Hingham Town (part 9 of 9)

Concerning the early history of the original site but little can be said, for it undoubtedly dates back to the commencement of the last century, when the locality was settled by the sons of the first planters in Hingham, and the burials as well as the transactions of that period are nearly all involved in obscurity. As seen from our modern standpoint, this early occupied ground looks rough and untidy. Its tombs show evidences of neglect as well as of decay, and many of its memorials are moss-covered and unintelligible. With a comparatively trifling expenditure of time and monev, however, this ancient landmark would be a source of great attraction to many persons ; for much valuable information lies partially concealed here, which is not accessible elsewhere. Of the surnames more noticeable upon the older stones are Bates, Beal, Kent, Lincoln, Nichols, Pratt, Tower, etc. ; the most ancient of these having been erected to the memory of Sarah Pratt, wife to Aaron Pratt, who died July 22, 1706, aged 42 years.

There also are two well preserved memorial stones in this old ground which attract attention from an historical point of view. They bear the following inscriptions : -

Nehemiah Hobart

The first addition, in which " old Corpy's " (Corporal Beal) house previously referred to stood, has a front entrance on North Main Street, which affords easy access to this portion of the ground.

The later acquisition is approached from Joy Place. It has the waters of Little Harbor near by, which are dotted with picturesque island views, and the strong contrast between the new and the more antique place of sepulchre is made especially noticeable from its close connection with the latter. Its avenues and walks are conveniently arranged ; the grounds and copings are well kept ; its monuments and memorials are of modern design, and evince good taste in their selection. They are all of recent construction, are finely executed, pleasing to the eye. At its organization in 1867 the following officers were chosen : George Beal, Jr., President ; Edward Tower, Secretary ; Levi N. Bates, Treasurer; Edward E. Tower, John Bates, Philander Bates, Directors.

The officers chosen at the annual meeting of the proprietors in 1892 were : Charles A. Gross, President ; Newcomb B. Tower, Secretary ; Caleb Lothrop, Treasurer ; Edward E. Ellms, Philander Bates, Directors. The President, Secretary, and Treasurer are also Directors ex officiis.

Fort Hill Cemetery

The Fort Hill Cemetery, as it was used for more than a century, consisted of less than a half-acre of ground lying on the southeasterly side of the road leading from the westerly part ot Himrham to Weymouth. This small piece of land was probably one of the many pieces not granted by the original proprietors, and like many of these pieces was taken possession of and occupied without the formality of a grant.

When the Proprietors gave their remaining undivided lands to the town, in 1788, this burial-place passed to the town and thus became one of the two public burial-places in the town. It seems to have been used by a few families residing in the vicinity, namely: Ward, Waterman, French, Beal, Lincoln, and a few others. Most of these family names have now ceased to have representatives in this locality.

The part of the highway now Fort Hill Street, bordering upon this burial-place was discontinued and enclosed and became a part of it, but from its rocky character it is of little benefit. On this portion, and near the southeasterly line of the old road, three tombs were erected about the year 1825, and since that time others have been built. These now occupy nearly the whole extent of the older portion of the road.

For many years few interments had been made in the old ground and the few memorial stones had become displaced and broken, as well as moss-grown ; and the stray cattle disputed possession of such scanty herbage as struggled for growth amid thorns and briers, while the old neglected ground was waiting the advent of the spirit of some " Old Mortality " to redeem it from waste and desecration.

This came at last, as so many excellent things do come, from the devotion and labor of woman. The women of this vicinity, who by organized effort and well-directed labor, had obtained sufficient funds to warrant the beginning of a work of improvement, caused a meeting of those interested in the burying-ground to be called in November, 1851.

This meeting was well attended, and out of it came the organization of the Fort Hill Cemetery Corporation the same year. This was immediately followed by the purchase of about three acres of land in the rear and to the west of the old ground, the laying out of the land into lots, the grading and sale of a portion of the same, the fencing of the land, the planting of trees and hedges and the general work pertaining to a well ordered cemetery, and this has been continued to the present time.

In the meantime the ladies continued their well-directed efforts, holding a fair each year for the sale of the products of their labor, the results from which have been sufficient to meet the appropriated for placing in the " old ground " a granite monument commemorative of the "Early Settlers of the West part of Hingham." In addition to the sum of $4,482.67, contributed by the ladies, who are now organized under the statutes as " The Ladies Fort Hill Sewing Circle in Hingham," they have given to the proprietors of the cemetery $2,000, to be held as a fund, the income of which is to be devoted to the care of the cemetery. In 1890 a chapel similar in form to the one in the Hingham cemetery, but of smaller size, was erected. The contractor was J. F. Yinal of Weymouth.

In 1866, the proprietors purchased of the estate of David Brown about one acre of land on the northwesterly side of Fort Hill Street, for the material to be used in filling and grading lots ; the ledges underlying much of the cemetery ground requiring large filling to fit the lots for burial purposes.

The town by vote have given the proprietors the care and management of the " Old Burying Ground," reserving therein a lot for the burial of such as may have no one to provide for them ; and the town also appropriated $75 towards building the fence on the line of the cemetery and the schoolhouse lot.

High Street Cemetery

This well kept and conveniently located burial-place for the inhabitants of the south part of the town has been enlarged twice, and within the past twenty years has been greatly improved and beautified. But as is the case with all our ancient graveyards, its early history is somewhat obscure. Tradition says that it was originally used as a burial-place by Indians ; and in support of this theory it is said that Indian remains, rolled up in blankets and lying face downward, were exhumed here at the time of its first general renovation. By others it is claimed that these remains were in tarred blankets, - that they were of persons who died of small-pox in Hingham soon after the war of the Revolution ; but as the Indians had neither blankets nor tar to use before the locality was inhabited by Englishmen, the reliability of the tradition is questioned. In neither instance, however, do these statements detract from the antiquity of this cemetery, for there were families bearing the surnames Bacon, Chubbuck, Dunbar, Jacob, Russell, Tower, Whiton, Wilder, etc., residing here several years before 1681, when the new meeting-house was erected ; and without doubt these families found it more convenient to have a burial-ground in their locality than to put up with the inconvenience of conveying their dead a distance of three or four miles. The oldest stone in this yard from which any information can be gained was designed and is inscribed as follows : -

Aged 9

From 1797 to 1855 this cemetery was controlled and supported by the Parish, and, singular as it may now appear, the records show that from 1806 to 1811, inclusive - certain income was received from letting the same annually to the highest bidder for a sheep and calf pasture. Land was purchased and annexed to the original site in 1804, and again in 1866. In 1885 it was incorporated as the " High Street Cemetery Association." The present officers of the association are as follows : President, Arthur R. Whitcomb ; Secretary, Loring H. Cushing ; Treasurer, Alonzo Gushing ; Directors, Webster Hersey, Alfred Cushing, David Cushing, 2d, William Cushing, and the President, Secretary, and Treasurer, ex officiis ; Sujjerintendent, Christopher B. Hill.

The association has a trust fund for the care of lots, of which Arthur R. Whitcomb is trustee. It is in a flourishing condition, and additional improvements are contemplated in the near future.

