Marlborough City (part 2 of 3)

Bev. Aaron Smith was called, at a salar}' of £80 a year in bills of credit of the New Tenor and a settlement of £ 100, Old Tenor. He was ordained June 11, 1740. It is thought the house now owned by Mr. William Gibbon was built for him; here he lived throughout the time of Iiis residence in the town. He graduated at Harvard in 1735. His pastorate was, on the whole, prosperous; the church numbered, in 1767, one hundred and sixty-four members ; toward its close his popularity waned, owing, in part, to his enfeebled healtli, and the suspicion of royalist sympathies ; although in Dr. Allen's judgment there was not sufficient reason for calling in question his patriotism.

bullets were fired into his house, which lodged in a beam near the bed on which he was lying. This room was pulled down in 1831. The town was indignant at tlie outrage, although many were of the opinion that it was done simply to intimidate. A reward was offered for the offenders.

An interval of seven years elapsed before tlie settlement of the next pastor, Bev. Asa Packard. He graduated at Harvard in 1783, and was ordained March 23, 1785, - a day. long remembered on account of the fact that the snow was of sui&cient ^epth to cover the fences, the crust being hard enough to bear tlie heaviest teams.

The town voted, March 23, 1785, to give Mr. Packard for a settlement £300; and for a salary £100 and twenty cords of wood annually. In 1804 the question agitated the town as to the location of the new meeting-house. The west part desired to see it erected on the site of the former houses. The east part desired to have it whqre the Union Church now stands, maintaining that the old location was not central. At the town-meeting on the 16th of July the town refused, seventy-five to one « hundred and ten, to give their consent to the iucorppration of the west part as a separate town. May 26, 1806, consent was refused .to the formation of a separate parish, one hundred and twenty-jfive to seventy-six; whereupon the west part,, having contributed their proportion to the meeting-house built by the town, proceeded to erect another in the pasture-field of Benjamin Rice. Mr. Packard, after consulting the Marlborougli Association, and with their acquiescence, decided to ask for a dismissal from the church, He| was minister of the town twenty-one years. The two meeting-houses were opened on the same day, April 27, 1806. February 23, 1808, the West or Second Parish was incoq)orated, and Mr. Packard was installed its minister March 23, 1808. He took a dismission May 12, 1819, and removed to Lancaster, where he died, March 20, 184-3, aged eighty-five years. He was a man of fluent gifts, cheerful temper, and pastoral capacity, neither a profound thinker nor given to polemic divinity, of .a liberal spirit, while his opinions more rei<embled those of the Arminian than of tlie Evangelical school.

The First Church chose the Rev. Sylvester F. 3uc]^lin as their first minister after tlie separation. He remained pastor of ; the society until June 20,

1832, when at his inquest he was dismnacd^ remaining for twenty-eight years a devoted member of the church and a highly respected citizen of the town. He died March 25, 1800. On the retirement of Mr. Buckliu the church openly manifested a division of opinion on doctrinal questions. March 18, 1833, the clerk of the parish was notified tliat about fifty of its former members had formed themselves into The First Evangelical Congregational Society. On the 1st of April the church voted to worship with this society, and seventy-three out of the ninety-one members withdrew from their connection with the First Parish. The remaining church-members held the meetinghouse and church property ; a church was organized, and ^Ir. Bucklin was employed to supply^ their pulpit for a year.

March 18, 1835, these two societies petitioned the legislature to be incorporated as the Union Society, and on the 1st of April, 1836, they held their first meeting and voted to receive the act of incorporation. On the 24th of April, 1836, the church voted that ''the name of this church be changed from the East Church in Marlborough to the Union Church in Marlborough, to correspond with the name of the Union Society with which we are connected.''

Rev. John N. Goodhue was the first pastor of the Union Church, installed May 4, 1836. Since then they have enjoyed the services of the Bev. George E. Day, installed Dec. 2, 1840; Bev. David L. Ogden, installed April 26, 1848; Bev. Levi A. Field, installed August 31, 1853; Bev. George N. Anthony, installed November 8, 1860; Bev. Charles R. Treat, installed March 30, 1370 ; and Rev. John Willard, installed December 30, 1873. The present membership of the church is two hundred and eighty-five. > ,

The West Parish called Rev. Seth Aldeu, May 12, 1819; Rev. William Morse, June, 1834; Bev. Horatio Alger, November, 1844; Bev. W. C. Tenuv, Julv 0, 1861. These have been succeeded bv Rev. EusTcne Dc Nonnandie, Rev. Calvin Stebbins. Rev. J. II. Wiggin, and Rev. R. A. Griffin. ' The Methodist Church was originated by Mr. Phiiicas Sawyer in i^SOS, the first class-meeting, of which he was appointed leader, being held at his honse. In 1827 it was decided to erect the Old Brick Church, as it is called. It was situated betwecn Sudburj- and Marlborough, for the accommodation of the adjacent villages. It was destroyed bv fire December 28, 1852. The society amicably diTicted, and (sventnalljr bailt three churches, one at Bock Bottom, another at Stow, aud a third in the East^ YiUage, Marlborough; the latter has a membership of one huqdred and thirty-seven.

The Baptist Church was formed April 14, 1868. itev. M. B. Deming was called to the pastorate a month later. He was succeeded by the late incumbent, Bev. J. T. Burlioe, who was ordained June 20, 1872. The membership, April 14, 1878, was one hundred and sixty-two.

The Universalists have had a flourishing society for many y^rs. Becently, owing to severe losses by removal and death, their numbers have been omsiderably reduced.

. Mililary History. - At the beginning of the eighteenth century the Indians, instigated by the French, again troubled the settlement. During tbe time of Queen Anne's Wair (as it was called) the people experienced all the tantalizing annoyance and injuries of guerilla strife. They bravely resisted , the enemy, and fortified (as in former times) dweUing-houses i^ different parts of the town. These were called garrisons, and were supplied with arms and ammunition. There were as many as twenty-six of these refuges in 1711, among which the one hundred and tliirty-seven funilies ponstituting the number of inhabitants were distributed. Among many distressing incidents of this time there has come down to us an account of the assault of a party of Indians (1704) on a number of men while they were at their work m the field. One, Nahor Bice, son of Edmund, was killed ; two other of his sons, Silas and Timothy> were taken captive, married Indian women, and dumged alike their names and habits for those of Uie savages, Timothy rising to the position of an influential chief. Aithur and Adonijah, sons of Thomas Bice, were carried off at the same time, the former being afterward ransomed by his father, wd the latter remaining in Canada as a farmer. At another time Abraham How and Benjamin Hutchins, Marlborough men, were slain at Lancaster.

On the 15th of October, 1705, Mr. John Bige- Ipw was captured at Lancaster, with Mr. Thomas Sawyer and his son, at whose garrison-house he bad taken refuge. They effected their escape by the aid of the French governor, to wliom they had rendered the important service of erecting the only saw-mill in Canada. !Mr. Bigelow commemorated his deliverance by calling ihe first daughter, subsequently bom. Freedom, and the second Comfort.;

In 1707 Mary Goodenow and Mrs. Mary Fay, while gathering herbs near Stirrup Brook, were surprised by a party of twenty-four stalwart Indians. Mrs. Fay fled, and reached the garrison ; but her companion, who was hindered by lameness, was overtaken, dragged a short distance, killed, scalped, and the body left to be sought and, as it proved, buried by her friends. On the same day, about a mile from the brook. Captain Daniel How was captured and handcuffed by this body of savages, who left him in charge of one of their number, and proceeded to attempt the capture of Mrs. Fay and Miss Goodenow; but the captain adroitly freed himself, gained possession of a gun, and forced his captor to flee.

During this war-time Captain Tliomas How signally distinguished himself for bravery and activity, and Samuel Brigham, his lieutenant, was rewarded by the government for his military services.

I)uring the ensuing wars from 1741 to 1763 Marlborough . was as loyal as it was afterward patriotic. No official record, however complete, could give an adequate idea of the endurance, selfsacrifice, and liardship these vexatious campaigns entailed on the people of this and other towns. Unfortunately the records are meagre and imperfect, so that even a list of the men in active service cannot be given. There is, however, enough data to justify us in saying that the whole available manhood of the town was engaged either for action or defence; citizens incapacitated for the field by age and other causes organized themselves into what was called an '^ alarm list.'' From the minister to some of the oldest men, all joined this organization who could contribute to the general security. There were two military companies, consisting of a hundred men each, including ** alarm men/' under the lead of Captain J. Weeks and Colonel Abraham Williams. It is known tliat eighteen Marlborough men were in the service, in 1756 under Captain William Williams. Two companies marehed to the relief of Fort William Henry, the one under the command of Captain Samuel Howe, and the other led by Lieutenant Stephen Majnard.

During 1758 and 1759 at least thirty-three men were engaged in the attempt to reduceCanada to submission. Some of these served from 1760 to 1763^ said, to the honor of the town, that the people of Marlborough were outspoken and ardent in their synipathy with the 'movement They shared the indignation of the Bostoniaiis at tlie conduct of the British government, and passed resolution^ unanimously indorsing the courageous attitude and protective action of the Boston committee of correspondence.

In 1770, at a town-meetiug, they resolved to support the merchants in their uou-importation agreement, and bound themselves not to buy of their own tradesmen who continued to sell conti&iy to this agreement. They further resolved ''that the name of those who purchase goods of the importers, or of those who buy of importers, shall be made public, as far as we have the knowledge of them."

In 1773, after animadverting upon the unjust polipy of the king, and the dangers hanging over the country, it was resolved " that peace and harmony will never be enjoyed between Great Britain and tlie colonies, until the interests of both be inseparably connected; which will be accomplished by notlliiig short of a repeal of all unconstitutional acts, and the removal of all sinecures, pensioners, pimps, informers, and bad governors." The resolutions close with an expression of tlianks '^ to our worthy brethren in Boston and adjacent towns," and the assertion, '^ we stand readt to assist them in the execution of their votes and resolves at a minute^s warning."

September 29, 1774, they instructed their representative, Peter Bent, to " pay no acknowledgment to any unconstitutional and new fangled counsellors, and that you do not give your consent to any act or thing that may be construed a tacit acknowledgement to any of the late oppressive, wicked, and unjust acts of the British Parliament, for altering the government of the province of Massachusetts Bay."

