Leominster City (part 1 of 2)

Leominster City

From 1824 to 1830 meetings were held in the tailorshop of John Richardson, which had been furnished with a desk and benches for that purpose. The brethren and sisters occupied different sides of this primitive church. As they were not permitted to adorn their half of the sanctuary with specimens of manly beauty, the sisters concluded to ])aper the walls; thus forming a " corner " in beauty. During this time the church was supplied, in addition to those already named, by Revs. John Walker, Nicholas Branch and Elias McGregary.

This first meeting-house of tliis .society was built in 1830. It was located on land given for the ])urpose on North Jlain Street, where the house of Mr. Stilman Meads now stands, and the building itself is still in use near its original site. The cost, as it appears from a receipt in full given by Daniel Allen, to whom the contract for building was given, was $831.35.

The next pastor was Rev. Samuel Glover, but it does not seem that the society proposed to take much risk in the matter, for they "voted to employ Eider Samuel Glover to preach to such amount as funds may be raised to pay the expense consequent on Elder Glover's labor." Whether the amount of preaching refers to the number or the length of the sermons the record does not say. Appleton Belknap, George Waters, Luther Stoddard and Messrs. Stearns, Merriam and Bradbury - first names not known - served the church after the resignation of Rev. Mr. Glover, in 1833. In 1834 we learn that David Allen obtained the contract for the care, the heating and the lighting of the church for $4.50. The next year the society went to the extent of furnishing four feet of green wood and two feet of dry wood, and paid Henry Perry five dollars for the same work. These are picture facts in which we may see both the history and the spirit of the times.

The next pastor was the Rev. Moses Harrington. In the first part of his ministry (June 28, 1837) the " branch " was organized as an independent church. Twenty-eight persons constituted this iofant church. The ministry of Mr. Harrington continued until 1840, and his succes.sor, David Goddard, Jr., was ordained on June 3d of that year. He continued in the office here until Feb. 4, 1843. Of Mr. Goddard the Rev. Mr. Mason says : " He was a reformer, taking high ground against slavery, intemperance and worldly amusements. He led the church as a body to pledge themselves to total abstineuce and the disfellowshiping of slave-holders. He also framed the following clause which was inserted in the church covenant: 'We will also carefully refrain from spending our time idly at tKverns, in parties of worldly pleasure, or in trifling company.' He preached a sermon, which is represented as a powerful discourse, against the wearing by the sisters of roses in their bonnets; and such was the effect that every sister immediately dismantled her head-gear of all ornaments, and put them back again within three weeks." His grave is in Leominster.

The other pastors of this church were David Goddard, Sr., William S. Wilder, Isaiah C. Carpenter, David Taylor and B. H. Clifts. With the end of this last pastorate the Leominster Baptist Church cea,sed to be ; the last entry in its records bearing date October 27, 1849, three weeks after the resignation of Rev. B. H. Clifts. The difficulties were too many and the burdens too heavy for their strength. The people refused to contribute longer to the repairs of a church so badly located and to the support of preaching in a house not fit for public worship. The church was (lisbalided. At this distance of time and under our changed circumstances it would not be well to pass judgment on the wisdom of this action ; but it does not seem wholly clear why it was necessary to disband the old church and lose all its associations if a new church of the same faith was to be organized within six months. Perhaps it was a matter of local necessity.

March 5, 1850, twenty-five persons, assembled at the house of .Jonathan Burrage, began the new movement ; on the following Sunday these, with seven others, declared themselves the Leominster Central Baptist Church and were recognized as such by council August 23d of the same year. Before the end of the year the house now occupied by the society was built and dedicated. The list of pastors is as follows: Rev. Aurora M. Sawin, 1850-54; Rev. A. C. Bronson, brother of the librarian of the Town Library, 1854-57; Rev. Isaac Woodbury, 1857-58; Rev. A. M. Higgins, 1859, who was ]iastor thirteen months. For a year after this Joseph Barber, then a student in the Worcester Academy, supplied ; Rev. W. H. Watson, 1862, was pastor for three and one-half years ; Rev. Abijah Hall, 1866-68; Rev. Thomas Clarkson Russell, 1868-74; Rev. A. F. Mason, 1874-76; Rev. O. D. Kimball, 1876-83; Rev. A. L. Freeman, 1884-8G; Rev. Julius B. Robinson, 1886-88.

The Methodist Epi8fOP.\L Church. - The real beginnings of this church date from nearly the same time as of the other churches named, but it was not legally constituted until March 10, 1828. The Strattons then, as afterwards, were prominent in this movement, as the first meeting was held at the house of Nathan Stratton and John Stratton was the first clerk. This society dedicated its first house of worship December, 1829. This house continued to meet the wants of the society for ten years, when it was converted into a dwelling-house and the society moved to the church building on Main Street, which had been purchased of the present Orthodox Church. Ten years later, in 1849, this building was repaired and enlarged. Here the society continued to worship till 1871, when it was sold to the Catholic Bishop and the present beautiful church building on Main Street was dedicated. This edifice cost sixty-five thousand dollars. In beauty and symmetry it ranks second among the public buildings of the town.

This society has had many preachers. At first it formed part of a circuit and was also a mission station. It followed that, after the manner of the Methodists of that time, ttie society often had more than one minister at a time. The itinerancy itself will also help account for this extended list. These names are as given by members of the society and are as accurate as is now possible.

In 182.'? the first society was formed by Erastus Otis, who, with George Fairbanks, were stationed on the Needham Circuit, with which it is supposed Leominster was connected until 1884, when it was probably conuected with the Marlboro' Circuit: In 1831 Leominster was probably connected with Lunenburg, in 1836 with Fitchburg, and from 1836 to 1839 with Lunenburg and Jlarlboro', when it was probably again connected with Lunenburg; in 1840 with Marlboro' and Fitchburg mission. In 1841 it was Leominster and Lunenburg, in 1842 Lunenburg aud Leominster, in 1843 Leominster and Sterling missions, in 1844-45 it was a missionary station by itself, and after that a regular station. The list of ministers is as follows : 1823, Erastus Otis and George

E. Fairbanks : 1824, Benjamin Hazelton, John C. Risley and Ira M. Bidwell ; 1825, John Lindsay, Jared Perkins and H. S. Ramsdell ; 1826, Joel Steele, Jared Perkins and Leonard B. Griftin ; 1827, Abraham D. Merrill, Giles Campbell and Thomas W. Tucker, supernumerary; 1828, Ephraim K. Avery, Thomas W. Tucker and Lewis Johnson ; 1829, Daniel Fillmore, Isaac Jennison and A. B. Kinsman ; 18.30, Daniel Fillmore, and Isaac .lennLson ; 1831, Jacob Sanborn and Sanford Benton ; 1832, Abraham D. Merrill and Samuel Coggshall ; 1833, Isaac Jennison ; 1834, Charles Virgin ; 1S35, Thomas W. Tucker and Joel Knight; 1836, J. S. Ellis; 1837, Charles Virgin, William P. White and Ebenezer F.

Saint Leo's Catholic Church. - This church comes next in the order of time in the religious movements of Lecnninster. Much indirect work was done for the Catholic faith here before Leominster was made an independent parish in 1872. The first work in this direction was begun in 1849. At that time Rev. Father M. F. Gibson, a Catholic minister of Worcester, Mass., came here and performed the services of his church at the homes of some of the resident Catholic families. The numbers who desired to avail themselves of the benefit and pleasure of his monthly visits incre.ased so rapidly that the selectmen permittea the use of the Town Hall and then of Gardner Hall for his services. From this time his visits were weekly instead of monthly, as at first. In the history of the Baptist Church, mention has been made of their first house of worship, located on the plane between the Centre and North Leominster. In 1857 the Catholic Bishop purchased this and it was fitted up as a place of worship. Before this time, however, Rev. M. F. Gibson was made resident pastor at Fitchburg, and Leominster was still a part of his charge. Other pastors from Fitchburg served the church until it was made a separate parish, and Rev. Father Daniel Shiel, the present able pastor, was appointed.

As already stated, the present Catholic Church was purchased of the Methodist Episcopal Society in 1871. In 1876, it had become much too small for the needs of the people and it was enlarged and wholly remodeled. Its seating capacity was greatly increased and its general appearance improved. A new and attractive parsonage house now occupies the site of the old building, bought with the church, of the Methodist Society. This house was built in 1882.

Congregational Chitrch op Christ, North Leominster. - Prior to May 6, 1874, there was no permanent religious organization of any kind at North Leominster. At difl'ereut times, for some yeare, meetings were htld in Kendall Hall and elsewhere. Sometimes these meetings were social and in charge of members from the centre, and at other times there was a preaching service by resident pastors. There had been little fixed thought, however, of a separate work for this part of the town before the first half of the year above named. It was true that some feeling had found expression earlier, that the religious needs of North Leominster could not be much longer neglected, and that, as the Orthodox Congregational Church had more members resident there than any other church at the centre, it might be the duty of these persons to organize a local church. But the matter was wholly indefinite and uncertain until JIarch 24, 1874. At that time tho.se most interested met at the house of Geo. S. Burrage, to consider the "expediency of forming a Congregational Church in North Leominster." There were, at that time, some forty members of the Orthodox Church at the centre resident there, and after mature deliberation these members called a council to meet in Kendall Hall, May 6, 1874, by which they were constituted and recognized as a church of Christ. The society connected with this church was organized April 17, 1875.

