Mansfield Town (part 1 of 12)

Mansfield Town

her father, at the corner of 8011th Main and West Streets. On Sunday the worshipers at the old church where her husband preached would repair to her house to eat their lunch. After the death of her father and husband, Dr. Horace Palmer occupied the premises with her. He removed to the West, and Dr. William G. Allen had his office for several years there.

Upon the failure of Mr. Briggs' ability to preach, the pulpit was supplied for a while by Rev. Nathan Holman, of Attleborough, until June 16, 1833, alternating with Rev. D. Saunders, ofMedfield. This division of labor was caused by a difference in the minds of the worshipers upon some theological matters. On the 30th of January, 1835, Mr. James H. Say ward arrived, and preached on the following Sunday very acceptably to his hearers, and on the 27th April, same year, a call was extended to him to become their spiritual adviser, at a salary of five hundred dollars per year for three years. His affirmative answer was received upon the same day. He was ordained upon the 17th of June, but remained only two years with the society, asking his dismission, which was granted, and he was dismissed June 17, 1837. He married May B. Pratt, daughter of Hon. Solomon Pratt. He died at the age of thirty-six in Fitzwilliam, N. H., and is buried in the .same yard with his predecessors. He was an active, earnest worker in all reforms, was anxious to secure unanimity among his people, visited much, held weekly meetings for prayer at private houses, quite sensitive, and resigned because of the growing dissension among his people, arising from a desire upon the part of some to liberalize the creed.

As in all other towns, so here a portion of the church withdrew and formed an orthodox Congregational Society. This was on May 9, 1838, and on October Gth of the same year the society was duly organized.

The " original compact" is dated May 9, 1838, and is as tul lows : " We, the undersigned, do hereby agree to form ourselves into a society or association for the purpose of procuring and supporting orthodox preaching in this place," and is signed by Isaac Skinner, Daniel Williams, Jr., Julius Skinner, Daniel Williams, John Rogers, Elijah Copeland, Jr., Benjamin Williams, David Williams, Harvey Corey, Amasa Copeland, Apollos Skinner, Apollos Skinner, Jr., Elkanah Bates, Isaac Paine, Isaac White, Hermon Hall, Erastus Givins, James E. Paine, Elijah Copeland, James L. Corey, James H. Reilly, Leonard Corey, Loring C. Shaw, Avery 0. Dunham, Mahlon Williams, Homer Skinner, John E. Corey, William

The new society at once commenced worship in a school-house near the old church, and the first minister was Rev. N. Holman, of Attleborough ; they afterwards hired a hall in the Mulberry Tavern, which stood where the Methodist Church now stands.

Rev. Mr. Hunt, who afterwards became private secretary of the Hon. Henry Wilson, and died a few years since in Attleborough, supplied the pulpit for a short time, when the church and society extended a call to Rev. Mortimer Blake, of Franklin, who graduated at Amherst in 1835 ; he accepted, and was ordained Dec. 4, 1839. The society built a new meeting-house in 1839, which has since been thoroughly remodeled and enlarged. Rev. Mr. Blake remained with the society until 1855, when he became pastor of the Winslow Church in Taunton, where he has ever since been. The society, under Mr. Blake's administration, grew rapidly, and pastor and people were strongly united, and it was with sad hearts the sacred ties were severed. After Mr. Blake's removal the Rev. Jacob Ide, Jr., of Medway, son of Rev. Dr. Ide, and grandson of Rev. Dr. Emmons, accepted the call extended to him, and was ordained in 1856, and has remained with the society ever since ; and wonderful unanimity has all the time existed in the church and society, and there has never been the slightest rupture between pastor and people. After the death of Rev. Mr. Briggs, Rev. James L. Stone, of Brown University, accepted a call to become pastor of the old society, and was ordained in 1840, October 28th. He was dismissed in 1844, subsequently taught school in Foxborough, then became agent for a life insurance company, and died a few years since at Taunton.

After his dismission the pulpit was occupied by supplies up to 1850, when Rev. Daniel W. Stevens, of Marlborough, graduate of Harvard University, was ordained as pastor, which position he occupied with great acceptance up to 1857, when he ceased preaching ; for a time opened a select school in the basement of the old church, which he continued for several years as a teacher. He ranked high, as friends and scholars were fully satisfied with his success. He at the close of the school here removed to Fall River, where he was superintendent of schools two years, then removed to Vineyard Haven, where he has ever since resided, engaged in preaching and caring for a library used by the many seamen who visit that harbor.

Since Mr. Stevens vacated the pulpit in the old church different ministers have occupied it, and it is now filled by Rev. Donald Frazer, who has also under his charge the Universalist Society of Foxborough.

In 1837 the Calvin Baptists organized a society and built a church in the centre of the town ; had no settled minister until about 1853, when Rev. Mr. Welcome Lewis was settled. He remained with the society a few years, then moved to the State of New York, and the society engaged Rev. Mr. Gardner; and since the close of Mr. Gardner's services, which lasted but a short time, the society have employed Rev. Mr. Blain, Rev. Mr. Lewis again, Rev. Mr. Pope, Rev. Mr. Russell, and others. At the present time Rev. Dr. John Duncan is preaching to the society. Rev. Mr. Lewis married Hannah, daughter of Marshal Shaw, an old resident of this place. His wife died several years since. Mr. Lewis was compelled by ill health to resign his ministerial duties, and is now dwelling in New York with friends. The society is now under the charge of Rev. Dr. John Duncan.

Emanuel Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1860 with sixteen members; the first meeting was held in the hall over Rayerson's store April 8, 1860, Rev. E. F. Hicks supplying the pulpit. Worship was continued there until January, 1861, from which time to April, 1864, there were no public services held. At that time the old meeting-house was hired, and services held therein for two years under charge of Rev. Mr. Alderman. After an interval of five years meetings were again commenced, this time in Lovell's Hall, in 1871, under the charge of Rev. Mr. W. J. Smith, who remained with the society one year. Services have been continued ever since, and the ministers have been F. C. Newall, J. H. Humphrey, W. H. Turkinton, J. Oldham, Thomas J. Everett, E. W. Goodier, and the present pastor is Rev. Mr. Jorden. In 1876 the society built an attractive place of worship on the corner of North Main and West Streets, on a lot donated to them by Charles T. Borden, Esq., a prominent member of the church.

A society of Friends was organized at West Mansfield in 1809. They built a meeting-house which now stands a model of neatness, and regular meetings are now held there upon each " First Day," and occasionally other meetings are held. Rev. Brother Thomas. Grover is the preacher.

In 1830 a Christian Baptist Society was organized, and a small church built at West Mansfield. A new church has since been built near the depot at West Mansfield, and the society is now prospering under the faithful ministrations of Rev. Gustin, of Attleborough.

The " Mansfield and Foxborough Society of the New Jerusalem" was organized in 1838. They had no regular place of worship, but met at the houses of the members, of which the more prominent are David Fisher, Sr. (now deceased), Capt. Ira Richardson, Frederick A. Mason, Peyton Hodges, George L. Stearns, and others. In 1871 they built a neat and convenient church on a lot given to them by Dr. William F. Perry, located on the south side of West Street, and have since then held regular Sabbath services therein. They have had no regularly settled minister.

Parish. Votes. - At parish meeting in 1788 it was voted to build and sell four pews in meeting-house, and with the proceeds to paint the house. At subsequent meeting, same year, voted to sell the pews at vendue, and that if they did not bring the average price the bids to be void, and Cobb White was chosen vendue-master. At the adjournment it was voted that all votes and bids made at meeting be declared void. At another meeting, same year, voted to raise thirty pounds to paint and repair meeting-house. At a meeting held a month after this vote was reconsidered, and it was voted to sell the ground for four pews, and Cobb White was chosen vendue-master, and that the purchasers could give their notes payable 15th of October, and to have the privilege of buying the joint stock and putting it on the notes. The pews were then sold as follows : Isaac White bid off the first pew on the men's side at nine pounds one shilling; Jesse Hodges bid off second pew men's side at six pounds four shillings ; Lieut. Joseph Leonard bid off the first pew on the women's side at ten pounds two shillings ; Jonathan Newland, Jr., bid off second pew women's side at nine pounds. At the meeting in 1789, voted twenty pounds to build steps for meeting-house.

In 1791 Dwight Dean was chosen collector, and Ames White engaged verbally in said meeting as bondsman for said Dean's faithful performance of his duties. In 1804 it was voted to put window-springs in all the windows of the meeting-house. At meeting, in 1808, to see about ministerial affairs, it was voted that means be used to continue the preaching of the gospel in said parish, and there was chosen at that meeting to see that the pulpit was supplied, Deacon Abijah Leonard, Deacon Daniel Williams, and Dr. Rolland Green. Voted that Mr. Simeon Daggett should have an invitation to preach one Sabbath. Instructed committee not to pay over eight dollars per week to any minister. Instructed committee to see those persons who belong to the town and have separated themselves from the parish if they will come in again and help support a minister. Voted that said committee be requested to relate what they had heard relative to a man in the country, which was understood to be Mr. Chandler, of Shelburn. After hearing what was related by them respecting him the question was put to see if the parish would have him, and it was voted to hear him if he could be obtained without any cost to the parish in sending him or in fetching him down.

