Lexington Town (part 9 of 25)

He tt^as a man of method and of industry. As a farmer, by care and good management he was able on a small salary to rear up a large family, cultivate his land, and to leave unincumbered at his death a farm of sixty acres. Nor did his devotion to worldly affairs lead him to neglect his religious duties. Rev. William Ware, a family connection of Mr. Clarke, informs us that he had seen a manuscript sermon of Mr. Clarke's, ^umbered 2,179, would make an average oi fifty-six sermons a year during his whole ministry at Lexington. When it is considered that his sermons would occupy a full hour in their delivery, fifty-six Original sermons in a year must require great labor both of body and of mind. He also published several discourses.^

His personal appearance was natuaally dignified and commanding, and this was heightened in the desk by his clerical costume of gown, cassock, and bands, and a wig of immense dimensions and of snowy whiteness. He was also characterized by a aeatness so extreme as to serve as a constant rebuke to the want of this graceful virtue in his people. His eloquence was of a commanding eharacter. His voice was powerful and agreeable, and when excited by his subject, which was frequently the case, it extended beyond the bounds of the meeting-house, and could be distinctly heard by those in the immediate neighborhood.

But Mr. Clarke, though eminent as a divine, was something more than is usually implied in that designation. To his knowledge of the Scriptui-es and whatever else is generally supposed to appertain to the clerical profession, he added a knowledge of men, in their individual and in their associated capacity, and had broad and correct views of civil polity ; so that he might be denominated a statesma^i as well as a divine. But thougfh he was distinguished in both these relations, he did not put these characters on and off at pleasure, assuming the one at one time, and the other at another. In him the divine and the statesman were coexistent - dwelling together in perfect harmany, prompting at all times to deeds politically religious and religiously political. Consequently he did not sink the statesman when he acted the divine, nor the divine when he acted the statesman. His theology did not begin and end in certain abstract speculations upon the divine government in the narrow and restricted sense of that term. He knew that the Almighty Ruler of the universe, not only performed in his will in the armies of heaven, but among the inhabitants of the earth ; and that the great principles of the divine governments should be studied in their rela- tions to civil society. He fully realized that man was created for society, and that many of his duties and obligations grew out of the relations which society imposed. Consequently, he viewed the study of human government as an important part of an enlightened theological education.

Entertaining these views, he never put off the character of the clergyman, but brought the solemn sanctions of religion to bear upon all purposes of state. With him, patriotism was not a blind attachment to one's own country, but a religious obligation to the land in which we live. On this principle, he animated our fathers to stand by the interests of the Colonies, as one of their highest duties. Regarding all true government as growing out of the great plan of the Almighty, and believing that form of government best, which approached nearest to the divine standard, he was one of the most ardent and active friends of liberty ; and did more perhaps than any clergyman in this vicinity to prepare the public mind for that sanguinary struggle which gave us a place among the nations of the earth. He was an intimate friend of Samuel Adams and John Hancock, and a fellow laborer with them in the cause of liberty. To his house they frequently repaired, where they always met with a most cordial welcome, and drew the fire of patriotism from the sacred altar of religion. His counsels are known to have had a grejit, and perhaps a controlling influence upon John Hancock, at a time when he was supposed to be in doubt relative to his duty.

Mr. Clarke's character for patriotism was so well understood, that all the ardent friends of liberty used to frequent his house ; and they never left uninstructed, or unwarned with truly religious, patriotic ardor. His patriotism being engrafted upon the holy principles of his religion, it was modest and imobtrusive, but as firm and as abiding as the source whence it drew its nourishment. However dark the dispensation, or gloomy the prospect, he was always cheered with the hope - nay, animated with the conviction, that if we were faithful to the trust committed to our care, we should ultimately triumpli. And though he was a man of peace, and would sacrifice everything but principle to preserve a filial regard for the mother country, when he witnessed her wanton encroachments upon our just rights, and her determination to reduce us to a state of vassalage, he believed that it

That Mr. Clarke had just and enlightened views of the science of human government, and an ardent devotion to the great cause of justice and equal rights, will be seen by the following extracts from his Election sermon, preached before His Excellency Governor Hancock and the Plonorable Legislature, in 1781.

" Were there no civil government, laws, or magistracy, for the preservation of peace, the guard of liberty, the protection of property and the defence of life, it is easy to see, and without the spirit of prophecy to predict, what the event must be; that anarchy, confusion and blood, slaughter, waste and destruction would soon take place in the earth. The weak would be devoured by the strong, the innocent, like righteous Abel, would become an easy prey to the vicious, abandoned, and ambitious ; and the longest sword must quickly determine the fate of mankind. Hence it appears, I had almost said to demonstration, that under God the supreme ruler, this wise institution of civil government, this richest of temporal blessings to mankind, takes its rise from necessity.

'-It is true common reason teaches the propriety, convenience points out the advantages, and all the social affections concur to urge the importance of civil government. But they would be at least a feeble safeguard to the peace and order of society, and would never have availed to establish government over the lawless lusts of vicious, aspiring, or bloodthirsty men. It is necessity - necessity alone which combines men in society, and gives rise to civil government. This necessity, in a great measure at least, is founded in, and takes rise from the lust, corruptions, and vices of mankind.

" 'Tis not indeed pretended that any one man or number of men have any natural right of superiority, or inherent claim of dominion or governmental authority over any other man or body of men. All men by nature are free and equal, and independent in this matter. It is in compact, and in compact alone, that all just government is founded. The first steps in entering into society, and towards the establishment of civil government among a people, is the forming, agreeing to, and ratifying an original compact for the regulation of the state - describing and determining the mode, departments, and powers of the government, and the rights, privileges and duties of the subjects. This must be done by the whole body of the people, or by leaders, or delegates of their choice. This right of the people, whether emerging from a state of nature, or the yoke of oppression, is an unalienable right. It cannot be disposed of or given up by a people, even though ever so much inclined to sell or sacrifice their birthright in this matter.

bound by it ; and a sacred regard ought to be paid to it. No man, party, order, or body of men in the state have any right, power, or authority to alter, change, or violate the social compact. Nor can any change, amendment, or alteration be introduced but by common consent. It remains, however, with the community, state or nation, as a public, political body, at any time, at pleasure, to change, alter, or totally dissolve the constitution, and return to a state of nature, or to form a new government as to them may seem meet. These principles being admitted, it is evident that no man or body of men, however great or good - no nation, kingdom or power on earth, hath any right to make or impose a constitution of government upon a free people.

Equality and independence are the just claim - the indefeasible birthright of men. In a state of nature, as individuals, in society, as states or nations, nothing short of these ever did or ever will satisfy a man or a people truly free - truly brave. When opportunity offers, and power ia given, it is beyond dispute the duty of the subjected nation to assert its native liberty, to shake off the foreign yoke, and maintain its equality and independence among the nations.

" The principles of reason, the laws of nature, and the rules of justice and equity, give men a right to select their form of government. Even -God himself, the supreme ruler of the vrorld, whose government is absolute and uncontrollable, hath ever paid a sacred attention to this important right - hath ever patronized this interesting claim in the sons of men. The only constitution of civil government that can plead its origin as direct from heaven, is the theocracy of the Hebrews ; but even this form of government, though dictated by infinite wisdom, and written by the finger of Ood, was laid before the j^eople for their consideration, and was ratified, introduced, and established by common consent.

"A series of oppressive measures and lawless claims of arbitrary power, adopted and pursued by the Court of Great Britain in open violation of the most sacred chartered rights, aroused the spirit of liberty in the freeborn sons of America to the highest pitch. And no other alternative being left them but the sword or slavery, these Colonies hesitated not a moment, but unitedly declared their choice of the former - .greatly dared to be free ! The important die was cast - and the glorious era of liberty commenced. To Heaven the appeal was made ; and by Heaven the claim was sustained. That God who sitteth upon the throne of his holiness, the Governor among the nations, the patron of the injured and oppressed, hath pleaded our cause and maintained our right to freedom, equality, and independence ; and given us a name among the nations of the earth.

" To rouse our attention, and to give a spring to the noblest exertion, may we not realize the greatness of the cause, and attend to the voice of our brethren's blood, who have nobly fought and bled in its defence ? O, my fathers and brethren, all, all is yet at stake. All may yet be lost, if we rise not as one man to the noble cause. How inglorious must it be to fail at the last! Where then the pleasing scenes of liberty and independence! where the glorious foundations of safety and freedom which our civil con-

Ecclesiastical Affairs

" But can this be the event? Shall this be the fatal end, the shameful issue of all the glorious exertions that have been made, of all the bitter BUJBTerlngs that have been endured, of all the precious blood that hath been shed ? Is this possible ? Can it be ? Forbid it, righteous Heaven ! Forbid it, O my country! America rises indignant at the slavish thought. Her free-born sons are not so lost to the sentiments of liberty, the love of country, or the feelings of humanity, as to breathe the most distant idea of such a disgraceful end of this glorious contest. Nor can they ever be so debased as to retain a wish to survive the loss of liberty, or their country's independence. Much less to stand the tame spectators of the sacrifices that (in such a case) must and will be made of the noble patriots, wise counsellors, faithful rulers, brave commanders and illustrious heroes - and in fine of the best friends and the best blood of America, by the axe or halter, to satiate the rage, and glut the vengeance of a British conqueror! Or perhaps, that which is still more affecting and degrading, to be doomed to waste away the remains of a wretched life in poverty, chains, slavery, or a cruel imprisonment."

