Plymouth Town (part 18 of 54)

History. Of Brockton

Hev. Zaciiariaii Howard was tlieson of Robert and Abigail (S(ieli) Howard ; born ia North Bridgewater (now Brockton), May 21, 1758. For a short time ho was a =oldicr in tlie Revolutionary aruiy ; graduated at Harvard College in 1784 ; settled iu the ministry as successor of Rev. Samuel Dunbar, over the First Church in Stoughton,' 1787, where he died in ISOG, leaving no children. Uis widow died at Canton, March 11, 1856, aged ninety-five years.

Rev. Nathaniel Wales was the son of Thomas and Polly (Hobart) Wales; born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), April 2, 1793 ; studied theology at Bangor Theological Seminary ; settled in the ministry at Belfast, Me., Sept. 26, 1827. At the time of his entering the ministry the church over which he was settled was supported partly by missionary aid, and was iu a neighborhood where he met with an unusual opposition from those who differed from him in their belief. They were unusually hostile to the faith his church professed. The wealth, fashion, and influence of the place were arrayed against its young men, who were early taught not to frequent their house of woi-ship. Seldom has a churcli sprung up witii .such a strong opposition as the one over which he was placed. To breast this influence and make progress against it they needed a man of strength of mind and moral courage. In Mr. Wales the church found such a man. He, having entered the ministry late in life, had the advantage of mature years. He had no fear of man ; for, having been called of God to preach the everlasting gospel, he shunned not to declare the counsel of God, however received by men. He warmly embraced the " faith once delivered to the saints," - the faith of the Pilgrim fathers, - not 'doubting that its faithful exposition and enforcement were God's appointed means of spiritual profit. His was no time-serving policy ; he had not learned that to win souls tlie offensive features of divine truth must be ignored or kept out of sight.

As a speaker, Mr. Wales was bold, emphatic, and impressive. He grasped the truth with a strong hand, and sent it forth on its mission all glowing with the ardor of his own intense feeling. His honest purposes, his ardent desire to do good savingly, to bless those to whom he ministered, could not be doubted. He sought to make his influence tell upon the eternal

I wcdlbeing of his people. He was abundant in labor, I preaching much in the surrounding towns, striving to j win and save wherever he went. He was an earnest student, an able preacher, a faithful pastor, cheerfully j spending and being spent, that he might enlarge tlie j boundaries of the Redeemer's kingdom, and bring I glory to Him on whom all his own hopes rcpo.-sed ; ! nor did he labor in vain. While his ministry was too brief to reap large results, he still made an impression on the community in favor of the true gospel and a faithful ministry, whose influence is felt tu this day; so that the once feeble church has, under his and his successors' instrumentality, gathered courage and strength till it has grown to be one of the able churches of that vicinity. In stature Mr. Wales was above the medium ; he had a manly countenance and dignified bearing ; the sight of him inspired respect. In the warm season of 1828, while returning home from a public meeting, he took a severe cold, which fastened upon his lungs and brought on consumption. His disease baffled medical skill and the most assiduous care. He gradually declined till, on the 20th day of January, 1829, he sunk peacefully to rest, and a rising light was thus early quenched. His early death was one of those mysterious providences that try the faith, and one which was sincerely mourned by the people of his charge and by numerous friends. " Blessed are the dead wlio die in the Lord." " The memory of the just is blessed." Says one who was an intimate friend, -

" My recollections of Mr. Wales are very pleasant, and I cherish great respect for his memory, and as being a man of more than ordinary power."

Rev. M.\ttue\v Kingman is the son of Eliphalet and Zilpha (Edson) Kingman; born in Brockton, Feb. 24, 1807. He was engaged in early life in teaching school ; studied theology at Giliuanion, N. H.; was afterward agent of that institution for one year; was ordained in the ministry June 26, 1845, at Bethel, Vt. ; dismissed from there April 19, 1854 ; was installed pastor of the First Congregational Church in Charlemont, Mass., June C, 1854. While preaching at Bethel, the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him.

TaoMAs Jefferson Snow was the son of Jonathan and Huldah Snow; born Feb. 21, 1802, in that part of North Bridgewater (now Brockton) called Northwest Bridgewater, or West Shares (now Brockton Heights). He had early iu life acquired a fondness for books, and his parents, discovering that he had more than ordinary thinking powers and a desire for learning, decided to give him a collegiate education ; he fitted for college under the tuition of Dr.

Caleb Swan, of Eoston, Mass., auJ Thoiuas Tolman, E-ij., of CaotOQ, Mass.; he eutercd Brown University, Providenue, R. I., a year in advance, and graduated in 1825, with the usual honors. His natural inclinations were of a literary order. He never published works of any kind, but was frequently employed to deliver lectures. The most of his life was spent in teaching, with the exception of three years. He was a Very successful teacher. He was first principal of Hiiigham Academy ; afterwards principal of Franklin Higli School, ia Nantucket, Mass. ; he then accepted the principalship of the Milton Academy, Milton, Mass., where he taught six years, and was elected honorary member of Harvard College. This po.-^ition he resigned lur the purpose of removing West, which was in 1835, when he moved to Michigan City, in the northern part of Indiana ; from thence he removed to Kentucky, where he resided twelve years, teaching and educating his sons ; but fearing to have his sons brought up and coming under the influence of slavery, he removed to Illinois in 1851. He opened a school the same year in Peoria, where he taught till his death, Oct. 6, 1851, aged forty-nine years. He was buried in the Masonic Cemetery with the honors of that order. He held the oflice of Royal Arch JIason. He left a wife and seven children to mourn his loss as a kind friend, a good teacher, and good counselor ; he was a warm receiver and linn advocate of the doctrines of the New Jerusalem Church. His eldest son. Hector 0. Snow, was formerly professor in Shelby ville College; alao professor in the commercial colleges, Chicago, and is now principal of the Tazewell High School, Tazewell County, 111. ; his second son, Oriu T. Snow, is principal of Batavia High School, Kane County, III. ; Croyden P. Snow is principal of the Second District Grammar School, Peoria, 111. ; Hermau W. Snow was a teacher in the last-named school for seven years, when he resigned to enter upon the profession of law, and is now settled in Peoria, 111., attorney-atlaw, member of Peoria bar.

Rkv. Samukl FuLLEii Dike is the son of Samuel and Betsey (Burrill) Dike; was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), March 17, 1815 ; fitted for college under the instruction of Rev. Daniel Huntington, and at the Weymouth and Braintree Academy, Samuel T. Worcester instructor, and the Bridgewatcr Academy, Hon. John Shaw instructor; entered Brown University, Providence, R. I., in 1834; graduated in ISllS; was a preceptor of Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth Port, Mass., one and a half years; studied theology with Rev. Thomas Worcester, of Boston ; completed his studies for the ministry in 1840 ; was ordained as minister of the New Jerusalem Church at the session of the General Convention of New Jerusalem Churches, at Philadelphia, June 7, 1840, by Rev. Thomas Worcester, of Boston ; commenced preaching as a candidate in Bath, Me , June 14, 1840. At the end of the same year he received a call to settle with the society where he now labors; this call he accepted, and was duly installed Sunday, Oct. 10, 1841. He has continued his labors of love to that church and society to the present time. On the Sabbath, June 13, 1847, he was made an ordaining minister of the New Jerusalem Churches by the General Convention holden in the city of New York. He has been president of the Maine and New Ilamp.ihire Association of the New Jerusalem Churches fur nearly twenty years; also superintendent of the public s(!liools of Bath for over twenty years, from 1847.

Frederick Crafts, A.M , was the son of Rev. Thomas and Polly (Porter; Crafts, born June 5, 1797. In early life he resided in the West Parish of JMiddleboro', Mass., of which his father was pastor ; he fitted for college at Pierce Academy, Middleboro' ; graduated at Brown University, Providence, R. I., in 1816; studied law, and was admitted to the bar of Plymouth County. He soon left the practice of law, and after teaching at Boston, Taunton, and other places was appointed principal of the Bridgewatcr Academy, where he remained till 1861, when he resigned. He was a resident of Bridgewatcr at the time of his death.

Deacon Hejian P.\.ckard, born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton j about 1800; was the sou of Levi and Ruth (Snow) Packard; resided in that town teaching school for many years ; at length, his health being such that he could not reside in the northern climate, he engaged in traveling as colporteur ; for four years he distributed tracts up and down the Jli.ssissippi amouir the flatboat- and rafts-men coming down the river. In the year 1842 he was appointed colporteur for the American Bible Society in the city of New Orleans, afterwards receiving the agency of the Southwest Bible Society and American Sunday-School Union, also of the Presbyteriau Board of Publieatiou. He was a warm-hearted, devoted Christian man, whose whole aim and purpose seemed to be devoted to doing good, cheerfully giving of his time and substance to that object. He left his native town about the year 1838 or 1840, having spent about twenty years in his labor of love. He died Jan. 12, 1858, at New Orleans. At a meeting of the Bible Society, lield at New Orleans on the day of his death, resolutions were passed expressive of the sorrow for the friends of the departed, also, " that in his death the society has lost one of its beat und truest fiieuds and servants. So long as he lived we always folt that it had tiie earnest, I'aitht'ul, effectual, and fervent prayers of a righteous man ascending to the throne of God's grace in its behalf."

Rkv. Auel Kingman Pack.\rd is the son of Deacon Simeon and Harmony (Kingman) Packard; was born in North Bridgewater(uow Brockton) March 19, ISlio ; became a member of the First Congregational Church in Brockton, Nov. G, I80G ; graduated at Phillips Academy, Andover, August, 1841 ; entered Amherst College the same year, and graduated Aug. 14, 1845 ; became principal of an academy at Millbury, Mass., where lie remained two years ; graduated at Andover Theological Seminary, Andover, Mass., Sept. 4, 1850 ; was a resident-licentiate and student one year ; was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church at Yarmouth, Mass., Dec. 16, 1851 ; was dismisMcd, at his own request, Oct. 17, 1859, and removed immediately to Minnesota ; supplied the Congregational Church at St. Anthony six mouths, during the absence of their pastor, and waa installed pastor of the chui'ch at Anoka, Minn., June 14, 18G0, where he now resides.

