Reading Town (part 2 of 2)

In 1736-37 the throat distemper was prevalent, and thirty children in this town died of it in the course of six mouths. John Swain lost his wife and six children by the disease in the course of two months. ,

In 1737 Ensign Nathaniel Patker died, and was the first person buried in the present cemetery in Beading. Important action was taken by the town in laying out highways, etc., throughout the town.

Li 1741 Bev. George Whitefield preached'on Beading, now Wakefield, Common. A vote describing and defining common kinds was passed, requiring them to remain uufenced. Actioii respecting the buT}iug-grounds in Wood End and in the First Parish was also taken. The town furnished its quota of men for the ex|)edition to Nova Scotia in 1745, and for the war that was wnged for several years after against the French and Lidians. It appears that nearly two hundred men of tliis towix were in service in those years.*

The French Neutrals, who were removed by order of government from Nova Scotia ih 1755, were distributed among the American colonies. About two hundred families were allotted to this state. One family, consisting of Battes Tibbedo (Baptiste Thibodeaux?), his wife, and eight children, was sent to Beading. The town provided for them and the colony paid their expenses. In

1760 John (Eiptisie?) IHbbedo and Margaret his wife> with six children, John, Moses, Joseph, Paul, Mary, and Elizabeth, and one .grandchild, were removed from town.

In the same year another French family, Francis Meers, or Mears, with his \yi(e and nine children, were sent here from Boston, but soon after three of them were sent to Stoneham, one to Maiden ; the remainder, including the father, were left in Beading. In 1763 the town appropriated £2 to Franois Mears, *^ a Frenchman/' provided he, witli his fiunily, move to Salem. lie probably went away, bat for ten years received assistance from Beading, mostly in wood, as appears from the records. There is no positive evidence of the fact, but it is suggested that the ]Mear3 families in this vicinity may be descendants of tiiis Francis Meers. . Bev. Daniel Putnam, pastor of the Second Cliurch (North Precinct), died in 1739, after a pastorate of about thirty-nine years. There were added to his church, during his ministry, one hundred and ninety-four persons; he baptized four hundred and xanety-one persons, and joined one hundred end eleven couples in marriage.

Bev. Eliab Stone, in 1761, was ordained pastor as the vsviccessor of Mr. Putnam. This year, by payment of £ 14, Beading was relieved of all further expense in ** repairing and supporting the Mystic Bridge in Medford.^'

The first store in the present town, and perhaps in the three parishes, was probably opened by James Bancroft in 1761. He gave notice of Iiaving '' sundry sorts of West India and other goods,'' which he proposed to sell " as reasonably as they are sold in Medford, Charlestown, and Boston." The people for many years did their principal trading in &lem. , During the winter season they drew their produce on hand-sleds, going in parties to market, and bringing back such goods as they needed.

Bev. Mr. Hobby, pastor of the First Church, died in 1765, after a settlement of thirty-two years. He was reputed a man of learning, piety, and ability as a speaker and writer. In 1750 and 1751 he was called to sit in the councils in Northampton, at the request of Jonathan Edwards, who wished to have two churches from abroad to counterbalance, in some measure, the prejudices of the churches invited in that vicinity. Deacon Samuel Bancroft - grandfather of the historian, Hon. (Jeorge Bancroft - was one of the delegates.

constant and active interest in publie affairs.' A town-meeting, hel^ October, 1765, instructed theit representative in the General C6nrt to join in every proper measure for a repeal of the Stamp Act, and ** to oppose the execution of it, until the remonstrances, petitions, and cries of tliese distressed colonies shall reach the ears of our sovereign." While professing the greatest loyalty to the -king, and to the parliament as the '' the most resjjectable body of men on earth,^' tliey insist on maintaining " our rights as freebOni Englishmen."

Tlie First Parish, in 1768, erected a new house of worship, near the old one. The residents, of Wood End demurred, and made an effort for separation, wliich was not successful, although it was recommended by a committee of the Greneral Court. The effortwas renewed in the next year, and the Court ordered the division, and incorporated the Third Parish, it being substantially the same territory that \i now included in the town of Beading. The new parish took many of the best men and families from the First Parish. Tlie first meeting was held August 9, 1769. J John Temple was moderator; Samuel Bancroft, clerk; John Temple, treasurer; John Temple, Samuel Bancroft, and Captain Nathan Parker, assessora. Money was raised for completing the meetinghouse, which stood on the south sidfe of the Common. It was subsequently removed, and is now known as the Union Hall school-building;

Eighty-eight members of the First Church, in answer to their petition, were dismissed February 8, 1770, ''in order to their being indorporated into a distinct church by themselves.'' Tliis body established what is now known as the " Old South '' Church in Beading.

Bev. Tliomas Haven, the first minister, ordained November 7, 1770, was a graduate of Harvard College in 1765. He died May 7, 1782, aged thirty-eight years. He was the son of Bev. Elias Haven, of Franklin, Massachusetts.

The number of voters in the First Parish (Wakefield), in 1771, was eighty; in the Second Parish (North Beading), sixty-six; in the Third (Beading), sixty-three. Ten persons were chosen *' quiristere '* in the First Parish, " to tune the Psalm."

