lancaster, and was admitted to the bar in Worcester county in May, 1765, and soon after commenced practice in Rutland. He removed to Concord in 1772. He married a daughter of Colonel Murray of Rutland, and, in imitation of his father-in-law, embraced principles opposed by the " sons of liberty." In March, 1775, he left Concord, and was afterwards commissary in the British army at Quebec. He subsequently settled in Fredericktown, New Brunswick, where he was a counsellor at law, and afterwards chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas. He died in 1806, aged 66. His was the only estate in Concord confiscated by government. He was a man of great talents, popular manners, and energy of character.

30. Joseph Hunt, youngest son of Deacon Simon Hunt, was born March 1, 1749, and graduated in 1770. He was a physician at Dracut and Concord, and several years Secretary of the Massachusetts Medical Society. He died May 27, 1812, aged 63.

31. Nathan Bond, son of Abijah Bond, was born March 31, 1752, and graduated in 1772. He was a merchant in Boston, and died there January 5, 1816, aged 64. His remains were interred, at his request, by the side of his mother in Concord.

32. Tilly jNIerrick, son of Tilly JMerrick, was born January 29, 1752, graduated in 1773, and now resides in Concord, tl^ oldest native living graduate.

33. Thomas Whiting, grandson of the Rev. John Whiting by his son Thomas Whiting, Esq., was born October 3, 1748, and graduated in 1775. He taught the grammar-school in Concord several years, and was afterwards a merchant here. He died September 28, 1820, aged 72.

34. Samuel Lee, brother of the Rev. Joseph Lee, was born March 28, 1756, and graduated in 1776. During the revolution he was a merchant at Castine, and after the peace at Tracadache in Canada, and Ristigouche in New Brunswick on Bay Chaleur. He held various offices, civil and military, under the government of that province, and died March 3, 1805, aged 56, at Shediac, on his return from Halifax to Ristigouche.

36. Ebenezer Hubbard, son of Ebenezer Hubbard, was graduated in 1777, ordained at Marblehead, January 1, 1783, and died December 15, 1800, aged 43.

37. Abiel Heywood, son of Jonathan Heywood, was bora December 9, 1759, and graduated in 1781. He studied physic with Dr. Spring of Watertown, and commenced practice in Concord in 1790. In 1796 he w^as chosen town clerk and first selectman, and has since been reelected. He was appointed justice of the peace October 24, 1797, special judge of the Court of Common Pleas February 25, 1802, and an associate justice of the Court of Sessions from 1802 to the organization of the County Commissioners' Court, and has also held other important offices.

39. Ezra Conant, son of Ezra Conant, was born September 18, 1763, graduated in 1784, ordained at Winchester, New Hampshire, February 19, 1788, and dismissed October 13, 1806.

40. Silas Lee, brother to Joseph and Samuel before mentioned, was born July 3, 1760, and graduated in 1784. He settled as an attorney at Pownalborough, now Wiscasset, Maine, and in 1800 and 1301 represented the district of Lincoln and Ken- nebec in the 6th Congress of the United States. In January, he was appointed United States Attorney for Maine, and in 1807, Judge of Probate for the county of Lincoln, and held these offices till his death, March 1, 1814, aged 54.

41. John Merrick, brother of Tilly Merrick, was born February 7, 1761, and graduated in 1784. He read law and practised in Concord, where he died. The following epitaph, at his request, was inscribed on his grave-stone.

42. William Emerson, only son of the Rev. Wilham Emerson, was born May 6, 1769, and graduated in 1789. He was ordained at Harvard May 23, 1792, but was dismissed on being called to a greater field of usefulness, and was installed over the First church in Boston October 16, 1799, where he obtained a distinguished reputation for talents, literary acquirements, and piety. He died May 11, 1811, aged 42. His History of his Church, a posthumous publication, and the Massachusetts Historical Collections, Vol. I. p. 256, (Second Series) contain full notices of his character, to w^hich the reader is referred. Four of his sons, William, Ralph Waldo, Edward Bhss, and Charles Chauncy, were graduated at Harvard College with distinguished rank.

43. William Jones, only son of Samuel Jones, was born September 15, 1772, and graduated in 1793. He read law with Jonathan Fay, Esq., and commenced practice in this town, but removed to Norridgewock, Maine, about 1801. He was appointed, June 29, 1809, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Somerset, and on the 23d of April, 1812, clerk of all the courts in that county, and June 22, 1809, Judge of Probate. While resident in Concord he delivered an oration on the 4th of July, 1795, which was published. May 12th of that year be was appointed Captain of a company of cavalry, and April 17, 1799, Major in the 15th regiment of the United States' army stationed at Oxford. On the 27th of March, 1806, after his removal to Maine, he received a commission of Lieutenant- Colonel, and February 21, 1810, of Brigadier-General, in the militia of that state. He died at Norridgewock January 10, 1813, aged 40. His remains were removed, and interred in Concord.

