Hingham Town (part 7 of 9)

And the said Trustees may upon the erection and completion of said building, expend from year to year, all that portion of the annual income, after the expiration of one year from the entry of this decree, accruing to them from the trust fund, applicable to educational purposes, and any such sums received for the use of the Lecture-Room, as hereinafter provided, in keeping said building insured and in proper repair, and in furnishing, heating, and taking proper care of the same, and also in providing books and papers for the Heading-Room and Library, and in procuring from time to time lectures to be given on such literary, scientific, or historical subjects, as shall be best adapted to the instruction and improvement of such inhabitants.

The said Trustees may, under the rules and regulations to be established by them, allow the Lecture-Room to be used by other persons for hire or gratuitously, as the Trustees may determine in each case, for educational and other purposes, not inconsistent with the terms and objects intended to be accomplished by this decree.

Provided however, if at any time it shall be necessary or expedient to establish such schools as provided for in the will, it shall be the duty of the Trustees to establish the same, and conduct them in the building aforesaid, and defray the expense of the same from the income of the said fund applicable to educational purposes, before any of said income shall be appropriated to papers, books, and lectures, for the use and benefit of said inhabitants, as hereinbefore provided.

Meeting-house of the South Parish, to which they gave the name of Wilder Memorial. It was completed and dedicated Dec. 18, 1879. The exercises of dedication consisted of singing; a short historical account of Martin Wilder, by Rev. Allen G. Jennings ; a prayer by Rev. Henry A. Miles, D. D. ; an address by Rev. Edward A. Horton, upon the spirit of our New England institutions, which produced such men as Martin Wilder ; and other addresses by prominent citizens and clergymen.

The building contains a dining-room, kitchen, reading-room, and ante-rooms on the first floor ; and a large hall on the second floor. It is conveniently planned and admirably adapted to the purposes for which it is designed to be used, - an ornament to the town and a fitting memorial of the liberality of its founder.

Public halls for meetings, lectures, and other purposes connected with the social life of a community are a necessity. Loring Hall and Wilder Memorial afford good accommodation to those sections of the town in which they stand. To the generosity of their donors the people of Hingham owe many an hour of pleasure and profit; and they may well serve the purpose of

Before the erection of Loring Hall in the north part of the town, the hall of the Derby Academy was frequently used for gatherings of various kinds. Wilder's Hall on Lincoln Street, Little's Hall in the Union Hotel, and Willard Hall on Main Street, were also the scenes of many meetings and social gatherings. In later years Agricultural Hall, at Hingham Centre, has been the largest public hall in Hingham, and the Grand Army Hall and Niagara Hall, both at Hingham Centre, afford accommodation for that section of the town. The Town Hall, which was also at Hingham Centre, was the largest hall in town before the erection of Loring Hall, and for ten or fifteen years was often used ; but after Loring Hall was built it was seldom used for any purpose except town-meetings.

Lodges And Societies By Francis H. Lincoln

It would be impossible to give a complete list of all the social organizations which have existed in Hingham. Many have been short lived and confined to limited circles, and it is difficult to estimate their influence in the community. The present age seems especially productive of a spirit for organization, and almost every department of social and industrial life has its central body for the promotion of its peculiar interests. The most that can be undertaken is to call attention to some which have been specially prominent in the town's history, with an incidental mention of others which have come to the writer's notice. If any are omitted which should have been mentioned it is not because their importance has been underestimated, but because of the great difficulty in obtaining knowledge of records which are either lost or carefully hidden from view in the security of private possession.

Old Colony Lodge Op Ancient Free And Accepted Masons

Upon the petition of John Young, Adams Bailey, George Little, James Lewis, Charles Turner, Jr., David Jacobs, Jr., and William Curtis, Jr., all Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts granted a charter to them to hold meetings and work in the town of Hanover, Mass. This charter was issued Dec. 10, 1792, and was signed by the following named Grand Officers : John Cutler, Grand Master, Josiah Bartlett, *S'. G. Warden, Mungo Mackey, J. G-. Warden, Thomas Parrington, Grand Secretary.

The first regular communication of the lodge was held Dec. 24, 1792, at the house of Atherton Wales, innholder, in the town of Hanover. The weather being unfavorable, there were only three brethren present, and the meeting was adjourned to Thursday,

Dec. 27, at four o'clock p. m. At this meeting John Young was chosen W. Master, William Curtis, Jr. S. Warden, George Little, J. Warden, Adams Bailey, Treasurer, Charles Turner, Jr., Secretary. David Jacobs, Jr., served as Tyler. At this meeting Atherton "Wales was made an entered apprentice, and was the first person to receive this degree of Masonry in Old Colony Lodge. Charles Turner, Jr., was the first person raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason.

The Lodge agreed with Bro. Wales to give him 1 s. 6 d. per night for the use of his room, adjacent room and closet, for one quarter, and also agreed with him to procure firewood and candles.

On the 3d Monday in January, 1793, it was voted that " in consideration of the service performed for the Lodge by Brothers Charles Turner, Jr. and David Jacobs, Jr., the Lodge will not exact of them the usual compensation fixed on by the by-laws for being raised to Master Masons." On the 3d Monday in March, 1793, Samuel Barker was chosen S. Deacon, Seth Foster J. Deacon, and David Jacobs, Jr., Steward. On the 3d Monday in June, 1793, Charles Turner was chosen and installed W. Master.

June 24, 1793, St. John's day, was observed by services held in Rev. John Mellen's meeting-house, " he delivering a well adapted Discourse," which was followed by a Masonic oration given by Bro. Josiah Hussey, after which a dinner was served by Bro. Atherton Wales. There were present the following named brethren : Charles Turner, Jr., W. M. : Samuel Barker, S. W. ; George Little, J. W. ; Adams Bailey, Treas, ; Seth Foster, Sec'y ; Josiah Hussey, S. D. ; James Little, J. D. ; David Jacobs, S. S. ; William Collamore, J. S. ; Atherton Wales. Tyler ; John Young, William Curtis, Jr., James Clapp, Abijah Otis, Elisha Tilden, Joshua Barstow, Judah Alden, Nathan Rice, Jotham Lovering, Luther Lincoln, William Cushing, Gridley Thaxter, William Torrey, Silas Morton, Charles Collamore, Henry Thaxter, John N. Mallory, Gamaliel Bradford.

Sept. 30, 1793, it was voted " that Bros. Abijah Otis, Charles Turner, Josiah Hussey, Elisha Tilden, and Adams Bailey be a committee to confer and agree with Bro. Morton in regard to building the proposed Hall, and procure an obligation for the Lodge security, the work to be prosecuted as fast as possible, and the Treasurer to borrow what monev should be wanted to carry on the building of the Hall." Nov." 18, 1793, "voted that Bro. Paul Revere, Jr., represent Old Colony Lodge in the Grand Lodge at Boston until superseded by another." June 16, 1794, the officers were installed into office by the officers of the Most Wor. Grand Lodge : John Cutler, Grand Master ; Samuel Dunn, D. D. Gr. M.; Mungo Mackey, Gr. S. Warden; Samuel Parkman, G-. J. Warden; William Shaw, Gr. Treas. ; Benjamin Russell, Gr. Sec'y ; James Hall, Gr. S. Deacon; Elisha Doan, G-. J. Deacon; Robert Gardner, Gr. Marshal. This was the first communication held in the New Lodge Room, called Old Colony Hall.

January 19, 1800, "Voted, To convene at the Lodge on the 22d inst. to hear a Eulogie to be delivered by Bro. Charles Turner in memory of our illustrious brother, George Washington." The Lodge met according to the vote, and marched in procession to the Rev. John Mellen's meeting-house, where the service was rendered in presence of forty brethren and a large congregation.

At a meeting of the Lodge held Oct. 26, 1801, Henry Thaxter was a visitor to the Lodge when Caleb Bates and Ezra Lewis were made entered apprentice and fellow craft, Bro. Caleb Bates being the first resident of Hingham to receive the degrees of Masonry in Old Colony Lodge. In August, 1803, Bro. Jotham Lincoln, Jr., made his first visit to the Lodge, and in Oct., 1803, John Leavitt, D. McB. Thaxter, Jotham Lincoln, Jr., Moses Sprague, and James Stephenson were recorded as visitors to the Lodge. April 12, 1805, Jotham Lincoln, Jr., was W. Master P. G-., and Caleb Bates, S. Warden P. Gr. May 25, 1807, Bros. Ichabod R. Jacobs, Paul Eustis, and Thomas Hatch were chosen a committee to confer with the brethren of Hingham in reference to the removal of the Lodge to their town. Sept. 14, 1807, the Grand Lodge of Mass. granted the petition to remove Old Colony Lodge from Hanover to Hingham, Mass. Oct. 16, 1807, Bros. Jotham Lincoln, Jr., Benjamin Beal, John Leavitt, Duncan McB. Thaxter, James Stephenson, Moses Humphrey, and Welcome Lincoln, Jr., were made members of the Lodge.

Dec. 11, 1807, the Lodge held its first regular communication in Hingham, Barnabas Lincoln, Jr. acting as Tyler, and the following named brethren were elected to office: Jotham Lincoln, Jr., W. Master; James Stephenson, S. Warden; Ichabod R. Jacobs, J. Warden; Charles Bailey, Treas. ; John Leavitt, Sec'y ; Duncan McB. Thaxter, S. Beacon; Thomas Hatch, -/. Beacon; Benjamin Beal, 8. Steivard ; Caleb Bates, J. Steward.

March 4, 1808, Bro. James Stephenson was authorized to procure a new Seal for the Lodge. Oct. 28, 1808, Rev. Bro. Joseph Richardson was a visitor. Dec. 9, 1808, Bro. James Stephenson installed Bro. Jotham Lincoln, Jr., W. Master, and he installed the other officers. Bro. Jotham Lincoln, Jr., continued as Master until 1819. Bro. Caleb Bates was then elected and served for two years, when Bro. Jotham Lincoln was again chosen and served one year. Bro. Marshall Lincoln served for the two years 1822 and 1823, Bro. Fearing Loring for the three years, 1824, 1825, and 1826, Bro. Charles Fearing through 1827, 1828, and 1829, and Bro. Charles Gill from December, 1830, until the Lodge returned its charter to the Grand Lodge, Dec. 31, 1832. The reasons for the return of the charter were set forth in a public communication signed by Jotham Lincoln, Charles Gill, David Harding, and Solomon Lincoln, a committee of the Lodge.

