Rutland Town (part 3 of 3)

By enterprise, good fortune, and the assistance of friends, John McMorrah, from an indigent youth, became the most wealthy man that ever lived in Rutland. He owned lands from East of the» meeting-house to the bounds of Dublin and New Boston. John Morray after his arrival did not forget Elizabeth McClanathan, whom he sailed to America with, but made her his wife, by whom he had the following children: Alexander, Isabel, Elizabeth, Robert, John, Daniel, Samuel, Martha, second John, second Robert. Mrs. Morray died. Col. Murray, on Sept. 1, 1761, married Miss Lucretia Chandler of Boston, by whom he had one child, named Lucretia. Mrs. Murray died. John Murray, Esq., on Dec. 31, 17G9, married Miss Deborah Brindley of Boston, by whom he had one daughterj named Deborah. The wives Col. Murray buried in Rutland, he placed horizontally over their graves large handsome stones underpinned with brick, wliereou were engraved appropriate inscriptions. In the sickness of 17o{), he buried his first Robert and John. Mr. Murray bought and built on House Lot No. 3 ; being enterprising and prosperous, he became opulent and popular - being a large landholder, had some tenants and many debtors. Oa Representative day all his friends that coukl ride, walk, creep or hobble were at the Polls. It was not his fault if they returned dry. He represented the town twenty years in succession, and held most of the oliiies in the power of the people or government to bestow. After he had ascended the pinnacle of honor, he i33t his balance, and fell out of the- United States. Being appointed a Mandamus Counsellor so exasperated the populace, they arose ; - he having intelligence of their intended visit the night previous, by a back road left Rutland for the last time. The lands that were so rapidly acquired, were in less time confiscated and sold.

Col. Murray was a large fleshy man, when dressed in his regimentals, with his gold bound hat, &c., he made a superb appearance. Col Murray lived in style, - had black servants and white attendants. His high company from Boston, Worcester, &c., - -his office and parade, added to the popularity and splendor of the town. He promoted schools, and for several years gave twenty dollars yearly towards supporting a Latin Grammar School ; he also gave a Time Piece which was placed in front of the gallery, with these words on the case, " A Gift of John Murray, Esq." After Col. Murray became wealthy, and was promoted, he was arbitrary and haughty. Under a monarchy, there was a greater distinction and distance between those in office and power, than there is under a Republican Government. 13^

Alexander, the oldest son of Col. Murray, did not leave his town and. country with his family, but entered into the service, and was wounded in the defence of his country's rights, for which he drew a pension, and when his father's lands were sold by Government, one farm was reserved for him. Mr. Murray and his wife had three sons and two daughters. John was married to Lavina Morse, July, 1790; Samuel to Sally Brown, April, 1798; Betsey to Isaac Wheeler, Jan. 29, 1804; Reuben lived with his father; the other daughter went to the State of Maine, - was married there.

Mr. Daniel Bliss was son of Rev. Daniel Bliss, minister of Concord. Esq. Bliss came to Rutland and opened a lawyer's office in a house built by Col. Murray, (now owned by Dea. Mead,) and in 176G, married Isabel, daughter of Col. Murray, by whom he had three children v.'hile living at Rutland, one of which, John Murray Bliss, was born Feb. 22, 1771, who in 1834, died at St. Johns, N. B., Senior Judge of his Majesty's Supreme Court. Elizabeth Murray, on Oct. 27, 1768, was married to Mr. Joshua Upham of Brooktield. Daniel and Samuel had a collegiate education.

Mr. John Smith of Worcester, on Dec. 12, 1754, married Elizabeth Dickee of Rutland ; bought land in Dublin corner laid out to Duncan McFarland, where he .and his wife had several children ; Mary, married Jedu- Xhan Tower, in 1786; David, Rebekah Smith, in 1783. Mr. Smith many } ears past left this town.

Mr. John Boice bought land in Dublin, originally laid -i)ut to \\ illiam Fenton, on which he lived many years. Mr. Boice, on April 7, 1763, married Martha Dickee, by whom he had two sons and three daughters, who were married as follows : Patty to Reuben Smith of Paxton, JS'ov. 26, 1789; Thomas to Patty Read, Feb. 18, 1790;

Jane, to Elijah Stearns, June 25, 171)5; Isabel to Darius Bent, March 9, 171)7; John to Polly Bond. Mr. Boice's descendants are settled in the U. S. and in Canada. Cornet Dani;-:!. Estabrook, and his wife Hannah, were from Sudl)ury. JNIr. Estabrook in the early settlement of Rutland bought land laid out on Worcester meadow hill in 1723, for Samuel Goodenow to his right of House Lot No. 40. When he began to fell the trees, it was dan<xerons o'oinix from his boardinfr house to his work without his gun, not only on account of danger from Indians, but of bears and wolves. Mr. Estabrook and his wife were respectable and industrious people, - and for many years they and tlieir offspring have possessed the soil; a grandson aged 67 is its present owner, Mr. and Mrs. Estabrook were parents of the following children : Daniel, born in 1737; Thaddeus, 1740; Hannah, 1741; second Daniel, 1743; Abigail, 1745 ; second Thaddeus 1748; Benjamin, 1750; John, 1752; Anne, 1754; Elizabeth, 1758.

Daniel Estabrook, jun'r, in April, 1766, married Persis, daughter of Mr. Plezekiah Newton of Paxton, by whom he had Daniel, born in 1767; Jedediah, 1768; Jonah, 1770; Samuel, 1772; Silas, 1774; Persis, 1776; Sophia.

Thaddeus Estabrook married Sarah, daughter of Capt. Ross Wyman of Shrewsbury, by whom he had two daughters, named Susanna and Sally. Mrs. Estabrook died. Mr. Estabrook married for his second wife, Deliverance, daughter of Mr. Ebenezer and Mrs. Deliverance Hunt, dauohter of Mr. Jaazaniah and Mrs. Deliverance Newton, of that part of Rutland that is now Paxton. There has six generations of this family lived in Rutland. The descendants of Daniel Estabrook, sen'r, are very numerous, several of whom are now inhabitants of Rutland.

sons and one daughter: Lucy, born in 1739; Jedediali, 1740; Samuel, 1742. Jedediali had a collegiate education. Mr. P^stabrook owned land near his brother, which he sold, - removed to Princeton, and lived on one of Judge Gill's farms.

Capt. David Bknt bought and lived on land laid out to Peter Moore, Easterly of Turkey Hill Pond, to the right of House Lot No. 7. Mr. Bent was an active and useful citizen, - sustained many offices, as Captain of the Alarm men and militia, in the time of the Revolution, in which office he frequently took an active part.

Capt. Bent, and his wife Lucy, had the following children, Micah, born in 1751; John, 1754; David, 1756; Lucy, 1758; Peter, 1760; Phebe, 1763; Rufus, 1766; Darius, 1769; Thaddeus, 1771; Phinehas, 1776. Peter Bent, junior, was a soldier of the Revolution. Capt. Bent, on Oct. 2, 1783, married Martha Browning for his second wife, by whom he had one son who was named Samuel Browning. Capt. Bent's descendants are many, - settled in various parts of the United States and in the British Dominions.

Mil. Patrick Gregory, and his wife IMary, lived at the North end of Long Pond on House Lot No. 39, originally granted to Thos. Wheeler. Mr. Gregory some eighty years ao-o, being in Boston on business, a female appearing to be travelling the same way he was, asked him if he would be so good as to carry her bundle a little way ; as a kind hearted man he consented, - he had not gone far before his female company was missing ; he opened his budget to see what he had in trust, when, behold ! a mulatto child with tears in its eyes looked him in the face ; he had pity on it, brought it home with him, and as he had no children, it was brought up tenderly, and received the name of Isaac Gregory. Isaac, when he became a man, was frequently

JSIk. Samuel Hills, and his wife Abigail, were of the first settlers of Rutland ; they lived west of Long Meadow Brook, near the ford way ; although they did not possess the best land, they were blest with children, to whom they irave the followinjj names : Samuel and Abigail, twins, born June, 1726; Nathaniel, April, 1728 ; Sarah, 1729; Mary, 1731; Euth, 1733; Elizabeth, 1736. The farm is now pasture and woodland.

Mk. Samuel Brittan, with his wife, their sons, William and Samuel, with their wives and children, lived on and ov/ned the farm, mills, &c., adjoining the road to Barre,' at the falls of Long Meadow Brook, before, and at the time of the Revolution ; they were respectable people and good citizens. Mrs. Brittan, though a large woman, when called upon in sickness, whether by day or night, would mount her horse and ride full speed to their assistance ; there are a few of their descendants of the fifth generation now living in Rutland.

Lieut. Joseph Wood from Charlestown, was of the same family of Joseph Wood, (no doubt) who was killed by the Indians, August 3d, 1724. Mr. Wood married a daughter of Col. Pond of Dedham, and settled on Birch Hill, on land originally laid out to Joseph Wood's heirs in 1729, to right of House Lot No. 21. Mr. and Mrs. Wood had a son named Joseph. Mrs. Wood died. Mr. Wood married for his second wife, Sarah Robbins, who lived but a short time. On June 8, 17*77, he married for his third wife. Widow Dorothy Stone, by whom he had Polly, born March, 1778 ; Joshua Bracket, 1779 ; Samuel King, 1781 ; Dolly, 1784. Mrs. Wood died. Lieut. Wood mariied in 1790, for his fourth wife. Widow Abigail Cut- ting of Worcester. Lieut. Wood was in the eight months service at Cambridge in 1775. Mr. Thomas Wood, having his house burnt at Charlestown, removed to Rutland, and for several years lived on his farm at Birch Hill.

Lieut. Joseph Blake with his family, from Ilardwick, removed to Rutland, where for a few years he traded in European and West India Goods ; whilst at Rutland he built the house now owned by Capt. Jonas Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Blake had born at Rutland, Charles in 1771 ; Francis, 1773; Joshua, 1776. Mr. Blake removed from Rutland to Hingham.

William Caldwell, Esq., in 1778, married IMiss Charlotte Blake of Hingham, by whom he had the following children: William Blake, born Oct. 1779; Harriet Debby, July, 1782; Joseph Blake, 1784; Charlotte Blake, 1786 ; Guy, 1788. Esq. Caldwell owned the house built by Mr. Blake, where he lived while at Rutland ; was an active and useful citizen, and a respectable Attorney. When he was appointed Sheriff, he with his family removed to Worcester.

Francis Blake, Esq., at the removal of Esq. Caldw^ell, settled and practiced law at the same stand, until his removal to Worcester. Mr. Blake was in 1794, married to Miss Eliza Augusta Chandler of Lancaster, by whom he had the following children at Rutland : Francis, Julianna, and Joseph Gardner. His public character is known.

Mr. Absalom Cutting, and his wife Keziah, lived on House Lot No. 15 ; they were parents of Gershom, Abigail, Jonah, Darius and Esther. Mr. Cutting was a shoemaker by occupation. He died April 11, 1767. Mrs. Cutting survived her husband several years ; being an active and industrious woman, she for several years in the Revolution took care of the meetinii^-house. Abiijail married Edmund Rice, Sept. 30, 1784 ; Esther, Capt. James

Capt. John Cunningham was, on June 4th, 1773, married to Priscilhx Taber of Tiverton, Rhode Lshmd. He bought, and for several years lived on land originally laid out to Capt. Thomas Smith. Capt. Cunningham was an active man, and un officer af the Revolution. Several years past he removed to Ilubbardston.

Mr. James Cunningham in 1768, married Mary Tuffts of Brookfield ; bought a farm owned by William Black, bounded on Barre and Oakham, originally laid out to Jonas Clark, Esq., and Alexander Crawford. Mr. Cunningham having no children, his widow gave the farm to William Smith, to support her through life, &c. It is now owned by Capt. Henry Brigham.

LiKUT. Jamp:s Blair bought and settled on land Westerly of Turkey Hill Pond, originally laid out to John Clark, Rev. Mr. Frink and others. Mr. Blair was an active and useful citizen, before and in the Revolution. James Blair, jun'r, in 1778, married Martha, daughter of Esq. Young of Worcester. John Blair, in 1780, married Eunice, daughter of Capt. Nathan Harrington of Holden.

Mr. Ebenezer Metcalp was an early and respectable settler ; he bought land and lived West of Ball's Spring ; he and his wife Margaret had the following children : Ebenezer, born in 1734 ; Seth, 1736 ; Esther, 1737 ; Samuel, 1739 ; Mary, 1741-2.

Mr. Joseph Hall was a carpenter by trade, he bought and settled on land East of Grass Hill ; his wife was Hannah, daughter of Dea. Ephraim Davis, by whom he had the following children : Elizabeth, born Sept., 1759 ; Ephraim, Sept., 1761 ; Hannah, August, 1767 ; Aaron, July, 1770 ; Joseph, 1773 ; Silas, Nov., 1774 ; Susanna, 1777. Mr. Hall removed from Rutland several years past.

Mr. Ei'HRAiM Allen owned the mill built by the Henderys on Buck Brook, since owned by Joseph Tower and others. lie in 1757, married Widow Iluldah Chesnutt of Shrewsbury, by whom he had Elijah, born in 1758 ; Hannah, 1760 ; Abner, 17G7 ; Cynthia, 1770 ; Huldah, 1772 ; Samuel, 1777.

At the time, it was the practice for the Deacons to read the Psalms and Hymns, line by line, and the singers to sit scattered over the meetin.i^-house. Mr. Allen, having the gift of a strong and musical voice, was appointed Choiister, and seated in the front gallery, where he led in the Sacred Psalmody of the Sanctuary.

Although Rutland cannot boast of her men of ffreat wealth, magnificent buildings or large factories, yet, many of her citizens are in easy circumstances, and but few that lack the comforts of life. Before and since the Revolution, some families, and many of her sons and daughters have been enterprizing, learned or wealthy, - have left their native place, settled in various parts of the United States, - in the British Dominions, - traversed the Ocean, - filled seats in the Pulpit, - at the Bar and in the Senate.

Caleb Sprague Henry, (before omitted.) son of Silas and Phebe Henry, born August 2, 1804, received a collegiate education at Dartmouth, and settled in the ministry.

Mary Rice, daughter of Benjamin and Betsey Rice, born Oct. 31, 1802, is now many hundred miles distant from her native place, in aiding and assisting the Missionaries among the Indians.

G!i>fKiiAL RuFUS Putnam was boru in Sutton, by occupation a mill-wriolit, settled in Brooklield ; in the year 1782, having purchased one of Col. iMnrray's confiscated fiu-ms, removed his family to Rutland, and while in the army gave general directions as to the management of it.

General Putnam was a valuable officer in the American Revolution ^ of a solid and penetrating genius; one wiiose judgment and plans, his fellow officers valued and reMed on.

At the close of the war. General Putnam returned to his beloved, well regulated and religious family. The lit-- tie time he was at Rutland, he was active and useful, - of>- ficiated as constable, collector, selectman and representative to the Genci-al Court ; w^ith others as a committee in 1786, was chosen to ascertain and report a proper number and arrangement of school plots in Rutland, which service they performed, and made very particular and accurate bounds and descriptions of the number recommended.

Gen. Putnam, in 1784, gave £100 to Leicester Academy, - ' was chosen one of its first Trustees. 1787, he was appointed by Congress one of the Surveyors to lay out the Western Territory ; was one of the Committee on the sale of Eastern Lands, a Justice of the Peace, and of the Quorum ; was one of the first and principal settlers and characters that commenced the settlement of Ohio.

At this timo the roads from New England to Ohio were circuitous, and for a part of the way new, and uncomfortable to travel over ; - no stage or steamboat to facilitate the passage, or railroad to fly on, but ox-wagons fitted to convey the families, and some of the most valuable furniture and provisions. U

The emigrants bid farewell to their natire town, pleasant homes, kind friends, &c., some on foot, some in wagons, - and some of the most feeble and delicate, for a change on horseback. The journey was not for a few days, but for several weeks or months ; and they could not, after a long and fatiguing journey, anticipate at its end to meet at a civilized settlement, kind friends to greet and welcome them, but an uncultivated and vast wilderness, inhabited by ravenous beasts and cruel Indians.

General Putnam^s family were himself, bis wife Persis, their children, Elizabeth, Persis, Abigail, Susanna, William Rufus, Edwin, Katy, Patty, and his domestics.

Col. Silas Bent, with his wife Mary, and son, Silas, came from Rutland District about the year 176', - bought land originally granted to Hon, Thomas Fitch, Esq., (now owned by Mr. Joel Holdeo, and Joel Holden, jun'r.) After their removal to Rutland, they had born, Molly, Susanna, Abigail, Persis, Nahum, second Nahum, Abner, Dorcas, Daniel and Charlotte. Abigail and Nahum died in infancy. Molly was, on Feb. 12, 1789, married to George Smith.

Col. Bent, with his wife and their children, set out with an ox-wagon for Ohio. They had the painful trial of burying one of their children by the way ; the others arrived safe and took a part in peopling Ohio. Col. Bent and his family were respectable. He took a part in achieving our Independence.

Majok NArHAN GoODALL was, on Nov. 28, 1765, married to Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. John Phelps, by whom he had before they left Rutland, Sarah, born in 1706; Samuel, 1768: Timothy Wares, 1770. Samuel died young.

Major Goodall was an officer of the Revolution. He and his family, with others emigrated to Ohio, where it was supposed he was killed by the Indians, when out in the woods.

History Of Rutland

Cjlpt, Bknjamin Miles, son of Capt. Benjamin Miks and Marj'^, his wife, was born Marcli 11, 1754, - was oa Nov. 12, 1780, married to Miss Hannah, daughter of Rev. Joseph and Mrs, Lucy Buckminster, who was born April 13, 17o(3, by whom he had born at Rutland, Joseph Buckm.inster and Benjamin Hubbard, (twins,) June 21, 1781 ; Janaes Lanmun, 1783 ; Lucy Williams, 1785 ; William Moore, 178G; Mary Prescott, 1789. Capt. Miles and his wife were members of the church, and dedicated their children in baptism.

Capt. Miles and his wife, with their young children, in the ye-jii' 1790, bid farewell to parents and friends, and in an ox wagon made their journey to Ohio ; arrived safe, and after suffering many dangers and deprivations, became wealthy, respectable and happy.

Ensign Christopher Bdrmngame set up the hatting business in Rutland. His address was such, he won the heart and hand of Susanna, daughter of General Putnam, whom he on Dec. 13, 1787, married, and by whom before they left Rutland he had two children, baptized by the names of Persis Maria and Susanna, who in company with General Putnam, in like manner and success, arrived and settled in Ohio.

Mr. William Brow^ning, son of Lieut. William Browning, emigrated to Ohio, and married Abigail, daughter of Gen. Putnam, - settled and became a citizen of Ohio.

Jonas, son of Mr. Daniel Davis, born March 6, 1762, went in company and as an assistant in their journey, was thought to have been killed by the Lidians.

Mr. Israel Stone, son of John Stone, Esq., and Elizabeth his wife, was born on that part of Muschopauge farm now owned by Luke Baker, April 15, 1749, and on

July 12, 17G8, was married to Lydia Barret, daugliter of Stephen and Elizabeth Barret, who was born on Walnut Hill, (now a part of Paxton,) May 24, 1751, by whom he had the following children, who were dedicated in bapUsm, and called by the following names : Sardene, Elizabeth, Matilda, Jasper, Lydia, Israel, Augustus, Franklin, Christopher Columbus and Polly Bnckley.

Although Mr. Stone and his family were industrious and of good abilities, yet, by a combination of causes, he become straitened in circumstances. But he and his wife and children had the enterprise, resolution and fortitude, without property, and nothing to rely upon but a kind providence, good friends, and their own energy, to emigrate to Ohio, where they arrived safe. It might with propriety be said, if they had not wealth, they were a valuable acquisition to the new State. Israel, the son, was drowned in the Ohio river. Mrs. Stone died a few years after their arrival. Mr. Stone married for his second wife a woman from England. They are also dead. Their descendants are many, some of whom are wealthy, learned and respectable.

The following belonging to, or that went from Rutland, are^some of the soldiers that are now enjoying a Pension from Government for services performed in the Revolutionary War. Jonas Stone, aged 84 ; Hezekiah Newton, 82 ; Israel Skinner, 82; John Powers, 81 ; Abraham Hagar, 81 ; Joel Hubbard, 78 ; Tilly Flint, 77 ; Benjamin Mead, 77 ; Nathan Reed, 75 ; Isaac Briaut, 75 ; Adonijah Bartlett, 75 ; Abiah Rice, 75; Noah Harrington, 72; Lieut. Samuel Frink, 72.

Introduction

The number of copies of " Reed's History of Rutland," having become "small by degrees and beautifully less," your humble servant has procured a reprint of the same, and has added such facts and incidents relating to our history as have occurred since 1836. A gifted writer has said, "Town histories are both interesting and instructive to the readers of today, and in the future their value will be in the ratio of their age ; they are the little rills that feed the great river of National History," - a truism, when applied to works like Reed's. Our object is more to supply the long felt want for his history, than to append anything of value to it. Many things have necessarily been omitted in the Supplement that should have been noticed, while some have been inserted that ought perhaps to have been omitted.

When we say that we in no sense claim to be a historian, we trust that the critic's occupation, like Othelo's, will be gone. Much space has been given to the records of our soldiers. We feel that justice demands that the names of those who sought to establish our independence, and those who sought to maintain it, should stand enrolled upon the brightest page of our history.

We have followed as far as convenient the phin adopted by Reed, and to which frequent reference is made. While we do not aim, or expect, to add lustre to his work, we intend that it shall not be tarnished by any effort of ours.

In the language of our "illustrious predecessor," we would say, " if these pages should be of any assistance to the future historian, and their perusal be as pleasing to the reader as the collection of the facts has been perplexing to the author, his labor has not been useless."

Supplement

In 1743, the Grand Committee laid out and gave to the town ten acres of hind north of where the first, and also the second church stood, (the former built in 1720, the latter in 1759,) a portion of this (about four acres,) was enclosed for a public burying ground. Several headstones, dating as far back as the time of its first location, can be seen, still in a good state of preservation. (The Worcester Society of Antiquity will in due time publish a full record of the same.) This ground was used for the purpose of burials until 1842, when a new spot was selected, situated about half a mile east of the Center, opposite the residence of O. C. Fairbank, (formerly owned by W. Flagg.)

June 30, 1842, C. G. Howe and sixteen others formed themselves into a corporation, under the authority granted by the General Statute, chap. 67, with the title of the " Rural Cemetery Association of Rutland." The first purchase of land contained three acres and eighty-six rods ; a subsequent purchase was made of two acres and forty rods, in all about five and three-fourths acres. Roads were built, lots located, and the ground publicly consecrated, Oct. 8, 1842. Consecrating address by Rev. Josiah Clark, aided in the other exercises by Rev. Mr. Ainsworth and Rev. Mr. Phipps of Paxton.

About three hundred lots have been sold and fitted up, and the many appropriate monuments, tablets, and headstones evince that the living honor the memory of the departed.

That part of the town known as New Boston has a burial place, though somewhat ancient, which is still kept in good order, and used for the purpose designed.

Religious Societies

It can hardly be said that there ever was more than one permanent religious organization in the town. The first settlers were men of strong religious sentiments, and early took measures to have an established ministry. As early as 1721, which was prior to the act of incorporation, they selected Rev. Joseph Willard to be their spiritual teacher. Mr. Willard being killed b}' the Indians a few days previous to the time assigned for his installation, (1723), the town remained without a settled pastor till the ordination of Thomas Frink, Nov. 1, 1727. During Mr. Frink's ministry, there was a strong Presbyterian element in the town, and those who held to the tenets of that denomination withdrew, which act caused Mr. Frink to tender his resignation, which was accepted by the town, Sept. 8, 1740. From the settlement of his successor, Mr. Buckminster, in 1742, up to the present time, the church has been under the control of the Orthodox Congregationalists. The church edifice which was burned in 1830 was owned, as were all previous ones, by the town ; since that time they have been built and owned by the First Congregational Society.

Soon after the burning of the old church, there was an effort made to organize a Universalist Society, but it failed, though they had preaching at intervals for a year or two.

About 1840, the Metliodists began to hold meetings. They soon formed a church and society, and held stated preaching at the Town Hall till 1844, at which time they built a house of worship. The society for several years was in a flourishing condition. In time many of its ablest members were removed by death or had left town, and those remaining feeling unable, or unwilling to support preaching, allowed the chuich and society to die out. The house some years since passed into private hands.

A few years ago the Catholics held meetings occasionally in the west part of the town. Churches having been organized in neighboring towns by which they were accommodated, they have held but few meetings of late.

The Adventists have an established church and society at North Rutland, where they have regular preaching in the chapel built by said society about four years since.

but few Sabbaths since the organization of the church, but what there have been stated services, mostly by able clergymen employed by the year. The present church edifice was built in 1849, and dedicated Feb. 27, 1850.

The Muster Roll

The above is taken from the original Roll now in the office of the Secretary of State. Reed gives the number as fifty. He also gives the name of William Bridge as the third in command.

Members Of Capt. Ralph Earle'S Co History Of Rutland, 179

It is a fact worthy of notice that the average age of the thirty-six who returned from the war, and whose age is given "at the time of their death, is a trifle over eighty-seven years and five months.

Soldiers Of The Revolution From

The compiler has devoted more time in obtaining a record of the old soldiers than in all other records combined. They have been obtained from almost as many sources as there were soldiers, and yet we believe the record to be correct. At the close of the war, or soon after, very many of them left town and all trace of them has been lost.

It is a singular fact and one to be regretted, that no record can be found of some who ever after the war lived and died in town. Nearly all of the last survivors, and whose ages are given, received pensions from the government. It is to be hoped that further records may yet be obtained.

In this war, the town furnished but very few men - the number or names not recorded. Only one of the old soldiers survives, Mr. Reuben Glazier, over 80 years of age, and a recipient of a government pension.

Murder

The first murder committed in the county, (unless we include the killing by the Indians.) was within the limits of Rutland. The victim was one Daniel Campbell born in Scotland in 1606, and came to this country in 1716. The crime was committed in March, 1744, upon his farm, by one Edw^ard Fitzpatrick, an Irishman in the employ of Campbell.

Authorities differ as to the exact locality. Some say the house in which he (C.) lived stood upon the farm now owned by II. D. Rice, others that it was some more than a mile south of that point, and in that part of Rutland since set off to Paxton. The evidence appears to be in favor of the latter.

The murderer was arrested, tried, and convicted, at the September term of His JNIajesty's Superior Court held at Worcester on the eighteenth day of said month ; Paul Dudley on the bench, William Brattle, Attorney General, Thomas Wheeler, foreman of the jury. The warrant for his execution, to take place Oct. 18th, was issued Sept. 2'2d, only thirty days from the sitting of the Court to the day of his execution.

The Courts in those days knew but little about the "" law's delay," though there was one thing in which his (C's.) administrators (Benj. Flagg and John Chandler,) were as well posted as they are at the present day, for they had but £10, OS. to return out of an estate appraised at £9o2, b.f.

" Here lies buried y^ body of Daniel Campbell, born in Scotland, came into New England,' Anno 1716, was murdered on his own farm in Rutland by Ed. Fitzpatrick, an Irishman, on March y^ 8 Anno 1744, in y^ 48 year of his age.

It is possible that there is an error in the date upon the headstone, as we find by the Court records that Fitzpatrick was indicted for committing the murder on the 12th day of ^larch instead of the 8th. It may add somewhat to the interest of this case that it was the first murder committed in the county, and Fitzpatrick the first man"* executed for that crime.

Credit is due to Hon. Clark Jillson of Worcester for many of the facts in this case. He is compiling a work, which his own language will best explain. "I propose to give in this work a concise and authentic account of all the executions which have transpired in this county, together with biographical sketches of those who have here suffered the Death Penalty, and to notice such other facts and incidents connected therewith as would seem to be of interest to the general reader."

Free Masonry

An organization of Masons was established in 181 2^ known as " Thompson Lodge," named for, or after, the Rev. James Thompson, D. D. of Barre, who held at that time the office of D. D. G. M. The first meeting preparatory to the organization was held at the hotel of Luke Robinson, June 22d. The Constitution and By Laws were adopted in Octo- ber of the same year. For some years this was one of the largest and most flourishing Lodges in the State, holding its meetings in the hall built for their use by one of its members, (Mr. Daniel King,) now owned by Dr. Slocomb. The Lodge included members from many of the neighbor-, ing towns. The last meeting according to the records was held in December, 1826. Charles Chaffin, late of Holden, Secretary. It is not certain that more than three of its members are now livinir, viz : John Estabrook, now of Boston, David W. P^letcher and Jonathan A. Clark of Rutland.

Several others have occurred, among them the West Rutland Hotel, Sibley's factory, Keyes' steam saw mill, Tower's house. Baker's house, Rockwood's house and barn. Barker's house, and Hefron's barn, the dates of which are not at hand. Sixteen of the above have occured within the limits of one School District, No. 7, West Rutland. Only one life lost, that of Daniel Saunders at the burning of Col. Howe's house in 1856.

Among those who have practiced in town since 1836, may be found the names of Drs.Clapp, Saltmarsh,Ordway, Safford, Warren, Tripp, Newell, Rood, Herbert, Slocomb, Fellows, Shannon and Smith. Several of the above practiced but a

Rutland In The Rebellion

The following list comprises the names of soldiers, the branch of service, date of enlistment, date of discharge, death, or desertion, accredited to the town in the Rebellion of 1861-5.

AbPvEVIATions. - (B.) Battery; (I.) Infantry; (C.) Cavalry; (11. A.) Heavy Artillery; (R. A.) Regular Army; (F. C.) Frontier Cavalry; (B. R.) Battalion of Rifles; (M.) Musician; (As.) Assis_ tant Surgeon. The first date refers to enlistment, the second, to discharge.

The above list is supposed to be correct. We are willing to be forgiven for all errors on our part, the rest we will assign to the Adjutant General. We believe there was no soldier who went from and belonged to this town, but returned (if at all,) with an honorable record. The deserters were most, if not all of them, obtained from the military junk shop in Boston to fill our quota. The names of twenty or more conscripts are omitted. We are happy to give credit to all our soldiers who went to the front. We will leave it to others to give the record of those who did not.

Mortality

In order to give the exact average for each year we should be obliged to make use of very many fractions. The above table gives the average very near.

It will be found that the above table gives a less number of deaths than are recorded in the Clerk's office. The Clerk records all deaths that occur in town, though some may be residents of other towns. Such are not included in the table.

Mass. Central Railroad

By an Act of the Legislature, approved May 10, 1869, power was granted to Edward Denny, Joel Hay den, Francis Brigham, Jas. S. Draper, Constance Southworth, Edward Atkinson, Francis Edson, Benj. H. Tripp, Charles A. Stevens, C. C. Aldrich, Lafayette Maltby, Henry F. Hills, and and Philo Chapin, to locate and build a road with the above title, from Williamsburg in Hampshire Co. to Mill Village in Sudbury, Middlesex Co., there to unite with the Wayland and Sudbury Branch to its terminus near Stony Brook Station on the Fitchburg road. Time granted for building, six years. Capital stock not less than three nor over six millions. Surveys were made, the road located, twenty per cent, of the stock subscribed and paid in, and in 1871, work was began. A large part of the grading east of Coldbrook, (Oakham,) was completed. In 1873, the failure or suspension of the contractor caused most of the sub-contractors to go the same way. These causes, together with the financial crisis which came upon the country about that time, put an end to further operations. The time for building was extended by an Act of the Legislature to May 1, 1877, and again to May 1, 1879.

A petition will be presented at the present session (1879) asking for more time, also permission to extend the line from Stonybrook to the B. & L. road in Cambridge or Somerville, and also to extend it from some point in Amherst to a point on the T. & G. road in the town of Conway or Deerfield, and various other favors too numerous to mention.

The road as located will pass up the valley less than half a mile north of the Centre. The town has stock to the amount of $25,000, and individuals some over $20,000.

Hestory Ok Rutlani'

The present Board of Directors are Silas Seymour, Pjoston ; Milton Cartwright, New York ; Francis P)rigliam, Fludson ; J. Edwin Smith. E. B. Shattuck. Worcester ; Lewis J. Dudley, Luke Lyman, Northampton ; Tlenry F. Hills, W. A. Dickinson, Amherst; Charles A. Cutting, Boston ; J. S. Draper, Wayland ; Franklin B>onney, Hadley ; C. M. Harris, West Boylston ; J. T. Joslin, Hudson; and J. W. Rollins, Boston.

The completion of the road is only a question of time. - Stockholders may ere long receive a dividend from the sale of wood growing on the line, equal no doubt to the last dividend of the Farmington Canal from the sale of hay cut on the towpath. We leave the subject and road both in statu quo,\\o\)'mg that some one in the far distant future may be able to report its completion.

Selectmen Of The Town

The legislature of 1857 divided the State into Representative Districts, the towns of Princeton, Rutland, and Oakham constituting W^orcester County District, No. 9.

1865 - Alonzo Davis, Rutland. The new districting added the town of Holden, which with the three first mentioned constituted the Worcester County District, No. 9.

1875 F. Parker, Princeton. The towns of Leicester, Holden, Rutland, and Paxton were united and formed the Worcester County District, No. 11.

1878 - Chas. R. Bartlett, Rutland. The dates have reference to the year when elected. Each Representive was chosen for the session commencing on the first Wednesday of January following his election.