Pepperell Town (part 2 of 2)

Hitherto has the Lord helped us." la this discourse Mr. Emerson enumerated many reasons why the people of Pepperell should follow the example of the prophet - the preservation of the church when threatened with destruction ; the increase of population since his settlement from seventy -two to one hundred and fifty-two families, and a proportional increase in their substance, so that they had been able to pay the charges of their becoming a parish and then a dis trict, and of building a house for worship ; their preservation from savage enemies when they were under the necessity of taking their firearms with them to meeting, as they had done since his settlement." He exhorted them '' to acknowledge with gratitude that they had been preserved while erecting the second meeting-house, not a life having been lost or a bone broken while providing the timber, raising the frame and finishing the house," and in conclusion he said that he himself would on that occasion set up his Ebenezer, it being the twenty-third anniversary of his ordination, and acknowledged that hitherto the Lord had helped him, both in temporal and spiritual matters. In building this second meeting-house the people appear to have acted in harmony, the only question of difl'erence being in regard to a steeple, which, as they had no bell, was finally de cided in the negative. Subsequently, however, a steeple was built of the height of one hundred feet and a bell l)laced therein. The house was sixty feet long and forty-five feet wide, and was built in the style of architecture common to the New England churches of the time - a plain, yellow building with a belfry and two porches, a deep gallery along three sides ot the interior, and a high pulpit on the fourth side, with the deacons' seat below and the queer sounding board above. The ground floor was filled with high, square pews, intersected by rectangular aisles. The noon-house, or Sabbath-day house, as it was often called, was a building especially adapted to the times. It usually consisted of a single room with a fire-place, and was furnished with a table and seats. It was owned by one or more of the prominent men of a neighborhood remote from the meeting-house. Thither the owners, with their families and friends, would repair during the intermission between the forenoon and afternoon services, to refresh themselves with a picnic dinner, and spend an hour of social intercourse. The idea of heating the meetiug-house was not even tolerated in those days, and in winter the blazing fire in the noon-house was a real comfort to the worshippers ; and from the glowing embers the women replenished their foot-stoves for the afternoon meeting. Theie were eight of these houses situated in diffeient directions and within a radius of twenty rods from the meeting-house. They continued in use until stoves were introduced, although with much opposition, into the meeting-house about the year 1826, after which time they one by one disappeared. Mr. Emerson was not permitted to enjoy the privileges of the new sanctuary many years. In the summer of 1775 he went to Cambridge to visit his numerous parishioners, serving under Colonel Prescott in the Continental Army, there assembled. Tradition says he there offered the first public prayer in the American camp. While ministering to the temporal, as well as spiritual, needs of the soldiers, he took a cold from exposure, which resulted in a fever, terminating his life on the 29th of October, 1775, at the age of fifty-one years. He died an early martyr to the cause of that liberty whose principles he had so zealously and practically instilled into the minds of his people. The following incident, as related by Colonel William Prescott, forcibly illustrates the peculiar blending of conservatism and radicalism in his character. Previous to the battle of Bunker Hill, secret meetings of the Committee of Safety were frequently held in the town. On a Saturday evening one of these meetings was held in the tavern which stood on the present site of the church of the Second Parish. Mr. Emerson had been present during the early part of this meeting, but had returned home. After midnight, as from the window of his study he looked across the Common and saw the lights still burning in the committee-room, indicating that the session was not yet closed, he hastened to the tavern, and, admonishing the committee that the Sabbath had come, insisted on an immediate adjournment. During the twenty-nine years of Mr. Emerson's ministry he baptized 807 persons, and admitted 196 into the church. Eight deacons, elected by the church, were ordained by him, viz. : Jeremiah Lawrence, John Spafford, January 11, 1747-48; Josiah Fisk, January 18, 17.54; Peleg Lawrence, August 21, 1754 ; Thomas Laughton, August 3, 1759; David Blood, April 9, 1762; Daniel Fiske, April 23,1773; Edmund Parker, Octobers, 1773. It was customary for one chosen deacon to signify his consent by a formal letter of acceptance, when he was inducted into office by a solemn charge from the minister, and thereafter was privileged to sit in the " deacon's seat."

*' Dear brother : - We congratulate you upon the honor which the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, hath been pleased to confer upon you; for we doubt uot that you had a call to this office, which under the influence of his spirit, as we trust, you have accepted ; that Spirit, which Christ hath purchased and promised to send down, not only to convince and convert the sinner, but also as a guide and teacher to his people, and hath assured us that he should lead us into all truth. You are sensible there is a work as well as an honor attending the office, which you must see to it that ynu fulfil. I would therefore charge you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge both the quick and the dead, another day, before the elect angels and this assembly, that you faithfully discharge the duties of your station, that you fulfil the ministry you have received. See to it, that you answer the character of the deacons in the word of God. ' Be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre, hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.' See to it, that you govern your children and household well, * be blameless, be an example to believers themselves ; let your conversation be as becometh godliness, watch and pray continually, that those who seek occasion to speak evil of you, may find none; live^always as under the eye of the Lord Jesus Christ, who will shortly call you to give an account of your stewardship.' If you thus behave and do, ' you will purchase to yourself a good degree ' of favor with God and good men, and great boldness in the faith which is in .Tesus Christ. .\nd let ine put you in mind, that as the Lord Jesus and this his people, expect more from you in this relation than ever, so there is strength enough in Christ for you, and he will not leave you if you do not first forsake him. O. then, repair to him by a lively faith. Go out of yourself, trust wholly in him ; so shall you fulfil your course at length with joy, and your Lord will say to you, * Well done, good and faithful servant : as you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things ; enter into the J03' of your Lord.' May this at last be your and our portion, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory iu the church, world without end. Amen."

