Millbury Town (part 1 of 2)

Millbury Town

Eaely History. - As early as the year 1740 ' a petition was laid before the town of Sutton, for a division of her territory into a new precinct or parish. The following was the petition:

To see if the town will hear the petition of sundry of our nortlierly inhabitantB, with respect to setting off two miles in breadth on the northerly side of the town, joining upon the country gore, and five miles iii length from Oxford line, eastardly, to join with their neighboring inhabitants, that they may be better accomodated with the word.

This was the first step that finally proved to be the entering wedge, resulting in the formation of the North or Second Parish, and eventually in the birth of the town of Millbury. This petition was unsuccessful, for we find the matter was again brought up in 1742 and the town voted against it.

The same year the petitioners applied to the General Court, the town opposed and chose a committee to remonstrate. The court, notwithstanding, set them off on the 28th of October, 1743. A church was formed, the history of which is given elsewhere. Considerable feeling resulted from the breaking uj) of the town into two parishes. The subject of the ministry money and other matters arising from the division, having alienated somewhat the people of the North Parish from the mother town, the question was put in town-meeting, November 5, 1798,- " To see if the Town would grant the petition of the North Parish to be set off and incorporated into a separate Town."

The vote being taken, it was voted down, but a committee was chosen to talk the matter over with the people of the North I'arish. May 6, 1799, the committee reported in favor of the separation, but the town refused to accept the report. In the year 1809 a petition was before the General Court from the inhabitants of the Second or North Parish of Sutton, asking to be set off into a separate town. Sutton voted to remonstrate against it, and appointed a committee of three to oppose the matter.

In 1770 attempts were made to have some of the town-meetings held in the Second Parish, but the town refused to so do. But in 1780 the town did so vote. But if any meetings were held, the custom seems to have been abandoned, for we find that, in 1810, when the matter of a new town was strongly advocated, Sutton endeavored to mollify the people of the North Parish by consenting that one-third part of the town-meetings should be held in what is now Millbury. The condition was that the petition for a new town should be withdrawn.

In 1813 we find another petition before the General Court for the new town. Sutton again chose a committee to oppose it. It was voted that the committee, consisting of five persons, should prepare a remonstrance, which was done and submitted to the town, when it was voted that their representative should present it to the General Court. All efforts on the part of Sutton to prevent the formation of the town proved futile, and an act was passed incorporating the town of Millbury and received the signature of Governor Strong, June 11, 1813.

At a public meeting of those interested in the proposed new town, held previously to the passage of the act, the question of a name was brought before the meeting. General Caleb Burbank proposed that, owing to the large number of mills in the limits ol the proposed town, it be called Millbury. His proposition was received with favor and the name accepted.

Topography. - Millbury is bounded on the north by Worcester, south by Sutton, east by Grafton and west by Auburn and Oxford. The town has an area of ten thousand one hundred and six acres, or fifteen and seventy-nine one-hundredths square miles. In the east part of the town is Dorothy Pond, called in the proprietors' books of Sutton "' South Pond." Whitney, the historiau in 1793, calls it "Dorret's" Pond. This is a fine sheet of water, and was once used in connection with the Blackstone Canal ; from this pond flows a fine stream that is used for manufacturing purposes, which soon after joins the Blackstone River. The town is diversified by hills, valleys and intervale. From the Worcester line, down through Armory Village, is the valley of the Blackstone.

The river winds its serpentine course along, its once pure water defiled and unfit for use. A short distance from the Gowan bridge. Mill Brook or Singletary Stream empties its waters into the Blackstone, pure compared with those with which they unite. A short distance to the northwest Woodchuck Hill rears its rocky sides, its summit crowned with a thick growth of wood. Park Hill, in the north, lifts its crest heavenward, while to the west Wigwam and Burbank Hills stand silent in majesty, overlooking the valley below. In the extreme west Grass Hill towers high above the valley of the Ramshorn. From here old Wachusett seems a silent sentinel, ever on the alert.

In the southwest is Ramshorn Pond, partly in Millbury and partly in Sutton. This pond originally contained about seventy' acres, but now contains nearly twice that number. Peter Whitney locates this pond as the chief source of the Blackstone River in his article on Sutton. In his article on rivers in the same work, he also reiterates it. In the hall of the American Antiquarian Society at Worcester is a copy of his history corrected by his own hand up to 1810. In it he makes no correction of the statement originally made in regard to Ramshorn being the main source of the river.

A majority of the historians since his day have confirmed his statement. The writer sees no reason for disagreeing with Whitney's original statement.

The pond takes its name from both the shape of the pond and the stream which issues from it. Its waters are pure and sweet, and an abundance of pickerel, perch, bass and pouts are found beneath. Its sides are crowned with lofty hills, from which a fine view is obtained. The dam to this pond gave way in 1873 and caused a loss of some ten thousand dollars.

A higher dam was afterwards built and the pond increased in size. South from the dam, three-fourths of a mile over the Sutton line, is Potter Hill, between which and the shore of the pond was fought the last battle between the white and red men in this region. A half-mile nearer the dam, a little more to the east, once stood on the hill the old settlers' fort or blockhouse. The spot has been marked, but none of the foundation remains. The fort stood on the Kenney farm, now owned by Edward Dolan.

The stream from this pond flows north through a part of Auburn, thence to New Worcester and from thence back to Millbury by way of Armory Village, and on to Providence, or to within three miles of its startingpoint.

A portion of Singletary Pond is also in the southwestern part of the town, about one mile in a straight line from Ramshorn. This pond originally contained six hundred acres.^ It is fed chiefly by springs, and is a beautiful sheet of water. It was originally set oflT by the proprietors of Sutton to Ebenezer Daggett, who was given this immense privilege and a farm in connection therewith on conditions mentioned elsewhere.

The original name of this pond was Crooked Pond.^ When the name was changed has not yet been found out, nearer than a period of nine years. It was Crooked Pond in 1793. Elijah Waters, who was born and who died in sight of its blue waters, on the hill above to the west, calls it in his diary, which he left, " Singletary," in 1802. A large portion of this pond lies in Sutton.

Garfield Pond is a small body of water near the old Common. Its water is excellent in its quality, and has been talked of in connection with a water supply for the town.

Old Commox. - What was once the centre of this town is now a quiet dwelling spot. The old church moved away in 1835, and with it went the townmeetings. The old training-ground remains, but the tramp of armed men ceased long ago. Its pristine glory has faded. The old public-house ceased to exist, and the little old store (still standing) where "Old Medfoi'd and West India" was sold, became a dwelling-house. A little below, at the foot of the hill, towards Armory Village, was the old " Braman distillery." "The worm of the still" was long ago crushed, but the scars of its bite long remained. To sum it all up, the old Common was left alone in its glory, as the dawn of a new life opened, with the advent of the canal and railroad, together with increasing business at the Armory.

Annals of the Town, 1813. - It was provided that upon application to any justice of the peace, he could call a meeting of the inhabitants. Accordingly, on the 12th day of June, 1813, notice was given to Aaron Peirce, Esq., to call such a meeting; this notice

Squire Peirce directed Samuel Waters to call a meeting of the inhabitants on the 1st day of July following, at the Congregational meeting-house, at one o'clock, signed "Aaron Peirce, Justice of the Peace "

At this meeting Capt Azor Phelps was chosen moderator; Aaron Peirce, town clerk; Lieut. Asa Goodell, Capt. Azor Phelps, Dea. Solomon Marble, Capt. Reuben Barton, Jr., and Lieut. James Greenwood, selectmen; Samuel Waters, treasurer; Aaron Peirce, Simeon Waters, Jonathan Grout, assessors.

" Voted that the taxes be set up to the lowest bidder, with the understanding that whoever bid them oft' should be chosen constable if he could procure surities." Alfred Hood bid them off at three cents on the dollar and was chosen constable.

The first highway surveyors chosen were Capt. Amasa Wood, Curtis Searles, Jonathan Muzzy, Moses Brigham, Jonathan Gale, Jr., Samuel Waters, Joaiah S. Prentice, Josiah Brown and Joel Wesson ; .Jonathan Richardson was chosen tythingman.

August 23. At a town-meeting, " Voted to raise Millbury's proportion of the one thousand dollars, which had been voted by Sutton for schools previous to the separation." The amount for Millbury was three hundred and sixty-five dollars. The meeting was adjourned to September 13th, when they " Voted to raise for the support of the poor and other town charges, seven hundred dollars." " Four hundred dollars for Rev. IMr. Goffe, the present year, in lieu of the same sum voted by Sutton, at their annual townmeeting."

1814. - March 7. At the town-meeting William Hull was chosen moderator ; Aaron Peirce, town clerk. " Voted that horses and cattle should not go at large without a permit from the selectmen."

April 4. At a town-meeting held to choose State officers, Caleb Strong for Governor had one hundred and nineteen votes, and Samuel Dexter, forty-six.

May 2. General Joseph Farnsworth chosen moderator. " Voted to raise for schooling this year $370 ; $800 for support of poor and other town charges ; $400 for Rev. Joseph Gofte, "

November 7. " Inhabitants met at the meetinghouse and Voted for congressman. All who had a freehold estate of the annual income of ten dollars, or any estate of the value of $200, and have resided iB town the year last past, can vote." Hon. Elijah Brigham had ninety-four votes, and John Spurr sixteen.

1815. - March 6. At the town-meeting, General Bur- I bank was chosen moderator. Among the tythingmen I chosen was Martin Craw, but it does not appear that he was sworn. Thomas Blanchard was chosen one of the field-drivers, as was also Captain Joseph Bancroft and Aaron Trask. Stephen Blanchard, Dr. Amasa Braman, Dr. William M. Benedict, Samuel Waters, Captain Asa Goodell, Josiah 8. Prentice and Josiah Stiles, Esq., were chosen a committee on schools.