The town ' was represented by Peter Bent, Edward Barnes, and George Brigham in the first Provincial Congress, and by Peter Bent in the second and third congresses. There was but one thoroughly pronounced and outspoken royalist in the town, namely, Henry Barnes. He had already made himself odious by refusing to indoi'se the nonimporting agreement of the Boston merchants. He was a man of considerable substance nnd capacity; against whom nothing is alleged but his political opinions. It should be said for him, that he courageously and consistently stood by them, and lost and suffered as mudi for his convictions as any man in the place. At the. breaking out iof hostilities he sought British protection; as the result his property was confiscated. Eventually he repaired to Enghmd, and died in London in 1808, aged eighty-four. As the political horizon darkened, the people of Marlborough prepared themselves for the worst. They procured fifty^five additional guns, with bayonets, increased their stores of ammunition, and united with other towns in reorganizing the militia of the neighborhood. They raised a company of minute-men, provided for their drill and discipline, promised boun<^ in case of active service, and resolved that the province tax should not be paid to the royal treasurer> but to the Provincial Congress. *

April 19, 1775, Marlborough sent four dompftnies of minute-men, under the' captaincy of Cypriall Howe, William Brigham, Daniel Barnes, and Silas' Gates. These companies consisted of one hundried and eighty men, drawn from a population of not more than thirteen hundred souls, who responded to the call of their ccinpatriots at a moment's warning* Although they were not absent from hofme more than forty days, and had no opportunity of spe^ cially distinguisliiug themselves, yet the town demonstrated its intense sympathy, and its devotion to the cause, by the alacrity with which it or-' gauized these comimnies and sent them to the scene of hostilities. Later, over a hundred enlisted for eight months, and many re-enlisted for three yean. In 1777 twentv-seven men served two months in the continental army ; in 1778 eight served three months ; in 1779 eighty served in various campaigns for shorter Or longer {periods. Some one hundred nnd thirty served either as " first " three vears' men or as "last " three vears' men, and some enlisted " during the war." There can be no doubt tliat the town contributed its full share of the Bevolutionary army ; redeeming the pledge given May, 1776, "that if the honorable Continental Congr«if shall, for the safety of the United Colonies, declare them inde])endent of the Kingdom of Great Britain,- we the inhabitants of Marlborough will solemnly engage, \\\\\\ our own lives and fortunes, to support them in the measure.''

In addition to giving a bounty of £7 in 1776 to soldiers enlisting for service in Canada, and £40 to all three years* men, and providing them with clothes, they voted to supjwrt the families of noncommissioned officers and soldiers; and, as more troops were called for, the town offered monthly wages, and a bounty in addition to that of the gov- for any wh6 woidd enlist. When the treasttij became empty, and the high rate of money impaired the worth of real estate as security, then they anticipated the revenue from taxation. Loans were ordered, and when they could not be obtained, cattle were offered as bounty. Indeed, no method of raising troops was left untried/- save that of conscription ; although this was authorized by the state, the town, rather than adopt arbitrary measures, preferred to pay the fine for not furnishing the full quota of soldiers for the six and three months' service in 1781. H^Iay 22, 1780, the constitation and frame of the government was submitted to the town and adopted, seventy-five to seven.

In April, 1861, on receiving the news of the attack on Fort Sumter, immediately a large number of the leading citizens of all political parties assembled, and discussed the duty of the town in this emergency. They were of one mind in the opinion that prompt and hearty concurrence with the government was the true policy; consequeutly they oiged the selectmen to call a town-meeting, and prepared for a fit preseiDtation of their views. The eitizens' met April 29, 1861 ; when, in response to the appeal of the President calling upon all loyal citizens to isupport the Union, it was resolved, '' That the citizens of Marlborough, in legal town-meeting assembled, tender our cordial and united support to HA government of the United States ; and pledge our lives and our fortunes for whatever service our country may require.^' Subsequently ten thousand dollars were appropriated to be used for '^ the aid and encouragement of the individuals or for the support of the families of the individuals composing the volunteer military company now raised or hereafter to be raised in this town to meet the calls of the government.''

" Therefore, Besoiced, That Marlborough is determined to stand by and maintain the great truths of the decUration of American Independence and the Republican GoTemment instituted by our Re? olutionlny Fathers.

" Rswloed, That if any oligardry or any institution, how- STer fortified by power and prejudice, stands in the way of the full realization of our Kevolutionary Fathers' ideal, in regard to the inalienable rights of man, such oligarcliy and such institutions must perish, rather than that oonstitutional liberty should fail.

" Beiolved, That whilst we honor the patriotism and acknowledge the sacrifices which hundreds of our fellow, townsmen hare shown bj devoting their all to the cause of their country, we would not be unmindful of the glory our adopted fellow-townsmen hare won on many a well-fought field.

'' Resolved, That the names of Carey and Regan, and their fellows who h^ye fallen in this contest for right, have become historic, and Marlborough will-cherbh their memories and keep their garlands fresh, that posterity may know their worth and honor them witli the incense of grateful hearts.

*' Resolved, That to the recent call of the Pliesident of the United States for men to fill the thinned ranks of the armies of the Republic, Mx^rlborough expects her sons, both native and adopted, to respond with an alacrity that shall emulate her past fame and be a guaranty for the future of her unwavering determination to sustain the cause of lib^ erty, God, and our country.

'* Resolved, That, though patriotism can neither be measured uor weighed by money, yet Marlborough is ready, in her corporate capacity, to pledge herself to compensate, in part at least for pecuniary sacrifices, those brave men who shall generously throw themselves into the breach in this hour of a nation's peril.

"Resolved, That we pay one hundred and twenty-five dollars to each volunteer who shall volunteer, under the present call of the President of the United States, not to exceed fifty-two in number."

The total number of men furnished by the town and actually engaged in the war was 869 ;. 674 serving for three years, 91 for one year, 108 for nine months, and 96 for a hundred days.

There were seventeen natives of Marlborough in the navy ; seventy others were credited to the town. July 14, 1863, two hundred and thirtynine were drafted ; part of these went into the service and are not included in the enlistment record ; some furnished substitutes, while others paid commutation money; and some were discharged for disability.

John Francis ; Charles W. Andrews ; Francis G. Graves; Joseph P. Barnes; Isaac B. Crowell; J. Josiah Gleason ; Micliael Ahem; Alfred W. Howe ; Wiliia: Keating; Thomas Nokn; Bobert Dailey ; lieatenant Geoi^e N. Bridgewater; Bartholomew Fiuerty; Patrick McDermot; Sylvester H. Bice; CUi^ Greenacbe; Silas A. Coolidge; Matthew Drornmy; Cornelius Tobin; Daniel J. Beagan; Albion Nutting ; Edwin N. Welch ; Bernard Wall ; Joha.Frye; Charles E. Goodnow; Charles W. Hoshier; Marshall Keyes; Elijah Howe, 2d; Aaron A. Brigham; Patrick Boylan; Thomas Muny; Patrick Clark; John B. Jenks; Bufus C. Bice ; Captain William F. Brigham ; Theodore H. Goodnow; Granville H. Smith; Charles E. Perkins; William L. Knight; John L. Spencer; Thomas Pettis; John Eaton, Jr.; Henry H. Brown; John Connors ; Hugh Keegan ; Elisha W. Fay ; Otis Chase ; Andrew J. Goodnow ; George A. Atkinson; Charlies Stone; Captain John Car^y; John M. Bossell; Thomas J. Oddy; Beuben B. Bice; Josiah H. Vose; Daniel Doyle; Joseph Joel; Geoi]ge D. Huntington; William Fife Brigham; Edirin Goodwin; John Buckley; Stephen H. Phelps ; Edwin W. Exley ; John Crowley ; Frank J. Wood; Patrick Quinn; Lucius AUis; Edwin C. Bice; Peter' Flynn; William Muniame; John P.* Peebles; James McCarty; Thomas Koberts; James Sheehan ; Myron L. Balcom ; John H. Collins; Michael Clark; Eugene Burns; Lieutenant Charles W. Whitcomb ; Washington L Lathrop ; W. Frank Brigham; Benjamin F. Bussell; George H. Mmidell; Henry H. Perry; Oseola V. Newton; George A. Nourse; George H. Stowe; Alfred G. Howe; Cornelius Long; David Barnes; Edward E. Bond ; George B. Newcombe ; James M. Sheehan. Edttcaiiou, - Before Philip's War some attention had been given to the education of the children^ but for several years tlie town had been unable to support a public school. About 1698 Mr. Benjamin Franklin, who had formerly taught, was reengaged. The School met in the unoccupied house of Isaa6 Woodi The teacher's salary for fourteen weeks was £5 12*. In December of this vear it was decided to build a school-house, and Mr. Jonathan Johnson, Sr., was engaged to teach at a salary of £14 for the year, the school to meet in his bouse -until the building was finished. December 14, 1701j the town was fined £5 4«. for liaving Hailed to provide a qualified teacher. Wliatever the gifts or attainments of Mr. Johnson maj[ have been, no one can be surprised at this action, see* ing he was at once village blacksmith (the town in those days providing a smith's lot as they did a. minister's), sexton, and school-teacher. He was dismissed after the fine was imposed, although he was employed agaiu. April 19, 1708, this entry occurs : '^ To. Jonathan Johnson, Sen', for keeping, school in the year 1707 in full for satisfaction £9 15*.''

The* more eminent early jteachers were Benjamin Choate, a graduate of Harvard, who taught^in 1703 and 1704. William Thomas, a Welshman, taught in 1716, and about this time Robert Breck, son of the minister, who was aftenvard settled over the parish at Springfield. Dr. Samuel Brigham taught , in 1750 ; he was physician and town-clerk. Until after 1734 there was but one schoohnaster; this year it was voted '^ that the school be kept for ft, mths at the school house; 5 weeks at the Farm; , 5 weeks at the westerly part of the town 8 weeks at the school house of Joseph Baker and 8 ^eeks at the house of the widow Fprbush."

