Fairhaven Town (part 2 of 2)

This company made use of a stone building on Fort Street, erected for the purpose of manufacturing sperm candles. They have since built a two-story and French-roof building at the west, and during the past year (1882) have added a three and one-half story stone addition to the main building.

The Whale Fishery. - In Starbuck's " History of the American Whale Fishery" we read : In the vicinity of New Bedford whaling probably begun but little prior to 1760. In that year William Wood, of Dartmouth, sold to Elnathan Eldridge, of the same town, a certain tract of land located within the present town of Fairhaven, and within three-quarters of a mile of the centre of the town, on the banks of the Acushnet River, "always excepting and reserving . . . that part of the same where the try house and Oyl Shed now stands." This tract of land was in the village of Oxford, and we are informed that there can be no doubt that the first whaling-vessels were fitted at this place. The earliest voyage of which the writer has any knowledge was that of the sloop " Phrenix" in 17-13, the proceeds of which amounted to nine hundred and sixteen pounds, eighteen shillings, and four pence. She was followed by sloops " Diamond" in 1744, "Speedwell" in 1745, "Speedwell" and "Rainbow" in 1746-47. The "Rainbow" also sailed in 1750 and 1751. Thomas Nye, Judah Paddock, Bartholomew Taber, James Hatheway, or Hathaway, were among those interested in the business at this early period. From Oxford, in 1765, came sloops " Industry" and "Dove," and in 1767 sloops " Myriad," "Sea Flower," "Rover," and "Supply." In 1758, during the French and Indian war, sloop " Industry," Isaiah Eldridge master, was captured by a French privateer, but concerning the result of the capture we have no information. Of the early flays of Oxford, Eicketson's "History of New Bedford" says, "The village of Oxford at this period fairly rivaled her neighbor across the river. Here were owned and fitted out several large vessels, - ship.s, brigs, etc., - owned by the Bennetts, Huddlestones, and others. The substantial old houses still there evince a state of prosperity at thai period." It is stated that two ships and a brig have been seen building at Oxford ship-yard, and four ships lying at the wharf at the same time. The names of some of the early whaling captains are as follows: Thomas Nye, Ephraim Delano, John Delano, Elnathan Delano, Joseph Tripp, Isaiah Eldridge, Salathiel Eldridge, and Benjamin Jenny. Of Lewis Taber it is related that he was once engaged to sail from Mattapoisett. While his vessel, was fitting it was his custom to traverse the five miles or more between the two hamlets of Oxford and Mattapoisett on foot. His employer perceiving this, informed him that if he would return with one hundred barrels sperm, he should be provided with a horse with which to go back and forth. In due time Capt. Taber sailed, and returned from a successful voyage in one. week, having taken a large whale, and received his promised reward.

The prosperity of Oxford as a separate community was checked by the construction of the New Bedford bridge, incorporated in 1796. Business activity soon passed almost entirely to the lower village. The distance between the villages being, however, less than a mile, there has been for many years practically no dividing line between them, and with the increase of population their interests became mutual. In the early days of Fairhaven village the try-works were located near the northeast corner of the land of William N. Alden, corner of Main and Washington Streets. Concerning them Capt. Delano writes, " North of the Proctor house were the try-works, where the blubber from the whalers was boiled out. It was the custom invariably to bring in the catchings and extract the oil on the land. Just to the northeast of the try-works is the entrance to Herring River, up which the whaling vessels went to get their water, which they obtained at a well, said to be that attached to the John Milan house, between which and Herring River was a fresh-water pond, known as the Frog Pond, with flags growing in it." Herring River is much better known as the Mill Pond, and the John Milan house is the house on the corner of Walnut and Spring Streets. The first wharves coifttructed are said to have been the Old South and the old pier at the foot of Washington Street. Union Wharf was built about 1802 or 1803, the names of the proprietors being as follows: William Rotch, Silas Allen, Noah Stoddard, Nicholas Stoddard, John Sherman, Thomas Nye, Benjamin Church, Jr., Stephen Merrihew, Nathaniel Proctor, John Price, Kelley Eldridge, Asa Swift, Elias Terry, John Delano, Joseph Tripp, Levi Jenney. Some of the ships owned in Fairhaven previous to the war of 1812 were'as follows: "Juno," " President," " Columbia," " Exchange," and " Herald." The latter vessel was owned by Capt. Samuel Borden. Capt. Jabez Delano writes, concerning her, " It was a gala day to us boys when the old ' Herald' came in with her cargo of oil from the Brazil Banks, which she performed annuallyfor many years. The peculiar olden-time habits so indelibly impress the mind that they live as though of yesterday's occurrence. Capt. Borden had his oxen on hand, by which the heavy hoisting was done, while the light casks and barrels were hoisted out by hand." Other vessels probably belonging in Fairhaven and Oxford in the latter part of the last century were schooner "Lively," Capt. Rowland Gibbs; brig "Atlantic," Capt. Parker; schooner "Swan," Capt. May hew; " Sally," Capt. Cunningham ; and " Industry," Capt. Taber. Among the ship-owners or agents of this date may be mentioned Messrs. Samuel Borden, Samuel Proctor, and John Alden.

