Plymouth Town (part 14 of 54)

Mr. Micah Faxon was probably the first person that manufactured shoes for the wholesale trade in the town. He came from Randolph in 1811, and commenced cutting and making shoes in the house that was formerly occupied by the late Matthew Packard, and on the same lot that Mr. Faxon's house now stands. At that time there was no one in town that could bind the vamps and put the shoes together, and they were sent to Randolph to be made. At first he made one hundred pairs of fine calf springheel shoes, and carried them to Boston on horseback. His first lot was sqld to Messrs. Monroe & Nash, a firm on Long Wharf, Boston, who were among the first to send goods to the South. When carriages came into common use, he carried bis shoes into the city in wagons, and brought out his own leather. The market-men and those that carried wood and other goods to market used to bring out stock for him, which, of course, was in small lots at first. Soon after this time Messrs. Silas Packard and Col. Edward Southworth became engaged in the same business in connection with their store, on the corner of Court and Main Streets, where David Cobb's store now stands. Col. Southworth soon after built the store that he now occupies, which was in 181G. From that time to the present the business has continued to increase, till, in 1837, we find the amount of boots manufactured to be 79,000 pairs, beside 22,300 pairs of shoes, amounting in all to $184,200, giving employment to 750 males and 375 females. In 1845 the tables of iuduitry show the amount of boots and shoes uianufucturoJ in North Biidgewutcr to be §179,716. Number of pairs of shoes, 155,-170 ; number of paiia of boots, 44,711 ; giving employment to 301 males and 203 females.

By the above tables we see the amount of goods manufactured has decreased during the eight years intervening the dates above ; we also find the number of shoes luis increased by more than seven times, while the number of bouts is much less. We account for the number of hands employed being so much less by the introduction of machinery, requiring less help to peribrm the same amount of work.

In 1855 the amount of goods had greatly increased, and the number of both boots and shoes has also increased in number, and a corresponding number of persons employed, which is as follows: Number of boots manufactured, G6,956 pairs ; number of shoes, G'J4,740 pairs ; value of the same, S724,S47 ; uuiuber of males employed, G92 ; number of females, 484.

In 18G5 the number of boots manufactured was 103,060 paii-s; number of shoes, 1,009,700 pairs; number of males employed, 1059 ; number of females employed, 208. Total value of goods manufactured, $1,4GG,900. During the last ten years we find the increase to be §742,153 in amount; increase in the number of boots manufactured, 37,150 pairs ; increase of shoes manufactured, 314,900 pairs.

During 18G5 there was a decided increase in the number of manufacturers, and several stoam-engiiios, with tlie requisite machinery for making shoes, were introduced. A year or two since Messrs. A. & A. B. Keith introduced a new method of making shoes by new and improved machines. This firm was the first in the country to adopt nearly all machinery, such as pegging, sewing, cutting, scouring, etc. They had a large factory at Campello, and another in ll.iyiiluim, where they manufactured a large amount of goods for the Southern market, having a store in Pearl Street, Boston, for the sale of their goods. This firm have retired from business. Martin L. Keitli had a large establishment for manufacturing goods at Campello, and a store in Pearl Street for the sale of his goods. His factory was totally destroyed by liiv, and Mr. Keith is in otlier business in Boston.

Among the manufacturers who early iiitrudnced steam-engines in the manufacture of boots and shoes, was the late Charles R. Ford, who erected a very large building in the north part of the Centre, on 5Iaiti Street; Daniel S. Howard hud a large manufactory on Montello Street, and formerly used a hut air engine for power, now uses steam-power ; F. 0. et F. A. Thayer had a large new engine in their manufactory on Centre Street; Samuel Ilerrod al.^u ii/iruduced steam-power in his factory, at the nurtli end of the city, on Main Street ; George Stevens had a largo and commodious building for manufacturing bouts and shoes by steam-power, on Montello Street, Campello. This was in 18G5.

The foregoing manufacturers were tlie first to use steam for power ; now they are numbered to over a hundred who have steam boilers in the city.

History Op Brockton

Probably no city in the country lias superior aJvantages or facilities for manufacturing boots and shoes than the city of Brockton ; the facilities of transportation to Boston and New York are convenient, and workmen of all kinds are at hand to do any aiuount of labor that may be required.

B. P. Davis commenced the retail boot and shoe business on Main Street in 1850, and is the oldest dealer in that business in the city. Charles D. Brigham had a boot and shoe store at 423 Main Street. Thomas P. Reynolds had a custom boot and shoe store in Central Block, on Centre Street.

The present retail dealers arc Benjamin P. Davis, A. M. Nilcs, E. K Carll & Co., George H. Jameson, Walter C. Packard, John H. Carr, Sweetzer & Son, Thayer & Whitman, T. A. Corcoran, Kent & Hickey. We present to the reader the following list of the shipments of boots and shoes at different dates, giving an idea of the growth and prosperity in that leading branch of business of Brockton. A careful examination of the tables explain themselves.

It will be understood that the figures in each column represent first the shipments for the week endiii"- on the date opposite which they are placed, the footings for the month being placed after the figures for the last week in the month. The columns under Brockton show the shipments from the whole city, including Campello ; those under Campello the shipments from Campello alone.

Comparative Schedule And Shoes From

Brockton as a Boot and Shoe Manufacturing^ City. - Brockton is one of tlie most active and entorprlsing manufucCuring town.s of its size in Massacliusetts. In this city, which comprises the wide-awake little village of Campello, tlicre are between seventy and eighty shoe manufacturers, employing iu the prosecution of the business in all its diU'erent departments between four million and five million dollars, and from three thousand five hundred to four thousand operatives or workmen. There is but very little ladies' work made here, but the great bulk is men's, boys', and youths' congress, Alexis, Balmorals, and, in fact, all the difierent kinds of men's and boys' goods which are sold everywhere.

Heretofore Brockton has had a reputation of making cheap goods, and, while this is still true at the present time to a certain extent, it may be said with equal truthfulness that she makes whatever the demand is for ; and while, iu these depressed times, the consumer is obliged to make a dollar go as far as possible, and can only pay for a cheap shoe, her manufacturers are on the alert to comply with the demand, and let no opportunity escape to convert their leather into the kind of goods that will sell in the market. But it gives pleasure to note the gradual improvement and the growing inclination on the part of the uianufacturers eacli year to substitute j^ood solid leather work, made " upon honor," for the cheap, low-priced goods, filled in with what is comluonly known as shoddy. In 1875 this new departure was made in a large way, - although previous to this date some fine work was made, - and now there are some six or eight large factories whose machinery is run altogether on fine, firstclass work, and the workmen in which are all skilled in the higher branches of the business. Brockton people are justly very proud at the turn manufacturing has taken in this direction, and it can be stated, without fear of successful contradiction, that some of the finest, most '- nobby," and yet serviceable, men's goods to be found in the country are turned out at this enterprising shoe centre. Looking through the stock- and sample-iooms, one is forcibly impressed with this radical change from cheap to high-grade goods, as the leather used for both " uppers" and " soles" is of the very best quality aud tannage, and the " samples," in the almost numberless varieties of styles and patterns, are certainly worthy to grace, as they do, the counters and shelves of many of the first-class boot and shoe stores.

From those early days to the present, the manufacture of boots and shoes has been a distinctive business with the people of this city, and with the march of improvement and the adoption of the modern facilities for prosecuting the growing business, Brockton has kept pace, and from a few little obscure rooms once used, supplied with rudely-constructed shoemakers' benches, old-fashioned awls, waxed-ends, etc., have sprung up large two-, three-, and four-story buildings, constructed on modern principles and supplied with all the latest and most improved machinery known or used in the prosecution of the business. Nowhere has capital been more lavishly expended to secure the best facilities, and nowhere is a greater degree of enterprise manifested to keep up with the times and compete successfully with other manufacturing towns and cities.

Daniel S. Howard is one of the pioneers and most successful shoe manufacturers in the city of Brockton. He commenced this business about thirty-six years ago, with small capital, and is now said to be the wealthiest shoe manufacturer in the city. He has a large factory on Montello Street, and employs about 250 workmen ; daily capacity of factory, 1500 pairs.

George Elden Keith, one of the leading and most successful manufacturers of Southeastern Massachusetts, was born in Campello, Feb. 8, 1850. He received the education afforded by the common and high schools of his native town, and was a member of the first class at the opening of the high school at

Brockton. Idleness formed no part of Mr. Keith's life. While in school the mornings and nights were employed in working at the bench, making boots and shoes. After leaving school he continued at this work until July 1, 1874, when, in company with W. S. Green, he commenced manufacturing under the firm-name of Green & Keith. This copartnership continued until 1880, when he disposed of his interest to Mr. Green and erected his preseut large factory, and has since carried on the business as sole proprietor. This is one of the largest boot and shoe manufactories in this part of the State, the value of the annual product being from six hundred to seven hundred thousand dollars, and employing three hundred hands. It is a representative institution, and reflects great credit upon its enterprising proprietor, who in the brief period of ten years has gone from the bench to the ownership of this immense establishment.

Mr. Keith is a Republican in politics, and was a member of the first board of aldermen of the city of Brockton. He is president of the Campello Loan Association, and a director in the Brockton National Bank, and also in the Brockton Savings-Bank. In religion he is a Congregationalist, and a member of the South Congregational Church.

Oct. 23, 1877, he united in marriage with Anna G. Reed, daughter of the Hon. W. L. Reed, of South Abington, and they have one child, Elden B., born Oct. 18, 1879.

Mr. Keith traces his ancestry to Rev. James Keith, who came from Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1GG2. He was the first ordained minister in Bridgewater, having been ordained in February, 1G64. The line of descent is as follows : Rev. James, Timothy, Timothy, Levi, Benjamin, Capt. Ziba, Franklin. Franklin married Betsey, daughter of Paul Bailey, of Sidney, Me., and had six children, of whom George E. was the fourth.

George Elden Keith is essentially a self-made man. He has gained nothing by mere luck, but everything by perseverance and well-digested plans, and the intelligent applic-ation of his energies to the end in view. In social life he is gentlemanly and affable, and is one of Campello's most enterprising and honored citizens.

