Spencer Town (part 2 of 2)

In 1871 the town had increased in population to such an extent that the old town-house was wholly inadequate to the wants of the public, either in hall facilities or rooms for the transaction of the town business. Consequently, at a meeting called for the purpose this year, it was voted to build a new townhouse,- " not less than 60, nor more than 80 feet in width, and not less than 80, nor more than 100 feet in length, 3 stories high, with bell, clock and memorial tablets." A committee of thirteen was chosen to arrange the details and attend to the building of the same. The old house was disposed of, and a large brick structure erected on the spot of the old one, containing rooms on the first floor for the use of town officers, a lock-up and the Fire Department; also waiting-rooms, a hall, reading and library rooms. On the second floor is the main hall, with a seating capacity for a thousand people, and convenient ante-rooms, and the third is occupied as a Masonic hall on the east side,'and on the west a large hall for entertainments, with kitchen attached. The cost of this building, with furniture, was §57,870.

Town Farm. - The question of purchasing a farm upon which to maintain the town's poor was under consideration by the town for several years previous to 1825. This year a committee was chosen, with authority to negotiate for the Eleazer B. Draper farm of ninety-six acres, and the Joseph Cheever farm of sixty-six and a half acres, to be used unitedly as a "town farm." After purchasing the farm and furnishing equipments, making repairs, etc., upon the same, the total cost was 16,142.61. On the 28th of March, 1826, " Rules and Regulations " for the government of the inmates and the observance of good order" were adopted and entered upon the town records. In 1841 a new barn "72x38 feet with 16 foot posts" was built. Three years later, and also in 1851, propositions were entertained in townmeeting to dispose of the whole or a part of the farm, and committees were chosen to effect a s one Richard Prouty, wlio resided in Scituate, Mass., in 1667. Isaac Prouty is the fourth generation from Richard, and is the subject of this sketch.

He was born December 9, 1798, and was the founder of the well-known boot manufactory of Isaac Prouty & Co. In 1820 his occupation was making boots to order, from measure, in a small room in his own dwelling-house in North Spencer, so called. Little by little his work increased until he found it necessary to employ help to meet the demands of " the trade,'' and soon was forced to build a small one and a half story building in which he could extend the facilities for manufacturing. This building, together with a barn and other store-houses, subserved his purpose until 1855. He had subsequently purchased the homestead of Rev. Levi Packard in " the village," and this year he caused a factory to be erected upon the westerly part of this lot, and in 185G occupied it for his business and the dwelling for his residence.

This factory, for those days, was a spacious one, being thirty by sixty feet, with three stories and a basement. The system and management was now thoroughly reorganized, and a partnership formed with two of his sons, Lewis W. and George P., under the firm-name of Isaac Prouty & Co. With the aid of machinery, which they now added, they were, in a great measure, able to supplant hand labor most advantageously.

This was really the first aggressive step taken by Mr. Prouty, looking towards an extension of business, and the success which in the following six years attended the undertaking proved the wisdom of it. His aim was now to build up and develop a large manufacturing enterprise, and in this effort he was heartily seconded by Lewis W., who had become superintendent and business manager under his father's direction.

In 1862 it became necessary to increase the factory capacity, and for this purpose they purchased the " Mason property " and erected a building forty-two by one hundred and four feet, five stories with basement, adding an engine and boiler to run the works by power. The old firm moved into this factory in January, 1864, and Charles N., a younger son, was admitted to the firm, the firm-name remaining the same. By these improvements and with the addition of valuable room and machinery adapted to power, the concern made a radical change both in mode and facility of doing business. Mr. Prouty was early convinced that machinery was eventually to be an important fiictor in cheapening the cost of manufactured goods, and also in enabling the manufacturer to produce a greater quantity in a given time, and he was foremost to introduce such machines as promised good work and quick results. He lived to see their enterprise outgrow these accommodations and to plan for a further enlargement of the factory of one hundred and thirty by forty-two feet, with new engine, boilers, etc. But while in the midst Jof these improvements he

