Plymouth Town (part 24 of 54)

About forty-two or forty-three years ago it was enlarged by taking in a narrow strip of land from one to two rods wide on three siiles, when the wall aud fence now there was made, and all done by the town of West Bridgewater.

The oldest burials in this yard are Abigail, dau. of Josiah Siiell, died May 13, 1747, a; 8, her sister Mary, dying May 27, the same year, a; 11, Rhoda Packard, a child, dying April 4, 1750, Israel Packard, April 20, 1752, X 35, and Josiah Siiell, grandfather of the first two children above named, dying April 4, 1753, :e 78; only five persons being buried here before 1700, twenty-three dying in course of ten years after 1780, and seventeen between 1800 and 1810; and only two interments have been madesince 1848, - Edward Snell, J uue 8, 1851, aj 54, and Linthea Snell, April 5, 1859, u"ed 04. Of the ninety-nine persons having lettered "rave-stones in this yard, thirty-four b<irc the name of Snell; seventeen, Packard; eleven, Hayward ; nine, Itichards. There are but few graves without lettered stones. All stones face south. This ground has not been worked upon or leveled off so as to obliterate the resting places of those persons who have no lettered head stones. No deed or ancient manuscript of these premises, or any part thereof, are known to exist.

They were all buried on the south side of the road opposite this burial-ground. Jonathan Copeland, father of Ebenezer, Sr., was buried on the south side of this road, 1790, aged 90, being the first Copelaiul tliat died iu Bridgewater. In 1801 this Ebenezer, Sr., built a tomb on the south side of the road, and had these bodies all put into that tomb. Another tomb was built on this side of the road by Deacon Joseph Kingman and his brother Jonathan, about 1819, and shortly after a third tomb was built on this spot by Ilezekiah Copeland.

In 18G0 all the bodies in these tombs were removed to the Pine Hill Cemetery, and the tombs were taken away, and the road was then widened. Ebenezer Copeland, Sr., owned the land where these tombs were located, formerly Deacon Brett's land, and Nathan Snell owned the land on the north side of the road. Probably his father, Josiah Snell, grandson of Thomas Snell, one of the first settlers, and greatest landholder in old Bridgewater, gave the original lot for burial.

There is a tradition that one or more persons were buried on Sandy Hill, on the west side of the old Bay road, nearly opposite the house of Elihu Leonard, which stands upon the site and very cellar of the old Brett house, which was owned and occupied successively by father and son. In taking earth from this hill, to make the new road where the willows now grow, one place, having some appearance of an old grave, was found; but, if it w:ls ever much used for burial, they would have discovered more evidence of its having been used for that purpose.

It is not known where the old town clerk. Deacon Nathaniel Brett, Sr., and wife, Sarah, were buried. She died 1737; he died 1740; probably in the ground opposite the late Gamaliel Howard house, and where the Stone and Capen houses stand, called the second burying-place iu Bridgewater.

N. Brett, Jr., deacon and fourth town clerk from 173G to his death, 1779, was probably buried in this yard on the east side of his second wife, Mary Brett's grave. This site is indicated by two natural, rough stones at head and foot, without inscriptions. The second wife died Jan. 21, 1780, within one year after tlie death of her husband, and was buried about thirty-five feet nearly east from where his first wife, Rebecca, and their son, Uriah, were buried. The two wives and their son Uriah have good liead-stones ; but the stone for his second wile does not give her birth or age. The first wife died 1771, and their son, Uriah, died 1708, aged 28. Tlie old Powder-House stood in tills yard, near the southwest corner.

In her was manifested that wbdoni which is from aliove, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy uud gooti Iruit, without purliality aud witbuut hypocrisy.

26. In memory of Ruhamah, daughter of Ca|>t. Josiah Snell and Mrs. Ruhamah, his wife; she died March y° 15, 1786, in y" 17'" year of her age.

30. Here lies buried Mrs. Rebecca Urett, y" wife of Deac. Nathaniel Brett, who was born Feb. 25, 1700, and died May 12, 1771. (Deacon N. Brett wiis fourth town clerk, 1730 to 1779.)

32. In memory of Miss Martha, dau. of Lt. Jona- | than Packard and Mrs. Martha, his wife, wlio departed j this life Jan? y^' 19, 17S4, in tlio 19tli, year of lier age. j

34. In memory of Jonathan Packard, y° son of Mr. Jonatiian Packard and Martha, his wife, lie died Jan. 2, 17t)2, aged 0 years, 10 mo., 12 days.

35. In memory of Mrs. Susanna, daugh' of Lieut. Jonathan Packard and Mrs. Martha, his wife, who departed this life Aug'' y-' 5"', 1785, and y"^ 24"* year of licr age.

36. In memory of Mrs. Abigail, daugliter of Lieut. Jonathan Packard and Mrs. Martha, his wife, who departed this life Nov. y" 20, 1786, in y" 17"* year of her age.

41. Ill memory of Abigail .Snell, daughter of Mr. Josiah Snell, Juu., and Abigail, his wife, who was born May 30'", 1739, deceased May y' 13'", 1747.

45. In memory of Macey Snell, daughter of Mr. Josiah Snell, Jr., and Abigail, his wife, who was born Sept y' 30", 1736, deceased May y'' 27'", 1747.

Think on the parents, uiolhera, tliiiik how great ; How favureil with yourciiiblren iu yi.ur view; W bile you enjoy your beallii, your wealth and atate. Prepare to follow me; teach theui to follow you.

56. Erected in memory of Caleb Kingman PlcciI, son of Mr. Timothy Reed and .Mrs. Hannah, his wife, who was born .July 20, A.D. 1789, and deptirted this life Oct. 10, 17'J6, which made his residence in this world 7 years, 2 mos. 20 days.

All husbands kind and gooil, a parent dear. To all ubiiging and to all aiaceie. Title to his otlapring, fiieud and guide, lie lived beloved, aud lamuuted dit.d.

Stop, kind render, and drop a tear; Tliliik on tlie dust tlmt fllnmbers here; And while you read the late tif Die Think uu tbe t;lass that runs fur thee.

Could (fratefnl love recall the fleeting breath. Or fond iiffection sooth relenlb-HS deiith ; Then had tliis stoii** ne'er chtinied a social tear. Or reail to IhoiiKhtless man a leaoou here.

74. In memory of Mr. Jonathan Snell, Jr., son ot Mr. Jonathan Snell and Martha, his wife ; he died March 9'^ 1782, in the 30"" year of his age.

80. Mrs. Hannah, widow of Caleb Snell, formerly widow of Josiah Williams and Capt. Ephraim Snell, died July 5, 1846, in the 83" year of her age.

81. Erected to the memory of Ephraim, son of Mr. Ephraim Snell, and Mrs. Anne, his wife, who died July y' 10"*, 1790, aged 7 weeks and 1 day.

(101, 102, 103, 104, and other graves near this place, are colored people, witliout stones, such as Thomas Sutten, Peter and Parmeuas Pierce, Levi, John, and Jacob, Jr., Tarbut or Talbut, and wife of Jacob, Jr., and two wives of Jacob, Sr., Sally Carden, Frank Sutten, and others.)

Jerusalem Graveyard. - The Jerusalem Graveyard is on the west side of the road leading from the almshouse to Jerusalem, and was established as early as 1749; contains thirty-three square rods; is oue hundred and fifty feet on said road, running north and south, and extending back sixty-four feet ea-st and west; has thirty-six lettered grave-stones and some half a dozen graves unmarked, except by native fiat stone, without inscription ; graves head east, foot west, and all stones facing east.

The Rev. John Burr, aged sixty-one, and ]>r. Abiel Howard, aged seventy-two, were buried here in 1777. The first two persons buried here were Mary Hayward, a child, died June 15, 1749, and .John Howard, a child, died 1753; and the last two persons buried here were Jonathan Hayward, died April 30, 1824, aged eighty-eight, and Charity Howard, died Dec. 4, 1829, aged eighty-two. Twelve of the thirty-six persons having gravestones died during ten years succeeding 17U0, and half of the thirty-six died between 1770 and 1800, and only three, besides the two above named, have died since 1800 - one in 1803, one in 1811, and oue in 1813.

I This ground was virtually abandoned and wlioUy ' neglected for many years. A good growth of wood and timber had grown up, and was standing thereon ; a few years ago, when the town of West Bridgewater extinguished the outstanding title, took possession of the premises, caused the wood and timber to he cut and removed, and inclosed the ground with a wooden post and rail fence on three sides thereof, and a stone wall on the back side.

There are in this yard thirteen Ilaywards, five Burrs, ami four each of the Bretts and llartwelU. We are unable to find any ancient recjrd relating to this graveyard, and only one deed of land i.s known to exist, and that recently taken from .Jane S. T. Ilervey, daughter of Zeba Howard, and wife of L. D. Ilervey, conveying the premises to the town of Went Briilgewater.

11. In memory of Abiel Howard, M.D. ; he died Jan' the 10'", 1777, in y' 73'' year of his age. (A graduate Harvard University 1729, whose daugliter Silence married Dr. Phili|i Bryant, father ol' Dr. Peter Bryant, of Cuinniington, who was tlie father of William CuUen Bryant, the poet.)

In memory of Mrs. Silence Burr, wife of Deac. John Burr, who died May 6, 1773, in y" 68 year of her age. (Deacon John Burr liere means the Rev. John Burr above.)

stop, kind friends, and take a view ; The uUruud and grave do wait for yuu ; When uu niy grave you east an eye, Thiuk OD cold death ; you soon must die.

26. In memory of Silence Burr, daughter of Mr. Seth Burr and Charity, his wife, who died March y' 20, A. D. 1780, in the 26th year of her age.

30. In memory of Mrs. Abigail Hayward, wife of Mr. Peter Hayward, who died Oct. 9, 1776, in y' 67"- year of her age. (She was one of five daughters of Jonathan Williams, of Taunton, a large landholder. Her sister, Mary, married Seth Dean, of Raynliam, and her daughter, Rebecca Dean, married Woodward Latham.)

The Alger Graveyard and Tomb. - This yard contains sixteen to twenty square rods of land on Wolf Trap Hill, west side of Flaggy Meadow Biook, south side of the road, nearly opposite the dwellinghouse of John Otis Alger, in West Bridgcwater.

There is a common balance- wall on the we.it .lide, and a bank wall on the north side, next to the road, and otherwise it is uninclosed. There are four graves with gravestones having the following inscription thereon, to wit :

2. Rachel Keith, born July 22, 1744, died about 1815, 71 years of age. (She was a daughter of Ebenezer Keith, and half-sister of the first Abiezer Alger's w i fe. )

5. Dilly Green, colored, buried about 1824. She was probably over GO years of age, and w.is one of the four wives of Robert Prince, belter known by the name of Robert Green, who was a large, strong man, jet black, born in Virginia, lived on the Alger farm for many years ; is said to have served in the old French war, and was a body-servant of Gen. Green, in the Revolutionary war; died in the poor-house in West Bridgewater, in January, 1827, lOG years of age.

And tliere is also one large tomb upon these premises, built by the late Abiezer Alger, Jr., in the early part of the year of 1828, containing the remains of fourteen persons deposited there in the order of their deaths, to wit :

Miscellaneous

I Ilowurd Collegiate lostitute - Tlio Press - West Eridgewater Times - West Bridgewuter News - Pbysiuians - Furmera' Club - Manufat'turers - Civil History - Incorpuration uf Town - Clerks - Treasurers - Selectuien - Ucpi-esentatives - War of tbe Hebelliun - Action of tbe Town - A'arious \'otcs - Auiount of Money Expended for War Purposes - The Town Quotas - List of Soldiers - Soldiers' Monument, Its Inception, Cooipletion, and Dedication.

Howard Collegiate Institute. - This institution was established by the munificeucc of the late Benjamin B. Howard (see biography of JMr. Howard elsewhere in this work). The building is a handsome and commodious brick structure, beautifully located, in the midst of a wealthy and beautiful agricultural region. The institution is for girls and young women, and was opened Oct. 2, 1883. The principal is Miss Helen Magill, Ph.D. (Boston University, and more recently from Cambridge Uuiveisity, England), who is assisted by an able corps of instructor.s.

The present faculty of inatruclion and government is as follows: Helen ftlagill, Ph.D., principal and instructor in Ancient Languages and in History; Rev. William Brown, instructor in I\lental and Moral Philosophy; Eudora Magill, A.B., instructor in Mathematics; Gertrude B. Magill, A.B., instructor in Modern Languages, English Literature, and Elocution ; Lydia S. Ferguson, instructor iu Physical Science and English branches; Drawing and Painting, vacant; Sarah Washburn Ames, instructor in Music; Matron, Mrs. Eliza A. Kingsbury.

The institute, as at present organized, offers a seven years' course of study. This course is so arranged as to give a good general education, and at the same time a thorough preliminary training for those who may wish to pursue their studies further at- such institutions as offer University work to women.

The curriculum includes the work usually done in the first two years of the best college courses, with more work in some departments, especially history and English literature, than is required for entrance to college or in tliis part of the college curriculum.

The residence is arranged on the cottage .system, one cottage having been already built, accommoduting a small number of students, each with a single room. This plan is considered most favorable to individual training, and will be adhered to in future building. The aim is to retain as much of the character of home-life as may be in an institution.

Public Library. - The Public Library was organized Oct. 4, 1879, and is located in the Howard Institute. There were added to the library for the year ending Feb. 1, 1884, four hundred and twentynine volumes by purchase, many of which were standard works of permanent value, consisting of choice selections, and embracing most all subjects.

There were donations also from Mr. John S. Martin and from Mr. C. W. Copelaod amounting to thirty-eight volumes, making the total number of books in the library Feb. 1, 1884, two thousand one hundred and sixty-two.

The books in all the departments have been selected with much care and criticism, and they constitute a comprehensive and valuable library for a small town.

By the librarian's memoranda, it appears that the total number of books taken from the library during the year was six thousand four hundred and seventynine, or a weekly distribution of about one hundred and twenty-five volumes, divided among the various classes of subject-matter in the following ratio, viz. : fiction, about fifty-one per cent. ; juvenile, about twenty per cent. ; travels, about four and one-half per cent. ; history and humorous, about two and one-half per cent, each ; science and general literature, about two per cent, each ; biography, about three percent. ; poetry, about one and one-half per cent. ; magazines, periodicals, about ten per cent.

It was recommended that the town raise the sum of ihree thousauJ dollars for tlie support of schools for the ensuing year and four hundred dollars for repairs.

The Press. - A sheet called the West BiiJ(ji:water Times was issued here in 18G7, and lived about two years. It was printed in Middleboro', and the corre.spundeut iu this town was Rev. J. G. Forman. The latest Venture iu this field was the West BiiJjewater News, which was issued here iu 1882, by William Fay. It was short-lived.

Post-Offices. - There are two post-offices in the town, - one at Central Square, Charles R. Packard, postmaster, and one at Cochesett, Edward Tisdale, postmaster.

West Bridgewater Farmers' Club was established in December, 1871, with James Howard as president. The present officers are Davis Copeland, picsident; James Howard, vice-president; J. A. Shores, secretary ; J. E. Ryder, treasurer.

Copeland & Hartwell's Shoe Manufactory. - This establishment is one of the oldest iu Plymouth County, having been established in 1845 by Caleb Copeland and Josiah Quiney Hartwcll, and the oriijinal firm has been continued without change to the present lime. This factory has been enlarged several limes, and is now one hundred and thirty feet long by twenty-five feet wide. They employ fifty hands, and the value of the annual product amounts to i'rom seventy-five thousand to one hundred thousand dollars.

Among the other manufaclurcrs may be noted M. A. Ripley, flouring-mlll ; George W. Bent, iron foundry ; Milvin C. Edson, Joseph Ring, T. P. Ripley, shoe manufacturing; 0. Ames & Sou, saw- and shingle-mills, and Jonathan Howard, vinegar manufacturer.

Incorporation of Town and Civil List. - It is a somewhat singular fact that West Bridgewater as a parish was never incorporated by an act of the Legislature. The parish was incorporated as a town Feb. 10, 1822. The following is a list of the clerk.s, treasurers, selectmen, and rcpresentalives from the incorporation of the town to the present time :

History Of West Bridoewater

War of the Rebellion. - Tlie first town-meeting relating to the war was held April 27, 1861, vfheti it was voted to pay each volunteer belonging to the town while in the service eight dollars per month, and $1.25 per day spent in drilling, and money sufficient for the comfortable maintenance of his family. It was also voted to furni.sh arms and equipments to the military conijiany then forming, and the selectmen were authorized to expend two thousand dollars for that purpose.

July 18, 1862, voted to pay a bounty of one hundred and twenty-five dollars for recruits for three years, to the " number of twenty-three." A committee of one from each school district was appointed to act with the selectmen in procuring volunteers, each to be paid two dollars per day while engaged. August ISth, the bounty was increased one hundred dollars. August 22d, the bounty to volunteers for nine months was fixed at one hundred and twentyfive dollars. It was also recommended that the recruits of West and KasL Bridgewater unite and furm a company for nine months' service, also " that the whole town attend the meeting on Wednesday evening next, at Agricultural Hall, Bridgewater, to encourage recruiting." Another meeting for a similar puipo-se was held September 2d, and to create a volunteer fund.

March 14, 1864, it was voted to raise fifteen hundred dollars by taxation, to refund money paid by citizens to encourage enlistments; also, five hundred dollars to pay bounties to re-enlisted veterans.

July 29th, it was voted to borrow twelve hundred dollars, and four thousand dollars were appropriated to repay citizens who had contributed to encuiiraue recruiting.

West Bridgewater did nobly during the war of the Rebellion, and forwarded about two hundred and nine, - a surplus of eleven. Four were commibsioned officers.

Seamen In Naval Service

Soldiers' Monument. - Soon after the close of the war a movement was started for the purpose of erecting a suitable meiuoiial in honor of those citizen.s who had liillen in that struggle, and on Nov. 7, 1865, a meeting of the citizens was called to consider the feasibility of forming a monument association. The association was organized Dec. 4, 1865, with the following officers : President, Pardon Copeland ; Vice- Presidents, Caleb Copeland, Jr., Shepherd L. Pratt, Nahum Snell, Francis E. Howard, George D. Ryder ; Secretary, George Copeland ; Treasurer, Benjamin Howard.

Immediately after the organization subscription papers were circulated throughout the town, and March 3, 186G, $1215.50 had been raised. This was subsequently enlarged by a gift of $100 from Mr. George D. Ryder, also $100 from Otis Drury, and $50 Iruni Azel Howard, and Dec. 31, 1866, the fund amounted to $2040. For more than ten years the project slumbered, the fund, however, remaining on interest, and Nov. 28, 1877, amounted to $3364.46. Active steps were then taken toward the consummation of the pruject, and a contract was closed for the construction of the monument with Messrs. Thomas & Owens, of Quincy.

The monument ia a beautiful piece of work, thirtyfive feet high, weighs seventy tons, and cost nearly thirty-five hundred dollars. The bottom-base, platform, second base, die, and cap are of Quincy granite, the remainder being granite from Clark's Island, Me. The bottom-base is a large stone seven feet by two feet six inches high.

The second base is five feet six inches square, by two feet and one inch in height, and is neatly molded. Upon it rests a polished die inscribed, on the north face, as follows :

Above the die is a handsomely-molded cap, upon which rests the plinth. The front of the plinth bears a cannon cut in relief, draped with a flag ; the east side, an anchor and coil of rope ; the west, crossed swords and a rifle ; the south, a circular laurel wreath. The column-base, column, and cap rest upon the plinth, and are handsomely polished and fluted. Surmounting the whole is an eagle with unfolded wings, grasping in its talons a shield. The entire monument is beautiful in design, and the citizens of West Bridgewater may justly feel proud of this tribute to the memory of their gallant sons who lost their lives in the defense of their country.

The monument was dedicated July 4, 1879, with appropriate ceremonies. It was presented to the town by Mr. Francis E. Howard in behalf of the association, and accepted by Mr. Henry Copeland, chairman of the board of selectmen. Mr. Howard, iu the course of his remarks, said, -

*' 1 hardly need rewind you that this is sacred ground. On or near this spot was erected, if not tlie tirat, cert:iinly the second and third meeting-houses. Here for more than one hundred and twenty-live years the people of the ancient town of Bridgewater (which then included the now cntcrpiisiiig towns of Brockton, Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, and West Bridgewater) were wont to assemble to worship their Maker according to tlte dictates of their consciences and the beauty of holiness. llere for ninety years the town-meetings were held. From this spot to the tent, where we are soon to assemble to continue these exercises, the legal voters of this ancient town were accustomed to meet and array themselves on either side of the street lo decide important questions which then agitated the public mind, the house being insulficient to accommodate them ; arul to-day, after a lapse of two hundred and Gve years from the time the second bouse of public worship was here erected (the lirst one of which we have any reliable knowledge), we come to consecrate this ground anew. This monument, with the names and inscriptions thereon, will remind us and those who come alter us uf that dark and fearful event in our nation's history known as the Rebellion, and will perpetuate the names of those of our suns who sacrificed their lives in not only defending our country as a whole, but in sustaining our government that wc might have peace, without which no nation can be truly prosperous."

What is known as the A!'.:ier district, or Madagascar, as it is sometimes called, is the southwestern part. Here is located the irou-fuundry of James Otis Algier.

Tue Howard Family

The name of Howard is another form of Harvard or Hereward,and is identified with the most brilliant achievements in various departments of knightly and honorable service in England, and is one of the proudest families in that fair land. We extract the following early transatlantic history of the family from Burke's " Heraldic Register," an English work Valuable for its learning, research, and accuracy, and standard authority in family history.

" Howard, Duke of Norfolk. - The illustrious House of Norfolk derives in the male line from William Howard, ' a learned and reverend judge,' of the reiun of Edward I , and with him the authentic pedigree commences. Dugdale sought in vain amid the mists of remote ages for a clue to the family's earlier origin. The alliance of the judge's descendant, Sir Robert Howard, knight, with Margaret, elder daughter of Thomas de Mowbray, duke of Norfolk, was the source whence flowed to after generations - all the blood of all the Howards.' Margaret de Mowbray was great granddaughter and heiress of Thomas Plantagenct, surnamed De Brothcrton, eldest son of King Edward I., by Margaret, his second wife, daughter of Philip the Hardy of France. This great alliance may be regarded as the foundationstone on which was erected the subsequent grandeur of the House of Norfolk; but the . brilliant halo which encircles tlie coronet of the Howards owes its splendor to the heroic achievements of the successive chiefs, on whom its honors devolved. John Howard, duke of Norfolk, fell at. Bosworth, manfully adhering to Richard III. ; his son, the earl of Surrey, was the

" In more recent times the hereditary gallantry of the race continued to shine conspicuously forth, and to a Howard was reserved the honor of overthrowing the mighty power of Spain, and cru^lling the ' invincible' Armada. In point of mere anti(|uity there are several nobles who far exceed the llowanls ; but what family pervades all our national annals with such frequent mention, and often involved in circumstances of such intense interest. As heroes, poets, politicians, courtiers, patrons of literature, Slate victims to tyranny and feudal chiefs, they have been constantly before us for four centuries. " In the drama of life,' says an elo((uent writer, ' they have exhibited every variety of character, good and bad ; and a tale of tlieir vices, as well as of their virtues, is full of instruction, and would excite anxious sympathy or indignant censure. No story of romance or tragic drama can exhibit more incidents to enhance attention or move the heart than would a comprehensive account of this huuse, written with eloquence and pathos.' On tlieir escutcheon is the motto ' Sola vir/us invicla.' "

John Howard, the first American ancestor of the Howards in Plymouth County, came from Englaiiil and settled in Duxbury prior to 1G4.>. He came to West Bridgewater in 1651, and was one of its proprietors and original settlers. He took i\u'. oath of fidelity here in 1G57 ; was one of the fir>t military officers in Bridgewater, and died in 1701). II is descendants still own and live on the place where he first settled; he always wrote his name Ilaward, and so did his descendants till after 1700, and the early town records are conformable to this spelling ; but lor the last century it has invariably been written Howard. His children were John, James, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Sarah, Bethiah, Ephraim.

He kept the first " ordinary" or public-house in the town, and was a man of great streiiiith of character, po.ssessing much intiuencc in the colony. None of the early settlers of Bridgewater has left more taii^lLle results of Iiis existence, nor more descendants ; and if he were permitted to visit the scenes among whieh his mature life was passed he would find nothing in the conduct, character, or worth of many of those who have borne his name for two centuries, that the grand old Puritan would severely criticise, and much in which he could take just pride.

ward and Abigail Howard, was born on the ancestral j home, iu Bridgewater (now West Bridgewater), Mass., Marcli 2, 1788. The line of descent is John ', John', Maj. Edward'', Col. Edward*, Beojamin B.' Passing his early life as a farmer, he diligently availed himself of the educational advantages of the district schools of that day, and was the fifth generation of the family to own and occupy the land on which his great-gieat-grandfatlier had established his inn. He was its last landlord, lor the necessity for its existence ceased with the advent of railroads, and the old house was destroyed in 1838. Each of his ancestors were con^p^cuous in the local and military affairs of the town, and filled their part well, and Benjamin was a true descendant of that Puritan stock. He was captain of a company of militia, but not called into active service. He was a successful farmer, and prominent in his native town as a business man, and held various responsible positions, but for his active and vigorous nature the (|uiet life of a farmer did not aSbrd sulBcient scope, and, about 1837, he removed his business to New Bedford, where he became largely connected with whaling, owning an interest in, and acting as agent for, numerous vessels fitted out for the whaling industry in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. He was prospered, and amassed wealth. He kept his real estate in West Bridgewater until 1860, when he sold it to his sou, Francis E., and always claimed the right of suffrage here, although residing at New Bedford during the last fifteen years of his life, and dying there April 3, 1867. He was a director of several important corporations of New Bedford, and at the time of his death was president of the New Bedford Flouring Mills. In the numerous railroad and manufacturing enterprises in which he was so largely interested for the few years previous to his death, his buisnes.s ability was greatly appreciated and his cool, dispassionate judgment often sought.

He was four times married. First, in 1810, to Olive, daughter of Gamaliel and Olive Howard. Their children were Lucy (Mrs. Thomas Ames), Azel, Benjamin, Edward, and Francis E. Mrs. Olive Howard died in January, 1826, and Capt. Howard married, in 1827, Susan Mitchell. Their children were Susan E. and Olivia (Mrs. Dana B. Humphrey). His third wife was Mrs. Jane B. Taylor, of New Bedford, and his fourth, Mrs. Harriet M.,' widow of John E. Howard, Esq., of West Bridgewater, who survives him. Capt. Howard was a remarkable man. He was simple in his tastes, of great force of character, strong and resolute will, indomitable energy, and firmly fixed in his opinions, and did not willingly brook opposition. In his likes and dislikes he was equally decided, but his judgments were based upon what he considered the real worth of any one, without reference to his statiou or condition. He was a Unitarian in his religious convictions. He used few words, but these expressed much. In business he exhibited sagacity, a brcadtli of view, a watchful regard to dctail.-i, and an unswerving fidelity to every engagement. Ho had no confidants, kept his affairs wholly to himself, and his son says that he has often heard him say that no loss of property he ever met with, however heavy (once he lost twenty thousand dollai-s in one day by fire, uninsured), caused him to lose one hour's sleep. He was a zealous friend, a vigorou.s enemy. He was prompt in decision, resolute in action, fearless, independent, and outspoken in his views on all subjects, and cared not whether the community agreed or disagreed with him. One or two anecdotes will show some characteristic traits. In 1846, just before the building of the Old Colony Railroad from Boston to Fall River, there was a diversity of opinion regarding its route through this immediate section. Capt. Howard strongly favored a direct line from Campello to Bridgewater. This would have brought it near the centre of West Bridgewater. East Bridgewater wished to secure a route through their town. The railroad corporation compromised the matter by locating the road in its present line, and saw its error when too late to rectify it without an enormous expenditure. The wear and tear of engines, cars, and road-bed on the curves, which would have been avoided by. a direct line, amounts to a large sum annually. Corporations, like men, are sometimes too narrow-minded for their pecuniary interests, and this one man, Capt. Howard, had better vision than the corporation. Once, while serving on a jury, Capt. Howard found himself, with one other, opposed to the ten remaining jurymen. The other man at lajt agreed with the ten, and although Capt. Howard could not see the justice of their opinion, and gave his reasons, he did not stand out, and the verdict was rendered in accordance with their ideas. Some time after, possibly years, one of the ten jurymen met him, and, recalling the matter, said that the results had fully justified Capt. Howard's opinion wiicn on the jury. Another instance where his shrewdness quieted an agitation of great proportions in the town will be in place here. About 1850 the town was much excited and divided over a place to hold town-meetings, which had previously been held in the First Congregational Church. The parish had just repaired and refitted the church, making a vestry, and asked an increased compensation for its use. The townsmen out- side the parisli refused to acree to pay the price. Capt. Howard belonged to the parish and advocated the payment. The town seemed arrayed against liie parish, and the strife waxed hot. After several townmeelin-is in which nothing was accomplished, another was called and Capt. Howard, the heaviest taxpayer, arose and proposed the building of a very expensive town liall with marble steps. As this would largely increase the tax the people at once settled the matter by hiring the vestry, where the town-meetings have since been held.

Capt. Howard was, as before mentioned, very reticent, and when in his will were found bequests for the benefit of his town, amounting to one hundred and two thousand dollars, it was evident that his mind had, for a long time, been fixed upon this, for ouce on the death of a friend and neighbor, he remarked that the deceased should have left a fund fur a school, and also one lor the benefit of the religious society upou whose services he had been so long attendant, and it is interesting to uote tiiat both of the objects to which he thought his friend should have bequeathed money were generously remembered in his will, yet none knew what lie had done until after his death. His bequests were as follows : To the town of West Bridgewater eighty thousand dollars, the income of which is to be used for the " establishment and support of a high school or seminary of learning, to be called the Howard School ;" twenty thousand dollars to the First Congregational Society of this town, to be called the Howard Parochial Fund, the income of which is to be applied to the su|)port of Unitarian or liberal preaching ; two thousand dollars, the income of which is to be applied to scientific lectures in town, provided there be an annual addition of one hundred dollars, otherwise to be added to the school or parochial fund.

The unpretentious character of these munificent gifts was in keeping with the whole life work of Capt. Howard. No sounding of trunqjcts or vaunt, ings of what he had done or was going to do were ever sent abroad, but his deeds of charity were done unostentatiously and generously. His memory is ' revcienced and cherished in the hearts of a grateful cumiuunity, and his deeds will cause other souls through many years to emulate his noble example, and thus, "although dead, he yet speaketh ;" and when generation after generation shall have passed away, and this good year of grace have become one of the dates of antiquity, may there not be wanting happy voices of children enjoying liie educational advantages of " Howard Collegiate Institute," to bless

Francis E. Howard, son of Capt. Benjamin B. and Olive (Howard) Howard, was horn in Wust Bridgewater, on the old Howard homestead, May 14, 1825. He was educated at the town schools of West Bridgewater in all the branches of a thoriiUL;h couimon-school education. He became a farmer, and in 1847 moved to his present residence, then owned by his father, and which he afterwards purchased. He married Nov. 25, 1852, Mary K., daughter of Pliny and Polly (Kingman) Hayward. Their only child attaining maturity was Edith F., who still resides with her father. Mrs. Mary K. Howard died June 2, 1857, and Oct. 5, 1858, Mr. Howard married his present wife, Elizabeth B., daughter of Simeon and Sibel (Fobes) Taylor.

Formerly a Whig in politics, Mr. Howard was the first man in his town to put his name to a paper as an adherent of the Republican part}-, just then in formation. This was in 1854, and nowhere has it had a more fearless, zealous, or intelligent supporter. He has served eight years on the sciiool committee, six years as selectman, two years chairman of the board, was appointed in 1870 United States assistant marshal for taking the census. He was representative from West Bridgewater and Brockton to the lower House of the State Legislature in 1882, and in all of his official relations has shown himself modest and unassuming, possessing sound common sense, ability, and sterling integrity. He has watched closely the interests of his constituents, and discharged his duties acceptably to his town. He is a member of the First Congregational (Unitarian) Church, West Bridgewater, was its treasurer for fifteen years, and for thirteen years member of the elective committee of Plymouth and Bay Unitarian Conference.

Mr. Howard is descended from ancestors possessing more than ordinary power, both in brain and muscle. Ralph Waldo Emerson affirmed that man was what the mother makes him, yet much of truth as there undoubtedly is in that statement, it does not express the whole. Bygone generations as well are concerned iu the building of the man. Physical peculiarities, characteristic traits, and mental tendencies have been transmitted to him by his ancestors. The noble and godly fathers of Plymouth Colony believed that iu improving their own intellectual powers, and elevating their own moral nature by watchful selfdi.scipline, they were not merely benefiting themselves, but improving the mental and moral constitution wliieli their descendants for generations should receive from them. This sublime faith was founded in fact, and

History Op West Bridge Water

3Ir. Howard, although an opulent New England farmer, is not an exception to the rule. The energy of past generations is his also. William CuUen Bryant as.serted that he received the gift of poetry from his great-grandfather. Dr. Abiel Howard (u West Bridgewater Howard and kinsman of Francis E.). This gift was also possessed by the Earl of Surrey, a Howard on the otlier side of the Atlantic. Another noted Howard was John Howard, the philanthropist, whose name excites admiration and reverence throughout Christendom. The family is bold, aggressive, out-spokcu everywhere. So Mr. Howard is not merely a furmer. He reads, travels, studies, and thinks. He is an intense radical in support of everything tending to improve, develop, and advance the best elements of society. Ho is in favor of higher education, and as treasurer of Howard Collegiate Institute ably assists in carrying out the munificent educational plan of his father. Frank and courteous in his intercourse with all, and as honest as the day is long, he is one whom it is a pleasure to know. He holds advanced opinions on all subjects, and supports them ably and pungeutly by voice and pen. He would have tilled a pulpit with ability, had circumstances drawn him in that direction, for he is a born theologian, and many of his newspaper articles are well-written sermons. In the various fields of business, agriculture, and citizenship, Mr. Howard is active, sagacious, and progressive. Enthusiastic and generous, positive in his likes and dislikes, a strong friend, a kind neighbor, he is one of the be.st and most useful citizens of his town and county, and worthily has the esteem and confidence of their leading men.

Chakles Edward Howard, son of Charles and Betsey (Wade) Howard, was born in West Bridgewater, March 7, 1820, and was a lineal descendant, in the sixth generation, from John Howard, the emigrant. The line is John', John', Maj. Edward', Col. Edward', Charles^ Charles E.« His father, Charles, born in 1790, was a younger brother of Capt. Benjamin B. Howard. He was a furmer, and also ran a shingle-mill during the winter. He was an active, diligent man, enjoying the esteem and confidence of the community. He died in February, 1860, aged seventy years. His children were Charles E., Henry, William, George, and Louisa (Mrs. Horatio L. Washburn).

Charles received a common-school education. He learned the carpenter's trade, and worked at it many years. As early as 1855 his attention was attracted towards shoe manufacturing as a lucrative business, and, in company with Horatio L. Washburn (his brother-in-law), and Benjamin Howard, he formed the copartnerships of C. E. Howard & Co. and Howard, Washburn & Co , and engaged in manufacturing in West Bridgewater. After continuing four years, the firm dissolved, Mr. Washburn succeeding to and carrying on the business at the old stand, and Mr. Howard removing to the east part of the town, where he began manufacturing alone, and was very successful. From 1859 until his death he kept in business either alone or in company with others, part uf the time carrying on two shops, and employing a large number of men, making use of steam power, which he was the first to introduce in this section. He traveled extensively through the South and West fur the development of his trade, which his efforts and ability largely increased. In connection with his shoe business, during the last few years of his life, he was connected with Timothy Reed, of East Bridgewater, in manufacturing Reed & Packard's patent self-feeding eyelet machines.

Mr. Howard married, Oct. 25, 1843, Nancy J. Lothrop. (The Lothrops are of English ancestry, and well known in New England history. The name is derived from the parish of Lowthorpe, in the East Riding of York.) Their children were Alinda W. and Eleanor W. Mr. Howard died April 5, 1864, aged forty- four years. By his early death the town lost one of its ablest business men, who gave fair promise of extended usefulness. Quick, energetic, and decisive, it did not take him long to gra:<p the results of any course of action, and he was largely successful in his affairs. He was generous and kindhearted, and as an employer was loved by the numerous persons in his service. He interested him.self in their welfare, and voluntarily assisted them whenever it was possible so to do. Broad and liberal in his views, he was a Universalist in religious faith, and also an active member of the Masonic order. He was Whig and Republican in political belief, but, although giving freely of his time to his party, and frequently urged by his friends, could never be induced to take official positions. His business demanded his time, and he would not leave it. His character iu many ways resembled that of Abraham Lincnlu, whom he was said by some to personally resumble. A business man of more than ordinary ability, a good citizen, a strong friend, a loving husband and lather, his memory is strongly and tenderly cherished in the hearts of many who prized him for his unostentatious worth.

James Howard, son of Uriel and Lucy (Covington) Howard, was born in West Bridgewater, Sept. 11, 1816, iu the same bouse where his father was born and where he now resides. He is a descendant iu the sixth generation from John Howard, the emigrant, - the line being John', Ephraim', David ^, Eliakiu)*, Uriel', Jaiues^ Kphraiui', son of John \ luanicd Mary, daughter of Kev. James Keith, who was the first minister in Bridgewater, and possessed of all the characteristics of his Scotch ancestry. " Mary's father did not approve of the match ; notwith.stauding which the lovers were united. The displeased clergyman preached a sermom, appropriate to the occasion and to his feelings, from the following text: ' Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.' (Hos. iv. 17.) As time rolled on, Parson Keith became reconciled to his son-in-law, and learned to love and respect him. The parson then preached another .sermon, and took for his text : ' Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still ; therefore my bowels are troubled for him : I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord.' (Jer. xxxi. 20.)" The children of Ephraim and Mary (Keith) Howard were Jane, Susanna, Martha, Ephraim, Daniel, David, Silence, Mary. Tliey lived near where Horatio Howard now (18S4) resides. David\ born 1703, married Bethiah Leonard, of Taunton, and had David, Phebe, Simeon, Bethiah, Eliitkiin, Mary, and Catherine. Eliakim', born 17i!0, married .Mary Howard, and built the house where his grandson, James, now lives. Eliakim was a captain of militia, a prominent man in the affairs of the town. He was town clerk and treasurer of Old Bridgewater from 1779 to 1822, - nearly half a century. When the town was divided, he resigned the otEce he had so worthily held. He owned the site now occupied by Oliver Ames' works, and had a grist-mill, which was on the same spot where Deacon Samuel Edsou erected the first mill in town. He was also a farmer, owning over one hundred acres of laud. He was a quick, resolute, and active man ; short, thick-set, with a sharp-toned voice, yet social and kind-hearted, positive, and of unflinching integrity. He died Jan. 31, 1827. His children were Silvia, Eliakim, Ke/.iah, Molly, Simeou, Martha, Alpheus, Susauna, Sarah, John, Urid. Uriel", born Dec. 29, 1781, married Lucy^ daughter of Thomas Covington, of Plymouth, 1815. Their children were James, Lucy (Mrs. Charles A. Duuham), Isaac (deceased), Elmina (Mrs. Edward W. Cobb), and Everett F., who lives in Brockton. Uriel, in early life, ran a carding machine, where the shovel-works of 0. Ames & Sons is located. His health being impaired, he became a farmer in later life. He died Jan. 4, 1870, aged ui"hty-eight years, having lived to a greater age than many strong men who commenced life when he did. As a citizen he was highly respected ; he was a member of the First Congregational (Unitarian) Church for very many years, and his life was eminently peaceful and Christian.

James* was educated at the common schools. After leaving school he began teaching in the tnwn of Rochester, Mass., and continued teaching fur eleven years, soiue part of the year a.s.sisting his fatliur in the farm-work lUiring the summer. He mjiriud, first, Aug. 18, 1844, Sarah Jane, daughter of Ansel and Mary (Howard) Alger, of I'.iston. They had three children. - Albert (married Sarah E. Howard, iivc^ in Greeley, Col., and has three children ; he owns and carries on a milk-ranch, from which he supplies most of the city with milk) ; Mary L. (marrieil George W. Allen, of East Bridgewater ; they have two children), and Alice Covington (died, aged twenty). Mrs. Sarah J. Howard died June 18, 1S5G. Mr. Howard married second, Feb. 0, 1857, Frances A., daughter of David R. Clarke, of New Bo.>ton, N. H. ; they have had three children, - Joseph Clarke, who attended Bridgewater Academy, and spent three years in Amherst Agricultural College ; George luimsey, died iu infancy ; and William James, who is in Brockton, studying civil engineering.

Mr. Howard has been honored with m loy ullici.d positions. He was commissioned justice of the peace iu 1SG4, and has held the office to the present time ; he was one of the special commissioners of the couuty for three years. He was town clerk fourteen years, and served as chairman of the selectmen eighteen years, includiug overseer of the poor and assessor; he has also been treasurer and collector, and held minor offices. He was elected to represent the Second Senatorial District of Plymouth County in the State Legislature of 18G5 ; held the (jffiee of United States Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue for .~ix years, and was appointed deputy provost-marshal in ]8t)2, and served during the war. He has also done much business in drafting deeds, conveyances, etc. He has been agent for Abington Mutual I'ire Insurance Company and Hingham JIutual Fire lustiraiice Company. In political sentiment he has been \Vliig, Freesoil, and Republican. James Howard has been fur a long period of years a most useful citizen. Pleasant and gracious in his ways, he is a kind neighbor, liusband aod father. A firm and conscientious otficial, he has acquired by long and faithful services the strongest confidence of his townsmen. Economical and prudent in his own business, he has carried the same qualities into his public life, and always has opposed vigorously anything savoring of extravagance in the

Among the families of old Bridgewater that have shown energy, force of character, business acumen, aud persistent industry, and one that has impressed iLsclf on the present era by the perpetuated labors of several generations, must be particularly mentioned the Copelaud family.

The lirst American ancestor was Lawrence Copelaud, the English emigrant, who came to America in early colonial days, settled in Braintree, married Lydia Townsaud, and died in 1699, at an advanced age, - it is said one liundred and ten years. His son, William^, married Mrs. Mary Webb, daughter of John and Ruth Bass (Ruth was a daughter of John Aldeu, of Pilgrim fame). Jonathan^, son of William, married Betty, daughter of Thomas Snell, Jr., in 1723, and settled in West Bridgewater. Joseph' married Rebecca, daughter of John Hooper. Among their children was Salmon^, born in 1766. He married, in 1799, Betty, daughter of Nathan Snell. (Nathan Snell, like all others bearing the name in this vicinity, was a lineal descendant of Thomas Snell, the Engli.-»h ancestor, who settled in Bridgewater, and was the largest landholder in old Bridgewater, and otherwbe a man of consequence in the town.) Mrs. Betty Suell's mother was a Howard. They had three children, - Lyman, Pardon, and Nathan.

These people have in every generation in the past been mostly agriculturists, - industrious, careful, shrewd individuals,^-doing their duties well in the unpretentious sphere of life to which they were called. Here aud there one of the family lias drifted into other fields, - professional, commercial, or scholastic, - and shown capabilities and powers which have won success, but up to the sixth generation this direct line have been " tillers of the soil." They have always been men of good judgment, active temperament, broad and liberal in their views, and have performed their share of the public matters of the town, and generously contributed to the needs of social, public, and religious life.

Pakdon Copeland ', second son of Salmon and Betty (Suell) Copeland, was born in West Bridgewater, March 7, 1803, lived on the old homestead, married Alice White Ames, of West Bridgewater, daughter of Capt. Abiel Ames, whose father, John, was son of Richard Ames, of Bniton, Somersetshire, England. Jolin settled in West . Bridgewater in 1640. His only brother, William, settled in Braintree.

Mr. Copeland died Jan. 23, 1882. They had three sous, - George Ames, Fisher, aud Charles White. George Ames married Ann Jeunctte Stetson, of Bridgewater, and has one daughter, Edith Stetson ; Fisher married Lucy, daughter of Martin Wales, of Stoughton, and has two sons, - Ilarrie Addison and Martin Fisher; Charles White married Jeiinette Orr, daughter of Hon. James H. Mitchell, and granddaughter of Judge Nahum Mitchell, of East Bridgewater, and has one daughter, Alice Ames.

Nathan Copeland, third son of Salmon and Betty (Snell) Copeland, was born also in West Bridgewater, Mass., May 29, 1805, and died April 2G, 1880.

These brothers were bound together by unusually strong ties of congeniality and friendship. During their lives they were couuected in business, and amid the various changes and perplexities which must have arisen in those long years, the greatest harmony prevailed. They began the manufacture of boots aud shoes in 1835, in the infancy of that industry, which has now attained such enormous proportions, under the firm-title of P. & N. Copeland. From comparatively small beginnings they ruse in strength until their name and manufactures were extensively known, and their business acquired great magnitude. Through their energetic aud skillful prosecution of it they amassed wealth, and retired in 1879.

They were men of sound, practical judgment. Pardon served on school committee, and was one of the most active members of the committee to procure the soldiers' monument. Both often were sent a.s delegates to political conventions, - county, district, aud State. They were fully in accord with the Republican party, but sought no ofBcial positions at its hand, although giving it a strong support. They frequently represented the Unitarian society, of which they were prominent members, in religious conferences, aud in all these relations, as everywhere else, their influence was on the side of good order, good government, and the attainment of the highest truth. They were leading mcu, not only in the Unitarian society, but in the town ; intelligent, social, genial, just, and generous, never refusing to give to a good object, nor to give liberally from their abundant means. The church as well aa the community could rely on their co-opera-

Pardon Cupeland was especially fixed and inflexible in his advanced ideas. His positive nature brooked no half-way measures. He was a pronounced temperance man, strongly anti-slavery, and an ardent believer and worker in the cause of higher education. He was one of the board of trustees selected by Benjamin B. Howard to conduct the affairs of Howard Collegiate Institute, and was a valuable member of the board, and for a time president of the board. A prominent citizen of the town, who knew the brothers intimately, says this, " I have been connected with Mr. Pardon Copeland in agricultural, political, and religious matters, and often been associated with him as a delegate in political and religious conventions. I considered him an honest and upright man, and of most excellent business quulificutions. I think I can justly say as much for Nathan Copeland. He was a very pleasant, generous, and public-.~piriied individual. I sincerely wish we had more such men. They were certainly a great benefit to our town."

Otis Drury, son of Abel and Nabby ( Broad) Drury, was born in Natick, Mass., Nov. 2l>, 1S04. lie was a descendant in the eighth generation from Hugh Drury, the English emigrant, who settled in Boston in 1640, was a carpenter by trade, admitted freeman in 1C54, a man of consequence in the community, and in 1C59 was a member of tlie Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. The line to Otis is Hugh ', John^ Thomas', Caleb*, Caleb S Caleb ^ Abel', Otis'.

After his school-life at Leicester Academy, Jlr. Drury became u teacher for several terms, meeting with good success, but his inclinations urging him to city life and business he went to Boston about 1S"J5 and engaged in merchandising. He had the qualities needful to success in this, prospered rapidly, and acquired wealth. He married, Oct. U, 183l), Julia A., eldest daughter of Abiezer Alger, of West Bridgewater (see biography). From this time West Bridgewater was his summer resideuce, and for the last part of his life his home. He was a member of the First Congregational (Unitarian) Church, a constant attendant a[id most generous supporter of public worship, as well as a warm friend and liberal giver in aid of the Sunday-school and all religious institutions. His was a strong character. He seemed to know intuitively the consequence for a long length of time of any dofined action, hence was bold, positive, and strongly assertive in his opinions and positions, and the results justified the wisdom of his views, as well as the soundness of his judgment. He would have been successful in any sphere of life, particularly so as a soldier, legislator, or financier. All his views were broad and generous. He was not only willing, but anxious to give for noble and worthy causes, yet desired that others should do likewise, and sometimes this was the condition upon which he gave. Hence he cncounterLd opposition, as every person will who takes as bold, prominent, decided, and unyielding positions as he did to carry out his convictions. From his n.iture he could not be fully understood by his coiitenqjnr;iiiL-s, as the completeness of his views and plans eould orjly be seen after the years ref|niicd fur their development; therefore during his life his town did not fnirly estimate nor justly appreciate his liberality and worth, hut every passing year will show it more clearly. He was one of the original trustees of the Howard funds, arid to liim is ehicUy due the erection of the fine school buildings of the Howard Collegiate Institute. Through many coming years, as generation after generation of scholars shall enjoy the educatiotial advantages of this institution, will iNIr. Drury 's liberal aid and kindness be brought to mind by the sweet tones of the bell calling thcra together, and which will voice his generosity long after all who knew him personally have passed away.

" It is a singular coincidence that on the very day (Oct. 2, 1883) on which Howard CullL-gi..te Institute was formally opened, Mr. Drury bade a final farewell to the joys and sorrows, the tri.ds, tcaqitations, and cares of this short and fleeting lii'e, to enter a higher, purer, and never-ending state of existence, where the shadows of time will nut obscure the rtalities of eternity, and wherein dwelleih rigl.teuusness."

** IUh'iIvcU, That while he held otniitrchcnsivc as well as liberal viewa, he was tirni in luainiainiii,^, fearless in delending, consistent and generous in supporting tli<*ni.

** JU«"fv'U, That for the ai-tivu and very prominent p.art he took in the erection and completion of our sciiool building, iind for the purchase of the land ailjoiniiig, for the .-trcet be hiid out and built at bis own expense, also for the eo.^tly hell he purchased from his private uieatis and presented to the trustees, all of which showed his deep interest and desire to advance the pro.«perily of the scbuol ; for these inuoificent nets we have aiiiijlo ciiuse to clierisli anJ revere bii memory, but iibovu all for bi? hut :ind most generous gift, a. gift wbicb at some future time will be umiio availuble to tbe trust fund, will ho ever be held in the most grateful remembrance.

It seems well to record here that in all the generous and bciioGeent deeds of Mr. Drury, he had the sympathy and hearty co-operation of his estimable wife.

Several years afjo Mr. Drury expressed a desire to live loiiii eiioujjli to see the accomplishment of three important matters in which he was personally interested. One was tbe suit brought, about 1850, by tbe late Cyrus Alger again.-t the Old Colony and Hartford and Eric (now New York and New England) Kailroad Companies to recover land damages involving a large amount of money. Another was the scttleiueut of differences between the Vermont Central (afterwards Central Vermont) and the Vermont and Canada Railroad Companies This mutter was in litigation over twenty years, and Mr. Drury was personally as well as pecuniarily interested to a largo amount. Both these matters were satisfactorily adjusted in accordance with bis views and feelings during tiie year previous to his death. The third matter was the establishment of the ladies' school in the Howard Collegiate Institute building, which, as before mentioned, was accomplished during his life.

