Seekonk Town (part 1 of 2)

Seekonk Town

Geographical - Incorporation of the Town - Act of Incorporation - The First Town-Meeting - Documentary History - Fortification at Kettle Point - Representatives - Senators - Changing of Boundary - Military History - Names of Soldiers.

Seekonk lies in the northwestern part of the county, and is bounded as follows: On the north by Attleborough, on the east by Rehoboth, on the south by Swansea, and on the west by East Providence and Pawtucket. The territory embraced within the present town of Seekonk originally formed a portion of the ancient town of Rehoboth, where the record history, names of early settlers, etc., will be found.

Incorporation of Seekonk. - Seekonk was set off from Rehoboth and incorporated as a separate town Feb. 26, 1812. The following is the act of incorporation :

"Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That the westerly part of Rehoboth, of the county of Bristol, as described within the following bounds, with the inhabitants therein, be and they are hereby incorporated into a separate town by the name of Seekonk, viz.: Beginning at a rock in the line between the towns of Attleborough and Rehoboth, which is the northeast corner boundary of the west precinct in said Rehoboth ; thence south four degrees west until it strikes the line between the towns of Swanzey and Rehoboth ; thence westerly by Swauzey line till it strikes the line between the said Rehoboth and the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations; thence following the line between the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations ami said Rehoboth till it conies to the southwest corner of the town of Attleborough; thence easterly by the line between the towns of Attleborough and Rehoboth to the first mentioned bounds. And the s;iid town of Rehoboth is hereby vested with all the powers and privileges, rights and immunities, and subject to all the duties to which other towns are entitled and subjected by the Constitution or laws of this commonwealth.

" Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, Tbat of all State and county taxes which shall be levied and required of said towns previous to a new valuation the said town of Seekonk shall pay one-half thereof.

" Sec. 3. Be il further enacted, That all the expenses arising for the support of the poor of said town of Rehoboth, with which it is now chargeable, together with such poor as have removed out of said town prior to this act of incorporation, but who may hereafter be lawfully returned to said town for support, shall be equally divided between the towns of Seekonk and Rehoboth ; and when the said town of Seekonk shall be organized, the paupers, whether the same be supported in whole or in part only, shall be divided as nearly as may be, and one-half of the number delivered over to the overseers of the poor of that town, to he by them in future supported.

"Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, That Elkanah French, Esq., be and he is hereby authorized to issue his warrant, directed to some suitable inhabitant of Seekonk, requiring him to notify and warn the inhabitants thereof, qualified to vote for town officers, to meet at such convenient time and place as shall be expressed in said warrant, to choose all such officers as towns are by law authorized to choose in the months of March or April annually. And that the said Elkanah French, Esq., be and he is hereby authorized and empowered to preside at said meetings during the election of a moderator, to exercise all the powers and to do all the duties which town clerks by law have and do perform in the election of moderators of town-meetings."

The First Town-Meeting in pursuance of this act was held in the old meeting-house March 16, 1812, when Caleb Abell was chosen moderator and town clerk, and Capt. Allen Cole town treasurer.

1 The editor acknowledges his indebtedness in the compilation of the history of this town to Deacon Joseph Brown, whose invaluable assistance has greatly lessened his labor in the preparation of this work.

At this meeting it was also " voted to choose a committee of three to join a committe chosen hy the town of Rehoboth to make a settlement with the late town treasurer, and by vote Messrs. Calvin Martin, James Ellis, and Benjamin Ormsbee were said committee.

" Voted that the town-meeting in Seekonk he notified in the usual mode and manner that town-meetings were notified before the division of the town of Rehoboth, till further order he taken thereon.

"April 6, 1812. - The town voted to choose two constables in addition to the two choseD at a former meeting, and by vote Messrs. Amos Read and Nathaniel Viall."

At the same meeting were chosen "surveyors of highways," "fenceviewers," " surveyors of plank and timber and corders of wood and water," and " field-viewers."

Oct. 5, 1812. - "Voted to put up the collection of taxes, to be bid off by those that would collect the lowest, they giving bonds to said town agreeable to a vote."

Nov. 12, 1812, it was "voted to choose by nomination a committee of three to divide all public personal property that belongs to the towns of Seekonk and Rehoboth, and poor persons, agreeable to the act of the General Court of this commonwealth incorporating Seekonk, and choose James Ellis, Esq., and Deacon Joseph Bucklin as said committee."

Sept. 7, 1812, " motion being made and seconded to give to each detached non-commissioned officer and soldier belonging to Seekonk five dollars per month in addition to what the general government allows as wages, vote being taken thereon, declared in the negative."

Fortification at Kettle Point. - Oct. 3, 1814, a committee from the town of Providence, consisting of Tristam Burgess, William Church, and Richmond Bullock, requested liberty to build a breastwork on land belonging to the town of Seekonk and Rehoboth, at a place called " Kettle Point," and to solicit the citizens of Seekonk to assist in building said fortification. " By vote granted the request of said committee so far as related to Seekonk, and choose a committee of seven to request the citizens to assist in raising the fortification."

In 1826 the town voted that it was not expedient to build a jail in New Bedford at the county expense, and in 1827 voted against the petition of the inhabitants of Pawtucket village to be set off into a separate town.

Rum and Railroads. - At a meeting held April 28, 1834, it was " voted that the public good and convenience require that there should be innholders and retailers of ardent spirits in the town of Seekonk ;" and also by vote passed the following resolutions, viz. :

"Resolved, That the town of Seekonk approve of the doings of their selectmen in returning innholders and retailers to the county commissioners to be licensed ; also

"Resolved, That the town of Seekonk disapproves of the doings of the county commissioners of the county of Bristol In refusing to grant any licenses to innholders and retailers for the sale of ardent spirits in said county, and consider it an usurpation of power and contrary to the spirit of the law of this Commonwealth."

Aug. 11, 1834, the town " voted that the selectmen of this town for the time being be a committee to see that the Boston and Providence Railroad corporation make no encroachments on any property belonging to said town, and to conduct for said town as they may think proper."

In the following November it was " voted that if the Boston and Providence Railroad Company will build a bridge over the railroad near the common, and cause all the necessary roads leading to it to be laid out at their expense, and give the town a bonus of one thousand dollars, in that case the selectmen are authorized to make a contract with the proper agent of the railroad."

Representatives from 1812 to 1883. - The following is a list of the representatives from the incorporation of the town in 1812 to the present time :

March 1, 1862, the town of East Providence was taken off from Seekonk, leaving the town with a population of only eight hundred, almost wholly farmers. The interest of the town is agricultural, and from 1862 to 1880 the population increased from eight hundred to more than twelve hundred. There had been a long dispute between the States of Rhode Island and Massachusetts in relation to the boundary line. The case was in the United States Supreme Court, but by agreement between them it was taken from the court and referred to a commission from Rhode Island and the Governor and Executive Council on the part of Massachusetts, when a conventional line was adopted, setting the whole of Pawtucket and that portion of Seekonk now East Providence into Rhode Island, while Massachusetts received territory from Rhode Island adjacent to Fall River.

The inhabitants of the present town of Seekonk almost universally opposed the act as injurious to their interest, but the influence of Providence and Fall River prevailed.

The inhabitants opposed the division of the town and new State line by which the town of East Providence was organized in another State, for thereby the Congregational and First Baptist Churches, in which they worshiped, were transferred to another town and State, also the town hall, and seriously deranged the several school districts.

The manufacturing part of the town was transferred to Rhode Island, leaving the present town of Seekonk nearly without manufactures and wholly agricultural. It set into Rhode Island about two-thirds of the valuation and more than two-thirds of the population, and about one-half of the territory.

Military Record, 1861-65. - The town of Seekonk responded promptly to the call for troops during the late Rebellion, both in men and means. July 24, 1862, the town voted to pay one hundred and twentyfive dollars to each volunteer, not to exceed ten in number, when accepted and sworn into service on the call for fifteen thousand men from the State. Aug. 14, 1862, the town voted to pay four hundred dollars bounty to each volunteer, seven being the number required; also voted to pay three hundred dollars bounty to all volunteers and drafted men under the first levy.

Sept. 2, 1862. The town voted to pay the expenses of those volunteers who were rejected. Voted that the recruiting officer be instructed to recruit or enlist any man of proper age not enrolled in any other town.

Oct. 8, 1862. Voted that the treasurer be authorized to hire money sufficient to aid the families of volunteers from this town. Voted twelve hundred dollars for bounties.

Dec. 10, 1863. The town authorized the recruiting officer to pay three hundred and twenty-five dollars bounty for the quota of volunteers called for.

April 4, 1864. Voted to pay eleven hundred and twenty-five dollars to reimburse those that have voluntarily contributed to pay bounties to fill the town's quota on the call for five hundred thousand men. Also voted to appropriate one hundred and twentyfive dollars for each recruit for this town that maybe enlisted under the call for March 15, 1864, and also that may be enlisted under future calls of the President before March 1, 1865.

June 25, 1864. Voted to authorize the treasurer to pay one hundred and twenty-five dollars to every man enlisted in anticipation of the next call of the President, but the officer not to enlist over ten men.

Sept. 3, 1864. The recruiting officer reported to the town that the town's quota was filled, at the expense of four thousand nine hundred and seventy-five dollars.

Oct. 22, 1864. Voted that the treasurer pay one hundred and twenty-five dollars for the eighteen men, and also for each of the two surplus men.

Nov. 26, 1864. Voted that the recruiting officer enlist nine men for filling the town's quota in anticipation of another call for men. Voted that the selectmen order the treasurer to pay out eleven hundred and twenty-five dollars in anticipation of enlisting the above number of men.

As this town is a border town and adjacent to Providence, a large number of its citizens enlisted into Rhode Island regiments, and several into the quota of other towns in the State.

J. Smith, capt. in Rhode Island regiment, and killed In first battle of Bull Run; James M. Munroe, in California regiment; Edward Dunbar, Rhode Island regiment, killed in battle; T. Peck, enlisted in Cambridge.