From its organization until April, 1880, the church held its public services in Kendall Hall; but on the 7th of that month its present beautiful and convenient house of worship was dedicated. For its size, it is one of the pleasantest churches in town and a great addition to North Leominster. By the liberality of the late Captain Leonard Burrage the society now has a fine parsonage, and from the estates of Mr. Augustus Whitman and Captain Burrage a fund ol eleven thousand dollars.

The first pastor of the church was Rev. Henry E. Cooley, installed November 10, 1874, and died February 17, 1877. The other pastors in the order of service have been : Rev. E. G. Smith, from June, 1877, to June, 1881 ; Rev. Henry P. Cutting, from November, 1881, to September, 1884 ; Rev. Newton I- .fones, from March, 188.'), to March, 1887 ; Rev. Frederic A. Balcon, the present paitor, who began his labors with the church July 1, 1887.

Chapter Clvi

The Public Sc^hools. - The following historical sketch of the schools of Leominster up to the year 1871! was prepared by the late l)r. C. C. Field, for more than forty years a member of the School Board. It is reproduced in this connection for these reasons :

1st. For the years which it covers nothing better is needed, or perhaps possible. For a full generation Dr. Field was a part of that which he describes, and knew in his own person the history of those years.

2d. Dr. Field, by his long service and unusual ability, contributed more than any other man to the progress and development of the schools of Leominster, and to their present efficiency and value. If it is possible, as under the circumstances it is, he should have the honor of recording their history. To his record will be added what is necessary to make it complete to the present date.

At this distant period it is difficult to conceive how great must have been the undertaking for them' to provide Christian ministration and secular education for themselves and their children, while they were subduing the forests and cultivating the newlycleared fields for the maintenance of their families. Neither can we easily comprehend how much the present prosperity of our schools may depend upon the excellent school system, which, with unusual wisdom and foresight, they established Irom the beginning. Leominster is one of the few towns in the State that was never divided into legal "School Districts.'' The town always managed its school aflairs in its corporate capacity, built and located all the school-houses, and divided the money raised for the support of schools among the several schools as equally as circumstances would allow, after the subject had been considered and reported upon by a committee chosen for that purpose. In 1789 the following act was passed by the Legislature : " That the several towns and districts in the commonwealth be, and they are hereby authorized and empowered in town-meetings, called for that purpose, to determine and define the limits of school districts within the towns and districts respectively.'' The term " dit- ' tricts," in the statute applied to sections of the Sate I which, at that time and previously, were incorporated ' communities precisely similar to towns in regard to territory, rights, privileges and powers excepting the right of being represented in the General Court. This act gave the districts no powers to exercise and no duties to perform, but was simply a provision for dividing the towns into such convenient portions as would facilitate attendance at school; but in 1800 another law was enacted, by which the selectmen were authorized to issue warrants for district meetings, the voters were empowered to choose a clerk, and to raise money for the erection and repairing of school-houses, and for the purchase of necessary "utensils" for the school-rooms, and the assessors were required to assess such sums of money as were voted by the respective districts. By a law enacted in 1817, school districts were made corporations in name, were authorized to sue and be sued, and to hold in fee simple, or otherwise, real and personal property for the use of schools. And finally in 1827 a law was enacted as follows: "School districts are authorized to choose prudential committees, whose duty it shall be to take care of the school-houses, and to select and contract with the teachers."

These laws making provision for territorial division of the town into school districts, making them bodies J corporate, authorizing them to raise money to build school-houses and to contract with teachers, were . characterized by Horace Mann, the distinguished first secretary of the Board of Education, as most pernicious in their tendency. The same opinion has been entertained by all his successors. In regard to this matter, the present able incumbent of that office, Hon. Joseph White, expresses himself as follows in his report to the board in 1S5G: " It is no part of my purpose to refer to, much less to recapitulate the objections to the district system, that have been urged with great force and energy by my distinguished predecessors in office. I fully sympathize with all they felt and said on this topic. I have seen and experienced, as they did, its unfortunate and depressing influence; and I content myself with saying that every day's observation gives strength to my conviction of its utter incompatibility with any high degree of success in the management of school affiiirs. Indeed, I have ceased to look for further progress where its influence is unbroken." The native town of the chairman of .your School Committee was divided into legal " sciool districts." and, worse than that, in his school-days, though now it is different, the money raised for the support of schools was divided among the several districts, according to the valuation of the property within the respective districts. He was for tunate enough to live and to attend school in one ol the most wealthy parts of the town, where the inhabitants, without much effort, could erect a fine schoolhouse, having a hall over the school-room surmounted by a belfry and bell. With their share of the school money, they could continue their school three or four months both summer and winter, while in the jioorer districts in the outskirts of the town the inhabitants were obliged to make great sacrifices to build even a very inferior school-house, and their share of the school money would scarcely suffice to maintain a school six or eight weeks during each season. The inequality of such a system was very manifest, even to the comprehension of a boy. How much greater then must the injustice have appeared to his mind, when, in maturer years, he took up his residence in this town, where the municipal system has always existeil. The comparison of course could but intensify his dislike of the " district system." Yet, at that time, the district system of managing school affairs prevailed very generally among the towns throughout the Commonwealth. Probably not more than a dozen towns in the whole State used the municipal system. The Hon. David Wilder, in his "History of Leominster," writes as follows: "It (the town) has never been divided into those little coi'porate bodies called school districts, in any legal sense of the word. Bui during a period of more than a hundred years the school system has been administered upon the plan so highly recommended by the late secretary of the Board of Education. The town, in its corporate capacity, has erected all the school-houses, raised all the money, hired the teachers by their selectmen or a committee, and paid them. There has never existed in any one portion of the town any legal authority, except what has been temporarily conferred by the whole town, to take one single step or to perform one single act in relation to the public schools." Not only did the town repeatedly refuse to divide its territory into school districts, thus avoiding the evils of district corporations, but also, in several instances, anticipated the action of the General Court in requiring and making provision for a more systematic supervision of the public schools. For more than half a century - from 1747 to 1808 - the schools were examined once a year, at the close of the winter term, by the clergyman and the selectmen. During that period the school-books were few, the Bible, Psalter and Dilworth's Spelling- Book being the principal ones. But soon afterwards the books used in the schools became too numerous, since almost every teacher would introduce new ones; the result was that scarcely any two schools in town had the same books. To remedy this evil and to provide for a better inspection of the schools, the town early in 1808 chose a School Committee, whose duty it should be to visit the winter schools at the beginning as well as the close of the term, to take the books into their own hands, to select the lessons and make a thorough examination of the several classes. The School ( 'ommittee were also authorized to prescribe what books should be used in the several schools; hence they became uniform throughout the town. About the same time, registers, somewhat sinnlar to those now required by law, were introduced. Thus the town anticipated, by nearly a quarter of a century, the action of the State in making provision for a better supervision of the public schools; for it was not till 182t; that the law was enacted making it obligatory on towns to choose a committee to superintend the schools. Such was the system established by the fathers for the management of their schools. And in the same just, equal and republican .spirit have the school affairs of the town been administered to the present time, with such modifications as have been made necessary by the increasing population in the Centre aiul at the North Village during the last quarter of a century.

For a period of fifty-seven years - from 1791 to 1848 - the money raised for the support of schools was divided equally, or nearly so, among the schools in diff^erent parts of the town. Sometimes this equal division was made of all but seventy-five or one hundred dollars, and the balance was distributed at the discretion of the selectmen, or of a committee chosen for that purpose, or of the School Committee. And this equal division was just and equitable ; for all the schools were what are now called " mixed schools," an<l the circumstances of all were very similar.

But in ISaO the number of families in town had increased to five hundred or more, and in order to meet the requisitions of the law it became necessary to establish a High School. Since that time the number of scholars in the Centre and North Village has increased so rapidly that, at the present time.

besides the High School, with its two departments, three teachers and more than a hundred pupils, it requires the maintenance of three grammar and eight intermediate or primary schools to accommodate them all, where formerly there were but two mixed schools. This concentration of the population and school children in the Centre Village made it practicable to make a proper and desirable classification of the scholars.

This grading of the schools constituted the tirst important innovation upon the old-time custom of supporting separate mixed schools in different parts of the town. In all schools where it is practicable, a proper classification of the scholars has now, for such a length of time, been proved to be so manifestly beneficial in its results, that it requires no argument to be ofi'ered in its favor. Its exemplification can be witnessed any day by all who will take the trouble to visit the graded schools. Of course, the establishment of the high and graded schools, in the Centi'e and North Village, rendered imperative some modification of the former method of distributing the school money. Still, the same principle is acted upon in giving, as far as practicable, an equal amount of money to all the common schools, with the intent that all shall enjoy equal school privileges.