Hingham Cemetery

The year in which the older part of this cemetery was first used for burials is uncertain. It probably was not far from the time the new meeting-house was erected, in 1681 ; as it had been a custom in old Hingham, England, for several generations before the early planters came here, to bury the dead in the grounds adjoining the church, or even antedating that period, when their ancestors buried in the grounds around the old monastery which stood where the famous old (St. Andrew) church, of Hingham, England, which was rebuilt in 1316, does now. Some light, however, upon the question of the earlier burials in this cemetery may be gained by the following conveyances : -

S. R. of D., Vol. 22, p. 172 (abstract) : John Coombs of Hing. " Taylor " and Elizabeth his w., in consideration of £120, sell to Nathaniel Hall of Hing. " Physician," home lot of ab. 6 acres situated near the meeting-house with a dwelling-house, etc.. thereon ; bounded on the highway or common land S. W. and W. and N. W. ; Samuel Thaxter on the E. " and some of it towards the N. E. and part of the front of which lyeth towards the burying place." This conveyance was recorded in 1703.

S. R. of D., Vol. 27, p. 79 (abstract) : Nathaniel Hall of Hing. " Physician " and Anna his w., for £125, sell to Joshua Tucker of sd. Hing., all that their home lot of 6 acres (as previously described and bounded) " and part of the front lying towards the burying-place, and southerly upon a square rode of land bounded upon the front fence by the grave of Josiah Loring, deceased, and upon a square rode of land bounded upon the front fence by the grave of Rachel Fearing and upon the graves at the south comer of said land," etc. This deed was acknowledged the 28th of March, 1713.

Entrance To Hingham Cemetery

(Abstract.) In a deed dated at Hing. June 17, 1718, Joshua Tucker (before-mentioned) conveys to sundry persons hereinafter named, for a burying-place, lots of from one-half to one rod each, at the rate of 10s. per square rod. The boundaries of the said burying-place are described as follows : " towards the S. E. with the land of Samuel Thaxter as the fence now standeth ; S. W. with the Common behind the meeting-house as the fence now standeth ; and N. E. and N. W. with the residue of my sd lot."

During the last and the early part of the present century the successive owners of this ground sold grave-lots to various individuals for what would now be considered a very trifling sum. These sales were usually recorded in the private account-books of the proprietors. They were made not only by Joshua Tucker, but also by Elisha Leavitt, Colonel Nathan Rice, and other successive owners, Thomas Loud being the last person who sold grave-lots here in this way. As an illustration of the small compensation received from these sales before the present century, I copy from the day-book of Col. Rice the following : " Jan. 7, 1793. Rufus Lane, Dr. To half a rod of land for a buryingground, 8 shillings " (81.33). It should be remembered in this connection, however, that these grounds were in a rough, unkept condition, without avenues, paths, or shrubbery, and that they were frequently used as common pasturage for cattle, and also as a playground by children who resided in the vicinity.

In 1832 an article appeared in the Hingham Gazette, suggesting " that some measures be taken to render the north burial-grounds more respectable in the eyes of strangers, more worthy of our own character as citizens, and more creditable to the feelings of respect entertained for those who have left the stage of human action forever."

On the 9th of March, 1837, Adam W. Thaxter, of Boston, who was a native of Hingham, purchased of Thomas Loud the burying-ground lot in the rear of the old meeting-house, and adjoining the estate of Rev. Charles Brooks on the east. By act of the Legislature the Hingham Cemetery was incorporated Feb. 28, 1838, and by gift of Mr. Thaxter, dated Jan. 1, 1839, his purchase became the property of certain persons named in the act of incorporation, and of all who should afterwards purchase lots and thereby become proprietors. Mr. Thaxter made a second gift to the proprietors of a lot of land which he purchased May 21, 1838, of Jacob H. Loud. This adjoined a part of his first purchase, and extended to the mill-pond. Nov. 15, 1848, he bought of Atherton Tilden a tract of land which soon became the third gift of Mr. Thaxter to the cemetery corporation.

Tomb Of Rev. Ebenezer Gay, D.D.

Other additions were afterwards made as follows : The proprietors bought of Jacob H. Loud, April 28, 1865, the orchard and garden spot, extending to South Street, which had previously belonged to his father, Thomas Loud. August 22, 1870, a lot in the rear of the easterly part of the First Parish grounds and of the estate of Mrs. Ezekiel Lincoln was presented to the proprietors by Hon. Albert Fearing; and April 16, 1877, an additional tract of land became the property of the corporation by the generous gift of the sightly eminence overlooking the harbor from the heirs of Isaac Hinckley, deceased. This extended to Water Street and gave a third entrance, so that all parts of the ground are now easily accessible from the public thoroughfares in this vicinity.

A liberal sum of money for the improvement of the cemetery has been received from Fairs held in the years 1839, 1842, 1859, and 1866. From these sources upwards of five thousand dollars was raised, which, with the funds derived from the sale of buriallots, has been expended in terracing the hillsides, filling up hollows, constructing avenues and paths, planting ornamental trees and shrubs, and in many other ways beautifying this historic spot.

The grounds now comprise about seventeen acres. They are agreeably diversified by hill and dale, and many elaboratelywrought monuments and headstones of marble and granite add to its various attractions. Here lie the remains of Rev. Peter Hobart (reinterred from the first burial-ground), the first minister of Hingham, and his successors, Revs. John Norton and Ebenezer Gay ; also of Rev. Joseph Richardson and Rev. Calvin Lincoln. Here also are the remains of Col. Samuel Thaxter, Col. Benjamin Lincoln, and his son Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, Gov. John A.

Hingham Cemetery Chapel

A beautiful gothic chapel, designed by J. Sumner Fowler, was erected on North Avenue during the summer and autumn of 1886. It is situated near the South Street entrance-gate, and is easily approached from several directions. It has a spacious auditorium in which to hold funeral services, convenient ante-rooms, and in many other respects affords those indispensable accommodations for a large and well-kept cemetery which are so much needed by the public at the present time.

The oldest gravestone now standing in this ground was originally erected in the first graveyard to the memory of Thomas Barnes, who had a grant of land here in 1637, and was the ancestor of all who have borne this surname in Hingham and vicinity. It bears the following inscription : -

Dyed Ye 29 Day Of

The next oldest headstone is that of Capt. John Thaxter, who, while a boy, came to Hingham with his father, Thomas. It was undoubtedly placed over the grave of Mr. Thaxter in the first graveyard, and had been removed thence when that buryingplace was allowed to fall into decay. The inscription reads : -

The earliest headstone erected in this cemetery, although no doubt there were other burials here previously, has upon it the following : - Here Lies ye

Of the historic monuments of the present century are the sarcophagus bearing an inscription to the memory of Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, the monument " To the First Settlers of Hingham, Erected by the Town, 1839," the soldiers' and sailors' monument, and the statue of Governor Andrew.

Treasurers : Up to 1870 the office of Treasurer was held by the Secretary ; since then it has been separate duty. Elijah L. Whiton, 1870-81 ; Enos Loring, 1881.

First Settlers' Monument

In 1867 the Directors voted not to choose a Committee on Improvements, but in place thereof to create the office of Superintendent, to which office John Todd was elected. Mr. Todd still holds this position, having been re-elected annually since the date -of its adoption.

Hingham Centre Cemetery

The older part of this centrally located, well-kept, and easily approached cemetery was probably first occupied for burial purposes as early as 1700. Its ancient memorials are numerous, well preserved, and carefully arranged ; and they afford much valuable information in the way of names and dates to the antiquary and genealogist. In the absence of any record by which to fix the precise time when burials were first made here, the inscription upon the oldest stone originally erected here (which corresponds in elate with that first erected in the Hingham Cemetery) will throw some light upon its early occupancy. The inscription reads thus : -

There is, however, another stone in this inclosure of still greater antiquity, which originally stood in the first burial-ground where the early settlers were buried ; but which within the present century was taken to Hingham Centre and re-erected in this cemetery. It bears the following inscription : -

Of Mathew Hawke Aged 74 Years

Concerning the early history of this burial-place but little information can be obtained. It was undoubtedly rough, unfenced, and almost uncared for until after the Revolution. But with the establishment of our National Independence there seems to have come a desire for improvement, and this was made manifest both by individual and corporative acts.