The war of 1812 inflicted a temporary check upon maritime pursuits, but after its close the business grew with unprecedented vigor, and during the quarter of a century beginning with 18.30 Fairhaven saw the flood-tide of its business prosperity. During this period its wharves were alive with workmen fitting vessels for sea, or discharging the cargoes of those newly arrived. Bustle and activity reigned. At certain periods it was difficult to find men enough to perform the work required. In 1821 three vessels arrived with 2200 barrels siierni and 800 barrels whale oil. In 1830 the number had increased to eleven, with 3062 barrels sperm, 11,093 whale, and 57,300 pounds bone. In 1834 sixteen vessels arrived, with 12,953 barrels sperm, 12,601 barrels whale, and 56,.500 pounds bone. Some of the largest aggregate annual catches of sperm and whaleoil were made as follows: In 1837, 28,521 barrels; 1841, 26,730 barrels; 1842, 27,680 barrels; 1845, 32,040 barrels; 1846, 27,524 barrels; and 1849, 29,804 barrels. The largest reported amount of bone brought into this port in one year was 477,900 pounds in 1850. The number of whalers hailing from this port was in 1840 forty-four. In 1845 this number had increased to forty-eight, and in 1847 to fifty. The amount of tonnage reached its maximum limit, 16,840, in 1857. In 1837 the amount of money invested was about $945,000; in 1850, estimating $26,000 to each ship, about Sl,350,000. One of the most successful voyages recorded of a Fairhaven vessel is that of the bark " Favorite," Capt. Pierce, F. R. Whitnell, agent, which arrived June 19, 1853, with 84 barrels sperm, 2211 barrels whale, and 31,900 pounds bone, having sent home 300 barrels sperm, 4484 barrels whale, and 41,000 pounds bone, the aggregate value being over $100,000. The " Favorite" was gone about three years. Successful voyages of vessels whose agents were Gibbe & .Tenney, Nathan Church, and other Fairhaven meichants are also found on record.

Although the whale fishery was greatly conducive to the prosperity of the town, and spread abroad her name and fame, yet it had, as is well known, its dark and tragic side. In 1837 ship "Clifford Wayne" returned in consequence of a mutiny among the crew, and caused thereby a loss of ten thousand dollars to those who had invested in her. In the same year ship "Oregon" was lost on a reef near Tahiti. In 1838 ship "Pactolus" was burned in the Pacific. On Dec. 22, 1842, ship "Sharon" put into Sydney, the crew having mutinied and killed Capt. Norris. Capt. Jenney, of the "Albion," was killed by a whale in March, 1844. In 1847 ship " Acushnet" lost her I third mate and four men in consequence of a boat ' being stove, and in 1852 the " Heroine" lost her second mate, C Fuller, and five men in a severe gale. In 1863 brig " Pavilion," Capt. Handy, was lost, witli seven of her crew, in Hudson's Bay, and the survivors endured severe sufferings. On June 27, 1865, occurred | a disaster which from its character is one of tlie most noticeable that ever befell a Fairhaven vessel. On that date bark " Favorite," Capt. Thomas G. Young, F. R. Whitnell, agent, was captured by the rebel cruiser "Shenandoah," after a bold but inetfectual ; effort at resistance on the part of the gallant captain.

With the commercial crash of 1857, the increasing use of petroleum for illuminating purposes, and the coming on of the Rebellion, the peculiar industry of ! the town rapidly declined. The number of whaling vessels decreased from forty-three in 1859 to nine in 1863, causing, of course, a great diminution in the amount of business done. A few vessels, principally brigs and schooners, were sent out in succeeding years, but at the present date not a single Fairhaven vessel is engaged in the business, and the town must look to other sources for future prosperity. The last whale-ship to arrive at this port was the "General Scott," Capt. William Washburn, Tripp & Terry, agents, which arrived Oct. 5, 1869. In concluding this sketch the mention of the names of Gibbs & Jenney, Warren Delano, Atkins Adams, F. R. Whitnell, Nathan Church, Jenney & Tripp, Bradford & Faller, Fish & Robinson, Ezekiel Sawin, and Lemuel Tripp will recall to the minds of many the names of the prominent shipping merchants of the town, who, with others, contributed by their business enterprise to its wealth and prosperity.

Schools. - On April 13, 1798, a number of citizens of the town met, and agreed to build "an academy between the villages and Cxford, fifty feet and half by twenty-four feet and half, two story high." The agreement is signed by Isaac Sherman, Benjamin Lincoln, Levi Jenne, Noah Stoddard, Nicholas Stoddard, Killey Eldridge, Thomas Delano, .Jethro Allen, Joseph Bates, Robert Bennet, Reuben Jenne, Nicholas Taber, and Luther Willson. In 1802 the school was taught by Richard Sawyer, and later in the same year by John Nye and Abiah Haskell. For a number of years this building was the principal place of instruction for the young people of the town. It also served as a public hall and place for religious meetings during a portion of its existence. The last recorded meeting of the trustees is dated April 5, 1836. The building is now the property of Capt. John A. Hawes, and in the upper portion there are a handsome music hall and a billiard-room.

Rev. Mr. Gould, for a number of years pastor of the Congregational Church, established a young ladies' boarding-school, which had an excellent reputation, and attracted pupils from other places in this part of the State as well as from town. The building stood on Main Street, but was removed and divided in order to make way for the railroad. The High School was established in 1851, and made use of the church edifice on Main Street previously occupied by the Methodist Episcopal Society.