1816. - May 6. The town " Voted that Thomas Kendall, Jr., have leave to draw his school-money and carry it to Oxford," where his children probably went to school. Dr. Amasa Braman was chosen representative to the General Court.

August 26. Town '^ Voted io pay the bill of expense exhibited by John Goodell and Simon Farnsworth for refreshment found to those persons who searched for Mr. Packard's children, amounting to $23.26." The children had evidently been lost and were probably the children of Mr. Job Packard, who lived not far from Park Hill.

1817. - March 3. At the annual town-meeting, Asa Waters, Esq., was chosen moderator, and Deacon John Peirce, Rufus Barton, Major Josiah Woodward, Captain Daniel Rice and General Caleb Burhank, selectmen ; Josiah Stiles, Josiah S. Prentice and Elijah Waters, assessors. John B. Blanchard was chosen tythingman in place of General Burbank.

1818. - Ithran Harris having received a land warrant for military services in the War of 1812, assigns the same (160 acres in Illinois) to Solomon Dwinell and Seneca Simeon Dwinell for $115.00. Assigned March 19, 1818.

" Voted that the town will appropriate out of the money due the town from individuals, a sum of money, which, being added to the present schoolmoney, shall amount to $500,00 for a permanent school-fund."

August 20. Lyman Peck, of Rehoboth, for the sum of sixty dollars, assigns to Seneca Simeon Dwinell his land warrant received for service as a sergeant in Perry's company, Fortieth Regiment of Infantry.

Two hundred and twenty-five dollars was appropriated for the purpose, " to be assessed upon the Congregational Society, as parochial charges." General Burbank, Deacon John Peirce and Polder Samuel Waters were chosen to superintend the work. The town also chose a committee to ask the people to assist in the work.

May ^. At this meeting the town " Voteu that the money which the town appropriated at their meeting held May 4, 1818, to form a school fund, shall be taken to defray the expenses of the town."

1820. - January 3. Town " Voted that the Town consent that there may be a stove or stoves placed in the meeting-house, provided the same are procured by subscription, as mentioned in the warrant." Samuel Waters, .h-., General Caleb Burbank, Stephen Blanchard, Elias Forbes and Reuben Barton, Jr., were chosen a committee to have charge of placing them.

October IC. Town " Voted that the town give leave that a well may be sunk on the Common, near the Kim Tree, upon the conditions mentioned in the warrant." The conditions there mentioned were, that it should be done free of expense to the town.

1821. - May 7. Town " Voted to instruct the town agent to call upon those who have broken the windows in the meeting-house and compel them to pay for the same."

182.3. - May 5. Asa Waters, Esq., chosen Representative. " Voted that $25.00 of the $400.00 raised for Mr. Goffe's salary and other parochial charges, be ajv propriated for the support of the Sabbath-school."

1825. - May 2. " Voted to raise $25.00 in addition to the school money, to be put into the hands of the School Coujraittee, to be expended for the use of schools, in rewards and premiums as they shall see fit."

Up to 1825 it had been a custom to require the highway surveyors to expend the road money in the months of June and August; the consequence was after this money was expended the surveyors felt their responsibility gone, and the roads were often in an unsatisfactory condition ; this year a committee was chosen to see what improvement could be made. There had been but few surveyors, and the districts were so large that complaints were frequent.

182G. - April 2i). The Highway Committee, appointed in 1825, reported that the town be set off into fourteen highway districts, with a surveyor for each district. The town voted to make a three years' trial of the plan, and chose the surveyors.

" Voted to choose six persons as Town School Committee, according to the new law." Cho.se Dr. William M. Benedict, Joseph Griggs, Oliver Rice, Vernon Stiles, Paul C. Chase and Hervey Peirce.

August 27. " Voted, that the Town is dissatisfied with the report of the commissioners for estimating damages arising by the location of the Blackstone Canal, so far as it respects the town's maintaining Bridges and Causeway over the canal, and that they direct their agent, with the advice and assistance of the Selectmen, to claim and demand a Jury, or agree upon a reference."

December 10. "The Town thought it expedient to choose a committee to devise the best method in their opinion to support the poor for the year 1828, and report at the next annual March meeting.'' The committee chosen were Dr. Aniasa Braman, Rufus Barton, General Caleb Burbank, Solomon Dwinell and Aaron Peirce, Esq.

1828. - March 3. The committee who were chosen on the support of the poor in December, 1827, reported : " They agree to recomend to the town to appoint a board of Overseers, to consist of three persons, to manage all the concerns relating to the poor of the town." The town voted to accejit the report, and chose Aaron Trask, Solomon Dwinell and Hervey Peirce overseers for the year ensuing.

" Voted to choose a committee of seven to examine the recortls and to determine whetlier the Congregational meeting-house in Millbury is the property of the town or of the individuals who built it, and whether, when it is necessary to repair it, it properly belongs to the town to do it." The committee were Aaron Peirce, Elias Forbes, Samuel Waters, George W. Livermore, Caleb Burbank, Asa Andrews and John Jacobs, "which committe are to report at the next meeting."

May 11. The Committee on Meeting-house reported as follows: "That upon a careful examination of the records of the town and Parish, as well as the proprietor.-? who built said house, they are brought to the conclusion that it is doubtful whether the town, as a corporation, has any legal right in said house. Your committee recommend that all repairs upon the meeting-house aforesaid be made by the Congregational Parish, and that the town allow them a reasonable compensation for the use of said house, as long as they shall occupy the same for the purpose of holding meetings therein." Signed by the committee.

1830. - May 3. " Voted to forbid Surveyors of Highways appropriating money for ardent spirits, raised for support of Highways and Bridges the present year."

1831. - March 7. The committee appointed in 1830 to examine schools in town reported. They say : " We were much gratified with the wisdom and economy of the arrangement in the schools on Grass Hill, at the Paper-Mill and Union Districts, in dividing them and placing all under a certain age by themselves, under the instruction of female teachers, thus leaving the master unembarrassed by young children, to pay an undivided attention to the older scholars."

They commend the infant school kept by Miss Hooper in the Paper-Mill District, and say : " This is beginning the work of government and education where it ought to begin - it is laying the axe at the veiy root of ignorance and insubordination." They say that " four hundred and eighty-five scliolars had attended the schools in town the past winter."

April 4. An adjourned town-meeting; an article was in the warrant relating to a petition received from Kev. George W. Campbell and others, who had petitioned to have the town see what could be done to prevent the sale of ardent spirits in town. In this article - which in substance contained the petition - it was voted to adopt the following i-esolves :

" Resolved, that we view with abhorrence the ravages which ardent spirits has made among us, so that we fully approve of the efforts made by temperance societies in suppressing it.

" Resolved, that considering the pernicious effects of ardent spirit by increasing pauperism and crime in the community, the public good of this town

" Voted, that the law respecting taking fish be carried into effect against all those peisons not residing in Millbury who shall take fish from the Ponds and Streams in town."

1832. - March 5. Voted to raise one thousand dollars to support public schools this year, and thirteen hundred dollars to support the town's poor and other town charges.

1833. - March 4. " FotoUhat Joseph Goffe, William Whittlesey and James Shepard be a committee to inquire into thecauses of pauperism in this town, and also the best method of preventing the same, and report at the next town-meeting,"

" Voted that the Selectmen be a committee to take into consideration the expediency of procuring a farm for the town for the purpose of supporting the town's poor."

" Voted that the Selectmen be required not to approbate any jier-son as an Innholder in this town who will not agree (as an express condition of such approbation) to close his bar on the Sabbath, in strict accordance with the Statute in such cases made and provided."

1834. - March 3. " Voted that it is expedient to purchase a farm for the support of the town paupers, and that John Jacobs, Simeon Waters, Aaron Trask and Elisha Jacobs be a committee authorized to pinchase a farm for the use of the town."

April 7. " Voted that the committee on the subject of pauperism be requested to ascertain the amount of money paid by this town since its incorporation for the support of paupers, either directly or indirectly, in consequence of intemperance."

November 11. Committee on buying town farm reported at this meeting, and it was recommitted with two added to the committee, namely, Samuel Waters and Rufus Barton. " Voted, that said committee be authorized to purchase a farm when they shall ihink best ; also that the purchase-money shall not exceed $fi,O0O.0O."

1835. - March 2. " Voted, to accept the report of the committee chosen to purchase a farm for the town as reported." " Voted, this town choose a committee of Three, who shall be called a Board of Overseers of the poor farm and Town poor, and who shall be duly authorized to manage the same in all respects as they in their wisdom shall think most for the interest of the town, intending by these instructions to make all necessary improvements on the farm, and also to take under their care the paupers of the town, and contract with any person or persons for the carrying on of the farm, and taking care of the paupers as they shall think proper, and in all to do and perform all that is necessary to do and carry into complete effect all the contracts already made in the name and for the town. Simeon Waters, Simon Farnsworth and Samuel D. Torrey were chosen Overseers of Poor and Farm."

1836. - March 8. " Voted, that $400.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of purchasing a Fire Engine and necessary apparatus, provided the .same sum be raised by private subscription within ninety days, said Engine to be located by the Selectmen."

March (5. " Voted, that the Treasurer of this town be authorized to issue licenses to all persons owning Dogs, who shall apply and pay the sum of .$2.00, and that no dogs owned in this town be suffered at large without such license having been obtained as aforesaid, said license to continue one year fi'om the 15 of March instant."

May 17. " Voted, that this town agrees to receive from the Treasurer and Receiver-General of the Commonwealth its proportion of the surplus revenue of the United States in deposit, and will comply with the terms and provisions of the several acts passed by the Legislature of said Commonwealth, concerning the deposits of the surplus revenue." William Whittlesey was appointed agent of the town in the matter.

The town " Voted, that $2,000.00 of the sum received from this Revenue be used towards paying the debt the town owes for the poor farm." The town had previously bought, in 1835, the farm of Aaron Peirce, Esq., now in use as a poor farm, containing at that time one hundred and nine acres and thirty-three rods, with the buildings thereon.

