Norton Town (part 2 of 2)

Military Companies. - Between the years 1781 and 1834 there were two infantry companies in Norton, one on the east and one on the west side of Rumford River. The captains of the east side company were as follows :

" In 1776 the Norton Artillery Company was organized, and George Makepeace was commissioned as captain. This company remained in Norton (a portion of its otficers and members belonging to other towns) till 1854, when its name was changed to Light Infantry, and the company was removed to Foxborough. The two field-pieces in the pos.session of the company were returned to the State, and the gunhouse, near the pound, was sold. At the time the name was changed and the company removed to Foxborough it was the oldest military company in the State. The following are the names of its commanders (with the date of their commissions) who have belonged to Norton. A few captains, whose residence was in other towns, we have omitted from this list" (Clark) :

There was also for some years a hose company, a portion of whose members belonged to Norton, and the following Nortonians were captains of it :

The following comprise a list of those from this town who, since the Revolution, have risen above the post of captain, or held a commission of the same rank :

The latter part of June, 1814, the Norton Artillery Company, Isaac Lane, captain, were called out to guard New Bedford. They were absent about twelve days.

Richmond, amounting to seven-eighths of the whole establishment. Albert Barrows bought one-fourth of the factory Oct. 1, 1833, and owned it, with Crocker and Richmond, for several years. March 12, 1837, the " Norton Manufacturing Company," consisting of Crocker, Richmond, and Barrows, was incorporated by the General Court, with the privilege of holding capital to the amount of fifty thousand dollars. After the failure of Ci-ocker & Richmond the property was sold at auction. Feb. 3, 1844, the " Wheaton Manufacturing Company," consisting of" Albert Barrows, Samuel B. King, and Laban M. Wheaton, their associates and successors," was incorporated by the Legislature for the purpose of making " cotton and woolen goods," and were authorized to hold personal and real estate to the amount of fifty thousand dollars. The company organized under the charter March 12, 1854.

The Wheaton Manufacturing Company being unsuccessful in business sold to the Newbury Manufacturing Company in 1865, who used it for manufacturing cotton cloth until 1871, when they sold it to Lafayette Godfrey, who used it in the same until 1875, when he sold it to the Stafford Manufacturing Company of Fall River, who own it at the present time, and use it for manufacturing cotton yarn.

Previous to 1745, Jonathan Hodges erected a mill on Goose Brook, a few rods below the bridge, and carried on the business of " fulling, dyeing, and dressing cloth." This was the first mill for that business erected in Norton.

On the 30th of August, 1783, Nathan and Edward Babbit, of one party, and Annes Newcomb, of the other, entered into an agreement to build a dam for a grist-mill and fulling-mill, the Babbits to build each one-fourth of the dam, and one-half of the grist-mill, and Newcomb to build the other half of the dam and the whole of the fulling-miH, and the buildings were -soon after erected on Canoe River, on opposite sides of the stream, a short distance from Easton line. On the 18th of November, 1794, Nathan Babbit being dead, his son Edward deeded to Levi Babbitt onehalf of the grist-mill, the other half being then owned by Asa Newcomb. Previous to Jan. 5, 1795, the fulling-mill had passed into the hands of Asa Newcomb, who was a brother of Annes, and a sawmill had been built, for on that day he (Asa) sold one-half of the fulling-mill and one-half of the dam to Thomas Danforth, reserving the water not needed for the grist-mill and fulling-mill for his (Newcomb's) saw-mill, which shows that the saw-mill was standing at that time. In February, 1811, Danforth sold to Jonathan Smith, Simeon Presbery, Jr., Daniel Presbery, Stimson Austin, and Alanson Cobb, reserving to himself three-eighths of a water privilege, and they built thereon a factory for making cotton yarn. This factory was owned by different individuals up to 1822, when Nathaniel Newcomb bought

I the whole of it, and made yarn lor a time, then I thread, and finally wadding and batting. In December, 1831,- the factory was burned, and Mr. Newcomb rebuilt on the same spot in April, 1832. In 1812, James Beaumont, of Canton, received a patent on a certain kind of wadding. Mr. Newcomb bought of him the right and manufactured that wadding. The grist-mill went into disuse about 1814, the fulling-mill about 1820. This mill is now leased by Maynard Newcomb, who built in 1881 a large addition, introduced steam-power, and continues the manufacture of batting and wadding.

Ansel Keith and Jonathan Smith were among the first to commence the hat business here about 1808. George Gilbert commenced the manufacture of bonnets, etc., about the same time. Soon after Thomas Danforth (2d) entered into the business, and carried it on quite extensively. Hiram H. Wetherell, either alone or with his brother Horace B., carried on the business from 1833 to 1844. Sejrt. 3, 1850, the Norton Straw Manufacturing Company, consisting of the Wheaton Manufacturing Company, L. M. Wheaton, Zeno Kelly, L. D. Anthony, and A. Barrows, w'as organized, with a capital of seven thousand dollars, and made bonnets, hats, etc. Jan. 14, 1854, the company was dissolved, and the Norton Straw Company was formed, consisting of L. M. Wheaton, Zeno Kelly, and T. T. Rockwood, with a capital of fourteen thousand dollars. Nov. 12, 1855, another change took place, T. T. Rockwood, A. Dunham, and D. S. Hardon assuming the business under the name of the Norton Manufacturing Company. Oct. 6, 1856, Dunham and Hardon retired from the firm and C M. Dean became a mgmber, and in the spring of 1857 the company stopped business.

The first tannery in town is supposed to have been between the school-house in District No. 3 and Burt's Brook, and was, perhaps, built soon after the incorporation of the town by John Andrews, who settled thereabouts. But the first tannery of which we have any authentic account was built about 1740, by Deacon Benjamin Copeland, between the house of Thomas Copeland and Mulberry Meadow Brook. It continued in the Copeland family till it went to decay, about 1845. About 1758, David Arno^, who learned his trade of Deacon Copeland, set up a tannery on Burt's Brook, and did a large amount of business for many years. Before the Revolution a tannery was built near Rumford River, at the place where Mason Freeman lives, by a Mr. Basset. It was afterwards owned by George Walker.

The water privilege was formerly owned by Ebenezer Burt, who in 1744 deeded to William Stone forty and a half acres of land adjoining, and in 1766 to his son, Nathaniel Stone, .all the rights and privileges in the stream reserved in the deed of 1744. This property remained in the Stone family many years, and the water privilege was utilized for an iron forge, a saw- and a grist-mill.

Some time previous to 1812 the property came into the possession of Deacon Daniel Lane and sons, who that year rebuilt the saw-mill. In 1828 the Lanes associated with themselves Messrs. Daniel Patten, Lemuel Perry, John and David Arnold, and Simeon Derry, and built a cotton-factory known as the " Centre Mills." This was run for several years under the superintendence of Capt. Lemuel Perry, who built and occupied the dwelling now owned and occupied by Mr. G. H. Talbot, who has recently enlarged and thoroughly renovated it, introducing modern conveniences.

In 1846 the property passed into the hands of Laban M. Wheaton, Esq., who continued the business of cotton manufacture until his death. In 1864 it was .sold to Nathan Smith, who for a short time devoted a part of it to the manufacture of cotton batting. In 1867, Messrs. Story and Talbot hired the mill and introduced machinery for wool-scouring. After two or three years, the business prospering, they purchased the property and ran the mill exclusively for wool-scouring. Mr. Story's health failing, he soon retired from the business, and it has since been conducted, by Mr. Talbot as sole proprietor.

The original mill, built in 1828, was thirty by fiftyfive feet, and three stories high. In 1875 it was enlarged by an additional building forty-fivQ feet square, and again in 1881 by another thirty by seventy feet.

Vp to the time of this last enlargement the waterpower was sufficient to run the mill. With this enlargement it became necessary to supplement this with steam-power, and double boilers with an engine of sixty horse- power were put in.

The business is a good and steady one, and for the most part comes without solicitation. There are only three competing mills of the kind in the country, excepting that a few large wool manufacturers scour their own wool inj|^ead of buying it all prepared. One at Walpole, one at North Chelmsford, in this State, and one at New Brunswick, N. J.

The Diamond Match Company, consolidating all the match-factories in the United States excepting that of the Portland Star Match Company, was incorporated under the laws of Connecticut in January, 1880, with a capital of two and a half millions of dollars.

The business here was started in 1857 by Austin Messinger, Esq. At his cottage home he dipped and packed the match-cards, which were sawed elsewhere, and peddled them about the country. From this humble beginning the business grew until he had near his home a mill for sawing the lumber and making the match-cards, and improved facilities for dipping and packing them for the market. A partnership was formed with Andrew H. Sweet, Esq., who attended to the sales, having an office in Bo.ston, while Mr. Messinger had charge of the manufactory. As the business prospered new buildings and machinery were added, and the force of hands increased. In the vicinity a thriving little village sprung up, fittingly called Messingerville after him whose enterprise and industry gave it being and life.

Chapter Miscellaneous

Physicians. - Dr. Samuel Caswell was the first resident physician within the ancient limits of Norton, and was born Oct. 6, 1695. Oct. 17, 1726, the town " voted to Pay to Doctr. Saml. Caswell, for doctering Goode Merry, 0 - 15 - 0." He bought land in Norton in 1723, and was then called a "Practitioner of Physick." Probably about that time he established himself here as a physician and farmer.

Dr. Nicholas White was the son of Deacon Nicholas and Ex])erience White, and was born about 1705. He was a practicing physician for several years, and resided sometimes in the North and sometimes in the South Precinct of -Norton. He married Sarah King, May 1, 1728, and they had six children. He died in the North Precinct, June 29, 1751.

Dr. William Ware was the son of .John and Mehitable Ware, of Wrentham, and was born July 4, 1697. He was a " Practitioner of Physick" here for several years, and also kept a public-house from 1728 to 1740.

Dr. John Wild, Jr., was the son of John and Abigail Wild, and was probably born in Braintree in 1727. He married, May 1, 1746, Anna Hodges, and had two or three children.

Dr. Lewis Sweeting was undoubtedly the son of Lewis and Zibiah (Whiting) Sweeting, of Wrentham, who were married in 1721, and were afterwards of Rehoboth. He probably came to Norton soon after reaching his majority, and seems to have lived a part of the time within the present limits of the town, and a part of the time in Mansfield, in which town he was

Dr. George Wheaton was the son of Ephraim and Abigail Wheaton, of Swansea, grandson of Deacon Ephraim and Mary (Mason) Wheaton, of Swansea, great-grandson of Robert (who was in Rehoboth as early as 164.3), and was born Aug. 18, 1728. He came to Norton and commenced practice as a physician previous to 1750. In 1758 he was surgeon's mate in an expedition for " the total Reduction of Canada." He was much employed in public life as selectman, assessor, representative to the General Court, justice of the peace, etc.

Dr. Jonathan Pratt is supposed to have been the son of Jonathan and Abigail (Morse) Pratt, and was born Oct. 17, 1729. He lived in the Mansfield part of Norton, some distance to the southeast of Mansfield Centre.

Dr. Gideon Tiffany was the son of James, Jr., and Elizabeth (Allen) Tiffany, of Attleborough, where he was born Sept. 19, 1737. His grandfather, James Tiffany, came from England. He married Mrs. Sarah Farrar, the widow of Rev. George Farrar, of Easton, Feb. 8, 1759.

Dr. Adam Johnstone was a Scotchman by birth, and probably came to Norton about 1772. He married, Oct. 14, 1773, Sarah Hodges. She "died suddenly, Oct. 29, 1781, in her thirty-first year." He is said to have been a surgeon in the Revolution.

Dr. Daniel Parker was the son of Rev. Jonathan Parker, of Plympton, and was born about the year 1750. He was here as early as 1773. Feb. 17, 1794, he was commissioned a surgeon of the regiment to which the militia of this town belonged, which office he held for several years.

Dr. Timothy Smith was the son of Timothy and Hannah (Hall) vSmith, grandson of Seth and Elizabeth Smith, and was born Oct. 17, 1754. He married Anna Morey, Oct. 20, 1778, and had five children. He was a surgeon in the Revolutionary war, but never had a very extensive practice in town. He died Jan. 9, 1794.

Dr. Nathan Babbit was the son of Nathan, Jr., and Abigail (Cobb) Babbit, grandson of Nathan and Sarah, and great-grandson of Nathan, who, with his brother Edward, is supposed to have come from England and settled in Berkley. Dr. Babbit was born in Norton, March 6, 1755. In the j'ear 1778 and the early part of 1779 he was surgeon's mate in the military hospital at Providence, R. I. June 24, 1779, he married Anna Newcomb, and located himself at the east part of the town.

Dr. Samuel Morey was the son of Samuel and Mary (Hodges) Morey, grandson of George and Elizabeth Morey, and was born June 4, 1757. He graduated at Yale College in 1777. He soon after entered the Revolutionary army as surgeon. After the close of the war he was a practicing physician for many years in town.

Dr. Lewis Leprilete was a Frenchman by birth, and was naturalized by an act of the General Court, March 6, 1790. He probably came to this town about the close of the Revolutionary war. He was a distinguished physician, and had quite a number of medical students while he resided in town. He remained here till about 1792.

Dr. Leavit Bates was the son of Leavit and Elizabeth (Pain) Bates, of Mansfield, and was born May 6, 1770. He came to this town and established himself as a physician about 1796. He died Dec. 16, 1850.

Dr. Guilford Hodges was the son of Tisdale and Naomi (Hodges) Hodges, and was born Jan. 25, 1778. He fitted for college, and was one year at Brown University. He studied medicine with Dr. Willard, of Uxbridge. He was a practicing physician here in 1803.

Dr. Asa M. Adams was the son of Asa and Martha (Metcalf) Adams, and is believed to have been born in Natick about 1795. He came to Norton about 1819, and commenced practice as a physician, and rode quite extensively for some years.

Dr. Richard F. Sweet was the son of John and Eunice (Tucker) Sweet, and was born March 11,1801. In August, 1831, he settled in Norton, and had quite an extensive practice till his death, March 21, 1841.

Dr. Ira Barrows was born at Attleborough in 1804, son of Ezra and grandson of Ichabod Barrows. He came to Norton in 1841, and was quite popular here and in this vicinity till ISol, when he removed to Providence, R. I.

Dr. Benjamin M. Round was born in Rehoboth, Aug. 11, 1816, son of Benjamin and Devena (Harvey) Round. He came to Norton, Sept. 9, 1843, and is still in practice here.

Dr. George H. Randall, son of Dr. M. R. and Eliza Randall, was here from June 1, 1851, till April, 1854. Dr. George W. Wild was born in Norton on the 11th of October, 1854, and is the son of George and Elizabeth (Tucker) Wild. He received preliminary instruction from Rev. D. S. C. M. Potter, of Norton, and at Bristol Academy, in Taunton. From there he entered Boston University, whence he wiis graduated in the class of 1878 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He located in Jpswich, Mass., staying there about a year, when he removed to Norton, where he is still in practice.

College Graduates. - The following natives of Norton were graduates of colleges : Rev. Nathaniel Leonard, Harvard, 1719; Rev. Samuel Veazie, Harvard, 1736 ; Hon. George Leonard, LL.D., Harvard, 1748 ; Rev. Abiel Leonard, D.D., Harvard, 1759; Rev. Samuel Dean, D.D., Harvard, 1760; Hon. Daniel Leonard, Harvard, 1760; Hon. Ephraim Briggs,

Stocks and Whipping-Post. - " In 1698 the General Court enacted that ' Breakers of the Peace, Proplianers of the Sabbath, unlawful Gamesters, Drunkards, prophane Swearers or Cursers,' should be punished ' by setting in the Stocks, or putting into the Cage, not exceeding Three Hours, or by whipping not exceeding Ten Stripes.' Accordingly, in most towns, the stocks were set up, and the whipping-post erected in some conspicuous position, - generally near the meeting-house, or place of public gatherings. The stocks were made of two pieces of timber, from six to eight feet long, laid one upon the other, the bottom one resting upon the ground, with two grooves cut in them, a foot or two apart, sufficiently large to admit a man's ankle. When wanted for use, the upper timber was removed. The offender was then made to sit down on the ground, and place each ankle in one of these grooves. Then the upper timber was replaced, and the two parts were firmly locked together ; and thus there was no escape till the time of sentence had expired. It is supposed Norton did not have this instrument of the law for some years after her incorporation. The first allusion to the matter on the town records is under the date of Nov. 1, 1728, when it was ' voted to pay Robert Tucker, for setting the Stocks up, OOlb. - 2s. - Orf.' These probably did not last more than ten years ; for, Sept. 18, 1733, it was ' voted to Samuel Clap, for mackiiig a pare of stocks, 00. - 15. - 0.' Sept. 11, 1769, ' Voted to Salvenus Braman, for mending the stocks, 0. - 2. - 0. - 0.' These stocks continued to be used in many towns for the punishment of minor crimes till the close of the last century. There are persons living in town who distinctly recollect seeing the stocks on the Common, near where the old meeting-house stood. We know not wliether the whipping-post was ever erected here or not; but we do know that offenders were sometimes sentenced to be whipped, as well as put into the stocks. The cage is not known to have been . used here." - Clark's History.

" May ^9lh, 1719, - Joseph Hodges his Eyer-marck for all his Creaturs is a Holl threw The midel part of Each year, and a hind-gad in the hinder-part of the Right year."

" May 23rd, 1738. - -Thonijis Sliepard's Eyer-marck for all his creators Is a Crop of the top of the Left Eyer, and a swallow's tailo in the top of the Right Eyr."

"Nov. loth, 1747. - John Gilbert's Jnner, Eare-mark for all his Cretures is a swallow's Taile in ye top of the Right Eare, and a half-Penney in the under side uf ye Left Eare."

" April 2ud, 1766. - The Bevend. Mr. Roland Green's Ear-mark for all his creatures Is a half-peny, cut out of the upper-side and under-side of the Bight Ear, and the top of the same ear cut of, aud a slit in the top of the left ear."

" Feb. 15, 1749-50. - Whereas Rebrcca Hams, the wife of me the Subscriber, livin at Norton, has unlawfully abseuted herself from nie and my family, aud cariied oft sundry Effects to a considerable value, and may endeavour to run nie in Debt. - These are therefore, to caution all Persons whatsoever not to entertain, trust, or give Credit to her, the said Rebecca, upon my Account; for I will not pay any Debt contracted by her during her continuing to absent herself. - As witness my Hand,

Witchcraft. - " Norton," says Rev. Mr. Clark, " has not been exempt from believers in witches, wizards, ghosts, and goblins; and there are some yet living who hug these ideas to their bosoms. Tradition has handed down to us the important intelligence (we do not, however, vouch for its truth), that Maj. George Leonard - the first of the name in town - ni.ade a league with the devil in order to acquire great wealth ; and, as a return for the services rendered, Leonard promised to give his body to the Devil when he called for it. Accordingly, in 1716, while Mr. Leonard was sick with a fever, of which he died, the old imp came, claimed his body, and actually carried it off! As he left the premises with it, he made a tremendous jump, and landed on some rocks situated thirty or forty rods back of the house, where he came down with so much force as to make his foot-prints in the rock, which are to be seen at the present day ! At the funeral the corpse was not to be seen, of course; and the family gave out word that it was not proper to be seen; but in reality there was nothing in the coffin but a log of wood, put in to lull all suspicion that the body was not there.

" Theodora, or Dora Leonard, as she was generally called, was reputed a witch, and if we can believe the stories of some now living, ' cut some curious capers.' People would sometimes go to the barn and tie up the cattle, and before they could get away therefrom the cattle would be all unloosed by some mysterious agency. She lived some two miles from the Centre; agd once, when up in town, it was needful that she should get some cloth that was left at home, and she went after it, but soon returned with it, not having had time to have gone a fourth part of the distance. One day some boys were out hunting squirrels near her residence, and they found a large one in the top of a tree, and fired almost numberless times at it but could not kill it. But as tliey were going home they encountered a strange cat, which was believed to have been Dora in disguise, who had prevented the charges fired at the squirrel from taking efiect. She was supported by the town in her last days, and when she died (about 1785) there was such a terrible racket all about the house that no one dared to remain to witness her death.

" Ann Cobb had the reputation of dealing in the 'black art' and of being in league with the "Old Scratch,' but I have not been informed of any specific mode in which she manifested her power. She was su])ported by the town some time previous to her death, which took place in 1798.

" Naomi Burt was also accounted a member of the mysterious sisterhood of witches, and by her wonderful powers gave some trouble to those who fell under the ban of her displeasure. Oxen sometimes turned their yokes, and people lost wheels off their wagons when they passed her house, and the boys always held their breath and ran with all speed when they went by in the night. She hung herself July 4, 1808."

Bristol Lodge, F. and A. M., was organized in Norton, June 14, Anno Lucis 5787, with the following charter members: Job Gilbert, George Gilbert, Ira Smith, Joshua Pond, Samuel Morey, Jr., Timothy Briggs, Jr., Samuel Day, Seth Smith, Jr., Daniel Gilbert, Benjamin Billings. March 10, a.l. 5830, the lodge was removed to Attleborough.

Post-Ofl5ice. - A post-office was established in Norton in about 1817, with Earl P. White postmaster. His successors have been as follows : Laban M. Wheaton, Earl Hodges, Mrs. Harriet Hodges.

The Town Hall. - The present town hall of Norton was the generous gift of the late Nathaniel Newcomb, through his daughter, Miss H. A. Newcomb.

The origin of the structure and the circumstances of the presentation will behest explained by inserting the following letter from Miss Newcomb:

"Mil. G. B. Perry. Sir, - In conversation held with my father, the late Nathaniel Newcomb, tlie summer previous to his death, be gave me the impression litat be planned to some time malie the people of Norton a present, showing thereby his kindly feeling towards them. Among other things a town hall was mentioned.

" He made no provision to that effect, but, thinking it would be pleasing to him, I now propose, in memory of bini. to build a town hall that I think will be .suited to the necessities of the people.

" I send you the plans tliat you may lay the proposition before them and explain what I intend, - a plain, substantial building above the foundations, requiring that to be made ready for me, and I do not intend to furnish.

" If they are pleased with the proposal IVould like them to appoint some persons with whom I can confer regarding situation, foundation, etc , as it must he commenced as soon as practicable, that there may be no delay in building.

This letter was read to the people of Norton assembled in annual town-meeting on the same day it was written, and in acting upon it the town accepted the offer, passed a unanimous vote of thanks to Miss Newcomb, chose a committee to confer with her as she desired, and instructed the selectmen to purchase a site for the building at the proper time, and cause the foundation to be laid in accordance with the plans submitted.

The structure is conspicuously located on an ample lot of ground directly opposite the old town-house. The plan was drawn by Messrs. C. Hammond & Son, of New Bedford, and in style is an adaptation of the Queen Anne pattern of architecture. It is a wooden structure, fifty by sixty-five feet on the ground, and contains a main hall forty by fifty feet, a front projection, two stories in height, eighteen by thirty-seven feet, and a rear projection eight by thirty feet. It is a very plain building, resting on a neat granite foundation, and covering a cellar extending under the entire area.

" In consideration of the attachment of my father, the late Nathaniel Newcomb, to his native town, and knowing that he desired to make some expression of his regard, 1 do hereby grant, transfer, and deliver to the town of Norton the superstructure of the town hall just erected in said Norton, hoping that it may meet with the approval of the people, and that they may hold him in kindly remembrance."

Hon. George Leonard was appointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas July 1, 1785. In 1798 he was chief justice of the court, and was on the bench as late as 1804.

Judge of Couet of Sessions. - Hon. Laban Wheaton was appointed judge of this court May 25, 1819, but the following year the court was abolished.

Representatives in Congress. - Hon. George Leonard was chosen in 1788 a member of the First Congress of the United States. He failed of an election to the Second, but was a member of the Third and Fourth Congresses.

Biographical Sketches Hon. Laban Wheaton

Hon. Laban Wheaton was born in Norton (in a part of the town which is now in Mansfield), March 13, 1754. His parents were Dr. George and Elizabeth (Morey) Wheaton. Rev. George Wheaton (H. U., 1769), minister of the Congregational Church in Claremont, N. H., and Daniel Wheaton, Esq. (H. U., 1791), lawyer and first postmaster of Norton, for the towns of Norton, Easton, and Mansfield, were his brothers.

He fitted for college at Wrentham Academy, entered Harvard University at the age of sixteen, and graduated in 1774, at the age of twenty. After graduation he taught a grammar school in his native town, but soon relinquished teaching to study theology under the direction of Rev. Abiel Leonard, D.D., pastor of the Congregational Cluirch in Woodstock, Conn. In May, 1775, Dr. Leonard was appointed chaplain in the army, where he received the special commendation of Gens. Washington and Putnam for his great usefulness. In the summer following this appointment of his teacher, Mr. Wheaton commenced to preach at Woodstock. After this he preached in Oxford, Walpole, Dedham, Portsmouth, N. H., and in Boston. He was invited to a pastorate in Framingham, at what was then deemed a very liberal support, but on account of imperfect health he declined to settle, though, with some interruptions, he supplied the pulpit at Framingham about four years. On account of failing health he was medically advised to travel and to relinquish preaching. Feeling the necessity from limited means to have some business to meet the expense of traveling, he entered into partnership with a classmate who was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Watertown, and in the interest of the firm took goods to Canada, and exchanged them with the Indians for furs. His partner becoming involved in financial trouble at Watertown, he withdrew from tlie firm at the end of four years with renewed health, but with loss of all pecuniary gains, and a debt of five hundred dollars.

At thirty-one years of age he entered the law-office of Squire Kent, of Watertown, to study law, paying board and tuition by writing and copying papers and documents for his teacher. He commenced the practice of law at Milton, but in 1788 removed to his native town and established himself in his profession at the Centre village. With a very high order of intellectual strength, acute legal knowledge, and untiring application to the duties of his profession, he attained eminence at the bar, and had extensive practice in the courts of Worcester, Norfolk, Suflblk, Plymouth, and Bristol Counties. Seven years he was sent by his townsmen a representative in the State Legislature, and was frequently elected to other oflices. Eight years he represented the district in which he lived in the United States Congress. In 1810 he was appointed chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas, in 1819 chief justice of the Court of Sessions, and he filled these offices with dignity and grace and to the honor of the bench.

During his Congressional career, which was marked by fidelity to tlie interests of his constituents and the welfare of the nation, an incident of debate occurred which is worthy of permanent record. It was at that period when the slave power held almost absolute supremacy, and the topic of slavery was tabooed in Congress. On one occasion, in the progress of a speech on vital issues, Mr. Wheaton referred to this topic with pertinent remark. He was instantly interrupted by a dozen men springing to their feet with loud, rapid, and imperative cries of " Order !" One of them, catching the eye of the Speaker, fiercely renewed the demand, saying, " The gentleman from Massachusetts would excite the slaves to cut their masters' throats !" Mr. Wheaton, still keeping the floor, calmly replied, "And why, Mr. Speaker, shouldn't the slaves cut their masters' throats? We cut our masters' throats to secure our liberties, and why shouldn't they cut their masters' throats to gain their liberties? I put the question to the honorable gentleman who has so earnestly called me to order. Will he have the goodness to answer it?" The boldness of this response and its apt home-thrust silenced his opponents, and he finished his speech without further interruption. None would be slower than he to incite the slaves to blood, yet in this prompt retort he poised himself on the right and vindicated it with manly honor when the just and necessary freedom of debate was domineeringly and intolerantly called in question. In that retort he not only reasserted, by a question full-fraught with the spirit of liberty, the inborn and inalienable right of the enslaved man to rise to the dignity of a freeman, but he rebuked by a sarcasm and argument, against the edge and point of which there was neither shield nor hope, the tyranny that brought its whip from the plantation to the Congress of a free republic. Mr. Wheaton's speeches were trenchant and solid. In a certain weight and momentum of thought they have seldom been surpassed. The doctrines of personal and political liberty have seldom found in the United States Congress a more powerful champion.

In 1827, at the age of seventy-three, having acquired an ample fortune, he retired from the exacting duties of the legal profession to pass the decline of life in the care of his private affairs, in the comfort and peace of his home, and the circle of friends whom he loved. In 1794, at the age of forty, he was married to Fanny Morey, daughter of Samuel Morey, Esq., of Norton. With her he lived fifty-two years, she surviving him a few years. They had four children, but two of whom, a daughter and a son, lived to mature age. To these children he gave the most liberal and ample opportunity for a refining culture and thorough education. The daughter married Dr. Strong, of Boston, but not long after, in 1834, died childless, at the age of thirty-eight years.

The death of this only daughter was a sore bereavement. While grieving for the loved one gone, it was suggested to him to establish a female seminary in the village of her early home, and thus contribute to make the daughters of others what she had been. The thought was in sweet harmony with his sorrow, and he gladly accepted it and immediately made arrangements to carry it into efl'ect. Buildings were erected and put in charge of a board of trustees whom he wisely selected, who procured teachers and opened the school on the basis of making it first-class in every respect for a thorough education of young ladies, whose success and usefulness soon brought it to that rank which it has well sustained as among the best in New England. It was ojiened in 1835, and by the trustees very appropriately named " Wheaton Female Seminary," in a just recognition of him who had founded and endowed it with a portion of his property that would have been, had she lived, the inheritance of his beloved daughter. To this memorial work the father and mother gave their tenderest interest, and to the close of their lives watched its growth and prosperity with satisfaction, and cherished it in a devoted love. On the 23d of March, 1846, at the advanced age of ninety-two years and ten days, he died. With fitting memorial services his remains were tenderly laid in the family burying-ground beside those of his beloved daughter.

Hox. Laban Mitchel Wheatox

Hon. Labau M. Wheaton, son of Hon. Laban and Fanny (Morey) Wheaton, was born in Norton, Sept. 14, 1796. He pursued studies preparatory for college at Wrentbam and Middleborougb Academies, and immediately before entering college was for some time a pupil in tbe University Grammar School, Providence, R. I., then under the tuition of Mr. Joel Hawes, who afterwards was a distinguished Congregational pastor in Hartford, Conn. He graduated at Brown University in 1817 at the age of twenty-one.

After leaving the university he studied law, and entered upon the practice of his profession in his native town. In a few years the care of his father's large estate requiring his assistance, he gave his attention chiefly to this until his father's death in 1846, whose estate he inherited. He was married June 25, 1829, to Eliza B. Chapin, of Uxbridge.

He was for many years postmaster of Norton, was several times elected representative in the State Legislature, served two terms as member of the Governor's Council, and was a trustee of the State Industrial School for girls at Lancaster. Though not an officeseeker nor ambitious of political honors, he was unmistakably a Christian patriot, gratefully accepted the honors that were freely bestowed, and faithfully discharged the duties involved. Throughout his life he was the faithful son of his father in devoted attachment to the cause of freedom. He was warmly interested in the cause of education and of Christian institutions. He and his wife were in cordial sympathy with the father in the founding of Wheaton Female Seminary, and after his father's death were its liberal patrons, making large additions to the original endowment funds.

He was retiring and unobtrusive, sensitively abhorred ostentation, and accordingly preferred to distribute his charities as privately as possible. In this, his chosen and habitual mode of doing good, he made many individuals and society in general greatly his debtors. Quiet in his tastes, with sympathies quick and strong, he was a very genial man. His character was marked by a peculiar spontaneity, tenderness, and constancy of humane feeling that made him prominently the young man's friend, ready to commend the worthy and to aid any who needed his assistance. A lover of Christ and His Church, he was a liberaLsupporter of the gospel at home and abroad, and was ever ready to contribute generously to the cause of Christian missions. After a brief but painful illness he died in Norton, Jan. 17, 1865, at the age of sixty-eight years, four months, and three days, greatly lamented. His last words were, " I am grounded in Christ."

Nathaniel Newcomb

from Francis Newcomb, who was born probably in Hertfordshire, England, about 1605, and came to America in the ship " Planter" in 1635, accompanied by his wife, Rachel, then aged twenty, his daughter, Rachel, of two and a half years, and son, John, aged nine months, and, after residing in Boston three years, settled in Braintree (now Quincy, Norfolk Co., Mass.), I where he died May 27, 1692, aged about eighty-seven. j His gravestone says '"'aged one hundred years." Tra- [ dition says he came from Oxfordshire, England, and ' that he was of pure Saxon blood. He owned several tracts of land in Braintree. He had ten children. I His son Peter, horn in Braintree, was a "husbandman," and much in public office. By his wife Susannah, daughter of Richard and Sarah Cutting, of Watertown, he had nine children. His estate was inventoried at £740 Is. His son Jonathan (third generation), also born in Braintree in 1685-86, was a ' " yeoman," and owned several i)ieces of land. He ' bought, Jan. 22, 1727, fifty-two acres of land in Norton for three hundred and sixty pounds, and removed thither in March, 1728. The same year he bought thirty-five acres more for two hundred and forty-five pounds, and in 1742 seventy acres for two hundred pounds. He served in the memorable expedition against Louisbourg, on Cape Breton, and died while in the service in 1745. By his wife, Deborah, he had eight children. She died in 1780, aged ninetyfii'e. Joseph Newcomb (fourth generation), son of Jonathan, was born in Braintree, but removed to Norton with his parents when but twelve years old. i He married Judith Pratt, of Mansfield, Oct. 3, 1745, and lived in Norton until his death, Oct. 2, 1778. He served in the old French war, first in 1749, in Z. Leonard's company, of Raynham ; in 1757 was in S. Witherell's company, of Norton. He had seven children. His will disposes of about six hundred and fifty acres of land, and his personal estate inventoried at £1286 6.S. Srf. Josiah (fifth generation), his youngest child, was born in Norton, April 14, 1764, was a farmer and resided during his life in Norton. He was a soldier of the Continental army of the Revolution, enlisting July 27, 1780, in Capt. John j Allen's company, of Carpenter's regiment. He married (first), in 1782-83, Rebecca, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Tisdale) Godfrey, who was born in Easton, Sept. 27, 1765. She "died Sept. 25, 1831 ; (second) in 1834, Charlotte Forest. He had four children, all by his first wife.

Nathaniel Newcomb (sixth generation) enjoyed the advantages of common schools only in education, and when about seventeen entered the employ of his brother-in-law, Simeon Presbrey, in a cottonmill in Stoughton, and was ever after identified and connected with cotton-manufactory. He married, April 17, 1823, Betsey, daughter of Gen. Thomas and Esther (Newland) Lincoln, of Taunton, where she was born Feb. 10, 1795. Their children were: (1) Betsey Thomas, who married William A. Hay-

Mr. Newcomb began business for himself in his native town as one of the earliest manufacturers, and was successfully engaged for a few years in the manufacture of cotton thread. He then bought of James Beaumont the patent-right to make wadding, and continued in the wadding and batting business till, having accumulated a handsome fortune by his untiring industry, rigid economy, and business capacity, he retired from active connection with manufacturing in 1860, and was at that time, and probably at the time of his deatb, the oldest cotton-thread manufacturer in America. He was a careful and cautious man, and the road to wealth to him was made by slow and steady accumulation, never by brilliant and fortunate speculation. He took no risk, and the result showed the wisdom of his course. He was often asked for advice, and was a safe counselor. During his life he used his money for business purposes, but often expressed a desire to leave at his death a token of remembrance to the town with which he had been so long identified, and his daughter carried his wish into execution by the erection of the town hall. Mr. Newcomb was a Democrat in politics, and by no means desired office. His wish was to be free from all official position. He was of strong and positive nature, and successful in nearly everything he undertook.

April 17, 1873, Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, and entertained a large number of friends from various places near and remote. Their wedded life continued till the death of Mr. Newcomb, Nov. 18, 1876. Mrs. Newcomb died Aug. 16, 1878.

The history of Nathaniel Newcomb is that of a self-reliant, earnest, and successful business man. His life was one of steady and active devotion to business, and his success was the natural result of his ability to readily comprehend any subject presented to him and courage to act in accordance with his convictions. He was a cheerful and social gentleman, possessing sterling qualities of character, which entitled him to the respect of all who knew him. He was an extensive owner of real estate, not only in his own town, but in other places.

Hon. Cromwell Leonard

HON. CROMWELL LEONARD. It is a curious feet that, in certain families, a predilection or aptitude and inclination for a certain jirofession or occupation seems to manifest itself through many generations, and among members of the family in widely remote parts of the world, and under perhaps diametrically opposite circumstances. The Leonards are noted throughout this country and Europe, aud have been so for generations, for their connection with the iron interests. Although the particular member of the family of which we write chose a different field for his life's work, yet in tracing his ancestral history we find that he comes from a family who were prominently identified with iron business on both continents. The Leonards have been a family of considerable prominence in England for many generations. They are descended, so several authorities inform us, from Leonard, Lord Dacre, of England, and through two lines from Edward HI., viz.: through John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Thomas Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester. James and Henry, brothers, were the first who came to America. They were sons of Thomas Leonard, of Pontypool, County Monmouth Wales, which place is famous for its iron-works and mines. They were identified with the first three ironworks established in America, - at Braintree, Lynn, and Taunton. They finally settled at Taunton, and were the progenitors of the family of Leonards who have been more or less prominently identified with the history of Bristol County from that time to the present. The Leonards have almost invariably been men of great wealth and high position. Hon. George Leonard, of Norton, a descendant of the same family, owned the largest estate in Bristol County, if not in New England, and his timber lands were undoubtedly the most valuable in the State. The keel of the frigate " Constitution" was taken from his lands. It is said that he "lived in baronial style, surrounded by numerous tenantry."

The famous Daniel Leonard, antagonist of John Adams in the questions of allegiance, and author of the femous "Massachusettensis" papers, and afterwards chief justice of Bermuda, was of this family. Hon. George Leonard and his father were judges of probate in Bristol County many years. It is worthy of note that the first genealogical account of any considerable extent printed in New England was Dr. Forbes' " Account of the Leonard Family." We have not been able to trace the direct unbroken line from James (1) Leonard to Cromwell, but that he is a descendant of James there can be no reasonable doubt, as it is known that the family to which he belonged descended from the Taunton Leonards.

Hon. Cromwell Leonard was the son of Jonathan Leonard by his second wife, Rebecca; Smith. He was born Dec. 1 , 1788. He was grandson of Jacob and Mary (Wild) Leonard. He married, June 15, 1815, Belinda Copeland, of Mansfield, by whom he had four children. He married for his second wife, June 20, 1849, Harriet Morse, of East Cambridge, daughter of Dr. Caleb Morse, of Moultonborough, N. H. She was born Oct. 19, 1810. Her mother was ! Anna (Ambrose) Morse. Her father. Dr. Morse, was one of the pioneer physicians of that i)art of New Hampshire, and was a man of remarkable mental and physical vigor. He lived to his eighty-third year, and continued in active practice until a few days prior to his death. Hon. Cromwell Leonard was one of the most prominent and most highly-esteemed men Norton has produced. He enjoyed in a very high degree the esueem and confidence of his fellowtownsmen. He served for many years as moderator of town-meetings, selectman, assessor, representative to General Court, etc. Like most of the Leonards he lived to a good old age, and probably no man who ever lived in the town was more sincerely mourned than he when the summons came " to join the innumerable caravan." Mrs. Leonard now resides in West Somerville, Mass., near North Cambridge line.

George Bowers Crane

Almost if not quite all the various families of the name Crane, Crayue, or Crain in New England are descended from the family of that name who came from England to America in the early days of the New Haven Colony, and were among the most active, enterprising, and intelligent of that hardy pioneer band who braved so many dangers and encountered and endured so many privations and hardships to win for themselves and their posterity a home in the New World. (For an account of some of the ancestors of the Crane family, see biography of A. B. Crane in this volume.)

A few generations ago the ancestors of George B. resided in Berkley. The first of the name of whom there is any record was Henry'- ; he had a son John\ who had a son named Oersham", who was a farmer in Berkley, and from frequent mention in records it is presumable he was a man of some note in his time. He had a son, Capt. John*, who became one of the leading men of his community, and a man much esteemed for his integrity and sterling worth. He was by occupation a farmer and surveyor. He was selectman of his town and member of the Legislature. He married Rachel Terry, of Freetown, Mass., and was the first of his family to settle in Norton. - He located about two miles southeast of the village of Norton, and built the house now occupied by his descendant, George B. He was a captain of militia, and a pioneer in all reform movements. His children were John, Rachel, George, Calvin, Hannah, and Terry. Both he and his wife were members of the Society of Friends. Capt. Terry' was brought up a farmer, married Rebecca Harvey, daughter of Henry Harvey, of Taunton, by whom he had one child, Hon. John Crane, who became senator from his county, and who was town clerk and treasurer in Norton thirty consecutive years, and then declined re-election. Capt. Terry's second wife was Matilda Macomber; by this marriage there was no issue. His third wife was Roby King, by whom he had Rebecca (died in infancy), Roby K. (married Leonard Hall, of Taunton, now deceased), Harriet. T. (married Lemuel Arnold, of Norton, now deceased), Hannah W. (married Andrew H. Hall, of Taunton, now deceased), Georye B., Nancy K. (married J. Warren Dean, of Taunton, now living a widow), Matilda M.

(married James AV. Hathaway, of Freetown, now deceased), Daniel (married Wealthy Hodges, of Norton, is still living), Abiyall W. (died at the age of seventeen), and Elizabeth L. (became upon her sister's decease the second wife of James W. Hathaway, of Freetown, and is still living).

Capt. Terry was a quiet, unobtrusive man, choosing the private pastoral life of a farmer, and always seduously avoiding everything savoring of publicity or distinction. The only office he would ever accept was in the militia, in which he ranked as captain. He was a Jeffersonian Democrat in politics, and in religious belief a Unitarian. He resided all his life on the home farm where he was born.

George B., the fifth child and eldest son of Capt. Terry by third wife, was born in Norton, Bristol Co., Mass., Nov. 10, 1810. He was brought up a farmer's boy, and while he did not enjoy the advantages for a scholastic education, now so common among the better classes of New England people, yet he had whatever instruction the common schools of his town afforded, of which he made the most, and being early taught to labor, he laid the foundation, by abundant and healthful outdoor exercise, for a rugged constitution , and well-developed physique, which, notwithstanding the more than ordinary amount of hard labor he ; has performed, he has maintained to his old age. As soon as he had arrived at proper age he taught school winters and farmed during summer months. This he continued about ten years. During the last forty years he has done a great deal of surveying in his own and all adjacent towns. In addition to farming, which has been the principal business of his life, he has also done considerable wood and lumber business. He married, Jan. 31, 1849, Martha Jones, of Raynham, daughter of Samuel and Mary Jones. (For ancestral history of Jones family, see biography of Samuel Jones elsewhere in this volume.)

They have had but one child, George Terry, born Jan. 20, 1852. He grew up to manhood at the home of his parents, married C. Amelia Woodward, daughter of Josiah and Cassandana W. (Peck) Woodward, of Norton, Sept. 4, 1878. They have one child, Martha J., born April 7, 1881, a bright little sprite that gladdens the household.

George T. early developed an inclination for working in iron and a marked ingenuity in that direction. As he grew older he cultivated this aptitude, and without having served an apprenticeship he became an expert blacksmith and carriage-builder, established a shop of that kind adjacent to his father's residence, and now resides with his parents, and follows blacksmithing and carriage-building as his occupation.

George B. Crane has been a member of the school committee in his town, selectman, and assessor ten years, justice of the peace since 1851, member of Legislature in 1856, and in 1853 was a member of the State Convention to revise the Constitution of Massachusetts. This convention numbered among its mem-

Mr. Crane has always been a Democrat in politics. In religion a Unitarian. He has done a great deal of probate business and settled many estates. He is a remarkably well preserved man for one of his years, his step being as elastic and his carriage as erect as most young men. He is a man of sterling integrity, honest, earnest, and sincere. All his life he has been energetic, industrious, and progressive, always favoring whatever tended to the advancement and best interest of his community. He is a man of modesty and merit, and one of Norton's most useful and esteemed citizens.

Leavis Billings Dbane

The name Den or Dene, which was the original way of spelling what is now written Deane or Dean, made its appearance in England soon after the introduction of surnames. It was apparently derived from the Saxon word den or dene, meaning a valley, and being first given to estates of that character, soon passed to their possessors. The family is probably of Norman origin, as the first of the name of whom we have any account was Robert de Den, butler to Edward the Confessor, and doubtless one of his "Norman favorites," as it is known he owned estates in Normandy. Later on the name is met with in Essex, Northamptonshire, Huntingdonshire, Oxfordshire, etc., many of them knights and nobles. After the abolition of feudalties by Henry VII., the territorial prefix " de" dropped into disuse. The letter a ' was introduced into the name Dene during the reign ! of Queen Elizabeth, and it became Deane. The Deanes of England have been a highly respectable and prominent family. Henry Dene, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Chancellor under Henry VII. ; Sir Richard Deane, mayor of London in 1629; Maj.- Gen. Richard Deane, the regicide ; and Sir Anthony Deane, comptroller of the navy, were of that fam-

The Deanes have resided for centuries at and in the vicinity of Taunton, Somersetshire, England, and from that place came most of the early immigrants of that name to America. Stephen Deane was the first of the name to laud in America. He came on the ship "Fortune," November, 1621. He built the first corn-mill in Plymouth Colony. John and Walter Deane, brothers, who came to America in 1637 from Taunton or immediate vicinity, in England, were the progenitors of most of the present extensive Deane family in Massachusetts. They settled at Taunton, Bristol Co., which place is .said to derive its name from Taunton, England. " They took up their farms on the west bank of the river, about one mile from the present village of Taunton," and their descendants still occupy the ancient homestead. Hon. Silas Deane, of Connecticut, minister to France, 1776, and a descendant of same original family, was the one who

The Deanes, wherever residing, have been noted for certain characteristics, among which may be mentioned strong will-power, earnest/ purpose, untiring energy, and integrity of character.

Lewis B. Deane, of whom we write, is the youngest of a family of .nine children. John Deane, his father, was born June 4, 1774 ; died Jan. 7, 1841. Betsey (Smith) Deane, the mother, was born March 9, 1785, died March 18, 1832. Their children were John, born Feb. 29, 1811. He married a Whiting, of Dedham, was freight agent in Boston of N. B. and T. Railroad, but resided in Dedham. He died Sept. 4, 1864, leaving two children. Maria, born Oct. 27, 1813, married Henry Hunt, of Norton, died Dec. 22, 1871, leaving one child. Isaac, born March 28, 1815, died Sept. 3, 1860, unmarried. Ellsa, born Dec. 23, 1816, married Parker Makepeace, of Norton ; has two children. Oliver, born June 11, 1818, married Eliza Hunt, of Norton ; resides in Canton, where he is engaged in coal and ice business and farming ; has one child. Calvin, born Feb. 27, 1821, married and resides in Canton ; runs an express from Canton to Boston. Cornelia, born Oct. 10, 1822, unmarried, resides with Parker Makepeace. Laprellott, born April 9, 1824, died Nov. 30, 1865, unmarried.

Lewis Billings Deane was born Nov. 20, 1826. He knew but little of a mother's love or tender care, as he was but six years of age when his mother died. He was brought up on a farm, and after arriving at manhood continued to follow that occupation till 1853, when he went to Boston and engaged to drive a team for his brother John. After a time he took a partnership in the business, and finally, in company with his brother Laprellott, he purchased his brother John's interest, and from that time till Laprellott's death they conducted the business together. After his brother's death Mr. Deane took Ambrose Hardy, who was a book-keeper in the N. B. Railroad office, in partnership, and they engaged not only to haul, but to load the freights of that road in Boston. The business was prosperous and successful. In 1872, having dissolved partnership with Mr. Hardy, Thomas P. Frost became a partner in the business, and two years later Mr. Deane sold out to him his interest and returned to his home in Norton. He and his brother Laprellott had previously purchased the interest of the other heirs in the home farm, and upon the decease of Laprellott, Lewis B. inherited his share. The homestead consists of seventy-five acres of laud, with commodious dwelling and outbuildings. Mr. Deane has built a large and wellappointed barn, and is pleasantly situated in life. His home is in the suburbs of the pleasant little vil-

He married, Aug. 18, 1880, Rose Burns, of Providence. They have no children. He is a Whig and Republican in politics, and an attendant of the Unitarian Church.

Silas Allen Stone

SILAS ALLEN STONE. The men who came to New England in the early colonial days were not only hardy, courageous, and adventurous, but many, if not moH, of them were men of education and intelligence. In their struggle for existence in the New World, however, they encountered so many privations, and had to meet and overcome so many obstacles, that they had but little time to devote to the education of their children, and particularly was this true of the second and third generations. One result of all this was that of the first settlers we have usually quite authentic and more or less complete records, while of their children and children's children we can learn but little because of their inattention to literary matters and the consequent meagre data they have left behind them. The Stone family furnishes no exception to this general rule.

The first of the name who came to America was Deacon Simon Stone, who embarked at London, England, April 15, 16.35, in the ship " Increase," Robert Lea, master, and May 25, 1636, he was admitted a freeman at AVatertown. He was at that time fifty, and his wife Joan thirty-eight years of age. The place of his homestead was just south of Mount Auburn Cemetery, and probably embraced part of those grounds. The records of the Plantation Office in London show that he was a husbandman in England prior to his removal to America. He became a man of consequence in the new colony. He was selectman seven years, and was a leader in church and State aflairs. His younger brother, Deacon Gregory, came to Cambridge and settled in 1637. Both the brothers reared families, and from one or the other of them (most probably Deacon Gregory) the particular branch of the Stone family of which Silas A. is a member was descended.

William Stone was one of the early settlers of the town of Norton, Bristol Co., Mass. His son, known as Capt. William Stone, was a man of much prominence in the early history of that town. He wa.s town treasurer from 1726 to 1733, inclusive. He was one of the selectmen ten years, between 1730 and 1750. He represented the town in the Legislature five years, and was captain in the militia. His sword, made in 1745, is now in the po.ssession of his great-grandson, Silas A. Stone. His wife was Mehitable Lane. He established an iron forge just above where Norton Centre Mills now stand, nearly opposite the old Stone homestead. He had children, of whom Nathaniel was one. Nathaniel was born' Sept. 2, 1753, and died April 11, 1835. His wife was Rebecca Woodward. She was born June 26, 1758, and died Sept. 8, 1806. Their children w

Source changes here: from A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Vol. 2), by Hutt, Frank Wolcott, published 1924; 5,162 words in this source stream.

Norton Town

In Norton one wins enduring impressions of substantial homes colonial; of the record of persistency of an early colonial settlement; of the work and worth of scholarly and progressive men and women; of the World War reminder of the Honor Roll on the Common; and by no means the least, of the presence of a certain William Witherell.

There was no celebration, no special commemoration, but the year 1919 marked the 250th anniversary of the year when William Witherell first set foot within the borders of the township known today as Norton - the first white person, so far as known, to have arrived and actually made his home here - though his location at Winnecunnet lake was still Taunton. He came by devious ways, by Indian trail, and through woods primeval, and on the eastern side of the lake he delayed his steps, and, as the exact old historian has it, "20 rods northerly from the bridge, over the outlet of the pond, on the 5 acres, more or less, which was granted him by the town for a home lotte' - the pond marking the bounds of the future between Taunton and Norton. Witherell set down nothing about his advent here; but the situation must have been a passably alluring one, as his descendants, eight of them in line, lived right around there, up to the time of another William Witherell, his descendant, about the year 1915. Yet the first settler of all stood by for more than two decades before the Norton township eventually was formed, which occurrence took place in 1711. William Witherell arrived at Taunton in 1643, with Captain William Dunn, whose name is to be found in the list of Taunton's original proprietors and whose vessel had sailed a distance up Taunton river. William had been a cabin boy aboard the vessel, but he had not been many years ashore, when in 1662 he was appointed a constable; and later, while living on his five-acre lot by the pond, he was again given that office. Again, in 1671 and in 1685, his fellow-townsmen honored him with the appointment of deputy from Taunton to the Plymouth Colony Court. He bought more land, both in the North and South Purchases, and in 1679 and 1680 he was one of the court's committee to bound Assonet Neck meadows. In 1685 he was keeping an "ordinary" on the Bay road. To crown the achievements of this pioneer, he joined the militia, was made a company sergeant, and received wounds at the Narragansett Swamp Fight when Chief Philip's people made their last brave stand, the court granting him fifteen pounds for his injuries.

Then, about fourteen years after this first settler, arrived Thomas Brintnall, who in 1685 commenced the second settlement, at what is now Mansfield, but within the former Norton bounds. Ten years afterwards, in 1695, Thomas and James Leonard came to their grant of 250 acres at Stony Brook, now Chartley, where they set up their iron forge, as Leonard men were wont to do at Saugus, Braintree and Taunton, and wherever there was bog iron to work with. George Leonard, son of Thomas and nephew of James, actually set up the forge, and when that was accomplished, there were forty families here to give welcome to the new town. George Leonard and Nicholas White were chosen, November 27, 1707 and, somewhat later, John Witherell, as agents of the forty-three male inhabitants for the formation of a precinct "because of the very difficult circumstances that we are under in living so remote from the public worship of God."

Taunton did not grant the desire of the petitioners, so they preferred their request to the General Court at Boston. Twice the petition was opposed; but finally, after two years of further struggle, the triumph of the precinct folk was secured. Norton was incorporated a town June 12, 1711, so named for the Norton in England, seventy-four miles northwest of London. The present bounds of the town are as follows: north by Mansfield; east by Easton; south by Taunton and Rehoboth, and west by Attleboro - an area all told of 18,264 acres - the centre, Barrowsville, Chartley, Winnecunnet village - -266 acres of the township being covered with water. Winnecunnet Pond (place of black geese) has 129 acres.

Heirs to a distinctive quality of persistency, the Leonard and Witherell branches have persisted and flourished on brave old trees. And other matters that have not ceased to persist and progress have had their anniversary claims set forth within recent years, notably the establishment of the first school here in 1719, and the presentation of the first warrant for town meeting that year. The same urgent spirit asserted itself in Norton when later the Stamp Act was imposed, and when 300 men from here represented ~ Norton in the Revolution; again, in 1861, when 155 Norton men answered the call to the colors; again, today, there are 112 names on the local honor roll, those of brave comrades in the World War.

Quite as distinct and clear is that other leading impression of Norton - that of the influence of woman here, and the generous and graceful attention she has given to a number of institutions whose development has accorded the community far more than local repute. Wheaton College, beautiful for situation, ideal for collegiate advantages, once the struggling seminary, is now everywhere known and honored. Wheaton has made its home here since 1834, through the influence and direction of Mrs. Eliza B. Wheaton, who for seventy years sustained and advanced the noble foundation of the late Judge Wheaton, his memorial to a cherished daughter. The constituency of the college represents young womanhood from all sections of the country, and they have shared in the maintenance and honor of that foundation. Nearby is the evidence of the results of lifework of other women, the Misses Hyde and Cornish, their "House in the Pines," a home school for girls, being near the college. Norton people see their presence with gratitude, as they do also the gift of the Norton Public Library, built and presented the town in 1887 by Mrs. Wheaton; also her gift of the chapel of the Trinitarian Congregational Church. The town hall itself was a woman's gift. In 1882 Miss Harriot A. Newcomb, carrying out the wishes of her father, presented the town with that structure for its principal public building. Such impressions of Norton are not haphazard ones, neither are those of the commodious and hospitable homes of Norton - those built by Rev. Joseph Avery and Rev. Pitt Clark, the Major Leonard house, and many others. And as we catch glimpses of some oi the fifty farms along the borders of good roads, among them those of Alden G. Walker, Virgil Leonard, Alfred B. White, Charles H. Freeman, Homer Lane and George L. Jackson, the passing sight of them is evidence of the fact that Norton is an agricultural town of excellence. The population of Norton in 1923 was 2,374. The total valuation of real estate in 1922 was $1,574,300; personal estate, $628,800; the number of polls assessed, 734.

Churches. - There was no delay on the part of the townsmen to organize their church, and the very year of the town incorporation, Rev. Samuel Phillips began to take charge of the Congregational flock. Like the first ministers in Attleboro and Mansfield and elsewhere throughout the county, Mr. Phillips had not been ordained when he preached his first sermon here, January 1, 1710. Fifty men of the new parish gave contributions of land for the use of the minister, Judge Thomas Leonard being particularly active and generous in that regard. Mr. Phillips did not remain as a settled minister, however, and Rev. Joseph Avery received the call of the congregation December 23, 1710, the church then being organized as a society. The first meetinghouse stood on the Common, a tablet being placed there within recent years to point out the spot. Rev. Mr. Avery's house was built to the west of that. He remained as pastor until 1748, and several men supplied the pulpit to the year 1752. Rev. Joseph Palmer was ordained here January 3, 1753, and remained until his death, April 4, 1791. It was during his pastorate that the society was incorporated as a parish in 1783. Rev. Pitt Clark was ordained July 3, 1793, and he continued until his death, February 13, 1835; during that year the present church was erected. The church bell was cast by Paul Revere in 1810. Settled pastors since that time have been: Revs: A. M. Briggs 1836-40; William P. Tilden, 1841-44; Amory Gale, M. D., 1845-48; Frederic Hinckley, 1848-50; George Faber Clark, 1852-61; (he wrote the "History of Norton'); Daniel*S. C. M. Potter, 1863-69; Isaac Kelso, 1869-70; John B. Willard, 1870-71; J. E. Bruce, 1871-72; S. C. Beach, 1873-76; J. M. Trask, 1876; L. W. Manning, 1876-80; W. H. Reeby, 1880-84; C. F. Nicholson, 1887-92; C. A. Young, 1893-96; Francis W. Holder, 1896-98 and 1899-1906; J. H. Weeks, 1907; Herbert H. Mott, 1912-21; Walter A. Tuttle, 1922 - .

The Trinitarian Congregational Church was organized April 3, 1832, first meetings having been held at the home of Mrs. Eliza B. Wheaton, and among those who first conducted the services being Dr. Lyman Beecher, Dr. Richard S. Storrs, and Rev. John West. The church building was dedicated January 1, 1834, due to the generous gifts of Hon. Laban Wheaton, his son Hon. Laban M. Wheaton, and others. That was the year of the founding of Wheaton Seminary, the present Wheaton College, and from that time to the present the interests both of the church and the college became closely identified. The chapel, formerly the gymnasium of the seminary, was dedicated September 18, 1878, the gift of Mrs. E. B. Wheaton; it was re-dedicated November 26, 1882. The following-named have served as ministers: Revs. Spencer F. Beard, Cyrus W. Allen, Homer Barrows, William Barrows, Franklin Holmes, Samuel Beane, Henry C. Fay, Henry K. Craig, Timothy Atkinson, William N. T. Dean, James P. Lane, George H. Hubbard, Vernon C. Harrington, Charles E. Harris, Charles A. Ratcliffe.

The Wesleyan Methodist Church was organized May 3, 1850, and the church building was dedicated May 8, 1854. The Methodist Episcopal Church was established as a mission, at Lane's station, the present Barrowsville, about the year 1874, by Rev. EK. D. Hall, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Attleboro. First meetings were held at residences, at the depot, and in a jewelry shop, since destroyed by fire. A chapel was dedicated in February, 1876. A separate church organization was secured June 10, 1876.

A Baptist church was organized here in 1761 by parishioners of the First Church. The church was dissolved in 1835, and a new Baptist parish organized that year.

The Catholic church building, St. Mary's, on the Taunton road, was built in 1865 by Rey. Father Shahan. Alternately it was supplied by priests from the Taunton and the Attleboro parishes. Rey. Father Cain of Oakland jhas been the pastor in recent years. Rev. Fathers O'Conneli and Fox were former pastors.

Educational. - As early as the year 1791, Thomas Skinner was appointed schoolmaster, and the same year Patience Leach taught school. Abigail Morey taught school in 1793. In the year 1923 there were four schools in the town - the high school, Center, Chartley and Barrowsville, with a total of 588 pupils. The appropriation for school maintenance that year was $30,500. The total amount in the school savings bank was $901.41. The high school started the school year of 1922-23 with ninetyfive pupils. The high school principals have been Harry E. Gardner, Miss Bertha E. Piggott, A. W. Hopson, Ralph B. Farnum, Kent L. Sanborn, Earl Thibodeau, Charles R. Randall.

Wheaton College - The town of Norton has justifiable pride in the fact that Wheaton College, one of the small but progressive colleges fer women in this country, and the only institution bearing a college charter within the limits of the original territory controlled by the Pilgrim Fathers, has its location within the town's limits. It is an old institution, having been founded in 1834 as one of the pioneer schools in the higher education of women. Established by Judge Laban Wheaton as a memorial to his only daughter, the college was opened in 1835 as Norton Female Seminary, the incorporation of the institution taking place in 1837. The seminary began its existence at the suggestion of Judge Wheaton's daughter-in-law, Mrs. Eliza Baylies Chapin Wheaton, then a young woman of twenty-five, who outlived the other members of the family, and for more than seventy years, or until her death at the age of ninety-six, made the institution the object of her care and benefactions. 'The name of the school was changed to Wheaton Female Seminary in 1839, but it was commonly known as Wheaton Seminary, until it became Wheaton College, February 12, 1912. Miss Mary Lyon superintended the organization of the institution and she directed its work for the first two years, or until she entered upon her duties at Mt. Holyoke College, to which she had been pledged.

Rev. Joseph Emerson, of Beverly, whose initiative prepared the way for the higher education of women and who was the teacher and inspirer of Mary Lyon, was intimately associated with the life and history of Wheaton, one of the buildings bearing the family name. The school was never co-educational, but from the first gave itself wholly to its distinctive work. It stood in the front rank, and, until the rise of the women's colleges, offered as good an opportunity as could be had from any institutional source for the education of women. In the year 1897, for the sake of a better adjustment to the new educational conditions, Wheaton underwent a reorganization, and this resulted in many important changes during the succeeding years. Building after building was erected or otherwise acquired; the material equipment was added to in various other ways; and the departments of study were enlarged and strengthened. The college occupies a most attractive location in the town of Norton, and in one of the most healthful regions in New England. The extensive grounds include a beautiful strip of woods on the south of the Campus, known as College Pines, and an area on the north devoted in part to the college farm. Covering about one hundred acres, diversified by gardens, lawns, hedges, trees and meadows, containing an athletic field, tennis courts, basket-ball standards, and other equipment for out-door sports, they give the student a sense of freedom. The college has twenty-four buildings, not including the farm buildings. Eleven of these are modern brick buildings in the colonial style of architecture, and seven are dwelling houses just outside the campus. 'The buildings are heated by steam and lighted by electricity from a plant owned and operated by the college. The new halls of residence, constructed of brick, contain both single and double rooms, with bath and toilet rooms on each floor.

Mary Lyon Hall, on the site of the original building erected by Judge Wheaton, contains class rooms, faculty room, studios, and a large lecture hall. Metcalf Hall consists of two buildings, erected at different times, and connected by an isthmus; it contains public parlors, the administrative offices, and, above the first floor, rooms for students. Chapin Hall was erected in 1900 as the first of the new halls of residence, it being constructed of brick, with trimmings of cream-white Vermont. marble. Lucy Larcom Hall, also a hall of residence, is a larger building than Chapin Hall, and is connected at one end with Emerson Hall by means of a pergola of brick piers and by a granolithic walk. Cragin Hall is a companion building to Lucy Larcom Hall; it is located at the south of Emerson Hall, with which it is also connected by a pergola.

Stanton Hall, opened in the fall of 1921 as a hall of residence, with a dining room of its own, is a dignified structure of brick, in the late

Georgian style, like the other buildings of the college; and it stands at the southern end of the campus, just beyond Cragin Hall. The building was named in honor of Miss A. Ellen Stanton, who was a teacher in the institution for twenty-six years, during seventeen of which she was principal of Wheaton Seminary. Barrows House, standing at the corner of Main street and Mansfield avenue, on land adjoining the holdings of the college, was acquired by purchase in the spring of 1922; and with its annex it has been remodeled to serve as a small hall of residence. Emerson Hall contains the general dining-room, the kitchen, with its various appointments, and in the second story the living-rooms of the matron and her assistants. This building also is of red brick in the late Georgian style. The Chapel, dedicated in 1917, occupies a site between the Gymnasium and the Science building, and completes the easterly side of the quadrangle; the spire rises 147 feet from the ground. The combined seating capacity of the main floors and the galleries is about 900. An organ occupies two sides of the chancel. The Library building stands at the southern end of the campus, and completes with distinction the main quadrangle. The. cornerstone was laid in June, 1922. Other structures are the Science building, the Observatory, first opened in February, 1917; the Gymnasium; the Infirmary; the President's House and the Power House. The chapel is regarded as one of the finest examples of New England architecture. Holmes Cottage and Carpenter House are ready for occupancy for overflow from the college dormitory.

When Rev. Samuel V. Cole, D.D., LL.D., became president of Wheaton in 1897, that college was given a new and a larger lease of life, and its modernization and growth have been marked from that time. The change of the name from seminary to college was suggested by Dr. Cole, and it met with no opposition, the policy of the new president being to build up the preparatory work, and eventually to eliminate preparatory work altogether, which has been done, to the end that in November, 1922, the college received the approval of the Association of American Universities, and was placed on the accredited list of colleges recognized by that institution. The college also has been rated with Class A in the University of Illinois, and in 1923 was admitted to membership in the American Association of University Women. The class that entered for college work in 1912 numbered only fifteen, and it required both courage and faith to come to the new college, then, as the other two hundred students in the institution were either college preparatory, regular seminary or special students. At the end of 1914 all preparatory work had vanished, and no new students were received who could not profitably pursue college work. In 1921 the college enrolment had increased from fifteen to 309, every student having met the admission requirement of fifteen units, and become regularly classified in courses leading to the A. B. degree.

