Pepperell Town (part 1 of 2)

By Lorenzo

ETl'LEMENTS iu the part of Groton west of Nashua River were commenced as early as 17:J0. In 1743, the number of families having increased to forty-twOj a petition from them to be set off as a distinct precinct was granted by the Great and General Court. Groton West Parish included all the territory bounded southerly by the road as then travelled from Fitch's Bridge to Townsend, westerly by Townsend, northerly by Dunstable West Precinct and Old Town, and easterly by the Nashua River. As a parish, it was empowered to act for itself in matters of a parochial nature, but in all other respects it still remained a part of Groton.

At the first legal meeting of the parish, January 17, 17-13, all the requisite officers were chosen, and ten pounds lawful money were voted to defray necessary charges. At a subsequent meeting, February 16, Samuel Wright was appointed a committee to provide preaching till tJie last day of April next ensuing ; and it was voted " to build a meeting-house at the most convenient place near Jo. Blood's fordway." During the two years or more before the house was built, public worship was held in the house of Enosh Lawrence, at the East Village, and in the house of Nehemiah Hobart, near where Elijah A. Butterfield now lives. So much dissatisfaction was manifested in regard to the location of the meeting-house, that before the expiration of the year a parish meeting was called, the vote reconsidered, and another passed, " to locate the meeting-house three fourths of a mile northeast of the centre of the town, or at the next convenient place." The result was a fierce contention, which at one time threatened the disruption of the parish. As a final resort, an appeal was made to the General Court, which appointed a committee to adjust the matter. The parish also chose a committee " to show the

Court's Committee the inhabitants of the place." So promptly was the business attended to and settled, that the parish voted, February 19, 1745, " to set the Meeting-House on the Place that the General Court perfixed," which is the spot still occupied by the meeting-house of the First Parish.

The house - forty-two feet long, thirty feet wide, and twenty feet to the eaves - was soon after raised, and finished sufficiently to be occupied in the early part of the year 1745 ; although it was not completed for several years, as appears from the following recorded votes : -

March, 1746, "that Wiiulows be cut where needed. Provided that they who cut them, Maintain them at their own Cost, so that they be no Parish Charge."

March, 1749, "to finish the building the seats ia y'^ Gallery, and to seal y* Meeting House from the Gallery floor up to the beams." Also, "to Glaze the Public Meeting House, and to provide boards to Lay Loose on y" floor overhead."

The house at the best could have been but little better than a barn ; and it must have required no little exercise of fortitude and resignation to sit through the lengthy services in an unfinished and unwarmed house, especially iu mid-winter. But our hardy ancestors had not attained to the modern ideas of church luxury nor of parish debt.

In the settlement of a minister they appear to have proceeded in a more united and prayerful way. March 1 3, 1 744, the parish voted " to keep the last day of March instant a day of fasting and prayer to Almighty God for direction in the important affair of settling a minister." It seems rather unfortunate that in this vote the location of the meeting-house was not also included.

liad withdrawn from the church at Groton, for the purpose of forming this. On the 25th of February following, Eev. Joseph Emerson of Maiden was ordained and settled in the gospel ministry over the church and paiisli. He received a settlement of forty acres of land within half a mile of the meeting-house, and £120 ; also a yearly salary of thirty-five cords of firewood cut and delivered at his door, and £62 10«., to be increased £12 10«. when the parish should contain one hundred ratable families ; the number of families at that time being seventy-two. This salary was regulated according to the price of provisions from year to year; but the plan occasioned considerable difficulty, and after a few years was by mutual consent of pastor and parish abandoned, Mr. Emerson receiving annually £73 &s. 8cl., reckoning silver at six shillings per dollar, and at six shillings and eightpence per ounce.

M/iuicijjal and Polilical. - On the 12th of April, 1753, Groton West Parish became a district by act of the General Court, and was named Pepperell in honor of Sir William Pepperell, the hero of the memorable capture of Louisburg in 1745. Mr. Emerson had been a chaplain in that expedition, and probably suggested the name of his old commander as the name of the new district. Sir William acknowledged the compliment by the customary present of a bell, which, however, was never received by those for whom it was intended. It was cast in England, bearing the inscription of the donor's name, and the couplet, " I to tlie church the Hving call. And to the grave I summon all." It was shipped to Boston, and stored there. One tradition is, that it was destroyed by the British soldiers during their occupancy of Boston. Another story is, that the people of Pepperell, being so earnestly engaged in the great struggle for independence, neglected to send for the bell until it had been sold to pay the expenses of storage, etc. As Sir William Pepperell died in 1759, neither of these reasons is very satisfactory. Still another version is, that a committee of three, afterwards changed to one, was chosen by the town, to go to Boston and get the bell ; that he went, sold the bell, and, having put the proceeds into his pocket, returned and reported the bell iwn inventus. But no record of any such committee, or of any action of the district in reference to (liis bell, can be found in the town records.

tial proclivities led him to take an active interest in military matters. To his influence and encouragement, undoubtedly, was due much of that military and patriotic spirit which characterized the inhabitants of Pepperell, and which furnished so many brave officers and soldiers from among her citizens.

Indian hostilities had nearly ceased before Pepperell became a separate parisli, although for several years after Mr. Emerson's settlement the men carried their guns with them to meeting. As inhabitants of Groton, they had had their full share of Indian warfare. Many were the thrilling tales of the red man's attack and the white man's bravery ; of Indian cunning and of Chamberlain's circumspection, told by the granddames of a generation ago, as received from their grandmothers, whose husbands, fathers, and brothers were the heroes of the story.

In 1758 a company for the French War was enlisted under the comfnand of Captain Thomas Lawrence. Previous to their departure to join the army, Mr. Emerson preached a sermon to the company, congratulating the men for the cheerfulness and becoming seriousness with which they had engaged in this affair. Thus he encouraged them: " Boldly, then, advance into the heart of your enemy's country. Fear them not; let it never be said of a New England soldier, - let it never be said of a Pep|)erell soldier, - that he was afraid to face his enemies, or that he turned his back on them, and cowardly deserted the cause of his country." The brave and stalwart captain was obedient to the injunction of his minister. While out with a ranging jiarty of about twenty, he was surprised by the Indians, and, with the exception of a few who fled at the first fire, the whole party were killed while fighting desperately ; not one was taken alive.

Trained in such a school, and inspired by so zealous an apostle of liberty, the peo])le of Pepperell were all prepared to enter with ardor into the contention between parliament and provinces, which led to open hostilities and war. They were among the first to notice and protest against the arbitrary acts of the British Ministry, and among the first to sustaiTi that protest by active and forcible measures.

District meetings were called, which were fully attended, and at which resolutions were unanimously passed, instructing their representatives in tlu^ legislature " by no means to join in any measures for countenancing or assisting in the execution of the said Stamp Act"; to exert themselves " ill the Great and General .Vsseuiblv to the utmost for the regaining of sucli privileges as have been wrested from us, and establishing those we do enjoy " ; and to be ever watchful that they " be not induced by any means to consent to any vote or votes in the Great and General Assembly that may have a tendency to weaken our constitutional rights and jjrivileges." Resolutions of sympathy, encouragement, and co-operation, " at the risk of life and treasure," were sent to the Committee of Correspondence in Boston ; and a Committee of Safety was chosen to act with the committees in other towns. lu January, 1766, Mr. Emerson preached a thanksgiving sermon on the repeal of the Stamp Act, and this sermon was printed for general circulation. A company of minute-men was enlisted, which, with companies in IloUis, New Hampshire, Grotou, and other neighboring towns, was included in a regiment, of which William Prescott was appointed colonel, and Henry Woods major. The Pepperell company was commanded by Captaui John Nutthig.

William Prescott was born in Groton Centre, February 20, 1726, but before he was of age had removed to the West Parish, and taken a farm in the tract called Grotou Gore. He had been a lieutenant of provincial troops in 1755, and on his return from the expedition to Nova Scotia had been promoted to a captaincy.

About nine o'clock on the morning of April 19, 1775, a messenger from Concord arrived in Pepperell with tidings of the fight at Lexington, and the advance of the redcoats towards Concord. Colonel Prescott immediately gave orders to the companies in Pepperell and in Hollis to march to Groton, and join the other companies there. So well prepared were the Pepperell mmute-men, and so ready for such an emergency, that they arrived at the Groton rendezvous, five miles distant, before the company there was ready to march ; and after a halt of a few minutes they marched on without waiting for the other comjwnies.

Abel Parker - afterwards Judge of Probate for Cheshire County, New Hampshire, and fatlier of the late Chief Justice Joel Parker - was ploughing on his farm two or three miles distant ; but as soon as he heard the alarm, leaving his oxen unyoked, he seized his gun hi one hand and his best coat in the other, started on a run, and did nol stop until he overtook his comrades, about three miles below Groton.

Maine when the messenger arrived at his father's house. His father ran out into the field, and mounting a large rock called to his son, who returned to the house, changed his clothes, took his gun, and started towards Concord.

Colonel Prescott, witli his regiment, hastened on to Concord ; but, being unable to overtake the British on their retreat, proceeded to Cambridge, and made that place his headcjuarters.

i the departure of the minute-men, the women in the vicinity of the bridge over Nashua River (now the covered bridge) collected, dressed in their

1 weapons as they could find. Having chosen Mrs. David Wright commander, they patrolled the road, determined that no enemy to freedom should pass that bridge ; and to good purpose, for soon they had the satisfaction of arresting Captain Leonard Whiting, of Hollis, a noted tory, and the bearer of despatches from Canada to Boston. He was searched, and the treasonable correspondence which was found in his boots was sent to the Committee of Safety, while he was detained as prisoner.

