Marlborough City (part 3 of 3)

In connection with this statement there was also deposited a copy of the Articles of Agreement, specifying that the building about to be erected was to be used as follows : " The lower story of the building shall be used for teaching children and youths, and the second story shall be finished in such manner as to accommodate the Free Masons."

On the above date the District Deputy Grand Master was present with his suite, opening a Master Mason's Lodge in Masonic Hall, and repaired to the site of the new building, where the impressive ceremonies attending the laying of the corner-stone were solemnized. During the fall and winter months of

1827-28, the Academy Building, as it has since been known, was completed, and the new Masonic apartments in the upper story were appropriately dedicated April 24, 1828, Wor. Brother Richard Farwell being the presiding Master. These rooms were comfortably, though not elaborately, furnished, and meetings were continued in them during the remainder of the existence of Old United Brethren Lodge, which probably terminated its active work about 1831 or 1832, though the name of United Brethren Lodge was borne on the Grand Lodge records as late as 1834.

On the 21st of January, 1830, a committee was chosen to take into consideration the " general state of the lodge," and as this was about the time the anti-masonic craze began, embracing the Morgan excitement, and more especially the political agitations of those days, many refrained from active membership. With such an outspoken opposition, though founded entirely on prejudice, the society became unpopular, and it is probable that our brethren deemed it wise to discontinue lodge work until a more auspicious season.

Of the disposition of the furniture, jewels and paraphernalia of the order, no account is given, but the records of Old United Brethren Lodge, from September 8, 1824, to October 27, 1830, inclusive, were found among the books and papers of the late brother Nicholas B. Proctor, after his decease in 1867. The leaves were without binding, probably detached from the secretary's book of records. Having had them newly bound, they were returned, together with brother Proctor's Masonic diploma, to the possession and care of the lodge, by his loyal sons, Joseph, Col. > Alfred N., and Albert E. Proctor, December 12, 1888.

The re-organization of United Brethren Lodge was not effected until the fall of 1859. On December 1st of this year, a meeting of the brethren was held under Dispensation at the office of Messrs. Boyd & Corey, corner of Main and Maple Streets. Several representatives of the old lodge of thirty years previous were present, together with resident members of " Middlesex " of Framingham and other lodges. Preliminary arrangements were made for permanently organizing a Master Mason's Lodge, securing suitable apartments and furniture, and the election of officers. After several preparatory meetings of the brethren, a hall was secured over the Boyd & Corey office, and Alexander C. Felton, Esq., was selected to preside over the lodge as its first Master.

December 14, 1859, the brethren met in these apartments for the first time, where they continued to hold meetings and work under Dispensation, until a charter was granted September 12, 1860, with the following as charter members: - Sylvester Bucklin, Samuel Chipman, Thomas Corey, Martin Dadmuri, Jr., J. M. Farwell, Alexander C. Felton, Jonah Howe, Asa Lewis, Wm. H. Marston, Burleigh Morse, S.imuel J. M. Weston, Charles F. Morse and Jabez S. Witherbee. Of these brethren, three, Brothers Samuel Chip-

Numerous accessions to the lodge were made during the year, adding many sturdy and influential citizens to its membership, and quite outgrowing their limited quarters. During the fall of 1860, arrangements were made and a lease obtained of a suit of rooms at No. 136 Main Street, since known as Corey's Block. These apartments were first occupied October 16, 1860, when a special communication was held for the purpose of receiving the officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Most Wor. Winslow Lewis, Grand Master, who, together with his suite, was present for the purpose of installing the officer.^ of the Lodge and dedicating the new apartments. Wor. Bro. Alexander C. Felton was installed Master, Bros. Burleigh Morse, Sen. Warden, J. S. Witherbee, Jun. Warden, Sylvester Bucklin treasurer, and J. M. Farwell secretary. From this time rapid strides were made in additional membership and Masonic interest ; the fathers of the lodge of to-day were then taking their degree.'*, and their zeal and constancy is a sufficient assurance of a thorough initiation.

At the date of the reorganization of United Brethren Lodge, Feltonville (now known as Hudson), was a part of Marlborough, and many of its best citizens became members of the fraternity and affiliated with the lodge here. This member.ship covered a period of about five years. In the latter part of 1864 the brethren from Hudson, tiring of their long journey to attend lodge meetings, and having sufficient strength to warrant independence, applied for and obtained a charter for themselves. This signalized the advent of Doric Lodge, A. F. and A. M., of Hudson, which has since maintained a healthy growth, and been ever active in promoting the tenets of Masonry. An intimate fraternal feeling has always existed between United Brethren and Doric Lodges, and frequent interchange of visits by the brethren serves to strengthen the ties that bind them as one band of friends and brothers.

The years of the Civil War found many brothers espousing the Union cause, and taking active service for the maintenance of the Government. The zeal and loyalty of such as were spared to return have never abated.

Thirteen Masters have presided over the lodge since its organization in 1859, of whom all are living at the date of this writing (1890) excepting Worshipful Brother, George H. Adams, who presided with great acceptance during the years 1869 to 1872, inclusive, and who deceased after a brief illness and was buried from the Unitarian Church with Masonic honors.

To these brothers much of the interest in lodge membership and proficiency in works may be attributed. Worshipful Brother Burleigh Morse, whose name appears near the head of this list, is a veteran in Masonry ; his attendance has been long and faithful, and his familiar face may be seen at lodge meetings as regularly to-day, after thirty years of service, as that of the youngest member.

To Worshipful Brother George N. Cate, may be traced a marked advance in accuracy of lodge work and attention to detail, the brother imparting to the membership of his own dignity, which combined with firmness of character, and a thorough knowledge of the mysteries of freemasonry, raised the lodge to a higher plane, with a corresponding increase of interest by the brethren. This discipline has continued to exercise a most salutary effect, and is worthy of emulation.

At a meeting of the lodge held October 4, 1882, especially convened for considering the commutation of the Grand Lodge Tax, Most Worshipful Samuel C. Lawrence, Grand Master, was present, and urged the importance of cancelling the remaining debt from Masonic Temple. The meeting was very fully attended, and it was decided to commute the tax by one payment in full. Similar action became almost unanimous throughout the lodges of the State, and the administration of Worshipful Brother Lawrence, saw the Grand Lodge indebtedness entirely extinguished.

The quarters secured by the brethren in October, 1860, were from time to time replenished with new furniture, and uninterruptedly occupied by them until the morning of December 7, 1883, when a disastrous fire occurred, destroying both apartments and furniture; unavailing efforts were made to save the charter ; the books and records, however, were secured, and, though somewhat stained by water and smoke, were found to be entirely legible. The lodge sustained a loss of about $1600, on which there was an insurance of $1000. The brethren at once secured the use of Pythian Hall as a place of meeting, until such time as permanent apartments could be provided.

Arrangements were early made, and an agreement signed, by which the lodge was to be granted a ten years' lease of the entire upper floor of a contemplated new brick block, since known as " Hazleton's Block " No. 203 Main Street. Though long delayed, the building was flnally completed, and the upper-story suitably divided, with a main hall and ante-rooms, especially adapted for lodge purposes.