These extracts from a discourse delivered while the war of the Revolution was still raging - extracts, "which those who look at, will think too long, but those who read, will think too short" - clearly show that Mr. Clarke fully understood the nature of human government, and rightly appreciated the prerogatives of rulers, and the rights and duties of the people. He was also fully aware that these rights and privileges must be guarded Avith care and watchfulness ; that freemen must not only know their rights, but must be ready at all times to assert and maintain them, if necessary, even by the sword. Instead therefore of condemning war in all cases, and under all circumstances, he would rather sanctify it, and bring all military operations under the control of high religious principle. He had no sympathy for the display of mere brute force, but knew the worth of that true valor which struck for human rights - for liberty - for God.

*- Valor, or true fortitude, is that virtue by which men are enabled to preserve presence of mind, to possess themselves fully, think clearly, judge wisely, and act with calmness, firmness and resolution in times of great confusion and tumult, in the midst of the most pressing dangers and per- plexing distresses. A virtue which excites to the noblest actions, stimulates to the boldest enterprises which reason dictates, judgment directs, or duty calls them to engage in. True valor is, therefore, to be considered as a vioral virtue, having reason for its foundation, and religion for its encouragement and support. And where courage, valor, or fortitude has reason for its basis, and is encouraged, cultivated and supported by the principles of religion, it becomes a virtue of the highest rank, and prompts to the most heroic undertakings. And when properly employed in a cause worthy of attention, it enables men with a calmness and composure of mind to face the greatest dangers, to stand the severest shocks, to meet undaunted and serene the charge of the most formidable enemy, and all the horrors of war. The want of fortitude is always attended with disgrace and reproach, frequently with shameful defeat, and sometimes with total destruction. But inspired with this virtue, a man may engage the boldest rival in arms, and perform the most glorious exploits."

The various resolutions and instructions given to the Representatives of tlie town from time to time, which are found upon tlie town records, and of which mention has been made, are all the handy work of Rev. Jonas Clarke.

The faithful historian will always delight to do justice to modest, retiring merit, and to bring before the public a name which has slept in the nuisty records of the past. Considering his education in a profession somewhat removed from politics, his early settlement in a small country village, the scarcity of books at that period, and his habitual devotion to his parochial, and even domestic duties, it is remarkable that he should be so thoroughly versed in everything relating to affairs of state, and the rights and duties of men under what was then scarcely known to the world, a representative, constitutional government. When we reflect upon this in all its bearings, and find him, even when a young man, so ripe in the wisdom of statesmanship, we can say of him as Canterbury said of his new sovereign : -

" Never was such a sudden scholar made ; Nor never youthful inexperience So soon did loose its seat, as in this man. Hear him but reason in divinity, And, all admiring, with an inward wish You would desire this man were made a prelate. Hear him debate of Commonwealth affairs. And you would say - it hath been all his study. Turn him to any course of policy. The Gordian knot of it, he will unloose Familiar as his gaiter."

As Mr. Hancock and Mr. Clarke were both distinguished in their profession, and each of them labored in the vineyard of their Lord half a century, with eminent success, and each died greatly lamented by the people of the place ; and as the characters of these eminent divines are not sufficiently known by the people of this generation, it is thought that some light may be cast upon the character of each by drawing a parallel between them. But, in the first place, we should clearly understand in what points they agree. No two clergymen out of Boston filled a larger space in the public mind, in their respective generations, than Mr. Hancock and Mr. Clarke. They were both men of distinguished talents, and ardent piety; of great industry and method in business,^ and being well acquainted with the wants of their people, they were eminently successful in their calling.

In theology, their sentiments were very similar, each taking a practical view of the religion they taught. They knew that the Gospel, though a scheme of salvation into which the angels desire to look, was adapted to the wants of men, and that the earth was the field in which to train men for the skies. Knowing; that relio;ion was desimed to fit men to dwell together harmoniously in heaven, they both strove to induce them to live peaceably on earth, as the best preparation for their ultimate abode. But while they both labored to make their people benevolent, kind and peaceable as men and as citizens, they were not insensible to the higher aspirations and the immortal destiny of the human soul. Hence they labored to raise men above mere earthly things. In one word, though they taught a pure morality, they did not rest in morality alone ; but added thereto an active, ardent piety. Another leading characteristic in both of these servants of the Lord, was that of independence. Though kind and conciliatory, they were both open and frank in the declaration of their views, and their preaching was characterized by a boldness wliich plainly indicated that they preached not the

" To have a vacation of six weeks or more, To visit Mount Washington's peals; To lounge at the Glen House, or bathe at the shore, And preach but one sermon a week." U pleasing words of man's wisdom, but the sublime truths of the Gospel which God had committed to them, and which they would proclaim, whether men would hear or forbear.

Agreeing in so many particulars, and conforming so exactly to each other, and to the divine standard of a Christian minister, we can find few traits of character on which to institute a parallel. But yet it is believed that there are some points on which they differed, and the exact character of each will be best shown by the contrast. Though remarkable for their social qualities, in their intercourse with their fellow-men, ]Mr. Hancock had more pleasantry, and Mr. Clarke more dignity ; and while the foniier would more frequently unbend himself and indulge in playful wit or humor, the latter would always come down to familiar companionship, but would never put off the character of the clergyman. This difference arose probably more from the temperament of the two men, than from any real differences of sentiment. Of Mr. Hancock, it may be said that he had more art - more of what may be called management, than Mr. Clarke ; though in him it never degenerated into low cunning or craft. He was minutely acquainted with all the temporal affairs of his people, and here he exerted his influence to a very great extent, and generally, it is believed, for their best good. Mr. Hancock and Mr. Clarke were well acquainted with men and things ; but the former knew more of men in their individual character, and the latter in their associated condition. And hence the one was the best calculated to rear up a feeble parish in a new settlement, and the other to guide a rising State. Of intellectual power, - that creative energy of mind which originates and combines, which meets present emergencies and provides for future contingencies, the preference must be given to Mr. Clarke. If Mr. Hancock's vision was more microscopic, Mr. Clarke's extended over a broader field ; so that the exact observation of the one, was more than compensated by the broader sur\'ey of the other. ]\Ir. Hancock could meet the wants of the present, Mr. Clarke could anticipate those of the future.

The training of Mr. Hancock's powers was on a scale more limited than that of Mr. Clarke's. The former circumscribed his powers to the wants of his parish, and the interests of the churches around him, where he exerted an almost unbounded sway ; while the latter entered upon a broader field, and brought his energies to bear upon the affairs of states and the destinies of nations ; and if his influence was not as controlling in his particular sphere as his predecessor's was in his, it was only because the field was broader, and the rivals more numerous and distinguished. Mr. Hancock's sphere of labor being more circumscribed, and the themes of his contemplation being more common, his reputation will be less lasting than that of Mr. Clarke, who has left his impress upon subjects which will ever engage the popular mind.

But it is unprofitable to pursue this parallel, and point out differences discoverable in these great and good men ; each of whom filled with fidelity the sphere in which he was placed. And as they were perhaps equally successful in the common field, that of the Christian minister, it may be true that if their circumstances had been reversed, we should see as many of the characteristics of a statesman in Mr. Hancock, as were so eminently displayed by his distinguished successor.

The remains of Mr. Hancock and Mr. Clarke, with their wives and several members of their families, were deposited in the same tomb in the Lexington graveyard, and one common stone marks their resting place.

Chapter Xiv Ecclesiastical Affairs

From the Death of Mr. Clarke to the Present Day. - Mr. Williams invited to become the Pastor, and accepts - His Dismissal - Settlement and Dismissal of Rev. Mr. Briggs - Ministry of Rev. Mr. Swett - Settlement and Death of Rev. Mr. AVhitman - Ministry of Rev. Mr. Barrett - Ministry of Rev. Mr. Staples - Ministry of Rev. Mr. Livermore - Settlement of Rev. Mr. Westcott - Second Congregational Society - Labors and Death of Dr. Follen - Ministry of Rev. Mr. Dorr - Ministry of Rev. Mr. Bridge - The Union Society - Settlement of Rev. Mr. Stowe - The Baptist Society and its Clergymen - The Universalist Society and its Clergymen - The Roman Catholic Church - The Orthodox Meeting House.