; Mr. Briggs to settle, provided he "would come on reasonable terms," and they appointed a committee of fifteen to decide what sum to offer Rev. Mr. Briggs. That committee consisted of Benjamin Bates, Esq., and Moses Copeland. Both of these gentlemen declined serving ; then chose John Williams, Nathaniel Brintnell, Capt. John Hodge, Lemuel White, William Copeland, Solomon Pratt, James Andros, Seth Shepard, Jr., Jacob Dean, Isaac Skinner, Elkanah Bates,

Ephraim Pond, Capt. Joseph Lane, Ebenezer Ware, and Dr. Roland Green. The meeting took a recess of one hour, at the end of which they reported that four hundred and fifty dollars was the proper sum to pay Rev. Mr. Briggs per annum. The report was accepted, and signed Solomon Pratt, chairman ; R. Green, scribe.

Iu 1792 it was voted that all the meeting-house doors have decent steps, and a committee of seven was chosen to conduct the business of getting up said door-steps ; John Knapp, Jesse Hodges, Thomas Skinner, William Copeland, John Cobb, Jacob Skinner, and Col. Isaac White for said committee. Voted that said steps be "dun" in three months. At a meeting in 1798 it was voted that the parish committee lease the land in the burying-grouud at their discretion. In 1789 voted to repair meeting-house, and at meeting in 1801 eighty dollars was appropriated to shingle north side of meeting-house roof, as well as the south side, and that William Copeland procure shingles at the eastward, as he has fairly bargained for them. This rule was favorably reconsidered at a subsequent meeting, and it was voted to set up the shingles at vendue; and it was moved that he who doeth said shingling shall have the old shingles and the nails. Michael Allen bid off the shingling at ninety dollars. He was the only bidder.

The parish officers for 1809 were Isaac Skinner, clerk; David Gilbert, Esq., treasurer; Lemuel White, Isaac Stearns, and William Copeland, committee; John Williams, Isaac Skinner, and Asahel Williams, assessors.

In 1818 the following pews were "vendued:" The first pew struck off to Benjamin Williams for $36 ; the second pew struck off to John Williams for $60 ; the third pew struck off to David Gilbert, Esq., for $63; the fourth pew struck off to Benjamin Bates, Esq., for $50.

In 1768 or thereabouts the good people residing in the North Precinct, after doubtless severe discussion and agitation, decided they would make strenuous efforts to dissolve their municipal relations with the South Precinct. Previous to this from 1764, one-third of the town-meetings had been held at the North meeting-house, but in 1767 it was voted to hold no more there, and the North Precinct voters accordingly petitioned the Great and General Court to be set off as a separate district, and in April, 1770, this prayer was granted, and Mansfield became a " district." This gave them all the powers of towns, except the separate choice of a representative. In a few years this restriction was removed, and Mansfield became a full-fledged town. The old town (Norton) bid them God-speed in these words, " Voted, whereas the North Precinct of the town of Norton has desired said town to vote them off a district, the said town doth hereby signify their consent to the same, if the General Court shall think proper to set off and make sd precinct a separate district ; sd North Precinct taking their proportionable part of the poor of said town, and also their proportionable part of the town stock."

" Bristol, ss. To either of tlie Constables of the District of Mansfield in said County, Greeting : "In his Majestie's name you are hereby required forthwith to notify and warn all the freeholders and other persons of the district of Mansfield that are qualified according to law to vote in town affairs, to meet and assemble together at the publick meeting-house, in said Mansfield, on Monday, the eighteenth day of March, instant, at twelve of the clock of said day, then and there first to choose a moderator to manage and carry on said meeting ; secondly, to choose a district clerk for the ensuing year, and selectmen and all other officers that towns are obliged by law to choose annually in the month of March; thirdly, to vote if they will think proper that swine may run at large, being ringed and yoked according to law ; fourthly, to vote for county treasurer ; fifthly, to vote to accept of a rode, if they think proper, which is laid out by the selectmen, leading from line near where Abiether Babbot now dwells to the rode that leadeth from Ephraim Leonard's, Esq., to E. Clapp's and another rode from Easton line, along near the house of Walle Southward, agreeable to a returne iu said meeting to be produced ; hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant and your doings to either of us, the subscribers, timely in said meeting. Giveu under our hands and seals this fourth day of March, in the eleventh year of his majesty's reign, Anno Domini, 1771.

Doings of the Meeting. - Chose William Dean to be a moderator to carry on and manage the meeting ; chose Isaac Dean their district clerk ; chose Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Benjamin Williams, and Thomas Skinner for selectmen. They each took the oath relating to the " government bills" before Ephraim Leonard, Esq., justice of the peace, in public meeting. They chose Samuel White, Dr. George Wheaton, and William Dean, Jr., for assessors for ensuing year; chose Samuel Tillebrown for one of the constables, and accepted Samuel White in place of Samuel Tillebrown as constable for the ensuing year ; chose Abijah Beeley for one of the constables, and accepted of Elijah Dean in the room of said Beeley. They made choice of Benjamin White for treasurer; chose Alfred Leonard and John White for wardens. They chose Nehemiah White and Benjamin Sweet for hog-reeves. They voted that swine may run at large, being yoked and ringed according to law. They voted to adjourn. Met according to adjournment, and chose Lieut. Job Hodges and Reuben Titus for to keep the river clear for the free passage of the fish for the ensuing year, and they accepted the " rodes," and voted for county treasurer, and the doings recorded by Isaac Dean, clerk. The next town-meeting was to see if the town would vote reasons to the Great and General Court why Eleaser Robbins and others of Stoughton, who were annexed to Mansfield, should not be taken from said Mansfield, and they chose a committee to aid the Stoughton people in their efforts to withdraw from Mansfield.

At a meeting in November, 1771, called to vote what they shall think proper relating to the schools in the district of Mansfield, it was voted

" that the one month's school which has been lately kept at the dwelling-house of Nathan Williams, Jr., should be reckoned to the whole district, and go towards the present year's schooling. They voted not to have three schools at once during the present winter, but they did vote to have two schools. Voted to have the schools kept at or near the same places where they were kept last year."

In 1775 the sum of fifteen pounds was voted for the support of the schools. The same year they voted to Capt. William Howes as their part of his pay in Congress the sum of nine pounds and two shillings, and to Eleazer Clapp for the same purpose the sum of two pounds and sixteen shillings.

At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Mansfield, legally warned pursuant to a resolve passed in the honorable House of Representatives on the 17th of September, in order to consider and determine whether they will give their consent that the present House of Representatives of this State of the Massachusetts Bay, together with the Council, should consult upon and enact a form of government for said State, and, taking the same into their most mature consideration, came under the following votes:

"lly. Voted that the establishing a good form of government absolutely necessary in order to lay a foundation for the future safety, happiness, and welfare of a people.

"21y. Voted that, as the end of government is the good of the people, so the power and right of forming and establishing a plan thereof exists essentially in them.

"4Iy. Voted that we cannot give our consent to the proposal of the Honorable House in their Resolve of the 17th Sept. last past, that the present Hon. House, with the Hon' Council, should enact a form of Government for this State, for these Reasons, viz. :

" lly. That the present house and council was not separately elected by the people for that special purpose, which we think is highly reasonable they should be in a matter of great importance.

"21y. That it is the undoubted right of many of the inhabitants of this State to have a voice in the establishing a form of government that was not allowed to vote in the choice of the present House of Representatives.

" 51y. Voted we humbly conceive that it would conduce much to the peace and quite of the people of the State, and we hope would be a salutary measure to obtain the ends proposed, if each County should meet by their delegates with an Equal Representation from the several towns and consult what form of government they may think it would be Best for this State to come into, and when they have no desire to lay the result of their several meetings before a State Convention to be chosen by said County Conventions, and the State Convention to select from the whole such a form of government as shall by them be thought most likely to terminate in the safety, peace, and happiness of the people.

"61y. That it appears to us absolutely necessary for the liberty and safety of this State that the plan of government when formed should be published for the perusal of the people and not established without their approbation.

" 71y. Voted that we think that it would be very proper and expedient for the present Honorable House of Representatives to give out precepts or orders for the choice of said Conventions.

At town-meeting held Feb. 25, 1777, it was voted to give a bounty of twenty-five pounds to all those who enlisted in service of the United States for three years or during the war.

A town-meeting was called June 16, 1777, to "present tories," and the warrant warns the voters in the name and government of Massachusetts Bay,

" To 2dly to chuse a man to procure and lay before the court hearupon described, the evidence that he had of the inimical expression of any person towards this or any United States. 3dly, act and proceed with any persons that have Ben Inimical to their country, according to a late act of the grate and General Corte, and to act upon the hole as they shall think proper." Isaac Dean was chosen moderator. Made choce of Elijah Dean to procure evidence against any such persons as described in warrant. 3dly, the Selectman, Reverend Zephaniah Hogges, as a person Dangerous to our cause, and effort was made to relieve Mr. Hogges of this "soft impeachment," but not a sing.e voter would consent to it, and it was ordered that he "should be tried by a special court for that purpose."

"Voted to send to each of the soldiers in the Continental sirvis for the Town of Mansfield, and which engaged for the Town's Bounty, one Shurt, one pair of Trowsers, and four stockings ami one pair of shoes."

In May, 1778, Town had a meeting in "favor of Government." Voted additional Bounty to all men who would volunteer, and voted " To clear or indemnify the commission offices for said town for any damage or fines which may he laid upon them for not Drafting men for the service."