Mr. Prouty was noted as a careful and shrewd business man, giving his individual attention to his entire business, watching closely every detail, and scanning as closely the economy of the various departments in their use of stock and other materials. He thoroughly believed in the old maxim, " economy is wealth," and to practice it was one of the important distinguishing features of his business life, and was a strong corner-stone to that structure. Success, which he in his life planned with much care. He was one of the most unpretending of men, and to an unfamiliar observer was indifferent to what was transpiring around him, but in matters of business, or socially, he was quick of hearing and keen of vision, and it was a matter of trifling importance that escaped either. His customs and habits were those of the New Englander of an earlier date, and he persistently ignored the conventionality of the people during the latter days of his life. He clung tenaciously to the social and domestic habits formed in early life, but in his business he was decidedly modern and progressive. He was a tireless worker, and this characteristic was prominent from the commencement of his business enterprise. He died at the age of seventy-three years, but remained vigorous and attentive to the demands of business up to the beginning of his last sickness.

Charles N. Prouty was born October 6, 1842, and he remained at the homestead until he reached the age of seventeen years. At this age he was employed as clerk in the country store of Grout, Prouty & Co., and the experience gained there, in a year's service, by contact with the people and matters pertaining to business, he regards as the first and valuable step in his business education. From eighteen to twenty years of age he attended school at Wilbraham, Mass., and at the close of his last school year returned home, and was admitted a partner in the firm of Isaac Prouty & Co. Four years previous to the death of his father and brother, early in 1872, he acted as general superintendent of the labor department of this manufactory, employing the help and having the charge of the manufacturing interests generally.

The death of these two business members of the firm following so closely upon each other were events of extraordinary importance to the surviving members, and how to meet the situation and overcome it was their first care and thought. Unexpected responsibilities, with new cares and burdens, were suddenly thrust upon them, but they must, if possible, show themselves equal to the emergency. It is true that each had ably filled a position in the prosecution of the business thus far, but to the knowledge of the markets, for buying and selling, the financial management and the relationship be-

They at once reorganized the concern, and it consisted of George P., Charles N. and Jason AV., a younger brother, and they still retained the old firmname of Isaac Prouty & Co. Each entered upon his duties full of confidence and hope, and each took a position in the management of the business where he thought he could best promote the interests of the concern. Many of the important details were assumed by George P. and Jason W., while by common consent the general management fell to the lot of Charles N. Under the circumstances this was a difficult task for him to perform, but as time passed on, and he became more familiar with the new duties, he gave evidence, by his management, that he was abundantly able to assume the trust so suddenly imposed upon him.

The business received a fresh impetus under this new order, and in a short period of time it became necessary to increase the facilities, by additions and extensions, in both buildings and motive-power. These have been made from time to time, until at present the building contaihing the boot and shoe departments measures 457 feet in lebglh by 42 feet in width, and is five stories high, with basement. There are also two large brick store-houses, for leather and manufactured -^goods, and still another one of brick, used for [be manufacture * of boot and shoe boxes, lasts, etc. - ^ . -

The main building 'is" divided inlo fire-proof s'ections, and the whole establishment provided with the latest improvements as safeguards against fire.. It is lighted by the incandescent' electric light, and the motive-power for the whole works is supplied by a 250 horse-power engine, and four 100 horse-power boilers. In 1872 this concern turned out 20,000 cases of boots, valued at $500,000, and in 1886 the value of the boots and shoes combined was more than $2,000,000.