Preston B. Keith truces his ancestry in this country to the Rev. James Keith, who came from Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1662. He was the first ordained minister in Bridgewater. The line of descent is sxs follows : Timothy, Timothy, Levi, Benjamin, Charles, and Charles Perkins, the father of the subject of this sketch, who was born June 20, 1820, and married Mary K., daughter of Josiah Williams, Dec. 4, 1843,

Preston Bond Keith was born in Campello, Oot. 18, 1847. He was educated at the Hi-h School in Brockton, and at the age of eighteen went to Boston, and entered tlie employ of Martin L. Keith, who wa.s a shoe manufacturer in Brockton, with a store in Boston. Here he lemaiued five and a half years, mastering the shoe busines.^. Returning to Brocktou iu 1871, he commenced business for himself in Campello, in a lactury which stood on Main Street, where he ooutinued three years, when he removed the building to Clifton Avenue, and enlarged it. Three years later Mr. Keith leased this property and erected his present large manufactory, which was opened in July, 1878. At the commencement of business the annual product amounted to about ninety thousand dollars, and he employed from thirty to forty hands. Mr. Keith has increased the business until at the present time the value of the annual product amounts to over four hundred thousand dollars, employing one hundred and seventy-five persons. A business man, with large mauuficturing interests to direct and care for, Mr. Keith has found but little time to devote to the public business. He was elected member of the board of aldermen in 1882, and re-elected in 1883. He is a director in the Home National Bank, and has been since its organization. He is a director in the street railway company, and vice-president of the Campello Co-operative Bank. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of tiie South Congregational Church. Dec. 8, 18C9, Mr. Keith united in marriage with Eldora Louisa, daughter of Josiah W. and Margaret (Duulap) Kingman, and they have one child, Allie, born April 2, 1877.

Warren A. Howard commenced business in 1870. His factory is one hundred by thirty-five feet, four stories high. He manufactures about 12U0 pairs of shoos per day, and employs about 200 hands.

S. Gardner Jones commenced the manufacture of shoes in 1878, and lias continued to the present time. He employs 100 hands, and the value of the annual product amounts to .§200, 000. Probably there is no establishment in the city that manufactures finer goods than Mr. Jones. He is a live man and always abreast, of tlie times in style. Mr. Jones shows his good taste in the care of his manufactory and grounds, which are very attractive.

Burt & Packard, on Pond Street. This firm was originally Jones & Packard, and commenced business in 1872. In 1875, Fred Packard was sole proprietor.

afterwards Fred Packard &, Co. till 1881, when John W. Burt, of New York, was admitted as a partner. The business was started with S.tOOO capital, and has been remarkably successful, till now the firm has a capital of $1G0,0U0, employing 225 men, manufacturing all kinds of fine goods for retail trade. This is one of the representative establisliments of the city.

The financial agent of this firm is Ili.n. Edward Crocker, son of Perez and Freelove (Tli'mipson ) Crocker. He was born in Brockton, March 1(1, 1S14. In his early youth he attended tlie common sclioijls of his native town, and at the age of thirteen engaged as a clerk in a store at Boston Highlands, where he remained five years, and then (1833) removing to New Bedford, entered the employ of William H. Crocker, a merchant of that cily. He continued with Mr. Crocker until 1837, when he purchased the establishment and conducted the business as sole proprietor until 1812, when, having disposed of his dry-goods store, he commenced furni,-.hlng supplies for whaling vessels, there being at that time about four hundred hailing from that I'amous old whaling town. la 1849, well remembered as the year of the great exodus to the gold fields of California, Mr. Crocker joined the adventurous pioneers, and going to California located in Beuieia, where, in company with Samuel C. Gray, he commenced getieral luerehandlsing, and here remained until 1850. In that year he returned to New Bedford, and in 1SG4 to his native town, where he has since resided. While in Benicia he was chosen one of the trustees of the fir>l female academy established in the State of Calilbinia.

Mr. Crocker is held in liigh esteem by his fellowcitizens, and has been honored with various positions of trust and responsibility. In 1SG8 he represented his district in the State Senate ; lias been an asses.^ur of the town three years ; was a member of the first City Council, and is now one of the conimi.-^sioncrs of the sinking fund. He is a director in the Home National Bank, and has been since its organi/.tlion, in 1873.

Feb. 3, 1840, while residing in New Bedford, he united in marriage with Caroline H. Blacknicr, of that city, and they had one child, Edward Le.ilie, who died at the age of four years.

In 1873, Mr. Crocker became financial agent of the firm of Burt & Packard, shoe manufacturers, and has continued in that position to the present time, and it is only justice to add that no man in the city of Brockton has done more than Edward Crocker Id aid its manufacturing enterprises by counsel and advice ; his practical knowledge of business rendering

The Cliarlea W. Copelaud Manufacturing Company is a corjioration formed under the laws of the commonwealth of JIassacliusetts, and has succeeded to the business of the well-known tirra of Charles W. Copelaud & Co. This company owns a large factory at Cumpello, five stories high, and well equipped with the latest improved machinery. The capacity is from SO to lUU cases of boots and shoes every day.

Slaniii Wild, Jr. Wild & Robinson founded this business in 1S69, and one year later it passed into the possession of Mr. Wild, who still carries it on. Value of annual product at beginning, $30,000 ; present value, S2U0.000 ; employs 85 hands.

A. M. Herrod & Co. This business was established by Reynolds & Herrod in 1872. In 1874 the tirm changed to Herrod & Grant, which continued until 1879, wlien the firm became A. M. Herrod & Co. In the beginning employed about 30 persons; now employ 100. In 1872 the value of the annual product amounted to about §80,000 ; present annual product, S175,U00.

L. M. Reynolds & Co. Business was commenced in 1881 on Montello Street, in Charles Howard & Co.'s ueedle-factoj-y, occupying the two lower floors. In the fall of 1883 built a large factory on a private way off from Court Street, just east of the railroad. Size of factory, one hundred and twenty feet long by thirty wide, three stories. Employ 100 to 150 hands. Annual sales amount to 8200,000.

C. F. Porter & Co. This business was established in 1S()5, under the firm-name of Porter & Packard, and continued until 1873, when it passed into the hands of Mr. Porter, who has since continued it as sole proprietor, retaining, however, the firm-name of C. F. Porter & Co. Value of annual product, §200,000. Employ 125 hands.

The firm of N. R. Packard & Co. was established in 18G'J. When starting they employed about 40 hands, and now employ, when running full force, about 250. Their product is from 40 to 50 24-pair cases daily. Capt. R. B. G rover became associated with ^Ir. Packard in 1872, and severed his connection with him in November, 1883, and is now one of the firm of M. A. Packard & Co.

W. S. Green & Co. Business founded by Green & Keith in 1874. In 1880, Mr. Gree'n purchased Mr. Keith's interest, and the firm became Green, Thomas &, Green, and one year later W. S. Green & Co., consisting of Mr. Green and Myron F. Thomas. Value of annual product, $300,000. Employ 250 hands.

Flavel B. Keith commenced business in 1873, in a factory on Montello Street, and remained there until the erection of his new factory, about six years ago. In 1873, employed about 50 hands; now, 100. Annual sales at commencement, about S75,000 to $100,000; now, $250,000 to $300,000.

Nahum Johnson & Son. Nahum Johnson commenced the manufacture of .shoes about thirty years ago at South Easton. The present firm was established in 187G. Employ 75 hands.

E. H. Reynolds commenced business in 1857, and continued until 1863, when the firm became Reynolds & Parks. In 18GG it changed to Reynolds ifc Co., which continued about five years, when Mr. Reynolds became sole proprietor, and has continued as such to the present time. Value of annual product at beginning, about $10,000; present value, $75,000. Employs 50 hands.

L. C. Bliss & Co. established their present business Jan. 1, 1881, and their sales the first year amounted to about $100,000. The present annual product is $125,000. Employ GO hands.

Churchill & Alden, established in 1877, under the firm-name of Whitman, Churchill & Alden, and continued for five years, then changed to present firm. At beginning of business employed about 25 hands ; now employ 175, with annual production of $400,000.

Henry M. Kingman commenced business in 1882, on Spring Street. In August, 1884. removed to his new factory near Court Street. This building is one hundred and fifty by thirty-five feet, three stories, with basement. Employs 150 hands. Capacity, GO cases per day.

Emerson, Weeks & Co. established Dec. 1, 1881, and commenced business in Marshall's factory, on Franklin Street. In 1883 removed to their present factory on North Main Street. In the beginning employed about 50 hands, and value of annual produet was $100,000; now employ 125 hands, and annual product amounts to $200,000. Charles 0. Emerson, D. L. Weeks.

The firm of Stacy, Adams & Co., was established in 1875 as Stacy, Adams & Jones. In 1878, Mr. Jones was succeeded by Mr. 0. B. Quimby, who had been book-keeper for the earlier firm, who associated himself with Messrs. Stacy & Adams, and the firm took its present name. They employ 225 men and women, and manufacture fully 125,000 pairs of shoes annually.

George G. Snow started in business about the year 1874, in the old marble-works building, corner Main and Crescent Streets. Commenced in a small way,

Jay B. Reynolds began business May, 1874, in a room on Pleasant Street ; counueDced in a small way, employing not over 2 or 3 hands. He now employs, when running full, from 150 to 175 operatives. His annual product amounts to 3250,000.

Keith Brothers commenced business in 1874, in a small way, on Chestnut Street, employing at the time S or 10 hands. Afterwards removed to the Mitchell factory, on Clifton Avenue, which was burned. They removed to their present location in 1881. This concern employs at the present time about 50 hands. The annual production at commencement of business was $25,000, and at the present time, $75,000.

Marcus Leach commenced the shoe business in 1847, on the old Leach homestead, in a small way, and has continued alone to the present time, except one year, 1857, when P. S. and Lucius Leach were associated with him, under the firm-name of M. & L. Leach.

Jonas Reynolds & Co. This business was established by Whitten & Reynolds about 1869. About three years later Mr. Reynolds purchased his partner's interest. The present firm consists of Mr. Reynolds and Charles E. Drake. Employ 25 hands, and turn out 15 24-pair cases per week. Located at Marshal's Corner.