"I became acquainted with Mr. Drury Jan. 1, 1833, on tbe occasion of my going to Boston as representative of West Bridgewater to tbe General Court, aud enjoyed bis acquaintance in Boston four years, and havt known him ever since. Mr. Drury was eminent as a Boston merchant, of sterling integrity in all his business relations, open-hearted, and of great dcei.--ii)n and force of character, and possessed of all that various knowledge that made his mercantile operations successful, and he deserved an honorable place in the memories of tbe long list of his frieuds aud admirers."

A13Iezku Ai.Ger

Thomas' Alger, the fii>t of the name in this country, was one of eight men bearing the name of Alger who settled in New England duiitig the seventeenth century. The exact time of bis arrival is not known, but it was .some time previous to lOtJJ, as at that date we find him at Taunton, Mass., near tbe Three-

Mile River, a stream flowing through tbe eastern part of Taunton. On the 14th of November, HJG5, he married Elizabeth Packard, a daughter of Samuel Packard, of Wymondham, England, who, with bis wile and child, came to America in 1638 in the ship " Diligent," settled in Hingham,lhen in Bridgewater, Mass., where he died about 1684. He bad at least two children, perhaps more, viz. : Israel and Deliverance. IsraeP Alger was a farmer on the north side of the Town River, in Bridgewater. He was a luan of influence and wealth for those days. He married Patience, daughter of Nathaniel Hayward, aud granddaughter of Thomas Hayward, one of the original proprietors and first settlers of Bridgewater. Her uncle, lion. Thomas Hayward, Jr., was a judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and one of the Governor's assistants. She died before 1730 ; he died about 1726. His children were IsiaeP, Joseph, Thomas, Nathaniel, and John. IsraeP, born 1689, married, first, Alice, daughter of Joseph Hayward, who died in 1716, leaving a daughter, Patience, three years of age, who, after her mother's death, was called by her name, Alice. (She married Shepherd Fiskc, of whom Hon. Ellis Ames, the celebrated genealogist, thus writes : " Shepherd Fiske, a native of old Braintree (now Quincy) was a great-uncle of President John Quincy Adams. Mr. Fiske graduated at Harvard College in 1721, became a Doctor of Medicine, and settled as a physician in Killiiigly, Conn., but abandoned the practiceof medicine, came to Bridgewater, married Alice Alger in 1732, lived all his days in Bridgewater, carried on the business of a furnace, was many years one of the selectmen, and died June 14, 1779, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. I met Hon. Nahum Mitchell one day iu June, 1843, who told me he had just returned from Washins'ton, and that while there he went into tbe House of Representatives and took the seat assigned for former members visiting them, and that as he sat there President John Quincy Adams came to him and inquired for Shepherd Fiske, and said that Shepherd Fiske was his great-uncle, and that be well kuew him when he himself was twelve years of age." Dr. Fiske was a noted physician, and probably the origitiator of the Alger Furnace.)

IstaeP married, second (1717), Susanna, daughter of William Snow, and had children, - Israel and Daniel (1727), and James (1729). Susanna dying, Mr. Alger married, third ^1 731), Rachel, daughter of Thomas Wade. James* married (1750) Martha, dau"liter of Jonathan Kingman, and died in ISOU. He bad six children attaining maturity, of whom Abiezcr was the oldest son. Abiezer Alger ^, born in

17r>7, Was a farmer aud fuuiidrymau, auj a strong, po;5itive mau. He was a proiuiuout uitizuu of the town, chaiimau of selectmen over twenty years, often choseu moderator, held the commission of justice of the peace, was olten called to settle estates, w;is a valued business adviser, and did much clerical and other business for the town. Energetic in his nature, he rarely failed in aceouiplisliing his purpose, aud was a good specimen of the old Puritau stock. He married, in 1778, Hepzibah, daughter of Ebeuezer Keith. They bad live children attaining maturity, - Cyrus, Olive (Mrs. Joliu Reed), Alieztr, Hepsey, aud Curuelia. Mr. Alger died July 31, 18oU, aged seventythree, and his wife, Hepzibah. died Feb. 25, 18-U, aged eighty.

Abiezeii Algeu (sixth generation), son of Abiezer aud tiepzibah (Keith) Alger, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born May 21, 1787, in the house on the Alger homestead, erected in 1748, aud whieli, preserving most of its external appearance, but internally remodeled and entirely changed, is now the residence of his daughters, Mrs, Julia A. Drury and Conieliu Alger. Receiviug tlie educatiouul advautages of the town schools, he early engaged with his father in the foundry, and followed that business many years with him. Then he carried it on alone during his life, with the exception of a few years in which his son, James, was connected with it. It was not a large business, but fairly remunerative. In connection therewith he owned and worked a farm of a huudred acres. June 18, 1812, he married Anne Cushiug Thomas, daughter of Isaac Thomas, of Hanson. They had four children attaining maturity, - Julia Ann (Mrs. Otis Drury), James (deceased), Lydia Thomas (Mrs. Williams Latham), and Cornelia.

Mr. Alger possessed great vitality, was strong and robust, and whatsoever his hand found to do he did it with all his might. He found sufficient to occupy his energies und time in his pergonal alTairs, withuut entering into public life. He was quiet and undemonstrative, but had many warm friends drawn to him by his sterling worth aud integrity. He died March 1, 1863, aged seventy-six years. His wife died Sept. 2-1, 1857, aged seventy-one years.

Edwaud Tisdale

The name Tisdale is derived from the river Tees, a stream in the north of England. This river is skirted by dale lands, and these together form the origin of the name. The family bearing the name is of old English ancestry. We find tiiem among the early families of the Old Colony.

John Tudale was born in England about the year IGOO. In 1G3G he lauded in Duxbury, Mass., remaining until 1C50, when he removed lo Tauntuii. As early as 1(571, four years before King Philip's

; bark " Elizabeth" from Londun. Their cliildrtn 1 were John, born about lG-12; James, born about 1644; Joshua, born li)4f> ; ./oseyJi, bnni 1(J.jG ; Elizabeth; Mary, 1G()0 ; Abigail.

Ehenczcr Tisdale married Priseilla i>iake. TliL-ir children were Ebenezer, Jr., born 1747; Abijdi ; Edward, born 1755 ; Hannah ; Ruth ; Priscilla ; A.-a and Mace (twins), 1765.

Vol. Israel Tisdale married .Susannah Talbot, Dec. 1, 1881. Their children were Israel. Jr., bon. 1802; Susannah, born 1806; Abijah, burn ISUH ; Ebenezer, born 1811; Ann, born 1813. His wile died in 1813, aud in 1814 he married her sister Betsey. Their children were Elizabeth, born 1815 ; Josiah, born 1817; Susan, born ISlt); Edu:aid nud twin brother 1822; Mace, born 1821; Hannah, burn 1828; Ruth, born 1831.

For over two centuries the Tisd.de families have been residents upon the Pilgrim soil, and a greaier part of this time in the vicinity of Taunton. Industry, sobriety, and just regard of character appear to have been among their characteristics. Rural life and the pursuit of agriculture early lent their (juitt repose to most of the name. A'iee, intemperance, and their concomitants are in no njauuer allied tip sully their names, and it is among the proudest re-

History Of West Bridgewater

El>W.\KU Tisuale, seventh in generation from John Tisdale, son of Col. Israel and Betsey (Talbot) Tisdalc, was born in Sharon, Mass., Jan. 20, 1822. His father was a successful New England farmer, a man of sound judgment, and much respected; possessed of those noble ([ualities of the heart which endeared him to kindred and friends.

He had thirteen children, of whom Edward was the ninth. From childhood he was accustomed to labor, and formed habits of diligence and industry. System and method in all his pursuits were early developed, enabling him to gain a good practical, philosophical, and mathematical education, from the limited sources of the common schools of those days. He remained at the homestead in Sharon until 1847, when he went to Cochesett, West Bridgewater, and worked at shoemaking until 1848. He then commenced manufacturing boots and shoes with his brother, Josiah, under the firm-name of J. & E. Tisdale.

Jan. 1, 1852, this copartnership was dissolved, and Edward engaged in business for himself. From that time until the present he has followed manufacturing for the local New England trade.

During 1863 he greatly enlarged his facilities for busine^s. The present manufactory is thirty by one hundred feet, two stories and biusement, with an additional packing-room fifteen by fifty-five feet, two stories high.

In 1S53 he purchased the first stock on the market of the celebrated " Westcott Calf." This stock has entered largely into his manufacturing, gaining him a popular reputatiou for the reliable, substantial quality of his goods.

Mr. Tisdale has always been a successful business man, passing safely over the years of financial depression in business and shrinkage iu values, when many of the manufacturers were compelled to compromise.

He is a very earnest man, possessed of a keen sense of honor that has directed him ever to feel a deep interest in the welfare of all that he employs, and to deal justly in all his business transactions. If there were more guided by this principle we should hear little of the antagonism between labor and capital. In 1866 we find him among the representatives sent to the Legislature, but with his unassuming nature and close attention to business, he docs not desire or strive for ofiicial position. He holds strong opinions, however, and is not easily changed in his views. He is interested in all matters of public improvements and education, and is one of the trustees of the Howard Collegiate Institute. He is broad and charitable in his views, and generou.s, whenever his assistance is needed. He is one of the must respected citizens of his town, a good counselor, a strong friend, and an honest man. He is a Republican in politics.

Mr. Tisdale married, Nov. 19, 1848, Amanda, daughter of Molbry and Datie (Bray) Ripley, born April 23, 1828, in West Bridgewater. This estimable lady passed away Nov. 16, 1869. Dec. 6, 1871, he married, second, Mrs. Abby H. Palmer, of Foxboro', daughter of Deacon George and Abby Field (Henshaw) Howard, of Sharon. This lady, iu assuming the unenviable responsibilities of the care of these sis motherless children, at that age when they most needed care, patience, kindness, and tact, brought all those qualities into action in a most intelligent and successful manner, as can be testified by all who have mingled in the society of this happy family.