The First Cong;regational Church. - Previous to the year 1794 there existed within the present limits of the town no church organization. People from Oxford, Fairhaven, and Sconticut Neck who wished to attend the services of the Lord's day made weekly pilgrimages over such roads as were then in existence to the old church at the Head of the River. The following description of the walk to meeting was narrated by one of the ladies of this village: "It was our invariable rule during the pleasant season of the year to form groups and walk to meeting. We took our dinner with us. We put our shoes and stockings in our pockets. The road then was round Herring River (now known as the Mill Pond) ; thence by the homestead of John and Bartholomew Taber. When we got a little north of the residence of the late Alfred Nye we got over a wall, where was a path that led direct to the meeting-house. Near the house and to the south of the road is a long, low, flat rock ; here we sat down and put on our stockings and shoes and went into meeting."

In 1794, however, was organized the Second Church of Christ in New Bedford, which organization became later the First Congregational Church in Fairhaven. The churches represented at the Council were the First Church, at the Head of the River, New Bedford ; the Second Church, in Rochester; and the church in Little Compton. The covenant is signed by Lemuel Williams, Benjamin Church, John Alden, Eunice Paddoe, Phebe Jenne, Abigail Church, Keturah Church, Elizabeth Landers, Bethiah Delano, Sally Alden, Ruth Shearman, Patience Jenne, Jeremiah May hew, Isaac Tompkins, Abel House, Peggy Mayhew, Joseph Damon, Jethro Allen, Henry Jenne, Joseph Bates, Isaac Wood, Isaac Shearman, Joseph Church, Pardon Taber, twenty-four in all. The original church edifice was erected at about the same time, and was an old-fashioned wooden structure, well remembered by our older citizens. It stood on a rise of ground, on what is now the corner of Main and Centre Streets. The upper portion and belfry are still in existence, forming a part of Phoenix Block.

On Feb. 4, 1795, Isaiah Weston was ordained pastor, the sermon being preached by the Rev. Joseph Barker, of tlie First Cliurcli in Middleborough. In the year 1802 we find that the use of a fiddle in tlie church service was productive of mental if not of musical discord. It is certainly to be hoped that the notes of the instrument were more harmonious than the feeling roused by its use.

The church, as at first constituted, was Arminian in doctrine, as were many at that period. In the year 1807, however, there came a powerful revival of religious interest, which was productive of results greatly affecting the future of the church.

Blr. Weston was dismissed in 1808. It soon became apparent that there were antagonistic elements within the church, and finally certain members who came into the church after the great revival withdrew in 1811, and were instrumental in forming a new society called the Third Church. The services of this church were held in a small building occupied both as church and school-house, and which stood on Main Street, opposite where the Union Hotel now stands. Happily, however, the two churches united harmoniously about the year 1820. On May 26, 1813, the old church voted to call Mr. Abraham Wheeler, and he was duly ordained on June 30th of the same year, and remained about five years. On Nov. 24, 1820, they voted to install Paul Jewett.

Mr. Jewett, however, remained but a short time, and on Jan. 9, 1823, the church voted to ask Rev. William Gould to continue as their minister. Mr. Gould remained as acting pastor, without installation, for about seventeen years after this date, and during his long pastorate the church became greatly strengthened in numbers, influence, and material prosperity. In 1839, Mr. Jacob Roberts was ordained as colleague with Mr. Gould, whose health had begun to fail. An unhappy complication of affairs, in regard to Mr. Gould, resulted in the division of the church in 1841. The members who withdrew formed themselves into an organization styled the Centre Congregational Church, and erected the neat church edifice on the corner of Centre and Walnut Streets, now occupied by the Methodist Episcopal Church. This society disbanded in 1848 ; their pastors were the Rev. Mr. Gould and his colleague. Rev. Mr. Poor. In 1844-45 the old church erected the substantial edifice of brick which they have since occupied. It is a fine specimen of Gothic architecture. The interior walls are finished in a tasteful pattern of blocking in shades of brown, while pulpit, galleries, pews, and organ front are adorned with elaborate Gothic ornamentation. The exterior walls were unfortunately covered with stucco, which, under the action of the weather, came off in patches, giving the building for some years an unsightly appearance. The lofty steeple, the tallest in this vicinity ,.and a landmark for sailors in the bay, was overthrown in the great gale of Sept. 8, 1869, but, providentially, with little damage to the church. In

