Plymouth Town (part 31 of 54)

It is already the recipient of many beautiful and valuable gifts: the chancel-window, in memory of George and Mary Parkmaii ; the large window in the west end, in memory of Mary Woodward Long, wile of the Hon. John D. Long. The chancel furniture and a beautiful font, also of oak, have been given by various friends. A fine church-organ was presented by St. Paul's Church, Stockbridge. The chaliee and paten, of silver and gold, beautifully engraved and inscribed, were sent in a brass-mounted oak box, from the church in liingham, England, as a sign and seal of devoted Christian brotherhood. A lectern and bishop's chair, very massive and elaborately carved, were in use for many years in the old church in Hiiighani, England, dating back to the middle of the fourteenth century (1350 A.D.), have been presented, with very plea.sant words of cordial and intimate church relationship, to the church in Hingham, New England.

All the church property has been deeded over to the trustees of donations, who hold it in trust for the use of the Episcopal Church forever.

The church is free, and a cordial invitatiou is extended to all to unite in the services. In the winter the congregations arc not so large, but in the summer there are regular attendants from the summer visitors at Nantasket and Cohasset, as well as at Hingham, among whom are many of our most prominent and devoted churchmen.

Universalist Society.' - This religious body was organized at a meeting of several members of the First Universalist Society of Scituate, Mass. (now known as West Scituate, a part of the town of South Scituate), at the house of Capt. Charles W. Cushing, in liingham, on Saturday evening, Nov. 1, 1823.

The object in meeting with the Scituate society was because of the mutual sympathy exi.iting between the believers of the same faith in both towns, and an earnest desire to strengthen the cause by the foriualion of an additional society'.

In the articles of agreement occurs the following statement : " We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, being sensible of the unchangeable and universal love of God to mankind, exhibited in the lledeemer, and in humble thankfulness to lliiu fur disposing our hearts to unite together in the bonds ol' Christian love and felloW»hip, think it our duty, as tending to the good order of society in general, and the improvemeut aud edification of each other in particular, to form ourselves into a Church of Christ, whicli, we conceive, consists of a number of believers united together in the confession of the faith of the gospel."

The corner-stone of the church edifice used by this society w;is laid May 18, 182'J, when prayer was offered by Rev. Sebastian Streeter. and tiie house of Worship dedicated ou the 19th of September, IS-'J, on which occasion the sermon was delivered by llev. Hosea Ballou.

Among those who have been pastors of the society were Rev. T. J. Greenwood (deceased). Rev. J. P. Atkinson, Rev. A. A. Folsom (deceased), llev. J. F. Dyer, Rev. S. A. Davis, Rev. J. II. Fanisworth, Rev. J. W. Talbot, Rev. M. M. Preston (deceased), Rev. A. Case (deceased). Rev. J. D. Cargill, Rev. E. Partridge (deceased), Rev. J. E. Daven[:ort, Rev. Phebe A. Hanaford, and Rev. D. P. Livermore.

Soon after the formation of the society, and for many years following, the church ordinances were administered at stated times to all of its members who felt it a privilege to join in the observance of the Lord's Supper. During the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Cargill, in 1856, a church was formed distinct from the society, but composed chiefly, if not entirely, of its members, at which time the ^Vinche.ster ConlLsaion of Faith was adopted. The following persons are its oflBcers: Deacons, Samuel W. ]Marsh, George lleisey ; Clerk, Franklin Kersey; Treasurer, George Hersey.

The Sunday-school connected with the society has usually been in a flourishing condition. Its average membership was for a long series of years upward.s of one hundred and twenty-five, and it is still doing active work.

It is worthy of notice that, while Hingham, Ma.ss., is celebrated for having within its buiders the oldest church edifice in the United States now worshiped in, it will henceforth be knowu as the town in which was ordained and installed the first woman minister in Massachusetts.

Methodist Episcopal Church.' - Tliis station was formeil)' a part uf Scituate Station. A class of about a dozen njeinbers was formed in the year 1818, by llev. Edward T. Taylor (of Bethel fame), and there was occiisioual preaching at Brother Robert Gould's house.

The first Methodist meeting-house was dedicated July 3, 1828, funds for building being given by Rev. Stephen Puffer, a local preacher residing in the town. The dedicatory sermon was delivered by Rev. John Newland Maffil. The first stationed minister was Rev. Samuel Heath. Since that time forty-four preachers have been stationed at Hingham, prominent among them Stephen Puffer, Ralph W. Allen, David Wise, James Mudge, George W. Bates, Amos Binney, Levi Daggett, A. H. Newton, Daniel Webb, Robert Clark, William H. Starr, George E. Fuller, Merritt P. Alderman, James H. Nutting, Joseph 0. Thompson, Augeio Carroll.

The first meeting-house lot and building was transferred in July, 1828, to a board of trustees. In December, 1845, alterations were made, as the society had grown in numbers and influence.

In May, 18G7, while the church wa.s under the charge of Rev. George E. Fuller, the building was moved back some thirty feet, raised sufficiently to add vestries, three in number. A new front, with steeple, was added, giving the building an entirely different appearance. The vestries were finished in December, 1867, dedicated on the 17th, the audience-room completed and dedicated the following spring. Nearly four thou.sand dollars expense was reported by building committee, all but nine hundred and forty-six dollars of which was paid by .selling pews, lectures, etc. Brother Alderman reduced the debt very materially, if, possibly, not canceling it during iiis stay.

In 1882 another change was made. It was found, upon examining the spiles on which the back part of the building rested, they were in an unsafe condition, and as a piece of laud on the opposite side of the street could be obtained for four hundred dollars, the trustees removed without further delay, the moving, etc., not to exceed one thousand dollars. The building wa." accordingly removed, without any difficulty, to the corner of Thaxter, facing South Street.

In 1883 the widow of Rev. Stephen Puffer wrote to the trustees, saying she had for a long time wished to have a parsonage in Hingham, offering seven hundred dollars towards the building. At once the land back of the church, facing Thaxter Street, was prepared, a cellar dug, and building commenced.

Mrs. Puffer being pleased with the promptness of the work, gave three hundred dollars more to complete it. as her gift to the Hingham Church. Through extra exertions of the brethren and sisters, it was comfortably furnished by the 3d of July, when Rev. Arthur Thompson, the present pastor, brought his young bride and took possession. During the lapse of years, since the first class was formed, there have been many changes. Very many have gone home rejoicing.

Others are scattered over the earth ; some of I hem are holding responsible positions; their kindly letters, coming now and then to the " dear, old church," prove that seeds sown early and watered by prayers and tears of those now growing old and feeble, are bringing forth an abundant harvest for the Master. A singular fact concerning the church and congregation is that nine ladies have married Methodist ministers, several of whom are now living, co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord.

First Baptist Church.^ - In the year 1818 a few Baptists in Hingliam, Mass., gathered for their first prayer-meeting, which was held in the house of one of their number, Mr. Nathaniel T. Davis.

Mr. Asa Wilbur, of Boston, was present, and often afterwards visited the little flock, and aided them with his counsels, his money, and his prayers. In the same year the first sermon was delivered in Hingham by a Baptist, Mr. Ensign Lincoln. These Baptist people also organized this year the first Sabbathschool in the town, and during the summer the attendance upon it increased to ninety.

In the year 1820, Mr. Joshua Beal, Miss Polly Barnes, and Miss Nancy Studley were baptized by Rev. Dr. Baldwin, of Boston, and the .scene made a very deep impression upon the multitude which gathered at the water-side. Many of those present had never seen a person buried with Christ by baptism, and some who were afterwards converted dated their first serious convictions from this hour.

In August, 1823, a hall, with unpla-stered walla and seats of boards, was engaged at " the harbor," and in this services were held for nearly a year. Here souls were won to God, but the success of such a feeble band aroused opposition. Their assemblies were disturbed by the firing of guns, and by other noises near the hall, and a determined but futile attempt was made to suppress their meetings by process of law. Once, while quietly worshiping, they were locked in their hall, and no officer of law inter- fenod to prevent the deed, or to punish the offenders. But perseeution wiouirht its usual lesult.s, and tiie little band grew in numbers and in influence. A building wii.s purchased in a more quiet pun of the town, and an upper room fitted for worsiiip. The antipathy to Baptists was, however, so strong that it was not thought wise to make known the purpose for which the building was to be used, nor that it was to be conveyed to Baptists. A gentleman of another denumiuation consented to receive the deed in his own name, and afterwards transfer the property to the real purchasers.

On the "Jtli of March, 1828, twenty persons, all but two being wumeu, were publicly recognized as a branch of the Second Baptist Church of Boston, of which Rev. J. D. Knowles was tbeu pastor. Mr. Harvey Ball was ordained as an evangelist September 21st of the same year, and served this branch church in Hingham for two years. He advised and encouraged them to build a house of worship. A day of special prayer for divine guidance was set apart, and soon afterwards they purchased the lot on which their house now stands, and erected the building in which they still worship. It cost three thousand three hundred dollars, and was dedicated Dec. 3, 1828, amid much rejoicing, Dr. Sharp, of Boston, preaching the sermon.

Mr. Timothy R. Cressey, a student at Newton Theological Institution, often supplied the pulpit after Mr. Ball's resignation, and, on the 5th of May, 1831, he was ordained, and the church recognized as an independent body, with fifty-one members. The pastorate of Mr. Creasey continued three years and a half, during which a vestry was built in the ba.sement, and twenty-eight persons were received into the church.

After being two years without a pastor, Mr. Waterman Burlingame, also a Newton student, was ordained, and began his labors Sept. 27, 183C. He remained until Aug. 5, 18-10, baptizing seventeen and receiving three by letter.

The church w:i3 again pastorless for two years, when, on the 28th of September, 1842, Rev. Sereno Howe, who had been previously ordained as an evangelist, was installed as pa.stor. His term of service was nearly .seven years, and he received seventy five persons into the fellowship of the church. In 1845 those elms were planted in front of the church, which, with the hedge, now make the grounds the most attractive in the town.

During the summer of 1851 the house was raised, repaired, and a new pulpit and furniture added. The vestry also was much enlarged, and a committee-room built in the rear. In the autumn of that year 3Ir. Jonathan Pilson was called from the institution at Newton, and was ordained on the 5th of November. His was a long and prosperous pastorate, ending Sept. 24, 1870. lie received into the church one hundred and tiity-six, of whom he baptized one hundred and twenty-five.

