Concord Town (part 7 of 10)

This petition was dated Concord, May 1, 1728, and signed by Joseph French, Joseph Dean, John Fassett, Samuel Merriam, Stephen Davis, Daniel Cheever, Thomas Woolley, Joseph Bacon, Benjamin Colburn, Nathaniel Merriam, Zachariah Stearns, Andrew Wadkins, Jonathan French, David Taylor, Daniel Davis, Hichard Wheeler, and James Wheeler ; all belonging to Concord.

Concord gave them liberty to be set off ; and the General Court passed an act, September 23, 1729, incorporating them as a town by the name of Bedford. The boundaries of the town, as described in this act, were nearly the same as they are at present, excepting the farm of Edward Stearns, which was set off from Billerica and annexed to Bedford by a special act, passed in 1766.

The first town-meeting took place October 6, 1729. The first town officers were, Samuel Fitch, Town Clerk ; Jonathan Bacon, Samuel Fitch, Nathaniel Merriam, Nathaniel Page, and Daniel Davis, Selectmen ; Israel Putnam and Stephen Davis, Constables ; John Fassett, Town Treasurer ; Job Lane and Samuel Merriam, Surveyors \ Daniel Cheever and Josiah Fassett, Tithing- men ; Obed Abbot and Benjamin Colburn, Fence-viewers ; James Wheeler and Jonathan Bacon, Hog-reeves ; John Lane, Sealer of Weights ; and Thomas Woolly and John Whipple, Fielddrivers.^

After the first organization of the town, there is nothing of peculiar interest to distinguish its civil history anterior to the revolution. It furnished its share of men and money in the intervening French and Indian wars ; but the particulars I am unable to obtain. Several of its inhabitants held commissions.

^lany facts in relation to the part Bedford acted in the revolution have already been detailed in the history of Concord. Such others as more immediately relate to the proceedings of the town, will now be given.

In March, 1768, the town voted " to encourage the produce and manufactures of this province, and to lessen the use of superfluities." A town meeting was held March 1, 1773, to take into our most serious consideration the melancholy state of the British colonies in North America in general, and this province in particular," when, after solemn prayer to God for direction," the subject was referred to a committee, consisting of Deacon Stephen Davis, John Reed, Esq., John Webber, Doctor Joseph Ballard, Mr. John Moore, Mr. Joseph Hartwell, and Mr. Hugh Maxwell. At an adjourned meeting, 23d May, they made a long report, which was unanimously accepted, expressing sentiments similar to those given in the History of Concord.

History Of Bedford

In March, 1774, it was voted not to use any tea till the dutywas taken off ; and on the 30th of June following the inhabitants of the town entered into a solemn covenant " to suspend all commercial intercourse with Great Britain till the said act should be repealed," - not to buy, purchase, or consume, or suffer any person by, for, or under us, to purchase or consume, in any manner whatever, any goods, wares, or merchandise, which shall arrive in America from Great Britain," and to break off all " trade, commerce, or dealings " with those who do it, and to consider them as enemies to their country. This covenant was offered to all the inhabitants of the town for their signatures. Those who did not sign it were to be treated as enemies. At this meeting the first committee of correspondence was chosen, consisting of Deacon Stephen Davis, John Reed, Esq., Mr. Joseph Hartwell, John Webber, and John Moore.

A minute-company being formed, the town voted, 6th March, 1775, to allow 25 men " one shilling per week till the first of May, they exercising four hours in a week, and two shillings to be allowed to officers, they to equip themselves according to the advice of Congress." Jonathan Wilson was Captain of this company, and was killed on the retreat of the British from Concord on the 1 9th of April, in the 41st year of his age. He was a brave and meritorious officer.

The town voted, June 17, 1776, that " we will solemnly engage with our lives and fortunes to support the colonies in declaring themselves independent of Great Britain."

Bedford, like the neighbouring towns, contributed " her lives and fortunes " to obtain the independence of America. Though I cannot give a full view of what was actually done, a few facts taken from the town records, in addition to what has already been given in the History of Concord, will present the most favorable view of her patriotism.

November 24, 1777, the town raised £377 35. 3^^. to pay -the following bounties to soldiers for services performed that year, as reported by a committee.

November 16, 1778, the town allowed the accounts of the military ofiicers and committee for hiring soldiers, amounting to £1746 165. 3f/. The following bounties for services the year previous were also allowed.

In September, 1780, the town raised £550 to pay for hiring soldiers in the United States' service for the two last campaigns. In June previous, seven men, John Johnson, Rufus Johnson, Nathan Merrill, Jonas Bacon, Cambridge Moore, Jonas Duren, Cesar Prescott, had been hired to go to the North River 6 months for a bounty of 120 bushels of corn each ; and 8 men, Joshua Holt, John Webber, Ebenezer Hardy, Amos Bemis, Jonathan Wilson, Andrew Hall, Isaac Simonds, and Israel ]\Iead Blood, were hired for 3 months to Rhode Island for 90 bushels of corn each.

By the resolve of December 2, 1780, Bedford was required to furnish 8 men. One was hired by the town for $200 in silver; and the town was divided into 7 classes to procure the others. Captain John Moore was chairman of the first class, Moses Abbot of the second, Thaddeus Dean of the third, Christopher Page of the fourth, John Reed of the fifth, William Page of the sixth, and Stephen Davis of the seventh. The first five classes paid " 20 head of horned cattle at 3 years old each," as a bounty ; the 6th paid §250, and the 7th ,^1220, in silver!

Daniel Hartwell Blood went to Rhode Island in June, 1781, and received £19 lOo. in silver; and Nehemiah Wyman, Moses Abbot, Stephen Syms, Timothy Crosby, Joseph Merriam, and Israel Mead Blood went to join General Washington's army at West Point, and received £19 16s, each. The town was divided again in March, 1782, into three classes to hire 3 men for the w^ar.

When it is recollected that the town then contained only about 470 inhabitants, it is truly wonderful that they could submit to so frequent and so heavy burdens of pecuniary and personal service.

In September, 1776, the town voted, that the General Court might form a constitution, but they must furnish a copy to the town before it was enacted. In May, 1779, voted, 34 to 1, not to have a new constitution formed at this time. The constitution formed that year was approved by the town, after considering it at three successive meetings, by 25 to 1. In 1820, the town unanimously voted to instruct their representative to vote in favor of calling a state convention to revise the constitution. On the question of adopting the new constitution, articles 2d, 3d, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, 13th, and 14th, had no votes against them ; the 1st had 3 ; the 4th, 5 ; the 5th, 30 ; the 9th, 14 ; the 10th, 55 (all that were cast) ; and the 12th, 13.

The people began to erect a meeting-house before the town was incorporated ; but it was not completed till 1730. In October, 1729, £460 was raised to pay the expense. Committees were chosen the next and many subsequent years " to seat the meeting-house," and were instructed, among other things, " to have respect to them that are 50 years of age and upward " ; those under this age " to be seated according to their pay," - " tlie front seat in the gallery to be equal to the third seat in the bodyseats below." Thirteen pews were built in 1733, and eight more in 1754. A bell was procured in 1753, weighing about 600 lbs. and the town " voted (by polling the assembly) to hang the bell about two rods and a half northward of the school-house, and as near to Mr. Benjamin Kidder's wall as can be with conveniency ; and to build a house, not less than 12 ic-et nor more than 16 feet square, and so high as to hang the mouth of the bell 16 feet

A new meeting-house was erected in 1817. It is 58 feet long, 53 wide, and 30 feet posts, with a projection of 34 by 8 feet, and a spire. David Reed, Michael Crosby, John Merriam, Joshua Page, and Simeon Blodget, were the building committee ; and Joshua Page and Levi Wilson, the builders. Cost estimated at $'6,101. The lower floor has 56 pews, and the gallery 16, which were sold for $'7,110*50, after reserving one for the minister. It was dedicated July 8, 1817 ; and the sermon, preached by the Rev. Mr. Stearns on the occasion, was printed. A timepiece was presented to the town by Mr. Jeremiah Fitch of Boston, and placed in the front gallery ; and a new bell was procured from England, weighing 993 lbs.

Measures were taken soon after the incorporation of the town to obtain the regular enjoyment of public religious worship and ordinances, and William Hartwell and Job Lane chosen to carry these measures into effect. A candidate was employed ; and January 2'2, 1730, was observed as a day of solemn fasting and prayer to God for direction in the choice of a minister, when the Rev. Messrs. John Hancock of Lexington, Samuel Ruggles of Billerica, and John Whiting of Concord were present to conduct the rehgious services. Feb. 11th, the town chose Mr. Nicholas Bowes, by 43 votes, to be their minister ; and at the subsequent March meeting agreed to give him £90 the first year, and £100 and 25 cords of wood annually afterwards as a salary, so long as he should sustain the pastoral office ; the money to be paid semiannually, and always to be in proportion to the then value of silver, which was 18 shiUings per ounce. He was subsequentlypresented with 16 acres of land. These propositions were accepted, and he was ordained, July 15, 1730, when the church was organized. The churches in Lexington, Concord, Billerica, and Cambridge, by ^' their elders and messengers," composed the council, of which the Rev. John Hancock was moderator. In the public religious exercises, the Rev. Mr. Appleton of Cambridge made the introductory prayer ; the Rev. John Hancock preached from 2 Cor. xi. 28, and gave the charge ; the Rev. John Whiting gave the right hand of fellowship ; and the Rev. Samuel Ruggles made the last prayer.

While the church was making arrangements preliminary to its organization, it was agreed by a vote of 14 to 9, that " every person admitted to the church should give in a confession of their faith to be read in public " ; and, by a vote of 15 to 7, not to call for a " handy vote " on their admission. The original covenant which follows, was adopted and signed by 24 individuals, - all the male members of the church at its formation.