Oct. 8, 1813, Bro. Artemus Hale acted as Sec'y pro tern. Dec. 13, 1816, Bro. John Leavitt, having served nine years as Sec'y, retired, and Bro. Jedediah Lincoln was chosen to fill the vacancy.

Jan. 7, 1820, Bro. Jared Lincoln, of Boston, was made a Proxy to the Grand Lodge, and continued for several years. Jan. 12, 1821, Wor. Bro. Jotharn Lincoln installed Bro. Caleb Bates. W. Master, - Rev. Bro. Joseph Richardson acting as chaplain. Bro. Jerom Loriug delivered an appropriate address, there being a large number of visiting brethren present. Feb. 10, 1821, Bros. Jerom Loring, Jotham Lincoln, and Jedediah Lincoln were chosen a committee to arrange for a Masonic Library in the Lodge. Dec. 27, 1822, Bro. David Harding was chosen Sec'y, and continued to hold the office until the charter was returned, Dec. 31, 1832. Nov. 12, 1821, Rev. Bro. Joseph Richardson, as D. D. G. Master, made an official visit to the Lodge and delivered an address. Dec. 30, 1824, the Lodge, with visiting brethren, proceeded to the Old Meeting-house at half-past five o'clock for the public installation of the officers. After singing by the choir and prayer by Rev. Bro. Joseph Richardson, Wor. P. M. Marshall Lincoln installed Bro. Fearing Loring W. Master, and he installed the subordinate officers ; after which a sermon adapted to the occasion was delivered by Rev. Bro. Calvin Wolcott of Hanover. May 27, 1825, by invitation of the Grand Lodge it was voted to attend the laying of the corner stone of the contemplated monument on Bunker Hill. Bros. Jotham Lincoln, David Harding, and Samuel Hobart, with the stewards, were chosen a committee to make all necessarv arrangements.

Dec. 27, 1811, "Voted, That the Lodge be holden for the year ensuing at Bro. Jotham Lincoln's hall, the price being ten dollars for the year." The Lodge continued to occupy this hall, afterwards owned by Bro. Royal Whiton, until it surrendered the charter Dec. 31, 1832, and also after the return of the charter until April 11, 1855. After that date meetings were held in Chilton Hall over C. & L. Hunt's store until January 13, 1860, when the rooms in Lincoln's Building were consecrated and dedicated to Masonic purposes, which have been in constant use by the Lodge until the present time (1892).

Oct. 21, 1851, nearly twenty years after the return of the charter to the Grand Lodge, a meeting of some of the members of the fraternity was convened at the Union House to take into consideration the reopening of the Lodge. There were present Bros. Marshall Lincoln, Royal Whiton, Alvah Raymond, John P. Lovell, Lovell Bicknell, Bela Whiton, and P. Adams Ames. Dec. 17, 1851, the committee, Bros. Marshall Lincoln, P. Adams. Ames, Royal Whiton, and John Basset, Jr., reported that they had secured the return of the original charter and other papers to the Lodge, and the following named brothers were elected to office: Marshall Lincoln, W. Master; Bela Whiton,*!?. Warden; Dean Randall, J. Warden; John P. Lovell, S. Deacon; Warren A. Hersey, J. Beacon; Royal Whiton, Treas.; John Bassett, Jr., Sec1 y ; Lovell Bicknell, $. Steioard ; Alvah Raymond, J. Steward; Joseph Richardson and Stephen Puffer, Chaplains. Feb. 23, 1852, the brethren met at Bro. Royal Whiton's house and proceeded to the New North Meeting-house, where the officers were publicly installed by D. D. G. M. Albert Case, in the presence of a large audience. Dec. 18, 1855, W. P. M. Marshall Lincoln installed Uro. Bela Whiton W. Master. Oct. 7, 1856, 28 members of the Lodge withdrew to become affiliated with Orphan's Hope Lodge, Weymouth, to which the original charter had just been returned. Jan. 9, 1857, the Lodge attended the funeral of Wor. Bro. Marshall Lincoln and rendered the Masonic burial service. Feb. 9, 1857, W. Bro. Bela Whiton was for the second time installed as W. Master at a public service in the New North Church by D. D. G. M. Albert Case. After the installation of officers an address was given by Rev. Bro. William R. Alger, of Boston. June 17, 1857, the Lodge participated, by invitation of the Grand Lodge, in the inauguration of the Gen. Warren statue at Bunker Hill, and procured the present banner of the Lodge for the occasion. Dec. 22, 1857, W. P. M. Bela Whiton installed Bro. Bela Lincoln W. Master, and the following named brothers have filled the office since : Enos Loring 1859 and 1860 ; Warren A. Hersey 1861; Edwin Wilder 1862 and 1863; E. Waters Burr 1864, 1865, and 1866 ; Charles N. Marsh 1867, 1868, and 1869 ; Henry Stephenson 1870, 1871, and 1872 ; Jason Whitney 1873 ; Charles W. S. Seymour 1874, 1875, and 1876 ; Charles T. Burr 1877,1878, and 1879; John M. Trussell 1880 and 1881 ; Stetson Foster 1882 and 1883 ; A. Willis Lincoln 1884 ; Stetson Foster 1885 ; Arthur L. Whiton 1886 and 1887 ; Wallace Corthell 1887 and 1888 ; William F. Harden 1889 and 1890 ; Charles H. Marble 1891 and 1892. April 23, 1861, the Lodge gave the use of its rooms to the committee for furnishing aid to the soldiers. August 1, 1889, the Lodge, by invitation of the Grand Lodge of Mass., attended the dedication of Pilgrim Monument at Plymouth, Mass.

The one hundredth anniversary of the establishment of the Lodge was celebrated Dec. 9, 1892, at Agricultural Hall. There were literary exercises in the afternoon, when an Historical Address was delivered by Rev. Bro. Joshua Young, D.D., a former chaplain of the Lodge. There were also addresses by W. Master Charles H. Marble, and Most Wor. Grand Master Samuel Wells, of the Grand Lodge ; a prayer by Bro. Edmund Hersey, Chaplain ; and original hymns, sung by the Apollo Quartet. A banquet followed at which over four hundred ladies and gentlemen were present. In the evening there was a ball. The occasion was in every way worthy of the high character of this ancient institution.

Old Colony Lodge, I. 0. 0. F.

Old Colony Lodge, No. 108, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was first instituted in Hingham January 13, 1846. Its charter, which is now in the possession of its successor, bearing the same name, contains the signatures of N. A. Thompson, Most Worthy Grand Master ; E. M. P. Wells, Right Worthy Deputy Grand Master ; William H. Jones, Right Worthy Grand Secretary ; J. M. Usher, Worthy Grand Warden ; and Hezekiah Pierce, Grand Treasurer. At the institution of this Lodge the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts had had but three Past Grand Masters : Daniel Hersey, E. H. Chapin, and Thomas H. Norris.

For several years Old Colony Lodge had a vigorous existence with a large membership, but later, in 1852, internal dissensions arose which reduced the membership, and on April 6, 1853, the last meeting was held, and the charter subsequently surrendered to the Grand Lodge.

The charter remained inoperative for twenty-nine years, or until 1882, when in the spring of that year Fred H. Miller, Herbert 0. Hardy, and Horace J. Allen, resident Odd Fellows, succeeded in interesting a sufficient number to request a return of the charter and the formation of a new Lodge. This was granted, and on the 8th of September the Lodge was reinstituted by the officers of the Grand Lodge. The petitioners for the return of the charter were Henry Siders, of the original Lodge ; Fred H. Miller, Herbert 0. Hardy, Horace J. Allen, and David 0. Wade, of Crescent Lodge No. 82, East Weymouth ; and Henry A. Tibbitts, of Mystic Lodge No. 51, Chelsea. On the night of reinstitution there were twenty- seven candidates initiated.

The new Lodge took up quarters in John A. Andrew Hall,. Whiton building, where they have since remained. The present membership (in 1 893) is seventy-five. The officers are as follows :

This Encampment was instituted at Hingham Sept. 7, 1846, and had among its members, during its existence here, some of our most respected citizens. It continued in Hingham but a short time, yet it succeeded in making itself a thorn in the flesh to its superior power and became the object of severe discipline from the Grand Encampment.

The difficulty came about in this way : In May, 1848, the Grand Encampment had imposed a tax on the subordinate encampments, which Wompatuck Encampment demurred at. There was no objection to paying all proper assessments which could be shown to be in accordance with the constitutional requirements of the Order, and a communication to this effect was made to the Grand Encampment, to which the Grand Patriarch made a reply, in which he presented arguments at length for the propriety of the tax. In an official communication, in language which was characterized as " offensive," the Grand Patriarch was informed that " what was wanted was a constitutional reason for the tax, and not advice." Thereupon the Grand Patriarch visited Hingham, and " suspended the Encampment during the pleasure of the Grand Patriarch and the Grand Encampment." Subsequently, a committee of the Grand Encampment was appointed to consider the whole matter, and reported in favor of confirming the action of the Grand Patriarch, which report was accepted, but recommending that if all due taxes were paid and the members expressed a willingness to show proper respect to the superior power in future, the Encampment should be reinstituted. It does not appear that all the members were willing to comply with these conditions, but in the latter part of 1849 some of the members petitioned to be reinstituted. The Grand Encampment would not, however, reinstitute part of the Encampment. Aug. 1, 1849, the Grand Patriarch reported to the Grand Encampment that Wompatuck Encampment had complied with the terms imposed, and had been reinstituted at East Weymouth.

This, however, was not the end of the trouble, for some of the members had continued the Encampment at Hingham, and had requested the Grand Encampment to install the officers duly elected, which request was of course refused. But the books and papers were not surrendered to the East Weymouth Encampment, and it was recommended by the Grand Encampment that the East Weymouth Encampment institute proceedings against the Hingham usurpers for the recovery of the records. Whether there was any attempt to do so does not appear, but if there was it did not prove successful.