In April, 1877, the church extended a call to Ruv, A. S. McLean, of Charlestowu, and he was installed June 28th. He served the church, however, but a little more than one year, reaigning July 7, IS7S. The house of worship was repaired during his ])astorate, and there were some accessions.

In December, 187G, Rev. H. M. Dean, of Dayton, Ohio, began the discharge of pastoral duties, and has continued to the present time (June, lSS4j. The progress of the church during tiiis period, though not rapid, has been healtliy ; and while there never was greater reason for thanksgiving for past bles-^iiigs, there has probably never been a more hopeful outlook for the future than there is to-day.

The first deacons were chosen in 1835, and six brethren have since served in that capacity. Their honored names are Nichols Litchfield, Issachar Fuller, Joshua Thayer, Joseph Ripley, Levi Ilcrsey, and Walton V. Mead, Deacons Ripley and Mead still serving. Among the bequests which the church has received, that of Deacou Joshua Thayer, who bequeathed a commodious parsonage and grounds, deserves especial mention.

The ohurcli has from the first sought and relied upon the aid of the spirit of God. A church library was founded in 1830, and the pastors, with the exception of Rev. Mr. McLean, have been graduates of Newton Theological Institution, but the church has depended not on learning, nor eloquence, but upon the power of God. It has unswervingly adhered to evangelical truth, and to-day, as in the earlier years of the century, is earnestly contending for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.

The Third Congregational Church was incorporated Feb. 13, 1807. The following is the record: " An act to incorporate a number of Inhabitants of the North Parish of the Town of Hiiigliani, in the county of Plymouth, into a religious Society by the Dame of the Third Congregational Society in Hingham. Dated February 13th, 1807. Approved by the Governor, Caleb Strong."

History Of Ii Ingham

May 10, 1807. Parish meeting held, Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, moderator, to see if the society concur with the church in calling Mr. Henry Coleman to settle as their gospel minister. Mr. Coleman's connection with the society was dissolved March, 1820.

1840, Feb. 3. Rev. Oliver Stearns was invited to become the pastor of the society ; he remained with the society till Oct. 1, 1S56, he having been invited to the presidency of Meadville Theological School.

Old Culuny Lodge, F. and A. M. - Hingham Mutuul Fire Insurance Com|iuny - llingbam lustitutiun for Savin;;^ - Tlie Agriculiural und Horticultural Society - Ucpreaentutivea from 16:i(i lo 1.S34 - Tlic Press - Educutioii;il - The Derby Acudcmy - Tlic Ilingbain Public Library.

Old Colony Lodge, F. and A. M. - This is one of the oldest Masonic bodies in the commonwealth. It was ciiartered Dec. 10, 1792, and was originally located at Hanover. The charter members were as follows : John Young, James Lewis, David Jacobs, Jr., Adams Bailey, Charles Turner, Jr., William Curtis, Jr., George Little.

The lodge first met Deo. 24, 1792, at the house of Athcrton Wales, an innkeeper, in Hanover. As the weather was bad they agreed among themselves to meet at the same place on Thursday, Dec. 27, 1792, at four o'clock P.M., also to notify members not ]iiesent. At which time and place they did meet, and proceeded to the choice of officers. The following were elected : John Young, W. M.; William Curtis, Jr , S. W. ; George Little, J. W.

In 1807 the lodge was removed to Hingham. lu 1832, owing to the lack of interest manifested among its members and the unfavorable condition of the lodge, it was thought advisable to return the charter to the grand lodge.

Oct. 21, 1851. At a meeting of Freemasons held at the Union House, Hingham, a number of the brethren being present, it was voted to petition for the return of the charter, and agreeably to said petition, on Dec. 10, 1851, the said charter, with all its original powers and privileges, was restored to the following brothers: Joseph Richardson, Moses Whiton, Bela Whiten, Royal Whiton, John Bassett, Jr., Rufus Lane, Benjamin I. Studly, James Gardner, James S. Lewis, Marshal Lincoln, Daniel Burr, Micajuh Malbon. Fearing Loriog. The lodge first met in Hingham Dec. 11, 1807. The first three officers in 1792 were John Young, W. M. ; William Curtis, Jr., S. W. ; George Little, J. W. The following is a list of Masters from 1792 to 1885: 1792, John Young; 1793 -90, Charles Turner, Jr. ; 179G-1S00. Benjamin Whitman. After this time they were elected once a year. 1801, Charles Turner, Jr. ; 1802-3, Benjamin Whitman; 1804-6, Charles Turner; 1807-18, Jotham Lincoln, Jr. ; 1819-20, Caleb Bates; 1821, Jotham Lincoln ; 1822-23, Marshal Lincoln ; 1824-20, Fearing Loring; 1827-29, Charles Fearing; 1830-31, Charles Gill ; (Charter returned in 1832, as previously stated) ; 1851-54, Marshal Lincoln ; 1855-50, Bela Whiton; 1857. Bela Lincoln; 1858-59, Enos Loring; 18G0, Warren A. Hersey ; 1801-02, Edwin Wilder (2d); 18G3-C5, E. Waters Burr; 1800-08, Charles N. Marsh; 1809, none elected; 1870-71, Henry Stephenson ; 1872, Jason W. Whitney ; 1S73 -75, Charles W. S. Seymour; 187G-78, Charles T. Burr; 1879-80, John M. Trussell ; 1881-82, Stetson Foster; 1883, A. Willis Lincoln, present incumbent. At the present time the first three officers of the lodge are A. Willis Lincoln, W. M.; Arthur L. Whiton, S. W. ; E. Bradley Loring, J. W. The

From Old Colony originated Koiiohassett Lodge, i of Coliassett, with Phoenix Lodge of Hanover. Old , Colony is now in a flourishing condition, and is rapidly increasing in membership. ;

Hingham Mutual Fire Insurance Company was ' incorporated March 4, 1826, with the following offi- ] cers : Jotham Lincoln, president; David Harding, secretary ; and David Whiton, treasurer.

Liauili'I'Ies

The company has never paid a less dividend than sixty-tive per cent, of the premium, and at one time a dividend of one hundred and nine per cent., or nine per cent, more than the original premium, was returned the assured.

The present directors are as follows : Amos Bates, Euos Loring, Eliel Bates, Arthur Lincoln, Demerick Marble, Alonzo Gushing, Henry C. Harding, William Fearing (2J), all of Hingliam, and Rufus P. Kingman, of Brockton, and Ebenezer T. Fogg, of South Scituate.

Hingham Institution for Savings was incorporated April 2, 1834. The charter was granted to David Whiton, Henry Nye, Luther J. Barnes, their associates and successors. The pi:tuiuiitis were David Whiton, Henry Nye, Luther J. Barnes, Daniel Bassett, Ebenezer Gay, Benjamin Thomas, Francis G. Ford, llufus Lane, Seth S. Hersey, Caleb Gill, Jr., David Harding, Barnabas Lincoln, Rufus W. Lincoln, David Lincoln, Royal Whiton, Charles Lane, Edward Thaxter, Thomas Thaxter, F. A. Ford, Caleb Bates.

The first board of investment consisted of David Whiton (president), David Harding (treasurer), Edward Thaxter, Charles Lane, and Marshal Lincoln.

The present board consists of Daniel Bassett (])resident), Joseph Sprague, Elijah Shule, and Edmund Hersey, 2d. The first deposit made Dec. 24, 1834. Amount of deposits (July 1, 1884), $1,754,766.00. The Hingham Agricultural and Horticultural Society. - It was at first an unincorporated association. In 1858 a common enthusiasm drew together a number of gentlemen interested in the cultivation of the farm and the garden. October 1st and 2d some twenty of them met at the old town house, opposite the Conureirational Church. James S. Lewis called thuiu to order, Charles W. Gushing was chairman, and lOJmund Hersey, secretary. Fearing Burr proposed the formation of an agricultural and horticultural suciuty, and afterwards prepared, and, at the next meeting, October 27th, presented by-laws, which weie then adopted. November 10th a permanent organization was effected, - President, Albert Fearing; Vice-Pre.-.idents, Solomon Lincoln, David Whiton, and Charles W. Gushing; Recording Secretary, Edmund Hersey ;

From that onward monthly meetings were held. To interest all sections of the town they were held once each at Oasis Hall, at Broad Bridge; at Wilder Hall, South Hingham ; and at Liberty Hall, on Liberty Plain ; but oftener at the town hall, until a little later, when a permanent resting-place was found in the armory, now a school-house, at the Centre. This was used till the erection of the present agricultural hall. The aged minister of the First Parish, Joseph Richardson, and others, gave books. Citizens of other towus became members. The scope of the society embraced the science and practice of agriculture and horticulture, the improvement of animals, grain, fruit, and vegetables, and also of the streets, sidewalks, and public squares. It had no narrow purpose, but was really a village or county improvement society in its best and largest sense.

The interest rose high at the first annual exhibitiou, Sept. 28 and 29, 1859. It shows the increase of values since the war, that the price of admission was ten cents, with no charge for children under twelve years of age. The animals were exhibited on an open lot in Hingham Centre, opposite the house of Moses Whiton ; while the butter, cheese, bread, vegetables, manufactures, fancy articles, etc., were shown in the town hall. The attendance was large, the enthusiasm great, and the success complete. On the evening of the first day, President Fearing gave an entertainment at his house. On the morning of the second, a team of fifty yoke of oxen - an unusual sight nowadays - was driven up Main Street, under the direction of Charles W. Cushing, drawing four groups of young ladies representing the seasons. On the same day the first of the now historic agricultural dinners was spread in a mammoth Yale tent upon the common. Some six hundred guests were marshaled in an imposing procession. Capt. Alfred C. Hersey was chief marshal. The full Boston Brigade baud played inspiring airs. The escort consisted of the survivors of the old rifle company under Capt. John K. Corbett, and of the Lincoln Light Infantry, full of youth and fire, so soon to become historic by its response to Governor Andrew's first call to the front in 1861, and then commanded by Capt. Hawkes Fearing. The march was to Fountain Square and back to the tent. Rev. Calvin Lincoln asked grace. Speeclies were made by ex-Lieulenant-Governor Simon Brown, Charles G. Davis, president of the Plymouth County Agricultural Society, and the following clergymen: Calvin Lincoln, Joseph Richardson, Jonathan Tilson, Chandler Robbins, and John L. Russell; another, E. Porter Dyer, read a poem. Responses were also made by the two military captains, and by Chief Marshal Hersey, James S. Lewis, and Luther Stephenson. A great concert in the tent in the evening crowned the success of the day. The financial results of this fair were: receipts, $348.13 ; expen.ses, $63.21; balance for the society, $284.92. Not only were the ceremonies of the day attractive, but the exhibition was deserving, the exhibits numerous and excellent, and the reports of the committees on various departments show great enterprise and merit on the part alike of judges and exhibitors. The show of stock was large and admirable in its quality. The report on ornamental trees is worthy of the present interest in that subject. Indeed, it would be invidious to attempt to specify any and not mention all of the departments of this first exhibition.