The cause of education progressed slowly for many years, but was by no means neglected*. School-houses were erected from time to time in different parts of the town; in 1762 six were built» and in 1779 and 1781 two more M'ere added. .Cap->. tain Ephraim Brigham, a prominent citizen, left in the year 1771 a gift of £111 for educational purposes ; the interest of this fund, agreeable to the provisions of the will, was expended in founding and sustaining what was called the Brigham School; - its principal object being to supplement tlie work of the town schools, giving older scholars the opportunity of perfecting tliemselves in writing and nrithmetic. It was held after the closing of the winter schools, generally through the month of March. This bequest lias since been merged in the general school fund. . ?/

During the Bevolution a grammar school was supported until the pressure of the times led to its suspension. In 1790 there were seven school districts and houses, each liaving an average session of fifteen weeks in the year.

In 1803 female teachers were employed for the summer schools, the M'intcr schools being,. as before, in charge of male teachers. After the War of 1812 private schools sprung up in. tlie fall. Additional accommodation was provided near FeJtonville ; two other new schools were established, one in the south party another near tlie centre.

In 1827 the exeunination of teachers was made by the state^ to devolve on an inspecting committed ipecially qualified for the purpose; before this time it had fallen to the' minister or the selectmen to decide on the fitness of candidates.

In 1836 an academy was established by individual ehterprise^ to secure a higher grade of instruction than that given in the district schools ; two years later Silas Gates and his son Abraham gave a joint donation of $2;000^ and in recognition of their generosity the name of the institution was changed to the Gates Academy. It flourished for several years, but afterwards dediied, and in 1833 its condition seemed liopeless. In that year Mr. O. TV. Albee took charge of it, and gradually raised it to a higher position than it had ever before occupied. 'He was undoubtedly the most infiuential and popular teacher the town has had. He was a man of wide and liberal sympathies, public spirited, efficient in his profession, able in the school-house at once to secure the most submissive attention aiid the warmest affection. To this day his old scholars regard his memory with almost filial tenderness, and celebrate it by annual reunions.

. Mr. Albee taught until 1849, when the academy wHs merged in tiie high school. It had long been felt that proprietary or semi-private institutions of this kind reacted unfavorably on the freeschool system, - citizens being reluctant to vote ample town appropriations when they were privately supporting 'academies. It was decided, with the consent of the representatives of Silas Gates and his son, to transfer the endowment to the tOAvn for free-school education. The policy was abundantly justified by the increased appropriations and quickened interest in the cause.

The appropriation for 1840 was $ 1,000, the number of scholars being 651 between the ages of four and; sixteen; for 1859 it. was §1,300, the number. of scliolars (643) being somewhat less ; for 1860 it was § 3,882, for 829 scholars of from five to fifteen years; for 1870 it was 316,500, the number of scholars being 1,877. At the present time there are thirty-four schools and thirtj-eiglit teachers, five being male and thirty-three female ; number of children between five and fifteen (May, 1878), 2,127 ; increase over 1877, one hundred and ninetyone. Tliere are eleven school bniklings : one high school, having a principal and two assistants ; eight grammar schools, employing two male and eight female teachers ; and twenty-five primary schools,

Marlborough originally included the tract of land now called Westborough, Northboroogh, Southborough, and Hudson. Westborough, with what afterwards became Northborough, was incorporated in 1717. Southborough was set off in 1727. At the June meeting the mother town agreed to further the petition of the inhabitants of Stony Brook for incorporation to the General Court. Hudson was incorporated in 1866.

The population of ]^Iarlboroiu;h in 1660 was about 55, rising to 210 in the ensuing ten years, remaining stationary for tiie next ten years, and increasing considerably until 1700, when there were 530 inhabitants ; fifty years later there were 1,000 ; in 1800 there were 1,635. From this date, for forty years, there was a gain of only 500. From that time, owing mainly to the establishment of shoe-factories, the j)opulation has rapidly increased. In 1850 there were 2,941, in 1860, 5,910, the population being doubled in ten years. In 1870 it reached 7,885, although in the preceding decade Hudson had been set off. The highest point was gained in 1872, when there were 8,941 persons. Smce then the number of inhabitants has slightly varied from year to year.

Owing to the imperfection of the records, jt'is impossible to give a complete statement of the valuation of the town until very recent times. From 1771 to 1820 the number of polls slowly increased from 323 to 434; the number of liouses, from 169 to 254! In 1830 there were 454 polls and 288 houses; the real estate ii-as valued at 8485,805; personal estate at $ 121,451. In 1840 there were 559 polls and 325 houses; the real estate was $623,807 ; personal estate, § 155,951.

The industries of the town, until within forty-five years, were confined to agriculture and the sup{dy of local needs. In 1837, 103,000 pairs of shoes were made, valued at 341,200; seventy-five males and the same number of females were employed in tlieir production. There were two tanneries, employing seven hands; two manufactories of chairs and cabinet ware, employing. four hands. 7,500 straw bonnets were manufactured, valued at §10,850. <

Source changes here: from History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men, by Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Ed, published 1890; 22,614 words in this source stream.

Marlborough City

May 12, 1806, a petition was presented to the selectmen asking that they would call a town-meeting " to see whether the town will consent that tlie subscribers, together with such others as may join them, shall be incorporated into a Religious Society, by such name as the Legislature of the Commonwealth may direct."

A petition to the General Court was also drawn up, setting forth that the subscribers " had at great expense erected a convenient building for purposes of Public Worship ; that they had employed a Public Teacher, who constantly preaches in said building; that they believed that the cause of religion and good morals would be advanced by their incorporation into a religious society," and that therefore " your petitioners pray that they may be incorporated as aforesaid, with such privileges and immunities as appertain and belong to Parishes : - and as in duty bound will ever pray."

There were now two branches of the church in Marlborough, and it seems that they were harmonious in all their proceedings, for when a town-meeting was called for the purpose of eftecting a union of the two, by paying all expenses incurred by the new society, each branch voted that " we do not, either of us, mean to oppose or interrupt the other branch of this church, in the enjoyment of the special ordinances of the Gospel, or the settlement of a Gospel Minister," and that they would oppose any such measure as that proposed, on the ground that it would " neither contribute to their honor, their peace, nor their happiness, nor be consistent with either."

Various efforts were made by the town to bring the two sections together, but to no purpose. The '' Petitioners " considered that they were entitled to existence as a separate society, because they had been recognized as such by " The unanimous voice of a very respectable ecclesiastical council, mutually chosen by the two branches of the Church of Christ in Marlborough," and because they had "a teacher of their own choice, and a meeting-house," which they had "occupied more than oue year."

The town threw every obstacle in the way, but finally the " petitioners " were successful, for February 20, 1808, the " Act of Incorporation " passed the House of Representatives, and February 22d, the Senate, and "The Second Parish of Marlborough," commonly known as the Unitarian Parish, had a legal existence with "all the privileges and immunities accorded to other parishes."

The first parish meeting under the "Act of Incorporation" was held March 8, 1808. At this meeting, all necessary parish officers were chosen and measures were taken to dedicate their meeting-house and sell the pews therein.

During his pastorate, the society received from Mr. Ephraim Brigham the gift of a lot of land now known as the " Brigham Cemetery," - the donor giving as a reason for the gift, his " being moved thereunto by respect for the remains of my honored and beloved parents which were deposited there because infected with small pox."

In 1810, the Rev. Mr. Packard was succeeded by the Rev. Seth Alden, who remained pastor of the society till 18.34, when the Rev. William Morse became his successor.

In 1837, the ladies of the parish met and organized a society for benevolent purposes, and mutual improvement. For many years, they met in private houses, and accomplished much good for the parish. Finally, they gave up this plan, and held their meetings in the vestry of the church, until, in 1880, they were installed in sumptuous quarters contained in an addition to the church built for the purpose by the wealthy, public-spirited men and women of the parish. The society is to-day known as " The Ladies' General Charitable Society," and is a powerful factor in the management of parish affairs.

The Rev. Mr. Morse was succeeded in 1844 by the Rev. Horatio Alger. Under his administration, the parish received a gift of five hundred dollars ($500), from Mrs. Elizabeth Phelps, the same to be devoted to the establishment of a library. The collection of books thus formed was increased by a gift of 200 volumes from Henry Rice, Esq., of Boston. Many additions have been made since that time, until, at the present day, it contains more than 3000 well-selected volumes, illustrating nearly every department of English literature.

In 1855, the society took a decided stand against the " Institution of Slavery," and declared that they would "decline all such connection with other churches calling themselves Christian, as shall implicate us in any degree or in any way in the guilt of upholding and perpetuating slavery."

The Rev. Mr. Alger resigned his pastorate in 1859, and was succeeded in 18151 by the Rev. W. C. Tenney, whose services as pastor ended in 1864.

In 1865, the Rev. Eugene De Normandie assumed charge of the parish, and served as pastor till 1869. During this time the church was thoroughly " remodelled and rebuilt."

The Rev. Calvin Stebbins followed Mr. De Normandie in 1869. A new parsonage was built for his use by voluntary contributions from several members of the parish.

The services of the Rev. Mr. Stebbins were discontinued in 1872. From that year to the present time the parish ,ha8 been under the charge of Rev. J. H.

Such, in brief, is the history of the Unitarian Parish of Marlboro'. It is to-day a highly prosperous society, holding in its possession a " Ministerial Fund " amounting to six thousand six hundred dollars ($(JGOO), given by many of the earlier members of the parish ; a fund for the maintenance of the Brigham cemetery, known as the Gibbon Fund; a fine church and organ, and a spacious common. All these, together with the parsonage before mentioned, show the generosity of the noble men and women, who have been enrolled in its membership.

Connected with the society is a flourishing Sundayschool, consisting of nearly two hundred members, under charge of S. H. Howe, Esq., who has been for many years its efficient superintendent.

The expenses of the parish, with the single exception of a poll-tax, assessed on voting members, arc all met by voluntary contributions. Up to 1875, parish expenses were met by taxation, but at that time all pew-holders donated their pews to the society, and from that date the seats in the church have all been " free."

During the eighty-two years of its legal existence the society has never seen a time when its men and women were not ready and willing, each and all, to maintain the honor and dignity of " The Second Parish of Marlborough."

Methodist Episcopal Chukch.' - The history of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Marlborough is unique. The seed of Methodism in this vicinity was sown by Rev. George Pickering in 1798. Under his preaching one Phineas Sawyer was converted, and he at once established meetings in his house and factory, in the village of Feltonville, in the north part of Marlborough (now Hudson).