The Encampment continued at East Weymouth until Feb. 2, 1851, when the charter was surrendered to the Grand Encampment. Oct. 27, 1875, the Encampment was reinstituted at East Weymouth, where it has been in a flourishing condition ever since.

The Chief Patriarchs from the time of its institution, in 1846, until its suspension, in 1848, were Bela Whiton, Henry Siders, and Robert T. P. Fiske.

The Order of Knights of Honor is a secret benevolent society, composed of a Supreme, Grand, and Subordinate Lodges. It was established in June, 1873, by persons who believed that an Order organized with the purpose of paying a death benefit as one of its objects would meet with approval and success. Its astonishing growth has proved their wisdom. The objects of the Order are stated briefly by the Supreme Lodge, as follows : -

2. To give all moral and material aid in its power to members of the Order, by holding moral, instructive, and scientific lectures, by encouraging each other in business, and by assisting one another to obtain employment.

3. To promote benevolence and charity, by establishing a Widows' and Orphans' Benefit Fund, from which a sum not exceeding $2,000 shall be paid, at the death of a member, to his family, or to any one related to him by the ties of blood or marriage, and dependent on him for support.

John A. Andrew Lodge, No. 1665, was organized in Hingham, June 30, 1879, with seventeen charter members. It meets regularly on the first and third Wednesday evenings of each month.

Corner-Stone Lodge Independent Order Of Good Templars

The Independent Order of Good Templars dates its birth from the year 1851, in the State of New York, and crystallizing the best features of former organizations, it was welcomed for its systematic effort, thorough discipline, grand object, and just belief that women should enjoy equal rights and privileges with men. It is represented in every civilized country, and makes no distinction in race, sex, or color.

Its object is, by moral and religious precepts, to teach men, women, and children the evils of intoxication. By social ties, oratory, song, debate, and various exercises to enlighten and amuse, and make the Lodge Room and the Temple interesting. It seeks to reclaim those fallen by means of strong drink, and to prevent others from falling. By all ways in which the home is made valuable, it strives to make the Lodge-Room, its fraternal home, attractive.

Its platform is total abstinence for the individual, and prohibition for the State ; and it endeavors to arouse men to the importance of the ballot-box in the destruction of the dram-shop and the protection of the family, home, and country.

Corner-Stone Lodge No. 13, of Hingham, was instituted Jan. 22, 1881. Its meetings were held for one year in Abbott's Building, on South Street, near Thaxter's Bridge, then for seven years in Thayer's Building, corner of Broad Bridge and North Street. In October, 1889, the Lodge took a lease of the upper story of Abbott's Building, next west of the first place of meeting, forme recalled " Oasis Hall," and dedicated it as " Good Templars' Hall."

Temperance Societies

The Hingham Temperance Society was in existence about 1830. May 2, 1836, the male citizens who believed in the principles of Total Abstinence organized themselves into the Young Men's Total Abstinence Society. None of the members of the original committee, who drafted its Constitution, or of its long list of Vice-Presidents, are now living. March 7, 1842, the name of the organization was changed to the Hingham Total Abstinence Society.

In Apil, 1852, Corner Stone Division of the Sons of Temperance was formed, but after an existence of about fifteen years it surrendered its charter.

In 1868 there was a Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars instituted in Hingham, which existed for a few years only, but another charter was granted to the " Corner-Stone " Lodge already mentioned.

In the winter of 1875-76 a great amount of Temperance work was done here, and many who had been habitual drinkers signed the pledge. Meetings were held in all sections of the town, and March 27, 1876, the Hingham Centennial Reform Club was organized, which has held regular meetings to the present time (1893).

Club Of Generous Undertakers

Among the papers of Dr. Joshua Barker, of Hingham, there is a manuscript entitled "Proceedings of the Club," containing The Laws, Votes, and Orders of the Club of Generous Undertakers," which was founded Aug. 20, 1772.

Preamble

As a Cultivation of the Faculties wherewith we are vested by the Supreme Author of our Nature is not only commendable but highly incumbent ; and as Improvements in the Art of Speaking hold the first Place in the Catalogue of Acquisitions, we the Subscribers, fir'd with a noble Desire of rendering Ourselves suitable Members of Society, and of more extensive Use to Mankind, chearfully engage to form a Society by the Name of the Club of Generous Undertakers, to meet statedly for the Purpose of Improvement in the Art of Speaking, and promise to subject ourselves to the following Laws.

Several meetings were held, and the members spoke original or selected pieces. The last minutes of proceedings are recorded in February, 1773.

Jefferson Debating Society

This institution was formed in 1823 by those young men of Hingham who were attached to the political principles of Thomas Jefferson, for the purpose of acquiring " general and political information." Monthly meetings were held for the discussion of questions proposed by the government of the Society. The anniversary of its institution was celebrated every year by a public address, and addresses by members of the Society were delivered every quarter. The preamble to the constitution contains the following : -

" The Republican young men of Hingham who adhere to the political principles of that venerated statesman and ardent patriot, Thomas Jefferson, desirous of increasing the ardour of their patriotism by the warmth of their social affections, and of qualifying themselves to judge of the conduct of their rulers by a knowledge of their own duties and rights, have agreed and do hereby associate themselves. . . ."

A great variety of subjects relating to politics and society were discussed at the meetings. The records are very full, and the society was one of the prominent institutions of the town in its day. ' The last record is dated May 4, 1831.

Hingham Debating Society

At its meetings the usual range of subjects were discussed, and the organization continued with more or less interest among its members for two or three winters.

Monday Night Club

This club was formed in 1877, and its membership was limited to about twenty-five. It was formed by gentlemen who felt that it would be agreeable and profitable to meet together for the discussion of subjects of general interest. For the sake of harmony, political and religious subjects were the only ones prohibited, as the club admitted its members without regard to their political or religious convictions. The club met during the winters at the houses of its members in turn. The host read a paper upon some timely topic, which was followed by a discussion of the subject, after which a supper served to send the members home in good humor. These meetings extended through eight winters. Thelast meeting of the club was held in the spring of 1885.

Glad Tidings Literary Union

This organization was formed in October, 1888, at South Hingham, and still continues in existence for the study of modern scientific subjects and moral questions. Its average membership is fifteen. Its meetings are held weekly, during the winter, in " Wilder Memorial."

South Hingham Cornet Band

This band was organized Oct. 8, 1866, with fifteen members. The president and leader was Joshua Jacobs, Jr. The band dissolved Feb. 10, 1872. During its existence its leaders were Joshua Jacobs, Jr., Nelson Groce, and Ira Wales, of Rockland.

Hingham Brass Band

In 1866 Chas. W. S. Seymour, Wm. H. Thomas, Horace F. Reed, Wm. M. Gil man, John B. Lewis, and Horace Peare, members of Corner-Stone Div. S. of T., decided to organize a brass band, procured instruments, and commenced rehearsals, which were kept up through the year.

In the spring of 1867 new members were taken in, and the band was reorganized under the name of the Hingham Brass Band, with the following instrumentation : -

Horace Peare, 1st E i? cornet; C. W. S. Seymour, 2d E^ cornet; Geo. L. Gardner, solo B!? cornet; Leavitt Sprague, 1st Bi? cornet; Wm. M. Gilman and Wm. B. Sprague, 2d B I? cornets ; W. H. Thomas, solo alto ; Joseph H. Lincoln, 1st alto; Horace F. Reed, 1st tenor; L. 0. Cain, 2d tenor; John B. Lewis, B& bass; Joshua Morse and D. W. Sprague, E V basses ; Chas. H. F. Stoddard, side drum ; James B. Prouty, bass drum ; Sidney W. Sprague, cymbals.

During the summer of 1867 Mr. Wm. F. Harden had charge of the band. He retired from the band in November, 1867, and from that time until September, 1869, Horace Peare acted as leader. The band then hired Mr. Wm. E. White, of Quincy, as leader. Mr. White led the band until January, 1875, when he moved to Providence, R. I., and was obliged to give up the leadership. At this time the band was very fortunate in securing the services of Mr. T. J. Evans, of East Weymouth. He proved to be a fine player and a good musician. Under his direction the band did some very good work.

The band furnished music for the Hingham Agricultural & Horticultural Society for 14 years, Post 104 G. A. R. 10 years, at Derby Lecture for several years, and at the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the settlement of Hingham in 1885.

In the summer of 1886 the band suspended rehearsals, as many of the members had moved away from town. The organization is still kept up by holding the annual meeting each year at the usual time.

The National Brass Band

This band is of recent origin and is composed of young men with headquarters at Hingham Centre. It has already made its appearance on a few public occasions, and is earnestly at work to acquire a satisfactory proficiency. Leader, Fred L. Lane.

The Hingham Philharmonic Orchestra

This orchestra was organized Nov. 14, 1881, and the first rehearsal was held on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 20, 1881, at the residence of Mr. E. Waters Burr, at Hingham Centre. During its active existence its list of members embraced those who played upon the following instruments, first and second violins, viola, violoncello, contra bass, flute, clarinets, cornets, trombone, drums, triangle, etc.

Regular rehearsals were held every Sunday afternoon at Mr. Burr's house. All the members gave their services except one or two members from other towns, whose services were indispensable for the proper formation of an orchestra. The expenses were paid by giving public rehearsals, concerts, and furnishing music for entertainments, school exhibitions, etc. The orchestra kept together for about five years, until the formation of the Hingham Choral Society. As most of the members joined its orchestra, that society gradually took the place of the Philharmonic, and since the death of Mr. Joseph T. Sprague, the president of the Philharmonic Orchestra from the time of its formation in 1888, it has had no regular rehearsals, although the organization has never been disbanded-

The Clarion Orchestra

This orchestra was formed at South Hingham, June 1, 1884, with six members, and is still in a flourishing condition, prepared to furnish music for any occasion.

Hingham Musical Education Society

In the notice for the first meeting members were requested to be provided with copies of the " Carmina Sacra " and members of the orchestra to bring their instruments. The society consisted of about eighty members, and practice was mostly in anthems and choruses. The orchestra was composed of violins, viola, violoncello, double bass, and flutes.