" Voted, That all the Proprietors ways and undivided land be given up to the Town for their use and benefit forever on the following conditions, viz : That a highway be laid out beginning at the northerly end of the road leading from Tho? Cushing's house to extend North 27° west, and 4 rods in width 'till it comes into the road leading from Great Plain. Also that a road be laid out beginning at the northwest corner of the road leading from Elisha Lane's shop, to extend north 49° west, 3 rods in width 'till it comes into the aforesaid town road ; and that the land between the two roads aforesaid be reserved for a training field ; and that the land to the eastward of the said ways be reserved for a burying-place ; and that no building be erected upon the said training field, or buryingground ; that the town accept of the aforesaid roads, and all the Proprietors ways and repair them as other public roads [are] if necessary."

" Voted, To accept of the Proprietors' ways, and of the Proprietors' land, not before disposed of, which they at a meeting held this present day made a grant to the town of Hingham."

"Whereas several persons have requested leave of the town to set up a fence in front of the burying-ground on the Plain, the committee appointed to take their request into consideration have examined the ground and report that the petitioners have leave to set up a fence beginning at the southeasterly corner of Elijah "Waters' land, and to run northerly in a direct line until it strikes twelve feet westward of the monument of Fearing's tomb; thence northwardly until it strikes the town garden ; to make a proper gate to pass and repass to and from the town's barn, with cart, etc. ; and that the town reserve the right to direct said fence to be removed ; and that the said burying-ground to be laid common whenever they shall see fit."

" The town shall be at the expense of fencing out a way to their barn, or removing said barn from their land." [Signed] David Cushing, per order.

" Voted, That the people who occupy the burying-ground on the Plain have leave to appoint a committee to regulate said burying-ground, and that Hawkes Fearing, Esqr., be authorized and requested to notify a meeting for the pui'pose."

View In Hingham Centre Cemetery

An Act of Incorporation was granted to the proprietors, May 21, 1849, by the Legislature, and at the annual meeting, in May, 1850, the following officers were chosen, viz. : Luther Stephenson, President ; Thomas Cushing, 2d, Secretary ; Martin Fearing, John Leavitt, Robert Burr, David Whiton, and Hawkes Fearing, Jr., Directors.

June 1, 1849. The President and Directors bought from the estates of Robert Burr, Pyam C. Burr, and Justin Ripley, Jr., land to straighten the cemetery line.

June 2, 1849. The town sold to the President, Directors, and Company of this cemetery a piece of land containing one acre and twenty rods, bounded northerly on land of Robert Burr, Pyam C. Burr, and Justin Ripley, Jr., easterly on Back [now Spring] Street, southerly on land of the grantors occupied for schoolhouses, and westerly on the old burying-ground.

The affairs of this cemetery are now in a very satisfactory condition. It has a trust fund, contributed by sundry individuals, the income of which is devoted to the care of their lots. The grounds, which embrace about three acres, are agreeably diversified with a variety of trees and shrubs ; the avenues and paths are conveniently arranged and in good order ; and many excellent specimens of the sculptor's art, which beautify and add attractiveness to the place, have recently been erected.

At the annual meeting in 1892, the following officers werechosen, viz.: Ebed L. Ripley, President; Joseph H. French, Secretary and Treasurer; John K. Corthell, William Thomas, Justin Ripley, William Fearing, 2d, and Hawkes Fearing, Directors ; William Thomas, Superintendent of Grounds.

Jerusalem Road Cemetery

On the southeast side of Jerusalem Road, a short distance from Hull Street, is a picturesque driveway leading to elevated ground, on the left-hand side of which the old burial-place on Jerusalem Road is located. It takes in a most charming ocean, lake, and landscape view, and nearly all the summer residences of this neighborhood are brought vividly into prominence, and add greatly to the effect and beauty of the scene. The cemetery of itself, however, receives but little care, and therefore presentsbut few attractions. It needs to be judiciously modernized and embellished by a skilful hand to be in keeping with its surroundings and with the spirit of the age. The part originally used as a burial-ground was undoubtedly consecrated to this purpose more than one hundred and fifty years ago, or soon after the locality was settled and a mill erected. Its improvement, therefore, should interest all who reside in this vicinity, even if no higher motive be considered than to adorn, and beautify, and preserve it for its antiquity, as well as for the hallowed memories which cluster around it.

Here Lies The Body In Memory Of

Several years since, additional land adjoining the original ground was purchased, thereby increasing its area to about two acres. Its present proprietors were granted an Act of Incorporation as the Nantasket Cemetery Association, April 22, 1879. The officers of this association are, Joseph Hicks, President; Walter S. Beal, Secretary.

Further along on the right, or southeast side of Jerusalem Road, near the little stream known as " Rattle Snake Run," is a small, uncared-for burial-place, which probably belonged to the Nichols family. It contains some ten or twelve ancient gravestones which mark the last resting-place principally of the children of parents who early settled in this locality. The oldest stone bears the following inscription : -

Liberty Plain Cemetery

On the 28th of February, 1755, David Garnett, in consideration of £1 12s. conveyed to " Samuel Garnett, Samuel Dunbar, Samuel Garnett, Jr., Enoch Whiton, Benjamin Garnett, Jr., Stephen Garnett, Thomas Garnett, Solomon Loring, Jr., David Garnett, Jr., Nathaniel Garnett, Samuel Wyton, Jr., Daniel Wyton, Jeremiah Chubbuck, Nehemiah Sprague, Robert Dunbar, Hannah Dunbar, and David Farrow, all of Hingham, in the County of Suffolk, and Benjamin Dunbar, Hezekiah Stodder, Benjamin Tower, John Corthell, and Jacob Whiton, of Scituate, in the County of Plymouth, and Robert Corthell and Benjamin Whiting, of Abington, one quarter acre of land in the Great Plain, so called, now used and appropriated for a burying-place."

Although the foregoing conveyance was not made until 1755, yet for sixteen years previously the land had been used for burial purposes as will be seen by the following : -

" August the 29th 1739 Seth Cushings Dafter Deborah Died at 10 months old - and was the fust that was Buryed in the new Buryingplafe wich was purched of Dauid Garnet by the pepell at the Sout End of the town." - Extract from Samuel Garnet's Diary.

The original ground contained twenty-five lots, with a walk the entire length on the north side. Within these lots lie the remains of the earlier settlers of " ye Great Plain," so called ; and the surnames Whiton, Garnett or Garnet, and Dunbar are the more numerous ones upon the ancient gravestones. With but few exceptions, there were not many early residents of Liberty Plain who reached their " three score years and ten," a large percentage having passed away between the ages of forty-five and sixty, as is shown by the inscriptions upon some of the ancient gravestones.

Of His

For a period of more than half a century the little burial-ground was large enough for the requirements of this section of the town ; and it was not until 1817-18 that additional land was needed or secured. The loss of all records prior to this date renders it impossible, therefore, to furnish the names of persons who were connected with its supervision or management.

* Lieut. John Pratt, of Weymouth, and Sarah Garnet were married Nov. 15, 1737, he being at that time seventy-four years old ; and if the age given upon her gravestone at her decease is correct, Mrs. Garnet must have been seventy-seven years old at the time of her marriage with Lieutenant Pratt.