' Of tlie fifteen hundred provincial soldiers who fought at the memorable battle of Bunker Hill, Pepperell furnished the commander and about sixty men, of whom eight were killed and eight wounded, as follows : -

Killed, - Joseph Spauhling, aged thirty-seven; Nathaniel Parker, Jr., aged thirty-three ; William Warren, aged twenty-eight ; Ebenezer Laughton,

, aged twenty-seven ; Waiuwright Fisk, aged twenty-four; Jeremiah Shattuck, aged twenty-one; Edmund Pierce, aged forty-four ; Benjamin Wood, aged twenty.

Colonel Prescott remained in the service until the close of 1776. He was stationed at Governor's Island, New York, until the American troops obliged to retreat from New York, when he withdrew his regiment in such good order as to call forth the public commendation of General Washington. Li the fall of 1777 he, with several of his former officers, went as a volunteer to oppose the onward march of Burgoyne, and was present at the surrender of the formidable but discomfited army, which, according to the British programme, was destined to insulate New Euijlaiid from the other colonies, and thus effectually crush the rebellion. This was Colonel Prescott's last military service. He retired to his farm in Pepperell, where he passed the remainder of his days, honored by his fellow-citizens, whom he served in tiie various municipal offices of town-clerk, selectman, magistrate, and representative to the legislature. He died October 13, 1795, at the age of sixty-uine.

In person he was of tall and commanding stature, and well-marked and intellectual features ; in deportment he was plain and courteous ; in disposition, kind and benevolent, - liberal even to a fault, and always ready to assist others to the neglect of his own business.

The old homestead still remains in possession of the Prescott family, having descended to the son, Hon. William Prescott; to the grandson, William H. Prescott, the historian; and to the great-grandson, William G. Prescott, Esq., the present proprietor ; by each of whom it has been occupied during the summer and autumn months as a country residence.

By an act of the legislature passed in 17S6, applying to all the districts incorporated previous to 1777, Pepperell became a town; altiiough it appears that from 1776 it had made its records as a town, and chosen representatives, who were acknowledged and received as such by the legislature.

The military spirit of the town was kept up for many years. The 17th of June was a red-letter day, whose celebration quite overshadowed the 4th of July. About 1830 a volunteer militia company was organized under the name of tiie Prescott Guards. From this company were promoted the following officers of the old Gth Regiment: Colonel William Buttrick, General George Green, Major Joseph G. Heald, Major Lutlier 8. Bancroft, Colonel Saniuel Pep)jerell Shattuck, Major George T. Bancroft, Colonel Alden Lawrence, Major E. A. Parker, Colonel E. P. Jones.

On the 15lh of April, 1861, Colonel Jones received an order from headquarters to muster iiis regiment on Boston Common fortiiwith. Altiiough the regiment embraced over thirty towns, yet in a few hours seven hundred men were in Boston, ready for duty, over twenty of whom were from Pepperell.

Tlie record of the old 6tli, its march tlirongli Baltimore on tlie twice memorable I'Jtii of April, tlie service it rendered the government at a most critical period, tlie vote of thanks passed by (_'ongress for its " alacrity, patriotism, and bravery," - have all become a part of the history of our country. Tiie number of soldiers enlisted from Pepperell during the war was nearly one hundred and fifty, of whom fifteen were killed, or died from disease contracted in the army.

The Worcester and Nashua Eailroad, which was ojDened for travel in 1848, was located along the eastern bank of the Nashua River, through Groton. A depot for Pepperell was established opposite Babbitasset Village. Aronnd tiiis station a village grew up, in all its business and interests identified with Pepperell ratlier than with Groton. A new bridge was built across the river, thus connecting the two villages, and reducing the distance from the depot to Pepperell Centre to one mile. In 1857 this depot village, together with about two square miles of territory hi the northeast corner of Groton, was, by act of the legislature, annexed to Pepperell.

Ecclesiastical Affairs. - Pepperell was called upon to offer up as a sacrifice to the cause of liberty not only the eight men who fell at Bunker Hill, but also her beloved minister. Upon the assembling of the army at Cambridge, Mr. Emerson immediately repaired thither to visit his numerous parishioners in Colonel Prescott's regiment; and it is said that he offered the first prayer that was made in the American camp. While ministering to the physical as well as spiritual needs of the soldiers, he contracted a severe cold which induced a fever that resulted in his death October 29, 1775, at the age of fifty-one years. During the twenty-nine years of his ministry one hundred and nhiety-six persons had been admitted into the ciiurch, and eight hundred and seven baptized.

In 1769 a larger and more suitable house of worslii|) had been erected on tlie site of the old. Cornet Simon Gilson, the contractor to build the new house, took the old one in part payment, and, having removed it to his farm, now J. M. Belciier's, converted it into a barn. In IS.'JO it was burned by an incendiary.

Preparatory to the building of tiiis new house a day of fasting and prayer was appointed by the ciiurcii, wherein "particularly to humble ourselves before God, for our unprofitableness under the means of grace we have enjoyed in tiie old meeting-house, and til entreat his guidance in erecting a new one." The (inly (lucstion tiiat appears to liave caused any difference of opinion was wlicther

On the occasion of the dedication of the new house, March 8, 1770, Mr. Emerson preached a sermon from the text, 1 Samuel, vii. VI, wherein he enumerated the various ways in which God had helped them: that the number of the inhabitants of Pepperell had increased, since his settlement, from seventy-two to one hundred and fifty-two families, and that their wealth had increased in equal ratio ; that they had been able to pay the charges of becoming a parish, and then a district, and of building a house for worship ; and that peace, love, and harmony had prevailed in the gospel among them.

Mr. Emerson had indeed lived in peace and harmony with his people in all their relations of life, religious, social, and political. Upon the tablet, which the town erected over his tomb, his virtues are thus enumerated : -

"Stedfast iu the Faitli once delivered to the Saints. Fixed and laborious iu the cause of Christ and precious Souls. Exemplary in visiting and sympatlijzing 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 Labours his works follow iiini."

Nearly four years passed after ilr. Emerson's death, when his successor, Rev. John Bullard of Medway, a Harvard gradiuite, was ordained, October 19, 1779. His ministry of forty-two years was prosperous aud happy. He was eminently social in his habits, and is spoken of by a contemporary as " of that almost peculiar urbanity which led him to treat aU men of learning and of fair moral character as friends and companions." He died Sejotember 18, 18iil, at the age of sixty-four, truly lamented by his people, who long cherished his memory.

Eev. James Howe, of Jaifrey, New Hampshire, a graduate of Dartmouth and of Andover, was ordained October 16, 1823. For several years the relation between pastor aud people was harmonious, but at length dissatisfaction began to be expressed by certain of the more liberally inclined in regard to exchanges. In May, 1831, the follovring vote was passed at town-meeting : " 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 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 sejiarate religious society under the title of the Evangelical Congregational Society of Pepperell, to which the church allied itself, and of whicli 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 churclies ; each church, liowever, claiming to be the original First Church of Pepperell.

The First Parish, which now included all the legal voters that had not " signed otl," and the remnant of a church which adliered to it, being thus left without a minister, after having heard several candidates, decided in favor of Rev. Charles Babbidge of Salem, a Har\'ard graduate (class of 1828), and he was ordained February 13, 1833. A gentleman and a scholar in the fullest import of the plirase, courteous and affable to all without distinction of sect or party, lie soon gained the esteem of his peojjle. He married, January 1, 1837, Miss Eliza Ann Bancroft, daughter of one of his parishioners, - Luther Bancroft, Esq. ; he bought a farm, built a house, aud so fully identified himself with tiie people of Pepperell and tlieir interests, tliat he several times refused calls to much larger congregations and more eligible pulpits. He is almost a permanent member of the school-board; and in 1858 lie represented the town in the legislature. At the commencement of the late war lie was chaplain of the 6tii regiment, and the first minister 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 for the Revolution. Having served through the three months' campaign of the 6th, he received, in November, 1861, a commission as chaplain of the 26th Massachusetts Regiment, in whiclt he served three years. Being discharged November 7, 1864, he returned to the peaceful pursuits of his professional hfe, and to his people, who gladly welcomed him. Although he has passed the allotted age of threescore and ten, and the golden wedding of iiis ministry is near at hand, yet " his eye is not dim nor his natural force abated."

During the greater part of Mr. Babbidge's absence Rev. John A. Buckingham, of Boston, supplied his pulpit as pastor in charge. The old meeting-house having been remodelled and modernized, was dedicated anew October 27, 1836.

ganization, commenced to build a commodious meeting-house, which was dedicated October 31, 183-2. Previous to this time their public services had been held in an unfinished hall over the store, where the town-house now stands. Mr. Howe, having an hereditary tendency to consumption, found his health and strength gradually failing, until he was obliged to ask for a colleague to assist him in his labors. After a trial of several candidates, the choice fell on Rev. David Andrews of Dedham, a graduate of Amherst and of Andover, and he was ordained January 29, 1840. Mr. Howe died the following summer, July 19, 1840, aged forty-four. Tic was a man of unusual sagacity and foresight. With remarkable tact as well as judgment, his administrative abilities were of a high order. Very few ministers could have led off so successfully, and withal so peaceably as he, so large a majority of church and congregation. There was no legal controversy, no actual quarrel. A .spirit of bitterness, however, was developed among the people, and the town was divided into two politico-theological parties, which existed for many years. But the ministers of the opposing sects, although they could not meet each other theologically, always met as gentlemen, on the common ground of Christian courtesy.

ilr. Andrews, who became sole pastor on Mr. Howe's decease, was, in many respects, quite different from his predecessor. Tiiough a thorough scholar and forcible writer, he was no orator. Kind and sympathizing, he was externally cold and uncongenial. A perfect gentleman at heart, in his deportment he was awkward and constrained. He had no policy, no finesse, but in everything pursued an honest, straightforward, outspoken course. He preached the gospel, as he believed it, plainly, and with a directness that was often more pungent than agreeable to his hearers. More tlian ten years of the best portion of his life wnv liicially devoted to his church and society, and he Iciinicd, by bitter experience, that republics arc ungrateful. He asked a dismission, which was granted April 2, 1850. He afterwards j)rcachcd several years at Tiverton, Rhode Island, and llicn went to the West. He settled in Winona, Minncsoia, whrrr lie resided till his decease, in 1870.