The first Methodist Society in Marlborough was organized under the name of "The First Methodist Society in Marlborough," March 18, 1821, with Daniel Strattou, president, Lewis Jewell, vice-president, and Solomon Weeks, clerk. For a time the society held its meetings in barns and groves. From 1821 to 1832 preachers from the Needham Circuit supplied, and in 1832 the Marlborough Circuit was formed. In 1827 a church edifice wiis built in a secluded spot now known as " Gospel Hill," about equi-distant from Marlborough Centre, Feltonville and Stow, and this location was selected to accommodate the three villages. The building was dedicated March 5, 1828, by the now famous Rev. E. K. Avery.

Amid great persecution the society prospered and became noted. In 1851 a violent contention arose over the question of removing the place of worship to either Marlborough Centre, Feltonville or Rockbottom, the latter being a village in Stow. The contest waxed hot, and after several tentative decisions the final vote by agreement was taken December 27, 1852, and resulted in deciding, by a bare majority, in remaining on " Gospel Hill," and in " repairing the present, building.'" " From the heat of the debates," or from other cause, the building took fire during that night and was reduced to ashes. Thm the struggle ended, and the several factions were freed, and separated in peace.

Steps were at once taken to erect a church edifice in Marlborough Centre, and the present edifice was dedicated with a sermon by Rev. .Toseph Cummings, D.D., October 19, 1853. Favored with some of the most popular preachers in the " connection " the society has prospered.

Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Angier, Mr. and Mrs. H. Belknap, Mr. and Mrs. W. D. \Valker, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Gates, Miss Lizzie A. Crocker, Mrs. M. A. Dadmun. Miss Nancy A. Leger, Miss E. M. Gates, Frank H. Lowell, Robert A. Marshall, Edward P. Richardson, Marshall G. Richards, Miss Lucy Trask, Mrs. William Allen and Mrs. A. F. Brigham.

This meeting was held at the house of Jlr. W. D. Walker. Previous to this time, however, baptism services had been held in the town by Father Fritz, the Baptist State Missionary. The first prayer-meeting was held at the house of Mr. W. D. Walker, in July, 1866. July 15, 1867, an informal or temporary organization was effected, with W. D. Walker a committee on pulpit supply and man-of-all-work ; M. G. Richards, solicitor of funds; F. H. Lowell, treasurer; E.P.Richardson, clerk; and C. C. Curtis was authorized to secure the use of Sons of Temperance Hall as the temporary place of worship.

May 16, 1868, a call to the first pastorate of the church was voted to M. R. Deming, who was then acting a-s pulpit supply, and at a meeting held June 6th it was reported that the call was accepted. A council for ordination met in the Universalist Church, Marlboro', June 18th, and, after examination, Mr. Darning waa regularly ordained and installed as pastor. He remained until June 2, 1871. The iirst deacons of the church were E. P. Richardson and Charles Angler.

Definite action relative to securing a house of worship was taken in 1869. It was then decided to purchase the present site of Fulton Hall, for which the sum of $1701 was paid. The old town hall, then standing where the present one stands, was sold at auction on March 9, 1869, and was struck oil' to pastor Deming for )?1050. It was removed to its present position, raised a story and titled up with two stores on the first floor, and the upper part was finished and furnished nearly as it is now.

November 5, 1885, it was voted either to repair the old and outgrown Fulton Hall or build anew. Land was subsequently purchased on the corner of Witherbee and Mechanic Streets, and the present fine church edifice erected. It was formally dedicated December 4, 1889.

The Church of the Holy Trinity.' - The rectors of St. Mark's Church, Southborough, were called upon from time to time to perform religious offices for English Church families residing in Marlborough. Occasional services were held. While the Rev. F. L. Bush and the Eev. Pelhham Williams, S. T. I), were residing temporarily in Southborough, these services were quite regular. At one time an upper room in the building known as Marlborough Block was the gathering-place of the little band of worshippers. Later, when the Rev. Waldo Burnett became rector at Southborough, a store was rented under the old Fulton Hall, nearly opposite the Old Colony Depot, and church services were held there every Sunday evening, excepting in mid-summer. This " Mission Room " was often uncomfortably crowded. Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Sears, of Southborough, offered to build a church, if the people would purchase a suitable lot.

On November 17, 1887, the present beautiful church was opened and consecrated by the Right Rev. B. H. Paddock, D.D., the Bishop of Massachusetts. The Eev. Mr. Burnett then resigned the charge of the parish, and February 1, 1888, the Rev. Geo. S. Pine became the first resident rector. The parish had been organized March 25, 1887, and was admitted into union with the Diocesan Convention, May 22, 1889. The present wardens are William M. Hamilton, and John T. Stewart. The church, on a prominent corner of the Main Street, built in the early English style, from a design by Emerson, the well-known Boston architect, is an ornament to the town. Its interior is simple in coloring, but artistic in form. It has a rood screen of wrought-iron, a fine organ and beautiful chancel appointments. The music, a prominent feature of the services, is rendered by a well trained choir of men and boys under the direction of Mr. B. B. Gillette. Since the opening of the church there has been a steady growth in the parish. The average attendance at the services and in the Sunday-school has more than doubled, the number of communicants has increased seventy-five per ceu*. and the parish is expanding itself more and more in the field of good works.

Univer.salist Chdrch.'^ - Unfortunately the early records of the First Universalist Church, of Marlboro', Mass., have been lost, so that much which would be of great interest to the present generation has passed into the sea of oblivion. A few scattered papers and documents, some of which are dated back over sixty years, give no glimpsesof the beginning of the church history.

A society for worship was formed about the year 1825, and a church building was erected soon after. Probably no settled i)astor was called for the first few years. The pulpit was supplied from Sunday to Sunday with preaching from a large number of ministers, among which were many of the most prominent clergymen of that early day. In the year 1829, Rev. Thomas J. Greenwood received a call to become pastor of the church, at a salary of $500.

The call was accepted, and for fifteen years Mr. Greenwood ministered to the society, loved by his jieople, and respected by all. The pastorate was very successful, for the society grew constantly in numbers and wealth.

Following this pastorate is a period of several years, which, unfortunately is almost a blank from the loss of the Church Record book. About all that is known is that there waa a decline in interest and activity, which was followed by a period of dormancy.

In the year 1862 or '63, Rev. Sylvanus Cobb, D.D., was called to the pastorate, although he never became a resident of Marlboro'. The scattered elements of the parish were brought together by him, and re-organized, and a new period of prosperity began. Rev. W. A. Start, now the secretary of the Massachusetts State Convention of Universalists, was Dr. (!obb's successor. His pastorate began March 19, 1865, and continued three years. During this period, the present church building was erected, the parish greatly strengthened, the congregation increased, and the Sunday-school built up to a membership of over three hundred. The Rev. S. T. Aldrich, followed Mr. Start, in a pastorate which was unfortunate, through the pastor's deflection from the faith, and attempt to form an Independent Society, . This movement was not a success, and in 1870, Rev. J. H. Weeks became the pastor. He continued two years, being succeeded by Rev. Ada C. Bowles, as non-resident pastor. These pastorates were uneventful, as was also that of Rev. Lorenza Haynes, which followed. Adverse conditions made the life of the society something of a struggle. Burdened with debt, and somewhat disheartened by its vicissitudes, for a time it was doubtful what would be the outcome. Patience and perseverance, however, conquered, and in 1880, we find the church under the guidance of a former pastor, Rev. W. A. Start, State Missionary, renewed with hope and courage. The debt is lightened by the generosity of friends, and particularly by the munificent gift of Miss Harriet Fay, a member of the church, since deceased. In 1881, Rev. James Taylor became the pastor, holding that position for two years. Rev. W. F. Dusseault followed him in a pastorate of five years, v/hich was abundantly blesssed. The church is at present (1890) in charge of Rev. F. S. Rice, and is united and prosperous.

The Roman Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception stands on Prospect Street. It is a handsome brick structure, an ornament to the town and creditable alike to the spirit of faith and generosity which placed it there. It is the largest church in Marlborough, its audience room seating some fourteen hundred. Its choir, under the direction of John Dalton (Prof. F. W. Riley, organist) is justly celebrated for the excellent rendition of its church music. The pastor is Rev. P. A. McKenna. He came here as curate in 1870, and after some years' service as pastor in the adjoining town of Hud.son, was transferred back to Marlborough. His curate is Rev. John T. O'Brien, ordained June, 1889.

The Catholics of Marlborough were organized as a separate parish in January, 18G4, when Rev. John A. Conlin was appointed resident pastor. Rev. Ed. Farrelly, pastor of Milford, celebrated the Sacrifice of the Mass, for the first time, in Marlborough, Saint Patrick's Day, 1851. Marlborough was then a mission, and remained so under Father Farrelly's and Father John Walsh's administration until 1864.

The corner-stone of the first Catholic Church in Marlborough was laid August 1, 1854. Rev. Nicholas J. 0' Brien preached the dedication sermon.

The contrast between the present numerous congregation and the one of that day is a fitting accompaniment to the many other contrasts suggested by the celebration in Baltimore, November 10, 1889, of the Centenary of the appointment of Bishop Carroll, and also by the opening of the first Catholic University at Washington, November 13th.

French Evangelical Church - The First French Evangelical Church (Protestant) has a brief history at this date; it has a history to make in the future.

In 1888 there was no Protestant French miBsionary located in Marlboro', and the Massachusets Home Missionary Society sent Mr. A. P. Blouin here to sell Bibles and Christian literature and converse with the French people about the Gospel and the New Testament. He came in August, 1888, and remained until March, 1889. Immediately following him came Mr. W. H. Parent, a student from Hartford Theological Seminary, a converted Roman Catholic lawyer. He preached in Forest Hall from March to September. On his return to the seminary, Rev. Edward Pelletier took his place and continues to preach the Gospel in the French language. The audiences grew so large that a church building soon became a necessity.

In the autumn of 1889 a fine lot of land on Lincoln Street, costing $1000, was purchased by Mr. Samuel Boyd, and given to trustees, on which was to be built a French Church.