Chapter Xxxviii Ecclesiastical History

Congregational Church. - The original proprietors of this town were Congregationalists, who, with their pastor, Rev. Samuel Newman, and a majority of his church, migrated from Weymouth, Mass., and settled in this place in the year 1643.

The town was called Rehoboth by the pastor ; by the Indians Seekonk. On the division of the town one part retained the civil name, the other the Indian.

Rev. Samuel Newman was born in Blandford, in 1600 ; educated at Oxford, England ; came to New England 1638, and died, pastor of this church, July 5, 1663.

Rev. Samuel Angier was born in Cambridge, 1655; graduated at Harvard University, 1673; became pastor 1679; dismissed from ill health 1692, and died at Waltham, Jan. 21, 1717.

Rev. John Greenwood, son of Rev. Thomas Greenwood, was born May 20, 1697 ; graduated at Harvard University, 1717 ; ordained 1721, and died Dec. 1, 1766.

Rev. John Ellis was born in Cambridge, 1727 ; graduated at Harvard University, 1750; installed March, 1785 ; dismissed, at his request, 1796 ; returned to Norwich, Conn., where he had been previously settled, and died in 1805.

Rev. James O. Barney was born in Providence, R. I., Sept. 30, 1795 ; graduated at Brown University, September, 1821, and ordained Feb. 4, 1824.

date back previous to 1693. The earliest records of this church are supposed to have been, and probably were, destroyed when King Philip burned the town, when all the houses in this vicinity except the garrison were destroyed.

Rev. Mr. Barney remained as pastor and acting pastor until May 1, 1867, except he labored a few months among the seamen in the city of Providence and for the American Sunday-School Union in the State of Iowa. This church enjoyed an extensive revival during the winter of 1855-56, when a series of meetings were held, in which Rev. Mr. Barney was assisted by Rev. Norris Day, an evangelist. Forty-four united with the church in a few weeks. The spring of 1861 was marked by another revival, when thirty-six united with the church in one day. Again, in 1867, fortyseven united themselves with this church between the months of March and August. Rev. Mr. Barney, having previously notified the church and society that he should resign the pastorate on May 1, 1867, preached his farewell sermon on the 28th day of April, after having preached to this people nearly forty-three years. He remarked in his discourse that a generation had passed away since he came among them, and scarcely a person was living in the parish who was a head of a family when he commenced his pastorate.

" Resolved, That this church fully concur with the Congregational Society of Seekonk in the resolutions passed by them this day in the expression of their confidence in the Rev. James 0. Barney as a man, a Christian, and a pastor.

" Resolved, That in view of the long and meritorious services of the Rev. James O. Barney as pastor of this church, and the lively interest he ever manifested in our spiritual welfare, we tender to him our thanks and assure him that wherever his lot may be cast he has our sympathies and prayers for his welfare."

After the decease of his wife he removed to Hyde Park, Mass., and afterwards to Lincoln, R. I., where he deceased in March, 1880, universally respected by all with whom he had associated.

April 22, 1868, the church and society extended a unanimous call to the Rev. Samuel E. Evans to become their pastor. He accepted the call, and was installed pastor of this church June 3, 1868. On March 2, 1871, he resigned the pastorate, when the following resolutions were unanimously adopted by the church :

"Resolved, That we publicly express our acknowledgments for his faithfulness and fidelity to the cause of Christ while pastor of this church, and that we shall bear his memory in grateful remembrance for the earnestness in which he labored for the good of this people, and the blessings which we as individual Christians have received through the instrumentality of his instructions, by preaching the gospel in its fullness and purity, holding up the promises of God through Jesus Christ for our encouragement and hope, and that we bid him God speed (2 John, 10) in whatever field he may be called to labor."

The Rev. E. A. Spence, of Ann Arbor, Mich., was then engaged as acting pastor, but owing to poor health was obliged to resign. He was succeeded by Rev. Hiram E. Johnson, who labored as acting pastor for seven years, until May 1, 1879, the church commending him as a Christian minister and gentleman unto whatever community in which he may be called to labor. During his pastorate the church erected an elegant parsonage adjacent to their meeting-house.

Nov. 12, 1879, it was voted unanimously that an invitation be extended to Rev. Leverett S. Woodworth, of Campello, Mass., to become the pastor and teacher of this church and society.

Rev. Mr. Woodwortb, having accepted the invitation, was duly installed as pastor of this church June 23, 1880, which office he now holds. In 1882 a large and excellent organ was purchased for the church.

The communion service of this church consists of four silver platters, marked R. C. ; one silver cup, presented by Capt. Willet in 1674; one silver cup, presented by Rev. Noah Newman in 1678; one silver cup, presented by Mrs. Mary Walker in 1747 ; one silver cup, presented by Deacon Samuel Newman in 1748 ; one silver cup, presented by Deacon Edward Glover in 1751 ; one silver cup, presented by Mr. Daniel Perrin in 1754; one silver cup, presented by Capt. John Lyon, without date ; one silver cup, presented by Barbary Hill, an Indian lady, in 1826 ; one silver cup, presented by Barbary Hill, an Indian lady, in 1828 ; one silver flagon, presented by Mrs. Sarah Bishop in 1727 ; one silver flagon, presented by Francis Stephens in 1732.

Rev. J. O. Barney acted as clerk of the church from the year of his ordination, 1824, to Aug. 31, 1837, when Deacon Peter H. Brown was chosen clerk, who served until Nov. 2, 1858, when Deacon Joseph Brown was elected, who has served to the present time.

Deacons. - July 29, 1824, Peter H. Wheaton and William Ellis were elected; Feb. 28, 1839, John Shory and Peter H. Brown ; Sept. 30, 1858, Robert M. Pearse and Joseph Brown ; Nov. 3, 1870, William W. Ellis and Albert R. Read.

Rev. Samuel Newman's Concordance of the Bible, including the Apocrypha, is a work of the rarest merit, and is truly a monument of biblical learning and research, not surpassed, if excelled, in any country or age. It is not only one of the largest and most extensive of any work of that class through all its parts, but it was the first extensive work published. Authors of similar works since that date have been able to copy from him and enjoy the benefit of his researches. There are but few copies of his revised and enlarged edition (third), published in London, 1658, known to be extant. There is a copy in the library at Oxford, England ; one in the Athena?um in Boston, presented by King William III. ; and one belonging to the Congregational Church of Seekonk (of which Deacon Joseph Brown is custodian as clerk of the church), the history of which is as follows:

The author, the founder of this church, reserved this copy for himself, and bequeathed it to his son and successor, Rev. Noah Newman, in 1668; to his successor, Rev. Samuel Algier, 1679 ; to his successor. Rev. Thomas Greenwood, 1693 ; to his son and successor, Rev. John Greenwood, 1721 ; from him to his theological student, Rev. John Burt, who became the fifth pastor of the Congregational Church in Bristol, R. I., 1741. In 1742, Mr. Burt rebound it; after his death it fell to his successor, Rev. Henry Wight, 1785. Dr. Wight died in 1837, and left this work to his children. In 1858, at the suggestion of Hon. Nathaniel Bullock and Governor Diman, of Bristol, the heirs of Dr. Wight bestowed it to S. C. Newman, A.M., a lineal descendant of the author, and he in turn has bestowed it to the Congregational Church of Seekonk.

Oct. 12, 1830, at a conference of churches of Taunton and vicinity, held in the Congregational Church of Seekonk, a county society was formed auxiliary to the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions.

March 6, 1832, a protracted meeting was commenced this day, and continued four days. Clergymen present Rev. Mr. Fisk, of Wrentham, Ide, of Medway, Chapin and Ferguson, of Attleborough, Raymond, of Freetown, Cummings, of Dighton, Vernon, of Rehoboth, Hopkins, of Pawtucket, Burdette, of East Greenwich, and Pease, of Barrington. The meeting was attended with the most happy consequences, many indulging hope of piety, and rejoicing in hope. The church unanimously adopted the following resolution :

Resolved, That no person shall hereafter be admitted a member of this church who will not abstain entirely and forever from the use of ardent spirits excepting as a medicine.

Nov. 30, 1847, Rev. J. O. Barney, J. C. Brown, and Deacon P. H. Brown were chosen a committee to revise the articles of faith and covenant and report at a future meeting.

April 27, 1848, Voted, to so amend the fourth article of the covenant that no member of this church may traffic in intoxicating drinks as a beverage.

Number received into the church during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Barney, 308 ; during the pastorate of Rev. S. E. Evans, 21 ; during the pastorate of Rev. Hiram E. Johnson, 51 ; during the pastorate of Rev. L. S. Wood worth, 24.

The Baptist Church. - The first meeting to consider the subject of forming a separate church in the First Precinct of Rehoboth was held Dec. 5, 1793, which was adjourned from time to time until Nov. 27, 1794, it being the tenth meeting, which resulted in forming a church styled the Baptist Church of Jesus

Christ of First Precinct, Rehoboth, and the covenant and articles of faith were unanimously assented to and subscribed by every member, as follows: Caleb Mason, Charles Peck, John Brown, John Medbery, Miles Shorey, Ezra Kent, John Perry, Molly Walker, Abigail Winsor, Abigail Wilson, Syble Ingraham, Sarah Shorey, Hannah Hays, Eunice Hading, Rebecca Braly, Susanna Mason, Molly Cole, Silence Carpenter, and Johanna Mason.

Dec. 13, 1794. The church appointed Brethren Caleb Mason and Charles Peck to the office of deacons, and requested Brother John P. Jones, who had been preaching for them ten months, to qualify himself to become their pastor, but they all wished for further time to consider so important an undertaking ; chose John Medbery clerk.

March 18, 1795. Brother John P. Jones was ordained to the work of the evangelical gospel ministry, and Brethren Caleb Mason and Charles Peck to the office of deacons.

June 27, 1812. The name of the church was changed to that of Baptist Church of Seekonk, as the west part of Rehoboth had by act of Legislature been incorporated into a town by that name in February, 1812.

Aug. 27, 1814. Elder John Pitman (who had served us since 1797), having moved his family to this town from Providence, produced a letter to this church from the First Baptist Church in Providence, and was joyfully received a member and teacher.

