Oakham Town

Oakham Town

In 1813, while Winchendon was still in its infancy, there being but seven houses in the village proper at that time, Samuel Brown came from Lincoln to found here a permanent home for himself and family. He brought with him his young wife, Eunice Hagar, from Weston - one very competent to share with him the reverses of fortune in a new country. They chose the site for their home on a pleasant hill-top, at the foot of which nestles the little sheet of water known as BuUardville Pond.

Their oldest child, William Brown, was born July 15, 1820. He attended school in Winchendon, but, being of an energetic temperament, he, early in life, showed a preference for active labors. He was particularly fond of teaming, and he was employed when quite a young man, by the contractors at the time the Cheshire Railroad was being built, to team the iron rails from place to place as needed.

He was one of four children, and with them united in following the worthy example of their father and mother, which had taught them that true contentment and honor were the reward of honest labor, and not the fruits of idleness. He married, April 8, 1850, .lulia A. Lovejoy, daughter of Oliver and Nancy (Ingalls) Lovejoy. Their union was blessed with three children, - Arthur L., born May 18, 1857; William H., born May 20, 1800, and Mary E., born March 0, 1808. For many years he farmed quite extensively, dealing mostly in stock.

In 1879 he began business ; he purchased a mill about half a mile from his homestead, and fitted it for the manufacture of tubs and pails, employing from twelve to fifteen hands. His sons, having completed their education at Wilbraham and Worcester, joine<l him in his business. He kept on building and improving until the time of his death, when he had between sixty and seventy employes.

He was one of Winchendon's most enterprising and prosjierous manufacturers, and he was personally active in whatever was necessary to be done in orabout his large mill. Although engrossed in business, he found time to cultivate the benevolent side of his character. He was never too busy to attend to the appeals of those in his employ. The poor found in him a ready friend, not with good advice alone, but often with substantial aid. He was of very impulsive nature, quick to resent an injury, and as quick to do a generous or noble deed.

His illness was of short duration, there being no pause in his labors until about two weeks before his death, which occurred January 10, 1888. At the time of his decease he was the only surviving member of his father's fitmily, except one, Mrs. Eunice Nash, who still resides in Winchendon. His oldest son, Arthur, married Anna L. Lovejoy; their child, Charles Tyler Brown, was born June 20, 1883. William H., his second son, married Ella L. Smith ; their daughter, Bernice Irene Brown, was born July 25, 1887.

He left a large estate, much of which was made by his own ability and business sagacity. The old homestead is still kept in the Brown name, being now occupied by the third and fourth generations, a new house having been erected in 1837.

Chapter Cxxxix By Jesse Allen

This town is situated in the western part of the county of Worcester and very near the centre of the State, and bounded northerly by Barre and Rutland, easterly by Rutland and Paxton, southerly by Spencer and New Braintree, and westerly by New Braintree and Barre.

The first settlement in Worcester County was made in what is now the town of Lancaster in 1043; but it was more than seventy years after that date before the settlers had reached the " mother town of Rutland" (of which Oakham was formerly a part), and one hundred and seven years before the tide of emigration had overflowed into what is now the town of Oakham.

On the 22d of December, 1080, Joseph Trask, alias Pugastion, of Pennicook, Job, alias Pompamamay, of Natick, Simon Piticom, alias Wananapan, of Wamassick, Sassawannow, of Natick, and James Wiser, alius Qualipunit, of Natick (Indians who claimed to be lords of the soil), gave and executed a deed to Henry Willard, Joseph Rowlandson, Joseph Foster, Benjamin Willard and Cyprian Stevens, for £23, of a certain tract of land twelve miles square, the north corner of which was the " Great Mountain Wachusett." The Indian name of this tract was Naquag. The name of Rutland was given to it February 23, 1713, when this Indian deed was confirmed by the General Court. This deed, signed and acknowledged by the above-named Indians, was received April 14, 1714, and entered with the Registry of Deeds for the County of Middlesex, liber 10, page 511, by Samuel Phips, register. To this conveyance can be traced the titles of the present owners.

The first settlement in this tract w-.is made in 1716, and the first male child born (in Rutland) was in 1719, for which good fortune he received one hundred acres of land.

Oakham was the southwest corner of the "twelve miles square," and, previous to its incorporation, known as " Rutland West Wing." Its surface is uneven, and the soil is of great variety. The range of hills, extending from the northeast section, through the central and southwest portion, thence into New Braintree, possess a deep, heavy, clay soil, excellent for grass, fruit, corn and the smaller grains. While the gravelh' soil of the northwest part and the sandy plains of the eastern border produce excellent crops of potatoes and all kinds of grain. At the time of its first settlement the surface was covered with vast forests principally of oak and chestnut, while many other varieties of wood and timber, such as maple, birch, ash, hemlock, pine, poplar, etc., were found in greater or less abundance.

No large streams of water are found within its borders. The small streams and brooks which water and drain its surface all have their sources within its limits, and flow either northerly to the Ware, or southerly to the Chicopee River, and by their rapid fall furnish considerable water-power the greater part of the year.

The first settlements in "Rutland West Wing'" were made in the fall of 1749, when ten families from the " old town " banded together for this purpose, and united in building their log houses, all working on each one in turn. Nine were completed and occupied before winter set in, and the tenth the following spring.

The heads of these families were : James Bell, James Dean, William Harper, Robert McMane, Captain James Craige, Alexander Bothwell, Alexander McFarland, William Banks, Patrick Green and Alexander Crawford. These colonists were Scotch-Irish, from the North of Ireland, strong, courageous men. No obstacles, however great, could discourage them. Just the right kind of pioneers to subdue such a wilderness. We can hardly imagine the trials and hardships endured by these early settlers.

By the many Indian relics of stone, such as tomahawks, gouges, mortars for pulverizing corn, arrowheads, etc., found in all parts of the town, there can be no doubt that many generations of the " Red Men'' had roamed over these hills and through these valleys. But, for the most part, in this section of country, they had ceased to be hostile many years previous to this date. But still many were remaining in the region, wandering around more like beggars than warriors, and were a source of continual anxiety for many years to these early settlers, who could not easily forget the stories of the atrocities committed by them only a few years before in places but a few miles distant. The country was still infested by many wild beasts. As night came on their cattle must be gathered into their rude barns, and the hou^e doors securely fastened, and often their slumbers would be disturbed by the bowlings of wolves and otlier animals.