In his pleasant, hospitable home, with the companionship of his wife, children, and friends, Mr. Tisdale enjoys a quiet happiness, which is of more value than high position or great wealth.

Capt. Joseph Kingman

Joseph Kingman, son of Deacon Joseph and Eunice (Josselyn) Kingman, was born iu West Bridgewater, Mass., March 14, 1799, on the ancestral acres, in the east part of the town (now the home of hia widow). He was a descendant, in the seventh gencratioD, from Henry Kingman, the emigrant, the line being Henry', John", Henry ^, Jonathan*, Jonathan*, Joseph', Joseph'. Henry' was made freeman in 1636, and lived in Weymouth from about 1630. He held important oflices and appears to have been a man of solid worth. His son, John, purchased u large estate in West Bridgewater, and from him are descended those of the name residing in this part of the county. (See MitehcU's " History of Bridgewater.")

Joseph Kingman attended common schools of West Bridgewater and academy at Hadley, and became a farmer, succeeding his father in the occupancy of the homestead. He diligently improved his educational advantages, and when but a young man acquired quite a reputation as a teacher. For many years lie taught wiuter terms of schools. He loved children, could strongly influence them and win their love, and was very successful in this work. He married first, Huldaii, daughter of Perez Williams (the children of this marriage are not living;), second, Elizabeth H., daughter of Capt. Nathaniel and Betsey (Howard) Edson, Nov. 18, 1829. They had four children, - Martha ( married Alphena Crosby, for a long time professor of Greek at Dartmouth College), Elizabeth, Lucy (deceased), and Horace Mann (deceased). Mrs. Crosby and Elizabeth reside with their mother on the more than ordinarily beautiful homestead.

Mr. Kingman served as member of the Constitutional Convention of 1851, representative, selectman, sciiool committeeman, was a member of Plymouth County Agricultural Society, and warmly interested in agriculture. But it was not official position that causes us to record a tribute to his memory. No, it was just the opposite, the unselfish, self-sacrificing nature of the generous man, who poured his means, his time, and his most strenuous exertions as freely as water, for the relief of any and every form of suffering, and for the firm, utjyiclding advocacy of whatever seemed to his sensitive nature worthy of support. And he stood in tiie van of progress. Of deeply religious nature, he affiliated with the broad liberality of the Unitarian Church. He stood side by side with Garrison in the first anti-slavery movcnients, which, at that time, meant almost social ostracism. Anti-rum, when temperance was sneered at by the people, and denounced as unprofitable agitation from many a pulpit. In favor of the broadest and highest educational culture, he demanded the same advantages alike for male and female, and with all the zeal of his individuality he labored for tlie extension of the right of suffrage to woman. The strong point of his character was his unvarying and universal kindness to all. He never seemed to consider his own advantage, and continually sacrificed his own interests for the benefit of others. He was the earnest and eOicient advocate and helper of the weak and op- ' pres.->ed, lived a life of active benevolence, and | throughout his long and useful career, never dared ' malice or su.spicion to whisper aught against his in- I tegrity or the purity of his luutives. He had a kind greeting and pleasant word for every one he met, and in all the relations in which he was placed in life, and in the deeper and holier relations of the home-circle, as husband and father, he exemplified the highest elements of a loving and Chrisliau nature, and left an imprea.s, by his life and teachings, on his native town that shall not speedily be etl'aced.

"Ad J wisc3t he in this whole wide Ia.iid Of hoarjin;; till bent anJ jjray ; For all you tan hold iu your cold, dead hand Ib what you have given away."

" Something more than a passing notice of this worthy citizen and native of \Ve=t Bridgewatcr .>eems needed. He died Oct. 13, 187C, aged seventy-seven years and seven months. Pie was a niember of the Constitutional Convention of 18;j1, and alsu of the memorable Legislature which first el.cted Charles Sumner to the United States Senate. On every ballot his vote was for Mr. Sumner. He Was aUo one of the first in the anti-slavery reform, and throunhuut his life the oppressed and the needy were especial objects of his attention. Nothing awoke hi.s indignation so quickly as meanness, oppression, ajid injustice, and to the last his better nature was alive and active in seeking the good of his kind. His was a ;;enerosity that carried thoughtfulness wiih it. Unselfish to a rare degree in his business traiijacticns, his thief care seemed to be for the other party. His cheerfulness was a stream of even flow. Widi him ihere was no doubt that God's ways were good ways, hence hi.s faith was bright and unshaken amid all the v^.ried scenes of life. His was the submissive, Jirayerful spirit of a profound believer in an overrulioji Piuvidenco. Ardent in many reforms, some may have thought him visionary at times, but all admitted, that, from first to last, his face was fixed and iiuiiiuvablu towards the right. His devotion to the anti-slavery cause came near making a martyr nf liini, Uiv hise.'ctra exertions to secure Mr. Lincoln's election, in ISlil), brought on a paralytic shock, from which he never fully recovered. A ready speaker on the platform, an untiring worker in the church, and a Christian of undoubted purity, he left this gluricjus testiinoiiy, - that he lived, and the world was the better fur it.

NOAII Wl[IT.MA>f, M.D. John Whitman, of Weymouth, was a man of marked ability, - the first deacon of the church, the first military officer commissioned iu the town, and also one of three appointed to settle small eonUoversies. He died in lGlt2, aged ninety-two year.-^. Thomas, his eldest son, settled in East Bri.lgcwater, and his son, Ebenezer, and grandson of the same name, in South Bridgewater. Noah, son of the latter Ebenezer, was the father of Dr. Noah Whitinau, of West Bridgewater.

Dr. Noah Whitman, sod of Noah aud Zilpha Wliitnian, was born in BriJ^'ewator, Mass., March 3, 1785. He married, July 9, 1812, Mary, daughter of Dr. Daniel and Bathsheba Periiins. They liad two children, - Henry and Mary, - now residinj: in West Bridi,'evvater, with their mother, who ha.s attained the age of ninety four years. (The old clock, made in 1700, which is an object of marked interest to visiiors of Pilgrim Hall, Plymouth, formerly belonged to Madam Hancock, who, for her second husband, married Rev. Daniel Perkins. She bequeathed it to her husband's oldest son's wife, who was the mother of Mrs. Mary Whitman. This was loaned to the Pilgrim Society about forty years ago by Mrs. Whitman, to be placed on exhibition in Pilgrim Hall, with other relics of Governor Hancock.)

Dr. Whitman was graduated from Brown University in ISOG. His medical studies were commenced in West Bridgewater, under the direction of Dr. Simeon Dunbar, aud completed at the medical .school at Dartmouth College, while Professor Nathan Smith was at its head. His medical degree was received in 1800, and in 1810 he settled as a physician in West Bridgewater. Here he continued in the assiduous performance of the duties of his profession for over forty years, until compelled to relinquish them by the disease which terminated his life, at West Brid'^ewater, April 24, 1854, at the age of sixty-nine years.

Dr. Whitman was a practical man. He won and retained the confidence of his patients by his quick perception of the character of their maladies, and by his prompt application of appropriate remedies. He sympathized with the sick as a friend, and on their recovery they cherished for him a warm personal attachment. Quackery, in all its forms, he most heartily contemned.

In his intercourse with his medical brethren he was uniformly courteous. While on proper occasions he maintained his own opinions with firmness, he conceded to others the right of private judgment, avoiding, on the one hand, the weakness which succumbs to mere authority, and, on the other, that selfsufficient obstinacy which never gives up an opinion it has once advocated. He was an accomplished physician, a pleasant companion, and an upright citizen. His loss was felt as a public calamity in the community, wliere for so many years he had pursued his professional duties.

Ciiaules Thompson Williams

Williams, the emigrant, who settled at Taunton, in 10157, and was a man of no mean abilities. He was a large land-owner, and so important a man as to be called the father of Taunton. He was a Welshman, probably a relative of Roger Williams, and a family tradition states that he was a blood relation of Oliver Cromwell, whose family name was Williams, and changed to Cromwell for an estate. It is positively known that one of Oliver's ancestors was a Richard Williams.

Greenfield W^illiams, born in Raynham, 1783, a respected farmer, moved i'rom Raynham, Mass., to Easton, aud passed his life in that part of the town called Pequantekut. He was employed for many years by Gen. Shepherd Leach and afterwards by Capt. Lincoln Drake. He had charge of the men occupied in digging ore at one time. He was also largely engaged in the charcoal trade. The charcoal found a ready market in Boston, and the teams on their return brought West India goods for Isaac Kimball's and Gen. Leach's stores. He married Bethiah Record. They had nine children : Greenfield, born June 8, 1807, died Oct. 3, 1843 ; Maria Britton, born June 16, 1810 ; Thomas, born Fob. 2G, 1812; Nancy Drake, bora May 26, 1814, died Nov. 1, 1845 ; Sally Smith, born Sept. 26, 1816; Charles D., born May 15, 1819; William F., born March 26, 1S21 ; Dwelley B., born June 17, 1823 ; Otis, born Dec. 10, 1827. His wife died April 18, 185C. Mr. Williams accumulated means in his business to purchase a farm, and his sons assisted him in carrying it on. He aud his family were devoted Christians, members of the Methodist Church, and in early life rode horseback to church, a distance of nine miles. "They brought their children up as Christians should." Mr. Williams was a pensioner of the war of 1812, and died Jan. 23, 1859, aged seventy-six. Greeufield Williams had three brothers, - Thomas, who settled in Berry, N. Y. ; Joel, about forty miles from him ; Charles D., sixth child of Greenfield Williams, remained with his father until of age, when he went to Chelmsford, learned the trade of iron founder under Capt. Lincolu Drake, and returning to Eaaton continued in his employ the greater part of the time, until the captain's death, aud for several years was superintendent of Easton Furnace. He purchased the teaming interest of the furnace, and carried that on for some years. He worked at one time in New Bedford and in Cambridge. He married Susan, daughter of Nathaniel aud Joanua Thompson, of Middieboro'.