Rev. Lysander Dickehman is the son of Lyman and Vienna (Sproat) Dickerman ; born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), June 8, 1825; began a preparatory course of study with the Rev. Paul Couch, of that town ; entered Pliillips Academy, Andover, Ma.ss., uuder the care of Samuel H. Taylor, LL.D. In the autumn of 1847 he entered the Fresiimau Class of Brown University, Providence, R. I., and graduated in 1851 ; was principal of Rockingiiam Academy, Hampton Falls, N. H., two years; entered tiie Theological Seminary, Andover, Mass., in 1853, and graduated in IS5G. And on leaving the seminary, his health being poor, he was not settled till April 29, 1858, when he was ordained and installed pastor of the Congregational Church in Gloucester, Mass. ; was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council from the pastorate of that church Jan. 19, 1860, and Was installed as pastor over the Congregational Church and Society in Weymouth, where Rev. Jonas Pcikiiis had preached for forty-six years, Jan. 17, ISlll.

Rev. Zenas P. Wild was bom in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Oct. 16, 1818; united with the church under the care of Rev. John Dwight, at Campello, Mass., 1837; fitted for college at Pierce Academy, Middleboro' ; became a member of the Baptist Church at North Randolph, Mass., and was there licensed to preach ; afterwards studied theology at Thomaston and Waterville, Me., also with Rev. E. B. Smith, D.D., of New Hampton, N. H., and Rev.

John Newton Brown, D.D., graduating in 1844. He then received an invitation to preach at Union ville (now Ashland), Mass., where he was ordained in March, 1845. With this people he remained two years, laboring with great success, large numbers being added to the list of church members. He next became pastor of the Baptist Church in Marblehead, Mass., remaining there two years. Receiving a call to settle with the Baptist Church in Rowley, Mass., he remained with them three years, with satisfactory results; was pastor of the Bapti-it Churcii in Billerica, Mass., two years ; since then settled at West Buyl.iton, Mass. ; from thence he removed to New York, where he labored as pastor for four years, when, his health failing, he resigned the oflSce of pastor and received an appointment from the City Tract Society as city missionary April, 1860, where he now resides.

Rev. Azariah B. Wiieelee is the son of Beriah and Lucy Wheeler, of East Haddam, Conn. ; born March 23, 1817. He pursued his academic studies at the East Haddam Academy ; was ordained in the ministry in 1840. After preaching in various places, he was stationed at Brockton as pastor of the Second Methodist Episcopal Church in April, 1851. He has held several public offices ; at one time was president of the North Bridgewater Loan Fund Association. In 1855 he was a representative to the General Court from North Bridgewater. In 1856 was senator from Plymouth County, also a member of the Fremont Electoral College.

Rev. Adelbert Franklin Keith is the son of Franklin and Betsy (Bailey) Keith, born in Campello Aug. 2, 1841. After usual studies in the schools of his native village, Mr. Keith fitted for college in the North Bridgewater Academy, and became a clerk for three years in the Treasury Department at Washington ; afterward studied theology in the seminary at Hartford, Conn., graduating in 1870 ; settled in Windham, Conn., from 1870-1375 ; in Danielsonville, Conn., 1875-1877 ; in North Providence, 1877-1884.

Professor Henry Bradford Nason. son of Elias and Susanna (Keith) Nason, of Campello, was born June 22, 1831 ; fitted for college at Adelphian Academy at Brockton and Williston Seminary, l<]ast Hampton, Mass. ; graduated at Amherst College in 1855, and Giittingcn in 1857; and, after extensive study in this and foreign countries, became manager of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, N. Y. He is also a skillful chemist, as well as author.

man, engaged in the manufacture of iron castings anJ foundry business. He lias been selectman of Fo.xboro' for several years, and represented tliat town in the Legislature in 18U0 auJ IStil ; senator from Norfolk County in 1.'5G.j-G4, justice of the peace since 1852, president of Savings-Bank in Foxboro', also of the Loan Fund A.s.sociation, and vice-president of the Norfolk County Agricultural Soeieiy.

Augustus T. Jones, A.iM., was bom in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), JLiy 21, 1832 ; fined for college at Adelphian Academy and at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. ; entered Amherst College September, 1854, where he remained two years ; entered junior class at Yale College, New Haven, Conn., September, 185G, and graduated in July, 1858; had the degree of Master of Arts conferred upon him in 1862 ; was principal of high school at Williamsburgh, Mass., from 18G0 to 1862 ; began to publish the North Biidgewuter Gazette in September, 1863, of which he was publisher and editor till Sept. 1, 1884. He has also been postmaster of Brockton.

Hem AN Packard De Foiiest' is the son of Isaac aud Jane Baker ( Packard) Packard, born Aug. 20, 1839. After receiving the usual commou-school education in his native school district, at the age of fifteen he entered the North Bridgewater Academy, whicii had then been in existence but a sliort time; commenced fitting for college in the fall of 185G ; graduated at Yale College in July, 1862; entered Yale Theological Seminary in September, 1863. Mr. I>e Forest is now an Orthodox clergyman ; was installed at Westboro', Mass., Aug. 10, 1871.

S. D. Hunt was born in Sudbury, Ma.ss., June 8, 1823; son of Sewall Hunt; received his education at the academies in Derry, N. H., and Fniminghara, Mass. ; taught high school at Concord, Mass., eight years, ending 1854; removed to North Bridgewater (now Brockton), and established the North Bridgewater Academy in 1855.

Biographical Sketches

day, worked upon the old homestead farm, which he afterwards owned, situated in what is well known as the Kingman neighborhood, on Summer Street, in the easterly section of the city of Brockton. Besides the service rendered to his father on the farm during the summer season, he with his brothers spent, their leisure time during the days and long winter evenings by hammering and making wrought nails, then the only nail used which were all made by hand. At the age of seventeen years he commenced his apprenticeship with Josiah Perkins, near his house, tu learn the blacksmith trade. U[h)ii arriving at the age of twenty-one, he embarked in trade, keeping a variety store in the house now standing at the corner of Main and Chestnut Streets, formerly the residLMiee of the late Isaac Keith, in Cauipello. He afterwards removed his business to the store at the corner of Main and Belmout Streets, now occupied by Hotel Belmont.

While engaged in trade at the latter place, about; 1821, the year of the incorporation of the town of North Bridgewater (now Brockton), he CDmuienced the manufacture of shoes for the wholesale trade, and was one of the earliest manufacturers in this city. During the winter season he would go to Savannah, Ga., to sell his goods, where he had a store, and at the time of the great fire, in which a large portion of the city was destroyed, his was the only one in his section that was saved. He afterwards spent one winter in Cuba, West Indies, selling his goods.

In 1812 he was a member of Capt. Nehemiah Lincoln's company of militia, and was called to do duty at Plymouth. His widow now draws a pension for the same He was the first person eugaged in the sale of lumber in the town. He opem.-d a lumberyard on the land now occupied by the brick dwellinghouse of the late Hon. Edward Southwurth, on Main Street. He was also engaged in building houses on contract. When the third meeting-house was erected, in 1827, Mr. Kingman was the most active member of the building committee, and was the agent to carry out all the plana io removing the old church and building the new, and at the dedication of the same he was on the committee of arrangements. Aug. Id, 1835, he was appointed agent to build the parsonage house for the First Congregational Church, which stood on the spot now occupied by " Perkins' Brick Block."

In 1833, in company with Bela Keith, Eif(., Mr. Kingman built the public-house, which was tlie only one in the city for a long time, and recently destroyed by fire, at the corner of Main and School Streets, now occupied by " Washburn's Block. " He was the first proprietor, where he remaiucd but u few years. At uiiothor time he became joint owuer of the publichouse uow koowQ as the IJyland House, in Bridgewater.

Id all tjie walks of private aud daily life, Mr. Kiuguian was highly respected as a citizeu, uuoatentatious, quiet, honest, and decided. He was possessed of an active mind, and was very communicative to others aud highly enjoyed life, fond of society, and felt a deep interest in all the groat topics of the day. A ])erson of excellent judgment, calm aud considerate in all of his movements, his conduct was prudent and discreet, and in public affairs ever reliable. He seldom took part iu the strife of political life, excepting as a voter, but was always firm as a Whig and unwavering aa a Republican.

That he enjoyed the full coufideuce of his fellowcitizcus may be seen in his having frequently been called to till offices of trust and responsibility. He was promineut in all the public affairs of his native town, and tilled nearly all the offices in the gift of the town. He was one of the selectmen, overseers of the poor, represented the town in the Massachusetts Legislature, aud for upwards of thirty years was a deputy slieriff for the county of Plymouth. He was one of the first directors of the Randolph aud Bridgewater Railroad corporation, uow merged into, aud forming a portion of, the preseut Old Colony Railroad Company. At the time of the incorporation of the first bank of discount in the city, Mr. Kingman was the chief promoter aud organizer, and became one of its directors. At the time of his death he was an agent and director of the Hiughauj Mutual Fire Insurance Conjpany.

Although Mr. Kingman never made any public profession of religion and belonged to no particular denomination, yet there was no person more devoted to the interests of and success in the First Parish than he. In his early life, and almost to the close, he was a regular attendant on the public services of the sanctuary, and had a deep interest iu its prosperity. He was the principal man iu maintaining the legal rights of the parish, in court and out, during the long term that the same was iu litigatiou ; aud in the settlement of all matters pcrtaiuing to the same, where there were any differences, he was the leading spirit. lie was the principal in building and completion of the present elegaut meeting-house, erected in 1854.