Money for the church building was solicited by Rev. A. F. Newton, from the Middlesex South, Middlesex Union, and Worcester South Conferences. The churches and Sunday-schools contributed generously, and the money was raised. In the summer of 1890 the foundation of rubble work was built, costing $530.

In October the erection of a beautiful Gothic Church, contracted for $3000, was commenced. The building is 32x49 feet, with an addition of a porch, 11 feet 9 inches by 27 feet 8 inches. Above this porch is a tower and steeple 72 feet high, crowned with a star, 18 inches in diameter. There is ample room for a parsonage in the rear of the church. The seating capacity is about 250. There are about 3000 French people within a mile of the church. Electric cars pass the church door.

The trustees of the society are Samuel Boyd, Deacon J. E. Curtis, Deacon L. W. Baker, Theodore Meanor, D. A. Walker, F. L. Claflin and Rev. Joshua Coit, secretary of the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society. Rev. Edward Pelletier is the pastor.

Chapter Lix

Educational. - As early as 1696 the town employed a master " to read English once a day at least, also to write and cast accounts." In 1698 it was voted to build a school-house, and Jonathan Johnson was employed as teacher. In 1770, a contract was made for a second school-house, and in 1701, the town was fined for not keeping a schoolmaster. In December of that year the town voted, " That Thomas Rice and Isaac Amsden doo go forth with all speed convenient, in the town's name and behalf, to doo what they can to provide a school-master, qualified according to law, and to treat him with terms for the half year or a twelvemonth, as they shall think fit." In 1702, £7 were paid to John Holman, of Milton, " for teaching our children and youth in reading, writing, and casting accounts ; and also in Latin, as occasion is, and in doing the duty of school-master, four months."

In 1715, it was voted to build a new school-house, 24 feet by 18 feet. In 1718, £47 were appropriated for schools. At that day, and for years after, the scliools were kept in different parts of the township, and frequently in private houses.

In 1745, it was " Voted, That the school shall be kept at the several parts of the town as heretofore." And Samuel Witt, Colonel Williams, Thomas Hapgood, Thomas Brigham, and Jotham Brigham, were chosen a committee " to order the schools as above."

In September, 1745, it was " Voied, That all those families that live more than a mile and a half from either of the two school-houses, where the school has been kept the past year, shall draw their proportion of money out of the school rate."

March 13, 1748, " On the petition of Samuel Jones and others, at the north-westerly part of the town, it was put to vote, agreeably to said petition, whether the petitioners should have their proportional part of the school according to their pay, and it passed in the afiirmative."

"Voted and chosea committee of seven men, to apportion the school in six societies or squadrons, and the scholars to meet at the same schoolhonses, where the school has been lately kept, and to be settled according to the pay of each equadroD, taking the north-westerly corner for one eqiiadron.

" A'greeably to the vote of the town, the committee, namely, Dea. Andrew Rice, Major John Bruce, John Warren, Daniel Harrington, John Banister, John Weeks, and Abraham Howe, have made the following division ; that is, the squadron west of the meeting-house, the scholars are to meet at the school-house near Noah Church's, or the old tavern place, thirteen weeks, four days, and three-fourths of a day, yearly And the scholars are to meet in the squadron, at the west end of the town, at the school-house near Moses Howe's, six weeks, three days, and two-thirds of one day, yearly. And the north-west squadron, the scholars are to meet at such a place as the squadron shall think proper, two weeks and four days, yearly ; and the squadron easterly of the meeting-house, the scholars are to come to the school-house near Joseph Johnson's, sixteen weeks, one day, and one-third of a day, yearly ; and the squadron northerly of the meeting-house, at the school-house uear John Ilapgood's, seven weeks and two-thirds of a day, yearly ; and the squadron at the east end of the town, at the school-house near Joseph Baker's, five weeks, four days, and two-thirds of a day, yearly,

In 17C2, it was voted, " That the town will build or repare the school-housen in the several squadrants in the town. Where they Now are." Six new schoolhouses were soon after erected.

The act of 1834 establishing a school fund, and that of 1837 creating the Board of Education, inforced new life into the schools and from that time to the present the citizens of Marlborough have kept abreast with the rapid strides in educational interests throughout the Commonwealth. The yearly appropriation for schools was increased from $900 in 1834, to 135,000 in 1889.

Oifls. - The first benefaction to the town for educational purposes was that of Captain Ephraim Brigliam of £111. 1771. The interest of this fund was used to establish the Brigham School. The fund was finally merged in the general school fund.

In 1826 an academy was established, and in the following year a building was erected for its accommodation. It was an individual enterprise.

In 1827 Silas Gates and his son Abraham gave $2000 towards its maintenance, and the name was changed to Gates Academy. After a few years of prosperity it declined, and in 1833 had nearly expired. In that year Mr. 0. W. Albee took charge. He infused new life into the enterprise and his success in bringing the academy up to a high standard was almost phenomenal.

Mr. Albee was a man peculiarly fitted for the position which he filled. Besides being a proficient teacher he was a liberal-minded and public-spirited citizen. He remained in charge of the academy until it was merged in the high school in 1849. The bequests of the Messrs. Gates were finally transferred to the town, and the interest appropriated to the support of the high school.

Hildreth. - 1st, Miss Harriet Alexander, 45 pupils ; 2d, Miss Mary A. Colleaiy, 50 ; 3d, Misses Mary Curtis and Josephine Moi-se, 60 ; 4th, Miss Kate Shaughnessy, 62 ; Sth, Miss Anna Hyde, 64 ; 6th, Miss Maggie McCarthy, 64 ; 7th, Miss Anna Wall, 48 ; Sth, Miss Minnie Worden, 47 ; 9th, Misses Ellen A. O'Connell and Melina Westcott, 63. Total, 466 pupils.

Washington. - Ist, Misses Addie Alexander and Lillian Holden, 68 pupils ; 2d, Misses Anna Wilder and Florence Morse, 56 ; 3d, Misses Mary O'Callahan and Agnes aicCarthy, 70 ; 4th, Blisses Mary Fitzgerald and Mary Moriarty, 63 ; Sth, Miss Mary McDonald, 46 ; 6th, Miss Winnie O'Donnell, 46 ; 7th, Miss J. B. Colbert, 46 ; 8lh, Miss Bessie D. Freeman, 33. Total, 416 pupils.

Bigh School. - ^st year or grade, 64 pupils ; 2d year or grade, 64 ; 3d year or grade, 24 ; 4th or senior year, 27. Total, 169 pupils. Teachers, G. H. Rockwood, Misses Florence Lock, Mary H. Morse, Lucy Pierce, M. L. Whitcher.

The present School Committee is as follows : S. H. Howe, chairman ; J. W. McDonald, secretary ; William L. Morse, treasurer ; Dauiel W. Cosgrove, Charles Favreau, Ellen A. O'Connell, clerk. Superintendent, H. R. Roth.

The Pres.s. - The first weekly newspaper established in Marlboro, was the " Mirror," in October, 1859, by Stillman B. Pratt, who learned the printer's art in the office of the Middleboro' Gazette, having purchased his little plant, wholly on credit, and commencing his business life here with a capital of only thirteen cents. This first office was in Union Block, opposite the O. C. R. R., on Main Street, with only one press - for hand use.

Mr. Pratt was a native of Orleans, Mass., born November 24, 1836, the son of Rev. Stillman Pratt, and came of a reformatory and protesting family.

John Pratt, his first American ancestor, was boycotted out of England, by religious persecution, and settled in Dorchester, Mass., in 1632. Other ancestors took part in all the Indian and early wars of Massachusetts, including King Philip's.

His father was early identified with the anti-slavery and temperance reformation.s, and naturally enough the Marlboro' Mirror, from the start, advocated these causes, then so unpopular.

In May 1861, a syndicate having previously capitalised and established the Marlboro' Journal, the j^/(Vror was purchased by these gentlemen, and merged with that paper.

Soon after this, Mr. Pratt became proprietor of the Middleboro' OazcUe, and later on established at Boston, the American Workman, the official organ of Labor Reform, and in 1869, he was run by that party as their candidate for Secretary of State. Later on when alien influence took possession of the leading labor organization of America, the Workman was sold to other parties.

During the ten years, from 1861 to 1871, local journalism in Marlboro' had a varied history. George Mills Joy, editor of the Journal, early enlisted in the Union army, and shortly after the paper was discontinued, and for a time Marlboro' had no paper printed within its borders.

At the close of the war, Wm. W. Wood re-e.stabli»hed the Marlboro' Mirror, and in May 1871, after Just ten years' absence, Mr. Pratt returned to Marlboro' and purchased the same, and soon greatly extended the business, consolidating the Mirror-Journal into a

"hyphenated" paper; started the vreekly ifarftoro' Advertiser and established a large group of local papers throughout this whole section of the State, under the firm-name of Pratt Brothers. He has owned more local papers in Massachusetts than any other man.

In the fall of 1887, Pratt Brothers issued the Daily Mirror, the first paper of its kind in these parts. This daily was discontinued in 1889, A complete file is in the State Library.

In 1888, Stillman B. Pratt established here a Religious Reformation paper, the Weekly American, as a protest against the parochial school and other alien aggressions, and in advocacy of " Free Public Schools, Free Speech, Press and Worship, and Free Shops." This paper soon achieved an international reputation, and in 1889, its editorial office was removed to Boston, where it has ever since been published. Mr. Pratt's editorial experience has been enriched by three tours in Europe in 1861, 1885 and 1889.

In 1889, the local business was sold to S. B. Pratt's son, Wm. W. Pratt, who is still in charge of the job and newspaper interests under the old firm name of Pratt Brothers.

The Enterprise. - About two years ago the publishers of The Enterprise in Hudson, Messrs. Wood Brothers, conceived and carried to a successfu 1 issue, the idea of starting a similar paper under the name of The Marlboro' Enterprise, in this town. The first number appeared September 8, 1888, and was received at once with the most marked favor. In less than a year it had demonstrated itself to be a success, and since that time has grown steadily in scope and influence until already it takes a front place in the list of Marlboro' papers. On September 3, 1889, the first number of The Daily Enterprise was issued, and in a short time its business had increased to such an extent that it became necessary to put in a new plant in Marlboro'. This was done, and for the first year the buBiness was carried on in the Hazelton block. About the middle of November, 1890, the business outgrew these quarters, and a new building was erected on the corner of Hiil and Devens Streets, with an office on the Main Street. To this place the paper has been removed, and it is expected will be able to do even better work in the enlarged accommodations.