Rev. Jyyman Cutler of Dorchester, a graduale f)f Dartmouth and of Andover, was ordained January 22, 1851. He was a superior scholar, with a ready command of language, and a nervous style of tliought and delivery, which thrilled his hearers to the fingers' ends. Open-hearted and free from guile, he won the regard of all. But he w-as ambitious for literary distinction, and unsuited to the ])arochial duties of a country parish. His request for a dismissal was granted November, 1853. The following year he was settled in Newton, where, after a brilliant but brief career, he died. May 2, 1855.

June 11, 1856, Rev. Edward P. Smith, a graduate of Yale and of Andover, was ordained pastor of the church and society. He w-as endowed with remarkable executive ability. With him, to think was to act ; so much so that he was liable to hastily follow his first impulse, rather than wait for the sober second thought. In his preaching and in his whole bfe - pastoral, civil, and political - this characteristic was prominent. At the beginning of the Rebellion he took an active part in arousing the people and procuring enlistments. Having obtained a month's leave of absence in January, 1863, he attached himself to the United States Christian Commission, and went to the front. The month's absence was extended indefinitely, and a dismissal was asked for. But the society were unwilling to grant it, vainly hoping that, after the wax, he could content himself with the quiet life and circumscribed sphere of Pcpperell. At length, December 7, 1864, his repeated request for a dismissal was granted. At the close of the war he engaged with his natural ardor in the cause of the freedmen, and held a prominent position in the American Missionary Society. He was afterward Indian agent in Minnesota ; then was appointed commissioner of Indian affairs. Having resigned this position and been elected president of Howard University, he went to Africa, to become more intimately acquainted with the needs of the Negro race, and the most feasible methods for missionary work among the native tribes. While on this mission he died of African fever, (in board of the United States vessel Amliri-, in ihetlulf of Guinea, June 15, 1876, atred fiirt\-niiie. One of his colaborers thus wriirs (if him : " lie was noted for his love of children, his mirtlifnlness, his generosity, his strong attachments, and his advocacy of the cause of the opiH'cssed. Doing good in forgetfulness of self was his business, and he pursued it to the end."

Tarbell's tavern and store buildings, in which the fire originated. Tlie liouse had just been repaired, and the basement finished into a convenient vestry, which the congregation were expecting to use for the first time on the ensuing Sabbath. Instead of wliich, tiiey met, on that Sabbath, in tlie Unitarian house, wb.ose use for the afternoons had been cordially tendered, and listened to an impressive discourse by Mr. Smith, from the text (Isa. Ixiv. 11), " Our holy and our beautiful house where our fathers praised Thee is burned up with fire." After considerable delay, occasioned by a want of unanimity on the question of location, the present commodious and well-arranged house was erected on the site of the old one, and dedicated January 29, 1860.

The same council that concurred in the dismissal of Mr. Smith ordained Eev. S. L. Blake, a graduate of Middlebury and of Andover. Having preached acceptably to the people four years, he asked for a dismission December 28, 1868, in order to accept a call from the Old South Church, in Concord, N. H. His successor was Eev. Horace Parker, a graduate of Amherst, who had previously been settled in Ashby. He was installed March 17, 1870, and dismissed September 16, 1873, on account of poor health. During his pastorate, and through his active efforts, a debt of nearly § 1,000, which had gradually accumulated, was wiped out, and some §200 additional raised for repairs of the meeting-house. A parsonage was also bought.

After a year and a half of unsatisfactory and unsuccessful trial of candidates, Eev. George F. Swain, the present incumbent, accepted a call, and was ordained May 12, 1875.

The first serious endeavor to introduce the services of Methodism in Pepperell appears to have been made in the winter of 186-5-66, under the labors of Eev. A. D. Merrill and Eev. M. M. Parkhurst, at the N'orth Village school-house. The following spring Parker's Hall, at the East Village, was hired, and Eev. G. Adams was sent from the New England Conference as the first pastor of a cnurch which was organized May, 1866. The succession of ministers has been as follows : Eev. M. E. Barry, 1867; Eev. Asa Barnes, 1869; Eev. A. W. Baird, 1871 ; Eev. J. H. Emerson, 1874 ; Eev. J. E. Gushing, 1875 ; Eev. Alfred Noon, 1877.

In 1873, through the zealous and untiring labors of Mr. Baird, a fund was raised sufficient to build a commodious church edifice in Babbitasset

Educational History. - In 1741 the town of Groton voted to have a school, kept a part of the time at Nissitisset, which was probably the first school on the west side of the river. In 1749 a petition from the parish for means of supporting a school was granted by the town of Groton, on condition that a school-room be provided without expense to the town. This condition being fulfilled, the town granted the sum of £13 Qs. 8//. In 1751 the parish voted to raise £7 lOy. for schooling, and that the school be kept at the nearest convenient place to the meeting-house; and that all who lived more than two miles distant might draw their proportion of the money, and use it for schooling as they might see fit. In 1754 the district voted that the school be kept in three places, but afterwards changed the number to two. A school-house in the Centre is first mentioned in 1764. It stood on the corner where the townhouse now is. In 1770, it was voted to have the school successively in four difterent parts of the district, in dwelling-houses. The school-house is again mentioned in 1771, and a vote passed to have a grammar master ; but the school-house appears to have belonged to individuals; for in 1772 the district voted to pay £10 13-s. id. for it, and also to build four more. About this time the district was divided into six squadrons, as they were called, - middle, west, southwest, north, south, and east ; and a committee of three persons in each squadron was annually chosen to see that the money appropriated was properly expended. In 1809 the name of squadron was changed to district, and the districts designated by numbers.

In 1819, No. 7 was formed from the eastern part of No. 1, and the following year No. 8 was taken from the western part of No. 6. In 1849, No. 9 was formed from parts of No. 3 and No. 5. The territory east of Nashua Eiver, on its annexation to the town in 1857, became District No. 10.

In 1868 the town voted to abolish the district system, and since then the scliools have been under the entire control of the school committee ; although, for convenience, the old numerical districts are still retained.

In September, 1833, Mr. Erasmus D. Eldridge, a graduate of Amherst, who had previously taught in Pembroke, New Hampshire, opened a private school for the fall in school-house No. 1. The school was so successful that an interest in education, already awakened among the prominent citizens, was increased so much that iu February following an association was formed, with a capital of $ 1,000, in foi'ty shares, for the establishment of an academy. An eligible lot was bought for $ 1 00, and Dr. Nehemiah Cutter, who was always ready to forward to the utmost any public improvement, contracted to build a suitable building for the remaining $900. So expeditiously was the work carried on, that in July, 1834, the school-house was dedicated with appropriate services ; and Mr. Eldridge, who had returned in the spring, and reopened his scliool, took possession of the same, with fifty-two pupils, under the name of the Pepperell Academy.

Mr. Eldridge, although a stern disciplinarian, was, when off duty, exceedingly social and lively. A shrewd observer of human nature, and endowed with a full share of executive ability, he possessed in an eminent degree the faculty of making a school popular. Excelling in the natural sciences, he inclined more to practical methods of teaching than was usual at that day. He extemporized a chemical apparatus, with which he gave experiiaents in frequent lectures to crowded and astonished audiences. With only a school-building, without a dollar iu funds or a single volume of library, and with no apparatus, except of his own furnishing, he succeeded in making Pepperell Academy the most flourisliing institution in the vicinity. Students flocked to it from a distance of twenty miles or more. In the catalogue for 1S3C we find tlie total number of scholars during the year to be : males 90, females 82, with an average attendance of 70. Of these 44 were classical scholars, and 90 were from other towns.

At the close of the fall term in 1837 Mr. Eldridge resigned, in order to enter the ininistry. The teachers that have succeeded him are as follows : Rev. George Cook till September, 1838 ; Hervey B.Wilbur till March, 1839 ; Willard Brigham till May, 1840; Horace Herrick till May, 1841; Josiah Pillsbnry till September, 1843; Charles Cummings fall term of 1842; Moses Case

An act of incorporation was granted by the legislature of 1841, and a board of fifteen trustees chosen in accordance therewith. But the real estate having been originally conveyed in such a manner that the corporation could have no valid title to the property, the trustees could only superintend the management of the school. The interest in the school gradually decreased, and there is no record of any meeting of the trustees after March, 1855. The building stood ready for the occupancy of any respectable and competent person who might be willing to take possession and open a school. It was thus successively occupied for a shorter or a longer time by H. T. Wheeler, S. C. Cotton, D. W. Richardson, Miss Caroline A. Shattuck, and A. J. lluntoon. In 1860, A. J. Saunders opened a school, which he successfully maintained for several years.

The building had been kept in repair by funds raised by fairs, tea-parties, and similar spasmodic efforts at sundry times. Occasionally the teachers had paid for necessary repairs, rather than attempt to collect from the public.