" We, whose names are underwritten, sensibly acknowledging our unworthiness of such a favor and unfitness for such a business, yet apprehending ourselves to be called of God in a way of church communion, and to seek the settlement of all the gospel institutions among us, do therefore, in order thereto and for the better promotion thereof as much as in us lies, knowing how prone we are to backslide, abjuring all confidence in ourselves, and relying on the Lord Jesus Christ alone for help, covenant as follows.

" We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by inspiration of God, and promise by the help of the Divine Spirit, to govern ourselves both as to faith and practice according to that perfect rule ; and we also engage to walk together as a church of Christ, according to all those holy rules of the gospel respecting a particular church of Christ, so far as God hath or shall reveal his mind to us in that respect.

" We do accordingly recognise the covenant of grace, in which we professedly acknowledge ourselves devoted to the fear and service of the only true God, our Supreme Lord, and the Lord Jesus Christ, the High Priest, Prophet, and King of his church, unto whose conduct we submit ourselves, on whom alone we wait

We likewise give ourselves up one to another in the Lord, resolving by his help to treat each the other as fellow members of one body in brotherly love and holy watchfulness over one another for mutual edification ; and to subject ourselves to all the holy administrations, appointed by him who is the Head of his church, dispensed according to the rules of the gospel, and to give our constant attendance on all the public ordinances of Christ's institution, walking orderly as becomes saints.

" We do likewise acknowledge our posterity to be included with us in the gospel covenant ; and, blessing God for such a favor, do promise to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord with the greatest care, and to acknowledge them in the covenant relation, according to the rules of the gospel.

Furthermore we promise to be careful to our uttermost to procure the settlement and continuance of all the offices and officers appointed by Christ, the chief Shepherd for his church's edification, and accordingly do our duty faithfully for their maintenance and encouragement, and to carry it towards them as becometh us.

^' Finally we acknowledge and do promise to preserve communion with the faithful churches of Christ for the giving and receiving mutual council and assistance in all cases wherein it shall be needful.

" Now the good Lord be merciful unto us, and, as he hath put it into our hearts thus to devote ourselves to him, let him pity and pardon our frailties, humble us out of all carnal confidence, and keep it for ever upon our hearts to himself and to one another for his praise, and our eternal comfort, for Christ's sake, to whom be glory for ever. Amen. - Nicholas Bowes, *Joseph French^ *William Hartwell, Jonathan Bacon, *John Hartwell, *Nathaniel Merriam, Israel Putnam, Benjamin Kidder, *Danie] Davis, Samuel Fitch, Job Lane, *Josiah Fassett, John Lane, ^Stephen Davis,. *Richard Wheeler, Jacob Kendall, Christopher Page, ^^Daniel Cheever, Obed Abbot, Nathaniel Page, *David Taylor, ^James Wheeler, *Eleazer Davis, Thomas Dinsmore." ^

1 Those marked with an asterisk were from Concord, tlie otiiers probably mostly from Billerica. The church and town records of those towns give their genealogy.

The sacrament was first administered September 6, 1730, and every two months afterwards^ at which times collections were taken for the use of the church. November 12, 1730, being public thanksgiving, £l were contributed. ^' A short time after, the good people of Concord contributed for the use of the church in Bedford £6." Mr. Isaac Stearns, widows Sarah Bateman, and Eunice Taylor gave 10 shillings each. The last left a legacy of £5 more, and Deacon Merriam one of £6.

Among the peculiar customs which prevailed in the church from its first formation to the ordination of Mr. Stearns, was that of making public confession of particular offences committed by the members. These were drawn up in writing and read by the minister before the congregation. Frequent notices under different dates are specified in the church records, such as " the confession of for the sin of intemperance," " for the breach of the seventh commandment," or other sins as the case might be, " was read before the congregation." This custom, though particularly revolting at the present day, was not peculiar to the church in Bedford. It prevailed to some extent in most of the colonial churches. But that a detail of one's own crimes, given in minute particulars before the public, even if publicly known, tends to reform the heart of the confessor, or promote the good morals of the people, is a proposition to which few will now assent.

It does not appear that any special attention to religion prevailed during the ministry of Mr. Bowes, as was then the case in Concord and some other places ; though the church received considerable yearly additions, and was in a flourishing state. Anterior to 1754, 161 individuals had belonged to the church; and allowing the orignal members to have been 50, the admissions would be 111. To this time there had been 83 marriages, 350 baptisms, and 173 deaths.

The Rev. Nicholas Bowes is said to have been born in England. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1725. After sustaining the pastoral office about 24 years, some circumstances occurred which induced him to consider his usefulness at an end, and to ask a dismission. This was granted by the church August 22, 1754, and by the town, September 2d. In 1755 he went as a chaplain in the Northern army at Fort Edward ; but died at

Brookfield on his return home. He is represented to have been " a man respectable lor his abilities and learning, and of sound evangelical sentiments." INIr. Bowes married Lucy, sister of the Rev. Jonas Clark of Lexington, and aunt of Governor Hancock, and had William, Lucy, Nicholas, Elizabeth, Dorcas, Thomas, and INIary, one of whom married the Rev. Samuel Cook of West Cambridge.

The town voted, September 29, 1755, " that the church should proceed to the choice of a gospel minister " ; and on the 17th of November, to concur in the choice of Mr. Nathaniel Sherman by 38 yeas," and agreed to give him £113 6s. 8d. as a settlement, and £53 6s. Sd. and 20 cords of wood as an annual salary. He w^as ordained February 18, 1756.

Some years after the settlement of the Rev. Mr. Sherman, a controversy arose concerning admitting persons to the privileges of baptism only, without admission to the communion, by assenting to the " half-way covenant." November 6, 1765, the regulations for the admission of members were revised, and a vote was passed, " that there should be but one church covenant." Candidates for admission to the communion were to be examined before the pastor only, who propounded them several days before admission, when he informed the church of " their knowledge, experience, and belief of religion." Faith in Christ, repentance for sin, holiness, and a belief in the Assembly's Catechism, were required of all candidates. If no objections were made, they were to be admitted without the vote of the church. The covenant was revised and adopted in a different form, principally effected by the influence of the pastor. Some of the alterations were unpopular with a majority of the church. In consequence of this controversy the affections of his people were alienated from Mr. Sherman. An ecclesiastical council was called December 5, 1766, who advised his dismission, which was accepted by the church, and concurred in by the town December 17th.

The Rev. Nathaniel Sherman was born at Newton, March 5, 1724. His father, William Sherman, w^as son of Joseph, and grandson of Captain John Sherman, who came from Dedham, England, to Watertown, in 1634 or 1635. His brothers were Wilham Sherman, Esq. of New Milford, the Hon. Roger Sherman of New Haven, Connecticut, and the Rev. Josiah Sherman of Woburn. He was graduated at Nassau Hall in 1753. During his ministry of about twelve years, 46 were admitted to the church. In the unhappy controversy, which resulted in Mr. Sherman's dismission, nothing occurred that affected his religious character. After leaving Bedford he was installed at Mount Carmel, New Haven, Connecticut, where he preached many years, and then took a dismission, and removed to East Windsor, w^iere he died July 18, 1797, aged 73 years. He married Lydia, daughter of Deacon Merriam of Bedford, March 1, 1759.

After Mr. Sherman's dismission several meetings were held to agree on the terms of communion. April 4, 1768, it was voted, " that this church w^ill have but one covenant, and therefore require the same qualifications in all ; yet if any person can desire to enter into covenant and receive baptism for himself or children, and yet fears to approach the Lord's table at present, he shall be received, he promising, (though he come not immediately to the Lord's table) that he will submit himself to the watch and discipline of this church." The other regulations of the church, though revised, were not materially varied from those already noticed. During the interval till the ordination of Mr. Sherman's successor, 28 persons were baptized, and 7 joined the church in full communion.

On the 7th of September, 1767, the church chose the Rev. Josiah Thacher, a graduate of Nassau Hall in 1760, to be their minister, and the town agreed to give him £120 settlement, and £60 as his annual salary. But before the application could be regularly made to him, he received and accepted a call at Gorham.

February 18, 1768, the church made a second attempt to settle a minister, and chose unanimously (by 22 votes) the Rev. Joseph Willard. The town concurred, and voted the same salary as to Mr. Thacher, excepting that when he should be unable to supply the pulpit, he w^as to receive but £30. Before the terms of his settlement were finally agreed upon, he declined being considered a candidate.^

1 The Rev. Joseph Willard was a native of Grafton, was graduated at Harvard College in 1765, ordained at Mendon, April J9, 1769, dismissed December l4, 1782, and installed at Boxborough, November 2, 1785. He died in September, 1828, aged 86.

Maiden, but " for peace sake," INIr. Asa Dun])ar, " a young candidate newly begun to pieacli," was employed for a month. At length, August 'h, 1769, the church chose Mr. Emerson by IS votes, and the town concurred, and voted him £133 settlement, and £66 135. 4lL salary. "But there was such an opposition in the town against Mr. Emerson settling here (though without any charge against his character either in doctrine or morals), that he was constrained to give the church and town a denial."

The next trial succeeded. Mr. Joseph Penniman was chosen, January 15, 1771, by 29 out of 31 votes, and the choice concurred in by the town. His salary was the same as was voted to Mr. Emerson. He was ordained May 22, 1771. The council consisted of the second church in Braintree, the second in Cambridge, the first in Woburn, and the churches in Billerica, Lincoln, Lexington, and Concord. The Rev. Mr. Sherman of Woburn made the first prayer ; the Rev. Mr. Weld of Braintree preached from 2 Tim. ii. 2 ; the Rev. Mr. Cook of West Cambridge gave the charge ; the Rev. Mr. Clark of Lexington made the last prayer ; and the Rev. Mr. LawTence gave the right hand of fellowship. The town voted, " that the day should be re- > ligiously observed agreeably to the solemnity of the occasion, that they were determined, as much as in them lay, to prevent all levity, profaneness, music, dancing, frolicking, and all other disorders."