April 30, 1815. Brother Pitman took leave of this church for the present, being under a necessity to remove from this place. This removal of our beloved brother and teacher was painful to the church, and apparently grievous to the society, but they did not feel able to support him, and he had no means of supporting himself and family here.

June, 1815. Elder Jason Livemore commenced his labors with us, which were blessed with a gracious revival, and additions were made to the church for several months.

August 27th. Brother Livemore came to this meeting with a letter of recommendation as a worthy brother and teacher from the Baptist Church, Maiden, Mass., of which he was the late pastor, and requested to become a member with us, and he was cordially received.

Sept. 23, 1815, was appointed for our monthly covenant meeting, but was prevented by a severe storm. The storm was the severest, perhaps, ever experienced in this country.

December, 1815. A special meeting of the church was held at Brother David Cooper's for the purpose of selecting another deacon. Voted that Brother Livemore be moderator of this meeting. Voted by ballot for a deacon, and Brother David Brown was unanimously chosen to the office of deacon. Voted to choose one more deacon by ballot, but there was no choice.

March, 1816. Brother John Pitman concluded to return to this place and preach for us the ensuing year, to the great satisfaction and joy of the church.

Aug. 24, 1822. John Medbery, who had been clerk of the church since its formation, asked to be excused on account of his advanced age, and Brother Viall Medbery was chosen clerk in his room.

Oct. 5, 1823. This day Brother Bartlett Pease began to preach for us statedly for one year. It was voted to receive Brother Pease as our pastor for one year from the 1st of October inst., provided he should continue to preach the gospel consistent with the Bible and our church constitution. (He continued five years.)

Feb. 27, 1830. The church voted to build a parsonage, and chose Deacon David Brown and Sylvanus Newman and Brother Solomon Peck a committee to build the same at their discretion.

Oct. 25, 1831. Voted this day to invite Brother Ferando Berton to become our pastor, he being a licentiate of the Baptist Church in Hartford, Conn.

Sept, 11, 12, 1833. The Warren Association convened with our church, and during its session Brethren Sylvanus Newman, David Brown, and Viall Medbery were ordained as deacons of this church.

Dec. 8, 1833. Commenced a series of meetings, which were held morning, afternoon, and evening for one week. On the last evening five young persons expressed hope in the Saviour, and forty took the anxious seat, and fifteen were added to the church the last Sunday in December.

July and August, 1837. Our meeting-house was remodeled and thoroughly repaired, and we met for worship and all our services in the town hall.

Nov. 8, 1840. Brother John C. Welch, of Warren, R. I., commenced his pastoral labors with this church, which continued nine years and six months.

1841-42. In the winter and spring of 1841-42 the church enjoyed the most wonderful and exteusive revival in its entire history, and in some five or six months eighty were added to their membership.

Oct. 5, 1850. It was unanimously voted to request Brother Stewart to become our pastor during mutual satisfaction, and the request was accepted by him.

July 30, 1853. Voted to give Brother Lorimer an invitation to become pastor of our church (thirtyseven to three), which invitation was accepted by him. June 24, 1854. Brother Lorimer resigned his pastoral relation, which was accepted by the church.

Nov. 23, 1851. Deacon Sylvanus Newman deceased. He had been a member of the church fifty years, and had filled the office of deacon thirty-two years.

Oct. 8, 1854. The church voted unanimously to give Brother George Mathews (who commenced laboring with us Sept. 24, 1854) an invitation to become our pastor. Brother Mathews accepted the pastorate, and October 28th joined the church by letter from the Baptist Church in Casinovin, N. Y.

Jan. 27, 1856. The church voted to hold a series of meetings, to commence next week, and to invite Rev. James O. Barney and his church and society to uuite with us in these meetings, which was accepted.

Nov. 29, 1857. Voted unanimously to give Rev. A. H. Stowell, of Providence, R. L, an invitation to become our pastor for six months, which was accepted by him.

Aug. 30, 1862. The church voted to withdraw from the Taunton Association and rejoin the Warren Association, as that part of Seekonk where the church was had recently been set to Rhode Island.

April 29, 1865. Brother King notified the church that his relation to the church as pastor would close from this date, that he had tendered his resignation last December, which he had not withdrawn. The church voted to accept his resignation.

The church voted to observe the national fast ordered by the President on account of the assassination of President Lincoln, and voted to invite Rev. James O. Barney and his church and society to meet with us. Nov. 28, 1865. Voted to accept the invitation of the Congregational Church to meet and join with them in thanksgiving services December 7th ; and also to invite them to join with us in like services November 30th.

March 26, 1866. Voted unanimously to give Rev. Isaac Chesebrough, of Greenwich, R. I., a call to become our pastor, which call was accepted April 1, 1866, in which position he continued till Sept. 30,

Sept. 16 and 17, 1874. The Providence Baptist Association held its annual session with our church. Although the weather was unpleasant there was a good attendance, and the exercises were harmonious and very interesting.

April 24, 1879. The church by appointment balloted for two deacons, which resulted in the choice of Brother Francis Armington and Andrew N. Medbery as deacons.

April 8, 1879. It was voted to build a new church edifice or meeting house, and chose a committee of five to build the same, viz., Francis Armington, A. N. Medbery, Daniel Medbery, Isaac Chesebrough, and Allen Munroe. The church was built the ensuing summer.

Jan. 27, 1881, The church voted to give Rev. Bailey S. Morse, pastor of Broadway Church, Providence, a call to become our pastor, which was accepted by him, and he commenced his pastoral labors 1st of April,

The first Sabbath-school was formed June 1, 1819, by a few of the young people of the church and society. Viall Medbery was chosen superintendent, which office he filled to March 25, 1855, when Deacon William S. Munroe was chosen, who filled the office till Oct. 27, 1867. He was followed by Allen J. Brown, to 1870 ; John A. Medbery, to 1871 ; Samuel B. Allen, to 1872; John A. Medbery, to 1873 ; Hannah Medbery, to 1877 ; Allen Munroe, present superintendent.

revived, it was many years before he fully recovered. He resided with his father till his majority, with the exception of the time he was employed in teaching, during the winter months after he was eighteen. He generally commenced these sessions about the middle of November, and continued till the middle of March, when he would then resume his farming until the following autumn. This he continued till his fortyeighth year.

In 1819, Mr. Medbery, as superintendent, with four teachers, instituted the first Sabbath-school connected with the Baptist Church of Seekonk, and continued its superintendent until October, 1855, more than thirty-five years. In 1837 he was chosen selectman and overseer of the poor, in which office he continued until 1848. In 1843 he was chosen to represent the town of Seekonk in the General Assembly of Massachusetts, which trust he accepted, and was absent from his seat but one day during the entire session. In 1850 he was again chosen selectman and overseer of the poor, and served two years. He also was a member of the school committee of Seekonk three years. In 1862 the present town of East Providence was set oft' from Seekonk, Mass., to Rhode Island, and Viall Medbery was appointed by the Legislature of Massachusetts trustee to call a town-meeting of the inhabitants of what remained of Seekonk, to meet on the 1st day of March, 1862, to choose a moderator and clerk, and all other town officers necessary for the year ensuing, and to act on any other business that might lawfully come before said meeting, and Mr. Medbery was authorized to preside in said meeting until a moderator and town clerk were chosen. Upon organization he was chosen moderator, and Jonathan Chaffee was chosen town clerk. At this same meeting he was also chosen first selectman, in which capacity he served one year and then resigned. In 1865 he was chosen treasurer of Seekonk, and served one year.

On Dec. 4, 1820, Mr. Medbery married Hannah Peck, by whom he had three children, - Betsey Ann, born Nov. 22, 1822; Allin Viall, born Jan. 29, 1825; and Andrew Nelson, born Dec. 5, 1827. Mrs. Medbery died May 1, 1828, aged thirty years. Mr. Medbery married for his second wife Lydia Peck, June 18, 1829, by whom he had six children, - Allin Viall, born Oct. 30, 1830 ; Horace Carpenter, born March 17, 1832; Matthew Hale, born April 2, 1834; Hannah Peck, born June 20, 1835; Adeline Frances, born Nov. 2, 1837; and John Allin, born Feb. 12, 1842. Mrs. Lydia Medbery died Jan. 14, 1861. Of the above-named children Allin Viall1 died Sept. 1, 1828; Allin Viall2 died Oct. 12, 1831 ; Horace Carpenter died May 11, 1833; Adeline Frances died Feb. 2, 1842; Betsey Ann married Asa Chaffee, January. 1844, and died May 1, 1844; Matthew died May, 1851.

the United States army for three years. He belonged to a Rhode Island cavalry regiment, and had many hairbreadth escapes while in the army. His horse was once shot under him. When the war was ended he received his discharge, enlisted in the burial corps to bury the dead who were slain in the battle near Winchester, W. Va. While employed in that service he met and formed the acquaintance of the lady who is now his wife. He now resides in Providence, R. I., and is a member of the Union Baptist Church of that place.

Hannah P. was born blind. She received her education at the asylum for the blind at Boston, Mass. She is very intelligent, and has an extraordinary memory. She reads rapidly (from raised letters) and converses fluently. She united with the Baptist Church in Seekonk May 27, 1851. She is much interested in all good works.

Mr. Medbery married as his third wife Mrs. Hannah Wheeler, July 18, 1872, and they still reside in Seekonk. It is a somewhat remarkable fact that since the Baptist Church was first organized in Seekonk the clerkship has passed from father to son in the Medbery family, and is now filled by Andrew N., a son of Viall, and has never been out of the family, almost all of whom have been members of that particular religious denomination. It may be proper further to state that Viall Medbery has been a prominent man in the town of Seekonk for more than forty years, and as magistrate and trial justice has had before him most of the criminal business of the town for thirty years. It is unnecessary to comment on the position Mr. Medbery occupies in the friendship and esteem of his fellow-townsmen, facts speak for themselves.