"Steadfast in the Faith once delivered to the Saints. Fixed and laborious in the cause of Christ and precious souls. Exemplary in via iting and sympathizing with his Flock. Diligent in improving his Talents. A Kind Husband ; a tender Parent ; A Faithful reprover ; a constant Friend ; and a true Patriot. Having ceased from his Labors, his works follow him."

Amid the anxieties and distresses of the Revolutionary War four years elapsed before a successor to Mr. Emerson was decided upon. Regular preaching was, however, maintained the greater part of the time. Mr. Joseph Emerson, a son of the late pastor, supplied the pulpit during the year 177G. His promise of a useful life was soon blighted by an early death. In 1778 Mr. Jonathan Allen received a call to become the minister of the parish, which he declined.

Mr. John BuUard, of Medway, a graduate of Harvard University, of the class of 1776, was ordained October 18, 1779. His ministry comprised a period of almost forty-two yeans, which were prosperous and happy. Warm in his sympathies and genial in his conversation and habits, he is spoken of by a contemporary as "of that almost peculiar urbanity which led him to treat all men of learning and fair moral character as friends and companions.'' Although, apparently, more of " a man of the world" than his predecessor, he possessed none the le.ss the virtues and excellencies of a true Christian minister. He was much interested in the cause of education ; was one of the founders of the Groton Academy, and a trustee of that institution during his life. Three of his four sons were educated there pieparatory to their entering college. The Sunday-school was instituted in 1819, by the eftbrts of Mrs. Nehemiah Cutter and some other ladies, who were greatly assisted and encouraged in this work by their pastor, ^[r. Bullard died September 18, 1821, aged sixljy-five years, universally beloved and lamented. During his ministry he baptized 556 persons, and admitted 156 members to his church. Four deacons were elected - Nathaniel Hutchinson and Nathaniel Lakin, April 23, 1789; Joseph Parker and Edmund Jewett, August 15, 1805.

Rev. James Howe, of Jaffrey, New Hampshire, a graduate of Dartmouth and of Andover, was ordained October 16, 1822. For several years the relations between pastor and people were harmonious ; but at length dissatisfaction began to be expressed by certain of the more liberally-inclined in regard to exchanges ; the complaint being that Mr. Howe was too exclusive in that matter. After several ineffectual attempts, the town finally passed a vote in May, 1831 : " To excuse Rev. James Howe from preaching six Sabbaths in the course of the ensuing year, and permit the pulpit to be supplied on those Sabbaths by ministers of other denominations." The enforcement of this vote by its advocates Mr. Howe regarded as an expulsion from his pulpit. Accordingly, he, with nearly the entire church and a large majority of the congregation, peaceably withdrew and formed a separate religious society under the title of " The Evangelical Congregational Society of Pepperell," to which tlje church allied itself, and of which Mr. Howe was recognized as pastor, by a council called for that purpose, February 1, 1832. Thus the town was divided into two parishes and two churches ; each church, however, claiming to be the original " First Church of Pepperell."

The First Parish, which now included all the legal voters that had not "signed off," and the remnant of a church which still adhered to it, was left without a minister or even a deacon. But it retained several of the wealthiest and most influential families of the town and a legal possession of the real estate and personal property of the original parish. With a zeal stimulated by the sharp controversy, the remaining members of the parish immediately proceeded to reorganize by the election of necessary officers, and chose a " Committee to hire preaching." Dr. John Walton and Mr. Benjamin Hale were chosen deacons.

After having heard several candidates preach during the year, a decision was made in favor of Rev. Charles Babbidge, of Salem, a Harvard graduate - class of 1828 - and he was ordained and settled February 13, 1833. "A gentleman and a scholar" in the fullest import of the phrase, courteous and affable to all, without distint-tion of sect or party, he soon gained the esteem and aflection of his people. He married, January 21, 1839, Miss Eliza Ann Bancroft, daughter of one of his parishioners, Luther Bancroft, Esq. ; he bought a farm, built a house, and so fully identified himself with the people of Pepperell and their interests, that he repeatedly refused calls to much larger congregations and more eligible pulpits. He was a member of the School Board for forty years; and in 1859 he represented his district in the Legislature. At the commencement of the late war he was chaplain of the Sixth Regiment, and the first minisler in the country to enlist ; thus giving to Pepperell the honor of furnishing the first chaplain for the War of the Rebellion as well as of the Revolution. Having served through the three months' campaign of the Sixth, he received, in November, 1861, a commission as chai)lain of the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts Regiment, in which he served three years. Upon his discharge from the service, November 7, 1864, he returned to the peaceful pursuits of his professional life, and to his people, who gladly enough to satisfy himself, though he had done enough to satisfy his country. He had not, indeed, secured final victory, but he had secured a glorious immortality."

Killed - Jeremiah Shattuck, aged thirty ; Nathaniel Parker, thirty-three; Wm. Warren, twenty ; Wainwright Fisk, twenty-four; Ebenezer Laughton, twenty -seven ; Joseph Spaulding, thirty-seven ; Benj. Wood, twenty ; Edmund Pierce, forty-four.

The following letter to John Adams, at that time a delegate to the Continental Congress, contains Col. Prescott's own account of the battle :

" Sir: - I have received a line from my brother, which informs me of your desire of a particular account of the action at Charlestown. It is not in my power, at present, to give so minute an account as I should choose, being ordered to decamp and march to another station.