In the spring of 1860 a contract was made with Moses Whiton for some three acres of land for a term of years. It was fenced and furnished with pens, etc., for the society's use. The second exhibition occurred September 26th and 27th of that year. The number at dinner was still larger than before. Among the speakers, the historian says, was "John A. Andrew, Esq.," then unknown to fame, and that " Mr. Andrew spoke well for one little conversant with agriculture." A year later his voice was ringing the harvest-song of freedom to the nation.

These early years of the society were full of zeal, life, and promise. The membership rapidly enlarged, till, in November, 1864, the society was incorporated under the general laws. Steps were then taken to purchase grounds and build a hall, Mr. Fearing oti'ering to give five thousand dollars if the society would raise ten thousand dollars. More than this was obtained. In March, 1867, a special charter was granted by the Legislature, of which Mr. DcWitt C. Bates was then the member from Hingham, authorizing the society to hold real and personal estate and to receive the bounty of the State. Under this act the society is now organized. The present grounds, on the corner of East and Leavitt Streets, were bought, containing about sixteen acres, and this hall was erected, the corner-stone having been laid July 1, 1SG7. It was dedicated Sept. 25, 1867, Solomon Lincoln delivering the address. There was an ode by Mrs. C. L. P. Stephenson and a poem by E. Porter Dyer. Fearing Burr was chairman of the building committee, John

Albert Fearing served as president from its insti- ; this work.) tutiuii, iu 1858, for nearly seventeen years, till his Hon. John D. Long was represetituiive to General death, in May, 1875. He was a native of this town, | Court iu 1875, '70, '77, and '78, the two latter years and loyal to its welfare in a remarkable degree. An I being Speaker of the Hou.-e. He wa.-> lieutenanteminent and successful Boston meix-liant, he cherished governor of Massachusetts in 1871), and Governor of a deep interest in Hingham, and in it spent his last ] Massachusetts iu 1880, '81, and '82, and is the present representative in Congress from the Second Masyears.

He was succeeded, in May, 1875, in the office of president by Solomon Lincoln, wlio held it less than a year. Mr. Lincoln had been vice-president from its beginning. Not a farmer, he yet was a man of such ripe and varied learning, and withal so thoroughly identified and familiar with the history, character, and traditions of Hingham, his native town,

Solomon Lincoln was senator in 1830 and 1831 (see also list of representatives to General Court), and United States marshal for District of Massacbuthat he was invaluable to llie society and to Mr. setts iu 1841 - J:4. Fearing while the latter was its president. Its literary department and demands always found iu his voice and pen the needed response. At Mr. Fearing's death the society turned at once to Mr. Lincoln as his successor. His failing health compelled his early retirement, but his interest continued during his life. He was succeeded, in July, 187G, after a short vacancy in the office, by Edmund Hersey, now delegate to the State Board of Agriculture, who maintained the high e.\cellence of the society. He, in turn, having resigned, was succeeded, in November, 1880, by the present incumbent, Ebed L. Ripley.

The officers of the society for 1883-84 are as follows: President, Ebed L. Ripley; Vice-Presidents, Charles W. Cuahing, John D. Long, Amos Bates, Alfred Loring, Arthur Lincoln, Elijah Shute, Melzar W. Clark, Fearing Burr, Francis \V. Brewer ; Recording Secretary, William H. Thomas; Correspouding Secretary, Francis B. Lincoln ; Secretary of the Exhibition, DcWitt C. Bates; Treasurer, Reuben Sprague ; Librarian, William II. Thomas; Directors, David Gushing, Jr., James Cushing, Isaac N. Damon, Henry Stephenson, Starkes Whiton, Justin Ripley, J. Edwards Ripley, John Todd, William Cushing, Francis 11. Stowell, Jushua Tower, Charles II. Marble, Josejih O. Burdctt, Franklin Hersey, George J. Fearing, J'Idward E. I'^lms (Cohassel), Kilburn B. Merritt (Scituate), Joseph Totman (East Weymouth) ; Delegate to the Massachusetts Slate Board of Agriculture, Eduiund Hersey.

Representatives from 1636 to 1884.' - The following is a list of representatives from Hingham from 163C to the present time, covering a period of nearly two hundred and fifty years :

- May 11, 1831. Tho Constitution was amended, changing the time of meeting of the General Court from the last Wednesday in May to the lirst Wednesday in January each year.

Oct. 2, 1829, JedeJiali Farmer took the entire manatrement and continued till Jan. 6, 1837, when Tlioinas D. Blossom assumed the management.

April 6, 1838, its name was changed to Guspd ^Yitlless and Old Coluiti/ Repoiltr, with Albert A. Folsoni, editor. This paper was discontinued October, 1839.

July 2, 1838, The Ilingliam Patriot appeared, edited by Jedediah Farmer, who published it until July 3, 1841, when it passed into the hands of Wilder & Gill.

From July 14, 1848, to Dec. 29, 1848, John Gill was editor and publisher, and it was subsequently published a short time by James H. Wilder.

The first number was issued January 4th of that year, and announced Thomas D. Blossom, printer. The second number adds Albert Whiton as printer.

Mr. Wilder carried on the paper until January, 1852, when it went into the hands of Thomas D. Blobsom and Joseph D. Clark, who published it until January, 1854, when Mr. Clark retired, and the firm became Blossom & Easterbrook (Mr. Joseph Eabterbrook).

July 4, 1853, Mr. Blossom met with a severe accident by the premature discharge of a cannon while engaged in a public demonstration, and for a long period his life was despaired of, and in 1854, when Mr. Easterbrook came to the Journal, Mr. Blossom was btill incapacitated for any real labor, and the actual publication of the paper devolved upon Mr. Easterbrook.

.Mr. Easterbrook then purchased of the Blossom heirs their interest in the paper, and carried it on uiiiil death interrupted his labors. May 8, 1879. Mrs. Joseph Easterbrook conducted the journal until August 1st of the same year, when it went into the hands of its present proprietor, Mr. Fred. H. Miller.

Educational. - The earliest date at which a public school was established in Hingham cannot be ascertained. The earliest notice of the erection of a school-house is found in the " Selectmen's First Book of Records," which appears to have been in the year 1668.

In 1670, Mr. Henry Smith contracted with the selectmen " to teach and instruct, until the year be expired, in Latin, Greek, and English, willing and arithmetic, such youths of the inhabitanls of Hingham" as should be sent to their school. His salary was fixed at twenty-four pounds, to be paid quarterly in wheat, rye, barley, peas, and Indian corn, at current prices. In 1673, James Bates, Sr., was paid ''for keeping school." In 1674, Joseph Andrews and James Bates received compensation as school-masters. In 1677, James Bates made a written agiueiuent with the seleclmen to teach "Latin, English, writing, and arithmetic" for one year for twenty pounds sterling. In 1679, Matthew Hawke was paid by the town for teaching a school. In 1685, Mr. Thomas Palmer contracted with the selectmen to teach Laiin, Greek, English, writing, and aiiihmetic fur twenty pounds, ten pounds in money and ten pounds in corn. In 1687, Mr. Samuel Shepard was employed as a teacher of Latin, etc., with a salary of twenty-five pounds in corn. In 1690, Mr. Richard Henchnian was a teacher. In 1694, Mr. Joseph Estabrook, Jr., contracted to teach Latin, Greek, etc., for twenty two pounds per year, one-half to be paid in money, and the other in corn. j Mr. Estabrook continued until 1696, when Mr. Jede- I diah Andrews (afterwards a minister at I'liiladelpliia) I was employed for a salary of thirty pounds in money. I Mr. Estabrook was again employed in 17(10, and cun- I tinued until Aug. 20, 1705, when Mr. John Odliu was engaged ; but he remained for only a short time. Mr. Joseph Marsh (the same probably who was afterwards the minister of Quincy) was employed in 1706 and 1707. After him, Mr. Daniel Lewis, who subsequently settled in the ministry at Pembroke, taught the school for several years. This note is already too long, and I give merely the names of a few other teachers: 1712-13, Mr. Jonathan Gushing; 1713- 14, Mr. Gushing and Mr. John Norton, Jr. From April, 1714, to 1717, Mr. Job Gushing, afterwards the minister of Shrewsbury; 1718, Mr. Allen, .Mr. Cornelius Nye, and Mr. Adam Cusliing. Mr. Nye I taught a school in the north part of the town from 1718 to 1745, with the exception only of two or three years. Perhaps previously, and during that time, other schools were established in other parts of tlie town. The south part of the town and the East Precinct drew their proportion of money from the treasury, and appropriated it for the support of schools as they thought proper. Mr. Isaac Lincoln was a teacher of the school in the north part of the town tor a lonj; series of years. He died April 10, 17G0, aged tirty-aino. From the foregoing list it appears that woll-oUucated teachers were early employed in this town to instruct the youth. They were generally men of liberal education.

The Hiufham Public Library was founded in ISiJy by Hun. Albert Fearing, and has since been in a prosperous condition. The present officers and trustees are as follows :

Derby Academy.' - Mrs. Sarah Derby, whose maiden name wa;j Langley, was a poor fisherman's daughter, known as " Ragged" Sarah Langley, - ignorant, and liardly able to read or write; but having acquired considerable property at the death of her first husband, Dr. Ezckiel Horsey, she determined to found a school where the poor children of the town might obtain the blessings of an education, which she herself had been denied, and of which she had ever felt the want. Accordingly, by a deed of law and release, executed Oct. 21, 1784, she conveyed to the persons therein named, as trustees, a piece of land and buildings thereon, the income of which was to be appropriated for the maintenance of a school in Hinghaui, i'or the instruction of the youth in such arts, languages, and sciences as were mentioned ; this bequest was further increased, in her will, by the remainder of her property, amounting to considerable, and by a grant of a township in Maine by the Legislature of 1803, to be disposed of for the benefit of the school.

The school was incorporated in November, 178-4, and called after its founder, Derby School. The name Hersey School would have been more appropriate. Among the first trustees were many prominent men of that day, - Hon. Benjamin Lincoln, Dr. Ebenezer Gay, pastor of the old church ; Col. John Thaxter, secretary of the Continental Congress.