The most important departure from the ancient method of maniiging school afi'airs lies in this, that since 18(59 the town has entrusted the care of the school-houses and the selection of the teachers entirely to the School Committee, instead of another committee chosen for that purpose. In all towns not divided into school districts these duties devolved by law upon the vSchool Committee; and not a single vote of the town, for the forty-four years subsequent to 182(3, authorizing any other committee to select and hire the teachers, had any sanction of law, Imt was acquiesced in from deference to a long established custom.

Another innovation of recent origin consists in designating the several schools by means of numbers, which is equally as definite as the former method and avoids the use of the word " districts " as inapplicable to towns not legally so divided, and also the word " wards," as not legitimate in the meaning for which it was used. But this change is not material. The spirit and animus of the ancient system remains; for the town, in its corporate capacity, still builds all the school-houses, takes care of and keeps them in repair, divides the school money as equally as circumstances allow among the several schools, and hires and contracts with all the teachers by a committee chosen for that purpose. And though that committee may be the School Committee, they are none the less chosen officers of the town, and their continuance in office depends upon the will of its citizens.

abundantly manifested by the prosperity of our schools, and is further illustrated by the capability of expansion to any extent to meet the wants of an increasing population. And our reverent gratitude is due the fathers for the inheritance of a school system so nearly perfect in itself and so eminently adapted to our wants.

A brief review of the labors and sacrifices of the early inhabitants, in their endeavor to educate their children, may at least gratify curiosity if it does not excite admiration ; it may also serve to stimulate and guide to continued exertion and, by comparison, hel]) to make our present burdens, though seeming grievous to some, appear after all not so very heavy.

The town was incorporated in 1740, having less than twenty families within its limits; these were scattered from Bee Hill to Chualoom Pond, and from Monoosnock Hills to Massapog Pond, there being only two houses in the Centre, with scarcely a carriage road to help the settlers through the almost unbroken forest in their communication with each other. Yet these hardy and devout men, before the year expired, ; voted to build a meeting-house, on which during the next year (1741) work was far advanced, that thereafter it was used on Sunday for divine service, though in a very unfinished state, having rough boards for an outside covering, loose planks for a floor, and no pews; and in it were held all town and parish meetings. This meeting-house, located at the northwest corner of the old cemetery, was not completed till 1753, twelve years after its foundations were laid.

In December 1747, the first money was raised "for schooling," and it was voted " that it should be schooled out, one-half on the north side of the river and the other half on the south side of the river." Of course the school must have been kept in private houses. The sum raised was about £10 or $40. In those days and until the Revolution £1 sterling was of about the same value as $4 in silver. In 1748 and 1749 the same sum (£10) was raised for schools. 1748 the town, at the March meeting, also voted " to build a school-hou.se and set it at ye meetinij-houKe in said town, 24 feet long, 18 feet wide and 7 feet stud." £20 was raised to pay the expense, but probably it was not built till the next year, 1749, because in December of the latter year the town raised £35 ($140) to pay for the school-house. So here, as elsewhere, the descendants of the Pilgrims planted the school-house hard by the meeting-house. First the church was organized and then schools were established for the formation of a religious and educated community. Some idea may be conceived of the difficulties in the way of the accomplishment of this undertaking, when it is borne in mind that the early settlers raised $40 for the support of a school and -1140 for building a school-house; some years before they were able to finally complete their meetinghouse by clap-boarding and painting it, and by constructing pews inside. In 1750 the town paid Jacob

Peabody £6 2s. 6d. for keeping school at the schoolhouse till the first of March. In 1751 and 1752 £10 were raised for schools each year and the town voted to choose a committee of three " !o prorid sum iiwai persons for leinter and summer schooling, six weeks for a tcriting-school and the rest to be laide out for school dames." In 1753 it was voted to keep school three months, for what sum the record does not state, as the money for schools and town charges was raised in one sum together.

In 1754, £14 were raised for schools, of which sum £5 6». 3(/. were appropriated " to hire school dames and the remainder to be schooled out in the winter."

In 1756, £13 'ns. 8d. were voted for the support of schools, to be expended for paying a master to keep a writing-school three months during the winter and the balance for " hiring school dames " as the selectmen should direct. The schools taught by women were kept, one at the Centre in the school-house, the others in private houses, one at the northern, the other at southern part of the town. The amount of money raised for schools during the first ten years, 1747-57, varied from £10 to £13 6s. Sd., or from about 140 to $56.

During the second decade, 1757-67, the sum raised for schools gradually increased from £15 to £40, from $60 to $160; .some years this amount was all expended at the school-house, in other years at three places, as the selectmen should think proper.

In 1765 one-half of the £40 was voted " to be schooled out " in keeping a grammar school at the school-house near the meeting-bouse, the other half "to be schooled out for a woman's school, as the seleetmen shall think proper." All scholars who could read by spelling out the loords had the right to attend the grammar-school.

In 1766 it was voted that two-thirds of the £40 should be "schooled out" by a master and the remaining one-third by " school dames in 3 places, as the selectmen should think proper."

Thus we see that for the first twenty years after the first money was raised for the support of schools, in 1747, there was but one school-house in town, and that was in the Centre, near the meeting-house. For some years there was but one school kept, either winter or summer, and this was at the school-house ; at other times, particularly in the latter half of the period, there were three schools during the summer taught by women, one in the school-house at the Centre, one in the northern, the third in the southern part of the town in private houses. Truly the children of that age were obliged to "seek knowledge under difficulties." Imagine, if you can, the boys in the winter, starting for school through the woods from Bee Hill, Carter Hill and Chualoom Pond, forcing their way through snowdrifts, with poor roads or no roads at all, to reach the school-house at the Centre two or three miles away. For the girls, living in remote parts of the town, it would seem impossible to attend school at all in the winter. Surely the opportunities for acquiring knowledge, enjoyed by the children of the town for the first forty or fifty years after its incorporation, must seem extremely meagre to the present generation, with all their abundant facilities. With truth may the youth of the present time say " our lines are cast in pleasant places."

In 1767 it was " voted to divide the town into three parts for schooling." It was also " voted that the town should pay the charge of building three new school-houses, one in each part of the town ; " and the town chose a committee of three in each third part of the town, to superintend the work, and raised £66 13s. 4rf. to pay the expense of their construction. The town also raised £40 " to be schooled out this year," and " voted and chose Mr. Josiah Swan to be the school-master for the town for the ensuing year, and chose the selectmen a committee to agree toith him." These schoolhouses afforded all the accommodations for attending school that the children enjoyed for the next twentyfour years, or till 1792, though the population of the town in 1790 had reached the number of 1197, consisting of about two hundred families.

From 1768 to 1774, inclu.sive, the sum annually raised for schools varied from £33 6s. Sd. to £40, or from iPlSS to $160, except that in 1772 no provision at all was made for schools. Two-thirds of the school money were expended in paying for a master to keep a grammar school in the Centre, and the other onethird in hiring " school dames" to teach in the summer. In those days Josiah Swan was a famous teacher of the grammar school and for several years was chosen in opeu town-meeting. Hon. David Wilder, in his "History of Leominster," says that "so heavy were the burdens of the inhabitants during the Revolution, that for several years they raised no money for schools." But the town records show that from 1774 to 1783 there was but one year, 1777, when there was no money raised for that purpose, though the amount in some years was small. In 1775, only £12 was raised, and the manner of its expenditure was defined by the following vote : " That all the money be laid out in women's schools and that the school dames IMPLOY ther hooi, tiue in teaching the children to read, right and sifer and nothing ELaE." Whether the prohibition was aimed at the teaching of needlework or orthography the record does not state. The town also voted " to choose a committee of threi- in each third part of the town to ^^fase the schools and provide school-dames."

In 1780 it was voted " to raise £2000 for schooling, the one-half to be schooled out by a man school, and the other half by a looman school."

In 1780 £40 (in silver money) was raised for schools, and from that year to 1790 the school money was gradually increased to £100 or about .?333.33 ; as after the Revolution and until the use of Federal money, in 1799, £1 (Provincial) was equal to about $3.33*. During that period two-thirds of the money were usually expended for a "man -school," sometimes called a Grammar School, and one-third for a " woman school," in the three different portions of tlie town. A part of the time the people re-iiding in that part of the town (now called No. 7) received their proportional part of the money and spent it among themselves.

In 1791 £10 wei'e raised for schools, and it was voted that three-fourths of it should be laid out in men's schools and one-fourth in women's schools. It was also voted to divide the town into seven diflerent parts, to be called "wards," and to build seven schoolhouses, to be finished during the next year. For that purpose £210 at first, and afterwards £105 additional were raised. A joint committee, consisting of the selectmen and one man from each ward, were choaen to provide teachers.