November 13. " Voted, that the Trustees of the Surplus Revenue from the United States be required to appropriate the l)allance of this revenue in their hands not appropriated to the payment of the Town Farm Debt."

1839. - March 4. "Voted to re-commit the report oft'ered by the committee to examine the title to the land occupied as a public common, with instructions

1840. - March 2. " Voted that the sum of $250 be appropriated towards purchasing an Engine with Suction Hose, provided, the same amount be raised by subscription." Chose Asa H. Waters, Dr. Wm. M. Benedict, Stephen Blanchard, School Committee. There seems to have been something remaining of the surplus revenue from the United States, for we find at this meeting the town " Voted that the balance of this revenue be appropriated towards building new roads."

1844. - March 4. " Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to purchase three and one-half acres of land near the new cemetery, if it can be purchased for the same sum per acre that was paid for the lot purchased last year (Central Cemetery)."

1845. - March 3. " Voted to appropriate the sum of $60.00 to repair the fence, and to purchase the right which Elijah Holman has, in the Grass Hill buryingground."

1846. - March 2. ''Voted that the Town raise and appropriate a sum of money, which shall be equal to one-half of the expense of purchasing a Fire-Engine for District No. 3, provided the inhabitants of said district raise and pay into the town treasury the other half of said expen.se, said Engine not to cost more than $1000."

Voted one thousand two hundred and fifty dollars for schools this year. The license law seems to have been in force, for the town, at this meeting, voted to prosecute all violators.

1848. - March 0. Town " Voted that the Overseers of the Poor be, and they are hereby, authorized to expend out of the money raised for the support of the poor, such sum or amount as they may deem proper, name left out above is that of an eminent citizen of the town, who had done much for her prosperity, but who, by successive misfortunes, had become poor. He was kindly cared for to the end of his days in the above manner.

1849. - March 5. " Voted to accept the road as laid out recently by the Selectmen, leading from the Cemetery in West Millbury to Oxford line, by the house of Aaron Small."

1850. - March 5. " Voted that the Selectmen be instructed to examine the rights of the Town in the old Common, also localities of the roads, and lay out necessary roads upon said Common."

April 1. " Voted to refer the article 6th, concerning a High School, to a committee, to be chosen one from each School district, and report at next March meeting." Committee were Simeon Waters, Leonard Dwinell, Samuel Waters, C. R. Miles, Josiah L. Woodward, Oliver Rice and Simeon Hayward.

1851. - March 4. " Voted that the Town do havs a High School. Voted that a Committee of seven, one from each school district be chosen, to bring in plans and estimates at the April Meeting, to establish a High School." Committee : J. E. Waters, Horace Waters, A. H. Waters, E. W. Gofie, Josiah L. Woodward, John E. Bacon and Hervey Park.

" X^oted to raise and appropriate $100 to purchase Town maps, said maps to be placed in the hands of the Town Clerk and by him to be sold at cost.

April 7. High School committee reported, and it was accepted. " Voted to choose a committee of three, and that they be instructed to purchase the Millbury Academy estate, provided, it can be purchased on the conditions as by the report of the High School Committee."

" Voted that the committee be appointed by the chair." C. R. Miles, Andrus March and Mowry Farnum, committee. Fifteen hundred dollars was appropriated as part psiyment of the Academy estate. Selectmen authorized to borrow five hundred dollars to make the first payment. " Voted to raise $500 for the support of the High School the current year."

1853. - March 7. Asa H. Waters, moderator; Ira N. Goddard chosen town clerk (Mr. Goddard has filled the oflice ever since). At this meeting Asa H. Waters was chosen delegate to the Constitutional Convention at Boston.

March 8. Voted one thousand dollars for High School. " Voted the Prudential committee of school Districts are authorized to hire teachers for the several school Districts."

In article 5th, at the town-meeting March 5th, it was " to determine the manner of repairing the highways, townways and bridges the year ensuing."

March 19. At the meeting, which was an adjourned one, the committee chosen before reported. The report was accepted. They reported that one agent should be appointed for each district, who should make a semi-annual report to the selectmen.

" Voted that the name ' Central Cemetery ' be applied to the new cemetery, and the part laid out in 1854 be called the West Section, and the other part be called tlie East Section."

October 23. At a meeting of the selectmen, T. H. Barton was appointed police officer, with all the powers of constables, except the serving and executing any civil process.

1856. - March 8. Simon Farnsworth chosen town treasurer. " Voted that the highway districts be reestablished, and that surveyors be chosen to repair the same as in former years.

I860. - March 19. "Voted that the price per hour for labor on the highways for man be twelve and one-half cents, and for ox-team twelve and one-half cents per hour."

1861. - March 18. " Voieil that the selectmen be authorized to negotiate with Col. Waters, or some other person, for a room or rooms for a lock-up."

" Voted to raise the sum of one hundred dollars for thepurposeof improving the Dwinell burying ground, so-called, provided, the owners convey the same to the town by quit-claim deed."

May 7. " Voted that a committee of seven be appointed to furnish such persons who shall enlist, and to those inhabitants who have enlisted, as soldiers, and be accepted as such, in the volunteer militia, with anything which in the opinion of the committee may be necessary for their comfort, and for the support of such of their families as may ueed, during the absence of said volunteers, and for organizing said volunteers. That said committee shall call for such sums as they may want for the purpose aforesaid, and the selectmen shall draw their orders therefor upon the treasurer, and may borrow upon the credit of the town, such sums us may be needed for that purpose." The committee chosen were : J. E. Waters, Nymphas Longley, C. D. Jlorse, Hosea Crane, Sylvester Smith, Silas Dunton, David F. Wood.

" Voted that the matter of enlisting and organizing a military corapauy in Millbury be re-committed to the committee chosen at the last meeting, and that they be instructed to proceed with the organizing of such a company, when, in their opinion, the state of the country calls for such an effort on the part of the town." j

September 24. " ]"oted that the town raise the sum of $2,500 to defray the expenses already incurred, : in fulfilling the encouragement, given by the Town of Millbury, to such of its inhabitants as may have volunteered, or who may volunteer, as membei-s of the militia of this State in the service of the United States, and that the selectmen be directed to continue supplying],the families of such volunteers at their discretion."

" Voted that the town fully approve and ratify the doings of the selectmen in furnishing the families of our townsmen, who are defending our country in this unholy and unprovoked Rebellion."

1862. - July 17. "Voted that the town pay each man who shall voluntarily enlist from this town, under the present requisition, the sum of SlOO upon

August 19. " Voted ihsit the town pay one hundred dollars bounty in addition to that already voted to those men who enlisted between August 13th and the 15th inclusive, to fill up the quota of the town on the first 300,000 volunteers called for by the President."

" Voted that the Town offer a bounty of $150 to each man who will voluntarily enlist to fill up the quota of this town, on the last call for 300,000 men for nine months."

" Voted to choose the following pei'sons as an addition to the War Committee : Dr. S. W. Cooke, E. E. Forbes, H. L. Bancroft, V. A. King, A. A. Livermore, George A. Perry, John G. Wood, Rufus Carter, George W. Mallalieu, Davis Guild, William H. Harrington, E. M. Holman." (At this time war-meetings were frequent.)

1863. - March 16. " Voted the selectmen be authorized to assist such families of volunteers as they shall think best, from the treasury of the town."

1864, - March 30. " Voted the town will raise the sum of $4400, to be assessed at the next annual assessment, for the purpose of refunding money whicii has been contributed by individuals, in aid of and for the purpose of procuring its proportion of the quota of volunteers called for from the Commonwealth, under the order of the President, dated October 17, 1863, and February 1, 1864, and for the purpose of paying $100 to each of those persons who have enlisted under said calls."

" ]^oted that the Town will pay those persons who have or may enlist into the United States service as a part of the quota of the town, under the last call of the President for 200,000 men - bounty as follows, to wit, to those who enlisted from the time the act was passed by the legislature, authorizing towns to raise money for this purpose to this day $100, to those who liave enlisted to-day or who may hereafter enlist $125."

April 11. Town " Voted to accept the Library from the Society," and to choose a Board ef Trustees to take charge of it. The first Board of Trustees chosen were : David Atwood, O. H. Waters, Hosea Crane. The

" Voted that we allow the Catholics to open a cemetery, and that we choose a committee of three to make arrangements which shall be satisfactory to Col. Waters, The Catholic Church and the Town, in regard to a right of way to said cemetery."

1865. - March 13. " Voted to raise a sufficient sum of money to pay the old school districts what may be due them for the school-houses, which the town possesses in consequence of haying abolished the school districts."

Colonel Waters proposed to give the land to make the road leading from the Town Hall to the cemetery, so as to measure at least forty feet in width, provided the town repair the road and fences.

April ,3. " Voted to choose a board of Trustees of Central Cemetery, to consist of three persons" - Chose Hosea Crane, Joseph Robbins and Jason Emerson.

" Whereas the frequent violation of the Sabbath has become a .source of great annoyance to law-abiding citizens of this town, therefore Seaolved, that we recommend that our Board of Selectmen see that the law relating to the matter be enforced.''

1868. - June 24. " Voted that no license shall be granted in this town, which will authorize the sale of liquor to be drunk on the premises, of either distilled or fermented liquors or both."

March 29. Committee on Steam Fire Engines reported " That they had visited two establishments for their manufacture, and examined the difl'erent machines, and were unanimous in recommending to the town the purchase of two machines of the third class, for $6000.'' Report accepted.

1870. - March 14. Committee of Investigation of the Almshouse affairs reported " That the inmates had been well treated, and that the house had been kept in good order." John Hopkins, of the committee, dissented to some of the views of the majority, and made a minority report.

" Voted that the Selectmen be instructed to appoint a committee to look after the interests of the Town in matters relating to the proposed Railway to Cutler's Summit."

1871. - January 3. Cattle notice from the selectmen. Cattle to be prohibited from being driven through town without a certificate from a veterinary surgeon that such cattle are not infected by any contagious disease.