The present " Liberty Plain Cemetery Association " was incorporated in 1866 ; since when there has been a steady and continued improvement each year in and around the cemetery. Additional land has been obtained and tastefully laid out in lots; driveways and walks have been constructed, and the old burying-place has put on a more cheerful and modern aspect. The officers of the association are Seth Sprague, President and Treasurer, and John C. Gardner, Secretary.

A few of the earlier residents of this village had, as was customary in olden times, private tombs on their own premises ; but there were none of earlier origin than the burying-ground. These have all been removed, and the remains which they contained were placed in the Liberty Plain and High Street cemeteries.

The Bier And Hearse

Prior to the year 1824, the dead were carried to the grave upon a bier, the handles of which were placed on the shoulders of the friends or neighbors who had been selected as "underbearers." Where the distance was great, two and sometimes three sets of " bearers " officiated by turns for the purpose of relieving those who first started with the body. Many of our elderly people remember this method of burial.

Another singular feature in connection with the old-time interments, as viewed from our modern standpoint, is, that up to the present century it was customary to distribute gifts among the relatives or near friends of the deceased at funerals, such as handkerchiefs, gloves, neckwear, and even ornamental trinkets ; also refreshments, including a bountiful supply of liquors, the latter being freely furnished to all who entered the house of mourning.

Before the Revolution the price of a coffin lined with cambric and cotton, and having one stationary square of glass at the top, was from 8 to 9 shillings. A winding sheet cost about 3s. or 3s. and 4d. For tolling the bell, including a passing bell, two shillings ; and for digging a grave, four shillings was the current price.

A hearse was first used in Hingham at the burial of Miss Martha Thaxter, who died the 6th" of Sept. 1824. She was to have been buried the 8th, but, owing to a slight disagreement upon some minor point between the " bearers " and others, the interment did not take place until the 9th, when a hearse was borrowed for the occasion from Weymouth. Shortly after, a meeting of the citizens residing within the limits of the North Parish was held (Sept. 11 and 15) at the north male school- house, at which a committee was appointed to procure a funeral car and harness, at a cost not exceeding one hundred and seventy dollars. A building was then erected near the present entrance gate of the Hingham Cemetery, near the old meeting-house, in which the car, or hearse, was kept, until it was removed to Elm Street.

The hearse with its equipments was owned by proprietors, and there were about three hundred shareholders to the capital stock. Single shares were placed at $1 each, and were transferable. This hearse was completed Dec. 18, 1824, and was first used at the burial of Mrs. Martha S., wife of Benjamin S. Williams. She died the 21st of Dec, 1824.

After more than forty years of service the old hearse became somewhat antiquated, as well as out of repair, and unsuited to the solemnities of a funeral occasion. The committee, therefore,, who had charge of the same issued the following notice : -

Voted, That all persons who have paid $1- for the use of said Car may become proprietors by notifying either of the Committee chosen for that purpose and paying $1- within thirty days from the time of holding this, meeting, to Henry Siders, Joseph Ripley, or Bela H. Whiton.

The new " Car " was completed in April, 1865, at a cost of about $300. It was first brought into use at the funeral of Capt. Thomas Andrews, April 14, 1865 ; and five days later (April 19, 1865), was drawn by four white horses in the procession at the funeral solemnities of President Abraham Lincoln.

Within the memory of many of our citizens the inhabitants of South Hingham were dependent upon the hearse located at the north part of the town for the means of transporting their dead to a place of burial. This method of conveyance, with an occasional use of the bier, was kept up until 1843, when a hearse was purcbased, and the present hearse-house near the church was erected in which to keep it.

The proprietors at their last election chose the following officers, viz. : Elijah Shute, President; William Cushing, Clerk; Charles Q. Cushing, Treasurer.

County Relations

May 10, 1643, the Colony of Massachusetts Bay was divided into four counties, namely, Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. The last was composed of the towns of Haverhill, Salisbury,, Hampton, Exeter, Dover, and Strawberry Bank (Portsmouth). The four last-named towns having been " taken off " upon the separation of New Hampshire from Massachusetts in 1680, the others were set back to Essex Feb. 4, 1680, and the original County of Norfolk ceased to exist. Hingham and Hull were in Suffolk, - Cohasset being until 1770 a part of Hingham.

The County of Norfolk, as incorporated March 26, 1793, included all the original territory of Suffolk except the towns of Boston and Chelsea. Hingham, Hull, and Cohasset, therefore, were to become a part of the new County of Norfolk, but before the new county went into operation as such, the act establishing it was repealed " so far as it respects the towns of Hingham and Hull," June 20, 1793.

Hingham and Hull therefore remained in Suffolk until June 13, 1803, when they were set off from Suffolk and annexed to the County of Plymouth.

Population Almshouses And Workhouses

There were two classes of people whose condition affected the general welfare, to which the colonists gave early consideration ; and the same classes exist to-day as they always have and always will in society. They comprise, in the words of the early laws and the later statutes, those who are " poor and indigent and want means to employ themselves," and those " who neglect and refuse to exercise any lawful calling or business to support themselves." In other words, society recognizes the justice of helping those who would work but cannot, and of compelling those to work who can but will not.

A colony law of 1639 gives authority to certain magistrates to dispose of poor persons in " such towns as they shall judge to be most fit for the maintenance and employment of such persons and families for the ease of this country."

Further colony and province laws relating to the care of the poor were passed in 1659, 1674, 1675, and 1720, and one in 1692, providing for the compulsory employment of " idle persons and loiterers."

In 1743 [17 George II. Ch. 2] there was passed " an Act for erecting work -houses for the reception and employment of the idle and indigent." This was the first general law authorizing towns to erect such houses, and it was essentially the same as the Massachusetts Act of 1788, Chapter 30, which has been practically in force to the present time, being modified from time to time as advancing civilization required.

This is so well-known a department of our social system that it is not necessary to recite the details of the laws relating to it. It is sufficient to say that the common law of humanity prompts all Christian people to lend a willing, helping hand to the helpless, and the exact and inexorable law of justice demands that every able-bodied member of the human race should perform his part in maintaining and promoting general prosperity.

In 1784, or early in 1785, " the House for the poor of the town " was erected. The building, which is now private property, stands on its original site, on the westerly side of Short Street, and the account rendered by the committee, dated March 3, 1786, shows that it cost, including the well, <£373 17s. 2d. Among the disbursements in 1786 authorized by the selectmen is one of <£14 ,14s., paid to Joshua Loring " for Overseeing the Poor." He was the first keeper of the Almshouse. The Selectmen's Records for the annual town-meeting, March 6, 1786, show amounts paid to John Cushing for carting goods to the workhouse, and to Charles

The second house was a brick structure which stood on the triangle of land bounded by Main, Pond, and Pleasant streets, and was built in 1817. It was destroyed by fire Nov. 19, 1831. The following account of the fire is from the Hingham Gazette : -

" Our village was alarmed on Saturday morning last, at about one o'clock, by the cry of fire in the Almshouse. The fire had advanced so far when discovered that the few individuals who were on the spot, after an ineffectual attempt to extinguish it, thought it most prudent to remove immediately all the inmates of the house, the town paupers, records, furniture, etc., in which they were successful. The engine companies were on the ground promptly with their engines, but the progress of the flames was so rapid that they could do nothing more than protect other property which was exposed. Within two hours from the time they arrived the building was consumed and its brick walls fell in. By this calamity the town sustains a loss estimated from $4,000 to $5,000, and at a season of the year when it will be impracticable to repair the loss. The Overseers of the Poor have caused the dwelling-house belonging to the town, on the Almshouse lot, to be fitted up for the reception of a considerable portion of the poor,, which, together with the accommodations hospitably tendered by the overseers of some of the neighboring towns and the kindness of friends, will enable them to place them all in a comfortable situation during the winter."