A young woman started one day to walk through the dense forest, from Mr. Alexander Crawford's, in the northeast part of the settlement, to the house of his son, about three miles distant. She would pass but one house on the w^y. The path was traced by blazed trees. Two-thirds of the distance was accomplished in safety, when, coming suddenly into a small clearing, what was her dismay to find herself face to face with a large bear. Although greatly terrified, her presence of mind did not leave her. She knew that an attempt to escape by flight would mean almost certain death.

Betraying no signs of fear, "she looked at the bear, and the bear looked at her." The steady gaze of the brave young woman was very soon too much for Master Bruin, who slunk away into the bushes, to the intense relief of the young lady, who completed her walk in safety.

The land was almost entirely covered with a heavy growth of wood and timber, which must be cleared off before it could be cultivated. Rocks and stumps must be gradually cleared out, roads laid out and made, buildings constructed and many other obstacles overcome.

However, in spite of all discouragements, the number of settlers was largely increased during the next nine years by the arrival of other families.

The " West Wing" had been laid out previous to its settlement, by the proprietors of Rutland, into fifty-two lots, of about two hundred and fifty acres each.

As the population increased, very soon the need of better advantages for educating their children, and for the support of preaching in their midst began to be felt. December 29, 1758, a petition, signed by twenty-four persons, was sent to the Colonial Government, praying that they be incorporated into a precinct.

In response to this petition, an act was passed "incorporating the inhabitants of the West Wing of Rutland into a precinct, with all the rights, privileges and immunities which, by law, precincts had been vested with."

The records of the town commence at this date. The first precinct meeting was held at the house of Lieutenant Alexander Bothwell March 6, 1759, for the purpose of choosing precinct officers. Colonel John Murray, of Rutland, was chosen moderator.

On the first page of the records, in Jlay of the same year, it was voted " to raise teen pooiids by tax to Repair Hijways. Also to tax the inhabitence teen poondi to support pritching this present year, and that the meeting be kept the first Sabbath at the house of Captain James Craige, y" 2 day at Alexander C'rafford's, y" 3 at Left. Bothwell's, y" 4 at Patrick Green's, and so the other four days accordingly." Action was taken a few weeks later respecting a buryingground, and three acres were set apart for that purpose, including the present ground near the church. At the same meeting it was voted " to pay Thomas Harmon for finding the Senter of the Precinct." Also "to pay the Chane men /Aaj-e Charges." The benefits received by the people in becoming a separate precinct soon created an earnest desire to become entirely separated from the " Mother Town,'' and thus enjoy all the privileges and advantages of an independent municipality.

Only three years after having become a separate precinct at a meeting held April 16, 1762, it was voted " to petition the General Court to be incorporated as a separate town," and on the 11th day of June, 1762, was passed " an act for erecting the West Precinct of Rutland into a district by the name of Oakham."

The town was called Oakham, probably from a town of the same name in England. Perhaps, also, the fact that the tree found in the greatest abundance in her forests was the " sturdy oak " had something to do in determining the name of the new town, as it could with the greate-t propriety be called, as the name signifies, " the home of the oak.

The first town-meeting was held at the house of Capt. James Craige, who lived in the north part of the town, in what is now the village of Coldbrook Springs, on Tuesday, the 22d day of June, 1762. The warrant was issued by John JIurray, Ejq., of Rutland (in after-years famous for his loyalty to Great Britain), " In the second year of his Majesty's reign. King George the Third." The following town officers were chosen : Clerk, George Harper ; Selectmen and Assessors, James Craige, George Harper and Jonathan Bullard ; Constable, James Dean ; Treasurer, Arthur Forbes; Warden, James Bell; Surveyors of Highways, Joseph Craige, Arthur Forbes and Alexander McFarland ; Tithingman, Solomon Parmenter.

From an item found in a list of bills to be paid by the town, the following year, doubtless the occasion of the first town-meeting was celebrated in a " proper and becoming manner," for the following bill was presented by Capt. Craige, at whose house the meeting was held :

It certainly must have been a day of rejoicing to the first settlers, who had lived to see the infant settlement of 1749 become in the short period of thirteen years a prosperous and independent town.

Ecclesiastical. - The religious history of the town may be said to have begun with its first settlement. There can be little doubt that the early settlers of Oakham, if not strictly religious men, were under the influence of religious training and Puritan ideas. In their petition sent to the Colonial Government, nine years after the first settlement, to be set off as a separate precinct, the reason made the most prominent that the petition ought to be granted was "That y" greater of us live at a very great Distance from the places of Public \Vorship, both in Old and New Rutland. That we are not in a Capacity of Ourselves to raise any sum of money in order to hire

It is probable that up to this date they went to church on the Sabbath to West Rutland, where was a Presbyterian Church, formed by certain persons of that faith, who had seceded from the Rutland Centre Cougregation.al Church, where Thomas Frink was pastor, or perhaps to the centre church of Rutland

As soon, however, as they were formed into a separate precinct, they had preaching at their own private houses for two or three months in the year. This plan was continued for about two years. On April 14, 1761, it was voted "to build a Meeting-house at the Santer, or next convenient place." It was to be forty-six feet in length and thirty-six in width. Instead of erecting an entirely new building, however, the old Presbyterian meeting-house of West Rutland was bought, taken down and removed to Oakham Centre, in the fall of the same year, and placed a little to the south and east of where the present building stands.

This house was finished in a very gradual manner. In the fall of 1763 the floor was laid and windows glazed, and votes were passed in reference to some of the finishing, occasionally, for many years.

The pew ground was sold in 1766, the first seven choices at £4 each. Each man was to build his own pew, "finishing it in the same fashion as the town pew," for the use of the minister. The pews were nearly square, with seats on three sides, except room for a door. Chairs or a short settee were sometimes placed in the pews.