March 20. " Voted that the School Committee be instructed to employ a Superintendent of the public schools in town." Fifteen hundred dollars was appropriated for his salary.

" Voted that the Selectmen be authorized and empowered to present to Samuel E. Hull a testimonial, not exceeding in value $100, for his services in rescuing persons from the water near the Hull Sawmill."

" Voted that a committee of three be appointed to collect facts in regard to the part this town had in the late war, and prepare the same for preservation." The committee appointed were: Colonel A. H. Waters, Ira N. Goddard, Jonathan E. Water.s.

1874. - Mavch 16. " Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to toll the Bells in Town this afternoon at 3 o'clock, during the funeral of Hon. Charles Sumner, and that a committee of three be appointed to present resolutions upon the death of our late Senator."

" Voted to accept the report of the committee cliosen at the last annual meeting to collect facts in regard to the part the Town had in the late war, as made by Colonel Waters, the chairman, and that with the record of the Soldiers, as prepared in 18(56, it be printed with the next annual reports."

" Voted that a committee of three be appointed to take into consideration and report upon the matter of the pollution of the Blackstone river, by the Worcester System of Sewerage. Committee appointed Geo. A. Flagg, C. D. Morse, O. H. Waters."

" Voted that the road commissioners be instructed to construct side-walks, mentioned in Article 26tli of the warrant, and that the town appropriate the sum of $1200 for the same."

" Voted, that a committee of five be appointed to take into consideration the whole subject of a Town Hall, and report to the Town at the next November meeting."

March 23. " Voted, that the Road Commissioners be authorized to Sell the land mentioned in article 25 of warrant (a gravel pit near the house of John Marlboro') if in their opinion the interests of the Town will not be .subverted thereby - with tlie reservation that if intoxicating liquors shall ever be sold upon said premises the title to said land shall revert to the Town."

Committee appointed at annual meeting in 1873 on water supply in case of fire reported, and it was accepted. They say they have caused two routes to be surveyed - one taking the water from Singletary Pond and the other from Hathaway's Pond. " Your committee are of the opinion that the most feasible and reliable plan for furnishing an adequate supply

" The vote passed on the 16th of Marcli amended so as to consist of seven persons, and that the committee be instructed to .select a suitable site for a Town-House."

" Voted, that the Trustees of cemeteries be a committee to ascertain the graves of any soldiers on the roll of Honor of this town which are not marked, and report the cost of procuring and setting such stones.''

" Voted, that the Trustees of Cemeteries be instructed to set apart a lot in the Cemetery (Central) on which to erect head-stones for those soldiers who died elsewhere, but who were credited on the quota of this Town.''

1877. - March 19. Committee on extinguishing fires reported, and the matter was postponed. Again taken up, and a committee of three chosen to investigate. Seven thousand dollars voted for scliools.

1878. - March 18. Six hundred dollars voted for lighting the streets. " Voted, that the Town prohibit the encampment of Gypsies within its limits." " Voted, that the selectmen be authorized to take for the Town from the Commissioners of Inland fi.sheries a lease to the Town of Dorothy Pond.'' " Voted, that ihe Town build a Town-Hall," and a committee of nine was appointed to get plans and estimates. C. D. Morse, chairman. They were also to find a suitable location and report. " Voted three thousand dollars for support of Poor."

April 13. Committee on plans and estimates for town-house reported - "That as the Town had voted for the Rhodes lot, they had prepared their plans and estimates for that lot." Their total estimate of cost was twenty-eight thousand dollars for the building and lot, ready for the fixtures, and recommended the town to adopt the plans.

A minority report was presented ; it agreed with the majority report, so far as it related to the plans, but differed in regard to the manner of stating the probable cost of the same. The minority believed the building would cost not less than thirty-five thousand dollars. It was then voted that the plans of the committee be accepted and adopted.

The same committee were then by vote chosen as a building committee, with power to build, but should not do so until the money was appropriated. The committee were David Atwood, H. L. Bancroft, Rufus Carter, John Hopkins, B. B. Howard, C. D. Morse, I. B. Sayles, N. H. Sears, L. L. Whitney.

A motion was made to borrow twenty-eight thousand dollars, and appropriate it for buying a lot and [ building a Town House. It did not receive a two- ' thirds vote, and failed to pass. It was then voted to borrow twenty-eight thousand dollars in anticipation of the taxes of 1878 and 1879, for the same purpose, and the vote passed. (This vote was afterwards rescinded.)

Attempts were afterwards made to change the location of the new Town House ; but the $28,000 was finally voted, |)ayable in ten years, and the i Rhodes lot retained. But before the matter ended, the building far exceeded in cost the before-mentioned sum. 4;2000 was paid for the lot, and later the town bought a small strip of land more. The total cost of the Town House completed was .140,- 936.72.

1879. - March 24. " Voted that the Town join with Sutton in taking for both towns a lease of Singletary Pond." It was afterwards stocked with Lake Superior salmon trout.

Committee on Board of Health, chosen to select names for such a board, reported a list of names, when it was " Voted that further consideration of the report be postponed."

1882. - March 20. " Voted the town ask the legislature to extend to women who are citizens the right to hold town oflSces and to vote in town affairs, on the same terms as male citizens."

In regard to the unfenced part of the Old Common, and the title to it, the town "voted that if a clear title to the land can be obtained, the sum of 1150 be appropriated to fence it."

1883. - March 19. The committee on steam tire-engines having reported it best to purchase two steamers, the selectmen were instructed to have a trial of machines, and then to purchase the best machines.

A committee was appointed to confer with the towns of Grafton and Northbridge in regard to having a superintendent of schools in conjunction with them.

November 4. Self-registering ballot-box used. The box registered 616 votes and 601 names were checked on the voting list. The ballots were then taken from the box and found to be 601 canceled and one uncanceled.

1887. - March 21. '' Voted, that the town most strongly protests against any amendment nullifying, or in any way changing, the provision of said act, that said Sewerage (Worcester) shall be purified before being anywhere discharged into the Blackstone River.'' The above referring to petitions presented to the Legislature looking to an amendment to the Sewerage Act before passed in 1886.

"-Resolved, that the Town instruct the Selectmen to oppose the granting of any charter to any private corporation for the purpose of supplying the town with water."

" Voted, that Hon. H. L. Bancroft be a committee to correspond with the proper person in regard to the portraits of (len. Caleb Burbank and Wife, and that said portraits be obtained, if possible, and placed in the Library Room."

You are hereby required in liis majesties name to warn and give notice to ye freeliolders and others, inhabitants in ye SecoTid Parish in .Sutton aforesaid, qualified to vote in Town affairs, that they must meet af tlie house of Mr. Richard Singletary, in said Sutton, in said precinct, on Monday, the tweuty-sixth Day of December instant, at nine of ye clock in ye forenoon, then and there to act on each of ye particular's expressed in above request.' By posting a copy of the retjuest and this warrant at such public place iu said Precinct, hearof fail not and make return liearof and of your doings Ijeariu at or before yc said twenty-sixth Day oi December instant at nine o'clock in ye morning. Given under my liand and Seal at Oxford this Eighth Day of December, A.D. 1743.

First Congrecjational Church. - Accordingly, on the 26th of December, 1713,''' the first meeting of the l)arish was held at the house of Richard Singletary. The first moderator was Capt. Timothy Carter ; and Robert Goddard, clerk. The parish continued to hold meetings at the same place until May, 1745. The house was also used for religious meetings for quite a period. April 29, 1715, Rev. Matthew Bridge was called to the ministry, but declined. They next called Rev. Josiah Dunster, and he also refused. The third call was extended to James Wellman. The church was formally organized on the 10th of September, 1747. Mr. Wellman was ordained October 7, 1747. Among those who participated at the or- dination was the Rev. Thaddeus Maccarty, of the Old South Church, Worcester. The church adopted the Cambridge platform. Ruling elders were chosen by this church, but it has always been carried on under the Congregational system. The first church building was begun in 1744,' on the spot now known as the Old Common. It was a barn-like structure, and during the latter part of its use as a church it was known as " The liOrd's Barn." It was afterwards removed across the road some four or five rods, and used in connection with a jjublic-house. The next church edifice was begun in 1802, and was dedicated to the service of God November 27, 1804. Soon after the year 1827 the idea was put forth of removing this church to Bramanville. It became a question to be discussed in parish meetings about the year 1832. There were many opinions in regard to the matter. It was finally left to a board of referees, composed of members of churches in different places, who decided that it would be best for the church to have the building removed. The parish accepted their report, and the church was taken down in 1835, and was again consecrated to God .Tanuary 14, 1836. The pastors who have presided over this church have been as follows : Rev. James Wellman, ordained October 7, 1747, dismissed July 22, 1760; Rev. Ebenezer Chaplin, ordained November 14, 1764, dismissed March 22, 1792; Rev. Joseph Goffe, ordained September 10, 1794, dismissed December 9,1830; Rev. Osgood Herrick, ordained December 9, 1830, died March 16, 1837; Rev. Nathaniel Beach, ordained November 22, 1837, dismissed May 11, 1857; Rev. Edmund Y. Garrette, installed September 30, 1857, dismissed November 3, 1869; Rev. G6o. A. Putnam, installed April 11, 1872.

Among those who have been deacons in this church we find the name of A.sa Waters, the Revolutionary gun-maker. The jiresent ones are David T. March, Osgood H. Waters, Royal Thayer. There have been no ruling elders elected in this church since Jonathan Waters, in 1829. Among the early elders was Amos Singletary, the first male white child born in Sutton. This church has been a power for good in the community, and is still doing a good work. The total number connected with it since its organization is one thousand and ninety-five, according to the records the church has. But it must be remembered that those for the first seventeen years after its organization are lost.

Rev. Mr. Putnam, the present pastor, in 1875, made quite an extended visit to Palestine and the Holy Land, drawing inspiration and knowledge at places sacred for all time. The present superintendent of the Sunday-school is D. Edmund March.