By an act of the Legislature, June 19, 1797, the Derby School was erected into an academy, called Derby Academy, which it has retained to the present day.

The deed and will of Mrs. Derby contain some curious provision.s. By the deed the school was required to be maintained for the instruction of such males as should be admitted therein '- in the Latin, Greek, English, and French languages, and in the sciences of mathematics and geography ;" and such females as should be admitted therein " in the English and French languages, arithmetic, and the art of needlework in general." The trustees were required to elect a preceptor for said school, skilled in the above arts and sciences, and in the art of writing, also a sensible and discreet woman, skilled in the art of needlework, to instruct the females therein.

Special provision was made fur the admission of pupils intended for Harvard College. Tlieie was to be no charge for tuition, but each pupil was rL'f[uirud to furnish a " proportional share of firewood." An annual lecture was to be delivered by -' some able minister of the gospel" to the pupils, " for the purpose of inculcating such principles as are suited to form the mind to virtue."

In the codicil of the will there is a provision that if the trustees should neglect at any time for the space of two years together to apply the income of the funds to the purposes for which they were intended, they were to become the property of the president and fellows of Harvard University, to be used for the support of the professor of Anatomy and Physics. Mrs. Derby also directed that her " portrait and new clock" be placed in the school.

Such are the provisions upon which the academy was founded, and which are complied with, as far as possible, at the present day. The present building was erected in 1818, and the old clock still marks the time for those therein.

The first preceptor was Abner Lincoln, Esq., appointed by Mrs. Derby herself, a man of excellent qualifications, secretary of Gen. Benjamin Lincoln in the Revolutionary war. His successor was Rev. Andrews Norton, afterwards professor of Sacred Literature at Harvard College. Mr. Increase S. Smith held the position for many years, - prominent in antislavery times, a man of ripe scholarship, and one of the foremost educators of his time.

During all this period the reputation of the academy was high. To it flocked pupils from every State in the Union and from the West Indies and South America. It has sent, and continues to send, many pupils to Harvard and other colleges. Many prominent men were educated there, - Hon. Charles Sumner, Hon. Solomon Lincoln. Several of the Adams family were pupils ut different times. At present the academy is in a flourishiug conditioti, empluying four teachers, and filled to its utmost capacity with pupils.

of Boston met in council at the Governor's room in \ ^"'''^'"K^' ^^d uniformed soldiers were hastening the State-House, and the situation of the nation, con- ; '" ^"*^ ^^° '° bu.sy preparation for their departure, ditionof the military of the State, movement of troops, ^^ "°^ o'clock p.m. of Wednesday, the members etu., were there fully discussed. "'"^ volunteers assembled at the armory at Hingliara

The Lincoln Lig-lit Infantry. - On the dissolution ^''°^''''' ^^^'^ ''"^y ""^ ""^^ ^y ^e^- Calvin Lincoln, of the meeting, Lieut.-Col. Hawkes Fearing, of the ^"''^ --"'^"^'uended them to the care and protection of Fourth Regiment, M. V. M., who had beeu'^'preseut '^"^ *^°'^ °^ ^^^" fathers in earnest and impressive and taken part in the deliberations, came directly to P'^''-^^^ ^' *0"r o'clock the line was formed, and the Hiugliam, and caused to be called and attended a ''"'"P"")'' <orty-two in number, took up their line of meeting of the Lincoln Light Infantry at the armory '. "*"''*=''' P^issing down Main Street, attended by huniu the evening. He then immediately returned to ,' '^''"'^^ '*'' °"*"' and children, amid the ringing Boston, and reported for duty at head(|uarters. Fan- °^ '''^ church-bells, the waving of handkerchiefs from euil Hall. ' the dwellings as they passed, and cheered by the fre-

The situation was critical, and the needs of the ''"''°' ^"'^ hearty huzzas of the gathering mukitude. moment immediate and imperative. The call for aid ^^ '''^^ halted near the depot, each man was prewas the call of the country, and it was soon apparent '^"'^'^ "''''' '^ wreath of flowers by the scholars of the that the alternative presented was but a simple unit. ^o''''> School. They were also addres.sed by Col. It was a claim on the patriotism of the company that i ^liarles W. Seymour, Rev. E. Porter Dyer, James S. a sense of honor forbade the setting aside. They ^^1-' '-^^^ Mr. Joel B. Seymour. Rev. Joseph were bound to respond to the summons, and a vote j I^'^h'"dson offered in their behalf a fervent and was passed accordingly. affecting prayer ; when, stepping on board the wait-

Tuesday night and the forenoon of the following '"^' 'rain, prepared to meet whatever the future might day was the only time allowed for the arran^emeu't ' '^-^*""'^''' ''"^y '"-"'^ ^^^ 'own, followed by the tears, of their affairs, the completion of the necessary pre- '-'''C'^''^' '^"'^ benedictions of the assembled muliitude. parations, and the taking leave of their friends. The '^''^ following is the roll of the regular members captain was sick; but the remaining officers, in a ' '^°'^ ''*^ volunteers of the company which left llingspirit of the most genuine patriotism, came promptly ; ''""^ Wednesday afternoon, April 17, ISUl, for active forward and offered, for the extremities of the hour, '^"'^'' '" response to the call of the President of the any service which might be required at their hands, '^""'-''l S""^'*'*

Witii a young family relying on him for support and UEUULAK MEMUEU.S OF THE t'OMI'.^NV. counsel, the situation of Lieut. Stephenson in accept- ^'"1''- Luther Stephanaon, Jr Ilin.'liu.i

Bo.stou was not reached till late in the afternoon. The Fourth Regiment, to which the company was attached, assembled at Funeuil Hall, but had marched to the State-House, where the Lincoln Light Infantry joined it. Equipments, articles of clothing, and camp necessities, including provisions, had been distributed among the troops earlier in the day ; but, in the hurry and excitement of the hour, these articles of comfort were not fully shared by the Hingham soldiers.

A brief address was made by Governor Andrew ; after which, amid universal cheers, the Fourth and Sixth Regiments took up their line of rapid march.

The following is a list of the volunteers who left Hingham May IS, 18C1, to join Company I, of the Fourth Regiment, then stationed at Fortress Monroe :

The Lincoln Light Infantry was organized Oct. 19, 1854. The first preliminary meeting was held October 14th, and on the 28th of the month the company adopted the title of " Lincoln," in honor of Benjamin Lincoln, a major-general in the army of the Revolution, and a native of Hingham.

On the 20th of June, 1855, pursuant to u warrant from his Excellency, Henry J. Gardner, Governor of the State and commander-in-chief, the members met for the election of officers, and Hawkes Fearing, Jr., was chosen captain.

The first parade was made July 4, 1855. Aug. 18, 1860, Joseph T. Sprague was elected captain, vice Hawkes Fearing, Jr., promoted lieutenant-colonel Fourth Regiment, M. V. M.

April 17, 1861, the company with forty-two men, in command of Lieut. Luther Stephenson, Jr., left Hingham for three months' active service at Fortress Monroe and vicinity.

April 19, 1861, Lieut. Stephenson w;i3 cho.sen capj tain, vice Capt. Joseph T. Sprague. I April 23, 18G1, the company was mustered into 1 the service of the United States for three months, to I date from April IG, 1861.

May 18, 1861, thirty-seven additional volunteers I left Hingham to join the company, and the number I was increased to seventy-nine men. , Mustered out of service July 22d, and returned to J Hingham July 24, 1861.

Feb. 17, 1862, Joshua Morse was elected captain, I vice Luther Stephenson, Jr., honorably discharged. : May 26, 1862, the company, then numbering forty- I two men, was ordered to report at once on the Com- 1 mon at Boston for active service, on account of the I rumored defeat of Gen. Banks and the Union army. May 28, 1862, returned to Hingham, the services I of the company not being required. June 23, 1862, Peter N. Sprague was elected cap- I tain, vice Capt. Joshua Morse, resigned ; and on the 29th of September following the company was disbanded and the officers honorably discharged.

April 19, 1861. - A meeting of the citizens was held at the town hall for the purpose of devising measures for the relief of such families of members of the Lincoln Light Infantry as might need assistance during the absence of the company. The meeting was called to order by Capt. John Stephenson, who stated that, in consequence of the sudden departure of the Lincoln Light Infantry for Fortress Monroe, a number of families in town were left without their usual means of support, and in closing he gave the number of persons that would probably need assistance for the next three months.

Remarks appropriate to the occasion were tlien made by Revs. Calvin Lincoiu, E. Poiter Dyer, and Jonathan Tilson, and also by Luther Stephen.son, Capt. Jairus B. Lincoln, Isaac Barnes, Bcla T. Spraj;ue, Elijah Whiton, Robert W. Lincoln, and others. Subsequently a subscription was suggested, and by the unanimous vote of those present a committee, consiating of Messrs. John Todd, John Stephenson, and Jo.seph Jacob, was chosen to carry the same into effect. A paper was immediately circulated in the hall, from M-hich was realized the sum of eight hundred dollars. The meeting was large and very enthusiastic.

Siindoj/, p.ji., April 28. - A large number of ladies met at Masonic Hall, in Lincoln Building, for the purpose of making clothing to be sent to the members of the Lincoln Light Infantry at Fortress Monroe. Mrs. Solomon Lincoln acted as principal superintendent of the work, and under her direction itwiis completed in time for shipment by steamer " Cambridge." The labor of pressing and finishing was performed by Messrs. Lincoln Burr, John J. Corbett, John Todd, and Loring Jacob, who gratuitously proffered their valuable services for the occasion.

During the war the ladies of the various sewingcircles held frequent meetings in the different sections of the town for the purpose of preparing comfortable raiment for our men in tlie service. These meetings were generally held at Loring, Torrent, Niagara, Union, Constitution, and Liberty Halls. But there were also other gatherings for this purpose at the residences of mothers, sisters, daughters, and I'riends who were unable to leave their homes, and thus the good work found willing hands and patriotic hearts among the daugliters as well as the sons of Hingham.