From 1791 to 1796 the sum raised for schools was gradually increased from £100 to £165, and the amount was equally divided among the seven wards.

From 1806 to 1836, a period of thirty years, a sum varying from $800 to $900 was appropriated for schools, $800 being equally divided among the eight wards, and the amount exceeding SSOO being allotted to the different schools at the discretion of the selectmen.

From 1837 to 1848, inclusive, $1200 were annually raised for schools. During this period the population in the Centre had increased so much that two or three schools were required to accommodate the children ; and another ward, No. 10, was established, comprising a part of Wards 3 and 4, and in 1845 a new school-house was erected for the convenience of the increasing number of scholars at the North Village. The money raised during this time was divided as equally as practicable, generally at the recommendation of a committee consisting of the School Committee, or some member thereof, and one citizen from each scliool ward, who was nominated by the inhabitants of the same and approved by the town. And this method of dividing the school money was continued till 1853, since which time it has been distributed according to the recommendation of the School Committee in their annual report, or expended, as of late years, at their sole discretion.

The following table will show the population, valuation, amount of money raised for schools, and its percentage of the whole valuation of the taxable property of the town, expressed as so many mills and hundredths of mills on a dollar for the years named in the first column :

The table explains itself. It appears from it that we are not expending more for school purposes, according to our maans, than our predecessors. It shows that for the last fifty years the percentage which the school money bears to the whole taxable property of the town has varied but little. And from the history of the town we have learned that for fifty years previous to the beginning of the present century the inhabitants were obliged to sacrifice all the luxuries and many of the comforts of life to pay their taxes at all. The wonder is how they could raise money enough to pay their minister and schoolteachers even the small pittance which the latter received.

From the time when the foregoing sketch closes (March, 1876) to the spring of 1883 there was very little change more than usually comes in the regular course of school work, where both committee and teachers are anxious for the best results. It was the habit of the committee to invite the leading educators of the State to visit the town, examine the schools and address the teachers. In this way, and by frequent attendance at educational meetings elsewhere, a full knowledge of the best methods was in the possession of the teachers. At no time was there lack of energy or life in the work.

During all the last part of his service, as chairman of the School Board, it was the custom of Dr. Field to include in his annual report a discussion of some interesting and timely educational topic. Many of these papers show the most careful study and thought. They are of permauent value, and, no doubt, had much influence in keeping up the general feeling of interest in matters of education. The following is interesting as a i-ample of what these papers contained. He was writing of the general subject of education :

" The need of a good education being universally conceded, it becomes at once the duty of parents, teachers and supervisors of schools to consider the best means of securing that amount of knowledge which the public good ought to require of each individual and the most efficient methods of acquiring that knowledge. It is a subject of vital interest to the Commonwealth."

" The whole system of Public instruction sh'' engage the earnest attention of every citizen. None are so iguorant as not to be able to help onward the good cause, and none are too wise and learned to be exonerated from the duty of bestowing freely of their means and fostering care, each according to his ability. The danger of the age is an increasing indifference to public instruction. Through the desire for sectarian schools on the part of some, the preference for private schools by many, and the desire for schools of higher culture by others, the public common school, on which the great majority of the children of the State must rely, for the acquirement of the elements and first principles of knowledge, in fact, for all the education they will ever receive at school, is in danger of being neglected. The common school, supported at the public expense, is worthy of increasing interest, generous support and careful supervision,'' The last sentence is made emphatic here, as it not only expresses an important truth, but shows the spirit which controlled the school i management for so long a period.

At the annual town-meeting in 1883 the town, after a most thorough discussion and consideration of the subject, voted to employ a superinLendent of schools. This change required an increased appropriation, and the town added $1500 to the amount recommended by the committee, or $12,909.62 in all. The time had fully come for such action on the part of the town, and the result has vindicated its wisdom. There is no danger that the town will now go back to the old way.

The action above referred to was in April, and before the end of the term the committee elected Mr. William E. Pulsifer, principal of the High School in Stoughton, Mass., as superintendent of schools for Leominster. He entered upon his duties the 1st of September, 1883, and continued in office until April, 1886. At that time he resigned to take a more profitable position with a publishing house in Boston. His administration of the schools was marked with a good degree of wisdom and success : all that ought to have been expected, where the office was new and the incumbent without previous experience, was accomplished. The committee would gladly have retained Mr. Pulsifer in the service, and to that end proposed a larger salary, but he preferred his present work.

The present superintendent, Mr. I. Freeman Hall, was elected to fill the vacancy. He had seen successful service in the same kind of work at Dedham, Mass., and came to Leominster with both experience and skill as a superintendent. He is especially familiar with primary work, and has made a valuable record, both here and in Dedham, in this department. His administration of the schools has been and is successful. He is, also, a most acceptable speaker upon educational subjects, and a superior teacher of Normal Classes and Institutes.

The closing words of Mr. Hall's last annual report may be added, as expressing the present condition and temper of the town in regard to school matters : " It has been pleasant to labor in a community where there is such a good degree of intelligence and appreciation, and where committee, teachers, parents and citizens are so fully in sympathy and work together so harmoniously to secure the highest and best results."

The High School. - The Leominster High School, now the Field High School, was established in 1850, but it was not until 1868 that a regular course of study was arranged and diplomas granted to tliose who finished this course. Since that time there have been one hundred and seventy-nine graduates. The history of these is given by the superintendent in his last annual report. " Five of the graduates," he said, " cannot be accounted for. Eight are dead. Three died soon after graduation ; five after they had given promise of great success. Of the remaining one hundred and fifty-six " (the last class of ten was not included in the percentage, of course, but is now included in the whole number of graduates given above), forty-five, or more than twenty-eight per cent., are teaching iu the common schools of Leominster, Watertown, Concord, Mass., and of Vermont, New- Hampshire, North Carolina and other Southern and Western States, or in Normal Schools, colleges and universities. Thirty-three, or nearly twenty-two per cent., are now studying in colleges, Normal Schools, scientific and professional schools.

" Twenty, or more than twelve per cent., have married men successful in business or professional life. Twenty, or more than twelve per cent., have been kept at home by duty or ill-health, or have remained there from choice."

The following list contains the names of all who have served as principals of the High School : Josiah S. Phillips, of Georgetown, May, 1850; Andrew F. Willard, of Lancaster, June, 1854 ; Jasper Fish, of Middleton, Conn., March, 1855; D. H. Goodell, of Antrim, N. H., June, 1856; Caleb Blodgett, Jr., September, 1856; Halsey J. Boardnian, June, 1858 ; George E. Marble, of Fitchburg, July, 1851); D. B. Hubbard, April, 1862; Samuel H. Virgin, of Chelsea, March, 1864; M. P. Stafford, of Cambridge, March, 1866 ; G. G. Pratt, of Cambridge, August, 1866 ; O. H. Stearns, of Lunenburg, December, 1866; Joel D. Miller, of Athol, April, 1867, who has charge of the school at the present writing. The names of the assistant teachers need not be given. It is enough to say that Miss Sarah E. Richards was elected to the place in 1876 - a position which she has filled and still fills with entire acceptance to all concerned. The name of one other teacher, Mrs. Ella M. Wilder, should receive honorable mention in this connection. After three years' service in other schools she was, in 1868, elected principal of the second department of the High School. This position she filled with eminent ability and success until the summer of 1886, when she resigned to engage in business.

School Buildings. - So far as there is any record or tradition in the matter, Leominster has always provided liberally for her schools in the way of buildings and supplies. In this respect to-day she is more than the equal of similar towns throughout the State. It is true there is but one costly school building in town, and, in this case, the cost has been accumulated by continued alterations and additions, in part, at least, the result of a faulty construction at first. Still, Leominster has some of the best school buildings in the State, if regard to use be the point. The Field High and Grammar School, while as poor in some ways as any, is still well adapted for school work, and some of the best and pleasantfsfr of rooms. The Field Primary and ihe Bennett School, both constructed on the same general plan, are model school buildings. It is not easy to see how, with moderate outlay, better results could be obtained. The first was built about 1870, at a cost of 88000, or about that, and has been remodeled so as to accommodate four in place of two schools. The Bennett School building was built in 1874 and remodeled last year. These buildings as they now stand cost about $11,000 each. A new school building wa< erected at North Leominster in 1888. It is one of the best and most complete for the cost to be found anywhere. It is convenient, substantial, handsome in finish, has the best heating and ventilating arrangement in the country, and provides thoroughly for the comfort and health of the scholars. The cost was about $12,000. Leominster has no reason to be ashamed of her school buildings.

The results in education are, after all, often as much in men as in buildings and town votes. It is proper to make, therefore, some reference to the men who have had most to do with the educational affairs of the town.