44. James Temple, son of Benjamin Temple, was bom September 20, 1766, and graduated at Dartmouth College in 179^ He taught the grannnar-school in Concord in 1795 and 1796, and read law with Jonathan Fay, Esq. He commenced professional business in Cambridge, but died INIarch 10, 1802, aged 35.

45. Samuel Phillips Prescott Fay, son of Jonathan Fay, Esq., was born January 10, 1778, graduated in 1798, was admitted to the bar in 1803, and settled at Cambridge Port. He was appointed Judge of Probate May 1, 1821, and has since filled the office with distinguished ability.

46. RuFUs HosMER, son of the Hon. Joseph Hosmer, was bom March 18, 1778, and graduated in 1800. He was admitted to the bar in Essex in 1803, and soon after removed to Stow, where he has since resided as a counsellor at law.

47. Stephen Minott, son of Captain Jonas Minott, was born September 23, 1776, graduated in 1801, and settled as a lawyer in Haverhill. He was appointed a judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, and held the office till 1820, when the law which created that Court was repealed. In 1824 he was appointed County Attomey for Essex, which office he resigned in 1830.

48. Samuel Ripley, son of the Rev. Ezra Ripley, D. D., was born March 11, 1783, graduated in 1804, and was ordained over the fii'st religious society in Waltham November 22, 1809, where he still resides.

49. Daniel Bliss Ripley, brother of the preceding, was graduated in 1805. He was an attorney, and died at St. Stephens, Alabama, April 30, 1825, aged 37.

50. Benjamin Warren Hildreth, son of Jonathan Hildreth, was bom March 29, 1784, graduated in 1805, and settled as a physician in Marlborough.

51. John White, son of Deacon John White, was born December 2, 1787, graduated in 1805, and was ordained over the third parish in Dedham April 20, 1814.

52. Jonas Wheeler, son of Jotham Wheeler, was born February 9, 1789, and graduated in 1810. He read law with Erastus Root, Esq., of Camden, Maine, and settled in the profession in that town. He was justice of the peace. Colonel in the militia, delegate to form the constitution, a representative and a member of the Senate of Maine, of which he w^as President the two last years of his life. He died May 1, 1826, aged 37.

53. John Barrett, son of John Barrett, Jr., was born September 30, 1781, and graduated at Williams College in 1810. After obtaining a theological education he was employed by the Evangelical Society, and went to Ohio. He was ordained at Mesopotamia, Trumbull county, Ohio, February 22, 1827.

54. Joshua Barrett, brother to the preceding, was graduated at Dartmouth College in 1810. He studied divinity, and was employed as a preacher and missionary till he was ordained, January 11, 1826, over the Second church in Plymouth near the Manomet Ponds.

55. John Brown, son of Samuel Brown, was graduated in 1813. He studied physic, but relinquished the profession, and is now a merchant near Buffalo, New York.

57. Benjamin Barrett, son of Peter Barrett, was born February 2, 1796, graduated in 1819 and at the Cambridge Medical School in course, and settled in Northampton.

58. Charles Jarvis, son of Deacon Francis Jarvis, was born November 27, 1800, and graduated in 1821. He studied medicine with Doctors Hurd and Bartlett of Concord, and Shattuck of Boston, and received his medical degree in 1825. He settled in South Bridgwater, where he soon obtained a respectable practice. But in the following July he was attacked with a fatal disease, removed to his father's house, and died February 23, 1826, aged 25.

59. John Milton Cheney, son of Hezekiah Cheney, was graduated in 1821. He settled as a lawyer in Concord, and was appointed Cashier of the Concord Bank in April, 1832.

60. George Washington Hosmer, son of Cyrus Hosmer, was graduated in 1826, and at the Cambridge Theological School in 1829. He was ordained at Northfield June 9, 1830.

61. Edward Jarvis, son of Deacon Francis Jarvis, was graduated in 1826. He studied physic and practised at Northfield, but removed to Concord in 1832.

Undergraduates. - George Moore, son of Captain Abel Moore ; Hiram Barrett Dennis, son of Samuel Dennis ; Ebenezer Rockwood Hoar, son of the Hon. Samuel Hoar, members of Harvard University ; Marshall Merriam, and Gardner Davis, son of Josiah Davis, of Yale, and Josiah Dudley, of Union College, New York.