While always aiming to give the news in the fullest and most complete manner, it has carefully refrained from espousing the cause of any particular party, sect or creed. It is run in the interests of good government, pure morals, and honest citizenship, and is the determined opponent of error, wrong and corruption wherever found.

To these principles it attributes its success, and that the public appreciate the eflbrts of the publisher to issue a good clean family newspaper, is evidenced by the increasing pojmlarity of The Enterprise.

The Marlborough Star was established January 1, 1887 as a bi-weekly, through the desire of the Catholic Lyceum, and at the suggestion of Fr. McKenna, to have the Catholics who form a great part of Marlboro's people, to be represented by a weekly devoted to Irish American and Catholic interests, and especially the advocacy of temperance. It was a six column paper of twenty-four inches in length and numbered four pages. Its editorial work was done by the members of the Lyceum, promiment among whom were John T. Winner and John F. Plunkett.

The paper continued under this management for that year and then passed into the control of a stockcompany composed of many of the Lyceum people, whose interest in the paper had not ceased. It was made a seven column paper, a little longer than the old one, and started off under the management of ^V. D. Doyle. Mr. James L. Sullivan of Worcester assumed its management August 9, 1890.

Banks. - The First National Bank of Marlboro'. - This was the one hundred and fifty-eighth bank organized under the National Bank Act. When that act became a law, February 25, 1863, Mark Fay, who had long had business dealings with Lancaster Bank, of Lancaster, Mass., travelling to and fro, on the days of the weekly meetings of the directors, gathered around him some of Marlboro's most enterprising citizens, and together they organized the First National Bank of Marlboro,' with a caiiital of $50,000 and authority to commence business October 1, 1863.

The first directors were Mark Fay, Samuel Boyd, Sidney G. Fay, William Woods (2d), William Gibbon, Joseph Boyd, John M. Whiton, Erastus S. Woods and George E. Woods. From the start fortune smiled upon the bank, and on January 28, 1864, the original capital was increased to $100,000, and pn November 7th, in the same year, to $150,000, at which figure it, remained until May 5, 1865, when it was once more increased to $200,000.

Mark Fay was unanimously chosen as its first president, which office he held until his death, in 1876, when William Gibbon was chosen as his successor.

Edmund C. Whitney, formerly of the Lancaster Bank, was elected as its first cashier, remaining in that position until 1882, when he resigned to become cashier of one of the Boston banks.

When the charter of the bank expired, in 1882, it was wound up, its stockholders receiving, on August 30th, the sum of $150 for every share of stock they held, and immediately organized another bank with ! the same name to commence business September 1, i 1882, it being the twenty-seven hundred and seventieth bank organized under the National Bank Act.

The capital was fixed at $300,000, at which figure it stood until 1887, when it was reduced to $150,000. The original directors of this bank were Samuel Boyd, Wm. Morse, Sidney G. Fay, Wm. H. Fay, Charles L. Fay, Edward F. Johnson, Esq., and T. A. Coolidge.

Sidney G. Fay was chosen the first president, but as sickness had overtaken him he was never able to qualify, and the duties and responsibilities rested upon the vice-president, Samuel Boyd, who, in January, 1883, was made president, Sidney G. Fay having been removed by death. In January, 1885, William H. Fay succeeded to the presidency, and occupies that position at the present time.

This institution, situated away from the business centre of the town, but in the very heart of its population, has, by its fair and honorable efforts to serve the community, won for itself an enviable reputation, and a degree of success that justifies the wisdom of its promoters in their efforts to retain and carry on in their midst an institution with such an honoiable past to serve the public in this rapidly-growing town in the future.

The Peoples' National Bank. - After a few years of stagnation in the manufacturing business of the town caused in part by " labor troubles," the year 1878 proved to be the beginning of a long season of prosperity and growth, not only in the manufacture of boots and shoes, but in the large and steady gain in population. For years afterwards the first thing that would attract the eye of strangers when coming into town, would be the large number of buildings in all parts of the town in process of construction.

There was at this time one National Bank, also a Savings Bank in the town ; but the growing business interests demanded more banking facilities. Aboutthe first of September, 1878, a conference of a few publicspirited gentlemen was held, and it was decided to see what could be doue towards getting subscription to the capital stock of the proposed new bank. Mr. D. W. Hitchcock, a retired Boston merchant, who made Marlborough his place of residence; in 1872, but who was well and favorably known in the town, accepted the important duty of soliciting subscriptions. In a very short time the wholearaount of $100,000 was subscribed, and on Sept. 26, 1878, a meeting of the subscribers was held in Central Hall, Corey Block, to choose a committee to complete the organization, aud to decide such other matters as might be deemed best. Mr. S. N. Aldrich presided, and John L. Stone, was secretary. It was decided to have for a name "The Peoples' National Bank," and the following were chosen a committee to take all necessary measures to start the bank, viz., Elbridge Howe, S. J. Shaw, D. W. Hitchcock, Samuel Boyd, S. H. Howe, Joseph Boyd, John O'Connell, George N. Gate, S. N. Aldrich, W. M. Warren, L. S. Brigham, Ste|)hen A. Howe, (2d,) Abel Howe andT. A. Coolidge, of Marlborough, and J. S. Bradley, of Hudson, These same gentlemen were afterward elected as the first Board of

Directors, who organized with Elbridge Howe, as president, S. J. Shaw, as vice-president, and Stephen A. Howe (2d) secretary. With this Board of Directors, the success of the bank was assured from the start.

Immediate steps were taken to obtain a charter from the authorities at Washington, and the organization was completed October 31st, and the bank authorized to commence business December 9. After several attempts to select a cashier, on the 4th day of December, John L. Stone, of Marlborough wa.i elected to that position, and on the evening of the same day his bond was accepted. Although not an experienced banker, the selection may be said to have been a fortunate one, as he was well-known throughout this and the adjoining towns, and his mercantile experience had learned him not only how to secure customers, but also how to keep them.

The rooms that were selected in the Town Hall Building for the banking-rooms, not being ready for occupancy as soon as expected the receiving of deposits was somewhat delayed ; the first deposit being received from the well-known Insurance Agent Mr. Samuel B. Maynard, on January 13, 1879.

From that day a steady increase has been made until at the present time the number of depositors is considerably over two hundred, and the amount to the credit of depositors nearly ifnot quite $250,000.00.

In November 1882 the bank was moved into the new building owned by Mr. Hiram Temple, and known as Temple Block, thereby securing pleasanter and better rooms for its increasing business. The bank has recently purchased a location on Main Street, and will build a substantial brick building, having all the modern improvements for the transaction of the banking business. On the death of Mr. Elbridge Howe, who died in California April 5, 1886, while travelling for the benefit of his health, Mr. D. W. Hitchcock succeeded to the presidency of the bank.

It has been the policy of the managers of this institution to engage in all the legitimate branches of banking, not only making it profitable for the stockholders, but an accommodation to the different classes of customers. With this idea in view, they sell foreign exchange, buy and sell gevernment bonds, and have first-class bonds for sale for investments, and they never offer anything for sale that they do not own. Nothing of this kind is sold on commission. In January 1888 the bank was "designated a United States Depositary. The following is the condition of the bank at the last annual meeting :

The last dividend was a three per cent, semi-annual dividend declared and payable January 1, 1890. The present Board of Directors consists of: D. W. Hitchcock, S. H. Howe, John O'Connell, S. N. Aldrich, W. M. Warren, L. S. Brigham, A. C. Weeks, Abel Howe, B. F. Greeley, L. P. Howe, C. B. Greenwood, John L. Stone and Walter P. Frye.

Marlborough Savings' Bank} - On the 10th day of May, 1860, Mark Fay, Samuel Boyd, Thomas Corey, William Morse (2d) and Levi Bigelow met at the office of Boyd & Corey, to accept the charter of this institution, which had been granted by the General Court, and approved by Governor N. P. Banks, under date of April 3, 1860. This was thirty-three days before the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the settlement of Marlborough occurred. The population of the town was 5900, and yet no bank or institution for savings had been organized by its citizens. Mark Fay, the first named in this charter, had for a time previous transacted business for his towns people in the Savings and State Banks located'at Lancaster, both in the way of savings for people of moderate means, also in procuring loans upon real estate for those who wished them, and discounts for the traders and manufacturers, and knowing the benefits the town might derive from an institution of this kind, had been instrumental in securing this charter for Marlborough. At the first election of officers. May 21, 1860, Samuel Boyd was chosen president ; Jabez S. Witherbee, vice-president ; John M. Farwell, clerk ; Mark Fay, treasurer, with Thomas Corey, William Morse (2d), Samuel A. Chipman, Benjamin F. Underbill, Levi Bigelow, Francis Brigham, A. C. Felton, Asa Lewis, William P. Brigham, Peter P. Howe, C. S. Hastings.

The bank was opened for business June 22, 1860, at the office of Boyd & Corey, one day of each week. The deposits the first six months amounted to $2312, when a dividend of 2J per cent, was declared. William Morse (2d) was chosen president. May 19, 1862, and remained in this office three years, when Mark Fay was elected president and Edmund C. Whitney was chosen treasurer. Sidney G. Fay succeeded his father as president. May 16, 1870, remaining in office two years, when Elbridge Howe was elected president. He remained in oflice ten years and was agreat help to the bank, as was Edmund C. Whitney, who held the ofiice of treasurer thirteen years. Edward

R. Alley, the preseut treasurer, was elected October, 1878. S. Herbert Howe was chosen president May 15, 1882, remaining to this date. The deposits now amount to $1,421,576.42.

Public Library. - The first public library was established in 1792, and the present library in 1870. A gift of several hundred volumes was made by the Mechanics' Institute. The town also voted $1300 for its establishment. The citizens have manifested a lively interest in the library, and liberal appropriations have been made for its support. It contains 10,000 volumes.