Packard & Grover commenced business April 1, 1884, succeeding M. A. Packard & Co. M. A. Packard & Co. commenced in December, 1879. Previous to that Mr. Packard was in business alone. Mr. Grover was formerly firm of N. R. Packard & Co. They turn out between 40 and 50 24-pair cases per day. Hands employed when running full time, from 150 to 200.

Howard & French. F. 0. Howard commenced the shoe manufacture in 1852. In 1876 the present firm was established. They employ about 125 hands, and the annual product amounts to $150,000.

H. H. Mitchell commenced business Dec. 1,1882, and turned out the first year about $71,000 worth of goods; employed 50 hands; now employs 75 hands, and the value of the annual product amounts to $130,000.

L A. Beals & Co. Established 1882 as BluIs & Perkins ; name changed to L A. Beals &, Co. July 9, 1883, Mr. Perkins retiring from the business ; hands employed when starting, GO; now employ 150; at commencement turned out from lU to 15 cases per day ; now from 25 to 35.

Perkins & Joyce. Over in Factory Village, a local appellation for one section of the city, Messrs. Perkins & Joyce are operating a large factory. Although a young firm, they have been remarkably successful. Beginning in 1878 with 20 hands, they now employ over 125 men and women, and make from 300 to 500 pairs every day. These two young men constitute one of the young and enterprising firms of this city.

Richard M. Fullerton commenced the manufacture of shoes in 1858, being one of the oldest houses in the city. Employs 30 hands, with a daily capacity of 500 pairs.

The firm of Whitman &, Keith was established in August, 1883. The present product is 90 cases per week, and the number of hands employed, 50. It is composed of W. E. Whitman and D. N. Keith.

Chapter Xvil

Mills - Manufactures - Bridgewator Maaufacturing Company - Shoe-Tool Manufacturers - Tanners - Ulackoiriitlib - Tailort* VLDii Clothing - Hatters - Bakers - Saddlers - Whcelwriybis - Coopers - Clocks - Watchmakers and Jewelers - Miiaieiil Instruments - Dentists - Drugs and Medicines - Furniture Manufacturers - Carpenters - Painters - Masons - Tin-l'lato and Sheet-Iron Workers - Blacking and St:iin Manufacturing

Hills. - During the first settlement of the North Parish the attention of the settlers was first directed to clearing the lands and preparing the same fur agricultural purposes. They very soon, however, erected

One of tlie first mills erected in the North Parish was a saw-mill on the Jam south of the residence of the late Azor Packard, said to have been built by Abijah Thayer and others, and was near the main street leading from Campello to West Bridgewater. The remains of the dam are to be seen at the present time. We should judge this mill was of small power, as it is related of a man who was passing the works, while on his way from Bridgewater to Boston, a distance of over twenty miles away, the saw was going up, and when he returned it was just coming down.

Previous to 1800 there was a saw-mill a short distance north of Cole's fulling-mill, late Wheeler's tackworks, which was owned by Zebedee Snell, Parmenas Packard, and others. There was another saw-mill a short distance north of the lute John Tilden's residence, in the west part of the town, and east of Hayward Marshall's residence. The mill was owned by John Tilden, Nathaniel Manly, and others, in shares. About the same time Matthew Kingman and others erected a mill where Chandler Sprague's saw-mill now stands, in the Factory Village, or Spragueville, and was known by the name of Kingman's mill, and has been owned by Luke Perkins, Abel and Eliphalet Kingman, Parmenas Brett, John Ritchie, and lately by 0. F. Curtis.

Col. Caleb Howard built a mill near his furnace on Pond Street, which has been owned by his heirs ever since, and is now used for sawing box-boards, shingles, etc.

The first grist-mill in the town was erected on the spot now occupied by Ellis Packard & Co. It was built by John Packard, and owned by him for many years, and afterwards changed hands, as follows : Bridgewater Manufacturing Company, Tyler Cobb, Joslyn & Keith, Bela Keith, A. B. Wheeler, Lewis Keith, and Ellis Packard & Co. Deacon Zenas Packard was miller for a long time at this mill, and was well known as the " honest miller." The present steam works were erected by Bela and Lewis Keith a few years since, and are used for planing, boxmaking, grist-mill, and the manufacture of shoe tools. It is situated quite near the village, on the road leading from thence to Abiugton, and is a valuable property, being near the railroad. There was another grist-mill, erected by John Tilden, and afterwards rebuilt by John Brett, in the west part of the town, near the turnpike ; the mill stood for many years, and was occupied by Lewis A. Kingman as a wheelwright-shop.

a grist-mill situated on the north side of Crescent Street, and near Mr. Sprague's office, which they purchased of Messrs. Abel Kingman, Nehemiah Lincoln and others. There is another grist-mill near where Col. Caleb Howard's furnace stood, on Belmont Street, a short distance from the Centre Village, now owned by Thomas J. and Welcome Howard.

In the early settlement of the parish it is said there was a windmill, the only one in town, situated on the hill north of the late Eliphalet Kingman's residence, on the locality known as " Windmill Hill," probably owned by Matthew Kingman & Co., and used as a grist-mill.

Manufactures. - One of the first manufacturing establishments in the North Parish was the forge erected and carried on by Ensign Constant Southworth, which stood on or near where Sprague's mill now stands. Mr. Southworth was a practicid workman, having served a faithful apprenticeship at the business, and did a large business at smelting iron ore for the people in that vicinity. There was a large amount of ore dug in the westerly part of the town in the early settlement of the parish, and he had as much as his power could do. A short time since, in removing the old road-bed across Sprague's Pond, quantities of cinder and iron scraps were found that came from these works. These works changed hands several times, among whom we find Alpheus and Parmenas Brett conveyed all right, title, and interest in and to the trip-hammer or water-shop to the Bridgewater Manufacturing Company July 26, 1813.

At one time Messrs. James and Luke Perkins manufactured muskets, small anchors, scythes, shovels, plow-points, etc., at this place. During the year 1813 the above-named manufacturing company purchased all the shops and mills contiguous to the forge for the purpose of erecting a large cotton- and woolenfactory. The following is a copy of the original subscription paper, showing the names of stockholders :

" Bbidgew.iter, May 13, 1813. " We, the subsoribera, proposing to engage in the lauDufai:- ture of wool and cotton, do agree to form ourselves into a company, by the name of the Bridgewater Wool and Cotton Manufacturing Company ; and for carrying into efi'cct said object we propose as a capital eight thousand dollars, to be divided into forty shares, and we severally pledge ourselves to defray the expense arising on the number of shares annexed to our individual names :

-'June 14, 1S13. Ahcl Kingman, Thomas Thompson. Isaiah Packard, Perez Crocker, ilicah Shaw, Ichabod Howard, and LSamucl Battles, together with such as may associate with them, were incorporated into a manufacturing company for the [lurpo.~e of making cotton and woollen cloth and yarn, in the town of RriJgewatcr, with power to hold Real Estate to amount of fifty thousand, and personal estate not exceeding one hundred tltousand,as may be necessary and convenient for the purposes as above named."

Mr. Ritchie continued to manul'acture for several years, aud sold the factory, with all their power aud privileges, to Chandler Sprague, Esq., who, soon after, converted the building into a manufactory of shoelasts and wood-turning establislimcnt.

At the time the forge of Mr. Southworth was in successful operation, there was a furnace erected by a few individuals of the town, which stood on or near the works of the lute Col. Caleb Howard, more recently known as Howard's mill, where large quantities of hollow-ware were manufactured. The works were afterwards given up on account of the scarcity of wood. Mr. Bowdoin, of Boston, bought the furnace, which was successively owned by Col. Hobart, of Abington ; Mr. Perry, of Easton ; George Howard, of Bridgewater ; and later by Col. Caleb Howard and Thom;is J. & Welcome Howard. The building litis since been used by various parties for manufacturing purposes, mostly shoe-tools, and sawing of box-boards. This mill was near the corner of Pond and Belmont Streets.

About the year 1790, Benjamin Silvester built a mill on Salisbury River, near the residence of Galcu Packard, for a fulling-mill. He sold his interest to his brother, Seth Silvester, who was succeeded by John Wales, who established a carding-mill. Mr. Ephraim Cole bought the privilege of Mr. Wales, and continued till 1825, when he sold out to Galen Packard, who soon coiumcuced manufacturing ship-spikes, nails, and all kinds of ship work, using a trip-hammer. Mr. Packard sold out to Jefferson Bi.sbee, who came from Canton, and began to luauut'acturc hay and manure forks. B. F. Wheeler has recently purchased the works, and manufactured small nails, tacks, shoe-nails, and carpet tacks. Benjamin Fraiikliu Kingman succeeded Mr. Wheeler, and the works have been successfully conducted by William W. Cross for several years.

About the year 1814, James Easton ii Sons built a dam, erected a building, and commenced manufacturing spikes, axes, adzes, plane-irons, chi.sels, bariron, axles, etc., a short distance north on the same stream. They continued business for about six years and failed. Caleb aud Sylvanus Eastou continued the business for ten years longer, under the name of C. & S. E;iston, when they retired.

Lower on the stream and just south of Pleasant Street, Sidney Perkins manufactured hay and mauure-forks. He was in that business but a few years, and sold out to Hezekiah Simmons, and he was succeeded by Nathaniel B. Harlow in the same business. Several years since there was a mill situated on Trout Brook, a short distauce south ul' Howard Street, that leads to East Randolph. The remains of the dam are iu existence at the present day. The flowage of this meadow was for a long time a source of litigation in the county courts.

E. D. & 0. B. Reynolds used a portion of this factory for the manufacturing of agricultural implements till they removed to near Court Street, and became interested in the Reynolds Plow Com[iany in 18S2.

About the year 1830, William Perry was engaged in the manufacture of brassware and castings; his foundry was situated near where Faxon's awl manufactory was located. Several years since Jlr. Chandler R. Humphrey commenced making grave-stones at the shop of John Wales, corner of JIuin and Belmont Streets, now owned by Rufus P. Kingman. Since that time Sidney S. Green came to town, and was engaged for a time in that business on Centre Street. Soon after George W. Bryant, Esq., became associated with him in business, under the tirm-name of Bryant & Green, in Central Block. Mr. Bryant continued alone in the business for a time, on the corner of Main and Crescent Streets.