In 1864, the town having voted for a school of higher grade, and appropriated $700 for the purpose, the academy building was also wpprupriated, and Mr. Saunders, being in possession, was disposed of by being appointed principal. This high school was sustained for four years and then discontinued till 187.'i, when it was again established, and continued r^ix ye;ii's. ;iiul then again discontinued.

Meanwhile ahiuil .SSIMI had been raised by subscriptions for additional shares of stock in the academy, and tlie building, having been remodelled and repaired throughout, has beeu rented to the town for school purposes.

In 1850 a boys' boarding-school was o])ened by Rev. David Perry in the house that stood on the spot now occupied by J. E. B. Jewctt. This school was quite successful ; but in May, 1853, the whole establishment was destroyed by fire, together with the boarding-house and insane retreat of Dr. N. Cutter and Dr. J. S. N. Howe. i\lr. Perry removed his school to Brookfield, but returned with it to Pepperell iu 1857, and est;iblished it on the farm now owned by Colonel S. P. Shattuck. Upon the decease of his wife, about three years after, he abandoned the school and left town.

A female boarding-scliool was commenced in 1852, in the house now Mrs. Hutchinson's, and for several years was quite a success under the management of Mrs. A. E. Conant and lier two daughters.

Industrial. - : In the petition to be set off as a parish, tiie territory of Pepperell was not inaptly described as " good land well situated." Tiie surface is undulating, in the western part decidedly hilly. The town is noted for its beautiful scenery and fine drives, and attracts duruig the summer months many visitors from the cities. Along tiie Nashua Eiver are several fine intervales. The soil is generally good, and well adapted to fruit-culture, to which considerable attention is paid.

During tlie earlier liistory of the town the principal industry was farming, almost every farm-house being supplemented by a cooper's sliop, wherein the enforced leisure of winter was improved in making barrels for the Boston market. Farming is still the chief business, although the cooper-shops have nearly all disappeared.

For many years the Centre, with its meetinghouse, post-office, and stores, to say nothing of the tavern, was the principal village. Two miles north of this is the North Village, a cluster of about a dozen houses, on the Nissitisset River, a small stream affording here a privilege, which has, from time to time, furnished the power for a saw and grist mill, a carding and clothier's mill, a shoddymill, and now a paper-mill. About one and a quarter iriiles below, on the same stream, is the East Village, which in earlier times rejoiced in the name of the Lower Store, and later, in the possession of a large tavern, and still later, a postoffice, which has been removed to the Depot Village. Here are the grain and lumber mills, and also the machine-shops of Blake Brothers, manufacturers of the Blake turbine water-wheel. Some hundred rods below this are the Nissitisset Mills, owned by H. A. Parker & Co., who maimfacture batting, wrapping-paper, and leather board ; and have also an extensive lumber-mill and grain-mill. A papermill was located here as early as 1S20.

xVbout 183i Jlr. And Emerson built a papermill at Babbitasset Falls, on the Nashua. This privilege, one of the best on the river, had heretofore been utilized for a clothing and carding mill, and was known as The Forge. Two paper mills were burned, and the property passed through several ownerships, with varied success or want of it, until in 1863 Mr. H. M. Clark obtained possession of the whole property, and immediately commenced to develop its capacities. There are now, owned by S. D. Warren & Co., two first-class mills, which employ about one hundred and twenty-five hands, at a monthly pay-roll of §4,000, and make one hundred and fifty tons of paper per month. In the manufacture of tinted paper they claim especial excellence.

Babbitasset Village in 1833 contained six houses, and upon the territory now occupied by the Depot ! Village, on the opposite side of the river, there was in 1847 one house. The two villages now form one, which, with over one hundred and twenty dwellings, has become the business part of the town. Much of its prosperity is due to the enterprise and success of Mr. Frank Leighton, shoe manufacturer. His factory having been destroyed by fire in March, 1879, a new one, with all the modem improvements, has already been comjDleted, with a capacity for furnishing employment to five hundred persons.

Source changes here: from History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, by Drake, Samuel Adams, published 1880; 6,796 words in this source stream.

Pepperell Town

yV '^- ' 17iO. In 1742, the namber J W ^ of families having increased to '\^ forty-two, a petition from them to be set off as a distinct precinct was granted by the Great A\ aud General Court. Groton

West Parish included all the territoij boimded soatlierly by the road as then tifvelled from Pitch's Bridge to Townsend, westerly by Townaend, northerly by Dunstable West Precinct and Old Town, and easterly by the Nashua Biver. As a parish, it was empowered to act for itself in matters of a parocliial nature, but in all other respects it still remained a part of Groton.

At the first 1^1 meeting of the parish, January 17, 1743, all the requisite officers were chosen, and ten pounds lawful money were voted to defray necessary chaises. At a subsequent meeting, February 16, Samuel Wright was appointed a committee to provide preaching till tlie laat day of April next ensuing ; and it was voted " to build a meeting-house at the most couveiiient place near Jo. Blood's fordway," During the two years or more before the house was built, public worship was held in the house of Enosh Lawrence, at the East Village, and in tlie house of Nehemuli Hobart, near where Elijali A. Buttertield now liies. So much dissatisfaction was manifested in regard to the location of tlie meeting-house, that before the expiration of the year a jKirish meeting was called, the vote reconsidered, and another {Mssed, " to locate (he meeting-house three fourths of a mile northeast of the centre of the town, or at the liext convenient place." The result was a fierce contention, which at one time threatened the disruption of the parisli. As a final resort, an appeal was made to the General Court, wliich appointed a committee to adjust the matter. I^e parish olio choM a committee " to show the

Court's Committee Uie inhabitants of the pUoe." So promptly was the business attended to tod set>- tied, that the parish voted, February 19, 1745, " to set the Meetiug-House on the Place that the General Court perfixed" which is the spot atiU occupied by the meeting-house of the First Fariih.

The house - forty-two feet loi^, thirty fert wide, and twenty feet to the eaves - was aoon after raised, and finished sufficiently to be occupied in the early part of the year 174S; althongli it was not comj^eted for several yean, as appeoit from the following recorded votes : -

March, 1746, "tliat Windows be cut when needed. Provided that they who cut them, Ifaiiw tain them at tlieir own Cost, so th^ they be no Pariah Charge."

March, 174it, "to finish the building the aeati in y* Gallery, and to seal y* Meeting House from the Gallery floor up to the beams." Also, "to Glaze the Public Meeting House, and to provide boards to Lay Loose on }'* floor overhead."

The house nt the best conld have been but little better thou a bam ; and it must have required so little exercise of fortitude and resignation to ait through the lengthy Services in an unfinished knd uiiwanned house, especially in mid-winter. Bat our hanly ancestors liad not attained to the modern ideas of church luxury nor of parish debt.

In the settlement of a minister they appear to> have proceeded in a more united and praynfnl u'.iy. March 1^, J 744, the parish voted "to keep the last day of March instant a day of fasting and prayer to Almighty God for direcUim in the important affair of settling a minister.'*'- It seems rather unfortunate that in this vote the location of the meeting-bouse was not also in* eluded.

had withdrawn from the church at Gioton, for the purpose of forming this. On the 25th of February following, Bev. Joseph Emerson of -Maiden was ordained and settled in the gospel ministry over the church and parish. He received a settle-^ ment of forty acres of land within half a mile of the meeting-house, and £120 ; abo a yearly salary of thirty-five cords of firewood cut and delivered at his door, and £62 10«., to be increased £12 10#. when the parish should contain one hundred ratable fiunilies ; the number of families at that time being 8eventy4wo. This salary was reguklfed according to the price of provisions from year to year; but the plan occasioned considerable difficulty, and after a few years was by mutual consent of pastor and parish abandoned, Mr. Euierson receiving annually £73 6«. &/., reckoning silver at six shillings per dollar, and at six ahillings and eightpence per ounce.

Municipal and Political. - On the 12 th of April, 1753, Grotou West Parish became a district by act of the Greueral Court, and was named Pepperell in honor of Sir William Pepperell, the hero of the memorable capture of Louisburg in 1746. Mr. Emerson had been a chaplain in that expedition, and probably suggested the name of his old commander as the name of the new district Sir William acknowledged the compliment by the customary present of a bell, wliich, however, was never received by ttiose for whom it was intended. It was cast in England, bearing the inscription of the donor's name, and the couplet.

It was shipped to Boston, and stored there. One tradition is, that it wais destroyed by the British soldiers during their occupancy of Boston. Another story is, that the people of Pepperell, being so eamesUy engaged in the great struggle for independence, neglected to send for the bell until it had been sold to ^lay the expenses of storage, etc. As Sir William Pepperell died in 1759, neither of these reasons is very satisfactory. Still another version is, that a committee of three, afterwards changed to one, was chosen by the town, to go to Boston and get the bell ; that he U-ent, sold the bell, and, having put the proceeds into his pocket, returned and reported the bell non inventus. But no record of any such committee, or of any action of the district in reference to this bell, can be found in tlie town records.

Mr. Emerson's previous experience and his martial proclivities led himi to take an active interest in military matters. To his influence and encouragement, undoubtedly, was due much of tliat military and patriotic spirit which characterized the inhabitants of Pepperell, and wliich furnished so many brave officers and soldiers from among lier citizens.

Indian hostilities had nearly ceased before Pepperell became a separate parish, although for several years after Mr. Emerson's settlement the mien carried their guus with them to meeting. As inhabitants of Oroton, they liad had their full sliare of Indian warfare. Many were the thrilling tale^ of the red man's attack and the white man's bravery ; of Indian cunning and of Chamberlain's circumspection, told by the granddames of a generation ago, as received from their grandmothers, whose husbands, fEithers, and brothers were the heroes of the storv.