The present trustee.s are as follows : E. L. Bigelow, Miss H. E. Bigelow, W. D. Doyle, Rev. F. S. Rice, J. E. Savage, J. V. Jackman, William H. Loughlin, George Mastel, Francis C. Curtis and Mrs. H. E. Bigelow. The librarian is Sarah E. Cutting, assistants, Lottie G. Moore and Mary S. Chamberlain.

Water-Works. - The water-works were constructed in 1882, and completed at the close of 1883, at a cost of $165,174.48. The water supply is Lake Williams. The capacity of lake and water-shed is 175,000,000 gallons annually. Capacity of reservoir, 5,000,000 galls.

Present Board of Water Commissioners. - James T. Murphy, term expires 1890; R. D. S. Mortimer, term expires 1891 ; John A. Connell, term expires 1892.

Officers. - James T. Murphy, president of the board ; R. D. S. Mortimer, clerk of the board; James T. Murphy, treasurer of sinking fund ; George A. Stacy, superintendent of the works ; William Mc- Nally, water registrar.

The Marlboro' Street Railway was chartered by the General Court in chapter 166 of the acts for the year 1888. The company was authorized to use either animal or electric power in operating its cars. It early became evident that the use of horses was impracticable on account of heavy grades. The President, Samuel Boyd and the treasurer, Samuel C. Darling, visited Richmond, Virginia, Scranton, Pennsylvania, and other places to examine the working of the electric roads, which has recently been established at those points, and the result was the equipment of the Marlborough road for operation by electricity. The road was completed aud commenced operations on the 19th day of June, 1889. The first Board of Directors consisted of Samuel Boyd, president; Samuel C. Darling, treasurer ; Stillman B. Pratt, Edward R. Alley, Timothy A. Coolidge, Jas. T. Murphy, AlbaC. Weeks.

Since the opening the business of the road has steadily increaaied, giving a fair rate of profit, and fulfilling the anticipation of the projectors.

The plant and rolling stock consists of two Armington & Sims' sixty horse-power engines, two No. 16, Edison Dynamos, three box-cars, three open-cars ; the Sprague system is used.

Chapter Lx By Edward R. Alley

Marlborough has long occupied a front rank among the leading shoe manufacturing towns of New England. From small beginnings in 1835, the business increased to an annual product of $1,200,000 in 1860. Since that its increase has also been rapid and at the present time the value of the annual product amounts to the sum of $6,855,000.

The making of shoes began here in 1835, when Joseph Boyd, then a young man, having learned to make custom shoes of Col. Ephraim Howe, began manufacturing shoes in a small way in the addition to his father's house, located at the junction of Maple and Bridge Streets, now occupied by Josiah Bennett. He continued here about a year, when Samuel Boyd, his younger brother, having served an apprenticeship and learned the tanner's trade of Col. Davis in Northboro', joined Joseph and together they continued manufacturing. In 1837 they bought the Hall Shop, as it was called, which stood on the site of the Marlboro' Block, Main Street. In 1839 Joseph went to St. Louis, remaining there until 1845 when he returned and again joined Samuel in 1846. In 1848 they built the brick part of the Morse Shop on Maple Street, and it was used as a bottoming shop, the shoes being cut in the shop in the rear of what is now the Dart House ; he continued until 1851 when he went to Southboro' and remained there manufacturing until 1858, then returned and joined S. Boyd & Corey, remaining a year or more when he formed a partnership with Eugene Brigham, making up the fiim of J. Boyd & BrighamI; they commenced in the west end of Corey Block ; here they made shoes for the United States Army and were very successful, remaining there until 1864 when they built their new shop on Main Street, at the corner of Newton Street.

Eugene Brigham retired in 1872, when the new firm of J. Boyd & Co. was formed, consisting of J. Boj<I, Wm. Woodward and W. A. Alley. W. A. Alley retired in 1858, and they continued to manufacture until 1879.

April 1, 1836, Samuel Boyd having learned the tanner's trade, at Northboro', returned to his home and joined Joseph, his older brother, who had begun to make shoes one year before in an addition to their father's house at the junction of Maple and Bridge Streets ; they continued together and bought the Hall Shop, which stood on the site of the Marlboro' Block, in 1837. Joseph retired in 1889 and went to St. Louis.

Samuel took his brother John M. aa partner in 1841, and needing more room than the Hall Shop would give them, they built the Commons Shop in 1843, located nearly south of the Orthodox Church, now made into a house and owned by John E. Curtis ; in 1846 Joseph, having returned from St. Louis, took John's place in the firm ; in 1848 they built the brick part of the Morse Shop now located on Maple St.

In 1849, Samuel Boyd took Thomas Corey as his partner and built the corner shop ou Maple Street. Joseph remained until 1851, when he retired. In 1855, Boyd & Corey built the brick shop, now the Central House ; here the business continued under the firm names of Boyd Corey, S. Boyd, R. Boyd & Witherbee. R. Boyd & Co., until 1870 when R. M. Pomeroy & Co., entered the firm, making the house of Boyd, Corey, Pomeroy & Co., and the mammoth factory at the corner of Howe Street was built ; the business was largely increased the Pomeroys retiring in 1871, Thomas Corey and Daniel Ahl remaining until 1872 when Ahl retired.

Mr. Corey died in 1874 and Samuel Boyd continued until November 1, 1883, when he organized the Boyd & Corey Boot and Shoe Manufacturing Company, and continued to date, making fifty-five years continuous manufacturing.

L. & L. Bigelow & Co., started shoe business in 1836 in a small shop standing on Pleasant Street on land where now is located the house of William Morse, Esq. ; they manufactured here for four years and sold their machinery in 1840 to William Dadmun and retired from the shoe business. The building used by them is now used for a dwelling and stands at the junction of Beach Street and Clover Hill Road.

1838. - In 1838 or '39, John Winslow Stevens, manufactured shoes nearly opposite the Unitarian Church on Pleasant Street. In 1849 he manufactured in what was the Alley House on Lincoln Street. Later in the Algernon Brigham House, on Pleasant Street. Still later in a shop in the rear of his own house, on Pleasant Street, situated next southerly the Unitarian parsonage. He retirad in 1858.

1840. - William Dadmun, at the closing up of the hoe business of L. & L. Bigelow & Co. in 1840. William Dadmun bought the machinery and begun to manufacture shoes on Pleasant Street, opposite the Unitarian Church ; the second shop was in old Mc- Donough House, on Lincoln Street. He condnued alone until 1861, when he formed a copartnership with Ezra Cutting, styled Dadmun & Cutting, which was successful, sj that in 1863 they built tbe large shoe factory corner of Lincoln and Chestnut Streets. In 1873 Mr. Culling retired, and Mr. Dadmun took his son, William E., into the firm, making William Dadmun & Co., and continued the business up to 1875, making thirty-five years active manufacturing.

1842. - Samuel Cliipman, mauufacturer on East Main Street with his broiher John, and so continued to 1845. In 1862 he was a member of the firm of Whitney, Fulton & Chipman, in Middlesex Square, and continued until 1864 or '65, when the property was purchased by Rice & Hutchins.

1846. - Freeman Morse started the manufacturing of shoes on the " Farms," and so continued until 1856, when he took his brother George H. as partne;-, and formed the firm of F. W. & G. H. Morse. They bought the old Boyd brick shop on Maple Street, and have continued to manufacture boots and shoes to this date.

1849. - Sidney G. Fay began business in June, 1849, and continued with varying success. He sold, in January, 1866, to Chase, Merritt & Co., who continued until 1869 in factory on Lincoln Street. In 1869 the firm became Chase, Merrit & Blanchard, which continued until 1877, when it was changed to Chase, Merritt & Co., and continues to date, the company consisting of H. S. Chase, George W. Merritt, W. E. Richardson, and H. G. Chase.

1851. - In 1851 CharlesG. Whitney began the manufacture of shoes in the C. L. Bliss barn, on East Main Street, and continued until November 1, 1855, when he took Charles Palmer in partnership, under the firmname of C. G. Whitney & Palmer. This firm continued one year, and in 1856 moved to a shop on Elm Place, and continued until 1858, when the firm was dissolved. In 1859 Mr. Whitney associated with him Mr. C. M. Howe, and they manufactured in what is the William Barnes house on Middlesex Square. In 1861 Howe retired and Palmer again became Whitney's partner, and continued until 1862, when the firm of Whitney, Felton & Chipman was formed, and they built a large factory on Middlesex Square, and continued until 1864 and '65, when Rice and Hutchins purchased their business.

1836. - John Chipman began to manufacture shoes in the shop used by Emery Cutting for custom work. The shop is now occupied by Mr. Hemenway on East Main Street. He continued with some changes until 1842, when his brother Samuel joined him; they remained together until about 1845.

1845. - In 1845 Josiah Howe began to manufacture shoes in part of John Holyoke's house on Pleasant Street; he afterwards removed his shop to Mechanic Street near Lorren Arnold's house; here his health failed ; he went to Cuba, where he died.

1848. - Sidney Howe continued the business left by Josiah, on Mechanic Street; removed to corner Pleasant and Elm Streets; continued about one year.

1842. - Charles Dana Bigelow learned his trade of Thomas Holden, of Berlin ; in 1842 he commenced work bottoming shoes, taking out work from Grafton and Westboro': in 1844 he had four small shops occupied this way, and so continued until 1845. In 1847 he built a new shop, which at that time was the largest shop m tuwn. He was the first to employ

1841. - John M. Boyd began to manufacture shoes in company with his brother Samuel, in 1841. They built the Commons shop in 1843; they remained together until 1846; then John started alone, he owning the Hall shop and the Commons shop; he continued and in 1849 began to make boy's and youth's shoes. All the shoes up to this day manufactured in Marlborough, had been child's shoes.

1842 he invented the shoe-die, having them made at Leland and Thurston's, Kitville, Grafton, and the die gave Marlborough great advantages over adjoining towns. 1853 he built the Marlborough Block and manufactured in it until 1857, the business in three years amounting to $500,000.

1853. - In 1853 Charles M. Howe was manufacturing shoes in the Geo. Brigham shop, on Main Street, on the present site of the Windsor House. He afterwards manufactured with C. G. Whitney in the Wm. Barnes house, and later in the Exchange Building.

