Plymouth Town (part 22 of 54)

St. Bridget's Chnrch. - The Roman Catholic Church in East Bridgewater was gathered in 1862. In January, 1863, the house of worship originally built and occupied by the Universalists, and later used by the Methodists, was purchased by the Catholics, and public services according to the forms of that church were held there for the first time on the 15th of February following. Rev. Thomas B. McNulty, of Brockton, began his services as pastor of this church. He was succeeded by Rev. John A. Coiilin, who became pastor Jan. 28, 1869, and still officiates here and in the Catholic Church at Bridgewater.

Cemeteries. - The old graveyard near the common is supposed to be the oldest in Bridgewater township, excepting that of the first settlement in the West Precinct.

According to tradition, soon after the settlement of Rev. John Angler, in 1724, he cut initials, dates, etc., upon many stones which he found at the heads of old graves. Such inscriptions have been recognized, dating as far back as 1700, one of 1685.

The southwest portion of the ground was first used ; tliis probably belonged to the donation of " one liun- i dred rods" given by Samuel Allen, Jr., and left by 1 his father, Samuel, Sr., for the use of the inhabitants, ; possibly in 1703, and another gift of " one hundred i and twenty-one rods" from Matthew Allen, son of I Samuel, Jr., in 1759. Much interest centres in this 1 ancient resting-place as belonging to the earliest | period of our history before town organization. In "Latham's Epitaphs in Old Bridgewater" ' (1882), j there is u large number of curious and interesting inscriptions given.

In ISla the East Bridgewater Cemetery Corporation was organized with Aaron Hobart, president, and a board of trustees. In compliance with votes then and thereafter passed by tliis body land was purchased of Solomon Ager and others, which, with subsequent changes, haa brought the present area to embrace about eleven acres. Its elevated position gives a fine outlook on tiie surrounding landscape, and its slopes and dells are beautified by a natural growth of fine trees. Much taste has been displayed in laying out and ornamenting the paths and avenues, and there are several handsome and substantial monuments in the newer part.

Elmwood Cemetery is situated on West Street, in Elmwood village. It was set apart for burial purposes in 1846, and contained one and three-quarters acres of land. Standing a little aside from the busier part of the village, it is a quiet and attractive spot.

Near the Union Congregational meeting-house is a small burial-ground, used since 1842. The first interment there was the body of Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Deacon John Soule, who died in that year.

Longevity In Tiie Town

* This id a highly interc^tin;^ work, giving the epitaphs of ten graveyards in the East, West, an*! Ui'idgowator townships, puhlished by AVilliaius Latham, E?q., of Bridgewater, 1S82, who was a native of East Bridgewater, which work was illustrated with drawings by Bradford Kingman, Esq., a native of North Bridgewater (now Brockton), a resident of Brookline, Mass., and author of the History of North Bridgewater, Brookline, and other historical works. 6i

French Wiir - Ruvotutionary War - War of 1M12 - U'ur of the Rebellion - Woman's Work during AVur of lliu Kubcllion - Military Record 1861-63 - Soldiers' Muiiuinent - Meuiorial to the Patriotic Dead - Grand Aruiy of the Ucpublic - Militia.

French War. - Of the solJierd IVum E:iat Bridgewater the foilowiDg list is, as nearly us cao be ascertaineti, a correct one. Such particulars as are here given are derived partly from old records and pan!}' froiu traditioDal sources.

Of oue or two men it mus: be stated that they were residents of other towns at the time of their enlistment, but lived here after tlie close of the war.

The names are given without specifying to whose command the individuals belonged, though tlwy were, respectively, members of several companies under Capt. John Loring, Capt. Simeon Cary, Capt. Josiah Dunbar, and Capt. Lemuel Dunbar.

The Bridgewuter company joined the British army in 1755, and first encamped east of the Hudson River, in the neighborhood of Albany. (The summer of that year, if memorable for no other event, would be remembered as being the season in which the derisive poem ** Yankee Duodle" was fii^t =>ung.)

Revolutionary War. - '* An Exact Muster Roll of Capt. Robert Orr's Minute Company, in Coll. John Bailey's Rej»t.^ who marched from Bridgewater in consequence of the alarm of 19th of April, 1775:"

" A Muster Roll of Capt. David Kingman's Company, in Coll" Edw** Mitchell's Regiment, att the Alarm at Squantum or Brantree Farms iu March, 1776:'*

David Kingman, capt. John Whitman, Ueut. Benjamin Harris, lieut. Ephraim Gary, sergt. Robert Dawes, sergt. Peter Whitman, sergt. David Pratt, sergt. Benjamin Whitman, corp. W. Richardson, corp. John Brown, corp. Woodward Latham, corp. James Allen, drummer. Isaac Whitman, tifer.

" This is an Exact Roll of Capt. Nathan Alden's Company of Militia, in Coll. Edward Mitchell's Regement that Marched to Rhodeisland, on the Alarm on the Eight Day of December, 1776, under my Command. (Signed) John Whitman, Leut. of sd Company."

The last call for soldiers to be furnished by the East Parish of Bridgewater, for the Revolutionary army, was in 1781, the quota being thirteen men. They were enlisted to serve three years or during the war, and were paid for their services by the money obtained from the sale of pew-places iu the meeting-house. Their names :

The above-named twelve meu were prueured in the parish, and Gen. Nathaniel Goodwin obtained a man in Plymouth to complete the required list.

Jonathan Allen, 1st lieut., com. Jan. 1, 1777. Jotham Ames, 2d lieut., com. Jan. 1, 1777. Rotheua Jlituhell, ensign, com. Jan. 1, 1777. Amos Harden, sergt. Isaac Houghton-.

All the officers, commissioned or non-commis.sioned. of Capt. Allen's company, except Lieut. Jotham Ames, belonged to the East Pari.sh of Bridgewater, as did also a number of the privates. Tiie rest were enlisted from other localities.

This company took part in the battle of Stillwater Sept. 19, 1777, in which Capt. .\lleii and Abner Robinson were slain. Amos Harden was killed in battle near Kingsbridge, N. Y., iu July, 1781. Isaac Robinson was killed in battle, exact date unknown. The following died in service, viz. : Nathan Kingman, died at Ticonderoga, 177G ; Samuel James, in February, 1776, died in the army at Cuinbridge ; Joseph Egerton, Samuel Green, Nathaniel Latham, Nathaniel Frencli, Joseph Wesley, John Hicks, and John Jeffries, died in the Continental army at New York in 177U. James Robinson, Enos Whitman, Scipio Pance, and Israel Sepit died in Pennsylvania in 1778. Silas Harris died in 1777 ; Adam Gurney,

List Of Revolutionary Soldiers

Thomas Osborne, Loiq in Pembroke, 175S, although not a soldier of the American army from Bridgewater, lived there after the close of the war. He enlisted with the "minute-men" from Hanson, and was, later, one of tiie crew of the famous frigate " Alliance," as were also his brothers, John and Michael. Ail were said to have been valiant fighters, and when Thomas had been taken prisoner by the British and kept at Halifax, N. S., for six months, he was tauntingly asked by a British officer if he would "enlist again," he replied, -' I mean to !" and he did so two weeks later, as soon as he was released. He is known to have been in service at Roxbury and at Yorktown. His death was in 1837.

War of 1812. - In the war with England, 1812- 15, the Bridgewater Light Infantry had its headquarters in East Bridgewater, wliere most of its men resided, and which at the time of its charter took the place of tile militia conipany of the West District of the East Parish of Bridgewater. Its commander, Capt. Cyrus Alden, though small in stature was full of energy, and had brought this conipany under a discipline at that date almost unequaled. Governor Strong's order that this phalanx should repair immediately to South Boston was received on Sunday morning. In a few hours the men assembled on the common, and the promptness with which they appeared at the State capital is said to have astonished his Excellency, who had not made suitable preparations for the reception of the troops. The roll, as we have obtained it, contained the following' names;

Cyrus AlJeu, capt. Cushinj; Mitchell, lieut. liartholomcw Trow, ens. Thoiiiad Dunbar, fifer. J. A. Cunant, drummer. Dan'l Ilolbruok, drummer. J. Dunbar, basa drummer. Epbraim Cary, serj^t. Levi Washburn, scrgt. Benjamin Robinson, aergt. Jona. Chamberlain, sergt. Ezra Alden. Jonathan Alden.

Boll of names of men from East Bridgewater, who marched to Plymouth to defend the coast in the autumn of 1814, under the command of Capt, Isaac Keith, viz. :

In the second war with England, Samuel Greene Alden, of East Bridgewater, an older brother of Capt. Cyrus Alden, of the Bridgewater Lii:ht Infantry, served in the Fortieth Regiment, United States Infantry, and was killed at Eiistport, Me., by the burstin;^ of a gun, June 5, 1814.

War of the RebellioiL - During that period which plunged the whole nation in the depths of trial and woe, this little town was never wanting iu prompt and decisive action, or efficiency of support to the government iu so far as its means and abilities peruiitted. Nobly responding to the earliest call for volunteer troops, and always ready to meet ever}' succeeding demand for aid in the country's need, it has a most creditable record to transmit to posterity.

many whose nnmes are eorolled in its lists. It counts DO better citizeua than those who returned in the thinned ranks of the " Boys in Blue," and who, today, still keep in luemory the night-watch and the camp-fire when the Grand Army Posts assemble together.

At a town-meeting, held April 27, 1861, the first vote was passed " to raise and appropriate" sums of money for uniforming " the volunteer company organizing for the defense of the country," and -' to raise money to pay each volunteer or his family for three months' service, if he should be called into the service of the United States," etc. (Four thousand dollars were then voted.) Other votes of like significance followed. A town council of ten members was chosen to carry into effect the aforesaid resolves, consisting of, - viz., Samuel G. Alden, Charles A. Latham, George Bryant, John Reed, Albert D. Wheeler, Jacob Bates, David Pratt (2d), Isaac Nutter, Sidney Allen, Gushing Otis. The concluding resolution was to this effect :

"The Citizens of East Bridgewater this day in town-meeting assembled do unanimou.sly Resolve that they will, to the extent of their ability, maintain and defend the Integrity of the Constitution and the Union, and uphold the Government of the United States."

At subsequent meetings, during tlie same year, votes were pas.sed, authorizing the selectmen " to extend such aid as was deemed necessary to the families of those who had enlisted from this town, and who were dependent upon such volunteers for support."

July 2b", 18G2. The bounty paid to each man for the quota of forty-three was voted at one hundred dollars. The selectmen were instructed to open a recruiling-ofliice ; a committee of eleven persons - Isaac Nutter, chairman - were chosen to assist the selectmen.

March 9, 1863. The additional sum of thirty dollars was voted to be given to all residents of the town who entered Company C, Massachusetts Twenty-ninth Regiment, during August and September, 18G1.