Second Congregational. Church and Society. - A handful of praying men and women, including among its number Asa Waters, members of the First Church in

Millbury, may justly be styled the founders of the Second Congregational Church and Society. Mr. Waters, with others, was instrumental in procuring the charter under which it now lives. It contained a wholly original provision to operate as a bar against its ever being subverted or converted to the use of any other sect or denomination, as was often done in those days. Mr. Waters was among the first to move in the matter of colonizing from the parent society. After the separation the infant colony had no fit place for holding meetings. Mr. Waters built and fitted up a hall, lighted and warmed it expressly for their accommodation. Here, free from rent, the inlant society was encouraged to grow.

Among those who ofticiated at this place from Sabbath to Sabbath was Rev. Dr. Austin, of Worcester. Rev. Joseph Gofl'e, who had keenly felt their removal from his church, had forgiven them so far, that he presided at the evening meetings. At this time a tierce and bitter controversy was raging throughout the State between the Orthodox (so called) and the I'uitariaus. The latter had gained control of Harvard College, and a powerful wave of Unitarianism was sweeping out of Boston and Cambridge, and overturning the oldest and best established churches in the principal towns throughout the Commonwealth. This was the situation at the time the Second Congregational Church was being formed in 1827.

By law every man was obliged to pay taxes for the support of religion somewhere. The restrictions on voting in most societies was very loose. One had only to hand in his name to the clerk of any society he chose to become a member and to vote.

Mr. Waters was greatly exercised by these events, and wishing to guard the new society against the sectarian wave then raging and rolling over the State, went to consult the Hon. Alfred D. Foster, who, among the eminent lawyers of that day, stood almost alone in his firm adherence to the Orthodox faith.

Mr. Foster drew up the charter and by-laws, and inserted a provision that to become a member the applicant must receive a majority affirmative vote from the present members. This was an original idea, and was afterwards copied into other charters. It proved an eftectual barrier agaiust sudden assaults, and on one occasion it undoubtedly saved this society from a like overthrow. The same provision is found in a charter at Lowell and in a charter at Amesbury - each member may cast as many votes as he owns pews.

Be it enacted, etc., tliat .\5a Waters,' Elias Forbes, Joseph Torrey, Vernon Stiles, David Woodward, Calvin Barker, Simon Farnsworth and Aaron Trask be incorporated into a religious Society.

t Although the first-named in the act of incorporation and a prime mover in the matter of separation, the records show that Mr. Waters was not dismissed from the Fii-st Church until January 1, 183S.

It will be noticed that the act of incorporation is dated, some time before a petition was presented to the parent church for any to be dismissed for such a purpose. This proceeding was considered irregular by the First Church, and they complained of it. Their records have considerable to say in regard to the matter.

June 30,^ 1827, a petition from forty persons living in Armory Village and near by, who were members of the First Church, was presented, asking to be dismissed. On the 16th of July the request was granted, and on the 23d of August they formed themselves into what was known as the Presbyterian Church of Millbury. In 1834 the church was changed from the Presbyterian to the Congregational form of government. The church edifice was completed and dedicated October 2, 1828, and in 1867 a parsonage was completed and first occupied by Bev. Stacy Fowler, the same year. We find that though Rev. Joseph Goffe had, in the beginning, objected to the formation of this church, he became a member of it February ,5, 1837.

Among those who have filled the office of deacon in this church may be mentioned : Moses Dunton, Moses L. Morse, Johu Leland, Henry Mills, Thomas H. Witherby and Xathaniel Goddard, the latter chosen in 1830, and continued until his death, in 1887. The present ones are Amos Armsby and A. W. Lincoln. The superintendent of the Sundayschool is Lyman S. Waters.

In the early part of 1888 the pastor. Rev. John L. Ewell, was on leave of absence for a visit to the Holy Land. He returned with health and spirits renewed for more efficient work. The membership in this church January 1, 1889, was two hundred and twelve. The total number that have joined since its organization has been seven hundred and thirty-two. This church is in a flourishing condition, and is doing a great work for the moral and spiritual welfare of the community.

The following have been pastors of ibis church : Rev. George W. Campbell, installed Januarj' 13, 1830, dismissed in 1833; William A. Larned, ordained May 7, 1834, dismissed October 19, 1835; Samuel G. Buckingham, D.D., ordained May 24, 1837, dismissed May 3, 1847 ; Leverett Griggs, D.D., installed September 22, 1847, dismissed January 19, 1856 ; Lewis Jessup, installed April 24, 1856, dismissed March 29, 1860; Charles H. Pierce, installed October 22, 1862, died October 5, 1865 ; Stacy Fowler, installed December 6, 1866, dismissed March 5, 1878; John L. Ewell, installed April 16, 1878.

Methodist Episcopal. - A Methodist class was formed in this town in 1825 by Rev. William Archer, an English preacher. This class flourished a short time and was then discontinued. In 1835 another class was formed by Rev. Erastus Spauldiug, still liv- ing in town and well-known as Father Spauiding. The church waa organized the same year under the circuit plan. The preachers on this circuit at that time were Revs. M. P. Alderman and William Heath. The first regular stationed minister with this church was Thomas Tucker. The church building was ded i(uited to the service of God November 17, 1840; the sermon was by Rev. Orange Scott. Since the advent of Mr. Tucker the church has been regularly supplied by the Conference with ministers who have labored ftiithfully to advance her interests. Thiichurch has been successful in rescuing many from the ways of sin and planting their feet on a sure foundation. The present pastor is Rev. W. C. Townsend, it being his third year among this people. The church is prosperous and a bright future ia before it. The Sunday-school is in charge of Mr. F. W. Sawyer and is well attended.

Bishop W. F. Mallalieu, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was once an active member of thiv church, and his relatives still reside here. He was president of the Lyceum at Bramanville in 1856, aud was greatly interested in literary work.

Baptist. - The town records show that as early as 1814 there were in Millbury several people belongin}; to the Baptist Church at Grafton, and also that as early as 1817 there was a Baptist Society at Millbury. May 10, 1826, a more thorough organization was effected among them, to spread their doctrines among the people. This organization had its ups and downs. Revs. Christopher Hale, Otis Converse, Elder Harrington and others preaching for them. Strong objections were made by a few people in town to these reverend gentlemen coming here for that purpose ; anonymous letters were written to them, telling them to "stay at home and mind your own business ; when we want you we will send for you."

At the house of Abijah Gleason, in West Mill bury, December 23, ]8:ii), the Baptist Church of this town was formed, with eighteen constituent members. The first public meeting was held in the old schoolhouse, the site of the present Union Chapel. The West Congregational Church having been built in 1837, the Baptists joined with them in Union services there. In 1840 this Union arrangement was closed, and the church removed to Armory Village, where distinctively Baptist services were held in the old Academy Hall. The first regularly settled pastor was Rev. Hervey Fitts, in 1841.

December 26, 1864, their house of worship was occupied for the first time, and since then the church has been in a prosperous condition. The present deacons are Cyrus White, B. F. Mclntyre and Francis R. Herrick, the two latter in active service. This church has connected with it an organization known as the " Gough Temperance Society," in charge of the following committee: John C. Crane, James A. Dike, Henry B. Magoon. The church accepted the resignation of Rev. D. W. Hoyt, January 6, 1889. P. W. Wood superintends the Sunday-school.

The West C(mgre(jational Church. - Owing to the removal of the First Congregational Church building from the " Old Common " to Bramanville, in 1835, some who were dissatisfied with the change determined upon building a church at West Millbury. April 20, 1837, found the work completed, and twenty-nine members withdrew from the Fir.st Church. May 23, 1837, the West Congregational Church waa organized with forty-five members. The same articles of faith and covenant used by the First Church were adopted by them. The early Congregational ministers who preached here were Rev. Caleb B. Elliott and Rev. A. Phillips. Mr. Elliott was educated for the ministry by General Burbank. Other ministers in conjunction with these carried on the work until 1840, when, on July 8th, Rev. Sidney Holman was installed as pastor. Previous to this the Congregationalists aud Baptists had used it as a union church, the Congregationalists having their pastors three Sundays a month, and the Baptists one - each paying in that proportion. Rev. Mr. Holman was dismissed June 11, 1851. After this services, from time to time, were held until December 28, 1857, when the church disbanded. Some time later the church was again opened, and preachers were supplied by the Methodi.st Conference. The church building, which stood on land now owned by Mr. Ira Glazier, was sold about 1871, and removed about two years later. The closing history of this building will be found under that of the Union Chapel.

The Baptists, while worshipping here in conjunction with the Congregationalists, were supplied by Rev. Hervey Fitts, Professor Knowles, of Newton, and Jonah G. Warren, all faithful preachers of the Word.

Protedant Episcopal Mission. - A few years previous to 1879 Rev. James T. Ellis, then rector of St. John's Church at Wilkinsonville, opened, at the invitation of his parishioners in Millbury, a mission. Meetings were held awhile in the old Town Hall, and for a longer time in the vestry of the Methodist Church. Upon the completion of the present Town Hall the mission met there. Mr. Ellis remained with it until 1882, when he resigned at the jiarent church. Rev. John Gregson was next in charge, and labored faithfully to advance its interests. But the small number becoming discouraged, the mission was discontinued at the close of 1888.

The year 1884 opens the first chapter of the First Unitarian Society in MiUburij. The matter of organizing such a society had for some time been talked about. The first services were held in Blanchard Hall Sunday, March 16, 1884 ; the preacher was Rev. Austin F. Garver, of Worcester. The society's covenant was adopted .Tune 29, 1884. The provisions were that in this church all seats should be free. The first Sunday-school was organized July 1.3, 1884.