Henry 0. Russell commenced on the old homestead, on Elm Street in 1853, built a shop on Franklin Street 1855, formed copartnership with Thomas Hapgood. This partnership continued until 1858, when he formed copartnership with Abel Howe, under name of Russell & Howe, and continued one year. In 1859 he bought the Forest Hall Block, and continued alone to manufacture there until 1875. In 1876 he formed a partnership with William A. Alley, which was successful and continued until 1888, when Alley retired and Russell formed the firm of H. O. Russell & Co., and is manufacturing at this date.

1854. - John O'Counell started the manufacture of child's shoes in a shop on the easterly side of Howe Street, and continued to increase his business until 1869 when he built hia new shop on the same street, on the line of the Old Colony Railroad ; here he had success, and in 1873 took in his son, John A., and, in 1880 Daniel, making the firm of John O'Counell & Sons. They are doing a very successful business to-day.

1855. - S. Herbert Howe commenced making shoes in the cooper shop on Pleasant Street. Here he manufactured, with his brother Lewis A. Howe. He subsequently purchased his brother's interest and removed to the corner of Pleasant and Elm Streets, the site of his present home factory. This shop he has enlarged six times. March 12th, 1878, he purchased the Diamond " F " shop of James Tucker, and here began the manufacture of a finer grade of goods. This shop he has enlarged three times. June 4, 1889, he bought the Diamond " O " factory of C. L. & L. T. Frye. He has united all of these factories under the corporate name of the S. H. Howe Shoe Company, of which S. Herbert Howe is president, and Louis P. Howe, vice-president, and the capacity is seven thousand pairs of shoes per day.

Lewis A. Howe began to manufacture shoes with his brother, S. Herbert Howe, in 1855, and continued a few years. In 1861 Mr. Howe associated with him in business Algernon S. Brigham, under the firmname of Brigham & Howe, and this firm continued in the factory corner of Pleasant and Chestnut Streets, until 1865, when they removed to the factory on Lincoln Street, now occupied by Frank Garvin. Here they remained until 1870, when the firm dissolved, and Mr. Howe returned to Warren, Maine.

1858. - Tituothy A. Cooledge removed here from Natick in 1857, where he had worked with Henry Wilson making shoes. He began in a small shop on Pleasant Street on the site of his present large factory. The first four years he made men's brogans and some boots. He gradually raised the standard of his goods until about 1876, when his factory was totally destroyed by fire. In 1877 he rebuilt this factory on an improved plan, and has to-day one of the best-equipped shops in the city. During all this time Mr. Cooledge has sold his entire production through the house of Fogg, Houghton & Cooledge. It may be remarked here that Mr. Cooledge's father was a manufacturer of shoes in a small way in Natick.

1858. - Frank A. Howe began to manufacture shoes in the John Allen House on Elm Street. Afterward he moved up the street farther to the Proctor Place. His business demanding more room, he built a large factory at the corner of Pleasant and Franklin Streets in 1862. He continued here until 1875. Afterwards James Tucker & Co. manufactured in this shop several years. This factory was afterward bought by S. H. Howe, and enlarged and known as the Diamond " F " Shop.

1863. - In 1863 Davis & Longley built the most easterly of the two Billings' shops. In 1864 Clapp & Billings began to manufacture in this shop. They made a specialty of boys and youths' laced and buckle Congress shoes. In 1869 they bought the shops next to the Windsor Hotel, and continued in both shops until 1879, when Mr. J. B. Billings purchased his partner's interest, and has continued alone up to the present time.

1863. - John A. Fry began business in the Winslow Stevens shop in February, 1863, where he continued until January, 1864, when he removed to the Elm Street shop. In 1865 he purchased of Allen Howe the new shop at corner of Pleasant and Chestnut Streets, which he has enlarged four times. He commenced the manufacture of boots in 1883, and continues to date.

1867. - In 1867 Rice & Hutchins began manufacture of boots and shoes in Middbsex Square in the old shop of Felton &- Chipman. Their factory wa.s burned in 1878, and was rebuilt with all modern improvements. They have continued to the present ' time. This firm built a large factory on Cotting Ave- nue in 1889. This is one of the leading firms in the city, the amount produced amounting to $1,000,000. The superintendent and manager of these factories is Mr. John E. Curtis.

In 1858 John E. Curtis began the manufacture of shoes on High Street, continuing here until 1861, when he removed to the Marlboro' Block, and in 1868 bought the old Boyd & Corey shop, at the corner of Maple and Main Streets. This he enlarged and manufactured boots and shoes that had a wide reputation. In 1872 Vaughn & Sanborn bought the business and continued a short time ; afterward Mr. Curtis became the superintendent of the Kice & Hutching factories.

Abel Howe began, in 1858, the manufacture of shoes on Main Street, near Grant Street, with H. 0. Russell. He later removed to High St., near the Union Church, and built a very large and convenient factory.

The Common wealth Shoe Company built a model shoe factory on Maple Street in 1888-89, and began to manufacture fine boots and shoes, Mr. M. Quirk, the superintendent, having been previously connected with the Boyd (feCorey Boot audShoe Manufacturing Company.

Charles L. and Lewis T. Frye manufactured shoes in the Parsons shop, and later bought the William Dadmun shop, cornerofHowland and Lincoln Streets, closing in 1889, Jeremiah Desmond taking the Parsons shop when the Fryes removed.

The manufacture of shoe dies was begun by S. K. Taylor in the basement of the Brick shop in 1858 or '59, and was afterwards removed to the Davy shop, on Florence Street. He was succeeded by Taylor & Blanchard, Samuel F. Draper, Hobbs & Mellen, and T. Joseph Beaudry, who continues to this time.

James L. Belser and Henry Exley started a machine-shop in the basement of the J. B. Billings factory in 1866, continuing but a short time, when they removed to the Brick shop. Taking Mr. Hall as partner, the firm became Hall, Belser & Exley. In 1867 Henry Parsons succeeded Hall, making the firm of Belser, Exley & Parsons, and they removed to Forest Hall. Belser retired in 1869, and the firm built their Lincoln Street shop in '72. Exley retired in '78^ leaving Mr. Parsons the proprietor of the business. He has continued with good success the manufacture of steam-engines, elevators and sole-cutters.

Hall, Sandiford & Watson started a machine-shop on Lincoln Street in 1868, and continued about seven years manufacturing sole-cutters and small machinery used in shoe factories, Bevan & Alden running the business from 1875 to 1878, afterwards as Bevan & Davey to 1830, and Davey & Exley until 1884; then they separated, Davey taking the upperpart of Henry Parsons' shop, while Henry Exley continued at the old shop until 1887.

Julian P. Wood began the manufacture of punchmachines in 1879, and later other shoe machinery. Taking Herbert Willard as a partner in 1887, the business increased very fast. They hold several valuable patents.

Chapter Lxl Masonic

United Brethren Lodge, A. F. and A. M. - The history of Free Masonry in Marlborough from the date of its first introduction as an organized body until the present time, covers a period of nearly seventy years, and is marked by a most gratifying advance in membership and efliciency.

Though a lengthy intermission separates the early body from the present organization, the original records now on file as well as oral traditions of a few of the early brethren, have been handed down unimpaired, and serve as a connecting link between these two branches of the same family.

The desire of our grandfathers to organize a Masonic Lodge in this vicinity, culminated in the early part of the year 1824, when application was made to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for a charter, but owing to opposition from the Fredonia Lodge, A. F. and A. M. of Northborough, an adverse report was made and the desired charter withheld ; later a second application was made, which was granted, .bearing date of September 8, 1824. The first meeting under the charter was held September 23, 1824, in a building owned by Bro. Sullivan Thayer, located near the present Exchange Building, and adjoining the brick dwelling, corner of Exchange and Main Streets, Wor. Bro. Abraham Gates was chosen Master ; Rev. Seth Alden, Sen. Warden; Richard Farwell, Jun. Warden; John M.aynard, Treas.; Freeman Stow, Sect'y ; John G. Barnard, Sen. Deacon ; John Lyscom, Jr., Jun. Deacon ; Isaac T. Stevens, Sen. Steward, and Caleb Witherbee, Marshal. The records of Masonic work show the lodge to have been both popular and prosperous, as numerous accessions to its membership were made, embracing many of the leading men of this and the surrounding towns. The names of no less than five clergymen appear on the rolls during the years 1824, 1825, and 1826.

On the 28th of April, 1825, the lodge apartments were dedicated according to ancient Masonic ceremonies, the brethren marching to the Unitarian

Church, where they were addressed by Eev. Seth Alden, a brother Mason. In the afternoon they assembled at the Spring Hill Church, where the lodge was instituted, and the tenets of Masonry and cardinal virtues of the order were solemnly emphasized to the brethren. A banquet was spread in a large tent adjoining the present Union Church common to which the friends of the brethren were invited. The officers were installed on the evening of the same date, and an oration delivered in the meeting-house by Bro. Samuel Clark.

September 1, 1825, Brother Jacob Frieze was chosen master, holding the office until the following spring, when he resigned, and March 26, 1826, Brother Eichard Farwell was elected to fill the vacancy.

With increasing prosperity it was deemed advisable to arrange for more commodious quarters for Lodge purposes, and at the annual town-meeting in 1825, an article was inserted in the Warratit, asking permission to build a school-house, with a Masonic hall in the upper story. This article was passed over, and no further action taken until two years later, when a similar request was made, and the necessary grant obtained. Jan. 11, 1827, a committee was chosen to consider the subject of building a Masonic hall, and in concert with the Citizen's Association, arrangements were perfected by which a building was to be erected, the first floor of which was to be used as an academy, and the upper room for a Masonic hall. Quite a complete idea may be gained of the purposes for which this building was intended, by referring to a copy of the records taken July 4, 1860, from the foundation stone of Gates Academy, formerly situated on " Old Meeting House Common," now known as High School Common. This record was deposited by the members of the Old United Brethren Lodge, Aug. 30, 1827, of which the following is an exact copy :

" On the 30th day of August, 1827, was laid the foundation stone, on which is to be erected a building to be devoted to the promotion of Literature, Science, Moral Virtue and the Ancient Order of Masonry. By the liberality of a number of individuals of the Town of Marlborough, in which there are now three churches, the ministers of which are Revs. Sylvester Bucklin, Seth Alden and Joseph E. Merrill, ten School Districts and two thousand inhabitants."