" Vultil, That the town appropriate six thousand dollars for the purpose of furnishing such supplies as may be wanted by the families of those who have been, or may be, called into the service of their country, and that the money be expended under the direction of a committee of six, consisting of John Todd, David Cain, John Stephenson, Demerick Marble, Josejih Jacob, and Albert Whiting." Should more troops be called from thia town, the committee were instructed to furnish them with clothing and other necessaries.

t/«/y 10, 18G1. - .\ citizens' meeting was held for the purpose of making arrangements for the reception of the Lincoln Light Infantry on their return from the seat of war. Col. Charles \V. Seymour was chosen moderator, and Henry E. Hersey, Esq., secretary. Addresses by Melzar W. Clark, John Cu.ihing, James S. Lewis, Esq., Luther Stephenson, CcjI. Seymour, and others were made, and the fullouing committee was chosen to make the necessary arrangements for their reception : tfu/i/ 18. - At a meeting of the committee of arrangements it was decided to provide a collation at the town hall, and the following ladies and gentlemen were chosen to carry the same into effect, viz. : Mrs. Albert Whiting, Mrs. John Gushing, Mrs. E. Barker Whitcomb, Mrs. B. S. Hersey, Miss Elizabeth L. Gushing, Mrs. Lucy Sturtevant, Mrs. David 11. Hersey, Mrs. William Thomas, Mrs. Thomas J. Liavitt, Mrs. John S. Souther, Mrs. E. Waters Burr, Mins Sally Thaxter, Mrs. Joseph A. Newhall, Mrs. Walton V. Meade, Miss Sarah L. Marsh, David Leavitt, David Gushing, Jr., Daniel Bassett, Abner L. Leavitt, and Thomas F. Whiton.

" Voted, That the sum of three thuusand dollars be raised in aid of the families of volunteer.-), and that the .selectmen be authorized to apply the same as their judgment shall dictate."

March 3, 18G2. - At a town-meeting, the committee previously chosen to direct the expenditures of money appropriated for aid to tiie families of volunteers, and for furnishing clothing and other necessaries to volunteers whicli might be called into service at a future time, reported that they had expended for

" Voted, To raise five thousand dollars for the payment of State aid to the families of volunteers enlisted in the service of the United States, and one thousand dollars as town aid to volunteers and their families, the same to be appropriated under the direction of the selectmen."

July 11. - A large and enthusiastic meeting of the citizens of Hingham was held this Friday evening, at the town hall, in response to the call of the selectmen, to take action in reference to furnishing the town's quota of recruits, as called for by the commander-in-chief The following officers were chosen, viz. : President, Luther Stephenson ; Vice-Presidents, Edward Cazneau, Caleb S. Hunt, Demerick Marble, James S. Lewis, Crocker Wilder, and Seth Sprague.

Animating and encouraging addresses were made by the presiding officer and other gentlemen, urging enlistments, and recommending that a liberal bounty be paid by the town to volunteers, and offering to contribute generously, if need be, to prevent the necessity of a draft.

Voted, Unanimously, to recommend to the town that an appropriation be made sufficient to pay a bounty of sevcuty-five dollars to each person who may volunteer to make up the quota of men required of this town. It was also

Voted, That a committee of twelve be chosen to co-operate with the selectmen in procuring enlistments, and the following persons were chosen, viz. : Rev. Jonathan Tilson, Rev. J. L. Hatch, Edward Caznuau, Seth Sprague, Demerick Marble, Albert Whiting. Charles Sprague, Ezra Wilder, Elijah L. Whitou, George Hersey, Jr., Andrew W. Gardner, Abner L. Beal, E. Barker Whitcomb, Edmund Hersey, Thomas Fee, and John Stephenson.

July 15. - Agreeably to a call issued by the committee chosen July 11, the citizens met at the town hall to consider the great and important question of the day, the call for volunteers.

The meeting was called to order by Col. Cazneau, and organized by the choice of the following officers, viz. : President, Hon. Solomon Lincoln ; Vice-Presidents, Jairua B. Lincoln, George P. Hayward, Charles U9

The president, upon taking the chair, stated the object of the meeting, and urged upon all present the duty of responding promptly to the necessities and demands of the present crisis. He then called upon Revs. Calvin Lincoln, J. L. Hatch, Daniol Bowen, John E. Davenport, E. Porter Dyer, and Jonathan Tilson, who responded in short, patriotic, and pertinent addresses. E. S. Torbey, of Boston, being present, was also called upon, and although not a citizen of Hingham, he offered to contribute, if necessity required, towards furnishing the means to induce young men to enlist.

Voted, To pay volunteers who may be accepted and mustered into the service of the United States, to the number of fifty-one, - that being the quota of this town, - a bounty of one hundred dollars each ; and the town treasurer was authorized to hire money for the payment of the same.

The citizens' meeting, adjourned from Tuesday evening last, was held immediately after the townmeeting. Col. Cazneau made the opening remarks; and in the absence of Hon. Solomon Lincoln, the president, Luther Stephenson was called to the chair. Brief addresses were made by Caleb Gill, Caleb T. Bassett, Rev. Mr. Davenport, George Hersey, Jr., Caleb Stodder, John Cushing, and the presiding officer. Several young men then came forward and signed the enlistment papers. On motion of Col. Cazueau, the meeting adjourned to meet at the same place the Tuesday following.

July 22. - An adjourned war-meeting was held at the town hall for the purpose of obtaining volunteers. Luther Stephenson presided. Col. Cazneau spoke of the sccviccs rendered by Capts. Stephenson and Humphrey, of Lieuts. French, Wliiton, and IJouvi?, and also referred to the noble young men who liud gone from this town as privates and in other cupacities. Revs. Messrs. Hatch, Tilson, DuVLiipurt, and Dyer followed. The meeliug was further addressed

Ou motiou of Col. Cazneau, Capt. John Stephenson and Peter Heisey, Jr., were chosen to noiuiuate a coaimittee of ladies, whose duty it shall be to call the next meeting at sut-h time and place us they may decide upon, with authority to procure speakers, music, and whatever else may be wanted to insure a grand gathering. The ladies chosen upon this coiumittoe were Mrs. Jairus B. Lincoln, Mrs. Jonathan TiLiou, Mrs. E. Porter Dyer, Mrs. J. L. Hatch, Mrs. Alfred Loring, Mrs. Job S. Whiton, Mrs. Charles W. Gushing, Mrs. John Lincoln, Mrs. David K. Hersoy, Mrs. Alfred A. Rouel, and Mrs. John E. Davenport. The meeting then adjourned to meet at the call of the committee of ladies.

Aiiff. G, 18G2. - A meeting appointed by the ladies of Hinghaui, to encourage the enli.stmeut of volunteers to fill the quota of the town, was held at the town hall. It was largely attended.

Capt. Jairus B. Lincoln called the meeting to order, and read the names of the persons selected for president, vice-presidents, and secretaries.

Luther Stephenson, having been mentioned as president, took the chair. After a few complimentary words to the ladies, he called upon llev. E. Porter Dyer, who responded in his usual happy manner. Mr. Southworth, of Scituate, followed.

Rev. E. Porter Dyer then read an original poem. Rev. Calvin Lincoln and others followed ; after which several recruits came forward and signed the enlistment papers. The meeting was then adjourned to the next evening.

Any. 1. - At a citizens' meeting held in the town hall it was " Voted, To recommend the Town to increase the amount of bounty to volunteers from one hundred to two hundred dollars."

Aug. 11. - At a meeting of the citizens it was " VoUd to reciuest the selectmen to ofi'er a bounty of one hundred dollars to all volunteers who will enlist upon the second call, the same being for nine months' service." This meeting was enlivened by the fine performances of the Weymouth Band, who volunteered their services for the occasion.

" VoU'd, To give one hundred dollars in addition to the sum already authorized to be paid to volunteers for three years, for the first quota."

Addresses were made by several individuals present ; and it was " Voted, To recommend the Town to pay fifty dollars additional bounty," thereby raising the amount to one hundred and fifty dollars for nine months' men.

Aug. 29 - A town-meeting was held this evening, to fix upon the amount of bounty to be ofl'ered lor recruits who will volunteer upon the quota of Ilingham for nine months.

Crocker Wilder, Esq., was cliosen moderator, and it was" Voted, To add fifty dollars to the one hundred recommended at the meeting held on the 15th in.st.," making, in all, a bounty of one hundred and fifty dollars lor each volunteer upon the second quota.

A citizens" war-meeting was held immediately after the town-meetiug last mentioned. Luther Stephenson occupied the chair, and Henry C. Harding acted as secretary.

After vocal music by the Whitcomb Family, Rev. Mr. Round, of Boston, was introduced, and being himself a recruit, waa able to enforce his eloquence by saying to the young men about him, Coute ! Rev. Mr. Hinckley, Messrs. George Hersey, Jr., and Caleb T. Bassett followed. Rev. E. l^rter Dyer, being the next speaker, took the opportunity to introduce Mr. E. Waters Burr, who made a brief but highly patriotic speech, and in closing he generously pledged himself to give ten dollars each to the ten men who would first come forward and enlist. 3Ir. George P. Hayward also offered to pay the family of the first married man who would enlist, if he should be accepted, the sum of twelve dollars the first moutli, and eleven dollars for each of the suhse(|uent eif,'lit mouths. Another gentleman would give five dollars each to the first five men wiio would enlist that uight. These generous offers were received with hearty and prolonged applause, and several names were added to the list of recruits.

Aug.'i\. - News of the second battle of Bull Run, uud of the immediate need of hospital supplies at Washington, D. C, having reached town by telegraph this Sunday morning, the u.sual afternoon service at the churches was generally omitted, in order that the ladies of the different societies might devote their time either to making ho.-.pital garments or in preparing bandages, lint, etc., for the wounded soldiers.

The next day (Monday) several packages, containing the necessary articles for the wounded, were sent to the Sanitary Rooms in Boston by the ladies of Hingham, to be forwarded to Washington.

Col. Cazneau, chairmau of the Board of Selectiuon, presided. After the openiug remarks, Capt. Rouuds, of Boston, was introduced. Rev. Mr. Hatch followed. Edward S. Tobey, Esq., then eloquently appealed to the young men to come forward and enroll their names.

Sept. 12, 1862. - An adjourned meeting of the citizens was held at the town hall, with Col. Cazneau in the chair, and Israel Whitcomb as secretary.

The following persons were chosen a committee to canvass their respective districts for the purpose of obtaining the signatures of exempts from military duty, and organizing the same into a company or companies, viz. : Joseph Jacob and Seth Sprague in the south school district; John Stephenson and John Leavitt in the middle district; John Todd and Elijah L. Whiton in the north district; Quincy Bicknell, Caleb Gill, and Edward Cazneau in the west district. Appropriate addresses were made by Col. Cazneau, Quincy Bicknell, Caleb Gill, Luther Stephenson, Rev. E. Porter Dyer, Col. Seymour, and others.