In 1758 a company for the French War was enlisted under the command of Qiptain Thomas Lawrence. Previous to their dej^ure to join the army, Mr. Emerson preached a sermon to the company, congratulating the men for the cheerfulness* and becoming seriousness with which they liad engaged in this affair. Thus he encouraged them: '' Boldly, then, advance into the heart of youf enemy's country. Fear them not; let it never be said of a New England soldier, - let it never be said of a Pepperell soldier, - that he was afraid to face his enemies, or tliat he turned his back on them, and cowardly deserted the cause of his country." The brave and stalwart captain was obedient to the injunction of his minister. While out with a ranging party of about twenty, he was surprised by the Indians, and, with the exception of a few who fled at the first fire, the whole party were killed ^hile fighting desperately ; not one was taken alive.

Trained in such a school, and inspired by so zealous an apostle of liberty, the people of Pepperell were all prepared to enter with ardor into the contention between parliament and provihces, which led to open hostilities and war. They were among the first to notice and protest against the arbitrary acts of the British Ministry, and among the first to sustain that protest by active and forcible measures. * District meetings were called, which were fully attended, and at which resolutions were unani« mously passed, instructing their representatives in Uie legiskture ^' by no means to join in any measures for countenancing or assisting in the execution of the said Stamp Act"; to exert themselves ''in the Qreat and General Assembly to the utmost for the r^aining of such privileges as have been from us^ and establishing those we do enjoy ^* > and to be ever watchful that they ** be not induced by any means to consent to any vote or votes in the Great and Qeueral Assembly that may have a tendency to weaken our constitutional rights and privileges/' Resolutions of sympathy, encooiEgement, and co-operation, *' at tlie risk of life and treasure/' were sent to the Committee of Correspondence in Boston ; and a Committee of Safety was chosen to act with the committees in other towns. In January, 1766, Mr. Emerson preached a thanksgiving sermon on the repeal of the Stamp Act, and this sermon was printed for general circulation. A company of minute-men was enlisted, wliich, with companies in HoUis, New Hampshire, Groton, and other neighboring towns, was included in a regiment, of which William Prescott was appointed colonel, and Jleury Woods major. The Pepperell company was commanded by Captain John Nutting.

William Prescott was bom in Groton Centre, February 20, 1726, but before he was of age had removed to the West Parish, and taken a farm in the tract called Groton Gore. He had been a lieutenant of provincial troops in 1755, and on his return from the expedition to Nova Scotia had been promoted to a captaincy.

About nine o'clock on the morning of April 19> 1775, a messenger fi'om Concord arrived in Pepperell with tidings of the fight at Lexington, and the advance of the redcoats towards Concord. Colonel . Prescott immediately gave orders to the companies in Pepperell and in Hollis to march to Groton, and join the other companies there. So well prepared were the Pepperell minute-men, and so ready for such an emergency, tliat they arrived at the Groton rendezvous, five miles distant, before the company there was ready to march y and after a halt of a few minutes they marched on without waiting for the other companies.

Abel Parker - afterwards Judge of Probate for Cheshire County, New Hampshire, and father of the late Chief Justice Joel Parker - was ploughing on his farm two or tliree miles distant ; but as soon as he heard the alarm, leaving his oxen miyoked, he seized his gun in one liand and his best coat in the other, started on a run, and did not stop until he overtook his comrades, about three miles below Groton.

Maine when the messenger arrived at his father's house., His father ran out into the field, and mounting a hirge rock called to his son, who returned to the house, changed bis clothes, took his gun» and started tawards Concord. ,^

Colonel Prescott, with his regiment, hastened on to Concord; but, being unable to overtake the British on their ];etreat, proceeded to Cambridge, and made that place his headquarters.

The women of those towns were not a whit inferior to the men in patriotism and courage. After the departure of the minute-men, the women in the vicinity of the bridge over Nashua Biver (noif the covered bridge) collected, dressed in their absent husbands' clothes, and armed with audi weapons as they could find. Having chosen Mia. David Wright commander, they patrolled the road« determined tliat no enemy to freedom should pass that bridge ; and to good purpose, for soon they liad the satisfaction of arresting Captain Leonard Whiting, of Hollis, a noted tory, and the bearer of despatches from Canada to Boston. He was searched, and the treasonable correspondence which was found in his boots was sent to the Committee of Safety, while lie was detained as prisoner.

Of the fifteen hunc|red provincial ^soldiers who fought at the memorable battle of Bunker Hill, Pepperell furnished the commander - and . about sixty men, of whom eight were killed ^nd eight wounded, as follows : -

Killtd, - Joseph Spaulding, aged thirty-seven; Nathaniel Parker, Jr., aged thirty-three ; William Warren, aged twenty-eighty Ebenezer Laughton^ aged twenty-seven ; Wainwright Fisk, aged twenty-four; Jeremiah SJiiattuck, aged twenty-one;. Edmund Pierce, agecC forty-four ; Benjamin Wood, aged twenty.

Colonel Prescott remained in the service until the close of 1776. He was stationed at Governor's Island, New York, uuril the American troopa were obliged to retreat from New York, jrhen he, withdrew his regiment in such good order as to call forth the public commendation of General Washington. In the fall of 1777 he, with several of hit. former officers, went as a volunteer to oppose the onward march of Burgoyne, and was present at the surrender of the formidable but discomfited army, which, according to the British programme, was destined to insulate New Enghind from die other ciolonies, and thus effectually crash the rebellion. This was Cobnel Prescott's last military service. He retired to his farm in Pepperell, where he passed the remainder of his days, honored by his fdlow-citizens, whom he served in the various municipal offices of town-clerk, selectman, magistiate, and representative to the l^i^hiture. Me died October 13, 1793, at the age of sixty-nine.

Li person he was of tall and commanding stature, and well-marked and intellectual features ; in deportment he was plain and courteous; in disposition, kind and benevolent, - liberal even to a Cralt, and always ready to assist others to the neg- \bkX of his own business:

The old homestead still remains in possession of the Prescott family, having descended to tlie SOD, Hon. William Prescott; to the grandson, William H. Prescott, the historian; and to the great-grandson, William G. Prescott, Esq., the present proprietor; by each of wliom it has been occupied during the summer and autumn months as m country residence.

By an act of the Iq^hiture passed in 1786, ^a^ying to all the districts incorporated previous to 1777, Pepperell became a town ; although it appean tlutt fo)m 1776 it had made its records as a t6wn, and chosen representatives, who were ackhowledged and received as such by the Iq^- lature.

The miUtary spirit of the town was kept up for many years. The 17th of June was a red-letter day, whose celebration quite overshadowed the 4tb of July. About 18£0 a volunteer militia company was organized under the name of tlie Pre^tt Guards. From this company were promoted the following officers of the old 6th Regiment : Colonel William Buttrick, General George Green, Major Joseph G. Heald, Major Luther S. Bancroft, Colonel Samuel Pepperell Sliattuck, Major George T. Bancroft, Colonel Alden Lawrence, Major E. A. Parker, Colonel E. F. Jones.

On the 15th of April, 1861, Colonel Jones received an order from headquarters to muster his rq^ent on Boston Common forthwith. Although the regiment embraced over thirty towns, yet in a few hours seven hundred men were in Boston, ready for duty, over twenty of whom were from Pepperell.

The record of the old 6th, its march through Baltimore on the twice memorable 19th of April, the service it rendered the government at a most oritical period^ the vote of tlianks passed by Congress for its ** alacrity, patriotiam, and bravery^'' ^- have all become a part of the history ol our country. Ilie number of soldien enlisted fmn Pep|)erell during the war was neariy one hondred and fifty, of wliom fifteen were IdUed, or died fiom disease contracted in the army.

Tlie Worcester and Nashua Bailroad, iriiich was opened for travel in 1818, was located along the eastern bank of the Nashua Biver, through Giotan. A depot for Pepperell was established opposite Babbitasset Village. Around this station a village grew up, in all its business and interests identified witli Pep[)erell ntlier than with Groton. A new bridge was built across the river, thus eoniiectfaf the two vilbges, and reducing the distance from the depot to Pepperell Centre to one mile. In 1857 this depot vilbge, together with abcmt tw6 square miles of territory in tlie nertheaat comer of Groton, was, by act of the legislatare, aniKxed to Pepperell.

Ecclesiaslical Affairs. - Pepper^ was called upon to offer up as a sacrifice to'the cause of liberty not only the eight men who fell at-' Bunker Hill, but also her beloved minister. Upon the assembUng of the army at Cambridge, Mt Emerson immediately repaired thither to visit his numerous parishioners in Colonel Prescolt's r^imoit; and it is said tliat he offered the first* prayer that was made in the American camp. While ministering to the physical as well as spiritual needs of tiie soldiers, he contracted a severe cold which induced a fever tliat residted in his death October 29, 1775, at the age of fifty-one yeare. During the twenty-nine yean of his ministry one hundred and ninety-six peraons had been admitted into the church, and eight hundred and seven baptized. " -

Li 1769 a brger and more suitable house of worsiiip had been erected on the site of the old. Comet Simon Gilson, the contractor to build the new house, took the old one in part payment, and, having removed it to hb farm, now J. M. fielcher^s, converted it into a bariL In 1830 it was burned by an incendiary.