There was a gallery on three sides; one-half, to a bar in the middle of the front one, was for men ; the other for women ; each with a separate entrance.

It had no steeple. After it was lathed and plastered, in 1785, the beams were left unenclosed, but were hewn close and painted. This building was used for more than fifty years, when, in 1814, it gave place to the present meeting-house. The history .of the town and church for the first fifty years is one.

The town was the parish. The minister was paid by a tax upon all the property. It built and owned the meeting-house, and the selectmen were often the committee to supply the pulpit. Church interests and the qualifications of ministers were subjects often warmly discussed in town-meeting.

A Presbyterian Cliurch of about thirty members was organized August 28, 1766. There is a tradition that, owing to the questionable habits of some of the proposed members, considerable difficulty was experienced in organizing the church. Objections were made to some that they sometimes drank too freely, to others that their language sometimes bordered too closely upon prol'anity. At last a certain Scotchman exclaimed, " Weel, if the Laard wants a church in Oakham he must tak' them such as they be."

The first minister ever settled in Oakham was the Rev. John Strickland. He was installed over the Presbyterian Church, probably at its organization, and was the first minister settled in Oakham and the only one under the Presbyterian form of government. The town voted him £133 6s. 8d. for a settlement, and for a salary £60 the first year, £63 Gs. Sd. the second year, and £66 13«. id. annually thereafter, so long as he should remain their minister. He was born probably in Hadley, in 1739, was a graduate of Yale College, class of 1761, and at the time of his settlement was twenty-seven years of age. Doubtless this was his first settlement.

Mr. Strickland's ministry was troubled by contentions concerning church government, which resulted in a change of government and minister. Nearly all the original settlers were Irish Presbyterians. But as the new town increased in population the Congregational element soon became the majority. Most of the neighboring churches were Congregational. In the latter part of 1772 a vote was passed "that the Church be Vongregationa! " but it was not formally organized by a council till June 23, 1773. Accordingly, Mr. Strickland was compelled to send in his resignation, which he did at a town-meeting held June 2, 1773, in the following terms :

Upon a mature and <leliberate consideration of tlie dilHciilties that have long subsisted in thia Society, it appears evidently to me that it is forever impossible that I should be either useftU or comfortable as a minister of this parish. Am therefore willing to save the trouble of a Council or Councils by asking a dismission from tliis charge, in case we can come to an agreement that muj' be satisfactory on both sides.

You then, as you profess to be friendly, and discover an unwillingness to do me any damage, do that which is just and reasonable and christian.

In reply, the town also showed how it would be detrimental to their interests as well as his, it costing something in those days to settle a minister, when it was understood that quite a large sum must be given the new minister at his installation as a settlement. They, however, granted his dismission, with the liberty to supply the |>ulpit for six months, half of the time, " not being missing a supply more than two or three Sabbaths at a time or together, if you can help it, and let us know .seasonably when we are to have a supply and when not.'' For this service he was to have the whole pay for the six months, at the same rate as his salary had been previously. This was dated the same date as his communication, and he agreeing to it, was dismissed June 2, 1773. No records of the Presbyterian Church, as a church, are extant so far as known.

Oakham. After his dismission he was settled in Hudson, N. H., July 13, 1774, and dismissed from that place October 24, 1792. He was settled again in Turner and Andover, Me., where he died, October 4, 1823, aged eighty-four.

Congregational. - December 24, 1772, it was voted "by the supporters of the Gospel and the town to be under the Congregational government or constitution, agreeably to the government of the neighboring churches." A council was called, which was to meet on the second Wednesday in January, 1773, but, for some reasons it was deferred till Wednesday, June 23, 1773, when the present Congregational Church was organized.

The council convened, consisting of pastors and delegates from four churches, viz. : First Church in Sutton, Rev. Mr. Hall, pastor; First Church in Barre, Rev. Josiah Dana, pastor; First Church in Rutland, Rev. Joseph Buckminster; Second Church in Shrewsbury.

Rev. Mr. Hall was chosen moderator of the council and Rev. J. Dana scribe and standing moderator of the church, which position he continued to occupy till May, 1779. An " Incorporating Covenant " was brought before the council, signed by sixteen men (afterwards by fifteen more), which was accepted, and after suitable examination of the applicants the church was incorporated with little other ceremony. No names of women are appended to this document, though they must afterwards have become members of the new church, and if, in the usual proportion of two females to one male, the early church must have numbered between eighty and ninety members. The following are the names of the first signers to the covenant: James Craige, Isaac Stone, Asa Partridge, Eidward Partridge, Asahel Clapp, James Brown, Benjamin Joslyn, Jonathan Bullard, Jesse Allen, Alexander Willson, Jabez Fuller, Ebenezer Woodis, Isaiah Parmenter, Samuel Metcalf, Lemuel Ashley, John Brown, sixteen.

They did not signify their acceptance of the office at once, but at a meeting of the church, three years afterward, Mr. Bullard tleclined to accept the position, and Jonathan Fitts was chosen in his place. Mr. Allen accepted, and continued in office to the time of his death, forty-three years afterward. The church had no settled pastor for thirteen years after its organization.

The times were very unsettled. The trying days of the " Revolution " were upon them. Everything was in a troubled state, ever unfavorable to religion. But they had preaching most of the time, and the committee were instructed to hire such men as would be likely to settle. The currency was very variable. July 3, 1778, Rev. Baruch Beckwith received a call to settle over the church. The town offered him £150 for a settlement, £50 to be the annual salary for three years, and ever after £(56 1.3s. -id. annually, this latter sura to vary more or less in proportion, as good merchantable Indian corn brings 'is. per bushel ; rye, 4s. ; best quality of pork, 4d. per pound ; and best grass fed beef, 3(/. per pound. Mr. Beckwith declined to accept the call. The following year a controversy arose in the town, respecting the baptism of children, whose parents were not members of the church. A meeting of the town was called to consider the matter. Finally, after much discussion, it was " voted that the town is willing to settle a minister if they can find one that is suitable. Also that they will settle a minister although he does not baptize for those who do not belong to the church. 37 for settling in that way, 24 against." The church had invited the Rev. .John Davenport, who was decidedly opposed to " The Halfway Covenant," to settle with them. July 13, 1779, the town " voted to concur with the church in settling him. 26 in favon 24 against." This meeting was adjourned to August 10th, when it was " voted to reconsider the vote of the hiat meeting, respecting the settling of the Rev. Mr. John Davenport." Immediately another vote was taken, and it was " voted to concur with the church in settling of the Rev. Mr. Davenport as a gospel minister. 35 in favor, 28 against." Mr. Davenport very wisely declined the invitation.