After the death of Mr. Clarke, and before the settlement of his successor, a period of about two years, the church records are quite meagre. In August, 1807, Mr. Avery Williams was first heard as a candidate, and on the 8th of October, he received a unanimous invitation to become their pastor. Pie accepted the call, and was ordained December 30, 1807. Rev. Dr. Kendall, of Weston, preached the sermon ; Rev. Mr. Marrett, of Burlington, made the consecrating prayer, and Rev. Dr. Cushing, of Waltham, gave the charge.

His health failing him, by the advice of his physician Mr. Williams spent a winter at the South, but obtained no permanent relief. The parish supplied the pulpit during his absence and inability to preach. But when it became apparent that his pastoral labors were at an end, by an arrangement with the parish, his connection with them terminated in September, 1815.' His ministry was a successful one.

On the 31st of March, 1813, Mr. Williams preached a century sermon, which was published. This discourse is well written, and does credit to the author. It is a succinct and weU digested sketch of the early settlement of the place. He pays a just tribute to the memories of his predecessors in the ministry, Mr. Hancock and Mr. Clarke. The sermon shows careful research, sound judgment, and good taste, and reflects great credit upon Mr. Wilhams as a gentleman of accuracy and talents. Such discourses are a valuable contribution to history.

In 1819, both church and society extended an invitation to Mr. Charles Briggs to become their pastor. The invitation being accepted, the 28th of April, 1819, was agreed upon as the time for the ordination. Rev. Dr. Richmond preached the sermon, and Rev. Dr. Kirkland made the consecrating prayer.

There was nothing of special moment which occurred during Mr. Briggs's ministry. The church records, kept by him, are not only meagi*e, but loose, and compare poorly with those of his predecessors. The records of his marriages, and of the deaths in the parish, are so imperfect as to be of but little value.

Mr. Briggs was graduated at Harvard in 1815, and his first and only settlement was at Lexington. His ministry extended over a period of more than sixteen years, and was on the whole a successful one, though his health was delicate, and at times he was scarcely able to attend to his ordinary duties. Nevertheless, he retained the affections of the people, who expressed their sympathy by several gratuities, in consequence of his sickness and feeble health. In 1827, the town voted him five hundred dollars, to be paid out of the Ministerial Fund ; and in 1835, they voted to give him two hundred dollars in addition to his salary. During this year, his health continuing feeble, Mr. Briggs requested that his connection with the parish be dissolved, which was granted. The feelings of the town towards him, on the sundering of their relations, were fully expressed in the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted : -

*^ Besolved, That the First Congregational Society, in Lexington, exceedingly regret that the health of the Reverend Charles Briggs is such as to render it imprudent for him, with a just regard to himself and family, to fulfill all the duties appertaining to his ministerial office ; that his labors among them hitherto will long be remembered with gratitude and affection ; that his talents and ministerial character eminently entitle him to their highest respect ; that his discreet and conciliatory deportment has been a strong bond of union to this Society ; and that they most deeply sympathize with him and his family in his present precarious state of health."

It is clue to Mr. Briggs to say, that the last years of his ministry in Lexington, were rendered embarrassing by the unprofitable controversy growing out of the Ministerial Fund. Though he managed prudently, his labors must have been greatly neutralized by the unhappy state of feeling which pervaded the community. His neglect to give the information, though more than once requested, deprives us of the pleasure of giving a genealogy of his family.

After the termination of Mr. Briggs's ministry, the parish remained in an unsettled condition for a series of years. The unhappy contest for the possession of the Fund contributed greatly to this divided state of affairs.

About a year after Mr. Briggs left the society, Mr. William G. Swett was invited to become their pastor, with a salary of seven hundred dollars. He accepted the call, and was ordained July 13, 183(5. He was son of Colonel Samuel Swett, and graduated at Harvard College, 1828. He was subsequently settled in Lynn. He married Charlotte B. Phinney, daughter of Elias Phinney, Esq., of Lexington. On January 15, 1839, his relations with the society were dissolved at his own request. During his ministry, the controversy relative to the Fund must have made his position unpleasant. His salary of seven hundred dollars being deemed insufficient, two hundred dollars was subsequently added, showing a kind feeling towards him personally.

After Kev. Mr. Swett left the parish, they continued in a broken state for some time. That disturbing element, the Fund, kept the town in commotion ; and in this distracted state of affairs, it was difficult to find any man who would settle with them. The pulpit was supplied from time to time by such preachers as they could obtain. Eev. George M. Rice supplied for a period. Rev. Mr. Knapp, by temporary engagements, supplied the desk several months ; and after that, Rev. S. B. Cruft was employed a year or more.

After the close of Mr. Cruft's brief ministry, Rev. Samuel J. May supplied the desk about six months. He saw the distracted state of the town, and set himself at work to heal these disorders ; and it is due to him to say that, by his energetic labors, and conciliatory spirit, he did more towards bringing about an amicable

In 1845, after the Legislature had provided for the division of the Ministerial Fund between the different societies, the first parish, which, up to that period had transacted their business under a town warrant, organized as a parish, under a warrant issued by William Chandler, justice of the peace.

At a meeting, June 30, 1845, the parish voted unanimously to invite Rev. Jason Whitman to become their pastor, on a salary of nine hundred dollars. Mr. Whitman accepted the invitation, and July 30, 1845, was agreed upon for his installation. Mr. Whitman had previously been settled at Saco, and at Portland, Maine.

Immediately after the settlement of Mr. Whitman, the society voted to reconstruct their meeting-house ; and at a meeting held February 9, 1846, William Chandler, Sullivan Burbank, J. Simonds Parker, William Locke, Isaac Parker, Isaac N. Damon, and Joseph Davis, were appointed a committee to carry that vote into effect. The committee contracted with Mr. S. B. Temple, to remodel the house ; and when it was substantially completed, viz. December 17, 1846, the house took fire and was entirely consumed. Being thus deprived of a place of worship, the Baptist society generously offered the use of their house every Sunday morning, till the first parish could provide some place for themselves ; which offer was thankfully accepted. The house not being insured, and the work on the old house being in the nature of repairs, the loss fell entirely upon the society.

Being thus deprived of a house of worship, the society, at a meeting held February 15, 1847, voted to erect a new meetinghouse, at a cost not exceeding eight thousand dollars, and chose a committee to carry the vote into effect. The house was completed, and dedicated, February 28, 1848. The pews were appraised and sold at public auction for a sum sufficient to pay for the house.

Though Mr. Whitman was settled over the society imder very flattering circumstances, unforeseen causes disturbed the peace and prosperity of the parish. The loss of their old house by fire, interrupted in some degree his ministry, and the division of the people relative to the location of the new house, would natu- rally impair the harmony of the society ; and though no objection was raised against him, the success of his ministry must have been somewliat impeded by these untoward circumstances. Being in Maine, to attend the funeral of a brother-in-law, he was taken suddenly ill, and died a few weeks before the completion of the new meeting-house.

The parish records contain the folloMang brief notice of the event: "The Rev. Jason Whitman died, January 25th, 1848, at Portland, INIaine. He was buried from the Baptist meetinghouse, on Saturday the 28th."

JNIr. Whitman was highly esteemed by his people ; and as a testimonial of their regard for him and his family, the parish, at their meeting, March 13, 1848, voted, "That the salary of our highly esteemed friend and minister, Rev. Jason Whitman, deceased, be continued up to the first day of May next, and be paid to Mrs. Whitman, widow of the deceased, as a token of the high esteem of the society for him and his family, and for his unceasing labors to promote the cause of religion, education, and every good work, while he was permitted to remain among the living."

Mr. Whitman was a man of feeble constitution, and yet he performed a vast amount of labor. He was born in Bridgewater, April 30, 1799,^ was graduated at Harvard University, 1825. He was settled over a small society in Saco, Maine, where he married, March, 1832, Mary Fairfield. The society in Saco being unable to give him a suitable support, he left, and took the general agency of the American Unitarian Association. A new Unitarian society being formed in Portland, Maine, Mr. Whitman was induced to take charge of it, where, by his almost incessant labor, his health gave way, and he was advised to seek a warmer clime. He went to Savannah, Georgia, where his health was soon so improved, that he entered upon his labors in that city and vicinity ; but seeing that the South was no place to preach with the freedom to which he was accustomed, or to educate his children, he returned to Portland, in 1842, with invigorated health, where he remained till 1845, when he received a unanimous invitation to settle in Lexington. Accepting the call, he was installed, July 30, 1845.

Mr. Whitman was ardently devoted to his profession, and the moral reforms of the day ; and never spared himself when there was a field of labor before him. In addition to his weekly preparations for the pulpit, he wrote for the periodical and weekly press. He also published, An Address on Temperance ; A Sermon on the Two Natures of Christ ; A Sermon on Regeneration ; A Sermon on Missionary Efforts ; Home Preparation for School - delivered before the American Institute ; A Fourth of July Address ; A Memoir of Rev. Edward H. Edes, of Kennebunk ; A Memoir of his brother, Bernard Whitman, of Waltham ; A Memoir of his father, Deacon Jolm Whitman, of East Bridgewater ; Young Lady's Aid - a course of lectures before the young ladies of Portland ; Young Man's Assistant - a course of lectures to the young men of Portland ; A Volume of Sermons on the Lord's Prayer ; A Sermon at the Ordination of Rev. C. H. A. Dall ; and a number of religious tracts.