Steps were taken by the town to supply the place of the Almshouse thus destroyed, and at a town-meeting held Feb. 14, 1832, a committee made a detailed report in relation to the site and kind of a building proposed to be erected. This committee recommended to the town " the purchase of a tract of land lying upon Weymouth Back River, adjoining the Hingham and Quincy turnpike, containing about 43 acres, consisting of tillage, mowing, pasture, woodland, and salt marsh, at an estimated cost of $2,000, and the erection of a brick building 70 feet in length, three stories in height (including the basement), with a projection in front, and two brick partition-walls separating the centre from the wings, at an estimated cost of $4,749.02." The report was accepted and the recommendations adopted. The land was purchased, since known as the " Town Farm," and contracts were made for the building which was erected in 1832. It was the same building which has since been in use as an almshouse and workhouse.

The entire cost of the " Almshouse Establishment," according to the published reports of the town, which include land, almshouse, well, pump, yard to house, shed and other outbuildings, barn, cholera-house, and cells, amounted to $10,839.94.

employed before the purchase of the farm. The farm gives those inmates who are willing to work an opportunity to do so, and compels those who are naturally idle to contribute something towards their support. The products not consumed on the premises are sold, and the income thus produced decreases somewhat the annual expense to the town. These houses were also retreats for the insane, whose condition was greatly changed for the better upon their removal to the Town Farm. Instead of being confined as they had been, it was found that the policy of giving them greater freedom operated favorably, and it proved in many cases that a considerable amount of labor could be performed by them.

A liberal sum has always been appropriated yearly by the town for the support of the poor both in and out of the house, and it is with pride that we point to the comparatively small amount of actual poverty in the town.

Town House

All the town-meetings were held in the Old Meeting-house from January, 1681-2, to October, 1780. After that date, to accommodate the voters residing in the south part of the town, some of the meetings were held in the meeting-house of the Second Parish.

March 13, 1827, the First Parish voted " that no more Town meetings shall be held in the meeting-house of the First Parish, from and after the last day of February next." After that date meetings were held in the hall of the Derby Academy, or in the meeting-house of the Second Parish until the erection of a Town House.

May 7, 1844, a contract was made by a building committee, appointed by the town, with Samuel G. Bay ley, in which Mr. Bayley agreed that he would " on or before the first day of November next, erect, build, and complete, on a lot of land situated on Main Street, in said Hingham, being the premises purchased by the said Inhabitants of the Town of Hingham, for that purpose, of John Loring, a Town Hall " for the sum of $3,400. It stood on Main Street, opposite the present site of the Evangelical Congregational Church.

The building was never very satisfactory and finally proved to be inadequate for the needs of the town. In 1872 the town took a lease of the parts of Agricultural Hall which had been prepared for its use, for fifteen years from Oct. 1, 1872, at an annual rent of $700. The lease was renewed for fifteen years from Oct. 1, 1887, at an annual rent of $750, - the Agricultural Society having constructed a fire-proof brick vault for the purpose of preserving the papers and documents of the town, and granting a more general use of the building than under the former lease.

Anniversary Celebrations

The 200th anniversary of the settlement of the town was celebrated Sept. 28, 1835, with fitting ceremonies. The day was ushered in with the ringing of bells, and at an early hour the gathering commenced from various parts of the town. There was a procession escorted by the Hingham Rifle Company, Capt. Corbett, and the Washington Guards, Capt. Cazneau. Among the distinguished guests were Lieut.-Governor Armstrong, Hon. John Quincy Adams, and Col. Robert C. Winthrop.

In the forenoon there were exercises in the Old Meeting-house, including an address by Hon. Solomon Lincoln. In the afternoon there was a dinner in a pavilion erected for the occasion near the Old Colony House, at which Hon. Ebenezer Gay presided, followed by addresses from the Lieutenant-Governor, Hon. Peleg Sprague, Mr. Adams, and others. There was also a ladies' collation in Willard Hall. The celebration was in all respects satisfactory, and highly honorable to the town.

In like manner the 250th anniversary of the settlement of the town was celebrated Sept. 15, 1885. There was ringing of the bells, a national salute of thirty-eight guns, a procession, exercises in the Old Meeting-house, with an address by Mr. Solomon Lincoln, son of the former orator, a dinner in Agricultural Hall, and illuminations. Governor Robinson, escorted by the First Corps of Cadets, M. V. M., commanded by Lieut -Col. Edmands, was the chief guest. Hon. John D. Long was president of the day, and there were many interesting addresses at the dinner.

A full account of each of these celebrations is in print, and both occasions were marked by general rejoicing and festivity throughout the town.

Office. Postmaster. Date Of Appointment

The above list was furnished, in March, 1890, by Mr. Marshall Cushing [II. 180], private secretary to Postmaster-General Wanamaker. Of the above-named, George M. Hudson, Ezekiel Fearing, and Ebenezer C. Fearing do not appear to have qualified themselves to act.

Thomas Thaxter kept it in Loring's Building, on the westerly side of Main Street, at Broad Bridge, where the Federalists used to assemble and discuss the affairs of the town. Elisha Cushing kept it in the building which formerly stood on the southeasterly corner of Main and South streets.

Thomas Loud kept it in his hatter' s-shop on the hill in front of the Academy until the hill was removed, after which he kept it in Loring's Building. Here it was kept also by John Kingman and Rufus W. Lincoln until the latter removed it to the central part of Ford's Building, across Thaxter's Bridge. In 1853 Charles B. W. Lane removed it to his store at the junction of North and South streets, which is now the Isaac Little Hose house.

Hosea J. Gardner moved it to the building at the northeasterly corner of Main and South streets. Here it was kept for a time by Mr. Gardner, Mr. Siders, and Miss Gardner, and then removed to South Street in the new Lincoln Building, nearly on the same site as that occupied by previous postmasters in the Loring Building. It remained continuously in the Lincoln Building until George Cushing's appointment, when he removed it to the building on the northwest side of South Street, just east of Main Street.

The South Hingham post-office was first kept by Quincy Lane in his store on the east side of Main Street. Seth S. Hersey moved it farther north to the building next to his dwelling-house. Edmund French kept it near the present residence of Charles W. Cushing. Andrew Cushing kept it in the southerly end of his house. Josiah Lane moved it to his store, which was its original

The Hingham Centre post-office was kept in the Public Library Building until the appointment of Capt. Peter N. Sprague when it was removed to the building at the junction of Main and School streets, where it has since remained.

Custom-House

In 1831 Hingham became " a port of delivery in the District of Boston and Charlestown," with a deputy-collector. From the official correspondence on file at the Boston Custom-House it seems evident that the port was established Feb. 23, 1831, and continued to be such for forty-five years. For many years the records of the office give evidence of quite an amount of commerce here, but gradually the vessels diminished in number until at last there was little left for the deputy to do, and the office was abolished.

From May 26, 1840, John K. Corbett appears to have acted, during the administration of Henry Thaxter, in granting licenses or enrolment, probably as inspector, and at other times inspectors have signed the record for the deputy.

