Sterling Town

By Samuel Osgood

The history of Sterling previous to the year 1781 is inwoven with the history of Lancaster, of which it formed a part known at first by its Indian name, Chnckseit, and secondly and until the above date, as the "West Precinct of Lancaster," and lastly by its incorporated name - Sterling.

The territory, it appears, was derived from three original grants. First, the mile, so called, being a strip of land about a mile in width, bordering on Lancaster and included in the first original grant of Nashua township made in 1643, and purchased of Sholan, the Sachem of the Nashuaggs, whose royal residence was between the Washacum Ponds, on the high ground overlooking both those beautiful sheets of water, probably not many rods distant from the ice-houses east of Mr. John Gates' residence.

The character of Sholan, the Sachem at Washacum, is ever spoken of with favor. He not only invited the English to this place and sold them an extensive tract of territory, but hi.s deportment towards the settlers was always peaceable, and he was held in high esteem by his white neighbors.

In view of the above facts in reference to the pacific character of this prince of the red men, would it not be a merited tribute to his memory to chanue the name of that beautilul and, indeed, only island in the West Washacum from " Wood Island " to Sholan ?

The deed of this grant, "for and in consideration of" certain sums of money, paid at different times and to divers persons, was made to " John Moore, John Houghton and Nathaniel Wilder, their heirs and a-ssigns, to have and to hold forever."

Signed and sealed in presence of John Wansquon his ( mark, John Aquitticus his 1 mark, Peter Puckataugh his p mark,) Jonathan Wilder and John Guild.

The third grant was the Shrewbury Lfg. This was another strip of land, of somewhat irregular shape, get off from Shrewsbury to Lancaster by an act of the

Sterling

Legislature in 1768. It was somethiug more than a mile wide, forming what is now the northern part of Boylston and West Boylston and extending along the north banlf of the Quinnepoxit River to Holden, its western boundary, thence northerly on Princeton line to the Stillwater River, its eastern boundary in the West Precinct.

It will readily be seen that the town is bounded on the north by Leominster, on the east by Lancaster, on the south by Boylston and West Boylston, and on the west by Holden and Princeton.

The surface of the town is agreeably diversified by hills, plains and valleys - woodland and nicely cultivated farms - ponds and water-courses, set off' witli the neatly-painted and comfortable farm buildings of its rural population.

The soil of the hill farms is slightly argillaceous, retentive of moisture and naturally fertile. Tlie water is pure, the air is bracing and healthful; and the scenery, especially in summer, is delightful.

There are five principal noted hills in the town. These are: Justice Hill, sometimes called Gerry's Hill, situated in the extreme northwest; Rowley Hill, about two miles west of the centre, and so-called because its first settlers came from Rowley, in Essex County ; Fitch's Hill, which needs not to be described to travelers passing from Lancaster to Princeton ; Redstone Hill, about a mile east of the centre, and so called from the color of its stones; and Kendall Hill to the southeast, about the same distance from the centre as the last named, and so called from the name of its first inhabitants, who came from Woburn.

There is also North Wiccapicca Hill, a remarkably well-rounded, steep, sharp-pointed eminence, on the north line of the town, owned principally by Mr. William C. Divol. It is cleared land, except a single clump of trees near the summit, which serves as a landmark for miles around. Rocky Hill, mostly in Leominster, projects into Sterling, on its northern border. South Wiccapicca is a precipitous ridge, running northerly from near the village to Pratt's Junction.

These hills, except the two last mentioned, are not craggy, unsightly protuberances, but grand swells of arable land, finely adapted to the production of grass and grain. The highest point of land in the town is believed to be on the farm of Michael Coyne, on Rowley Hill.

The territory is also embellished by four natural ponds, containing, respectively, two hundred, one hundred and seventy, thirteen and ten acres each. These, in summer, contrasting with the deep foliage around them, are of great beauty and loveliness, set like immense diamonds sparkling in the sun in a rich bordering of emerald green.

miles above, in a gore of land known formerly - very properly - by the name of Notown. It flows through quite an extensive tract of meadow, once rich in the production of Foul meadow-grass {Poa Serotina), and blue-joint ( Calamar/rostis Ginadensk), two varieties of forage plants, held in high estimation and much depended on for hay by the farmers of Sterling threequarters of a century ago.

These meadows now are of little value (except it may be for cranberries), having, long since, become "run out.'' This quiet little stream, after it enters West Boylston, and receives the Quinnepoxit from Holden, , assumes the more dignified name of the South Branch of the Nashua.

Various brooks wind among the hills, all finally emptying their tribute of waters into the Nashua. These now nearly useless small streams, two or three generations ago, when chair manufacturing was carried on quite extensively, were utilized in turning the wheels of many a "Turning Lathe" for the production of "Chair Stock."

A survey of the town was made in 1830 and a plan drawn by the late Capt. Moses Sawyer, a prominent leading citizen, and for many years the only practicing civil engineer of the town. Capt. Sawyer possessed in large measure the confidence of his fellow-citizens, and was noted for his probity, intelligence and practical good judgment.

The plan drawn by him was lithographed by Pendleton, of Boston, and contains much valuable information in regard to the topography of the town, from which the writer has obtained the following particulars:

The area of the town was found to be 19,265 acres, equal to nearly 32 square miles; 500 acres are covered with water. The population at that time was 1789. There wer« 256 dwelling-houses, 1 meeting-house, 1 town house, 3 grist-mills, 7 saw-mills, 2 shingle-mills, 1 bark-mill, 1 tannery, 10 chair maimfiictories, 3 taverns and 5 stores. Distance from Sterling to Boston, 89 miles and 23 rods; distance from Sterling to Worcester, 12 J miles. There were 71 miles of roads; and ten acres were used by the town. A few miles only of new road have been added since to shorten diotances and avoid steep hills. This survey is worthy to be preserved in the archives of the town.

Still another map of the town was made and published by Richard Clark, of Philadelphia, in 1855. This map, though more showy and pretentious in its style, is inferior to that of Capt. Sawyer's in point of valuable information. The noticeable features of Clark's map are that the eleven school districts are given in colors, and the three churches, town hall and several of the residences of the citizens are represented on the margin.

within the present limits of the town until 1720. In that year five families came up from Lancaster and set themselves down on the rising lauds west of the village, in the direction of Princeton.

