Plymouth Town (part 21 of 54)

While there (1835) he married Jliss Roxanna Darling, of Woodstock, Vt., one oi' his former pupils, henceforth to be his companion iu .iluJy and in labor, a fitting helpmeet in every good work of his life, and who survives him. A year later he opened a select school for boys iu Roxbury, JIa.ss., where he had a delightful home for three years, going thence to Illinois to preside over an academic institution sustained by the munificence of John Tlllson, of Halifax, Ma.ss. Hero he found a genial field for his favorite pursuits, but as neither he nor his wife could endure the climate, after remaining there two years he accepted an invitation from the academy at Framingham, Mass., where he passed the next four years, when his health obliged him to give up bu.sinis.i, and for a year he lived most of ihc lime in the open fields, where he cultivated u close acquaintance with botany and geology. This out-door life was so beneficial to his health that for several years he turned away from his favorite vocation and engaged as engineer in the Boston water-works, residing at West NewtOD, where he had intimate relations with Hon. Horace Munn and other distinguished educators. In 1853 he received an appointment fiom the State Board of Education as principal of the Normal School at Bridgewater, and entered upon the great wurk of preparing others for the educational field. For lliio Mr. Conant was exceptionally well fitted. His whole mind and strength were given to his teaching. In his favorite studies of mathematics, astronomy, and mechanics, he was clear, definite, and original in his methods. He had at one time a blind pupil in astronomy, whom he so skillfully taught that he became a successful lecturer on that science. He was continually, by his fidelity to his work, his devotion, his enthusiasm, drawing his pupils to higher fields of thought and nobler attainments. For seven years he threw into the development of the Normal .School all the forces of his multiform nature, then the confinement and the toil of this work proved too arduous, and he was compelled to resign, and retired to a farm in Grantville in 1860. In 18G2 his personal friend, Mr. Boutwell, afterwards Secretary of the Treasury, then Commissioner of Internal Revenue, called for his assistance in Washington, where he passed ten years of his life in organizinj; and carr^'ing on the Department of Internal Revenue. During this time many millions of dollars passed through his hands. His exalted patriotism and loyalty strengthened the hearts of those who guarded the life of the nation in those critical and dangerous days. His earnest and efficient services were given to the government until he could work no more, when, on leave of absence, he returned to Bi'idgewater, where, surrounded by his old Criends, lie died Feb. 10, 1873, aged seventy-two years.

In L'very sphere of lite, as companion, friend, teacher, citizen, and official, Mr. Conant was a Christian gcutluman, realizing the highest ideal of the position. The prominent traits of his character were great hopefulness (almost enthusiasm), perseverance, unostentatioM, large charity, and strong religious faith. He was a diligent student of the Bible, an ardent lover of its teachings, a member of the Congregational Church, and through life sustained and guided by a living faith in Jesus, the Christ. The lesson of his noble life is this, - that the love of truth, trust in God, and hopeful, persevering industry will enable one to overcome obstacles, attain the full stature of a Christian manhood, bring one to stations of honor and usefulness, and leave a memory which, like a fragrant perfume, shall cast a pleasant influence for untold aires.

Spencer Leonakd

Spencer Leonard, son of Spencer and Mary (Wood) Leonard, a lineal descendant in the seventh generation from Solomon Leonard, one of the first proprietors of thi.s town, was born in Bridgewater, Aug. 18, 1814. His grandfather, Samuel Leonard, was a minute-man in the war of the Revolution, and received a pension from government. His father (Spencer Leonard) was drafted in the defense of Plymouth in the war of 1812, for which the government gave him a land warrant. He was a farmer, and well known for his industrious habits and sterling, honest character. He was a selectman .several years about 1830. Spencer's youth and early manhood were occupied in ths labor of the farm, and his educational advantages were limited to the schools uf that day. However, his habits of industry and robust physique were good material with which to enter upon the business of life. At the age of twenty be engaged in the dry-goods trade, which he followed for eighteen year.t, when he changed his avocation to that of farmer, and purchased the Zechariuh Whitman farm (formerly the homestead of the grandfather of W. H. Whitman, the present clerk of the courts fur Plymouth County), and has successfully carried on the business of farming, in connection with the manufacture of wood and lumber, until the present time. About eight years since he purchased an orange orchard in Florida, and has now twenty-eight acres of land and about five hundred orange-trees (a portion of them in bearing condition).

He married, Aug. 12, 1840, Cementha T., daughter of Isaac and Polly (Chandler) Sturtevant. They have five children, - Mary L. (married JNIarcellus G. Howard in June, 18G6, lives in San Mateo, Fla., and has one child, Myron Leonard), Abbie F. (married, first, James W. Lee, Dec. 31, 1865 ; he died May 18, 18G8; second. James W. Leach, Jan. 15, 1872, and has one child, Cora May), Austin (married Cora L. Beatty, has one child, John L., and resides in Providence, R. I.), Cora C, and Spencer, Jr. (are unmarried and reside with their parents).

Durins; his Ions; and useful life Mr. Leonard has been elected to many offices in the gift of his fellowcitizens, and performed the duties with acceptance to the same. He represented Bridgewater in the State Legislature for the years 1846 and 1847. He was elected selectman in 1855, and has served in that capacity and as assessor, overseer of the poor, board of health, etc., to the present time. He was appointed justice of the peace for the county of Plymouth by Governor Bullock May 21, 1867, reappointed by Governor Washburn in 1874, and by Governor Long in 1831. He took an active interest in sustaining the government in the late war by procuring enlistments, tilling quotas, and caring for the soldiers and their families. He also served as United States enrolling officer during the Rebellion. He has also been probation ] officer for Bridgewater from the first creation of the I office to the pre.sent time. He has been a member of the board of the trustees of the Bridgewater Savings- Bank from its incorporation, and its vice president for several years. In 1883 he was elected president of that institution, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Hon. Lloyd Parsons, which office he now holds. He has been connected with the Plymouth County Agricultural Society since 1846, having continuously served as trustee, committee, or committee of arrangements.

Mr. Leonard is an attendant of the New Jerusalem Church, enjoys the confidence and esteem of his townsmen, and is well and favorably known through quite an extensive range of acquaintance. Careful and conservative, yet at the same time a believer in true progress, be has ever supported the principles of the Republican party, deeming that upon its success depended the preservation of those doctrines of civil and religious liberty banded down to us by the Pil-

Van 11. Swift

For centuries the Swift family has been prominent in England. The celebrated Dean Swift was one of the most brilliant scholars and thinkers of his time, - that of the reiiin of Queen Anne. William Swift came from Booking, County Sutfulk, England, to Watertown, Mass., prior to lGo2, but in 1G37 removed to Sandwich, and from him are descended the numerous families of Swift. " They are known generally as influential members of society, law-abiding citizens, prosperous, esteemed, and respected for thrift and good qualities. Men of force and character, positive in their nature, pushing and successful in business, public-spirited in every enterprise to advance tlie interests of their towns." Of this number, po.'^se^^.sing these characteri.sties in a large degree, is Van R. Swift, son of Isaac and Sally (Pratt) Swift, who was born in Bridgewater March HI, 1813. The line of descent from William, the emigrant, is William', William', Jireh'', Isaac', Jireli*, Isaac**, Van Rensselaer.' His father was a farmer, a quiet, unostentatious man of strict probity, valued for his many good qualities. He did much in road-building, and helped construct the turnpike from Weymouth to New Bedford. His mother, Sally Pratt, was a lineal descendant of Joshua Pratt, who, with his wife, Bathsheba, came from England, in 1622, in the ship " Ann," the third ship that came to Plymouth. Joshua Pratt was a man of marked ability, and was often chosen to ofiRccs of trust in the gift of the town, such as messenger, constable, and assessor, also surveyor aud sealer of weights and measures. He was born in England in 1593, moved to Dartmouth (now New Bedford) iu 1G50, and died in IGJC. The line is Joshua', Joseph", Joseph^, Nathaniel*, Seth^, Nathaniel' (father of Mrs. Isaac Swift). The children of Isaac and Sally (Pratt) Swift were Sally (Mrs. Henry C. Snell, deceased), Melvin (deceased), and Van Rensselaer.

Mr. Swift received an academic education, and remained upon the ancestral estate, occupied in the same honest calling as that of liis father. He married, June 11, 1839, Eleanor T., daughter of Isaac and Mary (Chandler) Sturtevant, of Duxbury, of an old New England family. Their children attaining maturity are Myra E. (Mrs. Denzell M. King), resides in Foxboro' ; Aroliue (Mrs. A. A. Dunbar), of Brockton ; Van Rensselaer (wlio married Myra Irene Thomas, of Bridgewater); and Walter M.

instances of such long-continued faitliful service of a public ofBcer as that of Van R. Swift, who has held the chairmanship of the Board of Selectmen and Assessors of Bridgewater for thirty-three years. His election to office was unsolicited, aud has proved eminently satisfactory, if we may judge from his successive re-elections. He has, as an overseer of tlie poor, during his long term of service, shown rare discretion and kindness to the needy. He has for fourteen years been town treasurer and collector. He has also been active as a member of the Plymuuih County Agricultural Society, having been its vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and ibr many years serviii;^ upon committees. He is one of the trustees uf the Public Library. He held the political views of the Whig party up to the time of its death, and was elected by that party to the State Legislature of 1S53 and 18;')-!. For many years he has been a stanch Democrat, and as such represented Bridgewater in the Legislature of 1878.

Firm and decided in his opinions, he sometimes may have seemed over-tenacious in his convictions, but never has been accused of a lack of frankness or honesty of purpose. In all local affairs his action has been in the true interests of the town, and he has won the good opinion of the citizens without distinction of party, and has many warm friends, who value his firm and solid character. No one in Plymouth County to-day is better entitled to be called a repre^^entative man.

James C. Leach

JAMES C. LEACH. James Gushing Leach, oldest son of Alpheus Leach, a farmer of humble fortune, who lived on the margin of Nippenicket Pond, in Scotland, Bridgewater, was born June 11, 1831. His early life wa.s uneventful, and his education was subject to the limitations uf brief common-school advantages, but these were improved to the best of his ability. \\''ith good judgment his father encouraged his son to secure a trade, and upon entering his seventeenth year James euinmenccd serving the usual time allotted to an apprentice, which was completed under the oversight of and with Mr. Ambrose Keith, of Bridgewater, a builder of good repute. lie continued lor several years as journeyman in Mr. Keith's employ, by whom the honest service of a faithful workman was apjireciated. He then engaged with J. E. Carver, the cotton-gin manufacturer, with whom he found constant emplo}-- ment for some years. Mr. Leach, puasessing a strorjg physique, was enabled to accomplish an unusually large amount of work daily, and his diligence and economy soon found him the possessor of the means to erect for himself a handsome cottage on Spring Hill Avenue, which he occupied for a few years and then sold. He then built a fine residence on Pleasant Street, adjoining the Barstow estate, where he now resides. In 1870 he began the manufacture of his oil-proof paper, which is extensively used by boot and shoe manufacturers, and from small beginnings, with this specialty and his agency for the sale of leather board, ho has built up a prosperous business.