Erastus Jones. - Erastus Jones was born September 11, 1825. His father. Dr. Asa Jones, was a native of Charlton, Mass., where he studied medicine, and, in 1811, began his practice in Spencer. Here he became a physician of considerable note. Asa, his oldest son, commenced the manufacture of boots in Spencer in 1841, in the chambers of the " Livermore House," corner of Main and North Streets. Four years later he moved these works to his factory situated upon the site of the residence of AsaT. Jones, son of the elder member of this firm. Erastus, the younger son, and subject of this sketch, spent several years in his brother's employ, learning the trade and the details of the business. In 1846 he was made a partner, under the firm-name of A. T. & E. Jones. Although he had hardly attained his majority when he took upon himself these duties and responsibilities, yet his early business training and habits of industry were an assurance of his future success.

This partnership continued until 1862, when Asa T. retired from the business, and the style of the firm was changed to E. Jones & Co., by the admission of Hezekiah P. Starr as partner, and, in 1871, Frank E. Dunton was admitted, without change in the firmname. In 1860 the rapid increase of business caused a demand for more room, and the present factory of E. Jones & Co. was erected. Several important additions have been made to this building from time to time. January 1, 1886, Mr. Starr retired from the concern.

Mr. Jones is a man of marked characteristics, in both his business and private life, and his kind and generous disposition, through long years of intercourse, has endeared him to his business associates and numerous employes. They have found him to be a man of few words, but yet enough to convey an unmistakable meaning, although spoken in an unobtrusive way. He is quiet to a fault, if that be possible; nevertheless, there is an energy in this quietness which has made his business life a success, and in a more private way has established for him a wellmerited reputation for shrewdness and sagacity. Beinga man of few words, subjects under his consideration have always been carefully weighed and his opinion given only after the most mature deliberation. His honiur as a business man has never been doubted, and, as a private citizen, he commands the respect of all.

He is president of the Spencer National Bank, and for many years has been treasurer of the town.' He - has been Representative to the General Court, and in various' ways has occupied positions of honor and trust. His life, from the beginning of his business career, has been one of untiring industry, and, with few exceptions, he has given it his daily care and management. This fidelity has returned to him a handsome fortune, from which many an honest, needy object has found pecuniary relief. Subscriptions, gifts and donations have been bestowed without number, although the public have had little or no knowledge of these numerous benefactions. His motto most emphatically is, - " Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth."

Cotton and Woolen Industries. - "Clearing up " a spot to build a log-house or other rude structure for a place to live, then planting and gathering in his crops was the Jirsf business of the pioneer; next came the indispensable grist and saw-mills, and when the housewife began the manufacture of "homespun," the fulling-mill became a necessity also. The former were located upon small streams in various parts of the town, while the latter, two in number, were

The first record of these fulling-millh is in 1791, although they were probably established at a much earlier date. One, at a later date, was owned by William Sumner and one by Willard Kice. This year - 1791 - the property and industries of the t<jwn were made returnable by law to the Secretary of State, and was as follows, viz. : Whole number of dwellings and other buildings, 186; 6 grist and (i saw mills, 2 fulling and all other mills and 1 pot and pearl-ash works.

In 1811 the number of buildings remaine'l the game, but one "Tan House" and one " other mill" was added. This " other mill " was probably the one built in 1810 and known as the "Green Factory," and this was the first businessenterpriseof any magnitude started in the town. This was built for the manufacture of wwjien goods and was owned and operated for several yearn by .labez Howe, Isaac .Jenks and Willard Rice. In 182o this became the property of Willard and Horace Rice, and was run as the Spencer Woolen Company. From this period until 18H7, when it was destroyed by fire, the ownership was fluctuating, but it was owned and run principally by Reuben Whittemore, Amoi' Brown and Augustus Rider.

Ojnnected with this mill was another one standing upon the site of the present " Upham and Sagendorph Mill." This was originally a "trip-hammer" shop, for the working of iron in some form, but was con- Terted into a wvden-mill about the time the " upper" one was built, and this was known as the " lower mill." The pr'xluct of these two " four set" mill", containing thirteen looms, for the year ending April 1, 18-37, was thirty-four thousand yards of woolen '-''ith, valued at eighty-seven tbousaod dollare.

i he " upper " property lay in ruins until 1840, it was purchase^! by Alonzo Temple, and he erected a sUme taat/irw upon it. In 1841 Silas Eldridge bfjught this property and i'lTtatA a co-partnership with hisbrother N'athaniel and William Henshaw under the firm-name of Silas Eldridge & Oj., for the manufacture of cotton cloth and satinet war[>s.