" On the 16 June, in the evening, I received orders to march to Breed's Hill, in ('harlestowD, with a party of about one thousand men, consisting of tliree hundred of my own regiment, Colonel Bridge and Lieut. Bricket, with a detachment of theirs, and two hundred Connecticut forces, commanded by Captain Knowlton. We arrived at the spot, the lines were drawn by the engineer, and we began the iutrenchment about twelve o'clock; and plying the work with all possible e-xpedition till just before sun-rising, when the enemy began a very heavy cannonading and bombardment. In the interim the engineer forsook me. Having thrown up a small redoubt, found it necessary to draw a line about twenty rods in length from the fort, northerly, under a very warm fire from the enemy's artillery.

"About this time, the above field officers being indisposed, could render me but little .service, and the most of the men under their command deserted the party. The enemy continuing an incessant fire with their artillery, about two o'clock in the afternoon, on the seventeenth, the enemy began to land a northeaaterly point from the fort, and I ordered the train, with two field-pieces, to go and oppose them, aud the C<)nnecticul forces to support them ; but the train marched a difierent course, aud I believe those sent to their support followed, I suppose, to Bunker's Hill.

Another party of the enemy landed and fired the town. There was a party of Hampshire, in conjunction with some other forces, lined a fence at the distance of three.score rods back of the fort, partly to the

*' About an hour after the enemy landed they began to march to the attack in three columns. 1 commauded my Lieut.. Col. Kobinsou and Major Woods, each with a detixchment, to tlank the enemy, who, I have reason to think, behaved with prudence and courage. I was now left with perhaps one hundred and fifty men in the fort. The enemy advanced and fired very hotly on the fort, and meeting with a warm reception, there was a very smart firing on both sides. After a considerable time, finding our ammunition wasalmost spent, I commanded a cessation till the enemy advanced within thirty yards, when we gave them such a hot fire that they were obliged to retire nearly one hundred and fifty yards before they could rally and come again to the attack. Our ammunition being nearl.v exhausted, could keep up onTy a Bcatteriug fire. The enemy being numerous, surrounded our little fort, began to mount our lines, and enter the fort with their bayonets. We were obliged to retreat through them, while they kept uji as hot a fire as it was possible for them to make. We having very few bayonets, could make no resistance. We kept the fort about one hour and twenty minutes after the attack with small arms. This is nearly the state of facts, though imperfect and toe general, which, if anyways satisfactory to you, will afford pleasure to your most obedient, humble servant,

After its termination by the evacuation of the British in March, 1776, he was stationed at Governor's Island, New York, until after the battle of Long Island ; and when the American forces were obliged to retreat from New York City, he withdrew his regiment so skillfully and succe-^sfully as to call forth the public commendation of Gen. Washington. In the fall of 1777 he, with several of his old officers, went as a volunteer to oppose the onward march of Burgoyne, and was present to witness the surrender of that formidable but discomfited army, which, according to the British program, was destined to insulate New England from the other Colonies, and thus effectually crush the rebellion.

This was Col. Prescott's last military service, if we except his hastening to Concord, at the time of Shays' Insurrection, to assist in protecting the courts of justice and in preserving law and order. He returned to his farm in Pepperell, honored by his' fellow-citizens, whom he served in the various municipal offices of town clerk, selectman, magistrate, and also as representative to the General Court for three years. He died October l^^, 1795, at the age of sixty-nine years, and was buried with appropriate military honors.

In person he was of tall and commanding stature, large and muscular frame, well marked and intellectual features, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was somewhat bald on the top of his head, and wore a tie-wig. He had only a limited education, but he was self-taught, and was very fond of reading, especially history. He was never in a hurry, never unduly excited, but always cool and self-possessed in times of commotion and danger. In deportment he was plain and courteous ; in disposition, kind and benevolent - liberal to a fault, aud always ready to assist others even to his own disadvantage.

Mrs. Abigail (Hale) Prescott, of Sutton, was an exceedingly amiable, prudent and estimable woman. Her rare combination of the virtues of thrift without selfishness, aud frugality without parsimony, was a fortunate supplement to the easy liberality of her husband.

In the old burying ground at Pepperell, within the shadow of the old church, stands a plain tomb, built of four upright granite slabs, forming a square inclosure about three feet high, upon the top of which rest two horizontal tablets of slate-stone bearing the following inscriptions :

Simple and unpretentious as it is, the Pepperell farmer who commanded the yeomanry of Middlese.'c at the battle of Bunker Hill needs no costlier or more imposing mausoleum. His epitaph might well be,

In addition to the soldiers th8,t were in Col. Prescott's regiment, the following Pepperell men served in the Continental Army for different terms of service, varying from three months to seven years ; Daniel Hobart, killed at the battle of White Plains in 1776 ; James Locke, Dennis Organ, Joseph Plummer, John Whipple, Andrew Tufts, Eleazar Gilson, Nathaniel Sartell, Isaac Williams, Noah Wright, Samuel Moody Emerson, Shubael Conant, Jonathan Barron, Edmund Wright, Jacob Nutting, Jonathan Bancroft, David Tarbell and Dudley B. Kemp.

On the muster-roll for Middlesex County, June, 1777, the following persons from Pepperell were returned as enrolled in Col. Jackson's battalion, Capt. Benj. Brown's company, viz. :

Few, if any, towns of its size furnished so many men for the war as Pepperell. It was one of the first places in which a " liberty-pole was erected," and there was not a sing^e Tory within its limits. As we have already seen, it was dangerous for one to attempt even to pa-ss through it.