Jonathan O.-'good located not far from the geographical centre of the town, on the place now owned and occupied by Mr. George F. Davidson. He was the first deacon in the town, and public worship was at first frequently held at his house. The writer recollects clearly the large, commodious old dwelling. It had an antiquated appearance, and was demolished near the close of the second decade of the present century, aud the plain beautiful residence of Mr. Davidson was erected upon its site by the then enterprising proprietor, the late Mr. Gilson Brown.

David Osgood went a little farther westward and pitched his tent on the farm of the late Edward Raymond Fitch, now owned and occupied by his youngest son, Charles B. Fitch. The old red house yet remains, presenting a very neat and attractive appearance, it having been, to some extent, remodeled and kept in excellent repair. It is one of the oldest houses in the town.

Gamalial Beaman went a half-mile still farther west and established his home on the farm now owned by Mr. Wm. S. Walker. The farm remained in the possession and occupancy of his lineal descendants until 1834.

Benjamin Houghton sat himself down about seventy rods due north of the last-mentioned place - on the I farm now owned by Mr. Asa Spencer. The old house remained until 1821, when it was destroyed by fire. It was occupied at that time by two families^Mr. William Reed and Simeon Toney. Traditional circumstances and anecdotes lead us to suppose that Benjamin Houghton was, in his day, a stirring business man. He kept a tavern, and hence was known everywhere as "Landlord Ben." He was also a very large landholder, as the Proprietor's Records and the Registry of Deeds will amply show. An anecdote in reference to this used frequently to be told of him. Two persons were discussing the physical characteristics of the moon. "They tell me," says one, "that there is land in the moon." "No," says the other, " I do not believe it, for if it were so Landlord Ben would have a farm there." But his large estate passed out of the possession of his descendants shortly after the death of his son Joel, who died in 1816.

Samuel Sawyer took up land and built a house a short distance north of Landlord Ben, on the farm now owned by Mr. Charles H. Newton. The old house remained until 1816 - standing exactly in what is now the roadway - when it was taken down, and the present more modern dwelling-house was erected some fifty feet in the rear of the old one, by his grandson by the same name.

The descendants of these several persons above named have been very numerous, and very many of them have been leading citizens, holding honorable positions not only in Sterling, but in other places wherever, in the course of more than a century and a half, some of them may have migrated.

The meagre records of these early times furnish but little clue to the rapidity of the settlements, or to the increase of the population that followed. It is evident, however, that large portions of the best land were soon taken up and brought under cultivation by others, also, from Lancaster, and from other towns as well. Tradition has it that many families came from Rowley, in Essex County, and settled in the more northwest part of the town, hence called Rowley Hill. And indeed, in confirmation of this, we find, in the Registry of Deeds at Worcester, conveyances of land from Benjamin Houghton to several parties from that town as early as 1733.

Another exotic implanted in the virgin soil of the town, from which sprang a numerous and influential portion of its population, was that of the Kendalls from Woburn. Josiah Kendall came to this town in 1736, and settled upon the farm now owned and occupied by Daniel and James F. Kendall, father and son, direct descendants of the said Josiah. For a further account of this family the reader is referred to the " Kendall Memorial," a family history of much merit, by Oliver Kendall, of Providence, R. I.

And so rapid indeed had been the progress in population and general advancement, that in thirteen years from the first settlement the inhabitants petitioned the Legislature to be set off as a separate township. This petition, having in view a large excision of territory from the old town, met with determined opposition and was rejected. A long and a rather unpleasant controversy followed. But whatever of acrimony may have been engendered by the contest, the asperity of feeling was softened and the inhabitants of the west part of the town were in a measure pacified by being made a corporation by the name of the Second or West Parish in Lancaster.

The Rev. Mr. Marvin, in his"Hi8toryof Lancaster," - page 198 - has given the names of those who signed this first petition " to be set up as a new township." They are quoted here to show who were the leading men of the town at that time. They are as follows : Gamalial Beaman (on another page called " the irrepressible"), Ebenezer Prescott, Benjamin Houghton, Samuel Sawyer, Jonathan Osgood, Fairbank More, Jonathan Bealey, Thomas Ross, Joseph More,Shubael Bealey and John Snow.

But this proposition for a new township was among the inevitable events of the future, and was a bone of contention between the old town and the West Parish for more than forty years, when, finally, on the 25th of April, 1781, the Legislature settled the matter by granting an act of incorporation of the new town by the name of Sterling.

In 1741 or 1742 the iirst meeting-house was built, principally by the voluntary labor of the inhabitants, the town granting them but a smallsum from its treasury for the purpose. The spot whereon it was set is the same that is now occupied by the Unitarian Church. The site is included in a lot of three acres, made over to the First Parish by deed of gilt from Elias Sawyer, for the purpose of setting a meeting-house and for conveniency of stables and other uses. This deed is recorded in the Registry of Deeds, book 18, page 129. To accommodate the increasing population, an addition was made to this old church in 1766. Mr. Goodwin says of it now, that " it must have presented a singular appearance with three gable ends.'' The pews were not sold, as in later days, but every year a committee was appointed to " seat the meetinghouse," by which process those paying the highest taxes were accorded the most desirable sittings, and so on in regular gradation.

It was not until after the adoption of the Constitution of the United States that regular enumerations of the inhabitants began to be made decennially by law. But somewhere in the old church records it is stated that in 1764 the town contained 156 dwellinghouses and 856 inhabitants. And at the time of the first national census in 1790, there were 209 dwellinghouses and 1,428 inhabitants. Thus it is seen that the town made commendable and steady progress in the first seventy years of its existence. To the traveler or the casual visitor the place must have presented an appearance of substantial prosperity and comfortable living. Large, commodious dwellinghouses had been built of similar style and construction throughout. They all fronted to the south ; were two-storied in front, with a long roof running down to one low story on the north side. Two large square rooms occupied the ground floor on either side of the front door, usually distinguished - as the house stood square to the four points of the compas-s - as the "east" and " west" room, with corresponding chambers above. Immediately back of these two front rooms was the long kitchen, with its wide-mouthed fire-place and capacious oven.