John Cu3iing, was born March 1, 1728. His father, Mr. Robert Cuming, was a distinguished Scotchman who emigrated to this country during the rebellion, about 1715, and, after residing a short time in Boston, removed to this town about 1722, where he spent the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits. John inherited a large part of his father's estate. After acquiring a good academical education, and going through a regular course of medical studies, he embarked for Europe, where he completed his professional education, and afterwards returned to his native town. He received the honorary degree of Master of Arts at Harvard College in 1749. During the wars which prevailed in America from 1745 to 1763, he was several times called to take an active part. In one of these engagements he was wounded by a ball that lodged in his hip (where it remained till his death), captured by the Indians, and carried into Canada. The Indians at first treated him with severity ; but after his remaining with them some time they became friendly, and by the influence of a French gentleman he obtained his liberty. He was out in 1758 and 1759, as Lieutenant-Colonel under Colonel Nichols, and was distinguished for the ability with which he discharged his duty. After the close of the war he acquired an extensive professional practice, in which he continued during life. He was early entrusted with important town affairs, and was often chosen representative in the General Court. At rdnety of the town-meetings, from 1763 to 1788, he presided as moderator. When the great work of the American revolution commenced, he was one of its firmest advocates. He was chairman of the committee of correspondence, inspection, and safety, almost every year during the war. He received the commission of justice of the peace from the crown, and was one of the first appointed by the Provincial Congress, and was president of the county Court of Sessions about twenty years. By his extensive professional business in this and the neighbouring towns, he acquired a considerable estate which enabled him to make liberal donations to this church and town. Harvard College, and other objects. To the poor he was remarkably benevolent. He regulated his whole life by the precepts of religion, of which he was an exemplary professor about forty-five years, and, it is said, never charged for professional services rendered on the Sabbath. He died suddenly, while on a visit in Chelmsford, July 3, 1788, aged 60.

His benevolent and liberal disposition was manifest in the judicious disposition of his estate. Beside many other legacies, he bequeathed " for the use of the town of Concord three hundred pounds sterling, one moiety thereof to be equally distributed for the benefit of the private schools in the town of Concord, and to be especially under the direction of the selectmen for the time being ; the other moiety thereof to be annually disposed of among the poor of said town, at the discretion of the minister and selectmen of the town of Concord for the time being, - the use of the above sum of money to be for the above purposes and for no other under any pretence whatever." He also made it the residuary legatee of one quarter of his real estate undisposed of at the death of his wife. The whole amounted to £500 lawful money, or ^XfiQQ-QQ, He gave " to the church in Concord fifty pounds sterling, to be laid out in silver vessels to furnish the communion-table " ; and also " twenty-five pounds sterling, to be for ever kept as a fund " to be disposed of by the minister and deacons for the benefit " of the poor communicants " ; and also £20 to the Rev. Dr. Ripley. He bequeathed " to the University in Cambridge three hundred pounds sterling, the income of the same to be appropriated for a professor of physic," and also made it a residuary legatee in the same manner as he did the town of Concord.

Chapter Xvii History Of Bedford

Bedford lies northeasterly from Concord, and, as has already been stated, belonged originally in part to that town. The inhabitants of the Winthrop Farms, which were included in this territory, with others in Billerica, petitioned the General Court, in 1725, to be erected into a separate parish or town. An order of notice passed on this petition, but being opposed by Billerica it was unsuccessful. The following petition fully explains the motives which originated it, and met with more success. ,

To the gentlemen the selectmen, and' other- inhabitants, of Concord in lawful meeting assembled ; the petition of sundry of the inhabitants of the northeasterly part of the town of Concord humbly sheweth.

" That we your humble petitioners, having, in conjunction with the southerly part of Billerica, not without good advice, and we hope upon religious principles, assembled in the winter past, and supported the preaching of the gospel among us, cheerfully paying in the mean time our proportion to the ministry in our towns, have very unanimously agreed to address our respective towns to dismiss us, and set us off to be a distinct township or district, if the Great and General Court or Assembly shall favor such our constitution.

" We therefore the subscribers hereunto, and your humble petitioners, do first apply to you to lead us and set us forward in so good a work, which we trust may be much for the glory of Christ and the spiritual benefit of ourselves and our posterity. Our distance from your place of public worship is so great, that we labor under insupportable difiiculties in attending constantly there as we desired to do. In the extreme difficult seasons of heat and cold we were ready to say of the Sabbath, Behold what a weariness is it. The extraordinary expenses we are at in transporting and refreshing ourselves and families on the Sabbath has added to our burdens. This we have endured from year to year with as much patience as the nature of the case would bear ; but our increasing numbers now seem to plead an exemption ; and as it is in your power, so we hope it will be in your grace to relieve us.

" Gentlemen, if our seeking to draw off proceed from any disaffection to our present Rev. Pastor, or the Christian Society with whom we have taken such sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company, then hear us not this day. But we greatly desire, if God please, to be eased of our burdens on the Sabbath, the travel and fatigue thereof, that the word of God may be nigh to us, near to our houses, and in our hearts, that we and our little ones may serve the Lord. We hope that God, who stirred up the spirit of Cyrus to set forward temple work, has stirred us up to ask, and will stir you up to grant, the prayer of our petition ; so shall your humble petitioners ever pray, as in duty bound, &c.

" We humbly desire our limits may be extended from Mr. Stephen Davis's to Mr. Richard Wheeler's and to the river, the line to extend so as to include those two families."