In the spring of 1845, Messrs. George B. Dunbar and Oakes S. Soulc became as.sociatcd in business, under the firm-name of Dunbar & Soule, for the sale of all kinds of lumber, on the corner of Jluntello aud Court Streets, near the railroad. In 18lJ2 the firm

BariKibas Edson manufactured the best quality of lou puiujjs at his residence, in the eastern part of tlic town, on Pine Street. He afterwards moved to the Centre Village.

Tanners. - Probably the first tanner in the North Parish (now Brockton) was William Shaw, who had a t;\niiery southwest of tlie house now occupied by Lawrence Copcland, in the easterly part of the town. His son, Micah, succeeded him in business, which was uiven up many years ago. He manufactured upperand sole-leather. Levi Keith carried on the tanning business ; also his son, Benjamin, succeeded by Capt. Ziba Keith, east of Main Street in Campello. near where Montello Street now is. Maj. Daniel Gary had a tannery south of Belmont Street, next to the river. Israel Packard was his successor. Nathaniel W. Stoddard was a manufacturer of patent-enameled leather in the north part of the village, on Montello Street.

Blacksmiths. - One of the fir^t things done after the making of iron from the ore in this town, w;i3 tlie making of nails by hand. This branch of manufacture was one of the most prominent of any in the town. It furnished employment for a large number of boys and men. At first, they were forged singly ; and as the machines for cutting and heading were introduced, hammered nails went out of use. Nearly every farmer had a nail-shop for his boys to occupy their leisure time, when not engaged upon the farm. Indeed, nail-shops were as common as shoe-shops are at tlie present day. Upon the introduction of machines for cutting and lieading nails, - which were invented by Col. Jesse Reed, a native of the town, - the business of making nails wa.s confined to different manufacturing companies, and were made in largo (|uanlities at a mucli lower price. We now find in the town only here and there a blacksmith-shop, fur shoeing cattle and horses, and other job-work. Among the blacksmiths in the parish were Capt. Jesse Perkins, who had a shop near where Col. E. Southworth's store now stands. Asa Howard had a shop nearly opposite Centre Street. Capt. Anthony Dike bad a shop near the Alva Noyes place, on the road to Abingtou. He made the first shovels in the vicinity, at about the time the " Ames" commenced in Easloii. Josiali Perkins had a shop on Summer Street, opposite the residence of Nahum Perkins, who became his successor in that business. Alpheus Brett had a shop in Factory Village (now Sprague's). He manufactured bar-iron, plow-points, hames, hoes, etc. Nehemiah Lincoln was ;dso in the same business in that village, manufactured cart and harness trimmings, hames, hoes, scrapers, plow-points, etc. Besides these, the traders of the lovin bought iron rods, and let them out to be made, by the pound, in the same manner as leather was let out to be made into shoes. Messrs. Ide & Trow commented business on the spot where Waldo Bradford, who succeeded that firm, carried on business till 1845, when he sold out to Tyler Cobb, who conducted the business ten years. In 1855 he sold out to Mr. Bradford, who has continued for a long time, and associated with him Mr. Alien Crocker, of East Stoughton, who at leii;^ili became sole proprietor. Sumner A. Ilayward, of Kingston, commenced ou Main Street several years since. His shop was nearly opposite where the \Vhitman school-house now stands, south of his dwelling, and on the present road-bed leading to Campello, and in the south part of the village. He sold to Charles W. Strout, of Brookliue, who was succeeded by Hiram F. Peck.

There was a blacksmith-shop erected on Montello Street east of the residence of the late Capt. Ziba Keith, conducted by Patrick Donnovan, which has since been given up.

Lorenzo Wade had a blacksmith-shop in the " West Shares," or Northwest Bridgewater (now Huntington Heights, Seventh Ward), ojiposite the residence of the late Isaac Packard, which was afterwards removed to its present location, occupied by Orren Wade, on the turnpike leading to Stoughton. The business is now carried on by Albert R. Wade.

Shoe-Tool Manufacturers. - For a long time North Bridgewater has been celebrated for the excellence of her shoe-tools and awls, lasts, and boot-trees, shoe-knives, spoke-shaves, rolling-machines, etc.

Among the first to introduce this kind of goods in the town were Ephraim Howard & Co., who made it a special branch of business ; they occupied the building now used by Messrs. Howard, Clark & Co. as a furniture wareroom, using steam-power.' They manufactured hammers, presses, wheels, spoke-shaves, knives, punches, awl-handles, etc.

Charles Howard and Lewis Fisher liave since manufactured the same kind of goods under the firm-name of Howard & Fisher. J. B. Mann conducted that kind of business for several years, - since removed to Stoughton. Sidney Perkins has also made shoeknives, hammers, and patent grindstones, etc. Tyler

Since tlie iutroductioQ of Acuerican awls in this country there has been a large amount manufactured in this town, by Mr. William Faxon, Charles Lincoln. Jusiah S. Lincoln, and Charles B. Lincoln, who is now engaged in that business. Millions of sewingaiid pegging-awls are sent to various parts of the country from this town every year.

William Hall manufactured shoe-pegs at the mill on Howard Street several years since. Johu W. Kingman has furnished the shoemakers with machines for rolling leather, aud shoe-benches, as well aa coalsifters, washing-machines, and patent roofing. William S. Gay and Jabez Gay manufactured bedsteads, chopping-knivcs, and awl-iiandles at the old mill known as Packard's griat-mill, or Keith's mill.

Iu 1836, Chandler Sprague, Esq., commenced making lasts aud boot-trees iu liie mill owned by T. J. &, W. Howard, well known as Howard's mill. In 1837 lie purchased the right of using Thomas Blancluird's machine for turning irregular foruis. He continued in that mill until 18-12, doing a small bu.iiness, which has increased to a laige and profitable branch of niauufacturing. He purchased the building and power known aa the " Old Cotton Factory," owned by Mr. llitchie, aud converted it into a manufactory ; aud, although he has been highly prospered iu his business pursuits, yet he continues to give his personal attention to the detail of his business, and has added several branches to his original calling. E. Sumner Snell manufactured shoe-tools in his factory, alao manufactured machinery, uuder the firm-uame of E. S. Snell & Co., Mr. Sprague beiug the special partner.

Harrisou Smith manufactured bedsteads in the old mill known as Keith's mill. Archibald Thompson made the first spinning-wheel in the country ; lived near where John Thompsou now resides. His posterity have continued to make wheels since that time. Jonas Reynolds also made spinning-wheels in the " West Shares." Moses Gary made hay-rakes in the northeast part of the town.

Sweetser & Merritt started in business on High Street, under the name of William A. Sweetser, Jlarch 1, 1869. Afterwards removed to corner of Centre aud Montello Streets, and continued under the present title, Sweetser & Merritt, Aug. 1, 1S7S. Manufacture shoe machinery and upright drills. Employ 20 men.

Snell & Atherton, manufacturers of ahoe-tools, heelshaves, etc. This branch of industry was founded by Varanus Snell and Lemuel Atherton in lS5:i. JMr. Athertou died in 18C0, aud was succeeded by Henry H. Atherton, who continued in the firm about seven years. Siuce that time Mr. Snell has conducted the business as sole proprietor, retaining, however, the origiual firm-name. Employ 38 hands.

Before the invention of Blanchard's machine for turning irregular forms, lasts and boot-trees weri' made by hand. Nathaniel Wales was probably the first person in the town engaged in that business. Robert A. Stoddard, Marcus Shaw, aud Chandler Sprague have since been engaged in that line of manufacture. When Chandler Sprague began to manufacture by machinery, there was no use for lasts made by band. Those made by machinery have become one of the great improvements of the age, and so far surpass those made by hand as to (juality that tlierc are no others in the market.

Tailors and Clothing. - It was the cu.stom in the early settlement of the town lor ladies to cut and make gentlemen's garments. After a lime men cutters went from house to liouse making clothes enough for the year at one lime. The first tailor in Brucktou was Nathaniel Snell, who went out to work fur twentyfive cents per day and board. Johu Slumkland was the next tailor; then came Jliehael O Neil, who opened a tailoring-shop iu the '' West Shares" (now " Brockton Heights"), and afterwards in the store al'terwards occupied by Col. Nathan Jones, iu Southworth's building, in the Centre. Elisha B. Bumpas came from Wareham in September, 1838, aud opened u elothing-bhop in the building then owned by Arza Leonard, opposite Henry Cross' shoe manufactory, on the east side of Main Street, now the site of " Mercantile Block;" he afterwards removed to a room over Robinsou's dry-goods store, from this place he removed to Howard, Clark & Co.'s building. Luther W. Durant was a tailor in 1830 two doors south of Patriot office, on the site of the " Mercantile Block." William Ryder came from West Bridgewater and cairied on the merchant-tailoring business for several \ years iu his building on Main Street, where Ryder's block now stauds. Edward O'Neil waa employed as | a foreman iu Messrs. Brett it Kingman's tailoring j department iu 1849 iu Kingman's brick block. Iu j ISal) he became associated with Mr. James B. Samp- | sou, fur the purpose of conducting the merchanttailoriug business in Tyler Cobb's building, on Main Street, under the firm-name of O'Neil &, Sampson. Mr. Sampson retired from the firm in 18(31 and went into the army. Mr. O'Neil continued iu business alone till lStJ4, when he removed to Alexandria, Va., and afterwards removed to Providence, R. I., where he now resides. Walter Scott came to town from Boston in ISOU, was employed by Mr. O'Neil for four years, and afterwards conducted the merchant-tailoring businet>s ou his own account. George E. Wilbour came from Wareham in 1859, and was connected with Henry A. Brett in the clothing business. L. W. Wade and Daniel F. Leonard were in town several years since aud made garments. Most of the larger dry-goods stores have a journeyman tailor connected with their establishnieuts and manufactured custom goods, therefore it would be impossible to note all the changes that have occurred. Peter F. Hollywood came from Wareham, and was employed in Brett & Kingman's store for several years, and afterwards opened a tailoring establishment on his own account in Ellis J. Morton's building, now occupied by B. R. Clapp, on Main Street, and is now doing business opposite the Building." Daniel Logue had a tailor-shop opposite Southworth & Noyes' grocery store, on Main Street, for a short time. In January, 1854, George E. Bryant opened a clothing store in D. F. Studley's building, and in 1855 Henry L. Bryant was associated with him in the business, under the firm-name of G. E. k H. L. Bryant ; afterwards occupied extensive rooms on the present site of " Bryant's Block," now used as a post-office, at the corner of Main and Centre Streets. This firm continued in trade for a long time, doing a very successful and l)rofitablo business. Since that time Henry A. Brett has opened another clothing store in Bixby's block, where he is doing a large and highly lucrative business.