Jonas Henry Kendall. - No historic sketch of the school system and school affairs of the town can be complete that does not record the name of Jonas Henry Kendall among the generous benefactors of the town. He died in 1862, a descendant of an ancient and honorable family of the town. By his will, besides minor bequests to individuals and a gift to the town of a fine bell for the Town-House, and $5000 for a hall and school-room at North Leominster, he bequeathed to the town $5000 for a free Public Libraty^the income of $10,000 for the support of the High School, and the income of $3000 for the benefit of the school at the North Village. It is particularly for his benefactions to the cause of education that his name should beheld in grateful remembrance for all time by all lovers of sound learning and generous culture.

Dr. Caleb Clesson Field. - To write adequately of the schools of Leominster and not give some account of the life and work of Dr. C. C. Field would be impossible. It would be equally unjust, for to his sustained interest, watchful care and excellent judgment the town is very largely indebted for her superior schools, and especially for those progressive ideas of school management and instruction for which Leominster has so long been noted. Of this the writer can speak with confidence. For fourteen years he taught under Dr. Field's direct supervision, during which time two of the doctor's own children were members of the school and graduated under the writer's personal instruction. Dr. Field's work for the Leominster schools, his general estimate of the public school system, his ideas of management, instruction and progress, his temper towards the new and the old in education, are all matters of familiar knowledge. There is lasting advantage in placing a system of schools in the right attitude, in leading ])arents and teachers to cherish the right spirit towards educational topics; a mind at once hospitable to progress and conservative of the real gold in possession, and in keeping a town up to the point where it is willing to honor, cherish and keep its public schools. All this aud more Dr. Field did for Leominster, and of this mention should be made to his lasting honor.

Caleb Clesson Field was born in Norlhfield, Mass., Maj' 27, 1810; he graduated with honors at Amherst College in the summer of 1833. His first public work was as a teacher in the old town of Concord, Mass., where, as a young graduate, lie achieved marked success. Teaching was not, however, his chosen profession, and in the year 1835 he began the study of medicine at a private school in Boston. He remained here until June of the next year, when he was compelled to leave on account of failing health. He remained at his home in Northiield until 1837, studying medicine with Dr. Dean, of Greenfield. After this he spent five months with the then celebrated Dr. Twitchell, of Keene, N. H. At the close of his studies there he attended a course of lectures at Dartmouth Medical School and received the degree of M.D. from that institution in 1837. In the same year Dr. Field came to Leominster and settled in the work of his profession, continuing its practice with the growing favor of the community until his death, in 1881.

In 1838 Dr. Field was elected a member of the Leominster School Board and served without interruption from that time until his death. At the time when he became a member of the board, the educational pulse of the State was showing increasing strength. Xew blood had been infused into the system by Horace Mann aud others. The State Board of Education caused broader and juster ideas of education to take strong foot-hold in all parts of the State; with these ideas Dr. Field was fully in sympathy. During a long and active life he kept himself well posted on all educational topics, was a close observer of methods and a clear and forcible reasoner upon the principles of teaching. He was ready to advocate any change for Leominster schools which gave reasjnabie ]iromise of greater efficiency in school work, but was not willing to throw away an actual good for what was only an imaginary gain. He was the friend of any earnest and faithful teacher, a safe counselor, a decided helper in the line of direct suggestion. The schools of Leominster will always bear the marks of his wise care, faithful oversight and unfailing interest. As our modern life makes larger and larger demands upon the time of the individual, and the system of public instruction becomes more comprehensive, special supervision by men who can devote all their time to the work must take the place of the old way. But in the years before this was possible, any town was most fortunate if among her citizens there was one who had the will and the ability to do for her public schools what Dr. Field did for the schools of Leominster. He labored with unfailing interest and zeal, with rare wisdom and success, for the wise and permanent development of our system of schools, aud after a service of over forty-three years left the schools among the best in the State. On the

As a physician Dr. Field was held in high esteem by members of the profession, and served the town with skill and success. He was twice chosen by the people to represent them at the General Court, and did most honorable and efficient service there, especially as a member of the Committee on Education.

As a man Dr. Field was highly esteemed by the community. His character grew in breadth and strength to the end. He left a lasting impression for good upon the community.

In May, 1881, Dr. Field, reduced in strength by the severe work of the winter and early spring, took a sudden cold which developed into pneumonia, of which he died after a brief illness of five days. He was three times married, but only one of his children is now living.

Jame.s Benxett, Esq. - This is an honorable name in Leominster, and especially in connection with her public schools. Mr. Bennett was for a long time an active and influential member of the School Board, and to the end of life an earnest, devoted friend of education. His time, his influence, his help in every way, was freely given to the public schools. In this field, as well as others, he did excellent and lasting work. In many ways Mr. Bennett was exceptionally well-fitted to work (or the schools. His interest was constant. So far as he was able - and his ability exceeded that of most men not actually engaged in teaching - he gave direct help in this work. His service was honorable to himself and helpful to the cause.

In other ways Mr. Bennett served the town faithfully. He was for many years a member of the Library Committee, and one of the most potent factors in its growth. Of his work there it is sufficient to say, that when he became a member of the committee he found the library a .imaU collection of books of small value; when he left the committee, in 1880, on account of age and health, the library numbered eight thousand volumes, had a home of its own, and a fine reading-room department. Of the work needed to bring all this about Mr. Bennett bore his full share. He was a wise and efficient member of the committee, serving much of the time as its treasurer.

Writing in 18.53, Mr. Wilder, in his "History of Leominster," said : " Although there have been some failures on the i)art of the teachers, yet, at least for the sixty-five years past, the town has been jjeculiarly fortunate iu this particular." Not now including the High School, to which there is reference elsewhere, it may be noticed that not a few of the teachers in the grammar and primary grades have been for many years in the service of the town, and have shown rare iibilittj in teaching and rare fidelity in work. Of this the writer has personal knowledge, and it would be neither just nor honest to end this article without saying, that in all the grades to which reference is now made at least, while there may have been some failures, it is still true, as it was in 1853, that Leominster has been peculiarly fortunate in lier teacherit. When it is remembered that it is, after all, neither the building, nor the text-book, nor the committee, nor the superintendent, but the teacher who determines the character and influence of the school, there should be no more honored names in connection with our school history than of those teachera who, in these least-noticed places, witli unfailing patience, zeal and devotion, have given the strength of their best and truest life for the success of the Leominster schools.

The Free Public Library. - In writing of the educational facilities which Leominster affords, some mention should be made of the different departments of her Free Public Library. There is a close connection between these and the schools. Many of the books purchased are such as will aid, both directly and indirectly, the work of teaching. In this way the library becomes a direct and most efficient educational force. By oflfering a large and well-selected collection of the best books, many of them beyond the means of a majority of its patrons, the library must be, in any community, a persistent power in the education of the people. But the library may be, and in Leominster it is, in direct sympathy with the schools, takes an active and helpful part in their work, gives opportunity for improvement and invites to better methods- Leominster has reason to take pride in her library. The books are, in the main, wellselected ; they are free to all, and sufficiently varied in character and subject to meet the reasonable requirements of this community.

The first Public Library in the town of Leominster was gathered in 1763, and numbered about one hundred volumes, and was known as the Leominster' Social Library. For fifty-two years this library was kept in the study of Rev. Francis Gardner. The case which held it is in the possession of the library committee. This book-case is about thirty-four and onehalf inches square, and contains three shelves.

About the time the Rev. Abel Conant was settled here the books of this old Social Library were sold, and the proceeds invested in a new collection. To , this new library there were about one hundred subscribers. This library was removed from place to place, as one and another served as librarian ; but it seems to have rested for the longest time with Miss E. G. Gardner, a niece of Rev. Francis Gardner, above-named. It was kept in her house seven years. In 1848 this Social Library was given to the Leominster Lyceum.

In about the year 1826 a literary society, known as the Leominster Institute, was organized. Through the efforts of this society another library was gathered, and in December, 1847, contained about two hundred volumes. It was then given to the Leominster Lyceum. The Leominster Lyceum, which received these two libraries, was organized in December, 1847. The last entry on the record-books is for 1853; but the Lyceum retained its library till 1856, when it was presented to the town, on condition that the town would establish a Public Library.

The first effort made to establish a free town library, of which there is any record, was in 1853. In the warrant for the March meeting of that year, the 22d article read as follows : "To see if the town will establish and maintain a Public Library and provide suitable rooms therefor ; and if so, to raise and approjiriate a sum of money for the above purpose." In the records of the meeting held under this warrant we find the entry, " Voted to dismiss article 22d." Here the matter rested, so far as the action of the town is concerned, till April, 18513. The subject was then taken up in the form of an article " To see if the town will accept of the Lyceum Library, and make it the basis qf a Public Library." When this article came up in town-meeting it was referred to a committee consisting of the following gentlemen, viz. : Luke Lincoln, Abel C. Wilder, C. C. Field, D. R, Haynes and J. C. Allen, with instructions to report at the adjourned meeting. In accordance with the recommendation of this committee, made in their report May 5, 1856, the town voted to accept the library ofiered by the Leominster Lyceum, and establish a Town Library of the same, according to law. The same gentlemen were chosen to receive and have charge of the library. The town raised and appropriated the sum of seventy-five dollars to support the library the first year. The first meeting of the first library committee was held at the office of J. C. Allen, May 21, 1856. J. C. Allen was the first secretary, and D. R. Haynes the first treasurer. In 1857 the same committee were re-elected, and an appropriation of one hundred and fifty dollars made.