1879 the building was painted and the tower finished by the addition of four pinnacles, improvements which added materially to its appearance. Slight alterations have also been made within the building, such as the lowering and widening of the pulpit, and the removal of the old desk from the vestry and substitution of a platform. Mr. Roberts was succeeded by Mr. John Willard, ordained in 1853, dismissed in 1867. Later pastors have been Rev. Avery S. Walker, 1868-71; Rev. Winfield S. Hawkes, 1873-76; and the present pastor. Rev. William Carruthcrs, who was installed in June, 1878. The society, in common with the town, suffered with the decline of business and consequent loss by removals, but amid all material changes the vital force which inspired its founders still remains, and with the future growth and prosperity of the village it is to be hoped that its usefulness may be further extended. Present membership of the church (1882), one hundred and seventy-five. The Washington Street Christian (Unitarian) Church. - On Nov. 28, 1819, a few persons in town, dissatisfied with the prevailing Calvinistic doctrines, gathered at the house of Elizabeth Taber, in Oxford village, and decided to hold a series of religious meetings under the leadership of Elder Moses Howe, with the view, probably, of forming a church of the Christian order, whose doctrine is mainly Unitarian, but whose practice is somewhat similar to that of the Baptists. The Bible was taken as the only rule of faith and duty. The Academy Hall was engaged for the purpose of holding meetings, and under Elders Moses How and Frederick Plummer a considerable degree of interest was manifested. On Nov. 30, 1820, a church was organized with forty-five members, and on Sept. 4, 1821, Elder Charles Morgridge w.as ordained pastor. Mr. Morgridge was followed by Simon Clough, James Taylor, Frederick Plummer, George Kelton, and others until 1830. On evening of Jan. 1], 1832, a meeting of subscribers to a fund for buildiug a church was held at the residence of Capt. Warren Delano. On Dec. 7, 1832, the church was organized as the Washington Street Christian Church, at the liouse of Elizabeth Adams, and on December 15th of the same year the meeting-house was dedicated. Elder William H. Taylor was the first pastor. In 1834 a great accession was made to the number of members, eightysix uniting with the church in that year. About tliis time there was some discussion in regard to baptism, and a vote that no person should be allowed to join the church unless baptized by immersion, is on record. This was, however, rescinded soon afterward. The church was careful to take notice of the indulgence of its members in questionable amusements, and to deal with them accordingly; but it seems to have been inclined to deal with delinquents in a kindly spirit. Mr. Taylor left in 1838, and was followed on June 9th of the same year by Elder John H. Currier, who was followed by Elder C. Bernett, in November, 1839, he being dismissed at the end of three months.

In April, 1840, Elder Joseph H. Smith was engaged for three months. In July of the same year Elder David Millard took charge of the church. In this year renewed activity and interest was manifested. In 1841, Elder Charles Galligher was invited to preach for three months. Within the next few years there was brought about an important change in the history of the society. In 1841 the use of the pulpit was granted to Elder William Miller, the exponent of Second Advent doctrines. Mr. Miller's preaching produced such results that thirty-three persons left the church, most of whom united with a number from the Methodist Episcopal Church and formed the nucleus of the Second Advent Society. In July, 1841, Elder Charles Morgridge was chosen pastor. He was followed by Elder Stephen Fellows. The old church had from various causes become much weakened at this period. It was now decided to employ an educated ministry, and to put itself more in harmony with the spiritual wants and intelligent thought of the age, and in March, 1844, it was voted, twelve to four, to invite a Unitarian minister to come and preach on trial. No change was made in the covenant, and the new element which came in found a well-established foundation upon which to build.

In August, 1844, Thomas Danes was unanimously chosen pastor. At this time, or soon after, a new front was put on the building, a vestry put underneath, and the pulpit was removed from the north to the south end, and the pews changed to conform with the alteration. Meantime Sawin's Hall was used for a short period, and later the Centre Congregational Church was occupied in union with the society worshiping there, each society occupying the church for half a day. Mr. Danes' ministry closed in 1853, after a useful pastorate. From 1853 until 1856 the society had no settled paiitor. In the latter year a call was extended to Rev. C. Y. De Normandie, who was duly installed on September 10th of that year. The church was greatly quickened by the religious revival of 1858, which resulted in the addition of forty members to its roll. In the year 1865 a reorganization of the church was effected, in which the Christian Scriptures were declared to be the sufficient rule for faith and practice. In 1868 the society reluctantly complied with a request of their pastor for his dismission, and in April, 1869, Mr. De Normandie left, after having served the society for nearly thirteen years. EUery Channing Butler was ordained Oct. 26, 1869, but was called away after a short pastorate of nearly three years. The next pastor, Alfred Manchester, was ordained Jan. 9, 1873. In 1874 various improvements were made upon the building, the interior being newly frescoed and carpeted, thus giving to fhe society a beautiful and attractive audience-room. In 1877, Mr. Manchester was dismissed, after a successful pastorate, and was followed by James M. Leighton, the present pastor, who was ordained April 10, 1878. In 1881 a new organization of the church was made, which changed somewhat the basis of fellowship. Members are required to sign their names to a compact pledging themselves to the worship of Almighty God, and the study and practice of pure religion as manifested in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. To this compact seventy-two members signed their names. Such is a brief abstract of the history of a churcli whose unseen influences have striven to add to the moral excellence and religious power of the community in which it is planted.

The Methodist Episcopal Church. - In the year 1820 a Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in New Bedford. A number of persons in Fairhaven united with this church, attended its services, and the preacher in charge sometimes preached on this side of the river. On Dec. 28, 1829, the brethren residing in Fairhaven requested that a chapel be erected for their accommodation. It was resolved that their request ought to be complied with, and that such a step will tend to the glory of God and the enlargement of the kingdom of our common Saviour. In June, 1830, the meeting-house was opened for worship, and dedicatory sermons were preached by Rev. Orange Scott and Rev. John Lindsey. This was the building now occupied by the town as a high school, and stands on Main Street north of Bridge Street. Rev. William Livesey was in that year appointed to this station. Once in two weeks Mr. Livesey exchanged with Rev. Mr. Merritt, of New Bedford, and Rev. James Porter, of the Head of the River. The society continued to be a branch of the one in New Bedford until 1832, when it was deemed expedient that the Fairhaven society become a separate organization.