Its progress was apparently satisfactory during its first season, and in the following autumn they resumed their meetings for another winter's practice.

The Hingham Choral Society

This society was formed Oct. 6, 1869, and held its rehearsals at the " Armory " at Hingham Centre, and once or twice in the hall over the store of Alonzo dishing, at South Hingham. From various causes it was short-lived, being dissolved in March, 1870. Its records show that the cantata of " Daniel " was creditably performed in Loring Hall, Feb. 1, 1870, and that " in the opinion of all the audience the concert was an entire success."

Hingham Choral Society

This society was organized in 1885 for the purpose of the study and practice of oratorios and other sacred music. Its rehearsals have been held on Sunday evenings, in Loring Hall, from November to May, and they have been profitable and satisfactory to its members in making them better acquainted with music of a high order. The chorus has numbered about fifty, and the orchestra from fifteen to twenty.

Edward E. Tower, of Cohasset, was conductor during the first season, and Morris F. Whiton of Hingliam 1886-1892, and Albert E. Bradford has been conductor since that time. The musical works to which attention has been principally given are Ballard's " ninety-first Psalm," Gaul's " Holy City," Farmer's " Mass in B flat," Mendelssohn's " Athalie," Haydn's " Creation," Costa's " Eli," and Mendelssohn's " Elijah," interspersed with other vocal and instrumental compositions.

Other musical organizations have existed in the town, mostly for brief periods and with limited membership, such as the Hingham Glee Club in the 20's, Hingham Union Singing Society in the 40's, Fife and Drum Corps in the 30's and Hingham Drum Corps from 1888 to 1890.

As early as 1849 some of the lads of Hingham Centre formed a club which met at various places in that village for social enjoyment. On the 27th day of November, 1851, it adopted as its name " G. I. A. of Scribes and Pharisees," adopted a constitution and by-laws, and hired the room over the store of Messrs. F. Burr & Co. in which to hold its meetings. These were held monthly, with a special meeting on the afternoon of the annual Thanksgiving Day.

Nov. 24, 1853, the name was changed to " United Associates," and under this name it was continued until March 7, 1856, when the room was given up ; but on the same day it was reorganized under the name of the " Phoenix Club," by which title it is still known, meetings having been held as often as once in each year, sometimes in this town but more frequently in Boston. Of the twenty-two original members all but seven are still living, but resignations in the early years of the club's existence reduced the membership so that the number in 1862 was only fourteen ; of this number nine are now living and have all been able to attend the meetings of the Club for the past ten years.

The Directors chosen in 1856, when the present name was adopted, were Ebed L. Ripley, Starkes Whiton, and Edwin Fearing. Mr. Fearing at his decease was succeeded by Henry Stephenson, who died in 1887, and he was succeeded by Wm. Fearing 2d ; Messrs. Ripley and Whiton have held office continually since their first election.

In the earlier years of its existence, and under its several titles this club did much towards furnishing enjoyment to the people of the town by arranging for sociables, fancy-dress balls, and 4th of July parades.

Detecting Thieves

The illustration above is taken from the heading of a broadside, which indicates the purpose for which the society was formed in 1819, but which is more fully explained in the preamble which follows : -

The practice of stealing has become so prevalent that it becomes necessary for the well disposed to unite in the most effectual measures for protecting their property against the depredations of the unprincipled, and of mutually aiding each other in bringing such offenders to the punishment they may deserve, and as provided by the just laws of our country.

We, the subscribers, do therefore associate ourselves together, for the above purpose, and also the more effectually to recover any property that may at any time be stolen from a member of this Society ; and engage to comply with the following Rules and Regulations.

The Society existed until 1864, a period of forty-five years, and Mr. David Andrews was its Clerk and Treasurer from the time of its foundation until his death, which occurred Oct. 7, 1863.

At the annual meeting held Jan. 5, 1864, a resolution of respect to the memory of Mr. Andrews was adopted, Mr. Daniel Bassett was chosen Clerk and Treasurer, and the meeting adjourned to Feb. 2, 1864, when it was voted that the society be dissolved and the funds divided equally among the members.

The Hingham Mutual Fire Society

This society was formed in 1803. A pamphlet, printed by Hosea Sprague, West Street, Boston, 1804, contains its constitution with the following preamble : -

We whose names are underwritten, in order to draw close together the bond of union, that our friendship may be perpetuated by our posterity to the remotest ages, to aid and assist each other through this gloomy world, to promote and encourage social virtue, to provide for and wrest our property from that devouring element fire, do constitute a society and have denominated ourselves the Hingham Mutual Fire Society, and for ourselves and those who hereafter may be admitted as members do ordain and establish the following Constitution.

The edition of the constitution printed in 1809 contains the following revised preamble, as if the former one were not emphatic enough in stating the objects of the society : -

In large and increasing cities and towns, no societies have proved more beneficial than those established for the purpose of rendering assistance in the hour of peril, as well to the public in general as to their individual members, under circumstances which have laid them in ashes and devastation. To cement, therefore, the bonds of Union, promote harmony in a social circle, and thereby associate those sensations of mind, which serve to beautify society ; with a view to usefulness which should be the primary motive in the formation of every institution ; and more particularly for the purpose of protecting our own and the property of our friends and neighbors from the ravages of that all-devouring and destructive element Fire, - we the subscribers have formed ourselves into a society, under the name of the Hingham Mutual Fire Society.

the same together, and the 'owner's name on the outside. The buckets shall be kept hung in a conspicuous place at the house of each member, with the bag inside one of them, and shall not be used at any time but at a fire ; and should any member lose any of the above utensils at a fire and not be able to find the same after making diligent search and advertising the same, the loss shall be made good by the society at large.

The society disappeared from public view with the advent of fire engines. Many of the old buckets are preserved in town as interesting relics.

The Home Dramatic Club, the Thespian Club, and Catholic Dramatic Association, all organized within the past ten years, have given local dramatic entertainments with success. The Croquet Club at Hingham Centre, which disbanded a few years since, was for ten or fifteen years a prominent feature in the life at Hingham Centre. This with a Tennis Club and numerous Base Ball clubs of recent and variable terms of existence represent the interest in athletic sports. The Social Club and Owl Club are composed of young men for purely social purposes.

There have been and are numerous clubs for literary improvement such as are found in every community, which are so much of a private nature that the present work seems hardly to include them.

Native And Resident Physicians By George Lincoln

In most of the older towns of eastern Massachusetts, the earlier ministers were practising physicians as well as pastors. This was undoubtedly the case in Hingham from the time Rev. Peter Hobart and his company arrived, in September, 1635, until his decease in 1679. He had received a liberal education at Magdalene College, England, where he took his degree of Bachelor in 1625, and of Master of Arts in 1629. He undoubtedly was qualified to fill any professional position ; and after nine years of experience as a preacher at old Hingham, came with his followers and settled in our Hingham. During his active ministry here of nearly fortyfour years he kept a record, in chronological order, giving most of the births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths which occurred in this parish, and from which the two following entries are inserted (surname omitted) as an illustration : -

From the large number of births thus recorded in " Hobart's Diary," it would seem that he must have been present in the capacity of physician to have been able to make the record chronologically and accurately. Moreover, it was not until after his decease that the town or county records began to refer to any payments made to physicians, or to their conveyances here as grantors or grantees. In 1702 Cotton Mather wrote as follows : -

" Ever since the days of Luke, the Evangelist, skill in physic has been frequently professed and practised by persons whose most declared business was the study of divinity."

" The training received by young physicians was very irregular. Degrees of Doctor of Medicine were possessed by only a few, who had studied abroad. . . . The few eminent physicians trained in the Colonies were to a great extent followers of a natural gift and tendency. Young men who desired to become physicians practised under the instruction of the established physicians down to the middle of the eighteenth century. After college courses of medical lectures were organized, a license from the faculty was given, which served instead of the subsequent diploma," etc.

From the foregoing it will be seen that " Hobart's Diary " is the only reliable authority from which to obtain a record of the earlier births in Hingham ; that neither our town nor the county records furnish any evidence of a located physician here prior to the decease of Mr. Hobart ; and that during the colonial period there was no medical school in Massachusetts to confer the degree of Doctor of Medicine upon young physicians.

The names of those natives and residents of the town who have practised medicine as a profession are subjoined in alphabetical order, as it was found to be almost impossible to give the exact year of the earlier settlements or removals.

Joshua Barker, son of Capt. Francis and Hannah (Thaxter) Barker, was born in Hingham March 24, 1753, and was graduated at Harvard University, 1772, in the class with William Eustis, Samuel Tenney, Levi Lincoln, and others. After a regular course of preparatory study with Dr. Danforth, of Boston, he settled as a physician in this his native town, and was contemporary with Dr. Thomas Thaxter. Here he had a large acquaintance, and he received a share of the public patronage. Possessing a general knowledge of business in addition to the requirements of his profession, he was frequently called upon to serve in other departments of active duty, - to give legal advice, or to act as guardian to the children of deceased parents. He was a man of culture and refinement, of broad views and liberal sentiments ; and to these commendable qualifications were added an easy politeness, a cheerful hospitality, and a patriotic pride for his native town. He married, Oct. 17, 1779, Susanna, daughter of Benjamin Thaxter. They had two children, a son and a daughter. The son died in infancy, and Susan, the daughter, married Rev. Samuel Willard. Dr. Barker died in Hingham, the 2nd of April, 1800, aged 47 years. He resided on Main Street, opposite the old meeting-house. He was early a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society.

Lazarus Beal, born in Hingham, second precinct, April 6, 1725, was a son of Deacon Lazarus and Ruth (Andrews) Beal, and a descendant in the fifth generation of John Beal, one of the early settlers of Hingham. After receiving an education such as the public schools of the town afforded, he removed to Newton, Mass., where, as tradition says, he studied medicine with Dr. Samuel Wheat. He subsequently married Dr. Wheat's daughter Lydia, and had children born at Newton, in Hingham, and at Cohasset. In 1748 he was employed a part of the year by the Selectmen of Hingham to teach in the school of the second precinct ; but after his marriage, in 1749, he located at Newton, remaining there until 1763 or 1764, when he returned to his native town. Hingham tax-lists show that he was quite an extensive farmer as well as a physician. In 1768 he improved fifty acres of land, kept four cows, a flock of sheep, etc., besides having other interests in real estate. His professional calling, however, was not neglected, as the records of the town show that he received a share of patronage up to the time Cokasset was set off from Hingham. He probably removed, at or near the time of the Revolution, to Weymouth, where some of his descendants still reside.