The patriotic and military spirit in the town did not cease with the war. The names of Prescott and Bunker Hill became synonyms of " liberty and independence." The 17th of June was a " red-letter" day, whose anniversary quite overshadowed that of the " Fourth of July." The Revolutionary survivors, especially those that had been wounded at Bunker Hill, were looked upon as " heroes in history," and regarded with feelings akin to veneration. An active interest in military matters was kept up, and the title of " Captain " became an honor to be coveted.

A volunteer militia company was organized about the year 1820 under the name of the " Prescott Guards." From this company the following captains were promoted to field officers in the " Old Sixth " Regiment: Col. William Buttrick, Gen. Geo. Green, Maj. Jos. G. Heald, Maj. Luther S. Bancroft, Col. Samuel P. Shattuck, Maj. Geo. T. Bancroft, Col. Alden Lawrence, Maj. Edmund A. Parker and Col. E. F. Jones.

" Boston, April 16, 1861. *' Col. Jones, Sir ; - I am directed by his excellency, the Commanderin-Chief, to order you to muster your regiment on Boston Common forthwith, in compliance with a requisition made by the President of the United States. The troops are to go to Washington. By order of his Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief

Although the regiment was scattered over thirty towns, yet in a few hours seven hundred men, twenty-two of whom were from Pepperell, were present in Boston ready for duty. After an exchange of their old guns for new rifles, Governor Andrew presented the regimental colors to Col. Jones with these words :

" Soldiers, summoned suddenly with but a moment for preparation we have done all that lay in the power of men to do - all that rested in the power of your State Government to do - to prepare the citizen soldiers of Massachusetts for this service. We shall follow you with our benedictions, our benefactions and prayere. Those whom you leave behind you we shall cherish in our heart qf hearts. You carry with you our utmost faith and confidence. We know that you never will return until you can bring the assurances that the utmost duty has been performed which brave and patriotic men can accomplish. This Flag, sir, take and bear with you. It will be an emblem on which all eyes will rest, reminding you always of that which you are bound to hold most dear."

" Your Excellency has given me this Flag, which is the emblem of all that stands before you. It represents my whole command ; and so help me God, I will never disgrace it."

The record of the "Old Sixth," its intrepid march through Baltimore on the twice memorable 19th of April, ihe great service it rendered the government at a most critical period, have all become a thrilling part of the history of the country.

"Thirty-seventh Congress of tlie United States, at the first session in the House of Representatives, July 22, 1861. Resolved, that the thanks of this house are due, and are hereby tendered, to the Sixth Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteers for the alacrity with which they responded to the call of the President, and the patriotism and bravely which they displayed on the 19th of April last, in fighting their way through the city of Baltimore on their march to the defence of the Federal Capital.

Pepperell furnished about one hundred and fifty soldiers for the War of the Rebellion. The regiments in which they enlisted were the Sixth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Twentieth, Twenty-sixth, Thirty-second, Thirty-third, Thirth-sixth, Thirty-ninth, Forty-fourth, Forty-seventh and Fifty-third Jlassachusetts Infantry ; Sixth New Hampshire Infantry ; Eighth New Hampshire Cavalry ; Second Massachusetts Cavalry ; First New Jersey Band ; Lowell Brigade Band ; and the baud of the Third Brigade, Third Division, Twenty-fourth Army Corps.

Lawrence commenced the manufacture of powder, concerning whose quality some amusing though rather disparaging traditions are still extant. Afterwards afulling and a carding-mill were built and occupied, the former by Samuel Tenney, the latter by Isaac Bennett. Mr. Tenney died in 1825 and was succeeded in the business by Joseph Tucker, and not long afterwards Mr. Bennett relinquished his busine.ss to Earl Tenney, son of Samuel. Both the mills gave place to the new paper-mill. At this time there were but five dwelling-houses in the village, three of which were cottages. One of these is the cottage on Mill Street now owned by Mrs. Harper. Three still stand at the juncture of Main Street with Mill and Canal. The Adam Ames hcuse, which occupied the present site of A. J. Saunders' store, was removed and is the dwelling of Mrs. Gleason on Canal Street.

With the establishment of this paper-mill, a new era in the industrial history of the village began. Mr. Emerson introduced the Fourdrinier machinery, and commenced making paper with a rapidity that fairly astonished the old paper-makers. The business prospered for a time. After a few years, however, the mill was destroyed by fire. A new building was erected, but when this was also burned, Mr. Emerson's financial embarrassments were such that he was forced to abandon the business. The property passed into other hands. New mills were built, which during the next twenty years were occupied successively by different firms with varied success, or want of it. At one time there were three separate mills, with as many owners, each competing with the others, and all dependent upon the same water supply. At length, in 1862, H. M. Clark, who was connected with the firm of S. D. Warren & Co., obtained possession of the entire property and immediately began to develop its capacities. For the past ten years the business has been under the control of the Fairchild Paper Co. The plant consists of two first-class mills, which give employment to about two hundred and thirty operatives, and manufacture daily twenty tons of the best quality of book paper and of government paper.

The Champion Card and Paper Co. commenced operations in 1880 as an adjunct of the Fairchild Paper Co. But three years later it was established as an independent company, being incorporated under the laws of New Hamjishire, with a capital of $50,000. A mill, one hundred and twenty-five feet wide and five hundred feet long, was built near the covered bridge and fitted up with the most approved machinery and furnisliments. Under the able and energetic management of its president, C. M. Gage, and treasurer, P. A. Hammond, it was so successfully conducted that in 1887 the capital stock was increased to $150,000, and the company was re-incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts. Its manufactures consist principally of glazed and colored papers and card-boards of the finest quality, lithographic-plate paper being a specialty.