July, 1781, the town concurred with the church in calling Rev. Solomon Walcott, - 34 affirmative, 13 negative. The invitation was not accepted. February 6, 1783, Rev. Daniel Farrington also received a call, which he declined to accept - 50 in favor, none against. On the 3d of .\pril, 1786, the town and church concurred in calling the Rev. Daniel Tomlinson to be the minister of the town and pastor of the church. He was offered £200 for a settlement and a salary of £60 the first year, £70 the second and £80 annually thereafter. Mr. Tomlinson accepted the call. On the 18th of May a meeting of tlie town was held, to make arragements necessary for his ordination. June 22d was fixed upon as the date.

In these early days, when it was generally expected that a minister would spend his days with the people of his first charge, an ordination and installation of a new minister was an occasion of very great interest to all the town. Necessary committees were chosen by the town, one " to provide for y' Council," one " to secure y' meeting-house from being in danger of being damaged on y' day of ordination," another "to keep order in y' meeting-house on said day of ordination, and provide seats for y' Council," and still another " to seat y' singers." Fifteen pounds were voted to defray the necessary expenses.

The following were among the council, if not the whole number : Rev. Charles Backus, Somers, Conn. ; Rev. Josiah Dana, of Barre; Deacons Rice and Barber (delegates) ; Rev. Joseph Appleton, of North Brookfield ; Deacons Adams and Haskell (delegates) ; Rev. Joseph Pope, of Spencer ; Deacon Watson (delegate ; Rev. Joseph Buckminister, of Rutland ; Deacon Reed (delegate) ; Rev. David Bronson ; Captain Woodruff (delegate); Rev. Mr. .Sparhawk, Rev. Mr. Judd.

The examination of the candidate and the other exercises occupied a part of three days. Great numbers gathered from this and adjoining towns. The public exercises were held in the open air, on the green, south of the meeting-house. It may be of interest to know what were some of the necessary expenses for which the town had provided by their appropriation of fifteen pounds. Captain Isaac Stone presented a bill, which was paid by the town for entertaining the Cduncil :

Some of the above items indicate the drinking customs of the times, but several members of the council aad the young minister lived to see a reform of those customs, and themselves became, both by example and prece|)t, the earnest advocates of total abstinence.

There is very little record of the early part of Mr. Tomlinson's ministry ; many additions were made to the church membership, but very few names were recorded till after 1815. In the mean time the meeting-house was fast becoming old and dilapidated. The corner clap-boards were pulled off by the boys to keep tally on while playing ball. The floor-boards had liecome shrunken with age. With no stoves, and the cold air pouring in at many points, we cannot wonder that in winter, as the second hour of the sermon was reached, the men and boys were almost compelled to stamp their feet to keep from freezing. But the sermon went on without cessation, so long that the sun was nearly set ere the people could reach their homes. Not long after the settlement of Mr. Tomlinson tlie matter of building a new church began to be agitated, and in 1804 a vote was passed to erect such a building, but a disagreement arose as to where it should stand, one party wishing it on or near the site f)f the old building, while many others insisted that it should be built on the top of the hill, just to the west of where the parsonage now stands. Owing to this division of feeling, it was ten vears before it was built. Tlie old house was takeu down and the new one erected on the same spot. Including the porch, it was sixty feet in length by forty-five in width, and fiiced the south. The entire expense of the building amounted to $6589.19; it was finished and dedicated early in 1815. In April, 1818, a bell weighing seven hundred pounds was purchased at an expense of five hundred dollars. This building, without material change, remained till 1845. In April of that year the control of the building, under certain conditions, was relinquished to fourteen men, who proceeded to remodel it. By permission of the town it was moved several rods to the west, and turned so as to face the west. The front was built out even with the porch, making the whole building sixty feet by forty-five ; the posts were cut down somewhat, and the building raised, so that a hall for the use of the town, and a vestry and selectmen's-room were constructed underneath. The expense of remodeling amounted to nearly $5,000, fifteen hundred of which was paid by the town. This building, with ordinary repairs, remains in good condition to the present time, 1889.

Rev. Daniel Tomlinson was the son of Mr. .John Tomlinson, who, with two brothers, came from Derbyshire, England, and settled in Connecticut. He was born in Derby, Conn., May 20, 1759, and graduated from Yale College, and studied theology with the eminent Rev. Dr. Backus, of Somers, Conn. A small farm was bought by him just south of the church, which is still owned and occupied by two of his grandchildren. He was licensed by the New Haven Association at Bethany, September 30, 1783. Settle^ over the Congregational Church in Oakham June 22, 1786. His first and only pastorate. Married, November, 1786, to Miss Lucy Beard. Seven children were born to them.

He remained as sole pastor here until 1828, and as senior pastor until his death, fourteen years later, making a pastorate of fifty-six years, during which the church increased in numbers and strength. There were several powerful revivals during his ministry, in one of which ninety-five were added to the church. Of him his successor truly said : "He was a sound theologian - a man of great faith and prayer, and mighty in the Scriptures." " Father Tomlinson," as every one came to call him, lived to the good old age of eighty-three years, and, universally loved and respected, closed a life of great usefulness October 29, 1842, and was buried within the shadow of the church, which for more than fifty-six years he had faithfully served.

In 1828 the church building went into the hands of the Unitarians, they having become a majority in town, and ministers of that faith were employed to preach. The orthodox element held service for two Sabbaths in the hall of the tavern, then for about a year in the upper part of the house now owned by Mr. S. M. Sargeant.