Messrs. Brett k Kiugman, David Cobb, H. W. Robinson, W. P. Howard, and other traders, have usually kept ready-made clothing; thus the public have always had unsurpassed facilities for obtaining the best custom garments and the cheapest.

Henry E. Lincoln k Co., in " Bixby's Block," are doing a good business in the clothing line ; McElroy k Cushman, iu " City Block,'' and the - JIassasoit Clothing House," Edward S. Lincolu, proprietor, on Main Street.

Hatters. - The first hatter in the town was Perez Crocker, who conducted business near where David Howard's boot manufactory recently stood, in the north part of the village. He was succeeded by Capt. John Battles, and he by Ellis J. Morton. There is no hat manufactory in the town at the present time ! customers are supplied at the various stores in the town, of which there are many, as before seen.

The principal dealers in this line of goods now are Henry E. Lincoln k Co., in " Bixby's Block," Howard & Caldwell, in " Kingman's Block," Tolman Brothers, in " Washburn's Block," and Charles Emory, in the same building.

Bakers. - B. C. Hatch aud Cyrus Packard (2d) commenced the baking business about 1830, and continued about three years in the building that had formerly been used as a school-house, on the lot now occupied by the bank building south of the hotel. In 1833, Mr. Packard sold his interest to Mr. Hatch. In 1834, David Wilder and Mr. Hatch were associated together in the business, under the firm-name of Hatch k Wilder. Shortly after that time Mr. J. C. Wilder purchased Mr. Hatch's interest in the business, and the firm was changed to J. C. k D. Wilder. Afterwards J. C. Wilder sold to John W. Hunt, who has continued with Mr. Wilder, under the firm-name of Hunt k Wilder. Their business was very successful, and in 185G they erected a new and more commodious building, using horse-power for mixing, stamping, and cutting crackers, bread, and small cakes.

A Mr. Buckley conducted the baking business at the old stand afterwards used by Hunt k Wilder, on Crescent Street. Several years since Parmenas k Simeon Brett did a small business for a short time iu the Factory Village. F. B. Washburn makes nice cake and fancy pastry at his refectory on Main Street, on the present site of the "' Washburn Block;" also confectionery of all kinds and fancy baking.

Mr. Washburn has within a few years erected a large brick building in the rear of his block, where he does the largest wholesale aud retail business in baking and confectionery in Plymouth County.

Geor"e E. Bates, bread and cake baker, is doing etc. Jonas Reynolds made spinning-wheels, wuodeu business ou Montello Street, near South Street, Cam- plows, rakes, etc., in the " Went Shares," now " Broekpullo. ton Heights."

on horseback the saddler's business was a proiuincnt trade. After the introduction of wheel carriages harness-making was added to their trade, al=o trunkmaking. Among those wiio have conducted this trade are Seth Snow, a short distance below the bridge on the road leading to Campcllo, in the Isaac Keitli House; Elbridge II. Packard, iu the north part of the village ; also Nathaniel H. Cross, in 183G, in the Centre Village. A few years since A. M. Lcavitt came from East Bridgewater, and located where George W. Bryant's marble works were, corner of Main and Crescent Streets. Lemuel T. Bird is now doing business on High Street. A Mr.

clocks near where Alpheus Holmes resided, on Belcuont Street, in Downingville. Also, several years since, Rodney Brace came I'runi Turringtuii, Conn., and commenced the manufacture of small wooden clocks at the West Shares, or Northwest Bridgewater, now Brockton Heights, with Isaac Packard. They sent them to all parts of the country in wagons, and were among the first to intruduce small clocks.

Wheelwrig'hts. - Abel Kingman. Esq., was one of the oldest wheelwrights in the parish. He made oxwagons, carts, wooden plows, rakes, etc. Zachariah and Zebedee Snell made wooden plows, rakes, and grain-cradles, etc., in the northwest part of the town. Jabez Kingman, son of Abel Kingman, Esq., had a wheelwright-shop on Centre Street, near Shaw's Corner. Ruel Richmond had a large and commodious carriage manufactory on the corner of Maiu and School Streets, which was the principal shop in town for several years. John C. H. Eaton had a wheelwright-shop on Prospect Hill. Mason &, Fletcher manufactured carriages and did job-work on High Street. From 1S52 to 1855, Tyler Cobb manufactured carriages, etc., ou High Street. Waldo Bradford it Co. also manufactured carriages on High Street. Lyman IC. Tribou had a wheelwright-shop in the Factory Village, or " Salisbury Square," opposite A. D. Tyler's blacksmith-shop, and Lewis A. Kingman ha.s a shop ou Liberty Street, near Tilden's Corner, otherwise known as '- Marshall's Corner," iu the west part of the city. I. R. Cozzens, James 0. Macomber, and Luriu Snow are uuw the priucipal wheelwrights in the city.

Watch-Makers and Jewelers. - David F. Studley came from Hanover, Mass., in September, 1S3-1, and made watches and jewelry, also repaired all kinds of clocks, in the building now occupied by him. He afterwards erected a new and more commodious building south of Samuel Howard's huu.->e, where he became associated with his brother, Luther .Studley, in the business ; he afterwards sold out his interest to his brother and retired from business. At the time Mr. Studley came to the town there was no establishment of the kind in the vicinity. Since that time there have been other establishments of the same description, among whom is Augustus ^litchell, who left town in 18C2 and removed to Provincetown. Herman Hewett came from Bridgewater to the town iu the autumn of 1863, and is now in business iu Tyler Cobb's building, 421 Main Street. Lysaudcr F. Gurney came from Abington and opened a store in D. F. Studley 's building a short tiiuc since. Luther Studley was at the old stand of D. F. Studley tk Co., on JIaiu Street, and is now located on School Street.

Musical Instruments. - This town has been noted for the excellence of the musical insiruuients manufactured iu the town. Caleb II. Packard was the tirst person in the town that engaged in the niaiiulUcture

W. Snell, on South Street. Lemuel Tervill carried on the coopering trade at the James Willis Place, oiiposite Arnold Kingman's. Joseph Whiton made nail casks, tubs, dye-vats, churns, cheese-hoops, etc., in the Factory Village. He removed to Hinghaiu.

A few years since Calvin Hatch, Nelson J. Foss, and Isaac T. Packard were associated together, under the firm-name of Packard, Foss & Co., for the purpose of

Lemuel Tervill, Jr., and Jacob Dunbar made rakes, ] manufacturing serapbines, melodeons, and reed organs, measures, scythe-handles, mop- and broom-handles, ' This firm was in business for several years over the

Mr. A. B. Marston commenced making musical instruments in July, 1855, in the shop that had formerly been occupied by Caleb H. Packard. Mr. Marston purchased the stock and interest of Mr. Packard, and conducted business at the old stand till the building and contents were destroyed by fire, Sept. 2, 1S58. Mr. Mar^ton then erected a new and commodious building on Depot Street, Campello, iu January, 1859, where he continued to manufacture the be.^t quality of instruments for several years. lie is now manufacturing cabinet organs on Montello, near South Street. Messrs. Isaac T. Packard and Edmund Packard were engaged in the same kiud of business for several years, iu the rooms over L. D. Hervey's house-furnishing store, in the Centre, opposite Centre Street. Edmund Packard afterwards continued the business alone till May 1, 18G2, when he sold to Philip Reynolds, of Stoughton, who was engaged in that line of business for several years.

Dentists. - The first person who did anything in the way of dental operations (except tooth-pulling, which was usually done by the physicians) was Dr. J. L. Lyman, who usually came to town once a year, and did all there was to be done in that line. It soon increased to such an extent as to make it a permanent local business. Dr. Julius Thompson next occupied an ofiice over D. F. Studley's jewelry store. He was succeeded by Dr. George R. Whitney, who came from Provincetown May 1, 1854. The next person in tlic business was Dr. Loring W. Puffer, who came from Stoughton, and occupied an office in Drayton's building on Main Street. He now has his office on Green near Main Street. The next person engaged iu that calling was Dr. Josiah E. Packard, who commenced in August, 185G ; he had an office over Benner &, Co.'s dry-goods store on Main Street. He is now located in his own block, corner Main and East Elm Streets.

Those engaged in that business at the present time are Dr. Puffer, Packard Brothers, E. J. Thompson, J. J. Viuucnt, Edward S. Powers, Henry H. Filoor, George D. Burnet, W. J. Currier, Fred. S. Faxon, and J. F. Allen at Campello. Many of the offices iu this department are elegant, and the work done in Brockton is first class.

Drugs and Medicines. - J. A. Rainsford was the first person engaged in this business iu the town. His room was at the residence of the late Franklin Amc.-^, on Main Street, north of the Porter Church. David F. Studley also kept a good stock of drugs and medicines in connection with his watch and jewelry business till 1845, when he sold his stock of medicines to Tyler Cobb, who continued in that trade till 1884, when he sold his building and business to S. B. & G. E. Curtis. The next person that did anything in that kind of goods was the late Edward Southworth, Jr., in what is now the Gazette Building.

Iu October, 1852, C. C. Bixby opened an apothecary store, in connection with books, stationery, and fancy goods, at the corner of Main and School Streets. In 1SG4, Mr. Goldthwait became associated with him as partner in the busiuess, under the firm-name of C. C. Bixby it Co. Besides the above, many of the variety stores iu the town keep an assortment of the various patent medicines in use.

This business has grown to an extensive trade, there being now thirteen apothecaries, viz., H. S. Bagnall & Co., Bowen & Packard, Fred. A. Brigham, Brockton Drug Store, Tyler Cobb, M. B. Crowell & Co., William B. Foster, L. S. M. Glidden, William Jones, N. D. Toppan, John J. Whipple & Co., George H. Leach, and Frans L. Braconier, at Campello.