The success of the Champion Co. was so apparent that it stimulated competition. In 1S89 another company was organized and incorporated under the name of the Pepperell Card and Paper Co., with a capital of $50,000, H.C. Winslow,Superintendentofthe Fairchild Mills being elected president, H. A. Parker, treasurer, and J. M. McCauseland, superintendent. A mill, 60 by 160 feet, comprising two stories and basement, with an engine-house and boiler-room adjoining, was erected " at the most convenient place near Jo Blood's fordway," and was soon in active operation. The thorough knowledge of the trade and the business tact and ability possessed by the managers are a guaranty for the success of the new enterprise.

The beginning of the shoe business in Pepperell was made about the year 1824, by John Walcott, a native of Danvers, who married a Pepperell woman and afterwards settled in Pepperell, on the farm now owned by Roland H. Blood. His sons, as they grew up, went to Natick, and became pioneers in the shoe business in that place.

At the time Mr. Walcott came to Pepperell division of labor was just being introduced into the shoe manufacture. Previously the entire shoe had been made by one man, who first carefully measured the foot of his customer, and then proceeded to cut out, put together and finish up the pair of boots or shoes ordered. The shoemaker was often an itinerant workman, carrying his kit of tools under his arm. Mr. Walcott, taking advantageof the new departure, employed his winter leisure in making shoes. He obtained from Danvers his stock already cut and fitted, completed the work and returned the finished shoes. This kind of work required but a short apprenticeship. Soon more than one kitchen resounded to the tap of the hammer upon the lapstone, and the number of fireside shoemakers increased, until some began to think that a shop for cutting and giving out the work would be a good business venture. The prospect was alluring; the capital required was small; the 2>lant consisted of only one or two rooms furnished with cutting-boards, patterns and knives. Here the work was cut out and then distributed to be made up by the employees at their homes or in small shops where several neighbors could work together. These " brogan shops," in time, became quite numerous throughout the town. The first to set up a cutting-shop was Putnam Shattuck, who established one in the North Village, about the year 1834. Eight years afterwards he removed his business to the Centre. By this time he had a number of competitors. But, feasible a.s the business at first appeared, it was often found to require an amount of knowledge and foresight that had not been anticipated ; hence failure was a common result. One impediment in the way of success was the sharp competition with the lower towns. At one time so much work was done for outside firms that it required the time of one man as carrier between the

Albert Leigh ton, a native of Weatford, came to Pepperell in 1848. He was a shoemaker from boyhood, and had been associated with Edward Walcott in the introduction of the shoe business into Natick. He erected one of the first buildings in the Depot Village, (now the Prescott House), and there established a business that eventually became one of the leading interests in town. Five years later, having disposed of his business to Charles Hutson, he followed in the wake of the gold-miners, and spent three years in California. Returning to Pepperell, he built a new shop on Leighton Street, in which he carried on a successful business for ten years. He then went West, but, after a year spent in Racine, Wis., he again returned to Pepperell, ana erected, on Main Street, a third building, which was occupied by himself and his sons as a shoe-factory until it was burned, in 1879. As a result of the fire, the firm of Leighton & Sons was dissolved, Mr. Leighton retiring from active participation in the shoe business, although he still continued an efiicient citizen of the town whose interests he had already done much to promote, and to whom much of the present prosperity and many of the recent improvements of the lower villages especially are due. He has not only held the highest ofiices in town, but has twice represented his district in the State Legislature.

Immediately after the burning of the old building the business was reorganized by Mr. Leighton's son, Frank. Plans were made for a new factory, the corner-stone of which was laid June 17, 1879, and the work was carried on so energetically that the building was ready for occupancy in the fall. The existing firm, Leighton Bros., was formed in 1884, and consists of Messrs. Frank, Elbert and Charles Leighton, the latter having charge of their Boston office. Their commodious and well-arranged factory, furnished with all the most approved styles of machinery, affords employment to 350 operatives, and has a capacity for 5000 pairs of brogans per day.

The mineral resources of Pepperell are not abundant. Two clay beds, one near Boynton Street, the other in the southerly part of the town, have furnished the material for the manufacture, at various times, of a few kilns of brick, the one in South Pepperell being still operated by Jerome T. Lawrence.

In the earlier records of the laying out of the roads, frequent reference is made to " the silver mine." This is a strata of shale rock supposed to contain deposits of gold and silver extending from near the New Hampshire line to " the great shading place," as it was called, on the Nissittissit River, about half a mile below the North Village. Various parties prospected here in search of the precious metals. Prominent among these was Joseph Heald, Esq., one of the principal men of the town in earlier days, whose acquaintance with the medicinal properties of plants had gained for him the additional title of " doctor." Having acquired some knowledge of mineralogy, he became possessed with the idea that gold lay hidden away somewhere in this region. He lived in the westerly part of the town, near the pond which still bears his name. The only outlet to this pond is at its northerly end by a small brook, which, for the first half-mile of its course, runs through a wild gorge, whose precipitous sides rise in many places to the perpendicular height of a hundred feet or more. Along this "gulf," as it is still called. Squire Heald thought he di!<covered indications of a "gold pocket," and thereupon began to excavate a tunnel into the side of the ravine. He extended this mine into the solid rock a distance of about sixty feet in length, with an average height of six feet. Whether any gold was ever found there has never tran.spired, but the town thereby acquired a great natural and artificial curiosity, which has not even yet lost all its attractions.