In 1780 two warrants were issued by the selectmen ; one directed the constable to notify all the voters on the east side of Rumford River, and the other directed him to notify all the voters on the westerly side of said river, to meet at the public meeting-house, then and there to act on certain articles enumerated in a former warrant, which were not acted upon by reason of the "late alarm which prevented the said meeting being holden." A town-meeting warrant was issued same year directing the officer " to warn all the male persons being twenty-one years of age, and residents of said town for the space of one year, or that have their usual homes in said town, having a freehold estate in said town of the annual income of three pounds, or other estate than a personal or mixed of the value of sixty pounds, computed in silver at 6s. 8'/. per ounce, to meet or assemble the 13th day of October, 1780, to elect a person who is an inhabitant of said town and secured in his own right of a freehold of the value of one hundred pounds, or any valuable estate of the value of two hundred pounds, within said town, to be computed in silver as aforesaid, to serve for and represent them in the Great and General Court." And at this meeting Capt. Samuel White was unanimously made choice of as the representative, and he was given by the town clerk and selectmen a " fair certificate," and Constable Skinner summoned and warned the said White to appear and to attend to the service for which he was chosen.

Probably the largest appropriation in figures ever made at any town-meeting was at the December, 1780, meeting, when for town purposes and some few incidentals there was appropriated the sum of fifty-three thousand three hundred and forty-seven pounds, and this fact will give us some idea of the value of a paper currency. At this time John Pratt was the constable, and Benjamin Bates was the town clerk.

At the town-meeting held April, 1786, the vote for Governor stood : the Hon. John Hancock had twentyseven, the Hon. James Bodwine had two. At a meeting held just previous to the preceding, it was voted to pay their representative the sum of four shillings per day out of the town treasury, and Capt. Benjamin Bates was chosen representative.

"To Reade and hear the address of the General Courte lately published. To take into consideration the present calamities in this commonwealth and to see if the town will petition the General Court to recall those troops under the command of General Lincoln, who have marched to the counties of Worcester and Hampshire, in order to prevent the further effusion of Blood and the calamity of a Domestic War, and also that the Honorable General Court Repeal the Act passed the last session suspending the Habeas Corpus act, or for the town to pass any vote or votes Relative to the before mentioned premises they may think proper."

At this meeting it was voted " not to read the address lately published by the General Court," and it was voted that a copy of the petition drawn up by Capt. Pratt be sent by the town clerk somewhere, probably to the General Court. At this time Jonathan Newcomb was town clerk, Elijah Dean and Jonathan Newcomb were the selectmen who signed the warrant, and William Copeland was the constable who served the warrant.

At a meeting held on 5th November, 1787, it was voted " that the poor of the town shall be set up at publick vendue to them that will keep them the cheapest." At this time Thomas Skinner and Jonathan Williams were selectmen, and Stephen Bond constable, and Jonathan Newcomb town clerk.

One article in the warrant calling the meeting for September, 1783, is to "see if the town will vote to choose a committee to act with the committee chosen in other towns in this county for the purpose of petitioning to the General Court for the better regulating of fishing in Taunton Grove River, and Capt. John Pratt was duly chosen."

At the December town meeting, 1788, for voting for representative to Congress, the district consisting of Bristol County, Dukes County, and Nantucket, the Hon. George Leonard, Esq., had twenty votes, the Hon. David Cobb had thirty-six. The vote for elector stood : Elisha May had thirty-six, Samuel Tobey had thirty-six.

At a meeting held Sept. 29, 1789, it was voted, "To build a stone pound 30 feet square within the walls, six feet high, with a stick of Timber all Round said wall to a Dubble Wall three feet wide at the Botom and carried up the 6 feet in proportion."

Extracts from the proceedings at the town meetings might be made to a great extent, which would prove of value and of much interest, but the limits allowed for this sketch will not permit it.

Early Settlers. - " Very Worshipful Ephrairo Leonard, Esq.," was probably the most distinguished man who ever lived in Mansfield. His residence was in the house at East Mansfield, formerly owned by Mr. Calvin Thomas, now owned by George Thomas, located on the easterly side of the road, near Flint's saw-mill. The old house in its wide entry and staircase, in its high rooms, gives evidence of its former grandeur. He was appointed judge of Court of Common Pleas in 1747, and was in office until after the Revolution. He was born Jan. 16, 1705-6. He was a leader in the town, a man of great energy ; held the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens; held the office of col- onel in the militia during the old French and Indian war. He was a man of eminent piety, and the wealthiest man in the region. His name is often found upon the old records of both town and parish. His grave, with those of three of his wives (he was married four times), are in the woods a short distance from his former residence ; the slate slabs indicating their burial-places are flat upon the ground, and it is extremely difficult to decipher any of the lettering upon them. There are evidences near these graves of other burials, but the stories of the men and women who found their last resting-place are only known to the Recording Angel, and probably their names will never more be mentioned upon earth. He had a son, Daniel, born May 18, 1740, graduated at Harvard University in 1760, at the age of twenty years. Studied law, and was a man of brilliant abilities. Became a Loyalist, and was appointed by Governor Hutchinson a mandamus counselor in 1774; practiced his profession at Taunton Grove, but the honest yeomanry would not tolerate him. Left Taunton and went to Boston, thence to Halifax, thence to England, and was afterwards chief justice of Bermuda Islands. The house in which he lived still stands just north of the courthouse in Taunton, and the marks of the bullets still remain to testify to the animosity which the people felt towards the sentiments he held. His personal popularity, however, was great. His father bequeathed to him a large portion of his estate, provided he was allowed to return and enjoy it, and also be allowed the rights of citizenship; but if not, then to any of Daniel's children who should come to America and become citizens. A son, Charles, did come, took possession of the property, entered Harvard College, but did not graduate ; was subsequently placed under guardianship, and was found dead May 4, 1831, in the road near Burrowsville.

John Caswell, Sr., settled at East Mansfield. His son John, Jr., lived near him. He was a lieutenant and ensign in " the King's service." He died 18th December, 1773. His wife died July 6, 1769, in her eighty-first year. They had ten children.

Thomas Brintnell, with his family, made a settlement in the northwesterly part of Mansfield, a few rods easterly of Wading River, short distance from the lines of the two colonies, near the Obadiah Brintnell I place. He built a rude shelter, partly of wood and partly of stone, wherein, with his two muskets, he felt safe against the unfriendly red men. He came from Boston. His descendants are numerous, some of which

Capt. Samuel Brintnell, son of Thomas and Esther, lives at his father's house. He was a man of note, and his voice was often heard in the discussion of parish and town affairs. He was often selectman, and was also representative to the General Court. He was married three times, and in his will names six children.

Thomas Grover, born March, 1668. He settled at West Mansfield. He built a house near the " Tobitt" place. Andrew, his brother, built a house where Mr. Sherman now lives, formerly occupied by Elder Chadwick. Ephraim, another brother, built a house near what is now Mr. John Bailey's. He was a deacon of the church in North Precinct.

Thomas Skinner settled at West Mansfield. He was one of the original members of the North Church, and was the first schoolmaster who lived to be ninety years of age.

Deacon Nicholas White built the old house now owned by Charles N. Hall, Esq., on the south side of Hall Street, until lately occupied by Mr. Hall. He was a very prominent man in town and parish affairs. He was one of the selectmen eleven years, member of General Court, and deacon of the church. A man of much importance, whose opinion was much relied upon by his neighbors both in town and parish meetings. He was buried upon his farm, near the residence of Mr. Elkanah Hall. His grave, like the graves of many of the early settlers, it is now impossible to find.

Deacon Benjamin Williams lived where Charles Henry Williams now lives, from whom the last named descended. He was a man of great influence in town, and was often chosen to parish and town office, and was a man of good mind, careful judgment, and sound sense.

Public Buildings. - The first meeting-house was never completed. In 1-752 the freeholders voted to " the very worshipful Col. Ephraim Leonard, Esq., the privilege and liberty to build a pew in the meeting-house for the comfort and convenience of himself and family, to extend from the public stairs hall-way to the west wall of the said meeting-house." At the same meeting the privilege was given " to Lieut. Josiah Pratt to build a pew extending from the northeast corner of said meeting-house to the ministerial pew, even *to front with the same pew." In 1752, Nathan Williams, " for locking and onlocking the meeting-house doors, and sweeping the meetinghouse, was voted in lawful money, or rye at three shilling's per bushel, or Indian corn at two shillings per bushel, the sum of six pounds."

A part of this ministerial land was on "Dorchester plain, so called," and six acres of it was " near a lot of land which Brian Hall owneth." It was granted by the proprietors of "Taunton North Purchase, for the maintenance of the congregational ministry." The land as granted was divided between Norton and Mansfield Jan. 9, 1778, Isaac Hodges, John King, and Seth Smith, acting for Norton; Benjamin White, Samuel Tillebrown, and Isaac Dean, for Mansfield. There was also another tract of ministerial land in Taunton Cedar Swamp.

"At a legal meeting holden by the freeholders and others, inhabitants of Norton, North Precinct, at the public meeting-house in said precinct, on Wednesday, ye 30th day of May, a.d. 1765.

" Sixthly, the moderator with the vote of the assembly adjourned the meeting until the first Monday in October next ensuing, at one of the clock in the afternoon, and then they voted that said meeting-house should be in height in proportion with the length and breadth.

The bell in the meeting-house tower was presented to the town July 25, 1829, by Hon. Asa Clapp, and in a letter to Dr. Benjamin Billings of that date he says, "In consideration of your wishes and the early and sincere affection I bear to my native town, I present this bell to them in hope that it will tend to unite the good people more in one scheme of worshiping God. . . . The scheme is not of so much consequence to man as a willing mind and humble heart."