A score or more of these plain, ancient dwellings still remain, though all have undergone more or less alteration. The habits and mode of life of the people was as plain and substantial as their dwellings. They were industrious and frugal, and their way of subsistence, down even to the time within the memory of persons now living, was simple and inexpensive.

The walls of their houses were unadorned with fresco or elegant, costly paper-hangings, and the floors were innocent of carpets. Neatness of person, however, and in household arrangements was a characteristic of the time. In summer, in the absence of carpets, it was the custom to sprinkle clean white sand on the floors, and fill the wide chimney-mouth with evergreen bushes, relieved here and there by daisies and sprigs of golden-rod. This was the old English fashion, as we infer from some lines of Goldsmith, in his " Deserted Village," where he says :

Among the few that remain of these ancient dwellings, that now owned and occupied by Mr. Dugau, on the Amory Farm, best represents, in its external appearance, the houses referred to above.

This farm was owned many years ago by Rufus G. Amory, Esq., of Boston. Originally it was owned by Colonel Asa Whitcomb. Colonel Whitcomb possessed a large estate, and was a noted man in his day. He was chosen deacon of the church in 1760, Representative to the General Court in 1766, '68, '69, '70, '71, '72, '73 and '74. He was a delegate to the Provincial Congress at Cambridge February 1, 1775, and was appointed justice of the peace in 1780. Liberty is here taken to transcribe the account Mr. Goodwin has given of this eminent citizen in the Worcester Magazine in 1826 :

At the commencement of the war he was one of our wealthiest citizens. He was for many years entrusted with the most important and responsible offices, - was Deacon of the Churcii, Representative from Lancaster before the division, and Jiistice of the Peace, besides his various military stations. Such was his zeal iu the cause of liberty, and so great his confidence in the patriotism and integrity of hie country-men that he pledged his whole fortune upon the faith of the paper currency, and consequently became bankrupt He removed to Princeton, where he died at an advanced age iu a state of abject poverty ; sustained by a conscious integrily, that never departed from him, and an exalted piety that elevated him above tbo ills of life.

Another of these antiquated houses is that on the Kilburn Farm on Rowley Hill. This house was probably built by Deacon Joseph Kilburn. He was chosen deacon in 1767, and died in 1789. This farm has ever been held in the Kilburn name, and is now owned by Mr. Levi Kilburn, a grandson of Deacon Joseph. The present owner is now in the eightyfourth year of his age. It is not improbable that this farm may be retained in the Kilburn line for at least another generation.

The oldest house in the village is a part of what is now the Central Hotel, kept by our popular landlord, Mr. J. N. Brooks. This house is said to have been built in the year 1759, by Mr. Jabez Brooks, and, for much the largest part of the time since, has been occupied as a tavern. At the time it was built there were but two houses within the distance of half a mile, - Deacon Jonathan O^'good's at the west and that of Mr. Roger Robbins at the east, where Mrs. C. A. Riley now lives. Another ancient dwelling is that on the north end of the Common, owned by Mrs. C. A. Goodnow. It is claimed by some that a part of this house was the first house built in the villege. It was, in very early times, owned and occupied by a Mr. Harris, grandfather of the late Mr. Clarendon Harris, of Worcester.

The public records of the town were destroyed in September, 1794, by the burning of Mr. Moses Smith's store. Mr. Smith was town clerk at the time, and kept his public office in the store. The destruction was complete - leaving a blank in the town's history, from that date back to the time of its incorporation as a precinct - a period of more than fifty years. Subsequent records, however, show that the town did not suffer in comparison with other towns around in the public spirit of its citizens or in the liberality of its appropriations for roads and other improvements, and for the maintenance of church and schools. An inquiry has recently been raised, whether the town had ever adopted by-laws, regulating the transaction of public busiuess ; and in the belief that it never had done so, a committee was appointed at a late townmeeting to prepare suitable rules to be presented at a future meeting for the town's consideration and action. By a reference to the record of a town-meeting, held on the Sdday of November, 1794, it will be found that a code of by-laws for the regulation of townmeetings ,was adopted, which runneth as follows :

Art 8. That the above articles shall be copied in a large, legible hand and brought in by the Clerk at the opening of every town-meeting aud hung up in open view of tlie town.

In 1799 the second meeting-bouse was built, and located on the site of the old one at a cost of $8500. Mr. Timothy Hildreth was the builder. He was, at the time, tavern-keeper as well as carpenter.

In the following year the town-house and schoolhouse combined was erected on the spot occupied by the present one, which wtis formerly the site of Mr. Samuel Brown's blacksmith shop. (See deed of Samuel Brown to Ebenezer Pope, book 146, page 60; also deed of Ebenezer Pope to town of Sterling, book 168, page 66, Registry of Deeds.) It was a very plain building - thirty-eiglit by twenty-eight feet - innocent of paint, and cost about $700.

Previous to 1822 the method of supporting the poor was by boarding them out among such families as were disposed, for the sake of the income, to take them. The manner of disposing of them was sometimes by auction. But, in time, a more philanthropic sentiment began to prevail, and this mode of providing for the unfortunate poor was regarded as inhuman. In consequence, in the year above-named, a committee of intelligent citizens was appointed at the town-meeting, in March, to take into consideration the manner of supporting the poor, and report whether a change for the better might not be made. In due time the committee presented to the town an able report, setting forth the disadvantages and the inhumanity of the present system, and recommending the purchase of a farm as a better and more tconoinical way of discharging the town's obligation to this unfortunate class of her population. The report was accepted and the committee was instructed to purchase a farm at a cost not exceeding the sum of three thousand dollars. Thereupon the farm, now owned and occupied as the Pauper Establishment, was purchased. The former owner was William Morris, Esq. The farm contained sixty acres, and was purchased for the sum of $1900. Seventy-five acres have been added since the original purchase, making a total of one hundred and thirtyfive acres; valued in the overseer's estimate for 1888 at $3400. A large and commodious Almshouse was built in 1877, containing twenty-six rooms. Careful provision is made for the comfort of the inmates and the care of the insane. Eight rooms are suitably fitted up for the latter class and five rooms' are devoted to the common poor. The estimated value of the house is $3000. The other farm-buildings have been recently thoroughly repaired, and, to some extent, remodeled, and are valued at $1000.