After about twenty years, during which 42 persons were admitted to full communion, and 190 baptized, objections w^ere brought against Mr. Penniman, and referred to a council, consisting of the churches in Waltham, Chelsea, East Sudbury, Billerica, Weston, and Charlestown. It met October 29, 1793, and, after three days' session, advised a separation. This was complied with by the church and town ; and he was dismissed November 1, 1793.

The Rev. Joseph Penniman w^as born in Braintree, and graduated at Harvard College in 1765. After his dismission he removed to Harvard, where he died. Though possessed of respectable talents, he was very eccentric in his manners and public perfonnances. His prayers were more like a familiar conversation with a fellow being than an address to Deity. Many of his ex-

HISTORY OF BEDFORDpressions, more marked than the following, are still recollected by i is people. On a certain occasion, when a plentiful rain had come after a drought, he said, " We prayed, O Lord, for rain, but we do not wish thou shouldest leav-e the bottles of heaven unstopped." Soon after the 19th of April, 1775, he is said to have used the expression, - We pray thee to send the British soldiers w here they will do some good ; for thou knowest, O Lord, that we have no use for them about here ! "

December 5, 1793, w^as kept as a fast by the church and town. The Rev. Messrs. Litchfield, Cummings, Ripley, Marrett, and Clark assisted in the public religious services on the occasion. The Rev. Samuel Stearns was chosen December 17, 1795, by the church, and December 28th by the town ; having preached his first sermon in Bedford the 13th of the previous September. He was ordained April 27, 1796. The churches in Lexington, Billerica, second in Woburn, Concord, Lincoln, Carlisle, second in Andover, Epping, Chelmsford, and the Rev. Drs. Willard and Tappan of Cambridge, composed the council. The Rev. Mr. Stearns of Lincoln made the first prayer ; the Rev. Mr. French of Andover preached from Isaiah xlix. 5 ; the Rev. Mr. Marrett of Woburn made the ordaining prayer ; the Rev. Mr. Clark of Lexington gave the charge ; the Rev. Mr. Cummings of Billerica gave the right hand of fellowship ; and the Rev. Dr. Tappan made the closing prayer. The town agreed to give the Rev. Mr. Stearns $850 settlement, and $333*33 salary to be stated on the following articles : - corn 666 mills, and rye 833 mills per bushel ; beef $4*166 per hundred weiglit, and pork 55 mills per pound ; one quarter of the salary in each of the above articles. In 1811 a new contract was made, and the salary fixed at $560 and 20 cords of wood annually.

The confession of faith and the covenant were revised in 1798, and printed in 1821. The church then contained 105 members, of whom 40 were males and 65 females. In 1829 there were 140.

The Rev. Samuel Stearns, son of the Rev. Josiah Stearns, was born at Epping, New Hampshire, April 8, 1770, and graduated at Harvard College in 1794. His ministry has generally been remarkably peaceful and happy. It is only within the last two years that the town gave any decided indications tow^ards a division of the religious society, after the example of many of her neighbours. In 183*2 this division \vas made, and a new meeting bouse erected for Mr. Stearns.

Miscellaneous Notices

Bedford is not very well situated for an agricultural town. About half of it is meadow land, unimproved and partly incapable" of improvement. It contains, however, several very good farms, and nearly all the varieties of soil. Among the peculiarities of its geology is found a substance which has been used for painting, resembling yellow ochre, and commonly known as Bedford Yellow. It has not, however, been much used of late years. Lead has been found here.

The Shawshcen is the only considerable stream of water. It rises in Lincoln, and runs through Bedford in a northerly direction, receiving Elm Brooky which arises in Concord, Farley Brook, which arises in Lexington, and another which arises in Burlington. On the Shawsheen is a mill which was built before Philip's war in 1676, and was then owned by Michael Bacon, who was allowed to have two garrison soldiers stationed there for his safety.

Bedford is bounded westerly by Concord River, which separates it from Concord and Carlisle ; southerly by Lincoln and Lexington ; easterly by Lexington and Burlington ; and northerly by Billerica. The lines are very irregular, and contain many angles.

The town contained in 1831, according to the return of the assessors, 8,593 acres of land. There w^ere then 194 polls, 20 of whom were not taxed, 101 dwelling-houses, 3 shops adjoining, 16 other shops, 101 bams, 51 out-buildings, 295 acres of tillage land, 374 English mowing, 1405 fresh meadow, 2228 pasture, 784 wood land, 2,375 unimproved. There were raised 5,025 bushels of corn, 308 of rye, 50 of oats, 20 of barley, 364 tons of English hay, 689 of meadow ; 486 cows.

The Page Fund, for the support of the gospel ministry and sacred music, was constituted as follows : Anna Page, widow of Thomas Page, gave $663-93, William Page, $500, and Samuel Hartwell, $300. It is to be increased by adding one sixth of the income to the principal annually, and now amounts to upwards of $1,700.

Schools. - The first school was opened in 1733, and £5, equal to about 3 dollars, granted for its support. A committee was chosen the next year to hire a master to " settle a moving school." For several years one school only was kept, sometimes in the centre and sometimes in different parts of the town. A school-house was first built in 1743. In 1744 a part of the money was divided into four quarters, to be expended for the use of schools by " school dames." In 1758 a writing-school was kept four months in the centre of the town, and " a woman^s teaching school six months in the quarters of the town ; " in 1781 three months' writing-school in the middle of the town, and six weeks' women's school in each of the quartei*s. In 1790 the town voted to hire a master four months, and should " he have a very full school, he shall principally attend to those who write and cypher." In 1792 the town was divided into Jive districts,

Centre, East, West, North, and South, and in 1799 a school-house was erected in each district. In 1818 the town voted, that the money raised for the support of schools should be divided as follows. In proportion to ^7,307, the Centre district shall draw #1,640, the East # 1,550, the North #1,420, the South #1,400, and the West #1,297. This method has since been continued.

A building for a town-house and Centre school-house was erected in 1828 at an expense of #2,216*43. A fire-engine, which cost #482*32, was procured about that time.

Employment. - Agriculture is the employment of a large portion of the people. The manufacture of shoes for the Boston market was begun here in 1805 by John Hosmer and Jonathan Bacon, and has been increasing since under their management and that of others. The principal establishments in 1832 \vere owned by Reuben Bacon, Esq. and Mr. Chamberlain, in which were employed 60 men and 80 women. About 90,000 pairs of shoes, estimated to be worth #50,000, are made annually. This business has been the source of considerable wealth to the town. No shoes are in better credit than those made in Bedford. About 4,000 sets of Bacon's Patent Lever Blind Fasteners " were made in Bedford in 1832, and it is the most approved article of the kind with which I am acquainted.

2. Job Lane, son of Job Lane, Jr., was graduated at Yale College in 1764. The following epitaph appears on the stone over his remains in New Haven.

5. Samuel Horatio Stearns, son of the Rev. Samuel Stearns, was born September 12, 1801, and graduated in 1823, and at the Theological Seminary at Andover in 1828.

6. William Augustus Stearns, brother of the preceding, was born March 17, 1805, graduated in 1827, and at the Theological Seminary in Andover in 1831, and was ordained at Cambridge Port December 13, 1831.

7. Jonathan French Stearns, brother of the two preceding, was born September 4, 1808, and graduated in 1830. He is now a student in Theology.

Dr. Joseph Ballard came from Lancaster to Bedford in 1767, and died there January 29, 1777. He was a delegate to the Provincial Congress in Concord in 1774, and w^as a distinguished man.

Among other physicians who have practised for short periods- in Bedford, the names of Dr. Stephen Massy, Dr. Kendall, Dr. Gardner, and Dr. Kittredge, may be mentioned.

History Of Acton

The town of Acton lies wholly within the ancient limits of Concord. It does not, however, include any part of the six miles square first purchased of the Indians, but in subsequent grants and purchases, adjoining and lying westerly of the " old town." These lands were granted to the town of Concord "for feeding"; excepting the Iron-Work Farm, Major Simon Willard's farm in the north part of the tract, and two grants near Nagog Pond, one to the Indians, and the other to Joseph Wheeler and others. An account of these grants has already been given in the History of Concord. Their bounds, as renewed in 1706, began where the present southeast corner of Acton meets with Concord and Sudbury, and ran nearly on the present line separating Acton and Stow, Boxborough and Littleton, till it comes to the westerly end of Nagog Pond," and from thence " up to the line of Chelmsford towards Tagnack," (near the Heart well tavern now in Westford) ; from thence the line ran easterly to the north part of " Virginia Meadow," or Blood's Dam," so called in Carlisle ; and thence by Billerica to " Berry Corner," and by Concord old bounds to th« place first mentioned. Though the bounds or extent of the several grants which make up this extensive tract of land, are not very particularly defined, the description is sufficiently accurate to enable us to form a tolerably correct idea of each. When actually surveyed, they were found to contain a greater number of acres than nominally specified in the grants. The section lying in the southeast part of the " Village," as it was then called, nominally containing 1,000 acres, but actually containing more than that number, was granted to JNIajor Willard for the benefit of the Iron Works, and known as the Iron-Work Farm. This was conveyed to James Russell, Esq. of Charlestown, when Mr. Joseph Sherman was employed as an assistant in the business, and by him 600 acres of it were sold in 1701 to Samuel and Ephraim Jones, and Jonathan Knight, together with all his right in the Vilhige, for £150. This tract and another northerly, conveyed by deeds from the Indians in 1684 already given, ^ the grants to Joseph Wheeler in 1660, to Major Willard in 1655 in the north part, and the half of iVashoba purchased by the Hon. Peter Bulkeley and the Hon. Thomas Henchman in 1666, covered much more land than is now included in Acton. Littleton took a part near Nagog Pond, and Westford and Carlisle a large tract in the north and northeasterly sections. Considerable difficulty arose between the proprietors of the Village and the proprietors of individual grants, included in the above described lands, concerning their boundary lines. Tlie heirs of Robert Blood inherited the AVillard farm. Their title was however doubted, and, after perplexing controversies and lawsuits, it was finally adjusted about 1710.