Furniture Manufacturers. - Among the first of those engaged in this branch of business were Oliver Dike, Samuel Dike, Asaph Howard, Moses Gary, Jonathan Gary. Thomas Wales had a furniture store iu the north part of the town, and was the principal manufacturer for many years. Samuel Carter was iu the business at the West Shares (now Brockton Heights) for a short time. Jonathan Beal kept furniture store in the house afterwards occupied by Lemuel French, near where lluel Richmond's house formerly stood, at the Centre, now the site of the " Home Bank Building." Josiah W. Kiugman, Esq., commenced the manufacture of bureaus, tables, etc., for the wholesale trade about 1825, in the south part of the town, now Campello, whicTi business lie continued with success till May 23, 1853, when his entire establishment was destroyed by fire.

Samuel Howard came from Randolph to this town in 1827 and opened a furniture wareroom. In 1829, Mr. Lyman Clark became a partner, under the firm-name of Howard & Clark, and who continued to do a large and profitable business. In 1859, Mr. Howard died. The firm now iu the bu.iiuess at the old stand consists of the following persons: Lyman Clark, Eben Rhodes, Rufus C. Kimball, under the name aud style of Howard, Clark & Co., who keep a large and varied assortment of all kinds of furniture at retail, and manufacture largely for the wholesale trade. Soraues Dunham came from Fall River iu 1S4G, was employed for a few years at Josiah W. Kingman's manufactory in Campello ; he afterwards opened a job- | biug-sliop in tlie nortli part of the village, making and repairing all kinds of furniture. A few years since i Frederic Hanson opened a furniture wareroom in the : building owned by George W. Bryant, corner of Main and Crescent Streets, which continued but a short time, Mr. Hanson engaging in the marble business near the railroad station. The leading furniture dealers in the city now are Howard, Clark & Co., William H. Tobey, and McCann Brothers.

Painters. - Uutil within a few years nearly all of ! the houses were shingled, and the painting of them i required but little skill. It usually con.sisted of 1 Venetian red or yellow ochre, mixed with linseed I oil, put on in the coai-sest manner by any person, j After the custom of clapboardiug and finishing in I modern style was introduced, painting became a separate branch of industry. It is now a trade in which i [leuple have shown tlie greatest skill and proficiency, i both iu house and fancy painting. Among those who have been engaged in that braacli of business are William Tileston, William Vose, William Lewis, Jabez Lauison, Pliilo W. Richmond, Lucius Richmond, James 0. Clapp, Samuel A. Sargent, ^Viiliam G. Marston, A. K. Harmon, John M. Sharpe, G. E. Lawrence, John Wales, Jonathan Beal.

Masons. - William French, Joseph Brett. Samuel Battles. David Battles, Nalium Battles, F. B. Washburn, Lewis Washburn, Sidney Wa^hburn, Freeman Washburn, and David Masou are among those who have worked at this branch of business.

Tin-Plate and Sheet-Iron Workers. - Lorenzo D. Hervey removed from West Hridgewater to Campello in April, 183'J, and established a tin-ware manufactory iu company with David Hervey, in the building north of the residence of Bela Keith, Esq. The firm was dissolved in about one year, and David

Hervey sold his interests to Robert Smith, of New Bedford, who continued one year, when Mr. Smith removed to New Bedford. Mr. Hervey reuioved to the Centre Village, and occupied the building that had previously been u.sed as a shoo manufactory liy Bradford Dunbar & Co., opposite William Ryder's residence, north of the Catholic Cliurch. At this time Mr. Smith again became associated with him under the firm-name of Smith & Hervey. This firm continued to do business for fourteen years, since which time Mr. Hervey has continued alone in business, on Main Street, nearly opposite Centre Street. The business has consisted mostly in making tin-ware for the various peddlers who have driven from there to all parts of the country, and dealing in all kinds of kitchenfurnishing goods, stoves, etc.

Soon after the above dissolution of the copartnership of Smith & Hervey, Mr. Smith opened a hardware and furnishing store in Bixby's block, and was succeeded by Liberty D. Packard in the same busine.is.

James D. Baldwin came from Pittsburgh, Pa., in 18G2, and opened a store for the manufacture of stoves, tin-ware, and kitchen-furnishing goods, in the building formerly occupied by Ellis J. Jlorton as a hat manufactory. Mr. Baldwin was succeeded by E. Z. Stevens & Co.

Lorenzo Tuck came to town many years since, and opened a store of the above kind in the building formerly occupied by Messrs. William F. Brett ct Co. as a tailor's shop, on the north side of School Street.

Blacking' and Stain Manufacture. - Charles L. Hauthaway commenced in the smallest way to manufacture boot- and shoe-blacking, ink, etc., in 1S45, which business has increa.sed to such an extent that it has become the leading article in the American market, and also extensively used in other countries. His business had incre;ised to such an extent ;is to require a partner. Accordingly he formed a partnership with his sons, who now are among the largest manufacturers in the market, and their goods are widely known. The firm is known as G. L. Hauthaway & Sons. They have au office at 23l> Congress Street, Boston, with factories at Lynn and South Boston.

George H. Wood & Co. are proprietors of Lincoln Blacking Company, manufacturers of all kinds of leather-dressing, ink, stains, -' ladies' blacking," etc., under the management of Charles B. Lincoln. Their factory is in Brockton, with an office at 49 High Street, Boston.

of dresbing, blacking, and burnishing inlcs, cements, wax, etc., ill 18G7. Mr. Patten was formerly a shoe manuracturer and a pioneer in the fine shoe business. The piL'sent firm consists of 0. 0. Patteu, W. H. Wade, and E. E. Averill.

T. W. Pope cuuimenced the manufacture of burnishing ink, stains, etc., in 1S52, and has continued to the present time. He has a large sale throughout the United States.

Miscellaneous Manufactures. - Brockton Stay Company was organized in 187S, the firm being Gayner .t Campbell, with a capital of 61000. In 1S81 the firm became Gayner & Walker. Value of annual product, about 850,000. Employ 10 hands.

F. M. Shaw & Sou commenced business in 1878 for the manufacture of heels, and extracting oils from scrap leather. Began in a small way, and when started employed about 12 hands; now employ over 100. In addition to this business they run a naphtha establishment for the purpose of extracting oil and bleaching calf-skirting. Make specialty of renovating carpets and clothing by the naphtha process.

Maloon & Peirce established business about the year 1872 for the purpose of crimping, stamping, scotching, perforating, and pinking. Commenced the manufacture of shoes in June, 1883. When started employed 7 or 8 hands,, and now employ GO. Their busines.s is increasing, turning out 20 cases per day. Firm, E. J. Maloon, C. J. Peirce.

Baxendale & Co., box-toe manufacturer. This business was established about 1872, and now manufactures more box-toes for men's boots and shoes than any other firm exclusively engaged in the business in the country. In the months of January and February of this year this firm made 1,100,000 pairs, or 2,200,000 box-toes. Each box was handled in the process of sorting, skiving, pressing, sand-papering, finishing, counting, etc., nine times, - that is, during these two month.s there were performed in this little factory, outside of the general work of preparing dies, .-^hipping goods, etc., 198,000,000 of distinct manipulations. Employ 20 hands. The building Qccupied by this firm was formerly the Adelphian Academy, an old landmark of Brockton, corner Centre and Montello Streets.

Charles Howard & Co., needle manufacturers. This establi.shment was founded iu 1857 by Mr. Howard, who continued it as sole proprietor until 18G9, when his sons, Charles and H. H. Howard, became associated with him, under the firm-name of Charles Howard & Co. Mr. Howard retired in 1872, and the business has since been conducted by Charles and H. H., retaining, however, the firm-name of Charles

Howard & Co. During the first year the production did not exceed 75,000 needles. They now manufacture nearly 10,000,000 per year, cmployitjg 125 hands, value of annual product amounting to 81U(),UU0.

lieed Brothers, tack manufacturers. This business was established by D. L. & F. S. Reed in 1877, iu the old Packard mill. In 1881 the firm built a rollingmill at Malfield, and in 188-1 erected a largo factory, one hundred and seventy-five by forty feet, two sUn ies, which is supplied with a one hundred and seventyfive horse-power engine. In 1885 the JIatfield rollingmill, erected in 1881, will be removed to Brocktou and enlarged, and the business will be greatly iucrcased. Every branch of the manufacture will be conducted on a large scale, including tacks, spikes, cut nails, and steel shanks for boots and shoes.

W. W. Cross & Co., tack manufacturers. The old factory now occupied by Mr. Cross for the manufacture of tacks and nails, as far as can be learned, has been occupied by various concerns for the past one hundred years. Mr. Cross, when starting in 1SG9, employed about 10 hands, and now employs 20.

The Datks Of The Samk

We take great pleasure in recording; the above list to show to what extent the people of the town have been an inventive people. By these we can see that there has been a considerable of patience and persevering industry in the town since the year 1800.

Jesse Reeu. - Amonj; the prominent ones, and deserving special notice, is tliat of Jesse Reed, wiio was born in North Bridgewatcr, Aug. 29, 1778. At the age of nine years he went to Easton to reside with Mr. Dean, with whom he resided three years, during which time his mechanical taste was displayed in the cuu>truction of a trip-hammer, put iu operation by a wheel and cam-shaft, propelled by water. At the age of twelve he returned to his father, and .soon after con.^tructed the main part of a wooden clock. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to a joiner in Randolph, Mass., where he served a regular apprenticeship at that business.