Mr. Whitman was a man of modest, unaffected piety, firm and decided in his religious opinions ; and yet far removed from a narrow sectarian spirit. By the simplicity of his manners, by his liberal and benevolent disposition and good sense, he always secured the respect and esteem of the community in which he lived. His writings are characterized by strength and directness, guided by practical wisdom, and expressed with great clearness. His preaching was earnest and direct, practical and persuasive, and rather conversational than declamatory in manner.

In his first discourse at Lexington, after his installation, he gave his new parish a statement of his views and principles - from which we cite the following : -

"People sometimes seem to feel, that, as the minister receives his support from them, it is to them that he owes his first allegiance, and that his great object should be to satisfy them. Upon this point, my views are different. I feel that my first allegiance is due to God and to Christ ; I believe that I am accountable to God for what I say ; I regard Jesus Christ as the sanctified and sent of the Father, and his instructions as authorized disclosures of God''s will. He is my master in matters of religion ; to his authority I reverently bow. Whatever his instructions may require me to proclaim as God's truth, woe be to me if I refrain from preaching it, through fear of man. Thus far my allegiance to God and Christ extends. Beyond this I may and I ought to consult the wishes and feelings of the

" The spiritual prosperity and religious growth of a society, will be promoted by' frequent social religious conference, and by a deep and active interest in missionary movements.

" On the subject of Temperance, I am, and for years have been, pledged to total abstinence from the use of all intoxicating drinks as a beverage. I have, in years past, taken an active part in efforts to remove the evils of intemperance from the community.

" Upon the subject of Slavery I would say, that, having spent several months at the South, I entertain a very deep abhorrence of the system, as based upon injustice and supported by wrong, and as fraught with evils of the most appalling character to the slave and to the master, and I know not but as much to the one as to the other."

The loss of their newly refitted meeting-house was a sore calamity to the parish ; and though they voted to borrow the money necessary to pay the contractor, by a delay, or neglect on the part of the Committee, who had obtained the money on their own notes, the matter was suffered to remain imsettled till a considerable portion of the claim against the parish became outlawed, and the whole loss would have fallen upon the Committee, had not individuals contributed freely to relieve them of this onerous burden.

After the death of Mr. Whitman, the society heard several preachers, and on the 19th of March, 1849, gave Mr. Fiske Barrett,^ then in the Divinity School at Cambridge, a unanimous invitation to become their pastor. Mr. Barrett accepted the invitation, to take effect after the close of his theological course. He was ordained September 5, 1849. Mr. Barrett having tendered his resignation as pastor, the society, at a meeting held June 14, 1852, voted to accept it. His ministry was short and terminated by his own request.

After being destitute of a settled minister for two years, the society extended an invitation to Mr. Nahor A. Staples, a graduate from the Theological School atMeadville, Pennsylvania, to become their pastor, with a salary of one thousand two hundred dollars. Mr. Staples accepting the invitation, September 20, 1854, was fixed on for the ordination. After laboring with the parish about two years and two months, Mr. Staples requested to be dismissed, that he might take the pastoral charge of a new society being formed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The society at a meeting held November 10, 1856,

" Voted, That we accept the communication of Rev. N. A. Staples, and accede to his wishes as therein expressed, and that his connection be dissolved on the last Sabbath of this month.

*' Voted, That the Parish Committee transmit to Rev. N. A. Staples a copy of the above vote, together with an expression of the regret of the Society at the separatioa, and their earnest prayers for his future prosperity And happiness."

During Mr. Staples's ministry the society was prosperous, and thirty members were added to the church. Mr. Staples was a young man of more than ordinary talents ; he was active and indefatigable in his labors, fervent in his eloquence, and had his life been spared, would have become one of the leading clergymen of the denomination. He died February 5, 1864, in Brooklyn, New York, where he had been settled.^

The society after the close of Mr. Staples's ministry was destitute of a settled minister about a year, when an invitation was given to Rev. Leonard J. Livermore to become their pastor. He accepted the invitation, and was installed, October 4, 1857. Mr. -Livermore remained with the society nine years, when he asked a dismission. At a meeting of the parish called for that purpose, September 3, 1866, they acceded to his request, expressing at the same time their sincere regret at the separation. They also, by a public vote, bore testimony to the value of his labors, " by which the church had been increased, and the society relieved of a heavy pecuniary burden," and expressed their high appreciation of his fidelity, self-sacrificing spirit, and purity of character.

At the last communion service, held on the first Sunday erf" November, 1866, the church expressed their regard for Rev- Mr. Livermore, and their regret at his departure, by adopting by a unanimous vote a testimonial, from which the following are extracts :

*' We cannot consistently with our own feelings, or in justice to him, permit this opportunity to pass without some expression of our attachment to him, our appreciation of his Christian character, and our regret at the separation. We therefore take pleasure in saying, as we can in truth and sincerity, that we highly appreciate the industry and fidelity, the zeal and disinterestedness, with which he has discharged all his duties as pastor of this church and society, during the nine years he has labored with us."

-- And we rejoice to say that he has taught these doctrines, not only by precept, but by example, adding to the full force of his teaching a consistent Christian character; that we have witnessed with high satisfaction, his benevolence and liberality, his kindness to the poor and unfortunate, his Christian sympathy for the sick and afflicted, his respect for the aged, his devotion to the rising generation, his faithful efforts, by word and deed, to promote the temporal and spiritual welfare of the church and society, and in general, his readiness to join in any good work to improve the condition and elevate the Christian character of the community."

As a farther testimonial of their attachment to him, and their regret at his leaving them, two hundred and twenty-nine of his late parishioners, male and female, presented him a briefly written expression of their personal regard and esteem under their own signatures respectively, accompanied by a service of silver plate, as a Christmas gift.

During Mr. Livermore's ministiy fifty persons were admitted to the church, and a number of children were baptized. It is ' I'u to him to say, that though his salary was insufficient to support his family, no member of the parish or town was more liberal or ready to contribute to every public object which presented itself. And among the subjects which engaged his attention, we cannot in justice omit to mention his successful effort to extinguish a heavy claim against the parish, arising from the loss by fire of their meeting-house in 1846.

Two distinct efforts had been made, and a considerable sum had been raised to relieve the committee, who, by the lapse of time, had lost their legal claim upon the parish ; and yet fortyfive hundred dollars were unpaid. When all further efforts were relinquished, Mr. Livermore took the matter in hand, and by his own liberality and effort, succeeded in raising twenty-five hundred and forty-one dollars for the relief of the committee, who relinquished all further claim. It is due to fact to say, that of this sum, Mrs, Gary, vs^idow of the late William Gary, of

During the rebellion, Mr. Livermore preached two sermons which were published at the request of his hearers - both of which were fraught with an enlightened and patriotic devotion to the cause of liberty and our free institutions. The first was delivered August 6, 1863, on the National Thanksgiving, for the successes which had attended our arms. We can hardly find a paragraph which does not breathe an ardent devotion to country, and a firm belief that the Ryler of nations is carrying us forward to a higher and more glorious destiny. We will make one or two citations from the discourse.

*' There has never been a time since the war began, so dark or disastrous as to justify despondency, or regret that the nation chose to fight rather than submit to falsehood and treachery ; but rather there has always been reason to feel that we were working out the will of God and our own redemption.

" God works through agents. He makes the heart of the nation throb with his own detestation of pride, perjury, robbery, cruelty, lust, anarchy and treason, the seven deadly sins of the enemies of our national life. He uses the strong right arm of the nation to smite the blows of his heavy retribution. He uses the folly of the foolish, and the passions of the violent, like irritating medicines, to do good in a diseased body politic; but it is a far grander and mpre obvious truth, that he uses the whole force of man's just and generous sentiments, of man's sincerity, self-sacrifice, patriotism and courage, to build up the solid pillars and walls of his kingdom of right and mercy."

The other discourse of Mr. Livermore, delivered September 11, 1864, was entitled, ^^Perseverance in the }Var, the Interest and Duty of the Nation. ^^ The title of the discourse shows its design, and the following extracts will show its spirit.

" With those who cry out for peace, because they are at heart friends of the traitors, and who are ready to put arms into the hands of their partisans here to inaugurate civil war in the now peaceful North, I have no shadow of sympathy. A class more worthy of the detestation of all good people I do not know in the wide world. They are baser than the rebels themselves, as much as disguised and renegade traitors are worse than open foes. With those who are chiefly moved to their outcry for peace by the dread of pecuniary loss, I have not much sympathy. I never learned to admire Esau, who sold his birthright for a mess of pottage ; and there is certainly no more reason to admire those who would chaffer with malignant traitors in arms, and take the steps which go straight to the destruc- tion of our glorious heritage, and the shameful extinction of our national unity, to save their dividends or escape their share of the cost of saving the nation. There can be nothing but eternal dishonor, and the just judgment of God, awaiting us, if the love of money or the fear of its loss controls our settlement of such questions as those involved in this war."