paUie meetiiig held in response to a letter from Alie tovn of Boston, the town chose Benjamin IBrown, Samuel Bancroft, Esq./ Lieutenant John ^^nTalion, Captain Thomas Flint, Deacon Amos TJpton, Captain David Green, Mr. John Temple, JBf r. William Sawyer, Mr. Andrew Beard, a comet to consider and report upon the public grievrecited in the letter. Tlie report instructs X>eacoQ Daniel Putraan, the representative from Seading, *' to exert himself '' that the sakries of ikhc judges be raised " adequate to their station and service,'' so as to render theni ''as independent <m- prince and people as possible.'' Other grievmnoes '' publicly known/' are referred to, and the representative is instructed '' to use his utmost endeavor in every constitutional way to procure a redress of our grievances, and a restoration of tliat happy harmony which lately subsisted between Great Britain and her colonies." They caution him against consenting '' to measures which may in the least preclude us or our posterity from asserting our just rights as men and British subjects." In June, 1774, it was voted that we ''maintain our Cliarter Bights in every constitutional way." Also, a committee of nine was chosen to inquire into present exigencies, and report at a future jneeting. The report is signed by Benjamin Brown, chairman. It refers to the unjust taxation, the unavailing remonstrances, the increasing distresses, the action previojasly taken to maintain their rights, the uncertainty tliat clouded theiuture, and to the fear of taking any action that might counteract measures that the pro]X)sed Congress of Commis- ' sinners from all the colonies might fix upon to relieve the present distress. The closing jxiragrapli is worthy of repetition; "We also think it the duty of every one to refrain from the luxuries and superfluities of life, and to the utmost of our power to encourage our own manufactures, humbling our- - selves before Almighty God, and earnestly supplicating him for deliverance; for how .much soever ..ire judge these things unrighteous, as coming from tlie liands of men, we must allow they are just, as sent from God." Jolm Temple and Benjamin Brown were sent as deputies to the Provincial Cougressy and an appropriation was made for support of the commissioners. Tlie town, subsequently to the action of the congress, voted to adopt the sentiments of the congress as tlieir own, and strictly to adhere to them. A committee was chosen to carry their vote into effect. Early in 1775 it was voted to pay miuute->men for three hours' attendance on parade, twice a week, for three months. May 24, 1775, the town met in the West Parish meetinghouse (now Union Hall School-house), and Totol to choose a committee of correspondence. Captain John Walton, Lieutenant Benjamin Flint, and Sergeant Jonas Parker, were chosen. It was voted in July following to add six more to tlie committee, and Benjamin Brown, Thomas Simonds, James Flint, Abraham Sheldon^ Jacob Emerson, and John Emerson were chosen.

A company of volunteers was early formed here, which was drilled by Dr. John Brooks, who became its captain, atid was afterwards major, general, and finally governor of the state. Before the commencement of hostiUties he frequently visited Boston, and observed the manner in which the British troops were drilled. He instructed his company of minute-men here in the lessons he thus learned, till they became proficient in militarj tactics.^

On the 18th April, 1775, Captain Brooks was in Boston, and learned of the probable movements of the British. He returned to Beading, and while professedly visiting bis patients, during the evening, in different parts of the town, summoned his men to be ready to march at once. They gathered in the latUr part of the night at Weston's X!omer, in Wood End, and under command of Lieutenant James Bancroft, marched via Bedford to Concold. Bev. Edmund Foster, then a young man, a private in the Beading company, in an account of these events, wrote : " A little before we came to Mcrriam's Hill we discovered the enemy's flank guard of about eighty or one hundred men, who, on the retreat from Concord, kept the height of land, the main body being in the road. The British troops and the Americans at that time were equally distant from Merriam's Corner. About twenty rods short of that place the Americans made a halt. The British marched down the hill with very slow but steady step, without music, or a word being si)oken that could be heard. Silence reigned on both sides. As soon as the British had gained the main road, and passed a small bridge near the

1 This company was drOled in tbe evening in tbe large kitchca of tbe parsonage, now tbe residence of Mr. George Gronard. It was said tbat the marks made hy tbe guns of the men in the eeiling were visible tiU recently covered by repairs. When Geucnl Lafayette stopped on bis way through this town in 1825, and was waited upon by some of tbe citixcim and old soldiers. Rev. Mr. Sanborn, in a brief speech, claimed that the first company of minute-men formed ii^ tbe colonies was this under tbe command of Dr. Brooks.

eomtt, they &ced about suddenly and fired a ToUey of' musketry upon us. They overshot, and no one to m^ knowledge was injured by the fire. The file was immediately returned by the Americans, and two British soldiers. fell dead at a little distance from each otlier in the road near the brook. The battle now began> and was carried on with little or no military discipline or order on the part of die Americans during the remainder of the day. Each sought his' own place and opportunity to attack and annoy the enemy from behind trees, rocks, and fences, as seemed most convenient.'^ Some of the citizens of Beading shouldered their arms, and went alone to the scene of action and did good service. The '^ trainband '' of the First Parish were ordered by express to Lexington. The alarm-guns were fired at about eight o'clock in the tnofming, and brought the '^ alarm lisf together. Bev. Mr. Prentiss shouldered his musket and marched with them, faithfully doing his duty in hastening the retreat of the British back to Boston.

Some if not all the company of minute-men were soon after stationed at Cambridge. On the day of the battle of Bunker Hill, it is said that they were on guard at headquarters. When General Washington took command under the shade of the Cambridge elm, July S, the Beading men where there on duty.

There were received, April 26, probably from Salem, and deposited in Beading meeting-house and school-house, one hundred and fifty-oue baritk of pork, sixty-three barrek of flour, six barrels of beef, and sixtten bushels of rye ; but it appears that these supplies were immediately removed to Watertown by order of the commissary general. June 17, the selectmen were ordered to send forthwith all the powder in the town stock to Watertown, except one pound per man, and June 18, they were '' desired to provide provision sufficient for the militia of your town, now at Cambridge, and

The battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, compelled the flight of many persons to the neighboring towns. Numbers came to Beading and remained here. Mr. Dana Parker, of this town, has an eightday clock, still keeping good time, that was with other things thrown into a cart and brought from Charlestown on that memorable occasion.

In response to the Committee of Supplies at Watertown, Benjamin Brown, chairman of the selectmen, and John Walton, chairman of the town committee of correspondence, June 22, say : '' We trust we are as ready to assist in defence of par country as any town in thft province ; but the great .flow of the inhabitants of Boston, Charlestown, Mcdford, Mulden, Salem, and Marblehead, daily flocking into this town, must, we think, be a- sufficient excuse for not sending provisions. As for blankets, we have been obliged to find near a hundred for men enlisted out of this town, and they were collected . from house to house, there not being new ones to be bought

In November an argent call was made on the town for wood for- the soldiers. In reply, it was stated : '' We have exerted our utmost that they may be supplied ; but there being about one hundred men from this town in the army, we are imder great difficulty for hewers of wood ; if you will, send up the captain of the company from this town, with a party of men, to cut wood, we make no doubt our teams will be immediately employed, and continue until they, carry a hundred cords or mpre.'^ December 4, it was voted that the First Parish carry fourteen cords of wood, the Second Parish twelve and a half cords, tlie Third Parish twelve cords, per week, to the army on Winter Hill. Subsequently the town is urged, by order of the General Courtj in consequence ** of the distress of the army for wood, to supply not only such quantity as has been set to them, but as much more as they possibly can/'

Nine persons were chosen by the town to carry wood to the army. Hay was also sent, in answer to a requirement of the court. The quartermaster allowed £5 per ton for it, and the town voted to pay what it cost more than that.