A settlement was commenced in these grants as early as 1656, and perhaps a few years earlier. The Shepherd and Law famihes were among the first. Captain Thomas Wheeler commenced an extensive improvement here in 1663, as noticed in the History of Concord.^ Several others also had particular lots granted or sold to them by special vote of the town.

Many of the meadows were open prairies, and afforded, with little or no labor, grass in abundance. Some of the uplands had been cleared by the Indians, and were favorite places for feeding. The meadows were leased, and the rents either paid into the town treasury, or reserved for the proprietors. In 1706 the meadows were leased to Jonathan Knight and Ephraim Jones for £5 6s., and about the same sum was annually received for them for some years afterwards.

These lands were granted to the proprietors of the town of Concord at the time the grants were made. And, though the selectmen, under direction of the town, managed them as they did other common property, they were considered distinct from the whole town from about 1690. New emigrants into Concord were not considered as proprietors. In 1697 a committee was chosen to obtain a list of the proprietors, who, after several con- sultations concerning the best method of admitting them, proposed, June 29, 1702, " that every freeholder that was possessed of house and land in the year 1684, and makes it so appear, shall be added to the former proprietors." The proprietors, as admitted by the committee according to the above regLdation, were generally accustomed to hold their meetings immediately after the town meetings, and on the same day, from 1698 to 1710; and their proceedings were recorded by the town clerk with the proceedings of Concord. A Village clerk w-as first chosen in 1710.

The disposal of these lands, and the manner in which they should be divided, occupied the attention of the proprietors for many years. Meetings were held on the 16th of June, 1719, legally summoned by James Minott, Esq., on the 9th, 22d, and 29th of March, and on the 8th of July, 1720, at which several votes were passed, one of which was to admit persons who w^ere freeholders in town in 1684 to rights in proportion to 1 to 3 of the freeholders in 1661 ; and committees were chosen to obtain lists of the proprietors agreeably to this vote ; and to divide the meadow^s into 120 thirty-acre lots. As these commhtees proceeded in their business, so many obstacles presented themselves, that the plan was finally relinquished. Another vote was passed < to divide it in proportion as 1 to 2 for the times abovementioned, but this was also unsuccessful.

We the subscribers being chosen a committee by the town of Concord at a general meeting on May the 25th, 1722, continued by adjournment from the 15th of said month, to consider and make report what we think is proper for the said town to do about their Village or New^ Grant, report as follows.

" 1. We find the grant from the General Court, as also the Indian deeds of conveyance from the Indians w^ere made to the inhabitants and proprietors of the town of Concord.

" 2. We find no act of tlie said town of Concord, in any town meeting legally warned for that purpose, that has fully settled the proprietors or altered the constitution tliereof, but considerable to the contrary.

" 1. That the town pass an order to forbid all persons cutting wood, timber, he, on the Village without order, and that the town do forthwith j)roceed and choose a comniiltee, and fully empower them to prosecute at the law all persons that do any ways trespass on their said New Grants by cutting W'ood or timber contrary to order.

" 2. That the town choose a committee to enquire into the matter of a farm-grant made out of the premises to Mr. Joseph Wheeler, whether the present proprietors thereof have not incroached and come beyond their bounds, and to make report.

" 3. That the town, as soon as may be, settle the proprietors of the premises, and in order thereunto do choose a committee to consider of and report under their hands unto the town, what they think is the most just, honest, and safe rule, for stating the proprietors and dividing thereof, and present it to the town for their further consideration."

This document is dated November 12, 1722, and signed by Richard Parks, John Wheeler, Nathaniel Stow, Samuel Wright, Samuel Chandler, John Fassett, and David Whitaker.

The committee proposed in this report were chosen, and reported the next February, " that each freehold of house and lands, that was such in the year 1666 or in the year 1684, to have a five-acre right in said Village or Town's New Grant ; and each freehold of house and lands, that was ratable in the year 1694, to have a four-acre right in the premises ; and each free hold of house and land, that v/as ratable in the year 1704, to have a three-acre right ; and each freehold of house and land, ratable in the year 1714, to have a two-acre right ; and each freehold of house and land, ratable in 1722, to have a one-acre right, but none to draw in more than one order for one freehold abovementioned. And we think it very proper, that a committee be chosen to take a list of the proprietors in each order as abovesaid, that each proprietor may know his right, that when the Village is divided, it may be divided as abovesaid.

dissent recorded. A committee, to make a list of proprietors agreeably to this vote, were chosen, who reported at length at a subsequent meeting ; and other preliminary arrangements were made for dividing the Village. But 25 freeholders dissented ; and there appeared so much want of harmony on the subject, that the plan was finally relinquished. Meantime some of the common land had been taken up and improved, and some of the occupants were prosecuted and tried before the court.

At length, after several more meetings, the proprietors voted, June 16, 1725, " That all such as are possessed of a freehold, consisting of a dweUing-house and improved land in Concord, which was such a freehold in the year of our Lord 1661, shall have or draw 3 acres ; and all such as are possessed of a freehold, which consisted of a dwelling-house and improved lands in said Concord in the year 1684, shall have or draw 2 acres ; and all such as are possessed of a freehold, which consisted of a -dwelling-house and improved lands in said Concord in 1715, shall have or draw 1 acre ; or agreeable to that proportion, except when the right of said Village or New Grant is sold or reserved from said freehold." And " Ensign William Wheeler, Mr. Samuel Jones, and Mr. Ebenezer Wheeler w^ere chosen a committee to draw a list of all the proprietors of said Village or New Grant according to the votes of the proprietors."

This, though afterwards remodelled, formed the basis of the principle by which the division was made, and settled this difficult subject: It was rendered more explicit by a vote passed June 30, 1727, which was, " That the committee chosen for the laying out of said lands in said Village, be hereby directed to lay out so much of the best of the land as to lay to every acre right 10 acres, so that every '61 right (so called) being 3 acres, be laid into 30-acre lots ; and every '84 right (so called) into 20-acre lots ; and every late allowed right (so called) into 10-acre lots. And all the meadows be divided to each lot according to the several rights as aforesaid proportionably ; and all said lots and the meadows to be laid so as to be made equally good as possible may be, either enlarging or abating of the number of acres in each lot, as said committee may think best to proportion the same."

laid out into 10-acre lots, 20-acre lots, and 30-acre lots, so that every freehold, that consisted of a dwelling-house and improved land in '61, should draw 30 acres, and every freeliold, that was so in 'S4, have 20 acres, and that every freehold, that was so in '15, have 10 acres ; but since thought better to lay it out into bigger lots, viz. 100-acre lots; so that every 10 single rights may draw one of the 100-acre lots. And where it so happens that tliose that have but 10-acre lots, or those that have not 10 of tiiose single rights to draw, and they can't agree to join 10 of them together to draw one of those 100-acre lots, it shall be in the power of the committee to join them and draw for them, or appoint somebody to draw ; and if they can't agree to subdivide, tlie committee shall subdivide it at the charge of the propriety."

The committee for ascertaining the proprietors, and for dividing the Village according to the foregoing principles, were a long time in accomplishing the business. A list was finally reported, which was referred to the committee constituted by the following proceedings, had June 26, 1730.

" Voted, that Messrs. Samuel Chandler, Benjamin Whittemore, and William Wheeler be a committee to correct the list of proprietors (more especially the first order), and present the same to the proprietors for their approbation ; as also to take an account of the proprietors that do agree to join in the same hundred-acre lot, and to join or couple such as cannot agree to do it themselves, and see that no two be joined upon the same right, and also to subdivide the hundred-acre lots where the proprietors cannot agree to divide themselves."

The common land was laid out into lots nominally, but not uniformly, of 100 acres, and numbered in the lists and on the plan. Several of the proprietors had their rights coupled or joined together, and their lots were then drawn according to this coupling-list, and subdivided according to each one's particular right. When lots happened to be poor, or of unequal value, some parts of other lots were taken and added to them. These were called qualification lots. This method of division, though it might have been equitable, destroyed the uniform size and shape of the lots, and rendered the farms disconnected and irregular.

July 7, 1732, 60 coupling lots ; and 37 at the third and last, December 4, 1745. The proceedings during these intermediate dates relate principally to the grants and division of the lands. At the last period, 1745, a vote was passed to sell all the common land then remaining. The proprietors' clerks were as follows: Tiiomas Brown, 1710 to 1715; Jonathan Prescott, 1715 to 1728; John Fhnt, 1723 to 1745; Stephen Hosmer, 1745 to ; and John Robbins from 1786.

A plan of Concord Village was taken in 1730 by Captain Stephen Hosmer ; and it then contained, exclusive of Major Willard's farm, 12,986 acres. A petition was presented to the town of Concord in 1731, for leave to be set off into a separate precinct, but it did not prevail. Three, others, subsequently presented, met with the same fate. It seems that the petitioners were desirous of being incorporated as a precinct rather than a town. And though they were unsuccessful at first, the town voted, March 4, 1734, " to set off the Village or town's New Grant a separate town, together with Major Willard's Farm, and that the inhabitants and proprietors petition the General Court for a sanction." Samuel Hunt and others presented a petition accordingly ; and the following act of incorporation w^as obtained just one hundred years from the first incorporation of Concord.

" Whereas the inhabitants and proprietors of the northwesterly part of Concord, in the county of Middlesex, called the Village, or New Grant, have represented to this Court, that they labor under great difficulties by reason of their remoteness from the place of public worship, and therefore desire that they and their estates, together with the farms, called Willard's Farms, may be set off a distinct and separate township, for wdiich they have also obtained the consent of the town of Concord.