In 1825 a fund of one thousand dollars was established, the income of which to be used in furnishing females of limited means with fuel during the winter months. The fund was derived from the sale of a farm given to the town for that purpose by Jacob Conant, Esq.

The fund is under the control of five trustees, who are to be cho.sen annually, and who are to render account to the town and submit their books and papers to its inspection, and also to that of the donor and his heirs, whenever requested so to do. By the report of the trustees, at the annual town-meeting in March, 1888, the principal of the fund invested was shown to be two thousand and twenty-four dollars, showing that the fund has been carefully and judiciously managed, while at the same time, from year to year it has fulfilled the purpose of the benevolent donor. The " Conant Fund " has relieved anxiety and carried cheerfulness to many a poor widow's heart as the cold winds of December have whistled dismally about her dwelling.

The late Mrs. Emily Wilder made a bequest in her will of. fifteen hundred dollars for a simil.ar purpose, which the selectmen, as trustees, received from the executor of her estate in 1887, and which they have duly invested.

The old town-house, built in 1800, having fallen int ) somewhat premature decay, partly in consequence of having been used as a .school-house as well as a town-house, was sold in 1835 to Mr. John B. Pratt,

-SI. Addison Stuart entered Brown University and went through the regular collegiate course, all but the last year, when he commenced the study of law. Has a law-office at Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A goodly number of the sons and daughters of Sterling who had charge of our schools, as teachers, were graduates of the State Normal Schools. They are as follows :

Oliver W. Rugg, now practicing civil engineering at Worcester Arthur Woods, now practicing civil engineering at Worcester. William A. Nelson, mechanical engineer at Fitchburg. J. Edward Synds, engaged in the lumber business near Duluth, Minn.

Libraries. - The first public library was established in the latter part of the last century, known as the " First Social Library in Sterling." It was organized by voluntary subscription, and regulated by suitable by-lawa, with proper officers for its management. The only record the writer has been able to find was that of the annual meeting of the proprietors in 1803, held for the choice of officers and the transaction of such other business as might properly come before it.

It was a valuable collecti on of several hundred volumes of standard works of history, biography, travels, fiction and other important subjects.

It was replenished from time' to time by a small annual tax upon the members of the association. It did valuable service for many years, and its benefits were shared by a large number of the people of the town. But, like all sublunary things, it had its day of progress and decline, and in 1852 came to a final termination by a public sale of the books at auction.

In 1857 a Farmer's Library was established, containing some one hundred and fifty or two hundred volumes by the ablest writers upon agriculture. These books were subsequently turned over to and became a part of the Town Library.

But the highest and grandest point in the work of founding a library was reached when the town, at its annual meeting in March, 1871, appropriated three hundred dollars for the purchase of books for the establishment of a Free Public Library. Liberal appropriations have been made each year since for the purchase of new books and for meeting incidental expenses. Generous donations for the support of the library have been made by the following persons, most of whom were former residents of the town : Mr. A. K. Loring, of Boston, contributed a valuable package of books. The late James T. Allen, of New York, gave his check for three hundred dollars. William Frederick Holcombe. M.D., of New York, generously gave one hundred dollars. Rev. Geo. Putnam, D.D., of Roxbury, Mass. , in token of his friendly regard for his birthplace, also gave one hundred dollars ; and his daughter, the late Miss Carrie Putnam, bequeathed the sum of two thousand dollars, the interest of which to be used in the purchase of books. Edwin Conant, Esq., of Worcester, gave five hundred dollars, to be called the " Elizabeth Anne Conant Fund," the interest to be used in the purchase of books. From all these sources of income the library at present contains more than six thousand volumes.

For the beautiful library building that now adorns the village, the town is indebted to the munificence of Edwin Conant, Esq., of Worcester, who furnished the means whereby it was erected. It was built in 188.5, as a memorial tribute to his late lamented daughter. Miss Elizabeth Anne Conant.

The librarian's desk was presented by the Richardson heirs, as a tribute to the memory of their father, - the late Deacon William B. Richardson. It is constructed of cherry, very neatly finished and is perfectly in keeping with the pleasant surroundings, and bears the following inscription :

The library building was formally dedicated October 13, 1885. The public exercises were held in the Congregational Church, a large congregation being present, including many from the neighboring towns, and were as follows :

Military. - The military record of Sterling has been an honorable one. In 1755, when the French and Indian War broke out, Sterling furnished her quota of men and supplies - precisely how many men is not known - but the names of more than twenty of her young men have been preserved whose lives were sacrificed in that war, in one or another of its campaigns. So also when the War of Independence came, the call for men was duly responded to. The name of Colonel Asa Whitcomb is rendered famous by his military service and ardent patriotism. Another honored soldier who gave eight years' service was Lieutenant Joel Pratt. Reuben Blood, Sr., and Nathaniel Houghton were veteran soldiers of the Revolution. There were others also, but history has failed to record their names, and tradition has but imperfectly transmitted an account of their service. The several wars in which the country was involved, and in which many of our citizens participated, served to keep alive the military spirit and encourage military organizations and exercises in times of peace. If now they were of no great practical benefit, they at least served a holiday purpose. Company trainings and regimental musters were great social events, and drew together multitudes of people. In the early part of the present century two military organizations existed in the town, known as the North and South C )mpanies. The distinction was made by the road running easterly from Princeton to Lancaster, bisecting the territory of the town into two not very unequal parts ; those whose residence was on the south side falling into the South Company and those on the north side into the North Company.

In 1822 a volunteer company was formed out of the two already existing, called " The Sterling Light Infantry." In its elegant uniforms of dark blue cloth, with gilt trimmings and tall black plumes tipped with red, it presented an appearance of which the great Napoleon himself would have been proud. The officers in command were: Phineas B. Dana, captain ; Josiah Pope, lieutenant ; Mark Kendall, ensign. Ensign Kendall died the following year, and was buried with martial honors.