In 184o Xathaniel Eldridge left the firm, and in 1849 Silas Eldridge retired from it and active business. The busineiiB was continued by Mr. Henshaw until 18-52, when the factory was again burncL In 18o7 Mr. Henshaw built a grain and griist'aiill in its plaice, and he, together with Jame^ Capen an partner, occupied the premises until 1870, when Mr. Henshaw retired. The business on this property has remained the same up to the present time, but with changes in maoagerg and ownership.

In 184-3 Thomajs H. Shorey purchased the property of the " lower mill" from Whittemore &, Brown, and in 1844 he formed a partnership with*Henry J. Lyman ' - the manufiicture of satinet goods, but in 184-5 Mr, rev purchased the interest of the latt«T, and the iivia diEMlved. In 1^46 this mill wag operated by

Baker, Sibley & Co. ; in 1847 and '48 by Baker & Bellows, and from that time until I8l!0 by Mr. Shorey. In 1860 and 1867 tbe work was carried on by I'eel & Meyerg, and from 18*58 U) 1871 by Joseph Peel. During these years the machinery wag employed in tbe manufacture of satinets. It was now in a dilapidated comiition, and standing until 187-0, became almoHt a ruin. This year the privilege was purchasfs*! by Upham & Sagendorph, and Uiey erected a three-get mill upon tbe site for the manufacture of fine woolen goods and fancy cassi meres. Jan. 1, 1880, Oe^rge I'.

I lyadd purchascl the inU^rest of Mr. Sagendorph in this property, and it was run by I'pham & I^add until - he partnership was dissolved by the death of the

' A short distance below this mill, and gtanding upon the game gtreara, was a partial ruin of one of the earlier grigt-millg. In 18.32 a new building wag erected near tbe old one by Am'/s Brown, and used as a grist and flouring-mill until 1841, when the property wag gold to Samuel O. lifted, of Brookfield, and chi verted

' 184-5, when it was close"! up, and in 184*; the privil<:^e and property wag purchase'l by Henry J. Lyman. The two original mills were moved away and used for dwelling and store-house, and Mr. Lyman built a twoget mill upon the old location, taking Mr. Upham a« a partner in the business. For a further hisU^ry of thii mill, gee biography of William Upham until his decease, after which this property pagse*! intf* the hands

! In 184'J Edward Smith, of North Brookfield, Ma»»., formerly in the employ of Samuel d. R*ed, built what was afterwards known a«the " Draper Mill," in which he attempted the manufacture of cotUjn battg and wicking in a very small way, but the business was not a success. Thi» building wag then occupied by L. J. Knowleg and Warren H. Sibley, under the firm-

' name of Kuowles <Sc Sibley, and they carried on the manufacture of cotton warps in it until 1849, when they closed up their business here and transferred their workg to Warren, Masg. In 18.5'^ .Eli J. Whittemore leased it for a term of three

, years for a manufactory of carriage-wheeU and spokes, and December 1-0, 18-52, the building wag considerably damaged by fire. In 18-54 it wag again changed to a galioet mill, and ag such was run one year by Wm. Stanley and George C Holden. From 18-5-5 10 1868 Mr. Stanley was iatere-sted in the mill, operating it at

. times ID oonoection with Mr. Upham, and then again on big own ajisoount. lo 1849 Mr. Upbau became aceoclated with Hugh Kelley in this property, and it was thereafter known as the Spencer W'xden Company. At the death of Mr. Upham, Mr. Ladd