Joseph Bossuet, for several years a physician in Hingham, was a native of the city of Paris, France. He was educated at the Hdtel Dieu, the medical college in Paris, where he practised his profession until France made common cause with the United States, when he came to America as a surgeon and physician in the War of the Revolution. During the war he was not only captured by the British, but he also met with many other reverses and pecuniary losses. At the commencement of the present century he located in Hingham, and resided, first, on North Street, near the harbor, in the house now owned and occupied by Leonard W. Litchfield. He afterwards lived in the Abiel Wilder house on Lincoln Street. Dr. Bossuet was a thorough master of his profession. Having had a long and varied experience, and possessing excellent judgment, his advice was frequently sought in difficult cases by our local physicians as well as by those from the neighboring towns. Late in life he removed with his family to Boston, where he died 13 October, 1827, aged 81 years ; and his widow, Mrs. Catharine Rumport de Vous Doncour Bossuet, died at Roxbury, Mass., in June, 1830, aged 52 years. Dr. Bossuet joined the Massachusetts Medical Society in 1821.

Dr. Boylston is supposed to have been located here as a physician in 1722 and 1723, as his name appears among those to whom money was paid at that time by the Selectmen.

Robert Capen announced through the columns of the local newspaper, dated Hingham, Dec. 21, 1838, that he " has taken the house of the late Joseph J. Whiting, at Queen Ann's Corner, so called, where he may be found by those who desire his professional services." It is said that he came from Plymouth. He remained in Hingham about two years. In 1838 he was elected a Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society.

David Coggin received his degree of M. D. in 1868 from the Harvard Medical School, and is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. In 1869 he came to Hingham and practised in his profession for about two years. Owing to impaired health, however, he removed, in 1871, to St. Louis, Mo. He afterwards returned east, and is now located at Salem, Mass., where he makes a specialty of diseases of the eye.

Charles Henry Colburn, who succeeded Dr. Ezra Stephenson, was a son of Charles H. and Martha A. (Barnes) Colburn, and a native of Philadelphia, Penn. In early life he came to Boston to reside, and several years later was connected with some of the prominent musical organizations of the city. During the Civil War he joined the Sixth Regimental Band, and while in this service acquired that practical information which proved of great value to him in the profession he afterwards decided to follow. Upon -returning to Boston he devoted the greater part of his leisure to the study of medicine under the tutorship of one of the most distinguished physicians in the city. He entered the Harvard Medical School in 1870, and in 1874 received his degree of M. D. Soon after the decease of Dr. Stephenson, in 1874, he received and accepted an invitation to settle in Hingham, locating near the former residence of his predecessor on Main Street, Hingham Centre. Here he met with a successful patronage, and was highly esteemed, not only for his skill as a physician and surgeon, but also for his social qualities and his recognized musical talents. He died of malignant diphtheria, contracted in the course of professional duty, the loth of May, 1880, aged 37 years. He left a widow and one son.

Benjamin Cushing, born May 9, 1822, and the only son of Jerom and Mary (Thaxter) Cushing, of Hingham, was for several terms a pupil at the Derby Academy. He was graduated at Harvard University in 1842, received his degree of M. D. in 1846, and is a, practising physician in the city of Boston.

John Cutler, who called himself " a Dutchman," and whose name appears as such upon conveyances and other legal documents, was a practising physician in Hingham for about twenty years. Very little which relates to him, however, can be ascertained at this late day, either as to his educational advantages or to his professional career. At the time of Philip's War, and for several succeeding years, he resided on Town (South) Street, near Thaxter's Bridge ; but he may have removed at a later date to the west part of the town, judging from the following conveyance (S. R. of D. vol. 13, p. 22, abstract) : Ephraim Nichols of Hingham, " seaman," and Abigail his wife, in consideration of £135, sell to Doctor John Cutler, " Dutchman," of Hingham, " our house lot of five acres, which we lately purchased of Moses Collier, with a dwelling-house, barn," etc. This estate was bounded by the Town Street, east, and by land of Thomas Lincoln, the husbandman, south. Deed dated 12 March, 1682-83, and recorded the 18th of September following. Dr. Cutler removed with his family to Boston before 1700. He married in Hingham, Jan. 4, 1C74-75, Mary Cowell, of Boston. The names of his children, with their dates of birth, are given in Vol. II. p. 150 of this history.

John Dixon married Elizabeth, the daughter of George and Lucy Vickery, of Hull. She survived him and married secondly Joseph Lewis, widower, of Hingham. Caty, a granddaughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Vickery) (Dixon) Lewis, married Elijah Beal, Jr., and their daughter Caty married Caleb Gill. Hence we have had in the present century two heads of families born in Hingham. father and son, bearing the ancestral names of DixOn Lewis Gill. Concerning the professional career of Dr. Dixon, but little is known. He died in this town, and a gravestone erected to his memory in the Hingham Cemetery bears the following inscription : -

Charles Alonzo Dorr, who succeeded Dr. Harlow as a physician at the south part of the town, is a son of Samuel A. and Mary M. (Wedgewood) Dorr, and was born at Sandwich, N. H., Feb. 12, 1851. He entered Dunimer Academy, at Newbury, Mass., in 1868 ; Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me., in 1871; attended the Maine Medical School three years ; received his degree of M. D. from Dartmouth Medical College in 1877, and the same year commenced the practice of medicine at Richmond, Me. In 1880 he removed to Hingham, and in 1885 became a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. His present residence is on Main Street near the meeting-house at South Hingham.

Robert Thaxter Edes, a graduate of Harvard University, 1858, M. D. 1861, and more recently a Professor in the Harvard Medical School, is a son of Rev. Richard S. and Mary (Cushing) Edes. He came to Hingham soon after the decease of Dr. Fiske in 1866, and located as a physician, remaining for about two years, when he removed to Boston. While a resident of Hingham he married at Boston, April 30, 1867, Elizabeth T., daughter of Calvin W. Clark. They resided in Hingham on Main, near Water Street, in the house built and occupied by his great-grandfather, Dr. Thomas Thaxter. See Genealogical Record, Vol. II. p. 209.

Robert Treat Paine Fiske was born at Worcester, Mass., Jan. 1, 1800. He was graduated at Harvard College in the class of 1818. After the usual term of medical study, and a brief practice of his profession elsewhere, he, in 1822, came to Hingham and located as a physician and surgeon. Here he soon commanded a large and lucrative patronage, which he continued to hold up to the time of his decease. During this forty-four years of active professional service in Hingham his duties were often arduous and exacting. He was frequently called upon to attend the sick in the adjoining villages as well as at home, and his oft-repeated visits to Hull, over Long Beach, especially in the winter season, or during severe storms, were, in many instances, far from what is termed poetical. Throughout the entire period of his practice here, the length of which has been exceeded in but one or two instances, he held the respect and confidence of the community. Enterprising, influential, and public-spirited in every movement relating to local improvements, he devoted what leisure hours he could command to rural pursuits. He was one of the early proprietors of the Hingham Cemetery Corporation, and for many years its acting Superintendent ; and it was largely through his excellent judgment and good taste that improvements ware commenced upon this now beautiful and historic burial-place. He also was a director of the Hingham Bank, and held other positions of trust and responsibility. Dr. Fiske joined the Massachusetts Medical Society in 1839.

He married for his first wife Mary Otis, daughter of Ebenezer Gay. She died 8 August, 1852, aged 51 years. He married secondly, Oct. 16, 1854, Anna L., daughter of John Baker, and died the 8th of May, 1866, aged 66 years. He resided on North Street opposite Fountain Square. See Genealogical Record, Vol. II. p. 230.

Daniel French, whose family record will be found in Vol. II. p. 236 of this history, was probably a native of Hingham and born about 1720. During his early practice as a physician he resided at the west part of the town, near Weymouth line, until his first wife died, which was Aug. 6, 1742, - three days after her infant babe was born. Our records show that he was not without patronage ; but being located at a considerable distance from the more thickly settled parts of the town, he no doubt saw a better opening for his professional services in the neighboring village of East Weymouth, whither he shortly after removed, and where all but one of his ten children were born. Several of his daughters, however, married residents of Hingham, and this town was afterwards their home. Dr. French died suddenly in Weymouth, at fifty-five years of age.

Henry F. Gardner, a native of Hingham, and born Feb. 13, 1812, was the second son of Melzar and Silence (Gardner) Gardner. In early life he learned the trade of blacksmith with Charles Howard, and later was in the employ of the Messrs. Stephenson at Hingham Centre. He afterwards removed to Hartford, Conn., and thence to Springfield, Mass. Upon leaving Hingham he abandoned his former calling to become an eclectic physician. From Springfield he removed to Boston, and for a number of years was the landlord of a hotel at the corner of Beach Street and Harrison Avenue. About 1870 he assumed the position of Superintendent of the Pavilion estate, which he managed with great success and to the satisfaction of the trustees. Dr. Gardner was one of the early advocates of Spiritualism, and the first person to lecture upon this subject in Hingham, as well as at Boston. Possessed of more than ordinary talents, and of an active, sanguine temperament, he made many warm friends, especially among those who held views similar to his own. He died at Boston the 6th of December, 1878, in his 67th year.