Mr. Leach sustains an unblemished character as a citizen and as a business man. His activity in politics is of long standing, and he has for many years held the place of chairman of the town Republican committee. For mure than twenty years he has been a member of the Plymouth County Agricultural Society, having been much of this time on the committee of arrangements, and always a liberal contributor to its funds. As a public-spirited citizen, he has shown a readiness to lend his aid to all good enterprises. He has for a long period been a trustee of the savingsbank atid a member of the investment committee, and also a director in the Brockton National Bank. His commission of justice of the peace by Governor Rice, in 1877, was a compliment to an eminentlydeserving self-made man. Mr. Leach has encouraged ample appropriations for public improvements in town and for education, and is a trustee of the Bridgewater Academy. His connection with the Central Square Society has been marked with a liberality that is creditable to his generous heart.

lie is a lineal descendant of Giles Leach, who settled in Bridgewater before 1665, and of Rev. James Keith, the first minister, both sturdy stocks, and represented largely in the Old Colony. He married, April 29, 18C0, Phebe, oldest daughter of Marcus and Hannah (Leach) Conant.

A. Waldo Bassett

In early English history the Bassett family has always been prominent. Hugh de Bassette was a distinguished knight and captain in the Norman army of William the Conqueror in his invasion of England, 1066. During the reign of Henry IIL (a.d. 1262) we find Philip Basset appointed to the highly important position of "justiciary" of the realm. Lord John Basset and Ralph Basset were also men of mark in the fierce civil contests and agitations of that period. The first American ancestor of this line was William

Bassett, who camo over in the ship " Fortune" in 1621, and settled in Plymouth, then in Duxbury, and finally in Bridgewater. He was an original proprietor of Bridgewater, a large land-holder in the colony, and possessed an extensive library. He married Elizabeth Tilden, one of the family from which Samuel J. Tiideu is descended. He died in 1667, leaving several children, - William, Nathaniel, Joseph', Sarah, Elizabeth, and Jane. William' settled in Sandwich, and his sun, William, had his grandfather's house and land in Bridgewater, by his will, which was nuncupative, and dated 1667. This grandson was a "marshal," and otherwise distinguished in the colony. Joseph^ married Martha Hobart, of Hingham, in 1677; Sarah married Peregrine White; William' married, first,

A. Waldo Bassett, son of Joseph and Hannah (Williams) Bassett, was born in Scotland, Bridgewater, July 21, 18ly, and was the youngest son and second child of their three children. He attended the common schools and afterwards Bristol Academy, then turned his attention to farming, which was the avocation of his father. He now owns and occupies the homestead of his falher, adjoining the original Bassett homestead, and for whom it was purchased by his father, Joseph. It was the residence of Dr. Benjamin Church, of Boston. We copy the following from the Bristol County Republican :

" Dr. Church was born in Newport in 1734, and was a grandson of the celebrated Col. Church of Indian fame. After graduating in Harvard, in 1754, and completing his studies in a medical college in London, he returned to Boston, and by his brilliant abilities soon rose to eminence as a physician and surgeon. He came to Bridgewater in 1757, and built a handsome dwelling-house, as a country residence, ou the farm now owned by Mr. Waldo Bassett, near Nippenicket Pond. The late Dr. Eleazar Carver was one of liis students and associates. Dr. Church was then a leading and popular Whig, a compeer of Hancock and Warren and other choice spirits of the Revolutionary school, a brilliant writer, orator, and poet. He was physician-general of the patriot army, and was assigned to the directorship of the general hospital ; also a member of the ' Provincial Congress,' in Boston, in 1774. By association with British officers he secretly became a loyalist and traitor, and finally, in 1775, was detected in attempting to send intelligence in ciphers by ' a woman' to an English officer of rank, relating to the movements of the patriot forces ;it Concord, Lexington, and Watertown. He was convicted by a court-martial, at wliicli Geu. AVasliiugton presided, in October of t'liat year, ' of lioldiug criminal correspondence with the enemy.' He was expelled from the Congress, dismissed from his official positions, and remanded to Cambridge jail, and alter a month to tiie jail in Norwich, Conn. He was released in 1776, in consequence of ill healtii, ' to leave the country,' and sailed in a vessel for the West Indies, which was never heard from. His widow was pensioned by the crown, and died in ].,ondou in 1798. The farm in Bridgewater was sold to James Starr in 1775. The house was burned over fifty years ago. The late Joseph Bassett became the purchaser of the estate, and built upon the site a larger residence than the former, which is now owned by his son, who resides there. The noted Daniel Leonard and many others became loyalists or semi-traitors, but whether Dr. Church, of Boston or Bridgewater, was the ' first traitor' there is some doubt. There is a record of about two hundred ' loyalists,' who were in doubt or weak-kneed, during ' the times that tried men's souls,' in 1775-7G."

Mr. Bassett married, June 11, 1850, Sarah J., daughter of Deacon Philip E. and Louisa P. (Leach) Hill, of an early family of Bridgewater. (Deacon Hill was for many years prominent in county and church aflairs.) Their cliildren are Ella J. (married William Savery, of Waroham), Joseph E., and Nathan A. Mr. and Mrs. Savery have two children.

Mr. Bassett is a quiet, retiring man of unassuming manners. He is in accord with the better class of the community iu all matters tending to advance or improve the interests of his native town. Ivepublican in politics, he has sedulously avoided public position, but steadily worked fur his party. lie was commissioned justice of the peace by Governor Washburn. Intelligent, thoughtful, fond of investigation, he keeps himself thoroughly informed on all matters of public moment, and ever gives his support and assistance to those movements his careful proving shows to be for the public weal. It is from such men and through such men that the perpetuity of republican institutions is assured in this country. No idea of personal advancement or striving for political notoriety swerves them from following the right, as it is given them to know the right, and it is a satisfaction to record that the class of which he is a good type is not a small one, but embraces the truly patriotic and thinking men all over our land. Kind in his domestic relations a valued friend, and a prized and estimable citizen, he is a safe counselor and worthily stands hi"h in the esteem of his townsmen.

Franklin Leacii

We find the first American ancestor of the Leach family of Bridgewater, Lawrence Leach, who came from England and settled iu Sulem, where he was made freeman in 1631. He was over fifty years of age when he came to this country, and had, by his wife Elizabeth, quite a family iu England, most of whom accompanied him here. Among his cliildren were John, James, Clement, Ivobert, Bichaid, and Giles.

Giles', born in Salem, 1632, went as a young man to Weymouth, where, in 1656, he married Anne Noakes or Nokes. He resided there until 1664, when he removed to Bridgewater, and became a permanent resident of this town. He had numerous children, of whom John was probably the firstborn in this town. John', by his wife Alice, had ten children, and died in 1774. Neheniiah ', born 1709, married, first, Mercy Staples, and had two children ; second, lluth (?) Bryant, of Plymptou. By second wife he had nine children, of whom James ^, born in 1737, married Hazadiah, daughter of Robert Keith, in 1765, and had ten children, of whom Apollos was second son. Apollos' married, in 1796, Chloe, daughter of Christopher, and granddaughter of William Dyer, who settled iu Bridgewater prior to 1609, and was surveyor, juror, and constable in 1708. They had six children, - Philo, Sarah, Olive, Daniel, Franklin, and Philander. Mr. Leach was a farmer and carpenter, which trade he followed for many years, and was noted for the good quality of his work. An unpretentious man of industry and moral worth, he enjoyed the esteem, confidence, and friendship of the community, and died in October, 1832.

Franklin Leach (eighth generation), son of Apollos and Chloe (Dyer) Leach, was born in Scotland, Bridgewater, Mass., Jau. 14, 1809. He had commonschool and academic advantages of educatiofi ; learned the carpenter's trade of his father, and worked with him. On attaining his majority he became connected in business with his oldest brother, I'liilo. With hini for some years, and afterwards alone, he has worked as carpenter and builder over half a century. During these years he has pursued his trade in New Bedford, Fairhaven, Raynham, Taunton, Holbrook, Brockton, and Boston, as well as Bridgewater, where, for several years, he was in the employ of the cuttongiri works. Naturally ingenious and of a mechanical tuin of mind, he has put genuine love into his labor, and even now, though seventy-five years of age, docs much work in which younger men would take pride. Prudent, diligeut, economical, and persevering, his labors have been rewarded with well-earned competency. He has also been somewhat of a farmer, but has never desired to follow that avocation. He has taken great interest in militia matters; was elected captain, and comiuissioned March 21, 1835; commissioned major, July 18, 1S3G; commissioned colonel, Dec. 13, 1838, ;uid lioiiurably di.-icli;u;ied Maicli 7, IS-tO. He was tirst eouiini.«sioned justice of the peace by Govenidi- Boutwell, Au;_'. -H, 1352, and still holds the office. Whi^ ;iiid Uijpublicaii in politics, he has held various luincir luwu offices, and served conseieutiously in them. He has hctii a Freemason since lS5t!; has been W'or.-liipful Master of Fellowship Lodjje, Biidfjewater, for three years ; received his chapter degress at Muuut Zion Chapter, Slou'^hton, Mass.. in 18r»7, aud is now affiliated with llarmoiiy Cli:ipter, R. A. M., Brid>iewater. He married, Nov. 13, 1S32, Mary, daughter of I.<aac and Mary (Hayward) Fobes. They have had three children, - Olive F. (died aged six years), Mary F. (married James R. Tracy, of Raynham, and has two children, Huldah M. and Louise M.), and Susan M. (married Henry J. Clarke, Esq., of Webster, and has one child).

Mrs. Leach is a descendant in the seventh generation from John Fobes, an original proprietor of Bridgewater, the line being John ', Edward*, John^, Josiah*, Alpheus*, Isaac'. Isaac Fobes, born in 1789, was a machinist aud farmer. After working at his trade in various places he returned to Scotlaud, where he died, June 22, 1855. He married, first, Mary, daughter of Timothy Hayward; second, Olive, daughter of Edward Mitchell, and widow of Dr. Rufus Walker. Mr. Fobes was an intelligent genealogist and antiquarian, devoting much time in his later years to researches in that direction. He was a Congregationalist in religious belief, possessed a handsome property, and was a valued citizen.