" Be it therefore enacted by his Excellency the Governor, Council, and Representatives, in General Court assembled, and" by the authority of the same, that the said northwesterly part of Concord, together with the said farms, be and hereby are set off, constituted, and erected into a distinct and separate township by the name of Acton, and agreeably to the following boundaries, namely ; beginning at the southwest corner of Concord old bounds, then southwesterly on Sudbury and Stow lines till it comes to the southwest corner of Concord Village, then north- northerly by Littleton, Westford, and Chelmsford, then easterly by Billerica till it comes to the northwest corner of Concord old bounds, and by said bounds to the place first mentioned. And that the inhabitants of the lands before described and bounded, be and hereby are vested with all the town privileges and immunities that the inhabitants of the other towns within this province are, or by law ought to be, vested with.

" Provided that the inhabitants of the said town of Acton do, within three years from the publication of this act erect and finish a suitable house for the public worship of God, and procure and settle a learned, orthodox minister of good conversation, and make provision for his comfortable and honorable support." This act was passed July 3, 1735.

The history of the town from this time to the commencement of the revolution, contains no features worthy of particular notice. It had a slow but gradual increase in population and improvement. The proceedings for instituting schools, the preaching of the gospel, &c., were carried forward in harmony. During the wars which prevailed from 1740 to 1762, Acton contributed its share of men. But few particulars are preserved, either by tradition or records, concerning their services.

As early as the 21st of December, 1767, the town voted to " comply with the proposals, by the town of Boston, relating to the encouraging of manufactures among ourselves, and not purchasing of superfluities from abroad." On the 5th of JMarch, 1770, the town entered into a covenant not to purchase nor use foreign merchandise, nor tea.

The state of public affairs was again brought before the town on the 21st of December, 1772, and referred to a committee, consisting of Captain Daniel Fletcher, Francis Faulkner, Deacon Jonathan Hosmer, Deacon John Brooks, Josiah Hayw^ard, Ephraim Hapgood, Captain Samuel Hayward, Simon Tuttle, and Daniel Brooks. Their report was made on the 18th of the following month, and expresses the general sentiments of the people in this vicinity.

A minute company was raised and commanded by Captain Isaac Davis ; and the town voted, on the 18th of January, 1775, to pay 30 men 8^^. per day to drill twice a week, 3 hours each day, until the first day of May. The important services rendered by this company in the Battle of Concord, on the 19th of April, and the unfortunate death of Captain Davis and Mr. Hayward, have already been noticed in the History of Concord. This and the standing company were distinguished for their prompt and energetic action on that and other occasions.

"To Mr. Mark White. ^ - Sir, Our not being favored with the resolution of the Hon. House of Representatives, caUing upon the several towns in this colony to express their minds with respect to the important question of American Independence, is the occasion of our not expressing our minds sooner ; but we now cheerfully embrace this opportunity to instruct you on this important question. The subverting our constitution, the many injuries and unheard-of barbarities which these colonies have received from Great Britain, confirm us in the opinion, that the present age will be deficient in their duty to God, their posterity, and themselves, should they not form an American Republic. This is the only form of government we wish to see established. But we mean not to dictate. We freely submit this interesting affair to the wisdom of the honorable Continental Congress, who, we trust, are guided and directed in this important affair by the Supreme Governor of the world. And we instruct you. Sir, to give them the strongest assurance, that if they should declare America to be a free and independent republic, your constituents will support and defend the measure with their lives and fortunes."

A full estimate of the services cannot be made. This town had the honor of furnishing several officers during the revolutionary war. Lieutenant Colonel Francis Faulkner and Captain Simon Hunt were in the battle at White Plains, and at other times were also engaged in actual service.

The history of the town since the revolution is of little general interest. Like most towns in the vicinity, it has a gradual, but very slow growth.

Ecclesiastical History. A Meeting-house, 46 feet long, 36 broad, and 21 high, was built in 1736, which served as a place of public worship till the present one was erected in 1808. Considerable difficulty having arisen on the question, where it should be situated, as often occurs in similar cases. Col. Holman of Bolton was employed to survey the town and find its centre. The report of this survey was not satisfactory ; and after several other trials to fix upon a spot, it was agreed to refer the subject to Gen. Joseph Varnum of Dracut, Gen. John Whiting of Lancaster, and Mr. Walter McFarlane of Hopkinton. These gentlemen made a report which w^as amicably accepted, Oct. 6, 1806.

Public worship was first held in the meeting-house in January, 1738, and that year the town raised the first money - 50 pounds, for its support. In March a day of public fasting and prayer to Almighty God was kept, preparatory to establishing the preaching of the gospel ; and the Rev. Messrs. Israel Loring, William Cook, John Gardner, Oliver Peabody, and Daniel Rogers, assisted in the exercises on the occasion.^

1 The church records during Mr. Swift's ministry are so imperfect, that it will be impossible to give an account of its proceedings. They do not

In May, 1738, the town gave the Rev. John Swift a unanimous invitation to become its minister ; and he was ordained the 8th of November following. He first received £250 as a settlement, and £150 as an annual salary, to be made of equal value, should the currency depreciate. The sum was altered several times, and permanently fixed at £70 lawful money. In 1741, the powerful revival of religion which prevailed in Concord and other places was experienced here. It is recorded that 28 persons made a public profession of religion, and 15 were baptized on the 28th of November, of that year.

The Rev. John Swift was born in Framingham, and graduated at Harvard College in 1733. During the prevalence of the small-pox in Acton, in 1775, he was severely attacked, and never able to preach afterwards. He died 7th Nov. 1775, in the 62d year of his age, and the 37th of his ministry. He was a gentleman of talents, learning, and piety, though occasionally facetious, witty, and eccentric. His only printed publication which I have seen is a sermon preached at the ordination of the Rev. Joseph Lee at Royalston. Mr. Swift married Abigail Adams of Med way, and had one child, who graduated at Harvard College.

The 14th May, 1776, the town voted to invite four candidates to preach four sabbaths each on probation. And a committee consisting of Messrs. Samuel Hayward, Francis Faulkner, Nathaniel Edwards, Josiah Hayward, and John Heald were chosen " to take advice of the President of the College and the neighbouring ministers, who said candidates shall be." Mr. Moses Adams was subsequently engaged eight sabbaths on trial. The 20th of December was observed as a day of solemn fasting and prayer to Almighty God for direction and assistance in resetthng the gospel. Mr. Adams was invited to be their pastor 8th of January, 1777; and was ordained 25th of June, 1778. The first and fourth church in De^ham, second in Sudbury, second in Reading, and the churches in Concord, Stow, and Fitchburgh, composed the counsel. He received £200 as a settlement, and £180 salary, according to the value of silver at 6s. 8d. per ounce, and his fire-wood.

In 17S5, the singers were directed for the first time to sit together in the gallery. In 1793, the practice of performing sacred music by reading the line of the hymn as sung, was discontinued. A church bible was presented in 1806, by Dea. John White of Concord.

The Rev. Moses Adams was a native of Framingham, and a graduate of Harvard College in 1771. He died 13th of October, 1819, aged 70. During his long and peaceful ministry, 147 were admitted to the church in full commuhion, 137 owned the covenant to receive baptism, 833 were baptized, and 246 marriages were solemnized. In his intercourse with his people he was conciliatory but independent. He had talents without ostentation, and piety without hypocrisy ; all his public performances and private acts were distinguished for their superior good sense. He was emphatically a good, a worthy, and a useful man. Few^ have died and left a character more deservedly worthy of imitation than his.

On the 25th of February, 1820, the Rev. Marshall Shed, a native of Newton and graduate of Dartmouth College, 1817, was unanimously elected to be their pastor. The town agreed to give him $500 as a settlement, to which $200 were added by subscription, and $600 and 15 cords of w^ood, as his annual salary, so long as he shall supply the pulpit. He was ordained on the 10th of the following May. The introductory prayer on the occasion was by the Rev. John Pierce of Brookline ; sermon by Rev. William Greenough of Newton ; consecrating prayer by Rev. Jonathan Newell of Stow ; charge by Rev. Jonathan Homer of Newton ; fellowship of the churches by Rev. Rufus Hurlburt of Sudbury ; a-^dress to the church and people by Rev. Thomas Noyes ; and concluding prayer by Rev. Ezra Ripley. He was dismissed at his request, May 14, 1831, and has since removed to New-York.

There are now three religious societies in the town. 1. The Orthodox, which seceded from the town and formed a separate parish during the latter part of the Rev. Mr. Shed's ministry. The Rev. James T. Woodbury, brother of the Hon. Levi Woodbury, and formerly a member of the bar in Grafton County, New- Hampshire, was ordained over the parish, August 29, 1832, when the Rev. Mr. Cleaveland, of Salem, preached. 2. The Unitarian, which worships in the meeting-house erected by the town ; and 3. The Universalist, which was organized 19th of January, 1816, and incorporated 27th of January, 1825. At the former period it contained 11 members, at the latter 49, and in 1827, 61, twenty of whom resided in other towns. The two last have no settled minister.

Description. - Miscellaneous Notices. The surface of the town is rough and uneven, though there are no considerable hills; and with some exceptions the soil is rocky, hard to cultivate, and not well calculated for a flourishing agricultural town. It contains, however, many good, well-cultivated farms, on which are grown grain, grass, and other usual productions of the region.

A gentleman, who is familiar with the natural history of Acton, informs me, " that the geology of this town is decidedly primitive ; stones are mostly granite of every degree of fineness and variety of appearance. Rocks are gneiss, passing into mica and hornblende slate. The strata are perpendicular which abundantly explains the stubbornness of the soil. Lime rock is found in the south part of the town, and has been wrought, but not recently. Iron is found in various combinations in different places ; none, however, of much value. Tradition tells us, that lead used to be found in abundance in the southwest part of the town. Tremollte, actynolite, radiated quartz, pudding-stone, and some other minerals are found here.