" Whereas, by the resignntion of BenJamiD KingmaD, in the oUice of Cbuiruian of the Standing Couimittee of this parish, fitter having filled the same for u long series of yours, and therein acted a prominent part in our history as a jiarisb, \ye, the niembera of the Parish, are led to consider the energy, tlie large experience, the sound judgment, and the public spirit which he has manifested in the discbarge of tUo duties of tbiit office ; now, therefore,

'* Renoltied, That his services in said ollice are entitled to our grateful acknovvledguicnts, and that wo deem it a just and proper act, as well as a pleasant one, to place upon the record this testimonial of our appreciation of those services and of the benefits resulting to us therefrom.

Henry Soutuwokth

HENRY SOUTUWOKTH. The Southworth family is one of the most ancient in the commonwealth, Widow Alice Southworth having arrived at Plymouth in the ship "Ann," August, 1623. Her two sons arrived in 1U2S, and both became distinguished men in the Old Colony. The widow married Governor William Bradford. The line of descent to the subject of our memoir is as follows : Constaut, Edward, Edward, Perez, and Martin, who was born Jan. 2, 1788, and married Ruth Packard Nov. 11, 1811, and had four ehilJtcn, ol" whom Henry was the third.

Henry Southworth was born in North Bridgewater, Jan. 12, 1820. He was always a resident of this place, as his father was before him, and was noted all through life for his sterling integrity, honesty of purpose, and his high standing as a man aud a citizen. He was a man of few words, but of sound judgment, and he will be long remembered by those with whom he was accustomed to associate. In early life he followed the trade of a shoemaker, but at the age of thirty, after a short connection with a .^tore at Factory Village (now Salisbury Square), he entered the employ of the late William F. Brett, a prominent merchant in this place, with whom he remained several years. In 18Cl,just after the breaking out of the Rebellion, Mr. Southworth went iuto partnership with E. 0. Noyes in the hardware and grocery busij uess, under the firm-name of Southworth & Noyes. His connection with the firm extended over a period I of fourteen years, until 1875, when he retired from i active business life and engaged iu the management of his home estate. In 1877, Mr. Southworth was elected a member of the Board of Selectmen, and served in that capacity one year. In 1882 he was chosen a member of the Corumon Council from Ward Six to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John W. Porter, and in 1SS3 was elected assistant assessor for his ward. His was the first death which had taken place among those that constituted the first city government of Brockton, and at a meeting of the Common Council of 1882 these resolutions were adopted :

" JleavUed, That we see in this (lispen^ation of Providence the band of hiui who indeed 'moves in a mysterious way,' but whose works arc done in righteousness and wisdom.

-' UeauUcd, That in the death of Mr. Southworth the city has lust one who was ever true to its best interests, whose counsels and services in the official stations to which he was repeatedly culled were given with an honest jmrpose, and with a cai-eful judgment that always aimed for the highest welfare of the people.

*' Jttatthed, That it is with a deep sense of our pergonal loss that we note the first death in the number of those who were a.-aociated together in the (irst city governiocnt of Urockton, and that we cherish the memory of him who has fallen as one that was faithful in the duties that were laid upon him, ready to bear bis part in the responsibilities of the untried course through which we walked, courteous in his intercourse with all his fellow-members, and exhibiting an integrity of life that gave respect and cliaracter to the body of which he was a member.

** lienolved, That we choose a delegation to attend his funeral, and that a copy of these resolutions be presented to bis ulllicted family, with the assurance of our heartfelt sy uipathy in this the hour of their great sorrow."

He died May 20, 1883. Jan. 15, 1846, Mr. Southworth united in marriage with Eleanor Clark, daughter of Azel and Pamela (Reynolds) Packard, and their family consists of the following: E. Bradford, M. Norman, and R. Minnebel, all of whom reside in Brockton. The sous, in connection with other parties, are proprietors and sole manufacturers of the patent duplex shipping tags, under the name of the Duplex Tag Company.

Henry Southworth always resided in his native town, and secured a strong hold upon the affections of his fellow-townsmen, and died as he had lived, one of Brockton's most honored and esteemed citizens.

Bela Keith

BELA KEITH. Bela Keith, sou of Benjamin and Martha (Cary) Keith, was boru in Cuinpello, tlieu Bridguwater, Peb. 2, 1793. He was a branch of the numerous and honored Keith family who were descended from Rev. James Keith, the first ordained niinislcr in Bridgowater. The line of descent is as follows : Rev. James, Timothy, Timothy, Levi, Benjamiu, and Belu.

From early manhood till his death Bela Keith was prominently identified with the interests of Campello, and was an active worker in all measures which had for their object the advancement of the social, material, and religious welfare of the town. He was a carpenter and builder by occupation, and carried ou a large business in the erection of residences, churches, etc. He built the second church edifice bcloiiiiing to the Congregational Church at Brockton, and also the first house of worship at Campello. Mr. Keith also owned a farm at Campello, upon which a portiou of the village is now located. He was a safe and prudent man to trust in the management of town afl'aiis, and as early as 1837 he was commissioned justice of the peace. He was chosen selectman in 1845, and again in 1848-51 and 1854, and was also assessor and overseer of the poor for a number of years, and in all of these various oflBcial positions he discharged their duties with an eye single to the public good, and died honored and esteemed by his fellow-citizeus, and a large circle of friends and relatives. He was a consistent Christian, and one of the principal founders of the South Congregational Society. He died Sept. 6, 1867.

Jan. 1, 1821, Mr. Keith united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Seth and Judith Kingman, and their family consisted of the following: Lewis, bora Nov. 12, 1821, married first Charlotte L. White, of Mansfield, and second, June 5, 1855, Mariet White, of Norton, - he died June 11, 1859; Seth Kingman, boru Sept. 23, 1823, died Aug. 12, 1825; llcnry Kingman, born Dee. 17, I82G, married Vesta S. Cary, July 18, 1847; Mary Kingman, born Oct. 12, 1828; Louisa, born Sept. 20, 1830, married Simeon Franklin Packard, Jan. 25, 1855; Ellen Sherman, born Sept. 16, 1836, married Jonas Reynolds, Nov. 29, 1866.

John Washuuun Kingman

John Washburn Kingman was born in that portion of the old North Parish of Bridgewater, afterwards known us North Bridgewater - now the city of Brockton - July 24, 1804. He was the son of Seth and Judith (Washburn) Kingman. His father being a farmer, he was early taught to work u])un the faini and assist in the labors incident to a farmer's life. When he arrived at a proper age to learn a trade he was placed under the care and apprenticeship of hi.s brother Abiel Kingman, who was a manufacturer of cabinet furniture in the Kingman neighborhood, near the place of his birth, on Summer Street. In the spring of 1S31 he removed to Reading, Mass., to take the management of his brother Henry's business, who was also a maoufacturcr of cabinet furniture in that town. There he remained for two years, when he returned to liis native town. About that time Marcus Sliaw commenced tlie manufacture of rolling machines for the purpose of hardening leather, thus superseding the old method of using the hammer and lap-stoiie iu the making of boots and shoes. Mr. Kingman purchased his interest in that business, and after making several improvements he continued making these machines and supplying the shoemakers throughout Plyuioutli County and surrounding towns. In this business he continued successfully for several years, when he sold the same to his son-in-law. Welcome H. Wales, Esq., who continued the same for a few years, and who sold to Gustavus H. Farrar.

Mr. Kingman was appointed ensign in the militia of Massachusetts July 15, 1825 ; captain, July 4, 1828. During the latter part of his life he was engaged in the care of his real estate.

He became an active member of the First Congregational Church at an early age, and was often called to advise and assist in its management, in which he took a deep interest.

In the days when the subject of the abolition of slavery was unpopular, he was one of the most active and strongest sustainers of the principles advocated by Garrison, Phillips, Douglass, and others, for the emancipation of the colored race, and lived to see four millions of slaves liberated from the thraldom of slavery. As a promoter of good morals and advocate of all social reforms of the times, he has left no uncertain record. He died Jan 30, 1876. Of the estimation in which he was held by the church of which he was a member, we find the following record :

" Our liuavenly Futher having taken from our midst Brother John \V. Kinj^ujan, we liesire lo place upon record some expression uf our feelinji of loaa. AVe shall miss him from his seat in tlie sanctuary, from his pluco in our social meetings and Sabbuth-school, and iu his earnest endeavors to promote the interest ol' this church and society in every department of his work. For many years he has stood as a louder, devoting a full share of that energy for which he wa.s marked to the de- 1 fense of the Truth as held by this church. Devoutly would we thank our heavculy Father for the long consistent life of our brother iu the midst of this people, for bis bold advocacy of I every true reform, and the pleasant memories which reumio of I his social intercourse with us, while to us his death seems only : loss. We know to him it wu^ gain, having lived his threescore . and ten years here, and tiniabed the work given him to do, he has entercil upon the life eternal, and commenced the service of heaven. Emulating his example, let us, as followers of Christ, { be active and earuest, that when the time for our departure comes wc be found ready, so may this alHiction work out for us a far luore exceeding and eternal weight of glory. We alto desire to express our sympathy with the afflicted family, and commend them to the Oodof all consolation, lie who Ims styled himself the widow's God, and the Father of the fatherless, in whom is all blessing. F. B. Gaud.neii, CUrk."

Josiah Washbukn Kingman

Josiah Washburn Kingman is the sixth son of .Scth and Judith (Washburn) Kingman, of Brockton, Mass. He was born Feb. 6, 1802, on Summer Street, in that part of the city known as the " Kingman neighborhood." His early life, like most boys of that day, was rather uneventful, consisting of plenty of work and no play sort of a boyhood. There were several able-bodied boys in his father's family, and they each had to contribute to the common interests of agriculture by exercising upon the farm during the summer season, while in the winter they indulged in the luxury of hammering nails, which in those early days were all that were made (the quick-moving machines for making cut-nails had not then been invented). It will be borne in mind that at the time of his boyhood there was no Massachusetts Board of Education, no high schools, and only now and then an academy in the commonwealth, therefore but a very limited portion of the year was spent in school in acquirin" an education. When Mr. Kingman had arrived at the age of ten the militia company, under command of Capt. Neheraiah Lincoln, was called to the defen.se of Plymouth Harbor in the war of 1812. The "littering swords and bright uniforms of the company were too much for the young lad, and having a brother in the rank and file he was also fired with military ardor, and volunteered to the country's service by cartin"' supplies for the company.