The prospectors at the "Silver Mine " being unsuccessful, became discouraged and abandoned the " claim." The lode remained neglected until its very existence became almost a mere tradition. About the year 1880, however, attention was again attracted to it. Daniel Bates, of Fitchburg, having made a careful analysis of the rock, and having satisfied himself there was money in it, obtained a lease of the land, erected a crushing-mill at the "great shading place" and began active operations. He persevered in the work with a pertinacity that deserved success; but at the end of three years of unremunerative labor and outlay, his funds failing, he was obliged to ask for cooperation.

A stock company was formed under the comprehensive name of "The Fitchburg Gold and Silver Mining Co." New and improved machinery and methods were introduced, and the enterprise was pushed with renewed zeal for two or three years longer, when, on account of continued failure, it was suspended. But within the present year the work has again been commenced by the company with sanguine hopes of ultimate success.

Whether these expectations will ever be realized or not, the continued prosperity of the town is fully assured by the general activity and thrift of its people.

Biographical Jonas Fitch

Jonas Fitch was born in Pepperell, Mass., March 21, 1811. The majority of people in the State of Massachusetts bearing the name of Fitch are probably the descendants of two brothers, who emigrated from England to this country. One settled in Reading, the other in Bedford. From the latter Mr. Fitch was a lineal descendant of the fifth generation. Jonas Fitch, his grandfatiier, and Zachariah Fitch, his great-uncle, came to Groton and settled there near to each other. Pepperell at that time was a part of Groton. One of their brothers, named William, was killed in the French War. Jonas Fitch was a man of great mechanical genius, especially in the art of clockmaking. All the movements of his clocks was his own handiwork. Several of these time-pieces are still in existence at Pepperell and Groton. His special mechanical aptitudes were inherited by his grandson, Jonas Fitch.

Mr. Fitch removed to Boston in 1832, and, after working for one or two business firms, accepted employment from Millard Sears. The relations between himself and employer proved to be so satisfactory that, in 1839, a co-partnership was formed between them, which continued many years ; after its dissolution Mr. Fitch conducted his affairs alone. While associated with Mr. Sears, the two erected numerous buildings on Long and Central Wharves, and also in the neighborhood of both localities.

One of the j)rincipal embodiments of Mr. Fitch's constructive skill is the Masonic Temple in Boston. All the interior is of his creation. He also wrought the wood-work on the large Fitchburg Depot and on the commanding City Hall of Boston.

Many of the Commercial and State Street blocks were erected under his supervision. The Mount Vernon Church, one of Boston's stateliest structures, ' is also of his workmanship. He was a member of the commission charged with the duty of supervising the erection of the new State Prison at Concord. To this trust he devoted much time and labor. In the building of the Boston Post-Office he had the responsibilities of the master carpenter.

Not only on the public edifices, but on numerous beautiful private residences and on substantial business blocks in all parts of the city, are the tokens of his practical architectural genius visible.

Their frequent recurrence is also a proof of the high estimation in which his creative abilities were held. Mr. Fitch was one of the very first .among the enterprising artificers who introduced steam machinery into the processes of wood-working at Boston. His shop contained a full complement of the most improved and efiicient labor-saving devices. His pride was in the fact of his being a complete carpenter - not a builder, as some carpenters style themselves. When the memorable conflagration of 1872 had laid so large a portion of Boston in ashes, he probably did more than any of his contemporaries in the labor of reconstruction. Long before the fire had been extinguished he had ordered the whole of a large saw-mill's annual product, and was thus abundantly supplied with the raw material for Large augmentation of his own fortune. Exhaustive in his observation, quick to perceive probable necessity, and prompt in providing the means for its supply, he also enjoyed the utmost confidence of the firms for whom he had raised places of business. Orders for new buildings pressed themselves upon his acceptance. Wherever Jonas Fitch superintended the erection of a building, that very fact was held to be a guarantee of its solid excellence, la civic affairs Mr. Fitch took a conspicuous and an influential part. In the years 1859, 18G0, 1864, and

1866 ; served as chairman of the Committee on the Fire Department, and as a member of the Committees on Streets, on Bridges, on Military Affairs and also on several joint committees. Re-elected to the same positions in 1867, he served as chairman of the Committee on Faneuil Hall, besides yielding continuance of service on most of the committees to which he had belonged in the previous year. During these two years of aldermanic responsibility he was a persuasive advocate for the widening of Tremont, Hanover and other streets, which were subsequently improved in the manner recommended.

In 1864, 1865 and 1866 he was a member of the Water Board; and from 1862 to 1867, inclusive, was one of the Board of Directors of Public Institutions.