The society was incorporated under the law of the State March 19, 188.5. In that year a lot was purchased and given to the society by John Khodes, Silas Dunton and Thomas A. Winter. The church building, a unique .structure, was completed in August, 1888. The September following, on the 20th, the new edifice was dedicated to the service o) God. In 1885 a call was extended to Eev. .Tulius Blass, who accepted, and still remains beloved by his people.

Union Chapel (West Millbur;/). - As before stated, the West Congregational Church was disbanded in 1857, but soon afterwards the people, feeling the need of religious services, applied to the Methodist Episcopal Conference to be supplied, who sent to the people Rev. Messrs. Hamilton and Abott. (^ther local preachers followed - Rev. J. J. Woodbury (Methodist) and Rev. Mr. Barber (a Baptist), but not under the Conference. Rev. Edwin S. Snow, while supplying the Methodist Episcopal Church at Millbury, occasionally preached Sunday afternoons.

The church building was sold to John G. Wood about 1871, and converted into a cotton-factory, and burned April 27, 1876 ; about 1878 religious services began to be holden in the school house, and were continued there for several years, several of the pasters in town supplying in the afternoon.

In 1887 the people began in earnest to talk of having a new chapel. A Ladies' Union Entertainment Society was formed, officers chosen and the society placed on a working b.asis. A few entertainments were given, and in the fall the following solicitors were chosen to procure subscriptions to build the chapel: Mrs. J. S. Blanchard, Mrs. J. C. Crane, Mrs. E. C. Goulding, Mrs. H. W. Davidson, Lizzie Wheeler, Florence Freeman, Leora Balcom and Florence Crane, who forthwith collected sufficient funds to begin the work. A Building Committee was chosen as follows: Thomas Windle, H. W. Bentley, Ira Glazier, P^eeman Vanorraan and H, W. Davidson. The building was soon up and finished, and on May 29, 1888, it was dedicated to the service of the Most High. The building and property is to be forever held by a Board of Trustees, for the people of the village. These trustees are to be members of the following churches in town, - Baptist Church, First and Second Congregational Churches and the Methodist Episcopal Church. The number is three. The first board were Ira Glazier, Edwin Hoyle and Theodore B. Sherwood. No regular preachers are settled here, but the pastors of the abovenamed churches officiate Sunday afternoons, with Mr. John C. Crfine, a local preacher of the Baptist Church.

A Sunday-school is maintained throughout the year, and a weekly prayer-meeting is held in the neighborhood. The superintendent of the Sunday-school is J. C. Crane.

St. Bridget's {Catholic). - The first Catholic clergyman to officiate was Rev. James Fitton, the first pastor of St. John's Church in Worcester. Millbury was established as a mission in 1850, when this church was begun and dedicated to God. Several years previous to this, however, services were held in the Town Hall, in the Arcade, and in the house of James Campbell, near Wheeler's Village. Rev. Matthew Gibson succeeded Father Fitton at Worcester, and also in missionary work here. The succeeding pastors in mission work here were Revs. A. L'Evec^ue and E. J. Sheridan, of ITxbridge, they being succeeded by Rev. J. J. Power. During the pastorate of Father Power the church was enlarged. In 1869 the mission ended, and the church became a regular parish, with Rev. M. J. Doherty as resident priest. This church has a wide-spread influence among our Catholic fellow-citizens.

On the death of Rev. M. J. Doherty, Rev. William H. Goggin - then rector of the cathedral in Springfield - was appointed by Bishop O'Reilly, pastor of St. Bridget's Church, September 1, 1886. Within one year Father Goggin completely remodeled the church so as to make it one of the prettiest in town. The congregation numbers eleven hundred souls. The church has several societies, - Sodalities of the Blessed Virgin and Children of Mary, temperance societies for boys and young men. There is also connected with the church a flourishing literary society of sixty members, jvith rooms in the Arcade Block, on Elm Street.

Church of the Assumption {French Catholic). - This church was.dedicated November 14, 1886. The first priest in charge was the Rev. J. A. Charland, who still rem ains and is highly esteemed by his people. The church is of wood, and has ample grounds connected with it. The regular attendance is about six hundred souls.

Schools. - The people of Millbury early saw the need of having school accommodations, but the beginning was very small. At the annual meeting of the town of Sutton in 1813, the year of the separation, the parent town had voted one thousand dollars for schools. August 23d of the same year Millbury voted to raise her proportion of this money, which was three hundred and sixty-five dollars, a sum that would about pay the salary of a good teacher at the present time. The above sum was the whole amount paid for schooling in 1813. In 1887 there was paid for the salaries of teachers in town 17,772.44. For

The school-house of early days in Millbury was a different building from that of the present time, but from those early structures have gone forth noble men and women, who have made their mark in the world, whose lives have shed lustre on the town ol their birth. But those structures have been removed by the hand of time, and more commodious houses have arisen. The old residence of Gen. Caleb Burbank on Bnrbank Hill, was bought and remodeled for school purpose.". It stands on the hill overlooking the valley of the Blackstone, a reminder of him who did so much for the prosperity of our town.

Private schools were early held in Millbury, an excellent one being kept at Bramanville. Septembei 5, 1836, Mr. Thomas P. Green, from Amherst College, opened what he called a high school at West Millbury. The terms were three dollars per quarter, but for Greek, Latin and French four dollars was charged. The Millbury Academy was incorporated March 5, 1832. Those named in the act were Gen. Caleb Burbank, Asa Waters Simon Farnsworth, Jonas Sibley, A. G. Randall.

We find that William Hall was the first principal ; in 1834, Mr. Richardson; R. L. Hathaway in 1837; also William H. Wood in 1837 ; Foster Freeland in 1840; A. P. Stone in 1851. The academy received a gift of land from Asa Waters.

It was a successful institution, for several yearbeing well patronized by people in and out of town, but we find it advertised to be sold at auction in 184.'>. It was evidently not sold, for it was continued as an academy for some years after. Among those who graduated from this academy was the Hon. Horace Maynard, a name that afterwards became familiar to the people of this and other countries.

In 1851 the town voted to establish a high school. The same year a committee was chosen to purchase the academy property,and it was done that year, and money appropriated for thesupport of the high school there. The year following seven hundred and fifty dollars was appropriated for the same purpose.

Ever since that time a high school has been main" tained. The school at present is under the charge of Jlr. S. J. Blanpied, an excellent teacher. The total number of schools in town is seventeen, and it is believed they will compare favorably with those in other places. The first persons in town authorized as a committee to have charge of schools were Stephen Blanchard, Dr. Amasa Braman, Dr. William M. Benedict, Samuel Waters, Captain Asa Goodcll, Josiah S. Prentice and Josiah Stiles, Esq. They were chosen in 1815. About 1827, a new law having come into operation, six persons were chosen as a town School Committee as follows: Dr. William M. Benedict, Joseph Griggs, Oliver Rice, Vernon vStiles, Paul C. Chase and Deacon Hervey Pierce.

In this connection we would not overlook Dr. Leonard Spaulding and Dr. George C. Webber, who for long years served on the School Committee, and faithfully labored with others to advance the cause of education among us.

Among the former school-teachers at West Millbury was Clara Barton, a lady whose presence is hailed with delight by the people of two continents, and whose name will go down to latest posterity as, "One of the few, the immortal names that were not born to die."

Town Library.^ - In 1851 a society connected with the Millbury Academy existed called "Social Friends." Through their eftbrls had been collected about six hundred volumes of books. The old academy was about to be merged into the present high school. This society having made so good a beginning in 1864, determined among themselves to offer their library to the town on condition that it be cared for and increased from year to year. The town accepted the offer with a vote of thanks; a board of trustees were chosen to serve each for three years. This was the beginning of the present public library, which is kept in the town building. The librarian is Abby B. Freeman. Present number of volumes, five thousand seven hundred and ninety-four. Trustees, Irving B. Sayles, D. Edmund March, John Hopkins.

Newsp.\pers and Printing. - In the history ol the town there have been two or three efforts made to establish a newspaper here; one was the Millbury Plebdan, but that, with others, were short-lived. The last was the Millbury Chronicle, in 1877. Frederick W. Fletcher was editor and proprietor. It was a fair little sheet and published weekly. The number we have Ijefore us is dated .luly 6, 1877, and contains an account of the 4th of July Studlefunk parade of that year. Several printing-offices have existed. Benjamin T. Albro was a printer here in 1832; he printed at that time the Confession of Faith and Covenant of the First Presbyterian Church (now Second Congregational). Later a Mr. Thompson did small job work. Sewall Goodridge was a printer in Sutton in 1808, but whether he was at that time in what is now the limits of Millbury is unknown. Sermons printed by him for Rev. Joseph Goffe, in 1808, are still in existence. Our town relies chiefly upon Boston and Worcester for its daily newspapers. In 1871 a directory of the town was published bj' Tyler & Seagrave, of Worcester, and in 1886 another was publisiied by A. E

Railroads. - Millbury is well supplied with railroad comrauuication, the Providence and Worcester line furnishing many trains per day. A branch of the Boston and Albany was early built at a cost of forty-one thousand dollars. The Providence and Worcester station is in charge of F. W. Sawyer, and the Boston and Albany in charge of B. T. Rice. Various lines of stages have from time to time existed, but the last one was taken oft" in 1888. Great things were expected of the old Blackstone Canal, and, in fact, it did give quite an impetus to the business of the town, but the railroads that soon followed, gave a death-blow to that enterprise. The old upper basin of the canal was close by the residence of the late Nelson Walling, the lower one near the Tourtellotte tavern.

Societies. - May 20, 1812, the Religious Charitable Society of the County of Worcester was formed in the church of the Second Parish of Sutton, then situated on what is now the old Common in Millbury. This society had several objects in view, and gentlemen from several towns in the county were present. The objects were : " 1st. To aid indigent young men of piety and talents in the acquisition of a suitable education, with a view to the Christian ministry. 2d. To afford pecuniary aid to the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. 3d. To a.ssist feeble churches and societies in maintaining among them the preaching and institutions of the Gospel." A committee was chosen to prepaie an address to the people, who reported June IGth, of the same year. The first board of officers chosen were to act until the first annual meeting in August following, and were Rev. Dr. John Crane, of Northbridge, president, and Rev. Benjamin Wood, of Upton, secretary. A board of directors were also chosen. At the annual meeting in August, Dr. Crane was again chosen president, the meeting being held at Sutton South Parish. The society, in its day, was productive of much good.

Temperance Societies. - Soon after the year 1800, a temperance society was formed in what is now the limits of this town. Its purpose was not total abstinence, only moderation in drinking. Reports were required of its members every Saturday evening. About the year 1820 a total abstinence society was formed here that became a power for good. The good old ministere of those days had not all then come to this point, for we find in the report of the cattle show of 1824 that the Rev. Joseph Goffe, of Millbury, took a premium of six dollars for the best cider, and in the Spy of the same year he had a long article on how to make good cider. March IS, 1864, Blackstone Lodge of Good Templars was organized. In 1871 the membership was one hundred and fifty-seven. The presiding officer was P. W. Wood. A Gough temperance society was formed in the Baptist Church in 1880, which is in charge of a committee of three.^ Through the influence ©f this society many have signed the pledge. The Millbury Temperance Union was formed at the Baptist Church in 188G. This society is composed of males only, and represented in it are members of the several churches, and others outside of the church. Among its number are many of the solid men of the town. It has done much for the moral welfare of the place. The first president was L. L. Whitney, and the present one Rev. D. W. Hoyt, The total membership is about one hundred. There is also a lodge of Good Templars still in the field.

An Anti-Slavery Society was early formed here, for we find in 1835 an organization effected to resist the aggressions of the slave-power. The society had much to do with changing the sentiment of the people on the question of slavery. Sterry S. Kegwin was secretary, and the executive committee were Samuel Waters, Tyrus March, Alex. Hamilton, John Morse and Joseph Griggs.

Lyceum. - It is said that the fii'st Lyceum in the country started in this town. Investigation on this point has confirmed the truth of the above statement, but the date of its origin cannot be given.

Masonic. - Olive Branch Lodge, F. and A. M., received its charter September 14, 1797, from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. It is signed by Paul Revere, grand master ; Isaiah Thomas, senior grand warden ; Joseph Laughton, junior grand warden ; and Daniel Oliver, secretary. The first communication was held May 1, 1797. The first officers of the lodge were Jonathan Larned, master ; D. Fiske, S. W.; J. Davis, J. W. ; S. Larned, secretary ; S. Town, treasurer ; J. Harris, S. D. ; J. Kingsbury, J. D. ; N. Whitman, S. S. ; P. Butler, J. S. ; Wm. Robinson, tyler. Among the list of past masters, deceased, are Archibald Campbell, Jonas L. Sililey, Jotham Gale, Dr. Levi Rawson, H. E. Rockwell. Of the masters now living we give N. H. Greenwood, R. N. Holman, [. B. Sayles, N. H. Sears, James Dyson, Jr., S. E. Hull, F. K. Hodgeman, S. N. Rogers, James H. Ferguson, E. J. Humphreys. The officers for the present year are F. A. Lapham, W. M. ; C. H. Hakes, S. W. ; C. B. Perry, J. D. ; T. A. Barrow, treasurer ; R. R. Crane, secretary ; Rev. Julius Blass, chaplain ; John French, marshal; Geo. C. Webber, S. D. ; H. F. Rice, .r. D. ; H. T. Merriam and Fred. Ogden, stewards; A. L. Tolman, I. S. ; Geo. Gates, tyler.

The Masonic lodges of the town include among its members many of the leading citizens, who are thoroughly interested in the work of the craft.

Order Easter Star, Adah Chapter, No. 15, chartered July 10, 1881, organized April 28th, same year, had eighteen charter-members. The order has a board of three trustees and a relief committee, and meets once a month. The first W. M. was Mrs. J. A. Crane ; first W. P., Mr. E. .1. Humphreys; first Secretary, Mrs. J. C. Goddard. Officers for 1889 - W. M., Miss Nellie M.Nye; Secretary, Mrs. Lizzie G. Winter.

C. H. Searles. Past Masters - N. B. Chase, Geo. J. Dudley, H. W. Carter, C. R. Brackett. The present membership is ninety-one, and a good interest is maintained in the work.

Royal Arcanum. - Millbury Council, chartered March, 1885. It is a fraternal benevolent institution, having an assessment plan of insurance connected with it. Its object is a good one and the council here is in a flourishing condition. The first regent was F. A. Lapham, E. J. Humjilireys was first orator and J. Henry Searles the first secretary. Their meetings are held in the Town Hall building. The following are some of the officers: C. F. Gale, regent; A. H. Batchelor, secretary ; J. A. Dike, chaplain ; E. JHumphreys, T. A. Winter, H. T. Merriam, trustees.

Ancient Order of Hibernians. - Millbury Division, No. 9, meets once a month. The division was organized November, 1871. The first officers were: President, Thomas McCarthy ; Vice-President, John Ivory; Recording Secretary, Patrick Kinnery; Financial Secretary, Patrick T. Duggan ; Treasurer, Jeremiah Sullivan. Present officers: President, John Cliftbrd ; Vice-President, Thomas Brown ; Recording Secretary, Patrick Carroll; Financial Secretary, Jeremiah Keleher ; Treasurer, Edward J. Dolan. Present membership, seventy-three.

The Millbury Cadet Band was organized June 10, 1886, with a membership of twenty-four. The first leader was Frank Weidmiller. In September of that year Mr. C. G. Marcy, of Worcester, became teacher and leader. Mr. William C. Gegenheimer is the present leader. The band numbers twenty members.

Grand Army of the Republic. - George A. Custer Post 70, G. A. R., was organized August 10, 1870. The following were charter members : Edward E. Howe, A. B. Slocum, Dr. George C. AVebber, Edward Holden, George R. Leland, O. N. Carpenter, Daniel Cobb, James Clark, R. E. Bowen, Dr. William H. Lincoln. The first commander was Edward E. Howe; first chaplain, B. F. Mclntyre; first adjutant, R. D. Loomis, The present officers are : Commander, R.

A thief-detec.ting society was established in this town fifty-eight years ago, which includes among its number many of the prominent men of the town.

Lawyers. - The first lawyer that we have a record of in what is now Millbury was Amos Singletary, who was born near the outlet of Singletary Pond. He was at one time a justice of the peace and quorum, an important position in those days. A bail commissioner with a tender heart, lie was often imposed upon by the rascals of those days.

Aaron Peirce, Esq., was another of the old-time lawyers, wliose services were often called into requisition. He was prominent in the legal business of the town in early times. Josiah S. Prentice and Josiah Stiles were also, to a certain extent, in law business in the early history of the town. Of Thomas Pope we would speak also, who resided near the old Common in 1813. Among the later disciples of the green bag fraternity may be mentined Gen. Wm. S. Lincoln, Alex. Hamilton, E. W. Lincoln, who came liere from Worcester to get their hand in. Otheis were Abraham G. Randall, Gen. W. Livermore, Asa H. Waters, C. R. Miles, Daniel J. Paul and others of lesser note. In the days of the old justice of the peace courts, Millbury was quite a busy place ior the scribes, but with the decline of their power the number of lawyers became less. Of the present ones in town, John Hopkins, Esq., came here from Blackstone soon after being admitted to the bar of the county. He has become eminent as a criminal lawyer, and has been very successful also in civil cases. It is generally admitted that as a criminal lawyer he has few equals at the Worcester bar. H. W. Aiken, Esq., is a young and rising lawyer who does much town business. Col. Geo. A. Flagg was formerly in practice here, but his time now is mostly given elsewhere. Charles B. Perry, Esq., has also lately been admitted to practice.

Physicians. - The first physician we can learn of in what is now Millbury was Doctor Boylston, who owned the great Cedar Swamp, and who also owned land near by, on which it was proposed, in 1743, to build the church of the Second Parish of Sutton. Tlie old doctor must go down to posterity comjiaratively unknown, for but little can be found in regard to him. Another of the early doctors was Azor Phelps, who lived not far from the church on the old Common.

It is related of Dr. Green, of Auburn, that many years ago he visited a patient at West Millbury some half-dozen times, for which he charged the enormous sum of thirty-seven cents, the patient being in rather humble circumstances.

Dr. William M. Benedict was another early doctor, quite prominent in business and town affairs also. Contemporary with him was Dr. Amasa Braman, whose time was more given to business than to the practice of his profession.

Dr. Asa Andrews was a young and promising physician, who, in attending a patient, contracted bloodpoisoning, which ended what promised to be a useful life.

Dr. William B. ]\Ioore was a good physieian in his day. Dr. Joseph E. Corlew was a skillful man, and performed some remarkable cures. Dr. D. S. C. H. Smith, of Sutton, also practiced here to a considerable extent.

A generation ago we find practicing here Dr. Leonard Spaulding. He was a man of good education, fine address and universally respected - moderate in his charges, sympathetic in his nature, he made friends with all. He had quite an influence in town affairs, and was much interested in educational matters. He was also well versed in historical matters and antiquarian lore. He was succeeded by Dr. George C. Webber, who has a large practice and has been very successful in the profession, in which he i is still active. Dr. Webber is much interested in natural history, being considered a good authority in such matters. He is also a member of the Worcester Society of Antiquity. He was formerly chairman of the School Committee, and has done much in many ; ways for the prosperity of the town. j Dr. William H. Lincoln has practiced here for many years, and has had a good share of the cases that have arisen. He has been surgeon of the Grand Army of the Republic post, and is quite active in town affairs.

Dr. R. Booth also has a large practice among both the native and foreign population. He is considered a skillful physician in his school of medicine.

Dr. J. R. Lincoln also began practice here here in 1888. He is a son of Dr. William H. Lincoln, and a graduate of the Harvard Medical School.