Her paternal grandfather was Nathaniel Thompson (for whom Thompson's Hill, Middieboro', Mass., is named), who married Phebe Godfrey. Mrs. Susan

Williams desoeiiJs from two of the oldest families iu Plyiiiuutli County, - the Thompsons iiiiiJ Tinkhams, - beitiu a gruudJauL'htci' of John Tinkhani, ]']sq., who mariiod Jlaiy Wood. Mr. Charles D. Williams is a quiet mall, fund of home, and althouLrh rcceiviu'' ad- ' vaiitajrcous offers from proiuineut tirms in various localities, preferred to remain at Eastuu, where he still \ resides. He is a member of Paul Dean Lodfje, F. A M., and of the Con^rej.'ational Chureh. Mr. and Mrs. Williams had six children, of wliom three are now living, - Louisa F., a teacher at Eastou Furnace for twelve years; Carrie E., married Shepherd L. Pratt, of Newton Centre; and Charles T., horn at Easton, Mass., April -t, 1844, in the house of the Hon. Lincoln S. Drake. The educational advanta<:es of Cliarles were those common to the district and hi^h schools, and during his boyhood he was employed, more or less of the time, by the firm of Thomas F. Davidson, who kept a general store.

Mr. Davidson had kind regards for the boy, and allowed him room in his store free of expense fur a periodical business, and it is .said that Charles was instrumental in cultivating a taste for reading, the influence in many of which is still felt.

The fall of Fort Sumter - the introduction of the war - awakened the spirit of patriotism in this boy of seventeen, and he was ready to go forward to jielp save the United States of America from being blotted out from the map of the globe, and to stand by " the best government on which the sun of heaven ever shed its rays." His father protested and tried to picture to him the hardships and trials of a soldier's life. His mother couldn't think of her only boy giving himself to die, if need be, for his country. Her brother, Deacon Amasa Thompson, of New Bedford, was visiting them, and said, how proud he should feel of such a son ; that his two boys had gone, atid he wished he had more to send. The result was that Charles enlisted in Company H, Seventh Massachusetts Volunteers. This regiment was mustered into service June 15, 18G1, and immediately went to Wasliington. It took active part in the battles of the Peninsula, Wilderness, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Spottsylvania, North Anna lliver, and Cold Harbor. The adjutant-general reports concerning this regiment thus :

" Fredericksburg, Dec. 11, 1862. Staitcd at daybreak and marched to the Rappahannock, about one mile below Fredericksburg; halted until five P.M., then crossed the Rappahannock under a severe fire. The Seventh Massachusetts was the second to cross the river, and acted as support to the skirmish-line, and advanced half a mile from the river during the

" Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. About eleven a.ji. the order was given to make the assault on Mary's Hill, the men stripping themselves of their knapsacks, blankets, and all encumbrances, advanced along the telegraph road leading up the heights. The Seventh Massachusetts led the column, making a successful assault on the famous stone wall, where the loss was heavy, then advancing up the lieights, uceupied the crests of Mary's Hill, captured two sections of rebel artillery, and planted their enlors on a part of the works from which the enemy had been driven ; advancing then on the plank road leading toward Salem Church, the enemy was again suceossfully encountered in a severe contest, which lasted until dark of that day, with severe lo.ss. With a i'oree of a liiilc more than five hundred men engaged, the lu.ss of the Seventh Massachusetts on this bloody field was killed, two ofljcers, twenty-one men ; wounded, nine officers, one hundred and five men." In this engagement, Mr. Williams was stunned by a cannon-ball, and was unconscious fur over twenty-four hours.

" Gettysburg, July 1. Marched all night and until four p.si. on the next day, thirty-five miles at one stretch, when they arrived at the battle-field of Gettysburg, about six p.m. went into action, and took position on the extreme left, and until July 4th acted as support, and were continually moving from right to left exposed to a severe fire from the enemy.

" Wilderness, May 5, 1864. Marched to the left and took position on left of Third Corps. W'a formed in line of battle, and about four P..M. the advance to attack was sounded, and the enemy was successfully engaged until dark, when we occupied the field and slept on our arms for the night. Casualties in this engagement, eighty-five." On the early inurning of the 6th of May, while his company was advancing, following the enemy who were firing and falling back, Mr. Williams was wounded below the knee of the left leg by a gunshot, which caused a longitudinal fiacture of the tibia. He was conveyed to the field lio.-<pital, then to Fredericksburg, then to Amory Square Hospital at Washington, from there to Portsmouth Grove, R. I., where he remained until his term of enlistment expired, when, by the aid of crutches and other assistance, he was enabled to reach home. After remaining at his father's, in ]<]aston, for several months he was prostrated by typhoid fever, and was brought to death's door, having three successive attacks of the fever. In May, 1865, he went to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he underwent the operation of having the entire tibia removed, which was done successfully. After three or four months io the hospital he was carried on a bed to Easloii, and in October he was able to toninjence uiovinj^ about on crutches. To relieve the ujonotony of convalescent life he went to the Soldiers' Home, Springfield Street, ' Boston, and was soon placed in a position to assist to discharge the duties of the superintendent, Allen Rice, receiving and discharging occupants ; was also book-keeper and librarian. While there he received, in ISilG, the appointment of messenger to the Massachusetts State Senate, taking the place of a Mr. Brown. Mr. Williams is one of the six soldiers who sat for the picture, afterwards copyrighted by Jennie Collins, of " Boffin's Bower," and extensively sold as a typical picture of the war under the name of the "Boys who saved us." On gaining health Mr. Williams opened a store on Washington Street, Boston, and coutinued in the dry-goods trade until 1874. Since then he has been engaged (a member of the firm of A. J. Tattle & Co.) in large labor contracts in the city.

He married, July 20, 1871), Charlotte A., daughter of Salmon and Charlotte (Pease) Howard, of West Briduewater. Her maternal graudfather was Rev.

Bartlett Pea.se, a Baptist clergyman of prominence and ability. They have one child, Charlotte Louise. Mr. Williams purchased the Ames place near Cochesett, has made extensive alteration and improvoincnts, and removed here, in 1883, from Cambridge, the birthplace of his little girl. He is a member of the Gimeral Stevenson Post 26, G. A. R. He has served as foreman of juries in Bristol and Suffolk Counties.

Mr. Williams has pleasant and winning social manners, makes friends easily and retains them long. He is a sagacious and successful business man, originating new and profitable methods. As one instance we would notice his publication of a newspaper, WiUiums Advertiser, which had a circulation of five thousand copies. He is a member of the Baptist Church, Republican in politics, and stands on the best planes of thought. A keen observer of affairs and an extensive reader, he keeps himself fully abreast of the times in knowledge, and intelligeutly discharges his duties as a citizen, to preserve the freedom for which he was a gallant soldier. All in all Mr. Williams is a good citizen, an able business man, a warm-hearted and genial friend and companion, and worthily enjoys a wide circle of friends.

Aboriginal History

From the date of the great and very important discovery made by Christopher Columbus, Friday, Oct. 12, 1492, to the landing of the Pilgrims at Patuset (now Plymouth), Dec. 21, 1620, was a period of little more than one hundred and twentyeight years, and during that more than a century and a quarter of time the American coast was at numerous points and upon many occasions visited by the sea-voyagers of several civilized nations from the continent of Europe, the chief and most properly noticeable of which were as follows :

In 1502, or about ten years after the discovery made by Columbus, the island of Newfoundland was visited by Sebastian Cabot, who captured and carried | away tiiree of the native inhabitants that as curiosi- , ties he presented to Henry VII. These people of Newfoundland were clothed with the skins of beasts, | and are said to have lived upon raw flesh, but were I so far advanced in the mechanic art as to coii.struct ornaments of tools from copper metal. These were the first Indians ever seen in England, and, as said an early historian, they were brought to the English court " in their country habit," and " spoke a language never heard before out of their own country." But two years later, these Indians, having assumed the garb of Englishiuen, when seen abroad, could scarcely be discerned from Englishmen.

The French discovered the Saint Lawrence River in 1508, aud following the bad example set by the English, the French stole and forcibly carried away several of the Indians of that locality, which were the first of that race ever seen in France. Thomas Auburt was the name of the commander of that vessel wherein was made the discovery of the Saint Lawrence River, and he it was who discovered such brutality of disposition and conduct as to tear from

In 1524, John Verazzini, being in the service of France, sailed along the American coa.st, lauding at several places, one of which is thought to have been in what is now the State of Connecticut.

The preserved account says of this expedition and landing, " 20 of his men landed, and went about two leagues up into the country. The inhabitants fled before them, but they caught an old woman who had hid herself in the high grass, with a j'ouiig woman about 18 years of age.

" Seeing tiiemselves discovered, they began to shriek, and the old one gave them to understand by signs that the men were fled to the woods.

" They offered her something to eat, which she accepted, but the maiden refused it. This girl, who was tall and well-shaped, they were desirous of taking along with them, but as she made a vi(jlcnt outcry, they contented themselves with taking a boy away with them."

Beside thus driving from house and home the men of that Connecticut tribe, frightening the women, and robbing them of one of their children, the Frenchmen at that time added to their cruelties the vanity of naming North America New Fuanch.

Thus far John Verazzini and his heartless followers had done unchecked all these uncalled-for injuries to the unoffending and unresisting natives, wlio, when John visited them again, were better prepared to give him a proper reception, and thus tluy in turn became captors, and he, in his turn, became a captive. The Indians wished greatly to learn what John was made of, and so they killed and ate him.

History Of Middleboro'

tertaiued a sea-voyager named Jaiues Cartier, who in return, " partly by stratagem and partly by force," carried Doiiacono, the cliief, to France, where the latter soon after died.

"In 1G05, George Waymouth," so said the old narrative, " happened into a river on the coast of America called Peminaquid, from whence lie brought five of the natives. They were all of one nation, but of several parties and several families."

Sir Fernando Gorges, in speaking of those natives, said, " After I had those people some lime in my custody, I observed in them an inclination to follow the example of the better sort, and in all their carriages manifest shows of great civility, far from the rudeness of our common people. And the longer I conversed with them the better hope they gave me of those parts where they did inhabit as proper for our uses, especially when I found what goodly rivers, stately islands, and safe harbors those parts abounded with, being the special marks I leveled at as llie only want our nation met with in all their navigations along that coast. And having kept them full three years, I made them able to set me down what great rivers ran up into the laud, what men of note were seated uii them, what power tliey were of, how allied, what enemies they had," etc. The names of those five natives from whom Sir Fernando Gorges was able to derive .so much information were Squauto, Mauida, Skettwarroes, Dehamda, and Asscumet.