Charles Gordon, born in Hingham, Nov. 17, 1809, was the second son of Dr. William and Helen (Gilchrist) Gordon, of this town. He was graduated at Brunswick College, 1829, and received his degree of M. D. from the Harvard Medical School in 1832. The following notice was published in the Hingham Gazette dated June 7, 1833. " Dr. William Gordon informs the inhabitants of Hingham and vicinity that he has connected with him in his Professional Business his son Charles Gordon, M. D." The same year (1833) he was elected a Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society, being at that time a resident of Lowell, Mass. He died at Boston, March 1, 1872, aged 62 years.

and afterwards studied medicine with Dr. Thomas Kittredge of Andover. He first entered upon the practice of his profession at St. Andrews, but upon the invitation of several prominent citizens of Hingham, he came and established himself here in 1807, remaining until the autumn of 1838, when he removed to Boston. He afterwards settled at Taunton, and there passed the closing days of his life in the midst of his children. He joined the Massachusetts Medical Society in 1828. During his long residence in Hingham his practice was extensive and oftentimes arduous and perplexing, - embracing a large circuit and requiring the utmost activity and perseverance in the discharge of professional duty. He was eminently successful, however, both as a physician and surgeon. An easy politeness in addition to a cheerful speech and agreeable manners always made his presence in the sick room pleasant to the invalid, and his removal from this town was deeply regretted. He died suddenly from an affection of the heart, to which he had been subject for several years, and at his special request his remains were brought here and buried in the Hingham Cemetery. A tablet has since been erected at his grave, upon which is the following inscription:

William Alexander Gordon, the oldest son of Dr. William and Helen (Gilchrist) Gordon, was a native of Newburyport, Mass., and born March. 17, 1808. His early education was obtained at the schools in Hingham. He afterwards entered Harvard University and was graduated in 1826, in the class with Hon. Robert Rantoul, Rev. Oliver Stearns, and others, and in 1829 received his degree of M.D. For a short time only he was located as a physician in Hingham, having for his office a room in the second story of Loring's Building, Broad Bridge. In 1834 he was elected a Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society, being at that time a resident of Taunton, Mass. He died at New Bedford, Feb. 1887, in the 79th year of his age.

" Dr. William A. Gordon, who died suddenly at his late home in New Bedford, was of Scotch ancestry, and was a son of Dr. William Gordon, who at the time of William A. Gordon's birth, March 17, 1808, was a, resident of Newburyport. Dr. Gordon was a lineal descendant of Alexander Gordon, a scion of the loyal Gordon family in the Highlands of Scotland. When William A. Gordon was two months old his parents moved to Hingham. He was prepared for college at Derby Academy in that town, and was graduated at Harvard in the class of 1826, when but eighteen years old. He at once commenced the study of medicine with his father, and was graduated at the Harvard Medical School in 1829. In his death, another refined, cultivated Christian gentleman of the " old school " has gone from among us. Those who for years were blessed with his presence in sickness have felt the magnetic charm of his personality. An eminent physician with a large practice, he was yet ever ready to help the most needy patient. Goodness and strength seemed to emanate from him. Truth and uprightness were his lifelong habit, and gentleness and sweetness blending with great strength and firmness made an almost perfect character."

Daniel Greenleap was for a number of years a practising physician in Hingham, and probably contemporary with Dr. James Hayward. In his professional capacity he was frequently called upon to administer to those needy residents who were sick, and to some extent cared for by the selectmen of the town. It is also fair to judge that he received a respectable patronage from other sources. He married in Hingham, July 18, 1726, Mrs. Silence (Nichols) Marsh. They had three children born in Hingham. He probably removed from here with his family about 1732. His record in the genealogical portion of this work is given on p. 279 of Vol. II.

Nathaniel Hall, son of John of Yarmouth, was a practising physician in Hingham early in the last century. He probably succeeded Dr. John Cutler, who removed from here before 1700. He had been a captain under Church in the Indian War at the East, " and fought with great bravery," says Mr. Savage, " in defence of Falmouth, Sept. 21, 1689." His wife was Ann Thornton, a daughter of Rev. Thomas Thornton. In Feb. 1708-09, he, with Ann, his wife, and sixty other inhabitants of Hingham, testified to the best of their knowledge and belief that the widow Mehitable Warren (a daughter of Edward Wilder, and born here 1664) was not guilty of the sin of being a witch, as she was reported to be ; but that "she has bene a woman of great affliction by reason of Many distempers of Body ; and that God hath given a Sanctified improvement of his afflictive hand to her." In 1713 he sold his home-place in Hingham (between South Street and the meeting-house of the First Parish), containing about six acres, with dwelling-house, shop, and outbuildings thereon, to Joshua Tucker. He may have resided for a short time at the west part of the town. Our tax -lists show that he was styled " Captain " by the assessors. After leaving Hingham he removed to the Delaware River. He left no issue.

Jonathan Edwards Harlow, who succeeded Dr. Jonas Underwood in 1850, was a resident physician of Hingham for about thirty years. He was a son of Stephen and Patience (Ellis) Harlow, and born at Middleboro', Mass., May 1, 1824. After completing his early education, and graduating at the Bridgewater Normal School, he was for one or two years a teacher. He subsequently entered the Harvard Medical School, and in 1848 received his degree of M. D. The year following he studied medicine and surgery with Dr. Jacob Bigelow of Boston, with whom he acquired additional knowledge in the profession he had chosen. He then went to North Bridgewater (Brockton) to establish himself as a physician, but in 1850 he settled permanently in Hingham. Here he was cordially welcomed by the former patrons of his predecessor ; and as his skill and real worth became known, a more extended field of professional duty opened before him. Good health, however, although it may to some extent be an inheritance, is not always assured even to the physician ; and this was true in the case of Dr. Harlow, for his physical system became impaired several years before his decease. He died of Bright's disease the 29th of May, 1880, aged 56 years. He was twice married, and a son and two daughters survived him. His family record is found on p. 290, Vol. II. of this History.

Byron R. Harmon came to Hingham soon after the decease of Dr. Piske, in 1866, to establish himself as a physician. His office was at the " Union Hotel." He remained only a few months.

James Hayward, whose name appears among the heads of families in Vol. II. p. 295, was a practising physician in Hingham for eight or ten years. He resided on North Street near the* harbor ; and his home-place included a large part of the land which lies between the harbor and the estates bounded by North and Ship streets. He probably removed about 1730 to Weymouth, where several years later he died, and March 3 (27?), 1739, his brother Nehemiah, of Hingham, was appointed to administer upon his estate. He had three children born in Hingham and one at Weymouth.

Dr. Heard, whose death on the 28th of November, 1675, is recorded in Hobart's Diary, may have been a non-resident friend or medical adviser of Mr. Hobart, rather than a physician of Hingham. And this seems more than probable from the fact that no other reference to his name occurs upon our records, nor does tradition furnish any information relating to such a person as having been a physician in this town.

Abner Hersey, the youngest son of James and Mary (Hawke) Hersey, was born in Hingham, Oct. 22, 1721. He settled as a physician at Barnstable, Mass., where he acquired a large practice, and is said to have been eminent in his profession. He died at Barnstable the 9th of January, 1787, aged 65 years. He was one of the earlier members of the Massachusetts Medical Society. In his will he bequeathed to Harvard University the sum of £500 towards the establishment of a professorship of the theory and practice of physic ; also an equal amount, which, for good reasons was diverted from the purposes mentioned in the legacy, and distributed among the churches of Barnstable County in accordance with the consent of his heirs. A stone erected to his memory, and to his brother James, stands in the cemetery near the Unitarian Church at Barnstable.

at Harvard University in 1728. He settled in his native town as a physician, probably succeeding Dr. Daniel Greenleaf. He became eminent in his profession. " In the controversy between the colonies and the mother country, he espoused the cause of the former, and his opinions had a most favorable effect on the community in which he lived. His charities were extensive, as his means were adequate to do much good. He was among the benefactors of Harvard University. In his will, executed Nov. 29, 1770, he directs his executrix to pay to the corporation of that University, £1000, 'the interest thereof to be by them appropriated towards the support of a professor of anatomy and physic' His widow gave the same sum for the same purpose. A professorship was established on this foundation, entitled the Hersey Professorship of Anatomy and Surgery." * Dr. Hersey died Dec. 9, 1770, leaving a widow, but no children. He resided on South Street, near the present R. R. station at West Hingham.

James Hersey, second son of James and Mary (Hawke) Hersey, and brother of Dr. Ezekiel Hersey, was born in Hingham Dec. 21, 1716. He was a physician, and resided at Barnstable, Mass., where he died the 22d of July, 1741, in the 25th year of his age.

Alexander Hitchborn, a native of Hingham, and born in 1822, was the' second son of Alexander H. and Cinderilla (Gardner) Hitchborn. His early education was acquired in the public schools of this town, in which he was an apt as well as a brilliant scholar. About the year 1854 he removed to North Bridge water (Brockton) to establish himself as a physician. Here he met with sufficient encouragement to warrant a permanent settlement, and his ready conversational powers, added to a kind and obliging disposition, won for him many friends. At the commencement of the Civil War he enlisted in the Twelfth Regiment Mass. Vol. Infantry, and was commissioned captain. The year following he was appointed assistant-surgeon of the Seventh Infantry of the regular army. He was killed at the battle of Chancellorsville, Va., in May, 1863, aged 41 years.

Peter Hobart was contemporary with Dr. Daniel Shute, and both were graduated the same year (1775) at Harvard University. He was a son of Deacon Peter and Lucretia (Gill) Hobart, and was bom in Hingham July 31, 1750. After his early schooling was completed he began his business life as an apprentice to Jeremiah Lincoln, a blacksmith, whose shop was in the square near the present Torrent engine-house, West Hingham; but having a taste for classical studies, he fitted for college, and was graduated in 1775, as stated above. He afterwards studied medicine, and for six months or more was a surgeon in the War of the Revolution. His wife, whom he married in Hingham Nov. 16, 1779, was Mary Cushing, daughter of Elisha and Mary (Lincoln) dishing. She was a granddaughter of Col. Benjamin Lincoln, father of General Lincoln. About 1783 Dr. Hobart settled as a physician in Hanover, where he died in 1793. His widow, it is said, removed to the State of New York and died there.

John G. Lambeight, a resident physician at South Hingham some ten or twelve years, was probably a native of Germany, or perhaps of German descent. He was not only a bright and intelligent representative of that nationality, but in his profession he was original and skilful in his ways and methods. He first located here on Main Street near the meeting-house of the South Parish ; but several years later removed to Prospect Street, occupying a part of the Joshua Hersey house. His wife, Mrs. Martha Lambright, was from Fayette, Me. She died in Hingham 23 Nov. 1840, aged 44 years. Dr. Lambright removed to Boston shortly after the decease of his wife.