The location of the second meeting-house has been changed since its erection, and it now stands on the west side of ITnion Street. The graveyard at the centre is, and the church formerly stood upon land set off by the original proprietors to be used as " buring field, hurrying and other public uses by the parish." The inevitable controversy arose in after -years whether this land belonged to the town or to the " old society." This gave rise to several law-suits and very much bad feeling was being engendered, when the counsel employed by the town suggested to the counsel upon the other side an amicable settlement of the whole controversy. This was adopted, and the town voted to the society a sum of money which enabled them to purchase and remove the church to a suitable lot, upon which it now stands. It also made ample appropriation for the grading and fencing of the vacant lot as a common, and we have now a " breathing-place" in the centre of the town, which with its fast-growing maple-trees, its well-kept walks and green grass, will soon for beauty rival famous Taunton Green.

During all the existence of the town it has held its meetings as a town in the meeting-house, latterly hiring the use of the same of the Unitarian society. Several years after the subject of a building for town and high school purposes, and a vote was passed to build one, but that vote was soon after, at a special meeting, reconsidered, and the matter has remained quiet up to the March meeting of 1882, when, as appears from the following article from the Mansfield News of Feb. 16, 1883, it was voted to erect such a building. Too much credit and praise cannot be given to Rev. Jacob Ide for his indefatigable and persistent efforts in the interest of the town for the townhall, and for every other enterprise and undertaking tending to advance the interest of the town as a corporation or of its citizens.

Mansfield's New Town-House. - Mansfield is soon to dedicate her town-house, and for the information of our readers we purpose giving at this time a detailed description of the structure. The need of a town-house has been felt and admitted by most of our citizens for some years past, and at different times projects have been entertained and considered for building. The matter took definite shape at the annual town-meeting in March last, when the committee, appointed at a preceding town-meeting, " to see about a location and plans for a building for a town hall, and for the High School," presented its report. At this meeting Rev. Jacob Ide read a letter from a former resident of the town, Mr. W. O. Grover, of Boston, who offered to give five thousand dollars to aid in building a town hall. The offer was at once accepted by the town, and it was also voted that the sum of ten thousand dollars be raised and appropriated for the object. The choice of location was divided between a piece of land on North Main Street, tendered by Mr. J. W. Rogers, and the " Heater piece" on West Street, owned by the town. From the first the " Heater piece" seemed to be the choice of the majority, and at an adjourned townmeeting in April following that location was adopted by the town. As its many advantages become more and more apparent the choice gives general satisfaction. At this meeting several plans were exhibited by a committee appointed for that purpose. That submitted by Mr. John L. Faxon, of 7 Exchange Place, Boston, was recommended by the committee and adopted by the town. Mr. Faxon was employed as the architect, and to his taste and intelligent supervision during the whole progress of the work are we indebted for the fine proportions and the thorough construction of the building now before us. The following gentlemen were appointed a building committee : Messrs. A. C. Hardon, E. M. Reed, and A. V. Rogerson. The contract for building was awarded to Messrs. S. M. and H. A. Chesley, of Boston, for about thirteen thousand dollars, including everything above the granite wall ; no allowance, however, being made for gas-fixtures, frescoing, or clock. Ground was broken in July, and by the terms of the contract the building was to be finished Feb. 14, 1883. In spite of some vexatious delays this has been accomplished, and, except the grading and some minor matters, nothing now remains but to furnish the building.

Let us take a look at the building as it stands completed, first considering the outside. The designs were original with Mr. Faxon, while the style of architecture is colonial. The building is of wood, with a brick underpinning all around about three feet in height above the stone-work. The bricks are laid in black mortar, and a heavy granite base gives a substantial finish to the whole. The rough-stone work, which can be seen from the cellar, is thoroughly done, and is the work of Mr. E. G. Miller, of this town. The front steps are of granite, with brick buttresses capped with granite, and the back steps, which are of hard pine, also have brick buttresses capped with granite. There is no outside door to the cellar, but a large bulkhead serves instead. The granite-work, which is among the finest jobs on the building, was laid by Mr. Stephen Blaisdell, of Foxborough. It is a matter for congratulation that Mansfield can boast so many good workmen, and that so large a part of the best work on this building was performed by our own mechanics. Prominent among these is Mr. George W. Keith, who was assisted by Mr. J. Harkins, of Quincy, who did the brick-work and plastering, and whose labor has been praised by natives and strangers alike who have seen it and are competent to judge of its excellence.

The building is in the form of a cross, this form admitting of a more pleasing architectural appearance than would have been the case with a plain rectangular edifice, and the transept affording needed room to the apartments in the lower story. The depth of the building from front to rear is ninety-seven feet ; the width of the main building is fifty feet, and the extreme width of the transept is sixty feet, which leaves a projection on either side of five feet. The height of the main walls of the buildings from bottom of sills to top of plate is thirty-four feet. It is fifty-eight feet from bottom of sills to top of ridge or saddle-boards, while from the top of the belfry or clock-tower to the bottom of sills is eighty feet, or eighty-four feet to the ground. The building is clapboarded and finished with corner-lfoards. Instead of the old-fashioned water-table, a heavy moulded base caps the brick-work. Around the building, between the lower and upper stories, runs a moulded belt, which relieves any appearance of bareness which the plain clapboarding might convey. The frieze is divided off into short panels of diagonally-laid narrow sheathing. The roof, which is shingled, is capped with an ornamental cresting, and with its valleys and hips presents a picturesque appearance. The clocktower is finished in keeping with the rest of the building, and is provided with a circular window on each of its four sides, which will give place to the dials whenever a clock may be put in. Glass slats are substituted for wood or iron in order that the inside may be well lighted. The tower is surmounted by an octagonal dome of galvanized iron, and this in turn by a gilded metallic weather-vane. The front elevation facing on the common, and the north side facing on West Street, are of course the most highly ornamented. Over the front platform is a fine portico, supported by moulded columns, from which an elliptic arch is sprung. On each front corner over the arch is the raised letter " M," inclosed in carved wreaths, while on either end, in raised figures, is the date of building, " 1882." The portico is shingled to conform to the general appearance. There are no windows on the lower story front, but in their place, one on either side of the portico, are wide tablets or panels finished with ornamental architraves and pediment caps. These tablets, which are now left blank, are to be inscribed at some future day. The main roof is relieved by a large pediment or gable with ornamental verge-boards, which was designed to make room for a stained-glass window which lights the gallery. The groundwork for the face of this gable is of rough-cast stones and cement, and being painted in old gold, presents a pleasing appearance. The same effect is produced on the gables of the north and south sides, in the centre of which a large panel bears the words in large raised letters, "Mansfield Town Hall." A striking feature on the sides are the cluster of windows in the lower story of the transept. They are what are called " triplets," and are crowned with a handsome elliptic arch, filled in with a large number of small square lights. In the second story the ' triplets are finished with square heads, over which are stained-glass windows. The painting was awarded to Mr. M. H. Robinson, of Boston, and under the superintendence of the foreman, Mr. Charles Traverse, it has been most tastefully executed. The outside colors are four, - the groundwork or body is Venetian red, the main trimmings are a bronze green, the panels on the frieze and upper part of the building, together with the concrete-work before alluded to, are the assurance that the prisoner would quit the business. The squire turned to him and said that lie would let him off easy this time, but he must quit rumselling d - d quick.

Elijah Hodges, Esq., a prominent politician, earlyespousing the principles of the Democratic party, and clinging to them with great tenacity to the time of his death. He was a man of good judgment, a most fluent conversationalist, and his wife told the writer that her husband never would go to a "sewing circle," because the women wanted to do all the talking. He was justice of the peace many years, at one time clerk in Pratt's store, did something in straw business, held many public offices, was a prominent and active member of the Unitarian Society, a pleasant and accommodating neighbor, was for many years unable to do any business by reason of ill health, built and lived for many years in the house on the east side of South Main Street, now occupied by Alfred Grover. He died Dec. 16, 1871, aged eighty-two years.

Jacob Dean lived in the house north of Lloyd A. Allen's house, now owned by Mr. Chase. He was a farmer and owned a large tract of land. He early gave attention to cultivation of apples, of which he raised a large variety, sending some years to the annual cattle show at Taunton, in which he took a deep interest, one hundred and sixteen varieties. He was a quiet, modest man, a good citizen, a man of more than ordinary intelligence. He died July 15, 1871, aged ninety years and seven months.

William Reed Dean, son of Jacob, a distinguished antiquarian, published several genealogical works. Died at his father's house, June 16, 1871, aged sixtyone years and ten months.

Darwin Dean, Esq., for many years justice of the peace, settled a large number of estates, was selectman, member of the "Old Society," a farmer, and lived near Jacob Dean. Was a man often consulted by the townspeople, of good judgment, died Nov. 8, 1882, aged seventy-seven years, leaving a daughter, who married Walter L. White. They live upon the old place. In ancient deeds the street running by his late residence is called " the road leading from Taunton to Mansfield."

Ebenezer Williams, a large land-owner, prominent in town and parish matters, a conscientious, upright man, lived in the house on the west side of North Main Street, now owned by his son, Charles P. Williams. He died Nov. 7, 1851, aged seventy-five years and nine months.