At the age of seventeen years he became an apprentice to his brother, Abiel Kingman, with whom he remained for four years, learning the cabinetmaker's trade. Upon arriving at the age of tweutyone Mr. Kingman commenced manufacturing furniture for the wholesale trade, succeeding his brother Abiel, in a building afterwards finished into a dwelling-house, and for a long time occupied by the late Pcleg Holmes, near to the old homestead, and thus commenced a business which he conducted for upwards of thirty years with signal success.

In 1825, the business having outgrown lis original limits, he began to look about for more extensive accommodations, and, in a short time after, at the solicitation of personal friends, he purchased a lot of land of Bela Keith, Esq., situated at the corner of Main and South streets, on what was then known as " The Plain," now the thriving village of Cainpello, where

In the mean time he was married, and resided for a lime in the house of Bela Keith, Esq., at the corner of iMaiu and Depot Streets, till he erected a house of his own. After becoming fully established in housekeeping, he entered upon the cares of business by building a manufacturing shop, and soon entered upon the wholesale trade, at firot finding a market in Boston, and from thence extending his business to other cities of New England. The business soon became an established success, and the facilities for conducting the same were increased, building after building were added, till at lengtii a large warehouse and store-rooms were erected, in which a large stock of furniture of every description, bedding, and other liousekeeping goods were kept for the retail trade.

Wiien Mr. Kingman commenced bu.xinoss he employed at first such water privileges as the immediate vicinity afforded, and afterward erected a mill conducted by horse-power nearer home, which served his purpose for a time, till his trade, which had extended to the rapidly-growing Western and Southern States, required additional facilities for the prosecution of his business, and in 1851 he erected a large building lor steam-power, on the westerly borders of his grounds, which had then become nearly covered by the various buildings used in manufacturing. In this mill the most modern and most approved machinery was introduced, so that at that time no establishment in Southeastern Massachusetts had better, if as good, facilities for conducting the rapidly-growing business.

Alter a lapse of two years and the erection of this new mill, with a prospect of a large expansion in business, the entire establishment was destroyed by fire ou the 23d of May, 1853, entailing a loss of nearly fifty thousand dollars. At the time of this fire, besides the manufacturing buildings, the dwelling-house and home of Mr. Kingman were destroyed, and by this calamity a large number of persons were thrown out of cmploymeut, and the growth of the village of Campello was for a time retarded. It has, however, recovered from this stroke of adversity, and is now in a thrifty condition.

Previous to 1836 the people of Campello for church worship wore dependent upon the First Cliurch in the Centre. The population of the southerly portion of the town at that date was small, and among those who felt the necessity for church accommodations nearer home was Mr. Kingman. He was a pioneer ill a movement in that direction, and was active in the procuring of land and the erection of a meeting-house, and has ever been active in promoting the interests of both church and society. In the early history of the church he was always on committees connected with and interested in this church, and when they were fairly organized a Sabbath-school was formed, and Mr. Kingman was elected their first superintendent, which office he held for many years. He was an early, active, prominent, and consistent member of the church, and enjoys the confidence of his friends and fellow-citizens to an eminent degree.

After a life of activity, varied as most lives are, he lives a calm, serene life at the ripe old age of eighty-three, at u point beyond the time allotted to the average of man ; and his qualities of mind and experiences of life make him still a most entertaining and instructive companion. He is still youthful in spirit, social and affable in his manners, and takes a lively interest in the events of every-day life. In 1838 he was chosen one of the board of selectmen of the town, an oflBce to which he was nine years reelected. In 1847 and 1848 he represented the town of North Bridgewater (now Brockton) in the Legislature of Massachusetts. He was often on the board of overseers of the poor, assessor of the town, and one of the first engineers of the fire department. During the Rebellion of 1861 he was appointed by tiie provost-marshal as recruiting oflBcer for this .section. In 1875 he was one of the road commLssioncrs for the town. He was also on the committee for introducing the first public water-works into the town. He was appointed justice of the peace by Governor John A. Andrew, Jan. 14, 1864. . In all and every position to which he was called, his public spirit, his wise yet liberal judgment, his earnest devotion to the interests of the town, and his large comprehension of its needs have been marked, and rendered him a valuable public officer.

His comparative freedom from active business pursuits, and the excellent qualifications he has exhibited in town and other public affairs, have pointed him out to his fellow-citizens for their fre(|Uent and repeated choice to positions of responsibility and honor, in all of which he has shown himself worthy of the confidence reposed in him.

Ellis Packaru

ELLIS PACKARU. Among the oldest business men, and one who has been intimately identified with the rise and development of Brockton is Ellis Packard. lie is a son of Micha and Luciuda (Hartshorn) Packard, and was born in Brockton (then North Bridgewater) July oU, 1820. His early education was acquired at the com- mou scliools of his native town, supplemented by a course at Tauctoa and Uardwiuic Academies. At the age of eighteen he went to Cincinnati as cleric in a store, where he remained two years, and returned to Broclctoa. In 18G2 he commenced business ou his own account, dealing iu grain and coal. In this business he was ciuiuently successful, and in ISH'I retired with a competency, the business now being conducted by his son, Elmer C. Mr. Packard has ever been considered one of the solid business men of the town, and has been a director in the Home National Bank aince its organization. He was originally a Whig, and has been a Republican since the organization of the party. He has been a member of the school committee, and was selectman in 1855 and 1861, and justice of the peace in 1857. Mr. Packard was married, June 12, 1844, to Nancy G. Reves, who died July 10, 1845. June 15, 1847, be united in marriage with Abby Heard, a native of Wayland, Mass., and their family has been as follows : Clara Gray, born Sept. 28, 1849, died Feb. 13, 1875; Warren Newell, born April 8, 1852, died Oct. 11, 1861; Elmer C, born March 8, 1854; Marion Heard, born July 9, 1855, died Nov. 7, 1879; Alien Ellis, born March 3, 1859 ; Horace Newell, born Dec. 12, 1862 ; and Isabel Abby.

Fredeuick Uoward

It is always a pleasure to place upon the page of history " passing incidents" in the life of one whose career has been marked by unostentatious benevolence, and whose kindly spirit lias carried sunshine into many homes of suffering and want. Such an one is Frederick Howard, the subject of this sketch.

He was born in Brockton, then the north parish *if Bridgewater, Feb. 14, 1815, and has passed his entire life in his native town. His education was confined to the common schools, and at the early age of thirteen years he entered the employ of Lysauder Howard, dressing and cutting shoes, receiving the meagre salary of one shilling per day for the first six weeks. He remained here until twenty-one years of ago, and then, after having worked one year for Rufus E. Howard in the same business, in 1837, he commenced in a small way for himself in the manufacture of boots and shoes, which he continued six years, when failiug health compelled him to relinquish the business. Since that time he has dealt some in real estate, and been more or less engaged in town affairs. He was selectman, assessor, and overseer of the poor one year (in 1849), and was special county commissioner nine years. He has also been somewhat engaged in settling estates. He was also a director in the North Bridgewater Bank during its existence, and is the only surviving director of that old institution. He is a Republican, and has been from the organization of the party. Quiet and unostentatious iu the bestowal of his charities, Mr. Howard expends tLousands of dollars that the public know not of, and rests in the sweet satisfaction of having done his duty to his fellow-man. Many there are, not only in this State but in others, that can speak of the benevolence of Mr. Howard. He is a kind neighbor, and one of Brockton's most honored citizens.

Mr. Howard traces his ancestry iu this country to John Howard, who came from England, and first settled in Duxbury, and later(1651) in West Bridgewater. When a lad John Howard is said to have lived in the family of Miles Standish. He was a man of great influence in the new plantation, and was one of the first military officers in Bridgewater. The line of descent is as follows: John, John (2), Capt. Robert (one of the first settlers of the North Parish), Daniel, Darius, and Frederick. Darius married Sophia, daughter of Jonas Howard, June .S, 1804, by whom he had three children. His wife died Aug. 15, 1807, and June 5, 1808, he married Huldah, daughter of Jonathan Gary, and their family consisted of seven children, of whom Frederick was the fourth. His father died April 8, 183C. He was a selectman of the town, and also deputy sheriff several years.

In addition to other matters in North Bridgewater in which he manifested a decided interest, he was for a long series of years actively engaged in improving the thoroughfares of the town, and many of the noteworthy improvements in the roads and streets are largely the result of his energy and good judgment.

Marcus Packard

Marcus Packard, son of Luke and Lucinda (Battles) Packard, was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Mass., Sept. 7, 1808. He was descended in a direct line from Samuel Packard, who came from Windham, near Hingham, England, to America in the ship " Diligence," and settled first in Hingham, Mass., in 1638, but afterwards removed to West Bridgewater, where he was a constable and tavernkeeper, and a man of some cou.sequcnce iu the community. Here be resided till his death, and was the founder of a family who, through the various generations to the present time, have been numerically and otherwise of prominence and importance in the town. Most, if not all, of the Packards of New England are descended from him. The line of desceot to jMarcus is as follows: Samuel', Zaccheus^, Capt. AbieP, Josiah *, Josiah ^, Capt. Luke", Marcus".

The educational advantages of Marcus Packard were limited to the common schools of his locality, and when he grew up to manhood he chose the trade of carpenter and builder as his avocation. This was the field of labor in which most of the active jears of liis life w^ere spent, and many of the best buildings erected in that vicinity at that period .ittest his handiwork. He wa.s a skillful and honest mechanic, and achieved not only local repute in his calling but also success financially.