Josiah Leavitt was for a number of years a practising physician in Hingham. He also was somewhat of a mechanical genius, and of an inventive turn of mind. Prior to the war of the Revolution he constructed a clock for the old meeting-house, " the dial of which appeared in the dormer-window on the southwesterly slope of the roof, and was thus visible to the public." Tradition says that he built a church organ and set it up in the old meetinghouse, where it stood for a while, and that it was eventually sold to go to Portland, Me. I find no record, however, to verify this tradition ; but that several years later lie was a professional organ builder at Boston is certain. In 1773 he built and resided in the house now owned and occupied by heirs of George Bassett on Main, corner of Elm Street. This dwelling he sold in 1777 to Joseph Blake, and soon after removed to Boston. The Selectmen's Book of Records, Vol. II., show that as a physician he received a fair share of the patronage of the town, as no doubt he did from the public. His inventive perceptions, however, led him to seek other fields of employment. He was the son of Hezekiah and Grace (Hatch) Leavitt, and was born in Hingham Oct. 21, 1744. The Christian name of his wife was Azubah. She died at Boston Nov., 1803, aged 40 years. He died March, 1804, aged 59 years.

Martin Leavitt, son of Elisha and Rnth (Marsh) Leavitt, was born in Hingham March 20, 1755. He was graduated at Harvard University in 1773, - Colonel Nathan Rice, who for many years was a resident here, and brother-in-law of Martin, being one of his classmates. Dr. Leavitt was for some time surgeon on an armed ship during the War of the Revolution. His professional career in Hingham, however, was brief. He was drowned the 27th of Nov. 1785, aged 30 years. He was unmarried.

Bela Lincoln, son of Hon. Benjamin and Elizabeth (Thaxter) Lincoln, and a younger brother of Major-General Benjamin Lincoln, was born in Hingham March 11, 1733-34. He was graduated at Harvard University 1754, in the class with Rev. Samuel

Foxcroft, Gov. John Hancock, and others, and for nearly twenty years after was a practising physician in Hingham. During this time " he visited Europe for the purpose of obtaining professional information, and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of Aberdeen." In 1768 he purchased of Ambrose Low a lot of land on Town Street (corner of North and Cottage), and in 1769-70 erected thereon the building now known as the " Cushing House," and where he resided during the few remaining years of his life. He died 16 July, 1773, aged 39 years, leaving a widow, but no children.

Levi Lincoln, the only son of Capt. Levi and Elizabeth (Norton) Lincoln, was born in Hingham Dec. 12, 1767. After receiving his preparatory education in Hingham, he entered Harvard University, and was graduated in the class of 1789, with George and Francis Blake, Cushing Otis, Cotton Tufts, and others. He subsequently settled as a physician in this his native town, and resided on South Street, near what is now the West Hingham Station of the South Shore Railroad. Here he had many influential friends ; his professional charges were reasonable, and he received a liberal share of the public patronage. Dr. Lincoln was a man of talent and refinement. He was frequently called upon to discharge duties other than those belonging to his profession. He was a lover of rural pursuits, and an original member of the first Agricultural Society of Hingham. He died the 24th of May, 1829, aged 61 years, leaving a widow and three married daughters. In 1810 he was elected a Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society. (See p. 483, Vol. II. of this History for his family record.)

Caleb Marsh may have had some practice in Hingham as a physician, but it does not appear that he was located here permanently. He was in Hanover, and at Scituate, several years, and in the history of these towns his name is given on the lists of physicians. His name also occurs as the teacher of a grammar school in Hingham soon after the Revolution. Dr. Marsh was a son of Stephen and Mercy (Beal) Marsh, and was born in Hingham Dec. 1, 1759. Tradition says that he was a person of delicate constitution, and unable to withstand the exposures which those who follow this profession are so often called upon to endure. He died in Hingham the 20th of August, 1799, in the 40th year of his age.

Israel Nichols was for many years a practising physician of Hingham (sec. pre.) and Cohasset. But few particulars, however, in regard to his educational advantages or professional career can now be ascertained. He was a son of Daniel and Abigail (Beal) Nichols, and was born in Hingham Sept. 7, 1746. He was twice married, first to Anna, daughter of Peter Humphrey ; and, secondly, to Mrs. Hannah (Foster) Stowell. Dr. Nichols died at Cohasset the 11th of August, 1808, in his 62d year. His son, Dr. Paul Lewis Nichols, settled as a physician at Kingston, Mass. For the family record of Dr. Nichols see Vol. III. p. 89.

Franklin Nickerson is a practising physician at Lowell, Mass. He was born in Hingham Sept. 8, 1838, and is a son of the late Capt. Anson and Sally A. (Downs) Nickerson. He was graduated at Harvard University in the class of 1860, and at the Harvard Medical School in 1863, where he received his degree of M.D. Dr. Nickerson married in Hingham Nov. 14, 1866, Mary W., daughter of David and Hannah (Souther) Lincoln.

Philip J. Nujent, a native of Ireland, practised medicine for a short time in Hingham about the year 1877. He resided on North, near Ship Street, but removed from town after being here a few months.

Daniel O'Reardon, from Belfast, Ire., was located at the harbor in 1870-71, and practised medicine. He had a good education and a considerable experience. He went away in 1871 and did not return. It is said that be died at New York. His wife, who was Rose M. Hyslop before marriage, and a native of Belfast, Ire., died in Hingham the 11th of Oct. 1872, aged 32 years. They had one child, Mary, born here May 1, 1871.

Thomas Phipps (sometimes written Phips on the receipts of the Town Treasurer) appears to have been located as a physician in Hingham from 1765 to 1769 inclusive. But little is known concerning his history or professional career except that he had patients in the second precinct as well as in other parts of the town. He was a fine penman, and undoubtedly well educated. Tradition, which may or may not be correct, says he was a teacher as well as physician here.

James Henry Robbins was born at Calais, Me., July 22, 1839. He is the eldest son of James and Mary Augusta (Parkman) Robbins, who, in 1835, removed from Concord, Mass., to Calais. He received his degree of A. B. at Amherst College in 1862, and that of M. D. at the Harvard Medical School in 1867. The same year he began the practice of medicine at Machias, Me., where he remained until February, 1876, when, his family being broken up by the death of his wife, he returned to Calais, and there continued in the practice of his profession until the month of June, 1880, when he was called to Hingham. While a resident of Maine he was a member of the Maine Medical Association. Since locating in Hingham he has held several honorary positions among his associates. Dr. Robbins has been president of the " Medical and Surgical Association," and in 1887 and 1888 was chosen president of the South Norfolk District Medical Society. Resides on Main Street, near Pear Tree Hill.

Charles R. Rogers came from Wareham, Mass., in May, 1883, to establish himself as a homoeopathic physician in Hingham. He occupied a house on Cottage St., but after remaining about four months removed to Ware, Mass.

Edward Coit Rogers, a native of New London, Conn., was for several years a resident homoeopathic physician in Hingham. He died here the 11th of November, 1860, aged 44 yrs. and 9

Ignatius Sargent was located in Hingham as a homoeopathic physician for a number of years. He was born at Gloucester, Mass., Feb. 14, 1807, and is the son of Abimelech and Mary (Allen) Sargent. His mother, Mrs. Mary Sargent, died here the 28th of Feb., 1867, at the great age of 98 yrs. and 5 months. Dr. Sargent commenced the study of his profession with Dr. Paine of Belfast, Me. His first wife, whom he married in Hingham, Sept. 12, 1828, was Sally Gilkey, daughter of Isaac and Polly (King) Gilkey. After her decease he married for his second wife, Susan S. Barnard. During the practice of his profession in Hingham, he resided on North, near Ship Street. He removed from here to Woburn, and from thence to Methuen, Mass., where he continued in practice as a physician. Having relinquished this calling on account of advancing years, he returned to Hingham, residing on Pond Street. Aug. 7, 1891, he died at Cummington, Mass., set. 84 years.

Daniel Shute, born in Hingham, Jan. 30, 1756, was the only son of Rev. Daniel, D. D., and Mary (Gushing) Shute. He received a liberal education, having been graduated at Harvard University in 1775. During the War of the Revolution, his activity, patriotism, and zeal for the public good were conspicuous. He served as surgeon in the Continental army, in several military organizations under Major-General Benjamin Lincoln's command ; was present at the siege of Yorktown ; and subsequently was on duty at various hospitals. In 1783 he appears to have located as a physician at Weymouth ; but the year following, 1784, he returned to Hingham and established himself permanently in his profession. In 1808 he was a Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and later, one of its councillors. Tradition says that he was a faithful and courteous practitioner ; and judging from the 1274 entries of attendance at births, which are recorded in his account books, his business was quite extensive and perhaps lucrative. He married, Dec. 31, 1789, Betsey, the eldest daughter of Major Isaiah Cushing, of Hingham. She died 4th of Oct., 1818, aged 50 years. He died 19th of August, 1829, in the 74th year of his age. They resided on Main, at the corner of South Pleasant St., and had seven children. See Vol. III. p. 147.

Daniel Shute, the oldest son of the preceding, was born in Hingham, July 23, 1793. He fitted for college at the Derby Academy, and was graduated at Harvard University in 1812, being the third of the name, father, son, and grandson, who were graduates of this institution. He subsequently studied medicine at the Harvard Medical School under the supervision of Dr. John C. Warren, and succeeded to his father's practice in Hingham. He married, Dec. 22, 1816, Hannah Lincoln, daughter of Deacon Robert Gushing. They resided on Main Street, opposite the meeting-house at South Hingham, and had nine children. Dr. Shute was a good classical scholar, and very methodical and cautions in his practice. He was a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. He was especially fond of horticultural pursuits, devoting a large share of the limited leisure he could command to the cultivation of fruits and flowers, and was one of the original members of the first Agricultural Society of Hingham, founded in 1813 by the recommendation of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture. He died the 26th of June, 1838, in the 45th year of his age. His family record appears in Yol. III., p. 147, of this History.