Mr. and Mrs. Leach have been for many years members of Trinity Episcopal Church, Mr. Leach being warden for several years, vestryman at present, and one of its trustees for a long time. Col. Leach and his wife have during their fifty-one years of connubial felicity practiced the cardinal virtues of diligence and industry. To the outside world these years of their life have been uneventful, but to them each year has brought both sad and pleasant occurrences. One of the most pleasant of these was on the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage (Nov. 13, 1882), when their descendants and a large circle of relatives and friends gathered at the home they had occupied for half a century to celebrate their golden wedding, bringing many gifts of love and friendship. Another was the marriage in Raynham of their granddaughter, Huldah M. Tracy, to Rev. Winfield

W. Hall (a Methodist Episcopal clergyman), on the fifty-first anniversary of their marriage (Nov. 13, 1883). All along life's pathway have all laudable charities met with a hearty response from them, and a generous hospitality been a characteristic of their home. They are now passing down the declivity of life with the esteem of a large circle of friends, and leading lives that their descendants may worthily emulate.

Stillman 0. Keith

The Keith families are descended from Robert, chieftain of the Calti, who, having joined Malcolm Second at the battle of Panbridge, in 1006, was instrumental in gaining a great victory over the Danes, aud slew with his own hand Camus, the Danish leader, which, King Malcolm perceiving, he dipped his spear into the blood and made three strokes or pales on the top of Robert's shield, and these have been the arras of his descendants. In lOlO he was advanced to the hereditary dignity of marshal of Scotland, aud rewarded with a barony in Lothian, called field-marshal. The first American ancestor of the Keith family was the Rev. James Keith, who came over from Scotland about the year 1662. He was educated at Aberdeen, but being only about eighteen years old he had not completed his studies when he came to Bridgewater; but he proved an efficient and faithful servant of the Lord. He was settled and ordained Feb. 18, 1664. He possessed the spirit of a Christian hero, and proved himself to be peculiarly qualified for the trying circumstances under which he was placed when, twelve years after his settlement, Bridgewater seemed about to be extirpated by the savages. By his strong, courageous spirit and teachings he inspired the people with the same spirit and courage, and they were successful in subduiug their savage enemy. Rev. James Keith was highly esteemed throughout the colony, his praise was in all the churches. In the year 1688, when the proprietors of Bridgewater petitioned the General Court at Plymouth for an enlargetuent of their territory, their request was granted on this eoudition, showing their kind regard and estimation of Mr. Keith : "That the said town of Bridgewater be careful to accomiuodate Mr. Keith willi a fumpeteney of land," and though they had given him a house and twelve acres of land, they further made him a til'tysisth shareholder in the township. Rev. James Keith was probably the first to sound the alarm in regard to intemperance in this country, for even as early as the beginning of the seventeenth century the

Stillman 0. Keith, son of Benjamin and Lucy (Fobes) Keith, was born in Scotland, Bridgewatcr, Jan. 13, 1827. He is a descendant from Piev. James Keith, ill the seventh generation, the line being James', Samuel", Benjamin^, Benjamin*, Benjamin^, Stillman". His fatiier was a farmer, a quiet unostentatious man, kind and unobtrusive, iudustriou.s, and a good citizen, pursuing the even tenor of his way. His religious belief was tiiat of the Cougregatioualists. He died Sept. IS, 1S79, at the age of eightyfour. The children of Benjamin and Lucy (Fobes) Keith were Stillman, lloyal, and Lucia (Mrs. Simon Burnett). Stillman's education was at the common schools. At the age of nineteen he went to learn the carpenter's trade with Ebenezer Shaw, of Middleboro', he remained there three years. In 1850, he went to Boston, and after working at his trade a year or two he entered into partnership with C. C. Howard, by wliom he had been employed. They erected several buildings and stores, and continued together doing a good business, until his health failed, when he returned to Scotland, where he remains to this day, occupying a portion of his father's farm. Since his return to this place he has dealt in real estate quite largely, owning and renting several store.-i and tenements in Brockton.

On Dec. 29, 1856, Mr. Keith married Clara W., daughter of Col. Oliver and Diana (^lilaton) Eaton, of Middleboro'. Mrs. Keith comes also of an early and prominent New England family, and her father has, during a long life of over eighty years, filled hoi»estly and satisfactorily important public trusts. Both her parents are still living in North Middleboro', at very advanced ages, cherished and beloved by all who know them.

Mr. Keith is a pleasant, social companion, retiring and unassuming, possesses good taste, evidenced by the attractiveness of his home and its surroundings. He is prized by his townsmen as a good citizen, public-spirited, and industrious. He takes no part in politics, other than to support with his vote the Republican party. Devoting himself to business, he has acquired a handsome competency.

Topography of the Town - Rirers - Ponds - Indians - First Settlers - Incorporation of the East Precinct - Villngea aud > Lucnlitiea - Elinwooil Villaije - lieaver Village - Satuoket - ; Noi thville - Eastville - Curtisville - MatSuld - Auburnville ! - Post-Otfices - Tax-payers, 1729 - Assessment for 1757 - As- ' sessmeut fur 1778.

Topography of the Town. - East Bridgewater is situated iti the northwest part of Plymouth County; latitude 42° 1' 8"; longitude 70° 57' 29". The township, seventeen miles from Plymouth and twentyfive miles from Boston, is nearly square. From the most northwesterly point to the extreme southeast corner it is six miles, the centre of its territory, in a direct line from north to south and from east to west, being two miles from the borders of the town. Previous to the incorporation of South Abington, in 1875, and the annexation of a part of East Bridgewater to Brockton, the same year, it contained eighteen and one-seventh square miles. Its present limits embrace somewhat mure than sixteen square miles.

The town of East Bridgewater, the original territorial centre of Bridgewater at the time of the purchase of Bridgewater from the Indians, was incorporated June 14, 1823. Though its incorporation as a town is of a comparatively recent date, it was settled as early as 1G60.

Rivers. - There are several rivers and brooks, which furuisii considerable water-power. The lowlands are naturally very productive, and with care yield abundant harvests. Of the rivers, the principal ones are the Satucket, in the southeasterly part, aud the Matfield (named frum an Indian who once lived near it), not far from the westerly side of the town. These two rivers unite at the south point of the " Whitman Neck," and, passing into Bridgewater, join there with Town River and form Taunton River. The Satucket River rises in the northeast part of Halifax, flows through Monponset and Stump Ponds in Halifax, and Robin's Pond in East Bridgewater, receives Poor Meadow River, rising in the northwesterly part of Hanson, and flows southwest, increased by Black Brook, whose course is directly south.

Matfield River, formerly called John's River (so named from John Howard, who once lived in Elmwood), is formed by the union of Salisbury River, which rises in Stoughton and passes through Brockton into East Bridgewater on the west border, Beaver Brook, which rises in Holbrook, flows through Brockton, and enters East Bridgewater near its extreme northerly point, and Snell Meadow Brook, which, rising in Abington and flowing through South Abington, enters East Bridgewater on the north side.

Ponds. - In the southeast corner of the town, near Halifax, b a lake called "Robin's Pond." It is a fine sheet of water covering about a hundred and twenty-five acres. A little north of the centre of the pond is a small island, which, with an abundance of trees and vines, is a favorite resort of pleasure parties, who in the mild season come in great numbers to enjoy this cool retreat. One circumstance connected with this body of water is worth mention. Ever since the first visit to it by a white man, and from what could be learned by tradition from the Indians, although many people have been attracted hither in summer, and in winter also, until a very recent date, it is not known that any person ever was drowned in it. At a picnic on the island, July 19, 1882, a severe tempest occurred. Frank B. Howard, of West Bridgewater, aged twenty-nine years, was sailing in a boat with several companions, when the boom swinging round struck him on the head and knocked him into the water. The blow was so violent that he was rendered senseless, and in a few moments sank. The body was not recovered till seven hours afterwards. This is the only instance known of a death by drowning in this pond.

passed up Sutucket River and spawned in Rubin's Pond was very large. Sliad seemed to prefer Matfield River, and a shad weir was located on that stream, not far from the bridge of the Bridgewater Branch Railroad. The herring weir on Satucket River, built by the aborigines, perhaps hundreds of years ago, still remains much the same as when the last Indian placed his net to catch tlie nimble fisli as they darted along through the stony sluice, whicli might well be called a race-LCUij. Fur more than two hundred years, since the erection and running of mills, this perhaps only surviving structure herealjuuts, built by the dusky owners of the soil, has been out of sight, except as when the water of the stream was drawn off for a short time in the spring of each year to permit the herring to pass up and down the stream, or repairs or building operations might require the water of the pond to be let off. Since 18UI mills have not been stopped on account of the fisheries, and herring have nearly ceased their visits in tliis vicinity, and the Indians' Dam has seldom been visible.

Indians. - The name Saughtuckciuett (ox Satucket, as it is nuw spelt), applied to this territory, appears to signify " the place where rivers meet." Relics of Indian liaiidicraft have from time to time been discovered in digging cellars or plowing the land. Arrow-heads, axes, hatcliets, mortars, pestles, etc., have been found near Robin's Pond, on Wounocooto Hill, where the deed of land sold by the Indians was signed, and particularly un lands along the rivers. On the north bank of Snell Meadow Brook there appears to have been an especial place for the manufacture of Indian implements. Near Robin's Pund is a small hill, now covered with forest-trees, which was once the general burial-ground of the natives here, but skeletons of Indians have occasionally been exhumed in other parts of the town. About thirty rods north of the ancient weir is a piece of ground now covered with trees, which once was a cleared place, where the Indians apparently used to engage in their festivities.

In the Revolutionary war several of the Indians of this town served in the Continental army. One of them, Robert Pegin, died in 1815. He was the last full-blooded Indian who has died here. Tiie last marriages of Indians in this town occurred Jan. 1, 1830. The nuptials took place in the parlor of the dwelling-house of the late Mr. Ezra Alden. The writer, then a pupil of the late Rev. Baalis Sanford, was present, and witnessed the ceremonies. Of the happy couples united on this occasion, one was Isaac Wood, son of Samuel Wood, a Revolutionary soldier.

and Lucy Sepit. The other, Joseph A. Sizar (blacky and Susanna S. Wood, a sister of Isaac Wood. The last of the aboriginal race here, at or near the cluse uf 1843, had either died or removed from town.