Subsequently two companies of Home Guards, numbering in all about one hundred men, paraded as a battalion the 22d of October, and after marching through the principal streets of the town, partook of ii collation at Loring Hall. Rev. Joseph Richardson, the .senior pastor of the First Parish, and others, addressed the assembly. A second parade occurred on the ^ afternoon of the annual election, November 4th.

" Voted, To authorize the selectmen, should they deem it expedient, to increase the bounty from one hundred and fifty dollars to a sum not exceeding two hundred dollars, for volunteers to fill up the quota of the town.

" \'<jted, That the use of the Centre school-house of the west district be granted to the ' Home Guard' for drill purposes, subject to tUe regulation and control of the school committee."

" Vuled, That the sum of 80000 be placed at the disposal of the selectmen for the payment of State iiid to the families of volunteers, if needed.

" Voted, That the sum of eight hundred dollars be raised by taxation as town aid to the families of volunteers, if needed, to be expended under the direction of the selectmen."

" Voted, That the town treasurer be authorized, under the direction of the selectmen, to hire sucli sums of money as may be required to carry into etfect the first and second sections of chapter seventynine of the acta of the General Court for 1 863, relating to the paying of State aid to the raiuilies of deceased and disabled volunteers."

Aug. 14, 1863. - At a town-meeting held this evening, James S. Lewis, Esq., moderator, it was " Voted, That the sum of fifteen thousand dollars for State and town aid be raised by the town, and be and hereby is appropriated, under the direction of the selectmen, for the aid of the wives, children, parents, brothers, and sisters of those inhabitants of the town who may be drafted into the army of the United States, and serve therein, under the law passed by Congress, entitled ' An Act enrolling and calling out the National Forces, and for other Purposes,' approved March 3, 1863, provided no more than two hundred dollars shall be paid to or for any one per.sou in addition to State aid.

" Voted, That the treasurer be authorized to hire the sum of fifteen thousand dollars to carry the above vote into eflFect, under the direction of the selectmen, should they deem it necessary."

Nov. 3, 1863. - Town-meeting. The subject of allowing to David H. Champlin the aid granted to drafted men, according to a vote of the town, Aug. 14, 1863, was referred to a committee consiating uf Samuel L. Fearing, John Todd, and Mclzar \V. Clark, to report thereon at future meeting.

Dec. 7, 1863. - At a war-meeting of the citizens of Hingham, held at the town hall this Monday evening, Jijdward Cazneau was chosen president, and Charles N. Marsh, secretary.

Dec. 11. - An adjourned meeting of the citizens of Hingiiam was held this Friday evening, to aid in filling up the quota of the town. Col. Cazneau presided, and Charles N. Marsh officiated as secretary. Addresses were made by Col. Seymour, Rev. E. Porter Dyer, Messrs. Benjamin Thomas, Luther Stephen.sou, Caleb T. Bassett, and Revs. Messrs. Lincoln and Hatch.

The secretary then re.'id a communication from Rev. Joshua Young, which, among other good things, contained a sentiment relating to " Our Armies," and one also to " Old Hingham."

" fft^tir Sir, - In reply to yours of November 28th, I eun only say that it is impossible I'or ine to attend tbe meeting at liinghaui on Mond.iy, December Tth, as you request, althougli I need not assure you wh.at j)leasure it would give me to meet my friends and ueiglibors, or to aid in tbe labor of recruiting there, if it were in my power to do so.

This meeting was enlivened by the excellent perfoiuiauces of the Weymouth Band. On motion of Capt. John Stephenson, a rallying committee was chosen to aid the selectmen in obtaining recruits. The names of the committee were as follows : Crocker Wilder, Amasu Whiting, Alfred Loriug, Ezra ^Vilder, John Cushing, Andrew W. Dunbar, John Stephenson, David Loavitt, John K. Corthell, Fearing Burr, Jr., J. Sturgis Nye, Ezra Stephenson, George Hersey, Jr., Joseph Ripley, Joseph B. Thaxter, Jr., Charles W. Seymour, Benjamin Thomas, William J. Nelson, Isaac Barnes, and Israel Whitcomb. \

" Vulcd, That a subscription paper be circulated among those persons present who are liable to a draft, ' to ascertain the amount of money that can be raised towards securing recruits for the quota of Hingham 1 under the last call of the President of the United [ States. '

" Vuted, To choose a committee of twelve to solicit subscriptions from persons who are liable to draft, and not present at this meeting. Tbe committee chosen were as follows : Amasa Whiting, George Dunbar, and William Cushing, of the South Ward ; Henry Stephenson, Henry Merritt, Jr., and Joseph T. Sprague, of the Middle Ward ; Charles N. Mursh, Samuel M. Beal, and Isaac Gardner, of the North Ward; and Edmund Hersey (2d), William F. Harden, and Isaac W. Our, of the west district of the North Ward.

Vuted, To choose a committee of twenty-five to solicit subscriptions from tlie community at large for the pur()ose of filling the quota of H Ingham, under the call of tlie President of the United States, dated Oct. 17, 18G3." The persons chosen upon this committee were Amasa Whiting, Albert B. Loring, Alfred Loring, William C. Wilder, Ezra Wilder, E. Barker Whitcomb, Samuel Lincoln, Israel Whitcomb, Joseph T. Sprague, Charles B. Boyd, David Leuvitt, John Stephenson, John B. Lewis,

Adjourned to meet the next evening. I>ec. 15. - At a meeting of the citizens liable to draft, held this evening, Col. Seymour was chosen treasurer. I " Voted, That the whole matter of recruiting for ; the quota of the town be recommitted to the former ! committee of twenty, chosen by the citizens of Hlng- : ham."

Dec. 80. - A meeting of tlie citizens of Hingham I liable to draft, and of others interested in filling the I quota of the town, was held this evening. Crocker , Wilder, Esq., was chosen chairman, and Israel Wliit- ! comb, secretary.

I Col. Seymour, treasurer, reported that he had received from the soliciting committee the sum of $4685, and had paid to persons for recruiting purposes 81391.34, leaving a balance on hand of $3293.66.

" Voted, To hold a war-meeting at this place tomorrow afternoon, commencing at two o'clock, and that the citizens be remembered to close their places of business at twelve o'clock ; also to cause the bells on the meeting-houses to be rung half an liour before the meeting.

" Voted, That all citizens present be requested to act as a. rallying committee to persuade persons who are liable to draft to attend the meeting to-morrow afternoon." Adjourned.

Dec. 31. - A meeting of the citizens of Hingham was held this Thursday afternoon, with Crocker Wilder, Esq., as chairman, and Israel Whitcomb, secretary. After passing several unimportant votes, it was adjourned to tpeet at seven o'clock p.m.

At the evening meeting Luther Stephenson was cliosen to preside in the absence of Mr. Wilder. Eloquent remarks were made by the chairman, by Revs. E. Porter Dyer, and J. L. Hatch, Col. Seymour, Isaac Barnes, and others. Subse<iueiiily It was " voted, to dissolve, with three cheers fur the Union."

Feb. 12, 1864. - At a meeting of the citizens of Hingham, held at the town hall this Friday evening, Crocker Wilder, Esq., was chosen chairman, and Israel Whitcomb, secretary.

History Of Hingham

This amount does not include any portion of the two thousand dollars previously offered by Hon. Albert Fearina, or of the generous gift of five hundred dollars by Edward S. Tobey, Esq., of Boston. Neitiier does it take in the proceeds of any fair or entertainmeut, or of the several collections taken up at war-meetings prior to the appointment of the Citizens' Recruiting Committee.

The credit side of the report shows in detail the amount paid for thirty-eight new recruits, and for twenty-six veterans who re-enlisted upon the quota of Hingham, with the necessary expenses of recruiting the same.

Feb. 15. - An adjourned meeting of the citizens liable to draft, and of others interested in filling the ([uota of the town, was held at the town hall. Col. Seymour gave some additional information relating to the receipts and expenditures of the Citizens' Recruiting Committee ; after which the thanks of tlie meeting were presented to the Committee of Twenty for their services in filling the quota of the town'under the call of Oct. 17, ISUS.

" Voted, To choose a recruiting committee of seven, and the following persons were appointed, viz. : Israel Whitcomb, David Leavitt, Edmund Hersey (2d), Elijiih Shute, Jason W. Whitney, William Fearing (2d), and Charles N. Marsh.

" Voted, To choose u soliciting committee of thirty to canvass the town for subscriptions to aid in securing recruits for the quota of Hingham under the call of the President of the United States, dated Feb. 1, 18G4."

" Voted, That eight hundred dollars of the money raised for town expenses be appropriated, under the direction of the selectmen, for town aid to the families of volunteers.

" Voted, To accept the minority report of the committee to whom was referred the subject of allowing David H. Champlin the aid granted to drafted men." The report recommends that he receive the same benefits granted to drafted men.

" Voted, To choose a committee consisting of Seth Sprague, Demerick Marble, George Hersey, Jr., James S. Lewis, and Caleb Gill, to audit the accounts of the recruiting officer, agreeably to order No. 32, from the Governor of the Commonwealth.

" Voted, That the treasurer be authorized to hire the sum of one thousand dollars to defray the expenses of recruiting in anticipation of premiums for volunteers enlisted under said order" (32).

" Voted, That the town refund the money contributed by individuals, and applied for the purpose of procuring its proportion of the quota of volunteers in the military service called for from the Commonwealth, under the orders of the President of the United States, dated Oct. 17, 1863, and Feb. 1, 18G4, so far as it can be done legally, and that no part of said money shall be refunded before the first day of August next.

" Voted, That the treasurer be authorized, with the advice of the selectmen, to hire a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of procuring the town's proportion of the quota of volunteers as may be called for from the Commonwealth, uuder any order or call from the President of the United States, issued after the first day of March, 1864, provided such sum shall not exceed one hundred and twenty-five dollars to each volunteer obtained under such call or order."

" Voted, That the selectmen be authorized to take action in procuring and interring the bodies of officers and soldiers belonging to this town that may hereafter die in the service.

the Legislature that authority be granted to raise money for defrayina; tlie expenses of obtaining and interring the bodies of such officers and soldiers belonj^ing to this town as may die in the service during the rebelliou."

" Voted, That the enrolled men of this town be requested to pay the sum of fifteen dollars each, for the purpose of securing a sufficient number of recruits to fill the quota of the town in anticipation of a call by the President of the United States for three hundred thousand men.

" Voted, To appoint a committee to solicit subscriptions from persons liable to draft and from citizens generally. The committee were also to take into consideration the correcting of the enrollment by reporting all cases of permanent disability, &c."