Such was the popularity of military exhibitions at this time, that four years later, in 1826, another finely-uniformed and finely-equipped volunteer company was raised, called "The Sterling Guards." The uniforms of this company were blue coats with silver trimmings, white pantaloons, and tall white plumes tipped with black. The officers first chosen to command were : Captain, Cheney Kilburn ; Lieutenant, the venerable Eli Kilburn, now in his ninety third year ; Ensign, Silas Buss. For a period of more than a quarter of a century these companies were the pride of the town, but with the general decline of the military spirit, and the increasing sentiment among the people that war was unchristian and unneces.sary, they at length went down and were disbanded. From that time there was but slight manifestation of military fervor until the tocsin of war rang out over the country at the bombardment of Fort Sumter on the 12th of April, 1861. Sterling now shared the indignation felt by the whole body of the people of the Northern States at this audacious insult to the flag of our country. The patrioti-sm of her citizens was aroused. Public meetings were held to encourage enlistments and to adopt measures necessary to assist as far as possible in crushing the Rebellion, formidable as it was, and in maintaining the government. Money was generously appropriated to meet necessary expenses in furtherance of the object. Young men came forward with alacrity and voluntarily offered themselves to the service of their country. But little difficulty, comparatively, was experienced by the authorities of the town in filling the quotas of men required by the government during the four years of terrible warfare. Company K of the Fifty-third Regiment was mainly recruited from Sterling and Princeton. The commissioned officers were : James A. Pratt, of Sterling, captain - promoted to major ; Samuel B. Beaman, of Princeton, first lieutenant - promoted to captain ; P. T. K. Burpee, of Sterling, second lieutenant - promoted to first lieutenant ; Edward W. Toombs, of Sterling, second lieutenant. This regiment did service in Louisiana under General Banks. The whole number of soldiers engagfd in suppressing the Rebellion, residents of Sterling or of Sterling birth, was, as near as can be ascertained, one hundred and sixty-two. The number whose lives were sacrificed in the war was twenty-one. The names of these heroic sons of Sterling are engraven upon the " Soldiers' Monument," where they may ever be read and known of all men "until brass and marble shall have crumbled into dust."

The ladies of Sterling were not idle, disinterested observers of the great civil conflict. The " Ladies' Relief Society " was an important factor in prosecuting the war. By its unceasing labor in preparing hospital stores and other articles of comfort it did much to alleviate the hardships and sufferings of our soldier boys both in camp, on the march and in the hospital.

The following condensed statement of the part Sterling bore in the struggle for national life is taken from the Sterling Advertiser, published by Post 59, G. A. R., Sterling, January, 1874: '

On Monday, April 22, 1861, one week after evacuation of Fort Sumter, her citizens held in the town hall their first general indignation meeting, though many a small one had been previously held in almost every house, store, workshop and lieM. On Tuesday, April 2:id, the ladies from all parts of the town assembled to consult together and enter upon whatever duties might await them. Six ladies (two of whom. Miss Josephine Bartlett and Miss Esther K. Waite, have since passed over the dark river) gave their names as ready for hospital service, if required. A Relief Society was organized, which continued its meetings and labors for more than four years.

voted to appropriate a sum not exceeding three thousand dollara to equip and uniform auch fellow-townsniBn as might volunteer to serve in the military service of tlie United States and to assist their families during their absence. November 5, 1861, one hundred dollars waa appropriated to aid the ladies in procuring articles for use in the army hospitals, the same to be paid by the selectmen to the Relief Society. As the months of 1801 glided by, many a man who had his birth in Sterling or whose boyhood was passed among the hills and valleys, became numbered in his country's army for three years or during the war, having enlisted wherever he might be, whether far removed or hut slightly distant from the heart of the old Bay State. Most of these have left an intei'estitig record, several met death on the battle-field, others were wounded, some maimed for life and yet others died from sickness and exposure.

July 21, 1862, the town authorized the Selectmen to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to eacli citizen of Sterling who should enlist in the company then forming in the town for nine months' service.

July 4, 1865, the town voted to raise a sum equal to one hundred dollars per man of the quotas of this town, under the President's orders of October 7, ISH:^, and February 1, 1864. April 15th the town voted to raise seventeen hundred and fifty dollars to procure fourteen men to fill her quota under the President's late call.

Sterling continued to raise money, recruit volunteers and pay bounties till the end of the war. Her official record is that she furnished (including substitutes) one hundred and seventj'-eight men for the war, eight of whom were commissioned oRicers - this being a surplus of thirteen over and above demands ; and she appropriated and expended S20,472 60, this sum being 2 l-ll per cent on tbe valuation of the town, and about $10.67^^ to each inhaoitant in ISiO. Her number of men were in proportion of one for every 10 4-5 of her population at that time.

From various sources of information we learn that the number of Sterling boys who had active part in the contest was at least one liundred and sixty two. Fifty-four of these belonged to Company K, Fiftythird Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. To more than thirty of this entire number their enlistment and service meant death; some fell in the strife, some died in hospitals from wounds and sickness and others came home bearing in their systems the seeds of fatal diseases sown therein by hardships and exposures. One more point of review. Summing up the work of our Relief Society, we have a record of thirty-seven barrels, vaUied at sixty dollara each, and five boxes containing smaller quantities sent forth on their comforting missions ; these were filled with such various articles as our hospitals required - ours were not less than forty-eight in kind - and they were the free will offeringsof women anxious to bear their part of the heavy burdens imposed by the struggle for national life.

It was dedicated by appropriate ceremonies on the ]7th of June. The services, on account of the rain, were held in the church near by, and were as ibliows: Organ voluntary and singing by the choir; prayer was offered by Rev. A. S. Nickerson ; an eloquent and highly appropriate address was delivered by Rev. George Pumam, D.D., of Roxbury ; a i>oem by Miss Esther K. Waite, and the following by Mrs. Mary S. Rugg, were each read on the occasion.

Fills our souls with strong emotion. We heard the cry ring o'er our land, - " Freedom must live ! Lend every hand !" And with rapt gaze we then did see Self-sacrifice to our country.

And our young men rose in their might And rushed unwavering to the fight. They thought of Anderson's starving band. With those supplies so near at hand ; And then the story of that ship Sprang forth like fire, from lip to lip.

Thus they left us - left here and there - Left in our homes a vacant chair ; And our hearts were so full of i>ain We felt we should see ihem ne'er again. Yet even then, when we could but cry. We knew it was duty thus to fly ; And we raised to God the earnest prayer, 0, watch them, guard them, ever there.