Hingham And Quincy Bridge And Turnpike Corporation

The Act of Incorporation was dated March 5, 1808. The bridges and turnpike were built and completed, as appears by a report of the committee provided by the Act of 1808, and by them duly accepted Nov. 19, 1812, but they had been used for public travel before that date. The first meeting bf the proprietors for the purpose of organization was held in Quincy, Feb. 3, 1812. The final meeting was held in Hingham, July 15, 1863. The Act dissolving the corporation was passed April 30, 1862, and the bridges were made free July 4, 1864.

$23,771.81 There were additional expenditures and subsequent assessments to pay the cost of the bridges, and expenses of various petitioners for the Act of Incorporation.

The amount received from the counties of Norfolk and Plymouth on the final dissolution of the corporation, including the expenses of commissioners, was $17,810.15. Lemuel Brackett, of Quincy, was clerk of the corporation from 1813 until his resignation in 1855, when his son Jeffrey R. Brackett, was chosen and re-elected during the remainder of the existence of the corporation. Martin Fearing, of Hingham, was president of the directors from 1820 until the corporation ceased to exist. Thomas Cushing was tollgatherer from 1818 until 1862, and was retained by the selectmen having the care of the bridges afterwards.

A history of the Corporation was published in the Quincy Patriot of Feb. 27, 1864, and there was an account of a celebration, on the bridges becoming free, published in the Quincy Patriot of July 9, 1864.

Acadians (French Neutrals), their surrender and expatriation, families of, quartered in Hingham, and burials of, i. 255, 256, 257 ; ii. 356.

Accord Pond and its surroundings, i. 185 ; a preliminary survey gave ample proof of its capacity to supply the wants of the inhabitants of Hingham, ii. 263 ; other references to the pond, 265.

Act of the Legislature authorizing the town of Hingham to take and hold the waters of Accord Pond and the waters that flow into it, ii. 264 ; repeated refusal of the Town to accept the Act, 265 (5).

Acts of the Legislature incorporating the Hingham and Quincy Bridge and Turnpike corporation, ii. 385 ; the Hingham Mutual Fire Insurance Company, 271.

Agricultural societies, first one in Hingham, date of its formation and discontinuance, list of its first members, officers chosen, record of one of its meetings, etc., ii. 187, 188.

Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, commander and members of the ; also discourses and sermons delivered before the, i. 219, 305 ; ii. 44, 202, 203, 204, 211, 223.

217. Bicknell, George 2d, i. 363. Bicknell, Levi, i. 314. Bicknell, Quincy, § ii. 199. Bicknell, Samuel, i. 314. Bicknells, family reunion of the, ii. 199. Bicknell, Thomas, i. 300. Bier and hearse, the, ii. 377, 378. Billerica, two hundredth anniversary of

Blackman, John II., killed at Fredericksburg, i. 344. Blackman, Lemuel S., death of, i. 343. Black-Rock House, i. 165. Black-Snake Hill, i. 191. Blair, Frederick C., Master-at-Arms, U. S.

and regular garrison at, 285, 294. Broad Cove Street, i. 180. Bronsdon, Samuel, i. 341, 346. Brookfield, address delivered at, ii. 211. Brooks, Charles,* § his efforts to promote

Cambridge, address delivered before the Alumni of the Theological School at, ii. 225 ; also before the University and Divinity School, 218, 219 ; other references, 220, 228.

Captains and Colonels, other than those belonging to Hingham, in whose command were men serving on the quota of the town, i. 312, 313, 320, 321.

Chamberlin's Run, i. 194. Chamberlin's Swamp, i. 194. Chamberlin, William, i. 237. Cliamplaia period (geological), i. 58. Champlin, David H., i. 356. Chancery (for Plymouth county), master

Cordage, commencement of the manufacture of, by Hawkes Fearing ; incorporation of the Hingham Cordage Company ; destruction of its rope-walk and contents by fire ; new works erected; other manufacturers of, ii. 175, 176.

Crow Point (Hingham Harbor), a military encampment at, i. 285, 288 ; other references to the locality, i. 176, 177. See also Downer Landing.

Derby Academy, i. 188 ; its founder and benefactor, ii. 115, 116 ; first opened as a school, 129, 130 ; importance of the annual lecture in years past, 137 ; its hall frequently used at a former period by religious societies, for town meetings, social gatherings, etc., 135 ; unsuccessful attempt to utilize it for the purpose of a high school for the town, 136, 137.

Descendants of the early settlers of Hingham, and bearing their surnames, who served in the Revolution, and in the Civil War, i. 328, 368, 369.

290, 291. Early controversy in Hingham, Winthrop's account of the, ii. 5-16. Early customs relating to burials, ii. 377. Early market-places, communication by

71, 72. Equalization of the schools, ii. 95. Escaped prisoners, i. 252, 258, 259, 260. Essex Agricultural Society, address before the, ii. 222. Estimated benefits of Water-works for

243. Fee, Michael, death of, i. 344. Felt makers, ii. 178. Female schools established, ii. 89, 90. Female teachers, first mention of, ii. 88. Feres, Jno., i. 237. Fernando, Adam (Boston), i. 312. Ferry, Anthonv, and his family (Acadians), i. 256, 257. Fidelity and usefulness, the life of

303. Fire-arms required at all public assemblies, i. 213, 216. Fire buckets, former use of, ii. 305, 306. Fire companies, first exhibition of Hingham, ii. 259. Fire department, history of the Hingham,

First corps of cadets ; date of organization, disbandment, and re-organization ; veteran officers of the corps who served in the Civil War, i. 373, 374.

Fishing as a local industry from 1750 to 1850 (excepting during the Revolution and the War of 1812) a prominent pursuit; persons engaged in the business, ii. 171-173.

acting Ensign, U. S. N., i. 364, 368. Fuller, Tilson, i. 350. Fulling-mill Brook, Mill, and Pond, i. 196. Fulling-mill Pond, purchase of, ii. 269. Fulling-mill, at Beechwood River, at of Hingham, i. 107-127. Gannett, a discourse on the life and character of Rev. Ezra Stiles, D.D., ii. 213. Gannett, ordination of Rev. Caleb, ii. 205. Garden vegetables, and how to cultivate

Gay, Ebenezer, * § liberality of his theological views; memoir of; sermon delivered at the meeting-house of the First Parish in Hingham at the interment of, ii. 24, 25, 26, 223; texts on special occasions and other references to, i. 251 ; ii. 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 35, 204.

General Knox, i. 329. General Lincoln. See Lincoln, Benjamin. General Montgomery, killed, i. 283. General Putnam (and Ward), enters Boston, i. 294. General Spencer of the Continental army, i. 374. Germantown, the retreat to, i. 314. Gerrish, regiment of Colonel Jacob, i. 319. Gerry, Ivery B , Capt., i. 338. Gesbuct, Lieney, i. 316. Gettysburg, killed at, i. 343. Gibbons, Edward, Major, i. 217. Gifts rare and valuable to the Parish of and sketch of the, i. 300. Glad Tidings Plain and Rock, i. 195. Glass Rock, i. 191. Gleason, Benjamin, § ii. 207. Glines, Alvin R., i. 354. Gloucester, ordination sermon delivered ii. 221. Godfrey, Josiah (Abbingtown), i. 286. Godfrey, Samuel, i. 286. God's commandments and man's tradition, i. 217. Golden or Gould, Daniel (Falmouth), ii. 312, 313, 326. Gordon, William Alexander, t ii. 313. Gorman, James, i. 366. Gorman, John, i. 363. Gorman, John G , i. 366. Gosling, Thomas (Boston), i. 312. Gospel narratives, the, ii. 217. Gospels, a translation of the, ii. 219. Gottchell, Edward, U. S. N., i. 365. Gould, Lincoln, i. 337. Gould, Stephen P., i. 348. Gould, William K., i. 355, 356. Government Island, i. 158. Governor's Hill, i. 168. Governors of Massachusetts who were natives or residents of Hingham, ii. 327, 334, 338. See also chapters on Military and Publications. Graduates of colleges. See Lawyers, ii. 84, 98 ; transfer of, 89. Grampuses, the, i. 158. Grand Army Hall, erection of the, i. 369. Grand Army Posts of Suffolk, oration before the, ii. 215. Granite, its exposures and variations of character, i. 24. Grant of one half township of land in the district of Maine to the trustees of Derby Academy, ii. 132. Grants by the Town to the trustees of the Hingham Public Library, ii. 148.