To a committee of the lodge was intrusted the frescoing and furnishing of these rooms, which were completed and occupied for the first time at a special communication, August 5, 1886. At a public-meeting of the lodge, October 14, 1885, Most Wor. Abra- ham H. HowlanJ, Jr., Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and his suite were present, and according to ancient customs and usages, proceeded to dedicate the new apartments to Free Masonry, to Virtue aud Universal Benevolence.

These impressive ceremonies were supplemented by remarks at length by the Grand Master and members of his suite, charging the brethren to a continuance of those Masonic principles and virtues, which have ever been, and should ever be, the beacon lights of symbolic and practical Masonry. About two hundred members, visitors and ladies were present, and were welcomed to the banquet-room at the close of the formal exercises. Regular communications are held during the entire year, on the evening of Wednesday on, or before the Full of the Moon, though the lodge may, at its option, adjourn over the months of July and August. Special communications are convened from time to time, on such days and dates as the Master may designate.

The social character found in Masonry is pre-eminently democratic, laying aside for the time those artificial distinctions of rank and wealth, which, though they may be requisite in the world, yet among Masons are unknown. Its members meet on one common level of brotherhood and equality, where virtue and emulation in good works are preferments, and the grand aim is to see " who best can work and best agree."

A series of public gatherings have been held at Masonic Hall during the winter months for several years past, to which the ladies are especially welcome. Readings, music aud social games add not a little to the good feeling which characterizes these entertainments. So far they have been successful, and have seemingly become inseparable as a social phase of the Masonic family.

In addition to that universal charity which permeates every Masonic body, there is connected with United Brethren Lodge, a Mutual Benefit Association, confined strictly to the affiliated members of this lodge, by which each brother, paying into a general fund the sura of one dollar, becomes a member. No further assessment is made until a brother dies, when one dollar more is collected and held as a reserve fund. This money is entirely distinct and separate from the funds of the lodge treasury, and payable immediately upon the decease of a brother, to his surviving representative, having as a primary object, the supplying of ready money to the widow or orphans in the hour of their bereavement, when incidental expenses and funeral charges are imperative. The benefits of this arrangement have been most gratifying to the members of the fraternity upon several occasions during the few years it has been in operation, and has received the cordial support of a large percentage of the membership. To a true brother the pleasure of giving in the hour of need is ample reward, and in harmony with Masonic obligations.

About the year 1873, some interest being manifested in the order, a petition signed by Burleigh Morse, Lyman W. Howe, Tileston Brigham and Frederick Jewett, former members of the old lodge, and four other resident Odd Fellows, was presented to the Grand Lodge, who restored the charter, and the Lodge was re-instituted November 6, 1873. William Barnes and Sullivan D. Baker, former members of the old lodge, united with them at this time, making a total of ten members. Interest in the order soon spread. The Lodge has prospered, until, at the present time, it numbers 174 members. From the date of its re institution, November 6, 1873, the Lodge occupied jointly with the Masonic Lodge, the Masonic Hall situated on Main Street. This hall was destroyed by fire, December 7, 1883. They then held their meetings in the Pythian Hall, until the completion of their present quarters, in Corey Block, which were dedicated with appropriate ceremonies October 1, 1888.

Here they occupy an elegant suite of rooms, fitted specially for them, and furnished throughout in firstclass shape, at an expense of about three thousand dollars. The present ofiicers, (October, 1890) are: Noble-Grand, Arthur J. Clifford ; Vice-Grand, Charles T. Berry ; Kecording-Secy., Percy F. Munsey ; Treasurer, Charles H. Marston ; Permanent Secy., Alexander Berry.

On May 15, 1889, on a petition of members of Marlboro' Lodge, No. 85, and lodges in neighboring towns. King Saul Encampment, No. 69, was instituted in Odd Fellows' Hall. The present membership is eighty-nine. The present ofiicers are : Chief Patriarch, Dr. C. S. Jackson ; Senior Warden, Herbert W. Brigham; Scribe, Alexander Berry; Financial Scribe, P. F. Munsey ; Treasurer, Charles F. Holyoke.

March 11, 1890, Star of Hope Degree Lodge, No. 86, Daughters of Rebekah, was instituted in Marlboro'. They now number one hundred and twenty-five members. The present officers are : Noble Grand, Mrs. Herbert W. Brigham ; Vice-Grand, Mrs. J. F. Turner ; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Austin B. Howe ; Treasurer, Mrs. Joseph E. Warren ; Financial Secretary, Mrs. John S. Fay.

In March, 1888, there was also instituted in connection with Marlboro' Lodge, No. 85, The Odd Fellows Relief Association of Marlboro', Mass. The membership is confined to members of Marlboro' Lodge, No. 85, and its object is to relieve sick and disabled brothers by paying a weekly sick benefit of five dollars per week ; this being in addition to any benefits obtained from the lodge, the association being maintained by assessments from its members. The present board of ofiicers is as follows : President, Oliver E. Howe ; Vice-President, Herbert W. Bringham ; Secretary and Treasurer, Charles H. Marston. Directors, - The president and vice-president, and secretarytreasurer, and P. G. George A. Pratt, P. G. Horace Hastings", P. G. E. Irving Sawyer and Fred. L. FeUon.

Celebration of Two Hundredth Anniversary OF Incorporation or Town. - The town celebrated its two hundredth anniversary of incorporation June 13, 1869. The ofiicers of the day were as follows :

The services were held on Ockoocangansett Hill, and opened by an invocation by Rev. Joseph Allan, D. D. of Northborough ; a poem written by Wm. C. Bryant was then read, followed by prayer by Rev. Horatio Alger. Hon. Francis B. Fay at the close of a few remarks introduced Hon. Charles Hudson, who delivered an historical address. Following the address of Mr. Hudson an original ode by Horatio Alger, Jr., was sung. After these exercises dinner was served, plates having been laid for 1600 persons. A blessing was invoked by Rev. William Morse, of Tyngsborough. At the close of the dinner an original ode by William F. Allen was sung.

1. This Centennial Gathering of the Boi-ough FaniHiea. - An occasion consecrated to grateful recollections, to cberiBhed anticipations, and to (jQcia!, fraternal and Christian greetings.

2. A cordial welcome home to our eldest Daughter, Wettborough, - who, one hundred and forty-three years ago, received our western border for lier inheritance ; whose precepts and examples have been a noble Reform School, even to the present generation.

3. Our Fair Daughter, .Suulhborough. - Although she resides at the South, yet we are glad to know that she agrees in sentiment with her Mother ; that she goes for '* free Boil, free speech and free men."

This sentiment was responded to by Francis C. VVhiston, who exhibited an apron worn by Lafayette at the laying of the corner-stone of Bunker Hill monument, June 17, 1825.

11. The Present Clergy of Marlborough. - Though their ranks are now sadly thinned, yet a remnant is left that will never be found wanting to the cause of sound learning, of unshackled freedom, of vital piety and practical righteousness.

14. The First SeUlers of New England. - It fell to their lot to estab llsh Civilization and Christianity in a savage land. They laid the foundation of our prosperity ; let them be gratefully remembered by their children.

" Marlborough, a IVondeiful Mother. - With children more than a hundred years old, and a Grandchild fourscore-years-and-ten, sitting on the maternal lap, and not yet weaned."

"Our Fathers and Mothers of 1660. - Conld they see and know what we do to-day, they would be filled with admiration, like that of the Queen of Sheba, when she Iteheld the splendor of Solomon."

"The Venerable Men who are with ua to-day. - With age, the common excitements and warm blood of youth pass away ; but the heart of the wise man, the older it grows the warmer it feels."

"The So7is and Daughters of Temperance. - In the practice of their principles, may the Dauj^hters be as pure as the crystal fount, and the Sons as constant as the Waters of Niagara."

" Our Firemen : the Minute-Men of Modern Times. - Like the Minute- Men of old, they subdue their enemy by the use of their arms ; but, like them too, they often find one file which conquers them - the fire of a lady's eye."

Among the letters of regret from gentlemen not being able to be present at the celebration, were those from Hon. Henry Wilson, Hon. Josiah Quincy, Jr., R. W. Emerson, F. B. Sanborn, Frederick A. Packard, Hon. Charles Francis Adams, Hon. Charles R. Train, Hon. John G. Palfrey, John Laughlin Sibley, Hon. E. R. Hoar, Hon. Levi Lincoln, and Hon. Emory Wa?hburn.

War ok the Rebellion.' - The part Marlborough took in the War of the Rebellion was fully abreast of her sister towns throughout the State. The Board of Selectmen were thoroughly imbued with ihe spirit of loyalty that everywhere prevailed, and by calling town-meetings from time to time, as occasion seemed to demand, the will of the citizens found expression in raising money to defray the expenses of enlisting men for service in the army, under the several calls from President Lincoln. War meetings followed each other, and the tires of patriotic ardor burned brightly to the end.

In April, 1861, the town voted to raise and appropriate $10,000 for war purposes. This was followed by other sums, until the town had expended, in all, $51,584.11, of which $15,368.45 was repaid by the State. Men enlisted and joined the first regiments that left the State. Company G, of the Ninth Infantry, was mainly recruited from this town, and was' mustered in June 11, 1861. Companies I and F, of the Thirteenth Infantry, also recruited here, were the next to leave, being mustered in July 16, 1861. Other enlistments followed, and the town was represented in almost every regiment that left the Slate. Company I, Fifth Infantry - nice months - was mostly from this town, as also Companies I and E, of the same regiment, for one hundred days. Other regiments that contained a nucleus of Marlborough men, were: Company I, of the Thirty-sixth Infantry, had 23 men ; Company K, Fifty-seventh Infantry, had 25. The Ninth and Sixteenth Light Batteries contained many Marlborough men, as also the Second and Fourth Cavalry. In all, Marlborough had 869 men engaged - 574 for three years, 91 for one year, 108 for nine months, and 96 for one hundred days.

1868. Its first commander was Charles F. Morse, and its present (1890) commander, Francis C. Curtis. The first public observance of Memorial Day was in

1869, in connection with the dedication of the Soldiers' Monument. The ceremony of decorating the graves of deceased soldiers took place in the A. M., and the ceremonies attending the dedication of the monument, which had been erected by vote of the town, in the p. m., by a public parade of the civil and military organizations of the tovn. The exercises took place on the High School Common. The formal delivery of the monument to the town was by William S. Frost, chairman of the Building Committee. Received on the part of the town by Hon. S. N. Aldrich, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, followed by an oration by Hon. Henry Wilson. Since 1871 - with the exception of one year - the town has appropriated a sum of money to be expended under the direction of Post 43, for the observance of Memorial Day. After the first few years, the sum has been fixed at $150.00. The Post is made up of good men, to the number of one hundred and sixty, is well officered and stands well in the community.

A Ladies' Belief Society, in connection with the Post, was organized December 6, 1870. It stands among the first, if not the first, society of the kind ever organized in this department. It has been the strong right arm of the Post, and its woric is so blended with the Post that the history of the one is the history of the other. It has been independent of State Corps, and its members, made up of the wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters of the soldiers, have demonstrated by their twenty years of successful existence, that judicious management and harmonious home rule is more essential to success than an expensive membership in a State Corps.

Societies. - Marlborough has a large number of societies and organizations. Among these may be mentioned Knights of Labor ; Knights of Honor ; Knights of Pythias ; Marlborough Grange ; Cold Water Temple of Juvenile Temjjlars; Spring Hill Lodge, I. O. G. T. ; St. John's Total Abstinence Society ; Young Men's Catholic Total Abstinence Society ; Catholic Lyceum Association ; Clan-na-gael As.sociation ; Emmett Association ; Grattan Association ; Houp-la Club ; Lincoln Club ; Royal Society of Good Fellows, No. 84 ; St. Jean Baptist Society ; Union Club ; Union Dramatique ; Marlborough Lodge, No. 84, I. 0. O. F. ; Star of Hope Degree Lodge, No. 86 ; Daughters of Rebekah, Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; John A. Rawlins Post G. A. R.; F. C. Curtis, Camp, No. 94; Hudson Relief Society, connected with Post 43 ; Co. F, Sixth Regiment, M. V. M. ; American Legion of Honor; Ancient Order of Hibernians ; Ockoocangansett Tribe, No. 25, Improved Order of Red Men ; Court Marlboro' 7703, Independent Order of Foresters; Daughters of Liberty ; Ladies' Branch, 0. U. A. M. ; Taconic Lodge, No. 13, Order of the United Friends ; Board of Trade, E. R. Alley, president; Marlborough Gas Light Company, S. H. Howe, president ; the Marlborough Electric Campany, Lorren Arnold, president.

Biographical Samuel Boyd.'

The history of a New England town is often largely made by some one man, who, born and always living within its limits, impresses himself upon its social and industrial life, so that the life of the town is truly the life of that man.

When Samuel Boyd, at the end of his seven years' apprenticeship in the tanning establishment of Colonel Joseph Davis, at Northboro', was urged by a son of his master to remain in the place where he had learned his trade, - a town which then had its two cotton factories and its two tan-yards, - and when warned that the farming town of Marlboro' was no place for him, his ambitious reply was, that other men in other towns had stayed at home and helped

When he came home from Northboro', there was not a single manufacturer in what is now the town of Marlboro', and with the exception of himself and brothers, there was but one young man between the age of fourteen and twenty-five years, who was not either at work upon a farm or absent from the town, for the purpose of carrying on business or learning a trade elsewhere.

For more than half a century Samuel Boyd has stayed at home and done his life-work, and built up his native place, so that everybody who had known of him and of his connection with the business and development of the town, freely conceded the justice of the compliment, when, in a leading article of one of the Boston dailies, be was characterized as the "Father of the town."

He was one of a family of eleven children of John Boyd and Sophia Phelps. His paternal grandfather served in the Revolutiouary War. Born June 3, 1815, under the noble elms that now overlook the estate of Mr. O. P. Walker, in the southern part of the town, he was reared and educated in the strict principles and stern experiences of a hardy New England home. Afterservingan apprenticeship at the tanner's trade, he directed his attention to the manufacture of boots and shoes. The business was conducted on a small scale in the L part of what is now known as the Josiah Bennett house, and here was originated the idea of subdivision of labor in the manufacture of boots and shoes. A little room, 20x30, sufficed for the purposes of the business there, and the employment of four men, or a "team," as it was called, to do the work, was the first step toward that multiplied detail which now characterizes the business. Successive changes and increase in the volume of the business brought Mr. Boyd and his partners to the erection of "the Big Shop" (so-called), in 1871, a mammoth factory, covering an area of more than one and one-half acres, and believed to be the largest boot and shoe manufactory under a continuous roof in the United States.

The development of the business is simply wonderful. In 1845 the total value of the product for the entire town of Marlborough was $92,932 ; the usual product of Mr. Boyd's factory alone is $1,500,000. Mr. Boyd's relations with his workmen have always been considerate and just. He has never forgotten the days when he labored with his own hands.

In 1888 he conceived the idea of cutting up an estate of sixty acres at Chestnut Hill into house lots for his and other workmen, and of building an electric street railway, that in addition to other advantages, should make it possible for them to take their meals at home. At his own cost, he embarked in these enterprises and the result has not only been a blessing to the workmen and in fact the whole town, but has resulted in profit to himself. Long before this,

Mr. Boyd had identified himself prominently with the steam railroad interests of Marlborough. The construction of the Agricultural Branch Railroad was delayed for some years from lack of sufficient capital. Framingham, Southborough and Norlbborough had each pledged $50,000 to the enterprise. The pre-iident of the Boston & Worcester Railroad felt the importance of having Marlborough upon the line of the Agricultural Branch, and his company offered to guarantee six per cent, upon the sum of $60,000 stock, if that sum could be raised for that purpose, but not a cent at the time of this offer had been raised in Marlborough. It was then that Mr. Boyd, foreseeing the value of connecting the road with Marlborough, seconded the president's efforts by guaranteeing himself to raise $15,000 in Marlborough, which he did, subscribing himself largely to the fund. The re-sult was the construction of the road to the centre of Marlborough, and had Mr. Boyd's subsequent efforts for a trunk line for Marlborough been fully crowned with success,, the tracks which had thus been constructed to the centre of the town, would have been continued onward from that point to Northborough and Clinton, and the town would have been spared the inconveniences of the present branch to the Y.

Mr. Boyd has never sought or cared for public honors. In 1864 he was prevailed upon to allow his name to be used as a candidate for the General Court and was elected and served. Once, without nomination for the office or consultation with him, he was elected selectman, but he has always felt that he could serve his town better in his business as a manufacturer, than in political position. In more instances than one has he shown a noble public spirit.

Fifteen years ago, he offered the town a tract of Ibrty acres for a public park. Ten years afterward he procured, in the face of much opposition, what is now conceded to be the handsomest and, in fact, the only pleasure thoroughfare leading out of town, the re-location and strengthening by the County Commissioners, of Maple Street. Forty years ago the estate of Caleb VVitherbee, south of Main Street, had only a laborer's lodge upon it. To-day,'throiigh Mr. Boyd's foresight and energy, it is the fairest and most convenient residential portion of the city, crowned upon what was then its treeless and wind-swept heights with the stately mansion of the successful manufacturer.

While eschewing political preferment, Mr. Boyd has of course been compelled to hold office in various institutions and enterprises, which he has either originated or i)romoted, and which have converted the pastoral quiet of the village of 1836 into the manufacturing stir of the Highland City of 1890. He was director in the Marlborough Branch Railroad, now part of the Fitchburg Railroad System ; Director in the Agricultural Branch Railroad : Director and at one time president of the First National Bank of Marlborough ; Director of the People's National Bank of Marlborough ; President of the Marlborough Savings Bank ; Director in the Hopkinton Bank of Hopkinton, Massachusetts ; and is now president of the Boyd & Corey Boot and Shoe Manufacturing Company, the Chestnut Hill Real Estate Association and the Marlborough Electric Street Railway Company, of the property of which three last named companies, he is substantially the owner.

His latest gift is that of a sightly lot of land for the French Evangelical Mission in Marlborough, upon which a church is- now in progress of erection.

At the time of this sketch, his vigor and enterprise in every direction, which makes for the welfare of his native town of Marlborough is unabated and stimulating.

Simon Heebert Howe

The characters of good men belong to mankind and there is no duty more pleasant or useful than that which seeks the recognition of their virtues and stimulates others to follow them. xVn example of philanthropic zeal steadily pursuing its benevolent designs amidst the prevailing selfishness of busine.ss competition, will ever be of great benefit to the community, and benedictions follow the steps of him who proves himself to be a lover of his kind. With respectable rank among such characters is found the subject of this sketch. The son of Samuel and Charlotte (Howe) Howe, of Marlborough, he was born December 21, 1835. His- father was a cooper and carried on that business in Marlborough until 1842, when he retired. Herbert spent his childhood and youth at his home enjoying the sports and performing the duties usual to boys in manufacturing villages in New England and in due time entered upon school day experiences. He first attended the common school and at the proper time entered the High School, from which he graduated, and at the age of twenty, with but little more than his willing hands and active brain as the foundations of a business, he, in connection with his elder brother, Lewis, commenced in a small way the manufacture of shoes in the old cooper shop. During the odd hours of his school days Herbert had learned many of the important parts of shoe manufacture. He. made shoes for John W. Stevens, and from the proceeds he paid his own board during his school days.

By close attention to their business these young men soon became known as factors of some consequence in this industry, which has contributed so much to the wealth and importance of their native town. As their business increased there came the need of more room, which was supplied by the addition of a story to the old cooper shop. Shortly after Herbert bought out the interest of his brother Lewis, thus assuming sole proprietorship of a business which continued to increase in its volume, and for lack of room Mr. Howe bought a shop on the corner of Pleasant and Elm Streets and moved the old cooper's shop up beside it and here went on winning the reputation of an honest manufacturer and doing a fair amount of business.

He remained here until 1861, when he formed a co-partnership with Allen D. Howe, which continued with but indifferent success up to 1865 when they dissolved partnership, and from this date 1865, practically commenced the business career of Mr. Herbert Howe, which has been decidedly remarkable and replete with many interesting incidents. Always prompt and exact in meeting Bis financial obligations a single incident will serve to give a cue to his whole life. In 1857, the time of "the great snow-storm," when all public conveyance was blocked for several days, he had a note falling due in a Boston bank, and two of the three days of grace had passed, when he started to walk through the drifts to Cordaville, a station on the Boston and Worcester Railroad, six miles distant, which feat he accomjjlished, and found that the road had just been opened through to Boston, where he arrived just a trifle late, but through the courtesy of the cashier, who admired the spirit which could overcome such obstacles, he obtained the paper which for the first and only time in all his financial career came so near to being dishonored.

He soon found need of more room and built on additions from time to time until the present " Home " shop standing on the spot where he commenced business, is an ornament to the town, and with his other two shops, the " Diamond F " and the " Diamond O," they form a monument to his successful management. These three shops have been put into a stock company, with Mr. Howe as the principal stockholder and president of the corporation, and his son Louis P. Howe, as vice-president. The style of the corporation is the " S. H. Howe Shoe Uo."

In these factories are made annually 2,151,474 pairs of shoes. In the financial affairs of the town Mr. Howe has taken great interest, and has been connected with several moneyed institutions.

In 1875 he was elected a trustee of the Marlborough Savings Bank, and in 1882 its president, which oflice he now holds. He was one of the original incorporators of the People's National Bank in 1870, and has been on its board of directors uninterruptedly since that date. Mr. Howe has acted with the Republican party ever since its organization, has represented Marlborough in the General Court, and in town affairs has been for many years chairman of the school-committee, a member of the board of selectmen, and some of the time its chairman.

Mr. Howe has been a constant attendant of the Unitarian Church, also for some time the superintendent of its Sunday-school and a liberal contributor to the support of public worship, not only to his own denomination but to every other in the town.

and kind-hearted man, whose many charities have been bestowed without ostentation or public announcement. Jan. 1, 1857, Mr. Howe married Harriet A., daughter of William P., and Lavinia (Baker) Brigham, and from this union there have been four children, Louis Porter, born May 29,1858; Alice Baker, born Dec. 19, 1859; Charlotte Adelaide born May 9, 1861 ; Annie Brigham, born June 15, 1871. Of these children Alice B., died Oct. 1860, and Annie B., died Sept. 1887. Louis P. married India Howe Arnold, Jan. 1, 1887 ; Charlotte A., was married to Oscar Herbert Stevens, May 6, 1885.

Edward Forbes Barnes, M.D., was born in Marlborough, March 21, 1809, and was the oldest son of Edward and Lucy (Brigham) Barnes. Until he was of age he worked on the farm, but after obtaining his majority he commenced his preparation for college and entered Harvard in 183-1 and graduated in 1838 in the class with Rufus Ellis, Judge C'has. Devens, James Russell Lowell, and J. F. W. Ware, attaining a high rank as a scholar. After graduation he devoted some time to teaching school. Having decided 'to devote himself to the medical profession he pursued his medical studies in the Harvard Medical School and completed them in Paris, receiving his degree of M D. in 1844. In 1846 he commenced practice in Marlborough. During the thirty years that followed he was constantly busy in his profession,securing the confidence of his patients. He was an able and faithful physician, and proved himself a skilful and successful practitioner. For several years he served as a member of the School Committee, preparing .some of the annual reports of that body. Dr. Barnes was a lover of good order and of all good institutions. Although he nearly reached his three-score and ten years, he retained to the last his faculties in an unusual degree. Dr. Barnes was an acute observer of passing events, and exercised a conscientious fidelity in the discharge of his duty.

He was connected with the Massachusetts Medical Society all through his professional life and was a contributor to medical journals. Biography and history were favorite studies and his memory concerning what he had read was remarkable. In local historical matters he was well posted, and it is a source of regret that what he had treasured up from his reading is not more available in printed shape. He was by common consent made president of the local Historical and Genealogical Society when it was organized. There was about him a peculiar attractiveness, a subtle fascination. He never obtruded his own opinions upon any one, but was a model of self-forgetfulness, self-depreciation and self-oblivion. There was about him an air of repose, meekness and charity. Though really a very gifted man, he was content, like his Master, to be of no reputation.

He was, in the best sense of the phrase, a good man. In his nature righteousness and charity were blended. Dr Barnes was married to Maria E., daughter of Asbbel and Lydia (Russell) Brigham, August 20, 1821, and by this union they had one child, Lizzie F., who was born October 7, 1848, and died July 12, 1869. Also an adopted daughter, Josephine A., born January 18, 1870. Dr. Barnes died November 2, 1878, and his widow is still living at the old home. She is a superior woman, respected and beloved by all with whom she associates.

John Addison Frye

John A. Frye was born in Marlboro', Mass., Nov. 27, 18.89. His father was Lewis T., and his mother was LevinaS. Lewis T. was a stove manufacturer, and a man of considerable prominence in the town, having represented it in the Legislature. The childhood of John A. was passed through without unusual incident, and in due time he commenced his school days in the grammar-school, and finished his education in due course in the high-school, under the efficient training of Hon. O. W. Albee, who, as principal of the Marlboro' high-school, gained a very wide and justly enviable notoriety as a competent educator. From his careful and thorough training have gone out many of the boys of Marlboro' and vicinity to careers of influence and business success.

After leaving school he entered the shoe-factory of Messrs. Hapgood & Russell, where he remained about one year, when he made a change to the factory of S. Herbert Howe, spending about one year ; he then worked in the factory of S. G. Fay, remaining four years, by which time he was a thorough master of this business in all its departments. He left the Fay shop to form a co-partnership with John W. Stevens, on Pleasant Street, taking the management of the factory, and bringing it up to a high state of production, while Mr. Stevens managed the financial part of the business.

In 1868 he bought out Mr. Stevens and singlehanded carried on the enterprise most successfully. He remained in the old shop about one year when the busine.ss had so grown that the young manufacturer found it necessary to procure larger quarters, which he found in a shop situated on Elm Street, Marlborougli, to which he removed and where he remained until 1865, when he again found he had outgrown his accommodations and as the opportunity offered he traded shops with L. A. Howe, at the corner of Pleasant and Chestnut Streets, where Mr. Frye has since remained and where, by a steady growth in the volume and quantity of his manufacture, he has been obliged to make additions at four diff"erent times, each addition being made with reference to the gradual improvement in the quality of the work turned out as well as the quantity of it. In this factory, as it now stands, may be found all the latest and best of the many labor-saving machines which from time to time the ingenuity of the skilled mechanic has pro\'ided. This factory ranks third only in ihe list of large manufactories in town in the total of annual output. Up to 188.3 Mr. Frye had confined himself to the manufacture of shoes of all kinds, but at this date, for the first time, commenced on boots chiefly for children and youth. Like most of the country manufacturers Mr. Frye had disposed of his goods through the medium of a commission house in Boston, but in 1876 he changed tliis timehonored plan and undertook to market his product himself, placing it directly in the jobber's hands. This plan worked so well anil so materially to his benefit that he has continued it to the present time. When by active competition the manufacturers have been forced into very narrow margins for profits, the saving of commissions to middle men has been a very important item. The goods from the manufactory of Sir. Frye are first-class and are known to the trade far and wide. He has managed his business with such sagacity and untiring industry for all these years that a large material return has come to him, and with unquestioned financial resources he is able to gratify a taste for farming in a genteel way for the pleasure there is in it for him, and in doing this he has reclaimed over 100 acres in the vicinity of his native town, making that which was worthless to yield a revenue and changing rocky wastes to green pastures. Mr. Frye has been interested in the breeding of fancy stock and has had a very sujierior herd of Jerseys, among which were some justly celebrated animals.