" Bad as the war is, a wretched, dishonorable peace would be worse. It would, I truly believe, be a sin against God, and a crime against man to hold any parley with these enemies of all that is good, except on the terms constantly held out to them, by our Government ; submission to the authority of the nation, and the reference of all disputed points to the proper legal tribunals, after peace is re-established."

had labored in the ministry six years - having previously been settled in East Boston, where he remained the same length of time. Wliile in Lexington, he was on the school committee during the greater part of his ministry, and had the principal <}har2"e of the schools. He was a native of Milford, New Hampshire.^

Rev. Henry Westcott ^ succeeded Mr. Livermore as pastor of the society in Lexington, and was installed June 26, 1867. He had previously been settled in Barre, and had subsequently preached a year at West Dedliam. He was a native of Warwick, Rhode Island.

The Secoxd Congregational Society. - The origin of this society being a little peculiar, it is not easy to say when it first had a real existence. It seems by its records that it was duly incorporated according to law, April 18, 1845 ; though it had an organization ten or twelve years before, and had supported public worship for about ten years^ a portion of the time, at least. They had also, under the designation of the Christian Association, erected a meeting-house, and disposed of their pews. And though they were probably a legal body before the action taken April 18, 1845, it was at that time that they organized as proprietors of the meeting-house, rather than as a poll parish. A considerable portion of the records of this society is comprised in the details of the doings of the town, in relation to a division of the Ministerial Fund ; but as that matter has been treated of in another place, it need not be repeated here.

As far as appears from the record, which is very meagre, Rev. Charles FoUen was employed a portion of the time from 1835 to 1840. In the meantime, Ralph W. Emerson, J. S. Dwight, and others, labored with the society temporarily.

In 1835, the subject of erecting a meeting-house began to be seriously agitated, and a subscription for that object was started. In 1839, the Association reengaged Dr. Follen for six months, and active measures were adopted to erect a meeting-house ; which being completed, the 15th of January, 1840, was appointed for its dedication, and Dr. Follen, as a matter of course, was designated to preach the dedication sermon. In the language of the society record : -

"Dr. Follen was obliged to visit New York previous to the dedication, and made the necessary arrangements with his brethren in the ministry to assist him in the ceremonies. The Doctor, wife and child, with S. L. Lathrop and lady, who were to assist in the choir at the dedication, left for New York. Soon after their arrival Mrs. Follen was taken ill, and continued so for weeks. On the 3d of January, he wrote to the committee, requesting that the dedication might be put off for one week, if it oould be done without inconvenience to the society, but expressed his willingness, if the committee thought best, to come without his wife, and return again for her. The committee, on consultation, thought that as all the arrangements had been made and published, and the pews were advertised to be sold the same day, it would be detrimental to the Association to postpone the dedication, and a letter to that effect was written to Dr. Follen. We expected Dr. Follen ; but the evening before the dedication, the committee met the clergy who had been invited, and it was agreed that Rev. Mr. Pierpont should preach, in case Dr. Follen did not arrive in season. The Doctor not arriving, Mr. Pierpont preached the sermon.

-« Thus the house was dedicated January 15, 1840. On the. 16th, news reached Boston of the loss of the steamboat Lexington by lire, and that nearly all the passengers and crew had perished, and among them Rev. Dr. Follen, our beloved and much respected pastor. The news cast a gloom over the whole town and country. To the people of his flock it was peculiarly trying. They had a meeting, and agreed to invite Rev. Mr. Stetson, of Medford, to preach a sermon on the melancholy occasion, who, in the spirit of Christian friendship, though at short notice, consented. After the services were over, the people voted that a committee be chosen to communicate to Mrs. Follen, the feelings of respect they entertained for her late husband, and to tender her their Christian sympathy under her severe atBiction."

The foregoing account, abridged from the parish records, tells the sad fate of a worthy and distinguished Christian minister and philanthropist.

Charles Follen was born in Germany, September 4, 1796, and was educated at the University of Giessen. His devotion to the great principles of liberty, and his strict adherence to justice and morality, even before he had finished his studies, made him somewhat unpopular with the less scrupulous young men with whom he was associated, and excited some suspicion in the faculty, who were deeply imbued with monarchical principles. And after he had finished his course, read law, and became a professor, his lectures were found to be too liberal to suit the taste of the Holy Alliance, which, at that time, assumed to control the destinies of Europe. He was arrested on frivolous pretences, and made to feel the weight of arbitrary and despotic power ; so that common prudence induced him to leave his own country. He first visited France, but the unsettled state of things there induced him to seek a more congenial retreat in Switzerland, at that time the freest nation on the Continent.

In Switzerland, he was called to a professorship in the Evangelical Council of Education of the Canton of the Grisons, where his liberal views of Christian doctrines soon became objectionable, and he left, carrying with him a certificate that his " luminous lectures and kind treatment of his pupils had secured their respect, attachment and confidence, in the highest degree." The University of Basle, learning that Dr. Follen was at liberty, appointed him as a public lecturer at the University, where he taught the natural, civil, and ecclesiastical law, besides some branches of metaphysics, viz. logic, the philosophy of the mind in its application to religion, morals, legislation, and the fine arts.

At Basle, for a period, he dwelt in peace and contentment, being left to the full enjoyment of his religious and political sentiments. Young men, from various parts, flocked to the University, and all seemed to be prosperous. But while he and the literary friends by whom he was surrounded were rejoicing in their political and religious liberty, the tyrants of Europe were alarmed, when they heard that in Switzerland, the only free state on the continent, had been erected a new temple of freedom. Prussia forbid her young men visiting the University ; and the Holy Alliance, allied for the unholy purpose of suppressing freedom, resolved to break up an institution which they regarded as hostile to their policy. Prussia, Austria, and Russia, demanded of the government of Basle, that Dr. Follen and another liberal professor in the University, should be given up to the tribunal of inquisition established near Berlin.

Switzerland was averse to yielding to the arbitrary demands of these tyrants ; but fearing the power of this combination, at last yielded to their haughty request. Dr. Follen was advised by his friends to leave the country ; but he insisted upon a trial there. But failing in this, and being ^compelled to leave to avoid an arrest, he sent to the government thet;following note : -

" Whereas the Republic of Switzerland, which has protected so many fugitive princes, noble men, and priests, would not protect him, who like themselves is a Republican, he is compelled to take refuge in the great asylum of liberty, the United States of America. His false accusers he summons before the tribunal of God and public opinion. Laws he has never violated. But the heinous crime of having loved his country, has rendered him guilty to such a degree, that he feels quite unworthy to be pardoned by the Holy Alliance.'"

He asked a testimonial from the University, which was readily granted, stating that he had always demeaned himself as a good and peaceable citizen, and had secured the confidence of his associates.

Dr. Follen left Basle secretly for Paris, and from France took passage for America, in company with his friend Dr. Beck, and arrived safely in New York. In the autumn of 1825, he was appointed teacher of German in Harvard University, and took up his abode in Cambridge. His labors thus far had been mostly devoted to the subject of ethics, as connected with civil government and the rights of man. But his teaching on these subjects was always based ujron the broad principles of Christianity. Feeling more and more the importance of the teachings of Christ, he resolved to enter the ministrv ; and after studvinof theolofv with Dr. Channing, he commenced preaching. Retaining his connection with the College, and being promoted to a professorship which engrossed a good share of his time and attention, he was hardly in a condition to take the pastoral charge of a parish ; and hence his clerical labors were not confined to any one locality.

freedom, at once espoused it. This step did not meet the approbation of the cautious and conservative government of the University, which permitted his professorship to expire. Being thus cut off from the pecuniary support of the College, he was thrown upon his other limited resources, and was compelled to seek employment as best he could, to support himself and family. He conceived the idea of establishing a literary institution in Boston ; but the friends of Harvard could hardly be expected to encourage it; and it was given up. About this time he was invited to preach at East Lexington, and assist them in building up a society in that village. AYe have seen with what success he had commenced his work, and what prospect was opened to him and to his devoted people, when by a mysterious providence his earthly labors were brought to speedy termination.

Dr. Follen was no ordinary man. Whether we view him intellectvially or morally, we must place him above the ordinary level of our public men. The high and honorable positions he has occupied both in Europe and America, the estimation in which he was held by the gifted men in our community, and the able writings he has left, bear ample testimony to his talents. His mind was of the German cast, and strongly imbued with the great principles of civil and religious freedom. Though kind and conciliatory, he was conscientious, firm and self-sacrificing, ever ready to follow his honest convictions, regardless alike of his own individual interest or the frowns of others. As a reformer he was in advance of his age ; and if in any case he was a little impracticable, it arose from honest convictions of truth, stimulated perhaps by the experience he had had on both sides of the Atlantic. He was literally a friend of humanity ; and his honest sympathy was ever extended to the oppressed and downtrodden. In private life, he was meek and gentle, ardently attached to his fiimily and friends, and ever ready to make any sacrifice for their benefit. In a word, for natural and acquired abilities, for conscientious firmness, for an ardent love of liberty and the rights of man, for sympathy for the poor, afflicted and down-trodden, he had few equals and no superiors.