March 5, 1829. " At a meeting of a respectable number of the inhabitants of the town of Oakham, held for the purpose at the house of Hosea W. Crawford, a society was formed under the name of " The Evangelical Congregational Society of Oakham." Seventy-four persons became members at this time. They chose a committee to select a spot of ground for a meeting-house, and to ascertain the probable expense. A spot was selected (where Deacon Jesse Allen's house now stands) and the same committee empowered to make purchases and contracts for building. But it soon becoming evident that the Unitarians would not care long to retain control of the meetinghouse, the building of the new house was deferred for a time, and in December, 1830, the house afterward owned by Rev. James Kimball (and now by the church, and used as a parsonage) was built, fitted up with seats and used for worship for three years, when the old church was rented to them at a nominal rate, and finally passed into their hands with one or two restrictions.

Rev. Asa Hixon was ordained associate pastor October 7, 1829, but after preaching eleven Sabbaths his health failed, and he was obliged to discontinue his labors, though he was not formally dismissed from the pastorate till December 26, 1832. He was born in Medway, March 6, 1800 ; graduated at Brown University September, 1825; studied theology at Auburn, N. Y. ; was licensed to preach by the Franklin Association in 1828; came to Oakham in May, 1829 ; was installed October 7th of the same year, but his health failing, soon after, he was granted a leave of absence for the purpose of recuperating. But a secret disease, which baffled the skill of many physicians, was preying upon him, and he was compelled to resign his charge. But the people of Oakham, by whom he was greatly beloved, hoping that he might, after a time, regain his health and strength, did not accept of his resignation until December 26, 1832.

Although he lived many years, yet he was never able to perform much labor. After leaving Oakham he spent many years in Medway, and one year in the South. He died in Medway November 16, 1862, aged sixty-two years.

Those who knew him best say that he lived a beautiful, Christian life. He was a very clear thinker and effective preacher. His successor, the Rev. James Kimball, preached his first sermon in Oakham October 5, 1832. A call was extended to him December loth, and he was installed over the church December 26, 1832. His salary was to be five hundred dollars, payable April 1st of each year. Rev. Josiah Clark, of Rutland, preached the installation sermon.

The controversy between the Unitarian and the orthodox societies was at this time at its height, but Mr. Kimball was eminently a " peace-maker," and full of the spirit of love, and was truly the " right man in the right place." He succeeded in gathering all parties into one, so tluit, in a very few years, scarcely a sign or hint remained to show that such a division ever existed in the town. Mr. Kimball was born in Bradford, Mass., October 5, 1797, united with the i-hurch at the age of thirteen, graduated at Jliddlebury College and Andover Theological Seminary. He labored five years as pastor of the Congregational Church in Townshend, Vt. ; also two years as a city missionary in Boston. He continued pastor of the cliurch in Oakham precisely twenty-eight years, being dismissed December 2G, 1860, on account of failure of health.

On leaving Oaliham he went to reside with his daughter in St. Louis, Mo., where he died March 16, 1861, in thesixty-fourth year of his age. Hisministry, lilie that of Mr. Tomlinson, was very successful, four hundred and thirty-three being added to the church caring his pastorate, and the church numbering, at the time of his resignation, two hundred and twentyseven members.

As a Christian, he was remarkable for his consistency of character, and child-like trust in God. He did not attempt to write "great" sermons, although he was a very acceptable preacher. But as a pastor his influence cannot be over-estimated.

There were no homes in town where he was not cordially welcomed in his pastoral calls. Having been present at the formation of the " American Board of Missions," and being personally and intimately ac(|uainted with many of the early missionaries, he early came to love the cau5e, and very soon imparted much of his zeal in this work to the clnirch in Oakham, which ever since has given liberally to the support of home and foreign missions.

Being always a member of the " School Board," no child escaped his individual notice ; all looked up to him as to a loving father. His influence for good over the children and youth of the town was truly remarkable.

He married, January 10, lS2o, Emily, daughter of William Parker, of Dunbarton, N. H. Six children were born to them, only one of whom. Captain Wm. B. Kimball, of Enfield, is now living. Mrs. Kimball was truly a "help-meet" to her husband, aiding him in every possible way in his pastoral work, and was greatly beloved by all who knew her. After her husband's death she made her home with her son. Rev. James P. Kimball, where she died at Haydenville, Mass., October 18, 1874, aged seventy-four years.

Rev. Francis N. Peloubet, the successor of Mr. Kimball, was installed over the church December 26, 1860. Sermon by the Rev. Horace James, of Worcester.

Me. Theological Seminary in 1857 ; labored one year with the Congregational Church in Lanesville, Mass. After a very suix"esslul pastorate of five and one-half years, having received a call to Attleboro', he resigned his work in this place, and was dismissed May 28, 186G. Mr. Peloubet is a man of great industry. His pastorate in Oakham included all the trying years of the Civil War. The value of his work in this town as a pastor, teacher in High School, also in compiling and improving the records of the church, cannot be over-estimated. He has now a national reputation as a Sunday-school worker.

Rev. Joseph C. Halliday was in.stalled over the church October 24, 1866, remaining nearly five years. He was succeeded by Rev. Alpha Morton, of West Auburn, Me., who remained until October 12, 1880. At the age of seventy-six he is still doing good work as pastor of the Congregational Church in Paxton.

March 6, 1881, Rev. A. M. Shaw, of Clinton, N. Y., became pastor of the church, remaining one year. He was succeeded April 12, 1883, by Rev. H. A. Loring, who was acting pastor of the church about two and one-half years.

The present pastor of the church. Rev. Hartford P. Leonard, commenced his labors in this place Augu.st 1, 1886, who, with James Packard, Horace W. Lincoln and .Jesse Allen, deacons, are the present officers of the church. This church, in its Presbyterian and Congregational form, is the only one that has ever existed in town, excepting a

Methodist Church, which was supported for a few years. Previous to 1842 various ministers of this denomination held meetings from time to time in difterent parts of the town. In 1842 Rev. James Shepherd, of North Brookfield, held meetings in the south part of the town and, after a time, in the centre. Quite an interest was awakened. In January, 1843, Rev. Rufus Frost moved into town from Webster, and devoted himself wholly to the work.