During this period he tried his skill on perpetual nuitidu, and the result of his labors is thus given iu his uwn words: " I worked two days and three uightt without sleep. The last night, a little before daylight, I got it ready to put into operation ; and, to avoid notice, I went into a little pine grove with a friend to put it together and set it in motion. I found tliat, as soon as it was put together, it would go as well one way as the other, and that it would not go either way without help. I was then fully Convinced that it was out of the power of man to put machinery together so as to produce perpetual motion, and that nothing short of the power to create could do it. To this belief I have ever since ad-

I hered." His first invention was a rotary puntp, ' which was soon laid aside. His mind was next : drawn to improvements in the manufacture of cut nails from heated rods ; his next plan was to roll the i iron to a thickness, and slit it into pieces uf the right ! size for the body of the nail, and tlattcii the jioiut ; ; but this plan failed. The next plan was to cut and head nails at one operation. Soon alter this he i established a machine-shop in a small house, near a i waterfall, the upper part of which he Used as a I residence, the lower portion as a .~hop. Here he j built two or three nail-maehincs, which caused him I pecuniary embarrassment, and he lost all, - his labor and money. From thence he removed to Boston and worked at his trade o{ joiner, and was employed in constructing the first lock on tlie canal through Medway. He then removed to Providence, R. I. ; from thence he removed to West Bridgewatcr, and commenced making a machine for making fourpeuuy nails, to be propelled by foot, making sixty-two nails per minute. He next made machines for fourpeniiy and sixpenny naib, and set up in Plymouth, Mass. ; from thence he removed to King.-.ton, iu ISOS. About this time he invented a machine for pulverizing dye-woods, for Messrs. Barrett c'v: Shattuck, silk dyers, of Maiden. Since that time he has invented several machines for diifcrent purposes, as machines for steering vessels, difl'ereut kinds of pumps, cotton-gins, treenail-machines, etc.

Mr. Reed was a man of indefatigable industry, and of indomitable perseverance. He made and lost several fortunes in his day. Free and generous iu his manners, he was not one who hoarded his gains to increase his own stores, but cousidered himself as a public servant, and expended on new iiiveiitioiis the fruits of previous toils. In his old age, not a millionaire resting from his labors, he was ever at work, with a mind as active and vigorous as when young, at Marshfield, Mass., where he closed his eventful lil'e.

Among the inventions of Mr. Reed we notice several of the patents are for use in the making of shoes and boots, which have been of great service to the public.

Public Roads. - The layiug out of public roads has some interest to the stranger, serving to locate some of the early residents of the town. The proniiiient tliorouglifare through this town was what was termed the " OIJ Bay Patli," reaching' far out towards the shore towus. This was also called, in the records of early date, tiie " Country Road," and which extended the entire length of tlie town, and at first was very crooked. Many of the earliest roads were but the foot-paths of Indians, and it was common to build roads in the tracks that were used by tliem in their travels.

1673. Tliouias Sneil waa to make and maintain two horse bridgea, one at the hither end of Sa]i:,bury Plain over the brooI<, and another over the river.

17S5, Maruli 14. From Widow Mary Uoward's, at the bead of the way, easterly of Mrs. Howard's, continuing the same point to tlio southwest corner of Abington.

17S'J. iMarch 24. Road bogiuning at road leading from Joseph .-^noil's and Joseph, Jr.'s, at Nathan Keith's line, to tho southeast corner of Akerman Pettingill's land, by Ephraim Jackson's and Anna and Keziah Keith's laud, to the road leading to Jacob Dunbar's.

17'.U, March 14. From north boundary of Asa Keith's land, then to the bridge north of Salisbury Plain, called Drift road. 179o, March 11. Road beginning where the road tltrou"!) the AVest Shares (so calleil) in the North Precinct strikes the four-mile line, running caitcrly on said line to road leading by Dr. Philip IJryant's.

ISUl, October 12. Road beginning at the intersecting of two roads at westerly end of mill-dam at Howard's aaw-mill, so called, caot aud north over said dam, and called the Mill-Daui road.

lS03, April 2a. Also a road beginning east side of road leading from Lieut. Samuel Brett's to Deacon Josiah Earaes' house, at southeast corner of land of Josiah Packard's heirs, east to Abington line.

lS2.'i, September 22. Road leading from near Jiicob Packard's to where it intersects the road west of Jacob Fuller's, now known Its "Town Farm."

1831, December 19. Road leading from nearly front of William Gary's dwelling-house, running northerly till it intersects the old road leading from William Gary's to Mike's Brook.

' AVhen the commissioners - John B. Turner, of Scituatc, Thomas Savery, of Wareham, and Joshua Smith, of Hanson - were called to lap out Centre Street, that leads ironi Robinson's store to railroad depot, and so on to Abington road, passing the cemetery, they thought it could not be called a public thoroughfare. The road was finally built through the generosity of public'Spiritcd individuals, among whom were Col. ICdward Southworth, Frauklin Ames, Esq., Charles Packard, aud others interested.

History Of Plymouth Countv

The Old Turnpike. - The road known as the old T;iuiiton Turnpike" extended from South Boston to Tiiuntou, passiu;; through the towns of Ilayuham, Easton, West Bridgewator, Brockton, Stoughton,

Randolph, and Jlilton. Its location was like most other roads of that day, - it was laid out in as near a straight line as could conveniently be done, without regard to hills or valleys, believing the siiortest way to be the most expeditious.

This road was cliartei'ed as a turnpike cuiporation to Messrs. John Gilniore, Joshua Gilinore, Samuel Bass, and William P. Whiting, and constituted the " Taunton and South Boston Turnpike Corporation" in June, ISOG, and was built during ISOC and 1S07.

This road ran througii the westerly portion of the town, or what is well known as tlie " West Shares" or Northwest Bridgewater, now " Brockti.n Heights." At one time there was a large amount of travel upon this route, both by stages and heavy baggage teaius.

It is, however, of very little account as a toll-road at present, the counties through which it passes having taken it into their own hands to repair and use for the public good.

"The old Turnpike ia a pike no more, Wide open stands the gate; We have made ua a road for our horse to stride, Which we ride jit a tlying rate.

"We have filled the valleys .ind leveled the hills. And tunneled the mountain side; And 'round the rough crag's dizzy verge Fearlessly now wo ride."

Chapter Xix Early Habits And Cu.Sto.Ms

Social Life - Parties - Spinning Matche.. - Raising Fla.^ - Proccaa of iSIauufacture - Dress of Men and Womeu - Amusements - Raisings - Style of Architecture - Use of Cranes - Tinder-Boxes - Food of the Early [nhabitants - Drinks - Well-Sweep - Rising and Retiring Early - .\ttendanco on Church Worship.

The people of Brockton, in its early settlement, were on a footing of remarkable eijuality. Their social manners and customs were very simple, friendly, and unceremonious. Visiting was common and frequent among neighbors, and without the formalities of invitation. When a company of neighbors were invited, the women went early, taking their knitting and babies with them, and spent the afternoon, and the men went in season to take supjier and return in the evening. Many of the social gatherings partook of the useful as well as the agreeable. They joined together to help their neighbors husk their corn or to raise a building, and occasionally Some neighboring housewife had a quilting party, in which all the good housewives gave an afternoon to make a covering for u bed. In the social gatherings of the young pi-ople, dancing was a favorite amusement, and generally using a fiddle. If that could not be had, they used to dance by whistling and singing the tune. Spinning matches, at one time, were quite common, and the people made their own cloth and yarn, and hence were obliged to raise their flax. Nearly every farmer in town owned and cultivated a patch of ground devoted to that purpose. We here give an account of the method of preparing it fur use. The quantity of seed required for an acre varied frotu one-half to three bushels. The stalk or stem, when grown, w;is of a pea-green, and from two to three feet ill height, bearing a blue blossom, which ripened into a ball that contained the flax seed. When the flax was ripe, it was pulled carefully by the roots, tied into small handfuls, left to dry on the ground a day or two, then set up in small stocks, and, after becoming well dried, was stacked in a field a fortnight or more. Then the seed were thrashed out, and sometimes dipped in water for a week or more, and evenly and thinly spread out on the grass to be rotted. This being sufficiently done, it was packed away for the winter, and, as soon as the fair days appeared in spring, there was a general turn-out of men for dressing flax, which consisted of separating the fibrous thread from the stalk. This had to be done by several implements, called the brake, the hatchel, the swingling-board and knife. A smart man dresses nearly forty pounds a day. After the process of dressing and twisting it into bunches, it was handed over to the good woman and her daughters to spin, weave, whiten, and convert into thread, cloth, and neat, beautiful garments. Wo shall describe the process of manufacture, a.s follows : first, the hatchel was brought and fastened into a chair with a string or stick, and the mother, with her checked apron, and a handkerchief pinned about her neck, and another handkerchief tied about her head to keep off the dust, sat in another chair. Winding one end of the flax tightly around the fingers of the right hand, and holding it, slic drew the flax through the hatchel till it was thoroughly combed ; theu, changing, slie combed in a similar manner the other end. Next, it was snarled or wound on the distafi", and spun into thread or yarn upon the /out- or linen-wheel. That drawn out by Iiatt/icliiiij viViS called low, which was carded by hand, with hand-cards, and spun upon the large wheel. That was called low-ijarn. From the wheel it went to the fi-cl, and from the reel to the luoni, which nearly every family had, and every woman knew how to use, although some families let out their flax to be made into cloth and yarn.

Thus we see our ancestors were indepeudent of foreign looms and spindles for their ordinary dress, and for mere decorations, such as are common at the present day, they had but little regard; and, indeed, a showy costume would have excited contempt rather than emulation. Their attire on the Sabbath, as well as on working-days, was plain. The father's common dress consisted of a woolen coat, a striped wouleu frock, tow frock, and woolen, velvet, tow, or leather breeches. These, with loug stockings, were fastened at the knee by a buckle; in winter they wore woolen or leather buskins, and thick cowhide shoes, fastened with buckles on the instep. Their be»c hats were what are now called " cocked-up hats," turned up with three corners, and the more noted men wore wigs.