Hon. John Rogers, in early life, started in a small way the collection of straw braid from the women of this and the surrounding towns; afterwards commenced the manufacture of straw goods, in which he was very successful, the business rapidly increasing until it gave employment to a large number, both male and female. He built the shop upon the south side of Park Street, and the house upon the east side South Main Street, both of which are now occupied by his son. He was much interested in politics, formerly a Democrat, afterwards a prominent member of the "Know-Nothing" or American movement, then joining the Republican party, of which he was an active member to the time of his death. He was a member of the Constitutional State Convention, represented this town in the Legislature, and this senatorial district in the Massachusetts Senate. He was a leader in politics, much interested in all political conventions; a successful business man, one who gave liberally to all worthy objects ; a prominent member of the orthodox Congregational Society, and presented that society with the organ now in their church, as well as the bell now in the tower of the same church. He was a kind and pleasant neighbor, a good citizen, and an honest and upright man. He died March 31, 1873, aged sixty-six years and four months, leaving three children, - Ellen M., wife of Rev. Jacob Ide; Frances E., wife of Daniel E. Harding ; and John W., who is now, with a partner, engaged in the straw business in the shop his father built.

William B. Bates, Esq., son of the prominent manufacturer, Maj. Elkanah Bates, held the offices of town clerk, selectman, representative to the Legislature, trial justice, justice of the peace, postmaster, etc. No man ever lived in Mansfield in whom more people had confidence than in Mr. Bates. He was administrator, executor, referee, guardian, and trustee in very many estates, managed his own business well, and managed other people's affairs just as well ; was the " right-hand man" of his pastors, Rev. Mr. Blake and Rev. Mr. Ide ; contributed largely in behalf of every worthy object; was a charter member of St. James Lodge of Masons, and an officer of it fpr many years; was a kind, sociable, pleasant, and accommodating neighbor, prominent in the temperance movement, a member of the Republican party from its birth; erected and lived in the house now occupied by his son-in-law, George H. Hallett, on the east side North Main Street. Died June 10, 1880, aged sixtynine years and eleven months, leaving two children, - Alfred W., in business in New York, and Marrigen H., who married Mr. Hallett.

Benjamin Bates, formerly a well-known Boston banker, and founder of Bates' College, of Maine, brother of William B., died a short time previous to the death of William B.

Elkanah Bates, another brother, was at one time in business in Boston, from which he withdrew many years before his death, and spent the winters in Boston, but a portion of every summer he spent here with his brother. He died a short time after his brother, William B., in Boston. The three brothers all died suddenly of heart-disease.

James Green was one of the most active and influential members of the " old society." For many years, up to his death, was station agent in the employ of the Boston and Providence and Taunton Branch Railroads. He was the son of Simeon Green and grandson of Roland Green, the second settled minister of the town. He was a large land-owner. His funeral sermon, which was published, was preached by his pastor, Rev. Daniel W. Stevens. He died Oct. 6, 1869; his age was fifty-two years and eleven months.

Capt. Ellis Fairbanks, at one time captain of a military company, a charter member of St. James Lodge of Masons, for many years secretary of the lodge, prominent member of the " old society," died Oct. 27, 1871, aged seventy-one years.

Elijah Copeland, one of the largest farmers, owning many acres in the south part of the town. His old house stood on the present site of the residence of his sons. He subsequently built the Copeland House, a little south of the old house. He was very successful in his business. A quiet, modest man, never took an active part in any public meetings ; a constant attendant upon divine worship, was reckoned as the "salt of the earth" by his pastors, Rev. Mr. Blake and Rev. Mr. Ide. He died Aug. 3, 1872, aged eightyseven years and four months, leaving two sons, Elijah, who now works a portion of the old farm, and Almond, who has died since his father did, and several daughters.

Elbridge Sweet lived at West Mansfield, was a farmer and mill-owner, doing a large business in his grist- and saw-mill. He was many years one of the selectmen of the town, a man of good judgment, honorable in his dealings, a deacon in the Christian Baptist Society; died Feb. 2, 1876, aged sixty-four years, five months.

Isaac Skinner, a man with a great fund of historical matter and deeds relating to the early history of the town and to the individuals who up to his death had lived here, a prominent and active member of the Orthodox Congregational Society, very modest and retiring; of far more than ordinary intelligence; great student of the Bible, which he, though never having more than ordinary school advantages, was able to read in its original language; upright and honorable in all business transactions. He died April 19, 1873, aged seventy-nine years, six months.

Gardner Chillson started a furnace here in 1852 for the manufacture of his own furnaces, stoves, and ranges, with salesroom in Boston. He was an active member of the Baptist Church, was previous to his removing here a representative to the General Court from Boston, was a liberal contributor to religious charities, and left the bulk of his large estate to the several Baptist missionary organizations. He died Nov. 21, 1877.

Rev. John Blain, a Baptist clergyman, and once settled over the Baptist society, afterwards gave his time to the work of an evangelist, in which he was very successful. He was for many years without a settlement ; built the house now owned by S. W. Cord; died here Dec. 26, 1879, aged eighty-four years and ten months. He was "tall of stature," of robust health, and never took a vacation during his life. He made large donations for missionary purposes, and left the greater part of his property at his death to such uses.

Business. - For a town so well located, with its railroad facilities and its proximity to the trade centres, Mansfield has not had its just share of mercantile interests. This may be attributable to several causes, the principal of which is perhaps the value set upon valuable land by its owners. Thirty-five years ago a scheme was devised to sell nearly all the lands in the immediate vicinity of the depot at a large price. The whole area was laid out (upon paper) into house-lots, streets, and parks, and fictitious and exorbitant prices set upon the lots. The scheme failed for the want of purchasers, but the prices then asked clung to the land like an incumbrance, and have proved something more than a " shadow," but owners of land are now offering it in favorable localities at reasonable prices.

Very prominent among the business men of the town stands the name of Solomon Pratt, who com. menced business in the early part of the present century, at the age of twenty years. He was a man of very large business capacity, owned largely of real estate, and was in his day the most active and industrious man in the town. He opened a general store in a building which stood where Borden's drug-store now stands, which was afterwards moved to Sodem, and now stands near Mr. Cabot's factory and is a part of his estate. He built the building for a store after the removal of the old one, which now is owned by William C. Bessom, and stands at the corner of South Main Street and Webb Place. Mr. Pratt opened the first store in the Centre village, and it was the favorite resort for all the local politicians and theologians. The hall overhead, on the afternoon of the election, was resorted to by the voters, who were treated by the successful candidate.

Mr. Pratt was engaged in the iron business, - that is, he delivered the iron to different persons who took it home and worked it by hand into nails, and returned the nails to him ; in the straw business, buying straw braid from all the women within thirty miles, which he had sewed into bonnets. At one time braid accumulated to such an amount that he manufactured fifteen thousand bonnets from the amount on hand, and it was said by his clerk, Elijah Hodges, that there was a profit of two dollars on each bonnet.

In 1811 was built the Middle Factory, by a corporation of which Mr. Pratt was an active member, for the manufacture of woolen goods, which was successfully operated until by some mismanagement on the part of the agent, and the corporation was sold to Mr. Pratt, who assumed the entire business, assisted by his sons Charles and Harrison. In 1830 the mill was burned, with six thousand dollars' worth of stock therein. Upon neither stock nor mill was there any insurance. This financial loss would have dis- couraged many men, but Mr. Pratt, full of resolution and pluck, rebuilt at once tbe mill, filled it with machinery from Cracken & Richmonds, of Taunton, and the year the factory was completed it made money enough for its owner to pay the cost of both factory and machinery.

He was also a partner of Elkanah Bates, another of Mansfield's eminent men, and together they operated the factory known as the " Knife Shop." After the death of Mr. Bates, Mr. Pratt bought his interest and ran the mill alone. He was also owner in the mill at East Mansfield owned by a manufacturing corporation composed mostly of Boston parties ; had a large farm which he supervised. In person he was tall and commanding; in conversation dictatorial; held many offices in town, and represented the town in the Legislature. He died in April, 1848, aged seventy years.

About the year 1857 the matter of building a factory, to be used for the manufacture of jewelry, was discussed among the citizens, and there was formed an association, and the jewelry-shop, corner of North Main and Pratt Streets, was built by this association, and soon after its completion it was let to the Sturdy Brothers, of Attleborough, who came here and commenced operations, and did a large and profitable business for several years. The investment in the building did not prove a success to the stockholders, and they were anxious to dispose of the property, and it was sold to Merritt & Draper, who were manufacturing in Attleborough, but came here and commenced the making of shell jewelry (made from tortoise shell), and manufactured it in large quantities, and were very successful. Subsequently Mr. Merritt withdrew and formed a partnership with John Shepardson, and they, in the upper part of the shop, began making a general line of goods, plated and solid, silver and gold. They continued in the business several years, when they, much to the regret of the citizens, moved their business to Attleborough. Mr. Draper took in as partner D. S. Spaulding, and they continued the shell business for a number of years, when Mr. Draper withdrew and left the whole business to Mr. Spaulding, who has continued it ever since. The business has all the time been steadily increasing. Mr. Spaulding united the making of chain and other jewelry from gold plate and coin to his shell business, and it now requires the whole shop with a large addition, which has the present year been built, to do the business in giving employment to one hundred and twenty-five hands. Mr. Spaulding has an agency in New York city, and runs an extensive jewelry store in the City of Mexico. He is a live business man, and we feel certain that as long as any jewelry business is done anywhere, and Mr. Spaulding lives, it will be done in Mansfield. Mr. Spaulding has associated with him as special partner Mr. Charles P. Williams, an old citizen of the place.