A census of the state taken in 1776 shows Beading to have been the second town in the county in population. In May the town voted uiumimously to adhere to the determination of Congress relative to independence, and stand by it to the last, with their lives and their fortunes.

Lieutenant-Colonel Archibald Campbell and seven other Highland officers were sent prisoners to the West Parish, with some women and children. They were quartered near the post-office in Beading (the present town), in the house formerly belonging to Colonel Natlian Parker, and more recently to Mr. James Davis. They occupied their time to such an extent in pracHce with musical instruments, as to be a source of much annoyance to the citizens. The British officers petitions! the council for support for their servants, but it was not granted.

Reading

The adeetmen petitioned the court for assistance in snpporting.about sixty needy persons from Boston and Chariestown, called '^ Donation People.''

In August^ 1777, the selectmen certify that the number of' men borne on the training-band and alarm-list is three hundred and forty-eight, and tber request of the honorable board of /war the town's proportion of fire-arms, gunlocks, lead, and flints. The town also votes £12 for purcliase of lead and flints. Calls are made for men to be in readiness to march '^ without delay/' and *' on the shortest notice/' indicating the frequent emergencies of the times. The town further showed its loyalty to the patriot cause by voting that tlie town treasurer should receive none but continental bills.

In town-meeting, September 22, 1777, Captain John Goodwin was added to the committee of correspondence, inspection, and safety ; and Mr. Jonathmi Flint was chosen " tory prosecutor."

Many of tlie Beading soldiers were in the battle of Saratoga, which resulted in the capture of Burgoyne and liiis army. Joshua Eaton was killed there October 7. Colonel Brooks saw him fall, and exclaimed to Captain James Bancroft, ^' Our brave Sergeant Eaton is gone.'' Eaton lived on the Ivory Murray farm, near the Esquire Prescott place in Beading.

The town voted in 1778 to raise £246 12«. to defray the expense of purchase and delivery of clothing at Concord, required for the army by the General Court.

Bui^yne's men were quartered in Cambridge and vicinity. Some of the Beading soldiers were in service during the winter of 1778, at Winter Hill, in chai^ of the prisoners. It is said that nearly fifty of the prisoners were quartered in Bisading, in the house near the depot, formerly the residence of Esquire Sweetser. In repairing the house a few years since, a metallic six)on, of peculiar shape, was found, stamped with the British lion and other devices, indicating that it belonged to the British prisoners. It is said the prisoners, for their daily exercise, were required to march under guard around the Great Pond.

In 1779 pestilence was added to war, the smallpox prevailing so extensively that the town took measures to prevent its spreading. Inoculation was forbidden. The town chose a committee against monopoly, and another against forestalling. Active efforts were made to regulate prices, which were becoming exorbitant. The town voted to accept the measures recommended by a convention held at Concord, '' for lowering the prices of the articles of life," and a committee was chosen fori *' regukting internal prices." It was voted, a few months later, to choose a committee to carry matters into speedy execution. The committee Tat also rec|uired to afiix prices to those articles not regulated by the convention. The meeting was adjounied to a future day, when the committee reported. It appearing that people in general were breaking over the '^ regulating bill," it was thought . proper not to appoint another meeting.

In the following year the town was required to furnish twentv-thrce militia soldiers for three months, twentv-three continental soldiers for WL months, and twenty*three for three years, or during the war; and it is recorded that the town alwaya . filled its quota. In October and December requiqitions were made upon the town for 36,000 pounds of beef for the army, and the town voted to raise £56,000, Old Tenor, for purchase thereof* In July following it was voted to raise £Ji50 in silver to purchase 9,866 pounds of beef for the armv : and also voted that their treasurer receive £1 of new emission for £40, of old emission, or £1 in specie for £75 of old emission. In 1782 the town voted to empower the treasurer to sell . new emission bills at the rate of three dollars fbi^. one in hard money. At a later date a committee was chosen for taking up ^^ inimical Fellows*'' No important votes pertaining to the war appear on record after this date.

On the 19th of May, 1780, occurred what is called the Dark Day. Captain Joseph Bancroft recorded: ''On this dav there was an uncommon - darkness from 10 to 2 o'clock, and the evening after not to be forgot by me, I trust, while I live."

In 1782 occurred the death of Bev. Thoioas Haven, first pastor of the church in the West Parish, in the twelfth year of his ministry; ''a mo«t sorrowful event to the people of his charge." The parish bought back the parsonage estate the/ had sold to him. Troubles also culminated in. the First Parish in an attempt, to dismiss Bev. Mr. Prentiss. The chief objection against him was respecting his Arminian sentiments ; but the parish, '' voted to dismiss the whole/' and the pastor re* mained.

The town had its " relic of barbarism," and it is said that previous to the Bevolutionary War nearly every large landholder here liad a slave. In 1723 Benjamin Pool advertises his negro man who bad run aiBV'ay. Li 1753 Tliomas Nichols sold-a negro woman and boy to Fhineas Sprague, of Maiden, for £33 6jr. 8i/. In 1734 Deacon Baham Bancroft, in Iu6 will, ordered his negroes sold. At this time there were twenty colored persons here, and in 1765, thirty-four. Several gained their freedom by enlisting in the army. One of tliese, called ^* Sliarper/' and ''Sharper Freenuin/' was brought from Africa, and was believed to be the son of a king. He lived till about ninety years old, and received a pension from the goveniment.