Preparatory to the building of this new house a day of fasting and prayer was appointed by the church, wherein ^' particularly to humble oursidves before God, for our unprofitableness under the means of grace we have enjoyed in the old meetiug-liouse, and to entreat his guidance in erediog a new one.'' Tlie only question that appean to liave caused any difference of opinion was whetbff

On the occasion of the dedication of the new house^ March 8, 1770, Mr. Emerson preached a sermon from the text, 1 Samuel, vii. 12, wherein he enumerated the various ways in which God had helped them: that the number of Uie inhabitants of Pepperell had increased, since his settlement, from seventy-two to one hundred and fifty-two families, an4 that their wealth had increased in equal ratio; that |hey had been able to pay the chaises of becoming a parish, and then a district, and of building a bouse for worship ; and that peace, love, and harmony had prevailed in the gospel among them.

Mr. Emerson had indeed lived in peace and harmony with his people in all their relations of life, religious, social, and political. Upon the tablet, which .the town erected over his tomb, his virtues are thus enumerated : -

** Stedfast in tjhe Pidth oace delivered to the Saints. Fixed and laborious iu the cau5e of Christ aud precious Souls. ' Exemplary in visiting 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 Labours his works follow him."

Nearly four years passed after Mr. Emerson^s death, when his successor, Rev. John BuIIard of Medway, a Harvard graduate, was ordained, October 19, 1779. His ministry of forty-two years was prosperous and happy. He was eminently social in his habits, and is spoken of by a contemi)orary as ^'of that almost peculiar urbanity which led him to treat all men of learning and of fair moral character as friends and companions." He died September 18, 1821, at the age of sixty-four, truly lamented by his people, who long cherished his men^ory.

Bev. James Howe, of Jaffrey, New Hainpsliire, a :graduate of Dartmouth and of Andover, was ordained October 16, 1822. For several years the relation between pastor and people was harmonious, but at length dissatisfaction began to be expressed by certain of tlie more liberally inclined in regard to exchanges. In May, 1831, the following vote was passed at town-meeting: "To excuse Bev. James Howe from preaching six 3abbaths in the course of the ensuing year, and permit the pulpit to be supplied on those Sabbaths by nunisters of other denominations.^' The enforcement of tliis vote Mr. Howe regarded as an expulsion from his pulpit. Accordiqgly he.

with nearly the entire church and a large major* ity of the congregation, peaceably withdrew^^ and formed a separate religious society under the title of the Evangelical Congregational Society of Pepperell, to which the church allied itself, and of which Mr. Howe was recognized as pastor by ^ council called for that purpose February 1, 1832. Thus the town was divided into two parishes and two churclies ; each church, however, claiming to be the original First Church of Pepperell.

The First Parish, wliich now included all.t^e legal voters tliat had not '^signed off,'' and the renmant of a cburcjh which adhered to it, being thus left without a minister, after having hearfl several candidates, decided in favor of Bev. Charles Babbidge of Salem, a Hansard graduate (class of 1828), and he was ordained February IS, 1838. A gentleman and a scholar in the fullest import of the phrase, courteous and afG^Ue to all without distinction of sect or party, he soon gained the esteem of his people. He married, January \, 1837, Miss Eliza Ann Bancroft, daughter of one of his parishioners, - Luther Bancroft, Esq. ; he bought a farm, built a house, aud so fully, idoi^ fied himself with the people of Pepperell and their interests, that he several times refused calls .to much larger congregations and more eligible pul* pits. He is almost a permanent member of the school-board; and in 1858 he represented the town in the le^dslature. At the commencement of the late war he was chaplain of the 6th regiment, and the first minister in the country tp enlist ; thus giving to Pepperell the honor of fuifnishing the first chaplain for the War of the Behellion as well as for the Bevolution.. Having served through the three months' campaign of the 6th, he received, in November, 1861, a commission as chaplain of the 26th Massachusetts Begiment, in which he served three years. Being dischan^ed November 7, 1864, he returned to the peaceful pursuits of his professional lif^, and to his people, who gladly welcomed him. Although he has passed the allotted age of threescore and ten, and the golden wedding of his ministry it near at hand, yet *' his eye is not dim nor his natural force abated."

During the greater part of Mr. Babbidge's absence Bev. John A. Buckingham, of Boston^ supplied his pulpit as pastor in charge. The old meeting-house having been remodelled and modernized, was dedicated anew October 27, 1836.

ecNnmenoed 1o build -a oommodioos flieetiiig-lioiue, whkh was dedicated October 31, 18S2. Plenons to tbis time tbeir pablic services bad been beld in an unfinisbed hall over the store, vbere the town-house now stands. Mr. Howe, baving an hereditary tendency to consumption, fimnd bis health knd strength gradually failing, until be was obliged to ask for a colleague to assist bim in his labors. After a trial of several candidate^, the choice fell on Bev. David Andrews of Dedham, a graduate of Amherst and of Andover, and be was ordained January 29, 184A. Mr. Howe died the following summer, July 19, 1840, aged forty-four. He was a man of unusual sagacity and femigfat. TTith remarkable tact as well as judgnent, his administrative abilities were of a high Older. Very few ministers 'Could have led oflF so suecessfully, and withal so peaceably as be, s6 large a majority of church and congr^ation. Then was no legal controversy, no actual quarrel A spirit of bitterness^ however, was devebped among the people, and the town was divided into two politico-theological parties, which existed for man/ yean. But the ministen of the opposing -sets, altbough they oould not meet each other tbeologically, always met as gentlemen, on the common ground of Christian courtesy.

Mr. Andnws, who became sole pastor on Mr. Efowe's decease, was, in many respects^ quite different foom his predecessor. Tliough a thorough sebbUr and forcible writer, he was uo oiator. Kind and sympathizing, he was externally cold and un- CopgMiial. A perfect gentleman at heart, in his deportment he was awkward and constrained. He bad no policy, no finesse, but in everything pursued an honest, straightforward, outspoken course. He pnached the gospel, as he believed it, plainly, and with a directness tiiat was often more pungent than agreeable to his hearers. More thau ten years of the best portion of his life were literally devoted to bis church and society, and he learned, by bitter experience, that republics are ungrateful. He asked a dismission, which was granted April 2, 1850. He afterwards preached several years at Tiverton, Rhode Island, and then went to the West. He settled in Winona, Minnesota, where he resided till his decease, in 1870.

' Bev. Lyman Cutler of Dorchester, a graduate of Dartmouth and of Andover, Avas ordained January 22, 1851. He was a superior scholar, with a ready conmiand of language, and a nervous style of thought and delivery, which thrilled his hearera to the fii^n* endau Opep-bearted andfree fxam guile, he won die. regardof alL Bat be was wm^ bitious for literary distinction, and nnsuited to the parochial duties of a country parish. His icqoest for a dismissal was granted Novembet, 1853. Tbe foUowii^ year he was settled in Newton, where, after a brilliant but brief career, he died. May 2, 1855.

June 11, 1856, Ber. Edward P. Smith, a gnduate of Yale and of Andover, was ordained pastor of the church and society. He was endowed with remarkable executive ability. With bim, to think was to act; so mndi so that be was liable to hastily follow his first impolse, rather than wait for the sober second thought. In his prea^ng and in his whole Ufe - pastoral, civil, and politinl - this characteristic was prominent. . At the beginning of the Rebellion he took an active part in arousing the people and procuring enlistments. Having obtained a month's leave of absence in January, 1863, he attached himself to the United States Christian Commission, and went to the front. The month's absence was extended indefinitely, and a dismissal was asked for. But the sodety were unwilling to grant it, vainl; hoping that, after the war, he could content himself with the quiet life and circumscribed sphere of Pepperell. At length, December 7,. 1864, his repeated request for a dismissal was granted. At the close of the war he engaged with his natural ardor in the cause of the freedmen, and held t prominent position in tlie American Missionary Society. He was afterward Indian ag«it in Minnesota ; then was appointed commissioner of Indian aflEairs. Having resigned this position and been elected president of Howard University, he went to Africa, to become more intimately acquainted with the needs of the Xegro race, and the most feasible methods for missionary work among the native tribes. While on this mission he dkd of African fever, on board of the United States vessel Ambrig, in the Gulf of Guinea, June 15, 1876, aged forty-nine. One of his colaboren thus, writes of him : ** He was noted for his love of children, his mirthfulness, his generosity, his strong attachments, and his advocacy of the cause of the oppressed. Doing good in forgetfulness of self was his business, and he pursued it to the end.''

IVtfbelPs tavern and store buildings, in which the fire originated. The house had just been repaired, and the basement finished into a convenient vestry, which tlie congregation were expecting to use for the first time On the ensuing Sabbath. Listead of which, thej met, on tliat Sabbath, in tlie Unitarian house, whose use for the afternoons had been cordially tendered, and listened to an impressive discourse by Mr. Smith, from the text (Isa. Ixiv. 11), ''Our holy and our beautiful liouse where our fathefs praised Thee is burned up with fire." After considerable delay, occasioned by a want of unanimity on tlie question of location, the present commodious and well-arranged Iiouse was erected on the site of the old one, and dedicated Januaiy 29, 1860.

Tlie same council that concurred in the dismisnl of Mr. Smith ordained Bev. S. L. Blake, a graduate of Middlebury and of Audover. Having preached acceptably to tlie people four years, he asked for a dismission December 28, 1868, in order to accept a call from the Old South Church, in Concord, N. H. His successor was Eev. Horace Parker, a graduate of Amherst, who had previously been settled in Ashby. He was installed March 17, 1870, and dismissed September 16, 1873, on account of |K)or health. During his pastorate, and through his active efforts, a deU of nearly §1,000, which had gradually accumulated, was wiped out, and ^ome §200 additional taised for repairs of the meeting-house. A parsonage was also bought.