Being prudent, industrious, and of primitive habits, he was enabled to gradually build up not wealoh but an ample competence. He purchased a farm near the old homestead, and on it erected a beautiful residence, where he passed many years of his life, devoting during his latter years most of his attention to husbandry. Marcus Packard belonged to that class of New Englanders who, while unostentatious and unpretending, are yet the true benefactors of the community in which they live, in that they add to the material prosperity of their respective localities and leave behind them tangible results of their life's work. He was a man who preferred the quiet walks of life to the turmoil of public strife, and consequently never sought political or official distinction. The only capacity in which he ever figured in public affairs was as selectman and overseer of the poor in his native town.

He was deeply religious in his nature, and an active, earnest member of the First Congregational Church. In this society he did mucli useful work, and left the accumulations of hi.s lifetime to its uses and benefit after the decease of his wife, the estate being left in trust to her during her lifetime.

William French Brett

William French Brett, the subject of this sketch, was born July 13, 1810, in the North Parish of ancient Bridgcwater, or what is now Brockton. He was the seventh generation from his immigrant ancestor, William Brett, who came to this township about 1C5G. The line being, in brief, as follows:

The first William Brett came from England, and was at Duxbury, according to Jud^e Mitchell, in 1G4.'J. He was one of the original proprietors of the town of Bridgewator, and lived in what is now We.^t Biidgewater. He was a devout man, an elder in the church, preacliing in the absence or sickness of the Rev. James Keith, the first pastor of Bridgewater, and in every -Way was a leading man in the town and province, and often a representative to the Old Colony Court.

The: old homestead, where William French Brett was born, and the home of at least two or more generations that preceded him, was situated not far from the residence of Charles Johnson, Esq., ou North Main Street, in this city, and was occupied for many years by the late Lucien B. Keith.

Mr. William F. Brett came of good stock. lu his veins ran some of the best blood of the Plymouth Colony. He was a lineal descendant of Experience Mitchell, Thomas Hayward, John Alden, Samuel Packard, John Gary, John Howard, John and William Ames, forefathers and original settlers in this section of Massachusetts. With such an ancestry, we may well conceive that he believed in mu.scular Christianity. His attendance at church, although not a member, was as constant as that of his ancestor, who was deacon in the First Church of this ancient town.

The Brett family have been distinguished for ability from the earliest period in our colonial history. In the past fifty years of the business history of North Bridgewater there are two men whose lives, standing out in bold relief from the masses, have e.vercised a very potent sway in influencing and shaping public sentiment and dominating the popular will. This honor should be divided between the Hon. H. W. Robinson, who now lives, and William Frcncli Brett, the subject of this sketch. At no period since the settlement of the Plymouth Colony has any one man possessed or exercised the mercantile business influence, or wielded it so wisely and beneficially, as has Mr. Brett, of Massachusetts. He w:is born a merchant. Commencing at the early age of seventeen years, the whole trend of his nature seemed to be in a mercantile direction. At this early age he opened a small store near the old homestead on North Main Street. This was continued until 1835, when, the business iuLica.sing, he removed to the green near the church, on tlie west side of Main Street, then known as tiie Epiiraim Howard store. The next year he formed a copartnei-ship with Albert Smith, which continued but a short time. In 1846, Rufus P. Kingman became a partner, under the 6rm-nanie of Brett & Kingman. This distinguished firm occupied a lea<ling place among the merchants of Plymouth County for many years. In 185-1 the partnership was dissolved, and a new firm formed of Brett, Ellis, Ripley & O'Ncil. At this time he also commenced a wholesale business in Boston, being interested as whole or part owner in more than thirty country stores in New England, among wiiich may be mentioned those in Kingston, Dusbury, Fosboro', Wareham, Palmer, Quincy, East Randolph, Halifax, Abington, Bridgewater, Plymouth, and Stoughton, in Massachusetts ; also at Lcwistou, in Maine, and Portsmouth, in New Hampshire. Disposing of bis interests in Massachusetts in 1864, he removed to Washington, D. C, he remained in business until 1872. From that date until he died, in 1882, he was engaged in business in Boston, Chicago, and other cities in the Western States.

Mr. Brett was a man of very peculiar temperament, - shrewd, genial, manly, and without pretense, yet dignified and generous. With a heart as tender as that of a woman, no one in business or distress ever applied to him for advice or assistance in vain. Unceasing attention to business marked every weekday of his mercantile career. The use of praise was almost unknown to him. The absence of criticism or silence was considered the highest commeudatiun by his subordinates.

His ideas and business methods in many respects were undoubtedly largely in advance of the age in which he lived. Some of the most distinguished merchants of to-day in Massachusetts and elsewhere received their first lessons in a mercantile career from iMr. Brett. Among those who have become distinguished in business or achieved social distiuction may be mentioned Hon. H. H. Packard, R. P. Kingman, C. C. Bixby, H. A. Brett, W. W. Cro.ss, and others, of Brockton ; the Hon. Nathaniel Wales, of Stoughton ; Thomas H. Wood, of New York ; George B. Tolman, of Lynn ; H. K. Keith, of Kingston ; Henry C. Jackson, of Boston ; and Ira Conant, of Bridgewater.

Mr. Brett built a beautiful residence in his native town, which still stands a monument to his taste and business judgment. His gentle nature and inflexible honesty prevented that large accumulation of property that oftentimes in these days curses the recipient. His mission in life was a noble one, and a grand success, as all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance well know. He believed that integrity was the prime element of success. The influence of his example will last with his friends until the last one is called home, while the future residents of this city will pleasantly note in our cemetery the monument erected by his grateful and admiring townsmen.

History Of Bridgewatee By Joshua E. Crane

The town of Bridgewacer, which was originally the South Precinct of the ancient town that comprised East and West Bridgewater, Biidgewatcr, and Bioel;- ton, is pleasantly situated midway between Boston and New Bedford. In the early years of this century some of the leading citizens, alive to the interests of the town, were insti-umental in constructing a turnpike that connected it with the two cities, and the Bridgewater Hotel was for many years styled the lialf-way house for the stage lines of that day. Town River, which takes its rise in Easton and Nippenicket Pond, winds through tiie northern and eastern sections, furnisiiiug excellent water-power and healthy drainage. Clay-beds upon a portion of its banks furnish superior facilities for the manufacture uf bricks, and the intervale meadows are well suited to grass and cultivation. The soil generally partakes of the character of saudy loam, and is well wooded in some portions that were formerly under cultivation. Oak and pine are the prevailing forests, and the latter enters largely into the manufacture of bo.xes, which is carried on quite extensively. The town is in some portions pleasantly undulating, and from many points presents to view a varied and beautiful landscape. The town is well supplied with lively springs of pure water, aud the wells afford an ample supply of like quality.

The gentle slopes render it attractive aud healthy for residences, and the pleasant streets that centre at the village square are evidence that these characteristics have had their influence in the growth of the town. The Old Colony Railroad, which was built in ISlt), and the Abington Branch, constructed the same year, furnish convenient communication with Boston, Plymouth, and Fall River.

In early times it had a good reputation as a farming town, and its productive resources were such that it not only supplied its own needs, but was able to luruisii ([uantities of grain for the neighboring markets of Weymouth and Plymouth. The pioneers in the seitlemeut of the town were a sturdy band that subdued the forests, aud the virgin soil was generous in return. The ancient stone walls that bound and divide the estates and far-reaching woodlaojs are still mouunients to their indomitable will and ceaseless industry. The early homes were mere log houses and humble cottages, so constructed as to render them a protection against the incursions of liostili: savages. Under such circumstances the growth of the settlemeut was slow, and its progress in e^tabli.-^hing all social and civil institutions most dilKcult. But the fact that they were of a colony that came to these shores for a distinct purpose seeins to stand forth prominently in all their acts, hence the church and the school had the first place as a prerequisite to the founding of a coramoDwealth.

The early records of the court of the OKI Colony at Plymouth, in 1645, show that certain inhabitants of Duxbury were granted a portion of land in the westerly part of that plantation, and " are to have it four miles every way from the place where they shall set up their centre." Capt. Jliles StanJiah, Mr. Juhn Alden, George Soule, Constant Southworth, John Rogers, and William Brett were appointed to lay out aud divide said lauds to the iuhabitatits. Said inhabitants confirmed this division by an agreement among themselves and were deiioiniiiated original proprietors. Their names, as appears I'rum the town records, are as follows :

History Of Bridgewater

Mr. Keith was the first uiinititer, and Deacon Ed.soii, who was fioiu Salera, was tlie proprietor of the first mill. The grant of this plantation was simply a ri!»ht to purchase of the Indians, and Capt. Miles Standish, Samuel Nash, and Constant Southworth were appointed to make the purchase.

This purchase and contract were said to have been made on a rocky hill in the east parish, anciently called Sachem's Rock," a little south of Whitman's mill, where the manufacturing establishment of the Carver Cottoii-Gin Company now is, near the house where Seih Latham formerly lived, and the place now owned by David Gurney. The weir, which was the central point of tl)is purchase, was directly back of the William Harris liouse, on the south side, and of the William Allen place, on the north side of the river. Traces of the old dam and fordinirplace are still visible on both sides of the stream. This neia;hborhood and the river still retain the name of S:itucket. In 1656, eleven years after the grant of the plantation, and the same year in which Bridgewater was incorporated into a distinct township, a grant of three hundred acres was made to Miles Standish, " with a competency of meadow to such a proportion of upland, lying and being at Satucket Pond, now known ;is Robbin's Pond, provided that it did not come within the court's grant of Bridgewater."

The town received an order from the court at New Plymouth to " Kx and set up the centre of their town in order to the laying out of Mr. Alexander Standish's land, joining to the out.side of said Bridgewater four-mile line from the centre, which beiu;!;, according to said order, done about the year 1659, the centre being a small white-oak tree, standing on high ground on the westerly side of a stony swamp and brook about ten rods to the westerly side of said brook, on the south side of the highway, it" being a mile and a quarter to the eastward of Bridgewater raeeting-house." This entry was made upon the records at a much later date, and, according to Mitchell, Was made nearly thirty years after the work was performed. It also appears that the court's committee, and not the town, fixed the centre, as the monumental tree bore the initials of Constant Southworth, who doubtless performed the work. Capt. Miles Standish had deceased in the mean time, and the land was laid out to his son, Alexander. 7^''^^'''c is no evidence of dissatisfaction on the part of Bridgewater. The centre was near the house of Thomas Hayward, and but a short distance from the East and West Bridgewater depot.