Mr. Fitch has rendered excellent legislative service to his native State, as a member of the Lower House of its Legislature. He represented his district in Boston in the year 1855 and 1857. In the first of these terms he served in the joint Committee on Prisons and in the last as chairman of the Committee on Public Buildings. Here his practical knowledge of architectural con.struction clothed his advice and action with unrivaled value. In 1871 he was a member of Governor Claflin's Executive Council and served on the Committees on Finance, Harbors, Railroad and Bridges, on the Boston, Hartford & Erie Railroad, and on State Prisons. In 1872 he was elected to membership in Governor Washburn's Council; again served on the same committees as those of the previous years ; in addition, in the Committee on Pardons. The ancient and honorable institution known as Free Masonry has also received cordial support from Mr. Fitch. He has been connected with many of the organizations peculiar to it. His first degree was taken in St. Paul's Lodge, South Boston. In December, 1855, he became a member of the Columbian Lodge in the city proper. On the 16th of October, of the same year, he was initiated into St. Paul's Chapter, and was subsequently a member of the Board of Directors for many years. On the 18th of November, 1855, he was made a Knight Templar, and on the 19th of the following month joined the conimandery. On the 31st of December, 1874, he was constituted a life member. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which organization he filled various prominent oflices. He was one of the directors of the old Mechanics' Mutual Insurance Company for many years. He also held the same office in the Continental

Bank, whose edifice is of his erection. What is more to the credit of a citizen than all his achievements in architectural construction or in the administration of purely business corporations, is the part he has taken in building up the nation in righteousness. It is constitutionalh' founded on the basis of equal rights - the equal rights of humanity. Slavery was in most flagrant discord with its fundamental principles, and gave the lie to its solemn professors. These facts were as clear as the sun to Mr. Fitch. He became one of the earliest members of the Abolitionist party ; and was also, and logically, an active member of the Free-Soil organization, distributing ballots at the presidential election in which James G. Birney was a candidate for the Chief Magistracy. Practice was always in harmony with principle. His life was the embodiment of his beliefs. He gave employment to negroes in his own work-shops at a period in our national history when such a policy involved considerable aelf-sacritice and exposure to hostile criticism if not to something worse. Whatever would benefit humanity commended itself to his sympathies and assistance, even if it were only the old hand fireengine department, of which he was a member. He was always proud of his connection with it, and in later years loved to recount the stirring incidents of his fireman experience. Mr. Fitch was a man of circumscribed literary education. The school in which his real education was received was that of the great world. Here his native ability, caution and sound judgment were developed and disciplined. Had he enjoyed the advantages of High School culture and retained his individuality, there is no social or political position 10 which he might not have been a successful aspirant. Thorough in all that he undertook and exceedingly exact in all his dealings, he was yet a man of no personal pride. His pride was in his work. That expressed himself, and he was invariably careful that no laxity on his part should mar its excellence or cloud the brightness of his splendid reputation. In early manhood he was a member of the old Marlborough Chapel, and was afterward an attendant at the famous Park Street Church, and a liberal supporter of all its interests. Jonas Fitch wa.s married, on the 19th of June, 1836, to Catharine D., daughter of Abiel and Margaret D. Blodgett. Of four children born to them one died in infancy ; three are still living; Annie E., wife of John Wallace, Esq., and Charles Henry and Carrie T. Fitch. Mr. Fitch died on the 19th of February, 1882.

Capt. Arnold Hutchinson

Capt. A.rnold Hutchinson, the subject of this sketch, was born in Pepperell, July 19, 1789. He was the son of William Hutchinson, who was a native of the town of Marblehead, Mass., and who bought a large tract of intervale land on the Nashua River, in the northeasterly part of the town of Pepperell, settled

Their son Arnold seems to have possessed in a good degree the indomitable will and untiring energy which have been prominent characteristics of the inhabitants of the old town by the sea, which was the birth-place of his paternal ancestor. His childhood and youth were passed upon the farm where be was born, and which in course of time became his own. His early educational advantages were limited to such as were afforded by the district schools of that time, in a small country town. But he availed himself of these advantages with all the earnestn ess of his nature; thus laying the foundation for a life of active service in the various duties of his home life and those of the public offices which, by the choice of his tellow-citizens, he was called in after-years to fill.

He married, May 20, 1819, Amelia Parker, the sixth of the eleven children of Deacon Jonas and Ruth (Farmer) Parker, both of whom were natives of Pepperell, and they immediately commenced their housekeeping in his boyhood's home. His wife was a helpmeet indeed. Endowed with good health, and a strong constitution, she was al.so a woman of great strength of character. Possessing sound judgment and a well-stored and discriminating mind, she was of great value to her husband. Twelve children were born to them, ten sons andtwo|daughters, but three of whom are now living ; two died in childhood, one in early womanhood and six in the prime of manhood.

He managed successfully his large farm, and for a number of years taught school during the winter, either in Pepperell or one of the adjoining towns.

He was one of the stalwart men of his time. In height he was six feet and two incbe?, of good proportions, fine physiognomy, a commanding presence and dignified bearing and gifted with remarkable executive ability - one whom nature made a leader among men.

Previous to 1829 he held the ofiices of town clerk, selectman and other important town offices. Year after year he was chosen moderator of the annual town-meeting and in 1829, '30, '39, '40, '42 and '44 he represented the town in the State Legislature to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.

When the military spirit of the olden time was a strong element of power in Pepperell he was chosen commander of the militia, whence he obtained the title of captain, by which, as wa-s customary in those times, he was ever after known.

In religious belief he was associated with the Evangelical Congregational Church, of which he and his wife were prominent members, having a voice in all its councils and laboring to promote the interests of the church and parish.

to advance the cause of education in his native town. In 1854 he sold the homestead farm, where he had spent sixty-iive years, and bought the farm of Dea. Parker, his father-in-law, where he lived until he was obliged by failing health to give up manual labor. He then purchased the house on Park Street, which is now occupied by his youngest son, Charles D. Hutchinson. His golden wedding was celebrated after his removal to this house, and was made a very pleasant occasion.

Faithful and true in all the relations of life, Capt. Hutchinson was a courteous gentleman, a helpful son, a kind husband and father, and a good neighbor, honest and upright in all his dealings.