On Aug. 30, 1832, the male members met and proceeded to organize a board of trustees, consisting of the following-named persons: Joseph Millett, James Tripp (2d), John P. Winslow, Joseph P. Swift, Joseph B. Morse, Dennis McCarthy, and Warren Maxlield. The society continued to occupy their house of worship until the spring of 1849, when the subject of purchasing the edifice left vacant by the Centre Congregational Society was considered. On April 16th the trustees reported that they had obtained a title to the church for the use and behoof of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their report was accepted, and the building occupied in that year. The last of the notes due by reason of the purchase of this building was paid in March, 1867. Extensive improvements have been made within the church edifice since its present occupancy, and the church is now in a highly prosperous condition.

The Second Advent Society. - In 1841, Elder William Jliller preached in the Christian Baptist Church in this village. A number of persons became converts to the Second Advent faith, and in 1842 began to hold meetings. The first meetings were held in a private liouse on Main Street. Afterwards they were held in the building formerly occupied by Rev. Mr. Gould ^s a young ladies' boarding-school, and in Fountain Hall on Main Street. The building on William Street, formerly known as Sawin's Hall, was purchased and convei'ted into a chapel, and a new organization effected ab^t- seventeen years ago. Present pastor, Elder George F. HaiiiBs^^

Friends' Meeting. - Since the early settlement of Old Dartmouth the Friends or Quakers have been an important element in the history of the town. In Fairhaven, however, they have not been so influential as in New Bedford and Dartmouth. There was no meeting-house in the present limits of the town until 1849, when the plain but neat building on Bridge Street was erected. The number of worshipers here has always been quite small, and number at present about ten or twelve families. Meetings are held on first days and fourth days, and a Bible-class is sustained. The Friends do not recognize the pastoral relation in the manner that other denominations do, and their method of church government differs also from that of other societies. The Fairhaven Meeting belongs to the New Bedford Monthly Meeting, which is the principal organization in this vicinity.

Civil History. - The records of the first few years of the town's existence have been lost, and the names of the officers during that period have not been definitely ascertained. The following-named persons have held the office of town clerk since 1816 : 1816-17, Levi Jenney ; 1817-19, Jabez Taber; 1819-34, Bartholomew Taber; 1834-42, Nathaniel Church; 1842-55, Eben Akin, Jr. ; 1855-75, Tucker Damon, Jr. ; 1875, Eben Akin, Jr.

Source changes here: from A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Vol. 2), by Hutt, Frank Wolcott, published 1924; 3,574 words in this source stream.

Fairhaven Town

Fairhaven has had its interesting share in the evolution of ownership, and of township and political divisions of this far southeastern section of Bristol county, since the first substantial records of changes were made with the conveyance of the territory from the Indian proprietors in 1652. Formerly known as Sconticut, a name that is retained now only by a point of land to the south of the town, it is part of that territory that was conveyed by Chief Massasoit and Wamsutta, his son, November 29, 1652, the deed being signed by John Cooke and John Winslow - Wamsutta making his mark thereon, and the conveyance itself being made to Governor William Bradford. Up to the year 1787 the section was included in the Dartmouth territory, in which year Dartmouth, Westport and New Bedford were divided, the Fairhaven portion being part of New Bedford. Eventually, Fairhaven became a township by itself, including Acushnet, when February 22, 1812, the supporters of Thomas Jefferson on the Fairhaven side sought and obtained the town's incorporation.

Fairhaven's early town records were swept away in the great gale of September 23, 1815, which took the toll bridge with its contents, and the list of town officers is not to be had until 1816. June 15, 1815, a small part of Freetown was annexed to Fairhaven, and April 9, 1836, a small part of Rochester was annexed, and the bounds between those two towns were fixed. Acushnet became a town by itself February 13, 1860, and the Fairhaven bounds now remain as then established. In the early years of the Fairhaven village, all the town meetings were held at the "head of the river," but the Academy building, still standing, began to be occupied as the town house in 1832. A new townhouse was erected ir 1843 on land near the Woodside cemetery, that was destroyed by fire in 1848. The present Town House, the gift to the town of Mrs. H. H. Rogers, was dedicated February 22, 1894, when Mark Twain, a lifelong friend of. Henry H. Rogers, was one of the speakers. The town now has a population of 8,500. :

Earliest of the arrivals in this section were John Cooke, son of Francis, and both of the "Mayflower," whose house was a few rods southeast of the Oxford schoolhouse, Fairhaven; Samuel Hickes, at Newlands Neck, in the southeast part of the present town; William Palmer, who owned land situated south of the steam railway, extending east from the river. "Miss Jennings," widow of John Jenne, resided near Parting Ways. Samuel Cuthbert lived at the head of Sconticut Neck road. William Spooner's homestead included Riverside cemetery, the Dana farm, and more; James Shaw lived between the present railroad in Fairhaven and Fort Phenix. Fairhaven and Oxford were two settlements of simultaneous growth, the latter being known locally as the Point. Among those who first settled here were Seth Pope, Thomas Taber, Jonathan Delano, Isaac Pope, Lettice Jenny, Samuel Jenny, Valentine Huttleston, Samuel Spooner, William Spooner, John Spooner, Joseph Tripp, Daniel Sherman, Edmund Sherman, John Davis.