The original town embraced what now constitutes the greater part of Han.son, and was the first interior settlement in the Old Colony. The grant of the plantation was as early as 1645, but the actual settlement was not commenced until after 1650. In 1658 it was found desirable to add to the western borders of the town a large tract known as the Hockoraock meadows.

William Bassett and Experience Mitchell were of the company that came in some of the three first vessels, - the " Mayflower," the " Fortune," or the " Ann." The most of the Bridgewater proprietors came before 1630.

The plantation was incorporated into a town June, 1656. The name of Bridgewater was probably adopted from fancy, as none of the inhabitants are known to have come from Bridgewater, England. The first officer chosen by the town was John Gary, who was elected constable in 1656.

In May, 1657, the town officers chosen were John Willis, deputy ; Lawrence Willis, grand juror; Samuel Tompkins, constable ; Arthur Harris and John Hayward, surveyors of highways. The first freemen were William Brett, Ensign Josiah Standish, William Bassett, John Gary, Thomas Hayward, Lawrence Willis, John Willis, Thomas Howard, Jr., Samuel Tompkins, Arthur Harris. In 1657 we find the additional names as freemen, - Samuel Edson, Mark Lothrop, Francis Godfrey, William Snow, John Ames, John Hayward, Guido Bayley.

The first settlements were along the river banks of West Bridgewater, and it was here that the first church was established and the first meeting-house was erected. The settlement extended south towards

Taunton, and the proprietary interests were managed iu town-meetings, the records being iiept for several years by the town clerk. In the year 1674 the town ordered the purchase of a new book for the recording of land:i.

The town clerks have been John Gary, 165G-S1 ; Thoiuai Hayward, 16S2-83 ; Samuel Allen, 1CS3- 1702 ; Nathaniel Brett, 1702-36 ; Nathaniel Brett, Jr., 1736-79 (with the exception that Col. Josiah Edson served a few years previous to 1745j ; Capt. Eliakim Howard, 1779-1822, when the town was divided.

The first military officers were Josiah Standish, lieutenant, 1660; Thomas Hayward, Jr., lieutenant; John Hayward, ensign, 1664. Capt. John Hayward was the first magistrate in town, and one of the Governor's Council in 1690; he was also a judge, and was killed by a fall from his horse while on his way to Marshfield, Aug. 15, 1698. Elihu Brett succeeded him as judge, but died suddenly in his chair, Jan. 12, 1712. In 1689, "David Perkins, John Ames, and Samuel Washburn to get iu Mr. Keith's salary by all loving persuasions and legal means."'

King Philip's War. - This town haj much in common with the early settlements of the Old Colony whereof to note relative to its early history. It can hardly be imagined what hardships fell to the lot of the pioneer settlers. Iu 1675, Philip, the great sachem of Mount Hope, became prejudiced against Governor Winslow, and made war upon the little colony. The people of Swanzy being in great distress, a requisition was made by Governor Winslow for twenty mounted men from Bridgewater, all to be forthwith dispatched to their relief. But seventeen men could be found, and June 21st tiiey were on the march. " They met some of the Swanzy people between here and Taunton, who persuaded them to return back." But they proceeded, and the next day they came upon a party of Indians thirty iu number, who discharged their guns and gave a shout and left. They then proceeded to the garrison. A company of whites were attacked by a band of Indians, and six were killed outright. The Bridgewater men pursued them, and a few days after had an encounter, killing several Indians. On the 20th of July this party of Bridgewater men captured sixteen Indians. The inhabitants had experienced frequent assaults from the Indians a short time previous, and several dwellings had been destroyed, five of them in the town, as it was called, and eight in the outskirts of the settlement. About three hundred Indians were engaged in this attack, "Tisguogen" being their chief leader. This was at the easterly quarter of the town on the south side of the river. " Under God the courage of the inhabitants was a great means of their preservation."

July 31st. A party of Bridgewater men went in pursuit of Philip, and succeeded in killing several of his particular friends, and soon after, with Capt. Church, killed and captured one hundred and thirty Indians. The Plymouth County men were in the fight when Philip was slain, and also in the great swamp fight which closed the scene of this long and bloody struggle. The Bridgewater company that particiiiated in the many engagements, and traversed tiie trackless wilderness in the snow of midwinter, was in command of Thomas Hayward, Jr. ; John Hayward, Sr., was ensign. Jacob Mitchell, who was slain by the Indians at Dartmouth, was son of Experience Mitchell, of Bridgewater, who was one of the Pilgrims; the wife of Jacob Mitchell was likewise slain, and it is said they were the first victims to the tomahawk. The son of Jacob Mitchell, one of the children who escaped the first butchery, was Thomas Mitchell, whose remains are interred in the old graveyard iu Bridgewater.

Williams Latham, Esq., who visited the battleground of the " swamp fight" a few years since, found much of it under cultivation and with but little in its appearance that could give a clear impression of its condition two hundred years ago. But the great battle should be commemorated by some appropriate monument to mark the spot where the decisive blow was struck that opened New l<]ngland to the advance of civilization and eidightenment by our iotrejiid ancestors.

The Early Ministry. - The early ministry of Bridgewater is so closely connected with the entire social fabric of the ancient town that even an epitome of a town history would be incomplete without it. The settlement of Ilev. James Keith as the first minister, in 1604, gave to the sparsely-settled neighburliood a man of marked ability, and to the colony an example of rare Christrian traits and sound learning. He was educated in Scotland, and his aggressive spirit that ventured to explore the wild and untried shores of New England at once found in this wilderuess ample scope for an un trammeled utterance upon the subject of religion, to which he was most ardently devoted. He was indorsed by the Mathers, and his long career of nearly sixty years proved him worthy of the sacred trust committed to his haods. His cliurcli save character to the eutire region, and within its influence sound morals and a love of learning was soon manifest.

His posterity, so numerous, have honored their ancestry, and the name of the first minister is worthy of tlie highest place among the founders of the Old Colony. It is much regretted that the early records of the first church have been lost, and much that would have been treasured in the history of tiie first parish remains uidy in tradition.

Pirst Cong^re^ational Society. - A second precinct or parish was incorporated June 1, 1716, in what was then called South Bridgewater. This embraced what is now Bridgewater substantially. The General Court appointed a committee to consider the matter, and it was in pureuauce of a favorable report that this action was taken, but with this condition, " That the whole town stand oblige to an honorable maintenance of Rev. James Keith, their present aged minister, if he should outlive his powers and capacities of discharging the oiEce and duty of their minister."

The parish erected a meetinghouse upon the site of the present Unitarian Church, the laud, together with the churchyard, being the gift of John Washburn. The dedication of the new meeting-house took place June 14, 1717 ; Rev. James Keith delivered the sermon appropriate to the occasion.

Rev. Benjamin Allen, the first pastor, was ordained July y, 1718, and continued his pastorate for thirteen years. Mr. Allen was a native of Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, and graduated at Yale College (1708). He preached his first sermon in the new meeting-house Aug. IS, 1717, and his last Oct. 11, 1730. He built the house on Central Square, now owned and occupied by Mrs. Nahum Washburn, and which was owned and occupied by Col. Josiah Edson in 1775, and by Deacon Isaac Lazell in 1810. Mr. Allen removed to Cape Elizabeth, and was the first minister in that place, where he died in 1754, aged sixty-five years.

Rev. John Shaw, son of Joseph Shaw, of East Bridgewater, was the successor of Mr. Allen. He was a graduate of Harvard College (1729), and was ordained Nov. 17, 1731, continuing his pastorate until Ills death (1791), the remarkable period of sixty years. His intellectual endowments were of a superior order, and his call to the ministry in Bridgewater was most fortunate for the parish, as he was not only gifted in his special calling as a preacher and theologian, but his literary taste gave a fresh impulse to education that continued to be felt for several generations.

having been occupied by his son, Dr. Samuel Shaw, and by his grandson, the late Hon. John A. Shaw, and is still remaining in the family. From this historic parsonage have gone out large numbers of students that were fitted for college under the ministry by Mr. Shaw. The veneration and love manifested towards Mr. Shaw was without abatement to the close of his long life. His children inherited the virtues and talents of their father, and several of them were ministers of the gospel. Rev. Oakes Shaw, his eldest son, settled in Barnstable, and was the father of the distinguished Lemuel Shaw, chief justice of the Supreme Court; Bezaliel, the second son of Rev. John, burn 1733, graduated at Harvard in 1762, and settled in the miniatry at Nantucket; William, the third sou, born 1741, graduated at Harvard College, and settled in the ministry at Marshfield; John, the fifth son, graduated at Harvard College, and settled iu the ministry at Haverhill ; Samuel, his sixth son, studied medicine, and settled in Bridgewater.

*' Lo ! virgin spring on genial winga returns, Unlike herself in raven pluimigu Jrest, 'Tia Shuw'a aad fate in tonJernesa she mourns, While pallid grief sits swooning ou hur crest. The great divine ia snatched from mortal sight ; Mad envy, hostile malice, wail at hourt ; In blosaom'd age he took his eagle fligtit, I>eath atay'd his bund, and nature caat tlio dart. Alaa ! he's gone ! the mulaocholy knell In long-drawn notes proclaims the preacher dead ; Yet hope, aaauosive hope, delights to tell To realms of bliss the eorapturt'd spirit lied. No more those golden days to us belong ; No more, alaa! those years are seen to roll. When from his lips bleaa'd Gabriel's song Enforced attention and engaged the soul. Keltgioa sheds tho fond tnatcrnal tear. And, sorrowing, casts her mournful look around j Yet may his memory, held forever dear, To listening captives sing a joyful sound. Sweetly hia drama closed, life almost gone, No stinging thoughts hia tranc^uil mind assails, Hope winged his spirit, and religion's sun Burst through tbe gloom and uheered tbu livid veil. Insensate archer! Can none thy terrors brave? From thy arrest can nothing hand relief? Ah, surely no! kings crowd th' unsocial grave, Tbe Roman conqueror, and tbe Grecian chief."