How well they fought, how nobly fell, The records of the war shall tell ; One strain of trutli is breathed about. In duty's path their lamps went out.

0, then was need of courage rare ! Forgetting every wound and scar, His face all glowing with a light Reflected from the dreadful sight, He raised aloft hie flashing blade, ** Come 00, my boys, come on," he said- God drew aside the sacred shield That saved his life on many a field - And, rushing up that parapet, The sun of his life grandly set.

1 Captain Charles Goss, son of William Goss, member of 2lBt Mass. Regiment, killed near Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1804. The adjutantgeneral's report says : "Brave ofticers went ahead, among whom was Captain Charles Goss, who, in that terrible moment of trial, brought out all the resources of his soul, proved and tempered in more than twenty battles of this war." "A noble courage filled him."* *' H« seemed to forget the times when he had been wounded 'nigh unto death,' and when the line was well formed and advancing nobly, he fell never to rise again till a louder trumpet summon him than was sounded for that advance."

A moment more - can I forbear To Itty one flower on another's bier ? - One ^ wlioBe life, for hie comrade given. Has a record, we know, in heaven.

A soldier's life was ebbing fa«t, lie felt each moment might be his last ; "MIflp ! " he cried, " is there none to yield OrieUind hand on this bloody field ? " Our brother heard tluit fainting cry ; ' The voice of i)ity Bounded high. Thoufih lead around him fell like rain, He would bo true to manhood then ; He reached at length that soldier's side, And brought him furth, then calm'y died; The canDOD'8 roar, the shell's shrill scream. Was that brave brother's requiem.

We know the valiant Western man, ^ Who fiercely fought in thebattle's van ; South Mountain's war-worn, crimson side Drank the blood when this soldier died. ]Ie was rocked here by bia mother, And wo knew him as our brother ; His tireless spirit, spurning rest, Turned to the vigorous, thriving West ; He learned to love his country free On prairies boundless as the sea ; And, diiuking deep nf inspiration, He gave his life to save the nation.

And could I here in this poor rhyme Eecount the many deeds snblime, Justice and honor still would say. But mean and meagre is the lay. Ah ! fond memories, fraught with pain^ Come thronging o'er me once again, And the red path that war has trod, Like Jacob's ladder, reaches God. Angels bright are now descending, This, their song, in music blending, -

" Greater love can there never be Than dying for humanity." Do we weep that they are dead, When g'ory circles o'er each head? Death ! death >- What is it we call death ? It is but yielding up our breath ; Earth, reaching forth to take her own. The life immortal just begun.

Where are these, our warrior brothers? Ah ! they ait here with the others ; Only could tlje veil be drawn. We should see them every one. We should see them in their places. We should know their radiant faces, All gleaming with celestial truth, And their forms of immortal youth.

In their deep and heavenly eyes Mingled wonder and gladness lies ; They Bce the wrong by which they died. And now our country purified ; And as the freedman walks right on Into his future, shot with sun. Clasp we this truth close to our heart : In freedom's war each bore his part.

1 Lyman Broad, son of Krastus Broad, member of GTth Mass. Regiment, killed while bringing olT on his shoulder a wounded, bleeding comrade, whose life ho saved while he lost his own.

2 George H. Richardson, sun of Deacon Wm. B. Richardson, member of 19th Indiana Reginnint, enlisted August .'iO, 18G2, and fell at the battle of South Mountain September 14, 18G2.

While the silent earth is keeping All that's mortal of the sleeping, Resting still in her close embrace, Here and there, in many a place, We have thought to raise some token To these lives abruptly broken, Thatshall speak till stone shall crumble, Of those lives so grandly humble. Enduring granite we have brought, Hewu and fashioned as we ought ; And, rising now mid summer's beauty. Our monument to love and duty.

Rest, then, embalmed and sainted dead ! Where valor lifts her radiant head, And reaching to God's white throne, Clasps hands with faith, and they are one. Hark ! triumphant bells are ringing I Celestial choirs, too, are singing. While these blest words out spirits greet, - '* Behold the sacrifice complete."

The Major James A. Pratt Post, of the Grand Army of the Republic, was organized July 6, 1868, wilh ttn charter members. The whole number of member-* belonging to the post since its organization is sixtyseven. The present number of members is forty-two. The post has received into its treasury, from various sources, the sum of Ihirty-eight hundred dollars, and has expended the sum of thirty-three hundred dollars, twenty-five per cent, of which has been for charitable purposes.

A very convenient Grand Army Hall has been fitted up in the old brick school-house, the free use of which is granted to the post by the town.

Industries. - Sterling is almost exclusively a farming town. Owing to the absence of an abundant water-power, the town has never been favored to any great extent with those mechanical and manufacturing industries which have given such vigorous growth to adjoining towns. The only considerable manufacturing concern at the present time is the Wachusett Pottery and Sterling Emery Wheel Co. at West Sterling. The company has here quite an extensive phint, using for power either steam or water. The business was established and formerly carried on by M. L. Snow, now of Saji Bernardino, Cal. The company has an invested capital of forty thousand dollars. In the pottery department the manufacture is chiefly confined to plain and fancy flower-pots. The annual sales in this line are about twelve thousand dollars. The goods are sold mostly in the New England State?. The emery wheel department is much the larger - the annual sales amounting to about forty-eight thousand dollars. The goods are largely shipped direct to New York, where the company has a wholesale and a retail establishment. Twenty-two men are employed in the business.

The chair business is carried on to a very limited extent as compared with former years. Mr. Edward Burpee, who has carried on the business for fifty years, is still the principal manufacturer. He employs now only three or four hanch. Mr. Elisha Stuart also and Mr. Edwin Stevenson are in the business, but the amount of their production is not, at the present time, very extensive. Aside from these the pursuit of the people is agriculture alone.