The ordinary outer dress of the women in summer was tow and linen goimis, checked " tyer.->," or " aprons," and in winter woolen gowns and aprons, thick woolen stockings, and cowhide shoes. The clothing was all of their own manufacture, and every house might properly be called a " home factory." They not only spun their own flax and wool, but wove their cloth in a hand-loom. They also made garments for fathers, sons, and brothers with their own hands. They disdained no kind of domestic labor; they needed no help. Contentment and happiness reigned in their abodes, and amid all their laborious toil, personal wants were few, and, even with their limited means of supply, few remained unsatisfied. Boys and girls (for such they were till married) were early taught to work, and, as soon as they acquired muscular power, were taught to make the most of life, and apply it to some useful purpo.se, and none were allowed to waste it in idlenos and dissipation. There was no distinction between the laborer and employer, no dift'erence between the kitchen and the parlor; for that was almost unknown, and generally shut up, except on public days, as Thanksgiving days, fasts and uhu like, most of the year. Balls, concerts, and places of amusement, scenic exhibitions, and tlie long list of modern devices for killing time were unknown. A "ing, a bee, a raising, a husking party, or a domestic circle, a sleigh-ride in the winter, or a cherry-ride in the summer, were sufficient for all the purposes of recreation and social intercourse, and for tiiose that wished for enjoyment of a more questionable character, the means and associates were to be found in other localities. The amusements and recreation of young men were mostly of the athletic kind, as "playing ball," which was always practiced, and is now kept up in spring and fall. Wrestling was very common, espero2 cially at i-aisiug.s and social and public gatherings. When at the raising of buildings the labor was over, and the uien stimulated by the treat all had received, they usually coaiiiieuced raising or luwciing one another. This sport comnicneed by two young persons getting inside of a ring formed by spectators, then older persons joined in the same exercise. Wagers would be laid, and a little more stimulant taken to give elasticity aud strength to the parties. In course of time parties would get in earnest, angry words and defiant gestures would be made, aud it generally ended in a fight. These wrestling-matches, we are happy to say, are nearly goue by. It may be said here that, at the raising of buildings, it was customary to call the men of the town together, aud the owner was expected to furnish the drinks and luuch, and, as soon as the ridgepole was fairly in place, for the master workman to dedicate the whole by dashing a bottle of rum upon the frame, followed by three hearty cheers from the company present.

We will now give the reader some idea of the early customs iu regard to living, the dwellings, and other ancient matters. I'irst in order are the

Dwelling-Houses. - The first were built ot logs, and called lug cabins, erected on land which was usually laid out in lots and ranges. Next, after the introduction of saw-mills, came the frame house of one story in height, and about sixteen by twenty-four or twenty-five feet on the ground, aud containing from one to three rooms. The next in order of architecture was a two-story house, with gambrel roof; and some were two-story iu front, with a roof slanting back to one story at the back part. The third order of houses was the hip-roof, and was iutroduced soon after the Revolutionary war, and consisted of a twostory house, with two front-rooms, a door iu the middle, with a hall running through the centre, and generally a one-story L, on the backside, for a kitchen, - such as the house of Benjamin Kingman, the late Eliab Whitman, David Cobb, in the village, and Josiah W. Kingman, Esq., at Carapello, that was burned in 1853. The windows in the earliest dwellings were either of mica or diamond-shaped glass, set in tin or lead. The chimneys were first built of stoue, with mammoth fireplaces, and an oven on one side running back, which, with the chimney, occupied nearly as much room as a modern bedroom. In the chimney, running from end to end, was a lug-pole, usually made of oak, from two to four inches iu diameter, on which were hung hooks and trammels of wrought iron, so constructed as to be raised and lowered at pleasure to suit the various sized kettles, which were hung over the fire for culinary uses. In the course of time these lug-poles gave way to the old iron crane, on accouut of their liability to burn, which was made to swing into the room or to hang over the fire. Cranes were first used iu this town about 1750. The fire was made of large logs, - one large one, called a back-log, being placed on the backside of the fireplace, usually from two to four feet in length ; two stones were used for andirons, and a large forestiek resting on the stones to keep up the fire, besides a backstick or the back-log; then a .-utEciency of smaller fire-wood was piled up. a pitch-pine knot being placed under the forestiek and lighted, made a rousiug fire. At each end of the firi[)laces were small benches or stools, on which the children usually sat, warming one side and then the other, till they were thoroughly warmed through, while the old folks were seated in front upon a " settle" enjoying the full blaze. With this they needed no modern gas-light, no oil, nor candles, for in the evenirjg pitchpine knots were used, which gave a strong and brilliant light. Splinters were usod to carry about the house, or into the cellar for cider and apples, instead of lamps and candles. Previous to the intrnductioa of friction matches, which are ol' a recent date, every family was supposed to have a tinder-bux, which consisted of a round tiu box about six inches in diameter, two inches deep, with a flat cover of tin, on the outside of which could be inserted a candle. The box contained tinder, made of burnt linen cloth or pieces of punk. By the use of a piece of flint upon the corners of a file or steel a spark would catch iu the punk, and then a stick, with brimstune on the end, coming in contact with the .>park si.-t the stick ou fire, from whence the kindling in the fireplace was lighted. Another method in general practice was to cover " live" coals in the fireplace with ashes, so as to keep the fire alive on the hearth till morning. When this failed the tinder-box was resorted to.

Food. - The morning and evening meal usually consisted of bean or pea porridge, dipped out with a wooden spoon into a wooden bowl, with bread aud butter. Coffee and chocolate were added upon extra occasions. Tea wa.s seldom used, especially by the children. The bread consisted of rye and ludiau meal; occasionally wheat bread. The dinner consisted of salt beef or pork, with vegetables boiled. Fresh meat was a rarity. Potatoes are an article of comparatively recent culture. For pudding, they had baked or boiled Indian meal. Tiie di:ihed used iu early days were mostly of wood. The plates were called trenchers. These wooden utensils were the first used ; they gradually gave way to pewter, aud still later to crockery and earthen ware.

Drinks. - Malt beer was a very commoD drink in the early settlenjoDt uf the country, which was made from barley, and was raised by nearly every farmer. Next came cider, which soon supplanted beer. This was a universal drinlv, murniag, noon, and night, each lamily laying in from ten to tliirty barrels for a year's stock. So common was tlie use of cider that it was considered a mark of disrespect not to pass it round when a neighbor or traveler called. Another very common drink was jlip, whicli was made of beer sweetened with sugar, with a " loggerhead," or redhut iron, thrust into it ; a little new rum was then poured iu, and nutmeg sprinkled into it. Tuddy was another favorite beverage, made of rum and water, i well sweetened. A slick, flattened on the end, for crushing the sugar and stirring it up, was called tlie "toddy-stick." The ring of the tumblers, ;ls it hit the sides in mixing, had its peculiar music, with which uearly every one was familiar.

Skillful men made graceful flourishes in making another excellent drink called egg-nog," otherwise known as -' Tom and Jerry, ' which was composed of sugar, milk, and spirits, mixed with a beaten egg, stirred in rapidly till the whole was made into froth, and drank hot. There are many now who have not forgotten how it tastes, and relish it quite well.

Having mentioned many of the drinks that were stimulating, we will now describe another kind, - cold icutti-. This is obtained from the earth, and is a natural production. Various means have been iu use for obtaining this liquid. Tlie mo.st aucieut is the " well-sweep." A well was usually dug at a distance of from ten to fifty or more feet from the house ; and but a few feet from the same a post was erected, having a crutch on the top end, in which a long pole was so nearly balanced and swung upon an iron or wooden pin, that when a bucket suspended upon the end of another smaller pole that descended into the water was filled, it could easily be drawn out. There are but few of this kind of apparatus for drawing water now to be found, only here and there a solitary one. Another means of obtaining water is by a windlass erected directly over a well, turned by a crank, the bucket being fastened to the end of a rope that passes over the windlass, and even this has given place to the pump aud pipe. Here and there is a natural spring, from which water is conducted by pipes to houses, supplying pure, unadulterated liquid.

that owned horses rode double. The wife was seated behind her husband upon the pillion, with her arm around him. In summer the young men went barefoot, or with shoes in hand ; the young women wore coarse shoes, carrying a better pair in hand, with stockings, to change before entering the meetinghouse. Going to meeting on foot was not confined to young people ; many women walked three to five miles to attend church. In winter it was customary for the women to carry small foot-stoves, which were usually made of perforated tin, fastened in a wooden frame, about eight or nine inches .square, in which were placed hot coals. These stoves were all the warming allowed in church. The usual time fur church service was one and a half hours, - from half past ten to twelve o'clock, or one gla.'s and a half long, as hour glasses were their lime-pieces in the absence of clocks. The intermissions were short, being one hour in winter and one hour and a half iu summer. The interval was generally spent in the nearest neighbors' houses, who always had a good blazing fire iu winter, aud plenty of coals with which to replenish their foot-stoves. This intermissiou was a grand opportunity for the people of the remote portions of the parish to meet every week aud become acquainted, as it promoted social union and good feeling throughuut the society. Every new and interesting event was discussed; and while partaking of their lunch they had brought with them, the father would request the boys to bring in and pass round the cider. The afternoon services being over, people might have been seen gathering around the horse-block that stood a short distance south of the church, on the green, wliieh was a large flat-topped stone for the use of women in mounting and alighting from their horses. The means of locomotion in the days of our fathers consisted of an ox-cart, or the back of a horse. A chaise or wagon was a curiosity. A journey of forty or fifty miles was a great undertaking, requiring much preparation ; while now many travel by steam hundreds of miles in a day, and think it nothing cuuipured to that in early days.

A journey from Brockton to Boston was the labor of two days with oxen and cart. The same journey is now performed in one day, and nothing thought of its being hard. It is one hour's ride in a steam train, and the trains run iu such a manner that a person can leave home after dinner, go to the city, and return iu the evening train, and have several hours for business.

Chapter Xx Slavery

It is diflScult to fix the Dumber of slaves that liave been owned in the North Parish ; but, however disagreeable it may seem to many, we have to record the fact that the " peculiar institution" did exist in the town previous to the Revolutionary war. It was not thought improper for the clergy, deacons, or physicians to hold slaves. Col. Simeon Gary had a slave named Kiuy; Ring, of whom it is said " he whipped the apple-trees to make them grow." He had children, - Patience, Jenny, Mary, and Fanny. Many persons are now living who can remember Patience Ring, who always lived in the family of Col. Gary and his descendants.

Another colored man lived nearly opposite the residence of the late Oliver Dike, who is said to have been a slave by the name of Toby Tarbet.

We find in the records of the parish the names of several colored persons, who undoubtedly were servants in families, if not " slaves," as it was quite common for slaves to be known by one name only, like those we find in the list of marriages, as Plato, Pompey, Nero, Tobias, Violet, and the like, and for a surname they usually took the name of their owner.

In 1780 the adoption of the State Constitution forbade traiEc or ownership of colored people, and from that time all have been alike free. Those who were slaves generally remained with their former masters as a matter of choice, and many of them had large families.