Voted. That the bell be rung on all public days in the year according to the custom of other parishes, and to be rung at nine o'clock if free of charge to the parish, and at funerals, if desired, free of charge. Abram Washburn to ring the bell at the rate of £3 15i. per year.

1773. Voted to paint the outside of the meetinghouse as much as has been painted heretofore, and, the inside, the canopy, pulpit, the front work of the galleries, (he pillars under the galleries, the posts and braces.

The first meeting-house was forty-three by thirtyeight, eighteen feet posts. It fronted south with a large door in the middle and " small doors on east and west side in the middle, stairs on east side, men's stairs on west side."

The Rev. Zedekiali Sanger, D.D., settled as colleague of Dr. Shaw Dec. 17, 1788. He was a native of Sherborn, born in 1747, graduated at Harvard University in 1771, and his first settlement was at Duxbury. His call to Bridgewater proved him a worthy successor of his distinguished associate, who, in a little more than two years after this connection, was called to the rewards of the just. The settlement of Dr. Sanger was just after the close of the war of the llevulution, when the people were greatly impoverished by the inevitable taxation of that period. His salary was four hundred dollare and twenty cords of wood delivered. Dr. Sanger proved himself not only an able and faithful spiritual adviser, but an earnest and efficient promoter of education. The church and pariah prospered under his ministry, and his influence was felt throughout the town. He was al.so held in high esteem by the clergy of the Old Colony as a conspicuous example of piety and sound Icarniu'.;. From the time of his settlement until the establishment of the academy, his home was a school for the preparation of young men for college, and in subsequent years he had many students in theology. His home was what is now known as the Stetson farm, and like the ministers of his day he was a practical fanner. His family of five sons and five daughters grew up to adorn with social graces the parish of their father.

i the third son, graduated at Harvard in 1808, and ; was a distinguished clergyman in Dover, Mass., and was the father of Judge George P. Sanger, of Busiuii. Richard graduated also at Harvard in 18U0, uud was i preceptor of Bridgewater Academy from 1S05 to ' 1810. Zedekiah, the youngest .son, graduated at I Harvard in 1807, and was preceptor of the Bridgewater Academy from 1810 to 1815. S:imuil, born 1788, remained for many years upon the aiice:^tral I estate, and his long life was that of an exemplary Christian gentleman. He attained the age of nearly I ninety years. He left no children. There was but I one meeting-house in the village in Dr. Sanger's time, and the congregation was large, aud the church har- 1 monious. It was not until near the close of his p;is- ! torate that doctrinal dissensions disturbed tlie churches I of this region. Dr. Sanger was in agreement with ' the pronounced views of the ministry in this region, I and his sermons are said to have beeu very impres- I sive. His life was one of thorough devotion to his charge, and although of a remarkably strong physique, hia incessant labors gradually impaired his health, and he was called from earth Nov. 17, 1S2U. Dr. Reed, of West Bridgewater, preached his funeral sermon, in which he delineated with much power the eminent career of the distinguished minister.

The church in which Dr. Sanger was installed was built in 1760, the timber of the original church being used in part in its construction. It was enlarged iu 1810, and was taken down to give place to the present beautiful edifice of the parish in 1845.

Rev. Richard M. Hodges, the fourth minister of the South Parish, succeeded Dr. Sanger, and was settled Sept. 12, 1821. He was born in Salem, Aug. 5, 1794, and graduated at Harvard College in 1S15, iu a class peculiarly distinguished for its men of eminence in the ministerial profession.

The council invited to solemnize Mr. Hodges' ordination convened at the Academy Hall, and organized under the direction of Dr. John Iteed, of ihe West Parish, assisted by a cla-ssmate. Rev. Johu G. Palfrey, of Boston, as scribe. Afterwards, at the church, were celebrated the solemnities of the occasion, which took place in the following order: Rev. Ralph Sanger, of Dover, made the introductory prayer; Rev. Charles Lowell, of Boston, preached the sermon ; Rev. Thaddeus IM. Harris, of Dorchester, offered the ordaining prayer ; Rev. John Prince, of Salem, gave the charge; Rev. Charles Briggs, of Lexington, presented the riglit hand of fellowship; and Rev. J. G. Palfrey made the concluding prayer.

History Of Bridgewater

his ministry at a period of greiit controversy, wliicii teoilod to tlie general sepanUioD of tlie Evangelical and Unitarian elements of the churches, and in the course of his pastorate witnessed tlie withdrawal of a number of his parishioners, who became identified with the newly-organized church in Scotland, of which Rev. Ebeuezer Gay was the first pastor. Mr. Hodges was iciL-lined to the con.servative school of his denomination, adhering to the views of Channing, which prevailed largely among the Unitarians of New England. Po.ssessed of marked literary acquirements and a genial and accomplished manner, he manifested his devution to his sacred calling by a most earnest and faithful service among liis people, and at his own request, at the expiration of twelve years, in 1833, received a peaceable dismission from his pastoral duties.

Mr. Hodges' conueution with his people was the foundation of an abiding friendship and an ardent interest in the church and parish. He was a frequent visitor to the scenes of his early labors, ministering consolation in seasons of sorrow and bereavement, and mingling in the social gatherings of festive occasions.

On the fiftieth anniversary of his settlement (1871) Mr. Hodges preached a fitting and eloquent sermon, commemorative of the event, from the text, " And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year." But of those who had acted as a committee in behalf of the parish to invite him to settle, not one was among the living. For more than forty years Mr. Hodges was a resident of Cambridge, where, with the blessings of an ample fortune, he was permitted to enjoy the social and literary associations of its classic walks. Mr. Hodges died Aug. 12, 1878, leaving three children, - a son, Dr. R. M. Hodges, an eminent physician, and two married daughters.

Rev. Theophilus P. Doggett, a graduate of Brown University, was the fifth minister of the First Church, and was the son of Rev. Simeon Doggett, of Raynham, and grandson of Rev. Perez Fobes, of Raynham. a native of Bridgewater. Mr. Doggett was ordained Nov. 13, 1833, as successor of Rev. Mr. Hodges. The clergymen who participated in the services of his ordination were Rev. Pitt Clark, of Nortnii, moderator; Rev. Mr. Edes, of Canton, scribe ; Rev. Mr. Bigelow, of Taunton, who addressed the society ; Rev. Mr. Hodges, wlio oflFered the introductory prayer ; Rev. George Parkman, of Boston, who gave the charge to the pastor ; Rev. Mr. Crafts, of East Bridgewater, who gave the right band of fellowship ; Rev. Charles Lowell, of Boston, and Rev. Dr. Kendall, of Plymouth.

Mr. Doggett continued the pastor for eleven years, when, by reason of bronchial disease, he was dis(iualified for the duties of the pulpit, and re^igned his pastorate.

He subsequently was .settled at Ashby, in 1847, continuing there for sis years, and then removed to Barnstable, whore he preached for seven years. His last pastorate was at Pembroke, which was fur thirteen years. His death was from apoplexy, May IS, 1875.

First Congregational Society. - R'v. Claudius Bradford was the pastor of the First Congregational Church and Society from May 29, 1845, to July 21), 1851, when dismission was granted. It was during Mr. Bradford's pastorate that the present beautiful church was erected.

Rev. George H. Hosmer was settled Dec. 15, 1868, and resigned his pastorate Dec. 15, 1878, after a most harmonious connection often years, during which he won the warm respect and affection of his parish, while held in high esteem by the citizens of the town. Mr. Hosmer left Bridgewater to accept a most eligible position as pastor of a church in Salem, Mass.

Rev. John Albert Wilson was ordained May 11, 1882, and died in Bridgewater, Dec. 8, 1883. His brief pastorate was sadly ended by his sudden death, as he had preached on the Sabbath before his decease. Ho was much beloved for rare social gifts, and his funeral was largely attended by the people of the parish and neighboring clergymen. His remains rest in the cemetery of the village.

AtuoD"- tlie names of the fathers whose memories we would ever cherish may be mentioued those of the worthy deacons who were associated with tiie organization and growth of the church of tlie Soutli Parisli. Tliougli no date may indicate the time of the choice of the first standard-bearers of Mr. Allen's p:istoratc, the duties of the ofEce devolved upon two honored Uicmbers of the community whose Pilgrim names, Carver and Aidcu, have ever graced the banner of the Old Colony.

It was not, however, till Oct. 17, 1734, sixteen years after tlie settlement of the first pastor, that " the bretliren, being met together at the public meeting-house, declared it as their judgment that there ought to be an ordination of deacons," and upon the choice of Thomas Hayward as deacon, whose home overlooked the woods and vales of Pratt Town, arranged for the solemn service of ordination to take place November 17th, on the third anniversary of Mr. Siiaw's settlement.

This occasion can have been of no ordinary interest to the welfare of the infant church, the membership of which was rapidly increasing under the care of its youthful pastor, and, with the establishment of schools, was to determine the perpetuity of religion and good learning in the community. We would Seek to know mure of the character and lives of those who gathered to witness these services and who were so scattered (rom Titicut and Nippenickett to the little hamlet of Satucket. We can be quite sure that among the number were two of the sons of Minister Kcitli, - Samuel of Scotland, and John of South Street, - who had early become identified with the welfare of the church and would watch with interest the growth of a vine of their father's planting.