In 1863, Francis G. Hodges, of Attleborough, commenced the making of bracelets in a corner of Henry W. Rayman's barn, located in the rear of his dwelling-house upon North Main Street. His beginnings were very small, and the power he used was literally Aorse-power. He made haste slowly for a year or two. In the meantime had seen some specimens of horn jewelry, and went to work getting out samples made from cattle horn, and after completion started for the New York market with his little sample case containing them, and was the first man who ever exhibited samples of horn jewelry. He subsequently formed a partnership with Mr. Benjamin Frank Shaw, who was then in New Jersey, and two other gentlemen, and commenced the horn business here, and the firm manufactured largely and sold the goods readily, Mr. Shaw doing the selling, and Kingman & Hodges the manufacturing. This firm lasted but a short time, Kingman & Hodges assuming the business, which rapidly grew beyond the capacity of the barn, and they bought of the estate of Charles Morse the " Middle Factory," so called, upon Rumford River, and there for years continued the business successfully up to about 1876, when the demand for this style of jewelry ceased.

Mr. Shaw, after withdrawing from the firm heretofore mentioned, formed a copartnership with Willard O. Coferem and Harrison A. Williams, and this firm commenced making fine jewelry at Mr. Cabot's factory in Sodem, being what was formerly known as the lower factory. Early in the present century Mr. Simeon White commenced the manufacture of shoe-nails and tacks in that part of Mansfield now called Whiteville. It was a very small trade at the beginning, but during his life it was greatly enlarged. At his death Mr. F. A. White, a son, continued the business, which then gave work to a large number of hands. Mr. F. A. White and his brothers, Charles P., Hiram, Adoniram J., and Henry, were engaged in the business, which had become large and lucrative, and continued to improve up to the time of the formation of a combination a few years since, and Mr. White was shut out, and being unable to obtain stock, was obliged to stop the manufacturing. So what was twenty years ago the most prosperous village in Mansfield is now without business. Mr. Charles P. White represented the town once in the Legislature. Simeon, the father, died July, 1845.

In 1842, Robert McMoran and Robert Fulton commenced the manufacture of shoe-knives and awls in the factory on the west side of Water Street. They made good articles and soon built up a large business. The firm was dissolved in 1862. Mr. Fulton continued the business at the old place. Mr. McMoran formed a copartnership with his son-in-law, George A. Robinson, and his grandson, William N. McMoran, and commenced the same business at the old Williams privilege at West Mansfield. Mr. McMoran soon after died, and the grandson withdrew from the

Mr. Fulton died March 3, 1865, and his business was continued for three years by his executor, at which time Mr. Matthew George, who married Mrs. Fulton, succeeded to the business, and has continued it ever since.

The basket business has always been a leading industry in town, and it now gives employment to nearly one hundred persons. As long as the oldest inhabitants can remember, this branch of business has been followed. Mr. James L. Hodges is probably the largest manufacturer in town ; his shop is near the Perry man & Hodges claim, though he gives employment to many outside of his shop. His baskets are all sold in the New York market.

Mr. Henry Shepard is a large dealer in baskets; he buys of the small manufacturers and supplies the Boston market. Mr. Isaac G. Hodges manufactures in his shop west from Main Street. Mr. James E. Paine does a large business at his shop on West Street. Mr. V. B. Hodges manufactures in the shop west of Card & Co.'s machine-shop, and there are a number of others in town who devote a part of their houses or barns or sheds to the making of baskets.

Fifty years ago Capt. Schuyler Shepard, a man of influence in town affairs, began the manufacture of soap, and his son Albert S. has continued the business. Mr. James W. Cobb commenced the making of soap at his residence some years ago. Its virtues are said to be manifold ; certain it is that he sells it in very large quantities, and carries it with his teams great distances. In the summer of 1882 he canvassed successfully the Canadas. Mr. R. H. Belcher and Mr. Rufus Paine are also severally engaged largely in the manufacture of this valuable household article.

A corporation formed under the laws of Rhode Island called the " Manton Steam Windlass Company," signified their willingness to settle in this town if the citizens would furnish them with a building. Mr. S. A. Green, a son of the late James Green, offered the land to put a suitable building on. His offer was accepted, and a sufficient amount was raised from individuals to erect the building. It is located near the foundry building of the Ryder Brothers, and the new company commenced business in it April 1, 1883.

Mr. S. W, Card commenced some ten years ago in the basement of the Murphy shop in the making of taps and dies. The reputation of his goods became so good he was obliged to increase his facilities, and hired additional room in the same building, where he continued until three years ago, when the shop burned. A new shop was built, and Mr. Card associated with him Mr. David E. Harding, and the firm purchased the building and the water privilege, and they are now doing a very large and prosperous business.

Mr. John Birkenhead ten years ago removed from Canton to this place, and began the making of spindles. He is very ingenious, and conceived of several improvements which he got patented, and which very much aided him in the sale of his goods. His business rapidly increased, and he gave employment to a large number. He went to Europe and disposed of his patents in several foreign countries. He has now united lathe-making with his other business. His shop is in the rear of the Chilson's Furnaces. He built and now lives in a house on the north side of Pratt Street, near Spaulding's jewelry-shop.

Mr. F. M. Cabot some ten years ago purchased the. Lower Factory on Rum ford River, and removed here from Attleborough, and brought with him his business of coffin trimmings, which has ever since been continued by him. Thirty-five years ago Mr. George E. Bayley commenced in a small way the baking business at his father's residence, about one mile west from the centre. He had the usual ups and downs which attend a new enterprise, but finally became firmly established, and the business assumed great proportions; now he gives employment to a large number of hands, has salesmen in New York City, Boston, Newport, Fall River, and Taunton, and with him are now associated his two sons.

Several years ago Mr. William Bird built a foundry building on the west side of the Boston and Providence Railroad, and during his life the business increased, and at his death, which occurred soon after the building was completed, his widow and grandchildren (Ryders) have continued the business with very fair returns.

Mr. Wilbur, from Foxborough, has just purchased what was formerly a repair-shop on the east side of the Boston and Providence Railroad, which he is fixing up as a furnace.

Mansfield is watered by three rivers. Canoe River, which rises in Sharon, flows through the easterly part of Mansfield and empties into Winneconnet Pond in Norton. Upon this stream are located the north factory, formerly a woolen-mill, then a shoddymill, now used to manufacture saleratus in.

Flint's saw-mill, where formerly stood Hartwell's thread-factory, in which a large and successful business was carried on up to the death of Mr. Hartwell, nearly twenty-five years ago. This factory was burned.

There is a small stream in the northeasterly part of the town, which supplies the power used by the tackshop in Whiteville, then flows into Canoe River.

Rumford River, sometimes called Ten-Mile River, rises in Sharon, flows through the centre of Mansfield and Norton, uniting with Wading River. Upon this river are located S. W. Card & Co.'s tap and die manufactory, formerly a woolen-mill, which was burned ; then Schenk's shop for making planes, also burned ; then a jewelry- and machine-shop, also burned.

Kingman & Hodge's jewelry-shop, formerly by a woolen-mill, which was burned; then a mill used as a woolen-mill at one time, afterwards as shoddy-mill ; then a jewelry-shop, also burned.

Lower down upon the stream can now be seen the remnants of an old dam, and it was the site of a mill which was burned some thirty years ago.

Wading River flows through the westerly part of the town. It rises in Shepard's Pond, near Wrentham. Upon this stream is located the knife-works of George A. Robinson & Co., and a leather-board manufactory, a grist- and saw-mill of the Briggs Brothers. Where now stands the Robinson mill formerly stood the woolen-mill of Friend Marcus Williams, a prominent man in business and town affairs, a large land-owner, who died, leaving four children, - Richard, who was a physician in Maine, now dead ; Adeline, who is practicing medicine in Worcester ; Nancy, who is practicing the same profession in Augusta, Me. ; and Marcey, who read law with the Hon. John Daggett, of Attleborough, but who died before she was admitted to practice. Marcus Williams died March 7, 1847. Upon this stream formerly stood the Sweet's flour- and grain-mill, owned and run by Elbridge Sweet. Upon his decease parties from Attleborough commenced the manufacture of jewelry, but the mill burned soon after, and it has not been rebuilt.

Mansfield is located in the north part of Bristol County ; its north line is the northerly line of the county. It is bounded north by Foxborough, in Norfolk County, east by Easton, south by Norton, and west by Attleborough. It is the junction of the Boston and Providence Railroad and the Northern Division of the Old Colony Railroad, and close on to fifty trains pass through daily. It has the following villages : the Centre,containingseven stores, five churches, town hall, school-house, barber-shop, billiard-saloon, etc., and is by far the largest village ; the west part contains fifty houses, store, three churches, post-office, and the coal-mines, which, if operated successfully, will cause a speedy growth in business and building there ; the east part contains about the same number of houses as the west part, and here is located the monumental works and Flint's saw- and grist-mill.

Whiteville, a small village in the northeasterly part of the town. Much business was formerly done there in the manufacture of tacks and shoe-nails, but now little is done there.

The number of acres in Mansfield is twelve thousand nine hundred and thirteen, from which about three hundred acres may be deducted for roads and ponds.