Andrew N. Medbery, son of Viall, was born Dec. 5, 1827. His health failing when he was fourteen years of age greatly interfered with his educational pursuits. In 1847 he began teaching school in his native town, teaching during the winter months and working at farming during the summer months until 1857, when his health became so poor that he relinquished teaching. In 1852 he was chosen one of the school committee of Seekonk, and has been a member of that board most of the time since.

In 1869 he was chosen selectman and assessor, which office he filled for years. In 1879 he was chosen to represent the Tenth Bristol District in the Legislature. In 1878 he was appointed trial justice for Bristol County. In 1880 he was chosen town clerk, which position he has held three years. In politics he is a Republican, and in religious opinions a Baptist. He united with the First Baptist Church of Seekonk May, 1853. In March, 1854, he Avas chosen clerk in lieu of his father, and has held that position since. Mr. Medbery is by occupation a merchant in his native town. He married, May 30, 1854, Sarah E. Gregory, daughter of Hon. John Gregory, of Bristol, R. I.

Samuel 0. Case

Samuel 0. Case, whose portrait appears on another page, is a self-made man in more respects than one. Although his ancestors have for some generations been residents of this portion of New England, yet he was one of a numerous family whose circumstances would not permit of his enjoying the educational and other advantages which even the poorest among us may have now if they will. He has been truly the architect of his own fortune. His father, Gardner Case, was one of a family of five brothers and one sister, born in the town of Rehoboth, where he lived until the time of his death in 1838, at the ripe age of eighty-one years. He married first, Elizabeth Ford, by whom he had five children, none of whom are at present living. His second wife was Mary Mason, by whom he had eight children, - Mary, James, Henry, Almira, Samuel 0., Mehala, Nathan, and Amanda. Of these only Samuel 0., Nathan, and Amanda are now living. By occupation Mr. Case was a farmer and merchant. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and in political faith a Whig.

Samuel 0. Case was born Dec. 25, 1807. He had but limited educational facilities, attending only the winter terms of school, and working on the farm in summer. His elder brother being a cripple, the duties of the farm devolved largely upon him, and he was early taught that independence and selfreliance which has since contributed much to his success in life. At the age of nineteen he learned the mason's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. About this time there came a period of great financial depression throughout the country, and there was consequently very little building being done, so Mr. Case went to work on the farm at eight dollars per month. Soon after this, however, he went to New Bedford and began work at his trade, receiving as journeyman mason from seventy-five cents to one dollar per day. At the expiration of two years he went to Taunton, where he received an increase of pay, getting $1.2-3 per day ; he remained at Taunton two years. Then in 1837 he helped build Dyer's factory, after walking from his home there, a distance of fourteen miles, and then doing a day's work. After this he removed to Seekonk and obtained employment on Boston and Providence Railroad, building bridges, culverts, etc., and doing general masonry, and part of the time had the care of the track. After this he began contracting and working generally at his trade throughout the country. In the mean time, in 1840, he opened a store at Kent's Mills (now called Lebanon), which he continued three years, and since that time has been variously engaged in farming, merchandising, etc., but always continuing to work at his trade whatever other interests he might have.

He has had charge of Hunt's, Carpenter's, and " The Old Town" Cemeteries seventeen years. He holds the office of road surveyor in District No. 1 in the town where he resides (East Providence), and

On Dec. 1, 1833, he married Sarah Hicks, daughter of Nathan Hicks, of Rehoboth. She was born May 1, 1808. They have five children, - Samuel O., Jr., Sarah H., Nathan H., Jane M., and James G., all of whom are still living. Samuel O., Jr., married Harriet E. Cooper, and has three children. He is a merchant in Lebanon, and an active, enterprising business four children. Jane married Henry Bourn, and resides in Pawtucket. They have three children. James married, first, Emma Estes, by whom he had one child, and second, Helen Brown, of Seekonk, by whom he has two children. Nathan still resides at the old homestead with his father, and is unmarried. Mr. Case has battled with the world three-quarters of a century, and during that long period of time has been an industrious, persevering, honest, successful man, and is to-day active, well preserved, and in full possession of his faculties. He is a man respected and reverenced by all who know him for his many noble traits of character, his honesty of purpose, and his sterling worth. He is one of Seekonk's most honored and respected citizens, and may he long live to enjoy the prosperity he has so nobly won.

Source changes here: from History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, by Hurd, Duane Hamilton, [from Old Catalog] Ed, published 1883; 8,242 words in this source stream.

Seekonk Town

At this meeting it was also " voted to choose a committee of tliree to join a committe chosen by the town of Eehoboth to make a settlement with the late town treasurer, and by vote Messrs. Calvin Martin, James Ellis, and Benjamin Ormsbee were said committee.

"Voted that the town-meeting in Seekonk be notified in the usnal mode and manner that town-meetings wert* notified before the division of the town of Rehobuth, till furtlier order be tulien thereon.

"April 6, 1812. - The town voted to choose two constables in addition to the two chosen at a former meeting, and by vote Messrs. Amos Read and Nallianiel Viall."

At tlie same meeting were chosen "surveyors of highways," " fencevieweis," "surveyors of plank and timber and cordeis of wood and water," and "field-viewers."

Oct. 5, 181:i. - " Vuted to put up the collection of taxes, to be bid off by those that would collect the lowest, they giving bonds to said town agreeable to a vote."

Nov. 12, 1812, it was "voted to choose by nomination a committee of three to divide all public personal property that belongs to the towns of Seekonk and Kehuboth, and poor persons, agreeable to the act of the General Court of this commonwealth incorporating Seekonk, and choose James Ellis, Esq., and Deacon Jose]>h Bucklin as said committee."

Sept. 7, 1812, " motion being miide and seconded to give to each detached non-comniisnioned oflicerand soldier belonging to Seekonk five dollar« per month in addition to what the general government allows as wages, vote being taken thereon, declared in the negative."

Fortification at Kettle Point. - Oct. 3, 1814, a committee from the town of Providence, consisting of Tristam Burgess, William Church, and Richmond Bullock, requested liberty to build a breastwork on land belonging to the town of Seekonk and Rehoboth, at a place called " Kettle Point," and to solicit the citizens of Seekonk to assist in building said fortification. " By vote granted the request of said committee so far as related to Seekonk, and choose a committee of seven to request the citizens to assist in raising the fortification."

In 1826 the town voted that it was not expedient to build a jail in New Bedford at the county expense, and in 1827 voted against the petition of the inhabitants of Pawtucket village to be set ofi' into a separate town.

Rum and Railroads. - At a meeting held April 28, 1834, it was " voted that the public good and convenience require that there should be innholders and retailers of ardent spirits in the town of Seekonk;" and also by vote passed the following resolutions, viz. :

" fiefio/ued, That the town of Sf eliouk approve of the doings of their selectmen in returning innholders and retailers to the county commissioners to he licensed ; also

" Uetolved, Tliat the town of Seekonk disapproves of the doings of the count.v commissioners of the county of Bristol in refusing to grant any licenses to iTinholders and retailers for the sale of ardent spirits in said county, and consider it an usurpation of power and contrary to the spirit of the law of this Commonwealth."

Aug. 11, 1834, the town "voted that the selectmen of this town for the time being be a committee to see that the Boston and Providence Railroad corporation make no encroachments on any property belonging to said town, and to conduct for said town as they may think proper."

In the following November it was " voted that if the Boston and Providence Railroad Company will build a bridge over the railroad near the common, and cause all the necessary roads leading to it to be laid out at their expense, and give the town a bonus of one thousand dollars, in that case the selectmen are authorized to make a contract with the proper agent of the railroad."

Representatives from 1812 to 1883. - The following is a list of the representatives from the incorporation of the town in 1812 to the present time :

March 1, 1862, the town of East Providence was taken off from Seekonk, leaving the town with a population of only eight hundred, almost wholly farmers. The interest of the town is agricultural, and from 1862 to 1880 the population increased from eight hundred to more than twelve hundred. There had been a long dispute between the States of Rhode Island and Massachusetts in relation to the boundary line. The case was in the United States Supreme Court, but by agreement betwsen them it was taken from the court and referred to a commission from Rhode Island and the Governor and Executive Council on the part of Massachusetts, when a conventional line was adopted, setting the whole of Pawtucket and that portion of Seekonk now East Providence into Rhode Island, while Massachusetts received territory from Rhode Island adjacent to Fall River.

The inhabitants of the present town of Seekonk almost universally opposed the act as injurious to their interest, but the influence of Providence and Fall River prevailed.

The inhabitants opposed the division of the town and new State line by which the town of East Providence was organized in another State, for thereby the Congregational and First Baptist Churches, in which they worshiped, were transferred to another town and State, also the town hall, and seriously deranged the several school districts.

The manufacturing part of the town was transferred to Rhode Island, leaving the present town of Seekonk nearly without manufactures and wholly agricultural. It set into Rhode Island about two-thirds of the valuation and more than two-thirds of the population, and about one-half of the territory.

Military Record, 1861-65. - The town of Seekonk responded promptly to the call for troops during the late Rebellion, both in men and means. July 24, 1862, the town voted to pay one hundred and twentyfive dollars to each volunteer, not to exceed ten in number, when accepted and sworn into service on the call for fifteen thousand men from the State. Aug. 14, 1862, the town voted to pay four hundred dollars bounty to each volunteer, seven being the number required; also voted to pay three hundred dollars bounty to all volunteers and drafted men under the first levy.

Sept. 2, 1862. The town voted to pay the expenses of those volunteers who were rejected. Voted that the recruiting officer be instructed to recruit or enlist any man of proper age not enrolled in any other town.

Oct. 8, 1862. Voted that the treasurer be authorized to hire money sufficient to aid the families of volunteers from this town. Voted twelve hundred dollars for bounties.

Dec. 10, 1863. The town authorized the recruiting officer to pay three hundred and twenty-five dollars bounty for the quota of volunteers called for.

April 4, 1864. Voted to pay eleven hundred and twenty-five dollars to reimburse those that have voluntarily contributed to pay bounties to fill the town's quota on the call for five hundred thousand men. Also voted to appropriate one hundred and twentyfive dollars for each recruit for this town that maybe enlisted under the call for March 15, 1864, and also that may be enlisted under future calls of the President before March 1, 1865.