Hanaford, Phebe A., * § ordination and installation of, ii. 193, 201 ; sermon by, 210. Hancock, John, Governor, Major-General of the Massachusetts Militia, and President of Congress, i. 270, 317. Hancock, sermon at the funeral of Rev.

Fourth of July at, ii. 220. Harden, Hosea, i. 363. Harding, a sermon preached the Sunday after the funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Andrews, ii. 213.

Hingham Agricultural and Horticultural Society, act of incorporation ; erection of Agricultural Hall ; first officers chosen ; life membership ; monthly meetings ; property of the society ; the annual exhibitions, ii. 188-191.

Hingham and Quincy Bridge and Turnpike Corporation ; acts of incorporation and dissolution ; officers, and toll-gatherer of the, ii. 385, 386.

Hingham Bank; date of its establishment and continuance as a State Bank ; reduction of its capital and change in the par value of shares; National Banks authorized by Congress ; charter of the Hingham National Bank; par value of shares changed by the reduction of its capital ; officers, list of, ii. 273, 274.

Hingham Brass Band ; first organization of the, and commencement of rehearsals ; instruments procured ; list of leaders and members, past and present, ii. 300, 301.

Hingham Choral Society, organized in 1885 ; conductors, membership of chorus and orchestra, and works rehearsed by the, ii. 302, 303. See also The Hingham Choral Society.

Hingham Co-operative Bank ; charter granted and by-laws adopted; officers; real estate loans ; shares issued, and total assets of the hank, ii. 277-279.

Hingham Institution for savings, incorporation and organization of the; long and faithful service of its treasurers ; officers ; the benefits and usefulness of savings institutions, ii. 275, 276, 277.

Hingham men ; at Fort William Henry, i. 255; who fought under the king's colors against the French, 269; who died in the Canada expedition, 294 ; and who manned the works at Hull, 294-296.

Hingham Mutual Fire Insurance Company, acts of the Legislature concerning the ; amount of property insured ; officers of the company ; risks, the kind and limit of, ii. 271-273.

Hingham Public Library, act of the legislature incorporating the; its prominent benefactor and donors ; destruction of the first building by fire, and subsequent erection of the present commodious structure; architects, and builder;

Home the basis of the State, ii. 222. Hominy Point, i. 159. Homoeopathy and Homoeopaths, the relations of the Massachusetts Medical Society to, ii. 223. Homoeopathy as we see it, as the public sees it, as allopathy sees and uses it, ii. 223. Homoeopathic Hospital, house surgeon in the Massachusetts, ii. 322.

Knights of Honor, John A. Andrew Lodge No. 1655 of; establishment of the order in Hingham ; its aims and objects, and number of charter members, ii. 296.

Loring Hall, action first taken by the ladies towards its erection ; address at the dedication ; deed of trust, dimensions, cost, and trustees of, ii. 225, 279, 282, 284.

Manufacturing during the colonial period hampered by the restrictions of the home government ; its decline in recent years, and unsuccessful efforts to re-establish, ii. 178, 179.

Free and Accepted, ii. 289-306. Massachusetts Government, historical letters on the first charter of the, ii. 202. Massachusetts Historical Society, members of the, i. 205, ii. 335, 337. Massachusetts Homoeopathic Hospital, house surgeon in the, ii. 322. Massachusetts Legislature, addresses before the, ii. 194 (2), 195 (5), 215 (3). Massachusetts Medical Society, president army, number of, i. 315. Massachusetts, Reports of the Chief Detective of, ii. 226 (2). McCandy, Wm. (Falmouth), i. 312. McCarty, James, i. 348, 361. McConner, Joseph (Falmouth), i. 312. McCrane, Patrick, i. 350. McDonald, John, i. 359. McFarland, invalid regiment of Colonel, i. 312. McNamara, James, i. 361. McNeil, Paul, i. 349. Massacre at Fort William Henry, i. 287. Mast and spar makers, ii. 173. Mast-Bridge Meadows, and Plain, i. 197. Master of Chancery for Plymouth County,

Meeting-house of the First Parish, description and location of the first, and liberty granted for its use as a watchhouse, i. 189, 213, ii. 22 ; erection of the present structure; its antiquity, cost, dimensions, and location ; introduction of pews and stoves ; the two hundredth anniversary of its erection celebrated, ii 35, 36, 211, 219 ; Meeting-house of the First Parish, Hingham, a Discourse on the Re-opening of the, ii. 213.

Meeting-house of the Second Parish (Cohasset) ; votes of the town relating to the first ; cost, date of erection, and dimensions of the present structure, i. 163, ii. 30, 37, 38, 39, 40.

Meeting-house of the Third Congregational Society in Hingham, sermon at the re-opening of the, ii. 225. See also Ecclesiastical History, ii. 1-82.

freedom from, ii. 231. Military history, i. 209-374. Military troubles, early, i. 217, ii. 3-15. Military, volunteer companies of, i. 339. Militia companies, i. 331, 332. Militia company, the last, i. 362. Militia officers to instruct their men in the

Mineralogy, general remarks upon , local specimens on exhibition at the Public Library; varieties found in Hingham, and where they were discovered, i. 75-78.

Monday Night Club, formation and membership ; monthly meetings held for the discussion of topics of general interest; political and religious subjects prohibited ; last meeting of the, ii. 299.

Number of Hingham men who fought in the early wars of the country ; who were under the king's colors against the French ; who performed military duty during the Revolution ; and who Served on the town's quota in the

Old Colony House, date of its erection, and destruction by fire ; its grove opened to the public; military gatherings at, etc., i. 172, 337, 338; ii. 245.

Phoenix Club, adoption of the name " G. I. A. of Scribes and Pharisees ; " afterwards changed to " United Associates ; " dates, and reorganization under the name of " Phoenix Club ; " membership, list of officers, and purposes of the club, ii. 303.

of hymns), ii. 213. Pilgrims, Songs of the, ii. 215. Pine Hill, i. 172. Pine Log Hill, i. 191. Pine Tree Tavern, i. 198. Pirates, capture by, and suffering and

Planter's Fields Lane, i. 176. Planter's Fields (old), i. 173. Planter's Hill, i. 172. Pleasant Beach, i. 161. Pleasant Hill, i. 178. Plough, early introduction of the, ii. 183. Ploughs of Hingham manufacture, ii.

local transportation, ii. 242. Political idea, fidelity to our, ii. 217. Polypetalous exogens, i. 91-107. Pond Rock, i. 168, 169. Ponds of Hingham, i. 1-5. See also Land-

Puffer, Rev. and Mrs. Stephen ; their liberality in furnishing pecuniary aid for the erection of the Methodist meeting-house and parsonage, ii 63, 64.