At the May meeting in 1858 the town voted to empower the Library Committee to collect certain libraries owned by the town, but kept in the different school wards, and as the books of these several libraries were many of them alike, to put two copies of each book in the Town Library, and exchange the rest for other books. This was to be done only where no objection was made. The libraries of Wards Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 7 were thus collected. Objections being made in Wards No. 1 and 6, the matter was dropped. Francis Tinker served as librarian from the formation of the Public Library till the end of 1862, receiving for the most part fifty dollars a year for his services. During this time the library was kept in his store, in Union Block, next door to what is now H. L. Williams & Co.'a grocery store.

For the year 1863, C. W. Carter was librarian, and the library was kept in a small building which then stood where Wood's brick block now is. The first part of 1864 the library dwelt in boxes. At the end of 1863 the Town Library, having absorbed the three old libraries mentioned above and a part of the school libraries, had increased to about nine hundred volumes, and had cost the town $1,072.98. In 1876, the town received a fund of five thousand dollars from the estate of J. Henry Kendall, given, as stated in a codicil to his will, " for the formation of a Public Library," on condition that the town would provide a room for this Library satisfactory to the trustees of the Kendall Fund. To comply with this condition the Town Hall was raised and the present libraryroom was fitted up below. The library took possession of this new room about April, 1864. The same month James M. Bronson, the present librarian, was appointed. At this time also it was voted to purchase for the tow-n the Leominster Agricultural Library, at one dollar a share. This library was obtained in the folbiwing manner: An agent from Boston visited the town in 1857, having a list of books for an Agricultural Library, which he promised to furnish if he could get eightythree subscribers at $2.50 each. The required number was obtained and the library sent; it was kept at the store of J. C. Allen. This Library was purchased in accordance with the above-mentioned vote. This fact accounts for the large number of old agricultural works in the library at the present time.

The Kendall Fund has been expended in the purchase of books in accordance with the terms of the will, and the library now numbers about eleven thousand volumes. The reading-room is a most valuable department of the library. Its influence increases from year to year.

From this record it appears that the town has dealt quite liberally with its library. That the library would not have reached anything like its present size or value, except for the bequest of Mr. Kendall, does not, in the least, detract from the truth of this statement. The town has done its part well and the library is firmly intrenched in public favor.

The Leominster Museum, now a part of the library, owes its origin to the zealous efforts of Rev. Wm. J. Batt, with the co-operation of James Bennett, Esq., and Dr. G. W. Pierce, whose interest in geological and antiquarian research caused them to render valuable aid.

Sunday, October 2r»th, Mr. Batt read an article from the pulpit of the Orthodox church, " desiring all persons interested in such a movement to meet at the town-hall building, October 30th," 1871. In response to this call a meeting was held in the libraryroom October 30, 1871, at which meeting a committee was chosen, consisting of Rev. W. J. Batt, Dr. G. W. Pierce, James Bennett, F. A. Whitney, Sumner L. Carter and Fred. R. Hill, to prepare and report a plan of procedure.

December 18th the friends of the measure again met at the room of the library. A report was presented lay Rev. Mr. Batt, chairman of the committee, advising the choice of five trustees, who, together with the library committee, for the time being, shall be known as the " Leominster Museum Board." The report was accepted, and Eev. W. J. Batt, Dr. C. C. Field, Joel Smith, J. C. Allen and T. A. Hills were chosen trustees. The library committee consisted of Dr. G. W. Pierce, Kev. E. A. Horton, S. L. White, Rev. J. D. Miller and W. H. Reed. At a subsequent meeting J. D. Miller was chosen treasurer, and Joel Smith, W. J. Batt and J. C. Allen, committee on finance.

About five hundred dollars were contributed by public-spirited citizens, and mostly expended in cases and material forming the nucleus of the present collection, by a committee consisting of Joe! Smith, James Bennett and N. C. Boutelle.

At a meeting of the museum board, September 23, 1874, Mr. Batt presented his resignation as chairman of the board, and James Bennett was chosen to fill the vacancy.

April 5, 1880, with the consent of the trustees, the town " voted to accept of the museum as a part of the public library, and provide for its care."

May 19th, the library committee appointed E. G. Davis curator of the museum, and he still holds that position. The following partial catalogue prepared by him is of historical value :

The Mineralogic.al Department .^T\i\s department now contains about four hundred specimens, the nucleus of which was a private collection presented by Miss E. J. Fessenden, of Fitchburg. Among the other contributions are, a series of one hundred and forty-seven specimens, illustrating the geological formation of the Alps, presented by Rev. E. A. Horton ; numerous contributions from Colorado, by Col. I vers Phillips ; many others by Mr. C. H. Vanderwarker, of Fitchburg, and a profusion of local specimens by Messrs. James Bennett, Blanchard Hosmer, Charles Nixon, Roscoe Frost, Russell Damon, Willie Freeman and others. The collection consists of rocks, fossils, shells, birds, mammals, war relics, antiquities, Indian relics, colonial and miscellaneous relics, manuscripts, newspapers and books, the " International Scientists' Directory," etc., etc.

This museum, which at one time seemed little more than a pleasant dream, but which is now a permanent monument of the energy and enthusiasm of Rev. Mr. Batt, and adds very materially to the educational facilities of Leominster, will increase in interest and value with every year of its history. If by public vote or private beneficence, suitable buildings are provided for the different departments of the library, Leominster may challenge comparison with other towns of her size in these respects.

weakness, out of the much poverty of the early times, but cherished then ; strengthened and established with the growth and development of the town ; kept by those in charge fully up to the standard of education in the State and Nation ; provided now with ample material and competent supervision ; aided in the work by the accessories already named - looking at this whole field, we say, that Leominster has no need to apologize for what she has done, is doing, or promises to do for the education of her people.

Chapter Clvii Industrial

How to obtain a livelihood, and how to secure for one's children some better chance than their parents possessed, are two of the most pressing questions of life. Other questions come and go ; these remain and keep the house. When men are looking for a home, then, their choice must depend very largely upon the business enterprise of a town and the educational advantages which it offers. The question of how to live is so constantly with us, and the desire to better I'fe for our children is so vital a part of our thought, that mere beauty of natural scenery, or even more weighty matters, will be neglected or forgotten in answering the*e: Does the town promise constant work at living wages? What advantages of education - social, intellectual and religious - can my children enjoy ? Hence the importance of the present topic.

Probably few towns in the Commonwealth surpass Leominster either in the number and variety of industrial pursuits or in the skill and energy with which these are conducted. In regard to these industries two general facts are worthy of notice. First: An important part of the manufacturing I'equires only a limited amount of capital ; but there are several corporations of large resources and extensive business, whose goods are familiarly known in all parts of the country and even sold in foreign markets. There is thus larger opportunity for individual enterprise and less danger in many ways. Second: An unusually large proportion of these industries require skilled workmen, and so ensure to the town a very large class of intelligent and thinking citizens. From the first Leominster has been noted for the general intelligence and good character of its inhabitants. One reason for this is found in the nature and variety of her industrial pursuits. There is less danger that men will lack employment, less opportunity for labor troubles, a greater tendency to acquire and hold property, a more general feeling of security, which of itself does much for the growth and development of any town. As a glance at the other chapters of this sketch will show tliat, in regard to educational advantages and opportunities for moral and religious training. Leominster offers unusual attractions, so a review of our business interests will prove that the chances for constant labor at remunerative wages are better in Leominster than in most other towns of this State.

Agriculture. - In any enumeration of business interests, agriculture would, naturally, stand first. It was first in the order of time. For the first twentyfive years very little, if any, manufecturing was done in town not diret'tly connected with the farming interest; and for the first half-century Leominster was to all intents an agricultural community. The following quotation gives a good description of the soil. "This town probably contains as great a variety of soils as are to be found in any other town in the Commonwealth. Hence the natural growth of the wood and timber, as well as the agricultural and horticultural products, are also various. While the high, coarse, gravelly plains produce only the small pitchpines, the lower and richer planes were thickly covered the larger white, pitch and yellow pines for timber. On the deep alluvial plains were the white and sugar maples, the birch, the beech and the elm, while tlie rich soils of the uplands were thickly covered with the different species of oak, chestnut and walnut.'' All this presupposes a great variety of soil, and that the inhabitants would find their first wealth in cultivating the land. "There were, in these years, only a sufficent number of mechanics to dress the cloth, home-spun and made in the family, to do the blacksmithing, construct the ploughs, carts and other implements of husbandry, to make and mend the custom shoes," etc.