April 4, 1864. Voted to procure a number of men '' to fill the town's quota at a rate not exceeding oue hundred and twenty-five dollars per man."

June 14, 1864. " Five tliousand dollars were voted to procure forty volunteers for the town's quota in anticipation of a call from the President," etc., Francis Worcester, George Bryant, Benjamin W. Harris, and Calvin Reed were empowered to act as a recruiting committee.

Aug. 1, 1864. Voted to place in the hands of the State treasurer a sum of money sufficient to furnish twenty-five per cent, of the town's quota, at one hundred and twenty-five dollars each, to lie applied under the order of the Governor.

It can be truly said of the Twenty-ninth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia that its seven firstformed companies were mustered into service earlier than any other of the three-years' men furnished by New England. Company C of this regiment was almost entirely raised in East Bridgewater. It was first designated L, in the Fourth Regiment, and a few months succeeding its organization (Dec. 13, 1861) received its permanent assignment to the Twenty-ninth, then becoming Company C. The signatures of the first thirty-eight men were enrolled at a mass-meeting of the citizens, April 24, 1861. The number increased to seventy-nine before the setting out of the company (on May 18th) for active service.

In the Thirty-eighth Massachusetts, Company D, twenty-six East Bridgewater men were enlisted in the first quota, in answer to the call for three hundred thousand troops for three months, and were mustered into service Aug. 20, 1862; also at the same date eight men joined the Fourteenth Artillery.

Company I, Eighteenth Regiment, two men ; Third, Twentieth, and Twenty second Regiments, one man each ; Fourteenth Massachusetts Regiment, Fourth Battery, three men; Company A, Twenty-fourth Regiment, four men, etc.

Women's Work during the War of the Rebellion. - Not less ready than their husbands and brothers to respond in time of their country's need, the women of East Bridgewater did a work in memory of which all honor is their due. Previous to the departure of the first volunteers several meetings were held, and whatever sewing was required to provide for their comfort was immediately done. Several bundles of garments, etc., were forwarded to the seat of war in the summer and autumn of 1861.

As soon aa the United States Sanitary Commissiou had established a New England Women's Auxiliary Board, and sent out circulars of appeal for associations to assist its work, a meeting was called and couveued at the residence of Mrs. Kiiuball E. Slieldou, Jan. IG, 18G2, at which time u Soldiers' Aid Society was organized " to assist the Sanitary Commission as long as sucii services [were] needed." Mrs. Sheldon was chosen president, and Miss Pamela McA. Cole, secretary.

Besides this regular organization many persons living at considerable distance from the centre of the town, or who could not attend the meelings, accomplished much in work sent to individuals in different places. The religious societies also contributed at various times to the needs of some camp or liospitul. Of tliese no record has been kept, but they assist to show an aggregate of much moneyed value, and bear witness to love and self-sacrifice of far more worth.

The children were no less willing to lend their assistance, and many little hands forwarded the great work. Juvenile sewing societies sprang up in the various villages, aud many dollars were raised.

term c.\p. June 2'J, 1866. Charles ClelHutl, mubt. in May 6, 1864, Vet. Ues. Corpii. Wilhum Ouiwin, eni. in Co. E, 4tli Uegt. ; served on lund three monthe served in 4Iii Kcgt. three niuuthd. AinJrew 11. Hjiywaril, Co. H, 58lli Itogt. ; eiil. March 1. ISWJoaiah E. Ilujwiird, Co. C, 2'Jth Itegt. ; eiil. Miiy 22, IMl ; wouudeU in

D, nth Regt. Inf. Patrick Muhoney, murdered in Washington. .Samuel W. filunn. William H. Maine, Co. E, 4tb Regt. ; eul. April 22, 1601 ; re-enl, Sept.

wounded at SiHjttsylvania May 10, 1804; died ne.\t <biy. Bernard filcKenney, 3d Regt. Heavy Art. ; enl. Sept. 14, IftiH. Michael McMuhon, enl. May 0, 1804, Vet, Rea. Corps. Neil McMillan, sergt., Co. C, 29th Regt.; enl. May 22,1601 ; wounded in buttle of Wllderneaa. James McNuKy, eul. May 12, 1804, Vet. Res. Corpa. Martin McNulty, enl. Sept. 7, 1804, Vet. Rea. Corpa. Morton D. Mitchell, Co. D,:l8th Regt.; enl Aug. 20,1802; 2d lieut.; died by order ot War Departmeut. Alexander IJiiinniu, enl. Uiiy 6, 1864, Vet. Res. Corps. Auies Rauisdell, Co. K, 71h Kegt. ; enl. June 15, 1861; trans, to Vet.

Soldiers' Monument. - On the 31st of December, 1868, the first movement was made towarJ the erection of a soldiers' monument in East Brid<^ewator, when a meeting of tiie citizens was held at the town hall for the purpose of forming a Monumental Society. It was well attended ; Hon. James H. Mitchell presiding and William H. Osborne, Esq., acting as secretary. Committees were chosen, and all plans proposed were discussed.

During the previous summer the sowing-circle of the First Parish Society had voted a certain part of the proceeds of its hibors to the cause, and in the luonlh of December the Soldiers' Aid Society had otfcred the funds left in its treasury (amounting to between three and four hundred dollars).

This meeting adjourned to Jan. 7, 18G9. A permanent organization was fully established Jan. 28, ISli'J, and a constitution adopted and published. Through the elScient labors of the committees the arrangements for the erection of the monument were completed, and the shaft was located nn the common, opposite the First Parish Church, in November, 1873, and formally dedicated, with appropriate ceremonies, on the 17th day of September, 187-1, on which occasion Hon. Benjamin W. Harris delivered an oration. The monument is of Quincy granite, thiity-three feet four inches in height. On one side it bears the following inscription :

Grand Army of the Republic. - On the sixth (lay of June, 1870, a post of the Gnind Army of the Republic was regularly instituted. The oigaiiizatioD was conducted by Hon. Henry B. Pierce, of Abington, deputy inspector-general, assisted by comrades of Post 73 of that town.

The post was named " Justin Dimick," in honor of the late Biig.-Gen. Justin Dimick, of Pliiladolphia, who held command of Fortress Monroe at the breaking out of the Rebellion. During the year following its in&ticutiou the post was presented with a beautiful silken banner given by and bought by the labors of the Johnny Clemm Association,' many of whom were the children of soldiers.

Valuable courses of lectures and other entertaiulueiits have, from time to time, been given undoi- tlie auspices of the post. Tu 1874 a ladies' sewing circle was organized fur co-operaiiou in furthering its objects (with Mrs. N. F. Dunpho, president, and Mrs. George A. Wheeler, secretary), and proved an efficient aid, netting substantial profits from fairs, etc.

Active ill all good works which keep in mind the memory of " the unreturuing brave," the organization has borne an honorable record, and counts among its membership the names of highly-honored citizens.

Militia. - In 1762 there were six military companies in the town of Bridgewater. One of the companies was in East Bridgewater. It was the third company in chronological order organized. Its officers were Edward Mitchell, captain ; David Kingman, lieutenant; Matthew Allen (2d), ensign.

In February, 17U5, the officers of the third company were : Matthew Allen (2d), captaiu ; Ephraim Gary, Jr., lieutenant; Joseph Keith, Jr., ensign. At the last date mentioned a new company was organized in the East Parish of Bridgewater, and was denominated the seventh company in Bridgewater. Its officers were Isaac Otis, captain ; Joseph Gannett, Jr., lieutenant; James Keith, Jr., ensign.

On the formation of the seventh company the East Parish was divided fur military purposes into two di.-itricts - the east district and the west district - by a line running nearly straight north and south through the meeting-house.

June 15, 1803, the company in the West Militarv District was disbanded, and in place of it the Bridgewater Light Infantry was chartered. All the militia of the parish came under the command of Capt. Thomas Young, and Capt, Nathaniel liussell was made commander of the liglit infantry.

Mills and Manufactures, - Ea.-.t Bridgewater ha.i been somewhat remarkable on account of its number of mill-seats, of which there appear to have been nu less than twenty-two. Some of them not of great water-power, and after continuing a longer or shorter terra of years discontinued. Others have been in operation ever since they were established. The first mill here of any description was a saw-mill built and carried on by Robert Latham, the date not precisely kaowii. but, as supposed, several years prior to KiQ;^ Pliilip's war, possibly as early as 1GG7. It was located on Satucket River, a little below the lodiau Dam.

Josepli Shaw's grist-uiill was erected on Salisbury River suiuewhat earlier than 1700. Subsequently a saw-mill was built on the same dam. In recent years both mills have been removed, and the privilege has been occupied by a rolling-mill built and run by Reed Brothers, of Brockton.

SuoU Meadow Saw-Mill, several rods above the upper bridge, over Forge Pond, was built, probably about 1700, by John Whitman, whose house was a short distance south of it, on the east side of what is DOW Union Street. He died in 1727, and the millseat was overflowed by the Forge Pond, Capt. Jonathan Bass having built a dam and a forge further down the stream, on the land which he had bought of Lieut. Josiah Byram in 1726. The wheels of the forgo were built on the outside. The first forge building Was destroyed by Ore, and another was built on the same i-ilc. Capt Buss, dying in 1750, bequeathed the forge to his son, Jonathan.

George Keith conducted the work of the forge in the Revolution. Silvanus Luzell was the next owner, who sold out to Capt. David Kingman and his son, Capt. Ezra Kingman, in 1801.

In 1828, William Mitchell, from Yorkshire, England, bought the establishment and introduced a new method of forging, which proved successful, and forge-work is still done there.

In 1740, Hugh Orr, a Scotchman, built a dam on Jlattield River, where the bridge is, near the Reynolds place, the same now owned by Joseph H. Mills. He erected a trip-hammer shop and manufactured scythes as well as various other edge-tools, also muskets. During the Revolution large quantities of cannon, iron and brass, cast solid, were there bored out and furnished for the armies. There, too, machinery for cleaning flux-seed, for carding and spinning cotton, and weaving cotton cloth were produced. These different manufactures proved of inestimable value to our nation.

Hon. Hugh Orr, son of Robert and Margaret Orr, was born in Lochwiuioch, in the shire of Renfrew, Scotland, Jan. 13, 1717 (new style). Ho learned the trade of a gunsmith. Of an active turn of mind, full of enterprise, when but twenty years old, he determined to emigrate to New England. Though shipwrecked on the passage, he, nothing daunted, found his way to Easton, Mass., where he worked for a while at his trade, but, better prospects opening before him, he was induced to settle in Eaat Bridgewater in 1740 ; there he married Mary, daughter of Capt. Jonathan Bass.

His large house, raised on the day of his marriage, Aug. 4, 1742, though somewhat changed in appearance, is still standing, and is owned and occupied by William Vinton, one of his descendants.