The number of polls in 1880, 671, and the valuation was $1,187,158. Mansfield belongs to the first Bristol senatorial and representative districts, and is within the jurisdiction of the first Bristol District Court. Its present board of officers (1883) is Alfred V. Rogerson, town clerk and treasurer ; Howard Perkins, James L. Hodges, William B. Rogerson, selectmen and assessors and overseers of the poor; William A. Copeland, Mr. Lucas, W. L. Robinson, school committee; Rufus H. Davis, tax collector; Howard Perkins, George M. Austin, Alonzo Reed, highway surveyors ; A. W. Cobb is deputy sheriff; Samuel C. Lovell, postmaster at Centre ; Albert Perry, postmaster at West Mansfield ; J. A. Blake, A. W. Cobb, and R. Jinks Paine, auctioneers.

Business Men. - Rogerson Bros., general store ; S. C. Lovell, groceries, boots, shoes, etc.; W. and W. L. Robinson, dry-goods; Charles T. Borden, drug-store; J. B. Wilson, M.D., drug-store ; T. M. George, Jr., grocery; H. B. Lillebridge, groceries; C. M. Tibbitts, groceries; Wm. C. Bessom, market; S. H. Sherman, market; C. H. Pratt, market; F. M. Washburn, watches and jewelry; N. and N. G. Whittemore, gunmakers; Mrs. Louisa Hodges, millinery; Mrs. Charles H. Morey, millinery; Andrew Wils&n, harnesses; Lewis R. Prentiss, bootmaker ; Harvey Lincoln, bootmaker; Pratt & White, printers and publishers. They issue the Mansfield News and three other papers from their steam-printing office. John Fox, tailor and ready-made clothing ; A. C. Hardon, bonnet block manufacturer; Frederick Paine, station agent; Edward P. Paine, ticket agent ; William H. Skinner, restaurant; A. D. King, coal dealer; Le Roy King, livery and sale stable; Elbridge G. Miller, stonemason and contractor ; Prince A. Drew, stone-mason and contractor ; Mrs. Wilson, hotel-keeper at depot ; Mr. Clapp, hotel-keeper at Centre ; S. W. Card & Co., tap and die manufacturers; John Moorhouse, tap and die manufacturer; M. George, knife and awl manufacturer; George A. Robinson & Co., knife and awl manufacturers ; D. S. Spaulding, jewelry manufacturer; F. W. Barnard, jewelry manufacturer ; H. A. Williams & Co., jewelry manufacturers; J. B. Draper, jewelry manufacturer; Rogers Comey & Co., straw-goods manufacturers; F. W. Cabbot, coffin trimmings ; Fisher Brothers, gristmill; W. W. Taylor, screw-drivers and small tools; George E. Bailey & Sons, bakers; Charles Wilbur, furnace; J. E. Ryder & Brother, furnace; Manton

The time allowed me for the preparation of this article was very scanty and altogether too short, and of its manifold imperfections I am fully aware. I do not view it as approaching completion. In its preparation I have been greatly aided by Mr. Emery's "Ministry of Taunton," and Mr. Clark's "History of Norton."1

1 (In consequence of an unfortunate delay in transmitting proof between author and publishers, corrections will be found in errata. - Editor.)

Biographical Sketches Hon. John Rogers

Probably no one better deserves a permanent place in the history of Mansfield than the Hon. John Rogers. He was the oldest son of Benjamin and Mary (Blanchard) Rogers, a descendant of John, of Scituate, 1644, and was born in Mansfield, Nov. 2, 1806. He married, Oct. 15, 1833, Miss Eliza A. Williams (born March 21, 1810), daughter of Joseph C. and Sally Williams, of Easton. Their children were Ellen M., wife of Rev. Jacob Ide, present pastor of the orthodox church ; Frances E., wife of David E. Harding, Esq. ; John W., successor in his father's business; and Charlotte G., who died in her twenty-first year. After the lamented death of his wife, Sept. 16, 1866, Mr. Rogers married Miss Mary E. Gage, daughter of Joshua and Anstress Gage, of Waterville, Me. His own death occurred suddenly March 31, 1873, in his sixty seventh year, to the deep sorrow of the whole community, as attested by the crowded assembly at his funeral.

In his youth Mr. Rogers enjoyed only a public school education. But his natural quickness of perception, his acute observation, and retentive memory compensated his lack of early opportunities by giving him a large practical culture in all things necessary to a successful life and a wide influence. He was an extensive reader, especially of modern histories, and was familiar with the connection of events in Europe as well as in his own country. His acquaintance with all political questions was thorough and intelligent. The intervals in his business were much occupied in familiarizing himself with public topics. When, therefore, his increasing wealth allowed him to remit the closeness of his personal application and surrender the details of his large affairs to others, and to give himself more to his congenial tastes, his general qualifications and his genial interest had already secured the confidence of the community in his sound judgment and integrity, and they bestowed upon him the highest civic honors in the gift of the town.

Mr. Rogers was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1853, of the House of Representatives of 1855, and of the State Senate of 1856. In all these positions he was on the side of every wise and valuable reform, and was emphatically both in office and in private a strenuous advocate of prohibition. After his refusal of further public service the public had such confidence in his judgment that his advice was widely sought and regarded, and his aid was as widely rendered to every measure he believed to be for the public good. He became a member of the Sons of Temperance, a vigilant watchman against violations of law, and a generous helper to lift up the victims of strong drink. His influence with young men was decided and often decisive in favor of their total abstinence. His contribution could alwavs be counted upon generously to every good word and work. He was also one of the first members of the Masonic lodge, and made it the medium of many an untold gift and deed of helpfulness. No worthy cause ever went away begging from his always generous hand.

Mr. Rogers accumulated his abundant wealth entirely by his close and skillful devotion to his business at a time when honest work and personal integrity commanded a premium in the market. He was among the first manufacturers of straw goods in this region. He began upon a small and safe basis. He secured reliable hand-sewers in families, and personally collected and sold his bonnets in New York, as the custom then was. By fair dealing in honest articles he rapidly enlarged the demand for his manufactures, and soon secured such a profitable trade that he was early able to transfer his large business to his son and son-in-law and retire with a wellearned income, ample for his simple tastes and for the deeds of benevolence he so much enjoyed. Though not uniting with the church, he became a member of the orthodox Congregational Society soon after its organization, and was one of its most liberal subscribers in its early weakness, when helpers were few. Being an ardent lover of singing and a most excellent singer, he was the leader of its choir, and served it gratuitously so long as he felt able to fulfill its duties. He gave largely to the first organ in the church, and on the rebuilding of the house of worship, of which he bore the chief expense, he replaced the old organ by a large and fine instrument, superior to any in the vicinity, and at his own expense. The fine-toned bell of the church was also his gift. As was truly said of him in the sermon at his funeral, "He was a prompt and generous helper in every movement which he approved." Families in need, sickness, or trouble received always prompt aid from him, of which the public never knew, until his heart and hand were alike stopped by his sudden death.

Mr. Rogers, like all men, had his peculiarities and his imperfections, which as a public man were perhaps sometimes magnified for effect, but they were balanced by some decided excellences of character. He was positive in his convictions, but he did not offensively push them. He rather withdrew entirely his co-operation where he could not approve. His resentments against whatever he thought to be improper were quick and strong, but he indulged them in silence, and signified them by his absence. He could not endure or palliate any ever so plausible meanness, but he was among the first to counteract its results. He could not calmly encounter opposition, but he did not drop his interest in measures which he could not carry. He showed sometimes contrary surface currents, but the under-tide of his feeling and labor always steadily flowed toward his ideal of the best good of his church and his community. As was truly and aptly said of him in a public printed notice of his death, " He was a good man for the town, so anxious to advance all its interests; a good man for society, so frank and honest, so free from hypocrisy and duplicity ; a good man for a neighbor, so kind and obliging and sympathizing; a good man for a friend, so true and faithful and willing. His place cannot be filled. He is missed by everybody, for he had a hearty greeting, a kind word, a pleasant smile for us all."

Dr. William F. Perry

The Perry family were of English origin, and related to the ancestral line of Commodore Perry. The great-great-grandfather, Josiah Perry1, was born July 13, 1712. We find it recorded that he was father of Capt. Nathaniel Perry2, of whom it was said that he received a captain's commission, signed by Governor Shirley, June 6, 1754, as captain of Company 10, in Col. John Winslow's regiment, and had a warrant to enlist soldiers. In 1754 raised ninety men ; served in Nova Scotia ; was at the taking of Cumberland ; died in Nova Scotia, 1756. His son, James Perry3, grandfather of William F. Perry, was born in 1745, in Easton, Mass. Was a man of wealth and influence ; owner of the iron foundry in Easton, which was afterwards owned by Gen. Shepard Leach. He was active in the Revolutionary war. He equipped a company of men at his own expense, and volunteered as their commander in the emergency at Concord and Lexington. He was afterwards made captain in the army of Washington ; was in service three years ; was in the battles of Princeton and Trenton ; but as the army was in want of ordnance, it was thought he could serve his country more efficiently by manufacturing cannon and balls. He came home to Easton and superintended the castings, furnished the needed supplies, and was paid in Continental money, which caused his failure. One of his workmen (Benjamin Buck, of Easton) said he saw a bushelbasket full at one time in Capt. Perry's possession of Continental money. He never received any remuneration for his loss by pension or otherwise. He was a stalwart man of commanding appearance. He died suddenly of lockjaw July 3, 1808, aged sixty-three. He left four sons, - Abner, Leonard, Simeon, and James (afterwards Dr. James).