He died of pneumonia on the 9th day of December, 1873, at the age of eighty- four years, four months and twenty days. Mrs. Hutchinson survived him nearly sixteen years. She died on the 4th of August, 1889. She was born November 21, 1799; consequently lived to the advanced age of eighty-nine years, eight months and thirteen days.

Hewitt Chandler Winslow

Hewitt Chandler Winslow was born March 2S, 1828, at New Gloucester, Cumberland County, Me. He was a son of Philip and Berthia (Rideout) Winslow, both of whom were natives of New Gloucester, and is a lineal descendant of both the Winslows and Bradfords of Plymouth, Mass., his grandmother being a member of the latter family. Barnabas, the grandfather of Hewitt, was one of the early inhabitants of New Gloucester. Philip, the father, was a soldier in the War of 1812. He served on the coast defences of his native State, and was at Portland when the encounter occurred between the "Boxer" and " Enterprise." Hewitt lived with his father till he was ten years old, when he went to North Yarmouth, Me., and " worked out." All the school instruction he received was what he obtained by an attendance on the public schools three or four months in a year before he was seventeen years old ; but, like many another New England boy, he found means of pursuing his studies out of school, and without an instructor.

He worked during the day, and read and studied in the evening by the light of the fire-place, the tallow-candle and the pitch-pine knot. At seventeen he went to work in a factory at Gardner, Me., where he learned the trade of wool-carding and finishing. He soon arose to the position of overseer, in which capacity he served for about six years, after which he engaged in paper-making at the mills of the " Great Falls Paper Company," and was for some time foreman. Since 1865 he has had charge of the paper-mills at East Pepperell. As agent of these mills Mr. Winslow has performed faithful and efficient woik. The company has been known by three diiferent names since he took charge of its affairs. It is now called the " Fairchild Paper Company," and employs over two hundred hands. As a business man Mr. Winslow is devoted to his work and attends strictly to it. It has been his habit to get to his office throughout the year at about seven in the morning and to leave it about eight at night. He is a director in the First National Bank of Ayer, and a trustee and director in the Ayer Savings Bank.

Notwithstanding his devotion to business, he has found time in the midst of his busy life to attend to religious matters. For many years he has been an active member of the Methodist Church and a substantial and reliable supporter of his denomination in East Pepperell, and has repeatedly held the office of trustee and steward of the Methodist Church in that place.

In politics he is a Republican. When a young man he was active and enthusiastic in the anti-slavery movement. Since then he has identified himself with other reforms and placed himself on the right side of questions and subjects the agitation and advancement of which have been for the good of the race. He has never used rum or tobacco and his habits have been exemplary. November 15, 1855, he was married, in Pownal, Me., to Miss Henrietta True. Miss True was a daughter of William and Zilphia Ann True, and was born March 18, 1833. Her father was a native of Freeport, Me., and her mother of Cumberland, Me.

Amo.S Joseph Saunders

Amos Joseph Saunders was born in Rowley, August 3, 1826. He was the only son of Joseph and Mary (Mighill) Saunders, who were also natives of Rowley. At the age of twelve he entered Dummer Academy at Byfield, which he attended a year. He then returned home and spent some years on his father's farm, occupying his time in the winter season at shoe-making. But farming and shoe-making were not always to be pursued by this enterprising New England lad. He had a fondness for study, an interest in books, and took pleasure in the discussions of the Lyceum and such other literary privileges as were afforded by the country towns of half a century ago. In 1850 he entered Pierce's Academy at Middleboro', where, with the exception of a short time spent at Hampton Falls, N. H., and at Dummer Academy, he remained until he entered Brown University, R. I., at which he graduated in 1855, at the age of twenty-nine. This was the last year in which Dr. Wayland was president of the university. He taught a grammarschool at Danvers, and in August 1856, became principal of the Merrimac Academy at Groveland. In 1860 he took charge of the academy at Pepperell, where he taught till 1866, when he resigned on account of his health. Shortly after, he became proprietor of a store in Pepperell Centre, with a branch store at East Pepperell, but be soon removed to the latter place, where he still resides and carries on the business. Since leaving his profession as a teacher, Mr. Saunders has continued to show his interest in schools by a long service on the School Board. He has also served as selectman, assessor and member of the Library Committee. He has for many years been an active member of the Republican party. In 1873 he was the Representative of the Thirty-first Middlesex District, comprising the towns of Groton, Pepperell and Ayer, and was re-elected in 1875. In November, 1876, he was elected to the Massachusetts Senate by the Fifth Middlesex District. During his connection with the Legislature, he served on the following joint standing committees : the Liquor Law, Woman Suffrage, Claims, Taxation and Education. In 1874 he was appointed justice of the peace, and has held the office to the present time. In 1856 he married Lucy Parkhurst Savage, a daughter of John and Mary Savage, of Rowley. He has three daughters and one son, viz. : Lucy Blanchard, Joseph Amos, Mary Harris and Stella Fourth. Mr. Saunders, at the age of sixty-four, is in good health, and attends to his daily business with the enthusiasm and efficiency of a younger man. He exhibits the traits of a typical New Englander, who starts out from the ancestral farm and works his way by perseverance and industry to positions of usefulness and trust. Born and reared in one of the oldest towns in Essex County, where the Colonial stock was of sterling quality, he found in Pepperell elements that correspond with the best characteristics of those with whom he w.as associated in his early days. The place was congenial to his tastes, and he has actively participated in such public measures as have conduced to ihe public good, and the town has shown her appreciation of the child of her adoption by honoring him with the highest offices in her power to bestow.