It baa been said " that there was no branch of iron manufacture that did not at some period become the object of his pursuit, nor was there any obstacle too formidable for his perseverance to surmount." He established the first trip-hammer in this part of America. His manufacture of scythes and axes became famou.-, and led the way for similar works in neighboring States. For years he was known an the only manufacturer of edge-tools in a territory of many miles' extent.

As early as about the year 1748, he was employed by the authorities of the Province of Massachusetts Bay to make for them five hundred muskets.

The narrow policy of the British government served but to spur him od to still greater exertions for the prosperity of his adopted country. After the Revolutionary war broke out, he went vigorously into the manufacture of cannon, and abundantly aided the patriot cause; his method of casting cannon solid, and then boring them out, being, as it appear.s, the first work of the kind applied in America.

The war with the mother-country being ended, Mr. Orr's attention was again turned to the arts of peace. By his endeavors, machine.s - the first of the kind in America - for carding, spinning, and roping cotton were built as early as 1786 ; the General Court of Massachusetts readily furnishing means Ibr the encouragement of such skillful efibrts.

He advocated the production of flaxseed for exportation (though on the part of some much opposition was manifested), and was the inventor of a valuable machine for cleansing the seed, quantities of which he exported to Scotland, and a source of profitable forei'-n trade was thus opened.

Samuel Rogere, sod of Tlioniaa and Penelope j (Hutch) Rogers, was born in Marslifleld, Mass., July i IG, ITGG. At an early age he manifested much i niechauical ingenuity. When but fourteen years of | age he made a clock of wood auj brass. He served ; his time as an apprentice to John Bailey, clockmaker, ] at Hanover. His apprenticeship being ended, and having made all the tools needed for his business, he I came to East Bridgewater in 1788, and began work | in a shop near where the " brick store" now stands. Soon after beginning business for himself, it occurred j tu him to try making a nail-machine. He studied i the matter so thoroughly that he, at length, wrought out a machine which would cut and head a nail at one operation. Tliis has been supposed to be the first machine of the kind in America, and possibly in the world.

When the nail- factory in Plymouth was established (about the year 18U6) the machines were all made by Mr. Rogers. About 1802 he made two silver watches complete in every respect, with the exception of mainsprings ; one of them is still preserved in the Rogers family. They are suppo.sed to be the first watches made in America.

The tack-machine, called the " double cutter," was invented by Mr. Rogers. All tools ever used by him after starting in business were of his own making. Few, perhaps, have been his equals in inventions of which they could execute all the work up to his time. He died July 17, 1838, aged seventy-two.

In 1835, a new firm began operating under the name of the Keith Iron Company. They built a large dam above where the old rolling and slitting-mill had stood, and, with considerable increase of waterpower, erected a new rolling-mill. This establishment is now prospering under the firm-name of the East Bridgewater Iron Company, Rogers and Sheldon, proprietors.

In 1822, Samuel Keen and Charles Mitchell built on Matfield River, a little distance above Elmwood Bridge, a mill, in which for many years Samuel Keen, Jr., has manufactured shoe machinery, the different kinds of which have been his own invention.

In 1844 and 1845, brass pins were, to a considerable extent, manufactured there, but it was found difficult to compete with large establishments of the kind in other parts of the country, and the business was abandoned.

In 1829, on Beaver Brook, Capt. Abram Washburn, of Bridgewater, by digging a canal some fifty rods long, and turning the stream through a valley, was enabled to construct a dam with twenty feet fall of water. The valuable water-power thus gained has been turned to good account in the sawing of logs into boards and shingles, in box-making, carriage-work, the manufacture of doors, sashes, blinds, and tacks. Charles H. Goss, who deceased in 1883, manufactured boxes there for many years.

Feb. 10, 1814, Jacob Dyer, Daniel Perry, Jonathan Stetson, Oakes Tirrell, Isaac Tirrell, Jr., William Vinton, Abisha Stetson, Benjamin Bates, David P. Reynolds, Eleazer Keith, and Allen Whitman were incorporated as the Matfield Jlanufacturing Company, for the purpose of manufacturing cotton and woolen goods, the location near the site of the Orr Wurks, wilii the same water-power. The cost of the building and eiiuipments was twenty-eight thousand dullars. This factory was destroyed by fire in 1830.

About 1724, the saw-mill at Latham's dam, the first in East Bridgewater, was removed some distance from its old location, and set up near where Satucket bridge now is. A grist-mill was soon after erected on the same dam, and the mills were owned for many years by Deacon Thomas Whitman, who deceased in 1788, and was succeeded by his son, Lieut. Peter Whitman, who died in 1801. The mills were subsequently owned by Arthur Harris, Benjamin Harris, Nahum Mitchell, Barzillai Allen, and others. In 1814 a new compaDy was formed, a factory was built, and nail machines were set up in 1815. The owners in 1816 were Silvanus Lazell, Nahum Jlitchell, Alpheus Allen, and John M. Goodwin. The manufacture of nails was carried on for ten years. In 1827, another building was erected in addition to the others, in which Zebina Kelt manufactured tacks for many years, and was succeeded in the same department by his sons, Zebina, Jr., and Samuel, who carried forward the business successfully till the destruction of the mills by fire, in 1872.

In 1827, a new company having purchased the Satucket works, the nailing business was given up, and the manufacture of cotton goods took its place.

In 1828, Nathaniel Wheeler, Wallace Rust, and Allen Whitman were incorporated as "The East Bridgewater Manufacturing Company," for the purpose of manufacturing cotton goods. Capt. Seth Allen, Samuel Rogers, Deacon Samuel Keen, and corporation. In 1843 a new company bought the privilege and began the manufacture of cotton-gins. They were Eleazer Carver, Caleb S. Hunt, Franklin Dexter, Caleb Reed, John Reed, and Sampson Reed. This establishment, the Carver Cotton-Giu Company, has been and is doing a very successful business, a hundred hands being at times employed in the manufacture of their excellent cotton-gins, which are

Many years ago, in the northerly part of Beaver, ou Beaver Brook, Ziba Bisbee, a skillful artisan, made valuable cast-steel siiovels and hoes. Tliis was at a date prior to that of the shovel manufactory in Easton. 5Ir. Bisbee removed to the Western country.

We have spoken of a part of the manufactories located on water-privileges iu East Bridgewater. The catalogue may be too long for further details. Among Other iron manufacturers, Gen. Silvaous Lazell deserves to be mentioned. Before cut nails were in general use he employed a great number of men in various neighborhoods in the manufacture of wrought nails, the little nail-shops being then very numerous. He was thus enabled to produce eighty tons of nails in a year. It was said that at one time he had in this department the whole control of the Boston market.

Other iron manufactures have been located here, which did well for a time, but whose continuance was brief. Locomotive engines were built iu 1851. The chain-works of Fearing, Rodman & Swift began operations in 1870. About twenty-five hands were employed, and from fifteen to twenty tons of chain per week were wrought ; but though a prosperous business was done here, the establishment, after the lapse of a few years, was removed to Boston.

From fifty to sixty years ago, and many years since, tack- and nail-making were carried un here to a great extent. In 1829 there were thirteen waterprivileges iu operation, in many of which tacks or nails, if not both, were made. At present the number of uailmakers employed there is about fortyseven.

The iron foundry of Joshua Dean has been in operation for several years at the steam works near the railroad station in the Centre Village. Thirty-two hands are employed, and much valuable work is done there.

Melville Otis was the son of Dr. Josiah and Susanna (Orrj Otis ; born in East Bridgewater in 1778. Mr. Otis devoted his life to the perfecting of machinery for the manufacture of nails.

The lives of inventors are in themselves lessons. Some one has said that " those who have labored in the department of mechanical invention may truly be termed the nuirtyrs of civilization." Artless, honest, unsclfiah, he persevered through obstacles, and probably much more credit is due to him than may have ever been acknowledged, or even known to the public. He is known to have more than once so ingenuously related the particulars of his inventions in

Mr. Otis' earliest patented invention was in company with Samuel Rogers a machine for rolling iron and cutting nails, Dec. 7, 1813. Other patents awarded him were for - Dec. 17, 1817 - manufacture of nails ; March 20, 1834, nails made at one operation; Dec. 3, 1850, nail plater, feeder, and turner.

At one period manufacturing companies had invested a large amount of capital in nail-machines, when a machine was brought forward which made nails with a flat yripe. This invention would have led to the abandonment of the various machines which had been in use up to that time, but Mr. Otis invented a " spring nipper," as it is called, by which the nails of the flat gripe could be made on the old machines as well as on any, and they (the old machines) are mostly in use now.

At the time of his death, Dec. 30, 1852, Mr. Otis was engaged in inventing a feeder by which one person could tend two or three machines at the same time, and had it, as he thought, nearly completed, when death " laid an injunction upon his labors," and no one, as far as we are aware, has carried forward his project. On the morning of his decease he had just left the house of his son, and seated himself in a neighbor's wagon with a piece of machinery in his hand in order to go to his place of business, when his countenance was suddenly seen to change. He was carried into the house and died almost instantly, at the age of seventy-four.

Eleazer Carver, son of Dr. Eleazer and Sarah (Keith) Carver, was born in the South Parisii of Bridgewater, April 9, 1785, and died in East Bridgewater, April 6, 1866. Possessing an inventive genius, and having acquired the trade of a millwright, he very early went to Ohio. Continuing there a short time only, he proceeded to Natchez, where, in repairing sugar-mills, cotton-gins and presses, his services were highly appreciated. Here began his improvements in the cotton-gin, a manufactory of which he commenced at Natchez in 1807. To the manufacture and improvement of the gin he devoted tlie remainder of his active life in Natchez, in Bridgewater, and in East Bridgewater.

The cotton-gin, a machine for removing seeds from cotton, was invented by Eli Whitney, a native of Westboro', Mass., in 1793. The production of cotton in the United States that year did not exceed ten thousand bales. In 1859 the product was over five

What James Watt was to the steam-engine Eleazcr Carver may, perhaps, be truly said to have been to the cotton-gin. If neither of them was actually the inventor, surely each of them was a great improver. In 1838, Mr. Carver obtained a patent for hi.s improvements on the gin, which was a new grate so constructed as entirely to prevent the cotton from clogging. Again, Aug. 12, 1840, he secured a patent for " a machine for cutting the teeth of circular saws," said to have been a very valuable improvement. Another patent, bearing the same date, was for " a machine for filing or smoothing the teeth of saws." In 1843 he, in company with Caleb S. Hunt, Franklin Dexter, Caleb Reed, John Reed, and Sampson Reed, i bought the establishment of the East Bridgewater ^ Manufacturing Company (the Whitman Mills), and began the manufacture of cotton-gins in East Bridgewater.

In 1845, Mr. Carver secured another patent for an in)porlant improvement, which was a cylinder brush having yi/HS on its ends in connection with the cottongin. Thi.s contrivance was such an addition to the power of the gin as " greatly to enhance the value and price of the cotton ginned on it." In 1853 the government of India awarded a prize of two thousand five hundred rupees and a gold medal to this company for their excellent machines for cleansing cotton from the seed.

As the infirmities of age came upon him, Mr. ' Carver expressed a strong desire to spend the remnant \ of Ills days within sigiit of the manufactory which 1 had borne witness to so many fruits of his industry and skill. Accordingly, in 1865, he erected a small addi- | tiou to the house of his niece, Mrs. Joseph Warren ' Bennett (the house formerly occupied by the lute : Deacon William Harris) from one window of which tlie mill privilege was in view. Here he quietly '. awaited his departure. On Thursday, April 5, 18GG, , the day of the annual fast in Massachusetts, he sent for Mr. Charles Jordan, one of his skilled workmen, and asked him how .soon a new and peculiar roller-gin Would be ready. '' In one week," was the reply. I can live but a little longer, but do wish very much to see its operation," .said the venerable man. His wisli was not granted, for he died the next day. Had he | survived till the fulluwing Monday, lie would have completed his eighty-first year. Thus died one of whom , those who knew him well bore testimony that he was ! an honest man. He possessed a genial temperament, and took pleasure in aiding the advancement

Ezra Kingman, Esq., son of Capt. Ezra and Susanna (Whitman) Kingman, was born in East Brid'/ewater, July 20, 1789, was prepared for Harvard University, but did not complete the course of study there. He read law with Hon. William Baylies, of West Bridgewater, and for a while practiced law in Livermore, Maine, but the profession not being congenial to his taste, he relinquished it, and, returning to his native town, engaged in trade with his father. He married, Dec. 13, 1S12, Frances, daughter of Col. Edward and Abigail Howard, of West Bridgewater, and had twelve children, viz. : Frances, Frederick, Elizabeth, Susan, Ezra, Edward, Hanfiah, John, George, Susan, James, and Nathan. He was a uiau of unflinching integrity, and possessed a largo share of native sense. He was an exquisite player on the flute, and greatly aided the church music uf his native parish.

He taught the centre school of East Bridgewaterseveral years, and thoroughly performed the duties uf that office. His government was firm, and many can testify to the benefits of his instructions. His own large family were carefully trained to become useful members of society. He represented East Bridgewater in the General Court six years.

He was town clerk and clerk of the First Parish, both which offices he held at the time of his decease. He died suddenly, of heart disease, while riding in the cars from South Abingtou to Ea.-^t Bridgewater, Feb. 13, 1852, aged sixty-two.

Shoe Manufactures. - For many vears, auion^' the different departments of business in East Briilgewatcr, shoemaking has occupied an important place. The tanning of leather, it apj)ears, was in successful operation here at a very early date. In the southwest part of the town is the vilhige of J'Jlmwuod. Until 1872 it was named Joppa. The latter appellation arose from the circumstance that a tannery was located there, the operation of which perhaps began as early as 1700 or earlier, on the estate ul" Jvisign Edward Mitchell, wlio died in Joppa in 1717, ugud seventy-one years. Tradition says that the first tanner in Joppa was named Simon. Whether that Was liis actual name is uncertain. Gain Robinson, who settled in East Bridgewater about 1726, the ancustur of most of the Robinsons in the Bridgewaters and vicinity, and his son-in-law, Christopher Erskiiie (sometimes written Askins), were employed in this tannery. Subsequently, Col. Edward Mitchell, son of Ensign Edward, carried on the business, and after him his sons. In later limes Charles Mitchell, a grandson of Col.

Histoky Of East Bridgewater

Edward, continued the business of tanning leather till about 1835, wiien it was given up. Some years after the tannery was started in Joppa, Josiah Whitman, liviot; on Whitman Street, not far from Joppa, an enterprising, well-educated young man, was extensively engaged in the manufacture of shoes. He died in [ 1754. This was probably the earliest attempt in East Bridgewater to manufacture shoes more extensively than in the ancient and ordinary mode of furnishing custom-work.

In 1822, Charles Mitchell and Jonah Edson tried the experiment of making sale shoes. That year Seth Bryant made a shipment of about three thousand pairs of shoes to New York. This is said to have been the largest shipment which had ever been made in that part of the country. In 1825, Mr. Bryant, in company with his brother-in-law, Warren Keen, began to manufacture shoes in the Joppa currying-shop. The next year they transferred the business to the " Brick Store" in the Centre Village.

The first building constructed in East Bridgewater for the manufacture of shoes on a large scale was erected in Joppa in 1829 by Gushing Mitchell and Seth Bryant. For several years they carried on their business in this establishment on the southwest corner of Bedford and West Streets. In later years Mr. Bryant conducted the business alone. In the Rebellion he supplied the Union army with about three hundred thousand pairs of shoes.

Solomon Ager went from South Weymouth and settled in Joppa in December, 1829. In 1830 he began the manufacture of shoes. He had about five hundred workmen (shoemakera) and three hundred women fitting shoes. At one time he made a thousand pairs of shoes per day for six weeks. The average amount of his manufactures was large for the times. He paid out seventy-five thousand dollars per year and fifteen hundred dollars per week.

For many years Ezra and Edward Kingman extensively manufactured shoes in what is now called Elmwood. They had an excellent establishment, and " the goods made by this concern were favorably known throughout the trade." Samuel Shaw and son began the manufacture in Elmwood in 1853, eniployitig some tilty hands and having a full supply of machinery. The senior partner died in 1874, and the business is still conducted by the junior member of the firm.

Hon. James S. Allen had a manufactory of shoes for a long time near his residence in Matfield village, but the attractions of Brockton held out so strong inducements that a few years ago his business operations were all transferred to that young and thriving city.

'-Skct. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and Honte of lirprencutatives, in General Court ae^embled, and hi/ the authority of the tame. That lauao Whitmuo, Levi Kcitli, Nabuin Mitubell, Kpbmiiu Hyde, AaroD Ilubart, John £. lluward, Natbau Lazcll, Jr., and Nathaniel Cross, with their ajisuoiutes, ducccssors, and assigns, siiall be, and are hereby created a corporation by the name of tlie Proaidont, Directors, and Company of tho Ejiat Bridgewater Bank."

The corporators for some reason did not organize under the charter thus obtained, and after the lapse of eight years another charter was secured by a new company as follows :

"Section 1. Wallace Rust, Zenas KciLh, Jr., John A. Whitcouib, their a:jsociates and successors, arc hereby created a corporation by the name of the President, Directors, and Coiupany of the East Bridgewater Bank, to be established in East Bridgewater, and shall so continue till the first day of October, in the year one thousand eight hundred and hfty-one, and said corporation shall be entitled to all the powers and ]irivileges contained in the thirty-sixth chapter of the Revised .Statutes, passed the fourth of November, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five.

The new company, with Hon. Nahum Mitchell president, and John M. Goodwin cashier, went into operation immediately. A house of a size sufficient to accommodate the bank and the family of the cashier was soon erected in the village, and the institution started on an apparently prosperous course ; but Eastern laud speculation was then near its height, the allurements of which seemed to blind the eyes of many business men. So large loans were made from the funds of the back, without adequate security, that its resources were crippled, aud after a few years the iustitutioQ was compelled to close its doors. The baukiug house still remains, and is the residence of Ezra S. Wliitniarsh, Esq.

Savings-Bank. - The East Bridgewater Saviogs- Bank was incorporated March 8, 1870. The incorporators named in the act were Kimball E. Sheldon, Henry Hobart, Isaac N. Nutter, and Moses Bates. The organization of tlie bank was completed JIarch 20, 1871, by the election of the following officers: President, Henry Hobart ; Vice-President, Kimball E. Sheldon ; Secretary, John E. Waterman ; Treasurer, Isaac N. Nutter ; Trustees, Jacob Bates, Eliab Latham, Ezra Kingman, Bobert C. Keith, James H. Mitchell, Isaac N. Nutter, James S. Allen, Charles H. Goss, Franklin Edson, Samuel Shaw, Jr., Moses Bales, Aaron Hobart, John W. Kennua, George M. Keith, Samuel Keith, Merritt Jenkins, Frederick S. Strong, Willard Johnson, of East Bridgewater ; i Horatio L. Washburn, of West Bridgewater; Hosea ! Kingman, Isaac Kingman, of Bridgewater ; William i L. Reed, of South Abington ; Benjamin W. Harris, of Boston ; Martin Bosworth, of Halifax. The ] board of trustees, consisting at first of twenty-four, 1 was subsequently reduced to eighteen ; board of j investors, James S. Allen, Jacob Bates, Samuel ! Keith, John W. Kennan, and Hosea Kiugmau.

The amount of deposits Jan. 1, 1884, was S2U8,- 170.07. Regular semi-annual dividends have been paid since the organization of the bank amounting in the aggregate to $G0,522.I7.

Henry Hobart served as president until the annual meeting held Feb. 25, 1879, when lie declined, and was succeeded by Kimball E. Sheldon, the former vice-president, Samuel Keith taking the position of ' vice-president, which positions they have filled since that time. J

Masonic. - The Fellowship Lodge of Freemasons i was chartered June 15, 1707. It was con.secrated on ] the 3d day of the following November. The exercises i took place at the meeting-house. Rev. Thaddeus M. Harris, of Dorchester, delivered a sermon, and Dr. I Hector Orr an oration. Dr. Orr was installed Grand Master. The other officers of the lodge were then installed. The house was nearly tilled. At the close of 1707 forty-seven members had been initiated. The members belonging in East Bridgewater were Dr.

Hector Orr, Dr. Josiah Otis, Nahum Mitchell, Robert Orr, Silvauua Lazell, and Joseph Lazuli. Joseph Lazell had built his large house, which for many years was a tavern. It stood where the Roman Catholic Church now is ; it had a fine hall, which was adorned with Masonic emblems. Here the Masons met for some time. Afterwards the meetings were held in [ West Bridgewater. In 1825 they occupied the upper room of the academy buildin'^ in East Bridgewater. They are now held in Bridgewater village.

Satucket Lodge of Masons was chartered probably about the beginning of 1881. In April, 1831, they began to meet in the Masonic Hall, in the building then recently erected by Charles H. Go.ss, in the East Bridgewater village. The officers were: W. M., Frederick S. Strong; S. W., Francis ^L Kingman; J. W., Joshua Dean; T., Samuel L. Seaver; S., Wyman C. Fichett ; C, Rev. William F. Farrington ; S. D., George W. Allen ; J. D., A. Harris Latham ; I. S., George A. Wright; Tyler, Jame-. Nelson.

Temperance Organizations. - The Uist temperance society in East Bridgewater was organized in 1828, and Hon. Nahum Mitchell was cliu-Ln its president.

The Union Temperance Society of East and West Bridgewater was formed in the Union meetinghouse, East Bridgewater, June 2, ISol. Rev. Baalis Sauf'ord was chosen president ; Josiah Richards, vicepresident ; and Joshua Reed, Jr., secretary.

Feb. 11, 1847, a new impulse was given to tlu; cause of temperance, aud on the 2od of that month a constitution was adopted on the ]iriiici|iKs of a comprehensive pledge to abstain from all intoxicating liquors, " including all kinds of beer." Joshua Reed was elected president, James S. Barrell secretary uud treasurer. Meetings were held at tlie town hall.

Dec. 30, 1847, a division of the Son.-> ul' Temperance, by the name of Well-Spring, No. 87, was urganized. The following are the names of those who began the division, viz.: Dr. Asa Millet, Abisluii S. Churchill (Worthy Patriarch), William Allen, James \V. SouLNathaniel M. Davenport, Albert II. Dyer, N.ithan T. Snell, Messeuna M. Lucas, llcrvey Lucas, Sjiuuel A. Young, M. Morton Keith, George Edson. Tli.' division held its meetings in the academy and afteiwards in the hall over the brick store. This organization continued about three years.

Nov. 15, 1850, a uew division of the Sous ol' Temperance began its work, being No. 139 of that order in Massachusetts, and bearing the same name as its predecessor here, " Well-Sprlng," with the following members: Rev. Charles H. Payne, Rev.

History Of East Bridgewater

In the autumn of 1860, through the exertions of Mrs. Jlerritt Jenkins, a Baud of Hope was organized, many ehildreu being thus brought under very favorable influences.

Dec. 20, 1866. Amaranth Lodge of Good Templars Wis organized at the vestry of the Methodist Church in the Centre Village, with George M. Keith, W. C. T. The other officers were Richard M. Smith, David P. Reynolds, Mrs. Prudie, W. Potter, Caleb E. Hicks, George T. Mitchell, George W. Allen, Mrs. Annis Hall, Rev. William F. Farringtoii, James B. Peterson, Winslow Holmes, Gcorgianna Skillings, and Adelaide Kimball.

The third division of the Sons of Temperance was organized in the village of Elmwood, holding the cherishud name of its two predecessors here, " Well- Spring," Jan. 12, 1871, with twenty-three members. The officers were Albert P. Sampson, W. P. ; Mrs. James G. Knapp, W. A. ; Mrs. Edward Kingman, R. S. ; Kenelm W. Shaw, F. S. ; Edward Kingmun, Treas. ; George Hudson, Con. ; Lucinda P. Hudson, A. C. ; Samuel B. Allen, Chaplain ; Miss Harriet A. Holbrook, I. S. ; George H. Benson, 0. S.

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union began its work early in 1878, and on the 12th of April, that year, a juvenile temperance society was formed under tlie auspices of the W. C. T. U., bearing the name of The Star Temperance Union. Its officers were: Pres., Miss Georgianna Keith ; V.-Pres., Miss Annie Chase; Sec, Miss Helen Bird; Treas., Mrs. Isaac Nutter; Coo., Mrs. Rev. Daniel W. Richardson; Ushers, John Herrick and Thomas Delano.

Matticld Lodge of Good Templars was organized in Matfield village, with about thirty members, Feb. 25, 1880. Its meetings were held at first in Winthrop Hall, in Matfield, but more recently at the vestry of the Methodist Church in the Centre Village. Its first officers were George W. Allen, W. C. T. ; Charles G. Wood, Mary L. Allen, Cora J. Poole, George F. Hayward, William Chandler, Emma Grow, 0. W. Bradford, Sarah D. Lyon, F. B. Chandler, Lucius Churchill, L. Anna Harlow, Rena Hayward, C. Lyon.

1830, April 5. " Voted that the selectmen be instructed not to approbate any retailer who does not comply with the statute of the commonwealth respecting Retailers and Inholders."

" The Town viow with alarm and regret the iiwful extent to which the sale of arUent sptrtti is carried on within its borders; therefore those intereiited in the sale thereof uro liercby culled upon to puu^e and consider whether they as good citizens aud as honorable men are nut in duty bound tu abandon without delay the tratlic in an article which causes so luuch expense to the To\vn and so much distress and misery iu the comuuuiity."

1845, March 3. " Voted that the selectmen, together with the committee chosen to settle with the warden of the almshouse, be instructed to procure a warden for the ensuing year, and to procure a Total Abstinence Man with respect to the use of intoxicating liquors." ,

The thirteenth article of the warrant reads " To sea what measures the town will take, if any, to prevent the illegal traffic in spirituous liquors in said town, and to act thereon as the town deem most advisable."

March 13, 1854. Chose A. S. Littletield, D. P. Edson, Alfred Brown, B. R. Robinson, David H. Pratt a committee " to enforce the law concerning the manufacture and sale of spirituous liquors."

Chapter Vil East Briduewater

"The Inhabitants of the East Parish of Bridgewatcr, in the County of Plytnouth, by Bartbolemew Brown, their Agent, appointed for this special purpose, beg leave respectfully to rep- rescut : That sinue the incorporation of North Bridj^ewatcr and AVest Cridgewater, the remaining territory of the Old Town of Bridgewatur is left long and narrow, so tliat many of the iohabitantd haVc to travel six or seven miloa to attend their an* nuul Town meetings; that local disputes, dissensions, and jealousies continually arl^c, and the municipal afTairs uf the town arc not and cannot be conducted in so economical, prudent, and satisfactory a manner aa they uuglit to be, and as your petitioners are very desirous of. Therefore, in order to remedy the aforesaid evils, and to promote the intcrc^t, peace, and traimuillity of the people of the said parish, they re<iuc?t that the l^aat Parish of Cridgewatcr may bo incorporated into a distinct and scpiirato town by the narue of Euit Bridgcwater, and that the same be vesteil with all the powers and privileges, and subject to all the duties and requisitious uf other corporate towns, according to the Constitution and laws of this Commonwealth, and :is in duty bound will ever i)r:iy.

** That from the local situation of your iietitioners in consequence of the recent division of the Uld Town of Bridgewater, by which they are subjected to many and great inconveniences, and nlso to render the transaction of public business less expensive, they are desirous that said parish should be incorporated into a Town, and to take the name of East Bridgcwater, and as iu duty bound will ever pray.

Act Op Incorporation

"Sect. 1. Jie it enacted by the Senate and Jlmme of Repveaeutittiven in General Court aaaeinbltdf and by the authority of the same. That the East Parish of Bridgewatcr, according to the territorial limits thereof, he and the same is hereby iucorporuted into a town by the name of East Bridgewnter, and invested with all the powers and privileges, and subject to all the duties and requisitions, to which towns in this Commonwealth are by the Constitution and laws entitled and subjected.

History Of East Bridgewater

"Sklt. 2. Bt it further enacted, That the inhubilants of said town of East BriJgewalor sbull be bulilea to pay all arreara of taxes which have bcea asaesseU.or dircctetl to be asscascd, upon tliciu by the town of Bridgewater, and aball bo entitled to receive, hold, and enjoy such proportion of all debts and taxes now due, and ass&ssmenta voted to said town of Bridgcwatcr, and such proportion of all the privile','ea and property, real or personal, now belonging to said town of Bridgewater, of what kind soever it may be, as the property of the said inhabitants of East Diidgewatcr bears to the property of all the inhabitants of s;iid town of Bridgewater, according to the latest valuation thereof; and they shall be bolden to pay their proportion, to be ascertained as aforesaid, of all the debts now due and owing fruin said town of Bridgewater.

'-Stcr. 3. Be it further enacted, That the said town of East Bridgewater shall he bolden to support their proportion of the poor of the town of Bridgewater which are now chargeable to said town, which proportion shall be ascertained by the present valualiou of said town, and all persons who may hereafter become chargeable 03 paupers to the said town of Bridgewater or East Bridgewater shall be considered as belonging to that town in the territory of which they had their settlement at the time of passing this act, and shall in future be chargeable to that town only.

'-Sklt. 4. Be i(/iii(/ie)- eijuc(ei/. That any justice of the peace for the county of Plymouth is hereby authorized to issue his warrant, directed to any freeholder of said town of East Cridgewutcr, rcnuiring him to warn the inhabitants thereof to meet, at the time and place therein appointed, for the purpose of choosing all such town oHicera as towns are by law authorized and required to choose at their annual meetings. [June U, 1S23]."

First Town-Meeting'. - The first town-meeting held under the act of incorporation took place at the meeting-house ou the 4th of July, 1823. Hon. Nahum Mitchell was chosen moderator, and town officers were elected, a part of whom were Ezra Kingman, Jr., town clerk and treasurer ; Alfred Whitman, Isaac Aldeii (3d J, Abishai Stetson, selectmen ; Lot Whitiuarsli and Joseph Chamberlain, Jr., constables ; Ezra Kingman and Ellis Holmes, tithingmen. Most of the young men in town recently married received the appointment of hog-reeves. At a subsequent meeting the following were chosen the first school committee, viz. : Rev. Benjamin Fessenden, Bartholomew Brown, Ezra Kingman, Jr., Hector Orr, John S. Champney, and William Harris, Jr.

At the time of the incorporation of East Bridgewater the post-olficc received a mail from Boston but three times a week, viz., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. There was a public conveyance to Boston three times in a week, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, by the Boston and New Bedford stage, which stopped at noon for the passengers to ditie at the tavern tlien kept by Mrs. Naomi Ciombie, where the Roman Catholic house of worship now stands.

Justices Of The Peace

Each of the attorneys received his commission soon after admission to the bar: Nuhuiu MitchL-Il, July 3, 1795; Bartholomew Brown, June 2G, 1S12; and others whose names are elsewhere given.

Cen3D8 At Vakiou

A comparison of the earliest and latest valuations and appropriations (1823-83) will give some idea of its financial status then and now, thouj^h it is probable that in the first, .State and county taxes were not included, as the precinct became a town during that fiscal year :

Public-Houses. - The first tavern in East Bridgewater of which we know was kept by Josiah Scars, who had come from Cape Cod about 1711, and married a daughter of Isaac Harris, who died about 1707. Mr. Sears lived in the liouse previously occupied by his father-in-law. This house was near the old furding-piacB iu Satucket River, below the Indian dam. He kept this house of entertainment till about 1725, when he sold the house to Capt. Jonathan Bass, and returned to the cape.

Joshua Pratt kept a tavern from about 17G0. He died in 1772, and was succeeded by his son, Joshua, Jr. The house was on the uoith side of Central Street, opposite Bridge Street.

The Joseph Lazell House was erected about 1796, where the Roman Catholic Church now is ; this was a tavern till 1827. Mrs. Naomi Crombie was laudlady of the house for several of its later years as an inn. Jackson & White were the last tavern-keepers.

The hotel known as the Hudson llou.*c was the large house erected iu 1787 by Capt. Joseph Keith and Benjamin Robinson. It stood in the vill.igc, near the crossing of Central and Bedford Streets, and was burned June 4, 1857. The successive landlords were George M. Allen, from Scituate, 1S25 ; Harrison Whitman, 1826 ; Thomas Whitman, lvS27-o2 ; William Smith, 1833-43; Harvey Josselyn, 1S44 - 49 ; Doolittle, 1850-51 ; John 0. Hudson, 18.')2-j7.

Streets and Roads, - In 1870 the public thoroughfares of the town, to the number of thirty-six, were named as streets. To some of the principal streets names were applied from certain circumstances ; fur example, Central Street runs iu a nearly direct line east and west across the common thruuuh the town ; Bedford Street was formerly a part of the turnpike from Boston to New Bedford; Plyiuoutli Street was the old Plymouth road from the common to Halifax; Whitman Street was the ancient road from Whitman's mills (now the Carver Cotton-Gin Works) to Joppa (Elmwood) bridge. All the hou.ses on that ruad fur many years were occupied by Whitmans.

Chapter Viii

Schools - School Districts - Scliool Committee rtf E:iat liridgevvutcr - East Bridgcwatur Academy - Iti^h School - Libraries - Library Association - College (jruduatcs - I'liytician.- - Attorneys au(i Counsellors - Bio^ra|>hicul.

Schools. - No schools seem to have been established within the territory of East Bridgewatcr before 1700. It is probable that the children had opportunity to go to school in " the town," - i.e., West Bridgewatcr. Instruction was given a few years previous to IGSG by Nathaniel Willis, the first schuolinaster in Bridgewater, and Nathaniel Brett acted tlie part of pedagogue in 1(594. Nov. 4, 1700, the town of Bridgewater agreed that Thomas Martin, a scholar from England, should teach the children, and that '° the scool should be kept in foure places in the towne, where it may be most convenient for the inhabitants' children to come, and to be kept three mouths at a place." The probabilit}* is that thus an arrangement was made for instruction to be given in the east part of the town for two months or more in a year. In 1705 '- Nathaniel Brett was chosen schoohuaster, to be paid 15 pounds per aooum, and 4 schooldames for tiie several quarters of the town to instruct small children in reading." Thus the prospect of general education began to brighten. The schools in those early tiiiies were probably kept in private houses. No school-house was probably erected in East Bridgewater earlier than 1720. There is no town or precinct record to indicate when the first school-house was built, but it was probably done by the voluntary contributions of the citizens as early as 1723, the date of the iucoiporation of the East Precinct. The building stood ou the west end of what is now the common. Traces of its location were seen many years after it had been taken down or removed.

Aug. 18, 1743. The inhabitants of Bridgewater, having assembled in town-meeting, '- then proposed whether they would by vote fix the Grammar School this present year in the West Precinct at the school house in said precinct,-aud appropriate £51 old tenor of the town's money to support s'' school, provided a certain number of men will appear to make up s' i'51, a sufiicient sum to maintain such a grammar school muster as the selectmen shall provide, and likewise, that the other three prec'ts this present year shal' draw out of the town tre;iaury the remainder of what is raised, to support the Grammar school in the town, according lo what the pay is respectively, and said money to be appropriated for the support of English schools among themselves. And the vote passed in the affirmative." October 3d, same year, " they met according to the adjournment, and it was proposed whether the South, East, and Nortli prec'is shall have the same privelidge of the school with y" West prec', after this present year successively according to their age, in case they will accept of it, and if not, then the next proc' in course to have the offer of. And the vote past in the affirmative." Here, then, we see the way opened for instruction in the higher branches in the East Parish as well as other parts of Bridgewater. At a parish-meeting held, " Mch. 24, 1748, voted that precinct Com'tee, Capt. Bass, Capt. Whitman, and Lieut. Mitchell, take Care about the schole, to dispose of the Money belonging to this precinct to the best advantage." So it seems there was but one school-house at this time in the parish, and but one down to 1771 ; for it was " voted Nov. 15th, of that year, To Ezra Whitman for work Don at the meeting House and school house, £.0. 4s. Od." In 1773, the East Parish " voted that the Parish should be divided into School Ricks." The committee chosen to make such division were Capt. Joseph Gannett, Isaac Allen,

School Districts. - Accordingly the East Parish was divided into seven districts, and the management of the several schools was annually placed in the care of the regular parish committee of three men, the assessors of the precinct, who each year divided the School money according to the number of the childreu in each district from three to sixteen years of age.

April 12, 1790. The parish "voted to choose a committee in each school district, whose d\ity it shall be to see that their respective districts have their proportion of the money raised and appropriated for English schools, and that suitable masters or mistresses are provided to keep a school or schools in their respective districts, and also to provide wood for the said schools, and that no schoolmaster or mistress shall draw money nor obtain an order from the precinct committee to draw money for keeping a school until he or she shall obtain a certificate from the major part of the committee of the district where he or she hath kept a school, certifying the number of weeks such school was kept and the sum due to him or her for said service." The committee chosen were as follows, viz. : East District, Polycarpus Snell, Thomas Sherman, and Benjamin Whitman ; Middle District (three districts having been united in one), Ensign James Keith, Ephraim Cary, Jr., Col. Robert Orr, Capt. David Kingman, and Benjamin Robinson ; Northwest District, James Barrell, Zechariah Shaw, and Isaac Alden ; Over Meadow District, Eleazer Whitman, Christopher Bates, and Lieut. Samuel Pool; Southeast District, Nathan Hudson.

In 1792 there were again seven districts, and in 1793 a new district was formed in the northeast part of the precinct, which in recent years has been kuown by the name of Northville.

School Committee of the East Preciact. - The following is a list of the school committee chosen by the East Precinct of Bridgewater from 1790 to 1823 :

History Of East Bridgewater

Id 1817, March 24, made choice of Hon. Nahum Mitchell, Dr. Hector Orr, Bartholomew Brown, Esq., and Dr. Daniel Sawiu, a committee for examiDutioo of schools.

In 1818 the committee chosen for the same purpose were Bartholomew Brown, Esq., Dr. Daniel Sawin, Welcome Young, Esq., and James Thomas, Esq.

The first teacher resident or employed in East Brid^ewater was John Orcutt. He died in 1781, aged eighty-one years. He taught the school on the common several years. He was an excellent penman, as evinced by specimens of his skill in writing still e.vtant. Some others prior to 1800 were William Snell, Ebenezer Willis, Isaac Tribou, Ezra Richards, Benjaiuin Paris, James Thomas, and Timothy Allen. Miss Bathsheba Whitman began to teach in the school-house on the common in 1794, when she was sixteen years old, and was an instructor many years. Bartholomew Brown waa the first teacher in the old steepled school-house erected in the village in 1801. He introduced Murray's " Grammar" and " Reader" aa text-books, and instructed the scholars to recite some of their lessons in concert ; his pupils in the winter of 1801-2, numberiug one hundred and twenty.

Among the teachers since the beginning of the present century, Hon. Edward Everett is remembered with pleasure. He was, while a teacher here, but fifteen years old, and a member of the junior class of Harvard University. Though so youthful, his remarkable attainments in literature enabled liiui tu succeed in that winter's task. To the writer of this he once stated, " I had, if I recollect right, seventy or eighty scholars of both sexes, many of them older than myself, one or two of them young men and women. ... As a class, they were well mannered and gave me no extra trouble, but I was thankful when the time was up."

The amount paid for instruction before 1800 was not large. In 1796 the East Precinct received from the town treasury $332.89. The next year received from the town $332.57, and in addition the precinct raised $100. In 1810 $C05.24 were received as their proportion of the town's money. From this time till the incorporation of the town of East Bridgewater the annual expenditure for the support of the schools was about $600. In 1833 the amount raised was $1000 ; in 1839, $1200 ; in 1848, $15U0 ; in 1854, $2000. In 1809 it rose to $5000 ; iu 1SS3, $5500.

By the school census, May, 1883, the number of children in town between five and fifteen years of aue was 453. The whole number of pupils of all aires enrolled on school registers was 543.

East Bridgewater Academy. - In 1818 a need was felt by the people here of educational advantages superior to what were furnished in the district schools, and a company of proprietors was formed, including the following-named citizens : Silvanu.i Lazell, Nahum Mitchell. Barzillai Allen, John M. Goodwin, Gushing Mitchell, Silvanus L. Mitchell, Levi Washburn, and perhaps some others. A biiilding of two stories was erected on Central Street, near the southwest corner of the burial-ground, on what is now the estate of Kimball E. Sheldon. This seminary was at first named the " Young Lailie?' School." It was opened for instruction early in 1S19, under the care of Miss Bathsheba Whitmau.

" Aiiron Uobiii't, Welcome Young, and Wallace Kust, their nsbociute^ und successors, are hereby made a corpurution by ihe Dame of the I'rojirietors ol" llic East Ciidgcw.iter Academy, to bo catablished in the town of East Jlrid^ewatcr, in the county of Plymoutii, with all the powurs, .tc, --ct forth in the fortyfourth chap, of the Revised Statutes, with power to liold real and personal estate not exceeding ten thousand dollars, to be devoted exclusively to purposes of education."

In 1S45 the proprietors sold the academy building and real estate to William Allen, who was principal of the seminary from October, 1846, to December, 1S60, when it ceased to be a place of instruction.

With increase of population and proportionate accumulation of taxable property, facilities for education have gradually widened until the town has lield its own in the commonwealth in more than one regard, as is shown by its annual reports.

High School. - Fur a number of years preceding 18G0 the necessity for a high and grammar school having been duly cousidered at sundry times, a spacious and substantial building was in that year erected in the Central Village, near the railroad crossing, for the purpose, districts 1, 8, and 9 being then united.

Tiie school opened with an attendance of about sixty, under the instruction of Horace Cannon. The following are the names of teachers who have succeeded him until the present date :

Libraries. - Public libraries have been established in East Bridgewater at different periods, each of which has done at least something towards educating the community. Of some of them mention should be I made. The first of wliich anything is definitely known I was in use in 1770. It was called "The Library j of the East Parish of Bridgewater." The volumes : were nearly all of a directly religious character. I As to the next library we find that eighteen persons met Feb. 28, 1793, and signed an agreement to form a library society. Tho meeting was adjourned for a fortnight. Accordingly, March 14th, a wellprepared constitution was presented, and was signed by forty-one persons. Their names, - David Kingman, Robert Orr, Ezra Kingman, Nahum Mitchell, Josiah Byram, Levi Washburn, Isaac Whitman, Robert Wade, James Keith, Jr., Seth Keith, Jo.^eph Chamberlain, Samuel Rogers, Arthur Harris, Hulmau Keith, Galen Latham, Isaac Keith, Isaac Tribou, Thomas Young, Joseph Whitman, Benjamin Delano, William Mitchell, John Harris, A.sahel Allen, Simeon Curtis, William Keith, Barzillai Allen, Silvanus Lazell, Nathan Alden, Jr., Isaac Chamberhiin, Ezra Whitman, Jr., Thomas Sherman, Josiah Otis, Samuel Spear, Jr., Stephen Snell, Thomas Hooper, Josiah Rich.irds, Zebulon Allen, Benjamin Whitman, Gad Hitchcock, Jr., Ephraim Hyde, Simeon Allen.

This association was denotninated "The Proprietors of a Library in the East Precinct of Bridgewater." From some of the early records of this association, still extant, it is seen that the selection of books was judiciously made ; some of the authors were Goldsmith, Addison, Knox, Cowper, Pope, Ramsay, Keats, Bruce, Hannah More, Josephus, Newton, Franklin, and Paley. There were also Butler's " Analotry,'' Smith's " Wealth of Nations," " Washington's Letters," etc.

In 1836, Rev. Adonis Howard and others formed a " Social Library" in Joppa village. There were at first one hundred volumes, average cost about one dollar each ; one hundred additional volumes were afterwards purchased. Much liberality was manifested by individuals in carrying forward an institution so valuable.

Library Association. - The " East Bridgewater Library Association" was formed Sept. 23, 1870. At the first annual meeting, held Jan. 20, 1871, the fullowing officers were elected : President, Ezra Kingman ; V'ice-Presidcnt, James S. Allen ; Secretary, George W. Allen ; Treasurer, Frederick S. Strong ; Finance Committee, John Hobart and Franklin Edson ; Lecture Comniitlee, William H. Osborne, Amos Hunting, and Simeon C. Keith ; Committee on the Library, William H. Osborne, William Vinton, George L. Faxon, iMartin P. McLauthlin, S. Prescott Allen, Dr. Charles W. Harris, Edmund W. Mutter, Rev. Timothy 0. Paine, George W. Allen.

At the annual meeting of the association, held in January, 1884, the following vote was passed, viz. : " That if the town will annually appropriate a sum not less than one hundred dollars to be expended for books under the direction of the library committee, the public may have the free use of the books belonging to this association."

At the annual meeting of tlie town of East Bridgewater, held March 12, 1883, a committee, consisting of Ezra Kingman, George W. Allen, and Isaac N. Nutter, was chosen to take into consideration the subject of a public town library and report at the next annual meeting. Accordingly, at the annual meeting held March 10, 1884, the committee made their report, in concluding which they say, " In view of this action of the Library Association your committee recommend the acceptance of the offer, and that the sum of five hundred dollars be appropriated the present year, of which three hundred dollars of said sum shall be used in the purchase of books, and that the Library be kept in the room occupied by the town officers, and be opened at least on two week-day afternoons of each week, and at such other times as may be deemed proper and best."

College Graduates Of East Bridgewater

Bridgewater. William Conant, Yale, 1770; clergyman, settled in Lyme, N. H. James Thomas, Harvard, 1778 ; farmer, settled in Kaat Bridgewater. Levi Whitman, Harvard, 1779; clergyman, settled in Weliflcet. Ebeuczer Dawes, Harvard, 1785 ; clergyman, settled in Scituate. Barzillai Gannett, Harvard, 1785; merchant, settled iu Gardiner, Me. Allen Pratt, Harvard, 1785; clergyman, settled in Westmoreland, N. H. David Gurncy, Harvard, 1735; clergyman, aettleJ in Titicut, 1 North Middleboro*.

settled in Portland, Me. Asa Mitchell, Harvard, 1S02; lawyer, settled in New Gloucester, Me. Jacob Hill, Brown, 1807; lawyer, settled in Minot, Me. Eliab Whitman, Brown, IS07; lawyer, settled in North Bridgewater. Nathaniel Whitman, Harvard, 1809; clergyman, settled in

Billerica and East Bridgewater. Daniel Whitman, Brown, 1809; farmer, settled in East Bridgewater. Willard Phillips, Harvard, 1810 ; lawyer, settled in Cambridge. Welcome Young, Brown, 1814; lawyer, settled in East Bridge-

Bridgewater. Lucius Alden, Brown, 1821 ; clergyman, settled in East Abington and New Cottle, N. H. Jason Whitman, Harvard, 1825; clergyman, settled in Saco, and West Boylston. AVilliaras Latham, Brown, 1827; lawyer, settled in Bridgewater. William .\llen. Harvard, 1837; teacher, settled in Barnstable,

Saco, Me., and East Bridgewater. Edmund B. Whitman, Harvard, 1838; teacher, settled in Cambridge, iind Lexington, Ivy. Edward C. Mitchell, Colby, 1849; clergyman, settled in Chicago. Charles C. Mitchell, Harvard, 1851.

Dr. Hector Orr, son of Col. Robert and Hannah (Kingnian) Orr, and grandsou of Hon. Hugh Orr, was boru in East Bridgwater, March 24, 1770, graduated at Harvard University in 1792, studied medicine with Dr. Epliraiui Wales, of Randolph, and in 1794 settled in his native parish. He married March 23, 1795, Mary, daughter of Oakes and Susanna (^Howard) Angier, of West Bridgewater. In 1796 he was commissioned surgeon in the navy by John Adams, President of the United States, and under the command of Commodore Preble, went ou a long voyage to India. lu 1801 he became a member of the j\Iassachusetts IMedical Society, of which institution he served as counselor almost forty years. Having a fondness for military tactics, he was commissioned, in 1802, adjutant of the Third Regiment, First Brigade, Fifth Division, of the Massachusetts Militia. He was an efficient disciplinarian, as can be testified by survivors who were trained under hi.s command. He might have risen to the highest positions in the military department, but he continued as adjutant for the unusual term of twenty-three years.

He was an apt scholar, well versed in English literature and the Latin classics, read rapidly, and remembered what he had read. He took great interest in Freenia-sonry, joined the Masonic Brotherhood prior to his college graduation, and was foremost among the founders of Fellowship Lodge, which was established in East Bridgewater in 1797, in wliich year he gave a hibtory of Frceuiasonry in a discourse before tlio lodge. The discourse was published, as was also "Au Oration pronounced at Bridgewater [East Parish meeting-house], Oct. 1, ISOl, at the rciiuest of tlie Columbian Society," and " An Oration pronounced at Bridgewater [East Parish meeting-house], July 4, 1S04, iu Commemoration of the Anniversary of American Independence." He was a man of sparkling wit, and possessed a fund of anecdotes, which were ever at hand, and, if occasion offered, readily delivered. He

Charles A. Lockerby, graduate of Medical School Dartmouth College, 1844; graduate of a college at Edinburgh, Scotland; resided here 1845 to 1849; removed to Concord, N. II. ; died May 2, ISSl.

Asa Millet, graduated at Brunswick Medical School, 1842; practiced in East Bridgewater, 1847 to 1854 : removed to Abington, theu to Bridgewater; returned in 1873.

Enoch Warren Sanford, born in Raynham ; graduate of Brown Uuiversity, 1851 ; graduate of Philadelphia College; practiced here from 1858 to IStiO ; removed to Brookline, where he died Feb. 27, 1875, age 43.

Charles W. Harris, graduate of Berkshire Medical Institution, Pittsfield, 1847 ; came to East Bridgewater, 18(J6, and died May 24, 18S4, age G2.

History Of East Biiidgewater

Biographical. - Lieut. David Kingman was born in I He kept for many years a diary of passing events. West Biidj^ewater in 1708, son of Jolin and Desire i His death occurred May II, 1805, at tlie age of (HMrris) Kingman, grandson of John Kingman, and 1 seventy-two.

great-grandson of Henry Kingman, wlio, in 1G35, euii- ; Deacon John Wliitman was born in the East Parish grated from Weymouth, in England, and settled in > of Biidgewater, March 28, 1735 (new style), and died Weymouth, Mass. Lieut. David settled in East ' July 20, 1842, aged one hundred and seven years, three Bridgewater about 1733. He was one of the early i months, and twenty-two days. He was the first iutraders; was licensed as a retailer in 1745, tliough i habitant of the ancient town of Bridgewater who lived lie probably had begun keeping a store considerably : more than a century. Few persons in the county earlier. His residence was on Grove Street, facing | of Plymouth have attained so great an age. He was Water Street, the same location as tiiat where is now a remarkable man. It would probably be difficult to the dwelling-house built by the late William Tribou. cite another instance of an individual iu New England That part of the town was formerly called " the llobin- : who could, at the age of one hundred and seven, write son nei;.:liborhood," and more recently " Harmony." ' his name in a clear, legible hand. He was a sou of Lieut. Kingman married, in 1732, Mary, daughter of i John and Elizabeth (Gary) Whitman. On the father's Nathaniel and Elizabeth Hayward, of Elmwood, and side he was a descendant of two of the earliest settlers had five children, - David, Mary, Nathan, Ezra, and Hannah (who married Col. Robert Orr). He was an officer in the militia as early as 1746. He kept a record of daily occurrences for a few years, which is extant, and was a respected and useful citizen. He died April 15, 1769, age sixty-one.

Capt. David Kingman, son of Lieut. David and Mary (Haywood) Kingman, was born Feb. 26, 1733, married Abigail Hall in 1752, and had five sons and three daughters. They were Nathan, Molly, Ezra, Nabby, Eunice, David, David, and Barzillai. He, as Lis father had been, was a country merchant. We find that on Dec. 20, 1757, he waa licensed to sell tea, coffee, and chinaware. About 1765 he removed from the Robinson neighborhood to Central Street, and lived iu a house which stood where the late Daniel P. Edson lived and died. A few feet east of in East Bridgewater, - Nicholas Byram and Thomas Whitman, - and on the mother's was the fourth in descent from Capt. Miles Standish, the Pilgrim. He married, Oct. 11, 1764, Lydia, daughter of David and Joanna (Hayward) Snow. Children : Lydia, born July 29, 1765; Elizabeth, April 24, 1767; James, Feb. 4, 1769. His wife died April 25, 1771, and he married, Aug. 5, 1773, Abigail, daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Smith) Whitman. Children : Catharine, born July 4, 1775 ; Bathsheba, June 8, 1777 ; Josiah, March 29, 1779; Alfred, March 30, 1781 ; Obadiah, March 22, 1783 ; Nathaniel, Dee. 25, 1785 : Hosea, Feb. 20, 1788; John, Feb. 4, 1790; Abigail, May 10, 1793; Bernard, June 8, 1796 ; Jason, April 30, 1799. His wife died Sept. 16, 1S13, aged sixtytwo. Three of his sons - Nathaniel, Bernard, and Jason - were educated at Harvard University, and the house was his store. The number of country } became settled pastors of churches. His daughter, merchants at that time was not large, and this store I Bathsheba, was a devoted school-teacher. Her exbecaiue a famous place of resort. Here he supplied ' perience iu imparting instruction was uncommon. She the Bridgewater soldiers of the Revolutionary army lived to a great age, and it could be truly said of her with ready-made clothing. Near the opening of the I that she taught four gtnerations.

Revolution he was elected commander of the local militia in the East District, or ea.st half of the East Precinct, of Bridgewater, and continued in that office till 1784. In 1780 he represented Bridgewater at the General Court. He was an energetic business man, and interested in iron manufactures, being an owner in the forges of the Exst and South Parishes.

We have said that Deacon Whitman was a remarkable man. But if it be asked, " What great things did he do?" it must be answered, he was not prominent as a statesman, a warrior, an inventor, or an artisan, or as a highly-educated man. He was by trade a carpenter, was a plain mechanic and a farmer. He never boasted of any attainments he had made

He was cheerful, complaisant, and had a great fond- j or any property that he had acquired. The writer ness for children, who reciprocated his regard for 1 recalls hb appearance as he was in the daily course of them. His kindness to strangers was proverbial, i life's duties, on his farm, in his craving the Divine many of whom could bear witness to his hospitality. 1 blessing before partaking of the evening meal, and in Ardently attached to the clergy, he was gratified if he | his attendance on the services of the sanctu;iry. lie could lighten their labors and promote the welfare of 1 seemed to be about as near to a complete model of an the people. He was fond of music, and was for many > exact balance of the powers, spiritual, intellectual, and boJily, as it is ever pennitted huiuaoity to reacii. His eaily school uducutioii was scanty iudeod, but lie road, when opportuuity offered, the history of past events, and carel'ully noted what was taking place in the community, so that he was a man of more than ordinary intelligence. " In regard to his mode of laboring, he was seldom, if ever, iu haste, but always industrious. It has been said that he was never known to do a great day's work, - one which might overtask liis powers and break down his strength and destroy his health, while it secured for him a reputation fur astonishing feats of strength or activity. But, it has been added, there was no man who performed more labor during the year tiian Deacon Whitman. Nor was this done by working late at night or at unusual hours. He generally completed the labors of the day by the setting of the sun, and spent the evening with his family. Tiie way in which he performed so much labor during the year was by a diligent improvement of the time during the liours of broad daylight. He did not drive, he did not dally. He went straight forward, always finding something to do, always diligently employed. This was not merely his course on some days, but on all days. If the weather was unfavorable to out-door labor, and he was confined by storm, still he had some employment provided, that so he might not be compelled to spend even a rainy day iu idleness."

As to food and drink, generally favored with a good appetite, he wished to eat that which was wholesome, but had no anxiety as to tlie particular kind of food which was to be set before liim at the next meal. Ho could cat animal food if plainly cooked, or vegetable, but ate in moderation. As to the u.se of ardent spirits as a beverage, before temperance organizations had been formed he was set against them. Ho always held in grateful remembrance the sound religious training which his parents had given him. Ho had no anxiety to become rich. He was grateful if he could by industry aud fidelity muke his home comfortable. He was of decided religious opinions, but while he held to convictions obtained by a careful study of the word of God, ho possessed complete charity towards others who might differ from him in religious Benlinients. In liis estimation, the object of living was the formation and mainteuauee of a rdi;;- ious character.

Gen. Silvanus Lazell, who was born in East Bridgewater in 1752, aud who died there in 1827, was one to whose enterprise the town was greatly indebted. He began life iu humble circumstances, but readily suruiountod difficulties. From a common farm-laborer, he became a cobbler. His ambition was to be a successful trader. He began by keeping a few articles of merchandise in bis shop-window. Constantly adding to his means he, after a few years, had a atore uii what was subsequently tlie turnpike { iiow Bodfoid Street), and on the north side of the cio.<.-ing uf Union and Bedford Streets.

Ambiliou.s to see the town prosper, he rendered substantial aid to enterprising young nicn. He induced Samuel Rogers to come to East liridgewatcr in 1788, furnished him a simp, and enabled him tu engage in the business of clockmaking. Iu l.SUU he assisted Nathaniel Cross, wiio came fVmn Kxctur, N. H., and Bartholomew Trow, from Ch.irK-.-.town, to start a successful career of cariiage-niakiiiL;. James Siddall, who came from Donca.ster, Eiigluiid, in ISH), and was shipwrecked on his passage, w;i> met in Boston, and encouraged by Gen. Lazell, who invited him to settle in East Bridgeivater, prepareil a .,h(ip fur him, aud started him in the bu.iiness ,.f lilacksmithing, in which Mr. Siddall coiitiiuied till near the close of his life, in 1881, at the age of eightyfive. It was chiefly through Gen. Lazoll's influuuee that the turnpike was chartered in 18(1-1, and built in 1S05-6, from near the Great Ponds in .^liddlelJo^o' to the Braiutree and Weymouth turnpike. Forging and nail-making were each advanced by his cue and foresight.

In 1798 he erected in East Bridgewater vill.ige the house now owned aud occupied by Heiiiy Ilubart. The grounds were laid out by himself in a tasteful manner, and were much admired by the passing traveler.

Capt. Ezra Kingman, son uf Capt David and .Abigail (Hall) Kingman, was born in East Bridgewater, Aug. 15, 175G, and married Nov. 14, 17H2. .Susanna, daughter of Peter and Susanna (Keith) Whitiuan. Their children were Susanna, Nathan. Hannah, Ezra, Melzar, Charlotte, and Caroline. He was n merchant in East Bridgewater. About 1785 lie built a store on Central Street, near the common, where Luke Wuice.ster now lives, and continued in trade then- till abuut 1820. He was a correct business iikui, and was (nie of the selectmen of Bridgewater fur twenty year-. He was also for many years clerk and treasurer of the East Parish. It was said of him that he was ever seeking to advance the best interests of the town.

He was commissioned adjutant of the Third Regiment, First Brigade, in 1781, aud captain of the militia in 17U3. He represented Bridgewater at the General Court in 1812 and 181G. Like his father before him, he was much interested in church inusie, and was for several years chorister uf the parish. He was a forbearing man, of gentle manners, and tein-

History Of East Bridgewater

David Kingman, son of Capt. David and Abigail (Hall) Kitigman, was born iu East Biidgevirater, Nov. 27, 170L!. He married Elizabeth Smith, of Mendon, Muss., and had one son, George G., and eight daughters, - Sophia, Eliza, Mary, Nabby, Jane, Lucy, Su- >anna, and Frances. He was a very active busiiie.ss man, and engaged in ship-building at Hanover Four Coiuers. In that village he erected, in 1788, a store and a hou.ie which has been used as a hotel for many yeai-s. He was also engaged in ship-building at Beli'ast. Me. After the decease of Rev. Sauiuel Angler, of East Bridgewater, he purchased the Angler house aud ground.s, took down the old " manse," whicli had stood for more than eighty years, and erected a large dwelling-house and several other buildings.

He died April 27, 1812, aged forty years. A few years after his deeexse the buildings were all removed, aud the house with some additions is now the Hyland House in Bridgewater village.

Hon. Ezekicl Whitman was born March 9, 1776, and was the only son of Josiah aud Sarah (Sturtevant) Whitman. His birthplace was a house which stood ui;t far from Elmwood (formerly JoppaJ bridge, and but a few feet from the residence of Irving Bates. His father died when the child was two years old, leaving the mother with little means to support her two children. When the boy was seven years of age, on his mother's second marriage (to Jacob Mitchell), his uncle, Rev. Levi Whitman, of Welllieet, kindly received him into his family, and instructed him and treated him with a tenderness Judsre Whitman always remembered with the deepest gratitude. His coolness and fearlessness of spirit were manifested when, while he was a small boy, daring freshets on the Joppa River, the low bridge affording but an insecure passage over the swollen stream for foot passengers, he would mount a horse and take one passenger after another across. At the age of fourteen he began preparation for college under the instruction of Rev. Kilborn Whitman, of Pembroke, and after fifteen months of preparation was admitted a student of Brown University, in 1791. At intervals, during his college course, he taught school in Mnns&eld and elsewhere in order to eke out his scanty means of support. After graduating, in 1795, finding himself almost entirely destitute of funds, he was for a while disheartened, but was soon encouraged to commence the study of the law, and accordingly entered the office of Benjamin Whitman, Esq., at Hanover Four Corners. Remaining there but a little while, he returned to his native town and read law in the office of Hon. Nahum Mitchell. This proved a valuable position for the young student. In 179<), Mr. Whitman was induced to go to the new State of Kentucky to establish claims to certain tracts of land belonging to persons in this part of the country. He performed the whole journey to Kentucky on horseback, and having remained a year and successfully accipmplished the object of his journey, returned to .Mas.sachusetts in the same manner as he went. He was admitted to the Plymouth bar early in 1799, and in April of the same year started ou horseback for Turner iu the - State of Maiue, where he commenced the practice of law, but seeing a better opening in the town of New Gloucester, Me., removed there and opened an office in the following September. He married Oct. 31, 1799, Hannah, daughter of Gushing Mitchell, of East Bridgewater, and sister of his legal instructor. While a resident of New Gloucester he was held in great respect, and his business continued to thrive and increase. In January, 1807, he established himself iu Portland, Me. In this new and much larger field he found abundant exercise for his legal talents. His discernment, calmness, and candor gave him as an advocate much power in the courts. He rendered great service to the merchants in establishing their claims under the treaty of the United States with Spain in 1819, and that with France in 1831.

Among the many students who enjoyed his instructions were the late Hon. Simon Greeuleaf and the late ex-Governor Parris, of Maine. He wa.s elected a representative in Congress four times, viz., in 1808, 1816, 1818, 1820. In 1815 he was a member of tlie Executive Council of Massachusetts. In 1816 he was a member of the convention held at Brunswick, Me., to tonsider the question of the separation of Maine from Massachusetts. While a member of Congress, in 1819, the important question was debated whether Mi.ssouri should be admitted a State with a clause in the bill prohibiting slavery. Mr. Whitman recorded his testimony in favor of the restriction. After Maine became a State he was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor.

On the 4th of February, 1822, Mr. Whitman was appointed by Governor Parris chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the State of Maine, and in December, 1841, he was appointed chief justice of the Supreme Court, which office he held until his resignation in October, 1848, having served in the capacity of judge more than twenty-six years. His wife died suddenly, after a sickness of a few hours, March 28, 1852, and in the following October he returned to pass the remnant of his days among the scenes of his childhood, " free," as he said, " to breathe his own native air on his own ground." Hore, always temperate and quiet in all his habits, hu calmly awaited the change of woild.s, which came to him at the great age of ninety years and four mouths, Aug. 1, 18GG.

Hon. James H. .Mitchell

Hon. James H. Mitchell was born in East Bridgewater, Nov. 18, ISIL!, and died June 30, 1872. He was the youngest son of Hon. Nahum Mitchell, author of the " History of Bridgewater," and Nabby, his wife, who was a daughter of Gen. Sylvanus Lazell.