Tlie Shays Bebellion, in 1786, necessitated the calling out of men to support the goveniment, and m dozen or more went from the First Parish. . The church in the West Parish, after the death of Mr. Haven, found it a difficult matter to unite upon A successor. The Calvinistic and Arminian members did not harmonize, and it is said that more than thirty candidates were called before one was fpund to accept. Finally, Bev. Peter Sanborn, alter considering tlie matter for nine months, accepted, and was ordained June 9, 1790. He was m graduate of Dartmouth College in 1786. He was an impressive and earnest preacher, and there were several revivals during his pastorate. It is said that, in the revival of 1810 there were but few houses in the parish that did not have family worship. He first married Miss Mary Stimpson, an adopted daughter of Daniel Chute, Esq., and for a second wife Miss Martha Wakefield. He liad a family of fourteen children. He was dismissed June 7, 1820; died August 8, 1857. He has two sons in the ministry now living, Bev. Pliny F. and Bev. George £. Sanborn.

The town appropriated for schools, in 1 791, £ 80, and voted not to hire any '^ school-dames/' But m different spirit prevailed in the following year ; the vote of 1791 was ignored, and female teachers were employed. The public health was duly cared for, and no person coming from a town infected with the small-pox was allowed to pass the smokehouse without being smoked ; none but the inhabitants were allowed to have the small-pox in town, and those wishing to have it (by inoculation) must go to a house provided for the purpose, and pay the expense thereof.

The first library in the West Parish (now Beading), was established in 1791, and was known as the Federal Library. Bev. Peter Sanborn was librarian till 1814. It had sixty memben, and about forty years.

Fires for wanning the churches were for a long time not allowed, and the ladies carried foot-stov^ for their comfort during the long services in the winter. In 179J? the West Parish voted tlmt a stove might be put in their meeting-house, '' if individuals will i)ay the expense.^'

Tlie Baptist Society in the First Parish was organized in 1797. It:^ firat meeting-house was built in 1800. The society providdl that the workmen erecting the frame should have gcod beef, well baked, potatoes, bread, cheese, cider, grog, and enough of each. Bev. Ebenezer Nelson began to preach here December, 1801, but was not installed till the organization of the church, January, 1804.

Bev. Caleb Prentiss, seventh pastor of the Firat Church, died February 7, 1803, aged fifty-seven, - " a good man and faithful minister of Chrisf

A private school, or academy, as it was called, was opened here in 1808, by the Misses Eaton, and for several yeara \ras well patronized. It was succeeded in 1827 or 1828 by another academy, under the instruction of John Batchelder. Numbers of young men from this and the neighboring towns were here fitted for college. Mr. Batchelder gave up the school in 1843, and it was soon after discontinued.

A post-ofiice was firat opened in the present town of Beading in 1811. Colonel Nathan ftrker^ was the first postmaster. He was succeeded in 1815 by John Weston, Esq., who held the office till his death in 1849. L. E. Gleason, the present incumbent, is now in the eighteenth year of his service.

In political niatten the three parishes oif Beading did not harmonize. The South Parish was largely Democratic; the North and West Parishes were nearly a unit as Federalists. The Soutb Parish was the largest of the three, but less than the two othera. Party spirit ruled in town as well as in national affaira, and it came about that the leading men of the South Parish were altogether excluded from public office unless they were of the few that belonged to the dominant Federal party. For thirty-three yeara this condition of things continued, and naturally stirred up bad blood, and finally resulted in a movement on the part of the South Parish for incorporation as a separate town. Initial efforts in 1811 to this end were so far suc-

^ Colonel Parker was remored in conscqaenoe of baring displeased the President by presiding at a meeting wbicb pa»ed resolutions disapproving tbe direct tax. Joba Weston, Esq., his successor, served the notice, saying. " It becomes my painftd duty to inform you, sir - " " No pais to me, sir,** intermptcd tbe Colonel. " glad to get rid of it."

' The declaration of war this year against Great Britain called the earlv attention of the town to national matters. A town-meeting was called, and the question, whether the town was in favor of the war, being put, the record wilh emphatic brevity aays, "No man voted in favor of said war/' Bat the town did not allow its political prejudices to OTerwhelm its patriotism, and it subsequently voted that the wages of such soldiers as were '' detached'' should be made up to §15 ])er month; and if the whole militia were called out their Wages should be made the same. The selectmen were also directed to provide baggage- wagons to be in readiness when wanted for the soldiers.

The War of 1812 in a rather singular manner ^ve to the town its first fire-engine. The war being unpalatable to many of the citizens, to avoid service in the army a fire-company was formed and an engine. bought; thirty-five men to each engine being exempt by law from service as soldiers. The e^^empted positions were sometimes sold at exorbitant prices.

The fire de])artment was created by an act of 1854, and B. M. Boycc served as chief engineer for seven years. The present chief is Charles H. Lang. The town owns four engines, and the annual expenses of the department are about §1,700.

The Beading Agricultural and Mechanical Banking Association wsis incorporated in 1831. Its officers were Edmund Parker, president; Warren Perkins, vice-president; Jonathan Frost, secretary; Cyrus Smith, treasurer; Thomas Smith, Abiel Holden, Caleb Wakefield, and Eliab Parker, Jr., directors.

' Tlie bank did business in the way of discounts i^nd de]X)sits, and was very successful till the war of 1861 brought reverses to its customers, and com])elled the closing up of its affairs.

.The Heading' Savings-Bank was established in 1^69. E. Hunt served as its first president; Thomas Sweetser, vice-president ; N. P. Pratt, clerk and treasurer, with a board of thirteen directors. It was closed in ^larch, 1879, when its affairs were put into the hands of receivers for final adjustment.