Rev. Theodore II. Dorr, having received and accepted a call, was publicly installed pastor of the church and society, July 2, 1845. Mr. Dorr continued his pastoral relations with the parish for four years, when he asked a dismission on the ground that they were not able to give him a reasonable support. He closed his labors with them, August 1, 1849.^

On the 7th of November, 1849, ]\Ir. William F. Bridge was ordained pastor of the society. In 1852, Eev. Mr. Bridge tendered his resignation, and his connection was dissolved. He was a son of Josiah and Eunice (Morse) Bridge, of I^ancaster, and grandson of Rev. Josiah Bridge, who was born in Lexington, 1739, and settled at East Sudbury, now Wayland. William F. Bridge was born February 15, 1821, graduated at Harvard College, 1846. In settling at Lexington he in a manner came back to the old parental hearthstone.^ After leaving Lexington, he was settled at Dublin, N. H.

Mr. Bridge was their last settled minister. After the close of his ministry. Rev. E. P. Crafts, Rev. Caleb Stetson and others, were employed temporarily. About the commencement of 1863, the Second Congregational Society and the Universalist made an arrangement by which the two societies were to iniite for the support of public worship, the desk to be supplied by the joint action of their respective committees. After acting together about two years, they petitioned the Legislature to be united. Their prayer was granted, and by an Act passed March 30, 1865, they were made one corporation, by the name of "The Chuech of the Redeemer."

The Act of the Legislature uniting the two parishes, being accepted by them respectively, they at once organized under their charter, disposed of the House formerly occupied by the Universalist Society, and made thorough repairs, and an enlargement of the House formerly occupied by the Second Congregational Society. Before the legal union, they had employed Rev. William T. Stowe as their preacher, and he being highly acceptable to them, has been continued as pastor of the new organization. Mr. Stowe came to Lexington from Brattleboro', Vermont, where he had been preaching to the Universalist Society.^

The Baptist Society. - The origin of this society is thus given by one of their pastors. For more than half a century there have been a greater or less number of Baptist professors in

Lexington; in 1781, most of them became connected with a Baptist church formed in West Cambridge. But httle interest was manifested till 1817, when several united Avith churches in other towns. In 1824, the ordinance of baptism by immersion, was first administered in Lexington. In 1830, meetings were commenced in town. In 1833, Rev. T. P. Ropes removed to the place, and performed the duties of pastor. During the same year their meeting-house was erected, and a church constituted, consisting of twenty-one members. In January, 1835, Rev. O. A. Dodge, having previously received and accepted a call, was publicly ordained and set over the society. Under his ministry the society was prosperous, and a considerable accession was made to the church. Mr. Dodge died, May 18, 1840. The church records contain this tribute to his memory. " To a mind naturally shrewd, penetrating, and highly cultivated, he added a warm-hearted piety and an unwavering activity. Beloved by the church and respected by all, he died universally lamented."

After the death of Mr. Dodge, ]\Ir. C. M. Bowers accepted a call, and was ordained, Sept. 9, 1841. Some dissension arising in the society, in February 1846, Rev. Mr. Bowers resigned his pastoral care, and was succeeded by Rev. Ira Leland, who commenced his labors for the parish in the autumn of 1847. ISIr. Leland's connection with the society continued ten years, when it closed at his own request. He was a faithful pastor, and a valuable citizen, having for several years the principal charge of the schools in the town. Before the settlement of Mr. Dodge, and at several intervals between their settled ministers, Rev. T. P. Ropes had supplied their pulpit. Since the close of ]Mr. Leland's ministry they have had no permanent pastor. Rev. Mr. Clark and Rev. Mr. Savage laboring with the parish, each for a short time only.

The First Universalist Society. - It appears from their Records, that the constitution or by-laws of this society, were adopted, April 20, 1845. But 'it is obvious that they had a partial organization at an earlier period, and had for years supported public worship, at least a portion of the time. Their meeting-house was erected as early as 1840. Rev. James M. Usher commenced preaching for them before their meeting-house was erected, and continued their pastor about five years. Since leaving Lexington he has been engaged in business in Boston as a bookseller and publisher. His residence has been in Medford. He has been considerably in public life, and has occupied a seat in the State Senate several years.

After Mr. Usher closed his labors with the society. Rev. C. H. Webster became their pastor, and remained with them about two years. He was succeeded by Rev. W. B. Randolph, whose ministry lasted about three years. In 1849, Rev. J. A. Cooledge was settled over the society, and remained with them about four years. ^ Since 1853, they have had no settled pastor. The parish being feeble, their house has been closed the greater part of the time for the last ten years. Some four years ago this society united with the Unitarian society in the East Village, and employed preachers of each sect, till they agreed upon Rev. Mr. Stowe. Being united upon him and finding themselves more nearly allied in doctrinal views than they had formerly imagined, these societies took the wise step of giving up their former organizations, and becoming one body, and securing the labors of Rev. Mr. Stowe, as we have already seen.

The Roman Catholics. - The Roman Catholics have had occasional meetings in Lexington for several years. When the Unitarian and Universaliat societies in the East Village united, they sold the meeting-house formerly owned by the Universalists, which was purchased by the Roman Catholics, and they maintain services there a portion of the time.

The Orthodox Meeting House. - The Calvinistic Congregationalists have no organization in Lexington. The churches of that faith, in the neighboring towns, have recently purchased the old Academy building, and fitted it up for a meeting-house ; but as yet it has not been opened for public worship.

Education

Interest felt in Education - A School-House built, and Schools established - Grammar School - Sometimes a Moving School - Second School- House built - An Academy established in Lexington - The First Normal School located there - Increased Interest in Education - High School established - Present Condition of the Schools - Dr. Lewis's Female Seminary.

It is worthy of observation, that the love of country and the love of learning, were always regarded by our fathers as kindred affections, - originating in the same general cause, and seeking the same great end. They regarded these affections as the offspring of religion, and the fruits of an active faith ; and they urged a good education, and literary and scientific attainments, as among the most efficient means of securing piety to God and good will to his creatures. In their earliest efforts to set up schools and endow the University, they recognized the service of God as the great end to be promoted. In relation to these institutions, they say, "We cannot but acknowledge the great goodness of God towards his people in this wilderness, in raising up schools of learning, and especially the College, from which there hath sprung many instruments, both in church and state ; and we feel that we should show ourselves ungrateful to God, or unfaithful to posterity, if so good a seminary of knowledge and virtue should fall to the ground through any neglect of ours."^ And in establishing the common school system in 1647, they, in language expressive of their distinctive theological tenets, say, *' It being one chief project of Satan to keep men from the knowledge of the Scriptures, as in former times keeping them in unknown tongues, so in these latter times by persuading from the use of tongues, that so at least the true sense and meaning of the original might be clouded and corrupted by false glosses of deceivers ; to the end that learning may not be buried in the graves of our fathers, in church and commonwealth, the Lord assisting our endeavors. It is therefore ordered by this Court and the authority thereof, - that every townshijj within this jurisdiction, after the Lord hath increased them to the number of fifty householders, shall thence forthwith appoint one within their towns, to teach all such children as shall resort to him to write and read." ^

The early inhabitants of Lexington appear to have had a realizing sense of the importance of learning, and of the necessity of establishing schools, as the best means of obtaining it. While united with Cambridge, they petitioned the town to grant a certain sum which they might apply to the support of schools in tlieir midst ; and when, by an Act of the General Court, they were clothed with power to raise money themselves for schooling, they were not baclvv.ard in the good cause. In 1714, the year after the town was incorporated, they voted to erect a school house, and provided that it should be "twenty-eight foot long, twenty foot wide, and eight or nine foot stud." This house was situated near the Monument, on the Common. In 1715, they voted to open a free grammar school, and devoted fifteen pounds for its support. At a meeting. May 14, 1716, the following vote was passed, which shows that the schoolmaster, at that time, mtist have been abroad.

-' Voted, That all scollers that cume to school to pai two pens per week for reeding, and 3 pons per week for righting and siphering ; and what that amounts to at the year's end, so much of the fifteen pounds to be deducted, and stopt in the Town Treasury whilest the next year."

Captain Joseph Estabrook was employed as a teacher, and continued his school five months, for which fifteen pounds were paid him from the town treasury. By this time the principle seems to have been settled, that a man's school should be kept five months in the year. But although this furnished a pretty good opportunity for the larger scholars, the people could not but perceive that there were wants which this arrangement did not meet. The smaller children in the distant parts of the township could not be accommodated by a school kept in the centre. To remove this difficulty, it was afrrecd by the selectmen, at a meeting held July 21, 1717, "That Clerk Lawrance's wife, and Ephraim Winship's wife, keep schools from the day of the date hereof, until the last of October next following ; and if they have not scholars sufficient in number to amount to five shillinofs a week, at 3 pence a scholar a week, during the term above said, then y^ Town to make up what shall be wanting of the five shillings a week."