When Nathaniel Eldridge left the concern of Silas Eldridge & Co., in 1845, he went to what is now called " Westville," made a water privilege, and built a mill for the manufacture of satinet warps. He continued in this mill until 1854, at which time he was obliged to close up his affairs. This property, after remaining idle for some time, was purcha.sed by W. G. Fay, G. B, Dewing and John Gilman, of East Brookfield, and this company manufactured denims and balmoral skirts for a season, when Mr. Gilman bought the interests of Fay and Dewing, changing the works to denims and batting. In 1871 he sold the mill and privilege to Upbam & Stanley, and they changed the machinery for the manufacture of satinets. This relation between these parties remained until Mr. Upham's death. These several mills contain eleven sets of machinery and one hundred and one looms. They are run under the direct management of Mr. Ladd, he being the sole owner of the "Valley Mill," and one-half owner in the remaining three. The production aggregates one hundred thousand yards of fine cassimeres per month.

Hon. William Upham. - William Upham was born in Brimfield, Mass., February 27, 1825. His parents were William and Nancy Smith Upham, and the father died when William, Jr., was but two and one-half years old. When four years of age, he was taken by a kind friend of the family. Deacon Jacob Bishop, with whom he lived, receiving the care and love of a son, working on the farm and receiving the benefit of the district school until sixteen years of age. Later he attended school at Warren Academy, and until twenty years of age he spent the fall and winter months at school or in teaching.

He came to Spencer in 1845, and entered the employ of his brother-in-law, Henry J. Lyman, as a common mill-hand. In 1846 he formed a co-partnership with Mr. Lyman, in the manufacture of satinet goods in a small way. In 1853 he purchased Mr. Lyman's interest in the business, and continued it, enlarging the capacity of the mill from time to time until 1S65. He then disposed of the property and business to E. D. Thayer, of Worcester, to engage in an enterprise in Boston ; but in 1868 he returned to Spencer, and leased the mill but recently sold, for a term of three years, at the expiration of which he re-purchased it. This was known as the "Valley Mill," and in 1874 George P. Ladd became one-half owner in this property. For several years Mr. Upham had more or less business connection with William Stanley in what was known as the "Draper Mill;" but in 1868 he formed a partnership with Hugh Kelley in this mill, which was thereafter known as the "Spencer Woolen Company." Two years later he associated himself again with Mr. Stanley, and they purchased the " Westville" property, replacing the cotton with woolen machinery, and commenced the manufacture of woolen goods. In 1876 he entered into partnership with Noah Sagendorph, and they erected the mill known as the "Upham & Sagendorph Mill," and their business relations continued uniil 1880, when Mr. Sagendorph withdrew from the firm, and was succeeded by Mr. Ladd. At the time of his death Mr. Upham was the head and general manager of these several mills. The product of the "one-set" mill in 1845 was about five thousand yards of goods per month, while in 1880, under his judicious management, the production of the above mills reached a total of one hundred thousand yards monthly.

Mr. Upham enjoyed the confidence of all who knew him, and when the citizens honored him with any office in their gift, they felt that the duties of that position would be faithfully and conscientiously performed. He was elected to town office in 1858, and from that date he served the town in most of ita important offices. Two years he represented this district in the General Court, and one year was a member of the Senate. He was elected to a seat in the Executive Council, serving the first year with Governor Alexander H. Rice, and the second with Governor Thomas Talbot. He filled these positions with credit to his constituency and honor to himself. He always took a deep interest in the political affairs of the town or Stale, and would never countenance dishoTiorable means to reach a desired end. He was fortunate in the position he occupied with his employes, as he was scrupulously exact in his treatment of them, never giving offense, but, on the contrary, manifesting at all times the kindest regard for their welfare. This friendly interest, on his part, was the natural overflow of a sympathetic nature, and he easily won their confidence and affection. As a citizen, he gave liberally of time and money to such local enterprises or improvements as would promote the best interests of the town ; and as a neighbor, his words of cheer and encouragement were not without a potent influence.