Formerly, before the use of machinery propelled by water or steam-power, when all kinds of manufactured articles were produced by hand-labor, the state of things was altogether difterent. It may surprise some persons to be told that, three-quarters of a century ago. Sterling was a leading manufacturing town in the county. Yet such was the fact. The principal article of manufacture tbtn, as now, was chairs; but the amount of production was more than ten times greater. Over a large section of the town a chairshop was connected witli many a farm. There was a turning-lathe on almost every brook, and the forests abounded with pine, birch and maple - the material chiefly used - which, in being converted into chairs, gave profitable employment to the young men, built up the population, and gave life, energy and thrift to the inhabitants. Among the leading chair-makers, who made a success of the business and accumulated respectable fortunes, were such men as Gilson Brown, Joel Pratt, Benjamin Stuart, Nehemiah Pierson, Samuel Houghton and Eli Kilburn ; and, of a later generation, we may add James W. Fitch and Edward Burpee. At the period of which we write there were various other trades besides, in which portions of the people were employed. The coopering business was an item of some importance. The two principal men engaged in it were Mr. Silas Wilder and Captain John Davis. There was a large demand lor cider barrels, and the trade was remunerative. Plows and hayforks were manufactured in the north part of the town by Mr. Silas W. Arnold. These articles of Mr. Arnold's make were decided improvements upon those previously in use. They were of belter finish, more evenly balanced, and could be more effectively handled by the farmer. But, in the rapid march of improvement, they have long since given place to others of more artistic construction. A large number of shoemakers found constant employment in supplying the demand for boots and shoes. Shoe stores were unknown outside the populous city, and the supply of these needful articles for all classes was furnished, by special order, at the shoe-shop. But the manufacture often exceeded the demand for home consumption, and the surplus found sale in Boston.

The manufacture of hats by Blood & Rice was quite extensive for a period of twenty-five or thirty years, and gave employment to forty or more persons, including some females. The amount of annual sales was said to be about forty-five thousand dollars- About seventeen thousand fur and felt hats was the annual production, the larger part of which was sold in Southern markets.

south part of the town by Silas Limson & Sons. Lamson's snaths were very popular, and much in demand by farmers. The annual sales amounted to ten thousand dollars. Owing to the scarcity of ash timber Mr. Lamson rrmoved to the western part of the State in 1833, where he increased the business to something like two hundred thousand dollars per year. With the advent of mowing-machines the sales were very much diminished.

All articles of clothing were the result of domestic manufacture. The raw material, such as flax, cotton and wool, was spun and woven into cloth, the cloth dyed and made into garments for each member of a household by the females of the family.

But with the introduction of labor-saving machinery came a change in the employments of our people. Owing to a want of .sufficient water-power all these mechanical industries had to be abandoned here, and were transferred to those towns having greater natural facilities for their prosecution on a grander and broader scale.

Hence farming became, many years ago, the chief pursuit of the people. But agriculture, like every other human industry, is subject to change and improvement, and surely no occupation requires greater practical and scientific knowledge for its successful execution.

For a hundred years following the first settlement of the town but little was accomplished in the way of farming beyond the clearing of the land, the enlargement of the area of cultivation, and the production of an abundant supply of everything necessary to a comfortable existence. Good living and contentedness was the characteristic of our ancestors. In their homespun they were independent, peaceful and happy.

About the year 1820 an important change is to be noted in the farming industry of the town. Previously there was comparatively but little money in circulation. There were neither banks nor markets at which the farmer could sell his surplus products. A Mr. Weatherly, of Marlborough, who had started the enterprise of running a weekly two-horse marketwagon to Boston from his own vicinity, now extended his business to" the easterly part of this town, inducing some of the leading farmers to turn their attention to the making of butter, putting it up neatly in onepound lumps, in boxes holding from twelve to thirty pounds each. He was soon followed by Mr. Wilkins, also from Marlborough, and by Mr. Randal of Princeton. The advent of these marketmen wrought a remarkable change in the farming interest in the town. Dairying, or butter-making, soon became the leading business ; but not butter alone, but veal, pork, poultry, fruit, vegetables, and whatever else of a like nature the farm produced, found, through these marketmen, a ready sale in Boston, and brought a sure and quick return id cash the following week. This change led to important improvements in farm man- agement, and also to a neater and more comely appearance of the general surroundings. The hay crop now became the chief object in the cultivation of the land, and was considered the most valuable production of the farm. Whether wisely or unwisely, sheep husbandry fell into discredit, and was soon entirely abandoned.

During this period, which continued nearly forty years, the productiveness of the farms was greatly increased, money became more plenty, many farmers freed themselves from debt and secured positions of financial ease and independence.

This season of prosperity was followed by another change in the farming interest of the town. Since 1850 Sterling has enjoyed the advantage of three different lines of railroad - the Worcester and Nashua (now leased to the Boston and Maine R.R. Co.), the Worcester and Fitchburg, and the Boston, Clinton and Fitchburg. The two last are combined under the name of the Old Colony Northern Division. These lines of railroad afford direct communication with Boston, Worcester and Fitchburg three times daily. With the incoming of these swift messengers between town and city, the traditional stage-coach and the tardy market-wagon became obsolete and useless. All transportation was now by railroads, and this circumstance rendered possible the selling of milk in the Boston market, which privilege the farmers gradually availed themselves of, until now that article is the principal farm-product sold in the market. The daily average number of cans sold is estimated at one thousand. The average price per can at the railroad station is twenty-six cents the present year. The annual income to the citizens on this basis of calculation would amount to nearly or quite one hundred thousand dollars.

Fruit-raising is an important branch of farm industry. For the last thirty years the farmers of Sterling have given increased attention to this subject, until the production has assumed giant proportions. There are many orchards which, in favorable years, like the present, produce from one hundred to one thousand barrels of the choicest varieties of apples. Prominent among these is the Baldwin. But the R. I. Greening, the Roxbury Russet, the Northern Spy, the Palmer and the Gravenstein are profusely cultivated as especial favorites. Peal's are raised in variety, but not to a great extent as a market crop.

The Farmers' Club. - The Sterling Farmers' Club had its birth on the evening ot the 12th of November, 1857. It had a noble parentage; but most of the original members have passed on to their reward. We recall their venerable, manly forms, the genial expression of their countenances and the words of wisdom and experience which fell from their lips.

Pursuant to public notice, a meeting of the citizens was held, and after being duly organized, a committee appointed for the purpose presented a constitution, which was unanimously adopted. ^The first article declares that the as-ociation shall be called the Sterling Farmers' Club. The second defines the object in the these words : " Its object shall be to promote the interests of agriculture and the welfare of the farmer and disseminate such knowledge, practical and scientific, as shall conduce to that end."