The next year, they voted " to set up four more schools in other parts of the Town, as conveniently placed as may be, to accommodate the children in said parts ; said schools to be regulated by the same rule as they were the last year."

From this time, the system of supporting the schools so as to meet the wants of the people, may be considered as permanently established. The changes which were made from time to time, M^ere designed to make the system more efficient and useful, and to extend rather than curtail the privileges of schooling. And the town was careful to employ instructors of character. The male teachers, when selected from town, were from the most substantial citizens, and the female teachers were the wives and daughters of some of the first families.

In 1728, the town employed Mr. Ebenezer Hancock, son of their reverend pastor, to teach the grammar school through the year. Mr. Hancock was a graduate of Harvard, and appears to have been a favorite with the people. Subsequently, when he was settled as a colleague with his father, it was with the understanding that he should continue his school.

In 1714, the first school house was built, and was situated on the Common. Here the grammar school was usually kept. But as it generally happens in such cases, the people at the outparts of the town complained that the benefits of the school were not equally enjoyed by all the families in the place. To meet this objection, the grammar school was converted into what Avas denominated a " moving school," and was kept in diflferent parts of the town in rotation. But this being attended with inconveniences, other expedients were adopted. At one time it was provided that all who lived within a certain distance of the school house on the Common, should furnish all the fuel necessary for the school free of expense ; while those who lived more remote should be exempted altogether. But still there was a lurking disposition to complain of inequality, - forgettin"- the fact that, though the inhabitants of the village enjoy greater privileges than those who live remote from the centre, they have to p;!y for those privileges.* For one aci*e of land in a village is often valued in the assessment list, ten times as high as an acre of the same intrinsic worth, situated remote from the centre.

The school house in the centre becoming somewhat dilapidated, a new house was erected in its stead in 1761. It was twenty feet square, and six and a half feet between the floors, and cost £42. During the Hevolution, there was no particular change in the schools. The grammar school in the school house, was kept nine or ten months each year, and was furnished with teachers competent to instruct in every branch necessary to be taught. At the same time schools, generally taught by females, were supported in the different sections of the town.

After a contest of one or two years on the subject, the town voted in 1795 to build three school houses, and chose a committee to select sites. In 1796, it was "Voted, To raise $333.33, for schooling the children the present year. Voted, To take $ 100 out of the above sum for women's schools." Some feeling was excited not favorable to the harmony of the schools, by the inhabitants in the part of the town known as Scotland, persistently demanding as their share of the school grant, a sum in proportion to the tax they paid.

In 1799, the town appropriated $333.33 for the support of men's schools, and $166.67 for women's schools. In 1800, the school grant was raised to $500, and the committee chosen to employ teachers, were directed to employ none unless they are qualified according to the provisions of law. In 1804, the town took a decided step towards improving the condition of their schools. They made the usual grant of $500 for schooling, and appropriated $ 1,000 to build three additional school houses, and to remove two others, so as to accommodate all parts of the town. Of the three new houses, one was to be located in the centre of the town, one in Scotland, so called, and one in Smith's End, so called.

to support these invaluable institutions. Acordinglj, in 1806, the school appropriation was increased to eight hundred dollars, six hundred dollars of which was to be expended for schools tauglit by males, and two hundred dollars for schools taught by females. This arrangement relative to the appropriation and the division of the money was continued for several years.

In 1819, the town appropriated nine hundred dollars for the support of their schools, being an increase of one hundred dollars over past appropriations.

At the May meeting in 1821, a committee, consisting of Amos Muzzy, Jr., Ambrose Morrell, Isaac Reed, Joseph Underwood, Jr., John Hastings, and Charles Reed, who had been chosen at a previous meeting, submitted a detailed Report to the town on the general subject of the schools, which the town accepted. The Report was able, and well considered ; and to the honor of the committee it should be stated, that the changes they recommended in the school system, were, six years after, substantially adopted by the Legislature, for the government of the schools in the Commonwealth.

In 1827, the Legislature passed a general law regulating the schools throughout the State, and requiring towns to choose a General Committee to superintend and manage them. This law made quite a change in the condition of the schools in some towns. But as Lexington had adopted the same system, substantially, several years before, the change here was not immediately perceptible. There was however an increased interest manifest on the subject of common school education. Two Echool houses were built in 1830, and the other houses were repaired. The school ajjpropriation also was increased to one thousand dollars .

In 1837, the school appropriation was increased to fourteen hundred dollars ; and the town voted to erect two new school houses, - one in each village, - said houses to be two stories high, so as to accommodate two schools.

The subject of Common School Education in Lexington, as in almost every other town in the Commonwealth , was in a manner neglected ; or in other woixls, our district schools did not meet the wants of the people. There were men in every town, who were in favor of bringing them to a higher standard. But the mass of the voters, mistaking their true interest, were unwilling to increase tiie appropriation for their support. One fatal error had been imbibed by a portion of the people, viz. that the common schools were designed for the common people alone ; and that those who wished to give their children suitable advantages, must send them to select schools. They also feared that their children would be corrupted in their manners and morals, by associating with the children of the masses. Some of this class were willing to raise money for the support of the district schools ; but they would not suffer their children to attend them, but sent them to private schools and academies. By this means they were able to give their children a better education than their neighbors could give theirs. But this was a mistaken and short-sighted policy. In the first place, it was contrary to the spirit of our free institutions, which open the door of improvement to all alike, that the poor man's son might have equal advantages with the son of his more wealthy neighbor.

This withdrawing children from the common schools, tended to degrade and keep down the standard of education in them. Those wealthy or influential families, which patronized private schools and academies, would, as a matter of course, feel less interest in the common schools than they would have done, if their own children had been in them ; and their example would also have an influence upon others ; and so tend to reduce in the comnmnity the estimate of these little democratic institutions, which should be the pride and boast of our country. Moreover, an injury rather than a benefit was done to the children educated in these select schools ; for they came from them more ignorant of human nature, than they would have been, if they had mixed with the masses, and seen more of the rough side of that world in which they were destined to live. Their private education would naturally induce them to look down upon those who were educated in the town schools, with whom they must associate in after lifis, and upon whom they must in a great degree depend for support in almost any business in which they might be engaged.

This state of things did not apply particularly to Lexington, but to the Commonwealth at large. But while these academies were increasing, and a comparatively small part of the rising generation were obtaininrr a better education than before, the common schools were either declining, or suffered to remain stationary. This state of things created an alarm in the public mind, and the philanthropist and the statesman sought to call public attention to the importance of raising the standard of the town schools, so as to meet the wants of the people. And after years of effort, this important reform was commenced, and has 80 far progressed that academies have, to a great extent, been superseded by public schools open to all classes of our population.

In 1821, a number of Lexington gentlemen, feeling the want of a higher standard of education than the town schools afforded, established an academy within the town. A commodious house was erected for the purpose, and a school was opened in 1822, under the charge of Mr. Caleb Stetson, who had just graduated from Cambridge. And though the school was small at its opening, under the successful instruction of Mr. Stetson, it became a flourishing institution, numbering from seventy-five to eighty-five pupils. He remained as principal of the academy, till the autumn of 1825, when he was succeeded by Mr. William P. Pluntington. In a few years this school began to languish, and was finally given up.

While the academy was in active operation, and, viewed from that standpoint, the cause of education would seem to be progressing, the condition of the district schools was by no means flattering, - less so undoubtedly in consequence of the existence of the academy. Nor was this peculiar to this town. The same cause had produced the same effect in every part of the Commonwealth. A few years later, when specific returns were made from every town of the condition of their schools, the fact became apparent, that in those towns where academies and select schools were maintained, the district schools were more or less neglected, and were in point of support below the schools in to^vns where no such academies existed.

It should not, however, be inferred from these facts, that academies were useless, or that parents did wrong in all cases, in sending their children to select schools. Academies were valuable as intermediate institutions between the common schools and the colleges, and were necessary to fit scholars to enter the colleges. Nor were parents at fault in all cases, in taking their children from district schools. Every intelligent parent desires to give his children a good education ; and for this purpose, and for the good of all classes, he should use his influence to improve the condition of the public schools, where his own children and the children of those around him, may have opportunities for an education. But if he fails in bringing the town schools up to a proper standard, or if he wishes to have his children pursue studies not taught in the town schools, or taught only imperfectly, then it is right, and it becomes his duty to send them where they could enjoy these opportunities.

The law of 1827, requiring a town committee, was the first step in the improvement of our schools. But the measure which has done more for the cause of common school education than any other, was the creation of a State Board of Education in 1837. Three years previous, a school fund was created; and althouo;h the sum to be divided among the schools was a mere pittance, the subsequent laws made it a condition precedent to receiving its share of this fund, that the town's committee should make a return to the Secretary of State, of the number of scholars in their respective towns, the number attending school, the amount of money raised, and the general condition of the schools.