June 25, 1864. Voted to authorize the treasurer to pay one hundred and twenty-five dollars to every man enlisted in anticipation of the next call of the President, but the officer not to enlist over ten men.

Sept. 3, 1864. The recruiting officer reported to the town that the town's quota was filled, at the expense of four thousand nine hundred and seventy-five dollars.

Oct. 22, 1864. Voted th.at the treasurer pay one hundred and twenty-five dollars for the eighteen men, and also for each of tlie two surplus men.

Nov. 26, 1864. Voted that the recruiting officer enlist nine men for filling the town's quota in anticipation of another call for men. Voted that the selectmen order the treasurer to pay out eleven hundred and twenty-five dollars in anticipation of enlisting the above number of men.

As this town is a border tow^n and adjacent to Providence, a large number of its citizens enlisted into Rhode Island regiments, and several into the quota of other towns in the State.

J. Smith, cnpt. in Rhode Island regiment, and killed id firet hattle of Bull Run; James M. Munroe, in California regiment; Edward Dunliar, Rhode Island regiment, killed in battle; T. Peck, enlisted in Cambridge.

Chapter Xxxviii Ecclesiastical History

Congregational Church. - The original proprietors of this town were Congregational ists, who, with their pastor, Rev. Samuel Newman, and a majority of his church, migrated from Weymouth, Mass., and settled in this place in the year 1643.

The town was called Rehoboth by the pastor ; by the Indians Seekonk. On the division of the town one part retained the civil name, the other the Indian.

Rev. Samuel Newman was born in' Blandford, in IGOO ; educated at Oxford, England; came to New England 1638, and died, pastor of this church, July 6, 1663.

Rev. Samuel Angier was born in Cambridge, 1655; graduated at Harvard University, 1673; became pastor 1679; dismissed from ill health 1692, and died at Waltham, Jan. 21, 1717.

Rev. John Greenwood, son of Rev. Thomas Greenwood, was born May 20, 1697 ; graduated at Harvard University, 1717; ordained 1721, and died Dec. 1, 1766.

Rev. John Ellis was born in Cambridge, 1727; graduated at Harvard University, 1750; installed March, 1785 ; dismissed, at his request, 1796 ; returned to Norwich, Conn., where he had been previously settled, and died in 1805.

Rev. James O. Barney was born in Providence, E. I., Sept. 30, 1795 ; graduated at Brown University, September, 1821, and ordained Feb. 4, 1824.

date back previous to 1693. The earliest records of this church are supposed to have been, and probably were, destroyed when King Philip burned the town, when all the houses in this vicinity except the garrison were destroyed.

Rev. Mr. Barney remained as pastor and acting pastor until May 1, 1867, except he labored a few months among the seamen in the city of Providence and for the American Sunday-School Union in the State of Iowa. This church enjoyed an extensive revival during the winter of 1855-56, when a series of meetings were held, in which Rev. Mr. Barney was assisted by Rev. Norris Day, an evangelist. Forty-four united with the church in a few weeks. The spring of 1861 was marked by another revival, when thirty-six united with the church in one day. Again, in 1867, fortyseven united themselves with this church between the months of March and August. Rev. Mr. Barney, having previously notified the church and society that he should resign the pastorate on May 1, 1867, preached his farewell sermon on the 28th day of April, after having preached to this people nearly forty-three years. He remarked in his discourse that a generation had passed away since he came among them, and scarcely a person was living in the parish who was a head of a family when he commenced his pastorate.

'' Uesolved, Tliat this church fuUy concur with thy Congrogutiunal Society of Seekonk in the resolutions passed by them tliis day in the expression of their confidence in the Rev. James O. Barney as a man, a Christian, and a pastor.

*' Resolved, Tiiat in view of tile long and meritorious services of the Rev. James 0. Barney as pastor of this church, and the lively interest lie ever manifested in our spiritual welfare, we tender to him our thanks and assure him that wherever his lot may be cast he has our sympathies and prayers for his welfare."

After the decease of his wife he removed to Hyde Park, Mass., and afterwards to Lincoln, R. I., where he deceased in March, 1880, universally respected by all with whom he had associated.

April 22, 1868, the church and society extended a unanimous call to the Rev. Samuel E. Evans to become their pastor. He accepted the call, and was installed pastor of this church June 3, 1868. On March 2, 1871, he resigned the pastorate, when the following resolutions were unanimously adopted by the church :

^* Resolved, That we publicly express our acknowledgments for his faithfuluess and fidelity to the cause of Christ while pastor of thiB church, and that we shall bear his memory in grateful remembrance for the earnestness in which he labored for the good of this pecple, and the blessings which we as individual Christians have received through the inBtrumeutality of his instructions, by preaching the gospel in its fullness and purity, holding up the promises of God through Jesus Clirist for our encouragement and hope, and that we bid him God speed (2 John, 10) in whatever field he may be called to labor."

The Rev. E. A. Spence, of Ann Arbor, Mich., was then engaged as acting pastor, but owing to poor health was obliged to resign. He was succeeded by Rev. Hiram E. Johnson, who labored as acting pastor for seven years, until May 1, 1879, the church commending him as a Christian minister and gentleman unto whatever community in which he may be called to lalior. During his pastorate tlie church erected an elegant parsonage adjacent to their meeting-house.

Nov. 12, 1879, it was voted unanimously that an invitation be extended to Rev. Leverett S. Woodworth, of Campello, Mass., to become the pastor and teacher of this church and society.

Rev. Mr. Woodworth, having accepted the invitation, was duly installed as pastor of this church June 23, 1880, which office he now holds. In 1882 a large and excellent organ was purchased for the church.

The communion service of this church consists of four silver platters, marked R. C. ; one silver cup, presented by Capt. Willet in 1674; one silver cup, presented by Rev. Noah Newman in 1678; one silver cup, presented by Mrs. Mary Walker in 1747 ; one silver cup, presented by Deacon Samuel Newman in 1748; one silver cup, presented by Deacon Edward Glover in 1751 ; one silver cup, presented by Mr. Daniel Perrin in 1754; one silver cup, presented by Capt. John Lyon, without date; one silver cup, presented by Barbary Hill, an Indian lady, in 1826 ; one silver cup, presented by Barbary Hill, an Indian lady, in 1828 ; one silver flagon, presented by Mrs. Sarah Bishop in 1727 ; one silver flagon, presented by Francis Stephens in 1732.

Rev. J. O. Barney acted as clerk of the church from the year of his ordination, 1824, to Aug. 31, 1837, when Deacon Peter H. Brown was chosen clerk, who served until Nov. 2, 1858, when Deacon Joseph Brown was elected, who has served to the present time.

Beacons. - July 2;», 1824, Peter H. Wheaton and William Ellis were elected; Feb. 28, 1839, John Shory and Peter H. Brown ; Sept. 30, 1858, Robert M. Pearse and Joseph Brown ; Nov. 3, 1870, William W. Ellis and Albert R. Read.

Rev. Samuel Newman's Concordance of the Bible, including the Apocrypha, is a work of the rarest merit, and is truly a monument of biblical learning and research, not surpassed, if excelled, in any country or age. It is not only one of the largest and most extensive of any work of that class through all its parts, but it was the first extensive work pubtixhcd. Authors of' similar works since that date have been able to copy from him and enjoy the benefit of his researches. There are but few copies of his revised and enlarged edition (third), published in London, 1G58, known to be extant. There is a copy in the library at Oxford, England ; one in the Athenieum in Boston, presented by King William III. ; and one belonging to the Congregational Church of Seekonk (of which Deacon Joseph Brown is custodian as clerk of the church), the history of which is as follows:

The author, the founder of this church, reserved this cojjy for himself, and bequeathed it to his son and successor. Rev. Noah Newman, in 1668; to his successor. Rev. Samuel Algier, 1679 ; to his successor, Rev. Thomas Greenwood, 1693 ; to his son and succe.ssor. Rev. John Greenwood, 1721 ; from him to his theological student, Rev. John Burt, who became the iifth pastor of the Congregational Church in Bristol, R. I., 1741. In 1742, Mr. Burt rebound it; after his death it fell to his successor. Rev. Henry Wight, 1785. Dr. Wight died in 1837, and left this work to his children. In 1858, at the suggestion of Hon. Nathaniel Bullock and Governor Diman, of Bristol, the heirs of Dr. Wight bestowed it to S. C. Newman, A.M., a lineal descendant of the author, and he in turn has bestowed it to the Congregational Church of Seekonk.

Oct. 12, 1830, at a conference of churches of Taunton and vicinity, held in the Congregational Church of Seekonk, a county society was formed auxiliary to the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions.

March 6, 1832, a protracted meeting was commenced this day, and continued four days. Clergymen present Rev. Mr. Fisk, of Wrentham, Ide, of Medway, Chapin and Ferguson, of Attleborough, Raymond, of Freetown, Cummings, of Dighton, Vernon, of Rehoboth, Hopkins, of Pawtucket, Burdette, of East Greenwich, and Pease, of Barrington. The meeting was attended with the most happy consequences, many indulging hope of piety, and rejoicing in hope. The church unanimously adopted the following resolution :

Besohed, That no person shall hereafter be admitted a member of this church who will not abstain entirely and forever from the use of ardent spirits exceptintj as a medicine,

Nov. 30, 1847, Rev. J. O. Barney, J. C. Brown, and Deacon P. H. Brown were chosen a committee to revise the articles of faith and covenant and report at a future meeting.

April 27, 1848, Voted, to so amend the fourth article of the covenant that no member of this church may traffic in intoxicating drinks as a beverage.

Number received into the church during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Barney, 308 ; during the pastorate of Rev. S. E. Evans, 21 ; during the pastorate of Rev. Hiram E. Johnson, 51 ; during the pastorate of Rev. L. S. Woodworth, 24.