The first class was gathered in March of that year, some of " the chiefest of sinners," as it is recorded, having become converted. A house of worship, standing in the edge of Barre, one mile north of the village of Coldbrook Springs, was purchased by (Japtain James Conant and Mr. Isaac D. Rice, taken down and removed to the centre of the town, and there rebuilt. It was dedicated October 1, 1843, the sermon on the occasion being delivered by Rev. Dr. Raymond, then of Boston. The whole expense of the house and land was one thousand nine hundred and seventy-five dollars.

Rev. William Gordon was stationed here in 1843-44, the church numbering at this date sixty-one members. Rev. Joseph W. Lewis succeeded in 1845, remaining two years. Rev. John Goodwin followed in 1847 and remained two years. His successor, Rev. Benjamin King, preached here one year. Rev. Asa Barnes, of New Braintrce, supplied the church in 1850, and Rev. David Culver in 1851 and a part of the following year, when he removed from town. From 1852 to 1859 the church was connected in appointment with North Broolvfield. Meetings were held in 1859 by Rev. .1. Coolidge, and a new interest awakened Rev. Riif'us Gould then ministered to the people for a time. Rev. P. M. Vinton was appointed to supply in 1860, and Rev. J. L. Estey in 1861, for two years.

The last pastor of the Methodist Church, Rev. Mi. .Jordan, was stationed here in 1863, for one year, al which time, the society having become greatly reduced in numbers and financial resources, was advised by the Conference to disband, which it did the following year, many of its members joining th( Congregational Church.

A Sabbath-school, which has proved to be a great power for good, was organized in connection with th( Congregational Church in 1818. The first superintendent. Deacon James Allen, filled that office for more than forty years. He was succeeded by Deacon James Packard for eighteen years, and he, in 1878, by Deacon Jesse Allen, the present incumbent.

Edi;c:ational Interests. - From the earliest his tory of the town the citizens of Oakham have provided liberally, according to their means, for the education of their children. In 1762, the year in which the town was incorporated, ten pounds was raised foi "Schooling." In 1767 the town was divided into fiv( " school-plots," which were known as the " Centre,' "Southeast," "South," "Southwest" and "Northwest," and each plot was required to build a " decent school-house." The same year the town raised thirty pounds for schooling. William Oliver was paid £5 14«. in 1780 for teaching school two months in the "Sentei Plot ; " also £3 16s. 8rf. was paid to Molly Osborn, foi teaching school ten weeks in " Captain Crawford^ Plot." The teachers usually "boarded around."

In 1787 Rev. Daniel Tomlinson was chosen inspec tor of schools, and in 1797 Dr. Spencer Field, Isaac Stone and Alpheus Stone were chosen a committee tc assist the Rev. Daniel Tomlinson in " Exainininj! School Masters and Inspecting Schools." The firsi school-houses were built of logs. A huge fire-plac( occupied nearly all of one side of the school-room, the seats and benches were of the rudest description. Tlie school-house in use in the " Centre Plot " in tht early part of this century is still remembered by per sons now living. It occupied the spot where thi dwelling-house of Mr. James F. Robinson stood, which was burned in January, 1886. On one side o! the school-room, in the centre, was a fire-place, large enough to burn wood four feet in length. To tht right of the fire-place was the entry-way, to the left was a small, dark room, with no window, known a> the "dungeon," which answered the double purpose of a room for the clothes and books of the scholars ; also a very convenient place of confinement, greatl_\ dreaded, for " naughty boys and girls." The " Master's " table and chair were movable, and, on account of the " roaring fires" often built by the boys, he was obliged, frequently, to change his position. On the side of the room opposite the fire-place were seated the scholars, the floor slanting from the back seats to the opposite side. Discipline was of the severest kind. The master, from his chair, with his long stick, could rap the heads of the little ones when out of order, while a roguish boy in the back seat was often surprised by a heavy ruler or stick whizzing unpleasantly near his head.

This school-house gave place in 1826 to a brick building, which in after-years was converted into a dwelling-house and is now occui)ied by Deacon Jas. Packard.

In the winter term the school was graded, all under the age of ten years being instructed by an assistant teacher in a separate room. Ten years later, in 1836, the number of scholars in this school had become so large it was thought best to build two school-houses, one about a half-mile to the west, the other about the same distance to the south of the Centre and known as the West and East Centre School Districts, and make two schools out of the Centre. From this date to 1S74 eight schools were maintained in town, two other districts having been formed, known as the North and Coldbrook Districts. In 1874 the town, aided by " The Soldiers' Union " and the very generous contributions of her citiz^s, erected the building in the Centre known as Memorial Hall, of which the people are justly proud. It is two stories in height. In the first story are two large and very pleasant school-rooms, fitted up and furnished in the most approved style. The East and West Centre, together with the North and Southwest schools, having become greatly reduced in numbers, it was thought best to unite them in the Centre, using these new rooms, thus doing away with two schools, and providing for her children the advantages of a "Graded School." Since 1883 the town has maintained thirty weeks of school yearly throughout the town. Great interest is generally shown by the patrons of the several schools in their success, and, as a rule, those attending them prize their opportunities and acquire a good, practical education.

In the autumn of 1833 Rev. L. S. Parker opened a select school for those wishing to pursue the " higher branches." This school was maintained nearly every year for half a century, with the very best of results. Among the early teachers. Gen. Wm. Crawford was known in all the region as a thorough instructor in all branches, being a graduate of Dartmouth College, but in managing a very diflicult school his superior

For more than forty years Deacon James Allen also exerted a great influence for good upon the rising generation, both as a teacher and a member of thf School Committee. As early as 1800 a town lil)rar_\ was established, which has been maintained evei since.

The number of volumes is not large, but they havi been well selected and read by large numbers, especially of the youth of the place, with the very best of results.

In 1851 " The Oakham Lyceum " was organized. and in 1858, under the name of " The Franklin Lit erary Society," gathered in large numbers of th( young men and women of the town, who derived great benefit therefrom.