In 1886, becoming convinced of the superiority of the Holstein breed, he sold his Jerseys and imported at great exjiense some of this breed, and now his herd of Holsteins numbers 136 head of high grade cattle. Mr. Frye has with representatives of this herd won several prizes in 1890, having taken the premiums at the New England Fair, at Worcester, the Rhode Island State Fair, at Providence, also at Brattleborough, Vt., and Danbury, Conn. September 26, 1861, Mr. Frye married Elvira F., daughter of Otis and Leviua (Rice) Russell, and they have had five children, two of whom died in infancy. The living are Walter P., Carrie L., and Delia M. Mr. Frye is a liberal supporter of the Unitarian Church - while Mr. Frye has avoided political activity, declining town offices, he is a decided Republican, having cast his first vote for the martyred Lincoln. Mr. Frye was the first one in town to introduce electricity into his factory for lighting purposes, owning his own plant He is now enjoying the fruits of his successful activity in his handsome house, with fine grounds situated on Pleasant Street, and has the respect and esteem of all good citizens.

David White Hitchcock.'

names, she must not forget her sister States have a first claim upon a large number. If the young men of other States have flocked to Massachusetts, it was because larger opportunities were possible, and especially so to those who were inclined to mercantile pursuits.

Among this class none perhaps would claim the attention of the historian more quickly than David White Hitchcock, son of Lemuel and Sally White Hitchcock, who was born June 19th, 1831, at Woodstock, Vt. His father was a merchant, both at Weatherefield, Vt., and Claremont, N. H., noted for his integrity and uprightness in business, and much beloved by all who knew him for his kindly and genial disposition. He died at the house of his eldest son, John, in Newton, Mass., Nov. 9, 1866, aged eightyseven years. His mother was of the White family, of Watertown, Mass. She died in Woodstock, Vt. in 1835.

David White Hitchcock was the seventh of nine children, and the only living representative of the family at this date, and received his education at the common schools of Claremont, N. H. Owing to a reverse of fortune and the dea'h of the mother, the family was broken up and scattered, the subject of this sketch bginning life on a farm in Claremont, at the age of nine years.

- At the age of fifteen he entered the store of Henry Patten, a Claremont merchant. After spending nearly three years in Claremont, he went to Montpelier, Vermont, as clerk in the employ of Harvey King, then a prominent merchant of that place. At the age of nineteen he went to Boston whither his two elder brothers had preceded him (one being of the firm of M. S. Lincoln & Co., and the other of the firm of Nash, Callender & Co.), and entered the employ of Otis Norcross & Co., wholesale dealers in crockery and glass ware. Beginning as the humblest employee of this firm, he soon made it apparent to the head of the firm, a sharp, clear-headed man, that he had in this young man one who would prove a valuable acquisition to his business, and at the end of five years from entering their employ, he was admitted a partner of the firm. Here was given him an opportunity to rise by his unfailing attention to business, his honesty, his energy as a salesman, his shrewdness and prudence as a business man to success and prosperity. He remained as a partner of this firm eleven years. At the expiration of this co-partnership in 1866 he withdrew and formed a co-partnership with his brother John under the firm name of John & David W. Hitchcock, for the purpose of doing a wholesale boot and shoe business at 66 Pearl Street, Boston.

The foundation of his future secure, he rapidly increased in wealth and prosperity, carrying always with him his earlier reputation for shrewdness, honesty and ability, commanding the respect of all who knew him.

The great fire in Boston in November, 1822, found the firm on the eve of retirement from business altogether. After the fire it was dissolved and was succeeded in the business by Leonard, Redpath & Lamb, the two former being salesmen and the latter book-keeper of the old firm, J. and D. W. Hitchcock remaining as special partners. He was instrumental, as was also his brother John, in building up the firm of Wallace, Killiam & Bray, manufacturers of boots and shoes, at Beverly, Mass., the two brothers being the special partners of the firm for eighteen years.

Mr. Hitchcock has always taken a warm interest in starting other young men whose lives began in as small a way as his own, and assisting them with advice and money, most of them becoming an successful as he has been. In 1873, after retiring from all active business, although still interested in special co-partnerships, and the care of several large estates, he purchased a farm in the easterly part of the beautiful village of Marlborough, Mass., and settled down with his family to enjoy the balance of his days in abundance of leisure, and with a reasonable endowment of this world's wealth, to purchase luxury and comfort, that is, home life without cares ; but even here his sagacity in managing business affairs and his reputation for wise counsel, were soon discovered by the people with whom he was daily associated.

He was elected by his town's people to fill the office of Selectman and served five years, three of them being Chairman of the Board. He also was one of the Board of construction of the waterworks in Marlborough ; after its completion was for one year Water Commissioner.

It was by his exertions that the People's National Bank was established in Marlborough of which Mr. Elbridge Howe, an old and much esteemed resident, was the first president, Mr. Hitchcock succeeding him at his decease and still continuing in office. He is also one of the Trustees of the Marlborough Savings Bank.

He is a Director in the National Tube Works Company (a Massachusetts company having its works in McKeesport, Pa.), the largest wrought iron pipe, tube and rolling-mill in the world, giving employment to 5,500 men, having its ollices in Boston, Now York, Chicago, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh, Pa. He is Secretary and Treasurer of the National Transportation Company, and Vice-President of the Monorigaliela Furnace Company of McKeesport, Pa., both being oflshoots from the National Tube Works Company. He is also Presidentof the National Warehouse Company of Chicago, and Chairman of the American Water Works and Guarantee Company (Limited), of Pittsburgh, Pa., which lays and operates water works in cities and towns in the United States.

Coming to Marlborough for retirement and leisure, these several important offices have been urged upon him until he is again a thoroughly busy man. Liberal in all ways, he requires the strictest accounting in all monetary matters, and will not countenance fraud or deception. Decided and tenacious- in his ideas, he respects one who freely and honestly speaks his mind, even if it should not coincide with his. Although coming to Marlborough an entire stranger, no one has a livelier or deeper interest in the growth and prosperity of the town.

Mr. Hitchcock married Anna Maria, the eldest daughter of William Hervey and Ann Maria (Howard) Conant, of Boston, and by her had two children, Lemuel and Alice Howard Hitchcock.

Winslow Morse Warren

Winslow M. Warren, son of Samuel and Rebecca (Morse) Warren, was born in Marlborough August 20, 1828. He was born on " the old Warren Place," where his father, grandfather and great-grandftither had lived and toiled before hini. They were farmers and men of sterling worth in the community, and each in his generation acquitted himself well, passing down to the succeeding generation a good name for honesty and probity of character. His childhood and youth were much after the fashion of the average New England boy, - assisting in the lighter farm duties, attending school and growing to vigorous manhood.