March 32, 1833, the ladies of this town formed the Beading Female Antislavery Society. Mrs. 6arah Beid was president, Mrs. Sarah Parker, vicepresident Tlie first vote of the society, after adopting its constitution, was for appropriating money to aid Hon. William Lloyd Garrison in his mission to Great Britain. Mr. Garrison says: '^ The historical honor belongs to Heading, of giving birth to the first female antislavery society ever formed in this country. It continued for several years to be an efficient instrumentality, and helped to give a strong im])etus to the whole movement.'^ To this town also belongs the honor of having formed the first male society auxiliary to the New England Antislavery Society. Bev, Jared Beid was president, Horace P. Wakefield secretary, Ambrose Kingman treasurer. ''This society was also active and efficient,*' says Mr. Garrison, and '' for some time Beading continued to be the banner town in the antislavery conflict.*'^

On the 29th of May, 1844, Beading and South Beading celebrated the bi-centennial anniversary of their incorporation. Deacon Caleb Wakefidd was president of the day. The address was deliv** ered by Bev. James Flint, D. D., of Salem, a native of Beading. Hon. Lilley Eaton follow^ with a historical poem. Toasts and responses weie given, interspersed with vocal and instrumental music. Four thousand people, at least, were in attendance, and nearly half the number partook of the collation. The priiicipal exercises were held near the spot where the Bethesda Church now stands. It was then an open field owned by Bev. Peter Sanborn, who offered its use gratuitously,- on condition they should put up the bars when the celebration was over.

In 1845 the Boston aiid Maine Bailroad was opened through this town. The first train passed over the road July 1. Mr. Calvin Temple was station agent twenty-one years. The railroad has greatly changed the business character of the town and people. Quite a large portion of the active citizens reside here, but do business in the city.

The originator of the express business, William F. Haniden, was a native of this town, and learned the trade of cabinet-making with his cousin, Sylvester Hamden. He commenced carrying small packages of money and other valuables between Boston and New York in 1839. His brother, Adolphus H., while in his employ, jXirished in the steamer Lexington, burned on Long Island Sound, January 13, 1840.

1 The antislavery ladies of Eoglaod tent an elegant cbioa teaset hy Mr. Garrison to the ladies' antislavery society of Reading, whirli is still ]ireserved. Each- piece bears a cut reprrsentiaK a kneeling ^ave, with manickd hands railed in the attitude sf prayer.

An association of which Messrs. Stephen Foster and C. P. Judd were prominent members, in 1843 did a commendable work in setting out many of the shade-trees that now adorn the principal i)ortion of the village. Nearly ^liOO were raised by sabscription.for purchasing the trees, and the work of setting them out was voluntarily performed. The work of improvemeut went forward, and in tlie next year the Old South Parish purchased thirteen acres of land north of the old burying-ground, and laid it out in lots for cemetery use. Consecration services were held November 23, in the churchy a ievere storm preventing their observance on the grounds. In' 1833 the cemetery was transferred to the town on'])ayment of $2,327.41. Since 1870 the cemetery has been managed by a board of trustees, who have done much towards making it one of the most attractive rural cemeteries in the ?icmity.

' For several years efforts were made to establish a high school, but the North and South Parishes oould not agree upon a location. The incorporation of North Beading as a town in 1833 removed this difficulty, and the high school in Beading was established in 1856.* A course of study was prescribed, and its first class graduated in 18Q3. The standard has been repeatedly raised, and classes have graduated every year since. The whole number of graduates to the present time lias been one hundred and ninety-one. The high-school house was built in 1867. The present efficient teacher, Cyrus A. Cole, lias been in charge of the school for tien years.

The town furnished four hundred and eleven men for the Civil War, a surplus of thirty-four beyond its quota. Thirteen were commissioned officers. Under the first call of the President, April 15, 1861, twenty-one men enlisted, and on the 19th started for Washington, and were in the first Bull Bun battle. June 4, the town appropriated' $5,000 for state aid, and voted to pay each man who enlisted for the war $23 as an outfit. July 17, 1862, it voted a bounty of SlOO to each volunteer who enlisted for three^ years, to the town's credit. August 26, was voted a bounty of $150 to each recruit for nine months' service. The total expenditure by the town, on account of the war^ excluding state aid, was 837,971.11. Total amount of state aid furnished by the town, 925,888.84. The hidies of Beading met two or three times a week during the war to prepare lint, bandages, and clothing for the soldiers; but as they kept no record of the work they contributed, it cannot be given. One of their number. Miss Emily Buggies, furnished a representative Kcruit for three years' service. In 1863 Abiel Holden, Esq., bequeathed 8500 for the erection of a soldiers' monument, on condition that the town would furnish the same amount. Tlic town, in March, 1863, added 81,000 to Mr. Holden's bequest, and a monument was dedicated, with appropriate ceremonies, October 5. Forty-six names of " the sons of Beading who died for their country" are inscribed uppn it. The Beading Veteran Association have since erected headstones over the graves of those deceased soldiers who had none.

The Franklin Library was formed in 1842, and continued in operation till 1869, when it transferred its four hundred and sixty-two volumes to the Beading PubHc Library. .

The Agricultural Library Association was oi^nized in 1860, with N. P. Pratt, Esq., as president. After existing nine years, it placed its books in the care of the town library, for the public benefit.

The Beading Public Library was established in 1868. Dr. Horace P. Wakefield donated. $500 towards it, and the town appropriated the ^ame amount. E. Appleton was the first, and is the present president of the board of trustees. The library is well patronized, and contains, at p];esent, four thousand one hundred and ten volumes.

The manufacture of shoes, which has been and still is one of the leading industries in that p^ of the town now known as Beading, was begun as early as 1758. The business steadily increased, and early in the present century the goods found their way to the Southern States and to the West Indies. The shoes to be sent to market were thrown into barrels, and packed as solidly as the weight of a boy could make them by " treading.'' The prices for making children's and misses' shoes in 1804 was from seventeen to twenty cents per pair, and twenty-five to . twenty- nine cents fqr larger sizes. The value of boots and shoes made in 1837 was 8184,583; in 1845, $166,734; in 1855, 8191,500; in 1865, §247,658; in 1875, 8 185,035. Hands employed in 1837, males 338, females 494; in 1845, males 358, females 385; in 1855, males 267, females 156 ; in 1865, males 244, females 124 ; in 1875, males 93, females 107.