The migratory habits of the shoe-maker in those early days, when he packed up his tools, and even his bench, and traveled from house to house to make up the shoes for the year, illustrates the condition of all manufacturing, when the farmers were all the mechanics which the community boasted. Leominster has always been a town of small farms. The land was allotted in plots of forty acres at first, and no proprietor was permitted to hold, in his own right, more than one of these lots, unless the land was poor, when the number of acres was increased. Mr. Wilder notes that, in 1853, some of these farms were still in the possession, either in whole or part, of the lineal descendants of the first owners. He names Samuel M. Carter, Abel Wilder, Levi Smith and Charles F. Carter as of the fourth generation of the first owners, and Joseph Colburn, Solon Carter, William Carter, David Houghton, Shepherd C. Wilder, Luke and Ephriam Buss as of the third generation. A few of these places are still in the same family line as in 1853; mention will not be made of these firms. But Mr. Lane was the pioneer of tlie business in Leominster. He brought to the town, and gave it permanent foothold, one of the most important of our industries : important because it employs so many and so skillful a class of workmen, contributes so directly to the intelligence and good name of the town, by increasing the average mechanical skill and culture of its citizens. For these reasons his name is mentioned with honor in this chapter.

At the present time there are within the town limits six firms engaged in piano work of some kind. Two of these make and finish the instruments ready for the market. The W. H. Jewett & Co. piano stands high with the trade as a well-made instrument of superior tone and finish. The business was commenced in 1861 by W. H. Jewett and George A. Allen, and contined by them until 1869, when Mr. Allen retired. The business was then the making of both piano-cases and pianos, and the Allen & Jewett piano is well remembered. During the year named the factory of this firm, which stood on Pond Street, was wholly consumed by fire. The firm of W. H. Jewett & Co. was formed in October, 1870, and consisted, at first, of W. H. Jewett and R. B. Richardson, of Woburu, but later on was reorgauized, and now the members are W. H. Jewett and his two sons, with F. J. Woodburj', a nephew of the senior member. The business is conducted in Allen's block.

Mr. Andrew G. Reckard, one of the oldest and best piano-makers of Leominster, to whom reference has alread}' been made as having veneered the first piano-cases manufactured in town, and who was at one time foreman for J. C. Lane, has a small factory on Church Street, near his residence. He makes a few pianos of superiorior workmanship in all respects. These pianos will bear comparison with the very best instruments otlered in the market. All the work of finishing is done by Mr. Reckard himself, whose superior mechanical skill and fine musical taste warrant the best results.

The John H. Lockey Piano-Case Company is the oldest of the firms which are now conducting this branch of the business ; for, although the present corporation has been very lately formed, the business itself dates back to 1851, when John H. Lockey, the senior member of the company, began business for himself in the factory of J. C. Lane. Either alone, or with his brother, Joseph P. Lockey, or as the head of the present firm, Mr. Lockey has continued this business most, if not all of the time until now. In the interests of his business he erected one or both of the buildings already mentioned as burned on the site of Valpey & Anthony's shoe shop, as well as the building now occupied by this piano-case company. The ca.ses made by Mr. Lockey have always been regarded as among the very best in the market, in make, style and finish. P>very thing is done at this factory in the most thorough manner : none but experienced and skillful workmen are employed, many of these men having been with Mr. Lockey for years, and are, in every sense of the word, master-workmen.

The Hon. John H. Lockey has been so long and intimately connected with the business interests and civil atiairs of Leominster, and has contributed so largely to the growth and development of the town by his business talents and extensive building, that mention should be made of the fact to his honor. Not only has he conducted important business interests in the town for more than thirty years, employing many able mechanics, treating his employes with a courtesy and . liberality of which their long service with him is a most ample witness ; but he has, at different times, increased the business facilities of the town by building, with taste and thoroughness, at least three large factories, one to replace the first which was burned. Mr. Lockey has also built two private residences which are among the best and most substantial in town. In civil life, also, Mr. Lockey has rendered important service. He has served on many committees, when the business was of permanent interest to the town, giving freely of his time and Influence to measures of public improvement and to whatever has seemed for the best good of the community. Mr. Lockey has been elected by the town as its Representative and by the district as Senator; and in both cases did efficient service at the "General Court." Any sketch of our business interests should name Mr. Lockey as one of the men who have contributed most liberally and effectively to the growth of the town. Mr. J. M. Lockey is now associated with his father in the business of the company.

The F. G. Smith Piano Case Works are located about a miles west of the Common and the business history of the site has already been given. The works are the property of F. G. Smith, of New York, successor to William Bradbury, and one of the largest piano manufacturers in the United States. The work here is done directly for the New York branch of the business and the Leominster factory is under the management of Mr. W. L. Porter, a very skillful mechanic and one of the original founders of the piano case business at this place. The cases made at this factory are of excellent quality, employing the labor of many of the best mechanics in town.

Charles J. Cobleigh has a large piano case factory at West Leominster. The original buildings on this site were erected by S. A. Meads and designed for a sash and blind shop. But when the Arlington Piano Company's factory was burned, in 1872, this property came into their possession. It was used by them while the business was continued. In August, 1879, Mr. Cobleigh began business for himself and in January, 1880, moved to the Arlington Shop. Previously he had been in the employ of John H. Lockey and others in the same business. Since 1880 he has made large additions to the original buildings and in many ways improved the ap- pearance and value of property at West Leominster. The buiness employs a hundred men and very lagely through Mr. Cobleigh's energy and business ability West Leominster is, to-day, a busy, comely and thriving part of the town.

J. P. Lockey & Co. commenced the business of making piano-cases in 1885, in what was the Union Comb shop, a large factory on Central Street. The location here mentioned was first occupied for business purposes in 1846. At that time, in order to accommodate the comb business of Joslin & Graham, this property was purchased, the dam built which Hows the Union Comb Co.'s pond and a shop erected in 1846-47 by Mr. Charles L. Joslin. The property came by dift'erent hands to the possession of the Union Comb Co. This company erected a large factory, which in a few years was burned and rebuilt. It was in this last shop that the company now spoken of began the manufacture of piano-cases. The company remained here until October 1, 1886, when the property was sold to the Richardson Carriage Co., and the piano-case works were moved to the Whitney & Rice mill on Mechanic Street. At this ])lace the business is now conducted by the original owners associated with Mr. Geo. L. Rice.

Woolen Goods. - It is evident that the woolen industry proper had a beginning in Leominster as early as 1800. Many years previous, we have found, while tracing the business history of the site nowowned by F. G. Smith, that a mill was erected there to dress home-made cloth. But if this be claimed as not a proper beginning of the woolen business, we read that in 1799 Nichols & Kendall built a mill on the Nashua River for the manufacture of woolen goods. In the next year the property was rented to John Taylor, an Englishman, experienced in the making of woolen cloth and was by him operated in a small way till 1810. At that time, it may be inferred, that he acquired the property by purchase, for he enlarged both factory and power and managed an increased business until 1828, when the mill suffered the fate of all like structures on that stream and was quietly converted into a paper-mill.

From 1828 to 1865 there is no evidence that the woolen business had a home or any mention within the limits of the town. It seems to have died from memory or thought. Curiously enough, when it was started again, the mill was built by a man who had spent his life and made his fortune in the paper business. It was a kind of restitution for the theft of the old woolen-mill thirty-seven years before.

The woolen business is now represented in Leominster by E. M. Rockwell at this mill on Pond Street, and by the Leominster Worsted Company at their new factory, just below. The mill on Pond Street has been enlarged and remodeled by Mr. Rockwell, and is now a complete nine-set mill. For the greater part of his business life Mr. Rockwell has either been engaged in woolen manufacturing or in superintending the making of machinery for that purpose.

The Leominster Worsted Company began their present mill in the fall of 1887. It was finished and went into operation January, 1888 ; but the business itself was commenced by E. M. Rockwell and William Rodgers in May, 1886. William H. Chase takes the place of Mr. Rockwell in the present company.

Children's Carriages. - The nature of this business, the skill and intelligence required in the workmen, as well as the large capital employed and the high wages paid, unite to make this, like the piano business, one of the important working forces in the well-being of the town. It has proved, all will concede, the most important of Leominster's industries. The following history of its growth and progress was prepared under the direction of one who best knows the facts.

" The manufacture of children's carriages in Leominster was begun in a very modest manner by F. W. & F. A. Whitney in the year 1858, at which time the few in use were, as a rule, homely in shape and rudely constructed. The present beauty and perfection in design was not even dreamed of at that time, and it was a slight, unimportant circumstance which led to the establishment of this valuable industry in Leominster. While on a visit to Greenfield, Mass., Mr. F. A. Whitney noticed on the street a baby-carriage, somewhat different from the stereotyped pattern, and it occurred to him that the manufacture in new and attractive designs might be made profitable; upon his return home he consulted with his cousin, Mr. F. W. Whitney, and found him equally confident and willing to embark in the business. Accordingly they hired a small portion of the Lockey shop, located where the shoe factory of Messrs. Valpey & Anthony now stands, and, with only a few men in their employ, began work.