His temperance principles and habits were formed in early youth, and through all his life he was a consistent and energetic worker in the cause. He was thoroughly in sympathy with the principles of the prohibitory liquor law and favored a rigid and impartial enforcement of it. Being a member of the Congregational Church, he took a deep and active interest in its welfare, and gave generously towards its support: His benevolence, in church or out, was a distinguishing feature of his character. Mr. Upham was a member of the Raymond California excursionists who left the East in May, 1882, for San Francisco and surroundings, and at a re-union of the party at the Palace Hotel* on the eve of their departure for home, June 13th, he was stricken with apoplexy and died on the morning of the 14th, at the age of fiftyseven years, three months and dseventeen days. Mr.

Some years previou.s to 1825 (there is now no way of fi.xing the precise date) a small mill for the manufacture of linseed oil was located a few rods below the T. J. Bemis prist-mill. One Gardner Washburn was accidentally killed while employed there, by being "caught by a rope which was used in raising the press-beam." In 18.3.3, or earlier, this property was owned and occupied by Willard Kice, and he changed the location of the works by removing the dam and buildings farther "down stream," making what is known as the privilege of the " Livermore Box Manufitctory." Later on, this oil-mill was converted into a woolen factory, with one set of machinery, and from 1837 to 1839 'the works were run ,by Chapin & Prouty. Near the close of the latter year it was partially destroyed by fire.

In 1841 Danforlh Burgees bought the property, repaired the buildings, and fitted them for the manufacture of cotton wadding and batting, and, with the excejition of the years 1846, '47 and '48, in which Dexter and Lorenzo Bemis were partners with Mr. Burgess, he owned and operated these works alone, until 1851. In 1853 Winthrop Livermore started the business of manufacturing boot, cloth and other boxes at " Howe's Mills," two and a half miles south from the post-ofEce, introducing machinery to do the work usually performed by hand. He remained here until 18G0, when he moved "to town," and became owner of the above privilege, erecting new and suitable buildings for the better accommodation of his increasing works. He was identified with this industry until his death, after which his son, Warren J. succeeded to it. The latter continued to carry on the business here until 1886, when he moved the machinery in these works to a brick building on the premises of Isaac Prouty & Co., and carries on the business there at the present time. The old works are unoccupied. The largest yearly production of Mr. Livermore's works was 100,000 boxes, consuming 2,000,000 feet of lumber.

One of the first saw-mills erected in the town was known as " Howe's Mill," and was situated two and a half miles southerly from the village. The working of lumber has been carried on there until the present time. The location of the miU, however, has been changed and also the ownership, but it has never passed out of the possession of the Howe family. Ebenezer Howe is the present owner and proprietor. He has been engaged in the manufacture of cloth, boot and shoe boxes for twenty-five years or more, and has produced 30,000 annually, using nearly 750,000 feet of himber.

Manufacture of Leather. - Tanning and currying was an enterprise commenced in the early part of the present century and carried on by Ebenezer Mason. These works were located upon the site of the " Hey wood block." Mr. Mason was succeeded by

Thomas Pierce, who occupied them from 1825 to 1832, then Pierce & Barnes from 1833 to 1834 and Barnes & Muzzy in 1835. Following them, some years later, was Joseph W. Morse and .Tosephus Muzzy, under the firm-name of Morse & Muzzy. Their shop was located at the corner of Lake and Powers Streets, and was owned by the former. They carried on the business here until the building was destroyed by fire, in 1858. In 1859 a new one was erected, and the works were again operated by Mr. Mor.se until his decease, in 1860. In 1802 Edward E. Kent leased the establishment for one year, and in 1863 purchased it, carrying on the same business until 1864, when he turned it into a boot- factory. It was, after this date, operated by Mr. Kent, then by Kent & R. S. Watson, and lastly by Mr. Watson alone, until his death, in 1875. The building was then converted into a tenement-house, and is now known as " Condrick's block."