Gustavus L. Simmons, the only son of Samuel and Priscilla (Lincoln) Simmons, was born in Hingham, March 13, 1832. He was graduated at the Harvard Medical School, 1856, in the class with Robert Ware, Conrad Wesselhoeft, and others, and is now an established physician and surgeon of large practice at Sacramento, Cal. He married, in 1862, Celia, daughter of Rev. Peter Crocker, of Barnstable, Mass., and has children, Gustavus, Carrie, Celia, and Samuel.

Henry B. Spalding8 (Edward Page7, Henry6, Samuel5, Henry4, Henry3, Andrew2, Edward1) was born among the hills of New Hampshire. His boyhood was spent on the farm which his father carried on in connection with his business as dealer in cattle. His early educational advantages were only such as the district afforded, and an additional few weeks of instruction during the winter, when his father would supplement the school term by hiring a teacher for his boys at home. At the age of fourteen he left home for a student's life in Appleton Academy (now McCollom Institute), Mt. Yernon, N. H. Here, with the exception of a short time at Francestown Academy, he pursued a course of study preparatory to entering college. The winter months he spent in teaching, as a means of earning a part of the money required to pay his expenses during the remainder of the year. The breaking out of the Civil War found him just completing his college preparatory course of study, and with it came the question of duty that so deeply stirred the hearts of millions. Should he respond to his country's call for men which, not mentioning all other possible sacrifices and losses, meant for him the unavoidable giving up of the long-coveted collegiate course of study for which he had been working four or five years ? The decision was soon made, and in the fall of 1862, together with about twenty of his classmates and friends, he was enrolled a soldier in the 13th Reg. N. H. Yols. The following spring, however, he was discharged for disability. After his health had become sufficiently restored he commenced the study of medicine, most of the time under the tutorship of J. H. Woodbury, M. D., of Boston. He attended lectures at Harvard Medical School, and afterwards at the New York Homoeopathic Medical College, from which latter institution he graduated in 1866, and at once located in this town. Of the positions of honor to which he has been called in his profession are the presidency of the Boston Homoeopathic Medical Society, also of the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society, and lecturer at Boston University School of Medicine.

Samuel Hopkins Spalding was born at Wilton, N. H., Aug. 31, 1856. He is the son of John H. and Mary L. (Hopkins) Spalding. After completing his early education in the public schools of his native town, he entered Phillips Andover Academy, in 1870, and, was graduated there in 1873, ranking third in his class. During the next two years he was employed in the store of Macullar, Williams, & Parker, Boston. He then decided to study medicine, and in the autumn of 187b' he joined the middle class of Phillips Exeter Academy. In June, 1879, he became a student at Harvard College, and was graduated there in 1881. In the following autumn he entered the Boston University School of Medicine, from which he was graduated in 1884, serving during the last two years as House Surgeon in the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Hospital. He was a member of the Hahnemann Society. After graduating from the School of Medicine he was in the practice of his profession for three years in Arredonda, Florida. Jan. 6, 1888, he came to Hingham, and has since been in practice here as a physician and surgeon ; first as assistant, and later as partner with Dr. Henry E. Spalding, under the firm name of Drs. Spalding and Spalding. He is a member of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, and of the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society. He married, Dec. 17, 1891, Ella Elizabeth Drew, of Boston.

John Winthrop Spooner commenced the practice of medicine in Hingham in 1871. He is a son of John P. and Abby Elizabeth (Tuckerman) Spooner, and was born at Dorchester, Mass., Sept. 20, 1845 ; was educated in the public schools of Dorchester ; fitted for college at Phillips Academy, Exeter, N. H. ; was graduated at Harvard University in 1867, and received his degree of M. D. in 1871, being elected a Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society in the same year. He was House Physician at the Boston City Hospital for one year. He has served three years as censor of the Plymouth District Medical Society ; was for several years chairman of the board of censors of the Norfolk South Society, and later one of its councillors. He holds positions of trust and responsibility in several local institutions. In April, 1886, he was appointed by the Governor a Medical Examiner for Plymouth County. Resides on Main St., near the Old Meeting-house. See, also, genealogical record in Vol. III., p. 163, of this History.

Ezra Stephenson was born in Hingham, Oct. 13, 1805. He was a son of James and Desire (Sprague) Stephenson. His earlier education was acquired at the public schools, and in the Derby Academy. He subsequently worked for a short time at the trade of carpenter, but soon abandoned the occupation to enter the medical school of Harvard University, from which institution he, in 1832, received the degree of M. D., and in 1836 was elected a Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society. He commenced the practice of his profession at Barnstable, Mass., and for six years devoted himself with marked success to the labors of his chosen calling. Upon the retirement of his immediate predecessor in Hingham, Dr. William Gordon, he returned here to establish himself for the remainder of his life. His office and residence were on Main St., at Pear Tree Hill. As a physician and surgeon he was trusted and respected by those whom he visited, and he was highly esteemed by his associates of the profession. He died the 20th of May, 1874, aged 69 years. Of his family, a widow and two sons survive. See his family record in Vol. III., p. 188, of this History.

George Grosvenor Tarbell (Har. Coll. 1862), located in Hingham for the practice of medicine and surgery in 1866, and received sufficient encouragement to have remained here ; but a larger field for his professional services having presented itself at Boston, he accepted the opportunity and removed thither. While in Hingham he resided on Lincoln Street.

Thomas Thaxter, second son of Major Samuel and Abigail (Smith) Thaxter, was born in Hingham, Aug. 25, 1748. After completing his early education at the public schools, and his subsequent term of medical pupilage, he commenced the practice of medicine and surgery in his native town, succeeding Dr. Bela Lincoln. He had many influential friends and connections to encourage him ; his charges were moderate ; and his successful treatment in difficult cases, especially of the then prevailing throat distemper, won for him more than a local reputation. He was a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. While visiting the sick in town he usually rode on horseback, although when the patient resided at a distance his square-topped chaise was brought into use. During the later years of his life he and his son Robert rode out together daily on horseback to visit the sick, each having his saddle-bags, and riding upon opposite sides of the road. Dr. Thaxter superintended the education of a number of medical students, several of whom were from other places. He was the proprietor of a drug store, the attendant being his sister, Miss Abigail Thaxter. He also gave a portion of his time to agricultural pursuits and the improvement of farm stock. His first wife, whom he married Jan. 8, 1773, died the 2d of March following. His second wife was Mary Barker, daughter of Capt. Francis and Hannah (Thaxter) Barker, and sister of Dr. Joshua Barker. They had five children. He built and resided in the house now owned by Arthur Lincoln, on Main, near Water St., in which he died, the 20th of June, 1813, aged 65 yrs. His family record is given in Vol. III., p. 237, of this History.

Ezekiel Thaxter, fifth son of Major Samuel and Abigail (Smith) Thaxter was born in Hingham, May 15, 1758. Concerning his professional life and place of residence but little is known in Hingham, except that tradition says he removed to

Gridley Thaxter, fourth son of Major Samuel and Abigail (Smith) Thaxter, was born in Hingham, April 9, 1756. He studied medicine with his brother Thomas, and was for some time surgeon on an armed vessel during the War of the Revolution. About the year 1780 he was settled in Abington ; and as a physician for more than half a century, enjoyed a very extensive practice. " He probably rode more miles and visited more patients," says his biographer, " than any other physician who ever resided in the County of Plymouth." In 1809 he was elected a Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society. His first wife, whom he married July 13, 1783, was Sarah Lincoln, a daughter of General Benjamin and Mary (Cushing) Lincoln. He died the 10th of Feb., 1845, aged nearly 89 years. Dr. Ezekiel Thaxter, of Abington (Harvard University, 1812), was his son.

Robert Thaxter, born in Hingham, Oct. 21, 1776, was the oldest son of Dr. Thomas and Mary (Barker) Thaxter. He was graduated at Harvard College in the class of 1798, with Dr. Wm. E. Channing, Judge Story, Rev. Perez Lincoln and others, who at a later period were distinguished for their eminent services. After graduating, he studied medicine with his father, and for nearly ten years was a practising physician in Hingham. In 1808 he joined the Massachusetts Medical Society, and in 1842 was elected its vice-president. In 1809 he removed to Dorchester, Mass. There he published the following : -

Notice : Doct. Robert Thaxter informs the Inhabitants of Dorchester that he has taken lodgings at the residence of Mr. William Richards, where he will be ready at all times to attend to his profession. He will inoculate with kine Pox, free of expense, all persons who feel themselves unable to pay. - Columbian Centinel, July 22, 1809.

Dr. Thaxter was an accomplished physician, and highly appreciated in a widely extended circle. Gentlemanly and kind to all, and especially charitable to the needy, " he was indeed the beloved physician." He contracted a ship disease while in the discharge of his professional duties, from which he died the 9th of Feb. 1852, aged 75 yrs. He never married.

Jonas Underwood, who succeeded Dr. Daniel Shute, announced to the public of Hingham and vicinity, through the columns of the local newspaper of April 5, 1839, " that in compliance with an invitation of a committee of the Parish of South Hingham, he has taken rooms at the house of the late Bela Tower, and respectfully tenders to the public his services in the several branches of his profession."

Dr. Underwood was a native of Hudson, N. H. Receiving his early education in his native town, and in the academy at Exeter, he afterwards entered Harvard University, and was graduated in 1815, in the class with Appleton Howe, William Sweetzer, John Jeffries, and others, who in later years be- came distinguished as physicians. He subsequently was employed as teacher in a school at Philadelphia, Pa., and in 1822 received his medical diploma from the university of that State. After participating in the advantages of hospital and dispensary practice under the most distinguished professors of Philadelphia, he commenced the practice of his profession at Andover, Mass. He joined the Massachusetts Medical Society in 1837, and resigned his membership' in 1849. In 1839 he removed to Hingham, as previously stated. Here he was highly esteemed as a physician and citizen by his many patrons, up to the time of his decease. He was unostentatious and of sound judgment, possessing many excellent qualities of mind and heart, and his patients found in him at all times a warm and sincere friend. He died in Hingham, the 26th of Feb., 1850, in the 62d year of his age. The record of his family is given in Vol. III., p. 271, of this History.