After a year and a half of unsatisfactory and unsuccessful trial of candidates, Bev. George F. Swain, the present incumbent, accepted a call, and was ordained May 12, 1876.

The first serious endeavor to introduce the services of Methodism in Pepperell appears to have been made in the winter of 1865-66, under the labors of Eev. A.D. Merrill and Bev. M. M. Parkhurst, at the North Village school-house. The following spring Parker's Hall, at the East Village, was hired, and Bev. O. Adams was sent from the New England Conference as the first pastor of a church which was organized May, 1866. The succession of ministers has been as follows : Bev. M; B. Barry, 1867; Bev. Asa Barnes, 1869; Bev. A. W. Baird, 1871 ; Bev. J. H. Emerson, 1874 ; Bev. J. B. Cushing, 1875; Bev. Alfred Noon,

In 1873, through the zealous and untiring labors of Mr. Baird, a fund was raised sufficient to build a commodious church edifice in Babbitaaset

EilucaiiaHol UUtory. - In 1741 the town of Groton voted to have a school, kept a part of the time at Nissitisset, which was probably the first school on the west side of the river. In 1749 a petition from the parish for means of supporting a sc1kx)1 was granted by the town of Groton, on condition that a school-room be provided without expense to the town. This condition being fulfilled, the town granted the sum of £13 6». 8J. In 1751 the parish voted to raise £7 10«. for schooling, and that the school be kept at the nearest ponr venient place to the meeting-house; and that aU. who lived more than two miles distant might dngr their proportion of the money, and use it for schooling as they might see fit. In 1754 the district voted that the school be kept in three placo^ but afterwards changed the number to two. A school-house in i\\t Centre is first mentioned ill 1764. It stood on the comer where the townhouse now is. In 1770, it was voted to luive the school successively in four different parts of the district, in dwelling-houses. The school-house is again mentioned in 1771, and a vote passe4 to have a grammar master; but the school-house appears to liave belonged to individuals; for in 1772 the district voted to pay £10 18*. 4(7. for it, and also to build four more. About this time the district was divided into six squadrons, as they were called, - middle, west, southwest, north, south, and east ; and a committee of three persons in eacli squadron was annually chosen to see that the monejr appropriated was properly expended. In 1809 the name of squadron was changed to district, and tly districts designated by numbers.

In IS 11), No. 7 was formed from the eastern part of No. 1, and the following year No. 8 was taken from the western part of No. 6. In 184^ No. 9 was formed from parts of No. S and No. o. Tlie territorv east of Nashua River, on its annexation to the town in 1857, became District No. 10.

system, and since then the schools liave been und^ tlie entire control of the school committee; althougti, for convenience, the ohl numerical districts are qtiU retained.

In September, 1833, Mr. Erasmus D. Eldridge, a gradoate of Amherst, who had previously taught in Pembroke, New Hampshire, opened a private school for the fall in school-house No. 1. The -ehool was so successful that an interest in education, already awakened among the prominent citisens» was increased so much that in February following an association was formed, with a capital of % 1,000> in forty sliares, for the establishment of an academy. An eligible lot was bought for 8 100, and Dr. Nehemiah Cutter, who was always ready to forward to the utmost any public improvemeut, contiicted to build a suitable building for the remaining 8900. So expeditiously was the work carried on^'that in July, 1834, the school-house was dedicated with appropriate services ; and Mr. Eldridge, who had returned in the spring, and reopened his aehoo^ took possession of the same, with fifty-two papils, under the name of the Pepperell Academy.

Mr.^ Eldridge, although a stem disciplinarian, was, niien off duty, exceedingly social and lively. A shrewd observer of human nature, and endowed with a full share of executive ability, he possessed in an eminent degree the faculty of making a school popular. 'Excelling in the natural sciences, he indined more to practical methods of teaching than was usual at that day. He extemporized a chemical apparatus, with which he gave experiments in finequent lectures to crowded and astonished audiensea. With only a school-building, without a dollar in funds or a single volume of library, and with no apparatus, except of his own furnishing, he succeeded in making Pepperell Academy the most flourishing institution in the vicinity. Students flocked to it from a distance of twenty miles or more. In the catalogue for 1836 we find the total number of scholars during the year to be : males 90, females 82, with an average attendance of 70. Of these 44 were classical scholars, and 90 were from other towns.

At the close of the fall term in 1837 Mr. Eldridge resigned, in order to enter the ministry. The teachers that have succeeded him are as follows: Bev. George Cook till September, 1838; Hervey B. Wilbur till March, 1839 ; WiUard Brigham till May, 1840; Horace Herrick till May, 1841; Josiah Pillsbury till September, 1842; Charles Cummings fall term of 1843 ; Moses Case

An act of incorporation was granted by the legiskture of 1841, and a board of fifteea trustees chosen in accordance therewith. But the real estate having been* originally conveyed in such a manner that the corporation could have no valid title to the property, the trustees could only auperintend the management of the school The interest in the school gradually decreased, and there is no record of any meeting of the trustees after March, 1855. Tlie building stood ready for the occupancy of any respectable and competent person who might be willing to take possession and open a school. It waa thus successively occupied for a shorter or a longer time by H. T. Wheeler, S. C. Cotton, D. W. Richardson, Miss Caroline A. Shattuck, and A. J. Huntoon. In 1860, A. J. Saunders opened a school, which he .3ncoessfall7 maintained for several years.

Hie building had been kept in r^air by funds raised by fairs, tea-parties, and similar spasmodic efforts at sundry times. Occasionally the teachers had paid for necessary repairs, rather thaa attempt to collect from the public.

In 1864, the town having voted for a school of higher grade, and appropriated §700 for the purpose, the academy building was also approprialed, and Mr. Saunders, being in possession, was dis- }K)sed of by being appointed principaL Tlus high school was sustained for four years and then discontinued till 1873, when it was agahi established, and continued six years, and then again discontinued.

Meanwliile about $800 liad been raised by subscriptions for additional shares of stock in the academy, and the building, having been remodelled and repaired throughout, has been rented to the town for school purposes.

In 1850 a boys' boarding-school was opened by Bev. David Perry in the house that stood on the spot now occupied by J. E. B. Jewett. Tliis school was quite successful; but in May, 1853, the whole establishment was destroyed by fire, together with the boarding-house and insane retreat of Dr. N. Cutter and Dr. J. S. N. Howe. Mr. Pferry removed his school to Brookfield, but returned with it to Pepperell in 1857, and establislied it on the farm now owned bj Colonel 8. P. Shatinck. Upon the decease of his wife^ about three years after, he abandoned the school and left town.

A female boardhig-school was commenced, in I852j in the house now Mrs. Hutchinson's, and for several years was quite a success under the management of Mrs. A. E. Conant and her two daoghters.

Indu9iriaL - In the petition to be set off as a ]»]ish,'the territory of Pepperell was not inaptly described as ''good land well situated.'' The sur- &ce is undulating, in the western part decidedly billy. Hie town is noted for its beautiful scenery and fine drives, and attracts during the summer months many visitors from the cities. Along the Nashua Biver are several fine intervales. The soil is generally good, and well adapted to fruit-culture, to which considerable attention is paid.

During the earlier history of the town the principal industry was fanning, almost every farm-house being supplemented by a cooper's shop, wherein theenforced leisure of winter was improved in making barrels for the Boston market. Farming is still the chief business, although the cooper-shops have nearly all disappeared.

For'toany years the Centre, with its meetinghouse, post-office, and stores, to say nothing of tlie tavern, was the principal village. Two miles north of this is the North Village, a cluster of about a dozen houses, on the Nissirisset Eiver, a small stream affording here a privilege, which has, from time to time, furnished the power for a saw and grist mill, a carding and clotliier's mill, a shoddymill, and now a paper-mill. About one and a quarter miles below, on the same stream, is the East Village, which in earlier times rejoiced in the name of the Lower Store, and later, in the possession of a large tavern, and still later, a post* office, which has been removed to the Depot Village. Here are the grain and lumber mills, and also the machine-shops of Blake Brothers, manufacturers of the Blake turbine water-wheel. Some hundred rods below this are the Nissitisset Mills, owned by H. A. Parker & Co., who manufacture batting, wrapping-paper, and leather board ; and have also an extensive lumber-mill and grain-mill. A papef- % mill was located here as early as 1820.

About 1834 ^Ir. And Emerson built a papermill at Babbitasset Falls, on the Nashua. This . privilege, one of the best on the river, had heretofore been utilized for a clothing and carding mill, and was known as Tlie Forge. Two paper milb were burned, and the property passed through several ownerships, with varied success or want of it, ' until in 1862 Mr. H. M. Clark obtained possession of the whole property, and immediately commenced > to develop its capacities. There are now, owned -? by S. D. TTarren ,& Co., two first-class milb, which employ about one hundred and twen^^ve hands, at a monthly py-roll of 84,000, and make - one hundred and fifty tons of paper- per month. In the manufacture of tinted paper they claiin especial excellence.

Babbitasset Village in 1833 contained six houses, and upon the territory now occupied iby the Depot Village, on the opjwsite side of the river, there waa in 1847 one house. The two villages now form one, which, witli over one hundred and twenty dwellings, has become the business part of the*, town. Much of its prosperity is due to the enter- : prise and success of Mr. Frank Leighton, shoe. manufacturer. His factory having been destroy^ by fire in March, 1879, a new one, with all the modem improvements, has already been conipleted^i. with a capacity for furnishing employment to fiver hundred persons.