In the fall of 1923 the college had over 400 students, with everyone regularly classified for the A. B. degree, the students coming from twentyfive different States, and some of them from abroad. The college motto, established in 1912 by President Cole, is, "That they may have life, and have it more abundantly", and the institution throughout all handicaps, and even through the blighting influence of the World War, has lived up to the significance of the motto, so that the achievements of the college have been considered miraculous. Dr. Cole, who has worked steadily and perseveringly to bring about these changes in the institution was for several years a member of the board of trustees of Bowdoin College, his alma mater, and he has received honorary degrees from colleges. The faculty of the college now consists of thirty-five members, both men and women, and among the features are the Academic Council, the College Government Association, the departmental clubs, the Bureau of Vocational Opportunities, and a system of college preachers. There is a strong Christian Association, out of which has grown the Intercollegiate Community Service Association. President Calvin Coolidge delivered the commencement address in 1923, and at that time received the honorary degree of LL.D., the first man to receive an honorary degree from Wheaton. House in the Pines was established in 1911 by the Misses Althea E. Hyde and Gertrude E. Cornish, the latter of whom had previously been a teacher at Wheaton College and Miss Porter's School in Farmington. It was opened primarily for girls of high school age, but a small number of younger children was also accepted. During the second year of the school, Miss Hyde was married, and since then the school has continued under the efficient and successful guidance of Miss Cornish, a woman of great understanding of and love for girls. Originally the school property consisted of a main house of fine, colonia] architecture and a recitation building, but during the succeeding years other buildings and land were acquired, until in 1923 the school grounds, which include pine groves, athletic fields and farm land, cover an area of eighty acres. There are six buildings: the Main House, the recitation building; the Cottage, a dormitory for girls of the Upper School; the farm house, the infirmary and the Hedges. The Hedges, a large estate opposite the Main House, was added to the property in 1921 and opened as a school for girls under the age of fourteen. This has its own playgrounds and outdoor equipment. The school is supplied with vegetables and eggs from its own farm. It also has a large herd of Jersey cows and a stable of well-trained saddle horses. From the beginning the school has offered a peculiarly homelike atmosphere and high standards and ideals for the development of the girl as well as sound academic training. The number of pupils is limited, so that it may be possible for the principal to know each girl individually and to give her the personal touch often needed to bring into the foreground the qualities that are the attributes of the best self. In the Upper School, college preparatory and general courses are given. In the former course, girls are thoroughly prepared for all the best colleges for woman. Since 1918 a two-year diploma course of advanced work for high school graduates has been a strong feature. In this course special advantages are offered in languages, music, drawing and painting, household arts and secretarial work. In the Junior School, primary and grammar grade work is provided and there is a country-day department for children livinig near. Public Library, etc - The Norton Public Library had its origin with the Norton Magazine Club that was formed, in 1879, to secure to its members and their families the reading of the principal magazines, reviews, and other publications, each member paying two dollars annually to meet the cost. For several years the headquarters was at the Town Hall, Mrs. FE. T. Wetherell acting as librarian. Miss Ann E. Carter made the sugges- tion that from this beginning there should come a free library for the town, and just before her death a gift and bequest was made by Miss Carter to further the project. The room at the Town Hall was maintained as a public reading room from 1883, Miss Emily A. Titus succeeding Mrs. Wetherell as librarian, and the Magazine Club voted to turn over to the Public Library all their bound volumes and all their magazines to January 1, 1885. The Library was incorporated April 7, 1886, by William E. Payson, Arthur M. Round, Davis Gregory, E. T. Wetherell, James P. Lane and Emily A. Titus. The present library was built in 1887, the gift of Mrs. Eliza B. Wheaton, wife of Judge Laban Wheaton. There are 9,225 books on the shelves. The board of trustees in 1923: President, Miss Mabel H. Perry; vice-president, Rev. M. J. Creeger; secretary and treasurer, Walter C. S. Wood; Miss Clara V. Coyle, G. H. O'Brien, C. S. Randall, Dr. Arthur M. Round, Mrs. Walter S$. Williams, and the selectmen ex officio. Librarian, Miss Marion E. Clapp; assistant, Miss Nina Leonard.

The Norton Home for Old Ladies, on Newland street, was formally placed in the hands of a board of trustees early in 1923 by the executors of the will of the late Harriot A. Newcomb - Judge Charles C. Hagerty, of Mansfield, and Charles S$. Newcomb, of Torrington, Connecticut. Among the provisions is that no admission fee shall ever be charged to any applicant desiring to enter the Home, but that by-laws may provide that applicants possessing property be required to give same to the Home. The trustees are: Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Newcomb, of Torrington, Connecticut; Mr. and Mrs. Edgar M. Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Wood, Miss Mabel H. Perry, Mr. and Mrs. George E. Smith. The officers: President, Edgar M. Holmes; secretary, Mabel H. Perry; treasurer, Charles S$. Newcomb; directors: W. C. S. Wood, Mrs. W. C. S. Wood, George E. Smith, Mrs. George EF. Smith, Mrs. Charles S. Newcomb, Mrs. Edgar M. Holmes.

The Norton District Nursing Association, originated here in 1920, is performing a very valuable work in this town, the officers for 1923 being: President, James Flaherty; vice-president, Mrs. Florence Williams; secretary, Miss Florence Cowles; treasurer, Arthur Valentine. ;

Norton's first postoffice was established in 1817, with Earl P. White as postmaster. Laban M. Wheaton, Earl Hodges and Mrs. Harriet Hodges were his immediate successors. Other postoffices of the town are those at Barrowsville, Chartley, East Norton and Norton Furnace. The town clerks have been: John Briggs, 1711; George Leonard, John Hodges, George Leonard, Jr., David Williams, John King, Captain Silas Cobb, Seth Smith, Jr., Thomas Fobes, Joseph Hunt, George Walker, Thomas Danforth, John Crane, Rev. George F. Clark, Austin Messinger, Jacob A. Leonard, George White. Mr. Leonard was town clerk thirty-nine years.

The first resident physician here was Dr. Samuel Caswell, in 1723. Others in succession were: Doctors Nicholas White, William Ware, John Wild, Jr., Lewis Sweeting, George Wheaton, Jonathan Pratt, Gideon Tiffany, Adam Johnstone, Daniel Parker, Nathaniel Cook, Timothy Smith, Nathan Babbitt, Samuel Morey, Lewis Laprelite, Leavitt Bates, Guilford Hodges, Asa M. Adams, Richard F. Sweet, Ira Barrows, Benjamin F.

Industries. - First of all as regards the industries of the old days, was the iron forge of Thomas and James Leonard of Stony Brook, near the Leonard mansion house, later carried on by the son of Thomas, namely Major George Leonard, his son George and his grandson George. Here, also, Judge Leonard had a grist mill; and still later, in 1855, George L. Barnes, a descendant of Major George Leonard, built a saw and shingle mill near that site. Years afterward it came into the hands of H. S. Freeman, C. D. and C. H. Dane, and then the Norton Steam Power Company, organized by Charles D. Lane in 1871. The company was incorporated February 25, 1873. The factory was first occupied September 1, 1872, by William A. Sturdy & Company, jewelers, and in 1873 and 1874 Bodman & Hussey occupied a part of the building. The latter was burned December 26, 1874, and rebuilt in 1875. It was purchased in 1879 by William A. Sturdy and C. S. and George L. Wetherell. Corn and grist mills were operated by the Leonards from 1714 to 1770, and these passed through various hands, until in 1819 Ephraim Raymond and Josiah Dean erected a cotton factory and organized the Norton Manufacturing Company. Thence this property also passed through the possession of Samuel Crocker, Charles Richmond, Albert Barrows and others. In February, 1884, the Wheaton ° Manufacturing Company, consisting of Aibert Barrows, Samuel B. King and Laban M. Wheaton, began to manufacture cotton and woolen goods. They sold to the Newbury Manufacturing Company in 1865. In 1871 Lafayette Godfrey purchased the property for the same purpose, and in 1875 the Stafford Manufacturing Company of Fall River were the purchasers.

The first mill for fulling, dyeing and dressing cloth in Norton was built by Jonathan Hodges in 1745. That was the beginning of a long series of ownerships and intermittent activities that were pursued by Nathan and Edward Babbitt, Annes Newcomb, Edward and Levi Babbitt, Asa Newcomb, Thomas Danforth, Jonathan Smith, Simeon Presbrey, Jr., Daniel Presbrey, Stimson Austin, Alanson Cobb, Nathaniel Newcomb, Maynard Newcomb. William Carpenter started a nail-cutting factory in 1790. The hat-making industry was begun in 1808 by Ansel Keith and Jonathan Smith. Then in turn on the same site followed Thomas Danforth, Hiram H. Wetherell, Horace B. Wetherell, the Straw Manufacturing Company, the Wheaton Manufacturing Company, the Norton Straw Company, the Norton Manufacturing Company. The first tannery in town was started by John Andrews soon after the incorporation of the town. Deacon Benjamin Copeland built another tannery in 1740, which was continued by members of the family until 1845. In 1758 David Arnold built a tannery. In 1858 Austin Messinger began the manufacture of friction matches, and he later went into partnership with Andrew H. Sweet. In 1828 the Centre Mills cotton factory was started on the Ebenezer Burt water privilege on Rumford river by Deacon Daniel Lane & Sons, in association with others. Laban M. Wheaton acquired the property in 1846, and then, successively, Nathan Smith and Story & Talbot. Present industries follow:

The Freeman Daughaday Company, with a capital of $300,000, employ 300 hands in the manufacture of men's jewelry. C. L. Valentine is president; O. P. Becker, secretary; F. P. Daughaday, treasurer.

Sweet Paper Box Company, with a capital of $20,000 employ twenty-two hands in the manufacture of paper boxes. Frank L. Nelson is president; Louis L'Amoureux, secretary; George H. Fuller, treasurer.

The Norton and Taunton street railway was built in 1898. The Norton Electric Light and Power Company was organized in 1907. The Norton Savings and Loan Association was organized at Chartley, January 20, 1890, with Austin Messinger, president, and C. Bowen Wetherell, secretary and treasurer.

The Decorative Metal Company, Inc., is a continuation of a partnership business heretofore known as the Decorative Metal Company. It is situated at present at East Norton. It was originally started about 1919, and was incorporated April 7th, 1923. It manufactures a line of portable lamps, advertising novelties, and all types of metal goods made from various compounds of lead, tin and antimony. The offcers are Elihu G. Sibley, president, and Charles S. McNulty, secretary and treasurer.

The A. H. Sweet & Son Company, manufacturers of wooden boxes and packing cases, sold their business early in 1923 to Sprague & Reynolds, of East Freetown; and the latter, which has extensive saw mill and box factory holdings in the south part of the county, continue the operation of the Sweet plant. The Sweet company was one of the oldest of the business enterprises of Norton, and was the successor to Messinger & Sweet, at one time conducting a match factory and wood and paper box making plants.