The Baptist Church. - The first meeting to consider the subject of forming a separate church in the First Precinct of Rehoboth was held Dec. 5, 1793, which was adjourned from time to time until Nov. 27, 1794, it being the tenth meeting, which resulted in forming a church styled the Baptist Church of Jesus

Christ of First Precinct, Rehoboth, and the covenant and articles of faith were unanimously assented to and subscribed by every member, as follows : Caleb Mason, Charles Peck, John Brown, John Medbery, Miles Shorey, Ezra Kent, John Perry, Molly Walker, Abigail Winsor, Abigail Wilson, Syble Ingrahani, Sarah Shorey, Hannah Hays, Eunice Hading, Ee- I becca Braly, Susanna Mason, Molly Cole, Silence Carpenter, and Johanna Mason.

Dec. 13, 1794. The church appointed Brethren Caleb Mason and Charles Peck to the office of deacons, and requested Brother John P. Jones, who had been preaching for them ten months, to qualify himself to become their pastor, but they all wished for further time to consider so important an undertaking; chose John Medbery clerk.

March 18, 170o. Brother John P. Jones was ordained to the work of the evangelical gospel ministry, and Brethren Caleb Mason and Charles Peck to the office of deacons. i

April 23, 1797. On account of the ill health of El- j der Jones, Elder John Pitman was called to assist ' him, and preached part of the time.

June 27, 1812. The name of the church was changed to that of Baptist Church of Seekonk, as the west part of Kehoboth had by act of Legislature been incorporated into a town by that name in February, 1812.

Aug. 27, 1814. Elder John Pitman (who had served us since 1797), having moved his family to this town from Providence, produced a letter to this church from the First Baptist Church in Providence, and was joyfully received a member and teacher.

April 30, 1S15. Brother Pitman took leave of this church for the present, being under a necessity to remove from this place. This removal of our beloved brother and teacher was painful to the church, and apparently grievous to the society, but they did, not I feel able to support him, and he had no means of supporting himself and family here.

June, 1815. Elder Jason Livemore commenced his labors with us, which were blessed with a gracious revival, and additions were made to the church for several months.

August 27th. Brother Livemore came to this meeting with a letter of recommendation as a worthy brother and teacher from the Baptist Church, Maiden, Mass., of which he wasthe late pastor, and requested ; to become a member with us, and he was cordially i received. !

Sept. 23, 1815, was appointed for our monthly covenant meeting, but was prevented by a severe storm. The storm was the severest, perhaps, ever experienced in this country.

December, 1815. A special meeting of the church was held at Brother David Cooper's for the purpose of selecting another deacon. Voted that Brother Livemore be moderator of this meeting. Voted by ballot for a deacon, and Brother David Brown was unanimously chosen to the office of deacon. Voted to choose one more deacon by ballot, but there was no choice.

March, 1816. Brother John Pitman concluded to return to this place and preach for us the ensuing year, to the great satisfaction and joy of the church.

Aug. 24, 1822. John Medbery, who had been clerk of the church since its formation, asked to be excused on account of his advanced age, and Brother Viall Medbery was chosen clerk in his room.

Oct. 5, 1823. This day Brother Bartlett Pease began to preach for us statedly for one year. It was voted to receive Brother Pease as our pastor for one year from the 1st of October inst., provided he should continue to preach the gospel consistent with the Bible and our church constitution. (He continued five years.)

Feb. 27, 1830. The church voted to build a parsonage, and chose Deacon David Brown and Sylvanus Newman and Brother Solomon Peck a committee to build the same at their discretion.

Oct. 25, 1831. Voted this day to invite Brother Ferando Berton to become our pastor, he being a licentiate of the Baptist Church in Hartford, Conn.

Sept. 11, 12, 1833. The Warren Association convened with our church, and during its session Brethren Sylvanus Newman, David Brown, and Viall Medbery were ordained as deacons of this church.

Dec. 8, 1833. Commenced a series of meetings, which were held morning, afternoon, and evening for one week. On the last evening five young persons expressed hope in the Saviour, and forty took the anxious seat, and fifteen were added to the church the last Sunday in December.

July and August, 1837. Our meeting-house was remodeled and thoroughly repaired, and we met for worship and all our services in the town hall.

Nov. 8, 1840. Brother John C. Welch, of Warren, E. I., commenced his pastoral labors with this church, which continued nine years and six months.

1841-42. In the winter and spring of 1841-42 the church enjoyed the most wonderful and extensive revival in its entire history, and in some five or six months eighty were added to their membership.

Oct. 5, 1850. It was unanimously voted to request Brother Stewart to become our pastor during mutual satisfaction, and the request was accepted by him.

July 30, 1853. Voted to give Brother Lorimer an invitation to become pastor of our church (thirtyseven to three), which invitation was accepted by him.

Nov. 23, 1851. Deacon Sylvanus Newman deceased. He had been a member of the church fifty years, and had filled the office of deacon thirty-two years.

Oct. 8, 1854. The church voted unanimously to give Brother George Mathews (who commenced laboring with us Sept. 24, 1854) an invitation to become our pastor. Brother Mathews accepted the pastorate, and October 28th joined the church by letter from the Baptist Church in Casinovin, N. Y.

Jan. 27, 1856. The church voted to hold a series of meetings, to commence next week, and to invite Rev. James O. Barney and his church and society to unite with us in these meetings, which was accepted.

Nov. 29, 1857. Voted unanimously to give Rev. A. H. Stowell, of Providence, R. I., an invitation to become our pastor for six mouths, which was accepted by him.

Aug. 30, 1862. The church voted to withdraw from the Taunton Association and rejoin the Warren Association, as that part of Seekonk where the church was had recently been set to Rhode Island.

April 29, 1865. Brother King notified the church that his relation to the church as pastor would close from this date, that he had tendered his resignation last December, which he had not withdrawn. The church voted to accept his resignation.

The church voted to observe the national fast ordered by the President on account of the assassination of President Lincoln, and voted to invite Rev. James O. Barney and his church and society to meet with us.

Nov. 28, 1865. Voted to accept the invitation of the Congregational Church to meet and join with them in thanksgiving services December 7th; and also to invite them to join with us in like services November 30th.

March 26, 1866. Voted unanimously to give Rev. Isaac Cliesebrough, of Greenwich, R. I., a call to become our pastor, which call was accepted April 1, 1866, in which position he continued till Sept. 30,

Sept. 16 and 17, 1874. The Providence Baptist Association held its annual session with our church. Although the weather was unpleasant there was a good attendance, and the exercises were harmonious and very interesting.

April 24, 1879. The church by appointment balloted for two deacons, which resulted in the choice of Brother Francis Armington and Andrew N. Medbery as deacons.

April 8, 1879. It was voted to build a new church edifice or meeting house, and chose a committee of five to build the same, viz., Francis Armington, A. N. Medbery, Daniel Medbery, Isaac Chesebrough, and Allen Munroe. The church was built the ensuing summer.

Jan. 27, 1881, The church voted to give Rev. Bailey S. Morse, pastor of Broadway Church, Providence, a call to become our pastor, which was accepted by him, and he commenced his pastoral labors 1st of April,

The first Sabbath-school was formed June 1, 1819, by a few of the young people of the church and society. Viall Medbery was chosen superintendent, which ofiice he filled to March 25, 185.5, when Deacon William S. Munroe was chosen, who filled the office till Oct. 27, 1867. He was followed by Allen J. Brown, to 1870; John A. Medbery, to 1871 ; Samuel B. Allen, to 1872; John A. Medbery, to 1873 ; Hannah Medbery, to 1877 ; Allen Munroe, present superintendent.

The Hebron Church.' was organized Dec. 25, 1827. The church edifice was erected in 1827, and stood on the line of the towns of Seekonk and Attleborough, the line of the towns passing through the church.

This building was sold and removed in 1870, and a new church built in that year, but wholly in Seekonl. The edifice erected in 1870 was destroyed by fire in 1875 ; another was built and was dedicated Aug. 6, 1875.

The church erected a parsonage in 1863. The pastors of this church have been Rev. Thomas Williams, Rev. Charles Simmery, Rev. William H. Hayward, Rev. John W. Caldwell, Rev. Joshua Stetson, Rev. Junia S. Mowrey, Rev. George W. Wallace, Rev. J. C. Seagraves, Rev. Gardner Clark, Rev. Reuben Allen, Rev. Solomon P. Snow, Rev. Samuel Heath, Rev. William B. Heath, Rev. John Q. Adams. Present pastor, Albert F. Remington. Rev. Mr. Remington became pastor of this church in April, 1875.

The deacons were Seta Kent, Ira K. Miller, Daniel Perry, John Blanchard, Noble Fuller, George W. French, Henry Carpenter. The present deacons are Andrew J. GoflT, Samuel 0. Case, Jr., and George O. Newman. There are at present about eighty members belonging to the churcb. The Sabbathschool numbers one hundred and fifteen.

We subjoin the following concerning the origin of this church : On the 25th of December, 1827, a number of the members of the First Congregational Church in West Attleborough residing in and near Hebronville, having been dismissed for the purpose of forming a new organization, unitedly agreed, in order to their greater usefulness in promoting the interests of religion, to become a new church under the " creed of Congregationalism."

The church continued to have a succession of Congregational pastors, with no change in their creed, until the spring of 1842, when the church became convicted that to make the creed of a sect a test of church membership, to the rejection of Christians from the Church of Christ, was not a Christian but an unauthorized human arrangement.

It was accordingly voted to give up their creed of Congregationalism as a test of membership, and adopt the Scriptures, more especially the New Testament, as their only and sufiicient rule of faith and practice, under which all Christians located together could unite in the exercise of all the ability which God giveth in the work and worship of God, and thus become more icse/ul and successful in building up the church and cause of Christ.