In 1851 Edward Proctor began currying rough leather in a shop near his present residence, and continued the business until 1868. In 1864 Isaac Prouty & Co. erected a building for this enterprise on North Street, which was run about two years, when it was closed up and the building moved away and tliis was made into a dwelling.

Boot and Shoe Heeh. - In 1865 a Mr. Rice started a small business in the manufacture of heels for women's, misses' and children's shoes. About this time William A. Barr, of Spencer, made eight dollars' worth of these goods, and taking them to Lynn realized sixty' dollars for the lot. He returned home, and on October 1st of this year bought Mr. Rice out and continued the business, which, under his management, has proved to be a prosperous one. On October 1, 1883, he took his son into partnership, and the firm has been, since that date, William A. Barr & Son. They have a manufactory now, sixty by forty, three stories high, well eijuipped with rollers, presses and all the latest improved machinery, with steam-power for the business, and employ fifty girls in the works. Their sales have reached seventy thousand dollars annually. In connection with this business they have oil extracting work-i, and the sales of "chip and naphtha grease " have reached twelve thousand dollars annually.

Wire Works. - From a very small beginning, the wire industry has grown to be an important enterprise in the town. At the commencement of the War of 1812 with England, the importation of wire ceased, and "Yankee ingenuity" was called into requisition. The card-factories of Leicester promised to be a market for the article, and being convenient and near at hand, the genius of some of the citizens of Spencer was exercised with very favorable results. The first experiment in this line was by Windsor Hatch and Charles Wat«on, about 1812, at the house of Jacob Watson (later known as the Warner Livermore house), and the wire was drawn from two tubs by hand. This was a small seed from which a larger plant was to spring in the future. About this same date Elliot Prouty began the business below what is now the " Sugden lower mill," but it was not until 1820 that wiredrawing became an industry, and then, only in a small way. Mr. Russell Prouty commenced it this year, in connection with his brother Elliot, and they were followed by Foster & Eoswell Bisco, and in 1847 Myrick & Sugden succeeded the Bisco's. Below, on the same stream, was the small works of Eli Hatch, in 1830, and in 1840 this mill passed into the hands of David Prouty, and in 1840 he sold the same to Liberty Prouty. Mr. Prouty's sons, Jonas R. and Joel E., succeeded him, and they built up a large and prosperous business after a labor of about twenty years.

In 1876 this concern was consolidated with that of Myrick & Sugden, and made a stock company, called the Spencer Wire Company. In 1837 the total product of four wire-mills was 1 9 tons, valued at !5!lO,000 ; in 184-5 two wire-mills, 32,000 pounds, value $8000; and in 1888 the product of the consolidation was 1200 tons, valued at .f lGit,000.

ScYTHKS, Hoes and Cutlery. - Joel Wright came to Spencer in 1809 and began the manufacture of scythes, and in 1812 Ziba Eaton came to work in his manufactory for him. The latter purchased the works of Mr. Wright, continuing the scythe business and, a little later on, adding hoes and cutlery. These works were situated near the '' Wright hous»," northeast from the "Upper Wire Village.'' Mr. Wright soon after started the manufacture of hoes and cutlery. Eli Putnam was early connected with this business. These works were closed about 1S53. In 1837 eighteen hundred scythes were manufactured, valued at $1200, and in 184.5 two thousand and forty scythes, at a value of $1530. In 1850 carriage-springs were manufactured in one of these shops by Sibley & Belcher.