In the Wars. - George H. Tripp, librarian of the New Bedford Public Library, has made a very thorough survey of the history of the town 'in four wars, and it is from his paper read before the Old Dartmouth Historical Society that these excerpts are made: At the outbreak of the King Philip War, in the second month of that war, July, 1675, Dartmouth was almost immediately destroyed, thirty houses being left in ruins, and the inhabitants fleeing to the garrisons for shelter. John Cooke and his family were saved, taking refuge with others at the garrison; but four or five of the people living on this side of the river were killed. Elder Jacob Mitchell, a nephew of John Cooke, with his wife Susannah and her brother, John Pope, were killed early in the morning, as they were riding. Mr. Tripp states that as a direct result of the hardship endured by Dartmouth, the Plymouth Colony exempted all residents of this vicinity from taxation for four years after peace was declared. The fort at Nolscot (Fort Phenix), was built some time before June, 1775, and was two years in building. There had previously been a fort, probably a relic of Indian warfare, on the site of the Beacon, and called on the map of 1762 "Fort Ruins." Probably the first engagement in the Revolution occurred in Buzzards Bay, not far from West Island, and was engineered by Fairhaven men. Early in May, 1775, Daniel Egery and Captain Pope headed an expedition of Fairhaven men that was the means of recapturing two sloops and taking thirteen prisoners from the British. On September 6, 1788, the British gained possession of the fort, and landed at Fairhaven, with the intention of destroying the town. They would have been successful were it not for the gallantry of Major Israel Fearing, who made a stand with 100 to 150 men, and routed the enemy. Under the auspices of the Fairhaven Improvement. Association, and at the suggestion of Job C. Tripp, then secretary of the association, a boulder to the memory of Major Israel Fearing was dedicated July 29, 1905, the speakers being Thomas A. Tripp, president of the association, Hon. William W. Crapo and Colonel George L. Montague. The memorial with its oval bronze plate was set up to commemorate the event of September 7, 1778, when the patriot Major Fearing with his small company met the British troops and drove them from the town. Again, in 1885, the Fairhaven Improvement Association placed upon a cannon that was in service at the fort in 1778, a tablet, giving its history. It had been taken from Nassau by the warship "Alfred," and was afterwards secured by Captain Nathaniel Pope, and set up at the fort. Recon-

During the 1812 War, Fairhaven, by its situation, was very near the scene of much of the activity of the time, some of the town shipping being captured by the enemy, and the garrison at Fort Phenix being put in order for the defence of the harbor. A company of regular militia was formed in the town, with John Alden, Jr., as captain; and there was also a company of volunteers here under command of Joseph Bates, senior.

The fort was garrisoned during the Civil War period, and the New Bedford Home and Coast Guard occupied the works from May 12 to October 5, 1861. About 300 men from here had service in the Civil War. At Riverside cemetery a granite monument was erected in 1867 to the memory of 118 Fairhaven men who made the sacrifice for the Union cause in the Civil War.

Throughout the period of the World War, Fairhaven was second to no other town in the county in standing by the cause of the Allies. More than 600 men from this section represented the town in all branches of service.

Schools and Churches. - The first school of note in this town was the Academy, that was built in 1798, the agreement for the building being signed by thirteen people. The school in 1802 was taught by Richard Sawyer, John Nye and Abiah Haskell. After its uses as a school ceased, the building was purchased by Captain John A. Hawes. For some years Rev. William Gould conducted a young ladies' boarding school which brought pupils from other parts of the State, as well. The building was removed, and the school work ceased there when the railroad was built. The late Job C. Tripp, more than half a century a member of the school board of Fairhaven, recounting his experiences at a meeting of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society, stated that upon the abolishment of the school district system in 1869, it was hard for some few. of the citizens to give it up. But prior to the new system now vested-in the school committee, districts twelve and thirteen made a desperate effort to have a new schoolhouse built, with modern improvements and equipment. After many meetings it was voted to build a new schoolhouse, and to appropriate the sum of - $10,000 therefor. Eventually the whole matter fell through, and it was well, in view of the generous action shown afterward by a noted graduate of the Fairhaven high school in providing the princely accommodations to meet the educational wants of the whole town, and a large portion of the towns of Mattapoisett and Acushnet, as well.

The enrollment of pupils in Fairhaven schools for the school year ending June, 1922, was 1864, the average membership 1582, and the average attendance 1581. The appropriation for the elementary schools was $65,- 00; for high school, $10,000. Attendance from the town at the high school had increased 123 per cent. in the past ten years. The schools are: High, Rogers, Washington street, Job C. Tripp, Oxford, Edward Anthony. The high school was established January 26, 1852, the building then occupied having belonged to the Methodist denomination. Grammar schools were started in 1843; the Rogers school was built in 1885, and the Oxford school in 1896. The school superintendents have been: Z. W. Kemp,

Towns.Of Bristol, County 743

E. B.. Gray, F. M. Marsh, O. H. Toothaker,. Charles. F. Prior. The Fairhaven School Association was formed in 1894. Five trust funds provide in part for care and maintenance of the schools.