He commenced his education in the Warren District School, on leaving which he entered the Academy, and here closed the educational portion of his life. After a short period of business connected with the farm, he, in 1850, formed a partnership in the meat and provision business with George E. Woods, which continued until 1864, when he entered the firm of Dart & Co., in the express business between Boston and Marlborough, in which business he has continued up to the date of this issue, and of which he has become the proprietor. He has also, for the past twenty-five years, done an insurance business, and has settled many estates. He has been a trustee in the Marlborough Savings Bank, and also a member of the Committee on Investments. He was one of the original subscribers to the stock of the People's National Bank and on the first Board of Direction.

Mr. Warren is a trustee of the Union Society, to which was granted the land now and for many years known as " the Common." Mr. Warren is a Republican, a contributor to the support of the Union Congregational Church, a member of the " United Brethren Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons," and was for several years treasurer of the town of Marlborough.

July 2, 1879, Mr. Warren married Sarah, daughter of William and Martha (Phelps) Wilson. Mr. Warren is a well-known citizen of Marlborough, long identified with the business interests of his native town, and is the representative of two well-known families of Marlborough, who were highly esteemed in the early days of the town - the Morses and the Warrens.

The example of Mr. Warren in his daily walk and conversation, is worthy of imitation by those who shall, in succeeding generations, peruse this history of Middlesex County.

William Gibbon

William Gibbon, son of Samuel Gibbon and Abigail Cogswell, was born in Marlborough .July 25, 1807. His father came to Marlborough from Dedham, Mass., in 1784, and bought the farm where William was born, and which has been in the family since 1784. William had but little opportunity for schooling, attending the school kept by Aaron Brigham twelve weeks a year for several years. He worked on the farm, and, by careful management and natural-born economy, made his way up in the world. In 1863 Mr. Gibbon, in connection with Mr. Mark Fay (one of the foremost men of Marlborough) organized the First National Bank, and wa.s on its Board of Directors of the bank for twenty years. During this time he was president, and also vice-president of this bank, and vice-president and trustee of the Marlborough Savings Bank.

Mr. Gibbon has acted with the Republican party ever since its organization. February 12, 1835, Mr. Gibbon married Eunice Wilson, of Peterborough, N. H., and they had five children : Abbie A., born August 1, 1837 ; Elizabeth J., born .July 7, 1839 ; Charlotte E., born September 1, 1844; Mary E., born October 20, 1848; John, born April 24, 1851. Of these children, Elizabeth J. and Charlotte E. are deceased.

Mr. Gibbon has lived a long and useful life in this community, and was respected and beloved by a large circle of friends. He died November 11th, 1890.

Timothy A. Coolidge.'

The district school bestowed upon him an elementary education, and beyond this he has depended entirely upon his perceptive faculties, studying from the world about him.

His father was a shoemaker in a small w.ay, and as he was one of seven children, he was obliged very early in life to provide for his own su[)port. Until he was twenty years old, he worked in the shop with his father, with the exception of three months, when, as a lad of thirteen years, he " pegged " for Henry Wilson - afterwards United States Senator and Vicepresident. Ever since his twentieth year, Mr. Coolidge has been a growing shoe manufacturer, at first doing most of the work himself, now giving employment to hundreds of people.

On the 17th day of October, 1848, he was married, in Concord, to Sarah B., daughter of Abel and Rebecca (Lewis) Davis, their only child being Melissa A. Coolidge. In September, 1854, he married his second wife, Maria H., daughter of Thomas Davis.

In financial affairs he has gained a substantial reputation as self-reliant, cautious, firm and just. Politically he has followed the lead of his early employer, Henry Wilson. Socially he has been found enthusiastic in every department, and holds high Masonic orders (32°). He has also been actively identified with several philanthropic societies ; is an active temperance man, aud a valuable member of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Club and the Board oi Trade. He is a trustee of the Marlborough Savings Bank and was a director in, and is also vice-president of the First Natioual Bank of Marlborough. He is a I'ustice of the peace, and has been a member of the Board of Selectmen, eight years ; chairman four years, and in 1880 and '81 was elected to represent the 32d Middlesex District in the Legislature.

William N. Davenport

William Nathaniel Davenport, son of William J. and Louisa (Howard) Davenport, was born in Boylston, Mass., Nov. 3, 1856. He attended the district school until he was eleven years of age ; but about this time he was thrown upon his own resources for his support, and went to work in the Boylston Cotton- Mills, and remained there until he was thirteen years of age, when he went from there to Hudson, Mass., securing work in the shoe-factory of W. F. Trowbridge, where he remained one year. He came to Marlborough January 1, 1872, and went to work in the shoe-factory of Clapp & Billings, remaining nine years. At this time he decided to commence the study of the law, and read law for one year in the office of James T. Joslin, of Hudson, and then entered the Law School at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was admitted to the bar of that State the same year. He then came back to Massacliusetts and entered the law office of E. F. Johnson, Marlborough, remaining one year, and was admitted to the bar of Middlesex County, June 30, 1883. The first public oflice he held was clerk of the Police Court of Marlborough^ which he resigned in June, 1884. This same year he was nominated on the Republican ticket for Representative to the General Court of Massachusetts, and was elected by a handsome plurality ; and he was nominated and elected for the second term by a larger majority, although the.district was very largely Democratic. Young Davenport had represented his constituency so well in the House that he was elected to the State Senate in 1888-89, where he discharged his duties in a satisfactory and intelligent manner. Mr.

Davenport is a member of the Congregational Church, and a member of several of the secret benevolent societies, being a member of the United Brethreu Lodge of A. F. and A. M., the Order of Red Men, and has served for two years as Grand Commander of the A. L. of H., and one year as Grand Leader of the Home Circle. Mr. Davenport married Lizzie M., daughter of Lyman P. and Eliza L. (Moore) Kendall, of Boylston, Mass.

John S. Fay, son of S. Chandler and Nancy (Warren) Fay, w.a8 born in Berlin, Worcester County, January 15, 1840. He obtained his education in the public schools of Marlborough and at the Commercial College in Worcester. When twenty-one years old, at the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted as a private in Company F, Thirteenth Massachusetts Infantry. He was with his regiment in all its marches and engagements till April 30, 1863, when in action near Fredericksburg, Va., he received a wound from a shell which necessitated the amputation of his right arm and right leg. While in the field hospital he was taken prisoner and confined in Libby Prison for one month. He did not succeed in reaching his home until October - the most mutilated and crippled of all who survived of the eight hundred and thirty-one who enlisted for the war from Marlborough.