In 1861, soon alter the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. F. A. Whitney sold his interest to F. W. Whitney, and entered the service of the Christian Commission. After some months of labor he returned, and purchased, once more, his share in the business. In 1862 the building, then partially occupied, was consumed by fire, occasioning much loss, with no insurance : with the exception of one planer scarcely anything was saved. This planer is still in use by the company.

After the fire the firm resumed work in the shop recently occupied by the Leominster Worsted Co., situated on Water Street, using two other buildings, located where the" depot now stands, for finishing purposes. In 1863' F. A. Whitney purchased the entire business. In 1865 he was requested to vacate the position he occupied, and then arose a problem, difficult to solve, where he should next locate. The water privilege to be obtained upon the tract of land known as " Paradise " settled the question, and accordingly he erected at once, the westerly of the present group of buildings. A more desirable spot could hardly have been chosen : it was conspicuous for its natural beauiy, and perfectly suited to the growing requirements of the business, whose early history had always been attended by uncertainty and discouragement, the losses by fire and removals making it seem an unequal struggle. Then the difficulty of conveying goods to town arose ; as there was no bridge across the stream, it was necessary to carry them by a [jath through the woods, for nearly a mile. Finally, Mr. Whitney petitioned the town to build a bridge; there was much opposition by some of the leading citizens, who thought it an unnecessary outlay of money ; but after a time, owing, in a great measure, to the influence of Mr. Alfred L. Burditt, chairman of the Board of 8electmen, and his associates, a bridge was built, which has since been replaced by a substantial iron structure. Other buildings were erected, and the business grew and increased until, while in the first two or three years five or six hundred covered the number of carriages manufactured, 1871 found the sales enlarged to twelve thousand. At that time, in order to still better facilitate business, a joint stock company was formed and incorporated, known as "The F. A. Whitney Carriage Company," with F. A. Whitney, jiresident; F.W.Whitney, treasurer; Wm. B. Whitney, superintendent of wood and iron department, and S. M. Frost, secretary and traveling salesman. F. A. Whitney, F. W. Whitney, Wm. B. Whitney and S. M. Frost, directors and owners of the entire stock. Not a season has passed since 1871 without the addition either of buildings, lumbersheds, or improvements in labor-saving devices, to increase production, economize cost, and secure the best mechanical results. The enterprise has proved remarkably successful, furnishing employment to a large number of people, and contributing greatly to the material prosperity of the town. In 1885 Mr. S. M. Frost retired from the business, and F. H. Shaw, J. P. Holman, Philip Lothrop and Wm. C. Burditt, employes of the company, became stockholders. In 1886 Wm. B. Whitney retired, and Geo. W. Foster, formerly of the firm of Foster Bros. & Kenney, entered the employ of the company and took an interest. A few months ago Mr. F. H. Shaw sold his interest, leaving the present management as follows: F. A. Whitney, president and treasurer; Wm. C. Burditt, secretary; Geo. W. Foster, traveling salesman, and F. A. Whitney, J. P. Holman, P. Lothrop and Geo. W. Foster, directors.

The company were never iu a better condition to manufacture than at the present time, with one hundred and fifty employes, and shipping goods to all parts of the United States, South America and Australia."

honors more, or who better deserves the honor, than Mr. F. A. Whitney. It is doubtful if any other man has contributed more than he to the permanent and healthy growth of our mechanical industries. Not only did he help to establish this most important business, but it was chiefiy by his foresight and energy that it passed its most critical time, took possession of a location admirably fitted for its accommodation and development and came to its present liberal, permanent and prosperous condition. Mr. Whitney is not a native of Leominster, but he has been for many years, covering the whole of his business career, closely connected with the religious and industrial life of the town. While his business record is an honor to himself, both as a manufacturer and an employer, and has been and is a vital, working force in our growth and prosperity, the buildings he has planned with so much taste, and caused lo be so thoroughly constructed, will remain as a permanent element in Leominster's future industrial history.

In the same line of business the Richardson Carriage Company have been for two years located in Leominster. They occupy the old Union Comb Shop, which they have twice enlarged. The business is prosperous and employs many hands. It is now and will be one of the important elements in our progress, but as a late comer, its history is hardly demanded in this sketch.

Machinery. - Thurston Richardson, a man of much more than ordinary mechanical ability, and especially skillful as a worker in iron, seems to have been the first in Leominster to make the manufacture of machinery a regular business. He worked in a small shop on Union Street, and devoted his attention largely to the manufacture of comb tools. While in Boston purchasing machinery for the Union Comb Co., Mr. Richardson was exposed to the small-pox, of which disease he died. From that time there has been some business of this kind in town, managed by different parties and located at different places ; but the iron industry has never been extensive or prominent.

At present there are four firms in town working in iron, - Gould & Cook, manufacturers of the Gem Pencil-sharpener; J. A. Stowell, John Mather and Austin A. Smith. These firms do the general jobbing business of the town, and some or all of them undertake the making of shafting, gearing, hangers, pulleys, etc. Mr. Smith has of late made a number of rattan machines of excellent quality; but none of the firms employ many hands or undertake very heavy work. It is a direction in which the possibilities of Leominster have not been largely developed.

Nearly allied to this business, however, is the making of apple-parers, which has been, and is still, somewhat more largely carried on in town. The business was commenced by Lockey & Rowland in 1856, and by them made very profitable. Later Mr.

Lockey managed the business alone ; but in the end it was sold and moved from town. Some time after, Mr. F. W. Hudson started the same business, but under different patents, and continued it with success till within a few years, when he sold his interest to his son, C. E. Hudson, the present owner. The business employs, at some seasons of the year, fifteen or more hands, and is of growing importance.

Chamber FuRNiTURE.^It is not at all probable that the history of this industry in Leominster can bear a date much earlier than 18f>4. The exact date of the business conducted by a Mr. Pratt in the Lane & Prescott shop is not known to the writer and it is possible that Mr. George A. Bishop began work at the same place a short time before the year above named. But the year 1864 is the time when the business took such form as permanently to affect the interests of the town.

At present there are two firms in Leominster engaged in this business : the Leominster Furniture Company and Merriam, Hall & Co. at North Leominster. The business of Merriam, Hall & Co., was established in 1864, at which time the first buildings of the present factory were erected. The original partners were George Hall, Samuel Merriam and Edward Pickard. Two of the three, at least, had not been residents of Leominster previous to this time. The relations of Mr. Merriam to this business are embodied in the sketch of his life. The firm now consists of George Hall, one of the original owners and his sou, Arthur H. Hall, both wholly familiar with the business. The buildings have been several times enlarged and are now carefully arranged and adapted to the needs of the business. The firm have lately purchased a large tract from the Moses Richardson estate, erected a large store-houae and conducted it by a side-track directly with the Fitchburg Railroad. This enables them to handle freight with large economy of time and labor. The business is wholly the making of chamber suits in ash, oak and cherry. About ninety meu are employed and the annual product is ten thousand suits.

About' the same year Blodgett & Bishop began to make chamber suits in what was called the Lane & Prescott shop. Soon after, they erected the factory now used by the company at the lowest point on Monoosnock Brook which has yet been occupied for manufacturing purposes. Bishop & Hogan succeeded Blodgett & Bishop, and when Mr. Hogan retired the firm became George A. Bishop & Company. In this form the business continued until 187S, when Mr. Bishop died very suddenly. For the next two years there were two firms, Martin, Bates & Co., and A. J. Bates & Co., but in 1880 the present corporation was formed, known in law as The Leominster Furniture Manufacturing Company. The original facilities of the plant have been largely increased by the addition of store-house, lumber-sheds, &c. The business of the corporation is the manufacture of chamber suits in pine, ash, oak and chestnut. The mill has both steam and water-power and accommodates about fifty men. This company finish a few suits, but no goods are finished at the factory of Merriam, Hall & Co.

Toys and Games. - This business is conducted by W. S. Reed and C. E. Dresser, who constitute the W. S. Reed Toy Company. So far as the writer has found any clue to the business history of the site now occu|)ied by this corporation, it is contained in the following :

"About the year 1763 another saw-mill was erected further down the stream (Monoosnock Brook), by Rufus Houghtou. This was afterwards known as the Fullum Mill." From about 1825 to 1847 this mill was occupied by Thonuis Stearns for a tannery, when the property was sold to J. C. Lane, who erected the present wooden building. But there is no certainty that the new shop was built on the exact site of the old mill ; indeed, it seems probable that it was farther to the north and west and the "Fullum Mill'' stood nearer the place now occupied by the Rattan Works. It is perhaps needless to say that the shop erected by Mr. Lane for his piano-works in time came to be used for the manufacture of combs.