" The botany of this place is not peculiarly interesting. The forests are composed chiefly of oak, of all the common varieties, together with some pine, maple, birch, hickory, elm, locust, and chesnut. Among the forest trees, or shrubs, perhaps, ought to be noticed several varieties of the box or cornel, especially the cornus florida and sericea, the barks of which # have been used with success as substitutes for the Peruvian."

Nagog Pond lying partly in Littleton is a beautiful collection of water. It is about a mile long, and is the source of Nashoba Brook. Grass Pond, lying south of Nagog, contains 133 acres. Nashoba and Foj't Pond Brooks have been noticed in the history of Concord. On a branch of the former, which heads in Westford and unites with the main stream near Mr. Stearns's, are Wheeler's and Foster's Mills, and Robins's after their junction. On the latter are Jones's and Faulkner's Mills. Assabct river runs across the southwest corner of the town, where Sherman's Mills are situate.

In 1821, there were 140 dwelling-houses; 230 other buildings; 513 acres of tillage land, on which was raised 705 bushels of rye, 932 of oats, 5833 of corn, 75 of barley, and 140 of beans ; 1527 acres of mowing land, producing 956 tons of hay ; 2026 acres of pasturing, keeping 939 cows, 196 oxen, 69 horses, and 181 swine ; 2055 acres of wood ; 3633 acres unimproved ; and 1311 unimproveable ; 240 used as roads and 500 covered with water. It then had 3 grist-mills, 2 carding-machines, 2 fullingmills, and 4 saw-mills. In 1325, there were 236 polls. Valuation, $8629-28.

During 20 years subsequent to 1800, there were published 208 intentions of marriages, and there occurred 161 marriages, 344 births (as recorded) ; 302 deaths, of whom 72 died under one year old, 32 were 80 and upwards, 8 were 90 and upwards, and 1 hved 99^. The average num.ber annually was 15, about one in 70 of the w^hole population. The mean average age w^as 35.

A Post Office was established here some time since and Mr. Perham appointed Post-Master; but it was not long continued. It was reestabhsfaed in 1828, and Silas Jones, Esq. is the Post- Master.

The first town School was kept in 1741, when it was voted to have " a reading, writing, and moving school for six months." In 1743 a similar one was established and £18 old tenor, equal to about £3 lawful money, was raised for its support. Whether this afforded the only means of education does not appear. It is probable some schools might have been supported by private subscription. Several youth, as was then customary, resorted to the clergyman, for their education. People, however, enjoyed few other opportunities than were afforded in their own families. In 1760 the town w^as divided into six school districts, and in 1771 into seven. In 1797 the town w^as divided into four districts, East, West, South, and Middle, and several new houses were built. This division has since been continued. The money is divided among the districts in proportion to the taxes. From the return made to the state in 1826, it appears, that the aggregate time of keeping the schools was 28 months, and that they were attended by 412 pupils, of w^hom 227 were males, and 185 females. 139 were under 7 years of age, 160 from 7 to 14, and 113 from 14 upwards.

The Acton Light Infantry was organized in 1805, and then consisted of 41 members including officers. The following gentlemen have since successively commanded this company. Paul Brooks, Simon Hosmer, Abijah Hayward, Silas Jones, James Jones, Aaron Hayward, Jonathan Hosmer, John Fletcher, John Handley, Jr., Simon Davis, Abel Furbish, George W. Tuttle, and Thomas Brown. This and a standing company compose the militia of the town.

The municipal officers of the town have not essentially varied from those of other towns. The Selectmen have uniformly been assessors and overseers of the poor, of whom the town clerk has been chairman.

Town Clerks

In 44 'years, since the town was incorporated, it has not been represented. Dea. Ephraim Robbins and Asa Parlin, Esq. were of Carlisle, when it was a district of Acton. Capt. Daniel Fletcher was chosen a delegate to the convention in Boston, 2'2d of September, 1763; Francis Faulkner and Ephraim Hapgood, to the Provincial Congress in Concord, October, 1774 ; Josiah Hayward, to Cambridge, February, 1775, and again in May ; Francis Faulkner, to the Convention in Cambridge, for forming the Constitution, September, 1779 ; Capt. Joseph Robbins to the Convention, in Concord, to regulate the prices of articles of produce, &c. October, 1779 ; Simon Tutlle and Thomas Noyes, to Concord, 23d of May, 17S6 ; and Asa Parlin, to the Convention in Boston, in 1788, to ratify the Constitution of the United States.

Dr. Abraham Skinner, was from Woodstock, Conn., and commenced practice in Acton, in 1781, where he died April 16, 1810, aged 53. He married Sarah, daughter of Francis Faulkner, Esq. 1788.

Dr. Peter Goodnow was from Bolton, commenced practice in Acton, 12th of October, 1812, left ISth of February, 1827, and is now" a merchant in Boston.

Justices Of The Peace Graduates At College

Nathan Davis, son of Samuel Davis, born 30th of November, 1737, graduated at Harvard College, 1759, ordained minister at Dracut, 20th of November, 1765, dismissed about 1785, removed to Boston, and was appointed chaplain at Fort Independence, and a review officer. Died 4th of March, 1803, aged 65.

John Swift, only child of the Rev. John Swift, born 18th of November, 1741, graduated 1762, and settled as a physician in Acton, where he died of the small-pox about 1775.

Asa Piper, son of Josiah Piper, graduated 1778, and was ordained at Wakefield, New-Hampshire, 1785. He still resides in that town, retaining his relation to the church, though dismissed from his pastoral charge.

Solomon Adams, son of Lt. John Adams, born 18th of March, 1761, graduated 1788, ordained pastor at Middleton, 23d of October, 1793, and died September, 1813, aged 53.

Danikl Brooks graduated 1794, and settled as a trader in Westmoreland, where he held the office of Justice of the Peace. Died, several years since, at Springfield, Vermont.

Thomas Noyes, son of Thomas Noyes, born 5th of February, 1769, graduated 1795, and ordained pastor of the 2d Church in Needham, 10th of July, 1799, dissmissed in 1833 by mutual consent.

Luther W^right was born 19th of April, 1770, graduated 1796, ordained pastor of the first parish in Med way, 13th of June, 1798, dismissed September, 1815, installed at Barrington, Rhode-Island, 29th of January, 1817, and dismissed, 5th of July, 1821. In both instances he was dismissed at his own request by a council who recommended him to the employment of other churches. He now resides at Holhston.

MosES Adams, son of the Rev. Moses Adams, was born, 28th of November, 1777, graduated 1797, settled as a physician in Ellsworth, Maine, and was sheriff of the county of Lincoln.

William Emerson Faulkner, son of Francis Faulkner, Esq. was born 23d of October, 1776, and graduated 1797. He read law with his brother-in-law, the Hon. Jabez Upham, of Brookfield, with whom he formed a partnership in business. He died October 1, 1804, aged 28, and left a most worthy character.

Josiah Adams, son of the Rev. Moses Adams, was born 3d of November, 1781, graduated, 1801, read law with Thomas Heald, Esq., was admitted to the bar, June, 1807, and settled in Framingham, where he now resides.

Jonathan Edwards Scott was a native of Nova Scotia, but a resident in Acton for some time before he entered College. He graduated 1802, and has since commanded a vessel at sea.

Joseph Adams, son of the Rev. Moses Adams, was bom 25th of September, 1783, graduated 1803, and settled as an Attorney in West Cambridge, where he died, 10th of June, 1814.

John Ruggles Cutting, son of Mr. Wilham Cutting, graduated at Dartmouth College 1802, ordained at Waldoborough, Maine, August, 1807, dismissed, March, 1812, and has since been a teacher of youth.

Biographical Notice

Col. Francis Faulkner was born in Andover, 29th of September, 1728, and died, 5th of August, 1805, aged 78. His greatgrandfather, Edmund Faulkner, who emigrated from England, was one of the founders of the church in Andover, in 1645, had his house burnt by the Indians, in 1676, and died in January, 1687. His wife was Dorothy Robinson ; and his sons, Francis and John. The former was born 1651, and died 1732, aged 81, leaving sons, Edmund, Ammiruhammah, and Paul, of whom the second, father to Col. Francis, removed to Acton, in 1735, and erected the mills, which have since been owned by his descendants, where he died, 4th of August, 1756. Col. Francis was early employed in public business, and was 35 years, from 1762, successively chosen town clerk. He was a member of the Provincial Congress in 1774, and a representative in the General Court, in 1783, '84, and '85 ; and also a member of the committee of safety, and of several important conventions, held during the revolution. He held a military commission under George III.-; but the oppressive and arbitrary acts of Great Britain induced him to renounce his allegiance to the crown, and step forward as one of the foremost opposers to the measures of the government. Accordingly, in February or March, 1775, he was elected major of a regiment organized at that time to oppose any anticipated invasion. On the morning of the 19th of April, Doct. Prescott was sent on express to him with information that the

British troops were on their way to Concord. He immediately fired three guns in quick succession, which was the pre-concerted signal for an alarm. The express arrived at day-light, and at the rising of the sun he marched with a considerable number of men, who constituted a part of the troops collected at the North Bridge, in Concord. He was in the engagement there that morning, and with his men pursued the British troops to Charlestown. He was afterwards several times engaged in actual service during the war ; was Lieut. -Colonel in the regiment of Middlesex militia, called in to reinforce the continental army, when they took possession of Dorchester Heights, in ]\Iarch, 1776 ; was in service when Burgoyne was taken ; and commanded the regiment which guarded the prisoners, taken on that occasion, to Cambridge. He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1781, and on the 29th of September, 1775, was chosen one of the deacons of the church. In all places he exhibited the character of a gentleman of sound judgment, of a cultivated mind, and of good, practical common sense. He was a courageous military officer, an able legislator, an impartial justice, and an exemplary Christian.