First Settlers. - The first white settler in East Bridgewater appears to have been Samuel Allen, Jr., who came from East Braintree as early as IGGO, and erected a house on the east side of Mattield River, near where the Bridgewater Branch Railroad crosses that stream. He was the second town clerk of Bridgewater from 1G83 to 1702, and a deacon o\' the church. His large landed estate extended from Matfield River to and included the greater part of the Centre A'illage, the burial-ground, the common, and the plain. Ensign Josiah Standish is said to have resided in Ea.<t Bridgewater a few years following its settlement. If so, he may have lived in the same liouse with Samurl Allcu, who was his brother-in-law.

In 1002, Nicholas Byram arrived here from \Veyuiouth, and built a liouse near Snell Sleadow Brook, where Jotham Hicks now lives. This spot was in later times known as " the Capt. Whitiuan place," Capt. Isaac Whitmao having resided there many years. Mr. Byram had five shares of the whole tittysix into which the town of Bridgewater was divided, making an estate larger than that of any other proprietor.

The same year (16G2) Thomas Whitman came from Weymouth. He was born in England about 1G2'J, was a son of John Whitman, who settled, lived, and died in Weymouth, and son-in-law of Nicholas Bynmi, whose daughter, Abigail, he had married in KJ.'jG. His first house, it has been said, was built a few rods south of where Irving Bates now lives, near M.itfield River. This house was burned by the Indians, and he built another near Satucket River, on land a little south of Clark Swallow's residence. It i.s not fully decided whether the first house was really near Matfield or Satucket River. The late Deacon Josinh Whitman, a descendant of Thomas, assun.d me it was on Malficld River.

Thomas Whitman died in 1712, having lived fifty years in East Bridgewater. He built another house, whether second or third, where Clark Swallow nuw lives. He had a large estate, most of it in the form of a triangle, between Satucket and Matfield River.-.

The fourth settler was Robert Latham, who came from Marshfield about 1GG3, and built a house near Satucket River, directly south of the herring weir. He was an enterprising man (had in Marshfield held the important oflice of constable), and soon after settling here erected a saw-mill on Satucket River, a few rods below the weir.

History Op East Bridgewater

The next settler was William Brett. He was son of Elder William Brett, of West Bridgewater (whether he was born in England or in Duxbury is not known), was a deacon of the church and a valuable citizen. His house waa near where Spring Street | and Joseph M. Loucroft's brick-yard now are.

Of the first five houses thus far uientiuned, that of Robert Latham was burned by the Indians on Sunday, April 9, 1G7G. Three other houses were, according to tradition, burned in the course of King Philip's war, all probably some time previous to the close uf IGTtJ. The only one not burned was that of Nicholas Byram. The Indians gave as a reason for their not burning his house that he had been kind to them and given them cider. Mr. Byram had, perhaps, the first orchard in this town, and the Indians were not slow to appreciate the value of apples turned to such an account.

King Philip's war brought great distress upon the people here, but soon after Philip's death, which occurred Aug. 12, 1676, the tide of affairs began to turn ; new houses took the plates of those destroyed ; additional dwellings were erected ; and good cheer came in the form of money contributed by Christian friends in Ireland ; " the good .ship, the ' Katherine,' of Dublin," having been dispatched from the Emerald Isle to bring aid to the distressed colonists.

Immigrants from various places soon began to settle here. Experience Mitchell, who had landed in Plymouth in 1G23, one of the passengers in the third ship, the " Ann," and resided several years in Duxbury, came to East Bridgewater about 1680, and with his SOD, Edward Mitchell, built a house in what was for many years named Joppa (now Elmwood). Jonathan Ilill came from Dorchester some time before 1685, and erected a dwelling in Elmwood, a few rods south of the Bridgewater Branch Railroad bridge over Matfield River.

Isaac Harris, son of Arthur Harris, who was one of the original proprietors of Bridgewater, came with his sons, Isaac and Samuel Harris, perhaps as early as 1680, and settled on the north side of Satucket River, near the herring weir.

Francis and James Gary, sons of John Gary, the first town clerk of Bridgewater, settled here about 1685, Francis on the west side of Matfield River, in Elmwood. James in Beaver.

Isaac Alden settled here about 1685. He owned a large tract of land near Beaver Brook, and erected a house where Daniel N. and John Reed now live. The same year or earlier John Howard, Jr., settled in Elmwood. He lived on the Deacon Keen place.

Beaver about 1696, and built on Matfield River the first grist-mill in East Bridgewater. This waterprivilege has ever since been known as Shaw's Mills. Jeremiah Newland lived some time before 1700 " on the eastward end of the Great Plain."

Joseph Washburn was settled in East Bridgewater soon after King Philip's war in what is now called Satucket, and was the ancestor of some, if not all, of the Washburns of Kingston and Plymouth ; also of the Washburns of Worcester, famed for their success in iron manufactures.

The East Precinct or Parish of Bridgewater was incorporated in 1723. The names of the petitioners for an act of incorporation it has been impossible to find.

Incorporation of the East Precinct. - When that portion of Bridgewater now known as East Bridgewater voted to petition to be set off as a separate precinct, the Legislature chose a committee to inquire into the position and propriety of the same. What the petition was we have not been able to find out, but we give the doings of the Legislature, as follows, viz. :

" A Petition of the Inhabitanta of the Eiist End of tlio North Precinct in Bridgewater, shewing that it was voted in the said North Precinct that they should be set oft* a separate Precinct when they should be able to maintain a minister, which vote, they apprehend, waa countenanced, if not continued, by the General Court. That they now looli upon themselves capable of giving an Honorable Support to a Minister, and therefore praying that they may be set olT by a straight line running through the centre of the a'' North Precinct, and that Thirteen families of the South Precinct may be added to them.

" In the House of Representative?, Read and Ordered, that the North and South Precincts of the said Town bo served with a copy of this petition, tfcc. ; and that they may shew reason, if any they have, why the prayer thereof should not be granted, on the third Wednesday of May Sessions.

" The Petition of y' Inhabitants of the East End of the North Precinct in Bridgewater (as entered Dec. 22d, 1722), ivith the answers of the other part of the North Precinct and of the South Precinct were Read and fully considered, and the following Vote passed thereon, viz. :

" In Council : Ordered that Isuac Winslow and Samuel Tha\- tcr, Esq., with such as the Hon"'" House of Representatives shall appoint, be a Committee to repair to Bridgewater in the recess of the Court and hear the pleas and allegations of all Parties, and view the Town and consider the aituation and circumstances of the aeveral parts thereof, and make re]tort whether they judge it reasonable that the East end of the North Precinct be set otf aa a aeparate Precinct, antl, if so, whether any or all of the Thirteen or Fourteen Families prayed for t'roiu the South Precioct ought to be added to them, and by what lines the suid E.iat purt should he set off, the charge to he pnid by the Iubabit;inti of the East end of the North Precinct, who are the petitioners. In the House of Representatiire?, Read and Concurred, and ordered that Jo^iuh Cotton, Isaac Little, and John Quincy, Esq., he added to the Couimittee for the end and purposes above.

** Isaac Winslow, Esq., from a Committee of Both Houses, gave in the following Report as to a New Precinct in the Town of liridgewater, viz, :

"In obedience to an Order of the General Court, bearing date June 13th, 1723, the Committee appointed to repair to Dridgewater, and hear the pleas and allegations of all ])arties, and view tho Town, and consider the situation and circumstances of the .-.everal i>arts thereof, and make report whether they judge it reasonable that the East end of the North Precinct be set off as a separate Precinct, and if so, whether any or all of tho thirteen or fourteen families prayed for from the South Precinct ought to be added to them, and by what lines or bounds the said East Precinct should be set off.

'* Having accordingly met together at Bridgewater aforesaid on the 8th of July, 1723, .t performed the service aforesaid, are humbly of opinion that the East end of the North Precinct be set off as a separate Precinct, when they have procured a Constant, Learned, and Orthodox Minister among them, aud that the dividing line between the East i West Precinct, be a North tL .South Line from the Centre, and that nine of the thirteen or fourteen families i>rayed for from the South Precinct - viz., the Families of Barnabas Seabury, Thomas Latham, Charles Latham, Nicholas Wade, Nathaniel Harding, Thomas Hooper, Wm. Conant,^ Isaac La2ell,and Joseph Washburn (six 'if which have signed with the petitioners) - be set off to the said East Precinct, and that the great road which leads from Plymouth to the Town of Bridgewater bo the dividing line between the South and East Precincts, anil that they bo freed from bearing any charge in tho South Precinct,

'* In Council Read Jt Accepted, A ordered that the Ea.-t End of the North Precinct of Bridgewater be set off a distinct l Precinct accordingly. In the House of Representatives Read i Concurred, Dee, Uth, 1723.

Villages and Localities. - Ea.st Bridgewater contains a number of villages or hamlets; tiie principal one - often culled East Bridgewater or East Bridi^ewater Village, sometimes the Old Village - is near the centre of the town. Here are located three houses of worship, - the Unitarian, Methodist, aud Roman | Catholic, - the town hall, high school, post-oflRce, the I railroad station of the Bridgewater Branch, the i savings-bank, stores, iron-foundry, etc.

Elmwood Village (formerly Joppa), in tho south- | west corner of the town, has a post-office uf its own, and lies on the road to Bridgewater. There are the | New Jerusalem Church, stores, and shoe manufactories. The Elmwood Station of the Branch Railroad is at the crossing of West Street, near the house of Henry Hill. A little farther westward, on the same street, is the East and West Bridgewater Station of the Old Colony and Newport Railroad. A few rods from the depot is the stone which marks the spot where once stood the Centre ^T/ee, indicating the centre of the ancient town of Bridgewater. Near this station, where a few years ago was but one house, is a rapidly-growing little village.

Beaver Village, in the northwest part of the town, derives its name from the fact that the =treaiu running through it once abounded in Leavers, the remnants of their industry having been visible in recent years.

Satucket, in the south part of the town, contains on one side, not far from the E. Carver GiM-Wurk.->, the hill on which the territory of Bridgewater was purchased of the Indians.

Northville, in the northeast part of tlie town, was formerly called the Northeaat School District, where a few years ago was the first Methodist house of worship in the town.

Curtisville, in the southeasterly part of the town, near Hanson and Halifax, was named from Simeon Curtis, a respected resident, who died tliere in 1864.

Matfield is mostly on that part of Pleasant Street north of the Union meeting-house, and includes a part of West Bridgewater where are the Matfield post-office and railway-station of the Old Colony aud Newport Railroad,

Aubumville (formerly called West Crook), a school district in the north part of the town bordering on Abington, received its new name in 1873. On the incorporation of the town of South Abiugtou, in 1875, a large part of the district was set off to the new town. The remainder of the territory is still a part of East Bridgewater.