Deacon Eleazor Carver and Deacon Joseph Alden lived to witness the prosperity of the church, and in a ripe old age, before the decease of Deacon Ilayward, in 1741, were considerably relieved of the responsibilities of their office by the appointment of Capt. Josiah Edson, who lived near the site of the old Pratt Tavern, and of Solomon Pratt, whose fartu must have extended into the valley of the forge. The vacancy caused by the death of Deacon Pratt, in 1757, was filled by the choice of Jacob Ilayward, of Pratttown, who upon the decease of Capt. Edson, in 1763, was probably assisted in the duties of the office by Col. Josiah Edson, who at this time, with Lieut. Joshua Alden, was a" tuner of the psalms." In 1775, nearly three years before the close of Deacon Ilayward's life, occurred the election of Bonjainiu Willis, Jr., and Seth Pratt, the former an honored judge, whose mansion still stands near ancestral trees, on the way to Woodward's bridge, the latter a nephew of Deacon Solomon and of prominence as a selectman for many years. Deacon Pratt and Deacon Willis were the last of the eight recorded deacons of Mr. Shaw's long pastorate, and lived not only to witness the installation of Mr. Sanger as colleague of their aged minister, but to cheer for many years their pastor's life. Faithful in the maintenance of the ordinances of the gospel in the town, these fathers were no less active in their chosen callings. But though time has thrown into oblivion many an incident of their lives, and left us but few landmarks to remind us of their names, we who have the inestimable legacy of Christian homes can strive to manifest in our lives their spirit and steadfa.-it Christian character, and inscribe above their resting-places the words of the Psalmist, so fittingly written of one of their number, '- Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, for the faithful fail from among the children of men."

At the beginning of Mr. Sangar's pastorate, in 1788, the brethren of the church made choice of James Perkins, Jr., as an associate of Deacon Willis and Deacon Pratt, the former of whom was at that time quite advanced in years. Deacon Perkins was a great-grandson of the first settler of the name in Bridgewater, and resided but a few steps beyond the site of the old Trinity Church, not far from the site of the original family homestead. The enterprise and skill of Deacon Perkins as a gunsmith, in developing the growth of the mechanical industries of the parish, were of no inferior order, and in the war of independence had been recognized in the manufacture of a thousand stand of arms for the American army. Subsequently, in the days of 1812, with his sou, Ilufus, and sou-iulaw. Dr. Shubael Luvell, he still continued to fill orders for the government. The gun-shop of Deacon Perkins still stands incorporated in the old mansion of the Lovell family, and in its concealment is expressive of the changes of a century, and of the obscurity of many a landmark of the Revolution.

Two of Deacon Perkins' grandsons, Neheniiah and Lorenzo Lovell, were graduates of Bruwn Univer.-sity in 1833, and studied for the ministry. Shubael re- uiaiuoJ upou the homestead place, uod, as a luaoufacturer ol" straw goods, was long kuown as a business mau of energy and integrity. The old house of Deacon Perkins was destroyed by Sre not many years before the close of his life, which occurred in 1827, in his eighty-first year.

Another of JMr. Sanger's deacons was Ephraim | Ort-ut, the son of Ichabod, whose early home, long j since removed, once stood beyond South Brook at the I entrance of the road to the State work-house. He re- ; moved to tiie West Parish in ISOG, but subsequently j returned to his native parish and lived at the Horton | place (now owned by M. F. Barney), where lie died ; in 1831, at the age of eighty -seven years. His | widow and several members of iiis family removed to Chester, N. H.

Deacon Orcut s humble sphere in life was no barrier to his recognition as a worthy and exemplary candidate for the -sacred office, and the intrinsic excellence of his character was freely acknowledged in the thoughtful affection of the community. Of his ancestry, as of his brethren,

A prominent man in Dr. Sanger's day was Maj. Isaac Lazell, who, with Peter Conant, was chosen deacon as early as 1803. Deacon Lazell's name will long be revered as one which was connected not only with the work of the church, but with the development of all good objects of a public character. He w;is born in 1756, and his life spanned that deeply interesting Revolutionary period which so tested the patriotism of our countrymen. Fitted by sterling qualities of mind and heart to be a prudent adviser, he became one of Dr. Sanger's enduring friends, and in the capacity of clerk of the parish evinced his interest in its affairs by a faithful service of eighteen years. Associated with his brother, Nathan Lazell, Esq., at the old store, Maj. Lazell, with others, was active in the inauguration of the great manufacturing industry that for two generations has given distinction to his native place, and reflected in its business management that solid integrity characteristic of the original firm. As merchant and manufacturer he was instrumental in concentrating about his home such enterprise as to render it the nucleus of the future village, and his participation in the endowment and erection of the academy of the county in 1799 was indicative not only of his foresight but his bounty. " May science flourish in the academy now raising," written in his day-book of June 20th, is but an expression of those who sought the educational and moral elevation of the community and the blessings of good learning for their children.

As proprietor of a public-house in later years, Maj. Lazell naturally felt a deep interest in the project of opening a grand turnpike road between Boston and New Bedford, and most significantly co-uperated with his brother, Gen. Lazell, in its construction in 1805. Deacon Lazell's home, with its poplars and olTsets and its walks of box, was brightened by the presence of a worthy helpmeet whose refined nature fitted her for the prominence which she occupied in the social circle, and whose spirit of hospitality rendered so attractive the surroundings of the deacon's inn. As the fortunate mistress of such a home she raised a large family of daughters, and upon the death of her husband, in 1810, continued to welcome to her board a gladsome company of students - often twenty or more - whose faces cheered the halls of the old academy. The spirit of generosity of her husband, Mrs. Lazell lived to see revived in the presentation of the commodious grounds of the second Academy by his heirs in 1822, and to the end of life in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Eddy, was the friend of many a student.

An associate of Deacon Lazell was Peter Conant, the son of Phineas, and nephew of Rev. Silvauus Conant, a distinguished minister of Middlcboro'. About the time of his marriage, in 1777, Mr. Conant took up his abode on the eastern slope of Great Hill, on au old bridle-path that now winds through quiet woodland not far from the site of the old family homestead, which was owned by Lot Conant, son of the first Nathaniel. Mr. Conant was an artisan of acknowledged skill, and possessed the spirit of enterprise and of loyal citizenship. In early life in company with his brother, Phineas, and his uncle. Lot, he was a soldier in Capt. Allen's Bridgewatcr company, and with several others of the name was foremo.st in patriotic service. Upon the death of Deacon Lazell, in 1810, with Deacon James Alger and Deacon Cornelius Holmes as associates. Deacon Conant continued to perform the duties of his office till a few years before the close of Mr. Sanger's ministry, when he became an attendant of the religious service at Scotland, and was an original member of that church. In 1823, Deacon Conant sold his place and removed to Northfield, N. H., the home of his son. Rev. Lebbeus Conant, where he died surrounded by his kindred.

James Alger, who acted as a deacon as early as 1810, was the son of Lieut. James Alger, of the West Parish, and brother of Capt. Abizer Alger, a furnaceman of prominence, and father of Cyrus Alger, the ilistinp;uislied luetallursist and mauufacturcr. Deacon Alger lived on the old Samuel Keitli place 1 ill Scotland, and for a number of years in partnership with Col. Salmon Fobes carried on an iron furnace and ] store at Freetown. He was an influential and re- i speetcd member of the parish, especially interested in the welfare of the schools, and so lonj; as his hcaltli jiermittcd retained his official connection with the ] churcli. Upon his resi<;iiation, in 1822, Cyrus Cope- | land, Sr., was chosen his successor. Deacon Alger [ was a devoted student of the Scriptures, and it was [ said of him that he would speculate with considerable j ability upon subjects that have found opposite advocates in the Christian Clmrch. He was an occasional 1 contributor to the Christinn Keijister. He spent the last of his days with his sou, llev. Horatio Alger, who at that time was pastor of the Unitarian Church in Chelsea. Deacon Alger's wife was a daughter of Lieut. Joseph Bassett, a descendant on her father's side of William Bassett, and on her mother's of Robert Cushmau, both of whom were among the Plymouth Pilgrims.

The erection of the church at the East Precinct in 1720, and the organization of a church in Halifax in 171)4, had slightly affected the membership of Mr. Shaw's parish ; but in 1743 the people of Titicut, by a petition for a separate precinct, created a more serious loss to its membership, and in course of time no small disturbance of it.s di.sciplinary peace. The preaching of Whitefield, Davenport, and the Tennents, and Edwards, Hopkins, and Bellamy, had at this time of the great awakening made a deep impression upon the churches of New England, and the controversy of the Old and New Lights was making inroads upon the churches of the established order, and given rise to the organization of separate parishes. The Old Lights favoring the undisturbed privileges of the established clergy, and relying upon the power of the civil law for the support of the ordinances of religion, were in direct conflict with the upholders of new measures, who aimed at the complete separation of Church and State. So great was the prejudice, moreover, against any innovation in the modes of preparation of tiie clergy for their sacred oflice, that in Connecticut, where the controversy more hotly raged, a law was enacted, prohibiting any person wlio had not been educated or graduated at " Harvard, or Yale, or some other allowed Protestant college or university," from tiiking '- the benefit of the law of the government, respecting the settlement and support of ministers." But, on the other hand, it was the express conviction of many, who sought the more pronounced views of republicanism, and advocated a more ardent spirituality of the church.

that, to limit the functions of the gospel ministry to those only who had enjoyed the privileges of a liberal education, was to debar from most active .-service a certain element in the church whose ([ualificatiuns for the ministry was evinced by their efficiency and spiritual life. With fifty-three original members in 1718, and with seventy-five additional names during Mr. Allen's pastorate, the prosperity of Mr. Shaw's church had ever been apparent in the cheerful support of his ministerial labors, and in the continued iiicTeu>e of its membership. The first ten years of his ministry had witnessed the reception of one hundred and eiglit members, fifty-seven of whom signed the covenant during the first three years, and the great revival of 1742 had produced most gratifying results by tlie accessiun uf thirty-three in January, thirty-seven in February, and fifty-seven during the remainder of the year. During the first twenty years of Mr. Shaw's ministry two hundred and fifty-eight had been added to the church.