Source changes here: from History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men, by Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Ed, published 1890; 11,310 words in this source stream.

Pepperell Town

jamin Swallow, Isaac Williams, James Lawrance, Jonathan Woods and Joseph Whitney, committee; Samuel Wright, treasurer ; Jonas Varnum, Mose« Woods and Jeremiah Lawrance, collectors. The sum of £10, lawful money, was voted to be assessed, "to defray the necessary charges Risen and arising in the Parish."

At a second "Legual" meeting held at the house of James Lawrance, February 16, 1742, it was voted, "that Samuel Wright be a committee to provide preaching till the last day of April nest." Also " Voted to build a Meeting-House in S'' Parish, voted that the Meeting-House should stand at the most convenient place near Jo Blood's fording." The reason for this location may be inferred from a vote passed at a subsequent meeting; "Voted to Receive the People on the East side of ye River that have Petitioned to be annexed to us. Provided they will consent to have the Meeting-House set at ye most Convenient Place on ye West side of ye River near ye Bridge, next below Jo Blood's fordway, so called.'' But the people living in the westerly part of the parish naturally objected to thus locating the meeting-house at the extreme limit of the precinct; and their remonstrance was so decided and persistent that, at a meeting September 6, 1743, "it was " Voted to reconsider the vote that was passed Concerning the Place that was first pitcht upon for ye setting of a Meeting-House in Sd Parish; Voted to set the Meeting-House at the end of three-Quarters of a mile Northeast of the Center of Sd Parish or at the next Convenient Place."

This compromise seems to have settled the matter for the time, as the meeting proceeded to vote " to Build a Meeting-House forty-two feet Long and thirty feet Wide and Twenty feet High." Committees were chosen and a surveyor employed to make the necessary survey and determine the location agreed upon. This spot was decided to be on the farm now owned by J. A. Tucker, Esq., near the junction of Hollis and Tucker Streets. Now the geographical centre of the parish, as then bounded, was near the present residence of B. W. Shattuck, on Heald Street, about half a mile west of the Common; and a line running thence northeast three-quarters of a mile terminates near Hovey's corner - so called - more than a mile north of west from the spot decided upon by the committee. Whether there was a suspicion that the committee had acted unfairly in the matter, or only a feeling that they had made a most unwarrantable use of the qualifying clause, "at the next Convenient Place," does not appear, but the result was a renewal of the controver.s)', followed by a long and bitter quarrel, which threatened the disruption of the parish. Materials had to some extent been gathered at the spot fixed u|>on, but it began to look doubtful whether there would be enough of a parish left to build a meeting-house or form a church.

by its decision. Accordingly, at a meeting November 23, 1744, it was " Voted, that Peleg Lawrence and Josiah Sartell be a Com'ee to go to the Great and General Court Concerning ye having a Jleeting- House Place in Sd Parish." Their petition was favorably received by the Court, and a committee was appointed to survey the place and locate the meetinghouse. A committee was also chosen by the parish to " show the Court's committee the inhabitants of the place." So promptly was the business attended to and settled that the parish voted, the following February, "to set the Meeting-House on ye Place that the General Court prefixed," which is the spot now occupied by the meeting-house of the First Parish. This decision was, of course, final, although| some of the inhabitants of the east part were unreconciled. When the men that were employed to move the timber to the site settled upon, were in readiness with their teams to perform the work, several of these disatt'ected persons attempted to prevent their progress by pricking the noses of the oxen, and otherwise annoying them. Whereupon James Lakin, who had been prominent as a champion for the minority during the previous troubles, took the lead. He was a stout, athletic man, and evidently a firm believer in the church militant ; for he made so effective an exhibition of " muscular Christianity," that there was no further attempt to hinder the work. The building was erected, and finished for occupation early in 1745, but no record of a dedication can be found. Previous to this time, as appears by the records, the houses of Enoch Lawrence and Nehemiah Hobart were used as places of public worship. Mr. Lawrence lived near Nissittissit Square, and Mr. Hobart on River Street, nearly opposite the house of Elijah A. Butterfield.

Rev. Mr. Emerson, in his sermon delivered at the dedication of the second meeting-house, in speaking of this whole matter, says : " There is one thing I can't but mention, as a kind interposition of Divine Providence ; tho' considered as such by very few at the time, and that is ; - The fixing the place for the Meeting-House, by the Court's committee; tho' at first contrary to the mind and vote of the majority of the inhabitants, yet proves now to be with much more equity, and where all seem to be universally contented with. Had it been erected in the place designed and where the timber was drawn to, what trouble, change, and 'tis very likely contention, we must have been exercised with before this day."

The house was not finished for several years, if indeed it ever was, as is shown by the following votes passed at various times from 1744 to 1755 :

" Vuted, That Sd committee frame. Raise and board the outside and shingle ye Roof, Lay the under floor and malce suitable Doors and han the same.

"To seat the Public Meeting-House and set off tho Pews, or Pewground to the Highest Payer in the three last Rates, upon their being obliged to build their own Pews and the Ministerial Pew, To seal the Meeting-House as high at ye girts all round, that Windows be cut where needed, Provided they that cut them maintain them .upon their own

Cobt, that they be do Parisb Charge To finish the BuildtDg, the Seats io the Gallery, and to Seal the Meeting-House from yo Gallery floor up to the beams."

The following year it was " Voted to Rive ye Men that are seated on ye fore seats below Liberty to set a Row of Banisters with a Kail atop before ye fore Seats at their own Cost and Charge." The building at best could have been but little better than a barn ; and it must have required no little exercise of fortitude and resignation to sit through the lengthy services of the forenoon and afternoon in an unfinished, unglazed and unwarnied house, especially in midwinter. But our hardy ancestors had not attained to the modern ideas of church lu.Kury and parish debt.

In the settlement of a minister they appear to have proceeded in a more united and prayerful way. March 13, 1744, the parish voted " To keep the last day of March instant a day of fasting and prayer to Almighty God for direction in the important affair of settling a minister." It seems rather unfortunate that in this vote the location of the meeting-house was not also included.

About this time Rev. William Vinal, who was then preaching for them, received a call to settle among them in the work of the ministry, but declined to accept the call. Ths distracted condition of the parish at that time certainly did not present a very inviting field of labor for a young minister. "September 25th, 1746. Voted, To give the Rev. Joseph Emerson, of Maiden, a call to settle in the gospel ministry in the said parish, and to give him one hundred and twenty pounds settlement, and sixty-two pounds, twenty-two shillings, yearly, and thirty cords of fire-wood, cut and delivered at his door."

In January following the parish voted to give Mr. Emerson forty acres of land within a mile of the meeting-house, and to add to his salary twelve pounds, ten shillings, whenever the parish should contain one hundred ratable families ; at that time there were seventy-two families. Mr. Emerson accepted the call, and was ordained February 25, 1746, O.S. The ordination sermon was preached by his father, minister of Maiden, from the text, " Now, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus." A church had been "gathered" on the 29th of January preceding, to which Mr. Emerson was formally admitted a member on the morning of his ordination. The church consisted of about fifteen male members and several females who had withdrawn from the Groton Church, for the purpose of forming a church in Pepperell - the exact number of female members cannot be ascertained.

Mr. Emerson's salary was regulated according to the price of provisions. The following list made out by a committee for that purpose was accepted by the pariah and by Mr. Emerson :

To estimate the salary annually upon such a basis must have been rather perplexing, and in 1767 the district abandoned the plan, and voted to give Mr. Emerson £73 6s. 8d. annually, computing silver at 6«. per dollar, and 6s. 8c?. per ounce. Upon this change Mr. Emerson remarks :

" I heartily rejoice that you have seen fit to set aside the old contract, which hath been the occasion of so much trouble. As to the sum you offer me instead of it, I thankfully accept of it. All things considered, it is houorable and kind, and is a token that, after so many years, my labors are yet acceptable among you. I hope, through divine grace, to go on with more cheerfulness in the work of the ministry, and while I am partaking of your carnal things, that the Lord may abundantly shower down spiritual blessings, is the sincere prayer of your affectionate pastor. 1 desire this may be recorded in the parish book.*'

Mr. Emerson's farm of " forty acres of land within a mile of the meeting-house" was located on Elm and Townsend Street, including the lands now owned by William Kendall, Miss Freeman, and others. It also extended easterly on Elm Streets, comprising the whole area from the " common " to Green's Brook, and as far east as the land of Mrs. D. B. Sibley. His house was where the "Shipley" house now stands. The large flat stone which served as the door-step of his study, still remains in its old position.

In 1767, the parish having outgrown, in more senses than one, the old meeting-house, preparations were commenced for the building of a new one. The sum of eighty pounds was voted to be raised for the purpose. It was also voted " that the house be built workman-like." A vote was also passed that, " considering we are engaged in the important affair of building a new house for the worship of God, voted to set apart Thursday as a day of fasting and prayer, to confess our manifold sins, whereby we have provoked our God to frown upon us in our public affairs, and earnestly implore the return of his favor, and particularly to humble ourselves before God for our unprofitableness under the means of grace we have enjoyed in the old meetinghouse, and entreat his guidance in erecting a new one." This new house was built in 1769, on the site of the old one, which the building contractor. Cornet Simon Gilson, took in part payment for his contract, and removed to his farm (now J. M. Belcher's) where he converted it into a barn, probably without much change. In 1830 it was destroyed by the act of an incendiary. In March, 1870, the new meeting-house was dedicated with appropriate religious services, on which occasion Mr. Emerson preached a sermon from this text : " Then Samuel took a stone, and set it up between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying,