Rutland Town (part 1 of 3)

Rutland Town

Rutland is situated on the height of land fifty miles a little North of West from the city of Boston, forty East of the Connecticut River, twelve Northwest of Worcester, au equal distance from New Hampshire on the North, and Connecticut on the South, and at Bigelow's mills eight hundred and seventy feet higher than tide water at Boston. According to a recent survey, is bounded on Holden 1371 rods, Paxton I3G6, Spencer 361, Oakham 2203, Barre 580, Hubbardston 883, and on Princeton 1714 - contains of land and water 20,439 acres.

When Incorporated

The lands in the six miles square being confirmed to the settlers, a petition was presented to the General Court, and they, sometime in their session, which was begun at Boston, on Wednesday the 30th of May, 1722, passed an act of incorporation, entitled, " An act for further establishing the town of Rutland, and empowering them to choose all proper officers, and for empowering them to raise and collect money for the defraying the necessary charges of the said tow^n. Forasmuch it appears that the proprietors of the township of Rutland, have performed the conditions of the grant made thereof by the Great and General Assembly of this Province in 1713, Be it enacted by his Excellency the Governor, the Council, and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That the inhabitants and freeholders of the said tow^n of Rutland be invested with, and forever which other towns within this Province, by law, have and usually enjoy ; and that they be, and hereby are enabled to levy, assess and collect three pence per acre per annum, for the space of two years aild a half from the first day of July last past, (the time that the minister began to officiate as a minister there,) on all the lands both improved and unimproved, whether divided or undivided, contained within the lines of the contents of six miles square, as is already laid out, and within which the present inhabitants seti.led ; and that the said land be subjected and made liable to the payment of the same, to defray the charge of building the Meeting-house, and paying the minister's settlement and salary, excepting only the present minister's lot, and ministry lot, with their divisions, also the school lot; and also one thousand acres of land appertaining to Samuel Sewall, Esq., (the committee of Rutland having agreed for certain considerations with the said Samuel Sewall, Esq..) and five hundred acres of land appertaining to the Artilery Company of this Province, and eighty acres of land on and near Buck Brook, and one hundred and forty acres of land about Mill Brook, (being part of Benjamin Willard's nine hundred acres laid out there to promote a mill,) which said lands shall be free from said tax or assessment, any law, usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding." '- Passed in the House of Representatives, and in Council, and consented to by the Governor." " A true copy examined." i

From the foregoing statement, it appears that the whole grant of twelve miles square was named Rutland, in 1713; but only the six miles square, granted by the proprietors to .the settlers, was called Rutland, and incorporated as a town ; and that this was not done until the session of the General Court which was begun May oOth, 1722. And in consequence of the above icciied act, an order of* the General Court passt d July 6, 1722, authorizing and empowering Capt. Samuel Wright to call a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Rutland, on the last Monday of July current, then to choose town officers to serve until the general jneeting in March next. The town was notified and met accordingly, and this was the first legal town meeting ever held in Rutland.

Choice Of Officers By Whom Rutland Was Peopled

The first settlers of Rutland were principally from respectable families in the flourishing towns of Boston, Lexington, Concord, Sudbury, Marlborough, Framingham, Lancaster, Brookfield, and emigrants from Ireland, several of whom brought letters testimonial of their church fellowship in Ireland.

They were persons of courage, enterprise and sentiment, possessing something of the spirit of the Pilgrims, - left their native town or country, and bid farewell to friends, acquaintance, - a father's house, - a pleasant home, to settle in a howling wilderness, exposed day and night whether in the hut or field, to the wily and cruel Indian, - the lurking and ravenous bear and wolf. " A howling wilderness it was, where no man dwelt, the hideous yells of wolves, the shrieks of owls, the gobling of turkeys, - and the barking of foxes was all the musick we enjoyed, - no friends to visit, no soul in the surrounding towns - all a dreary waste, and exposed to a thousand difificulties," - no roads, mills, schools or sanctuary. The nearest settled towns were Lancaster, Worcester, Leicester and Brookfield, and these but thinly peopled; as late as 1702, the town of Worcester was entirely depopulated, and in the spring of 1715, had only one family, - Jonas Rice's.

Leicester was not granted and settled but about one year before Rutland. Its first town meeting was held March 6, 1721, and their first minister installed in September of the same year.

Iiistoky Of Jutland

Soil. - The soil is of the se\er;il varieties, from the deep, warm rich loam, to the di-y barren gravel or sand ; yet tliere is but little of the hitter description, or that which will not richly repay the judicious, industrious farmer for his labour. Professor Hitchcock in his Geology of Massachusetts did liot discover in Rutland rich mines of silver and gold, or quarries of valuable stone ; but it is evident that the produce of our farms will purchase good P>ank Bills.

Wood. - The growth of wood is of many kinds, from the large high-wide-spread tree to the humble shi'ub. - such as Oak of all sorts, Chestnut, Walnut, Pine of all sorts, Beech, Ash, ]Ma})Ie of many kinds, Birch in its varieties, Po[)lar, Elm. Sassafras, Hemlock, Hacmatack, Cedar, &c.

Watek. - Rutland being on the height of land, the East branch of Ware River, and water distilled from the clouds, is all the water of any consequence that flows into it.

This branch of Ware River has its origin at the west side of Watchnsett Hill ; it flows into this town at its Northeast angle, taking a circuitous course, receiving several tributary streams, running in this town five miles and sixty-nine chains, falling one hundred and one feet, it departs at the Northwest.

Ivluschopauge Pond is of some note, being the starting and closing point of the Indian Deed. It covers about one liundred acres, is fed by springs, - its water is pure and deep, and is a reservoir for mills and factories. In 1834, large dams, and a grist and saw niill wxre built a little distance from the pond in Holden.

same qualities as Miiscbopauge, but is not so large, containing but sixty or seventy acres. Gregory or Long Pond is about a mile long but is narrow, resembling a large river, is also fed by springs, and its waters are deep and pure ; and is also a reservoir for mills and factories. These ponds were formerly abundantly furnished with fish of a delicious flavor.

Mill Brook received its name from having the first mills in Rutland carried by its power ; it has its main source from one of two springs that rise near each other, one-half mile East of the meeting-house; the waters of several other springs West of Muschopauge hill unite with this, and form a brook on which a considerable business is performed ; its course is Westerly through meeting-house meadow, and falls into Long Meadow Brook.

Long Meadow Brook has its waters from Long Pond and Buck Brook, flows through long meadow, and unites with the Ware at New Boston school-house.

Buck Brook issues from the Northeast corner of Cedar Swamp Pond, takes a circular course W estward and mixes with long Meadow Brook north of Long Pond.

Pomagusset Brook is made of waters that flow from meadows and swamps near Princeton, runs Westerly throuo^h Pomai^nsset meadow and falls into the Ware.

Harwood's Brook has its source near the last, but takes its course Southeasterly, and by the help of other streams forms a handsome brook before it leaves the town, and mixes its waters with the Quinepoxet in Ilolden.

History Of Rutland 31

Davis's Brook has its source at or near the same spring as Mill Brook; these two make a curiosity, as one mixes with the Connecticut and the other with the Merrimack.

Wood Hill Hrook has its water from springs Northeast of Turkey Hill Pond runs Easterly and unites with Davis's Brook, and falls into Holden near the Northeast corner of Paxton.

Rutland, although on the height of land, is well watered ; every farm is watered either with a pond, ri\er, brook or spring of pure and durable water.

Height Of Land

The height of land in the County of Worcester is in the towns of Ashburnham, Westminster, Princeton, Holden, Rutland, Paxton, Leicester, Spencer, and Sturbridge ; on the West of these towns all the water runs into the Connecticut River only.

In Ashburnham the water runs three ways, T^^est, Southeast and Northeast ; in Westminster and Princeton the water runs E-.ist and West. From Shrewsbnry and Grafton, the water runs into Providence and JMerrimack rivers ; very little passes out of this County into Charles River, Part of the waters of Rutland, Paxton, Leicester and Spencer, and all of Brookfield, are emptied into Connecticut River in the town of Springfield.

The other part of the waters of Rutland mix with the Avaters of Quinepoxet, and unite with Still River in Boylston, which constitute the south branch of the Nashua, which unitinor with other rivers falls into the Merrimack.

In the Northerly part of tliis town, nearly ecpiidistant from the towns of Rutland and Ilubbardston, on the great County Road leading from Worcester to Keene, are situated Bigelow's Mills, on the East Branch of Ware River, which has also the privilege of the waters of the Asnacoucomick Pond as a reservoir, is equal to any in the town, and inferior to but few in the County for Mills, Factories, &e. There is at this time in operation at this seat and the site about forty rods below, a grist and saw mill, shingle and clapboard factory, &c.

Dale's Mill Seat is on the same river, two miles and twenty chains below, in which the river falls between the two sites sixty-four feet. At this time, there is at this seat in operation a grist and saw mill, trip hammer, circular saws, lathes for carrying on the chair making business to the number of several thousands a year. There is water sufficient for a factory, or any kind of machinery carried by water power. Formerly, clothing business was carried

History Of Rutland

A little below there has been a saw mill, and carding machine, owned by Ball and Earle. It is now occupied by John Dale for a chair shop or factory.

On the lower falls of Poraagusset Brook there is a saw mill owned by William Davis. Some fifty or sixty years ago there was in operation at the falls above, a saw mill, owned by John Rice.

On Mill Brook between Ministry and meeting-house meadows, there was formerly erected a grist mill by Capt. John Hubbard. Near the same place, Capt. King has built, and has now in operation, a board and shingle mill, circular, perpendicular and felloe saws, where considerable business is done.

Below on the same stream, the first grist and saw mills were erected, ever built in Rutland ; the saw mill was built on mill farm, now owned by the Messrs. Hammonds ; the grist mill on mill lot, now owned by Reuben Woodis, on which he has built a shoe peg factory. Tradition says the grist mill was burnt by the Indians.

At the upper falls of Long Meadow Brookj forty acres of upland and meadow were granted and laid out to Capt. Samuel Wright, April 4th, 1721, on which a saw mill was built by Ephraim Jones in 1728, and is one of the best sites for mills, factories, or any kind of machinery operated by water power, of any in this, or neighboring towns, [t is now owned by Joseph Demond, where he now has in )peration a grist mill, with two runs of stones, corn cracker, )olting sieve, saw and shingle mills, bolting saw, turning athe and slitting saw, all of which are carried by tub vheels, except the saw mill.

Buck Brook Or Deathville

A VILLAGE has been commenced at what was originally called Buck Brook, in which are in operation a satinet factory, grist mill, with two runs of stones, corn cracker, board and shingle mill, a temperance store, and mechanics, of various trades.

Meeting House Hill is high, and the meeting-honse "may be seen in many of the adjacent towns, and even a great distance at the West and Northwest ; but as the town abounds with hills, it affords no extensive and commanding prospect of itself."

Muschopauge Hill is by many feet the highest land in town, and has a commanding and beautiful prospect of the North and East, and is the only hill in town that retains its Indian name. On it there is a place of roots and herbs, called the "Indian Garden." This hill was originally laid out to Capt. Edward Rice and Capt. Samuel Stone.

Rocky or P.ound Hill is at the end of the ten rod road or street ; it was called by the former name, until the Pound was built in 1764, since which time it has been called by the latter. Thirty years ago it contained only the Work- House and another small house, and the pound. Now it is a pleasant little village.

School Lot Hill, one mile West of the meeting-house, received its name from the School Lot being laid out on it. From this hill there is an extensive and pleasant view of the surrounding country,

Brintnal Hill is the North and highest part of said range, named for Mr. Brintnal, who preached and taught a school in the early settlement of the town ; it is now owned by Levi Bartlett.

Bear Hill is bounded Westerly by the Sewall Farm. Benjamin Fletcher's one hundred acres were located on this hill. It is now owned by Joseph Miles.

A hill south of Pomagusset meadow, containing one hundred and fifty acres of land, was granted to Jacob Farrar, but has been many years owned by the heirs of Capt. Edward Rice.

Birch Hill, between the two last hills, was granted and laid to the heirs of Joseph Wood, to the right of Lot No. 21, originally granted to Jonathan Willard, and is now owned by Maj. Silas Furbush.

Oak Hill is within the limits of New Boston, was laid out to Henry Frauklyn's heirs, Capt. John Charnock's heirs and to Eleazer Ball, and is now owned by Jeduthan Green and others.

Worcester Meadow Hill had its name from joining on a meadow in Worcester, (now Holden.) This hill was originally granted as first division of upland to Joseph Wright and Samuel Goodenow, and is now owned by Jedediah Estabrook and Suel Reed.

Stevens's Hill, one mile south of the meeting-house was granted to Dea. Stevens's House Lot, No. 56, and then owned by Aaron Rice, since by Capt. John Phelps, now by Edwin and David Henry.

Allen's Grant and Hill, Westerly of Long Pond, was granted and laid out to John Allen, Estes Hatch, Esq., and others to right of Lots No. 38, to said Allen, and Nos. 11, 49 and 50, to Esq. Hatch. The present owners are G^n. William Crawford, Joseph Marsh, Thaddeus Haynes, Wilson, Smith, &c.

Barrack Hill had its name from the Barracks being built on its summit for Burgoyne's army. This land was laid out to Alexander Bothell, Jonathan Davis and James Heaton. Its present owners are Henry's heirs, Zaccheus G. Carpenter, David D. Browning, Suel Stone and Jonas Roper.

Charnock Hill was granted to Capt. John Charnock of Boston and his heirs, to their right of House Lot, No. 34. Charnock was bounded Easterly by mill farm. Its present owners are John D. Williams, Israel Stratton, and J. E. Cheney.

There are many hills in this town without any particular name ; - a great part of it is made of hills, or large swells, and is some of the best land in the town ; there is not a hill but may be with ease and safety ascended to its summit with a carriage, or that has not been cultivated by the plough ; - from many of them there might be taken beautiful landscapes ; five hundred and fifty rods East of the meeting-house, on the old Turnpike, is an extensive and beautiful prospect to the East, as almost any in the Commonwealth - the blue hills of Milton are distinctly visible.

Vales Or Valleys

But a small part of the town is comprised of lands of this description. We have no valleys to vie with the Mississippi ; the longest is the one that Ware river passes through, - long meadow is something of a valley. From Holden by Mill Brook through the ministry and meetinghouse meadows, is a vale or valley, - from No. 5, School house to Holden is another, - East and West of Dublin road are valleys ; there are several others of minor note, as birch valley, &c.

The following are the most noted : - Meeting-house, Long, Ware, Ministry, Sewall's, Pomagusset, Loring's, South, Pine Plains, &c. ; there are many without any particular names. Some of our meadows are good, some middling, and some indifferent ; most of them when first 3* cleared, produced abundant crops. It is evident that some were partially cleared by the Indians or beavers, and produced grass befor^ the white people began their settlement, and was a great means in preserving and supporting their cattle at its commencement through the winter.

These meadows have many times changed owners, but several of them retain their bounds as first lotted and drawn by the proprietors' committee for the settler.

Judge Sewall's farm of one thousand acres was granted to him by Government prior to the grant of the twelve miles square to the proprietors of Rutland. It wa« laid out in an oblong square in the Northerly part of what is now Rutland, seven hundred and thirteen rods in length, and three hundred and seventy in breadth, - bounded Westerly by New Boston, Northerly near Hubbardston line and Bigelow's Mill's, Easterly near No. 1, School house and by Joseph Miles', Southerly a little North of No. 9, School-house. A good tract of land and large measure. ,

Province Or Artillery Farm

The General Court at their Sessions in 1715, reserved to themselves one thousand acres ; five hundred of which ^ere granted to the Hon. Artillery Company, and the other five hundred acres were, by said Court at their session in 1717, granted to the Hon. John Burrill, P>sq. The one thousand acres were equally divided from East to West, each having a part of Asnebumskit Pond. The South part was set off to the Artillery Company, and was bounded by Worcester and Leicester. The other half was subdivided between Messrs. Ephraini Moore, Peter Moore, Nathaniel Goodenow, Samuel Sweetser, and Michael Sweetser.

This one thousand acres is a part of the land set off of Rutland to form Paxton, the Southwest corner thereof is near where Paxton meeting-house now stands.

Proprietors' Lands

In the first division of upland of one hundred and fifty acres among the proprietors, the following lands were laid out in that part of Rutland which is now Paxton. To Rev. Thomas Frink one hundred and twenty acres bounded by Leicester ; Robert Mclem one hundred and thirty acres on a hill near Leicester line ; Thomas Wheeler one hundred and fifty acres on Fox hill, near Leicester line ; Joseph Stevens two hundred acres on Turkey hill, &c.; Samuel Brown one hundred and three acres East of Turkey-hill pond, Samuel Goodenow one hundred and forty acres Southwest of Turkey-hill pond ; Samuel Ball ninety-seven acres West of Goodenow's ; Malcam Hendry and Sarah Mccarter ninety-five acres near Leicester line ; William Mccarter, Robert and Matthew Patrick sixty-three acres in equal thirds, on a hill near Leicester line. The above named tracts are all ffood land.

Dublin, Or Pond End

This tract of land is situated in the Southwest corner of the six miles square, and is a pleasant and fertile part of the town. As it was almost wholly peopled with emigrants from Ireland, it received the name of Dublin, and comprises School District, No. 6. Within its bounds were eight House Lots, and the following divisions of upland granted in 1723 to the following named persons: Jonas Clarke, Esq., of Boston, three hundred acres ; James Browning, one hundred and fifty acres ; John Jeffries, Esq., two hundred and two acres ; Col. Estes Hatch, one hundred and sixty-one acres ; Thomas Smith, Esq., one hundred and fifty acres ; Jonathan Sewall, Esq., of Boston, one hundred and six acres ; Peter .Cutler's heirs, ninety acres ; William Fenton, sixty-seven acres ; Duncan Mc- Farland, sixty-two acres. It is mostly warm and good land.

The Proprietors of Rutland, for divers considerations, (one of which was to promote a mill,) on December 17, 1715, granted to Capt. Benjamin Willard, one-third part of a thirty-third part of said township, or nine hnndred and thirty acres, which was located and disposed of in the following manner, viz : three hundred acres to Rev. Israel Loring ; two hundred and forty to Capt. Samuel Stone and one hundred and twenty to Capt. Samuel Wright, all of Sudbury, assignees to Capt. Benjamin Willard. The above described lands were bounded on North Worcester and the East Wing. In said tract there is an excellent meadow, - a pasture by the name of Loring, perpetuates its ancient owner; eighty acres of the above grant were located on and about Buck Brook ; forty acres at the falls of Long Meadow Brook, and the remainder on Mill Brook, being the mill farm and mill lot.

Ten Acres

^ The Grand Committee surveyed and laid out (the same time they did the ten rod road,) ten acres for a Burying PJace and other public uses ; said ten acres were bounded Southerly by a ten rod road, and Easterly by a four rod road leading to Joyner's hill.

Pine Plains

The Pine Plains were bounded on the West Wing, now Oakham, and were common to all the proprietors to get timber and board logs, until they were laid out, numbered, pitched or drawn, by lot. It was the practice of some of the first settlers, in a dry season, to fire the plains, that they might have better browsing for their own cattle, and those they took from the lower towns. One season the fire extended into the West wing, and injured the appearance and sale of Oakham for several years.

Roads In Rutland

Almost every man has a large Road by his house, if not greatly travelled. The Proprietors were liberal in their grants. The roads laid out and opened previous to 1750, were from the Proprietors' lands; and if any were laid through the land of individuals, they had other land in lieu thereof.

Street Or Ten Rod Road

by them as follows, viz : Voted, " That the Road or Street Ten Rods wide, beginning at the Ministry House Lot (so called,) No. 62, and running Northeasterly over Meeting House Hill, (so called,) and ending at the parting of the Roads on Rocky Hill, (so called,) by the corner of Col. Hatches Division Land, be granted and confirmed to the Town of Rutland, as a common for public use, Benefit and Behoof without any manner of Alienation or appropriation forever.

Turnpike Road

When the Turnpike fever ran high, the following Act was passed, " Be it therefore enacted, by the Senate, and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That Jonathan Warner, Samuel Parkman, Josiah Knapp, Edward Blake, jun., Aaron and Charles Davis, Spencer Field, Stephen Rice, AVilliam Cutler, Paul Mandell, Moses Mandell, Francis Blake, Moses White, Richard Kelley, Jonas Howe, jun., Ebenezer Mattoon, jun., Medad Nickerson, Daniel Walker, Thomas Powers, Roger West, Robert Field, Nehemiah Hinds, John Rankin, William Conkey, Isaac Abercrombie, Artemas How, Jesse Allen, Joseph Chadwick, Timothy Parker^ Isaac Hobart, John Dodds, Jonathan Danforth, William Henry, Abner Conant, James Lawton, Seth Pierce and Jason Mixter, and such persons as shall be associated with them, and their successors, be and they are hereby constituted a corporation, by the name of the Sixth Massachusetts Turnpike Corporation, for the laying out and making a Turnpike Road from the East line of Amherst, on the County Road near William Breton's house through the Towns of Pelham, Greenwich, Hardwick, New Brain tree, Oakham, Rutland, Holden, Worcester, to the great road in Shrewsbury, &c.

Said Road was forty-three miles and one hundred and twelve rods long, - was made in one summer, and cost about thirty-three thousand dollars.

The Fart Taken By Rutland

When said Road was in contemplation, Rutland chose a respectable committee to use their influence to have it pass through this town ; and at a subsequent meeting, voted to appropriate one thousand dollars on certain conditions to carry the same into effect. But at an after meeting the vote was rescinded. Then a number of individuals of Rutland associated together, and contracted to make said road through Rutland for one dollar and seventy cents per rod, and take their pay in Turnpike shares at twenty-five dollars each ; - chose Jonas How, Esq., Capt. Benjamin Putnam and Jonas Reed, jun., their committee to superintend the same. Moses White, Esq., contracted to make five hundred and nineteen rods of the West end for two dollars and thirty-nine cents per rod. The remaining seventeen hundred and fifty rods at one dollar forty-one cents per rod, was lotted into seven shares of two hundred and fifty dollars, or ten Turnpike shares each, and was made by the contractors, or such persons as they employed. Jonas Reed made thirty-two parts of the seventy, and the remainder was made by owners of shares. The road being made and accepted, the Corporation for a little time took considerable toll ; but it was appropriated to the payment of outstanding debts. The proprietors were under the necessity of taking their own money to pay themselves. New roads were made, - toll evaded, and the shares had the same destiny as the old Continental Money. The Corporation relinquished its Franchise, and on August 11,

In 1818 the town made eight hundred and thirty-three rods of County Road between Birch Valley and Paxton [ine, which cost the town for making one thousand one hundred and eleven dollars and ninety-five cents. In

1832, the town made upwards of five miles of County Road between Holden line and Bigelow's mills, which 2ost the town upwards of three thousand dollars. In

Miles. Rods

County. - April 5, 1733, Voted, "That the town will join with Worcester to put in a Petition to the Quarter Sessions to have a County Road from Rutland to Worcester."

Road to Market. - March 7, 1737, the town chose Capt. John Hubbard, Lieut. Edward Rice and Moses How, a committee to discourse with, and desire the Selectmen of Worcester and Shrewsbury to lay out a Highway, convenient for the inhabitants of the town of Rutland to travel to market in.

The Act incorporating the County of Worcester, passed April 2, 1731, "An Act of erecting, and making a County in the inland parts of this Province, to be called The County of Worcester, and for establishing Courts of

Justice within the same." - '' Bg it enacted by his Excellency the Governoi', Council, and Representatives, in General Court Assembled, and by the authority of the same. That the towns and places hereafter named and expressed, that is to say, Worcester, Lancaster, Westborough, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Leicester, Rutland and Lunenburgh, all in the County of Middlesex ; Mendon, Woadstock, Oxford, Sutton, including llassanarnisco, Uxbridge, and the land granted to several petitioners of Medfield all in the County of Suffolk; Brookfield in the County of Hampshire, and the South town laid out to the Narraganset soldiers ; and all other lands lying within the said townships, with the inhabitants thereon, shall from and after the tenth day of July, which will be in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty-one, be and remain one entire and distinct County by the name of Worcester, of which Worcester to be the County or Shire town, e^c."

On P^'ebruary 1, 1732, the first prison was ordered to be built, - forty-one by eighteen feet, and eight feefc stud. The gaol part to be eighteen feet square, of white oak, studded with timber of live inches by four, and placed within five inches of each other, the joists to be of the same bigness, and placed at the same distance, and that it be covered with plank, spiked within and without; a dungeon beneath wns likewise directed. On November, 1732, the Court House was ordered to be built, thirty-six by twentysix feet, with thirteen feet posts. To pay for these public buildings, and other charges, incident to the County, a tax was ordered upon the several towns, as follows : Lancaster, G2/., IGs., 8d., Mendon, 36/., Woodstock, 32/., BrookHeld, 27/., U.,' 8d., Sutton, 24/., IO5., Worcester, 22/., Ids., 4d., Westborough, 18/., 2^., Southborough,

The following persons, belonging to Rutland, have held offices in the County. William Caldwell, Esq., Sheriff, from 1793 to 1805. Moses White, Esq., do., from 1811 to 1812, and Justice of the Court of Sessions, 1807. Daniel Clap, Esq., Register of Deeds from 1784 to 1816. John Eessenden, Esq., Senator from 1787 to 1791. Francis Blake, Esq., do., from 1810 to 1812, and from 1813 to 1815; also Clerk of the Court, 1816 and 1817. Thomas H. Blood, Esq. * Senator from 1816 to 1818.

In 1832, part of Centre, No. 1, and No. 2, Districts were set off and formed a District, called No. 9, SoMth of Sewall's Farm, six hundred rods North of the meetinghouse.

In 1833, No. 3 District, was divided, the West part was called No. 10 District, Northwest of Muschopauge Pond, six hundred and five rods East of the meeting house.

Of the above number of persons, there were under five years of age, eighty-five males - seventy -five females between five and ten, males ninety, - females sixty-one ; between ten and twenty, males one hundred and forty-eight, - females one hundred and forty-six ; between twenty and thirty, males one hundred and seven, - females one hundred and seven ; between thirty and forty,-males seventy-two females sixty-four; between forty and fifty, - males fifty one, - females fifty-five ; between fifty and sixty, - males forty, - females forty -nine ; between sixty and seventy, males twenty-six, - females thirty ; between seventy and eighty, males fourteen, - females six ; u])- wards of eighty, males four, females twelve. At the same time there were one hundred and eighty-three dwellinghouses, and the same number of married couples ; thirteen widowers, and forty widows. In 1835, there were between sixty and seventy years of age, sixty-eight persons ; between seventy and eighty, thirty-one persons ; between (eighty and ninety, seven persons; upwards of ninety, six persons. Total upwards of sixty years, one hundred and twelve persons.

provision for schools, in their grant to tlie settlers of the six miles square ; it was one of the conditions of the grant, that one sixty-third part of the lands should he set off and appropriated for schooling forever. Accordingly in the division of the lands that proportion was set off for that purpose, and was Lot No. 63, and its after divisions.

What was called the House Lot of thirty acres w^a6 pitched or drawn, on a hill one mile West of the meetinghouse. The division of one hundred and fifty acres was laid out and located partly by the House Lot and partly by the East Wing. The School lands w^ere by vote of the town in 1744 sold, and the proceeds put on interest. The lands were sold as follows : a piece of forty-eight acres and one hundred rods to Eliphalet How, for 64/., 10s., lawful money of the last emission. A second division with all after draughts to Duncan McFarland, for 22/., 35., 2(3?., 2q.', a meadow lot to Lieut. Moses IIow^, for 3/., 10*.; a farm of one hundred and thirty-three acres to John and James AValker, for 66/., 1*., M. Total, 156/., 4s., lOc^.

For the first twenty years after the grant, there was little privilege of a school, there being no school-houses ; and it being dangerous for children to go from house to house, not only on account of Lidians, but of ravenous bears and wolves. Mothers when sitting at the door with their children, could see the wild beasts pass by with their young.

In Oct. 1733, the town voted to provide a school master before November Court, and chose Capt. John Hubbard, Messrs. Eleazer Ball and Dunkin McFarland a committee for that purpose, whom they instructed to provide the best and cheapest they could get. At the same time voted, to have the school kej^t two-thirds of the time in the middle of the ' town, at Col. Hatch's house, and one-third, at the

In 1734, the' town voted that two school-houses be built, to keep school in, at the public charge of the town ; one to be set near the meeting-house, in the most convenient place on the ten acres laid out for such uses. The other school house to be set at the Northwest corner of John McEntire's field, (Southwest of Cedar Swamp Pond.)

In 1735, the town engaged Mr. William Brintnal, as a school master for one year. The school was kept at three places, according to their pay.

Until 1781, the centre district extended from Holden line to the bounds of Oakham, in which, for several years before the Revolution, there was a latin grammar school kept through the year ; to encourage the same, Col. Murray gave twenty dollars a year.

Through the Revolutionary war, schooling was some neglected. But it is probable Rutland has not been behind other towns of her ability, in affording instruction for her children and youth.

The following persons either born or settled in Rutland, have received a Collegiate Education : - Thomas Frink, at H. U., 1722, Joseph Buckminster, H. U., 1739, Joseph Davis, H. U., 1740, Samuel Frink, H. U., 1758, Daniel Bliss, H. U., 1760, Samuel Porter, H. U., 1763, Daniel Murray, H. U., 1771, Samuel Murray, H. U., 1772, Jedidias Estabrook, H. U., 1771, Joseph Buck-

Tiistoky Of Rutland

On May 8, 1780, Rutland appointed a respectable committee, (of whicli General Putnam was chairman.) to a. - certain a proper and convenient number of school plots> and the bounds for the same ; which service they performed, and made a very particular and accurate description of the bounds of each plot, and the head of every family in the same. Their report, although not accepted was recorded. It exhibits the number of families, - the part of the town each lived in, and the number of plots recommended. By comparing their report with the present inhabitants, we have the cliange, and the increase of the inhabitants of each part, - and of the whole town, from that time to the present; and the change in hea;ls of its families. Their report was as follows, viz. :

History Of Rutland

In one hundred and twenty years the revolution in families has been variable and various. The Wheel of Fortune with some has turned round more than once, - some that were rich have been poor, and now are becoming wealthy.

I could name some in the circle of my acquaintance, whose prospects in life were promising, - their abilities and education decent, - their parents by diligence and economy for many years, acquired property sufficient to give, or leave to their son a farm, or money to set up in trade ; their daughter money to furnish a house. But before, or as soon as the son came into possession, he wore a watch, smoked his cigar, and rode a gay horse. He addressed and won the heart and hand of a fine ,^irl, whose pulse beat high, and anticipated a life of pleasure and happiness. She laid out her few hundieds to richly furnish the parlor, and articles of extravagance for the kitchen; - they commence housekeeping, and calculate their wealth is exhaustless, - the husband feels above manual labor, - the wife beyond the superintendence of a family ; these inexperienced couples hire their help - have parties, keep high company, live fast, and ere they are aware they are in debt ; the creditors call - the sheriff visits, - the farm and furniture are sold, and these imprudent persons, or their children have had the mortification to look out of the door of a poor house. Yet a greater misfortune has befallen others. It is written in an ancient Book, " Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink." It is apparent that something of this kind or nature has been in operation in Rutland and its vicinity, and has had the strength to ascend our rich and fertile hills, and wash the strong and loamy soil from them, - or the owners from the soil. Many that were born of poor, but respectable parents who had nothing but their hands, a good character and steady habits, industry, economy, and kind friends to begin the world with, have by the blessing of a kind Providence become wealthy, respectable, and are some of our most worthy citizens.

The Independence of the United States cost great treasures, much blood, and many tears. But not half so much as intemperance and its accompanying evils.

Resources Of Rutland

Beef, Pork, Veal, Mutton, Lamb, Butter, Clieese, PouL try. Eggs, Wood, Coal, Hay, Barley, Oats, Potatoes, AYao-oiis, Sleighs, Cabinet Furniture, Cliairs, Rakes, Boots, Shoes, Straw Braid, and Palm Leaf Hats, by the thousand. There have been many inventions to save manual labor ; yet our females are very industrious ; there is not a mother who does not superintend the domestic concerns of her family.

The most of our lands being of a strong deep soil, richly repay the farmer for his labor and manure. - It is natural for grass and potatoes. Potatoes are much in use, and now constitute an essential ingredient in the support of man and beast. Fifty or sixty years ago, if a farmer raised half a dozen- bushels he thought he had a large supply ; they were raised in beds as we now do carrots, &c. If our lands were cultivated equal to those near Boston, they would produce sustenance enough for four thousand inhabitants.

A sketch of a respectable farmer and his family before the Revolution : - Morning and evening the domestic altar was surrounded, to unite in prayer and praise, for the blessing of the day, and the protection of the night. At the close of the week, preparation was made for the Sabbath. It was held sacred to public and private worship, and works of necessity and mercy. You might see not only on horse back, but both males and females, for miles on foot, making their way to the Sanctuary.

Food. - The morning and evening meals, were of the varieties of spoon-fare, from the rich pure milk, to the wholesome bean-porridge, - on long days a luncheon ; at Qoon the long white table was placed, the linen cloth spread, the wooden plates (as white as female hands could make) set, - the large brown dish, well filled with pork and beef from the stall, fowl from the yard, game from the forest, or fish from the waters ; on baking clays, a platter oi rich pork and beans, and a delicious Indian pudding. The father and mother at the head, the ruddy sons on one side. and blooming daughters on the other, - after the blessing craved, they sat down and partook of a friendly, social and hearty dinner; - after thanks for the same, each tc their employment.

Their clothing was principally of home manufacture, oj a strong texture, made from skins of beasts, clothing ol sheep, and flax from the earth ; young men did not weai watches or leather boots, - but some wore white stockings jet black shoes, and silver buckles, as bright as a dollar young women's apparel was calculated for comfort health and ornament ; most of them were so well formed it did not take but a few yards of silk or calico for sleeves to their gowns.

Whether the present method of living and mode of dress has a greater tendency to promote health, strength and usefulness, than that practised by our ancestors, I submil to our sage matrons to decide.

Our young men were inured to the labor and management of a farm ; - our young women to the managemeni of a dairy and domestic business in general, and both unite(] in milking the cows, pulling and spreading of flax, &c. ; and the most of them made good and industrious husbands or wives.

The farmers in general were in comfortable and easy circumstances ; when their garners were replenished and cellars stored, the good Parson was not forgotten. As

:here were no small wagons, or pedlars, it was not seldom for mothers to join in company (with a young son to attend them,) mount their strong and sure footed horses, with their panniers well filled with the golden produce of their dairies, and some nice diaper from the Irish looms, ind ride upwards of Hfty m'les to market, and make an exchange with the Boston merchants, for some articles for :heir own comfort, and to please and ornament their daugh- :ers as a reward for their indnstiy and economy, and not kvhollv fo'/ixettins: their sons. The Ion"; winter evenins^s were enjoyed by a blazing fire, and bright torch light, in [lomestic concerns, in reading of champions, telling heroic tales, singing animating songs, eating fruit, &c. Our ^oung men were courageous, athletic and heroic - our j^oung women industrious, cheerful and healthy. From such was the Independence of America achieved.

Never from the commencement of its settlement to the present time, was Rutland more able to assert and achieve her Independence than at the time the Revolution commenced. Many of the first settlers, or their sons, were men of talents, energy and enterprise. Several respectible and worthy men with their families within twenty-five years had bought and settled in the town. The lands prcd.iced bauntifully, m:iny farmers were in easy circumstances ; - put up long barns, built large houses, and therefore had something to [)rotect and defend. Some had kindred blood in their veins with those that fell at Lexington and IJunker Hill. In giving a sketch of a respectable farmer and his family, I wouhl not forget the mechanic and those of other occupations ; for according to their numbers, they were equally respectable and heroic, and acted their part as spiritedly in achieving our Independence.

Revolutionary War

Ii could not have been anticipated that Rutland would have taken that united, bold and decisive stand she did at the commencement of the Revolution ; - for her respected minister was not very sanguine in the justice and expediency of taking up arras against the mother country ; and Col. Murray, who in succession had represented the town n the General Court for more than twenty years, and who was friendly to the then present Rubers, and appoi ited by them one of the mandamus Councillors ; and a man in whom a majority of the people had put almost inplicit and unlimited confidence. - Yet Rutland almost to a man, united in asserting and defending her natural, civil and religious rights and privileges.

Stamp Act

In 1765, the town instructed her Representative " to use his best endeavors in the General Assembly to have the Rights and Privileges of this Province, vindicated and preserved to us and our Posterity." The Stamp Act was repealed. The people were so rejoiced they raised ai Liberty Pole, and set it on the height of land in front of where John Read's house stands, and kept a day of feastinir and iiladness.

Extract from instructions to Col. IMurray, Representative in the General Court in 1773 : "And if any thing further should occur in" derogation to our privileges, we caution you, that you consent not to any thing which may relinquish any part thereof, and although your attachment to the present measures of Administration, &c. To us is apparent ; yet sir, inasmuch as you accept the office of our Representative, we expect you will make our Instructions the rule of your conduct in said office, &c., so far as we are at any time capable particularly to point out."

Congress

Jan. 3, 1775, Voted to adhere to the proceedings of Congress, and chose the following fifteen men as colnmittee of inspection to carry the same into effect. Messrs. David Rice, John Watson, Samuel Stone, jun., William Browning, John Williams, Samuel Browning, John Fessenden, David Bent, Samuel Porter, Jonas How, Elijah Stearns, Daniel Clap, Phineas Walker, l^enjamin Miles and John Rice.

Minute Men

Although the mortal sickness of 1749 and 1756, swept off about eighty of our children and youth, yet by early marriages, and many children, by the blessing of their Creator, Rutland had a goodly number of heroic young men to face the enemy at the commencement of the Revolutionary war, of whom in the beginning of 1775, fifty of the most active and patriotic, were selected, officered, armed and equipped to be rQp.dy at any alarm to march at a minute's warning. Thomas Eustis was cho3en Captain, John Stone, Lieut., and William Bridge, Ens. They were as fine and brave a company as Rutland could ever boast of ; when called, they marched, and many of them engaged in the first eight months' service, and were at the memorable battle of the 17th of June, 1775, at Bunker's Hill. Benjamin Reed, a worthy young man was one of the slain. 5*

Maj. Willard Moore, a promising young officer, was also one of the worthies among the slain. He was an inhabitant of that part of Paxton set off from Rutland, and was recorded with its births and marriages.

Militia

March 6, 1775, Voted -'That the whole of the militia in .this town from sixteen years of age and upwards be required to meet at the common place of parade on Monday the 13th day of March, instant, in order for the alarm men to form themselves into a company by themselves, and choose officers to command and discipline them, and that each be provided with arms and ammunition." Being met, they chose David Bent for their captain, whose Commission was Honor and Pa^nW5??z ; - and at said time, drew and signed a solemn and patriotic obligation. The following is the last clause : " And as the law of self-preservation requires us at this time, to prepare ourselves for repelling, Force by Force, in case we should be reduced to such fatal necessity. Therefore we do hereby firmly covenant, and engage with each other, under the sacred Ties of Honor, Virtue and the Love of our Country, that we will endeavor forthwith to be equipped with arms, ammunition and accoutrements according to the Province Law, with this addition, that each soldier shall have thirty Bui- :lets, instead of twenty. And furthermore, that we will each of us respectfully adhere, obey and conform to all the INIilitary Orders, Injunctions and Penalties of our .said Captain, or his successors in said office, with his, or their, subalterns, in every respect consistent with the Law the Province, in such case made and provided, to all in- .tents and purposes, as though the said officers were com-

Field Piece

The town had a field piece which they mounted, and chose Paul More, Eleazer Coller, George Clark, Joseph Hall, Jason Read, George Smith, jun., Peter Newton, John Smith, Luke Moore, Timothy Munro, Gideon Brown and Samuel Gates, to manager her.

In 1777, this town's Quota of men to be raised for three years, or during the war was thirty six, which number the town voted to raise, and give them 20/. each, as an additional sum ; and chose as a committee to hire them, Captains Walker and Bent, Simon Heald, Thomas Eust's, Samuel Gates, John Frink, David Rice, William Browning and Daniel Estabrook. jun.

178L This town's quota of men to recruit the Continental army during the war, or for three years, was fourteen ; paper money being of little value, the town voted to give the fourteen men who should enlist 90/. each, in hard money, or other property equivaj^nt, and chose Capt. John Stone, Capt. John Cunningham, Lieut. Benjamin Miles, Lieut. Samuel Davis, Lieut. William Browning, Lieut. Silas Hent, and IMr. Abraham Wheeler, a Committee to carry the same into effect. Then voted that the sum of 12Gi /., in hard money be immediately assessed on the inhabitants of this town for that purpose. This vote at a future meeting was reconsidered, and the sum of G30/., w^as o-ranted and collected.

To discharge in part the debt incuried by the war, and the necessary expense of the town, there was paid into the town treasury between April 14, 1781, and May 6, 1782. - Paid in paper money 22G5G/., Gs., ()d. In hard money 1405/., 13s., Id., \q. The above is a part of the expense, and doings of the town during the Revolutionary war.

From the commencement to the close of the war, it was a time of danger, distress, hardship and deprivation. But few men but were on committees of safety, correspondence, to regulate the market, purchase beef for the army, clothing for the soldiers, provide for their wives and families, to borrow money, hire soldiers, &c., and many in actual service. It was a time that tried men's souls I and women's tool - for their care and labor was increased, and anxiety enhanced ; and perhaps, considering their susceptibility, they suffered as much as the hardier sex. There were but few of them but what had a husband, son, father, brother, or a particular friend in the army, or on the ocean. The American Independence was achieved, - you and I my young friends are enjoying the blessing.

Government considering the situation of Rutland, and character of its inhabitants, selected it as a safe encampment for Burgoyne's army after its surrender in 1777. - Appointed John Frink, Esq., Jonas How, Esq., and Col. Daniel Clap, a committee to build Barracks, &c. Said committee contracted with Capt. Thomas Read to build a Barrack of one hundred and twenty by forty feet, two stories high, containing twenty four rooms twenty feet square, incUiaiug. chimneys; the building was of good materials, and done in a workmanlike manner; brick chimneys, boarded, clapboarded and shingled, with bunks and other conveniences suitable for soldiers. Capt. Read employed Mr. Chamberlain Eustis as principal carpenter : the building was erected, which, together with a number of temporary barracks were enclosed in a square of several acres of land, wiih piquets about twelve feet high, with a strong gate in front; a guard house and -block jail stood at the Southeast corner, three hundred and seventy rods Westerly of the meeting-house.

Burgoyne's troops in 1788 removed from their encampment near Boston to Rutland, where they quartered during the summer; it being difficult to procure bread stuff, in the fall, they w^ere removed to the south. Whilst at Rntland, they were guarded by Capt. William Tucker of Cluirlton and Capt. Peter Woodbury of Royalston with their companies. There were two sentries at the gate, one at each corner of the stockade, one at the guardhouse, and one at the storehouse, at the pai ting of Dublin road. The non-commissioned officers and soldiers bv obtaining a permit from the ofiicer of the guard, would with their wives, barter with the inhabitants for potatoes, &c. The Dutch soldiers with their long wooden pipes in their mouths, and their wives trudging behind, with their knapsacks on their })acks filled with potatoes. &c., would return to the barracks quite contented and ha])py.

The commissioned officers with waiters, by parole, quartered in private houses, and in general their conduct was gentlemanlike, - lived in style, - kept horses, - paid their bills on Satui'day ; their deportment was mostly in accordance with the articles of convention. But some of them run the risk of captivating and really did make

Although it was a time of war and distress, and many that breathed the air of Rutland were our enemies, it had the appearance of life and activity ; the inhabitants could scarcely turn their eyes without seeing red coats marching in every direction. Since the war the Barracks have been used and occupied as a dwelling-house, store, card factoi-y and tavern. Some years since two-thirds were taken down and appropriated to other uses ; the last third was consumed by lire iifty years after its erection.

For a short time after the peace was ratified with Great Britain, money or the circulating medium was plenty, land, cattle, produce, and almost every article sold high, or at a large sum ; many bought land, &c., and run in debt for it. But soon our money was exchanged for goods, - money became scarce, - taxes were high, - people in debt, - creditors called for their dues, - property low, - some that bouixht farms and paid one-half the purchase money, were obliged to sell the whole to pay the other half ; persons thus circumstanced became almost frantic, and arose and stopped the Courts of Justice; some in Rutland joined tbe insurgents and took an active part. Government raised troops to quell the insurrection, in which others took an active part ; thus brother was against brother. This was styled Shay's war, as one

At a meeting of the Proprietors' Committee, June 7, 1720, they desired the Inhabitants or Settlers to manifest their minds where the Meeting Uouse should be placed.

Sept. 30, 1720, the settlers chose a committee to manage the affairs in covering and enclosing the meetinghouse, &c. Samuel Wright, Simon Davis, and Joseph Stevens were chosen said committee.

Second meeting-house w^as erected in 1759, and was placed in front of the first. Its length was 60 feet, breadth 50, posts 24, and was a large well finished house for so young a society. The building committee were John Murray, Esq., Isaac Stone, Daniel Estabrook, Samuel How, James Blair, Paul Moore and Peter Davis, who performed said service without any remuneration, except the gratitude of the society, and the consciousness of having performed a good act. This house was burned Feb. 28, 1830, supposed to have taken fire by coals from a stove falling through the the crack of the floor on shavings^

Third House. - About two-fifths of the society in 1830, signed off. The remainder, the same year erected a house, 77 feet by 48, posts 20, with a tower. On Oct. 1 1, 1830, the pews were in a few hours sold for a sum sufficient to pay the cost of the house, and the land it stands on, &c., after reserving a pew for the Minister and six for strangers. On the 16th of the same month it was Dedicated as a House of Prayer and Praise.

In 1833, by vote of the first Society and Town, the ministerial and school funds were appropriated to build a Town House, in which Town Meetings are held - high and singing schools, &c., are kept. And by vote and agreement each society has the privilege of holding religious meetings.

On Sept. 29, 1773, the town voted to build an Alms, or Work House ; - voted 40/., for that purpose, and chose Zaccheus Gates, David Rice, John Rice, James Blair, and John Watson, a committee to build the same. It was built and placed on Pound Hill.

Stocks. - Before the Revolution, it was the law and custom to have stocks placed near the meeting-house to deter the disturbers of the peace on the Sabbath, and other public days. There was one placed for many years-; Southwest of the meeting-house, but I never knew any one to suffer its punishment.

At this time there is but one public house that sells' ardent spirits ; four stores for English, East and West India Goods, - but part of them sell ardent spirits.

There are in operation four grist mills, seven saw mills, five shingle mills, six blacksmith shops, one of which is brick, and cost one thousand dollars, has four forges and every convenience except water power, is so constructed as to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

One tannery and currier, several boot and shoe makers, wheelwrights, wagon and sleigh makers, chair and rake makers, cabinet makers, carpenters, &c.

History Of Rutland. C9 Sickness

the an- of Rutland i. salubrious, and i,s waters pure, u has been visited with distressing and desolatg sickness especaliy among its children. In the fall of rash, or throat d.stemper, as it uas termed, which for many years after first appearance in New England, proved a most desolating scourge.

Northborough out ot°a society not much exceeding three hundred suty children fell victims to the destroying pesti- W In Rutland many died ;-so,ne families ' we're' let cluld^ss. Peter Moore buried three children in one week, and Benjamm Reed the same number in twelve days, and was left childless. ^

In 1756, Rutland and many towns were visited with the dysentery or bloody flu.., as it was called; manv families were called to mourning; in the fall months Rn'tland buried nearly sixty of her children; Peter Goodenow and Dorothy h.sw,fe buried four children from the 9th to the few d , "'"' '"^"y t^o to three in a

Small Pox

Ik 17,59 or 1760, a soldier passed through the town from the army, who was not cleansed from the small pox - it bemg on the Sabbath, his dog went into the meeting-house and gave the ntfection to several persons, of which the fol-

-R,V "wM »"'' """ ^""'^ -'" their farms: Wid. Rachel K oe, \V ,d. Hannah Davis, Patience Stone, wife of Samuel Stone, Dan,el Read and Daniel Read, jun.,-were father o and son, and lived, died, and were buried on Wood Hill. Jacob Shaw, Anna Shaw his wife, and Bethinh Shaw, took the infection from the soldier at the P'olly Tavern on the Plain where they all died. The Widows will be noticed in the biography of their families.

In 1810, this and several oiher towns were visited with the spotted Fever, which for a short time caused great fear and consternation ; a few persons died suddenly.

Accidents By Guns

Abel INIoore, son of William Moore, and Tamer his wife died Dec. 5, 1753, in the 25th year of his age; being shot through his head with a gun he had in his own hands. Isaac Rice, son of Asa and Charlotte Rice, was, on June 26, 1827, killed in a similar manner.

Casualties By Water

Cyprian Wright, was drowned in Muschopauge pond June 29, 1739. Tradition says he was going to a raising, and gave his clothes to his companions, - told them he would swim across ; but he sank before he reached the shore, supposed to have been taken with the cramp.

On Jnly o, 1825, Timothy Ruggles, William Hammond, Doct. Jonah Howe and Jonas How, were drowned in the last mentioned pond. They (except Hammond) were with several others out at a fishing party, and taking a repast of what they caught ; on their return after their meal, they called to Hammond to meet them with his canoe, which he did. In shifting their position, the canoe dipped water; they were affrighted - jumped into the water, four of whom never more were to arise with life.

On the 5th July, 1827, Mr, William Henry was drowned in a brook near L )ng Pond ; was found by Mr. Asa Moore, after probably having been dead several hours.

Between forty and fifty years ago, Eleazer Adams and Joel Howard, two young lads, sons of Titus Adams and Ezekiel Howard of Barre, were in the eveninof crossinobtevens brook at a dam near Barre line, on horseback ; by accident they were thrown from the horse and drowned,

Casualties By Fire

From the commencement of the settlement of Rutland to the present time, the following buildings have been destroyed by fire. The first grist mil!, tradition says was burnt by the Indians ; it stood on Mill Brook, at the site where Reuben Woodis's shoe peg factory stands.

In 1776, on a bitter cold morning, Samuel Blood and his wife, were by their servant boy, awakened from their sleep, with their house on fire ; they had no time to put on their clothes. Although Mrs. Blood was a delicate female, she caught her infant son with some bedding, placed him on the ground or snow, and for a few minutes exerted herself with masculine strength and activity in rescuing some of her most valuable furniture from the devouring element : - then with her husband, son and servant, with frozen limbs, made her way on the snow and frozen ground to the nearest house. (Mr. King's.) The son thus preserved, has been a Senator and General of the County of Worcester. The house burnt stood ninety-four rods East of the meeting-house, near Dea. Woodbury's.

Many years since, an old house occupied by Eleazer Rice, was burnt ; it stood where Jeremiah Rogers now lives. Also, the house of Gideon Brown at AVhite Hall, a small house or shop near Thos. Davis's house, and a small house, untenanted, at White Hall were burnt.

History Of Rutlanp

In 1S;30. the meeting-house erected in 1759. was on Febiuary 28th burnt ; supposed to have taken fire by coals falling from a stove through a crack in the floor on shavings. It was in a blaze, about one half hour after the afternoon services were ended.

History Of Rutlaxd

*- We are happy in being able to say, that the records respecting Rutland, have been kept very correct and perfect, and in fine order from the first.

'- The land in general is very good, and the soil is rich and strono- : It is not extraordinary for raising of o^rain, though a suHiciency is produced for the inhabitants ; it is very well adai)ted to grass and grazing, and most excellent for orcharding : Here are large and line orchards.

-- In this town u|>wards of forty persons have lately united, and established a social Library, of the value of nearly 30/., and containing about seventy volumes, at present."

Oa July 4th, 1835. the Sabbath School Scholars to the number of two hundred and seventy-five, assembled at the meeting-house, where a pathetic and affectionate address was delivered to them by their Pastor ; after which 6*

" The people of Rutland are principally farmers, except a few traders in European, East and West India Goods, the usual mechanics, and those employed in the card making business, which is newly set up here ; And they are a peaceable, happy, flourishing people. In this town, pot and pearl ash making is carried on very largely. When the census was taken in 1790 there were 1072 souls in the town. In 1820, 1276."

Ecclesiastical History

The inhabitants of Rutland have not been destitute of a preached Gospel or settled minister, only for a few short intervals from its first settlement to the present time.

As early as July 12th, 1721, "At a town meeting legally warned to choose some able, learned Orthodox minister to settle in Gospel Order, the Rev. Mr. Joseph Willard was chosen by a great majority of the voters, which invitation he accepted.'' This Mr. Willard had been or- 'dained a minister of Sunderland in the county of Hamp- .shire.

After he had accepted the invitation to settle with the people of Rutland, he met with many and great discour- .agements, and particularly by reason of the fears and dangers arising from the Indians ; so that an appointment of his installation was deferred. However, at length a day fixed upon for his solemn separation to the work of the aninistry in that place, in the fall of the year 1723 ; but he

At a meeting of tlie inhabitants of Rutland, July 14, 1724, they cliose a coniniittee to treat and agree with Mr. Andrew Gardner to settle with them in the woik of the ministry. There is nothing further on record as respects Mr. Gardner.

The following persons preached in the interim between the death of JMr. Willard, and settlement of Mr. Fiink; Rev. Mr. Pierpont, Mr. Samuel Jcnison and Mr. William Brintnal.

At a meeting of the inhabitants of Rutland legally warned May 17, 1727, to choose and call an able and learned Orthodox and ])ious person to dispense the word of God unto them. Being met at time and place, Capt. Samuel Wright was chosen JNIoderator.

The votes being called for, Mr. Thomas Frink was chosen by a unanimous vote, to be the minister of Rutland, (having had the advice of three ordained ministers as the law directs.) Mr. Frink had preached as a candidate from August, 1726, to his call.

Mr. Frink'S Answer

" To the Town of Rutland. Gentlemen. '- I have now considered on the call you gave me to settle with you in the ministry. And as I think it is a call from God in his Providence, so I do acce})t of the same, and shall be willing to settle among 3'ou as a Gospel min-

On Oct. 9, next following, Capt. Samuel Wright, Lieut. Simon Davis, INIessrs. Joseph Stevens, Edward Rice, Moses How, Malcolm Hendry, Jonathan Davis and Samuel Brown assembled (at the house of said Wright) with the said Frink, and after Solemn Prayer to God, and Mutual Christian Conference, they signed a Church Covenant in Form Following, viz. :

Solemn Covenant

Wk whose Names are hereunto subscribed (Inhabitants of Rutland) apprehending ourselves called of God into the Church State of the Gospel ; Do first of all confess ourselves unworthy to be so highly favored of the Lord, and admire his free and rich Giace which calls us hereunto. And then (with humble Reliance, and entire Dependence on the Assistance of his Holy Spirit hereunto promised ; ) under a deep sense of our own Insufficiency an4 inability to do any good, because of our sinfulness and proneness to offend the Most High God in Heart and Life, through the prevalence of sin in us, and many fold Temptations without us ; Do thankfully lay hold on his Covenant and promises, do solemnly enter into Covenant with God, and one with another according to God. We declare our serious and hearty Belief of the Chi-istian Religion as contained in the Holy Scriptures, acknowledging them to contain the whole revealed Will of God concern- ing our Faith and Practice, resolving to conform our Hearts and lives unto the Rules of that Holy Religion as long as we live. We give up ourselves unto the Lord Jehovah, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, the only True and Living God, and Avouch him this day, to be our God, and our Portion forever. We give up ourselves to Jesus Christ, who is the Lord Jehovah as our blessed Savior, Prophet, Priest and King over our Souls, and only Mediator of the Covenant of Grace. We acknowledge Ilim to be the Head of his People in the Covenant, and promise by his Spirit to adhere unto him as such by Faith and Gospel Obedience, as becoraeth his Covenant People. We acknowledge our everlasting and indispensable Obligations to glorify Our God in all the Duties of a Godly, Sober and Righteous Life, and particularly in the duties of a Church State, as a P>ody of People associated in Obedience to Him in all the Ordinances of the Gospel. We engage, with dependence on his promised Grace and Spirit, to walk togethei" as a Church of the Lord Jesus Chi-ist, in the Faith and Order of the Gospel. As particularly, To keep the Lord's Day holy to Him, and conscietiously attend the public Worship of God thereon, in praying to Him, and, Singing His Praise, and giving reverent attention to his Word read and preached according to his institutions. To hold Communion with each other in the administrations of the Seals of the Covenant, namely, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. To submit to the Holy Discipline appointed by Christ in his Church; Obeying them that rule over us in the Lord. To walk in Love and Charity One towards Another, endeavouring our mutual Edification and Comfort, and hecdfully to follow the several Rules laid down and given us by Christ and his Apostles for Church dealing, and watchfully avoiding sin-

And furthermore, - Such of us as have Children do also present them with ourselves unto the Lord, promising to bring them up in the knowledge and Fear of God, by holy Instructions and Corrections in the Lord. And such of us whom it may please God in time to settle in Families, as also we jvho are by his Blessing in a Family State, do promise, by his Grace, to w\alk in our Houses in the Fear of God, maintaining Family Worship, and reading the Scriptures, and by being Examples of Holiness, Sobriety, and Righteousness, to all that are or may be of our charge, and bv catechisino^ and Educatinor such Children as God shall give us, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and by presenting them to the mercy of his covenant.

And all this we do, flying to the Blood of the Covenant for Pardon of our sins and Errors, and praying that the Glorious Lord Jesus Christ, who is the great Shepherd and the head of Influences, would, by his spirit, prepare and streno^then us for every ofood work, workino- in us that which is well pleasing in his Sight. To whom be Glory forever. Amen.

After signing the Covenant the said Covenanting Brethren agreed and voted to send I>etters IMissive to the Churches of ^Marlborough, Lancaster, Sudbury, East and West Parishes, Leicester and Brookfield, to afford their Presence and Assistance by their Pastors and Dele"-ates on November 1st, following, to embody into a Church State, and for the Solemn Separation and Ordination of the said Thomas Friuk to the Gospel Ministry and Pastoral Office among them. And Capt. Samuel Wright and Lieut. Simon Davis were chosen to sign the said Letters in the name of the Brethren ; And accordingly Letters were sent forth by them signed to the said churches.

On the 31st of October in the evening, the Covenanting Brethren met at the house of Capt. Samuel Wright and admitted Eleazer Heywood into their number, who then signed the said Covenant. At the same time and place, the said Churches sent unto, assembled by their respective Pastors and Delegates, viz. : Church of Marlborough, Rev. Mr. Robert Breck and Delegates ; Lancaster, John Prentice, &c. ; West Sudbury, Israel Loring, &c. ; Eas^ Sudbury, William Cook, &c. ; Leicester, David Parsons, &c.; Brookfield, Thomas Cheney, &c.

The said Pastors and Delegates formed themselves into a Council ; Rev. Mr. Breck was chosen their .Moderator. The Covenanting Brethren then presented themselves before the said Council with their covenant signed as aforesaid ; and those of them, who had been in Church Fellowship before, produced their Letters of Dismission and Recommendation, viz. ; Thomas Frink and Samuel Wrioht from Sudbury West Church ; Simon Davis from Concord ;

Edward Rice, from Marlborough ; Moses How, from Brookiield, and Malkem Hendery, pi'oduced Letters Testimonial from Rev. Mr. Halyday, Presbyterian Minister of the Parish of Adstraw in Ireland ; all which were accepted ; and the other four signers of the Covenant (who had been in Church Fellowship) were also approved of. Then the said Brethren declared to the Council, their choice of the said Thomas Frink to be their Pastor ; and by the direction of the Council, they chose Mr. Bieck to give the Charge at Oidination ; and then the Council chose Mr. Prentice to gather the Church in the public Assembly ; and Mr. Loi'ing to give the . Right Hand of Fellowship. On November the 1st, was the day appointed for Ordination. In the meeting-house, Mr. Cheney opened the Solemnities with Prayer ; ]Mr. Loring preached tlie Sermon from 2d Cor. ii. 1 G, '" And ivho is suff.cient for these things V Mr. Parsons prayed preparatory to the Ordination ; Mr. Prentice Gathered the Church, &c. ; Mr. Breck (after the Church and Congregation had publicly by uplifted hands declared their Election of the said Thomas Frink to be their Pastor, and he had also declared his acceptance of their call) proceeded to Prayer, and the Charge, he, Mr. Prentice, Mr. Loring, INIr. Parsons and Mr. Cheney laying on their Hands, and Ordained the said Thomas Frink a Presbyter of the Church of Christ, and Pastor of Rutland, &c. Mr. Prentice prayed after the Charge. Mr. Loring gave the Right Hand ; and after singing part of the 89th Psalm, the new Ordained Pastor pronounced the Blessing.

Mr. Sewall'S Gift History Of Rutland

proposed by the Pastor, and imaiiiinously agreed to by tlie Brethren to send by their Pastor particular Thanks to ]\Ir. Samuel Sevvall of Boston, Merchant, for his very kind and valuable Gift of the Sacramental Vessels to the Church.

Rev. Mr. Frink'S Dismission

In a short time after Mr. Frink's settlement, the Church consisting of about three-fifths Congregationalists and twofifths Presbyterians ; some of the tenets and modes of Church ceremonies and discipline being a little different, it created a coolness in affection in some of the Brethren towards Mr. Frink, and contrary to his advice and admonition communed with the Presbyterians in other towns 5 and in a short time withdrew and erected a House of Worship by themselves.

In 1740, June 30th, At a Church meeting. Rev. Mr. Frink requested a dismission from his Pastoral Relation to the Church. At this time the Church did not grant his request. Mr. Frink renewed his request. It was laid before the town; and on Sept. 8, 1740, "Voted, That the Town are willing that the Rev. Mr. Frink should be dismissed from his Pastoral Relations to this Church and Town, and do refer the manner of his Dismission to the Church." Thereupon Voted, " That the Church do comply with the Pastor's request and accordingly Dismiss him from his Pastoral Relation to this Church and Town, and Recommend him to the Grace of God and Holy Church Fellowship." " I do consent to this vote and declare my Pastoral Relation to this Church and Town dissolved, and on my Part do recommend this Church to the Grace of God and holy Church Fellowship."

Members of the Church. Joseph Stevens, Edward Rice, John Stone, Phineas Stevens, John Fletcher, John Hubbard, Jonathan Davis, Samuel Brown, Jonas Stone, Samuel Man.

The following persons brought Letters Testimonial of their being Communicants in Ireland, and were received into Church Fellowship in Rutland, viz : Malkem Hendery, from Rev. Mr. Halyday, Presbyterian minister of the Parish of Ardstraw in Ireland, John Hamilton and wife, John Crawford and wife, Aaron Crawford and wife, John Browning and wife, Margaret, wife of Malkem Hendery, Ann, wife of William Fen ton, Margaret, wife of Robert Patrick, Sarah Mccarter, single woman, Alexander Bothwell and wife, John Moor, Robert Mclem and wife, also from other churches, or admitted as new members, Consider, wife of John Lecore, sen., AYilliam Fen ton, Duncan McFarland's wife, Edward Savage and wife, William Sloan and wife, Matthew Slarrow and wife, William Mccarter and wife, Eleanor, daughter of John Hamilton, Margaret, daughter of John Crawford, John Clark and wife, William and Anne, son and daughter of Thomas Mcclanathan, and William Watson.

As stated above, these withdrew and took no part in the dismission of Mr. Frink ; - Built them a house to meet in, and placed it on the Northeast corner of House Lot, No. 46, afterwards owned by Capt. John Mcclanathan, now by Andrew Putnam, near the roads leading to Paxton and Spencer. Having certain privileges granted them, it was taken down, and set up iii the West Wing, and was the meeting-house in Oakham until their pesent one was erected near the same i)hice. The Church of Christ in that phice was on August 28, 1767, embodied in Presbyterian form.

The Presbyterians, as well as the Congregationalists were conscientious in having their children dedicated in baptism the first convenient opportunity after their birth; - some were so tenacious of having the ordinance administered by those of their particular tenets, (as bad as the roads then were upwards of seventy years ago) carried their infants in their arms on horseback as far as Pelham, to have the ordinance administered in Presbyterian form, &c.

Mr. Thomas M4Rsh

At a Church meeting March 6th, 1740-41, to make choice of some suitable person to be their minister, the votes being called for and brought in, the Rev. Mr. Thomas Marsh was unanimously chosen.

Chose Capt. John Hubbard, Capt. Joseph Stevens and Ens. Moses How to inform Mr. Marsh, and receive his answer. This is the last we find on record respecting Mr. Marsh.

meeting was opened by prayer to God for his assistance. It was put to vote whether the Church would proceed to the choice of a minister at present, and it passed in the affirmative. The vote for a minister was called for, and being brought in, Mr. Joseph Buckminster was chosen to be our minister.

1742, August 9th, Dea. Eleazer Ball, Chosen Mod'r. Voted, That the town accept of Mr. Buckminster's contract, and join in his ordination ; and chose Eleazer Ball, Capt. Moses Rice and Daniel Estabrook a committee to provide for the same.

Mr. Buckminster'S Answer

I READILY accept of the Settlement and Salary you have offered me, and gratefully acknowledge your kindness therein, - hoping that I have the presence of God with me in this undertaking, and that his Blessing may succeed both you and me, - may God grant that we may live together in love as Brethren, and members of the same body, whose Head is Christ. I give myself to the ministry, and hope that if it be ordered that I be ordained

Joseph Buckminster

The town and church were so well united at the close of Mr. Buckminster's ministry and life, that every person in town that paid any taxes, paid a part of his salary.*

"Mr. Buckminster continued the able, faithful and worthy minister of Rutland until November od, 1792, when he died in the 73d year of his age, and the 51st of his ministry." - Whitney.

Rev. Hezekiah Goodrich

Whereas in moving for the re-settlement of a Gospel minister, you have been pleased to invite me to the Pastoral Office. Permit me here to acknowledge my affectionate gratitude for the respect paid me in this act of yours. Permit me farther to say that the several steps you have taken relative to this matter, have not failed to gain my most serious attention - this attention I readily paid as a service due to you, and the common interests of Religion. When I heard of the unanimity of the Brethren of the Church, and was presented by their Committee with a vote expressive, as they said of their sincere Desire and earnest request that I would consent to settle with them in the Gospel Ministry, and when I was informed of the general harmony of the society, in concurring with the same, and the comfortable provision* m;ide for my support. 1 could no longer remain indifferent to your wishes. And now without a formal Declaration of my reasons. I hereby Declare my acceptance of your Call to take the Pastonil charge of you. - Asking an interest in your Prayers, and wishing that Grace, Mercy and Peace from the great Head of the Church may be multiplied unto you.

Hezektah Goodrich

Voted to choose a Committee to appoint a I>ay for the ordination of Mr. Goodrich and issue Letters missive to the Churches that shall be chosen to assist in the ordination. Voted, That Dea. Reed. Dea. How and Dea- Davis be a committee for that purpose, and that the Churchc in the following towns be sent to for an ordaining council : the first and second Churches in Weathersfield. the Church in Durham, the Churches in Shrewsbury, Rarre, Hubbardston. Portsmouth. Sterling. Holden and Oakham ;

Voted to concur with the Church respecting the ordaining Council. The ordination was appointed June 19, 1 793. On said day Mr. Goodrich was ordained as a minister of the Church and People of Rutland.

Ciiurcii Meeting

Voted, That the Thursday next preceding the first Sabbath in July next be observed by this Church as a Day of fasting and prayer to implore Divine direction in our present situation, especially in the choice of a Pastor. Voted, That the Moderator, Dea. Tilly Flint, and Mr. Jonas Reed, be a committee to invite such minister or ministers as they think proper to attend said fast, &c.

Mr. Luke Baldwin Foster

1812, Dec. 15. At a Church meeting duly convened this day. Voted, To invite Mr. Luke Baldwin Foster to take the Pastoral charge of this Church. Dea. Jonas How, Dea. Tilly Flint and 3Ir. Jonas Stone were chosen a committee to inform Mr. Luke B. Foster of the proceedings of the Church, and request his acceptance.

Mr. Foster'S Answer

To call mankind to order, peace and happiness, has ,been the benevolent purpose of Jehovah from the morning of time to the present day. To accomplish so glorious, so blessed a work, the Son of God, the great Shepherd of Souls, moved by pity and compassion for the ruined race of men, descended from the mansions of bliss, glory and love, and paid his atoning visit to a degenerate world. Upon earth he lead a life of unexampled sorrow, and at last spilt his own blood of Innocence, and expired inglorious on the Cross ; - Yet he revived and ascended on high, whom the heavens have now received from mortal sight. - And when he burst the rocky marble, and rose triumphant from the grave, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men, for the perfecting of the Saints, and for the work of the ministry. Since which time the Pastoral Office dates its Origin, - and a succession of teachers in the Church there will be, till time on earth shall be no more. The office of the Gospel ministry is absolutely a necessary office for the eternal salvation of men. Christ instituting, appointing and commissioning such an order of men, is a manifest of this, and the preaching of his cross has been signally blessed in all ages for the conviction and conversion of sinners. The great Shepherd of Israel alone sends forth the heralds of Salvation,' and in the course ofj His providence determines where they shall labor. Prompt-j ed by a love of his cause and religion, and moved I trust by his spirit, I have entered the ministry under his iruidance and direction, been called to preach his Gospel in^'this place, and the time has now come in which I suppose you expect from me an answer to your invitation to settle with you in the Gospel ministry. I approach the decision with many mingled sensations of pleasure and pain. To some I believe it will be painful, to others pleasant. While anticipating a decision, my mind is filled with anxious hopes and trembling fears. On the one side the prospect is fair, on the other hangs a dark cloud. While you are inviting' my heart assenting, there are good men denying, and It would have been an apparent miracle had a complete unanimity prevailed among so large a Society at the present day. But upon consultation, reflection and advice - upon realizing your general unanimity, and trusting solely to God's grace and goodness, and praying him to direct^ my steps in all wisdom and prudence, so as to be useful to you all, and render my own life happy, I shall give a decision in the affirmative. And should God see fit to place me as a watchman over you, remember I am but a youth, and one of the least of the Embassadors of Christ,"and want your prayers, and instructions of age and experience. - I tremble for myself, - I tremble for those whom God has determined I shall instruct, for " Woe is me," if they perish through my neglect. In the execution of my oflftce, I must expect to encounter many difliculties, to endure many trials, troubles and aflflictions ; but my strength is in God ; and I hope in me he has begun a good work, and will make me faithful and abundantly successful in winning souls to Christ, and be a present help and comfort through all the gloomy scenes I may be called to pass in this vale of tears. I must view it an insufferable omission to pass the present

Our attachment I am disposed to believe is mutual. I can only speak for one, - words and actions speak the rest. And whatever my future destination may be, you, my friends, shall I have in grateful remembrance, while reason and memory last. - Nothing but the grave will be able to sever my affections from a people, whom now I esteem, whom now I respect. In fine, my heart's desire is for your temporal and spiritual welfare. Ever remember to be good, and to communicate forget not; ever show yourselves the followers of the Lamb. P^ach of us must shortly give an account of himself to God. A period will soon arrive, when you and I must appear at the Judgment seat of Christ, let this solemn consideration excite our hearts to a diligent and faithful improvement of time and opportunity ; that when we are called to take the last parting farewell of our earthly friends and companions, our souls may be welcomed by angels into those heavenly Mansions, where sorrow, sighs and tears shall be no more.

Luke B. Foster Mr. Foster'S Ordination

1813, Feb. 8. At a Church meeting duly convened at the meeting-house, 12 o'clock at noon, - Voted, That whereas the town has concurred with the Church in the invitation of Mr. Luke Baldwin Foster to take the Pastoral charge of the Church and Congregation in this town, and the said Mr. Foster having given his answer in the affirmative, they will now proceed to invite the following

Churdies, viz., the Church in Shrewsbury, Holden, Paxton, Oakham, Barre, Hubbardston, Princeton, Ilardwick, Monson and the second Church in Wilbraham, to convene with their Pastors and Delegates to form an Ecclesiastical Council, for the purpose of separating the said Mr. Foster to the work of the Gospel ministry in Rutland. Voted, That Dea. Jonas How, Dea. Tilly Flint and Mr. Jonas Reed be a committee to wait on the venerable Council with a copy of the proceedings of the Church.

The ordination was on Feb. 24, 1813, - When the Rev. INIr. Luke Baldwin P^'oster was separated as minister of the Church and Society in Rutland.

Church Meeting

At a Church meeting Sept. 25th, Voted, To set apart as a Day of humiliation, fasting and prayer, to implore Divine direction in the choice of a minister ; - chose Dea. Tilly Flint, Dea. Jonas Reed and Capt. Barzaillai Miles a committee to invite ministers to attend said Fast ; a day accordingly was observed, and the Rev. Mr. Thomas Snell of North Brookfield preached a sermon.

Rev. Josiah Clark

At a meeting of the Church, March 30, 1818, the Church vot^d unanimously to invite Mr. Josiah Clark to take the charge and oversight of them in the Gospel Ministry.

History Of Ruiland

The Church immediately after the town meeting chose Dea. Jonas Reed, Dea. Tilly Flint and Dr. John Frink a committee to inform Mr. Josiah Clark of the doings of the Church and concurrence of the town, in calling, and inviting him to settle with them in the Gospel Ministry.

Mr. Clark having giving his answer in the affirmative, Dea. Jonas Reed, Capt. Calvin How and Capt. Samuel S. Watson, were chosen a committee at a meeting of the Church, May 4th, 1818, to write Letters missive to the Churches in Shrewsbury, Northampton, Leicester, Holden, Paxton, Spencer, Oakham. Parre, Hubbardston, Princeton and to the President of Williams College, to invite them by their Pastors and Delegates to assist in the Ordination of Mr. Josiah Clark.

On June 1st, the following Churches, by their Pastors and Delegates met at the house of Dr. Frink. From the Churches in Shrewsbury, Spencer, Holden, Oakham, Barre, Leicester, Paxton, Hubbardston and Princeton. The Rev. Joseph Sumner, D. D. was chosen Moderator, Rev. Gains Conant, Scribe.

June 2d, Mr. Clark presented himself before the Council, and was examined by them ; and a vote was passed to proceed to ordination The Rev. Mr. Tomlinson open- , ed the meeting with prayer. The Rev. Mr. Nelson preached the sermon ; Dr. Sumner made the consecrating I prayer ; Rev. Mr. Avery gave the charge ; Rev. Mr. Gay j the right hand, - and Rev. Mr. Thompson the concluding prayer.

Members Of The Church At Different

Most of the children of Presbyterians were baptised by Presbyterian ministers. As we have not their records, it cannot be stated the number of baptisms in the town.

Under the ministry of Mr. Frink and Mr. Buckminster, persons of tender consciences, were, by owning the baptismal Covenant, and engaging to partake of the Lord's Supper as soon as they could cons<;ientiously, were permited the privilege to offer their children in baptism ; many of those that at first owned the baptismal covenant, afterwards came forward and partook of the Lord's Supper.

^Baptisms in the Congregational Church from the settlement of Mr. Frink in 1727 to the death of Mr. Buckminster in 1792, were, males 833, females 820, total 1653. Marriages 355.

Members of the Church in 1828, males 70, females 130.. Baptisms in the first ten years of Mr. Clark's ministry, 233., The following are the only persons now living in Rutland, that were admitted into the Church under the ministry of Mr. Buckminster : Tilly Flint, Jonas Reed and Benjamin Mead.

The inhabitants of Rutland were more or less exposed to the merciless Indians for more than thirty years, - their guns were by their side, in the house, in the field, and in the Sanctuary. In 1723, the town voted to build a fort about the house the Rev. Mr. Willard lived in ; there were several other forts built in various places of the settlement, " such were the excitements, and such the temper of the red people. Their warfare opened a stream of blood that long continued to purple the land, and worked woe and misery for the helpless emigrants of New England. Tiie destroyers were lurking around them in the vast forests, and no signal preceded the blow. The sudden incursion burst upon the settlements. The hoary head of the venerable father was dabbled in his own gore ; the tresses of the maidens were blood-stained ; and the slumbers of the cradle were often exchanged for the dreamless sleep of eternity. The husbandman went out to cultivate his fields armed as if for battle; and when he laid down to rest, the sword and musket were the companions of his pillow." " Such is the peculiar character of the savage temper, that time nor distance mitigates the spirit of revenge for supposed wrongs. In 1722, the Eastern Indians exasperated by some supposed encroachments on their lands, again took up the tomahawk. Tiie war was carried on iii a manner peculiarly bloody in the settlements within New Hampshire and Maine. Rutland, although far removed from the scene of action, felt the fury of their vengeance. In the two succeeding years they continued to receive the most violent assaults from the barbarians. Several of the inhabitants were killed or captured, and among the former their minister."

As late as 1747, the town petitioned the General Court to fortify this town against the common enemy with garrisons, and a suitable number of men for its defence, and Voted, that all the able-bodied men be drawn by the selectmen and commissioned officers for scouting.

Worcester. - In the year 1702, the Indians killed the wife of Dickery Sargeant and two of his children, and carried three of his children into captivity. Mr. Elisha Ward was supposed to be killed. On the 21st of October, 1713, Jonas Rice with his family moved into the place and remained there, without any other inhabitant, until the spring of the year 1715, when a considerable number of persons joined him.

Brookfield, in 1675, not two years after its incorporation, was utterly destroyed by the Indians, when the inhabitants consisted of about twenty families. Being so early settled, and no other white inhabitants within many miles, they for a long time were frequently assaulted and distressed by the Indians. At that time there was a large swamp or plain within the limits of what is now New Braiur tree, thickly covered with wood, called Wenimesset, where the Indians resorted, and made it a place of rendezvous when they meditated an assault on Brookfield.

breach in the roof, and as one of them was attempting to enter, he receivefl a shot in his belly from a courageous womiin, the only person in the house, who had two muskets and two pistols charged, and was prepared for all four, but they thought fit to retreat, carrying of? the dead or wounded man."

PETERS^rA^r. - ''This had been a seat for Indians, - and it was called many years by its Indian name, which was Nichawang, and in the South part of the town, lies Nichaiuaug Hill, so called by the natives, whereon, as in some other parts of the town, they had formerly fields of Indian corn."

Rutland. - Although it cannot be stated, that this town was ever a permanent settlement of the Indians, it is evident they claimed the soil, and made excursions to it ; the compiler, some years since, found in his field a stone gouge. There is on Muschopauge hill, a root and herb place, called the Indian Garden ; and the followinoplaces in Rutland and its vicinity have Indian names, Muschopauge Pond, Sepoge Pond, Asnebumskit Hill and Pond, Asnaconcomick Pond, Quinepoxet Pond and Pomagusset Meadow.

The following persons were killed by the Indians in Rutland : - -1723, August 14, Rev. Joseph Willard, - Samuel and Joseph Stevens, were killed.