In 1865 Mr. Fay was appointed postmaster of Marlborough by President Johnson, and by successive appointments has held the position ever since. He has been an active Grand Army man and has held many offices in Post 43, which he aided to organize. He is also a prominent Odd Fellow and a member of the Grand Lodge of Mass^achusetts. He is also prominently identified with the Unitarian Society of Marlborough. Mr. Fay has always been interested in the welfare of his adopted city, and has won the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. November 20, 1869, Mr. Fay married Lizzie, daughter of James M. and Elizabeth (Pratt) Ingalls, of Marlborough. Their only child is Frederic H. Fay.

Nahum Witherbee

Nahum Witherbee, son of Caleb Witherbee, was born at Marlborough, Massachusetts, April 11, ISU. At au early age he learned the tailor's trade at Jlarlborougli, and after working at different places he commenced business in Andover, Massachusetts, with a Mr. Abbott as partner. Finding a change desirable, he went to Lynn and remained there for some years. Having an offer from Emerson Leiand, of Boston, they formed a partnership in which he continued till 1860, when he removed to Marlborough and started the clothing business there.

He was soon elected a member of the House of Representatives, in which he served two terms, and also held the office of Town Treasurer and Tax Collector, and was one of the committee appointed to build a new town-hall. He was one of the trustees of the savings-bank and one of the investing committee.

In 1871 he was appointed a Trial Justice for Middlesex County at Marlborough, and by his careful study and his good judgment, he was regarded one of the most accurate in the County. He held that office till his death. He also did a great deal of conveyancing and probate business and acted as administrator, executor, trustee and guardian. His services were much sought and he had the full confidence of both the people of his town and of the courts.

He was often selected as referee and acted in similar positions and in a number of cases was appointed as Auditor by the Superior Court, a position usually filled by practicing lawyers.

He was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and one of the officers of that body. He was a Master-Mason and Chaplain of the Lodge for twenty years. No man in Marlborough has been missed more, as he was affable, and at the same time guided by his view of the right. While he was conservative, he was a man of broad views and unselfish and a steadfast friend. Many people are indebted to his assistance freely given, and his name is always spoken of with respect, and particularly by the many who were the recipients of his kindness.

Moses Howe

The first American ancestor of this name was John, who first settled in Watertown, and went from there to Sudbury. He was one of the petitioners, in 1657, for the grant which constituted Marlborough, and was the son of John, who came from Warwickshire, England, who was a descendant of John Howe, himself the son of Hodinhull, and connected with the family of Sir Charles Howe, of Lancaster.

The first-mentioned John was admitted a freeman in lii40. He came to Marlborough about 1657, and built a cabin a little to the east of the " Indian Planting Field," where his descendants lived for many generations. This proximity to the " Indian Plantation" brought him in contact with the natives, but by his kindness he gained the confidence and goodwill of his savage neighbors, who not only respected his rights, but in many cases made him the umpire in cases of difficulties among themselves. John opened the first public house in Marlborough prior to 1670. He died here in 1687.

father, Ephraim Howe, married Hannah Maynard, of Framingham, November, 1782. Moses was born October 6, 1783, and married Lucy Temple March 16, 1807. Their children were : Eveline, Ephraim, Lucy, Betsy and Eli H. Moses was a farmer, and owned a large farm on the north side of Lake Williams, now occupied by John W. Brigham. He was a man of retiring nature, never desiring any public office, but was a man of sterling integrity. He was born, lived and died in the same house. He died October 4, 1863.

Epheaim Howe

The line of ancestry has been given in the preceding sketch of his father, Moses. Ephraim was born in Marlborough, June 10, 1810, and received his education at the district school. When a young lad he went to work for Ira Temple, on a farm in the eastern part of the town, and remained there until twenty-two years of age, when he went to Boston and entered the employ of Rufus Felton, a native of Marlborough. H ere 4ie remained until the spring of 1841, when he went to New York City, and entered into mercantile pursuits, in which he has been successful. He retains his interest in his old home, making frequent visits to it and noting the growth and prosperity of the thriving town, now grown to a city.

An evidence of the fact that a love of early home associations has not been lost amidst his active business life and long residence in the metropolis, is this record of the family and the engravings accompany it placed in this history through "his instrumentality. He also has made a large contribution for the purpose of keeping in good order the resting-places of his immediate ancestors, a tender tribute to their memory and his affection.

Stephen Morse.'

Stephen Morse was born at Marlborough, Mass., January 16, 1797. At the age of fourteen he went to Sudbury to learn a trade. At the age of twenty-one he went to Boston in the employ of Mr. Gaflield, then the leading boot and shoe dealer of Boston. There he became acquainted with the substantial men of those days and through their influence gained a position in the Sufl^olk Bank, where he remained till 1835. A part of the time while in its employ, he traveled over the New England States collecting specie for the bills of the State banks taken by the Suffolk bank and, during this time, was under a heavy responsibility, as the amount of money in his care was very large and the means of transportation were then by teams and coaches not by steam as now.

When he resigned he was presented with a handsome sum of money by the directors and received from them a vote of thanks for both his fidelity and ability while in their employ.

He removed to Marlborough in 1835, and was soon employed by the town as its agent in a lawsuit which was very important and which involved the taking of a large number of depositions and which, after a long contest, resulted in favor of the town. He was also employed in many other town cases and held many offices in the town where his good judgment and industry were of great advantage.

He, after be returned to Marlborough, settled a great many estates and, although not a lawyer, gave much advice that would have been to the credit of a member of the bar. He was a prominent member of the Union Society and was always public-spirited and willing.

He owned, at the time of his death, a beautiful farm in East Marlborough which has been in the Morse family for 200 years, and where he had lived many years and which his family now occupy.

He married Elizabeth Thompson, of Sudbury, July 5, 1824. She died October 30tb, 1862 ; he married Martha A. Moore, also of Sudbury, who survives him. He left three children, Stephen Morse, Jr., Emily T. Morse and Mary H. Morse.

Levi Bigelow

Levi Bigelow, son of Gershom and Mary (Howe) Bigelow, was born in Marlborough October 28, 1790. He married July 23, 1809, Nancy Ames, daughter of Deacon Moses and Lydia (Brigham) Ames, born in Marlborough March 1, 1792. At the age of nineteen he commenced teaching school in the town of Holden, Mass., and he followed that occupation winters for about thirty years, the greater portion of the time in his own district. The remaining mouths of the year he devoted to farming. He was for some years, in company with bis brother Lambert, interested in a country store in the west part of Marlborough, but withdrew from the firm after a few years. In addition to his farming he did much in surveying, making out deeds, settling estates, was a justice of the peace for thirty years, and be was always active in the cause of education and for several years was one of the School Committee. He represented the town in the General Court in 1831, '32, '34, '39, and was one of the assessors for seventeen years. In all of these positions he was known for his sterling integrity, firmness of mind and steadfast opposition to any thing that savored of compromise or a vacillating disposition. As a teacher he was very successful, a thorough disciplinarian and always had the welfare of his pupils at heart, many of whom, who became prominent business men, have said that they owed much of their success in life to the wise counsel that they received at his hands during their school-days. Firmness, perseverance and honesty were ever prominent traits in his