Raffeett, Thomas, Jr., i. 349, 360. Ragged Island, i. 177. Randall, Stephen, i. 262. Randal], William, i. 366. Randallwining, George, i. 259. Ranslow, a battalion of negroes to carry

341. Read, company of Capt., i. 260. Reardon, Michael, i. 350. Rebel Army, declined accepting a commission in the, i. 356. Recent Period (Geological) ; its effect

347, 367. Reed, John A., i. 351. Reed, regiment of Colonel John, i. 310. Re-enlistments, i. 283. Reformation, an essay tending to promote, ii. 219. Regiments ordered to Canada, i. 301. " Register and Meteorological Journal,"

Reports of the Town of Hingham, including Financial, Fire Department, and School Committee Reports ; Births in 1867 and after ; Marriages and Deaths from 1856; Names of Streets, Lanes, Plains, and Bridges ; Reports on Electric Lighting, Schoolhouses, and Water- Works ; Value of Estates, Voters of the Town, etc., ii. 236- 238.

Rural life and its changes through the influence of railroad transportation and foreign emigration within the past forty or fifty years, i. 208.

flourishing business of, ii. 174. Sailors of the sloop "Mermaid," i. 254. Sailors of the sloop " Sea Flower," i. 260. Sale of fire engines, ii. 258, 260. Salary paid school teachers in the early

178. Saratoga, the victory at, i. 305. Sargent, Ignatius,! ii. 320. Saulsbury, Stephen, i. 255. Savannah, Ga., invested, i. 304. Savary, John,* ii. 47. Savings Institution, number of original of scholars, ii. 95. Schoolhouses, erection and location of, at Great Plain ; in the Second Precinct (Cohasset) ; near Peter Ripley's, on the plain ; other references to, ii. 86, 87, 103-110 School masters and mistresses, early agreements with, and instructions to, concerning the scholars under their charge, ii. 85, 91. School reader, the first published, ii. 91. Schools for the centre of the North Parish, the west end of the North Parish, and in the outlying districts ; also the first notice of schools for girls, ii. 86-90. Schools of Hingham, the public, ii. 83-115 ; equalization, grading, increase in the number, and number of pupils at different periods in the, 86, 87, 89, 95, 96, 101. Scituate company in Hingham, and at the defence of Grape Island, i. 289, 307, 387. Scituate Hill, i. 169, 192. Scituate Pond, i. 168, 169. Scituate, sermons preached at, ii. 203,204, ii. 386. Second Parish (Cohasset), ii. 30, 37-40. Second (formerly Third) Suffolk Regiment reorganized, and to include the companies in Cohasset, Hingham, Hull, and Weymouth under Colonel Solomon Lovell, i. 290, 291. See also 316, 332. Sectarianism, the Evils of, ii. 213. Selections from publications in pamphlet

339. See also vols. ii. and iii. Sermon by Rev. Ebenezer Gay: "And now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old," ii. 29, 205. Sermon (1708, in print) by Rev. John Norton, ii. 22, 219. Sermon by Rev. Joseph Richardson, senior pastor of the First Parish in Hingham, on his eighty-sixth birthday anniversary, ii. 32, 221. Sermon by Rev. Daniel Shute, preached before his Excellency Francis Bernard, Esqr., Governor, ii. 223.

Sermon preached before his Excellency the Governor, the Honorable Council and Representatives of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in N. E. (1708), ii. 22, 219. Sermons other than the following, see Publications.

Shute, Daniel, * § [D.D.] appointed chaplain of a regiment ; his election sermon, and sermon before the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company ; political views ; other references to, ii. 26, 27, 41, 44, 45, 223, 227.

other references to the, ii. 253-256. Southward, Oliver, i. 265. Spalding, Henry E., t§ i. 364 ; ii. 223, 321. Spalding, Samuel Hopkins, t ii. 322. Spanish prisoners, escape of, i. 252. Speaker of the House of Assembly (New

Court of Plymouth,, ii. 328. Spellman, Edward, i. 357. Spencer, Jeremiah, i. 345. Spencer, Samuel, death of, i. 344. Spencer, troops of the Continental army

Steamboats, names of; when and where built ; landing places ; route to Nantasket Beach established; wharves and piers erected ; captains of, and other references to, ii. 245-252.

[Note. - The surname which frequently appears in the military chapter as Stodar, Stoddar, Stoddard, Stoder, and Stodder is given the latter spelling here, it being the most numerous of the list.]

General, i. 314, 317, 373. Sulphuric ether, its applicability to prevent pain in surgical operations, ii. 207. Sunday School of the First Parish, address in Forrest Sanctuary before the,

143. Teachers, in the early history of the town public sentiment favored the employment of single men only as, ii. 85. Teachers in the public schools, list of, ii. 110-115.

Thaxter, Joseph,* Chaplain in the army, and present at the battles of Bunker Hill, of Princeton, and Trenton. See references to, i. 289, 301, 327 ; ii. 351.

Thaxter, Samuel, Capt, Major, saved from the massacre at Fort William Henry by a French officer, other references to, i. 255, 256, 258, 261, 262, 280, 333.

The trees and shrubs of Hingham, beauty and utility of the different species ; their habits, where located, and conditions of growth ; measurements of some notable trees, i. 139-156.

Transactions of the Hingham Agricultural and Horticultural Society, and names of persons who have prepared the same for the press. Included in the list is " A Catalogue of Antique Articles shown in the Centennial Department at the Eighteenth Annual Exhibition," ii. 233-235. See also ii. 188-192. Transportation Expenses in the Revolution, Notes relating to, i. 311. Trask, Samuel, i. 255. Trask, Sumner A., i. 348. Trawhaw, the Acadian family of, i.

Upholstery, carriage, and military trimmings ; cords, tassels, etc. ; two of the buildings used in this manufacture destroyed by fire ; dedication of the spacious structure in which the business is now carried on, ii. 161, 162.

Usefulness of public and social libraries "for the promotion of Knowledge, Religion, and Virtue," and also as a source for reference, ii. 144, 145.

(16). Veto Power, Use and Abuse of the, ii. 216. Vickery, Israel, i. 238. Victory of General Stark, the, i. 311. View of Zion, a sermon preached at the

Votes of the town relating to military affairs during the Civil War, to recruiting, and to State and town aid for the families of soldiers, i. 349, 350, 355, 357, 362.

Washington chosen Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, i. 290 ; enters Boston, i. 294 ; the guards and headquarters of General, i. 301, 313.

Water Company, Act of the Legislature incorporating the Hingham ; corporate members, list of officers first chosen, and present government of the, ii. 265- 270.

Water from Accord Pond ; first person to receive it in his house faucet, and first stream thrown near the railroad station ; pipes extended to Hull and Jerusalem road ; pumping station erected at Weir River ; number of miles, number of hydrants, and number of customers supplied by the, ii. 268-270.

Water-works, committees appointed by the town submit reports on, giving an estimate of the cost, and recommending the carrying on to completion the proposed works ; the town by its votes refuses to adopt the recommendations, and the Hingham Water Company subsequently commence the work of constructing the, ii. 261-270.

Weston, Thomas (Middleborough), Capt., Major, Lieut-Colonel, Commander of Post 104 G. A. R., Representative, other reference to, i. 345, 367 ; ii. 158, 159.

[Note. - The surnames, Whiten, Whiting, Whitten, Whiton, and Whitton, which often refer to one person in the Military chapter, are all indexed Whiton ; it being by far the most numerous spelling of the descendants of James Whiton found in this history.]

Colony, i. 236, 239. Winslow, Philo C, i. 357. Winthrop's account of the early controversy in Hingham, ii. 5-16. Wire Bridge, The, ii. 244. Wisconsin, Geological Survey and