Jalj 30. - A meeting of the citizens liable to draft was held for the purpose of making arrangements to fill the quota of the town under the last call. By vote of those present De Witt C. Bates was chosen to solicit subscriptions.

Aug. 8, 18G4. - At a meeting of the citizens liabie to drul't, and others interested in filling the quota, a subscription paper was circulated from which was realized upwards of one thousand dollars. Several gentlemen present expressed their intention of procuring substitutes, and it was voted to allow all such persons the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars from the recruiting fund. Up to this time the committee appointed to solicit subscriptions reported that they succeeded in raising between five and six thousand dollars towards obtaining recruits.

Ati(j. 20. - An adjourned meeting of those liable to draft, and of all others interested in filling the quota of the town, was held this evening. It was announced as " the last meeting (unless more encouragement be given) that will be held before the draft." A statement was made showing the number of men required to fill the quota of the town. To meet this demand, a deposit had been made with the State to secure a proportion of the number required. Eight substitutes, also, had recently been furnished by persons who were liable to be drafted, and fifteen or mure credits were expected from enlistments in the navy.

Dec. 29, 18ti4. - In accordance with an act of the Massachusetts Legislature concerning the militia, approved May 14, 18(54, a meeting of the citizens of Hinghain liable to military duty was held at the town hall for the purpose of forming a company and chousing a captain. Henry Jones was unanimously elected to the office, but the act was shortly al'terwards suspended, and the company never met for parade or military drill. Capt. Jones was well qualified fur the honor conferred upon him, having seen three years of active service at the front with the Eighteenth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, of the Army of the Potomac.

March 6, 1865. - At the annual town-meeting, James S. Lewis, Esq., moderator, it was voted that the treasurer be authorized to hire nine thousand dollars, with the approbation of the selectmen, for the payment of State aid, and that eight hundred dollars of the amount raised for town expenses be approiiiiated, under the direction of the selectmen, for town aid.

The town trea-surer, with the advice of the selectmen, was also authorized to hire a sufficient sum of money for procuring the town's proportion of volunteers called for from the commonwealth, or under any call or order from the President of the United States, issued after the first day of March, 1SG5, provided such sum shall not exceed one hundred and twentyfive dollars to each recruit obtained under such call or order.

History Of Hingfiam

Miscellaneoas Assignments. - The following were enrolled for the term of one year, and assiirned to three-year regiments whose term of service had not expired, viz. :

First Regiment Infantry. - The First Regiment, Col. liobert Cowdin, was uiustered into the service of the Uuitod States on the 15th of Juue, ISGl. Immediately on the call for volunteers for a service of three years, Col. Cowdin visited Washington, and tendered himself and regiment for that period; and this is understood to be the first regiment in the United States, armed and equipped, which was so tendered.

It left the State on the day of muster, and on the 17th marched through the streets of Baltimore, - the first Massachusetts regiment which had passed through these streets to the seat of war since the massacre of the 19th of April, as it was also the first three years* volunteer regiment that reached the city of Washington.

After an active career, and leaving a noble record of bravery, it was mustered out at the expiration of the term of enlistment, May 25, 186-4.

It took part in the following engagements, viz. : Bull Run, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Glendale, and other battles on tlie Peninsula, Kettle Hun, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, Frederick.'^burg, Chancellorsville, Gett^'sburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, and Spottsylvania. Of natives or residents of Hingham, the Massachusetts First included the following:

Ijinuiiam Mkn In Tiik Navy According To Hank

Saintnary. Regular members and volunteers of the Lincoln Light Infantry who served at Fortress Monroe, not inclutled in any t^uota ...... 79

It should be understood that many of our soldiers and sailors served upon more than one quota of the town. In some instances, soldiers serving for short teriua afterwards enlisted for three years. Others, at the expiration of their term of three years, or afier being discharged for disability, re-culisted ujfon new quotas, as required at the time.

With a single exception, all the quotas of Hiiighaiu were filled by voluntary etilistiuents. A draft was made at Taunton, July 20, 1863, when one hundred were drawn, viz. :

So far as known, three only joined the army under the requisition of this draft, viz., VVilliaiii K. Gould, Sewall Pugsley, and Don Pedro Wil.^on. -\ very large majority was excused for disability, and the reoiaiader eitlier exempted by provisions of the law, or by payment of the suiu required for commutation. Among the latter were the following :

Members of the Thirty-second Regiment who enlisted as veteran volunteer.s, and who were counted on the quota of the town of Hingham, being regularly mustered into the .service of the United States for three years from Jan. 5, 18G4 :

The monument is of Quincy granite. It rests upon a solid foundation, ten feet square by six feet deep, laid in regular courses of split stone and ceuiout. The mottoes, mouldings, and embellishments upon it are skillfully wrought, and the general outline of the whole structure is neat and pleasing in appearance. The proportions are as follows : Lower buie, eight feet nine inches square, by one foot five inches in height. Fiiiith, six feet eight inches square, by one foot five inches in height. Upper ha&e, moulded, five feet eleven inches square, by one foot two inches in height. Die, four feet six inches square, by seven feet one inch in height. Slui/t, two feet nine inches square at base, by niueteeu feet in height. AVhole height, thirty feet.

Thomas Tracy Bouve

THOMAS TRACY BOUVE. I Thomas Tracy Bouv6 was born in Boston on the 14th of January, 1815. He was placed in a private school in early childhood, where reading and spelling were taught, and transferred from it to a public school (the Eliot) at the age of seven. Reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, and grammar were the studies pursued, and in these he became sufficiently proficient to enable him to receive the Franklin medal when twelve years of age, at which time he graduated, aud entered the English high school, then in Pinckney Street.

School-day life at that period was very different from what it is at the present time. There were then at the Eliot several hundred boys between the ages of seven and fourteen, and all placed in two large rooms, each of which had class divisions rising from either side of a central passage between them. One room, the lowest, was devoted to writing and arithmetic, the other, over the first, to grammar, geography, and reading. Each department was in charge of a head master, and of an assistant, who was called the usher. A very considerable portion of the time of some of the teachers was occupied in the punishment of offenders, and the noise of the rattan, as blows were struck upon the hands held out to receive them, daily shocked the ears and hearts of those who sympathized with the victims of cruelty, while the heroism manifested by many of the sufferers in bearing the blows without a cry, when each descent of the rod made a blue mark across the hand or wrist, cannot be forgotten.

The boys were then all Americans with possibly a very few exceptions. A considerable number of the older ones, or such as were members of the higher classes, were detailed as a fire-brigade ; and upon a public alarm of , fire they rushed from the school, taking with them each a fire-bucket from many which hung in the halls of the building, and ran to the scene of conflagration. Here the boys were placed in lines to pass water in their buckets from neighboring pumps to the hand-engines playing upon the fire. Our subject was one of the number who thus at the age of twelve acted :is a fireman.

The stay of the young boy at the English high school was but brief The reduced circumstances of his father, resulting from severe and prolonged illness, led to its being thought best that the lad should leave school and enter a store for the sake of the small salary that he might earn. He accordingly entered a dry-goods store and remained there until the failure of his employer, two years afterwards. At fifteen years of age he entered the employment of Lyman & Ralston, who were the proprietors of extensive* ironworks on the mill dam property, and where it is believed the first locomotive-engine made in Massachusetts was built. This business being given up after two or three years, he became a clerk in the employ of several corporations of which George W. Lyman was treasurer, and with him, and afterwards with the well-known and highly-respected Patrick T. Jackson, who was treasurer of the Great Falls Manufacturing Company, pas.sed several years with great satisfaction to himself, and with the respect and regard of those whom he served.

While thus engaged and even from the time of leaving school, feeling keenly the want of a liberal education, he ever sought to make up for this deficiency by study, and having early imbibed a love fur scientific investigation, was led to read much relating to chemistry, mineralogy, and geology. Li order to advance in such and kindred studies, he soon found that it would be advantageous to become acquainted with the Latin and French languages, and accordingly gavo much time to their acquisition.

When about twenty-five years of age, he became a partner in the well-known commission iron house of Curtis, Leavens & Co., afterwards Curtis, Bouve & Co. This house was prosperous, and he remained a partner in it for about thirty years, when being invited by the government of the Glendon Iron Company to become its treasurer, he did so, and has since conducted its affairs successfully, and, it is believed, to the satisfaction of all interested. He is at the present time, also, a director in one of the oldest of the national banks in Boston, as well as in several manufacturing corporations in this and other States.

Outside of his business occupations, Mr. Bouve's work has been very largely in a scientific direction. Soon after the formation of the Boston Society of Natural History he became a member, and in 1841 was elected to tlie otfice of cabinet-keeper. In 1842 he became curator of geology, and in 18G3 curator of geology and paleontology, which office he held until 1867. He was also curator of mineralogy from 18U5 to 1870. At this date committees of the several departments of the museum were formed in place of curatorships, and he has served upon some of these up to the present time. From 18G1 to 18C5 he held the office of treasurer of the society, and took an active part in raising the funds necessary in the erection and completion of the museum building on Berkeley Street. In 18GG he became second vicepresident, which jiosition he held until 1S70, wheu he was elected president of the society, succeeding the celebrated naturalist. Dr. Jeffries Wyiiian, whose health compelled his withdrawal from the office. He retained this position for ten years, resigning in ISSO, and receiving at this time marked testimonials of great respect and regard from the members.

Mr. Bouve is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American xVssociutiuii for the Advancement of Science, a corresponding mL-uiber of the Academy of Sciences, Philadelphia, etc. In 1850 he received the honorary degree of A..M. frutu Harvard University.

The published contributious of Mr. Bouve are nut numerous, and may mostly be found in the -- Pruceediogs of the Boston Society of Natural History." In 1880, at the request of that society, he wrote for its memoirs a history of the society from its formation, in 1830, and which was also published in u separate volume. He has passed the leisure hours of the past year or two in studying accurately the geology and botany of Hingham, intending to contribute the result of his labors toward the cunteniplatcd work on the history of the town.

Although holding active membership in various charitable societies, Mr. Bouve's principal working interest has been in that of the Temporary Home for the Destitute. In the Infancy of this institution, when it was lacking in means sufficient for its work, he served as treasurer, and took uu active part in bringing it up to what it is, - one of the best among the charitable institutions of the city. He afterwards became its president, holding the position for many years, and only relinquishing it from inability to attend to all the duties incumbent upon liiiu in tiie several positions in which he was placed. He is yet a member of the institution, and uiucli interested in the proceedings.