Each of the above-mentioned localities has its district school or schools, except Matfield. The children of the East Bridgewater part of Matfield attend the Beaver schools.

Post-Offices. - The first post-office in the old town of Bridgewater was established in the East Parish of Bridgewater, in November, 1799, and denominated the " Bridgewater Post-Office," Nahum .Alitchell, Esq, (afterwards Judge Miti-hell), was appointed the first postmaster. The post-office was kept in his lawoffice. Prior to 1799 there were but four post-offices in the county of Plymouth, and in the United States but six hundred and thirty-nine. Dr. Cornell, the mail-carrier, went on horseback carrying the mail from Boston to Bristol, R. I,, once in a week, Thursday was the regular day for him to appear at the post- office iD this village, but sometimes he did not arrive till the following Sunday. Before the office here began operations, people were accustomed to go to Weymouth for their letters. For the first few ycurs the number of newspapers taken here was small, and the amount of business done through the mail was very little.

Silvanus L. Mitchell was appointed postmaster, Nov. 30, 1831 ; Aaron Hobart (afterwards Judge Hobart), Feb. 4, 1835 ; Hector 0. A. Orr, March 31, 1836; Benjamin Watson Keith, July 1, 1861, and is the present incumbent.

The post-office in Northville Village was established Jan. 28, 1839, and Moses Bates, Jr., was appointed postmaster at the same date. John Woodbridge Jenkins was appointed postmaster Sept. 1, 1841. This office was discontinued Blarch 7, 1844.

The post-office in Joppa (now Elmwood Village) was established July 1, 1861, and Warren K. Churchill appointed postmaster at the same time. He still holds the position.

Tax-payers, 1729. - In order that the reader may get an idea of who the residents of the precinct were at an early date, we append a list of tax- payers' names for 1729, as follows:

" This Bill of assessment for Defraying County Charges, to be collected by Ebenezer Alden, was made Bridgewater December 15th, Anno Dom. 1729.

The above list of tax-payers belonged to that part of the parish located west of the meeting-house. The names of the males above mentioned taxed for real estate only were those of non-residents.

Assessment for 1757. - The list of assessments to defray the necessary charges arising in the East Precinct in Bridgewater, together with the Rev. John Angier's salary, and is to be collected by Zacharias

Sliaw, constable, made by us, the subscribers, this 9tli day of December Aduo Domini 1757. Sij^ned, Ebenezer Alden, Thomas Whitman, John Oreutt, assessors.

Assessments for 1778. - A list of assessment for the defraying the town and county cliarge for the year past, to be collected by Josiah Johnson, constable, and was made by us Jan. 24, 1778. Signed by David Kingman, Eleazer Cary, Josiah Richards, assessors for the town of Bridgewater.

A list of assessment for the Defraying: tlie Charge in the East Precinct in Bridgewater. togethrr with Rev" Mr. Angier'a Sallery, to be CoilecLcd by Jonathan Conant, Constable, made by us Jan. 28, 1778. Signed by David Kingman, Nathan Alden, Assessors for Euat Precinct, Bridgewater.

Chapter Ii

First Church in East Bridgewater. - On the 28tli of October, 1724, a church was gathered in the east part of Bridgewater, now the town of East Bridgewater, and Rev. John Angier, son of Rev. Samuel Angier, of Rehobotb, was ordained, according to Congregational usage, its pastor. For sixty years the dwellers here had worshiped in tiie meeting-house at West Bridgewater, which the greater part of that time had been the only meeting-house in the whole of Bridgewater, but the distance which many were obliged to travel was so great that it became very desirable to have a place of worship much nearer. The number of people here was not large. No exact census has been obtained, but from a tax-list of 1721), and an enumeration of families, the number may have been three hundred and twenty-five. Some time prior to the establishment of the ministry, or the incorporation of a parish in this part of the old town, the inhabitants with their slender means had erected a meeting-house on the spot where the present first ] parish meeting-house stands. According to a diary kept by Deacon James Cary, the house was raised on tlie 15th of March, 1721. The land on wiiich it was placed was owned by Samuel Allen, son of Samuel Allen the first settler here, who, on the 28d of the following May, as the deed of the land declares, " for and in consideration of the regard he hath for settling the Ministry in the east end of the North Precinct in Bridgewater, doth give, grant, make over, convey, and confirm unto the said east end of the North Precinct (designing with submission to the authority to be a distinct precinct), to their proper use, behoof, and disposal, a certain small piece of land lying in Bridgewater aforesaid, on which the frame of a meeting-house nearly erected, in said Precinct, now standeth, for conveoiency about said meeting-house, etc."

East Parish of Bridgewater (now the First Parish of East Bridgewaterj. - The East Precinct or Parish of Bridgewater was incorporated by the General Court of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Dec. 14, 1723, and the first meeting of the parish as such legally called, and presided over by Joshua Cushing, Esq., " one of his Majestie'a Justices of Peace for the County of Plymouth," was held on Monday the 27th of January, 1724, at which Capt. Nicholas Bryam was chosen moderator ; Ebenezer Byram, clerk ; Samuel Allen, Nathaniel Hayward, and Recompense Gary, assessors ; Josiah Allen, collector ; and Samuel Allen, treasurer.

" An All fu vUuiiye the inimt uj the Eaat Paiiah uf Biidiji:- ualer : Be it cniiutcd by tiie Senate and llouae of Keprcsentativci in Genciul Court assembled, and by the authority of tUe same, that the parish heretofore kuowD aud called by the uamo of the East Parish or I'reuinct of Bridgewater, in the County of Plymouth, shall no longer bear that name, but henceforth shall be called and known by the name uf the First Parish in East Bridgewater, and all officers of said parish shall hold and c.xerciso their respective oflices in the same manner as they would have done bad not the name of said parish beeo changed." June 12, 1824.

On the lUth of February the parish voted to raise by a tax the sum of fifty pounds, which sum was to be collected by the 1st of the following June, and Cliiltou Latham, Samuel Allen, Isaac Aldcn, Nathaniel Hayward, and Capt. Byram were chosen a committee to obtain a minister. The society was then in working order, and candidates were heard.

On the 14th uf April, " ye inhabitants then met, agreed by a unanimous vote to give the Rev. Mr. John Angier a call to settle with them in ye work of ye Ministry according to the Gospel." His answer at first was in the negative, but afterwards so strong a desire was expressed for his consent to become their spiritual guide, that he yielded aud was ordained.

The compeusatiun to the young candidate was a " grattis" of one hundred and fifty pounds, together with ten acres of land, and an annual salary for the first year eighty pounds, for the second year eightyfive pounds, for the third year ninety pounds, for the fourth year ninety-five pounds, for the fifth year a hundred pounds, and henceforward a hundred pounds each year.

on the 27th of August, James Gary, Ebenezer Alden, and John Orcutt were " chosen a committee to finish ye meeting house so far as is Necessary for ye present, and made choice of Capt. Byram, Mr. [Theodosius] Moore, and Samuel Allen to dispose of ye pues in ye meeting-house."

The dimensions of the building nowhere appear on the records, but it probably was about forty feet square, with sixteen feet posts. When the house wus completed there were only eleven pews below and nine in the gallery. All the pews were built next to the sides of the house, none in the body. Tlie Indians had liberty of making pews for thcmselvus under the alairs. The body of the house was wholly taken up by long, common seats. No pews seem to have been built till 1725 or later.

On the 24th of September it was voted that the ordination should take place on the 2Sth of October next, and to appropriate " for the delVayiiig of ye charges of ye ordination of ye Rev. Mr. John Angier, fifteen pounds in money," and it was " agreed by a clear vote that Jonathan Bass and Ebctiuzer Byram should provide for tlie same."

History Of East Bridgewater

After the services in the house of worship the ministers and invited guests dined at the tavern which stood near the north bank of Satucket River. The t;ible was arranged on a line running east and west ill the open air and beneath the shade of trees. The west end of the table rested on a rock which is still standing, as is also, according to the tradition, part of a tree which has never ceased from that early date to yield its fruits as autumn returns.

Second Meeting-House. - During the ministry of Rev. John Angicr a second house of worship in place of the first one was erected, nearly on the same site, but a few feet farther eastward. This house was fiftysix feet long, twenty-two feet high, and forty-five feet wide, and completed in 175 i. The first house remained standing till the second was finished and was then removed, Hon. Hugh Orr, the purchaser, using its timbers in the construction of his mill on Mattield River, in which his cannon were bored for use by the Revolutionary forces. An item of interest connected with the second house may be here mentioned. When the last call was made for troops in the Revolutionary struggle the parish sold six places for pews where long seats had been, and thus readily obtained money to send their complement of men to the front.

Rev. Daniel Perkins, of the West Parish of Bridgewater, gave the charge, Rev. Jonathan Parker, of Plympton, the right hand of fellowship. The sermon was by Rev. John Angier, father of the pastor-elect, from Matt. xiii. 3 : " And he spake many things | unto them in parables, saying, ' Behold a sower went | forth to sow.' " The discourse was printed, and is to \ be found in the last edition of the Bridgewutei-' x Monitor, with a preface attributed to the pen of Hugh Orr, Esq.

At the time of the ordination of Rev. Samuel Angier, the town of Bridgewatcr contained four parishes and part of a fifth. The preface to the Monitor mentions one interesting fact. " It may be said to the honor of this people (the whole of the ancient town) that disaffection to their minister or contention among themselves has never given rise to a new parish. The sole motive of their separating from time to time

The Rev. Messrs. Angier continued in the pastorate together till the decease of the elder Angier, April 14, 1787, aged eighty-five. Rev. Samuel died Jan. 18, 1805, aged sixty-one.

Rev. John Angier. - Rev. Samuel Angier, son of Rev. Edmund Angier, of Cambridge, married, in 1680, Hannah, daughter of Rev. Urian Oakes, fourth president of Harvard University ; and was settled at Rehoboth in 1679, and in the West Precinct of Watertown (now Waltham) in 1696. Rev. John Angier, the first minister in East Bridgewater, son of llev. Samuel Angier above mentioned, was born in Waltham in 1701, and graduated at Harvard University in 172U. It is interesting to note that sixteen out of the twenty-one members of Rev. John Angler's college class became pastors of churches.