Biographical Sketches Joseph Brown

JOSEPH BROWN. There were quite a number of the early settlers of New England who bore the name of Brown. Peter Brown was probably the first. He came over from England in the " Mayflower." He was not an ancestor, but related to an ancestor of Deacon Joseph Brown. From the most authentic records we have been able to obtain, it seems a probability bordering on certainty that William} Brown, who came to Plymouth, and there married Mary Murdock, July 16, 1649, was the first of this particular branch who settled in America. He was from England. He died at Plymouth, 1694. He had a son, Samuel'', born 1656, who, in turn, had a son, SamiieP, born Nov. 7, 1690. This Samuel was the father of William*, who held a commission as quartermaster in Fourth Troop of Horse, Second Regiment, in Massachusetts Bay, commanded by Col. Zephaniah Leonard. His commission, dated Sept. 17, 1742, in sixteenth year of the reigu of King George II., and signed by Wm. Shirley, Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief of Massachusetts Bay, is now in possession of Deacon Joseph Brown, his great-grandson. SamueP, his son, held a commission as second lieutenant, bearing date March 22, 1776, granted by Council of Massachusetts Bay, under King George III. ; and June 10, 1779, he was commissioned first lieutenant of Fifth Company, First Regiment of Bristol County, Thos. Carpenter colonel. (Both of these original documents are also in possession of Deacon Brown, who has a list in the original handwriting of the men under the command of his grandfather, Lieut. Brown.) Lieut. Samuel Brown participated in a number of engagements during the war of American independence. He was a man of character, selectman of his town, and a deacon in the Baptist Church of Behoboth. He died in 1816, in the seventy-seventh year of his age, leaving behind him four children, - Samuel, Josiah, Mary, and Peter H. His wife was Huldah Hunt, a descendant of Peter Hunt, who was one of the pioneer settlers of the ancient town of Rehoboth, and one of its principal men in his day.

Peter Hunt Brown was born Jan. 13, 1793. He received only such educational advantages as were offered by the district schools of his town, was reared a farmer's son, and has followed that peaceful avocation through the long period that has intervened from his boyhood days to the present writing, when (1883) Mr. Brown, at the advanced age of ninety, is still in possession of all his faculties, and able to read the finest print without the aid of glasses. He married. Oct. 15, 1815, Sally Walker, daughter of Moses Walker (who was also a descendant of one of Rehoboth's oldest families). They had two children, Joseph'^ and Huldah Hunt, the latter born June 22, 1819. Mrs. Brown died May 27, 1870. Mr. Brown, like his ancestors, gave his attention to military matters. He held a commission as second, and afterwards as first, lieutenant in the State militia. He has been selectman of his town, and is now senior deacon in the First Congregational Church of Seekonk. He is a Republican in politics, and has voted at every Presidential election from James Monroe's time to the present. Upon consultation of the records with reference to the Brown family, we find that a greater proportion of them have been clergymen than of probably any other family in New England. We also find that prior to 1836 thirty-seven of the name had graduated at Harvard and sixty-three at other New England colleges.

Deacon Joseph Brown was born Aug. 7, 1816. In addition to the common-school course in his town, he had instruction at a select school, and also took an academic course. After leaving school he employed much of his time, for a period of about twenty years, in teaching. In addition to this he has all his life been engaged in farming and gardening on the old homestead, which has been in the family so many generations.

He is one of the leading farmers of his town. He has been chairman of the school committee many years, and a member of the board nearly forty years. He was chairman of the board of selectmen and overseers of the poor ten years. He represented his district in the State Legislature in 1802 and 1864. He holds a commission under the commonwealth as justice of the peace, and for many years has done much probate business, both in his own State and the neighboring one of Rhode Island. He has served as chairman of the board of trustees of the Congregational society of Seekonk more than thirty years. He is deacon of that church, and has been for about twenty years. He married, Jan. 11, 1844, Henrietta Smith French, daughter of Ezra French, of Seekonk. To them were born four children, three of whom are still living, viz. : Herbert E., born Feb. 5, 1847, now residing in Providence, R. I., and quite celebrated as a musician, both vocal and instrumental. Helen Augusta, born Nov. 24, 1851, now Mrs. J. Gardner Case, of Pawtucket; and Henry William, born Oct. 14, 1856, resides on the old homestead with his father.

Deacon Joseph Brown is a man of stern integrity and upright life. He is a man of strong character and influence in his community, and probably no man in the town stands higher in the good will and esteem of the people.

Hon. Oliver Chaffee

following extract from the Providence Journal, published soon after his death, will serve to show something of the esteem in which he was held by those who knew him best:

"After a long and active life of eighty-six years and four months, Mr. Caleb Chaffee, of Seekonk, passed to his rest Aug. 1, 1880. He was a man of such prominence in his native town as to deserve special mention. He was the oldest son of six children, and on account of the death of his father the care of a large family rested upon him at the early age of eighteen. By his energy and industry he paid off all claims on the home farm and kept the family together until they were of age or married. In 1816 he married Lephe P. Ormsbee. She died Jan. 7, 1840, leaving seven children. He then married Pamelia A. Allen, who survives him. . . .

" Mr. Chaffee ruled well in his own household, believing in the old-fashioned doctrine that children should be taught to obey. Yet he secured good government without resorting to harshness or violence, and these children liave borne for their father an affection and respect greater than they can express. Although a farmer all his life, and not having had the advantages of a school education, yet Mr. Chaffee became a self-educated man, and was always thoroughly conversant with the news of the day.

" His general information, shrewd remarks, and quick sympathies made him a most enjoyable companion. Himself, child, grandchild, and greatgrandchild - four generations - have played croquet together at the old home. He served in the Jlassachusetts State Legislature four years. He was invited to serve on the board of selectmen of his town, but refused. He was of commanding presence, and gave the stranger at once the impression of being a man of unusual strength of body and mind. A man of strong convictions, he was regarded by all as possessing a character above reproach."

His children were Betsey O., who married William H. Arminglon; Mary, married Samuel B. Allen, is now a widow; Jonathan, now deputy sheriff at Fall Elver ; Oliver, subject of our sketch ; Cordelia, married William Wheeler, of Taunton ; Henrietta A. (deceased), married Daniel D. Barney; Elizabeth F., died in infancy ; Elpallet I., died in infancy ; Lephe P., married Joseph Robinson, of Seekonk; and Sarah A., who resides with her mother at East Providence Centre.

When a young man he taught school a number of sessions during the winter months in Seekonk and Eehobolh, liut spent his summers on the ancestral farm, the care of which chiefly devolved upon him during a great part of the time after he arrived at his majority. About 1848 he took a position as clerk in a general grocery- and variety-store of Louis Kenyon, where he remained some two years. He married, June 13, 1848, Abby Maria, daughter of Church and Sally (Ide) Gray. She was born May 20, 1824. They have had seven children, - C. Frank, now in Rumford Chemical-Works, where he has been employed several years ; Abbie M., married C. C. Balch, of New Hampshire, and resides in Boston ; Oliver C, Caleb C, Fred. Ide, J. Irwin, graduate at Brown University, now principal of Grove Avenue School at Watchemoket ; Lizzie G., married R. M. Morrison, of New Hampshire, now resides in Boston.

Mrs. Chaffee is descended from Joseph, brother of Benjamin Church, the warrior. The line is as follows: Joseph', Joseph", Caleb'', Ebeuezer*, Elizabeth^, (she married John Gray, and had son) Church Gray", Mrs. Chaffee'.

In the fall of 1848, Mr. Chaffee settled at the place where he now resides. He carried the mail eight years between East Providence and Providence. He has done much surveying and settled many estates. He is esteemed as one of the best citizens of his community. He was selectman and overseer of the poor, and also juryman many times in Seekonk before that part of the town in which he resides was annexed to Rhode Island. Since he has been a citizen of Rhode Islaud he has been representative or senator six years. He is now a member of the Lower House, and has been selectman many years. He is now judge of probate. Mr. Chaffee is a most worthy representative of an ancient and honorable familv.'

Viall Medbery

VIALL MEDBERY. Among the early settlers of the ancient town of Rehoboth, Mass., was John' Medbery, who settled near the boundary line between Rehoboth and Barrington. He left four children, - John^, Rebecca, Ebenezer, and Thomas. John^ married a Miss Camp, and settled in the southwest part of his native town, about one mile north of Sabin's Point. He was the father of seven children, who lived to maturity, viz., Nathaniel, Chloe, Johu', Benjamin, Sarah, Nathan, and Josiah. Of these, Nathaniel married and had four children, - Betsy, William, Mary Ann, and Thomas. Chloe died aged and unmarried. Benjamin enlisted in the United States army, and was killed at battle of Rhode Island. Sarah married Dr. Frederick Radliff, who was a surgeon in a Hessian regiment, was captured by United States troops, and afterwards enlisted in United States army, and never returned to Germany. They had five children. Nathan married Bethiah Kent, by whom he had seven children, - Elizabeth, Anne, Hezekiah, Hannah, Humphrey, Sarah, and Bethiah. Josiah married Phosbe Rhodes, by whom he had eleven children, all of whom lived to maturity, namely, Esther, George,

Phcebe, Arnold, Nicholas, Thomas, Rosannah, Lydia, Josiah, Frederick, and Mariah. Of all these only Josiah and Mariah are now living. The mother, Esther, Pha?be, Arnold, Nicholas, Rosannah, Lydia, and Mariah were members of the Baptist Church at Seekonk.

John^ was born in First Precinct of Rehoboth in 1752, and learned the cooper's trade in Providence, R. I. Just prior to the expiration of his apprenticeship, however, he met with an accident which probably changed to some extent the tenor of his life. His leg ! was broken by a fall from a fruit-tree, and it was many mouths before he recovered sufficiently to be able to walk, even with difficulty. As soon as he had so far recovered he enlisted in the Federal army, and received a commission as lieutenant. He continued in the service until the close of the war and the independence of the United States had been established. After the close of the war he married Abigail Viall, hired a small farm, and began housekeeping under very unfavorable circumstances, - without suitable tools, necessary household furniture, or money to purchase either. The pay he received for his services in the army was in Continental currency, which at that time was so depreciated in value as to be practi- . cally worthless ; but as soon as early vegetables were ready for marketing he began to receive some returns for his labor, and to purchase a few of the comforts and necessaries of life, which had before been denied them.