Another article prescribes the order of business at each meeting as follows: "There shall be a meeting of the club once a fortnight, and at such meeting a discussion upon a topic previously announced, which shall be commenced by four members designated .at a previous meeting by the presiding officer, and such other exercises as the club shall deem proper." Fifty-one gentlemen signed the constitution and at once became members. For more than twenty years the meetings of the club were well attended, its discussions carried on with earnestness, often with enthusiasm, and much practical information diffused among its members.

The work of the club has been educational in an eminent degree. By the discussion of the multitudinous questions of farm interest it has awakened thought, led to inquiry, investigation, experiment and practical knowledge. It has encouraged enterprise and promoted improvement in methods of farm work. In a social way, also, it has had a beneficent infiuence. With the exception of two years during the late war it has held its annual cattle-shows and exhibitions. Among those who have given addresses on these occasions are the Hon. Charles L. Flint, of Boston ; the late Hon. John A. Goodwin, of Lowell ; the late Rev. George Putnam, D.D., of Roxbury and the present Secretary of War, the Hon. William C. Endicott, ofSalem.

Another instrumentality designed to promote the welfare of the farmer and the farmer's family is that of the order of the Patrons of Husbandry, which has been a successful experiment in this town. " The Sterling Grange, No. 53, Patrons of Husbandry," was organized in April, 1874. In some of its methods of operation it varies from the Farmers' Club, but is not, in any sense, in conflict with it. The objects of the two associations are identical. The Sterling Grange at the present time is an active force and has a membership of sixty persons.

The Centennial. - The centennial anniversary of the incorporation of the town was observed on the 15th of June, 1881. The subject was brought up before the town, informally, at the annual town-meeting in November, 1879, and a committee was appointed to take the matter into consideration and report at a future meeting. The committee reported at the annual meeting in March following in favor of a suitable observance of the event, which report was unanimously accepted, and a Centennial Committee was chosen and empowered to make all necessary arrangements therefor. The committee consisted of the following persons: Samuel Osgood, Captain Eli Kilburn, Dr. William D, Peck, Ezra Sawyer, Esq., Mr. William H. Burpee. Captain Kilburn, owing to the infirmities of age, declined to serve and Mr. Charles H. Loring was chosen in his stead.

The committee held frequent meetings during the summer and winter following, and made such arrangements as were deemed proper. An act was procured from the Legislature of 1880 authorizing the town to raise money by taxation to an amount not exceeding five hundred dollars, for commemorating the centennial anniversary of its incorporation and for publishing the doings of the celebration. The anniversary of incorporation occurred on the 25th of April, but on account of probable bad traveling and unpleasant weather at ihat time the celebration was postponed until the 15th of June, when it to k place according to the following

Bells wore rung and Salntes fired at Sunrise, at Noon and at Sunset. At 9^ o'clock A. M. a Procession was formed under the direction of Chief Maislial, Capt. P. T. K. Burpee, in the following order: A platoon of Police Fitchburg Cornet Band. Maj. James A. Post, No. 59, G. A. R. Town Officers and Invited Guests in carriages. Fire Company. The Sterling Grange. Representatives of Ancient and Modern Costumes. The School Children. Tho Citizens in carriages and on foot. Route of Procession - through the principal sti-eets to the Unitarian Church. Th« exercises in the Church, commencing at 11 o'clock, were : Voluntary on the Organ, lat - Prayer by Rev. Henry P. Cutting. 2d. - Hymn by the Centennial Choir under the direction of Prof. Birney

We have assembled on this beautiful June morning to observe In a fitting manner the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of Sterling.

As tlie Ciiairman of the town's Centennial Committee it becomes my pleasant duty, in behalf of the town, to extend to you all asiuceie and hearty welcome to the joys and festivities of this occasion.

To-day Sterling extends her hand in cordial greeting to all her friends and to all her sons and daughters from far and from near, and bids them "welcome home " - welcome to her hills and valleys - to her green fields and to her many homes smiling in peace and plenty - whose doors are open to receive you.

And may it prove a benediction and a blessing to us all, that leaving our cares and labors and anxieties behind us, we have gathered here at the old homestead to revive the fond recollections of earlier years, and exchange friendly greetings amid the familiar scenes of our childhood and youth.

One Hundred years ago, on the 25th day of April, this rural town, then known as tlie Second Precinct of Lancaster, was, by an Act of the Legislature, invested with all the rights and privileges and duties of a town, and took her place among her sister towns in the Comuu-nwealth aa the town of Sterling.

One Hundred yearsl As a grain of sand on the globe, so is a Century in the Cycles of time. But as compared with human life, it is a long perioil and most wonderful are the changes that are wrought therein.

At the close of the eserci'^es in the Church, which was completely filled, dinner was served in a tent on the Common by Augustus Marrs, caterer of Worcester, and was followed by toasts and speeches by di-tinguished speakers, and the reading of letters and poems.

In the Town Hall there was a display of portraits and photographs of past and present inhabitants of the town, antique articles and interesting relics.

Town Officers Sincf, 1794

1820. - Town Clerk, Manassoh Bailey ; Selectmen, John Porter, Francis Butterick, John Davis; Assessors, Joseph Pierson, Joseph Palmer, Jonathan Wilder; School Committee, the same that served last year; Representative t»> the General Court, Samuel Sawyer, Esq ; Delegates to the Constitutional Convention, Tliomas H. Blood and John Bobbins.

1822. - Town Clerk, Luther AUer. ; Selectmen, J>.hn Robbins, Harrison Wilder, Jamea Kilburn; Assessur--?, Moses Sawyer, Luther Rugg, Thomas Wright; Schotd Connnittee, the number chosen this year was 20, consisting of former members with two new members, viz.: Ezra Kendall, Jr. and Samuel Sawyer {S"*).

1824. - Town Clerk, Luther Allen ; Selectmen, Isaac Goodwin, Thomas Wright, Tyler P. Osgood ; Assessors, Nathan Waite, Luther Rugg, Moses Sawyer ; School Committee, same as last year, except Oliver Blood and Josiah Pope instead of Mark Kendall and L. Buss.