JlANUi'ACTUiiiNG INTERESTS. - As Oakham is emphatically one of the "hill-towns" of the county and until quite recently has not enjoyed railroad accommodations, manufacturing has not been carried on to any great extent. The great majority of her citizen.'? are employed in agriculture.

Stephen M. Sergeant, manufacturer of " Flavoring Extracts," from the smallest beginnings has developed a very flourishing and profitable business.

Amory J. Holden, manufacturer of " Wood Fur naces," has commenced a business which bids fair tc become large and successful. Patented as late as- June 21, 1887, he has already put large numbert into nearly all the adjoining towns, with the very best of results.

The manufacture of " Wire Goods " by Hon. M. O Ayres is an industry that gives employment to ([uitt a number of workmen for the entire year. Thi.' business has been carried on successfully for mori than fifty years.

As early as 1832 the late Stephen Lincoln began tht manufacture of sieves in a small way, having them drawn to Boston, sixty miles distant. His son William, before he became of age, began to develop the business, showing much mechanical skill and inventivt genius.

In 1852 he received a patent on machinery for making wire dish-covers, the manufacture of which, together with sieves and other wire goods, has been carried on very successfully ever since.

The early settlers were liberty-loving people, they or their immediate ancestors having come to the " New World " that they and their descendants might enjoy the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and any encroachment upon their rights was resisted in the most emphatic manner.

On the passage of the infamous "Stamp Act," in 1765, a meeting of the town was called October 15th of the same year, and a committee chosen to "draw up instructions tbrtheir Representative, John Murray, Es(|., which were as follows:

Sir, we are arimahel of the dnteii we owe to the Crown of greiit liritten, at the same time Canot but have a Rensibel feeliiif;, not only for our selves and the province, but also for all the Colonies Afrir, on account of a Lrnt Act of purlemeni. Respecting the Stamp ihitey, which we humbly i^nncire, presses hard on our Iimnlmhle rights and prioelirfes granted UB by Charter, and which t.mds to Distress the bihabeteuts of this Coh- (rcy. Especially of this prcunnre and are Conniced must End in ouer Hiiiug as we are by no means nbel to pay the duties Imposed in Said act, tee, therfor, think it our htdef^peinfitivl dutetj in Juntes to oiut selves and postirely in the most open manner, to Declare our greatest Dififialein/ncton with the said Stamp act, and think it htcomheiil on yon, by no means to CpKnUuim^ce the Same in any measiier whatsover, I>ut use ymer Utmost Endavers at the gener<tl assembly to oppos it and preserve our previUge^ Inlyer.

On the Kith day of January, 1775, the selectmen convened the inhabitants at the meeting-house "to discover their minds" upon severel very important matters, among which were:

At this meeting it was voted "to pay the Continental Congress their proportion, and that the Treasurer advance the same, and that the amount £12 'is. dd. be paid to the receiver appointed by Congress, and that no money be paid into /*/-< Majesty's E.rcheqnrr by the officers of this Town.''

" Also voted unanimously to adhere to what they have done, as follows, to wit: Having perused the votes and proceedings of the Continental Congress, held at Philadelphia on the 5th of Sept., 1774, containing the Bill of Rights, a List of Crievances, the Association, &c., we esteem the same truly loyal and well stated, and calculated for the preservation of our invaluable rights and privileges, and therefore, to use the words of that venerable body, firmly agree and associate, under the sacred ties of virtue, honor and love of our Country, faithfully to adhere to said association in all respects."

Captain Isaac Stone was chosen a delegate to the Provincial Congress to be held at Cambridge, and instructed "to exert himself for the public good." At the same meeting a "Committee of Correspondence, Inspection and Safely" was chosen, consisting of Jesse Allen, Jonathan Bullard, Isaac Stone, Joseph Craige, Joseph Hudson, Benjamin Joslyn and Samuel

Metcalf, and were instructed to "put into execution the resolves of the Continental and Provincial Congresses as far as they are able." This committee, with certain changes of its members, was continued throughout the war. They had no /e^/a/ authority ; but still, backed up by '* public opinion," their power in the community was great. Persons disloyal to the cause of the Colonies were to be "held and treated as outcasts - to be shunned and avoided as enemies of humanity," and yet to be closely watched, and all their actions scrutinized by the committee.

March 6, 177-5, it was voted "that the Militia Company and Alarm men shall be equipt as well as pos sible, and meet in the field and exercise, &c., which appears to satisfy the minute-men without any pay."

April 19, 1775, news came of the battle of Lexington, and this company left forthwith for the scene of encounter, but, the alarm soon subsiding, returned home.

The warrant for the meeting on this day commenced "These are in the name of the Government and People of the Massachusetts Bay." At this meeting, May 21st, £4 IGs. were voted for "Entrenching tools."

Also voted, without contradiction, that, if the Honorable Congress should, for the safety of the colonies, declare them independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain, that they solemnly engage, with their lives and fortunes, to support them in the measure.

That the " Dei-laration of Independence " be printed, and a copy sent to tlie minister of each Parish of every denomination within this State, and that they severally be reqnired to read thu same to their respective Congregations as soon as Divine Service is ended, in the afternoon on tlie fii-st Lord's Day after they have received it ; and after snch pnblication thereof, to deliver the said " Declaration " to the Clarks of their several Towns or Districts, who are lierehy required to record the same in thoir respective Town or District Books, there to remain as a perpetual memorial thereof.

.September 26, 1776, the town voted " that such persons as refuse to do their part in the War are unfriendly to the States of America, and ought to be so esteemed and dealt with."

The patriots of 1776 were " intensely in earnest," and such a vote, backed up by public sentiment, meant a great deal to the "Tories" of those days.

The town sent one hundred and forty men into the Revolutionary Army. It would seem that nearly every man in the town liable to military duty must have served in the war. The terms of service varied from two and one-half months to Hve and one-half years, the average being nearly one year.

The town paid and supplied these soldiers and aided their families, when necessary, raising and paying, previous to the inflation of the currency, the sum of £3,676, a part of which was afterwards refunded by the State.