The manufacture of cabinet furniture, beginning probably in 1810, by Ambrose Kingman, continued for many years to hold a prominent place. He sold out to his brother Henry, who greatly en-

Beading

The high price of hats during the War of 1812 prompted Nathan Weston to commence their manufacture. He made a waterproof stove-pipe hat, covered with cotton plush ; but this soon fading, lie began to use silk plush, and it is claimed that he thus became the inventor of the silk hat now in use. The business was removed in 1819 from Bending to Charlestown.

The manufacture of clocks was commenced in this town in 18^)2, by Jonathan Frost and Daniel P^att,'Esq; The brass movements were introduced abont 1835. The business was continued here till 1858 or 1859.

In 1857 Mr, Thomas Appleton commenced the oiakiug of church organs, and continued the business here for seventeen years. He was the builder of thirty-five organs for Boston churches, and three times as many to be used in nearly every principal city in the Union. His instruments were noted for purity and sweetness of tone, and for their perfect construction. One was used in the Baldwin Tbce Church for thirty years without repairs.

The manufacture of neckties began here by Damon,; Temple & Co. in 1866. The business rapidly increased, and in 1869 about one hundred and ttrenty-five hands were employed. The firm are still doing an extensive business.

The total value of the manufactures of the town, given' in the census returns of 1875, was $602,613. The total value of agricultural products was §89,102.

Tlie present town of Beading is bounded north by North Beading, east by Lynnfield and Wakefield, ^outh by Stoneham, west by Woburn and Wilmington. It is located on the Boston and Mahie Bailroad, twelve miles north of Boston. - It borders upon tlie Ipswich Biver, but has no im- -portant waters within its boundaries.

The town has a good record for the health and longevity of its inhabitants. On the first of January, 1858, there were living in the town ninety-five persons who were seventy years old i^ud upwards. Six were above ninety, twenty-eight between eighty and ninety, 8ixty'K)ne between seventy and eighty.

Bev. Samuel Bacheller, graduated at Harvard College in 1731, was settled as pastor in the Weat Parish, in Haverhill, in 1735. In 1769 and 1770 he was representative from that town. He died in March, 1 796, in Boyalston, Massachusetts. ChaaCj in the History of Haverhill, caUs him a man. of superior talents and attainments.

Samuel S. Pool, graduated at Harvard CoU^, class of 1770. He took sides with the tories.iii the War of the Bevolution, and like many others of that class when they ^* wanted more room,'' he removed to Nova Scotia, where he became a judge. He lived on the place formerly o^niied by Deacon Wakefield, in the easterly part of the town.

Bev. Jacob Bumap, D.D., son of Isaac, Harvard College, class of 1770, was ordained first pastor of the First Church in Merrimac, New Hampshire, October 14, 1772, *' in which honorable position,'* ^ys his historian, '' he remained till his death, December 6, 18:il, a period of more than forty-nine years.'*

Bev. Aaron Bancroft, D.D., son of Samuel, Esq.^ Harvard, class of 1778, settled in Worcester, in 1785, where he died in 1839, aged eighty-four. He was father of George Bancroft the historian, and published several works. He shouldered his musket as a volunteer at Lexington and Bunker Hill. Tlie Bible was his standard. He was cheerful, active, and benevolent. : ;. :

Bev. Edmund Foster, a graduate of Yale, 1778, was ordained third pastor of the church in Little* ton in 1781. He died in 1826. Early in -the War of the Bevolution he was very active in the cause of the people, and was one of the minutemen that enlisted under the command of Dr. (afterniirds Governor) John Brooks, who thea resided here.

Thomas Pratt, sou of Idaaic, graduated at Dartmouth in 1798. Spent some time as teacher, and finally became a mercliaut at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Bev. Nathan Parker, Harvard, 1803. Beceived tbe degree of D. D., and settled in Portsmouth, New Ha'hipshire, where he remained as pastor nearly thirty years. He is said to have been '^ successful almost witliottt a })arallel in the ministries of the growing denomination to which he belonged.'^ Those wlio remember him say he was a man of talent, genial, and very unassuming. He was bom and lived where Mr. James Davis now reaides, and was brother of Hon. Edmund Parker.

Jonathan D. Weston, son of Captain Jonathan, Harvard, 1802. Became a prominent lawyer, and removed to Eastport, Maine. Said to have been ''one of the smartest men ever raised in Beading.'^- He served also as collector of the port.

Daniel Temple, Dartmouth, class of 1817; Andover Theological Seminary in 1820 ; ordained in 1821; went as a missionary to Malta in 1822; removed to Smyrna in 1833; returned to the United States in 1844; died August 9, 1851, at the house of his brother. Deacon M. 2il. Temple, at the i^e of sixty-one, and was buried in this town. His filneral sermon was preached by Bev. Mr. Gk)odell, the missiouary with whom he had long been associated, both as a classmate and in missionary interests. Mr. Goodell said : '^ Among the various nations and tribes and sects of the East, his

He evidently endeavored to be as upright, ^sincere, cordial, gentle, kind, benevolent, economical, true, and good, as he expected everybody would be in the millennium." His life and letters, forming an interesting volume of nearly five hundred pages, were published in 1835.

John Batchelder, Harvard, 1823. He taught school in Nantucket for some time, and in 1827 opened an academy here in a building erected for ^hat purpose, and designed in part for a church by the Unitarian society that then existed in town.

The b&ilding stood on the prestot site of the residence of Dr. F. F. Brown. The school prospered for many years, and numbers of young men from this and the surrounding towns were fitted here *for college. Mr. Batchelder was su(iceeded in 1843 by a Mr. Wait, who soon gave Up the school here and opened one in Greenwood, where the inebriate asylum of Dr. Day was formeriy established. The academy was converted into* a dwelling-house, and is now the residence of H. 0. Bichardson, Esq. Mr. Batchelder served the town for thirty years with distinguished ability as one of their school committee, commencing in 1828 and continuing nearly every year till 1862. He was also once chosen representative to the General Court, and served some years as selectman. He died in 1871, aged eighty.

Bev. Benjamin Wyman Parkar, Amherst^ 1829 ; Andover, 1832. Went as a missionary to the Sandwich Islands the same year. He returned on a visit to his native town in 1876, after an absence of forty-four years. He died in Honolulu, March 23, 1877, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. He had been for many years officially connected' with the Theological Seminary at Honolulu, and was a faithful kborer in the mission-field.

Bev. George Nichols, son of James, graduated at Yale, and studied theblogy at New Haven, but never preached much. He was a successful teacher for a term of years at New Haven and Hadle^j and for a long term at Springfield, Massachusetto, where he died at the age of forty-six.

Bev. Cyrus Nichok, brother of Bev. George, graduated at Williams, and studied theology at Auburn. He has long been in the service of the Home Missionary Society, first in Missouri, now in Wisconsin.

Adams Nichols, M. D., practi^ at Bockport, Massachusetts, but removed to Quincy, Illinois, where he had an extensive field of labor, and was a popular physician. He was brother of the three last named. He died in 1871.

Bev. Stillman Pratt, son of Benjamin, graduate of Amherst, 1831, studied theology, and graduated at Andover. First settled at Orleans, where he remained four and a half years, and preached at* Eastliam six months. He then removed to South Adams, Massachusetts, and after doing missionary work several years, succeeded in estahlishirtg a ehntdi of which h^ became pastor. After nine yewcs of labor at Adams, he removed to Melrose, laboring among the people, holding meetings in the depot, and formed a church there over which be was settled about three years, and which, like that at Adams, still continues to flourish. He removed . to Carver, and was pastor tliere three years. He published The Mother's AstUtani two years, and The Middleborongh Gazette from that time to his death, September 1, 1862, at the age of fifty-three years. He was the author of four volumes published by the Massachusetts Sabbath School Society, a life of General Fremont, two editioDS of Sabbath School QneHions, and a biographical catalogue of the class of 1831, Amherst College, and a genealogy of the Pratt family. Under his ministrations seventy-one were added to the charch in Orleans, fifty at, South Adams, twentyfive at Melrose, fifteen at Carver. His son. Stillman B. Pratt, is the present editor and proprietor of The Randolph Massachusetts Register^ and of TAeAinerican fToriman, 37 Conihill, Boston; and was the candidate of the Labor-Eeform party for secretary of state in 18S9. i\jiother son, Bansom D., has been connected with the Massachusetts Bureau of Statistics. A third son, Thomas S., was former editor of The Abington Standard.

William L. Peabody, sou of Enoch, Dartmouth, 1856, studied law, practised for several years at Lynn, a^d is now establislied in his profession at Omaha, Nebraska, where he is also judge of probate.

.Benjamin M. Hartshorn, son of Benjamin, graduated at the Harvard Law School, and opened an office in this town. He was chosen for three years as one of the general school committee, and in 1867 was elected chairman of the board of selectmen. He died the same year, aged twenty-seven.

John M. Bancroft, son of Joseph, Dartmouth, class of 1859. Went west as civil engineer till the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted as a private in the second Michigan infantry, was in sixteen battles, served three years, and attained the rank of captain. He was then offered the colonelcy of a Foment of cavalry, which he declined oa account of health. He removed to Brooklyn, New York, and was engaged for a y«ir or two in laying4>ut the public park there. He is now employed by ten New York insumnce companies as surveyor, which gives him employment in different parts of the country, with his principal office in New York.

Horace P. Wakefield, son of Deacon Caleb, Amherst, 1832, practising physician at Oakham, Massa* chusetts, for several years, where he held the office of selectman and town-clerk, and was twice elected as representative to the legislature. Betuming to Beading, he was elected senator for this district in 1862, and served one year, and also as school committee and town-clerk for several years, and justice of the peace. He was then appointed as inspector of the i^lmshouse at Tewskbury, and afterwards physician there. Subsequently be wiu* transferred to the superintendency of the state, almshouse at Monson, wliich he retained till 1877. . X : *

Bev. William Wakefield, son of William, graduated at Amherst,. 1839, taught the South Beading - Academy one year; Codman School, Dorchester;.' about two years; graduated at Andover, 1846;-; went as home missionary to McCotinelsville, CKiio, remaining there six years ; preached at Madison, Ohio, three years. In April, 1855, he removed to Harmar, a village of Marietta, where he was pastor for many years. He is now settled at La Hatpe, lUinois.

Edward Hartshorn, M. D., formerly of this town, studied medicine, settled at Berlin,; has in office in Boston, and is proprietor of the wellknown bitters, " Key to Health.'*

John Beid, son of Bev. Jared, formerly pastor of the Old South Church in this town, graduated at Yale, 1846, resides at Stockbridge, Massachusetts where he is engaged in teaching.

Bev. Pliny F. Sanborn, son of Bev. Peter Sanbom, Amherst, class of 1S40. Settled for solne years at West Bloomfield, New York, afterwards at Springfield, same state.

Bev. Geoi^e E. Sanborn, brother of Pliny P., Amherst, 1843. Preoched at Georgia, Vermont, Mt. Vernon, New Hampshire, Northborough, Massachusetts, and is now superintendent of the orphan aslyujn at Hartford, Connecticut.

* Daniel Temple, son of Charles, not a graduate, is a dentist. He has resided in the Southiem States many years. He first went there as an agent- for Dr. Morton, and engaged in introducing ether as an anaesthetic in suigical operations.

Stillman E. Parker, Esq., entered Amherst College, 1841. After studying about two years he was obliged to leave on account of ill health. He is now engaged in the manufacture and sale of -hoes. He has served on the school committee in this town longer, with one exception, than -any biheif person. He was a member of the state legislature in 1859, and holds a commission as justice of the peace.

' Alfred A. Prescott was a member of the class of I84S, Harvard College; began the practice of law im 1845 ; was Begister of Probate about six years, - from 1852 to 1858. He now resides in Califoihia.

Bev: Thomas M. Symonds, son of Eben D., graduate of Waterville College, Maine, 1847, New- &n Theological Seminary, 1850. Was never settle as a pastor. Labored under the direction of the Hom^ Missionary Society, with a good degree of success, at Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he died July 5, 1852, at the age of thirty-one.