Of the homreopathic school may be mentioned Dr. Southgate, one of the early ones ; also Dr. Underwood and Dr. H. A. Clarke in 1871, who died young. He was succeeded by Dr. C. C. Slocomb, from Rutland, Mass., who was a faithful and conscientious man. In his prime he was stricken down with paralysis, from which he never fully recovered. Dr. B. F. Green also practiced here to some extent.

Dr. George A. Slocomb succeeded to his father's business, and has built up for himself a large practice, in which he takes much interest. He enjoys the distinction of presiding at the birth of the quartette of girls born in 1888 to Mr. and Mrs. Frank De Groote, an opportunity which few physicians of this or any other country can boast of having had. Dr. Slocomb is a member of the School Committee, and a graduate of the Millbury High School.

Financial Institutions. - The Millbury Bank was founded by Asa Waters in 1825. Mr. Waters procured its charter and w.is its first president. This bank was in 1843 robbed of nearly §20,000, but most of the money was recovered. The bank was changed from a State to a national bank in 1864. The present officers are C. D. Morse, president; Amos Armsby, cashier ; C. D. Morse, H. S. Warren, John Rhodes, L. L. Whitney, A. Armsby, David Atwood, directors. The amount of deposits, January 28, 1889, subject to check at sight, was $148,400. Present capital, $200,000.

The Millbury Savings Bank. - This institution was organized .luly, 1854, and has proved a wcll-mauaged institution. Its deposits amounted in January, 1889, to $715,000. Reserve fund, $21,000. The officers are David Atwood, treasurer ; L. L. Whitney, president. Board of Investment, L. L. Whitney, C. D. Morse, Ira N. Goddard, Royal Thayer, John Gegenheimer, D. T. March.

Business. - For three-fourths of a century, Millbury has been quite a manufiicturing centre. With natural water-power, her advantages have been great. The business early centred along its water-courses. The first privilege at the outlet of Singletary Pond was the old grist-mill of Ebenezar Daggett, who had this right given him of a pond of six hundred acres and a farm, on condition that he maintain a grist-mill there, which he failed to do, and the privilege was returned to the proprietors of Sutton. We find John Singletary next in possession, and his mill-door became the bulletin-board for the North Parish, at the time of its organization. Why Mr. Daggett returned this privilege to Sutton is not known. A saw-mill was afterwards built, and at onetime plaster was here ground. This privilege and the land and waterpower from here to the paper-mill afterwards came into the hands of General Caleb Burbank. About 1828 or 1830, the old buildings which stood here were fitted up for the manufacture of cotton-batting under the charge of Deacon Henry Mills.

Just previous to 1835, a Boston company were engaged here in the manufacture of woolen goods. Becoming involved the creditors formed what was known about 1838 as the Singletary Manufacturing t'ompany.

Samuel ilarble, the old hand-scythe maker, once had a shop near the old bridle-path that went to the paper-mill ; near the old outlet of the pond, traces of this old mill and path can still be seen. Captain Amasa Wood was president of the old Singletary ('ompany, and the president, with Samuel Davis (one of the earliest lessees of Court Mills, Worcester), and A. G. Stiles, Horace Waters and Asa Hunting, directors. The assets of the company were $52,620.22. This company was formed to secure debts due to its members from the Boston concern, but in this they were disappointed. After a few years this company also went down. We find after them a concern called Boston & Millbury Co., then Pierce, Mills & Wheeler, Farnum & Jenks, then Mowry Farnum, Farnum &, Wheeler, next Jonathan D. Wheeler. Later the Wheeler Cotton-Mills Company was formed, an incorporated company - W, H. Wheeler, president; H. F. Wing, treasurer, by whom the mills are now run. Their capital is about $80,000. The Boston & Millbury Co.'s mill was burnt in 1843. The mill of Farnum & Jenks wa-i burnt the 5th of April, 18-10. There have also been other fires at this place.

General Burbank and his father, Abijah, it seems, at one time were the owners of most of the water privileges on Singletary Stream, or Burbank River. Where the Stonemetz Printers' Machinery Company's shop now is was a shop used by the general. About but later it came back into the liands of Martin again, who sold to H. T. Merriam in 1886. This company nianufactures wrought-iron bridges, iron fronts and all kinds of constructional iron work.

Moses D. Garfield began the shuttle business here in 1863. The partnershiii was W. Wilder, F. Searles, M. D. Garfield. In 186.5 Wilder bought out the business of the company. Mr. Garfield then began alone the manufacture of porcelain shuttle-eyes and other goods of the same material.

Present Armory Village. - Dunton & Winter, dry goods and groceries, began business in Randall's Block in 1871 ; moved from there in 187.3 to the block of Silas Dunton. This is a first-class country store, and a large business is done.

Among the meat and provision dealers are Lyman vS. Waters, .loseph Simpson, Desmariez Bros., D. Ducharme. Milliner, Madam E. D. York. A jewelry store is kept by J. F. Dodge. D. Shurn, cigars. Drug stores, N. H. Sears, E. Thompson & Son, E. E. Wood, P. Bellville, B. F. Aiken.

The Millbury Grain Company's store was built in 1880 by H. H. Ward, who carried it on two years. ' It is now known as the above company, with H. Houghton as manager.

Present Bramannillr. - William E. Home, dry -goods and groceries, does quite a large business in this line. He also has a meat and provision market. A. S. Winter also keeps a general country store. He has had a long business experience in town and has his share of patronage.

A. B. Lovell has for years kept boots and shoes and a general notion store. Thomas Dolan, at this place, 1 has a provision and meat market. '

At West Millbury no store is now kept. Formerly trade was carried on here by Stephen Blanchard, Ephraira Goulding, Henry P. Howe, A. Wood & Sons, D. G. Prentice and Ira D. Bates. The last store was kept by Ira Glazier.

Storekeepeh.s. - In town in old times were John Morse, Sterry S. Kegwin, Dr. William M. Benedict, Dr. Braman, Stephen Blanchard, Elias Lovell, Jabez Hull, E. W. Goffe, Abraham G. Randall, Ephraim Goulding, Henry P. Howe, Guddard Rice & Co., Thaniel Cutting, Dana A. Braman, Simon Farnsworth, Wiswall & Co., Daggett, Wright & Co., Lucian S. Larned, Otis Packard & Co. and many others that might be mentioned.

Hotels. - Among the old hotel-keepers of the town may be mentioned Dr. Aiuasa Braman, Dr. William M. Benedict, Landlord Longley, Elijah A. Johnson, Elias Lovell and Simon Farnsworth. Charles A. Tourtellotte, John M. White. Charles T. Pratt and E. A. Bartlett are among the modern ones. Mr. White at the present time is landlord at the Tourtellotlte House and Mr. Bartlett at the St. Charles.

LANDJtAEK. - One of the old landmarks of Millbury is the old homestead built by Asa Waters (2d), and now occupied by the family of the late Colonel A. H. Waters. The house is of the Corinthian order in architecture, which was a novelty in this region, and afforded builders many new designs in housebuilding, mouldings, stucco, winding-stairs and other work. The architect was Bryant, of Boston. Every part of the work was done by hand in most thorough manner and from best materials. Its broad entryways, arched halls and winding stairways remind the visitor of some old castle of ancient times. This magnificent old structure is not without its historical associations, its lofty halls having echoed to the voices of Henry Clay, Dimiel Webster, Levi Lincoln and other distinguished men. On the occasion of a visit of Henry Clay to Ma.ssachu.setts, the citizens of Millbury formed a cavalcade and received him at the Worcester line, whence he was escorted to the residence of Mr. Waters, who gave a reception to the citizens for an interview with the distinguished visitor. He was given a ride about town to visit its various manufactories, in which, as the champion defender of protective duties, he manifested deep interest. Returning to the house of Mr. Waters, Colonel Shepard, superintendent of the woolen-mills now known as the Cordis Mills, in a graceful speecli presented to Mr. Clay an elegant roll of blue broadcloth, to which the orator replied in a happy manner, saying his next suit would show Congress what American manufacturers could do. The mansion was commenced in 1826 and completed in the fall of 1829, being some over three years in building, with an average of ten men employed. On Christmas the completion was celebrated by a thorough housewarming - a general invitation was given, great numbers collected, many being present from neighboring towns, the house was illuminated throughout, prayers were ofTered, hallelujah anthems sung by a large choir, with instrumenti^, and also an original ode composed by the host himself. The house sets back from thf street, grand and stately, its broad lawns shaded by noble trees, an ornament to the town. The tree.' were .set by the hand of the late Colonel Waters, after his retprn from college. In 1854 President Sears. then .secretar}' of the Massachusetts Board of Educa tion, came to town with the whole corps of professors, then employed by the State ; among the number was- Agassiz, Guyot, Colburn, Lowell Mason and others. A week was given to lectures on literary and scientific subjects. During their stay in town they were the guests of Colonel Waters.

Families - Singklary. - Of this family Amos was the first white male child born in what is now Millbury. He was a member of the Provincial Congress.

Goffe. - Rev. Joseph GofTe was the third minister of the town, born at Bedford, X. H., 1776. He preached here thirty-six years - three hundred and thirty-si^ joined the church during his ministry.

Pierce. - This family has ever been prominent in religious and town affairs, several filling the office ol deacon - Ebenezer chosen in 1768, John in 1795, Aaron in 1810 and Hervey in 1828.

Burbaiik. - (_)f this family was Abijah, the paper manufacturer, and General Caleb his son and successor to the business, the latter once the richest man in town, but who died poor.

Kendall. - Thomas Kendall, born here, was one of the earliest, if not the first, to make thermometers in the country. He removed to New York State, where he died in 1831.

Fnrnsworth. - General Joseph was a prominent business man in old times. Simon was a wealthy citizen, once president of the bank. His son Simon is postmaster at Armory Village.

Goodell. - Asa Goodell was one of the first broadcloth manufacturers of this region. Orra was also an early hosiery manufacturer and also made some broadcloth.