As the war went on the currency became greatly depreciated in value. In June, 1780, £1000 was voted "towards supplying the pulpit this year." The next month £2089 10s. was voted by the town for horses for the Continental service, this sum purchasing three horses.

Februarys, 1781, "voted £9112 10s. to purchase beef for the army." At the same meeting the town voted " to give three hundred silver dollars as hire to each soldier enlisting in the Continental Army." Becoming alarmed by the rapidly depreciating value of the curren .y, measures were taken by Congress and also by State and town governments, to set certain prices on all common articles, which were not to be exceeded. A State Convention assembled at Concord, July 14, 1779, to consult on measures for the relief of the people. The action of this convention was endorsed by a Worcester County convention the following month. The chief action of the convention was the adoption of a list of prices, each town to make additions of what smaller articles they pleased. Oakham adopted the same immediately, with some additions, and a committee of thirteen was chosen to see that these resolves were carried into execution, and that "said committee keep a carcfull watch and bring every transgressor to condign punishment."

Some of these regulated prices were : Indian corn, per bushel, £3 12s.; wheat, £8 per bushel; beef, 5». Gd. per pound ; cider, per barrel, £4 ; New England rum, per gallon, £o ; toddy, lo.s. per bowl. Labor in hu.sbandry, £2 lis. per day ; woman's labor, £2 per week.

In 1781 the town allowed £18 per day for common labor, and paid the Rev. Mr. Grosvenor £120 for one Sabbath's preaching. By the records of the town it is very evident that a deep interest was felt by our Revolutionary sires for the welfare of the new National Government. January 9, 1778, it was voted " that the Confederation and perpetual union proposed by Congress is approved of by this town."

When the State Constitution was submitted to them, it was fully discussed, article by article, in open town-meeting ; portions of it were assigned to difterent committees, more fully to consider and report upon. As a result, parts were rejected, certain sections approved, and various amendments suggested to other parts.

It is a matter of deep regret that so little is now known of the personal experiences of the many soldiers of the Revolution who went from this town.

' Captain John Crawford, it is said, served through the war. He used to remark with pride that " they called me Bold CrafTord, and I walked right up to the cannon's mouth." James Conant enlisted as a

, private in Captain Crawford's company in 1777 ; July 1, 1778, was promoted to sergeant in Captain Scott's company: He afterwards enlisted for three years. After the war he became a captain of militia.

j had been dealt out to them ; the hogshead from which it was taken was .standing on end, the top head having been removed in order to dip it out easily, when suddenly they were surprised by an overwhelming number of British soldiers. His comrades at once sought safety in flight ; but he was

I determined that the " Red Coats " should not regale themselves on "Colonial rum."' So, regardless of the flying bullets, with a mighty eftbrt, he overturned the hogshead, and then sought safety in flight,

I a private ; afterwards promoted to sergeant. He also became captain in the militia. He served in Washington's army, w-as appointed by him for some special service, and knew him personally.

The War of 1812 did not commend itself to the good judgment of the citizens of the town of Oakham. They were also decidedly opposed to the proposed alliance with France. The following action was taken by the town July 13, 1812: "Voted against a war under existing circumstances." "Voted to choose a committee of nine to circulate a memorial of peace." Rev. Daniel Tomliuson, Dr. Seth Fobes and William Crawford were chosen a committee to draw up said " memorial." Also " voted to express an abhorrence of an alliance with France."

The alliance with France was not made; but the war with Great Britain went on, notwithstanding the vote of the town. A company known as the "Washington Grenadiers " enlisted from the towns of New Braintree and Oakham, was formed in 1813, and annexed to the Third Regiment of the First Brigade of the Seventh Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, with the understanding that they were to hold themselves in readiness lor actual service.

The company, fully equipped, met as ordered. It was a beautiful September morning. A large number of the citizens of both towns had gathered. Nearly all of the members of the company were sons of Revolutionary sires. Many of the aged veterans were present. The aged minister, Father Tomlinson, made a long and very impressive prayer, and, with the "Good-byes'' of aged parents and dear friends, they started on their long march of sixty miles to Boston, accomplishing the entire distance in two days, arriving there September 13th, tired, lame and foot-sore, but ready to perform any duty required of them.

The enemy came within sight of the city, but finding it so thoroughly fortified, thought it not wise to made an attack, and soon sailed away. The company soon acquired great proficiency in military drill, and attracted much notice. From their uniform height of stature they were known as the "Tall Company." They remained in the service at Boston fiftyseven days, when, the danger having passed, they were discharged and returned home. " Capt." Crawford afterward became a general in the militia.

Mr. Isaac D. Rice, a resident of Oakham, enlisted in the regular army, and served ten years in the United States service previous to 1842. He saw much active service in the " Florida War." After his return home he went to California and the West Indies several times, and died in North Brookfield March 20, 1880, aged seventy-eight years.

Mr. Algernon 8. Crawford enlisted early in 1846, and was sent at once to join the United States forces in Mexico, but, soon after his arrival, was stricken with a fever, and soon died at Puebla, Mexico, in July, 1846.

In the War of the Rebellion Oakham did more than her full part for the preservation of the Union. From the firing on Fort Sumter to the surrender at Appomattox, the deepest interest was shown by her citizens in all the stirring events of the war, and all of the calls for men and means were responded to nobly.

The sum of $10,867.58 was appropriated and expended by the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid furnished to the families of soldiers.

Edward A. Sargeant, Twenty-fiftli Regiment, Company A ; drummer. George D. iMacomber, Thirty-fourth Regiment, Company E ; killed Sept. 18, 1869, at Fort Bowie, Arizona.

The village of Coldbrook Springs, in the north part of the town, has gained quite a notoriety from its mineral springs, the waters of which are successfully used in the treatment of many forms of disease. They are now owned by Mr. Benjamin P. Clark, of Cambridge, who has done a great deal in building up the village. Mr. James C. Bemis has recently built a large and commodious hotel in the place of the one destroyed by fire two years since.

The Central JIassachusetts Railroad, recently constructed through this section of the town, proves a great convenience to the people, and, it is hoped, will tend to develop the business industries of the town.