By close economy, persistent industry, and a determined effort to succeed, Mr. Medbery's business gradually grew more prosperous. He continued farming and marketing his produce till, in the autumn of 1825, when at Central Falls, near Pawtucket, his horse becoming frightened and turning swiftly around, the wagon was upset, and he was thrown violently to the ground, receiving injuries which after some weeks of suffering and severe pain finally terminated in his death, Nov. 2, 1825. Mr. Medbery first united with the Baptist Church in Swansea, in which church he continued a member until 179-1, when he obtained a letter of dismission to unite with others and organize a Baptist Church in Rehoboth. He attended all the preliminary meetings, and the church was finally organized Nov. 11, 1794. Mr. Medbery was chosen clerk, and served in that capacity till Aug. 25, 1822, when he declined, and his son Viall was chosen in his stead. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Medbery were ten in number, - Benjamin, Samuel Viall, Benjamin, Jesse, John, Charles, Viall'', Allin Viall, William, and Fanny. Of these, the first Benjamin was drowned when five years of age. Samuel Viall received a liberal education, graduating from Brown University in 1805, studied |)hysic, married Ruth V. Chandler, by whom he had two children, Matthew and Samuel, and led a seafaring life, first shipping as surgeon, and afterwards going several voyages as mate. When last heard from he was master of an i

English ship which sailed from Savannah for Liverpool just prior to the war of 1812. Benjamin, the third son, married Hannah Lilley and settled in Barrington, R. I., was by occupation a farmer, and was judge of the Court of Common Pleas one term. Their children were named Elbrige, Gerry, Nicholas W., Abbey, Charlotte, Amariah, Benjamin, Charles, Hannah, Julia, and Rufus. He died in Providence, R. I., in the ninetieth year of his age. Jesse (fourth son of John) married Elizabeth Viall. Their children were Patience, Thomas V., Ruth A., Charles, Caroline, Betsey, Jesse, Edwin, and Laura. John (fifth son of John') married Elizabeth Allen, by whom he had four children, - Elizabeth, John, Amanda, and Fanny. He was an officer in the militia, and volunteered his services under Capt. Joseph Watson in a company organized to defend the city of New Bedford against the British fleet then cruising in that vicinity. He was afterwards promoted to captain. He removed to Pawtucket and died there. Charles (sixth son of John) was born 1792, married Mercy Allen, moved to Ohio and settled at Belpre, near Marietta, and united with a Baptist Church on opposite side of the Ohio River, in Kentucky. He afterwards removed to Sc. Mary's, near the western boundary line of the State, where he resided till his death, 18.53. He was a teacher many years. He had three children, two daughters and one son.

Allin Viall (eighth son of John) removed from his native State to Marietta, Ohio, and thence to St. Mary's, Ohio, where be taught school several years, married, and had one son. He received a commission as judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and continued in that office until his death, which occurred suddenly. William (ninth son of John) died in infancy. Fanny (the only daughter of John) married John Chaffee, and removed to Pennsylvania, where they settled in the town of Warren, Bradford Co. They had nine children, - William Penn, Abbey, Matthew, Susan, Francis, Jesse, Newman, Charles, and George. Three of the sons enlisted in the United States service in the war of the Rebellion. One of them (Charles) died of illness; George was captured by the Confederates, and confined in the famous Andersonville prison, where he suffered severely until the close of the war, when he returned home reduced almost to a skeleton. He now draws a pension, is married, and lives in Nevada. Matthew, Jesse, and Newman are married, and live in Iowa. The three daughters are married, and live in Warren, Pa. William Penn married and died in his native town, no issue. Viall Medbery (seventh son of John^), whose portrait appears in connection with this sketch, was burn in that part of the town of Rehoboth now called Seekonk, April 17, 1795. When in the third year of his age he met with a severe accident, falling from the upper chamber of a corn-crib. When picked up he was thought to be dead, and though he eventually revived, it was many years before he fully recovered. He resided with his father till his majority, with the exception of the time he was employed in teaching, during the winter months after he was eighteen. He generally commenced these ses.sions about the middle of November, and continued till the middle of March, when he would then resume his farming until the following autumn. This he continued till his fortyeighth year.

In 1819, Mr. Medbery, as superintendent, with four teachers, instituted the first Sabbath-school connected with the Baptist Church of Seekonk, and continued its superintendent until October, 1856, more than thirty-five years. In 1837 he was chosen selectman and overseer of the poor, in which office he continued until 1848. In 1843 he was chosen to represent the town of Seekonk in the General Assembly of Massachusetts, which trust he accepted, and was absent from his seat but one day during the entire session. In 1850 he was again chosen selectman and overseer of the poor, and served two years. He also was a member of the school committee of Seekonk three years. In 1862 the present town of East Providence was set off from Seekonk, Mass., to Rhode Island, and Viall Medbery was appointed by the Legislature of Massachusetts trustee to call a town-meeting of the inhabitants of what remained of Seekonk, to meet on the 1st day of March, 1862, to choose a moderator and clerk, and all other town officers necessary for the year ensuing, and to act on any other business that might lawfully come before said meeting, and Mr. Medbery was authorized to preside in said meeting until a moderator and town clerk were chosen. Upon organization he was chosen moderator, and Jonathan Chaffi^e was chosen town clerk. At this same meeting he was also chosen first selectman, in which capacity he served one year and then resigned. In 1865 he was chosen treasurer of Seekonk, and served one year.

On Dec. 4, 1820, Mr. Medbery married Hannah Peck, by whom he had three children, - Betsey Ann, born Nov. 22, 1822 ; Allin Viall, born Jan. 29, 1825 ; and Andrew Nelson, born Dec. 5, 1827. Mrs. Medbery died May 1, 1828, aged thirty years. Mr. Medbery married for his second wife Lydia Peck, June 18, 1829, by whom he had six children, - Allin Viall, born Oct. 30, 1830 ; Horace Carpenter, born March 17, 1832; Matthew Hale, born April 2, 1834; Hannah Peck, born June 20, 1835 ; Adeline Frances, born Nov. 2, 1837; and John Allin, born Feb. 12, 1842. Mrs. Lydia Medbery died Jan. 14, 1861. Of the above-named children Allin Viall' died Sept. 1, 1828; Allin VialP died Oct. 12, 1831; Horace Carpenter died May 11, 1833 ; Adeline Frances died Feb. 2, 1842; Betsey Ann married Asa Chaft'ee, January, 1844, and died May 1, 1844; Matthew died May, 1851.

Source changes here: from A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Vol. 2), by Hutt, Frank Wolcott, published 1924; 1,797 words in this source stream.

Seekonk Town

Every step of the pioneers is sought with greatest care by researchers, and because of the fact that Rogers Williams, founder of Providence, Rhode Island, spent the spring months of the year 1636 within the terri- tory of Seekonk, just before he went on to his permanent settlement of Providence, the section that still retains the old Indian name feels specially honored. Seekonk (and there were various other spellings) was thus known long before the white men came; and up to 1645, Rev. Samuel Newman and his followers called the territory "'Seekonk', before they eventually decided upon "Kehoboth". From 1643, therefore, the year of the first permanent settlement, to 1812, the story of Rehoboth and of Seekonk is to be read as one and the same.

The little town by the side of the Providence turnpike and the Fall River and Providence highways, felicitates itself upon having shared in very substantial old historical events, although its inhabitants to this day have never quite assured themselves that radical changes in State or town boundaries have left them anything approaching a sufficiency of their former rights. No one can estimate for how long the Indians had known these lands as Seekonk, the "place of black water-fowl,'' when the extent of the territory was bounded only by the Providence River and the Plymouth Colony, and the town's regard for the memory of that wide province is perennial.

Not only is it a satisfaction to this township that it perpetuates the ancient name, but also that territorially it formerly participated in all the progressive proceedings of the far-sighted first settlers, from Rev. Samuel Newman, onwards. It took part in the establishment of the first free public school, and concerning that original institute, a passage from the "Digest of the Statutes of Massachusetts,' compiled in 1892, reads: "The act of 1647 made the support of public schools compulsory, and education universal and free. As this was the first law of the kind ever passed by any community or by any State, Massachusetts may claim the honor of having originated the free public school." Yet even better than that, for the Seekonk measure of 1643 provided for the taxation of all citizens for the support of the schoolmaster, whether they had children to educate or not.

The history of territorial division of eastern Massachusetts during the first one hundred and fifty years of the formation of settlements and townships would prove a valuable volume of reference of itself, a task that still remains for some compiler. The divisions of old Taunton and of old Reho-. both and Seekonk would have a large share in such a work - Seekonk comprising part of the third division of Rehoboth.

Even then, it has often been asserted, Seekonk held out great promise of being a very influential part of the county, up to the time, in 1862, when the western portion of its land was transferred to Rhode Island by the establishment of the new line between the States. By that definition of boundary, passed that portion of the territory that invited the earliest settlers here. Eventually, then, Seekonk was set off from Rehoboth, and incorporated as a separate town, February 26, 1812, and Elkanah French, Esquire, was authorized to issue the first town warrant. The first town meeting was held in the old meetinghouse March 16, 1812, and a moderator chosen was Caleb Abell, who was also elected town clerk, and Captain Allen Cole was first town treasurer. The first of the selectmen, chosen March 23, were Peter Hunt, Worcester Carpenter and Allen Monroe. In October of that year, the sum of $350 was voted for the support of the public schools, and the year following, according to the custom in all towns of the period it was voted to put out "the poor persons belonging to the town of Seekonk at auction to the lowest bidder." The fortification at Kettle Point, then of old Seekonk, was raised in 1814. The first townhouse of Seekonk, now in East Providence, was built in 1814, and the first town meeting there was held November 7, 1814. As early as 1827, Pawtucket Village sought to be set off as a separate town, but the measure was voted against by Seekonk town meeting, that year.

The town officials approved of the doings of their selectmen in returning innholders and retailers to the county commissioners to be licensed, for at a meeting held April 28, 1834, 1t was voted that "the public good and convenience required there should be such innholders in the town." And the same year it was voted that "if the Boston and Providence Railroad Company will build a bridge over the railroad near the common, and cause all the necessary roads leading to it to be laid out at their expense and give the town a bonus of one thousand dollars, in that case the selectmen are authorized to make a contract with the proper agent of the railroad."