He married, first, Elizabeth Muzzy of Lexington, in 1755, with whom he lived 2 weeks only before her death ; and, secondly, in 1759, Rebecca, daughter of Capt. Keyes of Brookfield, who was killed in Lovell's fight, by whom he had 1 1 children. 1. Francis, Esq., Billerica ; 2. Rebecca, married to the Hon. Dwight Foster of Brookfield ; 3. Sarah, manied to Dr. Skinner of Acton ; 4. Elizabeth ; 5. Mary ; 6. Ammi ; 7. Lucy, married to the Hon. Jabez Upham of Brookfield ; 8. Susanna, married to Hannibal Hamlen, Esq., sheriff of the county of Oxford, Maine ; 9. Winthrop, Esq. died in Acton, very much lamented, 17th of March, 1813, aged 39 ; 10. William Emerson, H. C. 1797 ; and 11. Luther, H. C. 1802.

Chapter Xix History Of Lincoln

The inhabitants in the southeasterly part of Concord, petitioned that town several times, between 1734 and 1743, to be set off into a separate precinct or town ; but, being unsuccessful, a petition was preferred to the General Court, August 10th, 1744, which obtained favor, though opposed by a committee of the town ; and the following individuals, living in the easterly part of Concord, westerly part of Lexington, and northerly part of Weston, were incorporated as the Second Precinct of Concord, April 24, 1746, viz. Joshua Brooks, Thomas Garfield, Benjamin Brown, James Brooks, Robert Gage, Ephraim Segard, John Whitney, Benjamin Allen, Ebenezer Hunt, Thomas Baker, Samuel Dakin, Joseph Parks, John Wright, Ambrose Tower, Daniel Reed, Mary Conant, Jeremiah Clark, Thomas Garfield, Jr., Benjamin Brown, Jr., Hannah Corey, Jonathan Wellington, Jonathan Gove, George Pierce, Joseph Brooks, Jordan Clark, Amos Merriam, Joseph Pierce, James Pierce, Zebediah Smith, Ebenezer Lampson, John Headley, Timothy Wesson, Benjamin Monroe, John Gove, Samuel Bond, Thomas Wheeler, Ephraim Flynt, Joseph Pierce, Jr., Joshua Brooks, Jr., John Garfield, Ebenezer Cutler, Nathan Brown, Edward Flynt, Stephen Wesson, John Adams, John White.

The following individuals, living within the limits of the proposed precinct, did not sign the petition ; and w^ere exempt in the act of incorporation, unless they should choose voluntarily to comply with its provisions : Daniel Brown, Thomas Nelson, Nehemiah Abbott, Jabez Stratten, Nathaniel Billings, Daniel Billings, John Billings, Timothy Billings, Joseph Billings, Daniel Parks, Zaccheus Parks, Amos Heald, Samuel Farrar, Joseph Wheat, Joseph Wheat, Jr., John Wheat, Jonas Wheeler, Benjamin Wheeler, Nathaniel Whittemore, Samuel Billings, George

Several attempts were made to procure an incorporation as a town, and in 1753 the exempted persons were consulted on the subject, and Chambers Russell, Esq., Capt. Samuel Bond, and Deacon Joshua Brooks, were chosen to present a petition to the General Court. The town of Lincoln, named by Chambers Russell, Esq. after Lincolnshire, England, the residence of his ancestors, was incorporated, April 19, 1754. The bounds were then the same as they now are.

The proceedings of the town appear to have been conducted with harmony, and no occurrence worthy of notice marks its history till the great question of opposition to England was agitated. In this controversy, it became early enlisted, and uniformly on the popular side ; and was distinguished for its ardent, decided, and independent patriotism, and for its intelligence and originality.

March 15, 1770, the tow^n voted, "that they will not purchase any one article of any person that imports goods contrary to the agreement of the merchants of Boston " ; and in a long answer to a circular sent to the town, they say, February, 1773, " We will not be wanting in our assistance according to our ability, in the prosecuting of all such lawful and constitutional measures, as shall be thought proper for the continuance of all our rights, privileges, and liberties, both civil and religious ; being of opinion that a steady, united, persevering conduct in a constitutional way, is the best means, under God, for obtaining the redress of all our grievances."

The first committee of correspondence was chosen November 2, 1773, - Deacon Samuel Farrar, Capt. Eleazer Brooks, and Capt. Abijah Pierce ; a similar one was elected annually till 1784. The sentiments of the town, on several questions then agitating the province, being requested by the citizens of Boston, w^ere communicated in the subjoined very interesting letter, on the 20th of December.

History Of Lincoln

" Gentlemen, - We have read your letter, enclosing the proceedings of the town of Boston at their late meeting ; as also another letter enclosing the proceedings of a collective body of people, not only of Boston, but the adjacent towns ; in which, after some very pertinent observations on the alarming situation of our public affairs, you desire our advice and to be acquainted with the sense of this town respecting the present gloomy situation of our public affairs. We rejoice at every appearance of public virtue, and resolution in the cause of liberty ; inasmuch as, upon our own virtue and resolution, under Divine Providence, depends the preservation of all our rights and privileges.

" We apprehen^J, that we, in America, have rights, privileges, and property, of our own, as well as the rest of mankind ; and that we have the right of self-preservation, as well as all other beings. And we are constrained to say, that after the most careful and mature deliberation, according to our capacities, weighing the arguments on both sides, we apprehend our rights and privileges have been infringed in many glaring instances, which we mean not to enumerate, among which the late ministerial plan, mentioned in your letter, is not the least.

" The Act imposing a duty on tea is alarming, because, in procuring the same, our enemies are dealing by us, like the great enemy of mankind, viz. endeavouring to enslave us by those things to which we are not necessitated, but by our own contracted ill habits ; although, if tea were properly used, it might be of some advantage. When we speak of our enemies, as above, we mean those persons on either side of the water, who by many ways, either secret or open, are sowing the seeds of strife and discord between Britain and her colonies ; or are in any way the active instruments of our distress.

" Now since it must be granted, that our rights and privileges are infringed, and that we have the right of self-defence ; the important question is, by what means to make such defence. Doubtless the means of defence in all cases ought to quadrate with the nature of the attack ; and since the present plan seems to be to enslave us, we need only (had we virtue enough for that) to shun the bait, as we would shun the most deadly poison. Notwithstanding, considering so many are so habituated to the use of tea, as perhaps inadvertently to ruin themselves and their country thereby ; and others so abandoned to vice, expecting to share in the profits arising fi-om the ruin of their country, as to use all means in their power to encourage the use of tea ; we cannot, therefore, but commend the spirited behaviour of the town of Boston, in endeavouring to prevent the sale of the East India Company's teas, by endeavouring to persuade the consignees to resign their office, or any other lawful means; and we judge the consignees, by refusing to comply with the just desire of their fellow'-citizens, have betrayed a greater regard to their private interest than the public good and safety of their country, and ought to be treated accordingly.

" The situation of our public affairs growing more alarming, and having heretofore tried the force of petitions and remonstrances and finding no redress ; we, the inhabitants of this town, have now come into a full determination and settled resolution, not to purchase, nor use any tea, nor suffer it to be purchased or used in our families, so long as there is any duty laid on such tea by an act of the British Parliament. And we will hold and esteem such, as do use such tea, enemies to their country ; and we W'ill treat them w'ith the greatest neglect. And we beg leave to recommend it to the several towns within this province, who have not done it, to go and do likewise.

" How easy the means ! How^ sure the event ! But be the event what it may, suppose this method should not obtain a repeal of the act, wdiich we judge to be unrighteous, but the event should be a total disuse of that destructive article, we might then (if we may so express ourselves) bless God, that ever he permitted that act to pass the British Parliament.

" We trust we have courage and resolution sufficient to encounter all the horrors of war in the defence of those rights and privileges, civil and religious, which we esteem more valuable than our lives. And we do hereby assure, not only the tow^n of Boston, but the world, that whenever we shall have a clear call from Heaven, we are ready to join with our brethren to face the formidable forces, rather than tamely to surrender up our rights and privileges into the hands of any of our own species, not distinguished from ourselves, except it be in disposition to enslave us. At the same time, w^e have the highest esteem

This able paper is attributed to the pen of the Hon. Eleazer Brooks. The original agreements of the town about the disuse of tea'and non-consumption of imported articles of merchandise have been found among his papers, and are now deemed worthy of preservation.

" Whereas, the town of Lincoln did, on the 27th day of December current, by a full vote, come into a full determination and settled resolution, not to purchase nor use any tea, nor suffer it to be purchased or used in their famihes, so long as there is any duty laid on such tea by act of the British Parliament ; and that they would hold and esteem all such as do use such tea, as enemies to their countr}^ ; and that they will treat them with the greatest neglect ; - We, the subscribers, inhabitants of said town, pursuant to the same design, do hereby promise and agree to and with each other, that we will strictly conform to the tenor of the abovesaid vote. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names.

" We, the subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Lincoln, do sincerely and truly covenant and agree to and with each other, that we will not for ourselves, or any for or under us, purchase or consume any goods, wares, or manufactures, which shall be imported from Great Britain, after the thirty-first day of August, seventeen hundred and seventy-four, until the Congress of Deputies from the several colonies shall determine what articles, if any, to except ; and that we will thereafter, respecting the use and consumption of such British articles, as may not be excepted, rehgiously abide by the determination of said Congress."

This was a time when it was impossible to stand on neutral ground and escape censure. Those who were not decided in opposition to the measures of Great Britain, were supposed to favor them. Of the suspected was the minister of the town ; and, though the suspicion was groundless, and of short duration, the people in September assembled around the meeting-house on a Sabbath, and prevented him from entering to preach. Two or three individuals were subsequently obliged to leave the town for not conforming to the prevailing sentiments of the people. One of the largest estates in the town was for some time in the hands of government.

March 6, 1775, " voted, that £52 4s. be granted to provide for those persons, who have enlisted as minute-men, each one a bayonet, belt, cartridge-box,' steel rammer, gun-stock, and knapsack ; and that they attend military exercises four hours in a day twice a week, till the first day of May next. In case any one refuse to attend, 2s. for each four hours, and in proportion for a smaller time, shall be deducted from their wages."