Few towns in the county of the size of Fairhaven are more completely supplied with churches of the various denominations. The. prevailing order here, as well as throughout the county, at first, was Congregational. At about the year 1794 a plain wooden structure was built at what is now the corner of Main and Centre streets, and there the First Congregational Church in Fairhaven gathered, it being organized as "The Second Church of Christ in New Bedford'; and the year following, February 24, 1795, Rev. Isaac Weston was ordained the first pastor. During his ministry, in 1807, a revival took place, adding many to the church.. He was dismissed in 1808; and there being antagonistic elements in the church, certain of the members withdrew in 1811 and formed the Third Church, whose services were held in a small schoolhouse that stood where the Union Hotel was constructed. But both churches settled their differences in 1820. Meantime, Rev. Abraham Wheeler had become pastor of the older church, he remaining five vears, to be succeeded by Rev. Paul Jewett, in 1820. Rev. William Gould came to the church as pastor in 1823, and Rev. Jacob Roberts, his colleague, in 1839. .Again there was trouble, which resulted in division in 1841, when the Centre Congregational Church was formed, its membership erecting the building at the corner of Centre and Walnut streets, now occupied by the Methodist I{piscopal church. But that society disbanded in 1848. The older society built their brick church in 1844-45.

The Washington Street Christian Church (Unitarian) was organized November 30, 1820, Elder Charles Morgridge becoming the pastor in 1821. Therefore, since 1819, meetings had been held at the homes of the members and at the old Academy building. On December 7, 1832, the church was instituted as the Washington Street Christian Church, and December 15 the same year, the meetinghouse was dedicated, Elder William Taylor being the first pastor there. In the year 1865 a re-organization of the church was efiected, in which the Christian scriptures were declared to be the sufficient rule for faith and practice. The present church building was built in 1901, the "Rogers Memorial,' by the family of the late Henry H. Rogers.

The Methodist Episcopal Church in Fairhaven was organized in 1829, and in June, 1830, their meetinghouse was dedicated, this building later being occupied by the high school. In 1841 the Methodist society began to occupy the building left vacant by the Centre Congregational society. The Second Advent Society was formed in 1841, as a result of the preaching of Rev. William Miller. They purchased Sawin's Hall, and rebuilt it into a chapel for their uses. In 1849, the society of Friends built their meetinghouse on Bridge street.

The cornerstone of St. Joseph's Catholic Church was laid September 24, 1905. 'The church was opened December 25, 1905, and was dedicated by the Bishop, February 11, 1906. The pastor is Rev. Stanislas Bernard. The pastor of the Church of the Sacred Hearts, the parish as formed including Fairhaven, Mattapoisett and Marion, is Rev. Father Seraphim

Banks. - The Fairhaven Institution for Savings was incorporated February 10, 1832, with the following-named trustees: Ezekiel Sawin, Sylvanus Allen, Bartholomew Taber, Wilson Barstow, Philemon Fuller, Jr., Rowland Gibbs, George Hitch, Joseph Bates, F. R. Whitwell, Levi Jenney, Sampson Perkins, William L. B. Gibbs, Abner Pease, Lemuel Tripp, Joseph Tripp, James Tripp, Nathan Church, Jabez Delano, Jr. Ezekiel Swain was chosen president; Joseph Tripp, treasurer; William L. B. Gibbs, secretary. The business of the bank was started in its present building, occupying the rooms of the Fairhaven Insurance Company, and was continued there urtil, in 1876, the building was purchased from the Fairhaven: National Bank. The second president of the bank was Isaiah F. Terry, who served sixteen years; he was succeeded by Captain George H. Taber, who was president twenty-two years. Captain Taber was succeeded in 1886 by Thomas A. Tripp, the president in 1923. Lewis E. Bentley is vice-president; Charles H. Morton, treasurer. The bank deposits in April, 1923, amounted to $1,961,426.63.

In March, 1831, the Fairhaven Insurance Company and the Fairhaven Bank were chartered by the State, naming as incorporators the same group of Fairhaven whaling merchants. Both the bank and the insurance company had capitals of $100,000; the bank capital was increased in 1836 to $200,000, and in 1923 it was $120,000. When this bank and the Marine Insurance Company were organized, Fairhaven was almost as largely interested in whaling ventures as the village across the river, and the same motives and considerations of business needs caused the merchants to establish these mutually serviceable agencies. The bank building now occupied by the Savings Bank was built in 1831, and here the Fairhaven Bank did business for forty-five years. In 1876 the National Bank of Fairhaven purchased the property next east of the old bank house, and there they began to occupy, and have remained to the present time. The building was thoroughly renovated in 1923. The bank in 1923 had resources of about $500,000. The presidents: Ezekiel Sawin, April 20, 1831- May 19, 1862; George F. Tripp, May 26, 1862-September 12, 1878; Lewis S. Judd, September 16, 1878-May 12, 1884; Chas. H. Morton, May 12, 1884- July 1, 1904; Levi M. Snow, July 1, 1904-December 23, 1912; Geo. B. Luther, December 23, 1912. Vice-presidents: C. D. Hunt, February 21, 1879-January 14, 1884; May 18, 1884-September 19, 1903; Levi M. Snow, january 18, 1904-July 1, 1904. Cashiers: Duncan M. B. Thaxter, May 7, 1831-November 25, 1845; Reuben Nye, November 25, 1845-June 23, 1895; Geo. B. Luther, July 1, 1895-December 23, 1912; Edward T. Pierce, December 23, 1912.

Public Utilities - The villages of Fairhaven and Oxford were first connected by a bridge across Herring river in 1795, and the layout of Main street to North street was then made. The next year, 1796, the toll bridge between New Bedford and Fairhaven, crossing Fish Island and Pope's {sland, was built. This bridge was partly destroyed in 1807, and rebuilt. A bridge was erected on the easterly side of Crow Island from New Bedford to Fairhaven June 22, 1804. It was on September 23, 1815, that the toll bridge from Fairhaven to New Bedford was swept away, and the bridge at the head of the river was built in 1828. The bridge across the Acushnet river at Oxford Heights was completed in 1892; and the widening and construction of the new bridge of the then existing New Bedford ard Fairhaven bridge was begun in 1863. This bridge had been maintained as a toll bridge up to 1870, and thereafter it was maintained by New Bedford and Fairhaven.