He married, Nov. 23, 1732, Mary, daughter of Ezra (Esq.) and Martha (Prince) Bourne, of Sandwich. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the bride's father, who was one of his Majesty's justices of the peace. The ministry of Rev. John Angier over the East Church, in Bridgewater, from Oct. 28, 1724, to his decease, at the age of eighty-five years, April 14, 1787 (a period of over sixty-two years), seems to have been a peaceful one. The parish had increased considerably, and a new house, larger than the first, had been built in the course of his ministry. He was beloved by his people and respected by the neighboring churches.

llev. Samuel Angier, the second minister in East Bridgewater, son of Rev. John Angier, was born March 20, 1743, graduated at Harvard University in 1763, and was ordained colleague pastor with his father, Dec. 23, 1767. He was a man very decided in his opinions, in demeanor grave and dignified, rather di£Bdent, but was kind, benevolent, and attentive to all prescribed duties, and in devotional exercises he excelled. He did not much visit his people familiarly, and could not be very sociable with children. Whenever he appeared in public he wore a wig, a three-cornered hat, small-clothes, and kneebuckles. At the close of divine service on the Sabbath the people waited for him to descend from the pulpit and pass down the aisle before they left their pews, lie bowing politely to them as he passed. He strictly observed the Sabbath, refraining from all secular matters on Saturday after sunset. He would never own a chaise, preferring always to journey on horseback. He continued a bachelor till he was fiftythree years of age, when he married, Nov. 29, 1796, Judith, daughter of Rev. Thomas and Judith (Miller)

Smith, of Pembroke. Mrs. Aogier, ou the IStli of JuiiO, 179S, while riding od horseback and descending the iiill south of the common, was tlirown from tiie liorse and received injuries from the effects of which slie never recovered. She died April 24, 1803, ai;ed fifly-tive years. He died Jan. 18, 1805, aged sixty-one years.

The second house remained standing, and was occupied till the completion of the third, and was not fini.ihed till near the close of 1795. Its dimensions, tilty-four by sixty-eight, and twenty-eight feet high. Public worship took place in it for the first time Jan. 10, 179tj, when the pastor. Rev. Samuel Angier, preached from Leviticus x. 3 : "Then Moses said unto Aaron, 'This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified.' "

The house was a solid structure, built after the model of a former generation, with its three galleries and its " suundiog-board" or canopy. In 1850 it was remodeled in accordance with the demands of the times, aud is a neat and convenient house of worship.

The third minister settled in East Bridgewater was Rev. James Flint, son of James Flint, born in North Reading, Dec. 10, 1779. He graduated at Harvard University, 1SU2; ordained pastor of this society Oct. 29, 180U.

The services at the ordination were as follows : Sermon by Rev. Jacob Flint, of Cohasset : Text, 2 Tim. iv. 2 ; ordaining prayer, by Rev. David Gurney, of Titicut ; charge, by Rev. Eliab Stone, of Reading; right hand of fellowship and address to the church and society, by Rev. John Reed, D.D., of West \ Bridgewater ; concluding prayer, by Rev. Timothy ; Flint, of Lunenburg. !

Ho resigned his office April 0, 1821, and was in- : stalled pastor of the East Church, in Salem, Sept. 19, 1821. He was honored by his Alma Mater with the degree of S.T.D. in 1825. He was a brilliant writer aud a poet; was the author of the Pilgrim song entitled, "Two Hundred Years Ago." He died iu Salem, March 4, 1855, aged seventy-five.

The next pastor w;is Rev. Benjamin Fesscndeu, born in Sandwich, Mass., June 13, 1797 ; graduated at Harvard College, 1817; ordained Sept. 19, 1821. He resigned tlie pastoral office Nov. 6, 1825, and became a manufacturer. He died in Valley Falls, R. I., Jan. 6, 1881, age eighty-three. Services at the ordination were as follows : Introductory prayer, by Rev. Morrill Allen, of Pembroke ; sermon, by Rev. Henry Ware, Jr., of Boston, text, Rom. xii. 11 ; orduining prayer, by Rev. Pitt Clarke, of Norton; charge, by Rev. Henry Ware, D.D., of Harvard University; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. James Kendall, of Plymouth ; concluding prayer, by Rev. George Barstow, of Hanson.

Rev. John A. Williams, born in Roxbury, July 28, 1800, graduated at Harvard, 1820 ; ordained Oct. 18, 1826; resigned Oct. 4, 1828; died in East Bridgewater, March 15, 1872. aged scventy-oue. Services at the ordination were as follows: lutruductory prayer and reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. Cliarlcs Lowell, D.D., of Boston ; sermon, by Rev. Eliphalet Porter, D.D., of Roxbury : " But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men, to edification, and exhortation, and comfort," 1 Cor. xiv. 3 ; charge, by Rev. James Kendall, D.D., of Plymouih; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Richard M. Hodges, of Bridgewater; ordaining prayer, by Rev. Samuel Willard, D.D., of Deerfield ; address to the society, by Rev. Pitt Clarke, of Norton ; concluding prayer, by Rev. John Reed, D.D., of West Bridgewater.

Rev. Eliphalet P. Crafts, born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Nov. 23, 1800; graduated at Brown University, 1821 ; ordained Nov. 19, 1828. Services at the ordination of Mr. Crafts were as follows : Introductory prayer and reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. Charles Brooks, of Hingham ; sermon, by Rev. Samuel Barrett, of Boston ; prayer .if ordination, by Rev. Eliphalet Porter, D.D., of Roxbury; charge, by Rev. Pitt Clarke, of Norton ; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. John Goldsbury, of North Bridgewater ; address to the church and society, by Rev. Benjamin Huntoon, of Canton ; concluding prayer, by Rev. Benjamin Kent, of Duxbury.

Mr. Crafts resigned April 19, 1830, afterwards settled in Sandwich, Mass., and died in Waltham, Mass., Jan. 16, 1880, aged seventy-nine years.

Rev. Samuel Adams Devens, a brother of Gen. Charles Devens, of Charlestowir, Mass., and a graduate of Harvard University, 1829, officiated as pastor from July 16, 1837, to , 1838.

Rev. George A. Williams was the next pastor. He was born in Taunton, Jan. 6, 1810, son of Francis and Louisa (Gillniore) Williams. He officiated here from June 1, 1840, to Dec. - , 1841 ; now resides in Deerfield, Mass.

Rev. Ira Henry Thomas Blauchard was pastor here several months, from about Jan. 1, 1842. His ministrations were very acceptable to the society, who earnestly desired him to become their settled minister.

History Of East Bridgewater

but his health being iuadequate, he was obliged to decline their iuvitatioo. He was born in South Weyiuouth, aud was graduated at Harvard University in 1817. He died at his native home in 1845.

Rev. Nathaniel Whitman, - The nest settled pastor was Kev.Natiianiel Whitman. He was born in East Bridgewater, Dec. 25, 1785. His father was Deacon John Whitman, who for many years was a deacon of the East Ciiurch of Bridgewater, and died July 20, 1842, aged one hundred aud seven years. Rev. Nathauiel Whitman graduated at Harvard College in 1809. He was pastor of the First Church in Billerica from 1S14 to lSa5, and afterwards preached in Wilton, N. H., and in Calais, Maine. He received a unanimous call to become the pastor of the First Parish in East Bridgewater. His installation took place July 17, 1844. The churches invited to participate in the services and represented on that occasion were the First Church in Plymouth, Kingston, Marshfield, Scituate, South Scituate, Pembroke, West Bridgewater ; the First, Second, and Third Churches in Hingham ; the East Church, Salem ; Park Street Church, Portland ; aud First Church in Dover, Mass. The occasiou was one of great interest to the pastor-elect and to the people. The order of services was as follows, viz. : Introductory prayer, by Rev. George W. Briggs, of Plymouth ; selections from Scripture, by Rev. Augustus Russel Pope, of Kingston ; sermon, by Rev. James Flint, D.D., of Salem; prayer of installation, by Rev. James Kendall, D.D., of Plymouth ; charge, by Rev. Joseph Richardson, of Hingham; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Ralph Sanger, of Dover ; address to the church aud society, by Rev. Jason Whitman, of Portland, Maine ; concluding prayer, by Rev. Edmund Q. Sewall, of Scituate.

Rev. James Flint, who preached the sermon, was a former pastor of the society. His text was from Ps. xxvii. 4 : " One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire iu his temple." The address by Rev. Juson Whitman, a brother of the pastor-elect, was cue of quickening power and long to be remembered. Rev. Nathaniel Whitman's ministry here was a useful one, and was terminated Aug. 22, 1852. He removed to Deerfield, Mass., and was not settled over a society afterwards. He died in Deerfield, Oct. 29, 1869, aged eighty-three.

Rev. Frederick N. Knapp, of Brookline; sermon, by Rev. Frederick H. Hedge, D.D., of Providence, R. I.; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. R. A. JJallou ; address to the people, by Rev. F. N. Knapp.

Rev. J. H. Phipps was born in HiUsboro', N. H. He completed his theological studies at the Divinity School iu Cambridge, in 1848. He married Laura JL, daughter of Charles Wilde, M.D., of Brookline. He was settled several years in Framingham previous to his pastorate in East Bridgewater. Tlie call for him to settle in the latter place was unanimous, and his ministry, a successful one, was terminated by his resignation March 3, 1861. He was afterwards settled iu Kingston, wliere he died July 20, 1871.

Introductory prayer and reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. Joseph H. Phipps, of Kingston ; sermon, by Rev. Chandler Rubbins, D.D., of Boston ; installing prayer, by Rev. Calvin Lincoln, of Hingham; address to the people, by Rev. James Freeman Clarke, of Boston ; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. John J. Putnam, of Bridgewater ; concluding prayer, by Rev. Edward Hall, of Plymouth.

Rev. Francis Charles Williams entered on the duties of pastor here May 7, 1865. He was born in Boston, Nov. 2, 1825, and graduated at Harvard University in 1843. He resigned his office Feb. 1, 1870, and wa.s afterwards settled iu Hyde Park, Mass.

Rev. John Williaiu Quinby, the present p;tstor, graduated at Amherst College in 1869, and at the Theological School, Harvard University, in 1871. He was ordained Sept. 7, 1871. The order of services as follows :

Invocation, by Rev. Francis C. Williams, of Hyde Park ; reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. William L. Chaffin, of Eastoo ; sermon, by Rev. Charles C. Everett, D.D., of Harvard University ; ordaining prayer, by Rev. Calvin Lincoln, of Hingham ; charge to the pastor, by Rev. Edward 0. Young, of Harvard University ; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. George H. Hosmer, of Bridgewater ; address to the people, by Rev. Fielder Israel, of Taunton ; concluding prayer, by Rev. Joseph Osgood, of Cohasset.