The part performed by Lincoln in the county conventions at Concord, and by her minute-men and militia on the 19th of April, has been noticed in the History of Concord, and was highly honorable to her patriotism and valor.

At length, on the 24th of June, 1776, the town passed this important vote : ^' That, should the Honourable Congress, for the safety of the United American Colonies, declare themselves independent of Great Britain, we, the inhabitants of this town will solemnly engage, with our lives and fortunes to support them in the measure."

About this time the town was requested to instruct their representative, according to the general custom at that period ; but it was thought more proper to " empower him to act according to his best judgment and discretion."

The following table, compiled from a report", made May 8, 1778, to the town, by its committee to estimate the services rendered by the citizens in the war, furnishes important information.

These bounties were paid by the town, beside many other charges for the pubHc service. When it is recollected, that the town did not then contain more than 187 male inhabitants over 16 years of age, and that several enlisted into the army not included in the above estimate, it will appear that Lincoln contributed a large proportion of men to promote the great revolution. I have no means of ascertaining the precise number furnished subsequently to the above dates, but the town always contributed prom.ptly all required ; though it was supposed at the time the burden was not justly proportionate to other towns. A petition was presented to the council early in 1773, to obtain some relief. In this petition it is said, The large farm of Dr. Charles Russell, now in the hands of the public, greatly augments the tax on the town, and consequently the number of men required." Several officers were furnished for the army from this town. The Hon. Eleazer Brooks was at Ticonderoga, in 1776, as a Colonel, and the Hon. Samuel Hoar, as a Lieutenant, and both were at the taking of Burgoyne. The former was at Dorchester Heights in 1777. On the 4th of September, of that year. Brig. -General Prescott sent an order to Col. Brooks to have his enlisted men formed into companies and to meet in Concord the following Saturday, to appoint his field-officers. He wrote in this order, that he never received one of greater importance," and entreated him " not to fail paying attention to it, as he valued his own reputation or the salvation of his country." These orders, like all others, were promptly obeyed. Col. Pierce, Capt. Samuel Farrar, and others, were also distinguished in the service.

for the continental soldiers, shall receive out of the town treasury, £4^ ; and each person that furnishes a pair of shoes for the same purpose shall have £31 ; and each person that furnishes one pair of socks shall receive £2." On the 2d of June, £18,000 were granted to hire men for the war ; and in September, £15,340 for the same object, and £8,500 to purchase beef for the army. On the following January, £16,240 more were granted for the same object. During 1781, large sums were raised to hire men, buy clothing, and for other public objects, till this town, like many others, became exceedingly embarrassed.

Such are a few items selected from the proceedings of the town in relation to the revolution. They are sufficient to show the undeviating and devoted patriotism of the town ; a patriotism not consisting in resolves only, but in a series of noble sacrifices of self-interest for the general good, alike honorable to it as a town and to the individuals composing it, and worthy of being remembered and imitated.

The town guarded their rights with careful jealousy. When the constitution, formed by the State Convention, February 28th, 1778, was submitted to the town, it voted, 39 to 38, to disapprove of it. In May, 1779, it was voted, ''that the town will not choose at this time to have a new constitution or form of government made"; but on July 28th, the Hon. Eleazer Brooks was chosen a delegate to the convention in Cambridge, " for the sole purpose of framing a new constitution, and the delegate was instructed to cause a printed copy of the form of a constitution, they may agree upon in said convention, to be transmitted to the selectmen of each town." This constitution was submitted to the town, 22d of May, 1780.

"On the 2d Article in the 1st Section of the 1st Chapter in the form of government, voted, that this town disapprove of the said article ; 1. Because we think the legislative, executive, and judicial powers ought to be in separate departments, and not exercised by the same body or bodies of men, either in whole or in part. 2. Because we judge this article to be repugnant to the 17th and 30th articles in the bill of rights ; as also to the 1st article in the frame of government, which we think to be founded in reason.

" On the 2d Article in the 3d Section of the 1st Chapter, voted, that the town disapprove of this article ; because we think the mode of representation pointed out in this article is not founded upon the principles of equality as provided by the preceding article. We apprehend that all circumstances ought to be taken into consideration to determine a representation founded in equality, and that neither the number of rateable polls nor any other circumstance, singly considered, determines such a representation. This state is constituted of a great number of distinct and very unequal corporations, which are the immediate constituent parts of the state ; and the individuals are only the remote parts in many respects. In all acts of the legislature which respect particular corporations, each corporation has a distinct and separate interest, clashing with the interests of all the rest. And, so long as human nature remains the same it now is, each representative will be under an undue bias in favor of the corporation he represents ; therefore any large corporation, having a large number of representatives, will have a large and undue influence in determining any question in their own favor. Should the number of rateable polls in any particular corporation increase till they overbalance all the others, they could completely tyrannize over all the rest, and every degree of inequality gives power for the same degree of tyranny. Another circumstance which renders the mode of representation pointed out in this article unequal is, that the small corporations can have no voice in government without being at the whole expense of a full representation ; whereas, the large corporations, by dividing the attendance of their representatives, can vastly lessen their expense, and yet, in such cases as respect their particular and separate interests, have a full representation."

The 3d Article in the Declaration of Rights was accepted 46 to 2 ; the last clause of the 10th Article, 3d Section, and 1st Chapter was rejected 30 to 11. Voted unanimously to revise the constitution in 7 years by 40 votes, and to accept it with the foregoing exceptions.

The first meeting under the new constitution was held on the first Monday of September, when there were 41 votes cast, all of which but one were for the Hon. John Hancock.

Ecclesiastical History. The ostensible object of those who obtained the act of incorporation for the town of Lincoln, was to enjoy the preaching of the gospel. IMeasures were taken, even before the precinct was formed, to effect this object by private individuals in their houses. Mr. Edward Flint gave a lot of land on which a meeting-house was erected and nearly completed by the following individuals by whom it was given to the precinct, - viz.

Money was raised to complete this house, by the precinct and a vote passed in 1747, that pews should be built and allotted to the inhabitants according to their valuation, - the highest to take the first choice. A steeple was built in 1755 and furnished with a bell, the gift of Mr. Joseph Brooks. This house has been several times repaired and its appearance is still respectable.

On the 18th of August, 1747, twenty-five male members of the churches in Concord, Lexington, and the second precinct in Weston, met together and agreed to embody themselves into a distinct church. The public organization took place on the 20th of the some month, when Mr. Benjamin Brown was chosen permanent moderator till the ordination of a minister ; and the Rev. Messrs. John Hancock, Israel Loring, William Williams, and Wareham Williams, assisted in the public religious exercises on the occasion. A covenant was adopted and signed by the following persons.

The persons employed as preachers in 1746, '47, and '48, were John Brown, Benjamin Stevens, Jonathan Winchester, Cotton Brown, Samuel Pemberton, and Samuel Turrell. Mr. William Lawrence was first employed in April, 1748, on trial. On the 1 8th of May, the church and precinct, being together, voted, 22 to 7, to invite him to become their minister. It was agreed to give him £800 currency as a settlement, and £400 and 10 cords of wood, as an annual salary. This salary was finally fixed according to the prices of corn at 155. and rye at 205. per bushel, and pork at l5. 8c?., and beef at Is. per pound. The estimate to be made near the close of the year.

He w^as ordained the 7th of December following; and £100 were granted to pay the expenses. The council on the occasion consisted of the Rev. John Hancock, of Lexington, moderator, who prayed and gave the charge ; Rev. William WiHi^^^s, of Weston ; Rev. Nathaniel Appleton, of Cambridge, who made the introductory prayer ; Rev. Caleb Trowbridge, of Groton, who preached from 1 Tim. iii. 15 ; Rev. Wareham Wilhams, of Walt ham, who gave the right hand of fellowship ; Rev. Daniel Rogers, of Littleton, who prayed after the charge ; Rev. Samuel Cook of West Cambridge ; and delegates from their respective churches.

Few important occurrences took place worthy of notice for several years. The church voted, in May, 1751, to receive any member of the church in Concord who should be dissmissed. In 1763, the reading of the Scriptures was first introduced as a part of the exercises of public worship ; and in 1768, a short prayer was made before this reading. A vote was passed, 27th of April, 1767, that in future Dr. Brady's and Mr. Tate's version of David's Psalms, and some Hymns of Dr. Watts, which are now bound up and published with this version, shall be made use of and sung in carrying on the public worship of God in this place." In 1771, forty-two persons, ^' who had attained a good degree of understanding in the rules of singing," were seated together by vote of the town on the lower floor.

The Rev. William Lawrence, son of the Hon. William Lawrence, and grand-son of Jonas Prescott, Esq., of Groton, was born, 7th of May, 1728, and graduated at Harvard College, 1743.

During his ministry, his church, unhke many in the neighbourhood, enjoyed great peace. 122 persons were admitted into full communion, 31 of whom were from other churches, the remainder by original profession ; 120 owned the covenant ; 605 were baptized ; 122 marriages were solemnized ; and 294 died. His epitaph appears in the Lincoln burying-ground thus :

" In memory of the Rev. William Lawrence, A. M. Pastor of the Church of Christ in Lincoln, who died April 11, 1780, in the 57th year of his age, and 32d of his ministry. He was a gentleman of good abilities both natural and acquired, a judicious divine, a faithful minister, and firm supporter of the order of the churches. In his last sickness, which was long and distressing, he exhibited a temper characteristic of the minister and Christian. ^ Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of hfe.' "

His funeral expenses, amounting to £366 currency, and £300 to purchase mourning for the surviving widow, w^ere paid by the town. He married Love, daughter of John Adams, who died January 3, 1820, at the advanced age of 95, and had the following children, William, Love (married to Dr. Joseph Adams,) John P. (died 1808,) Susanna, Sarah, Phebe (married to the Rev. E. Foster of Littleton, 1783,) Ann, and Abel.