The Fairhaven Branch railroad was opened in 1854 with its construction to Tremont, thus connecting with the main line to Boston. A steam ferry plied for years between Fairhaven and New Bedford, until the street railway was put into operation in 1872. In 1894 the road was changed from horse to electric. The proprietors of the New Bedford and Fairhaven ferry had incorporated March 8, 1832.

The first newspaper published for the interests of this town was the "Bristol Gazette," starting in 1812, at the time of the town's incorperation, and ceasing publication in July, 1813. The "Fairhaven Star" was first published February 18, 1879, by Charles D. Waldron. In August, 1902, it was installed in its present plant. Henry D. Waldron assumed the publication in March, 1916.

In 1893 the Fairhaven Water Company began its system of water works for supplying the town with water. In 1893 the New Bedford Gas and Edison Electric Light Company began supplying the town with lights, and in 1895 the board of sewer commissioners organized. The office of superintendent of streets was created in 1890. The present almshouse was built in 1894,

The Millicent Library was founded and given to the town by Mrs. William E. Benjamin, Mrs. Clara L. Broughton, Mrs. Mary H. Coe, and Henry H. Rogers, Jr., children of Henry Huttleston and Abbie P. Rogers, as a memorial to their sister, Millicent Gifford Rogers, who died August 31, 1890, at the age of eighteen years. The building was finished and ready for occupancy January 30, 1893, on which day dedication exercises were held. The library building is constructed of granite, with terra cotta trimmings, the style being Italian renaissance. The architect was Charles Brigham of Boston. A feature of the interior is the memorial window which fills the outer wall of the entrance hall. The librarians have been: Don C. Stevens, 1893-1901; Drew B. Hall, 1901-1911; Galen W. Hill, 1911 - . There are now nearly 30,000 books in the library. The Oxford branch issued nearly 10,000 books in 1922.

The Rogers Memorial Monument, erected to the memory of Henry Huttleston Rogers, Fairhaven benefactor and captain of industry, was erected in the fall of 1911, and the formal dedication took place in the town hall, January 29, 1912, the anniversary of the birth of Mr. Rogers. The principal address was given by George H. Tripp, librarian of the New Bedford Public Library. Mr. Rogers was donor of the High School building. the Memorial Unitarian Church; Mrs. Rogers had the town hall built for a civic centre; the children of Mr. Rogers erected the Millicent Memorial Library, and the family gave the recreation ground in Cushman Park as a memorial of the colonial ancestor. Henry Huttleston Rogers was born in this town, January 29, 1840, received his early education here, and was graduated at the high school April 11, 1856. He afterwards lived in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, in New York City, and in Ohio. He was prominent in the petroleum business with the firm of Charles Pratt & Company, and with the Standard Oil Company of Ohio. He was one of the members of the Standard Oil Trust, and occupied high positions with financial institutions, banks and railroads. .

The postoffice was established in 1820, at the residence of Joshua Drew, who was the first postmaster. When that house was burned, the postofice was transferred to Phenix block, thence to rooms opposite the Congregational church. The town hall was built in 1896, and the office was there for awhile, and thence it was transferred to the Masonic building. The postmasters since Joshua Drew were: Charles Drew, Joseph Cutler, J. T. Buttrick, Elbridge E. Morton, Charles H. Morton, Eben Aiken, Jr., Job C. Tripp, John I. Bryant, William C. Stoddard, Edward G. Spooner, William M. Allen.

The older and most general industry of the town was that of the whale fishery, when, in common with New Bedford, the town prospered and the wharves. were scenes of activity for many years. In the year 1837, for example, Fairhaven owned thirty-seven whaling vessels, their owners having a capital of $950,000, and nearly 1,000 men being employed. The fleet numbered forty-eight vessels in 1858.

The American Tack Company was incorporated in 1867, and in 1891 it merged with five other large tack companies as the Atlas Tack Corporation. 'There are also three marine railways; the D. N. Kelley wholesale fish dealers; and a number of boat builders.

An event of much international significance that took place in this town was that of July 4, 1918, when Viscount Ishii, Japanese Ambassador to the United States, presented to the town of Fairhaven a samurai sword, a memento of the fourteenth century, the gift of Dr. Toichiro Nakahama, of Tokio, in commemoration of the rescue of his father, Manjiro Nakahama, by Captain William H. Whitfield, of Fairhaven.

Fairhaven societies and clubs include the following-named: George H. Taber Lodge, A. F. and A. M., that in 1901 was presented by Henry H. Rogers with its present building; Gifford Chapter, No. 105, Order of the ISastern Star; Sconticut Tribe, No. 97, I. O. R. M.; Phenix Lodge, I. O. O. F., M. U.; the Colonial Club, Mrs. Horace K. Nye, president; Mrs. - Pardon A. Howland secretary; the Village Improvement Association, now the Fairhaven Improvement Association, formed in 1882; Fairhaven Golf Club, organized in May, 1900; the Fairhaven Men's Club; the Fairhaven Veterans Association; the Educational Art Club; Post No. 96, American Legion.