Mr. Bouve hiis always felt a strong interest in public affairs, although his tastes have nuver led him to take any active part in political action. He never has held, or desired to hold, any public office. He was an early abolitionist and a member of the Vigilance Committee of Boston, formed to aid runaway slaves, aud he subscribed to the fund raised for the purpose of providing arms and supplies for the early settlers of Kansas, to enable them to defend themselves from the murderous attacks of the slave power, then attempting to establish slavery upon that free soil. He was a member of the Free Soil party from its formation, and subsequently of the Republican party, always earnestly advocating its principles. When the war of the Rebellion opened he strongly felt that it should be what it finally became, - a war of einancipatiou, aud cheerfully saw his eldest sod I euguged in the military service of his country as soou as his ago permitted him to enter it.

Mr. Bouve was married, at the age of twenty-four, to Miss Emily G. Lincoln, of Hingliam. They have had seven children, of whom five survive.

Ebed L. Ripley

EBED L. RIPLEY. Ebed L. Ripley is a representative of one of Hing- Lum s oldest lamilies. lie is a lineal descendant of William Ripley^ who came from Hingham, Norfolk County, England, in ship " Diligent," 1G3S, with his wife, two sous and two daughters, and settled in Hingham, Mass., on a lot of laud which was granted him on the " Main Street, Lower Plain.'' This land has been in the possession of his descendants to the present time, and the handsome residence of Mr. Ebed L. Ripley now stands on what is thought to be the identical site of the cottage of his great ancestor, nearly two centuries and a half ago. William Ripley died July, lliuG. Juhn', his eldest son, married Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Peter Hobart, who was the first minister in Hingham. They had six sons and one daughter, of whom Fettr^ was fifth. He was born Oct. 21, 1(368, married Sarah Lazell, April 27, 1G9^>, and had three sons and three daughters. He died April 22, 17-12. Peter*, his second child and eldest Son, was born Oct. 25, 1095. He married Silence Lincoln, Jan. 5, 1721. They had three .sons and five daughters. He died April, 1705. Nchtiiiiah,^ his son, was born April 2, 1727, married Lydia Hobart, June 4, 1752 ; to them were born five sons and two daughters. He died Aug. 10, 1709. His eldest sou bore his name. Neliemiali'' was born April 18, 1755, married Priscilla Lincoln, Feb. 24, 1780. They had nine children, six sons and three daughters. Mr. Ripley died March 5, 1829. Kied\ his youngest .son, was born Nov. 15, 1793 ; he married Leah Jones, Nov. 23, 1820. Their children were Mary Burr, married John K. Corthell ; Joan Joue.s, also married John K. Corthell ; and Ebed Lincoln liijili-y, whose portrait accompanies this sketch. Ebed L. was born May 23, 1831, was educated at the common schools of his native town.

and in 1848 went to Boston as clerk in the wholesale clothing-store of Fearing & Whitney. He remained with them till Jan. 1, 1855, when he was admitted as a partner, and* the firm became Fearing, Whitney Ik. Co. July 1, 1855, the firm was dissolved by the death of Mr. Whitney, aud a new firm was formed, styled Fearing, Rhodes & Ripley. July 1, 185S, Mr. Fearing retired, and the firm became Rhodes & Ripley, and has remained the same, or Rhodes, Ripley & Co., to date. They have been very successful in business, and now rank among the leading wholesale clothiers of Boston. Mr. Ripley is ;i thorough business man, as is evidenced by his ri.ie from an ordinary clerkship to the proprietorship of the establishment. He is a worthy representative of that numerous class of men in New England whoiu we call "self-made." Hifl geniality of disposition aud wholesouled heartiDes!> of manner not only makes those who are bis acquaintances his friends, but even the stranger is made at once to feel at home in his presence. The same spirit of enterprise which has brought to him success in his business affairs he exhibits in all matters pertaining to the welfare and public improvement of his native town. It wa:- largely, if not chiefly, through his persistent and unflagging efibrts that Accord Pond water was introduced in 1880 into Hingham and Hull, and his services in thia regard were acknowledged by his being chosen president of the Hingham Water Company, which position he has held to the present time. The same year (1880) he was chosen presideut of the Hingham Agricultural and Horticultural Society, and has been re-elected every year since. He is a trustee of the Public Library in his town, and an earnest advocate of liberal education and progressive thought. He is a member of the First Unitarian Parish, and active in the management of its afl^airs. He has supported the Republican party since its organization, and in 1884 was chosen its delegate from the Second Congressional District of Massachusetts to the National Republican Convention at Chicago. He married, Dec. 23, 1850, Henrietta, daughter of Setli S. Hersey; she died Aug. 14, 18G8. He married as his second wife Elizabeth II. M. Ilersoy, daughter of Henry Hersey, Jan. 3, 1871, by whom he has six children, three boys and three girls.

History Of Plympton By William T. Davis

The town of Plympton was originally included withia the limits of Plymouth. The history of its territory therefore is as ancient as that of Plymouth itself. When incorporated it included the whole of the town of Carver and parts of Halifax and Kingston, comprising in all thirty-six thousand five hundred and six acres. The rich meadow lands and heavily-wooded swamps, with which this territory abounded, early attracted the first settlers, who sought grants from the Colony Court of farms to remain contiguous to their dwellings in Plymouth. As early as 1(J40 the records show that the grants began to be made, and the meadows of Colebrook, of Laken- j ham, and Colchester, as they were called, were divided among the settlers according to their respective application and wants. At a later period, Winnatuxet, or the New-Found Meadows, began to be granted to persons whose lineal descendants still reside within the borders of Plympton. The Colebrook and Lakenham Meadows, within the present bounds of Carver, included the South Meadows and the Wenham region respectively. The former name was probably either corrupted from Coldbrook, or derived from James Cole, who had an eftrly grant in that neighborhood. The latter name was suggested by the numerous ponds or lakes within the territory to which it was applied, the termination " ham" meaning merely " borough," " district," or " town" or " village." The Colchester and Winnatuxet Meadows, within the present limits of Plympton, derived their names from Colchester Brook, one of the tributaries of Jones lliver, and Winnatuxet lliver, which rises in Carver, and flowing through Plympton and Halifax finally empties into Taunton lliver. Colchester again was a name brought from England, while Winnatuxet was the Indian name of the country along the borders of the stream.

The first grant of laud within the ancient bounds of Plympton was made to John Jenny, on the '2d of April, lCo8, by the Court of Assistants. On that day it was ordered that all the residue of the lands reserved fur the mill, whereof the five or six acres aforesaid is a part, is with Mr. Jenny's consent granted to Gabriell Fallowell, and Mr. Jenny hath other lands granted him in lieu thereof at Lakenham." On the ICth of September, 1641, at the General Court, -' IMr. Jenny is granted as much more upland as will make his farm at Lakenham two hundred acres, and when that is used then to have more added to it, in lieu of some land he hath yielded up at the town to Gabriull Fallowell." At the same date James Cole was granted "fifty acres of upland at Lakenham, and some meadows to be laid to it upon view." On the id of November, 1640, "the several persons following are granted meadowing in the North Meadow, by Jones River : to Mr. John Done twelve acres, to Mr. Thomas Willet twelve acres, to John Reyiior ten acres, to Mr. Charles Chancey ten acres, to Mr. Stephen Hopkins twelve acres, to Nathaniel Souther seven acres, to Phineas Prat( six acres, to Mr. William Paddy ten acres." This meadow bordered the upper waters of Jones lliver, and was chiefly within the original limits of Plympton. At the same session of the court " the several persons following are granted meadowing in the South Meadows towards Agawam - Colebrook Meadow : to Edward Bangs ten acres, to Manasseth Kempton ten acres, to Jonas Cooke ten acres, to Andrew Ring five acres, to Nicholas Snow ten acres, to John Morton five acres, to Ephraim Morton five acres, to Joshua Pratt five acres, to Mr. Hubert Hicks ten acres, to Samuel Hicks five acres, to Nathaniel Morton six acres, to John Faunee six acres, to John Jenkins six acres, to Mr. Ralph Smith eight acres, to Thomas Pope five acres, to Richard lliggins six acres, to John Smaley five acres, to Anthony Snow five acres." And again, at the same court, " the West Meadow, called Lakenham, by Dutey's, was granted to Richard Sparrow five acres, to Edward Dotey six acres with upland, to Bridget Fuller ten acres with upland, to Mr. John Atwoud eight acres with upland, and to James Hurst tlie meadows that Goodman Cuuke should have had.'

History Of Plympton

on the lauds granted to them, and most, either :>old them or lost them under the order of the Colony Couii that, non-residents should surrender tlieir grants when leaving; the town of Plymouth, in wliich the granted lands were situated. A few other grants of a similar character were made by the court in the above territory, but when permanent settlers suuglit lauds they received their titles from the town of Plymouth by grants in open town-meeting, and their grants are recorded in the town books. Thus in lUGO the town grunted fifty acres to Tliomas Cushman near the Winnatuset Meadows. In 16(J2 twenty acre.s were granted to John Rickard and twenty to James Cole, Jr., on the north side of Lakenham ; thirty acres to John Harmon, at or near Winnatuxet ; and a parcel of land was granted to John Dunham at Swan Hole. Other grants were made to Jonathan Shaw, John Barrows, Richard Cooper, Adam Wright, Stephen Bryant, Samuel Sturtevant, Samuel King, Ephraim Tiukham, John Bradford, Richard Wright, George Bouuni, John Barnes, Giles Rickard, Edward Dotey, and William Harlow, and among these names may be found the names of those who may be considered the first settlers of Plymptou.

In lt)D5 the number of families settled in the southwestern section of Plymouth had increased to about forty-five, and the difficulty experienced in attending public worship had become so serious that a petition was sent to the General Court for the incorporation of a new precinct. The only action taken by the town of Plymouth, as shown by the records, is disclosed by the following entry : " At a town-meeting held at Plymouth on the 15th of July, 1C95, upon notice given at said meeting that Mr. John Wadsworth and Mr. Samuel Sprague were to come to run a dividing line between said town and our remote inhabitants on the westernmost part of said town, the town made choice of Maj. Biadford, Lieut. John Bradford, Ephraim Martin, John Doty, and James Warren to meet these gentlemen and to request them not to run any line in our township until the General Court are more thoroughly informed of our circumstances with reference to our lands in that part of our township ; but if those gentlemen see cause still to go on in running said line, then to oppose them in their proceeding thereon." The result, however, was that the prayer of the petitioners was granted, and the following entry appears in the records of the General Court of the province under date of Tuesday, Nov. 20, 1G93 :