Uninn TrinitariuD Society - First Uoiversuliat Society - Motbodiat Protcstunt Church - Trinituriun Congregational Church - Mctboilist K|iisco|jiil Church - St. Bridgot's Church - Couicteriuti - Longevity in the Town.

Union Trinitarian Society. - For some time prior to 1826 several families in the westerly part of East Bridgewater, and a number in the easterly part of West Bridgewater, who were in sympathy with the Orthodox Congregational order, tliought there was a need of a religious society of that faith, whose place of worship .should be situated so as best to accommodate all interested. Accordingly in April, that year, nine petitioners - Samuel Rider, Charles Churchill, Samuel Rider, Jr., Ansel Howard, Luther Richards, Ward Richards, and Joseph Shaw - applied to Silas Packard, Esq., of North Bridgewater, for authority to call a meeting. He consented, and made out a warrant to Alvau Shaw. He notified a meeting to be held at Beaver school-house, on Saturday, April 29,

1826, which meeting was held according to warrant. Mr. Packard presided as justice of the peace at the meeting, which he opened with prayer. The society, as that day organized, was styled " The Union Trinitarian Society of East and West Bridgewater."

At this first meeting, April 29th, Zeba Richards was chosen moderator, and Parlee Keith clerk ; Samuel Rider, John Soulo, and Benjamin Keith, standing committee ; also Jusiah Richards, Elbridge Keith, and William Tirrell a committee to draw a plan for a meeting-house. At a meeting htld July 4th, plans for a meeting-house were presented, and it was voted to accept the same. The following persons were chosen a committee: Seth Richards, Samuel Rider, John Soule, Zina Ilayward, Josiah Richards, Elbridge Keith, William Tirrell, and Alvan Shaw, for the purpose of receiving terms, making an agreement with some person to build the said house, and to consult as to the most suitable and convenient situation, also to take proper measures for procuring the land.

June 20, 1826, a church was organized by Rev. John Codman, D.D., of Dorchester; Rev. Ricliard S. Storrs, D.D., of Braintree ; Rev. Calvin Hitclicock, D.D., of Randolph ; Rev. Daniel Huntington, of North Bridgewater ; and Rev. Ebenczer Gay, of Bridgewater.

The members of the church then organized were Samuel Rider, Joel Edson, Seth Richards, John Harris, William Bonney, Ezekiel Reed, John Soule, Zeba Richards, Charles Churchill, John Richards, Luther Richards, Anna Ryder, Mchitabel Richards, Molly Bonney, Lydia Keith, Lydia Richards, Polly Richards, Dorcas P. Churchill, and Betsey Richard?*.

On the 28th of January, 1827, public worshij)was held in the meeting-house for the first time. Rev. Mr. Pillsbury preached that day from Psalms Ixxxvii. 2, " The Lord loveth the gates of Zion mure than all the dwellings of J.icob." From the organization of the society till the meeting-house was ready for occupancy the society had held services each Lord's day in a private house. The dimensions of the meetinghouse were fifty feet long within the walls, forty feet wide within, sixteen feet high between joints, tower thirty-six feet to the coving, and ten feet square. The number of the pews was fifty six.

Rev. Baalis Sanford, a graduate of Bruwii University, whose birthplace was Berkley, Jluss., was ordained pastor of this church and society Oct. 4, 1827. The sermon was by Rev. R. S. Storrs, D.D., of Braintree ; the other parts of the service by Rev. Daniel Huntinston, of North Bridgewater; Rev. John San- ford, of South Dennb ; Rev. Calvia Hitchcock, D.D., of Randolph ; Rev. Enoch Sanford, of Raynhum ; Rev. Eiastua Maltby, D.D., of Taunton ; and Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Bridgewater.

On Sunday raornitifr, July 28, 1844, the meetin^- liouse was burucd, the oiifiin of the fire beini; uiikiiowu. A new huu>e, which is tiiat now in use. was erected tlie same year, iuri^er and more coniiuodious than the first. It was dedicated Jan. 1. 1845. Rev. Willard Pierce, pastor of the North Church, Abington, preaclied tiie di.scourse, wliich was afterwards |jrinted, fVum 1 Samuel vi. 1, "And the ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines seven

1\lv. Mr. Sanford was disuiisscd iu September, 1 S4'J. and the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Ebenezer Aldeu, Jr., for .lis mouths ; Rev. Cyrus Stone, six months ; Rev. Swift Byington and others until the ordination. May 14, 1851, of Rev. Philo Beckwith Wilcox as the pastor. He was a native of Benson, Vt., and graduated at Burlington, Vt., in 1845. The sermon was preached by Rev. Ebenezer Porter Dyer, consecrating prayer by Rev. Daniel Huntington, charge by Rev. Mr. Thatcher, address to the people by Rev. Luther Sheldon, of Easton.

Rev. Baalis Sanford, son of Capt. Joseph and Eleanor (Macomber) Sanford, was born in Berkley, July 6, 1801. He was the youngest of six sons, four of whom became clergymen. He graduated at Brown University in 1823, and was ordained pastor of the Union Society, in East Bridgewater, Oct. 4, 1827. In 1849 was dismissed from that pastorate and installed pastor of the Trinitarian Congregational Society of East Bridgewater, having been, at the close of the latter office, in the ministry here thirty-three years. He married, March 31, 1831, Abby, daughter of Dean and Polly (Crane) Burt, of Berkley. Their children were Irene, Abby, Baalis, William Alden, Henry Dean, Austin, Eudora, Eugene, Charles, Homer, and Abbott. Baalis and William A. are merchants in Brockton ; Austin, a graduate of Dartmouth College, is a professor in a seminary in Albany, N. Y. ; and Abbott, a graduate of Amherst College, is a student in medicine.

Rev. Mr. Sanford died July 28, 1880, aged seventynine years. His residence iu East Bridgewater continued nearly fifty- three years. Ho was a man of great decision of character, and true to his convictions. He was in advance of the community on the great moral questions of the day. In the temperance cause he took strong grounds. On the question of slavery he gave utterance to ideas which to some were distasteful, but which eventually were looked upon with respect. His discourses, plain and practical, were carefully studied and of solid worth. In them he endeavored to set forth the whole counsel of God. Though to some he seemed stern, he was in reality genial and kind-hearted. He was a member of the school committee for a longer period than any one else in the town, and held the office of chairman of that board longer than any other member. The reports which emanated from his pen were replete with good sense and useful suggestions. He will be long remembered and honored for his sterling qualities.

Rev. Mr. Wilcox was dismissed in April, 1860, and Rev. Henry Dwight Woodworth was the next pastor. He was ordained Sept. 12, 18G0. The discourse was by Rev. Henry E. Dwight, of Randolph, charge by Rev. Dr. Maltby, of Taunton, address to the people by Rev. H. D. Walker, of East Abington. Rev. Mr. Woodworth graduated at Amherst in 1855. He resigned Sept. 9, 1861, and Rev. Nathaniel Hooper Broughton became acting pastor May 4, 18G2. His birthplace was Marblehead, and he was graduated at Amherst College in 1847. He died June 2, 1866, aged forty years.

Rev. Jeremiah K. Aldrich was installed the next pastor Jan. 22, 1868. He was born in Providence, R. I., May 20, 1826. He resigned April 2, 1870, and is now pastor of the First Church iu Wellfieet.

On the 24th of November, 1871, the society voted to hire Rev. Austin Dodge, of Newburyport, for one year. He left in June, 1874, and on the 3Uth of November of that year the society voted unanimously to extend a call to Rev. Daniel W. Richardson to become their pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. Perley M. Griffin, who began his labors with them Jan. 2, 1881, and is the present pastor.

"Skction I. George M. Keith, Clarkson W. Richnids, Wulter Severance, tlieir asaooiates and successors are hereby incorporated as a parish or religious society, by the name of The Union Society in East Bridgewater, with all the powers and privileged, and subject tu all the duties, liabilities, and restrictions, set forth in the geoerul laws, which are or may be in force relating to such corpoi-atioDs.

"SECTION 2. The organization of said society, which wns effected under the name of the Union Trinitarian Society, of East and West bridgewater, in the year eighteen hundred und twenty-six, and all its subsequent proceedings under and by virtue of such organization, as the same are now eutercd on the records of said society in the possession of E. E. Itichurd.-', the clerk thereof for the current year, with all its acts and doings, are hereby ratitied and confirmed, as the records and acts of a duly and legally organized corporation.

Deacons of the Union Church of East Bridgewater: Samuel Rider, elected July 15, 1826, died May 19, 1S45, aged seventy-five ; John Soule, elected July 13, 1826, died Dec. 17, 1868, aged eighty-three ; Charles Churchill, elected October, 1839, died Aug. 6, 1864, aged seventy-three ; Nathan Whitman, elected October, 1839, died Jan. 26, 1862, aged sixty-five; Stephen Harlow, elected Jan. 1, 1861 ; Rufus A. Littlefield, elected Oct. 25, 1864, resigned June 8, 1880 ; Walter Severance, elected March 4, 1879.

New Jerusalem Churcli. - The East Bridgewater Society of the New Jerusalem commenced February, 1830. Rev. Adonis Howard began preaching to a congregation of receivers of the doctrines of the New Jerusalem, as unfolded in the writings of Emanuel Swedenboig, April 23, 1831, on which day a legally notified meeting was holden, and a society legally organized, under the name of the New Jerusalem Society in East Bridgewater. Robert Curtis was chosen clerk ; William Harris, Jonah Edson, Joseph Chamberlain, prudential committee. The members of the society then formed were as follows, viz. : William Harris, Jonah Edson, Charles Mitchell, James B. Fellows, George Mitchell, Joseph Chamberlain, Jr., Robert Curtis, Samuel Rogers, Jacob A. Rogers, Daniel French.

In 1838 the General Convention of the New Jerusalem Church in the United States having adopted certain rules of order, it was deemed proper that a society should be instituted in accordance with these rules. Accordingly, Aug. 2, 1838, Joseph Chamberlain, Jr., and twenty-six others were formed into an ecclesiastical body by Rev. Thomas Worcester, D.D., of Boston.

This society at first worshiped in private houses, afterwards in the school-house at Satucket, in the academy at East Bridgewater village, and iu Churchill's Hall, in Joppa. In 1854 its present house of worship was built, having fifty-four pews, which was dedicated December 14th of that year by Rev. Eleazer Smith. The ditjcourse was from Rev. xiv. 1, 2, 3.