William Wallace Davis, nearly two years a student at Dartmouth, left the college and enlisted as a soldier in August, 1862. He received a bullet- ' wound in his- right wrist at the battle of Gettysburg, on account of which he was discharged from the service. Enlisting again in December, 1863, in the 59th regiment, he was promoted to be first ' lieutenant the next y^r. He lost his left arm in ' the battle of Petersburg, July 30, 1864, and again received an honorable discharge November 29, 1864.

Solon Bancroft, son of Emery, graduated at Dartmouth, 1864, studied law, and is now in practice. Has an office here and also in Boston. He was for sometime employed in teaching in one of the city schools. He is Assistant Judge of Middlesex District Court.

The Third Church, formerly called the West Parish Church, and now the Old South Church of Beading, organized in 1770, has had, as pastors: Eev. Thomas Haven, ordained November 7, 1770, died May 7, 1782; Bev. Peter Sanborn, ordained June 9, 1790, dismissed June 7, 1820; Bev. Samuel Green, ordained September 20, 1820, dismisj^ March 26, 1823; Bev. Jiued Beid, ordained October 8, 1823, dismissed June 12, 1833; Bev. Aaron Pickett, installed September 25, 1833, dismissed April 3, 1850; Bev. Lyman Whiting, installed January 1, 1851, dismissed November I, 1855; Bev. William Barrows, installed February 20, 1856, dismissed May 6, 1869; Bev. William A. Tliompson, installed February 14, 1872, died September 17, 1875.

The Third Congregational Society in Beading was formed April 2, 1827. It held its meetings in the upper portion of the building known as the Academy, erected in that year, while the lower floor was used as a school-room. Several preachers served for short terms, - Bev. Mr. Barbery till his death in 1830, and Bev. Mr. Damon from 1833 to 1835. In 1838 it was absorbed in the Second Universalist Society, which culminated, in 1856, in a new organization, with the name changed ' to First Universalist Society. Bev. N. E. Wright became pastor for two years, and was succeeded by Bev. L. M. Burrington for two and a lialf years. Bev. E. A. Eaton officiated a portion of the time till 1865, and was followed by Eev. W. W. Hay- ward 'till 1867. Bev. E. B. Fairchild, in 1868, commenced holding an afternoon service in Lyceum HalL * A house of worship was built in 1871, where the society has since continued to hold its meetings. ' In 1869 a new society was formed, under the name of The Christian Union. It adopted the following as its platform and cieed : '^ A belief in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Humanity, as taught by Jesus Clirist, and iicknowledging Him as Our Teacher and Guide.''

The present pastor, Eev. C. W. Heizer, was settled in February, 1878. In June of the same year tlie society placed itself in fellowship with the Unitarian denomination.

Betheada Church and Society. - The Bethesda Society was formed in 1849. The first meeting ^s called April 23. Captain Timothy Wakefield was moderator; Oliver Peabody, clerk; Timothy Wakefield, Aaron Parker, John H. Bancroft, assessors; Milo Parker, collector and treasurer. Stillman E. Parker was chosen clerk in 1855, and has held the office to tlie present time. The church edifice was dedicated January 1, 1850.

Bev. AVilliam H. Willcox, the third pastor, was installed July 2, 1857. His pastorate was of airasual length and prosperity. His resignation being accept^, the connection witli the church and society was dissolved March 5, 1879. On the same day Bev. William B. Ely was installed as his successor.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized June 9, 1867, with nineteen members. The meeting-house* was built in 1870. Bev. Stephen Gushing preliched one year. Bev. H. D. Weston succeeded in 1869, and preached two years; Bev.

The First Presbyterian Church was organized February 27, 1873, with twenty members. Its house of worship was dedicated February, 1874. Bev. A. S. Gardiner was installed as pastor. May, 1873, and remained till September, 1875. Bev. P. M. Macdonald has since supplied the pulpit.

In 1871 J. Hilary Skinner, Esq., correspondent of tlie London Times, attended a political banquet in this town, of which, he gave a pleasant description in his paper. A few extracts from his narra^ tion may properly be given in closing the historical sketch of the town.

" You must picture a brightly lighted hall, with a gallery at one end where a band of music and six rows of tables stretch down the centre. You must fill the hall with quiet, earnest-looking people of both sexes, and imagine the usual table* at the tqp, furthest from the music, where sat the .principal guests of the evening. ..... You may fancy that

" Yet stay a moment, I entreaty for tliis matter of pretty young waitresses aforesaid is worthy parattention. The well-behaved, neatly dressed girls who liand round the coffee and tea so demur^y, and who are, in one sense, the chief ornament of the room, belong to the same class of society as^thoae dull-eyed and weary British waiterdom, - vanish the nimble garfon and the obliging telluer. We are waited on by nymphs who bring us the tta^ grant coffee or tlie sleep-killing tea, and my only trouble is about asking for more. Shall I ventun to beckon to me that pretty creature who has just embraced the old dame on my right ? Sliall I oall out ''^Vaiter! *' in a firm undertone, and hohl up my cup at this smiling young person whose little head overflows with curls ? The question is momentous to a timid Briton, but its answer is siml)le. Hold up the cup, ask for more, do anything that reason and friendship will permit, and tlie 4ittendant nymphs will be found as much alive to the work of tlie hour as their countrymen are apt to be alive to any work which they take in hand. . - - -

I cannot attempt to tell all that was said, or to give the names of all who six>ke, but such a slight sketch of tlie leading speeches as has gone before may serre ta sbow jou to what sort of discussion the company listened. Here were men and women* side by side, equtiUy attentive to the recital of party hopes and fears, equally wanning up - with only the mild stimulants before described - to laugh and to stamp on the floor at good party hits. It is but fair to say tliat they listened also with ooarteotts attention to some remarks from an Englishman who was present, on matters further afield, and that an able criticism in the next speech on English prospects was very well received. The people liad thoughts for much-more than party politics, but it lis as politicians that their gathering together thus quietly, with wife and children, is the most remarkable. Wlmt ten be a better sign for free institutions than the levelling upwards which brings laborers and mechanics, small traders and wealthy merchants, to the same assemblage of intelligent, self-respecting citizens? Whilst so much of tbe country is tme* and sound, thete will be strength in the Americans to stifle Tammany and to regenerate a dozen Utahs.