The fourth son, Dr. James Perry*, was born in 1767 ; was five feet seven inches in height, black hair and eyes, with florid complexion. He had a long head for its width; was a man of keen intellect and quick perception. His wife was Adah Sheperson, of Mansfield. The children of this marriage were three sons and three daughters, - James Leonard Perry, D.D.S., Ada, Harriet, Eliza, Jonathan Pratt Perry, and William F. Perry.

Dr. James* was a physician of some note, especially in typhus fevers. During the prevalence of what was then called the " cold plague," which was fatal to the majority of its victims, his services were in constant requisition. His exposure and overexertion and loss of sleep broke down his constitution so that he was an invalid the remaining part of his life. He died May 2, 1825, aged fifty-eight years.

William F. was then in his sixteenth year. Soon after his father's death he decided to study medicine, but as his resources were limited he depended mostly on himself, and worked on the farm and studied alternately with Dr. Swan, of- Easton.

He acquired the classical education requisite to enter college at Middleborough, Mass. In the spring of 1831 he commenced a course of medical lectures at Bowdoin College, attended one course at Harvard Medical School in the fall of 1832, and in 1833 another course at Bowdoin, making three courses in all. He graduated and took his diploma at Bowdoin. After graduation he became assistant to Dr. Peck, of Foxborough. While there he lost, by the burning of Dr. Peck's house, his books, instruments, and clothes. He then returned to his mother's home in West Easton, where he lived till the summer of 1835. During those two years he attended very closely to the study of medicine and surgery, and practiced occasionally in the neighborhood and vicinity. In the summer of 1835 he was invited by some prominent citizens of Mansfield to settle among them. There were at that time two practicing physicians in Mansfield, one at West Mansfield, Dr. Skinner, who, from age and neuralgia, could not be depended on, except in pleasant weather, and Dr. Billings, at the Centre, who was nearly eighty years old, but still vigorous and unwilling to give up practice, so that Dr. Perry often visited their patients in the night and in stormy weather gratis, they thinking the experience thus gained sufficient remuneration.

He has been heard by the writer of this to say that he could not have stayed in Mansfield had it not been for the prevalence of the measles and a storm at that time, which covered the ground everywhere with ice and prevented the older physicians from going out. This was his first introduction to practice, which was somewhat opposed by Thomsonianism, which was rife at that time in Mansfield and other adjoining towns for two years or more.

On Dec. 22, 1839, he married Miss Emeline B. Davis, of New Market, N. H., daughter of Capt. Samuel C. Davis, a man who was highly esteemed by his fellow-townsmen, and on whom they conferred many offices of trust. The children of this marriage were seven sons and one daughter :

James Leonard, A.B., C.E., M.D., born Feb. 3, 1842; graduate of Harvard College ; graduate of the Lawrence Scientific School as civil engineer; graduate of Bellevue Hospital Medical College in medicine ; graduate of Bellevue Hospital as interne; graduate of

Harriet Emeline, graduate of Salem Normal School in 1874, since which time she has been an efficient and acceptable teacher in her native town.

It will be noticed that the son who graduated as C.E., after two years in that profession, studied medicine;'also the dentist, after practicing his profession a few years successfully ; so that all five of the sons studied medicine, and the father and grandfather were physicians.

It may not be out of place here to state that there was no high school or academy in Mansfield at the time when his children, three of them, could have been benefited by it, and the elementary instruction was very limited, so that when they were at the age of thirteen and a half and fourteen, the doctor was obliged to send them from home to obtain the preparatory education for their professional studies. This was a great draft on the doctor's uncertain income, and required strict economy and self-denial.

Edward E. practiced medicine in Boston six years, and died in 1875. The following notice of his death will serve to show something of the esteem in which he was held : " Dr. Edward E. Perry died at his home in Mansfield after a short illness on the morning of Sept. 14, 1875. He was a graduate in medicine at Harvard, and began practice in Cross Street, Boston, in 1868. From the first he was successful. Kind, courteous, and genial, he made friends of all with whom he came in contact. Generous and liberal to the poor, he always supplied their wants with a liberal hand. He soon had an extensive practice, which was not limited to the city, but extended in all directions for many miles. At the time of his death he was the most popular physician at the north end. Few physicians have died as much lamented as young Dr. Perry. For several years he has had attacks of hepatic colic, caused by biliary calculi; his death occurred suddenly after a severe paroxysm. Hundreds called at his office during his illness to inquire for him, and on learning of his death burst into tears, and expressed the most devoted friendship and profound sorrow.'' that part of the face above the nose and his eyes, and would have been withheld if his biography could have been accepted without it. He never sat for a picture intentionally, - we regret it ; but he will be remembered by his contemporaries as a handsome and distinguished-looking man, whose presence was calculated to inspire confidence and hope. Dr. Perry had black curly hair, dark expressive eyes, fine teeth, and clear dark complexion ; was slight when young, was five feet ten inches in height, and weighed later in life one hundred and eighty-four pounds.

For thirty-eight years he had an extensive practice in Mansfield and the adjoining towns, more laborious than remunerative. During that time he was never laid aside by illness which prevented his visiting his patients but two days, and never absent from home on business or pleasure but twice in that time. He was absent on business once in 1858, when he took a ten days' Western trip, and in 1873 spent a few days in New York.

He was earnest and devoted to his patients ; was absolutely pure and honest both in public and private life. He often used the expression, " I mean to be honest before God." He had strong convictions and pronounced opinions on matters religious and political, and being tempered with rare good judgment and foresight, his opinions were always worthy of respect.

He utterly detested immorality and vice, and was so outspoken in such matters that he was both by example and precept one of the best teachers of morality. He had a large brain and strong memory, well stored with the history of men prominent in politics or eminent in science, and especially medical science.

In the reading of character he was quick and almost unequaled. A learned and skilled physician, with whom he was called in consultation, said of him, " Dr. Perry was one of the best country physicians I ever knew, combining rare powers of diagnosis with the most varied and thorough knowledge of drugs." He was by nature, by study, and by observation, a chemist and a therapeutist. He was ingenious and fertile in mechanical appliances, and, being ready in the use of instruments, was a careful surgeon and a good operator. He was sincere, conscientious and faithful, and being modest shrank from notoriety or office-holding, except in the cause of education, which he labored zealously to promote.

Dr. Perry was liberal beyond his means, kind and considerate to the poor ; was often called the " poor man's friend," and, dying as he lived, his last act was a charity, for he died suddenly Oct. 17, 1873, while visiting a poor family, of whom he said he must go or they would suffer. The following tribute by Mr. Ide justly expressed the feelings of the public :

" His sudden death was a great shock not only to his family, hut to the community at large. He had for many years been most confidently relied on for medical aid, and his loss was widely and deeply deplored. He had so distinguished himself by invariable promptness in responding to the call of the sick, taking no thought for himself while others were suffering, that when his strong system gave way under the continuous strain, the public generally became mourners.

"At his funeral the large gathering, the sad and tearful faces, the touching and honorary tribute paid to his memory, showed how deeply the sense of a great and irreparable loss had impressed itself upon Mansfield. No public utterances, however appreciative of his character and skill, could tell the grief which his death had caused. In the homes which even now sadly miss his comforting presence, there are frequently heard voices of sorrow at his departure, which are the truest and most valuable testimonials to his worth. His death was not an occasion for any mere material monument, for his noble and self-denying life had built up many and more precious ones in living and loving hearts."

'Tis winter dread, Yet earth, arrayed in robes of spotless white, Seems for a bridal dressed, while morning bright O'er hill and dale her banner wide unfurls, And forests sparkle with unnumbered pearls Save where I stand, her mantle 'neath my feet, Seems but one vast, unbroken winding sheet

Beneath this mound, Deep buried from the world's ignoble strife, Rests one whose only aim it was iu life To find in ocean cave, on mount, or plain Some soothing remedy for mortal pain. 0 sacred, heaven-born purpose ! - wondrous skill. That never faltered till the heart was still,

Yet not in vain Thy mission here ! many shall pause and shed The silent tear-drop on thy dreamless bed. The good begun by thee shall onward flow, And man shall still seek on himself to know. Time shall perpetuate the work begun, And thy dear image in eacli noble son l

Rest, spirit, rest ! We leave thee in the bosom of our God Till we the rugged paths of life have trod. We seek the unseen Father's guiding hand Till we shall join thee in the better land, And the great mysteries of life shall cease In that sweet home where all is light and peace,

George Edson Bailey

John Bailey1, the first American ancestor, resided in Scituate, Mass., as early as 1670. He married, in 1672, Sarah White, and upon her decease he married, in 1699, Ruth Clothier. He died in 1718. His son Samuel2 was born in 1690, married Elizabeth Caswell, and had, among other children, Abijah', who, Nov. 20, 1765, married Sarah Grover. They had six children, of whom Abner4 was one. Abner married, Nov. 30, 1797, Deborah Lovell, by whom he had two children, Jacob5 and Caroline. He married as his second wife Sarah Brintnell, June 6, 1819, and upon her decease he married Jemima Skinner, June 12, 1828. There was no issue by either the two latter marriages. His daughter Caroline married Joseph Brintnell, and is now (1883) residing iu Connecticut in her eightyfourth year. Jacob was born April 5, 1801. He married, July 27, 1827, Sally S. Skinner, daughter of James and Sarah (Sumner) Skinner. She was born Jan. 29, 1807. To them were born two children, - George E. and Deborah Caroline. She was born July 23, 1830, married Charles A. Turner, June 14, 1851. She died May 22, 1878. She had four children, of whom one died in infancy, the others grew up to maturity.