The cost of the liouse, including the land, was four thousand dollars. Nov. 11, 1864, a steel bell, of Sheffield manufacture, was hung in the tower of this house, weight five hundred and eighty pounds, cost one hundred and seventy-four dollars. It was supposed at the lime that this was the first house of worship of the New Church order in the United States furnished with a bell.

Tills society has had as its ministers, Rev. Adonis Howard, from its organization to October, 1838 ; Rev. James Scott from August, 1843, to September,

1846; Rev. Tilly B. Hay ward from September, 1846, to November, 1849; Rev. John Philander Perry from April, 1850, to April 3, 1853; Rev. Eleazer Smith from October, 1853, to April, 185G ; Rev. Timothy 0. Paine from April, 1856, to Aug. 14, 1864, on which day he was installed as pastor liy Rev. Thomas Worcester, S.T.D., of Boston.

This society has held services in times when it lias had no minister, viz. : from October, 1838, to August, 1843, and from November, 1849, to .\pril, 1S5U, under the leadersliip of Mr. William Ilairi->; and from April, 1853, to October of the .-^ame year, undi r the leadership of Mr. Thomas Coiiant.

Rev. Timothy Otis Paine, son of Frederic and Abie 1 (Ware) Paine, was born at Winslow, Me., Oct. 13, 1824; graduated at Waterville College in 1847. He studied for tlie ministry of the Swedenborgian or New Church, and in 1856 commenced preaching at Elmwood, and has ever since been pastor of that society, having been installed in 1864. Since 1865 he has been Semitic professor in the Theological School of the New Church, located at Walthaiu. He is a member of the American Oriental Society, and of the Semitic Club at Cambridge. He bus been for many years a diligent and successful student of ancient languages. He is regarded as a learned Egyptologist, and has been for some time engaged in tran-ilating into English the very ancient Egy])tian '- Book of the Dead." His work on the Temple of Solomon, illustrated by his own drawings, is a learned and very valuable work. His antiquarian tastes led liiui, in 1852, to search for the site of Fort Halifax, which was one of three forts forming tlie ancient detl-nses near his native town. Such a fort was known to have existed a century ago, but all traces of it had bu-eu lost for two or three generations. He was successful in tracing out the palisades and foundations of the three forts, and the drawings he made are proved correct by historical records. In 1875 he received the degree of LL.D. from his Alma Mater. In October, 1856, he married Agnes, daughter of Dr. Adonis Howard, of Medford, Mass.

Timothy Keith Reed, son of Josiali and Jeuiiette (Keith) Reed, was born in East Bridgewater, June 4, 1841. His father was a skillful artisan. Mechanical invention seemed to characterize the Reed line. He (Timothy K.) died at the age of thirty-two years. In his brief career he had obtained for his various inventions twenty patents, among which were five fur sewing-machines, one for an eye-letting machine, and several in aid of boot and shoemaking, etc. Among his last achievements was a sewing-machine for sewing thick leather with wire. He died on Dec. 5, 1873.

First Universalist Society. - In 1834, Lewis Keith and others formed a Uoiversalist society, whiuh held services occasionally in the hall in the upper part of" Mr. Keith's dwelling-house. After the completion j of the town hall, in 1840, services were sometimes held | there. Rev. Elmer Hewett, of Hanson, preached to that society many times. lu 1848-50, Kcv. Edwiu H. Lake was their pastor. In 1871 they erected a house of worship on the site where the Crombie Tavern had stood. Tl)e house was dedicated Oct. 1, 1851. The sermon was preached by Rev. N. Gunnison, of Abin^rton. In 1857, the hou.se wa.s leased to the Methodists, and the Universalist society was disbanded.

Methodist Protestant Church. - This church was organized in 1842. On the 24th of July, that year. Rev. James Wlieaton organized a class consisting of six members. On the 27th of November following. Rev. Mr. Wheaton baptized Asa Hudson, Isaac Hatch, Caleb L. Hud.son, George Jenkins, Thom.ts A. Mellen, George Jos.selyn, P]liza Hudson, Marcia Hatch, Deborah Monroe, and Mary E. Josselyn. December lltli, the following were baptized, viz.; William Butler, I.saac Osborne, Martin Osborne, Stephen C. Howard, Alfred Bolton, Charles Mellen, Bethia Osborne, and Christiana Brewster. December 25th, Charles H. Brown and Timothy Jlitchell were baptized. Feb. 25, 1843, a Quarterly Conference was held at the hou.se of Ellis C. Holmes, and the following officers were chosen, viz. : Steplien C. Howard, chairman ; Isaac Hatch, secretary ; and Isaac Hatcii, Steplien C. Howard, and George Jeukin.s, stewards. April 19, 1843, a Quarterly Conference was held at the liou.->e of Isaac Hatch. License was granted to Rev. Ignatius Thompson to exhort aud preach till the Annual Conference.

In 1844, Rev. Joseph S. Eldridge began his ministry to the society, aud continued his services as their pastor for five years. The place of meeting on Sunday was the Satucket school-house. In 1840, Mr. Eldridge became president of the Methodist Protestant Conference, and different pastors were obtained from time to time, but after a few years the society ceased to hold any meetings.

Trinitarian Congregational Society. - This society was organized in 1849. Most of its members had been connected with the Union society, but separated from it after the dismissal of Rev. Baalis Sanford from the Union, who on the formation of the new society became its pastor. The church was organized Nov. 14, 1849. The original members of the new church were Parlee Keith, Nathan Whitman, Francis Packard, William Lincoln, Zerviah

The following members were added after the foi-- uiation of the church: Reuel Lincoln, Daniel Whitman, Betsey Sanford, Abby C. Alden, Betsey Fisher, Mary P. Bell, Samuel D. Keith, Timothy W. Fisher, William Keith, Sarah Jane Keith, Calvin Chamberlain, Deiodama Lambkin, Betsey Alden, Alniira L. Torrey, Henry Alden, Abigail R. LittlcCeld, Baalis Sanford, Rufus A. Littlefield.

The society worshiped for two years in a private house. A meeting-house was erected in 1851, aud on the 3d of December, that year, was dedicated. Rev. B. Sanford, the pastor, preached the sermon from Ps. xcvi. 8, - " Bring an offering and come into his courts." The house was located on Central Street, a few rods east of Mr. Sanford's residence. It cost three thousand one hundred dollars, was fiftysix feet long, with fifty-six pews, and a bell weighing one thousand and ninety-four pounds.

It was, after a few years, found difficult to maintain two religious societies of the same faith in this town, and in 1861 the society was dissolved. Mr. Sanford preached the last sermon in that house of worship April 7, 1861, and in November, 1865, the building was taken down and removed to North Bridgewater, where it is doing service as a shoe manufactory.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first Methodist Church iu the town was in Northville village. This society origiuuted in South Abingtou aud was known as the South Abington Mission, and its place of meeting was changed to Northville village about 1849. In 1850 a house of worship was erected iu Northville. Prominent in this undertaking were Cornelius Nash, Henry Pratt, Alanson Estes, aud Samuel F. White. About thirty families belonged to the society. Its pastors were Lemuel Harlow, E. F. Hink.«>, T. B. Gurney, J. M. Worcester, G. 11. Winchester, Hiram Satchwell, Eli Marsh, aud Atkinson.

The formation of a Methodist Church in the central part of the town diminished the numbers and resources of the Northville congregation, and public worship ceased to be held in the meeting-house about 1860.

Smith, who had formerly been licensed as a Methodist I preacher, but his health failing had i;iven up the ministry, came from Scituate, purchased a farm, and settled in East Bridgewater. Seeing the necessity of having a church established in this village, and finding several families favorable to such a plan, early in 1857 he started a subscription in order to obtain a place of worship and the services of a preacher. The Universalists having ceased holding public services, a lease of their house of worship for three years was obtained. Application having been made to Rev. Paul Townsend, presiding elder, for a preacher, and a grant from the missionary fund at the session of the Providence Conference holden at Bristol, R. I., April 1, 1857, Rev. Carlos Banning was appointed minister in charge of the East Bridgewater station, with an appropriation of one hundred dollars from the missionary society. He preached his first sermon there April 11, 1857. The congregation at first numbered about fifty members. It rapidly increased, and at the Quarterly Conference, held Aug. 1, 1857, the pastor reported that the number in attendance had reached one hundred and fifty, and that a church had been organized with nineteen members. The names of the members were Richard M. Smith, Waldo Hayward, Francis Hayward, Samuel F. White, Alauson Estes, William B. Hall, Heard Milliken, 0. P. Farrington, Thomas Sturtevant, Augusta Smith, Laviuia Hayward, Hannah H. Hayward, Rebecca White, Abigail Estcs, Jane M. Clark, Mehitable Milliken, Sally Belcher, Harriet Banning, Betsey Hayward.

At the first Quarterly Meeting, held June 17, 1857, Richard M. Smith, Samuel F. White, and William B. Hall were chosen stewards, and soon afterwards Benjamin R. Robinson, Charles H. Brown, Francis Hay- ^vard, Williams Tirrell, and John R. Thurston were added to this number.

In the autumn of 1857, Rev. A. B. Earle, an evangelist, was engaged to come and labor with the society. He began his labors there on Sunday, November 22d. For six weeks the work went on afternoons and evenings, and as a result many accessions were made to that church ; the neighboring churches also receiving additions. At the close of Rev. C. Banuing's ministry of two years there, the church had one hundred and twenty members, and there were one hundred and sixty scholars in the Sunday-school. In the spring of 1859, Rev. Charles H. Payne, now president of (Jhio Wesleyan University, was appointed pastor of the .society, lie was an eloquent preacher, and highly esteemed by his congregation and the community. By this time the parish was not only selfsupporting, but a considerable sum was raised for missionary purposes. The church was legally organized as the First Methodist Episcopal Church, East Bridgewater, and the following were chosen trustees, viz. : Richard M. Smith, Jotham Hicks, George T. Mitchell, Waldo Hayward, William Lincoln, Samuel F. White, and Charles E. Churchill.

Steps were soon taken to erect a church edifice. The trustees appointed Rev. Charles II. Payne, Richard M. Smith, and George T. Mitchell as a building committee. The society selected a lot of land, that on which the house now statids. The building committee contracted with Samuel L. Ryder to build the house above the foundation for seven thousand dollars. The work was begun in August. The church was raised on the 3d of September. At nine o'clock A.M., before the work began, religious exercises took place. Rev. C. H. Payne gave an address. The house was dedicated Jan. 30, 1861. The sermon on that occasion was preached by Rev. E. O. Haven, then editor of Zion's HeralJ, who afterwards held the oflBee of bishop.