Powder. - The manufacture of powder was one of the early industries of the town, and was first carried on by Isaac & Lemuel Smith, from 1812 to 1815; by the latter from 1815 to 1824; by Smith & Walton Livermore from 1824 to 1831 ; and by Livermore & Lewis Bemis to 1835. For two years Mr. Bemis carried on the works alone, and from 1838 to 1851 his partner in the business was Edward Hall, the firm being Bemis & Hall. In 1837 there were manufactured at the two mills 162,500 pounds of powder, valued at $14,.500; in 1845 one mill produced 132,500 pounds, valued at $15,000; and in 18()5 the production was valued at $12,500. But little, if anything, was done at this business after this latter date. During the year 1840 two mills blew up, killing three persons, and in 1853 another explosion took place, in which five men lost their lives.

Centennial. - The centennial of our national history was appropriately observed by a grand display of various organizations in the town, on parade ; an address by Hon. George H. Loring, and a public dinner.

By-Laws. - Previous to 1875 by-laws had been adopted by the town at various times, but on the 2d of November of this year a full code, I'egulating the town, was accepted in town-meeting, and on the 8th following were approved by the Superior Court. Additional ones were made and approved in 1887 concerning dogs, and minor alterations were made in them in 1881.

Salaries. - The number of salaried persons employed during the year ending June 3, 1885, was nineteen, and the amount of salaries paid was $16,969.

Wages. - The total amount of wages paid in the business establishments for the year ending as above was .$694,908, and the average number of days of actual running time worked in sixty of them was three hundred and seven.

Growth. - In the census of 1880 there were thirteen cities and towns in the State which presented most striking instances of growth, independent of annexation. Upon this list Spencer stood third, and her rate of gain was eighty-eight and a fraction per cent.

Old Customs. - One of the oldest customs of the town was to allow the swine, horses and cattle of the inhabitants " to run at large, yoked and ringed as the law directs'' Strangers' cattle were charged two shillings eighteen pence per head, and shtep one shilling, "to run on the Common."

In 1757 it became a question how the voters should be notified of the town-meetings, and it was decided that "in the future they be warned by the constable going from house to house;" and at a later meeting, by vote of the town, they were allowed " to keep on their hats while in meeting," if they pleased to do so.

In 1759 the ministerial and school lands were sold, the former bringing £100 14s. or $357.67, and the latter £130 IGs. lOrf. or $436.14. On the 6th of May, 1822, the.-iC moneys were divided and loaned as follows, viz. : To Jerfmiah Watson, $183.00 ; to Nathan White, $152.87; and, being the ministerial fund, these amounts were made payable to the Congregational Society. Of the school fund $113.33 was loaned to Joseph Prouty ; $93 33 to E-tate of Elisha Prouty ; $165.28 to Chark-s Watson, and $64.41 to John Muzzy.

In 1794 the General Court ordered a survey of the town to be made, and the work was let out to the lowest bidder. John Sumner, being the lowest, was made chief, at 5a. 6d. per day, and Levi and Zerub-

New Braintree

Small Industrie.';. - Braiding palm leaf bats and labor upon hand cards were about the only industries that furnished employment for the women and children in the early part of this century, by which they were able to earn a little " spending money " for extra occasions. Hand cards were manufactured in Leicester from 1758, and until machinery superseded the nimble fingers, the setting of card teeth by hand constituted the " small work " of many families in Spencer. This was especially children's work, and no " time off" could be had by either boy or girl until the " stent " at card-setting had been performed.

Braiding the palm leaf was more of an indu.*try,and was " farmed out " to the workers of straw in the fame manner as were the cards. The number of palm leaf hats manufactured in Spencer in 1837 was twentynine thousand eight hundred, valued at seven thousand dollars.

Old Landmarks. - Of the twenty-five buildings (e.xclusive of barns) located upon the Great Post Road between Brookfield and Leicester lines in 1800, eight were standing in 1888, six of them but little, if any, changed from their original appearance and condition outwardly. These are the Pope Mansion, Mason House, Emerson Shepherd's, Aaron Watson's, Edward Proctor's and Israel Taft's. There are two off of the great road, on Ash Street, viz., Alford Wilson's and the old house of Thos. B. Clark.