This was the first time in the history of the Commonwealth, that the true condition of the schools was known to the public. After the Board of Education was created, the Secretary, by carefully prepared tables, presented to every town in the State the condition of the schools in every other town , so that all could see the standing of his own town as compared with every other. The abstract of the Reports of different committees, showed the improvements that were adopted in different parts of the State ; and the Reports of the Secretary of the Board soon excited a general interest throughout the Commonwealth ; and the creation of Normal schools for the education of teachers, gave an impulse to the cause of common school education, which has placed Massachusetts ahead of any of her sister States. In this general improvement, Lexington has participated. We have seen that in 1837, her school appropriation was carried from one thousand up to fourteen hundred dollars, and that two new school houses erected, and so constructed as to admit of a grading of the schools.

Soon after the Board was established, Hon. Edmund Dvvlght, of Boston, generously offered the sum of ten thousand dollars, on condition that the Commonwealth would appropriate the same amount, to be expended under the direction of the Board, in qualifying teachers for common schools. The Board resolved to establish two Normal schools, one in the easterly, and the other in the Avcsterly part of the State ; and to enable them to continue these schools for the period of three years, so that the experiment might be fully tried, they required the people of the place where the schools should be located, to furnish the necessary buildings, and a certain amount of funds, to procure a library and apparatus. And though the applications for the school were numerous, Lexington was deemed by the Board to be the most favorable place, and one of the schools was here established. This was the first Normal school in the country. The school was put in operation under the care of Mr. Cyrus Pierce, an able and experienced teacher, who continued his connection with the school three years, when he retired, and was succeeded by Rev. S. J. INIay. Shortly after, the school was removed to Newton - simply on local and sectarian grounds. The school was a decided success, and the experiment tried here has given rise to four Normal schools, which send out annually several hundred teachers, well qualified to instruct in all the rudiments of a fjood Eno;lish education.

The effect of these schools, and the other measures of the Board of Education, has been felt in every part of the State. In Lexington, from 1837 to 1846, the appropriation remained at fourteen hundred dollars. In the year following, one hundred dollars was added, and in 1848 it was increased to two thousand five hundred dollars. In 1851, after a considerable effort, the town voted to build two new school houses, on the most improved plan ; one in the centre and the other in the south district. This was the signal for new and improved houses in every section of the town ; so that we have now in each district good and commodious houses, with the modern improvements.

Feeling that the district schools did not fully meet the wants of the rising generation, in 1854 the subject of a High School was brought before the town, and a Committee, consisting of Ira Lelaud, Charles Hudson, Jonas Gammell, Andrew Wellington,

Samuel A. Houghton, Charles Tide!, and Hugh Graham, was chosen to consider the subject, and report at the next meeting. The Committee recommended that a high school be established, and that five hundred dollars be added to the school appropriation, carrying it up to three thousand dollars. This report being accepted by the town, and the addition to the appropriation made, the School Committee put the school in operation. The next year the appropriation was raised from three thousand dollars to three thousand seven hundred dollars, devoting one thousand dollars to the support of the high school.

There was considerable opposition to the high school, when it was first established ; but it has so commended itself to the good sense of the people, and its eifects upon the district schools have been such, that the people generally now regard this school, not only as a permanent institution, but one which has proved a blessing to the community. It has afforded an opportunity to every parent to give his children a good education at a much less expense than it could have been obtained in any other way ; and what is more and better, some parents of limited means have been enabled to give their children such an education as has fitted them for teachers, or qualified them for other positions in life ; which they never could have given them if this high school had not been established. As an economical arrangement, such a school should be continued. Besides, the maintenance of a high school redounds to the honor of a town, and tends to increase the value of property. The town of Lexington has no manufactures to draw population within her borders. Her growth must, to all appearances, depend upon those Avho are seeking pleasant country residences, and the first question asked by that class more especially is, "What is the condition of your schools?" If they find that our schools are poor, they will look elsewhere for a residence ; but if they find that we have good schools, they might be induced to settle anions; us.

Fears were entertained by some that the establishment of a high school would operate to the injury of the district schools. But it has been found to produce the opposite effect. A new incentive to effort is thrown into the districts, to qualify their pupils for the high school. A high school also enables the

History Of Lexington

The time has arrived when the people demand greater opportunities for an education than the common primary or grammar schools aftbrd, and every statesman and philanthropist must see the wisdom and benevolence of supplying this want by the maintenance of schools of a higher grade, open alike to the rich and the poor, where all the youth can meet on one common level, and where there is no distinction but that which merit originates. Our colleges are institutions which should be highly prized - institutions which are demanded by the wants of the community. But at the same time, we know that they are beyond the reach of a vast majority of the young. Not one in a thousand of our population ever enters a college as a student. But a high school meets the wants of the whole people, and the children in a town may enter within its walls and enjoy its privileges, without money and without price. Nowhere, no, not even in the house of worship, is there such perfect equality - such an elevation of the poor to an equal level with the rich, as in the free schools. And the farther this can be extended, the higher in the walks of science this equality can be carried, the better for the community at large, and for every class which compose it.

To indicate the growth of interest felt in the public schools, the following statement of the annual appropriations for schools from 1830 to 1867 is o^iven.

the Secretary of the Board of Education, it will be seen that Lexington takes a high rank among her sister towns. In the Report of the Secretary of the Board for 1865, showing the amount expended per head upon all the scholars between the ages of five and fifteen years, it is seen that Lexington stands No. 17, in a list of 334 cities and towns, and that she actually expends $8.49 on each scholar; while more than half of the towns in the State, expended less than half of that sum. The same Report shows that in the County, consisting of 52 cities and towns, Lexington stands No. 7. In the Report of the Board for 1866, Lexington stands No. 11 in the list, having expended $ 10.88 upon each scholar, and in the County of Middlesex, she stands No. 5.

In connection with the subject of education in Lexington, the school for young ladies, established by Dr. Dio Lewis, merits a brief notice. This school has some characteristics Avhich distinguish it from the ordinary female seminaries. Physical development receives a large share of attention. In addition to the usual branches taught in schools for young ladies, the new system of gymnastics, of which Dr. Lewis is the author, is hei^e introduced, and made a part of the daily routine. These gymnastic exercises are so adapted to the anatomy or physical structure of the human frame, and are so various in their kinds, that every limb and every muscle is brought into exercise - giving strength and tone to the whole body. The effect of this training is obvious in the fact that many a young lady, of slender frame and delicate complexion when she enters the school, leaves, at the close of the year, with that physical development and gloM-^ of health so essential in those who are to become the mothers of the next generation.

The same general principle is recognized in all the instruction of the school, by so distributing the branches and exercises as to bring out the latent and neglected powers of each pupil. For instance, in the dramatic exercises, which are made somewhat prominent, the self-reliant young lady is to personate the mild and gentle character, and the bashful and timid girl to represent a character more bold and daring. In this way, a full and properly developed character is aimed at in all the instruction, and flattering results have been attained. The discipline of the school is paternal, and great care and watchfulness are extended over the morals and health of the pupils. By such a system of training and discipline, the school has acquired a high reputation, and is favorably known through the country. This is apparent from the fact that its increasing patrons are distributed, not only over New England, but throughout the Middle and Western States.

In the spring of 1864, Dr. Lewis, well and extensively known as a Physical Educator, purchased the Lexington House, which was erected for a Hotel, and fitted it up for a school for young ladies. Having engaged Theodore T>. Weld, for many years Principal of the Eagleswood School, in New Jersey, and other experienced teachers, he opened his school with twenty pupils. During the term it was increased to thirty-two. During the next year the number increased to one hundred and two, and the third year the number reached one hundred and forty-four.

On the 7th of September, 1867, when the house had been refitted and important improvements made, to receive a larger number of pupils, the building took fire and was entirely consumed. The loss of this noble edifice was deeply felt, not only by the citizens of Lexington, who regarded it as a great calamity, but by the friends of Physical Education in distant parts of the country. It is gratifying to learn, that Dr. Lewis intends to erect a building, on or near the same site, which will accommodate an equal number of scholars, and be better adapted to the purposes of the school than the former building.

Dr. Lewis is justly entitled to the gratitude of the community for his new system of Gymnastics, - a system which has been introduced into so many schools in this country and in Europe, and has called public attention to the subject of physical trainins:, and so laid a foundation for the education of the whole man.

It may also be said, in this coiinection, that Dr. Lewis has established a hospital or " movement cure " in the village, Avhere he has a considerable number of patients under his peculiar mode of treatment, which, it is believed, has proved quite successful.

Chapter Xvi

No Records of the Military - Officers are mentioned - Men who served in the French and Indian Wars - List of Captain Parker's Company - At Cambridge in May and June, 1775 - Men who served in the Revolution - Artillery Company - The Late Rebellion - Men in the Service.